Thursday, November 29, 2007

Internet Health

The news today has simply been sad. I've been listening all day about crimes related to the Internet. Everything I've heard is a terrible indication of the unhealthy state of cyberspace. That unhealthy state is very reflective of a terribly unhealthy, restless and misguided society.

I realize it's much more complex than that; it's not the fault of the Internet - or could it be? Either way, worldwide use of the internet opens up a Pandora’s Box of illness. I have to think it also contributes.

So far the news today involves the poor victim of internet abuse who hung herself, child internet pornography found in the basement of a deceased sexual development counselor and the possible death of a teen, Emily Sanders, who was met at a bar by an internet "friend" and is yet to be located.

Many things come to mind about the overall health of our society and the mental health of our youth when I hear these tragic reports. First of all, if you're a parent, it's time to get involved, very involved with your children. You absolutely have to learn who they're speaking with on the Internet. More importantly, it's time to get away from the computer and encourage face to face socialization and friendship.

There are programs available for purchase that allow you to track conversations as well as site visits that your children or family members are conducting on the Internet. It might be a worthwhile investment to have one installed.

Take the time to set limits on what your child is allowed to do on the Internet. Use parental controls and block access to sites. I'm not so sure MySpace is a good thing. I'm beginning to think that social chatting over the internet should be entirely discouraged. The Internet should provide a vehicle for sharing and unity and a chance to experience cultural diversity. Obviously, we, as a society are not ready to use it toward enough good.

I'm not saying this should never be done. I realize for instance that dating websites have put many people together. It's just time to be really smart about how we use the Internet.

If anyone has experienced chatting or e-mails that are bullying or aggressive, I think it's important to talk to someone about it. It's possible that many a dreg of society could be recognized and halted before he or she does harm. If we all get a bit smarter and start paying attention to what a healthy balance in life is all about maybe some of the tragedy can be reversed. At this rate, it's only going to get a lot worse.

We sit in front of the TV and computer while the world around us is disintegrating. We don't care about that because we're no longer looking. We've lost our connection to core values, to mother earth and to the meaning of love and life. I'm convinced that things are very out of balance.

I'm out of here. I'm going for walk. Yes, I'll turn off the news. ◦
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Sunday, November 25, 2007

I've Been Tagged

This morning I was tagged by my friend at CatnipCorner to write seven random or weird facts about myself and then tag 7 more bloggers to do the same. If I've tagged you, here are the rules:

Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog. Share seven random and/or weird facts about yourself. Tag seven random people at the end of your post, and include links to their blogs. Let each person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

Here's my random/weirdness(es) then:

I love nature.
I love to sail. I'm never happier than when I'm on the water.
I can't kill a bug, not any.
I am very silly.
I use an old fashioned push mower on the lawn.
I've never met a flower I didn't like, so my garden is highly disorganized.
My shoes and purse never match.

I've tagged.
Debasis Ray
Michael Dycus, Ph.D
Yang Town
Legal Thriller Blogspot
Mooqi Health Blog
The Deviant Attitude
Nutrition for Vegheads
The Rogue Professor's Blog
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Sunday, November 18, 2007

Adenovirus Type 14. The Lethal Cold Virus

A lethal virus that causes cold symptoms and severe pneumonia has been responsible for several deaths in the United States. This virus can prove fatal even for healthy individuals with no medical problems

Officials from the Center for Disease Control are calling the virus "challenging". It is much more virulent than past strains of the adenovirus. Adenovirus expert Gregory C. Gray, MD, MPH is calling it a "mystery" and is concerned about the "uniqueness" of this particular strain.

The virus has been seen in four States and has caused ten deaths. It was first documented in New York in May 2006 when the virus killed a 12 day old infant.

Adenovirus 14 has been seen in Oregon when patients with severe pneumonia sought treatment in April of this year at the same hospital. Seven of the thirty people treated died.

May 2007, four patients were treated from the same residential facility in Washington State. One patient died who also had AIDS. The three survivors had adenovirus, or Ad 14.

Recruits at Lackland Air Force Base were found to have AD14 in February 2007. Twenty seven recruits tested positive between February and June; one died and five were treated in the ICU. Six of 218 healthcare workers who treated the recruits tested positive for Ad14. No test results are available past September.

One of the common elements associated with this virus is obesity. Other inflammatory disease of the lungs complicates the illness.

Since most laboratories can't test for the virus, and it's more active in the winter months it will be difficult to track the illness should it become epidemic. Testing is done by blood sampling, but most laboratories are not set up to perform the test, and the blood might need to be sent to a speciality lab for analysis.

The adenovirus has been around since the 1950's, but this strain is more potent and seems very different from the original adenosvirus.

It will be a medical challenge to closely monitor patients who have lingering respiratory symptoms. Laboratory testing is indicated for anyone with worsening cold symptoms. Intensive treatment is needed to treat the virus.

Watch yourself closely. Watch your children. Go to the doctor and get yourself to the doctor if you develop a severe cold in the coming months.

Be especially careful around others. Viruses are spread through coughing and sneezing. Adenovirus is common among children and can be found in feces. The virus lives for weeks on contaminated surfaces and can linger in swimming pools. Symptoms occur two to nine days after exposure.

Take good care of yourself. Seek medical care for your loved ones if you have any concerns. Get yourself treated if you have any suspicion that you may have been in contact with the adenovirus.

Other new posts:
Qigong for Neck Pain

Stretching is Shown to Increase Endurance
The eyes may be a reservoir for MRSA
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Friday, November 16, 2007

Random Acts of Kindness

I'm a member of BlogCatalog. On December 17th, participating BlogCatalog members are devoting themselves to acts of kindness.

The excitement and community input has been uplifting. BlogCatalog has members from all corners of the globe. What a wonderful way to spread good will. Kudos to the administrators for their promotion of such an endeavour.

Watch the video that this community has put together. Join in. How could this ever be anything but sooo right?



What do you think is most needed?

Tell me what you think. If you were the recipient of that act of kindness, would it open your eyes and heart? Would you believe that the world is indeed a better place because of this?

Please join us.

Here's a wonderful video from anoher member of BlogCatalog.

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Hypertension

High Blood Pressure Vaccine Shows Promise

There is a vaccine in the making to control hypertension. The vaccine works against angiotensin II by creating antibodies, and is effective for four months. It has been studied in persons with mild to moderate hypertension.

Drugs currently on the market to treat high blood pressure block the release of angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is a naturally occurring chemical that causes narrowing of the blood vessels. Angiotensin II also causes the release of the hormone Aldosterone. Aldosterone stimulates fluid and sodium retention in the body. Blocking the release of angiotensin allows the blood vessels to relax, or widen, providing an effective means of blood pressure control.

One problem is that medications wear off after 24 hours. Most cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke occur in the morning, when blood pressure tends to run highest. Another problem is that many people don't take their medication. Hypertension is difficult to control. It's estimated that only 25% of blood pressure problems are adequately treated.

Treatment with the vaccine, given in high doses, showed a significant reduction in both morning and daytime blood pressures. The study was conducted over a four month period.

The only side effects reported with the vaccine (CYT006-AngQb) was headache. Both the placebo and vaccinated group reported pain and redness at the injection site, an expected issue. Following the first injection, a strong antibody response to Angiotensin II was measureable.

Further research is necessary to refine the dosing. Hypertension also needs to be better understood, but the vaccine is reported as showing promise for treatment of a chronic and significant problem.

Ref: American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2007: Abstract 2519. Presented November 6, 2007.


Walk for Blood Pressure Control

High blood pressure problems seem to be worse in the winter months. The report comes from a study presented at the American Heart Association's 2007 Scientific Sessions.

Speculation suggests that blood pressure medication adjustments might be necessary during the cold season. It's not clear why this happens, but thoughts lean toward weight gain and lack of exercise as a possible culprit.

I would think that dietary intake might play a role. Fresh fruits and vegetables aren't as abundant in the winter months. Also, I don't know about you, but I'm sure my salt intake increases around the winter holidays. Canned goods, full of sodium make their way out of the cupboard during the winter months. We should all remember that frozen vegetables are a better dietary choice. Buy freshly canned fruits vegetables whenever possible.

This is a good time to reinforce the importance of maintaining a proper diet. Find ways to continue exercise even when the cold and damp arrives. Many people walk by going to the Mall. Walk for 30 minutes three times a week to maintain your weight, improve circulation and maintain a healthy immune system. Walking at your local Mall is great way to socialize, avoid costly gym membership and maintain health throughout the winter. Make a vow to yourself and please stay well as winter approaches.

About High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is on the rampage. It's estimated that by the year 2025 1.5 billion people will be diagnosed with high blood pressure - that's staggering. Present statistics estimate that 50 million people are affected with hypertension in the United States.

Many people think high blood pressure is cured with medication and stop their treatment when blood pressure values return to normal. Guidelines for blood pressure have changed in recent years. High blood pressure is not benign just because it doesn't always make people feel bad. Your blood pressure should be kept under control. Hypertension "silently" damages the kidney, heart and major blood vessels. Over time, every organ in the body is adversely affected when blood pressure levels are high. Once this happens, the damage that occurs cannot be reversed.

Blood pressure can be controlled by exercise, reducing salt intake, weight loss and limiting alcohol use, but people don't adhere to any of these. Medication treatment then becomes necessary, but not everyone responds the same to medication. High blood pressure is now being diagnosed in children!

Adult blood pressures need to be less than 140/90. If you have kidney disease, diabetes, coronary artery disease or other disease of the blood vessels, it should be less than 130/90. For those with heart failure it's advisable to lower blood pressure even further. In fact, blood pressures greater than 130/85 greatly increase your risk of heart disease.

Prevention is the best approach of course. Stop smoking, lose weight, eat healthy foods and hopefully you won't find yourself on multiple medications. Lose abdominal fat. Even if you're just a bit "pudgy" in the middle, thinning down around the waist yields great benefits for overall cardiovascular health, decreases your chances of being diagnosed with diabetes and reduces your risk of many other illnesses, such as cancer.

Helpful Link:
Hypertension – EverydayHealth.com
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Friday, November 9, 2007

Celestial Cows


This is just mind boggling.

I write about how you can take good care of your health. Eat right, watch your blood pressure, exercise, wash your hands, get a massage; then I read a story about a cow that "dove" off the cliff, falling onto someone's car. He weighed in at 600 pounds.

Though this isn't EXACTLY a health matter, it's worth discussing life's ironies. Certainly, a cow careening from the sky can be bad for your health.

You can really strive toward good health, explore prevention of illness, learn self help methods for existing problems, but I'm stumped about what you can do if a cow falls and hits your car. Talk about disempowerment.

I'm glad the couple was alright. They would have been killed had the cow not landed on their hood. Their guardian angel was watching. Otherwise, I hope the poor cow didn't suffer. ◦
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Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Exercise at Home.



11/16/07
Stretching is Found to Have Strengthening Benefits

Here's something just about anyone can do. S-T-R-E-T-C-H. Yes, simply stretching has been reported to help endurance and improve strength.

Start for forty minutes three times a week. It's a perfect solution if you have physical restraints that prevent you from conventional exercise routines such as walking or weight training. If you've just been discouraged about exercise for whatever reason you can start to feel good again.

A study published in the American College of Sports Medicine reports that stretching actually has some of the same benefits as weight training, though on a smaller scale.

You know you need exercise, but haven't been able to figure out a way to help yourself - try stretching. It's attainable, safe, doesn't require much space and doesn't require equipment or other expense. It can be done in privacy and I guarantee you'll feel better from just moving.

Incorporate stretching with synchronized breathing and feel better all over.

Helpful Link
Flexibility Series from My Fitness Hut

Yoga At Home

Here's a short Yoga Video that anyone can practice at home. If you wish you only have to repeat the moves as your endurance and desire for Yoga benefit increases.
Browse other videos using the menu button. Enjoy!






Exercise Downloads


I'm getting ready to download the ITrain Ballet program. I do Yoga regularly, but I really believe in changing things up a bit.

I've partnered with the ITrain website and am so excited about what they offer that I want to actually talk about it. If you're reading, you have a computer. You can download their workout programs on your MP3 player, CD, or computer for pennies as compared to health club memberships. It's portable!

There are many exercise programs to choose from - Yoga, running, stretch, ballet, eliptical. You just have to check them out. You can even get gift certificates.

No excuses. Exercise at home. It should be great fun. I do Yoga in front of my computer from MyYogaOnline and I love it. Now, I'll be trying ITrain. Got to go get started!

Check it out! Gain strength and lean out fast with iStrength - all levels. Download on a computer, a CD or a mp3 player. www.iTRAIN.com

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Friday, November 2, 2007

MRSA



MRSA Update

It's been discovered that MRSA somehow renders the body's immune cells defenseless. We all have cells in our body to fight bacteria, but MRSA attacks our germ fighting neutrophils in the blood and causes them to actually burst.

The neutrophils are basically a type of white blood cell. They are "called to action" when bacteria enters the body. Both white blood cell and neutrophil levels increase in numbers when we have to fight infection.

The neutrophils possess enzymes, contained in tiny sacs that "gobble" bacteria when the enzymes are released. Lower numbers of neutrophils in the body actually decreases our immune response. Neutrophil counts are decreased when viruses are present in the body also.

Since MRSA is so resistant to antibiotics, researchers are focusing efforts to find a way to neutralize the substance (peptides) in MRSA that destroys neutrophils. Another focus is in finding ways to boost immunity.

The news is interesting and drives home once again how important it is that we continue to help ourselves maintain healthy lifestyles.



MRSA Isolated in the Eye

A new study focused on isolating a potential source of community acquired MRSA reveals that MRSA has been cultured from the eye, eyelids and conjunctiva of people with no history of exposure to MRSA in the hospital. It has been defined as community acquired MRSA, or CA-MRSA.

The study was specifically designed to see if the MRSA was responsible for eye infections and how many incidences were resistant to antibiotics, and not hospital acquired. The study was conducted from 2000-2005. MRSA data was collected regarding patients who had been treated for eye infection. The majority of MRSA (50%) was found in the orbits of the eye, lesser percentages in the conjunctiva and eyelids.
Forty one percent of those infections were potentially resistant to antibiotic and community acquired.

The conclusion is that MRSA can be found in the eye area even when an outbreak is not present, making the area a harbinger of the bacteria.

Ophthalmologists will likely begin to see more patients with community acquired MRSA when performing surgery and in contact lens wearers.

The study was presented at the American Academy of Ophthalmology 2007 Annual Meeting.

Ref: American Academy of Ophthalmology 2007 Annual Meeting: Scientific Poster PO293. Presented November 12, 2007.


About MRSA

MRSA - it's in all the news. What is it? It stands for Methicillin (a type of Penicillin) Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus. You have probably heard the term "staph infection" in the past

Staphylococcus Aureus live on our skin. In fact, it's what's contained in the common "zit" (or pustule if you want to be technical). Staphylococcus is the offender when you get a boil.

When bacteria experience an overgrowth in your body, it can become dangerous because it takes control. Overgrowth occurs when bacteria become very strong, or when a person's immune system is compromised. When immunities are compromised the bacteria seizes the opportunity to take over. Overgrowth of bacteria also happens when normal bacteria in the body are out of balance. A good example is the female patient who develops a yeast infection from using antibiotics.

MRSA is becoming more resistant to antibiotic treatment. I was reviewing an article about MRSA from 2004. At that time, there was discussion about how it mutates. Infections from MRSA have been common in hospital settings, as many years back as I can remember. The more antibiotics we consume, the more difficult infections become to treat.

The most common way MRSA has been contacted in the past, is in the hospital. You can contact it in the community from places like computer keyboards, countertops, faucets, and other surfaces. The bacteria needs a point of entry, so if you have no broken skin or open wounds, and have healthy immunity, you wouldn't be likely to become infected. The recommended treatment for MRSA is with the antibiotic Tetracycline, unless it's severe, then intravenous antibiotics might be used.

Since I've devoted this blog to self help, this is a good time to discuss what you should do about the MRSA news. Wash your hands. Wash them at work; wash them when you get home. Use antibacterial soap.

Stay healthy. Eat foods that boost immunity, like fruits and fresh vegetables. Be smart about lifestyle choices. Stay home if you have a fever, cold or flu. We all want to be productive, and we're all "indispensable", but now is a good time to rethink how we go about our daily lives.

If anyone in your workplace should develop an infection, advocate for a thorough cleaning of all surfaces with whatever agent your local public health agency recommends. In fact, in my opinion, now would be a good time for most public places to put some good overall cleaning policies into effect: a little more than dusting and sweeping.

If you use public restrooms, wash your hands well. Throughout the ages, hand washing has been touted to stop the spread of germs. It was never as pertinent as it is now.


Links: (Updated Frequently)
From Pittsburgh
From the Washington Post
New Article from Forbes
The Times of India
"Wipe It Out" Campaign in the UK
Suggestions for MRSA Treatment from the UK 1/08 ◦
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