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Ovarian Cancer- Diagnosis and Treatment

Diposting oleh Unknown Kamis, 20 September 2012 1 komentar

Ovarian cancer is historically called 'silent killer'. The reason for its being silent killer is that the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer do not show up in its early stages. Even the diagnosis generally occurs at an advanced stage of the disease. For diagnosis also, surgery is the only reliable means to establish whether a woman suffers from ovarian cancer or not! As far as treatment of ovarian cancer is concerned, it is also done through surgery at all its stages along with some other cancer specific therapies. Here we will discuss the elaborate methods of diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer. To know the causes, signs, symptoms, stages and other information about ovarian cancer, read Ovarian Cancer FAQ

Diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer

Due to involement of genetic factors in causing ovarian cancer, personal and family medical history is the first thing which is evalated by gynaecological oncologist to detect ovarian cancer. Many other medical investigations and examinations are also needed to diagnose ovarian cancer.

Pelvic examination: For this, doctor needs to inspect the external parts of the genitals. Doctor also needs to see and feel the uterus and ovaries through medical procedures including insertion of device like speculum or even a gloved hand into vagina and pressing the abdomen.

Ultrasound: Through an ultrasound test, doctor may want to know about the size, shape and configuration of the abnormal growths inside the ovary. A transvaginal ultrasound may also be done by inserting an ultrasound probe into the vagina.

CA 125 Blood Test: Cancer Antigen 125 or Carbohydrate Antigen 125 (CA 125) is a protein found on the surface of ovarian cancer cells and also in some healthy tissues. Mostly, women with ovarian cancer have abnormally high levels of CA 125 in blood. However, many women with early stage of ovarian cancer may have normal levels of CA 125 and also many conditions other than ovariancancer can also lead to high CA 125 levels. Therefor, CA 125 blood test is usually not used for screening or diagnosing ovarian cancer but to monitor the response to the treatment of ovarian cancer.

Surgery: If the above tests and examinations indicate towards the possibility of ovarian cancer, surgery is the only way to confirm the diagnosis of ovarian cancer. During the surgery, the surgeon may collect samples of abdominal fluid and remove an ovary for pathological examination. If cancer is discovered, the surgeon generally immediately begin the surgery to remove as much of the cancer as is possible.

Ovarian Cancer Treatment

Surgery may be the only treatment for early stage cancer. For advanced stages of ovarian cancer, treatment options may include surgery along with chemotherapy and targeted therapy.

Ovarian Cancer Treatment with Surgery


The surgery done for treating ovarian cancer involves the following:
  • Total Hysterectomy- Removal of the uterus.
  • Bilateral Salpin-go-oophorectomy- Removal of both the ovaries and fallopian tube.
  • Partial or complete removal of omentum. Omentum is the fatty layer apron which covers as well as guards the abdominal viscera.
  • Biopsy or removal of the pelvic and aortic lymph nodes. These are affected especailly in the advanced stage of ovarian cancer.
  • Excision of all or most of the cancerous deposits within the abdomen and pelvis region. Effort is done to remove as mu cancer as is possible without compromising safety.

Ovarian Cancer Treatment with Chemotherapy 

After surgery, Chemotherapy is suggested for ovarian cancer treatment, mostly in the advanced stage. Chemotherapy can also be done in earlier stages of ovarian cancer if the disease is high grade. Chemotherapy may also be done for ovarian cancer that has come back (or recurred) after the
first treatment.

During chemotherapy, anti-cancer drugs are administered to kill cancer cells. These drugs are generally given through a drip into a vein. Sometimes tablets and capsules are also given. At times, it may also be given straight into the abdomen which is known as intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

It is highly important for ovarian cancer patients to follow proper chemotherapy schedule. Avoiding requisite timing of chemotherapy or missing dosage of chemotherapy drugs may lead to cancer becoming resistant to further treatment.

Ovarian Cancer Treatment with Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy is comparatively a new treatment for advanced ovarian cancer which is given with chemotherapy. In it, the cancer cells are made to starve. A drug is given to the ovarian cancer patient which inhibits the growth of abnormal blood vessels that provide nourishment to the cancer cells. Thus this drug targets and inhibits the growth of cancer cells.

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Ovarian Cancer FAQ -Signs, Symptoms, Treatment, Stages

Diposting oleh Unknown 0 komentar


September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

A large number of women world over die every year due to ovarian cancer. Our mothers, sisters, wives, daughters and very other woman is at a risk for ovarian cancer which often doesn't show any signs and symptoms in its early stages. However, awareness about the early signs of ovarian cancer and a little carefulness about detecting anything that doesn't look or feel normal might save a woman from being a victim of this silent killer called ovarian cancer. These Ovarian Cancer FAQs are an attempt to spread awareness about ovarian cancer in simplest terms so that each woman on this earth can fight off this disease possibly at an early stage to get a fair chance of survival.

What is Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer is a condition when the normal cells in a woman's ovary change into abnormal cells and grow out of control. Ovaries are the reproductive organs of women where eggs develop for reproduction.

What are Symptoms and Signs of Ovarian Cancer?

At present, it is quite difficult to detect ovarian cancer in its early stages as there are very few symptoms and signs and also because there is no reliable screening test for ovarian cancer. Often, there are no symptoms of ovarian cancer is shown in its early stages and when signs of ovarian cancer start showing up, they are vague and can be easily mistaken for other common ailments. However, three leading international cancer organizations have issued a joint statement according to which the following ovarian cancer symptoms and signs are more likely to occur in women suffering from this cancer.
  • Bloating
  • Pelvic and/or abdominal pain
  • Feeling full quickly or difficulty in eating
  • Urinary symptoms like urge to urinate often and frequently
Other symptoms of ovarian cancer may include:
  • Persistent indigestion, gas or nausea
  • Changes in bowel habits like constipation
  • Increased abdominal girth that can be felt when clothes fit tighter around the waist
  • Lack of energy, fatigue
  • Lower back pain without any explainable cause
Women who experience these symptoms almost daily for more than few weeks and don't go away, must see a doctor, preferably a gynaecologist.

What are Causes of Ovarian Cancer in Women?

In most of the cases, the cuases leading to ovarian cancer remain undisclosed. However, the answer to the question - what causes cancer of ovaries - is sought by everyone. A person can develop ovarian cancer due to several factors.
  • Personal or family history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer
  • Certain genetic defects
  • Old age
Causes of ovarian cancer can be understood more clearly by knowing about the high risk group and low risk group for ovarian cancer.

Who is at High Risk for Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian Cancer Symptoms and Signs
The highest risk of ovarian cancer is faced by women who are in the age group of 60 -70 years old women. Women who don't give birth to children are also at high risk of ovarian cancer. Women with a condition known as endometriosis, and those who receive postmenopausal estrogen replacement therapy are also at increased risk for ovarian cancer.

Women who give birth to children earlier in life are at low risk for ovarian cancer. Also more the children, less the risk for developing ovarian cancer. Breast feeding may also reduce the risk of certain types of ovarian cancer. Use of low dose hormonal contraception gives a protective cover against ovarian cancer. The risk also gets lower in women who have had their fallopian tubes blocked surgically.

What are the Stages of Ovarian Cancer?

'Stages of Cancer' is a term used to describe the size of the cancer and the extent of its spread. Knowing the stage of cancer helps doctors in deciding the adequate and the best treatment for ovarian cancer or any other cancer. International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) groups ovarian cancer into four stages. Generally, without laparotomy (an operation in which abdomen is opened up) ovarian cancer can not be staged. So, the stages of ovarian cancer are dtermined surgically. The table below gives information about the four stages of ovarian cancer.

Ovarian Cancer Stage 1 Cancer remains confined to one or both the ovaries.
Ovarian Cancer Stage 2 Cancer affects one or both ovaries and extends into the pelvis.
Ovarian Cancer Stage 3 Cancer affects one or both ovaries with peritoneal metastasis outside the pelvis and/or regional lymph node metastasis. It reaches the abdomen.
Ovarian Cancer Stage 4 Distant metastasis beyond the peritoneal cavity and liver parenchymal metastasis. It spreads outside the abdomen, mostly into the lungs.
Ovarian Cancer Stages

How is Diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer done?

As genetic factors cause a great numbers of ovarian cancer, personal and family medical history is closely evaluated by a gynaecological oncologist to detect if a woman suffers from ovarian cancer or not. In addition to this, many other medical investigations and examinations may be needed to diagnose ovarian cancer. These may include pelvic examination, ultrasound, CA 125 blood test, and surgery.

How is Ovarian Cancer Treatment Done?

Ovarian cancer treatment of all stages is done through surgery. Surgery may be the only treatment for early stage cancer. Ovarian cancer treatment options for other advanced stages may include surgery; chemotherapy; and targeted therapy.

For detailed information about diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer, read Ovarian Cancer- Diagnosis and Treatment

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What is Oral Hygiene? How to Maintain Good Dental Hygiene?

Diposting oleh Unknown Rabu, 12 September 2012 1 komentar

12 September is World Oral Health Day!

Know about Oral and Dental Hygiene- The Basics of Oral Hygiene, its Importance and Tips for good oral and dental hygiene.  

What is Oral Hygiene?

Oral hygiene means keeping mouth and teeth clean so that we can prevent common dental problems like dental cavities, gingivitis, and bad breath. Good oral hygiene is when our mouth looks and smells healthy. This means that our teeth are clean and free of debris; our gums are pink and they do not hurt or bleed when we brush or floss; and we do not suffer from bad breath. If any of these problems occur, we have poor oral hygiene. In such a situation, we should take steps for keeping good oral hygiene either by taking proper care of our mouth and teeth or by visiting dental hygienist who can help us in learning techniques for good oral hygiene.


What is the Importance of Oral Hygiene? 

Our mouth is a very vital organ that carries out many important functions like eating, drinking, taste, breathing, verbal as well as non-verbal communication etc. Our saliva too has antibacterial properties that helps our body in fighting against infections. Therefore, oral hygiene is important as it keeps our mouth and teeth healthy leading to good health and general well being. In simple terms, oral hygiene is important in preventing many diseses, some of which have been listed below.

What are the Diseases Caused by Poor Oral and Dental Hygiene? 

If we do not keep good oral health, following diseases can give us pain, embarrasement and uneasiness, not to forget infections!

Cheilitis– Inflammation and cracked skin of the lips with reddened or bleeding areas.
Debris– Any foreign material that is loosely attached to a tooth surface.
Dental caries – Cavities or decayed tooth which causes due to plaque and complex interaction of food, particularly starches and sugars, with bacteria that form dental plaque.
Dental plaque – Mucus and bacteria attached to the teeth leading to dental caries and infections of the gingival tissue.
Gingivitis– Inflammation of the gums where the gums around the teeth become red, swollen and bleeding occurs.
Halitosis– Offensive breath or bad breath.
Oral candidiasis – It is also called oral thrush and is an infection of yeast fungi on the mucous membranes of the mouth.
Stomatitis– It is an inflammation of the mucous lining of the oral cavity which may involve the cheeks, gums, tongue, lips, throat, and roof or floor. It may occur with or without ulceration.
Tartar– It is the hardened plaque or hard calcified deposit which forms on the teeth leading to their decay.
Xerostomia– Abnormal dryness of mouth due to reduced saliva secretion.


What are the Basics of Oral Hygiene? 

Now when we know the importance of oral hygiene and the risks involved in poor dental hygiene, we should also know about the basics of oral hygiene so that we may practice it regularly. The basics of oral hygiene involve three factors:  
Brushing and Flossing;
Healhty Diet; 
and Long Term Dental Care 
How to adopt these basic practices for oral hygiene and keep our mouth and teeth healthy? Read on the tips for good oral hygiene given below to get the answer to this question!  

Tips for Good Oral and Dental Hygiene

Now we know that brushing and flossing, healhty diet, and long term dental care are what we need to maintain good oral hygiene. So, how to go about these factors! Here are some tips for dental hygiene.  

Brushing and Flossing
  • Brush twice a day. Use the right technique of brushing- downward strokes for upper teeth and upward strokes for lower teeth. Children may use circular motion while brushing teeth.
  • Brush twice daily- in the morning, preferably after breakfast and at night before going to bed.
  • Brush at least for 2 minutes- not less than that.
  • Brush your tongue also to prevent mouth borne bacteria.


  • Flossing after brushing each time helps remove plaque from in between the teeth as brushing removes plaque from the surfaces of teeth only.
  • A mouthwash that does not contain alcohol can help in maintaining good oral hygiene. Choose mouthwash having anti plaque agent and some fluoride.
     
Healthy Diet for Oral Health
  • Avoid having too much sugary foods and drinks like soda, cold drinks, sweetened tea etc.
  • Have foods rich in calcium and vitamins like nuts, cheese etc. As they help strengthen enamel. Get enough B vitamins and calcium for health of the teeth.
  • Sticky foods like banana and french fries that stick to teeth can harm them. Brushing teeth after having sticky foods is a good idea for orl health.
  • Its not possible to brush between meals so a sugerless gum can be chewed for about 10 minutes after meal. It helps remove food particles from between teeth.
  • Snacks between meals should be healthy and withour suger.
  • Acidic foods such as lemon and orange can promote tooth decay. Dilute them with water when having them and bruch after having them.
  • Fresh and raw fruits like apples are good for teeth health.
Long Term Dental Care
  • Get regular dental check up and teeth cleaning, preferably every six month.
  • Replace tooth brush every three months and keep it clean and germ free.
  • If having tooth ache, immediately go to dentist as this can be due to some infection.
  • Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco as they are bad for oral health.
  • If you experience tooth sensitivity or taste of your mouth changes or you face any other issue that's not normal for mouth or teeth, consult your dentist.

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Aquatic Therapy- Water Exercises for Low Back Pain

Diposting oleh Unknown Selasa, 04 September 2012 0 komentar


Aquatic therapy or water therapy is beneficial in treatment of body pains. It is especially advised these days to get rid of lower back pain including pregnancy-related low back pain! Let's know more about what is aquatic or water therapy, why this is beneficial in getting rid of lower back pain, how and what types of water exercises to do and when not to do water exercises!

What is Aquatic or Water Therapy?

Aquatic therapy, sometimes called pool therapy is one of the physical therapies performed in the water. This therapy uses the resistance of water instead of weights in order to rehabilitate patients after injury or those suffering from chronic pain, not only in lower back but also in neck or other body parts. Water exercises done during water therapy sessions help in mobilizing joints, increasing range of motion and in developing balance and stability.

Why Water Therapy?- The Benefits

Sometimes land based exercises are not possible due to such factors as intensity of pain, decreased bone density, advanced osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, muscle strain or tear, some sort of disability or other conditions. Aquatic therapy conducted in pool provides a safe environment to work out  muscles and to stretch our bodies as water eliminates the constraints that result from gravity. Water exercises also help in conditioning and strengthening muscles that may avoid future recurrences of back pain. Water exercise therapy is also beneficial for people with diabetes and high blood pressure. The biggest advantage- You can do water exercise even if you don't know how to swim!

When Should you Not do Water Exercises?

In spite of many benefits of water therapy in treating back pain, there are certain situations when water exercise should not be done. Go through the below list and avoid doing water exercises without consulting with your physician or without the presence of qualified supporter when you do aquatic therapy exercises.

Seizures- Those having epilepsy should not step in water without a superviser who monitors vigilantly and is able to help when required.
Heart disease- one should consult with doctor and be very clear about what exercises to do in water and which ones to avoid. Close monitoring is required for people with heart diseases.
Neurological diseases- If someone suffers from MS or other neurological diseases, physician should be consulted about precautions to be taken while doing water exercises.
Open wounds and infection- One should not go into the pool with open wounds or infections.
Flu and other infectious diseases- Pool should be avoided in such case as it can make you more sick and may also infect others.
Uncontrolled bowel or bladder- If you cannot control your bowel or bladder, you should not go into the pool.
Fear of water- It might not let you get benefits of water exercises. First overcome the fear and then go for aquatic therapy.

How to do Water Exercises?

You cannot just step in the pool and start oing water exercises. You must follow the required routine for water therapy so that you may get all its benefits.

As with any fitness activity, there are some basic components to a water exercise session. A water exercise routine should start with a warm up for about 5-10 minutes. One of the easiest things to do to warm up is water walk. Then a series of gradually intensifying strengthening and aerobic exercises should build for about 20-30 minutes, or more if you can handle it. After that you can cool down (yes, you still need to cool down even though you are in the pool), with more water walking.

Warm up- Start your water exercise session with water walking for about 5-10 minutes.
Strengthening and aerobic exercises- Start strengthening and aerobic exercises for about 20 minutes. You should start with mild exercises and then gradually intensify them.
Cool down- Just as you warmed yourself up before starting water exercises, you should cool down after finishing them. Water walk for 5-10 minutes is again the best way to cool down. You can also stretch your hips and legs in water for a few minutes.

Which Water Exercises to do for Low Back Pain?

Now its turn to know some aquatic exercises that can help you get rid for low back pain.
Sometimes, you might want to do water therapy exercises for your back with aquatic equipment. These water exercise equipment are made of lightweight material that floats and are specially shaped for the purpose. You might chose to exercise in pool without any equipment too.

Water Walking- Apart from being a great warm up, water walk done with hand webs can be good for reducing back pain too. In about waist-high water, walk across the pool. Keep swinging your arms like when you walk on land. Don't walk on tiptoes and keep your back straight. Tighten your abdominal muscles so that you do not lean too far forward or to the side. You can  wear hand webs or other resistance devices to increase resistance as your hands and arms move through the water. Water shoes can also help you maintain traction on the bottom of the pool.

Leg Circles- Stand in the pool having waist-high water. Stand on the left leg and lift the right leg up. Now with the right leg, make three clockwise circles and then three counterclockwise circles. Repeat while standing on the right leg and making circles with the left leg. Doing atleast ten sets with each leg would strengthen your back.

Sit-down Exercise- You can do this water exercise with an imaginary chair. Stand in waist high water placing your back against the wall. Get yourself in a sitting position as if there was a chair on which you are sitting. Keep your thighs parallel to the floor of the pool. Now pump your arms as if you were marching. While doing this, count up to 30. Now take a break for half a minute and repeat the exercise.

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Fitness Quotes

Diposting oleh Unknown Senin, 27 Agustus 2012 0 komentar



If we could give every individual the right amount of nourishment and exercise, not too little and not too much, we would have found the safest way to health.
~Hippocrates

Don't show up late.
Don't try to slide out early.
Don't cheat your rep counts.
And definitely, don't hold back.
Leave it all in the gym.
~Gunnar Peterson



Exercise to stimulate, not to annihilate. The world wasn't formed in a day, and neither were we. Set small goals and build upon them.
~Lee Heney

A vigorous five-mile walk will do more good for an unhappy but otherwise healthy adult than all the medicine and psychology in the world.
~Paul Dudley White

Jogging is very beneficial. It's good for your legs and your feet. It's also very good for the ground. If makes it feel needed.
~Charles M. Schulz


I've missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed. 
~Michael Jordan

Exercise is done against one's wishes and maintained only because the alternative is worse
~George A. Sheehan

True enjoyment comes from activity of the mind and exercise of the body; the two are ever united.
~Wilhelm Von Humboldt


Exercise equals endorphins. Endorphins makes you happy.
~Unknown

There are so many people out there who will tell you that you can't. What you've got to do is turn around and say "watch me"!
~Unknown

No matter how slow you go, you are still lapping everybody on the couch.
~Unknown

Exercise in the morning before your brain figures out what you're doing!
~Unknown

Few people know how to take a walk. The qualifications are endurance, plain clothes, old shoes, an eye for nature, good humor, vast curiosity, good speech, good silence and nothing too much.
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Those who think they have not time for bodily exercise will sooner or later have to find time for illness.
~ Edward Stanley

The word aerobics comes from two Greek words: aero, meaning “ability to,” and bics, meaning “withstand tremendous boredom
~ Dave Barry

Exercise is like mouthwash. If you can feel the burn, it’s working!
~Unknown

Force yourself outside the door, once your out, that’s the hardest bit of the workout over and done with.
~Unknown


Read more Health Quotes, Thoughts and Sayings

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Is Fast Heart Beat and Pulse Rate Normal?

Diposting oleh Unknown Selasa, 21 Agustus 2012 0 komentar


Almost all of us know the importance of pulse rate. In fact, many of us have the habit of measuring our pulse rate to know whether our heart beats normally or not. However, not all of us are well informed about heart beat and pulse rate. We might not know what is normal pulse rate, what if pulse rate is high, does a fast heart beat always indicate risk or what's the connection between blood pressure and high pulse rate? Lets know these and such other facts about pulse rate and heart beat to keep the myths away.

What is Pulse Rate?
Pulse is the rate at which our heart beats. In simple terms pulse rate is the number of times our heart beats per minute (bpm).

What is the Normal Pulse Rate?
Normal pulse rate is the rate at which our heart beats in resting condition- resting after 10 minutes will give your average pulse rate. Best time to measure your normal pulse rate is in the morning after you wake up but have not still come out of your bed. There are many factors like age, activity level, and the time of the day that can affect your normal pulse rate as your heart might beat faster or slower due to them. Normal Pulse Rate for each age can be understood through the below resting pulse rate chart

Pulse Rate Chart
Age/ Fitness
Heart Beat Per Minute (bpm)
Babies- 1 year age
100-160
1-10 years age
70-120
11-17 years age
60-100
Adults
60-100
Old Age
60-100
Fit Athlete
40-60

How Does Age and Fitness Affect Pulse Rate?
With age, normal pulse rate changes a little but this change is insignificant. A healthy adult with good fitness level has a resting pulse rate between 60-65 beats per minute. This heart beat rate might fluctuate a little over the period depending upon the fitness level and certain other factors like activity level, body size, medicines, stress etc. However as a person reaches 65 years of age, the pulse rate again gets back to 62-65 bpm.
Fitness, on the other hand, has a bigger role to play in maintaining normal pulse rate. An elderly person above 65 years of age with poor physical condition might have a pulse rate of 84-100 or more beats per minute. However, if he/she is in good condition the pulse rate can be well within 65 and 68 bpm.

Apart from age and fitness level, pulse rate can change over time due to other factors like medical history, emotional state and medicines, air temperature, body position while measuring pulse rate (standing or lying down etc.)

How to Measure Pulse Rate?
As the heart pumps blood through our body, we can feel a pulsing at some of the blood vessels that lie close to our skin's surface. These points are situated in the wrist, temple area, groin, behind the knee, upper arm, or top of the foot. The inside of your wrist, just below the thumb, is the most comfortable point for measuring heart beat that will give your pulse rate.
  • Have a watch or stop watch that you can see comfortably.
  • Turn your hand with palm-side facing up.
  • Place two of your fingers (preferably index finger and middle finger) just below the thumb.
  • Never use your thumb because it has its own pulse that you may feel leading to wrong pulse rate measurement.
  • Now exert slight pressure with your fingers against the bone. You will feel the pulsating throb.
  • Count the beat/pulse for 15 seconds.
  • Now multiply the number that you get by 4. This is your heart beat or pulse rate. You can even count for 30 seconds and double the number for ease.

    Pulse Rate Sites



When you attempt to check your pulse in the carotid artery located in your neck on either side of your windpipe, you should be careful, especially if you are older than 65 years of age. Pressing too hard at this location might make you lightheaded and fall. You can even use an electronic pulse rate meter which will automatically check your pulse in your finger, wrist, or chest.

What if Pulse Rate is High?
If you have a healthy heart, your pulse rate will be around 60 to 100 bpm. There are certain conditions when you may get fast heart beat rate like fever, fear, stress, anxiety or when you exercise. This is normal. However, if your heart rate is consistently above 100 beats per minute or you have a consistent low pulse rate below 60 bpm, you should consult your doctor to find out the underlying reasons. The first condition where you have abnormal rapid heart beat is called Tachycardia and the later condition when you have low pulse rate is called Bradycardia. Consult your physician whenever you witness either of the condition especially when you face such medical situations as fainting, dizziness or shortness of breath.

When Do You Get Fast, Slow or Weak Pulse Rate?
We have earlier discussed about age and fitness levels as the factors responsible for slow or fast heart beat rates. There are certain other factors too that can affect the rate of your heart beat.
A fast heart beat rate may be due to following reasons:
  • Activity or exercising.
  • Anemia.
  • Medicines like decongestants and asthma medicines.
  • Fever.
  • Certain types of heart disease.
  • Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland).
  • Stimulants like caffeine, amphetamines, diet pills, cigarettes.
  • Alcohol.
  • Stress.
A slow heart beat rate may be due to following reasons:
  • Certain types of heart diseases and medicine to treat them.
  • High levels of fitness.
  • Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland).
A weak heart beat rate may be due to following reasons:
  • Blood clot in arm or leg.
  • Peripheral arterial disease (diseases of blood vessels).
  • Heart disease and heart failure.
How is Blood Pressure and Pulse Rate Related?
Pulse rate is not correlated with blood pressure. Blood pressure is the force of the blood against the walls of your arteries whereas pulse rate is the number of times your heart beats per minute- they are different. Blood pressure includes two measurements- systolic pressure and diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure is the top number- the pressure as the heart beats and forces blood into the arteries. Diastolic pressure is the bottom number- the pressure as the heart relaxes between beats. It is measured as mm Hg (millimeters of mercury), for example 120/80 mm Hg. On the other hand, pulse rate includes a single number which represents the number of heartbeats per minute and is measured as BPM (beats per minute), for example 70 bpm.

No good correlation can be established between pulse rate and blood pressure. If you have fast heart beat (read pulse rate), it does not causes your blood pressure to increase at the same rate. In this condition, even though your heart is beating more times a minute, the healthy blood vessels get larger (dilate) so that more blood can flow through easily. When you are exercising, your heart will beat faster so that your blood can reach your muscles. Your heart rate may get much faster, even double and that is safe while your blood pressure may only increase a modest amount. Even when you stop exercising, your pulse will not immediately return to normal. It will only gradually return to its resting level. The greater your fitness level is, the sooner your pulse rate will become normal. However, pulse rate is not linked to your blood pressure.

Even when you have low blood pressure and high pulse rate (about 75-100 bpm), there is no cause to worry about unless you feel cold or clammy, trouble in breathing, or as if you would faint.

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5 Best Yoga Exercises for Lower Back Pain

Diposting oleh Unknown Selasa, 17 Juli 2012 0 komentar


Lower back pain has gradually become almost a menace for all, thanks to the sedentary lifestyle which requires a working person to sit for practically the whole day. Lack of movement makes the muscles of our low back so weak that we cannot do anything else than to suffer from lower back pain. However, there is a good news that one can easily get rid of lower back pain with regular exercises. Yoga is one of the most effective exercising mediums for keeping one's body healthy and fit. It has innumerable yoga poses for each body part including lower back.

Yoga Poses for Lower Back Pain Relief

There are, no doubt, various yoga exercises that can get one rid of low back pain but many of them are quite demanding. As most of us are not in the habit of exercising regularly, our body gets stiff and many of the yoga asanas (asana is a Hindi term which means pose) want a flexible body to bend as required by the exercise posture. However, there are at least 5 yoga exercises that do not demand too much from our rigid body and we can easily do these yoga poses to get rid of low back pain. The name of these three yoga poses are Salabhasana, Bhujangasana, Setubandhasana, Supta Udarakarshana and Marjariasana.

Ardha Salabhasana- Locust Yoga Pose for Lower Back Pain Relief


Lie down on floor on stomach keeping your with chin touched on the ground
Place both your hands below the thighs. Keep the palms facing up
While inhaling, lift up your right leg as high as possible. Do not bend the knee.
Hold the leg in air while counting till five.
Now while exhaling, bring your leg down.
Again while inhale inhaling, lift up your left leg up, hold till you count five and while exhaling, bring the leg down.
Repeat the process for five times with each leg alternatively.
When you are comfortable with doing ardha salabhasana, you can start doing salabhasana where you must lift both your legs at the same time.

Salabhasana yoga pose make muscles at the back strong along with those of hips, legs and the thighs. This is one of the best yoga exercises for low back pain relief and also increases your stamina.

Bhujangasana- Cobra Yoga Pose for Lower Back Pain Relief


Lie down on stomach with stretched feet, heels, toes and knees kept together
Let your chin touch the ground.
Keep your palms by the side of your chest. Fingers will remain below the shoulder line.
While slowly inhaling, lift your head, neck and chest off the ground. Don't take them too high. Your elbows will remain bent and closer to body. Keep looking up
Hold the position for a count of 5 (about 30seconds)
While exhaling, bring the upper part down.
Repeat the exercise for three times.

Bhujangasan or the cobra pose strengthens your back, especially the lower back by releasing all tension along the back.

Sethubandhasana- Pelvic Tilt Yoga Pose for Lower Back Pain Relief


Lie down on your back with legs folded at the knees, keeping feet flat and as close to the hips as possible. Keep the feet a little apart from each other.
If possible, hold your heels with both the hands otherwise let your hands lie down at the sides with palms down.
While inhaling, lift your waist as high as you can. Hold for about 20-30 seconds.
While exhaling, bring down the waist.
Repeat for five times.

Setubandhasana or the bridge yoga pose is good for over all pelvic muscle strengthening and give relief from low back pain in the process.

Supta Udarakarshan- Spinal Twist Yoga Pose for Lower Back Pain Relief


Lie down on your back, keep the feet together and arms perpendicular to shoulders with palms facing and touching the ground.
While inhaling, lift your right leg up at 90 degrees or as high as possible. Keep the leg straight.
Now take the leg twisting on to left while exhaling. Simultaneously turn your head to right.
Hold for a 30 seconds and bring back the leg and head to earlier position.
Now repeat the process with left leg, lifting the left leg up, twisting towards right while keeping the head on left.
Repeat for six times.

Spinal twisting with alternate leg raising will strengthen your lower back muscles giving you relief from low back pain.

Marjariasana- Cat Stretch Yoga Pose for Lower Back Pain Relief


Kneel down on your hands and knees, keep your hands directly beneath the shoulder and knees beneath the hips. Knees can be kept a foot apart from each other.
Now inhale while curving your spine downwards and then exhale while making an arch like pose with your spine.
While doing the exercise, gaze towards your navel area. Don't bend your arms, keep them straight.
Hold this yoga pose for a few seconds.
While inhaling return to the first position of curved spine.
Repeat this for at least ten times.

Marjariasana yoga pose or the cat pose is a good stretching exercise for your back, torso, and neck and improves spinal flexibility thus goving relief from low back pain.

If you make the habit of doing these yoga asanas everyday, preferably twice (morning and evening), you can hope to get rid of lower backpainin considerable period of time. Also when you continue doing these yoga exercises after your back pain is gone, there is no chance of your lower back pain returning to you!

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What Should You Do to be Healthy?

Diposting oleh Unknown Senin, 09 Juli 2012 0 komentar

What Should I Do to be Healthy?
A very crucial question indeed but we all know the answer! Yes, we know what we should do to be healthy but we do not recognize our knowledge because accepting it would mean bringing a certain amount of discipline in life and where there is discipline, there is a check on freedom! However, let me ensure you that when you start doing what is required to remain healthy, you would face the difficulties just for a few days and then its all bliss and happiness. So, the first thing that you can do to be healthy is to close your eyes for a couple of seconds and think about the words that come to your mind when you say 'Health'!

Now, what all did your mind say. I know, the terms that came to your mind were- exercise, food, rest, sleep, no stress, relax- and that's it! You know it all about how to be healthy! So, the second thing that you must do to be healthy is to believe in yourself. You can do all the things whether it be exercise, having balanced diet or optimum sleep. What will be a little difficult (but not impossible) is to remain stress free (if you are prone to take pressure) and ways to find out how you can relax. Here, I will help you in chalking out a health plan by giving some tips on how to be healthy! In fact, I won't call them tips to be healthy but the ways of life that not only bring health but happiness too along with them.


Be Positive, Be Healthy! 

I am not going to say anything spiritual about being positive. What I mean by becoming positive is to believe that you are healthy. The moment you start thinking that you are good, you actually start being good! And when you think about a disease, it feels as if you are suffering from the disease. However, it doesn't at all mean to ignore any of the uncomfortable signs or symptoms that might indicate towards some medical condition of your body. Just don't be over conscious about your health. Do what is needed to be fit and just forget until and unless you seriously feel certain signs of being ill!

Eat Healthy, Stay Healthy! 

Just imagine if you don't eat for a day, what happens to you? I don't need to tell you that but it will make clear the importance of food in our life- food which is literally taken for granted. What you eat will decide what nutrition your body gets. Again you know what is healthy in foods- fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish or other first grade protein sources like soy and dairy products. Don't skip breakfast as it is the most important meal of the day which gives you energy for whole of your day. Have smaller meals at regular intervals of 2-3 hours. This will keep your metabolism in control. Have enough water and fluids (not cold drinks) throughout the day. Keep the levels of salt and sugar low in your daily diet. Don't have fried foods. It's ok to have rich food once in a while but don't make it a regular thing. Avoid junk food as much as possible. Taking care of your food will keep your bones, muscles and other body organs fit and efficient.

Exercise Regularly to Stay Fit and Healthy! 

Now, this is what which is the most frightening thing to do when it comes to be healthy but there's no other way for your body to maintain vigour and energy without exercising. Try not doing anything- literally anything- for a day and be in your bed the whole day long. You'll get the first hand experience of how your body feels when you don't move! So, make a habit of exercising regularly, even if it is brisk walking for 30 minutes. Of course, it will be good if you can exercise a little more and that's a must when you are overweight. Choose your exercise as per your interest to remain motivated. If you don't like gym, don't go there. Do aerobics or yoga. If not, go cycling, jogging, swimming or dancing. Whatever moves your body happily is a great exercise for you. Do exercise for at least 5 days a week.

Sleep Well and Be Cheerfully Healthy! 

A good night's sleep is as important as good food and exercise for your health. So sleep tight at night to rejuvenate your body. When you don't have enough sleep, your energy level falls which is due to the gap in hormonal system that do not get chance to replenish itself. As a result, you become irritable which reflects in your bad mood and low performance throughout the day. Not getting enough sleep also affects your immune system. Avoid caffeine and alcohol before going to bed as they will disturb your sleep.

Learn Stress Management to Be Healthy! 

Stress brings with it all kinds of ailments related to heart, neurology and blood pressure. While a little anxiety gives you motivation to perform, a lot of it can hamper your actual performance. Try to de stress yourself. It's easy said than done but then nothing comes free, not even health. You have to put time and effort to buy your health! When confronted with a problem, don't think negative. Think about the best and the worst situation that the problem can get you in. Now, first focus on the worst situation- is it so bad that you need to lose your health by succumbing to the stress? If not, half of your problem is solved. Now focus on the best situation and the ways that can be employed to reach it. Make a list of solutions- mentally or on paper. Now, keep on reviewing and omitting the items (that now don't look so good a solution) at every repetition. Ultimately, you will be left with one or two options to try for solving your problem. This will definitely help in relieving your stress. You can adopt any other method for solving problems- just don't take stress. Stress, anyhow, doesn't solve any problem!

Relax You Must - To Be Healthy! 

All work and no play will make you dull. A dull body and mind can never feel healthy. So, learn to relax and engage yourself in activities that give you joy. If you are not able to relax and your mind wanders around, you might take help of relaxation techniques like meditation. Learn new skills, develop your one time favorite hobbies that you had not been able to pursue due to busy work schedules. Read, write, sing, dance, socialize, party, travel- anything that will make you happy. Being Happy is Being Healthy. So, you should open all avenues that bring happiness to you and you will naturally become healthy!

So now you don't have to ask as to what should you do to be healthy! You know that you must eat well, sleep tight, stay active, stop stressing and relax. This will change your mind and body inside out and you will live longer, live healthy!

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