16 Ways to Improve a Woman’s Health

16 Ways to Improve a Woman’s Health

Each of these 16 ways to improve a woman’s health will prevent disease and increase longevity. These health tips are from Dr Leesa A. Kaufman, MD, an OBGYN at Good Samaritan Hospital in Dayton, Ohio.
Before the health tips, a quip from a naturopathic doctor:
Half the costs of illness are wasted on conditions that could be prevented,” says Dr Joseph Pizzorno, ND, in Total Wellness.
So much time, money, and energy is wasted on illnesses that could be prevented! Don’t get me wrong – I’m not saying every disease is preventable – but we women could be a lot healthier if we followed a few simple health tips. Click on Total Wellness for natural ways to prevent disease, and read on for Dr Kaufman’s 16 ways to improve a woman’s health….
16 Ways to Improve a Woman’s Health
Improving Women’s Health at Age 30+
1. Stress less. Once you enter your 30s, you may be juggling the stress of small children, career and aging parents. Learning to de-stress can be as easy as learning how to breathe deeply or learn a technique called alternate nose breathing, which helps to slow your heart rate and blood pressure. For help relaxing, read Stress Busters — Unusual Ways to Relax.
2. Watch your birth control. Thirty year olds need to be aware of birth control risks. For example, if you smoke, you should not be using birth control pills. Also, be aware of the STD Chlamydia, whose only symptoms may be bleeding after intercourse.
3. Get enough calcium. Optimal bone mass is obtained by age 30; make sure you are getting 1200mg of calcium and at least 800IU of vitamin in your diet. Of the 28 million people who have osteoporosis, 80 percent are women. This women’s health tip involves planning now for a healthy future!
4. Eat cancer fighting foods. Make sure you start a healthy diet that includes cancer fighting foods such as spinach, carrots, mushrooms, tomatoes, and selenium rich foods such as sunflower seeds and Brazil nuts.
5. Take care of your skin. Skin begins to dull and fine wrinkles begin in the 30s because new skin cells don’t form as quickly. This women’s health tip for disease prevention involves using mild cleansers and moisturizers – and watching your sun exposure. For more skin tips, read 10 Tips for Keeping Your Skin Healthy and Clear.
Improving Women’s Health at Age 40+
6. Read food labels. Metabolism begins to slow in your 40s, and reading labels is important. Note that every four grams of carbohydrates is equal to one teaspoon of sugar, and one 20-ounce bottle of soda will give you 17 teaspoons of sugar. More than 60 physical ailments have been associated with excess sugar intake!
7. Examine the potential cancer spots. Learn how to do self breast exams as you are the one who may notice a change in your breast first. Annual mammograms are recommended beginning at age 40. Your risk of developing breast cancer at 40 is 1/217 women.
8. Watch your skin. After years of playing in the sun, now is the time to be aware of moles and watch for changes like asymmetrical shapes, changes in the border, changes in color and increase in diameter. This women’s health tip involves always wearing at least SPF 15 sunscreen – on a daily basis!
9. Stretch your muscles. Flexibility begins to decrease as your joint fluids begin to reduce. Develop a stretching routine and learn some simple yoga poses to do in the morning and at night.
10. Take care of your menstrual cycle. As women approach midlife, menstrual cycles may begin to change. They may be shorter or longer or a change in bleeding profile. This women’s health tip involves a healthy diet and moderate exercise, which will help control these changes.
Improving Women’s Health at Age 50+
11. Keep your brain healthy. As you age, so does your risk for Alzheimer’s or dementia. This women’s health tip for disease prevention involves challenging your mind on a daily basis, such as with crossword puzzles or other mind exercises. For more brain tips, read 10 Brain Fitness Tips to Reduce Memory Loss.
12. Practice your Kegels. Urinary leakage is an unpleasant reality for many women in their 50s. This women’s health tip for disease prevention involves practicing Kegal exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles and increase holding power.
13. Take care of your eyes. Macular degeneration occurs more after age 55 and long-term exposure to ultra violet light increases this risk. Wear sunglasses with UV coating which will block 98 percent of UV light waves.
14. Don’t mix medications with alcohol. Maybe that glass or two of wine or alcoholic beverage helps you relax, but you need to know that more than 150 medications are affected by alcohol.
15. Get enough sleep. Insomnia is a common menopausal complaint. Helpful sleep tips include placing several drops of lavender oil on a cotton ball and placing it inside your pillow case. If calming lavender doesn’t work, there is good research on the use of melatonin 3-4mg as a natural sleep aid. For more sleep tips, read Tips for Sleeping Better and Snoring Less.
16. Keep your heart healthy. Heart disease is the number one killer of women. Be aware of the symptoms, which vary from men and include fatigue, sleep disturbances, nausea, neck pain and shortness of breath.

Natural Diabetes Treatment

Natural Diabetes Treatment

Natural methods of treatment are also known as Naturopathy. It is the system of healing in which diseases are cured by means of natural remedies such as light, water, air, heat, exercise, diet and other physiological measures. According to the father of medicine “Hippocrates” it has been said that the “Nature cures; but not the physicians.” Naturopathy is known by different names such as Nature Cure, the natural methods, the new science of healing etc. Healing by natural method is seen since many years near about back over two thousand years. Naturopathy makes use of a new life style with corrective habits such as exercise and a good diet. During healing by natural methods, the fundamental healing force is considered to be nature itself, that is the power of the individual to defeat disease. Healing by natural method is chiefly drugless and blood less. Naturopathy helps to prevent many common diseases such as diabetes, headache, the common cold, hypertension, peptic ulcers, and many other diseases associated with ageing.
There are various types of natural methods, which are as follow: - (Normally the natural method aims at educating people about adopting the type lifestyle which promotes good health).
(1) Treatment based on Nutrition and Diet:
The dietician decides a menu for healthy diet for diabetic patients.
Read About:
* Foods That Control Diabetes
* Diabetes Food Pyramid
* Foods to Avoid
* Meal Planning Exchange
* Alkaline Foods
* Antioxidant Foods
* Potassium Rich Foods
* Dietary Fibres
(2) Hydrotherapy
In this natural method of treating diabetes, the water is used. It is one of the oldest therapeutic methods for managing physical dysfunctions. The solvent property of water and its ability to absorb and conduct heat shows a beneficial effect on the human body. Studies have shown that regular uses of hydrotherapy provide lots of benefits for people suffering from Type –2 Diabetes mellitus. It provides better and improved sleep, reduces blood sugar level in the body and boasts the moral and well being of diabetic patient. It also provides support to individuals who find exercise difficult. It is a sort of new hope to the millions of people who suffer from diabetes. It is also known as “hot tub therapy”. Hence, Hydrotherapy is performed in water tanks (hot tubs) of varying sizes and shapes. Usually extremities are treated in these tanks.
Dr. Philip L. Hooper at the McKee Medical Center in Loveland, Colorado studied a group of Type-2 Diabetes patients for three weeks. The patients were told to soak in hot tub for thirty minutes a day, six days a week, for the duration of the study. The results were surprising. The patient’s average blood sugar levels were reduced by an average of 13 percent. Even patient’s variable to reduce their daily dose of insulin. But thing must be noted, that the hot tub treatments should be included as regular therapy for patients with diabetes. Moreover, the diabetic patients should consult with their physicians before the start of hot tub treatment. Hence, hydrotherapy helps in tight control of blood glucose levels, which is the only defense against the many problems and side effects that come from diabetes. During hydrotherapy, the energy is transferred to or from the body by means of convection. The presence of water creates a good supportive medium for active range of motion exercises.
(3) Detoxification
It consists of the use of short periods of fasting or controlled diets and supplements to aid the natural process by which the body rids itself of toxic substances.
(4) Methods to control and reduce stress including exercise, relaxation techniques, modification of diet and the use of supplements particularly to support the adrenal gland.
(5) Mud Therapy:
Generally earth provides us with food, our main source of energy. During treatment by natural methods, person makes full use of element earth in the form mud or clay packs. Even mud baths are used for preventing and treating various diseases, by bringing out poisons from the body, for cooling the nervous system and for activating various organs of the body. In diabetes there is disturbance of the metabolic process of the entire body. When the digestive system, and endocrine glands do not work fully, the result is accumulation of impurities and toxemia in the body. Hence, improving elimination and removal of the toxins are very important. In such a condition Mud bath treatment is used. There are many ways of taking mud treatment. The most common way is to use moist clay, rather than ordinary mud. The clay should be of such a consistency that it could be plastered on the body. Sometimes, it is to be held onto the body by loose cloths wrapping. The clay, in winter should be sufficiently warm to provide comfort.
Another method of mud therapy is to allow the person to lie in a special tub, covered up to the chin in mud as thick as soft pulp. The mud is though to contain alkaline elements. These elements stimulate the skin the circulation in the under the skin. In such case, skin cannot absorb minerals in the mud but the good effects are due to skin stimulation. Another material used for mud bath is collected from volcanic regions. It is available in market mainly in dry form. It is heated and moistened before use till it becomes of thick paste like consistency. The paste is thickly applied to the parts of the body, which need treatment. The patient is then wrapped in towels or sheets and is allowed to remain that mud envelop for about 30 to 90 minutes. The mud is then washed off with a shower and the skin is rapidly dried. In the absence of this mud, ordinary white clay may also be applied. Care should be taken to prevent catching a chill during the bath. Another alternative way of mud bath can be, as a person can had it with the earth taken from a place which has been exposed to direct sunlight and open air and which has been getting good water and where no artificial fertilizers have been used. From such a place earth is taken from a depth of 50-60 cms. In this earth, same sand and water are mixed. Within about 18 hours that, mud becomes alive and is fit for diabetics. But the care must be taken that the earth should free from contamination and infection. Diabetics mainly benefits from the mudpacks applied on the abdomen. The effect of mud therapy is beneficial. It is because the cold moisture in the mud, relaxes the pores of the skin and draws the blood on to the surface, relievers inner congestion and promotes heat radiation and elimination of the morbid malter. Mud retains moistures and coolness much longer than a water pack or compress.
(6) Massage
Massage is a “hands-on” therapy in which muscles and other soft tissues of the body are manipulated to improve health and well-being. Generally, Massage is an excellent form of passive exercise. The word “Massage” is mainly derived from the Greek word “Massier”. The meaning of massier is to knead”. Massage is highly beneficial in the treatment of diabetes. Although, massage affects the body as a whole, but it particularly influences, the activity of the musculoskeltal, circulatory, lymphatic and nervous systems. It helps in relieving muscle tension, reduces stress and arises/develops the feelings of calmness. Varieties of massage range from gentle stroking and kneading of muscles and other soft tissues to deeper manual techniques. Massage has been practiced for treating diabetes and various other diseases, for centuries, in near about every culture around the world. Massage, if correctly done on the bare body, is highly stimulating. Massage also helps in elimination of poisons and waste material through the various eliminative organs, such as the lungs skin, kidneys and bowels. It also helps in improving blood circulation and various metabolic processes. There are lots of massage therapists nowadays and their numbers are growing rapidly. Alternative of medicines, massage therapy has come into the limelight. The use of massage therapy is made near about 4000 years back in Chinese medical literature. By the end of 19 th century, large number of massage therapy clinics was introduced.
(7) Herbal medicines
Herbal medicines using plants and their natural products were also used as natural method of treatment for diabtes.
Read About:
* Herbs For Diabetes
* Foods That Control Diabetes
(8) Chromotherapy
Chromotherapy is a natural method of treatment of various diseases, which make use of colour, to help the body and mind to find again their natural balance. Hence, we can say, it is a therapeutic method, which acts on the base of the unbalance. Every colour has got a spectrun with specific curative properties. By using the curative property of every single colour in an appropriate way, the person is able to region the harmony and order of the organism. The colour illuminations, therefore acts on the emotive states of mind and thus helps in physical well-being.
Chromotherapy works best as a supportive therapy as it used in combination with correct diet, adequate rest and relaxtion, exercises, etc. There are various colors used in chromotherapy such as –
(a) Blue: It is used especially for its calming properties. It helps to beat physical and mental agitation and is therefore being used to favour the sense of relaxed in people suffering from insomnia.
(b) Yellow: It provides “warm” energy. It increases enthusiasm and happiness. It also decreases the digestive problems and is capable of stimulating appetite.
(c) Red: It possesses the most important characteristics of penetration of the visible spectrum. It is being used for its anti-anaemic qualities.
(d) Green: It has got re-equilibrated forces. It is being used for people with alimentary problems.
(e) Violet: This colour stimulates the production of white blood cells, purifies the blood and increases concentration and spiritual capacities.
(f) Indigo: It purified the blood and helps to decrease muscular problems.
Chromotherapists generally believe that diabetes is caused by a deficiency of orange and yellow colours in the body. The method of treatment is that colour bottles are used. The bottles are properly cleansed and filled with fresh water. The bottles are corked and are placed in bright sunlight for three to four hours. After this exposure, the water develops the acquired medicinal properties and they are used for both internal and external applications. Lemon yellow is the colour of the pancreas. It is helpful in the treatment of diabetes. Green and orange are also used for treating diabetes. Green is nature’s colour. It activates pituitary gland which in turn stimulates the thyroid gland. It also helps in the elimination of the toxic matter. Green charged water is given to the diabetic patient on an empty stomach just before the meals. Orange colour breathing is also known to be beneficial in the treatment of diabetes. At least three times a day it should be performed.

Diabetes Treatments

Diabetes Treatments

Controlling your blood sugar is essential to feeling healthy and avoiding long-term complications of diabetes. Some people are able to control their blood sugar with diet and exercise alone. Others may need to use insulin or other medications in addition to lifestyle changes. In either case, monitoring your blood sugar is a key part of your treatment program.
A healthy diet and exercise should be placed as a priority for diabetes treatment. Second, you might also try some of the diabetes treatment using alternative medicine. Third, follow your doctor's prescriptions. And last, pancreas or islet cell transplantation may be an option for people whose kidneys are failing or who aren't responding to other treatments.
Monitoring blood sugar
If you've just received a diagnosis of diabetes, monitoring your blood sugar may seem like an overwhelming task. But once you learn to measure your blood sugar and understand how important it is, you'll feel more comfortable with the procedure and more in control of your disease. Testing is crucial because it tells you whether you're keeping your glucose levels in the range you and your doctor have agreed on.
The best range for you depends on your age and the type of diabetes you have. For younger adults who don't have complications of diabetes, a typical target range might be 80 to 120 mg/dL before meals, and below 180 mg/dL after eating. Older adults who have complications from their disease may have a fasting target goal of 100 to 140 mg/dL and below 200 mg/dL after meals. That's because blood sugar that falls too low in older adults can be more dangerous than in younger people.
How often you test your blood sugar depends on the type of diabetes you have. If you take insulin, test your blood sugar at least twice a day, and preferably three or four times a day. But if you have type 2 diabetes and don't use insulin, you may need to test your blood sugar levels only once a day or as little as twice a week.
Keep in mind that the amount of sugar in your blood is constantly changing. Self-monitoring helps you learn what makes your blood sugar levels rise and fall, so you can make adjustments in your treatment. Factors that affect your blood sugar include:
Food. Food raises your blood sugar level ? it's highest one to two hours after a meal. What and how much you eat, and the time of day, also affect your blood sugar level.
Exercise and physical activity. In general, the more active you are, the lower your blood sugar. Physical activity causes sugar to be transported to your cells, where it's used for energy, thereby lowering the levels in your blood. Aerobic exercises such as brisk walking, jogging or biking are especially good. But gardening, housework and even just being on your feet all day also can lower your blood sugar.
Medications. Insulin and oral diabetes medications deliberately work to lower your blood sugar. But medications you take for other conditions may affect glucose levels. Corticosteroids, in particular, may raise blood sugar levels. Medications such as thiazides, used to control high blood pressure, and niacin, used for high cholesterol, also may increase blood sugar. If you need to take certain high blood pressure medications, your doctor will likely make changes in your diabetes treatment.
Illness. The physical stress of a cold or other illness causes your body to produce hormones that raise your blood sugar level. The additional sugar helps promote healing. But if you have diabetes, this can be a problem. In addition, a fever increases your metabolism and how quickly sugar is utilized, which can alter the amount of insulin you need. For these reasons, be sure to monitor your glucose levels frequently when you're sick.
Alcohol. Even a small amount of alcohol ? about 2 ounces ? can cause your sugar levels to fall too low. But sometimes alcohol can cause sugar levels to rise. If you choose to drink, do so only in moderation. And monitor your blood sugar before and after consuming alcohol to see how it affects you. Also, keep in mind that alcohol counts as carbohydrate calories in your diet.
Fluctuations in hormone levels. The female hormone estrogen typically makes cells more responsive to insulin, and progesterone makes cells more resistant. Although these two hormones fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle, the majority of women don't notice a corresponding change in blood sugar levels. Those who do are more likely to experience changes in blood sugar during the third week of their menstrual cycle, when estrogen and progesterone levels are highest.
Hormone levels also fluctuate during perimenopause ? the time before menopause. How this affects blood sugar varies, but most women can control any symptoms with additional exercise and changes in their diet. If your symptoms are more severe, your doctor may recommend oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy (HRT). After menopause, many women with diabetes require about 20 percent less medication because their cells are more sensitive to insulin.
A healthy diet
Contrary to popular myth, there's no "diabetes diet." Furthermore, having diabetes doesn't mean you have to eat only bland, boring foods. Instead, it means you'll eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains ? foods that are high in nutrition and low in fat and calories ? and fewer animal products and sweets. Actually, it's the same eating plan all Americans should follow.
Yet understanding what and how much to eat can be a challenging task. Fortunately, a registered dietitian can help you put together a meal plan that fits your health goals, food preferences and lifestyle. Once you've decided on a meal plan, keep in mind that consistency is extremely important. To keep your blood sugar at a consistent level, try to eat the same amount of food with the same proportion of carbohydrates, proteins and fats at the same time every day.
But even with all the information you need and the best intentions, sticking to your diet can be one of the most challenging parts of living with diabetes. The key is to find ways to stay motivated. Don't let others undermine your determination to eat in the healthiest way possible. You have to believe that what you're doing matters ? and that you're worth it.
Exercise
Everyone needs regular aerobic exercise, and people with diabetes are no exception. The good news is that the same exercises that are good for your heart and lungs also help lower your blood sugar levels.
See your doctor before beginning any exercise program. Once you have the go-ahead, take some time to think about which activities you enjoy and are likely to stick with. Walking, hiking, jogging, biking, tennis, cross-country skiing and swimming are all good choices.
Aim for at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise most days. But if you haven't been active for a while, start slowly and build up gradually. For the best results, combine your aerobic activity with stretching and strength-training exercises.
Healthy weight
Being overweight is the greatest risk factor for type 2 diabetes. That's because fat makes your cells more resistant to insulin. But when you lose weight, the process reverses and your cells become more receptive to insulin. For some people with type 2 diabetes, weight loss is all that's needed to restore blood sugar to normal. Furthermore, a modest weight loss of 10 to 20 pounds is often enough.
Yet losing even 10 pounds can be a challenge for most people. Fortunately, you don't have to do it alone. A registered dietitian can help you develop a weight-loss plan that takes into account your current weight, activity level, age and overall health. Ultimately, however, the motivation has to come from you.
Medications
When diet, exercise and maintaining a healthy weight aren't enough, you may need the help of medication. Medications used to treat diabetes include insulin. Everyone with type 1 diabetes and some people with type 2 diabetes must take insulin every day to replace what their pancreas is unable to produce. Unfortunately, insulin can't be taken in pill form because enzymes in your stomach break it down so that it becomes ineffective. For that reason, many people inject themselves with insulin using a syringe or an insulin pen injector ? a device that looks like a pen, except the cartridge is filled with insulin. Others may use an insulin pump, which provides a continuous supply of insulin, eliminating the need for daily shots.
An insulin pump is a pumping device about the size of a deck of cards. You wear it outside your body. A small tube connects the reservoir of insulin to a catheter that's inserted under the skin of your abdomen. The pump dispenses the desired amount of insulin into your body and can be adjusted to infuse more or less insulin depending on meals, activity and glucose level. Insulin pumps aren't for everyone. But for some people they provide improved blood sugar control and a more flexible lifestyle.
The most widely used form of insulin is synthetic human insulin, which is chemically identical to human insulin but manufactured in a laboratory. Unfortunately, synthetic human insulin isn't perfect. One of its chief failings is that it doesn't mimic the way natural insulin is secreted. But newer types of insulin, known as insulin analogs, more closely resemble the way natural insulin acts in your body. Among these are lispro (Humalog), insulin aspart (NovoLog) and glargine (Lantus).
A number of drug options exist for treating type 2 diabetes, including:
Sulfonylurea drugs. These medications stimulate your pancreas to produce and release more insulin. For them to be effective, your pancreas must produce some insulin on its own. Second-generation sulfonylureas such as glipizide (Glucotrol, Glucotrol XL), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase) and glimepiride (Amaryl) are prescribed most often. The most common side effect of sulfonylureas is low blood sugar, especially during the first four months of therapy. You're at much greater risk of low blood sugar if you have impaired liver or kidney function.
Meglitinides. These medications, such as repaglinide (Prandin), have effects similar to sulfonylureas, but you're not as likely to develop low blood sugar. Meglitinides work quickly, and the results fade rapidly.
Biguanides. Metformin (Glucophage, Glucophage XR) is the only drug in this class available in the United States. It works by inhibiting the production and release of glucose from your liver, which means you need less insulin to transport blood sugar into your cells. One advantage of metformin is that is tends to cause less weight gain than do other diabetes medications. Possible side effects include a metallic taste in your mouth, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, abdominal bloating, or pain, gas and diarrhea. These effects usually decrease over time and are less likely to occur if you take the medication with food. A rare but serious side effect is lactic acidosis, which results when lactic acid builds up in your body. Symptoms include tiredness, weakness, muscle aches, dizziness and drowsiness. Lactic acidosis is especially likely to occur if you mix this medication with alcohol or have impaired kidney function.
Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors. These drugs block the action of enzymes in your digestive tract that break down carbohydrates. That means sugar is absorbed into your bloodstream more slowly, which helps prevent the rapid rise in blood sugar that usually occurs right after a meal. Drugs in this class include acarbose (Precose) and miglitol (Glyset). Although safe and effective, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors can cause abdominal bloating, gas and diarrhea. If taken in high doses, they may also cause reversible liver damage.
Thiazolidinediones. These drugs make your body tissues more sensitive to insulin and keep your liver from overproducing glucose. Side effects of thiazolidinediones, such as rosiglitazone (Avandia) and pioglitazone hydrochloride (Actos), include swelling, weight gain and fatigue. A far more serious potential side effect is liver damage. The thiazolidinedione troglitzeone (Rezulin) was taken off the market in March 2000 because it caused liver failure. If your doctor prescribes these drugs, it's important to have your liver checked every two months during the first year of therapy. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the signs and symptoms of liver damage, such as nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, or yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes (jaundice). These may not always be related to diabetes medications, but your doctor will need to investigate all possible causes.
Drug combinations. By combining drugs from different classes, you may be able to control your blood sugar in several different ways. Each class of oral medication can be combined with drugs from any other class. Most doctors prescribe two drugs in combination, although sometimes three drugs may be prescribed. Newer medications, such as Glucovance, which contains both glyburide and metformin, combine different oral drugs in a single tablet.
Transplantation
In recent years, researchers have focused increasing attention on transplantation for people with type 1 diabetes. Current procedures include:
Pancreas transplantation. Pancreas transplants have been performed since the late 1960s. Most are done in conjunction with or after a kidney transplant. Kidney failure is one of the most common complications of diabetes, and receiving a new pancreas when you receive a new kidney may actually improve kidney survival. Furthermore, after a successful pancreas transplant, many people with diabetes no longer need to use insulin. Unfortunately, pancreas transplants aren't always successful. Your body may reject the new organ days or even years after the transplant, which means you'll need to take immunosuppressive drugs the rest of your life. These drugs are costly and can have serious side effects, including a high risk of infection and organ injury. Because the side effects can be more dangerous to your health than your diabetes, you're usually not considered a candidate for transplantation unless your diabetes can't be controlled or you're experiencing serious complications. On the other hand, pancreas transplantation may be an option if you are age 45 or younger, have type 1 diabetes and need or have had a kidney transplant, or if insulin doesn't control your blood sugar.
Islet cell transplantation. Your pancreas contains about 1 million islet cells, 75 percent to 80 percent of which produce insulin. The beta cells that produce insulin reside in the islets. Although still considered an experimental procedure, transplanting these cells may offer a less invasive, less expensive and less risky option than a pancreas transplant for people with diabetes. In islet cell transplantation, doctors infuse fresh pancreas cells into the liver of the person with diabetes. The cells spread throughout the liver and soon begin to produce insulin. The liver, not the pancreas, is the site of the transplant because it's easier to access the large portal vein in your liver than it is to access a vein in your pancreas. What's more, cells that grow in the liver secrete insulin much like cells in the pancreas do.

Causes of Eating Disorders

Causes of Eating Disorders

Description
An in-depth report on the treatment and prevention of eating disorders.
Alternative Names
Anorexia; Bulimia; Binge eating
Causes:
There is no single cause for eating disorders. Although concerns about weight and body shape play a role in all eating disorders, the actual cause of these disorders appear to result from many factors, including cultural and family pressures and emotional and personality disorders. Genetics and biologic factors may also play a role.
Negative Family Influences
Negative influences within the family may play a major role in triggering and perpetuating eating disorders. Some studies have produced the following observations and theories regarding family influence.
* Parental Behaviors or Attitudes. Poor parenting by both mothers and fathers has been implicated in eating disorders. One study found that 40% of 9- and 10-year-old girls trying to lose weight generally did so with the urging of their mothers. A maternal history of eating disorders can be a factor in development of eating disorders in young girls, while paternal criticism of weight can lead to bingeing and purging in young males.
* Family History of Addictions or Emotional Disorders. Studies report that people with either anorexia or bulimia are more likely to have parents with alcoholism or substance abuse than are those in the general population. Parents of people with bulimia appear to be more likely to have psychiatric disorders than parents of patients with anorexia.
* History of Abuse. Women with eating disorders, particularly bulimia, appear to have a higher incidence of sexual abuse. Studies have reported sexual abuse rates as high as 35% in women with bulimia.
* Family History of Obesity. People with bulimia are more likely than average to have an obese parent or to have been overweight themselves during childhood.
The most positive way for parents to influence their children's eating habits and to prevent weight problems and eating disorders is to have healthy eating habits themselves.
Genetic Factors
Anorexia is eight times more common in people who have relatives with the disorder, and some doctors believe that genetic factors are the root cause of many cases of eating disorders. Twins had a tendency to share specific eating disorders (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and obesity). Researchers have identified specific chromosomes that may be associated with bulimia and anorexia. In particular, regions on chromosome 10 have been linked to bulimia as well as obesity. Some evidence has reported an association with genetic factors responsible for serotonin, the brain chemical involved with both well-being and appetite. Researchers have also pinpointed certain proteins such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This protein may influence an individual's susceptibility to developing an eating disorder.
Cultural Pressures
The approach to food in Western countries is extremely problematic. Enough food is produced in the U.S. to supply 3,800 calories every day to each man, woman, and child, far more than are needed for good nutrition. Obesity is a global epidemic, and few people living in this over-fed and sedentary culture eat a meal guiltlessly.
One interesting anthropologic study reported the following observations:
* During historical periods or in cultures where women are financially dependent and marital ties are stronger, the standard is toward being curvaceous, possibly reflecting a cultural or economic need for greater reproduction.
* During periods or in cultures where female independence has been possible, the standard of female attractiveness tends toward thinness.
The response of the media to the cultural drive for thinness and the overproduction of food both likely play major roles in triggering obesity and eating disorders.
* On the one hand, advertisers heavily market weight-reduction programs and present anorexic young models as the paradigm of sexual desirability.
* Clothes are designed and displayed for thin bodies in spite of the fact that few women could wear them successfully.
* On the other hand, the media floods the public with attractive ads for consuming foods, especially "junk" foods.
Hormonal Abnormalities
Hormonal abnormalities are common in eating disorders and include chemical abnormalities in the thyroid, the reproductive regions, and areas related to stress, well-being, and appetite. Many of these chemical changes are certainly a result of malnutrition or other aspects of eating disorders, but they also may play a role in perpetuating or even creating susceptibility to the disorders.
The primary setting of many of these abnormalities originate in a small area of the brain called the limbic system. A specific system called hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) may be particularly important in eating disorders. It originates in the following regions in the brain:
* Hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is a small structure that plays a role in controlling our behavior, such as eating, sexual behavior and sleeping, and regulates body temperature, emotions, secretion of hormones, and movement.

Eating Disorders Treatment

Eating Disorders Treatment

The inner voices of anorexia and bulimia whisper that you’ll never be happy until you lose weight, that your worth is measured by how you look. But the truth is that happiness and self-esteem come from loving yourself for who you truly are and that’s only possible with recovery.
It may seem like there’s no escape from your eating disorder, but recovery is within your reach. With treatment, support from others, and smart self-help strategies, you can overcome your eating disorder and gain true self-confidence.
Eating disorder recovery
The road to eating disorder recovery starts with admitting you have a problem. This admission can be tough, especially if you’re still clinging to the belief–even in the back of your mind–that weight loss is the key to happiness, confidence, and success. Even when you finally understand that thinness isn’t the Holy Grail you thought it was, old habits are hard to break.
The good news is that the eating disorder behaviors you’ve learned can be unlearned. That doesn’t mean the process is smooth, quick, or easy, but you can do it if you’re motivated to change and willing to ask for help. However, eating disorder recovery is about more than giving up unhealthy eating behaviors. Overcoming an eating disorder is also about rediscovering who you are beyond your eating habits, weight, and body image

Eating Disorder

Eating Disorder

When most people hear of someone with an eating disorder they almost automatically assume the person has a problem with food. Eating disorders are not a sign that a person has a problem with food, rather eating disorders are actually only the symptoms of underlying problems in that person's life. With proper treatment, people can fully recover.
This section will provide you with definitions, signs and symptoms and physical/medical complications for anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder and compulsive eating. This section will also provide you with information in regards to the dangers associated with certain products used in an attempt to lose weight and who's at risk.

Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone Replacement Therapy

Menopause is the time in a woman's life when her period stops. It is a normal part of aging. In the years before and during menopause, the levels of female hormones can go up and down. This can cause symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Some women take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to relieve these symptoms. HRT may also protect against osteoporosis.
However, HRT also has risks. It can increase your risk of breast cancer, heart disease and stroke. Certain types of HRT have a higher risk, and each woman's own risks can vary depending upon her health history and lifestyle. You and your health care provider need to discuss the risks and benefits for you. If you do decide to take HRT, it should be the lowest dose that helps and for the shortest time needed. Taking hormones should be re-evaluated every six months.

Mammography Screening

What is a mammogram?
A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast and surrounding tissues which can effectively detect cancers long before you might feel a change during your monthly breast self- exam. Mammography can detect breast changes which could signify very early breast cancer.
Is mammography safe?
A very small dose of radiation is used in mammography, an amount equal to about two hours in the sun which places mammography in the safe range. In the United States, mammography clinics are certified to assure quality and safety. The American Cancer Society can provide a list of certified clinics in your area by calling your local office or 1-800-ACS-2345. It is important to remember where your mammograms are performed so that results in future years can be compared.
I have no symptoms, do I still need a mammogram?
While the American Cancer Society and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend yearly mammograms beginning at the age of 40, other professional organizations including the American College of Physicians, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the Canadian Task Force on Periodic Health Examination, and US Preventative Services Task recommend annual screenings beginning at age 50. The difference is because the groups who recommend screening mammograms at age 50 believe that earlier mammograms may expose women to unnecessary amounts of radiation.
A mammogram can detect cancer as much as a year or two before you or your physician could feel it. Breast cancer found in its earliest stages offers the greatest chance of remission and survival.
What kind of breast changes should be reported to your physician?
* Any lump or thickening of the breast or surrounding tissue
* A dimpling or puckering of your breast
* Scaling of the skin surrounding the nipple
* Nipple discharge which is not associated with breast feeding
* Any other breast change which is different for you
It's important to remember that most breast lumps are not cancerous and the most common reasons for breast lumps is fibrocystic breast disease which is a benign condition.
Although annual mammography offers your best chance for early detection of breast cancer, no test is 100% accurate. And it's vital for you to maintain a schedule of yearly mammograms and perform monthly breast self-exam (BSE) to check for changes. Remember, the earlier breast cancer is detected, the better your chance of beating this insidious disease.

Anxiety Symptom

Anxiety Symptom

There are several different types of anxiety, including, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Each type may have some specific symptoms but also may present itself differently in each person. For example, while some people may experience fear in crowds, other people may have a hard time talking to another person. In addition, symptoms can be mild or severe, or anywhere in between. Anxiety, in other words, does not look the same in each person.
In all types of anxiety, people experience persistent and intense fear or worry, even when such fear or worry is not warranted by the situation and when other people would not have such reactions. People with anxiety often know their fear is unsubstantiated or irrational, but feel helpless to control it. Chronic feelings of worry are usually found in Generalized Anxiety Disorder while sudden feelings of intense anxiety are considered to be panic attacks.

Menopause Weight

Menopause Weight

Going through menopause? Have you been noticing a few extra pounds around your belly lately? Well, you will be happy to know that you are definitely not alone. One of the foremost menopause symptoms seems to be weight gain and a change in the overall shape of your body. Though you may not be so happy about this, it is important to keep in mind that this weight gain is normal and to be expected. About 90% of menopausal women gain some weight between the ages of 35 and 55. But you may not necessarily have to blame yourself for this newly acquired weight - research now shows that weight gain during menopause is caused by shifts in your hormones, not greedy eating.
Changing Shape
If you are going through menopause, then you have probably already started to notice a change in your body shape. Most women will gain about 10 to 15 pounds during their menopausal years. Most of this weight will come on gradually ' about a pound a year ' during perimenopause. Women who have experienced early menopause or surgical menopause may experience more rapid and extreme weight gain. You will start to notice that the weight isn't distributing itself as it used to.
During menopause, you will begin to put weight on around your abdomen, instead of around your hips, thighs, and rear. People commonly refer to this as an "apple" shape, because the stomach area becomes rounder. You may miss your old "pear" shape that you had during your childbearing years, but it will be harder and harder to redistribute your weight evenly around your body.
It's Not Your Fault!
Many women are quite shocked and frustrated when they begin to notice those extra pounds graciously provided by menopause. You may be eating and exercising exactly the same as you always were but still can't seem to maintain your weight. As you enter the early stages of menopause, maintaining weight becomes more and more difficult, and losing weight becomes almost impossible. This is because of the fluctuation in your hormones.
Your body's hormones have a direct impact on your appetite, metabolism, and fat storage. This is why it is so difficult to control your weight during menopause ' no matter what you do, fluctuating estrogen, testosterone, and androgen levels will fight you all the way.
Hormones Involved in Weight Maintenance
Estrogen: Estrogen is the female sex hormone that is responsible for causing monthly ovulation. During female menopause, your estrogen levels decline rapidly, causing your body to stop ovulating. However, estrogen also seems to play a big role in menopausal weight gain. As your ovaries produce less estrogen, your body looks for other places to get needed estrogen from. Fat cells in your body can produce estrogen, so your body works harder to convert calories into fat to increase estrogen levels. Unfortunately for you, fat cells don't burn calories the way muscle cells do, which causes you to pack on the unwanted pounds.
Progesterone: During menopause, progesterone levels will also decrease. Like estrogen, lower levels of this hormone can be responsible for many of the symptoms of menopause and that includes weight gain, or at least the appearance of it. Water retention and menopause often go hand in hand since water weight and bloating are caused by decreased progesterone levels. Though this doesn't actually result in weight gain, your clothes will probably feel a bit tighter and you may feel a bit heavier. Water retention and bloating usually disappear within a few months.
Androgen: This hormone is responsible for sending your new weight directly to your middle section. In fact, weight gain during menopausal years is often known as "middle age spread" because of the rapid growth of the mid-section. Often, one of the first signs of menopause is an increase of androgen in your body, which causes you to gain weight around your abdominals instead of around your lower half.
Testosterone: Testosterone helps your body to create lean muscle mass out of the calories that you take in. Muscle cells burn more calories than fat cells do, increasing your metabolism. In natural menopause, levels of testosterone drop resulting in the loss of this muscle. Unfortunately, this means a lower metabolism. The lower your metabolism is, the slower your body burns calories.
Other Factors Involved in Weight Gain During Menopause
Insulin Resistance: Insulin resistance can occur during your menopausal years. This is when your body mistakenly turns every calorie you take in into fat. Most women follow a low-fat, high carbohydrate diet. After time, processed and refined foods may make your body resistant to insulin produced in the blood stream. This is often a cause of weight gain after the age of 40.
Stress: Stress is also a contributing factor in weight gain in menopause. Stress hormones can prevent weight loss as they signal to your body to go into a storage mode. This is referred to as the "famine effect" - your body, thinking it won't get food again for a long time, stores every calorie it takes in causing weight gain.
Treatment
It may be difficult, but it is important to learn to accept weight gain and menopause as something natural and even good. A little extra weight can help to lesson other symptoms associated with menopause, like anxiety and hot flashes. During menopause, weight gain is regulated by your body, and helps prepare you against osteoporosis and other illnesses. Instead of hating your new body, try to be more accepting of yourself. Focus on being healthy and active, not trying to fit into your old clothes. Here are a few tips to help you out on the way:
* Eat a balanced diet. Avoid refined sugars and indulge in fruits and vegetables.
* Avoid crash diets. Starvation will only cause your metabolism to slow down, causing you to gain more weight later on.
* Don't lose large amounts of weight. Being very thin can lead to an increased chance of developing osteoporosis.
* Limit your intake of caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol. These can exacerbate water retention.
* Remain active. Do aerobics to increase your metabolism and burn fat. Do weight bearing activities such as walking and cycling to increase muscle mass and ward off osteoporosis.
Some women do put on excessive weight during menopause. This could be a sign that something is wrong with your hormone levels, blood sugars, or eating habits. Get checked out by your doctor if your weight gain is out of control. Excessive fat stored around the abdomen can lead to an increased risk for heart disease and high blood pressure.

Bleeding Between Periods

Bleeding Between Periods

Bleeding or spotting between periods can be a frightening experience. You never know when bleeding between periods may occur. Maybe your period was over last week and then you notice that you're bleeding again. Maybe this isn't the first month you've experienced bleeding or spotting between periods. Or it could be the first time you've had bleeding between periods. Whether it's the first time you've experienced bleeding between periods, or just another month of spotting, bleeding between periods is a frustrating and stressful experience.
What Is Normal Menstruation?
Normal menstrual bleeding lasts about four to five days, and although it may seem like you are losing a lot more blood, the amount of blood lost during your period is only about two to eight tablespoons. While normal menstruation occurs on average every 28 days, anywhere from 21 to 35 days between periods is considered normal.
When Should You Worry About Menstrual Bleeding?
If you are post-menopausal or younger than 11 and bleeding you should consult your physician immediately. Also do so if you are experiencing vaginal bleeding between periods. Try to determine where the bleeding is coming from: Are you sure you are bleeding from your vagina? Or is it your rectum? Is there blood in your urine?
What Causes Bleeding Between Periods?
Although the cause of irregular bleeding can vary according to individual health situations, some of the more common causes include:
* Implantation Bleeding/Pregnancy
* Miscarriage
* Hormonal fluctuations
* Starting, stopping, or missing oral contraceptives or estrogens
* Low thyroid levels
* Stress
* IUDs occasionally cause slight spotting
* Injury to the vagina from insertion of objects
* Malignant cancers
* Undiagnosed vaginal infections
* Certain drugs, particularly anticoagulants
* Vaginal dryness
* GYN procedures
* Some women have spotting during ovulation, which is normal
Bed rest may be recommended if between period bleeding is heavy. Use your menstrual cycle calendar to record the number of tampons or pads you use. This information helps your doctor determine whether you are bleeding excessively.
Unless your doctor specifically advises otherwise, never take aspirin while you are menstruating. Aspirin can cause bleeding to occur longer and heavier.
Of course, you should inform your doctor about any bleeding or spotting between periods that you experience.

Menopause and Diet

Menopause and Diet

Eating right can definitely ease the various discomforts of menopause including hot flashes, bloating, and mood swings. The menopause diet is all about achieving a balance by eating certain types of food while foregoing others. The right balance can alleviate most symptoms and make the individual simply feel better.
The Menopause Diet: recommended foods
Fruits such as melons and citrus are highly recommended; they are high in potassium and balance sodium and water retention. People should also include dried fruit like apricots and figs. Vegetables including yams, collard greens, and broccoli may also make menopause more pleasant. Soy products, seaweed, and oily fish like tuna and salmon are some other beneficial foods that can help make this diet successful. For a complete chart, people should consult a physician.
Foods that alleviate menopause symptoms
The lack of fattening foods and complex carbs is obvious. Like many diets, people are encouraged to minimize the consumption of such foods and food groups. Doing so will provide your body with a more chemically appealing balance and, hopefully, alleviate some of the symptoms typically associated with menopause.

Breast Feeding Tips

Breast Feeding Tips

Most women's breasts have nipples that protrude slightly at rest and become erect when stimulated, as with cold. During pregnancy, the nipple and the pigmented area around it (areola) thicken in preparation for breastfeeding. Little glands (Montgomery glands) on the areola become more noticeable. They contain a lubricant to keep the nipple and areola from drying, cracking, or becoming infected.
Soaps and harsh washing or drying of the breasts and nipples can cause extreme dryness and cracking and should be avoided. Some experts recommend leaving milk on the nipple after feeding and allowing it to dry and protect the nipple. Keeping the nipples dry is important to prevent cracking and infection. For cracked nipples, apply 100% lanolin after feedings.
ENGORGEMENT
Many times the breasts will become swollen and painful 2-3 days after birth. The best treatment for this is to nurse the baby more frequently. Also, it may be helpful to pump your breasts should you have to miss a feeding, or if a feeding does not relieve the pain. See your health care provider if there is no improvement after 1 day.
BABY'S POSITION
Comfortable nursing requires correct positioning of the baby at the breast. Some guidelines are given to help you develop your own technique. Observing someone else breastfeed or practicing with an experienced nursing mother or a lactation consultant may also help.
Cradle Hold:
Sit in a comfortable chair, with arm rests if possible. Place your baby on your abdomen, tummy-to-tummy. The baby's head is cradled in the crook of your arm and the face to your breast. The baby's knees are underneath your other breast. The infant's head, back, and legs should all be in a straight line. This position can be held for the entire duration of the feeding. If you feel your nipple starting to hurt half-way into the feeding, check to see if your baby has slipped down and if the knees are starting to face the ceiling instead of being tucked in next to your side.
Football hold:
Cradle the back of your baby's head in your hand, with the body under your breast and toward the elbow. Place a pillow under your elbow to help you support your baby's bottom. Use your other hand to support your breast. This position allows you to control the baby's head and assures good positioning to latch on.
Side lying:
Lie on your side with one arm supporting your head. Your baby can lie beside you with the head facing your breast. Pull the baby in snugly and place a pillow behind to support the infant.
Rarely, a baby may have a sucking disorder which will need to be observed by a health care provider. A certified lactation consultant can be of tremendous help in teaching a baby to breast-feed.
NURSING FREQUENCY
Most babies normally breastfeed every 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours during the first month. Breast milk is digested more quickly than formula so breastfeeding is needed more frequently. Even if you cannot measure the amount of milk your baby drinks, you can tell that the baby has had enough if: baby nurses every 2 to 3 hours, has 6 to 8 really wet diapers per day, and is gaining weight appropriately (1 pound each month). The frequency of feeding does decrease with age as the baby can eat more at each feeding. So, don't get discouraged; you will eventually be able to do more than sleep and nurse!
NIGHTTIME FEEDING
While you were pregnant, your baby was continuously fed and didn't know hunger. After birth, babies need to be fed frequently. During the first few weeks, your baby will want to breastfeed around the clock. This is perfectly normal. Some mothers find that bringing the baby in bed at night or placing a bassinet within reach, allows them to meet the child's needs while losing minimal rest. Other mothers prefer to keep the baby in a separate bedroom, and have a comfortable chair there. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends you should not sleep with your infant. While nursing an infant in bed is acceptable, you should return the infant to their crib or bassinet when the feeding is done. Avoid bringing an infant into bed if you are very tired or taking medications that cause drowsiness.
If you return to work, don't be surprised if your baby wants to nurse more frequently at night. If you do not sleep well with your baby in your bed, you may find that keeping them in the same room or a room close enough to hear them is just fine.
You may have heard that night nursing can lead to what used to be called baby bottle tooth decay. Breast milk by itself is the healthiest food for babies’ teeth, day or night. It tends to slow bacterial growth and acid production. However, when breast milk is alternated with sugary foods or drinks, the rate of tooth decay can be faster than with sugar alone. Night nursing can be wonderful, but avoid sugary snacks and drinks for your baby or toddler throughout the day – and especially close to sleep time.
MILK SUPPLY
Some mothers stop nursing during the first few days or weeks because they feel they aren't producing enough milk. It may seem like your baby is always hungry. You can't measure the amount of milk your baby is drinking so you may worry that you aren't producing enough milk. In reality, your baby's increased need to nurse signals your body to produce more milk. This is a natural way your body determines the amount of milk needed and provides an adequate milk supply.
The first weeks may be difficult and frustrating for you but don't give up. If you can resist supplementing your baby's diet with formula feedings for the first four to six weeks, your body will respond appropriately and produce an adequate supply of milk. Supplementing your baby's diet with formula feeding will only trick your body into believing the current supply of breast milk is adequate.
GROWTH SPURT
Around the 2nd week, and the 2nd, 4th, and 6th months, it may seem that your baby wants to nurse all the time. Your baby may want to nurse every 30 or 60 minutes, and stay at the breast for longer periods. It may seem that the only thing you are doing all day is nursing. This increase in nursing is normal and signals your body to produce more milk as your baby enters a growth spurt. Within a few days, your milk supply will have increased to provide enough milk at each feeding and the baby will start eating less frequently and for shorter periods of time.
Many nursing mothers have trouble finding the time to devote to their baby's increased feeding needs during this adjustment period. Often, understanding how and why this happens and that it is only temporary can help. Slow down and enjoy the job of feeding your baby; a job that only you can do. Ask for and accept help with other responsibilities to free your time for feeding.
THE 6 O'CLOCK SYNDROME
Babies frequently seem fussy and want to nurse more frequently late in the afternoon and into the evening, when everyone else (especially you) is tired. You may feel too tired to nurse again or assume that you just don't have any more milk to give. It may be tempting to give your baby a bottle of formula while you attend to other responsibilities.
But remember, bottle feeding your baby formula when you are tired or your milk supply seems low will signal your body to produce less milk which will result in more fatigue and frustration for you and your baby. breastfeeding a baby on demand is full-time and exhausting work. Your body needs energy to produce enough milk. Be sure you get adequate nutrition, rest, and sleep. Taking good care of yourself is necessary if you're going to take good care of your baby.
BABY'S STOOLS
Your baby's bowel movements (stools) during the first two days will be black and tar-like (sticky and soft). Early and frequent breastfeeding during the first 48 hours will flush this sticky stool (meconium) from the infant's bowels. The stools will become yellow-colored and seedy. This is the normal stool consistency for a breastfed baby and should not be confused with diarrhea.
During the first month, your baby may have a bowel movement after each breastfeeding. This frequency decreases with age. Don't worry if bowel movements occur after every feeding or every three days, as long as the pattern of bowel movements is regular and your baby is growing well (gaining weight).
NIPPLE CONFUSION
The human breast and nipple are very different from a bottle and nipple. A baby has to learn to adapt to the type of nipple used. Exposure to a rubber nipple can create nipple confusion for your baby and make breastfeeding more difficult, especially during the first two weeks. After that, your milk supply will be well established, you both will be comfortable with the technique and routine of breastfeeding, and occasional use of a rubber nipple will cause less nipple confusion.

Loss of Libido

Loss of Libido

Many women complain of loss of libido at some point in their lives. However, you should not confuse low libido with the inability to achieve orgasm. Low libido has to do with things like less frequent sexual thoughts, slowed down arousal and time to climax, reluctance to initiate sex, etc.
There are various options to treat this condition, such as testosterone therapy, localized estrogen therapy, female Viagra-like drugs, natural libido enhancement pills, psychologist or sex therapist counseling, etc. Yet, few of these options have showed flawless effectiveness for every individual case. Currently, probably the most effective solution is quality herbal libido enhancement pills, such as HerSolution, which are specially formulated to restore sex drive and enhance sexual enjoyment.
What Causes the Loss of Libido in Women?
The lack of libido affects about one-third of women at some point in their lives and the reasons are various – some of physical and others of psychological origin.
Physical causes for the loss of libido:
Alcoholism the common misperception that alcohol can improve sex drive or performance is not true. In fact, many women claim that alcohol before sex diminishes their sexual desire.
Drug abuse and some prescribed drugs – many prescription medications (for example antidepressants, antipsychotic drugs, etc.) may hamper arousal and the ability to achieve orgasm.
Major illnesses for example, diabetes and the nerve damage associated with it may lead to vaginal dryness and difficulty in achieving orgasm. Kidney disease may cause nerve damage too and also hormonal imbalance, which may affect sex drive.
Obesity women who are medically obese may be deficient in certain sex hormones and possibly experience a lack of sexual interest.
Pregnancy changes in hormone levels when a woman is pregnant can cause a temporary change in her desire for sex.
Childbirth post-baby hormonal changes or the trauma of giving birth itself can also cause a loss of libido.
Menopause many specialists argue whether or not menopause can be a cause of loss of desire. Some claim that the lack of estrogen can lead to vaginal dryness and thinning of the walls of the vagina, which can make intercourse uncomfortable. Yet, a lot of women continue to lead a normal sexual life (some even have orgasms more often) in the postmenopausal part of their life.
Painful intercourse an uncomfortable or painful intercourse may make women avoid sex. This can be caused by various reasons, such as pelvic infection, vaginal infections, a cyst, or lack of estrogen resulting in decreased vaginal lubrication.
A low libido may stem from psychological problems too. In fact, the loss of sex drive in women is even more likely to result from psychological causes than from physical causes. In such cases quality natural libido enhancement pills are probably the best solution to treat the loss of libido.
Psychological causes for the loss of libido:
Serious relationship problems with her partner women’s sexual interest is often tied to the quality of the relationship with her partner.
Difficult living conditions or lifestyle for example, managing both a career and children, living under the same roof with parents or parents-in-law, etc.
Depression and anxiety these two factors can really oppress sex drive. Additionally, there are many medications that are prescribed to combat these conditions but affect negatively women’s libido.
Stress and overwork it may be hard to provide for the bills that pile up but financial worries and distress can result in low libido.
Past or current physical, emotional, or sexual abuse – such traumatic experiences may lead to avoidance of sex.
How to Treat the Lack of Libido?
In order to find an effective solution for the loss of libido, it is important to identify what has really triggered it. The causes listed above are just some of the possible reasons for losing sexual desire.
Probably the first step you should take is to visit your doctor to ensure that your low sex drive is not due to a medical problem. Some medical problems are difficult to spot and you may not be aware that you have one until you visit your doctor.
You may also consider visiting a psychologist or even a sex therapist to help you examine the underlying problems in your life and sexuality.
Are There Medications for the Female Loss of Libido?
Many pharmaceutical companies are searching for the “women's Viagra”, a drug that will enhance women’s sexual vitality, interest and excitement. Yet, so far most have had little success.
Due to the origin of the causes for the loss of libido in women, erection drug like Viagra haven’t managed to help women with a low libido. They do have some beneficial local effect in increasing lubrication in some women as a result of the increased blood flow to the female genitals for a few hours. However, they are still not the ultimate solution.
Some specialists suggest testosterone therapy as a way to improve sexual function. However, too much testosterone can lead to unpleasant effects, such as facial hair, a change in the women’s voice, etc.
Others try localized estrogen therapy which is known to soothe vaginal tissue and assist in lubrication.
Another solution that enjoys high popularity and success among women complaining of low libido is natural libido enhancers. If you decide to try libido enhancement pills, make sure you choose quality pills from a reputable company. In addition to sex drive improvement, such herbal libido enhancers will also promote overall reproductive health and sexual sensations and orgasm.

Birth Control and Acne

Birth Control and Acne

Numerous studies and researches have been done to find solutions for acne. Innumerable Products have been already manufactured and various surgeries have been conducted to cure acne and prevent future pimples from developing. Furthermore, there are also products, which have other specific purposes, of that being used as acne treatment. One of these is the a birth control pill.
Oral contraceptives, such as birth control pills, have been around for decades. Through the years, they have been developed to reduce their negative Side Effects to women who use them. Although these medications were originally created to prevent pregnancy, many women turn to these pills for acne birth control help.
Birth control pills have been ingested by many women to eliminate their pimples. A birth control pill acne is believed to improve skin condition, get rid of pimples, and reduce the chances of growing new zits. Moreover, acne birth control treatment is being practiced by some women because aside from decreasing the risks of getting pregnant, some studies say that such medications are effective acne-fighting product.
In low dosages, a birth control pill treats acne or limits breakouts. This is especially a good news for women who are not successful in using pimple-fighting products. Through an acne birth control pill treatment, women now have another option that can be effective in getting rid of their pimples.
Among the leading brands of birth control pills is Yasmin. Some think that this brand is the best birth control for acne. In fact, Yasmin birth control Acne treatment is one of the most popular Products that women use today. Yasmin can control certain hormones called androgens, which are responsible for oil production. This is good in treating acne because too much oil on the skin can trigger pimple formation. Since Yasmin can decrease the skin’s oil, the product can also prevent skin pores to be clogged and develop acne. As such, Yasmin pills can be good medications for birth control that help acne treatment.
Deciding whether or not to take pills for birth control to treat acne is a personal choice. Women are advised to weigh the possible consequences in taking these kinds of medications. However, in choosing the best birth control pill for acne, women must not forget to consult a physician as some brands may not be ideal for their condition. Thus if they take an acne birth control help pill that does not match their treatment needs, chances are they may only develop a worse type of acne condition.

Fibrocystic Breast Disease

Fibrocystic Breast Disease

What is fibrocystic breast disease?
In Western countries, a large percentage of women experience benign but often painful cysts and lumps in their breasts. Their breasts feel lumpy, ropy, or granular, as if full of little nodules. Some women can even feel the presence of larger cysts.
These cysts occur when a breast duct becomes blocked, and then fills up with fluid like a balloon filled with water. The area surrounding the blocked duct then has a tendency to form scar tissue, and that is the fibrous component of the fibrocystic disease.
This generalized breast lumpiness is known by several names, including fibrocystic breast condition, fibrous breasts, fibrocystic breast disease, fibrocystic changes and benign breast disease. There even exist several types of fibrocystic breast condition.
Unfortunately, many women and even doctors think that fibrocystic breast disease is a "normal" condition for women. However, large, palpable cysts have been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer, not to mention the pain the women experience, so women need to be concerned about pain and cysts in their breasts and not let it go on thinking it is "normal".
An easy experiment to reduce pain: take your bra off!
Fortunately there is an easy solution that works for many women in reducing breast pain and fibrocystic lumps: many women have found that by wearing undergarments less restrictive than bras (camisoles, tank tops, etc.) they can dramatically reduce or eliminate fibrocystic cysts and pain. Medical anthropologists Sydney Singer and Soma Grismaijer, and also Dr. Gregory Heigh, have found that around 90% of fibrocystic patients improve when they quit wearing bras. Singer and Grismajer are authors of a study of over 4000 women that found that women who do not wear bras have a much lower risk of breast cancer ("Dressed to Kill: The Link Between Breast Cancer and Bras" Avery Press, 1995).
In this link you can read some case histories of how women who got help from fibrocystic cysts and pain by taking bra off. Also you can read what some doctors feel about breast pain, fibrocystic breast disease, and bra wearing.
What about diet?
You can also consider eating a high-fiber diet that emphasizes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, seeds and nuts. Eating fish, especially fatty fish that contains omega-3 fats like salmon, trout, sardines, and mackerel, can be helpful.
One study studied a high dose vitamin A in women who did not get help for their breast pain from eliminating caffeine, and 80% of them had a dramatic reduction in the pain level. You are safer though getting vitamin A from consuming betacarotene, since high doses of vitamin A can be toxic. Vegetables that are bright red, orange, yellow, or dark green contain high amounts of betacarotene. Also helpful nutrients could be vitamin E, iodine, and essential fatty acids.
Iodine?
There also exist studies that link low iodine levels to fibrocystic breast disease. In fact, the pharmaceutical company Symbollon as of this writing (2007) has a molecular iodine drug Iogen in Pivitol Phase III clinical trials for non-hormonal treatment of Fibrocystic Breast Disease.
If you're interested in enrolling in their Phase III clinical trial for this Iodine-based treatment, please check the this website.
The British study bra-freedom as a treatment
In year 2000, two breast surgeons started a study including 100 women at two breast clinics (all of whom had breast pain) and found that over half of the premenopausal women with pain found relief when they quit wearing bras for three months. For some the pain relief was very dramatic, changing their lifes. When they resumed bra wearing for the last three months of the study, the pain returned. Besides the pain data, the doctors also showed video thermography footage that dramatically demonstrated the heat build-up from bra wearing, and they discussed the possible connections with cancer causation.
They also made a documentary film that was shown on nationwide television in Britain. You can read a partial trascript of the documentary concerning bra wearing and breast pain.
Natural progesterone treatment
Doctor John Lee has treated many patients with fibrocystic breasts with natural progesterone. He argues that the cause for the pain and cysts and lumps is an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone - either too much estrogen or too little progesterone, or both - and that environmental estrogens cause this, or at least make the situation worse.
This condition is called estrogen dominance. I highly recommend searching the internet for more info on that. It may be worth your while to try natural progesterone therapy alongside with avoiding foreign estrogen-like chemicals to treat breast pain and fibrocystic breasts. Visit Fibrocystic.com for more information.
Breastfeeding lowers risk
And, if you can, breastfeed! One study found that lack of breastfeeding was a risk factor for having post-menopausal breast pain and fibrocystic changes. Breastfeeding definitely lowers the risk of breast cancer: it reduces the time your body is exposed to high estrogen levels as occur during the mestrual cycle (and probably through some other mechanisms as well).

Rosacea Skin Care

Rosacea Skin Care

I am 40 years old with Rosacea and combination skin. Finding a good moisturizer has been a nightmare! I have finally found a wonderful combination with the Pure Mineral Sunscreen and HydraLight Moisture Infusing Lotion. I use the sunscreen in the morning and the moisturizer in the evening along with my medications. My skin is so much softer and less red. Thank you for two great products!
From 12 yrs old until now at 39 years old, I have had cysts, acne, large pores, combo/oily skin, rosacea, and discoloration. All mild, but what a minefield to treat and to tolerate. I have tried Retin A, countless over-the-counter products, Dusa acne treatment ($300/treatment), expensive products endorsed by "Dr. Blah blah", IPL treatments, etc etc. My symptoms waxed and waned, but never ended. I came across Paula's Choice while researching a product on-line. I spent hours reading your reviews, and then ordered your line for normal/combo/oily skin. Two weeks and my acne cleared, my redness lessened noticeably, cysts never returned, and for the first time I could use a moisturizer without turning into an oil pit. Many people use the word "miracle" to describe the results from using your products, but what you are providing should be common. The difference is, you care, you are well researched, you put helping people above profit, and you are patient (research and publishing of your great ingredient review books). I have learned a great deal from your research, and I can't thank you enough for creating a smart line that works together. My skin looks great. And for the first time in my life, my boyfriend, family, and friends all noticed the improvement without my mentioning anything. Bravo. One last thing.... Reading your FAQs, in particular the responses to companies contesting your research without proofs or references, is a joy. You are firm, without being condescending; you are informative without being sales-y; your choice of words, presentation and thoroughness all reflect a great business person and human being. Thanks so much Paula.

Rosacea Treatment

Rosacea Treatment

The best advice for anyone who thinks that he or she may have rosacea is to see a dermatologist as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can control the signs and symptoms of rosacea so that rosacea is usually not visible or uncomfortable. Early treatment also may stop rosacea from progressing.
Allowed to progress, rosacea can be more difficult to treat. By the time the woman shown in the photograph on the left saw a dermatologist, her rosacea had been progressing for 11 years. In the beginning, her only sign of rosacea was flushing, which happened when she drank a hot beverage or experienced a temperature change.
How Dermatologists Treat Rosacea
To treat rosacea, a dermatologist first identifies the subtype or subtypes of rosacea that are present on the patient’s skin. This diagnosis is crucial because each subtype has its own unique signs and symptoms, which often require different therapies. The following links provide information about the different treatments used for each rosacea subtype:

Low blood pressure

Low blood pressure

What is low blood pressure?
Many people worry about low blood pressure (hypotension), but probably don't need to.
Some people have a blood pressure level that is lower than normal. In general this may be good news - because the lower your blood pressure is, the lower your risk of stroke or heart disease. However, in a few cases, having low blood pressure can cause problems, so you might need to speak to your doctor or nurse.
What is a low blood pressure reading?
A low blood pressure reading is having a level that is 90/60mmHg, or lower.
Only one of the numbers has to be lower than it should be to count as low blood pressure. In other words:
* if the top number is 90 or less (regardless of the botton number) this may be low blood pressure
* if the bottom number is 60 or less (regardless of the top number) this may be low blood pressure.
What causes low blood pressure?
Some people have a blood pressure level that is naturally low. That is, there is no specific cause or reason why.
However, some health conditions or medicines can cause you to develop low blood pressure.
Is low blood pressure dangerous?
Usually, having low blood pressure is not a cause for concern. However, sometimes your blood pressure can drop to a point where you may feel faint or dizzy.
If you find that your blood pressure is suddenly much lower than usual, there may be a reason for this. Speak to your doctor or nurse.
How is low blood pressure treated?
Most people with low blood pressure will not need treatment.
If your doctor or nurse feels that you would benefit from treatment, they will often try to find a cause for your low blood pressure. If they can find the cause, they should be able to decide on the most appropriate treatment for you.