Pages

Tuesday, 29 October 2013

Eye strain from Computer Useage


Author: Michelle Costanza Weis
For those of us who work in an office and spend most of the day in our cubicles, one of the most common ailments we have been subjected to is eye strain due to long hours of sitting at our desks and staring at our computer monitors. By listening to our bodies and knowing how to combat the discomfort caused by eyestrain, we can allow ourselves to be more productive while working.
The technical name for eyestrain due to computer usage is called Computer Vision Syndrome (or CVS). People who suffer from CVS will feel any number of the following at the same time or at different intervals:
When working some people are prone to keeping their eyes open too long or not blinking enough; focussing too much puts way too much pressure on the eye muscles surrounding the eyes. And a lack of blinking will dehydrate the area creating sore, tired or 'itchy eyes'. When a person is fatigued, it\'s possible that the eyes will begin to water. This typically happens late at night just before retiring for the evening. But the same kind of fatigue is caused by working long hours as well. And just the opposite can happen! The lack of blinking will cause dry eyes which gets worse if contact lenses are worn.
All of that brain power in combination with working long hours and staring at a monitor may even cause some people to have blurred vision or the inability to focus easily. Yet a more common symptom of over work is to suffer from headaches. Headaches are usually caused by a combination of symptoms all sourced from eye strain which include and are not limited to neck strain, back and shoulder pain.
An increase in sensitivity to light in combination with difficulty focussing is also a symptom cause by CVS. Most offices use fluorescent lighting which gives off a white almost bluish hue that is unnatural and makes it difficult for us to focus. The use of other digital electronic devices can cause many of these symptoms as well.
Adjust the lighting in your office. First, do a 'light test' by cupping your hands above and around your eyes, much like the way a baseball hat would shelter them. If you notice a huge difference once you remove your hands, it may be wise to get a table top desk lamp. Tweak the settings of your monitor by adjusting the brightness and contrast,and font size until you find something that is comfortable for you. The preset factory setting is not for everyone. Minimize the glare coming from your monitor by installing anti-glare filters or adjusting your office window shades.
Remember to give your eyes a break at least every two hours. Get up and away from your desk, focus on something other than a monitor. Exercise your eyes by looking up and down and to the left and right, roll your eyes clockwise and counter-clockwise a few times. Give yourself a little TLC by massaging your eyelids, temples and eyebrows. Blink your eyes often and use eye drops occasionally.
Fear not! There\'s a way to fight all of these symptoms. They key is to be aware of what\'s around you and to listen to your body. Start first by getting a comprehensive eye exam. If these remedies don\'t work to relieve your eyestrain symptoms, make an appointment to see your eye doctor. Your eye discomfort could be reoccuring due to a need for prescription glasses. These days buying eyeglasses online is affordable and easy if your have your eyeglasses prescription. Be sure to invest in an anti-glare coating!
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/wellness-articles/eye-strain-from-computer-useage-6794011.html
About the Author
Michelle Costanza Weis is a fashion stylist - turned optical specialist. Her focus is on accessories and statement pieces - like prescription eyeglasses. She is currently working for GlassesUSA.com - the easiest way to buy glasses online, which now offers free shipping all over the US, with the code FreeShip10.


More articles on healthGUARD-here

Monday, 28 October 2013

How to prevent Cholera

The Nigerian Minister of Health Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu has confirmed  the death toll from the current cholera outbreak in some part of the country at 74 with  about 373 affected. This is an upsurge of incidence from the usual pattern and a source of concern but it is a preventable disease.
Vibro cholerae-organism causing cholera as seen under electron microscpe
By Tom Kirn, Ron Taylor, Louisa Howard - Dartmouth Electron Microscope Facility
 (http://remf.dartmouth.edu/imagesindex.html) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Why cholera
 It is a deadly disease.It lead to severe and life threatening dehydration within a short period.It has significant capacity to lead to high mortality.

How to prevent it


  1. eat food and vegetables which are cooked thoroughly and while still hot.
  2. avoid raw or under-cooked fish or seafood.
  3. avoid consumption of exposed vended food items.
  4. don't drink dirty water,take only portable water fetched and stored in clean containers.
  5. wash your hand regularly(before cooking,before eating and after using toilet).
  6. keep your water container clean alway.
  7. dont mix raw and uncooked food with cooked food.
  8. if your place is far from the hospital or nearest medical help, or start ORS for the victim.
  9. DON'T JOKE WITH ANY APPEARANCE OF CHOLERA.TAKE ACTION.

More Health articles on healthGUARD here

Can Vitamins Really Help Me Grow Healthy Hair

Author: Eddie Yakubovich
An important factor most people overlook when they discuss a thinning or hair loss problem is nutrition. The modern diet for most of us is lacking at best. We should supplement our diets with vitamin and mineral supplementation. Even those of us who really watch what we eat, may not be getting enough of the key nutrient necessary for healthy hair growth. Getting proper nutrition is vital to healthy hair growth, while your body needs a variety of nutrients to maintain proper body functions, there are a handful that are key to hair growth and health.

First we need to caution you that when starting a new vitamin regime, consistency is very important. You also need to be patient, it normally takes from 2 to 3 months to see results in your hair\'s condition. It\'s also important to check with your doctor before starting a vitamin program, especially if you have health concerns.

Now that we have set a few parameters and made our cautionary statements, let look at some of the more important vitamins when it comes to hair health in no specific order. In an attempt to be as useful as possible we will list the vitamin, any good food sources, and a recommended daily dose for supplementation:

1. Vitamin A - Antioxidant that helps produce healthy sebum in the scalp. Food sources: Fish liver oil, meat, milk, cheese, eggs, spinach, carrots, apricots and peaches. Daily Dose: 5,000 IU.

2. Vitamin C - Antioxidant that helps maintain skin & hair health. Food sources: Citrus fruits, strawberries, pineapple, tomatoes, green peppers, potatoes and dark green vegetables. Daily Dose: 60 mg.

3. Vitamin E - Antioxidant that enhances scalp circulation. Food sources: Cold-pressed vegetable oils, wheat germ oil, soybeans, raw seeds and nuts, dried beans, and leafy green vegetables. Daily dose: Up to 400 IU. Warnings: Can raise blood pressure and reduce blood clotting. People taking high blood pressure medication or anticoagulants should check with their doctors before taking Vitamin E supplements.

4. Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) - Prevents graying and hair loss. Food sources: Whole grain cereals, brewer\'s yeast, organ meats and egg yolks. Daily dose: 4-7 mg.

5. Vitamin B6 - Prevents hair loss, helps create melanin, which gives hair its color. Food sources: Brewer\'s yeast, liver, whole grain cereals, vegetables, organ meats and egg yolk. Daily dose: 1.6 mg. Vitamin B12 - Prevents hair loss. Food sources: Chicken, fish, eggs and milk. Daily dose

6. Biotin - Helps produce keratin, may prevent graying and hair loss. Food sources: Brewer\'s yeast, whole grains, egg yolks, liver, rice and milk. Daily dose: 150-300 mcg.

7. Inositol - Keeps hair follicles healthy at the cellular level. Food sources: Whole grains, brewer\'s yeast, liver and citrus fruits. Daily Dose: Up to 600 mg.

8. Niacin (Vitamin B3) - Promotes scalp circulation. Food sources: Brewer\'s yeast, wheat germ, fish, chicken, turkey and meat. Daily dose: 15 mg.

9. Biotin - Helps produce keratin, may prevent graying and hair loss. Food sources: Brewer\'s yeast, whole grains, egg yolks, liver, rice and milk. Daily dose: 150-300 mcg.

10. Inositol - Keeps hair follicles healthy at the cellular level. Food sources: Whole grains, brewer\'s yeast, liver and citrus fruits. Daily Dose: Up to 600 mg.

I hope this give you at least a basic understanding of what vitamins can help with hair thinning and or hair loss problems. There are many other products available that can be helpful. There are several prescription drug regimes to try, so take the time to speak with your doctor. There are also many herbal and natural hair growth remedies available without a prescription, we believe strongly that you should also discuss these products with your doctor.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/can-vitamins-really-help-me-grow-healthy-hair-258719.html
About the Author
Find out more about hair vitamins, liquid vitamins, and liquid vitamin supplements.


 By en:User:Daderot. (First uploaded to en:wiki on 5 Apr 2005.) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)], via Wikimedia CommonsGNI document

Saturday, 26 October 2013

It's Time to Give up Smoking!


Whether you are a real smoker or an occasional one, young or old, it\'s never too late to quit, even if you have already tried to several times. Some tricks may come in handy.

Most people who smoke say they would like to quit smoking, but when it comes to actual facts, they give up. Why? The reasons are numerous: they have a hard time learning new habits, they worry about gaining weight, but most of all because at first they might feel bad and experience withdrawals. Like any addiction, nicotine is pretty hard to beat, but not impossible.

Even the authorities are helping: 'European lawmakers are trying to tighten rules governing the multi-billion dollar tobacco market by imposing bigger and bolder warnings on cigarette packs, banning most flavorings like menthol and beefing up regulation of electronic cigarettes', says an ABC News report. Since treatment for smoke-related diseases costs about $34 billion a year and the EU estimates that there are around 700,000 smoking-related deaths annually worldwide, it makes sense to consider quitting smoking.

'We need to stop tobacco companies from targeting young people with an array of gimmicky products and we need to make sure that cigarette packs carry effective warnings', stated Linda McAvan, the Labour MEP for Yorkshire and the Humber, and a spokesperson on tobacco issues for the Parliament\'s Socialist and Democrat group.

So, here are some tips that will help you in the battle against cigarettes.
1. Establish clear objectives
When it comes to quitting a habit, the first thing you need to think about is motivation: why do you want to smoke? Do you have a health problem? Do you have a relative who passed away due to a smoke-related disease and now you\'re scared? Are you spending too much money on cigarettes? Do you want to protect your family\'s health? You need a personal reason and the generic 'it\'s bad for you' will not do the trick.

2. Get help
For some, quitting is easy because they have a strong motivation. But, for others, this process can be really difficult, despite the motivation. Do not be afraid to ask for the support of your family and friends. Ask people who smoke around you not to do that.

3. Find alternative means of relaxation
If you ask a smoker why he smokes, they will likely tell you it helps relieve stress. So, instead of turning to a cigarette when you\'re feeling angry, try to look for alternative means: breathing exercises, relaxing music, or a walk in the park.

4. Discover new activities
If idle hands are the devil\'s playground, then you need to keep yourself busy all the time with challenging activities. Help your partner clean the house, take up a hobby, or join a gym. There are so many things you can do in order to stop thinking about smoking.

5. Spend the money you save
When you realize how much money you can save by quitting this habit and that you can afford to buy something that you have wanted for a long time, you will see it really pays off to quit smoking.
About the Author
Health Table is a leading health blog providing information on bad effects of smoking and more health topics. Please read here at health-table.com for more health information.
Source: By Tusharmorephotography (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0
 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Friday, 25 October 2013

Health Benefits of Male Circumcision


Male circumcision is the removal of some or the entire foreskin or prepuce from the penis. Male circumcision is widely practice among Muslims world-wide. It is also a religious injunction ( a positive commandment) in Judaism. However, this practice is wide spread among Christians and Muslims in some part of Africa especially Nigeria, possibly due to cultural reasons. For the Muslims it stated in the Hadiths. Among the Christians it is only customary among the Coptic, Ethiopian, and Eritrean Orthodox Churches, and also some other African churches while the Roman Catholic Church is neutral on it. 

 The first recorded case of male circumcision was among the Egyptians 3000B.C, evidence from the mummies showed all the male mummies are circumcised. It was also practiced among the Babylonians, Colchians and the Moabites. Among this ancient tribes it may be have practice with ritualistic purpose, however the practice attain a religious status with the Jews who see it as a necessary religious practice. The advent of rapid scientific advance may be the first time hygienic reason was ascribe to the practice.

Male circumcision is a popular culture in many societies and the first documented evidence can be dated to as far as the ancient Egypt. Certain society practices it as a ritualistic requirement for a boy to be initiated into manhood like the one describe in Carama Laye‘s book- African Child. This is particularly done on young adolescents. However among the Muslims and many Nigerian tribes it done in childhood, around the first week among the Yorubas while the Kanuri does it in children as old as 6 years. Infant circumcision is also popular USA and English speaking part of Canada. Why it is popular USA may not be unconnected with the fact foreskin is perceive to be dirty and it removal as a means of preventing masturbation. 

Some US physicians even strongly advocated for it in early 1900. According to National Hospital Discharge Survey data from the National Center for Health Statistics in US was about 60% infant circumcision rate.

It is a global practice with a world-wide rate of about 30%. In many Western African countries is a common practice i.e. universal, not doing it is rare, so also in Middle East and North Africa. The rate of male circumcision in USA is about 85% among males.

   Male circumcision has hygienic benefit in fact that that is a major reason it is a practice in some Western countries. The skin of the glans penis (the free end of the penis) secrete a material called smegma, this substance encourage the growth of bacterial and infection if allow to accumulate. To avoid such the uncircumcised would need to wash the foreskin and glans penis regularly, it mean retracting the foreskin to wash the skin underneath. This retraction can be difficult and painful to do a time.

Recent evidence have emerge that the practice has been associated with a lower risk for HIV male-to-female transmission compared to when the individual is not circumcised. However this does not suggest that the prevention strategy like abstinence, consistent and correct condom usage etc. should be discarded or unnecessary. Nigerians circumsize but their is still HIV infection around.

In addition it help to reduce the cost of having to treat medical conditions like phimiosis, balanoposthitis, balanitis  and paraphimosis. These condition are common among the circumscribed.There are also increase risk of sexually transmitted genital ulcer disease and chlamydia, infant urinary tract infections, penile cancer, and cervical cancer in female partners of uncircumcised men. It also reduces the risk of penile cancer. It has been described as a surgical vaccine by some scholar because of the role it plays in penile cancer prevention.

Male circumcision is even beneficial to the female sexual partner of the circumcised. Those women tend to have substantial protection from genital herpes, cervical cancer, bacterial vaginosis, possibly Chlamydia (that can cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy), and other infections.

It is not that male circumcision does not have adverse effects however minimal it needs to be mentioned. The benefit to risk is like 100 to 1. The risks, benefits to sexual partner of the circumcised, commonly asked questions and best timing for male circumcision would be discussed in subsequent update. There would also some information of the argument of the emerging groups against male circumcision.

More Article at:HealthGUARD

First Aid: Snake Bite












SAFETY FIRST
  • Get away from snake
  • Don't try to capture the snake
BITE AREA
  • Don,t elevate the bitten site above the heart level
  • Remove the constricting clothing and jewelry from the extremity
  • Cover the area with a clean, cool compressor moist dressing/elastic bandage to minimize swelling and discomfort. While wrapping the bite,start from the point closest to the heart and wrap towards the fingers or toes
  • Apply a loose splint to reduce movement of the affect area,but make sure it is loose enough that won't restrict blood flow.
  • Try to get the patient to the hospital in thirty minutes.The last stated activity is particularly important if you can't reach the nearest hospital in thirty minutes.
DON'T
  • Don't cut the bite site
  • Don't apply tourniquet
  • Don't apply ice to bite site
  • Don't try to remove the venom
  • Don't waste time getting to the nearest medical attention

Cobra Source: By H. Krisp (Own work) [CC-BY-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Thursday, 24 October 2013

How to Reduce Risk of Heart Disease


  1. Go for regular Blood pressure Check
  2. Stay off cigarette
  3. Maintain a healthy weight (Check at BMI Check)
  4. Check your lipid profile level and keep it low
  5. Exercise frequently( do exercise at least 30 minutes everyday and at least 5 days a week.The exercise does not have to be strenuous; it can be simple jogging,brisk walking and skipping etc)
  6. Reduce alcohol intake, if you must take alcohol, do not take more than 1 bottle per day(women) and 2 bottles per day for men. Another rule,if you must drink instead take red wine.
  7. Reduce red meat intake.Everyday barbecue is not advisable.
OTHER RELEVANT PAGES
Smoking out Good Health