Health Benefits - Glucosamine

Glucosamine has so many other name li1ke,

1) Glucosamine sulfate
2) Glucosamine sulphate
3) Glucosamine hydrochloride
4) N-acetyl Glucosamine
5) Chitosamine

Glucosamine is a compound found naturally in the body, made from glucose and the amino acid glutamine. Glucosamine is needed to produce glycosaminoglycan, a molecule used in the formation and repair of cartilage and other body tissues. Production of glucosamine slows with age.

Glucosamine is available as a nutritional supplement in health food stores and many drug stores.Glucosamine supplements are manufactured in a laboratory from chitin, a substance found in the shells of shrimp, crab, lobster, and other sea creatures. In additional to nutritional supplements, glucosamine is also used in sports drinks and in cosmetics.

Glucosamine is Good For :-

Glucosamine is also an excellent tool for elderly or obese people that experience joint pain. The elderly can enjoy the joint rejuvenating effects of glucosamine and can help them move around better without addictive pain killers. Overweight people often have joint problems, especially in the knees that can be helped greatly with glucosamine.

Osteoporosis-Osteoporosis Treatments & Causes

Osteoporosis means porous bones.

Osteoporosis, is sometimes thought of as a disease that only affects elderly ladies, this is not true, it can start to affect people at a very early age, it also affects approximately 20% of men in quite a serious manner.It is a disease in which there is a loss of bone mass and destruction of bone tissue.Osteoporosis has no obvious symptoms and it is often called the "silent thief" because you do not feel anything, it just steals your bone strength without you knowing about it.

In the Greek it translates as "passages through bones."

Osteoporosis is a silent disease in that there is no physical sensation associated with it.Some people experience back, neck, or joint pain with fractures, but most do not.

What Causes Osteoporosis?
If someone in your family has or had osteoporosis,you're more at risk.
White and Asian people are more likely to be affected by osteoporosis than black or Hispanic people, but this does not mean that black or Hispanic people are not at risk.
Estrogen protects bones, so if you have low estrogen levels, you're more at risk for developing osteoporosis.Menopause causes a fast decrease in estrogen levels, which is why if you're a post-menopausal woman, you need to be especially vigilant about your bone health. Women may lose bone at a rate of 4 to 8% per year for several years after their ovaries stop producing estrogen.Also, if you've had your ovaries removed, your osteoporosis risk increases because the ovaries produce a lot of your estrogen.As a post-menopausal woman or a woman who's had her ovaries removed, you should look into estrogen therapy to increase your hormone levels.Even if you're a young woman now, years from menopause, you should be thinking about your estrogen levels. Irregular periods can indicate low estrogen levels—and serve as an early warning to take care of your bones. Irregular periods may also result from over-exercising or under-eating, both of which can increase bone loss.Men also have estrogen, but for them, it's the testosterone that protects the bones. If they have low levels of sex hormones, they're more at risk.f you've broken bones in the past, you could be more at risk for osteoporosis because the broken bone(s) probably lowered your bone mineral densiry (BMD).Petite and small boned women (under 130 pounds) have less bone mass to begin with, so they need to be particularly vigilant about their bone health.
Osteoporosis Treatments :-
If you have osteoporosis you need to be careful of vigorous, high-impact exercise. However, leading an active lifestyle will improve balance, coordination and develop muscle strength. All these can reduce the risk of falling and fracturing a bone. Beneficial exercise includes swimming, gardening, walking, golf and Tai Chi.Eating a diet rich in calcium is important for maintaining healthy bones. Good sources of calcium include milk and dairy products, such as hard cheese and yogurt, dried apricots or figs and some green leafy vegetables such as watercress and curly kale.
Your body also needs vitamin D to absorb calcium properly.Vitamin D is found in certain foods, including cod liver oil, oily fish such as sardines and herrings, margarine and egg yolks. It's also made by your skin when you're in the sunlight. The National Osteoporosis Society recommends about 20 minutes of sun exposure to the face and arms, every day during the summer, to provide you with enough vitamin D for the year. However, to reduce your risk of getting skin cancer, you should cover your skin between 11am and 3pm, and don't allow your skin to burn.

You should try not to drink fizzy drinks or have too much caffeine, salt or animal protein, as these can affect the balance of calcium in your body. Eating plenty of fruit and vegetables can help to cancel out the effects of too much protein in your diet.

Sore Throats,Sore Throats Causes and Treatments

What causes sore throats?
Sore throats can be caused by many things. Viruses (like those that cause colds) can lead to a sore throat.Bacteria can also cause a sore throat, as can smoking, breathing polluted air, drinking alcohol, and hay fever and other allergies.

What is tonsillitis?
Tonsillitis means swelling of the tonsils (at the back of your mouth on each side of your throat). It can cause a sore throat and other symptoms. Signs of strep throat and tonsillitis are often alike (see the box below). Tonsillitis is usually caused by bacteria, though sometimes a virus may be involved.
Symptoms of tonsillitis or strep throat :-

(1) Sore throat (2) Fever (3) Headache (4) Vomitin (5) White patches in your throat or on your tonsils (6) Pain when you swallow (7) Swollen, red tonsils (8) Sore glands in your jaw and throat
If I have tonsillitis, will I need a tonsillectomy?
Tonsillectomy is a surgery used to remove tonsils.Most people who have tonsillitis don't need a tonsillectomy. You might need a tonsillectomy if you get severe tonsillitis a lot or if your tonsils are too large and cause problems with your breathing. Your doctor can tell you if a tonsillectomy is needed.

What is strep throat?
Strep throat is caused by a type of bacteria called Streptococcus.The pain of strep throat often feels much like sore throats caused by other bacteria or by viruses.What's important and different about strep throat is that if it isn't treated it can sometimes result in rheumatic fever, which can damage the valves of the heart.

What is mononucleosis?
Mononucleosis (mono) is a viral infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. One of the main signs of mono is a sore throat that may last for 1 to 4 weeks. Other signs include swollen glands in your neck, armpits and groin, fever and chills, headache, and feeling tired.

What tests may be used to find the cause of my sore throat?
Your doctor may do a rapid strep test, a throat culture or both. A rapid strep test will give results fast--usually within about 15 minutes. But the test won't tell if your sore throat is caused by a bacterium other than Streptococcus or if it's caused by a virus. A throat culture takes longer--about 24 hours--but it's more accurate. If your doctor thinks you may have mono, he or she will probably do a blood test.

What is the treatment for a sore throat caused by bacteria?
If your sore throat is caused by Streptococcus, your family doctor will probably prescribe penicillin, taken by mouth for 10 days. Another antibiotic, called erythromycin, can be used if you're allergic to penicillin. If your sore throat is caused by a different bacteria, your doctor may prescribe another type of antibiotic.

What is the treatment for a sore throat caused by a virus?
Antibiotics don't work against viruses. Infections caused by viruses usually just have to run their course. Most symptoms caused by a cold-type virus go away in a week to 10 days.
Symptoms caused by mono can last for 4 weeks or more. If you have mono, your doctor will probably suggest that you get plenty of rest and that you not exercise too hard.

What about a sore throat that's caused by allergies?
If a sore throat is a symptom of hay fever or another allergy, your doctor can help you figure out how to avoid the things that trigger your allergies. Or you may need to take medicine for your allergies.

How can I avoid catching or passing a sore throat?
The best ways to avoid catching or passing the viruses and bacteria that can lead to a sore throat are to wash your hands regularly, avoid touching your eyes or mouth, and cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.

(1) Easing the pain of a sore throat (2) Take acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen. (3) Gargle with warm salt water (1 teaspoon of salt per glass of water). (4) Suck on throat lozenges or hard candy. (5) Suck on flavored frozen desserts (such as Popsicles). (6) Use a humidifier in your bedroom or other rooms you spend lots of time in. (7) Drink lots of liquids.

Stomach Acidity Symptoms-Causes-Home Remedies

Acidity refers to a set of symptoms caused by an inequity. More names for acidity are hyper acidity or acid dyspepsia. Acid reflux or Acidity is one of the most normal diseases that cause heart burns in the upper body.Acidity can be a result of inappropriate dietary regimen or stress.It is a problem which when left unattended to, results in peptic ulcer and other complications.It is quite a simple problem when it begins, but it can get out of hand easily if not taken critically.It means the excess secretion of acid by the gastric glands of the stomach.

The usual signs of heartburn are a burning sensation or pain in the stomach after one to four hours of a meal. The too much secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach causes acidity. Acidity can be a result of improper dietary regimen or stress.The too much secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach causes acidity. Some causes of acidity include Alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, chocolate, citrus, tomato, peppermint, fried and fatty foods, over-eating, stress, some medications, and being overweight.
Acid Reflux Disease causes harms to the esophagus as the acidic contents from the stomach, containing acids and pepsin, pushes back to the esophagus since the sphincter develops into weak and can no-more prevent the contents from stomach from gushing back in esophagus.Skipping meals, not eating on time, fried and spicy food, stress, anxiety, insomnia, obesity, pregnancy, smoking, alcohol, and wearing tight clothes can give you hyper acidity and heartburn.
Acidity is a problem that occurs very commonly; so going in for medications every time doesn't seem to be a very good thought. Some herbal remedies are very effective in the treatment and Preventation of Acidity.

Symptoms of Acidity :-

The main symptoms of acidity are,

(1) Dyspepsia and heartburn

(2) Discomfort, burning sensation in the upper part of the gut area, especially after eating.

(3) Regurgitation of the gastric contents

(4) Loss of appetite

(5) Nausea,vomiting

(6) Feeling of Sickness

(7) Flatulence accompanied by burping

(8) Constipation

Causes of Acidity :-

Acidity may be caused by many conditions such as :-

(1) Medical conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, stomach ulcers.

(2) Hyperthyroidism - excessive secretion of the thyroid gland.

(3) Anxiety, anger and stress.

(4) Constipation, flatulence or intestinal gases.

(5) Artificial stimulants or the thought of nearing the food time can create acidity.

(6) Excessive intake of stimulants like tea, coffee etc.

(7) Excessive intake of fried foods, spicy or pungent food.

(8) As a side-effect of some drugs used for treating other illnesses.

(9) Overeating along with bad food combination. Overeating puts extra load on the stomach, liver, kidneys.

(10) Eating too rapidly, therefore improper salivation of food.

(11) Excessive smoking, intake of alcohol.

(12) Tendency to eat and drink together.

(13) Insomnia.

(14) Lack of exercise.

(15) Long gaps between meals leads to acidity, as it gives the acid in the stomach more time to act.

Home Remedies for Acidity :-

1) Eat a cup of vanilla ice cream or drink a glass of cold milk to get rid of acidity. This is an easy Home Remedy for Acidity.

2) Raita prepared with fresh curd, grated cucumber, fresh coriander, tomato is a sure shot remedy in aiding digestion, and helps eliminate acidity.

3) Mint: Fresh mint juice taken every day or fresh mint leaves boiled in a cup of water and sipped slowly after meals also helps to keep the stomach acids at bay.

4) Mint juice before meals keeps acidity at bay. This is another good Home Remedy for Acidity.

5) Chewing 5-6 basil leaves relieves flatulence and acidity.

6) Half a glass of fresh pineapple juice should be taken after a meal for treating and preventing acidity.

7) A piece of jaggery or gur after lunch and dinner prevents acidity.

8) A very simple remedy for acidity is thin butter-milk mixed with 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper powder.

9) One of the common Home Remedies for Acidity - Onion (pyaz): The juice of onions is an excellent remedy for acidity.

10) Habitual eating habits and a healthy diet can prevent acidity.

11) Drink plenty of water (at least 6 to 8 glasses per day) and other fluids to maintain the acid balance in the stomach.

12) A sherbet made with kokum and jeera gives relief from acidity.

13) Lemon rind can also be eaten to prevent heartburn.

14) A glass of cold milk provides instant relief. This is an effective Home Remedy for Acidity.

15) Eat almonds to give relief to symptoms of acidity.

16) Chew a few holy basil (tulsi ) leaves to get relief.

17) Bananas, watermelon and cucumber have protective action against the acidity and heart burn.

18) Lemon: Juice of one lemon mixed in half glass of water and ½ teaspoon sugar if consumed before meals helps to relieve acidity.

19) When suffering from acidity, drink five to eight glass of coconut water a day. This is another effective Home Remedy for Acidity.

Some Foods to Avoid for Heartburn :-

There are many foods that are commonly known to cause acid in the stomach and heartburn. These are citrus fruits, tomatoes, fatty foods such as pork chops, deep fried meat, or potatoes, aerated cold drinks, coffee, hot milk and so on. These are just some of the foods one should avoid for heartburn as consuming any of these in excess can cause acute discomfort.

However, not all the items named above react in the same way on everyone. People have different reactions to different stimulants and hence, one will need to carefully watch and identify which foods cause the greatest harm. Once you have a list, eliminate those foods from your diet to the extent possible. For example if you find that hot milk causes acute heartburn, then either stop having it altogether, or have it at room temperature or ice cold.
Similarly, with fatty foods - either totally stop having them or have a Tums right before or after the meal which will neutralize the excess acid formed in the stomach.

earth, wind, fire, water AND the birth of physics

To begin - the health career model is concerned with space, structures and knowledge (care domains) built around two axes, plus the 'subjects' and 'activities' of health.

How we define and (so) divide space and accord that space salience amid changing contexts is critical to theory, practice and management and the models we subsequently derive:

... The dichotomy does not cut, it defines, it surrounds the closure of a limit, it delineates a boundary. Within the space thus enclosed like meets like. Or rather, conversely, the specific convergance [convenance] or identity, the assembly of the analogous, delimits zones in the disorder which are distinguished from each other. The earth is separated from the waters, air divides from fire. ... p.28.

Michel Serres, (2000) The Birth of Physics, Return of the Model, Turba, turbo. Clinamen Press.

water	earth
air	fire

Aromatherapy-Alternative Medicine

Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine.

Aromatherapy means "treatment using scents".

It is a holistic treatment of caring for the body with pleasant smelling botanical oils such as rose, lemon, lavender and peppermint.The essential oils are added to the bath or massaged into the skin, inhaled directly or diffused to scent an entire room.Body, face and/or scalp massage treatments that induce relaxation and improve the circulation through the use of aromatic essential oils derived from plants, trees and flowers.The use of essential oils from aromatic plants to restore and enhance health and beauty. Essential oils used for therapeutic purposes.Aromatherapy is used for the relief of pain, care for the skin, alleviate tension and fatigue and invigorate the entire body.Essential oils can affect the mood, alleviate fatigue, reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.

Benefits of Aroma:-
Aromatherapy can treat the symptoms of diseases and conditions including migraines, depression, anxiety, irritable bowel syndrome, and muscle spasms.

(1) Heal wounds

(2) Improve skin tone

(3) Regulate hormones

(4) Relieve menstrual cramps

(5) Stimulate the immune system

(6) Decrease sinus & lung congestion

(7) Relieve tension headaches

(8) Energize

(9) Relax muscles

(10) Reduce inflammatio

(11) Improve sleep

(12) Kill fungal & bacterial infections

(13) Aid digestion

(14) Aid blood circulation

(15) Purification of Environment

(16) Spiritual Guidance

(17) Works with emotions

(18) Relaxation and stress relief.

(19) Mood enhancement, balance and well being

(20) Relief of minor discomforts

(21) Boosting the immune, respiratory and circulatory systems

(22) Aromatherapy is also Beneficial Essential Oils for Hair Loss.

(23) Essential oils are very effective in the treatment of stress and in the encouragement of relaxation.

(24) Scents of vanilla, orange blossom, rose, chamomile and lavender (and other floral fragrances) have a noticeable calming effect on the way you feel.

(25) Scents of lavender, sandalwood and nutmeg help you shrug off the ill-effects of stress.

(26) Aromatherapy has a broad range of application in immune system support because virtually every essential oil in therapeutic use is active against one or more bacteria, and almost all of them stimulate production of white blood cells.

It has been found that people who use essential oils regularly have a high level of resistance to illness. They catch fewer colds and other diseases and recover quickly if they do.

(27) Soothing aromatherapy baths and massages can help to easy muscle and joint pain.

(28) Choose one or more of the following essential oils to add to bath water or massage oil:basil, black pepper, elemi, eucalyptus, myrrh, peppermint, and pine.

(29) Add juniper oil or rosemary oil to bath water. Take a half-hour bath, then rest in bed for an hour to ease pain and calm the system.

(30) Massage painful areas with juniper oil.

Common Cold Causes-Symptoms & Treatments for Common Cold

What is the common cold?

The common cold is a viral infection that affects the upper airways including the nose, voice box, throat, windpipes and the lungs.There are more than two hundred viruses that can cause colds and are commonly known as rhino viruses or the nose viruses.These viruses cause inflammation or swelling of the mucous membrane lining the airways.The symptoms of common cold include sneezing, a scratchy throat, a stuffy nose, coughing, etc.

What are the causes?
The cold virus is spread via air particles that are expelled while coughing or sneezing. It also spreads when someone with a cold rubs his eyes or nose and then touches an object such as a doorknob, towel, bed linen and other such commonly used articles.Colds are very contagious. The viruses are airborne and are transmitted when one sneezes or touches infected objects. Anyone can get a cold. Children are more likely to get a cold than adults because they are not immune to certain viruses that cause the cold.

What are the symptoms?
Symptoms generally show up about two days after a person becomes infected. Early signs of a cold are a sore, scratchy throat, sneezing, and a runny nose.Other symptoms that may occur later are :-

(1) Headache
(2) Stuffy or runny nose
(3) Watering eyes
(4) Chills
(5) Weakness
(6) Cough and congestion
(7) Sore throat
(8) Fever and muscle ache.

The symptoms generally last for 2 to 7 days and in some cases may last for weeks.

What is the diagnosis?
There is no specific test to diagnose common cold.The diagnosis is based on the symptoms reported and the physical examination made by the doctor.

What is the treatment?
There is no cure for the common cold but managing symptoms is the best that can be done for the cold, as there is no specific treatment. Antibiotics will not cure colds, as they are caused by viruses and not bacteria. A person with a cold should drink plenty of fluids and take rest. Cold remedies are almost as common as the common cold, and many are nearly as ancient. Some cold remedies include:-

(1) Water and other fluids - drinking plenty of liquids can help. Water, juice, clear broth or warm lemon water with honey helps loosen congestion and prevents dehydration. Avoid alcohol, coffee and caffeinated sodas, which make dehydration worse.

(2) Salt water - a saltwater gargle — 1/2 teaspoon salt in a glass of warm water — can temporarily relieve a sore or scratchy throat.

(3) Saline nasal sprays - over-the-counter saline nasal sprays combat stuffiness and congestion. Unlike nasal decongestants, saline sprays don't lead to a rebound effect — a worsening of symptoms when the medication is discontinued — and most are safe and nonirritating, even for children.

(4) Soup - scientists have found that soup does seem to help relieve cold and flu symptoms in two ways. First, it acts as an anti-inflammatory by inhibiting the movement of neutrophils — immune system cells that participate in the body's inflammatory response. Second, it temporarily speeds up the movement of mucus through the nose, helping relieve congestion and limiting the amount of time viruses are in contact with the nose lining.

(5) Over-the-counter cold medications - nonprescription decongestants and pain relievers offer some symptom relief, but they won't prevent a cold or shorten its duration, and most have some side effects. If used for more than a few days, they can actually make symptoms worse. Keep in mind that acetaminophen can cause serious liver damage or liver failure if taken in high doses.

(6) Humidity - cold viruses thrive in dry conditions — another reason why colds are more common in winter. Parched air also dries the mucous membranes, causing a stuffy nose and scratchy throat. A humidifier can add moisture to your home.