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Tampilkan postingan dengan label Adults-Health. Tampilkan semua postingan
Tampilkan postingan dengan label Adults-Health. Tampilkan semua postingan

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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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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Cramps in Calf at Night- Causes and Remedies

Diposting oleh Unknown Rabu, 20 Juni 2012 0 komentar


Calf Pain at Night
In the middle of night when you are sleeping and its not more than an hour or so that you fell asleep, you suddenly feel a severe cramp in your calf or calves. You realize that you are half awake and sometimes moaning in pain! These are the charlie horses cramps or the cramps in calf at night. If you have been in this situation once or for multiple times, you are aware of how painful these nocturnal calf cramps can be! There are many causes of leg calf cramps at night beginning from your lifestyle, the food that you eat which can be deficient in certain minerals to certain diseases as well as medicines that you regularly take for your diseases! Why do you have calf pain at night and what can you do to get rid of these calf pain and cramps? Let's explore!


What are Nocturnal Calf Cramps?


As the term itself says, nocturnal calf cramps are the nighttime leg cramps felt in calves- the back part of the legs situated right below your knees. They are sudden spasms, or tightening of muscles in the calf. In fact, they are more serious condition than spasms because the calf pain at night is a sudden, uncontrolled contraction of a muscle. Calf pain at night often occur just when you are falling asleep or waking up and they can last a few seconds to a few minutes.

What Causes Cramps in calf at Night?


While doctors are still not sure about the exact causes of leg cramps at night, there are many reasons stated by them on the basis of patients who sometimes have fluid imbalance or a vitamin deficiency in their bodies. Some studies, however, link nocturnal calf cramps with increased electrical activity in the affected leg muscles, but doctors still don't know what causes nocturnal leg cramps. In some cases, calf cramps at night may be caused by a fluid imbalance or a vitamin deficiency. Apart from these main speculative causes of calves cramps, there are many other causes cited as responsible for these cramps at night.

Overused and strained calf muscle. You might have tried a new exercise or overdone some of the exercises that strain your calf muscles.

Injury to Achilles Tendonitis tendon. Pain due to some injury to Achilles tendon which joins the calf muscles with the heel might also intensify your calf cramps at night. This type of leg pain often will extend itself to the heels where the Achilles tendon is situated.

Occurance of Varicose Veins. If you keep yourself standing for most of the time in the day, you might develop varicose veins- a condition when your veins in calf get wider and enlarged. This is due to the unusual accumulation of blood in the veins that fail to travel back to heart.

High cholesterol leevels. If you suffer from high cholesterol levels, it might lead to clogging of the arteries due to cholesterol deposition in them. This, in turn, affects the blood supply to the calf leading to pain and cramps. You must therefore know How to Control Cholesterol

Increased blood sugar levels.If you are diabetic, there can be yet another cause for your calf cramps at night- high blood sugar levels that damage the peripheral nerve known as diabetic neuropathy. Use this Checklist for Diabetes which talks about best diet for insulin dependent persons.

Knee pain and knee joint inflammation.If you suffer from arthritis or knee pain that causes inflammation in the knee joint, it is quite possible for you to have calf pain at night. Read about these Knee Pain ManagementDo's & Don'ts 

Other causes of calf cramps at night may include sleep disorders; dehydration; deficiency of potassium, calcium, and other minerals; excessive body weight; sitting for a long time during the day; keeping your legs in awkward positions when you sleep; consuming certain medicines like diuretics for urine problems, statins, steroids or birth control pills; diseases like thyroid and kidney problems.

Remedies for Nocturnal Calf Cramps


You must first identify as to what causes your calf pains at night! If its is high cholesterol or blood sugar then you must take steps to treat these conditions. However, when you wake up due to cramps in calves at night, to get immediate relief, stretch out your leg or legs and stay in that position for sometime (about 10-15 minutes). You can gently massage your calves with your fingers too. Stretching of legs are a must for people who experience calf pain – either at night or anytime. So, how to do stretches for calf muscles?

Here's how you can do stretching exercise to get relief from your calf cramps at night.
  • Lay down on your back and extend both your legs.
  • Take a rolled up towel and wrap it around the ball of your foot.
  • Keeping your leg straight, pull your toes towards yourself. You will feel the stretch at the back of your legs.
  • Take your foot up and then down keeping your leg straight. Repeat this without stopping. You should not hold the stretch. Keep doing this for about 2 minutes.
  • Repeat the entire process with the other leg.
See this Calf Pain Rehab Video to get idea about how to stretch calf muscles to get relief from calf strain.


You can also do a simple calf stretching exercise daily for three times. 
  • You have to stand against a wall with your hands placed at wall infront of your chest. 
  • Keep one of your leg at a distance of one feet from the wall. 
  • Keep the other leg at a distance of two to three feet from the wall (see image below). 
  • Take it far from wall till you feel a stretch in your leg. 
  • Hold for 1-2 minutes in this position. 
  • Repeat with the other leg.

If you get calf cramps at night, almost every night, you should consult your physician to identify the cause. If its a badly pulled calf muscle, it would need treatment which include medicines and physical therapy with deep tissue massage and gentle stretching exercises. If its an injury involving severe rupture in your calf muscles, you might have to go for a surgery too. Varicose veins can be treated with compression bandage and crtain exercises.

Other things that you can do to get relief from your night calf cramps include the following
  • Have optimum sleep.
  • Drink enough water.
  • If overweight, lose weight
  • If having medicines that cause your leg pain, see your doctor and resolve either by asking for alternative medicines or other ways suggested by your physician.
  • Quit smoking as it constricts the blood vessels giving you more cramps.
  • Follow a healthy lifestyle and have healthy foods rich in potassium. Bananas, grapes, beans, apricots, dates, raisins, cabbage, broccoli, tomatoes, oranges, grapefruits, potatoes, corn, saltwater fish like tuna, all are good sources of potassium and other required minerals. Diabetics should avoid bananas, they can have coconut water instead.
  • Do regular calf muscle exercises so that your calf muscles get strong and flexible.
If you do regular calf muscle exercises and pay attention to a balanced diet, you can get rid of the cramps in calves at night. If this doesn't work, you must see your doctor to get relief from your calf cramps at night!

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Nicotine Withdrawal- How to Deal with Symptoms to Quit Smoking?

Diposting oleh Unknown Kamis, 31 Mei 2012 0 komentar

On the occasion of World No Tobacco Day on May 31, what could be the ideal topic to discuss than nicotine withdrawal symptoms and how to deal with them while trying to quit smoking! Let’s know what are the nicotine withdrawal symptoms and some tips to overcome these symptoms to make your ‘Quit Smoking Mission’ successful!


How Nicotine Makes a Smoker Addictive?

Its not that a smoker doesn’t know the harms of nicotine or the benefits of stopping smoking, but it’s the lack of control on one’s will and the difficult situations encountered while trying to quit smoking that he/she is again and again unsuccessful in the mission- Quit Smoking. The frustration gets to such a level that a smoker starts finding the reasons for smoking and often ends up counting benefits of nicotine. Innumerable researches have, however, established the fact that nicotine is harmful for health. Why else was it used in insecticides in the past? The stimulant effect of nicotine is responsible for its addictive quality which make a person nicotine dependant and s/he finds it utmost difficult to quit smoking. It’s difficult but not impossible. It’s difficult till the level where you fight off the nicotine withdrawal symptoms!

What are Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms?

When you try to quit smoking, you will experience flu like symptoms, sometimes referred to as Quitter’s Flu. During this period when you are trying to quit smoking, you might experience various physical as well as psychological discomforts. But the good news is that, all these are short lived. Here is a list which contains the common nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Smokers trying to stop smoking may experience one or many of these symptoms of nicotine withdrawal but it is rare that they experience all of these symptoms.

  • Craving to smoke
  • Irritability and mood swings
  • Insomnia
  • Fatigue
  • Difficulty in Concentration
  • Headache
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Constipation
  • Stomach ache/ gas
  • Dry mouth
  • Sore tongue and/or gums
  • Post-nasal drip (PND or Upper Airway Cough Syndrome (UACS)
  • Chest Congestion or Tightness in the chest
  • Increased appetite (feeling hungry often) and/or weight gain
  • Depression
  • Restlessness or boredom
How to Deal with Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms to Quit Smoking?

It’s easy if you want to think of it that way and it’s difficult if you opt to think it differently! It is always good if you plan before hand the ways to quit smoking by reading a lot and also by sharing information with people who have already quit smoking or those who are in the process of quitting smoking. When you see that what you are experiencing is a normal thing that happens while trying to give up smoking, you will feel better and hopefully more determined to quit smoking.

5 Things to do when there is Craving to Smoke!

Delay the act- It’s a matter of only about 5 minutes when this urge to smoke will go away. Repeat constantly and remind yourself that the urge is about to go just in 5 minutes!

Distract yourself and engage in other activity- To let the craving for smoking pass, do what you like (other than smoking!). For example, you can go for a walk without your packet of cigarette and your wallet too. You can call your friends and talk to them. You can read a book you were planning since days to read.

Drink water- It helps in fighting off the craving for smoking. Apart from this, water will also help fight off other symptoms of nicotine withdrawal like constipation, cough and unusual hunger. You can also have a refreshing glass of fruit juice but stay away from alcohol. It might trigger the urge to smoke!

Breath deeply- Close your eyes and try to concentrate on your inhaling and exhaling process. Breathe slowly and deeply while noticing the fine process of air going into your lungs and coming out of your nose. This will relax you and also let the usrge to smoke pass away.

Talk to someone-who cares for you and sincerely want you to quit smoking. It can be your family members, friends or someone from your support group with whom you have earlier discussed about quitting smoking.

Other Tips to Deal with Symptoms of Nicotine Withdrawal

Have Balanced Diet and Multivitamin Supplements

When you quit smoking, your body gets into the process of detoxifying itself. To flush out the toxins, your body would need extra energy. So, eat a balanced diet including healthy foods. Also take a multi vitamin substitute after consulting with your physician because you need it to fight off the fatigue – one of the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. You should stock up your fridge with some healthy snacks to binge on. Stay away from junk food as you might also be prone to weight gain when trying to quit smoking Some of the examples of such healthy foods include grapes, cherry tomatoes, baby carrots, watermelon pieces, fresh berries, low-fat yogurt, low fat pudding cups etc.

Exercise to Fight off Mood Swings

Depression and mood swings combined with irritability are common signs of nicotine withdrawal. To fight them off, you must exercise but make sure to consult your doctor before beginning any exercise regime. However, mild exercise like walking can be done by anyone. Start with slow walking for 10 to 15 minutes once or twice a day and then increase the duration as well as speed of your walking. Brisk walking for about 40-45 minutes is good for anyone- a smoking quitter or a non smoking person! Exercise release pleasure chemicals into your body compensating the joy feeling that you got from smoking!

Reward Yourself to Stay Motivated

If you have been able to not smoke for the whole day, reward yourself at the end of the day. You can take a hot bath or watch a movie or have a special dinner or buy flowers for yourself or go for window shopping at your favorite mall! When not smoked for a whole week, celebrate the week end either with family or just yourself. Go to spa, host a party, play with kids- anything that will make you happy!

Take Extra Sleep

Nicotine stimulates your body extraordinarily and when trying to quit smoking, you might get fatigued like never before. Don’t be disheartened, this is a temporary phase and will also go away. Meanwhile try to take extra sleep. If possible, take a power nap in the afternoon. If that’s not possible, go to bed a little early than usual. If, however, you face difficulty in sleeping, go for long walks a couple of hours or listen to soothing music before going to bed.

All these tips to deal with nicotine withdrawal symptoms can only help you to quit smoking if you sincerely internalize them. Just reading and then forgetting will never do any good to you. Remember that nicotine withdrawal is a temporary phase that will definitely pass. And you can’t even think of the joyous moments that come with the feeling of having one’s life in one’s own control! Just take a step forward- Quit Smoking- for YOU if not for anyone else!

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What are Haemorrhoids- Facts on Piles

Diposting oleh Unknown Selasa, 03 April 2012 0 komentar


Know what are Haemorrhoids or Piles and how to treat hemorrhoids based on their causes, signs & symptoms. What are the treatments for hemorrhoids.

Haemorrhoids commonly known as Piles are the swollen veins that occur at the lining of the anus and lower rectum from where stool is passed. This causes bleeding and sometimes pain which can be mild and temporary to persistently painful. There are two types of haemorrhoids- internal and external . The internal haemorrhoids occur inside the anus and the external haemorrhoid occurs outside the anus. Internal haemorrhoids are more common and develop 2-4cm above the opening of the anus. External haemorrhoids, also called perianal haematoma are less common. They develop on the outer edge of the anus.

What are Haemorrhoids?

The network of small veins or blood vessels that lies within the inner lining of the anus and lower rectum, sometimes get wider and swollen with more inflow of blood than it usually does. These swollen veins and the tissues over them might form lump type small swellings which are known as haemorrhoids.

What are the Causes of Haemorrhoids Piles?

Most often pressure put in and around the anus region causes piles. This pressure can be the result of the following situations.
  • Constipation, requiring putting stress on the anus region due to hardened faeces.
  • Bowel disorders when lead to frequent motions can exert pressure on the tissues leading to bleeding.
  • Pregnancy where the baby can put pressure above the anus and rectum. Hormonal changes too can lead to piles during pregnancy.
  • Aging can also cause haemorrhoids because tissues within the lining of the anus might loose strength and give lesser support as a person gets older.
  • Prolonged periods of sitting or doing strenuous work can also cause haemorrhoids
  • Obesity, particularly fat around abdominal area may put pressure on the organs lying within the pelvic region which leads to swelling of veins of rectum and anus.
  • General weakness, especially a weak liver can not support the tissues and cause haemorrhoids.
  • Hereditary factors where a person might inherit weakness of the wall of the veins within the anal region.
What are the Symptoms of Haemorrhoids?

The most common sign of internal hemorrhoids include fresh red blood which covers the stool. It is often painless process. Itchiness or irritation and lump like structures coming out of the rectum are also a major symptom of haemorrhoids. External haemorrhoid is more painful and is accompanied with hard lump around the anus.
  • Bright red blood covering the stool.
  • Mucous discharge, itching, irritation and/or pain in anal region.
  • Swellings or hard lump around the anus.
  • A feeling of fullness/ heaviness in the anus and as if rectum hasn't got emptied even after going to toilet.
  • Sometimes a swollen vein might stick out through the anal opening.
  • A rare symptom is the hanging down of a blood clot that might have formed within the haemorrhoid.
What are the Grades of Haemorrhoids?

The haemorrhoids are classified into grades that represent their sizes and severity. Their sizes range from 2-4 cms. There are four grades of haemorrhoids.

Grades of Haemorrhoids
  • Grade 1- These are smaller swellings occurring inside the lining of the back passage. These are the most common types of haemorrhoids that can't be seen from the outside.
  • Grade 2- These are comparatively larger haemorrhoids and can be partly pushed out from the anus when passing stool but they spring back inside once the process ends.
  • Grade 3- These haemorrhoids hang out from the anus and can be felt when touched. There can be one or small, s multiple soft lumps hanging from the anus. They can pushed back inside the anus.
  • Grade 4- These are large haemorrhoids and hang down from the anus but they are permanent and can't be pushed inside.
What are the Treatments for Haemorrhoids?

The mild internal piles (grade 1 haemorrhoids) often do not need any treatment or can be treated with simple precautions and home treatments like avoiding constipation through fiber rich diet, drinking a lots water and other healthy fluids (not soft drinks), having fiber supplements like isabgol, avoiding pain killers that cause constipation and by going to toilet when the urge is felt. Delays can lead to formation of harder stool leading to constipation. Relief from itching and discomfort can be sought from ointments and suppositories that are available as over the counter drugs not requiring prescription. The crux is that one has to avoid putting pressure on the pelvic region, especially due to constipation, in whatsoever manner it can be done. Get Diet and Home Remedies for Constipation

The more serious haemorrhoids, however, do need treatments and there are lots of options for this.

Rubber Band Ligation- Also called banding, has become a common treatment, especially for grade 2 and 3 haemorrhoids. A surgeon places a special elastic band at the base of the haemorrhoid which stops the blood supply to the haemorrhoid. The haemorrhoid then drops off after a few days. This is usually a painless procedure as the base of the haemorrhoid lies in end part of gut lining which is not sensitive. Haemorrhoids do not recur after banding in most of the cases where the patient of piles take precautions against constipation and doesn't puts strain on the region..

Injection Sclerotherapy-Injection sclerotherapy is adopted to treat internal hemorrhoids that are smaller. In this surgery, a chemical is injected where the hemorrhoid is situated. This stops the blood supply into the hemorrhoid leading to its elimination.

Heat and Cold Treatments for Haemorrhoids- These are very rarely used treatment options for piles. Some of the treatments that use heating methods include infrared coagulation, photocoagulation, diathermy and electrotherapy. Sometimes cold therapy is also used where haemorrhoid is frozen with ice packs or liquid nitrogen.

Haemorrhoidectomy – This is a haemorrhoid surgery carried out in the conventional method. Mostly used for treating grade 4 haemorrhoids, the surgeon cuts it off during an operation done under general anesthetic.

Stapled Haemorrhoidectomy- This is also a surgery but here a circular stapling gun is used to cut off a circular section of the lining of the anal canal lying above the haemorrhoid. This pulls the haemorrhoids back to the up side of the anal canal. It also reduces the blood supply to the haemorrhoids leading to its shrinkage.

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How to Get Rid of Lower Back Pain – Management & Treatment Options

Diposting oleh Unknown Rabu, 04 Januari 2012 0 komentar

This is perhaps the most common question today asked by the working population- How to get rid of lower back pain? Among all the causes for lower back pain, long hours of sitting/standing and that too with wrong posture takes the lead! Here we give you some sure shot pain management remedies to lower your back pain.

How to get rid of lower back pain
Lower back pain is a common health problem today. The causes for lower back pain include injuries, diseases, infections, and even inheritance but majority of people suffer from lower back pain due to the weight of the upper body which puts loads on the lower back. Thus, the first rule of back pain management is to learn habits that reduce the load of upper body on lower back! There are many ways for doing this which you will learn in this write up. You will also come to know that you can not only get rid of lower back pain through various pain management methods but also through various lower back treatment options that might include back pain drugs as well as alternative treatments for back pain like chiropractic treatment, acupuncture as well as various exercises for lower back pain.


Get Rid of Lower Back Pain through Pain Management Techniques

Lower back pain management techniques are simple and easy to follow but tough to remember! So, if you really want to get rid of your lower back pain, you should teach yourself hard to follow all these pain management methods.

Sit and stand properly to get rid of lower back pain. Properly doesn't always mean sitting too straight. Slouching while sitting is one of the main causes of lower back pain. However, sitting too straight for longer can also put pressure on your lower back. If you have to keep sitting for most of the day, you should do this for a couple of times- lean back on chair with the help of your feet and a little curve in your back. You must also stand up quite often – every one hour if not more frequently than that! See this video to know how to sit and stand properly to cure lower back pain as well as to avoid it.


Lower Back Pain Management- Sitting & Standing Postures

You might also like to know how to Prevent Back Pain While Working at Computer?

Practice caution whenever lifting heavy objects to prevent pressure on lower back. Whenever lifting heavy objects, squat close to the object keeping the back straight and the head up. Stand while putting pressure on the legs to lift the load. In short, lift with the knees and not with the back. Never twist or bend your body when lifting.

Do exercises to get relief from lower back pain. And do them regularly. These exercises are one of the most effective ways of lower back pain management as well as treatment. However, consult your doctor before doing any exercise for lower back because there might be some spine or disc related issues that may need caution while exercising. Your physician will be able to tell you the gentler exercises to begin with. Once you are able to subside your acute pain, you might start doing other advanced exercises to get rid of lower back pain. Here is a video showing some effective lower back pain exercises.


Lower Back Pain Exercises Video

Get Rid of Lower Back Pain through Various Treatment Options

You can always get rid of lower back pain through the ways suggested in the above section but when it comes to chronic lower back pain, you have to seek professional help and adopt one from many back pain treatment options available these days. What should be the treatment for your back pain can be decided only by your doctor after careful diagnosis. Some of the options available for lower back pain treatment include the following:

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How to Lower High Triglycerides Level Naturally with Diet?

Diposting oleh Unknown Kamis, 15 Desember 2011 0 komentar



If you have recently gone through a blood test and you have seen a 'High Triglycerides Level' in the blood test report, you might be amazing as to what is triglycerides and how to lower triglycerides naturally without the help of medicines? Here you will know what is triglycerides, its causes, risks, normal triglycerides level and how to lower triglycerides naturally with diet & lifestyle management. You will also get list of foods included in Triglycerides Diet.

Right Lifestyle to Lower Triglycerides Level Naturally
What is Triglycerides?
Triglycerides can be defined as a type of fat which is present in our blood and is used for generating energy. However, like any other thing excessive tryglyceride level is harmful for our health.

What is Normal Level of Triglycerides?
While we need triglycerides for sound health, high triglyceride level can pose a risk of heart diseases, high blood pressure and cholesterol problems. Therefore, we need to maintain optimum or normal triglycerides level. This can be understood from the following chart.

Status of Triglyceride
Triglyceride Levels
Normal Triglyceride Level
Less than 150
Borderline-high Triglyceride Level
150 - 199
High Triglyceride Level
200 – 499
Very High Triglyceride Level
500 and above
How is High Triglycerides Level Risky?
As stated earlier too, high triglycerides levels pose the risk of heart diseases diabetes and stroke. High triglycerides level is a symptom of metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome can be explained as a combination of such diseases as high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high fat deposit around the waist, low HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) and high triglycerides.

What are Causes of High Triglycerides Level?
The causes for high triglyceride levels can be listed as follows:
  • Obesity
  • Poor control over diabetes
  • Sedentary lifestyle (lack of physical activity)
  • High consumption of carbohydrates and sweets.
  • High consumption of alcohol
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Kidney diseases
  • Genetic lipid disorders
  • High estrogen levels ( like when undergoing estrogen replacement therapy during menopause)
  • Some medicines like steroids, beta-blockers, diuretics, and birth control pills.
How to Lower High Triglycerides Levels?
If you have borderline- high triglyceride level, you can lower it naturally by bringing changes in your diet and certain lifestyle habits. If wondering how to lower triglyceride level, read the following.
  • If obese, lose weight and stay at a healthy weight. You must reduce calories to lose weight when trying to lower high triglyceride levels.
  • Have a diet that is helpful in reducing triglycerides in your blood. Eat less carbohydrate foods and unhealthy fat.
  • Follow an active lifestyle. Get in habit of regular exercises even if its brisk walking for about 40 minutes a day.
  • If in habit of having alcohol, limit the drinks. Avoid binge drinking of alcohol as it causes spikes in triglyceride levels that in turn can trigger inflammation of the pancreas.
  • Quit smoking.
  • If diabetic, control your blood sugar and keep it as normal as possible.
What is Triglycerides Diet?
Diet to Lower Triglycerides Level Naturally
Here is a list of foods that can help lower triglyceride levels in your blood. Try to include more and more of them in your diet either in breakfast, lunch, dinner or while having snacks.
  • Fish, especially the oily fish having more of omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, tuna, mackerel). Have fish at least twice a week. If you don't eat fish, have fish oil supplements.
  • Wholewheat bread
  • Oatmeal
  • Fat less milk
  • Lean Turkey
  • Lettuce
  • Tomatoes
  • Carrots
  • Apple
  • Low fat yogurt
  • Raisins
  • Peanuts
  • Brown rice
  • Broccoli
  • Cucumber
  • Olive oil

    All the above food items have been found effective when you want to reduce triglyceride level. Low triglyceride level will make you free of all health worries and you will be able to live life to its fullest. So, move yourself a little more and eat healthy to keep those high levels of triglyceride at bay!

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World Aids Day- Condom Usage Tips

Diposting oleh Unknown Kamis, 01 Desember 2011 0 komentar

On December 1- the World Aids Day- it is always the right thing to be aware of how to prevent from getting infected to HIV AIDS virus. The biggest cause of HIV infection is unsafe sex with an infected partner. So, here are some useful tips on using condoms for safer sex and for avoiding AIDS.
  • Always check the quality of condom you are buying. For this, you may check the quality certificate (like the CE mark  for European countries and FDA approved mark for United States) on the package. So, find out what mark will ensure the quality of condoms in your country.
  • Always check the expiry date because expired condoms might not provide you with the essential protection.
  • Always wear the condom before you initiate physical contact between the penis and the vagina or even the anus. In fact, if you wear condom after getting a full erection, it gives you better protection. This will prevent sexually transmitted diseases and other viruses as well including the HIV.
  • Never forget to use condom for even a single occasion. If you have more than one partner and you enjoy sex even on holidays with 'not so known' partner, you must carry condoms with you all the time.
  • For longer sessions, it is always advisable to change condom with a new one every thirty minutes. They might break during these longer sessions with your partner and expose you to sexually transmitted diseases. Remember to change condom after ejaculation if you are in a mood to continue.
  • Always use a single condom and don't think that double condoms would give you better protection. There is always a risk of two condoms rubbing with each other and causing friction resulting into breakage- this fact is applicable to both male condoms or a combination of male and female condom.
  • If you are using latex condom, don't apply oil based products including moisturizers, creams and body oils for lubricating vagina or anus. They weaken condoms resulting into easy damage, leakage or breakage. You can always apply water based lubricants, like KY Jelly or Liquid Silk, easily available with chemists. Always put the extra lubrication on the outside of the condom.
  • After buying condoms, keep them away from heat and light- store condoms in cool dark places. If yours is a hot and humid atmosphere, store them in the refrigerator, more so in summers.
  • For disposing off condoms, wrap used condom in its foil packaging and then throw it in the trash. Never flush a used condom for disposing it off.
For more information on AIDS, you might like to read AIDS Awareness Day- FAQs

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