Healthy Everyday: July 2012

Demystifying Schizophrenia

By Walker B. Shapiro, Medical Student

You have probably heard of schizophrenia - in newspapers, books, movies, and TV shows; you or somebody you know may be affected with this mental illness. Nonetheless, confusion about schizophrenia is common. This post provides some basic facts about schizophrenia, including common symptoms and available treatments. Schizophrenia is a chronic, treatable brain disease that affects an individual’s thought patterns, behavior, and perceptions of reality.

Some general facts about schizophrenia:

Affects more than 1% of the population with similar rates around the world

Affects men and women with similar frequency

Symptoms usually start between ages 16-30

Most people with schizophrenia are not dangerous or violent

The symptoms of schizophrenia vary greatly between individuals. They can also change and get better or worse over time. Some of the most common symptoms are listed below:

Hallucinations – hearing voices is common

Delusions – fixed belief in something untrue or impossible

Paranoia – unhealthy or unfounded suspicion

Disorganized thoughts – may go on tangents or not make sense when speaking

Loss of interest or motivation – may not enjoy daily activities or social interaction

Schizophrenia is a serious chronic disease, but treatment is available to help people get back to thinking clearly and leading full lives. The most important treatment elements include:

Medications (‘antipsychotics’) – help restore and maintain normal, healthy thought patterns

Therapy and rehabilitation – help cope with stress and return to work, school, independent living, and social interaction

If you are concerned that somebody you know might be suffering from schizophrenia, encourage them to see a doctor for evaluation.

Find more facts on schizophrenia at www.healthyminds.org/Main-Topic/Schizophrenia.aspx.

Everyday Natural Beauty Tips for Women

It is entirely true that real beauty shines from the inside out; which means that how you feel about yourself inside, truly reflects on your appearance. If you have low self-esteem and generally don't feel good about yourself, eventually that's how you will appear to the outside world. Don't let people take advantage of your insecurities. Here are a few ways to boost your self-esteem that will make all the difference in your overall presence.

Getting enough sleep is imperative to your beauty regimen. Sleep is when your body regenerates itself during different times of the night. Interrupting this process will not only decrease your overall health, but can take a negative toll on your physical appearance. You may notice that when you get less sleep, you are starting to see bags under your eyes or circles as well as a less youthful glow. Aim to get about 8 to 10 hours of continuous sleep each night and you can see your body regenerate and look beautiful before your eyes.

Drinking plenty of water is essential to your body's health. Soda, coffee and alcoholic beverages don't count; they only add more toxins to your overwhelmed body. Water is what helps keep your optimal health as it cleanses the toxins out of your body and fills your cells. It has been recommended that everyone should drink about 8 glasses of water each day, but if your work doesn't allow you to leave for constant bathroom breaks, drink as much water as you possibly can. Switch your unhealthy drinks and swap them for a glass of pure water.

You may have a gorgeous and curvy body, but if you don't wear clothes that accent your curves in a positive way, no one will ever be able to tell. Most women feel self-conscious about their bodies because they may have a little extra on the hips, stomach or the back, but remember, everything can be hidden with just the right clothes. Consider your current body and think of outfits that can work appropriately for your figure. Just because a celebrity or a mannequin is wearing something at the mall, it doesn't mean it's the right outfit for you.

Hairstyle has a lot to do with how people will perceive you. A lot of people have outdated hairstyles or a style that doesn't complement their facial features. Arranging your hair in an unflattering way or having a bad haircut can age you years! Go out to your favorite salon and get a new haircut. You will automatically notice how different you may look, but in a positive way.

Department stores sometimes offer free makeovers at the makeup counters. This is mostly a great way for them to advertise their products, but it also works for you because you get a free lesson in makeup. Most people have a makeup routine that they stick to everyday, but letting someone else have a go can enhance your beauty in a way you never saw it before. Always remember, less is more!

Your beauty really shines on a higher level when you are comfortable and happy being you. I sincerely hope the tips in this article have highlighted some great ways you can start feeling happy about a new you.

Everyday Stress Can Be Detrimental to Your Health

Stress is often defined as our bodies' natural reaction to some particular events in our lives. The factors which trigger stress are classified either as internal or external stressors. Internal stressors cause disturbances in the body's normal functions (like in the case of infection or inflammation) while external stressors are the factors in the environment which are perceived by our brain as potential threats.

When faced with a potential and imminent danger, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) system of the brain prompt the production and release of steroid hormones, including the primary stress hormone cortisol and certain neurotransmitters called catecholamine. These chemical substances enable a person to deal quickly with possible threats and are vital in emergency situations.

Acute stress causes an instantaneous increase in heart rate and blood pressure, pumps our bodies with adrenaline, triggers the increased production of red and white blood cells and diverts fluids from other non-essential parts of our body (the mouth, throat and the digestive tract). Among the effects of acute stress are the drying of the mouth which makes it hard to talk or swallow, sweating and pallor, motor agitation and enlarged pupils.

However, when the threat has passed, the stress response is then inactivated, the bodily functions normalize and we experience what is known as the "relaxation response".

If the stressors persist, our stress response then refuses to inactivate and we stay on a low-level alarm mode for prolonged durations. This condition results to what is known as chronic stress. It is sad to note that we are a part of a society where there is never a shortage of stressful situations plaguing our daily lives. Causes of chronic stress may range from being involved in problematic relationships, having a highly demanding job, being isolated from your family and unrelenting financial difficulties.

If the condition continuously goes unchecked, chronic stress may lead to ill health. Among the ailments that may be attributed to chronic stress are the following:

. Depression or anxiety. Several researches prove that constant stress results in the hyperactivity of the HPA system of the brain and upsets the normal levels of serotonin in the body. This chemical substance is believed to be critical for feelings of well-being.

. Heart Disease. Serious cardiac events such as heart rhythm abnormalities and heart attacks may be influenced by chronic stress.

. Weakening of the immune defense system. Chronic stress sufferers are found out to have lower white blood cell counts compared to non-sufferers. Hence, chronic stress sufferers are more prone to sickness.

. Gastrointestinal problems. The brain and the intestine are very strongly related. In fact, the two organs share many of the same hormones necessary for them to function normally. That is why it is not at all surprising for chronic stress to upset the digestive system. Constipation, diarrhea, cramping, bloating, irritable bowel syndrome, peptic ulcer and inflammatory bowel diseases were all found out to be greatly influenced by stress. Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and diabetes have also been associated with the problem.

. Sexual and Reproductive Dysfunctions. In women, stress can lead to decreased sexual desires, the inability to reach orgasms, intense premenstrual pains and sometimes alters the menstrual cycle while it may cause temporary impotence in men. Maternal stress during pregnancy results to lower birth weights, premature births and increases the odds of miscarriage.

. Stress can also have different effects on eating problems and weight. While some people who suffer from chronic stress may put on weight or at extremes, suffer from obesity, there are also cases wherein a sufferer loses weight and appetite.

Portable Treadmill: For a Healthier Body Everyday

Do you want to stay healthy and fit, but it takes too much effort for you to go to the gym? Getting yourself a portable treadmill would be a great help if you wish to get into shape and feel healthy. Due to the increasing demand of people today who want to exercise in the comfort of their own homes, manufacturers have invented and new way to make this possible. There is no need for them to go to the gym and travel all the way there. It can be risky, especially if there is bad weather, like heavy rain outside. You can trim your body down and be in good shape by staying at home. You can make no excuses, as it is readily available for you to use. You can achieve not only a sexy body, but also a healthier one. Exercising daily helps keep the organs of your body functioning well. It helps improve blood circulation and keeps the organs properly nourished. It prevents you from getting sick, as it boosts the immune system to help fight against infection. It helps increase your stamina, so you'll be able to perform better at your other day to day activities. It tones your muscles, giving you enough strength and durability all day long. Thus, it provides you all these benefits and you don't even need to go anywhere to use it. There is no hassle and it is very convenient.

Getting a portable treadmill allows you to do exercise without taking up much space. It is made to fit well in any place, which is why it is best to use at home or even in a room with a small space, like in an apartment. Other than that, it makes it easier for you to stow after using. You can put it away without having trouble about the space it will take up. There are designs that allow you to fold it up when not in use. This helps save space when not in use. It is also very lightweight so that you can have it transferred anytime at any place. It takes less effort to move it from one place to another.

Buying a portable treadmill offers you a lot of advantages, especially in times when you do not feel like going to the gym. It is made available for you in your own home. Thus, you cannot make excuses for you can do exercise at anytime and at any place you want. There is no need to hassle yourself and travel to the gym, especially in times wherein there is heavy rain, storms, or snow outside. You can start your day by spending some time on it. It keeps your healthy and fit everyday.

How to Live Heart Healthy Everyday

One of the best ways to begin living heart healthy everyday is to develop and adhere to an exercise regimen. Exercise is great for the body. It strengthens the bones, provides stability to the body and most importantly exercise strengthens the heart. The heart is a muscle and like any other muscle in order for it to be strong it has to be developed. The heart is the most important muscle in the body as it circulates the blood and is basically the life source of the body. In order to keep the heart healthy and functioning properly it is necessary to participate in cardiovascular activities that will raise the heart beat and get the heart working. You can go to a gym and use equipment or simply jog, walk, dance, join an aerobics class or cycle around a park. Participating in exercise for at least thirty minutes each and every day is recommended for the best heart benefits.

Another step to living heart healthy is to eat healthy foods. In order for your heart to be healthy you have to give up the high-saturated foods and learn to eat more sensibly. Learning to eat fruit and vegetables instead of snacking on cookies, cakes and salty potato chips will greatly improve heart health. Likewise, you will be more successful at adopting healthier eating habits if you realize that you can still eat some of your favorite foods; they just have to be prepared in a healthier fashion. Instead of frying learning to bake or grill foods will allow you to still enjoy the foods but in a healthier fashion.

Finally, reducing the amount of stress in your life is a major step in living heart healthy [http://www.americanheartdiets.com/what-is-a-good-heart-healthy-diet/] everyday. Stress has a negative impact on the body especially the heart. When the body is tense and on edge because of outside pressures the heart has to work harder to supply the body with oxygenated blood. This increased pressure on the heart raises the heartbeat and increases blood pressure. The increase in blood pressure can cause hypertension which can be very damaging to the heart over long periods of time. Finding ways to cope with stress through yoga, meditation or hobbies can be very effective in helping to deal with stress and will help alleviate the heart of the extra stressors.

A Banana Everyday Makes One Healthy

There is no better snack that provides a quick energy and health boost to the body than the banana. Three important natural sugars can be found in bananas namely sucrose, fructose and glucose that are combined with a fiber. Many researchers have proven that eating just two bananas can provide enough energy for the body to withstand a 90 minute strenuous workout. Bananas are also healing fruits that prevent a lot of diseases and help fight other ailments that one is having. That is why it is important to include at least one banana every meal in order to live a healthy life.

In hospitals, many doctors and therapists suggest bananas to their patients that have a low level of potassium because the fruit is rich in this substance. There was even a study that illustrated how a potassium rich fruit can increase the supremacy of the brain and the awareness of children when it comes to their education. People that are having a high blood pressure can take bananas because they are low in salt. These fruits can improve the mortality of strokes to as much as 40% for individuals. It helps the heart beat at a regular rate and it assists in transmitting oxygen towards the brain.

Banana is not just a tasty and healthy fruit that every individual should be eating. The skin itself is applied as a natural substitute to treat bites and warts. Inner portions of a banana peel can be used to apply to mosquito bites to lessen the inflammation and pain before applying any insect bite cream. The vitamin B that is enclosed in bananas can help calm the nervous system of our body. A significant function that is done by the vitamin B6 present in the fruit functions as a control for the blood glucose rates, which are also connected to the temperament of a person.

Everyday Detox For Eternal Youth and Health

One of the beauty secrets of supermodel Miranda Kerr is drinking lots of water for everyday detox. This is because she travels a lot which dehydrates her body and results in toxic accumulation.

Some alternative health detox programs claim that its followers can lose weight through the program. This may often be true, since extremely restrictive caloric intake, which are mandatory on these programs, help promote weight loss. However, the weight loss is not lasting, and as soon as the person returns to eating normally, the weight will reappear. Temporary fasts can also be dangerous to people with underlying medical problems.

Everyday Detox: Impact of Toxins

Famous author Catherine J Frompovich, in her book 'Our Chemical Lives and The Hijacking of our DNA,' has focused on how our body gets impacted by the chemical laden world. She stresses on the rising healthcare costs and damage caused by chemicals present in foods, clothing, alcohol, cigarettes, drugs and cosmetics. Human body has its own natural mechanism of flushing the toxins out. However, increased exposure to pollution and poor eating habits has compromised our bodies' ability to remove toxins. This is especially true in case of metallic toxins, such as lead, mercury and cadmium. These toxins lead to the development of several diseases and conditions, such as allergies, bad breath, bloating, colds, constipation, dull skin, excessive weight, fatigue, headaches, hemorrhoids, indigestion, insomnia, mood swings, intestinal parasites, stomach pain, and weakened immune system. Thus, it is essential to detoxify your body on a regular basis through everyday detox methods.

What is the Importance of Everyday Detox?

Detoxification is crucial for everyone regardless of age. This is because no one can have a completely toxin-free body at all times. Everyday detox helps in removing body toxins and puts a cease on the generation of new toxins. This ultimately improves the functioning of various organs, such as liver and kidney. Detoxifying the body improves blood circulation, which in turn boosts metabolism. Detoxification is also important to keep the skin young and healthy. There are a number of methods of detoxification based on natural foods, such as water, juices, fruits and vegetables.

Tips for Talking to Children about Aurora Shooting

By David Fassler, M.D.

Parents and caretakers are faced with the challenge of discussing the recent tragic shooting in Aurora, Colorado with children. Although these may be difficult conversations, they are also important. There are no “right” or “wrong” ways to talk with children about such traumatic events. However, here are some suggestions that may be helpful:

Create an open and supportive environment where children know they can ask questions. At the same time, it's best not to force children to talk about things unless and until they're ready.

Give children honest answers and information. Children will usually know, or eventually find out, if you're “making things up.” It may affect their ability to trust you or your reassurances in the future.

Use words and concepts children can understand. Gear your explanations to the child's age, language, and developmental level.

Be prepared to repeat information and explanations several times. Some information may be hard for them to accept or understand. Asking the same question over and over may also be a way for a child to ask for reassurance.

Acknowledge and validate the child's thoughts, feelings, and reactions. Let them know that you think their questions and concerns are important and appropriate.

Remember that children tend to personalize situations. For example, they may worry about their own safety or the safety of friends when going to the movies or other public areas.

Let children know that lots of people are helping the families affected by the recent shooting.

Children learn from watching their parents. They are very interested in how you respond to local and national events. They also learn from listening to your conversations with other adults.

Don't let children watch too much television / news coverage with frightening images. The repetition of such scenes can be disturbing and confusing.

Children who have experienced trauma or losses in the past are particularly vulnerable to prolonged or intense reactions to news or images of violent incidents. These children may need extra support and attention.

Children who are preoccupied with questions or concerns about safety should be evaluated by a trained and qualified mental health professional. Other signs that a child may need additional help include ongoing sleep disturbances; intrusive thoughts or worries; recurring fears about death, leaving parents, or going out to public areas. If these behaviors persist, ask your child's pediatrician, family physician, or school counselor to help arrange an appropriate referral.

Although parents may follow the news with close scrutiny, most children just want to be children. They may not want to think about or discuss violent events. They'd rather play ball, climb trees, or ride bikes.

A senseless, violent crime is not easy for anyone to comprehend or accept. Understandably, some young children may feel frightened or confused. As parents and caring adults, we can best help by listening and responding in an honest, consistent, and supportive manner.

Fortunately, most children -- even those exposed to trauma -- are quite resilient. However, by creating an open environment where they feel free to ask questions, we can help them cope with stressful events and experiences and reduce the risk of lasting emotional difficulties.

David Fassler, M.D., is a child and adolescent psychiatrist practicing in Burlington, Vermont. He is also a clinical professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Vermont College of Medicine.