Depression is a post from: Healt Articles

1) Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: Women who smoke during pregnancy expose their babies to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome as these babies are more likely to die from the harmful effects of smoking.

2) Stillbirth: Women who smoke during pregnancy increase the chances of the death of their babies during pregnancy itself.

3) Low birth weight of the baby: Birth weight of the baby is an important factor for the future health of the baby. Low birth weight can lead to a great many complications. In fact, low birth weight is the main reason for pre-natal death (during the first month after the birth).

4) Colic: A baby born of a mother who used to smoke during pregnancy is more likely to have colic. Colic is often a condition of early infancy. Colic results in abdominal pain caused by spasm, obstruction, or distention of any of the hollow viscera, such as intestines.

5) Respiratory Infections: Your baby is more likely to have asthma and other respiratory diseases if you expose your babies to smoking or even secondhand smoke.

6) Placenta Abruption: This condition arises when the placenta pulls the walls of the uterus either before or during labor. This requires an immediate delivery usually through cesarean operation. A smoker’s placenta is thinner making her more likely to have placenta abruption.

7) Premature birth: Smoking during pregnancy can lead to pre mature birth due to premature rupture of membranes. A pregnant smoker’s body is more likely to end her pregnancy sooner in an effort to protect the baby from harmful smoke. Premature birth can lead to serious complications for the baby such as mental retardation and cerebral palsy.

8) Miscarriage: A woman who smokes during pregnancy can have trouble staying pregnant. It may lead to miscarriage. It can also decrease your fertility.

Looking at all these deadly consequences you can well imagine the threats that a cigarette can pose to your joy of motherhood. Giving birth to a new life is the greatest bliss for a woman and if a cigarette can prove to be a hindrance then it is better to keep it at bay.

How Does Smoking Effect Pregnant Women is a post from: Healt Articles

People who take vitamin E supplements regularly for years—whether they are smokers or nonsmokers—may lower their risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the lung condition that is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States.
COPD includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis and is often, but not always, caused by smoking.
While the risk reduction is relatively small, 10%, COPD is a common and life-threatening condition in which a decline in lung function can be slowed down but not reversed. COPD symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing, and fatigue.
“The effect appears to be modest. But for something for which there isn’t really any effective therapy and tends to be a degenerative condition, anything that would reduce the risk even somewhat is not an insubstantial benefit,” says Jeffrey B. Blumberg, PhD, a professor of nutrition at Tufts University in Boston who was not involved in the study.

The research, from the government-funded Women’s Health Study, included 39,876 women 45 years and older who were free of COPD before they were randomly assigned to take a placebo, vitamin E supplements (600 IU every other day) or aspirin (100 mg per day), either alone or in combination. At the end of 10 years, 760 of the 19,937 women who took vitamin E alone or with aspirin developed COPD compared with 846 of the 19,939 who took a placebo or aspirin alone—a 10% risk reduction. Vitamin E did not lower the risk of asthma, a condition associated with a higher risk of COPD.

The researchers took into account factors such as cigarette smoking and age, which can affect COPD risk. The study, conducted by Cornell University and Brigham and Women’s Hospital researchers, is to be presented this week at the annual American Thoracic Society meeting in New Orleans.

The idea that vitamin E can reduce the risk of developing COPD is “biologically plausible,” says Yvonne Kelly, PhD, an associate professor in the department of epidemiology and public health at University College London. Experts believe vitamins A, C, and E—the so-called ACE antioxidants—combat oxidative stress in the lungs that can lead to COPD.

People who take vitamin E supplements regularly for years—whether they are smokers or nonsmokers—may lower their risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the lung condition that is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States.COPD includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis and is often, but not always, caused by smoking.While the risk reduction is relatively small, 10%, COPD is a common and life-threatening condition in which a decline in lung function can be slowed down but not reversed. COPD symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing, and fatigue.“The effect appears to be modest. But for something for which there isn’t really any effective therapy and tends to be a degenerative condition, anything that would reduce the risk even somewhat is not an insubstantial benefit,” says Jeffrey B. Blumberg, PhD, a professor of nutrition at Tufts University in Boston who was not involved in the study.

Vitamin E May Protect the Lungs is a post from: Healt Articles

Everybody feels down for a day or two. But one in 14 American adults—15 million in all—has clinical depression each year.
Depression is a complex condition characterized by profound sadness, lethargy, feelings of worthlessness, and a loss of interest in social activities. These feelings can last for two weeks or go on for decades. The difference between the blues and clinical depression is one of length and severity of symptoms.
“If you’ve gotten to the point where you’re looking up depression on the computer, then there’s a good chance it’s a real depression, not the blues,” says Tracey Lipsig Kite, MSW, a licensed therapist in private practice in Evanston, Ill. “If you really are to the point where you think you might need therapy, you’re probably right.”
Physical symptoms of depressionDepression doesn’t always look or feel like a dark mood.
“Irritability is one of the most under-recognized symptoms of major depression,” says Rakesh Jain, MD, director of psychopharmacology at R/D Clinical Research Center, in Lake Jackson, Tex.
Doctors also often overlook physical symptoms, says Dr. Jain. Some 67% to 69% of people who receive a diagnosis of major depression also have muscle and joint pain, headaches, and fatigue.
Sharon Charles Haznedar, an administrative director for behavioral health services at New York City’s Saint Vincent Catholic Medical Centers and a psychiatric nurse practitioner, says depression is insidious because it often renders victims unable to ask for help: “I’ve had depressed patients tell me that they need a plan just to walk across the room.”

“Depression drains a person’s energy,” Haznedar continues. “The idea of visiting the doctor, figuring out whether your insurance plan will cover the visit, and filling prescriptions can be daunting when you’re depressed. If you’re already seeing one or more doctors for other health conditions, the difficulties associated with another illness can be overwhelming.”

Everybody feels down for a day or two. But one in 14 American adults—15 million in all—has clinical depression each year.Depression is a complex condition characterized by profound sadness, lethargy, feelings of worthlessness, and a loss of interest in social activities. These feelings can last for two weeks or go on for decades. The difference between the blues and clinical depression is one of length and severity of symptoms.“If you’ve gotten to the point where you’re looking up depression on the computer, then there’s a good chance it’s a real depression, not the blues,” says Tracey Lipsig Kite, MSW, a licensed therapist in private practice in Evanston, Ill. “If you really are to the point where you think you might need therapy, you’re probably right.”Physical symptoms of depressionDepression doesn’t always look or feel like a dark mood.“Irritability is one of the most under-recognized symptoms of major depression,” says Rakesh Jain, MD, director of psychopharmacology at R/D Clinical Research Center, in Lake Jackson, Tex.Doctors also often overlook physical symptoms, says Dr. Jain. Some 67% to 69% of people who receive a diagnosis of major depression also have muscle and joint pain, headaches, and fatigue.Sharon Charles Haznedar, an administrative director for behavioral health services at New York City’s Saint Vincent Catholic Medical Centers and a psychiatric nurse practitioner, says depression is insidious because it often renders victims unable to ask for help: “I’ve had depressed patients tell me that they need a plan just to walk across the room.”

How to Recognize the Symptoms of Depression is a post from: Healt Articles

Healthy people should aim for 500 milligrams a day, according to James O’Keefe, MD, a cardiologist with the Mid-America Heart Institute in Bethesda, Md.

Research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish and fish oil as well as some plant foods, can decrease the likelihood of cardiovascular disease.

Eating at least one fish meal a week was associated with a 52% reduction of risk for sudden cardiac death, according to a 1998 study of over 20,000 U.S. male physicians. Specifically, it can help prevent arrhythmias, lower triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood), slow down the buildup of plaque in the arteries, and slightly lower blood pressure.

Nutritionists recommend taking a food-based approach to fish oil before turning to capsule supplements, because fish is also a good source of protein and other nutrients.

Joyce Baber, 54, from New Egypt, N.J., is trying to do just that to help lower her high cholesterol, 233 (LDL, 174; HDL, 59) and slightly elevated blood pressure.

“My doctor recommended omega-3,” she says. “My LDL should be 130 or less and my HDL should be closer to 100.” Patients with high cholesterol patients who consumed EPA, an omega-3 fatty acid, daily showed a 19% decrease in non-fatal coronary events, including heart attack, according to a 2007 Japanese study of over 18,000 people.

How Fish Oil Supports Heart Health is a post from: Healt Articles

There are 2 Types of Vitamins

1. Fat soluble 2. Water soluble

Fat soluble vitamins are stored in the body fat and stay in the body from 6 days to 6 months. Special carriers in the body take them to where they are needed when they are required by the body. Vitamin E, A, K and D are always fat soluble. Water soluble vitamins don’t get stored in the body. They get into the bloodstream or urinated. Vitamin C as well Vitamin B is always soluble to water.

Vitamin A: This is important for healthy eyes and the skin. It helps in identifying different colors. Vitamin A is found in liver, milk rich in Vitamin A, carrot and sweet potatoes.

Vitamin B: It is primarily needed for metabolism. It also helps in producing red blood corpuscles that help carry oxygen to different parts of the body. Vitamin B is found in wheat, oats, fish, eggs, leafy vegetables etc.

Vitamin C: Vitamin C helps you heal when you have a wound. Vitamin C is found in strawberries, tomatoes, cabbage orange and lime.

Vitamin D: Vitamin D helps for strong bones. It also helps for good teeth and they also help to absorb minerals like Calcium which are essential for bones.

Vitamin E: This helps your body to maintain, tissues like the lever, eyes and the skin. These are found in foods like grains, leafy green vegetables, nuts and seeds. Apart from them they are also found in egg Yolk and sardines.

Vitamin K: Vitamin K helps your blood to clot so that you stop bleeding. Leafy vegetables, soya-bean oil, yogurt and milk are rich in Vitamin K.

All The Vitamins are vital for the body to function normally.

Health nutrition vitamins is a post from: Healt Articles

This vitamin ensures the smooth functioning of life processes and this is very important for maintaining healthy nervous system. The DNA production and red blood cells formation are regulated by proper intake of vitamin B12.Vitamin B12 is needed for tissue and cell repairs and this helps in the synthesis process of DNA. The deficiency of this vitamin can disrupt the body’s natural formation of red blood cells, which will eventually lead to anemia.

Vitamin B12 For Healthy Living is a post from: Healt Articles

A simple suggestion: water should not be taken for granted or forgotten about. Drinks are part of a nutritional diet as much as food is. Drinking plenty of water increases metabolism, rids the body of toxins, beautifies the skin, and aids in digestion and muscle recovery. Water is also better for the teeth than sugary drinks, so to start the process of becoming healthier by drinking more water. green tea is also known to speed up metabolism and it has a myriad of other health benefits, especially when consumed frequently.

Simple Tips For Eating Healthy is a post from: Healt Articles

Although the rest of the industrialized world has left “for-profit” health insurance behind, every Texas Republican in the U.S. Congress voted no on the healthcare reform that could protect the vast majority of Texans with access to medical care.

Nevertheless, children in Texas have just gained coverage under their parents’ Texas insurance plans until their 26th birthday. Those in the next generation who suffer from pre-existing conditions like asthma finally won the right to healthcare when insurers were barred from refusing to cover these children.

If you get health insurance quotes in Texas right now, you can protect your children under your plan regardless of any pre-existing condition they may have. Fewer people are finding health insurance in Texas through employment now, but you can keep your young adult children on your own plan until their 26th birthday.

Health Insurance In Texas Has More For Adults

Even adults without growing families got something when healthcare reform kicked in this fall. Insurers can no longer limit the amount of coverage you receive over a lifetime. If you got a new plan after healthcare reform passed, your insurer cannot charge you higher out-of-network rates for emergency medical treatment, either.

Because too many people were not getting regular preventive care, like cancer screenings and vaccinations, insurers are now required to cover recommended preventive care without any co-pay charges. The catch is that you have to get a new plan after the passage of healthcare.

If you are thinking about looking into new plans for the extra coverage, you may see higher premiums when you run health insurance quotes in Texas now. Weigh that against what it would cost you to pay for preventive care out of your own pocket before you make a decision. Most importantly, do not cancel your old policy until your new Texas health insurance is effective. Adults with pre-existing conditions will not be guaranteed coverage until 2014!

Can The U.S. Afford Health Insurance For Texas?

If you were part of the middle class in 2000 earning between $50,000 and $75,000, you gave the same share of your income to the IRS as the people who made more than $87 million. Tax breaks for the wealthiest in the country just increased again in 2007.

In countries in Europe, residents may pay taxes as high as 50 percent of their income, but they are guaranteed free healthcare and a college education, including books. The people of Denmark were singled out in a Frontline documentary because more people there reported they were happy with state of their lives than people in any other country. Danes pay some of the highest taxes in the world, but they enjoy the security they feel and trust in their future.

In the U.S., states like Texas are waging war over healthcare, including expanding Medicaid to help people under 65 who are struggling with incomes at or below 133 percent of the federal poverty line. With the recession, Medicaid enrollment surged and that spending rose at the highest rate in eight years, according to the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation.

What Is The Future Of Texas Health Insurance Plans?

New requirements that will cover more adults in Texas are scheduled to kick in by 2014, such as the Texas health insurance state exchange. The idea there was to offer more citizens coverage similar to what those in Congress already enjoy. The federal government will provide the initial funding, but states like Texas will eventually have to maintain their exchanges.

After gaining ground in the November 2010 election, Texas Republicans proposed to drop out of the federal Medicaid program. What will happen to the 3.6 million children, people with disabilities and impoverished Texans now enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP?

This battle goes far beyond the state of Texas having to spend money to protect citizens with health insurance in Texas. Why would Republican state legislators try to deny Texans billions in federal tax dollars?

Texas Health Insurance: Children Win In The War Over Healthcare is a post from: Healt Articles

How to do it: Dissolve a quarter teaspoon of salt in a half cup of warm water, and fill a nasal-spray bottle with the solution. Spritz twice into each nostril, then have your child blow his nose into a tissue. (If your child is too young to blow, use a bulb syringe to suction out the fluid.)

Why it works: Salt water loosens thick mucus, making it easier to discharge from the nose, and restores the natural moisture of the inner membranes.

When to call the doctor: If you think your child may have an ear or sinus infection. (Symptoms include a fever, persistent cough, earache, or yellow or green nasal secretions.)

10 Health Tricks Every Parent Must Know is a post from: Healt Articles