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Women's Health
| If you're a victim of abuse or violence at the hands of someone you know or love or you are recovering from an assault by a stranger, you are not alone. To get immediate help and support call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673. |
Other Links
Healthy Living with MS -
Food for Thought: MS and Nutrition
Helping yourself to a healthier life
MS is an unpredictable disease that affects each person
differently. But a person’s quality of life can often be
improved by focusing on those aspects of health that can
be changed. Good health has a lot to do with what you
put on your plate at every meal, so diet is an area where
you can be in control.
Nutrition basics
Eating for good health is as simple as A-B-C.
· Aim for fitness
Make a healthy weight your target. There are many
reasons why a person with MS may gain or lose weight—
but controlling weight is the same story for everyone:
Watch the calories and do regular physical activity.
Calories are a measure of the energy locked inside the
carbohydrates, fats, and proteins found in foods. This
energy fuels our body but what we don’t use gets stored
as fat, and over time results in extra weight.
Physical activity and good nutrition are perfect partners in
managing weight. Not only does physical activity burn
calories, it can help you:
— Make the most of your potential muscle strength, or
even build strength, depending on your program.
— Increase your endurance.
— Maximize range of motion and joint flexibility.
— Strengthen your heart.
— Decrease feelings of fatigue. (Really. Even with MS.)
— Decrease symptoms of depression.
— Maintain regular bowel and bladder functions.
— Minimize the risk of skin breakdown and irritation.
— Protect your weight-bearing bone mass.
High fat foods and uncontrolled portion sizes are leading
contributors to weight gain. High-fat foods contain more
calories per portion than their carbohydrate or protein
counterparts. To cut back on calories look at ways to trim
the fat. Also, keep tabs on portion sizes. Do a little
measuring with raw rice or water to see what 1/2 cup
really looks like. If your portion sizes have crept way up,
you may want to switch to smaller plates and bowls.
More.......
Food for Thought: MS and Nutrition
Helping yourself to a healthier life
MS is an unpredictable disease that affects each person
differently. But a person’s quality of life can often be
improved by focusing on those aspects of health that can
be changed. Good health has a lot to do with what you
put on your plate at every meal, so diet is an area where
you can be in control.
Nutrition basics
Eating for good health is as simple as A-B-C.
· Aim for fitness
Make a healthy weight your target. There are many
reasons why a person with MS may gain or lose weight—
but controlling weight is the same story for everyone:
Watch the calories and do regular physical activity.
Calories are a measure of the energy locked inside the
carbohydrates, fats, and proteins found in foods. This
energy fuels our body but what we don’t use gets stored
as fat, and over time results in extra weight.
Physical activity and good nutrition are perfect partners in
managing weight. Not only does physical activity burn
calories, it can help you:
— Make the most of your potential muscle strength, or
even build strength, depending on your program.
— Increase your endurance.
— Maximize range of motion and joint flexibility.
— Strengthen your heart.
— Decrease feelings of fatigue. (Really. Even with MS.)
— Decrease symptoms of depression.
— Maintain regular bowel and bladder functions.
— Minimize the risk of skin breakdown and irritation.
— Protect your weight-bearing bone mass.
High fat foods and uncontrolled portion sizes are leading
contributors to weight gain. High-fat foods contain more
calories per portion than their carbohydrate or protein
counterparts. To cut back on calories look at ways to trim
the fat. Also, keep tabs on portion sizes. Do a little
measuring with raw rice or water to see what 1/2 cup
really looks like. If your portion sizes have crept way up,
you may want to switch to smaller plates and bowls.
More.......
Hepatitis
You've probably heard
warnings about
hepatitis, a category of
viral infections that can
cause serious liver
damage and even lead
to death. Hepatitis
literally means
inflammation of the
liver (hepa = liver; it is
= inflammation).
If you're having
trouble keeping up
with the alphabet
soup of the different
types of the virus
you're not alone.
There are six main
types: A, B, C, D, E and
G. For the most part,
however, you need to
concern yourself only
with hepatitis A virus,
hepatitis B virus and
hepatitis C
virus-referred to as
HAV, HBV and HCV
respectively.
The hepatitis viruses
all cause acute
inflammation of the
liver, while some
infections related to
hepatitis B and C may
become chronic.
Although many
hepatitis infections do
not cause symptoms,
in those that do, the
leading symptoms are:
*jaundice (yellowing of
the skin and eyes)
*fatigue, malaise
*abdominal pain
*appetite loss
*nausea
*diarrhea
*vomiting
The good news is that
vaccines against
hepatitis A and
hepatitis B have been
introduced in the last
20 years. The U.S.
Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention
(CDC) recommends
that all children under
18 be vaccinated
against hepatitis B
(HBV), and that those
at risk for either
infection get the
appropriate
vaccination.
More...
You've probably heard
warnings about
hepatitis, a category of
viral infections that can
cause serious liver
damage and even lead
to death. Hepatitis
literally means
inflammation of the
liver (hepa = liver; it is
= inflammation).
If you're having
trouble keeping up
with the alphabet
soup of the different
types of the virus
you're not alone.
There are six main
types: A, B, C, D, E and
G. For the most part,
however, you need to
concern yourself only
with hepatitis A virus,
hepatitis B virus and
hepatitis C
virus-referred to as
HAV, HBV and HCV
respectively.
The hepatitis viruses
all cause acute
inflammation of the
liver, while some
infections related to
hepatitis B and C may
become chronic.
Although many
hepatitis infections do
not cause symptoms,
in those that do, the
leading symptoms are:
*jaundice (yellowing of
the skin and eyes)
*fatigue, malaise
*abdominal pain
*appetite loss
*nausea
*diarrhea
*vomiting
The good news is that
vaccines against
hepatitis A and
hepatitis B have been
introduced in the last
20 years. The U.S.
Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention
(CDC) recommends
that all children under
18 be vaccinated
against hepatitis B
(HBV), and that those
at risk for either
infection get the
appropriate
vaccination.
More...
Irritable Bowel
Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome
(IBS) is a common medical
disorder that is
characterized by chronic
abdominal discomfort or
pain, bloating and changes
in bowel habits. The
abdominal pain or cramping
can be a dull ache but, for
some women, it can be
intolerable and without
relief. It can also lead to a
tired feeling and even mild
depression.
Some people with IBS
suffer from constipation,
others from diarrhea and
some experience bouts of
both. Symptoms associated
with IBS include bloating,
passage of mucus or
straining with bowel
movements, a sense of
incomplete evacuation after
bowel movements, or a
sense of urgency to move
the bowels.
According to the
International Foundation
for Functional
Gastrointestinal Disorders
(IFFGD), as many as 20
percent of all US adults
experience symptoms of
IBS, which may involve an
abnormality of the
contractions of the colon,
as well as an increased
sensitivity of the nerves in
the colon. The syndrome
can affect men and women
of all ages, but it most
often strikes younger
women. The condition
generally appears first in
people in their 20s to 40s,
and women are roughly
three times more likely than
men to suffer from it.
Women with IBS seem to
have more symptoms
during their menstrual
periods, suggesting that
reproductive hormones may
play a role in this disorder.
IBS is a major women's
health issue. Data reveal
an increased risk of
unnecessary surgery for
extra-abdominal and
abdominal surgery in IBS
patients, according to the
IFFGD. For example,
hysterectomy or ovarian
surgery has been reported
in as many as 47 to 55
percent of female patients
with IBS.
"Syndrome" refers to a
collection of symptoms, not
just one or two. IBS is
considered a "functional
disorder" because there is
no sign of structural
disease on standard
medical tests. It can strike
otherwise healthy people.
The causes are not well
understood but are likely
multiple, including:
biological, psychological
and social factors.
Some IBS patients report
that their symptoms appear
to have originated shortly
after a bacterial infection,
such as severe
gastroenteritis. Clinicians
have recognized this
"post-infective IBS" for
many years and there is
increasing evidence that, in
at least a subset of
patients, infection and
inflammation may play key
roles in symptoms. These
symptoms can last for
months to years after the
infection and inflammation
improve.
More....
Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome
(IBS) is a common medical
disorder that is
characterized by chronic
abdominal discomfort or
pain, bloating and changes
in bowel habits. The
abdominal pain or cramping
can be a dull ache but, for
some women, it can be
intolerable and without
relief. It can also lead to a
tired feeling and even mild
depression.
Some people with IBS
suffer from constipation,
others from diarrhea and
some experience bouts of
both. Symptoms associated
with IBS include bloating,
passage of mucus or
straining with bowel
movements, a sense of
incomplete evacuation after
bowel movements, or a
sense of urgency to move
the bowels.
According to the
International Foundation
for Functional
Gastrointestinal Disorders
(IFFGD), as many as 20
percent of all US adults
experience symptoms of
IBS, which may involve an
abnormality of the
contractions of the colon,
as well as an increased
sensitivity of the nerves in
the colon. The syndrome
can affect men and women
of all ages, but it most
often strikes younger
women. The condition
generally appears first in
people in their 20s to 40s,
and women are roughly
three times more likely than
men to suffer from it.
Women with IBS seem to
have more symptoms
during their menstrual
periods, suggesting that
reproductive hormones may
play a role in this disorder.
IBS is a major women's
health issue. Data reveal
an increased risk of
unnecessary surgery for
extra-abdominal and
abdominal surgery in IBS
patients, according to the
IFFGD. For example,
hysterectomy or ovarian
surgery has been reported
in as many as 47 to 55
percent of female patients
with IBS.
"Syndrome" refers to a
collection of symptoms, not
just one or two. IBS is
considered a "functional
disorder" because there is
no sign of structural
disease on standard
medical tests. It can strike
otherwise healthy people.
The causes are not well
understood but are likely
multiple, including:
biological, psychological
and social factors.
Some IBS patients report
that their symptoms appear
to have originated shortly
after a bacterial infection,
such as severe
gastroenteritis. Clinicians
have recognized this
"post-infective IBS" for
many years and there is
increasing evidence that, in
at least a subset of
patients, infection and
inflammation may play key
roles in symptoms. These
symptoms can last for
months to years after the
infection and inflammation
improve.
More....
Date Rape
When people think of rape, they might think of a stranger
jumping out of a shadowy place and sexually attacking
someone. But it's not only strangers who rape. In fact,
about half of all people who are raped know the person
who attacked them.
Most friendships, acquaintances, and dates never lead to
violence, of course. But, sadly, sometimes it happens.
When forced sex occurs between two people who already
know each other, it is known as date rape or
acquaintance rape.
Even if the two people know each other well, and even if
they were intimate or had sex before, no one has the
right to force a sexual act on another person against his
or her will.
Girls and women are most often raped, but guys can also
be raped: 7% to 10% of rape victims are male.
Even though rape involves forced sex, rape is not about
sex or passion. Rape has nothing to do with love. Rape is
an act of aggression and violence.
You may hear some people say that those who have been
raped were somehow "asking for it" because of the
clothes they wore or the way they acted. That's wrong:
The person who is raped is not to blame. Rape is always
the fault of the rapist. And that's also the case when two
people are dating - or even in an intimate relationship.
One person never owes the other person sex. If sex is
forced against someone's will, that's rape.
Healthy relationships involve respect - including respect
for the feelings of others. Someone who really cares about
you will respect your wishes and not force or pressure you
to have sex.
More....
When people think of rape, they might think of a stranger
jumping out of a shadowy place and sexually attacking
someone. But it's not only strangers who rape. In fact,
about half of all people who are raped know the person
who attacked them.
Most friendships, acquaintances, and dates never lead to
violence, of course. But, sadly, sometimes it happens.
When forced sex occurs between two people who already
know each other, it is known as date rape or
acquaintance rape.
Even if the two people know each other well, and even if
they were intimate or had sex before, no one has the
right to force a sexual act on another person against his
or her will.
Girls and women are most often raped, but guys can also
be raped: 7% to 10% of rape victims are male.
Even though rape involves forced sex, rape is not about
sex or passion. Rape has nothing to do with love. Rape is
an act of aggression and violence.
You may hear some people say that those who have been
raped were somehow "asking for it" because of the
clothes they wore or the way they acted. That's wrong:
The person who is raped is not to blame. Rape is always
the fault of the rapist. And that's also the case when two
people are dating - or even in an intimate relationship.
One person never owes the other person sex. If sex is
forced against someone's will, that's rape.
Healthy relationships involve respect - including respect
for the feelings of others. Someone who really cares about
you will respect your wishes and not force or pressure you
to have sex.
More....
Endometriosis
Anne had never had problems with her periods the way
some of her friends did. But over time her periods started
getting so painful that she dreaded their arrival. Every
month for a few days she would curl up on the couch with
a heating pad and take a pain reliever. The cramps
eventually became so bad that she was missing school a
couple of days a month, and the pain even started
happening between periods.
Anne's doctor thought Anne might have endometriosis. So
she referred her to a specialist in treating this condition.
What Is Endometriosis?
When a woman has endometriosis, tissue that looks and
acts like the lining of the uterus starts growing outside the
uterus. The most common locations for these growths —
called endometrial implants — are the outside surface of
the uterus, the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, the ligaments
that support the uterus, the intestines, the bladder, the
internal area between the vagina and rectum, and the
lining of the pelvic cavity.
Endometriosis affects more than 5 million American
women, including teen girls. It's not always diagnosed
right away in teens because at first they or their doctors
assume that their painful periods are a normal part of
menstruating. But continuing, excessive pain that limits
activity isn't normal and should always be taken seriously.
Because severe endometriosis can make it complicated for
a girl to have children in the future, it's a good idea to get
medical help for endometriosis and not wait too long.
To understand why endometriosis causes problems, it
helps to have a basic understanding of how the monthly
menstrual cycle works: During the course of each cycle,
the lining of a woman's uterus builds up with blood
vessels and tissue. This happens because the uterus is
getting ready to receive the egg that will be released from
one of the ovaries. If the egg isn't fertilized by sperm, the
uterus sheds the tissue and blood; this is the menstrual
period. This entire process is controlled by the female sex
hormones and usually takes about 28 to 30 days.
Because the abnormal growths associated with
endometriosis are made up of the same kind of tissue and
blood vessels found in the uterine lining, any endometrial
implants will act just like the endometrium in the uterus.
That means they respond in the same way to the
hormonal changes of the menstrual cycle.
However, in the uterus, if the egg isn't fertilized, the extra
tissue and blood leave a girl's body in the form of
menstrual fluid. With endometriosis, though, there's
nowhere for the accumulating blood and tissue to go once
the implants start to break down. For this reason, the
implants usually become somewhat larger with each cycle,
and the symptoms of endometriosis tend to become more
painful over time.
What Causes Endometriosis?
Doctors aren't sure what causes endometriosis. They do
know that it is slightly more common in teens and women
who have a family member who has been diagnosed with
endometriosis.
There are several theories about how the endometrial
tissue actually gets outside the uterus in the first place.
One theory suggests that the menstrual blood flow
somehow "backs up" into the fallopian tubes, carrying
some tissue from the uterine lining with it. In effect, the
tissue gets transplanted and starts growing outside the
uterus.
Another theory is that endometrial tissue cells travel out
of the uterus through blood or lymph vessels, and then
start growing in the new locations where they're
deposited. Yet another theory suggests that some girls
are born with "misplaced" cells that can turn into
endometrial implants later in life. Scientists continue to
research the condition to help doctors fully understand
and treat it.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms?
The most common sign of endometriosis is severe pelvic
(lower abdominal) pain. It may occur occasionally or
constantly, and it may be associated with a girl's period.
Although slight cramps for a couple of days before or
during a menstrual period are normal, lasting or intense
pain that disrupts a person's day is not. With
endometriosis, the pain is usually so bad that it causes a
girl to miss school, sports, and social activities.
Other possible symptoms include:
* pelvic pain that gets worse after sex, or after a pelvic
exam
* a very heavy period
* lower back pain
* constipation, diarrhea, or feeling pain or seeing blood
when going to the bathroom (endometrial implants can
press on some of the organs involved in getting waste out
of the body, such as the bladder, intestines, and rectum)
If a girl notices these symptoms, it doesn't necessarily
mean that she has endometriosis. Lots of other things —
like an infection — may cause similar symptoms. But it's
important to see a doctor right away if you notice these
symptoms. If you haven't been examined by a
gynecologist for the first time yet, this is a good time.
More.....
Anne had never had problems with her periods the way
some of her friends did. But over time her periods started
getting so painful that she dreaded their arrival. Every
month for a few days she would curl up on the couch with
a heating pad and take a pain reliever. The cramps
eventually became so bad that she was missing school a
couple of days a month, and the pain even started
happening between periods.
Anne's doctor thought Anne might have endometriosis. So
she referred her to a specialist in treating this condition.
What Is Endometriosis?
When a woman has endometriosis, tissue that looks and
acts like the lining of the uterus starts growing outside the
uterus. The most common locations for these growths —
called endometrial implants — are the outside surface of
the uterus, the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, the ligaments
that support the uterus, the intestines, the bladder, the
internal area between the vagina and rectum, and the
lining of the pelvic cavity.
Endometriosis affects more than 5 million American
women, including teen girls. It's not always diagnosed
right away in teens because at first they or their doctors
assume that their painful periods are a normal part of
menstruating. But continuing, excessive pain that limits
activity isn't normal and should always be taken seriously.
Because severe endometriosis can make it complicated for
a girl to have children in the future, it's a good idea to get
medical help for endometriosis and not wait too long.
To understand why endometriosis causes problems, it
helps to have a basic understanding of how the monthly
menstrual cycle works: During the course of each cycle,
the lining of a woman's uterus builds up with blood
vessels and tissue. This happens because the uterus is
getting ready to receive the egg that will be released from
one of the ovaries. If the egg isn't fertilized by sperm, the
uterus sheds the tissue and blood; this is the menstrual
period. This entire process is controlled by the female sex
hormones and usually takes about 28 to 30 days.
Because the abnormal growths associated with
endometriosis are made up of the same kind of tissue and
blood vessels found in the uterine lining, any endometrial
implants will act just like the endometrium in the uterus.
That means they respond in the same way to the
hormonal changes of the menstrual cycle.
However, in the uterus, if the egg isn't fertilized, the extra
tissue and blood leave a girl's body in the form of
menstrual fluid. With endometriosis, though, there's
nowhere for the accumulating blood and tissue to go once
the implants start to break down. For this reason, the
implants usually become somewhat larger with each cycle,
and the symptoms of endometriosis tend to become more
painful over time.
What Causes Endometriosis?
Doctors aren't sure what causes endometriosis. They do
know that it is slightly more common in teens and women
who have a family member who has been diagnosed with
endometriosis.
There are several theories about how the endometrial
tissue actually gets outside the uterus in the first place.
One theory suggests that the menstrual blood flow
somehow "backs up" into the fallopian tubes, carrying
some tissue from the uterine lining with it. In effect, the
tissue gets transplanted and starts growing outside the
uterus.
Another theory is that endometrial tissue cells travel out
of the uterus through blood or lymph vessels, and then
start growing in the new locations where they're
deposited. Yet another theory suggests that some girls
are born with "misplaced" cells that can turn into
endometrial implants later in life. Scientists continue to
research the condition to help doctors fully understand
and treat it.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms?
The most common sign of endometriosis is severe pelvic
(lower abdominal) pain. It may occur occasionally or
constantly, and it may be associated with a girl's period.
Although slight cramps for a couple of days before or
during a menstrual period are normal, lasting or intense
pain that disrupts a person's day is not. With
endometriosis, the pain is usually so bad that it causes a
girl to miss school, sports, and social activities.
Other possible symptoms include:
* pelvic pain that gets worse after sex, or after a pelvic
exam
* a very heavy period
* lower back pain
* constipation, diarrhea, or feeling pain or seeing blood
when going to the bathroom (endometrial implants can
press on some of the organs involved in getting waste out
of the body, such as the bladder, intestines, and rectum)
If a girl notices these symptoms, it doesn't necessarily
mean that she has endometriosis. Lots of other things —
like an infection — may cause similar symptoms. But it's
important to see a doctor right away if you notice these
symptoms. If you haven't been examined by a
gynecologist for the first time yet, this is a good time.
More.....
What's in
cosmetics?
Fragrances and
preservatives are the
main ingredients in
cosmetics. Fragrances
are the most common
cause of skin
problems. More than
5,000 different kinds
are used in products.
Products marked
“fragrance-free” or
“without perfume”
means that no
fragrances have been
added to make the
product smell good.
Preservatives in
cosmetics are the
second most common
cause of skin
problems. They
prevent bacteria and
fungus from growing in
the product and
protect products from
damage caused by air
or light. But
preservatives can also
cause the skin to
become irritated and
infected. Some
examples of
preservatives are:
* paraben
* imidazolidinyl urea
* Quaternium-15
* DMDM hydantoin
* phenoxyethanol
* formaldehyde
The ingredients below
cannot be used, or
their use is limited, in
cosmetics. They may
cause cancer or other
serious health
problems.
* bithionol
* mercury compounds
* vinyl chloride
* halogenated
salicyanilides
* zirconium complexes
in aerosol sprays
* chloroform
* methylene chloride
* chlorofluorocarbon
propellants
* hexachlorophene
More on cosmetics
cosmetics?
Fragrances and
preservatives are the
main ingredients in
cosmetics. Fragrances
are the most common
cause of skin
problems. More than
5,000 different kinds
are used in products.
Products marked
“fragrance-free” or
“without perfume”
means that no
fragrances have been
added to make the
product smell good.
Preservatives in
cosmetics are the
second most common
cause of skin
problems. They
prevent bacteria and
fungus from growing in
the product and
protect products from
damage caused by air
or light. But
preservatives can also
cause the skin to
become irritated and
infected. Some
examples of
preservatives are:
* paraben
* imidazolidinyl urea
* Quaternium-15
* DMDM hydantoin
* phenoxyethanol
* formaldehyde
The ingredients below
cannot be used, or
their use is limited, in
cosmetics. They may
cause cancer or other
serious health
problems.
* bithionol
* mercury compounds
* vinyl chloride
* halogenated
salicyanilides
* zirconium complexes
in aerosol sprays
* chloroform
* methylene chloride
* chlorofluorocarbon
propellants
* hexachlorophene
More on cosmetics
Fitness Begins at Home
SATURDAY, Jan. 5
(HealthDay News) -- Better
health in the New Year may
top your resolution list, and
you don't even need a gym
membership to get there,
one expert says.
Purchasing the correct
home equipment, being
creative and boosting your
motivation to work out at
and around the house can
all help you reach your
goals.
"Traditionally, the number
one New Year's resolution
is to lose weight, but it
should not necessarily only
be that. It should be
improving your fitness, and
losing weight may be part
of that," Colleen Greene,
wellness coordinator with
MFit, the University of
Michigan Health System's
health promotion division,
said in a prepared
statement.
Greene offered seven tips
to help people get started
with better health this year:
* Check with your doctor to
find out if you are able to
start a new fitness routine
and schedule a visit with a
physical trainer to get a
baseline measure of your
strength, flexibility and
endurance.
* Buy the correct
equipment to meet the
goals you set once you
know what your baseline
health and fitness levels
are. Buy hand weights to
build tone and strength. On
the other hand, a treadmill
will help with heart health
and endurance, said
Greene.
* Creative use of
household items may cut
costs. A can of soup can be
used as a weight for
repetition. Certain fitness
programs focus on using
your own body to provide
resistance.
* Get outside. Many
outdoor activities, from
cross-country skiing to
playing with children, are
great ways to increase
physical activity.
* Get support from friends
and family. According to
Greene, it is helpful to have
a friend to work out with --
and just as welcome to
have a family member who
is willing to watch the baby
or wash the dishes while
you take a walk.
* Add some variety to your
routine. This helps prevent
injury and prevents
boredom from eating away
at your resolve.
* Be realistic about weight
loss. Losing one or two
pounds a week is
reasonable, but it might
take a while to see the
effects, said Greene. Find
other ways to feel good
about your efforts, such as
feeling better in your
clothes or having more
energy through the day.
Greene noted that people
should get 20 minutes to
30 minutes of
cardiovascular activity five
or six days a week, but
strength training is also an
important part of staying fit.
More information
There's more on healthy
exercise at Get Fit! The
President's Challenge.
SATURDAY, Jan. 5
(HealthDay News) -- Better
health in the New Year may
top your resolution list, and
you don't even need a gym
membership to get there,
one expert says.
Purchasing the correct
home equipment, being
creative and boosting your
motivation to work out at
and around the house can
all help you reach your
goals.
"Traditionally, the number
one New Year's resolution
is to lose weight, but it
should not necessarily only
be that. It should be
improving your fitness, and
losing weight may be part
of that," Colleen Greene,
wellness coordinator with
MFit, the University of
Michigan Health System's
health promotion division,
said in a prepared
statement.
Greene offered seven tips
to help people get started
with better health this year:
* Check with your doctor to
find out if you are able to
start a new fitness routine
and schedule a visit with a
physical trainer to get a
baseline measure of your
strength, flexibility and
endurance.
* Buy the correct
equipment to meet the
goals you set once you
know what your baseline
health and fitness levels
are. Buy hand weights to
build tone and strength. On
the other hand, a treadmill
will help with heart health
and endurance, said
Greene.
* Creative use of
household items may cut
costs. A can of soup can be
used as a weight for
repetition. Certain fitness
programs focus on using
your own body to provide
resistance.
* Get outside. Many
outdoor activities, from
cross-country skiing to
playing with children, are
great ways to increase
physical activity.
* Get support from friends
and family. According to
Greene, it is helpful to have
a friend to work out with --
and just as welcome to
have a family member who
is willing to watch the baby
or wash the dishes while
you take a walk.
* Add some variety to your
routine. This helps prevent
injury and prevents
boredom from eating away
at your resolve.
* Be realistic about weight
loss. Losing one or two
pounds a week is
reasonable, but it might
take a while to see the
effects, said Greene. Find
other ways to feel good
about your efforts, such as
feeling better in your
clothes or having more
energy through the day.
Greene noted that people
should get 20 minutes to
30 minutes of
cardiovascular activity five
or six days a week, but
strength training is also an
important part of staying fit.
More information
There's more on healthy
exercise at Get Fit! The
President's Challenge.
Top 10 Diet and
Nutrition
Resolutions
The best ways to lose
weight and eat
healthfully in the new
year
By Kathleen M.
Zelman, MPH, RD, LD
WebMD Weight Loss
Clinic-Feature
Reviewed by Louise
Chang, MD
It's resolution time
again, and first on
your list is to lose
weight and eat more
healthfully. But how
exactly do you go
about doing that --
and how do you keep
yourself from becoming
a resolution dropout
once Feb. 1 rolls
around?
To draw up a list of the
absolute best diet and
nutrition resolutions, I
consulted weight loss
experts around the
country. Here are their
suggestions for some
tried-and-true -- and
very doable --
behavior changes that
will help you lose
weight.
1. Stack the odds in
your favor. We all have
our own particular
strengths and
weaknesses.
Katherine Tallmadge,
MA, RD, advises
playing up your
strengths and making
a plan to avoid getting
sidetracked by your
weaknesses. Don't
simply wish you could
do better this time --
take concrete steps to
ensure that you do,
says Tallmadge,
author of Diet Simple.
For example:
* If you reach for
high-calorie foods
because they're
convenient, make sure
you have healthy
alternatives available.
Go grocery shopping
at least weekly to
stock up on
wholesome foods.
Keep a list so you
have enough for the
week.
* If you're a social
eater, plan non-food
events with your
friends. Take walks, go
sightseeing, go to a
movie or take a hike.
2. Get the rest you
need. Susan Moores,
MS, RD, a nutrition
consultant from St.
Paul, Minn., is excited
about recent research
on the hormonal
effects that sleep
deprivation can have
on appetite. Hers is a
resolution you don't
see often -- and one
most people will
welcome hearing.
More....
Nutrition
Resolutions
The best ways to lose
weight and eat
healthfully in the new
year
By Kathleen M.
Zelman, MPH, RD, LD
WebMD Weight Loss
Clinic-Feature
Reviewed by Louise
Chang, MD
It's resolution time
again, and first on
your list is to lose
weight and eat more
healthfully. But how
exactly do you go
about doing that --
and how do you keep
yourself from becoming
a resolution dropout
once Feb. 1 rolls
around?
To draw up a list of the
absolute best diet and
nutrition resolutions, I
consulted weight loss
experts around the
country. Here are their
suggestions for some
tried-and-true -- and
very doable --
behavior changes that
will help you lose
weight.
1. Stack the odds in
your favor. We all have
our own particular
strengths and
weaknesses.
Katherine Tallmadge,
MA, RD, advises
playing up your
strengths and making
a plan to avoid getting
sidetracked by your
weaknesses. Don't
simply wish you could
do better this time --
take concrete steps to
ensure that you do,
says Tallmadge,
author of Diet Simple.
For example:
* If you reach for
high-calorie foods
because they're
convenient, make sure
you have healthy
alternatives available.
Go grocery shopping
at least weekly to
stock up on
wholesome foods.
Keep a list so you
have enough for the
week.
* If you're a social
eater, plan non-food
events with your
friends. Take walks, go
sightseeing, go to a
movie or take a hike.
2. Get the rest you
need. Susan Moores,
MS, RD, a nutrition
consultant from St.
Paul, Minn., is excited
about recent research
on the hormonal
effects that sleep
deprivation can have
on appetite. Hers is a
resolution you don't
see often -- and one
most people will
welcome hearing.
More....
|
Shingles - Topic Overview
What is shingles?
Shingles (herpes zoster) is a viral infection of the nerve
roots. It causes pain and often causes a rash on one side
of the body, the left or right. The rash appears in a band,
a strip, or a small area. Shingles is most common in older
adults and people who have weak immune systems
because of stress, injury, certain medicines, or other
reasons. Most people who get shingles will get better and
will not get it again.
What causes shingles?
Shingles occurs when the virus that causes chickenpox
starts up again in your body. After you get better from
chickenpox, the virus "sleeps" (is dormant) in your nerve
roots. In some people, it stays dormant forever. In others,
the virus "wakes up" when disease, stress, or aging
weakens the immune system. It is not clear why this
happens. But after the virus becomes active again, it can
only cause shingles, not chickenpox.
You can't catch shingles from someone else who has
shingles.
What are the symptoms?
Shingles symptoms happen in stages. At first you may
have a headache or be sensitive to light. You may also
feel like you have the flu but not have a fever.
Later, you may feel itching, tingling, or pain in a certain
area. That’s where a band, strip, or small area of rash may
occur a few days later. The rash turns into clusters of
blisters. The blisters fill with fluid and then crust over. It
takes 2 to 4 weeks for the blisters to heal, and they may
leave scars. Some people only get a mild rash, and some
do not get a rash at all.
More....
What is shingles?
Shingles (herpes zoster) is a viral infection of the nerve
roots. It causes pain and often causes a rash on one side
of the body, the left or right. The rash appears in a band,
a strip, or a small area. Shingles is most common in older
adults and people who have weak immune systems
because of stress, injury, certain medicines, or other
reasons. Most people who get shingles will get better and
will not get it again.
What causes shingles?
Shingles occurs when the virus that causes chickenpox
starts up again in your body. After you get better from
chickenpox, the virus "sleeps" (is dormant) in your nerve
roots. In some people, it stays dormant forever. In others,
the virus "wakes up" when disease, stress, or aging
weakens the immune system. It is not clear why this
happens. But after the virus becomes active again, it can
only cause shingles, not chickenpox.
You can't catch shingles from someone else who has
shingles.
What are the symptoms?
Shingles symptoms happen in stages. At first you may
have a headache or be sensitive to light. You may also
feel like you have the flu but not have a fever.
Later, you may feel itching, tingling, or pain in a certain
area. That’s where a band, strip, or small area of rash may
occur a few days later. The rash turns into clusters of
blisters. The blisters fill with fluid and then crust over. It
takes 2 to 4 weeks for the blisters to heal, and they may
leave scars. Some people only get a mild rash, and some
do not get a rash at all.
More....