Saturday, May 10, 2008

Health Care



Health Care

How to Take Charge of Your Health, Control Medical and Subsequent Costs Now!

Many people think they have no need to worry about their health or that of their team or assume their health insurance will cover if necessary. However, staying healthy usually takes more than just common sense. Furthermore, life may not go as planned; how we handle illnesses when they occur before and after seeing doctors can mean life or death. There is NO health insurance that covers our medical bills, absenteeism, time, effort, opportunities and lives altogether. As a physician, I want first to share a story with you.

My mother and I were involved in a tragic auto-accident. Although she did not have any health issues prior, she could not breathe without a ventilator after five weeks of intensive care. The ICU physicians "concluded" that she would be ventilator dependent for the rest of her life; she refused to live on a machine. I had never doubted the ICU physicians -- they were my physicians at that time as well. At that moment, I had to hold in my tears and do my own assessment. To my surprise, I found my mother did not breathe efficiently, so I taught her a new way of breathing and practiced with her. Within three days, my mother was taken off the ventilator successfully. Had I not questioned the ICU doctors, my mother would have chosen to die.

Later in her rehab, my family worked with nine other specialists, including acupuncture and herbs, and achieved what most rehabilitation experts cannot imagine -- my mother now is not only able to cook, shop and enjoy her interests fairly independently, but also reminds me of my tax return!! Her entire care cost almost $300,000, not to mention the time and effort and her suffering. In the end, I am very lucky that I can still have a healthy and happy mother.

To stay healthy, we need basic overall medical knowledge, proper thinking and the ability to stay calm and enjoy life under any level of stress. In order to save other people from similar and other preventable suffering and losses, we have set up a 2-day Comprehensive Health Program, based on our dual medical training, clinical and teaching experiences.

The basic medical knowledge enables us to stay healthy and handle illnesses properly before and after we see doctors. Many common illnesses are preventable, for example, sexually transmitted diseases. In my mother's case, the Para-medic did an excellent job in securing her injured neck. Otherwise, she could have died right at the accident scene. Some parents like to use toothpaste to ease the burned skin of their children. However, the toothpaste can make it much harder to clean the burned skin later in Emergency Room and increase the chance of severe infection.

Improper thinking in health can lead to severe consequences, directly or indirectly, before or after seeing doctors. Some people use food as "anti-depressants" or "de-stressors" and gain weight rapidly. Being overweight is a big health hazard, and can lead to and worsen many health problems, such as Diabetes and Hypertension. Some people give up treatment due to self-doubt; some people develop massive myocardial infarction because of the delay in coming to the hospital secondary to their denial.

My mother's case is a good "after" example. One gentleman lay in bed, "totally paralyzed," for one year due to a wrong diagnosis of one hospital until he met Dr. Milton Erickson -- Dr. Erickson "made him so angry" that he walked out of the doctor's office the same day! Humans tend to believe in "authorities figures" that can be our parents, school principles, judges, doctors, attorneys, etc, and turn off our own judgment. All of these are samples of internal restrictions. What makes it worse is that the improper thinking or internal restrictions can be so familiar to us that we are not aware of their existence!

As proven by Harvard studies, stress can cause an inability to think clearly or make the right decisions, decreased creativity as well as other cognitive, psychological and physical symptoms; over 50% of adults in the U.S. experience high daily stress. Stress can also worsen many chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, depression and Fibromyalgia.

Knowing more and seeing the big picture, besides having a strong spirit, will strengthen our confidence and help us stay in better control. We do not have to wait until we or our loved ones get sick. Without entering a health career, we can learn to stay healthy and fit and avoid getting sick. We can learn to avoid making mistakes when handling emergency illnesses, reduce hospital stays and recover faster and better. We can learn to know ourselves more, utilize and evaluate different medical systems and knowledge, including herbs and acupunctures. We can learn to build our personal relaxation hierarchy (including deep breathing and meditation used in Harvard's program), manage different levels of stress, proactively reduce and prevent stress, enjoy life better and more. To have the big health picture all at once, instead of piece by piece, will help us better solve individual problems as they arise.

Comprehensive self-care at different medical stages helps us and our businesses stay in charge of not only our health, but also the potential losses in time, money, effort, opportunities or even lives. Comprehensive self-care helps to maintain healthier and more efficient productivity at significantly reduced costs, so we can compete better in this increasingly challenging global market. There is NO insurance that can insure all of them for us. The best medicine is not only about making diagnoses and delivering treatments, but also staying well, preventing sickness and recovering swiftly. Everyone can make the health system more efficient and cost-effective.

Let's start learning now to take charge of our health, control our future medical and subsequent costs in time, effort, opportunities and life. We can live better, compete better and protect our successes and future!By: Bin Yang

Walk-in Tubs For The Handicapped

For anyone with any type of handicap or disability the walk-in tub offers independence and freedom. Bathing themselves can give a person a sense of dignity that they may have either lost or have never had.

The walk-in tub can hold up to 46 gallons of water, ensuring a calming and cleansing bath. Built with many safety features, the walk-in tubs offers security with minimal assistance.

An anti-scald water mixing valve prevents the water temperature from rising above a preset temperature. Special drains expedite the drain time, thus becoming very beneficial for those with health problems that may require immediate attention.

A twenty-four inch inward opening door with a five inch rise on the threshold, allows easy access. Constructed of high quality fiberglass the walk-in tub has a contoured, cushioned seat that makes bathing more enjoyable.

The seat and floor are slip-proof and thereby offers more secure footing. The faucets are within arms reach along with an extendable showerhead that makes reaching even the most difficult areas a breeze. Grab bars come standard on all of the walk-in tubs.

Equipped with air propelled hydrotherapy jets the walk-in tub has temperature sensors that adjusts and maintains the heat of the jets. This allows for a gentle massage that is very soothing to aching muscles and sore joints. Among the warm massage benefits are the reduction of arthritis, muscle strain, inflammation and menstrual cramps.

It also reduces high blood pressure, stimulates the elimination of impurities through the skin, promotes emotional balance, increases circulation, and relieves varicose veins.

It has also been shown to alleviate bladder and urinary distress. Some studies also suggest that warm water massages restore emotional balance and help to eliminate insomnia. Soaking in cool water reduces fever.

The water is drained and is not recirculated. This is extremely important as it provides a bacteria-free environment especially for those with diabetes, open wounds, or recovering from recent surgical procedures. This is also important if the tub is used by more than one person.

The fiberglass construction offers easy cleaning and maintenance. The walk-in tub comes in white and biscuit, but it can be ordered in custom colors. The tub was designed to fit into the space that is normally occupied by a conventional bath tub. Existing plumbing and drains can be used so there is no additional cost to have plumbing moved.

This tub was designed to restore independence, self-confidence, and dignity as well as to offer a safe way to bathe in comfort.By: dror klar
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How To Quit Smoking Cold Turkey For Good

When you think of quitting cold turkey style do you think its going to be hard? Well actually it's not as bad as you think. Most smoker who quit smoking the cold turkey way have a better chance of quitting for good. There's no easy way to quit and there is no other way to quit. Smoking less doesn't mean you've quit smoking and that's why other methods or quitting doesn't really work.

To really quit smoking cold turkey you will have to give it up all together and if means not hanging out with your friends on a Saturday night at the club then don't The worse thing you can do is quit for a month then go out to a club see everyone smoking and get tempted to go back. Once you go back it gets harder and harder to stop. Each time you quit then go back, quitting the next time around isn't the same because you know that its there and you can always go back to it.

However lucky for you there are many methods you can quit smoking cold turkey. The first cold turkey method is to quit and just eat or munch on things when you feel the need. And you can also pick up a new hobby like painting or figure painting to kill time and stop you from thinking of smoking.

The next quit smoking cold turkey way is self hypnosis which is by listening to recordings that help to reprogram you mind while you sleep. It's a very popular method right now and it works really well. The cold turkey way is a lot better if you also have a hobby on the side.

The next cold turkey way is the nicotine patches which you use while you sleep and while at work or out. This cold turkey method is highly effective especially when your body starts craving for nicotine.

For optimal results you should combine all these quit smoking cold turkey methods together and you'll notice the real difference when quitting. Last but not least another popular quit smoking method is to see therapy or a quit smoking support group. Speaking with other smoking addicts who are quitting just like you can help you feel that you're not alone. You can also speak with people who've already quit and are there for your moral support.

Support groups will benefit you in the long term because if you're thinking of smoking again in about 6 months visit your quit smoking support group and they'll be able to advise you. So quit smoking the cold turkey way is the most effective method and you can try doing it today or tomorrow it's really up to you.By: Marc Lindsay

The Symptoms Of Sleep Apnea Can Frequently Be Hard To Recognize

Sleep apnea is an extremely commonly seen sleep disorder that affects in excess of 12,000,000 Americans and today is as commonplace as adult diabetes.

The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea which, as its name indicates, arises from an obstruction to your airways that interferes with breathing. In addition, there is a second type of sleep apnea called central sleep apnea, in which your brain fails to adequately control your breathing during sleep. Many people suffer from mixed sleep apnea, which is a combination of both obstructive and central forms of this sleep disorder.

Sleep apnea symptoms can arise at any time and, although they are most commonly seen in overweight men who are over the age of 40, they can be found in both men and women at any age and are increasingly being seen now in children.

The most noticeable symptom of sleep apnea is snoring which is unfortunately a difficult symptom to spot yourself and generally has got to be pointed out to you by a sleeping partner. Snoring has several different causes and the presence of snoring is not by itself a sign that you have sleep apnea. It is a fact nevertheless that most sufferers do snore.

The second most noticeable symptom of sleep apnea is unusual tiredness during the day. With sleep apnea you stop breathing frequently during sleep and your body's natural reaction to this is to wake you just enough for you to start breathing again, but not enough for you to be aware of the fact that you are being awakened. The result is that your sleep is very light and continually interrupted and you cannot enjoy the deep sleep that the body needs in order to recharge its batteries. As a result, in time, you find that you are becoming more and more tired during the day.

If sleep apnea is left untreated its affects will begin to become increasingly evident and further symptoms will start to appear. These could include headaches (especially first thing in the morning), touchiness and sometimes depression. You might also find that you are starting to put on weight.

One of the not quite so obvious symptoms of sleep apnea is raised blood pressure which can result in a number of cardiovascular difficulties. This will be spotted if you are one of the growing number of people who now monitor their own blood pressure regularly at home but otherwise might not be picked up until you call in for a routine physical exam with your physician.

Yet another symptom is that of learning difficulties and problems with memory. Once more this is not something that is easy to see yourself but other people may notice that you are no longer as quick on the uptake as you once were.

A number of people with sleep apnea will notice a drop in their sexual function and this can result in impotency.

As is the case with with the majority of conditions individual symptoms could be a sign of almost anything. But, if you start to notice these symptoms coming together then you ought to think about consulting your physician and possibly consider being tested for sleep apnea.

A word of caution. Sleep apnea testing will frequently involve referral to a sleep specialist, preferably a specialist who is certified by the American Board of Sleep Medicine (ABSM), and could mean undergoing overnight sleep testing either in a sleep laboratory or at home. This testing will frequently cost upwards of $1,000 and you should check with your health insurance company before committing yourself to any program of sleep apnea testing.By: Donald Saunders

Far-Sighted? How to See Better Naturally

Aldous Huxley, the famous author of books and plays, had suffered from poor vision since his teens. He was far-sighted and could read only with the strongest of glasses. For years he had been treated by the most eminent eye specialists in Europe and North America. They had carefully diagnosed his condition and given him a pair of glasses. Each doctor wrote a different prescription and spoke slightingly of the others. None of them told him that there are right ways and wrong ways of using the eyes. They seemed to know nothing about the interrelation between the mind and the eyes.

At age 35 he met an experienced teacher of the Bates Method in Los Angeles (Margaret Corbett). After several weeks of training he was able to read without glasses. His headaches disappeared also. He learned to relax and to get into more natural ways of living, thinking and seeing.

The Bates Method of natural vision improvement was developed by a New York eye doctor who also taught at several universities. For thirty years he examined thousands of eyes, and he found that the key to better vision is relaxation in body and mind. He devised simple techniques for getting people out of their strenuous habits. He helped them to switch from the stress-mode into the joy-mode. He showed them that the eyes see best when they function easily and joyfully. This also improves the general health and well-being.

A new book explains how you can use the method to cure or ameliorate far-sightedness and most other visual defects (www.seeingwithoutglasses.com). You are never too old to improve your vision. Even if you have worn glasses for many years or decades you can do something for your eyes if you really want to. By understanding your eyes and unlearning strenuous habits you can activate your natural healing powers and sharpen your visual and mental focus.

Within weeks you could be enjoying life without glasses or lenses, at home, at work and in your social life. Eyestrain, headaches and fatigue usually disappear as you learn to use your eyes in a relaxed way, and your world looks more bright and colorful.

You can join the millions of others who have discovered the natural way to see.By: Chris Markert

Why We Need To Alkalize Our Bodies For Health

The food that we eat burns with oxygen in our cells to produce energy. After burning, the ash becomes acid wastes and the cells dump them into the bloodstream. If you could get rid of 99.9% of the garbage in your home everyday, wouldn’t that .01% accumulate into lot of garbage over the years? The same analogy is true as our body tries its best to get rid of these wastes through urine, breath and perspiration. Unfortunately, we cannot get rid of all the wastes that we produce and what is left over must be stored somewhere in our body. The body plays a clever trick to convert these acid wastes into solid wastes, which is the beginning of “Acidosis”, a state that the body becomes slightly acidic rather than alkaline. Read on to learn how this acid build up affects most adult degenerative diseases.

Acidity and Weight.
The body begins to store these solid wastes in many places, around the organs and under the skin as fat. Many believe that fat production may be a result of acid waste demands for a storage medium. Fewer toxins in your body will require less space for storage, hence reducing the waist size.

Acidity and Aging
Examples of solidified acidic wastes in our body are cholesterol, fatty acid, uric acid, kidney stones, urates, sulfates and phosphates. The accumulation of these non-disposed solid wastes is the process of aging. Cholesterol and fatty acids are the result of eating too much pasta and bread and not exercising enough. Uric acid and ammonia come from all kinds of meat. Phosphoric acid comes from grains such as rice and drinks such as cola, Sulphuric acid comes from egg yolks. In Western nations, antacids are a billion dollar business because so many people think the problem is an over acidic stomach, when in fact it is an over acidic body.

Acidity and Osteoporosis
Sulfuric and phosphoric acid are both poisonous acids. They must have alkaline minerals to neutralize them in order to become benign. In the absence of enough alkaline minerals from our diet, the body has no choice but to rob calcium and phosphorous from our body minerals to convert these poisonous acids into non-poisonous acid salts; sulfate, phosphates, and urates. Most of our calcium and phosphorous stores are in our bones

Acidity and Diabetes
Depending upon where the body stores acid wastes, blood circulation around that area gets poor and eventually a vital organ is unable to receive enough blood supply and becomes dysfunctional. Many adult degenerative diseases are the result of poor circulation. Diabetes is an adult degenerative disease which is caused by acid accumulation around the pancreas.

Acidity and Cancer
Malignant cancer cells are acidic, while healthy cells are alkaline. Normal cells cannot survive near areas of waste acid accumulation. Mutation of healthy alkaline cells into acidic cells that thrive in an acidic environment is the beginning of cancerous growths. Experienced oncologists increase the alkalinity of their patients before administering treatment, often by injecting sodium bicarbonate, an alkaline buffer.

Acidity and Heart Disease
Acidic wastes accumulate outside and inside the blood vessels. Waste particles inside the blood vessels can be very dangerous, leading to clogging of capillaries servicing critical sections of the brain. Our body attempts to paste these waste particles onto artery walls to prevent them from floating around and creating terminal damage. This pasting action eventually leads to excess flow restriction and potential heart attacks..

ALKALINE NEUTRALIZES ACID

The scientific truth that alkaline neutralizes acid is a basic natural phenomenon that requires no ‘double blind testing’. Alkaline water has no nutritional or medicinal value to cure disease; all it does is neutralize the acidic wastes in the human body and liquefy them for elimination by the kidneys. It is recommended to drink 8 glasses of alkaline water daily to detoxify and maintain good health.

Depending on the individual, we all store acidic wastes differently. Disease symptoms manifest depending upon where the wastes accumulate. For this reason, drinking alkaline water gives different results for different people. Some people lose weight, some are relieved of gout, some lower blood pressure, and some reverse other long-term conditions. When we understand the fact that all adult degenerative diseases are caused by the accumulation of acidic wastes, it is no mystery that drinking alkaline water improves our health.By: James Harris

Herbal Treatment For Acid Reflux

Many people who now suffer from acid reflux prefer not to use prescribed medication in order to treat the problem as they do not want to suffer from any unwanted side effects. Certainly more and more people are now looking for natural ways of treating acid reflux.

There are now plenty of herbal treatments for acid reflux and are based on what herbalists known with regard to the use of traditional medicines and how to use traditional medicinal plants. A lot of the herbal treatment for acid reflux available today are common food herbs that will be found in anybody’s kitchen.

The great thing about using acid reflux herbal treatments is that they do not cause the user to suffer any risks if used for long periods of time. However, whether or not they are effective is still largely unknown.

If you are someone who is diagnosed as suffering from acid reflux it is essential that you make regular appointments to see your doctor or healthcare provider even if you think you have the problem under control. Plus when you visit your doctor, it is important that you advise them what kinds of herbal and natural remedies or treatments you are using for your condition.

Also should you start to suffer from any new or different symptoms in relation to the problem these should also be immediately be brought to your doctor’s attention as they may be the underlying cause of something else.

Today the kind of herbal treatment for acid reflux a person can use include chamomile, slippery elm, fennel, angelica root, ginger root, catnip, meadowsweet along with peppermint, lavender and chicory root.

Plus you may also want to consider using aloe in order to treat the problem. A large number of herbalists have certainly found that a combination of various different herbals such as peppermint, lavender and aniseed when made into a tea are extremely effective in dealing with the symptoms of acid reflux.

Such ingredients have often been used previously for treating indigestion problems and although they may help to relieve the symptoms it is best that a person also makes changes to their dietary habits and the kind of lifestyle they lead to help prevent the problem from becoming much worse.By: Ricky Lim

Why DO Children Need Chiropractic Care?

Let me start with the facts. These “facts” are not just hypothetical ideas. They are actual statistics and actual studies that show that chiropractic care for children is not only safe, it is vital. Take these figures into account:

- A study done by Abraham Towbin, M.D., an expert in pathology, shows that“Spinal cord and brain stem injuries occur often during the process of birth but frequently escape diagnosis." (Towbin, A., "Latent Spinal Cord and brain Stem Injury in Newborn Infants", Develp Med. Child. Neurol, 11:54-68,1969) This often leads to something known as Blocked Atlantal Nerve Syndrome, a primary cause of upper respiratory infections including ear infections and chronic tonsillitis. (Gutman, G., "Blocked Atlantal Nerve Syndrome In Infants and Small Children", Manuelle Medizin, 1987)

- A study in which Blocked Atlantal Nerve Syndrome was corrected with chiropractic care showed that 40 out of 43 children studied who were suffering from ear infections improved with chiropractic care alone within two weeks of being adjusted. (Froehle, R.M., J Manipulative Physiol Ther, 1996 Mar-Apr;19(3):169-77)

- A study by J.E. Upledger showed a definite and significant relationship between restrictions in movement of the upper neck area of the spine and children with learning disabilities. (Upledger, J.E., J Am Osteopath Assoc, 1978 Jun;77(10):760-76)

What we have going on here is a high prevalence of something known as “birth trauma” that is causing children to suffer as they grow. When bones misalign they press on nerves. When this happens, the whole body suffers as a result. These misalignments are known as “subluxations.” So the question is what type of healthcare practitioner is trained and qualified to diagnose and correct such a condition? Only a Doctor of Chiropractic can do this, particularly one who has specialized training in the care of pediatric patients.

Birth trauma causes DIRECT impingement on the tiny nerves of a child. However, there are two other major reasons why subluxations may occur indirectly: mental stress and toxic stress. While mental stress may not be so prevalent in childhood years, toxic stress is, particularly because many vaccinations contain compounds such as thimerosal and formaldehyde as preservatives. A child’s immune system isn’t even fully developed until after the age of two years. Thus, vaccinating a child before the immune system is even capable of handling such an antigen can impair the immune system’s response at a later time. This is why many children still may develop a disease even though they have been vaccinated against it.

I am often asked by mothers-to-be what is the safest way to give birth in order to minimize the occurrence of birth trauma. They are pleased to learn that the upright or squatting positions are not only easier on the baby, but they are much more comfortable on mom as well. The baby has the benefit of having a gravity-assisted birth that minimizes the amount of force being placed on the baby’s head and neck. Mom doesn’t feel as much pain because the baby is not pressing down on the sacral plexus of nerves as it usually is in the typical “lithotomy” position (mom lying flat on her back with legs up in stirrups). These safer, less painful positions minimize the chance that both mom and her baby will suffer from a subluxation.

Children who receive regular chiropractic care do indeed live healthier lives. While I was a chiropractic intern at Life University in Marietta, GA, I met many people my own age who have never been sick in their life. They said that the key to their abounding level of wellness was that they have never received a vaccination and they’ve been receiving chiropractic care since the day they were born. I have seen for myself how much happier and vibrant children who receive chiropractic care are. It is so heartwarming to see children who no longer have to take medications such as Ritalin, asthma medications, or antibiotics because they started receiving chiropractic care instead. Seeing a child who was once sickly be able to laugh and play with other kids in an optimal state of wellness gives me the greatest joy. Chiropractic works!By: Dr. Patrick V. Suglia

Your Mother Was Right

Sit up straight! No slouching! Keep your feet on the floor! How many times did we all hear that growing up? For many people our mother's admonitions about good posture seemed like a broken record playing ad-infinitum. However, as the science of ergonomics continues to show and remind us, correct posture makes a huge difference to bone density, to prevent repetitive motion injuries, to the energy with which you use to get through our day, and to our overall appearance and happiness. Ask anyone who has every dealt with workman's comp or sports training and they will all tell you the same thing. Your mother was right.

Four On The Floor

There is some law of gravity that has yet to be defined. Teenagers have the uncanny ability to lean back with 2 chair legs up in the air while dangling their feet and still not fall backwards. From that we develop the tendency when sitting to elevate our feet (even when we not longer have the natural balance to tip our chairs up) by putting them on the ledge of the desk or a stool underneath them. However this restricts circulation puts pressure on the ankles or heels and creates incongruities within the rest of the body structure. The best posture for working or sitting for long periods is to have to legs between a 90 - 110 degree angles and keep both feet flat on the floor. It's not as fun as when we used to tip our chairs back, but it is much better for us in long run.

Align That Spine

When sitting your spine should be aligned, with your back straight and your head balanced in the center. You shouldn't twist your body to the left or right on lean in. Your shoulders should be squared and forward but in a relaxed, natural manner. Remember the Greek words that make up ergonomics mean "work with nature". This can be problematic for people who wear headsets or have monitors that cause them to look down or lean over. Every workstation should be adjustable so that a person can look no lower than a 30 degree angle at their monitor, and their chairs should support well their back and spine. As the work day goes on, the tendency to lean back in the chair or lean over to talk to co-workers can take your body out of its best working posture and send you home with a sore back.

Present Arms

Low desks or high seats combined with old or poor keyboard can create the number one hazard to carpal tunnel syndrome misaligned wrists. In a good posture setting, arms should be at the side and bent at the elbows. The wrists should be positioned in enough of a downward motion as to work naturally with the height of the keyboard. Typing with the wrists on the keyboard causing the hands to bend upward puts pressure and compression on the wrists and makes it much harder for the muscles in the hand to work properly.

Posture used to seem like one of those things your mother used to bring up when she didn't have anything else to complain about. But now through the science of ergonomics she can be affirmed that she really was just looking out for our best interests.

Are Free Online Weight Loss Programs Useless?

Free and paid online weight loss programs are becoming very popular with dieters worldwide. However, not all weight loss programs are created equally and some are even useless. This article will discuss how to find online weight loss programs that really work.

If you are new to these programs you may be wondering how to find a good one and which ones to avoid. Also, you may be looking at free options first before spending any money at all. To ensure your dieting efforts get off on the right footing there are a number of things that you must consider.

It is critical that you understand the features of the programs that you are looking into. It is these features that will allow you to decide for yourself whether the program is actually worth it. Many programs actually offer a lot of membership perks while others don't.

A useful program would include a diet and exercise plan for you to follow or some helpful tips. Of course, healthy eating goes hand in hand with your exercise workout and many programs actually include plans and also low calorie recipes for you to implement into your day to day life.

Another useful feature is the quality of their exercise program or whether they include exercise tips. The best programs have membership access to exercise tips and plans and effective workout tips or even video demonstrations. A calorie eating and exercise plan is also helpful.

It is very beneficial to find message boards or chat rooms included in the program where you can keep in regular contact and actually make friends with people who are going through the same things as you. This is a great way to stay motivated and to keep on track with your weight loss goals. You may even find someone to pair up with so that you can keep each other motivated regularly.

Sometimes you are able to get free trial programs or programs that come with a 30 day money back guarantee.

I would suggest you avoid any program or product that doesn't come with a guarantee because it's a sign that they don't have as high a belief in their product or program than they should!

There are also a number of paid weight loss programs which include Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers. Also dieters frequently purchase pre-packaged low calorie meals to make their meal choices even easier.By: Karin Manning

What Actually Causes Cold Sores?

An infection produced by the herpes simplex virus causes cold sores. But only 66% of those infected will get cold sores in their lifetime.

What causes cold sores to occur in some folks and not others?

In this article, you will learn the three main causes of cold sores (and it is not stress) and how to easily take control to prevent your outbreaks.

Cold sores are created when the herpes virus replicates on your lip, face, or nose. Most of the time, the virus is dormant - hiding below the surface in the nerve root cells. But it sleeps with one eye open - watching for the right conditions for successful replication. And it will move fast when the opportunity arises.

Because it lives in your nervous system, it quickly senses changes in your body. When folks want to know the causes of cold sores, what they really need to discover are the triggers that activate the herpes virus.

There are three main triggers that I want you to think about here.

1. IMMUNE SYSTEM HEALTH. Under normal conditions your immune system is strong enough to keep the herpes virus contained and dormant. There are several factors that affect the health of your immune system, but the most important is the nutrients you get from food and supplements.

If you are bothered by repeated cold sore events, you need to improve your nutritional intake. The easiest way to do this, in your busy world, is by taking a good vitamin and mineral supplement. This is a must for protecting yourself today. If you get chronic cold sores, then this is a sign you are very much at risk for more serious chronic diseases.

2. ARGININE AND LYSINE CONNECTION. These are two amino acids (proteins) that play an important role in the replication process of the herpes simplex virus. High levels of arginine and low levels of lysine in your body are ideal for triggering cold sore activity. Arginine is an essential building block for the creation of new virus. Without sufficient arginine, new virus cannot be created, thus stopping the replication process and preventing a cold sore event.

Your nerve cells store many different amino acids for various uses. Lysine and arginine are always in competition for the same space in the cell. The more lysine, the less arginine. Lysine does not support creation of new virus. Increasing your lysine stores can prevent, or greatly reduce, cold sore outbreaks.

3. ACID OR ALKALINE pH BALANCES. Herpes simplex virus loves an acid environment for it to do its dirty work. The pH scale runs from 1 (acid) to 14 (alkaline). pH of 7 being neutral. Your body is a beautiful, fine instrument. The perfect health pH balance for the human body is 7.4. When it drops below 7, your body is turning acid and inviting disease.

Normally the body regulates this quite well and will strive to keep your pH in the 6.5 to 7.4 ranges. A balanced diet of vegetables, meats, and fruits will support this. If, however, you are drinking a lot of carbonated beverages, for example, you are causing your body to go acid.

You may have heard that stress is the primary cause of cold sores. And it is true.

Why haven't I mentioned it until now? Because it is not the stress that causes cold sores, but what it does to the body. When you encounter stress your body will go into a survival mode which causes it to go acid.

In addition, stress burns up large amounts of nutrients needed for a strong immune system, thus weakening your defenses. Of particular importance are the B and C vitamins, and minerals such as magnesium, potassium and calcium. And stress encourages the cells to store more arginine.

Some physical stress triggers that will cause cold sore outbreaks are colds, flu and fevers, sunburn, dental work, and any accidental damage to the body. Mental stress triggers may include problems with people or jobs, car accidents, or upcoming weddings.

As we have seen, the causes of cold sores are based on the condition and health of your body. We also learned why stress is blamed for causing cold sores. Hopefully this information will help to end cold sores in your life, as it has done mine.
By: Denny Bodoh

Sudden Hair Loss – Causes and Solutions to a Growing Problem

Finding out that you are losing your hair can be rather disturbing. It can be scary when you see that comb that’s full of your hair. The sight of it might make you seek out desperate measures to fight it. The first thing many people do is run out to get the latest hair loss fad, which is usually in the form of a shampoo or conditioner. While at first this may seem like a good idea, it’s important to take some time and find out what is causing the hair loss. By finding out the cause, you’ll be better equipped to fight it.

There are many possible causes for sudden hair loss. One of the most common is that it’s a side effect of medication or a result of stress. Hormonal imbalances can also be another cause of hair loss. It’s also possible that it’s a symptom of another serious illness like diabetes, leukemia or lupus. It’s always best to consult a doctor before jumping to any conclusions. He’ll be able to tell you if it’s due to something that’s easy treatable, like stress. Or if it’s caused by another more serious illness.

Assuming that it’s not caused by a major illness, there are many treatment options available. If it’s stress induced, treatment could be as simple as taking steps in reducing stress levels. There are also several products in the market today that can help. Rogaine and Propecia are two or the most popular medications available that can help. Hair transplants are also another popular option. While they are more expensive, you won’t have to wait that long for results. If you’re looking for a more “alternative” solution you can try herbal or Chinese remedies. While they aren’t quite as populate as some of the other treatments, they are a healthy alternative to fighting hair loss.By: Tim Bock

Menstrual Cycle Linked to Injury Risk

New research has suggested that women are more likely to injure themselves at specific times in their menstrual cycle.

Researchers at London's Portland hospital surveyed 1,000 osteopaths, and studied 17 women with a regular menstrual cycle. They found that the risk of injury was linked to fluctuating hormone levels which affect the muscles and ligaments. Both tissues appeared to be vulnerable midway through the menstrual cycle, while the ligaments were at greater risk towards the end.

They found this to be because midway through the cycle, the level of the female sex hormone oestrogen, which gives strength to muscles and ligaments, dropped dramatically, which resulted in sudden weakness. At the end of the cycle levels of another hormone, relaxin, rise to allow the cervix to open so that menstruation can occur, but it also means the ligaments in general are softened.

The researchers therefore concluded that that strains and other injuries were more likely at both these stages. Lead researcher Dr Stephen Sandler, an experienced osteopath, said: "There was a clear link between hormone levels and laxity of joints, making women more vulnerable to injury."

Dr Sandler highlighted this using laxity of the forefinger joint as an example. He found that joint laxity increased throughout the hormone cycle, then reverted back to normal once the period began. Dr Sandler said: "I had noted that, whereas men often came to me with injuries due to sport or over-exertion, women often couldn't explain why simple acts like reaching down to pick something up had caused injury and pain."

Dr Sandler's survey found 21% of oestopaths' female patients reported pain in days 12-14 of their cycle and 17% in days 24-26, with the majority of pain reported mid-cycle being lumbar or pelvic, compared with lumbar or neck pain at the end of the cycle.

Dr Sandler's results also mean that women on the combined pill, who do not experience sudden drops in their oestrogen levels, are less likely to experience injury as the result of loosened joints.

Rebecca Morrison, of the British School of Osteopathy, said: "Studies have shown before that female athletes and those engaged in recreational sport were more prone to injury at certain times in their cycle and now we understand why. This is significant for women everywhere who can plan their schedules around their cycles and avoid potentially painful injuries. It will also aid therapists in the rehabilitation of their patients."By: Chris Marshall

Chemotherapy Hair Loss Prevention

Hair loss during chemotherapy treatments is almost an inevitable. If treatments go on long enough, the likelihood of you losing your hair is greater than the likelihood of you not losing your hair, and unfortunately that is something that just happens to be accepted.

In some instances, chemotherapy hair loss prevention is an option. For shorter treatments, there are ways to try and stimulate the growth of the hair follicles, but in most cases chemotherapy hair loss prevention is better translated into other options.

As hard as it may be on the self esteem, think of the loss of your hair due to chemotherapy treatments as a new opportunity. Many times, it is better to consider alternatives to chemotherapy hair loss prevention. Hair pieces are a great thing for chemotherapy patients, as they are a great experiment. Use that time to consider the possibilities; many times after hair grows back from chemotherapy treatments, it grows in a different color or a different texture than it was before it fell out. That is exciting for some people, and it tends to make up part of the horrible experience of losing the hair in the first place. At that time, chemotherapy hair loss prevention is not an option anymore, and it is no longer necessary. Scarves are also a popular option in lieu of chemotherapy hair loss prevention. They come in different colors and styles, and can be made to add a flair to any outfit; this can help to boost self esteem so losing the hair turns out not to be so bad after all.By: Tim Bock

Left-Handers are Fighting Fit

Recent research has discovered a gene for left-handedness. However, the gene has also been linked to an increased likelihood of developing psychotic mental illness such as schizophrenia. So if being left-handed carries a genetic penalty, how come there are any lefties still out there? Leila Sattary went in search of answers.

Carrying the gene LRRTM1 will mean that you are much more likely to be left-handed, claim researchers. It also means that you're slightly more likely to develop a mental illness. But don't panic, the chances are still very low.

Dr Fred Kavalier from London's Guy's Hospital said, 'I don't think left-handed people should be alarmed, there are many other factors that contribute to schizophrenia. This may be a tiny little element in the big jigsaw.'

But the laws of evolution mean that any genetic shortcoming should be weeded out by natural selection, so why is it that leftiness still persists? Scientists think that it could all be to do with fighting and the element of surprise.

Back in the days when men routinely knocked lumps out of each other to impress the girls, any small advantage would give you a fighting chance of gaining the girl. Being a left-handed man in a predominantly right-handed world would give you that slight advantage. Right-handers wouldn't be used to fighting a leftie and so their tried and tested moves wouldn't work as well.

The same forces can still be seen at work today. In many sports the proportion of left-handers tends to be higher than the proportion of left-handers in society as a whole. They don't have any physical advantages per se, but they do have the element of surprise. A study which analysed the teams participating in the 2003 Cricket World Cup found that the best teams had proportionally more lefties, making it harder for the opposing right-handers to get their tactics right.

Left-handedness might also confer a range of other benefits. There have been an above average number of famous successful left-handers which, it has been suggested, is due to their being more intelligent and creative. Not only that, recent research has indicated that they are better at IT and computer games. There has been speculation for years that being good with computers can be a result of mild autism and therein might be the link. If left-handedness is associated with other differences in brain function then lefties might be more likely to be extraordinary people.By: Dr Andrew Impey

Managing Dog Allergies

Statistics show that anywhere from 60-70% of American households include at least one dog or cat. The numbers also indicate that up to 10% of the population suffers from an allergy to some type of animal. The most common culprit to animal allergies is cats, but the next pet in line is a dog.

Because dog allergies are a common problem, the good news is that there is plenty of information available on how to treat and manage an allergic reaction to your pet. Particularly if your reaction is not severe, and if you do not have other complications such as asthma, you can successfully manage your allergic condition and enjoy many symptom-free days.

Identifying a Dog Allergy

If you suspect that you or a family member is allergic to the family pet, the best way to know for sure is to remove that person from the environment with the animal for a week or two. Removing the animal from the situation may not be an effective means of diagnosis, since pet dander can remain in the environment that the animal lives in for up to six months after the pet is removed.

If this process is too difficult to do, you can also ask your doctor to perform an allergy test in his office to see if you do indeed have a dog allergy. This is usually done through a medical history and a blood test.

Treatment Options

Dog allergies usually come from allergens that are contained within the dander or saliva of the animal. These allergens tend to have the ability to cling to many surfaces, as well as the capacity for a long life. This quality makes it difficult to completely rid a home of the allergens responsible for dog allergies, even if the animal is removed from the environment. It generally will take up to six months for the home to become allergen free once the pet is removed.

The other problem in treating dog allergies is that many pet owners are quite attached to their dog and do not want to be faced with the decision to give it to another home. If your allergy symptoms are mild, you may still be able to keep your pet by following a few guidelines within your home environment.

First, keep your pet out of the bedroom. Since this is where you spend a large percentage of your time, reducing the allergens in this area can greatly reduce your symptoms from your dog allergies. Getting rid of carpet that can harbor the allergens is a good idea.

Instead, opt for bare floors that can be mopped regularly, and throw rugs that can be washed in hot water. An air cleaner with a HEPA filter can also be an effective way to keep allergens at bay in certain areas of your house, as long as it is run at least four hours every day.

Dog allergies may be a common problem for many people, but they don't have to get in the way of your daily life. With some lifestyle choices and treatment options, you can enjoy your life and your pet with fewer symptoms every day.By: John Hilaire

How To Cope With Your Menopause Symptom ?

Living with a menopause symptom can cause great distress, but knowing what to expect and learning how to deal with what happens can make it a little easier.

Learning about what happens to your body as you age and learning about the symptoms of this discomfort can help a great deal in leading to understanding of it and developing treatment options for some of the problem associated with it.

What Are the Symptoms of Menopause?

The symptoms of menopause are varied. This is because every woman's body is somewhat different and each body reacts to the change in hormones caused by menopause in a very different way.

As the hormonal levels change as a result of it, the body must adapt. As the body adapts to the change, different things start to occur as a result in changing body chemistry.

The most common symptom for menopause sufferers is the hot flash. Dealing with this discomfort symptom can be complicated, as hot flashes are generally rather difficult to ignore.

Often called hot flushes or night sweats, hot flashes are feelings of extreme heat (sometimes along with dizziness) that can affect a woman experiencing this common discomfort.

Hot flashes can occur a few times a week or even up to a dozen times a day, depending on the hormonal reactions within the body.

Women suffering with this common discomfort are also known to experience problems sleeping. These sleep issues are generally caused by the elevated levels of hormones, which can also produce various psychological symptoms. Some of the psychological symptoms include depression, anxiety and irritability.

Another typical menopause symptom is called urogenital atrophy. This symptom affects the genital area and can include itching, dryness and even bleeding. Sufferers of this common discomfort also often experience watery discharge, urinary frequency or urgency, and difficulty urinating. If you experience these symptoms, see your doctor as soon as possible.

How are the Symptoms Treated?

With all of those possible symptoms, you may be wondering how you can treat your menopause symptom. This common discomfort is a natural part of life, but some of the symptoms involved can be temporarily alleviated by medical treatments.

Hormone replacement therapy is probably the best solution in terms of effectiveness, but HRT also has some side effects and dangers that make many doctors hesitant to prescribe it for menopause symptoms.

Certain forms of hormone replacement therapy enhance the risks involved with the original symptoms of it or create new problems. Consult your doctor for the proper tests before taking any form of HRT.

Menopause sufferers also try natural products to help with their menopause symptom. Many use soy products as a way to help tone down the negative effects of this common discomfort, while others turn to different treatment options such as acupuncture.By: MIKE SELVON

Breast Cancer More Lethal Among Young Black Women

A recent study released in Chicago in early-August this year said that young black women with cancer were far more likely to get a more lethal and aggressive form of cancer compared to white women. The study covered a total of 496 women below the age of 55 who had been diagnosed with breast cancer from 1993 to 1996.

The study suggested that biology could provide some answers as to why black women were afflicted with deadlier forms of cancer than their white counterparts. Previous studies said the difference may have been due to inadequate screening rates.

Official government figures indicate that a greater percentage of black women die from health problem than men. Since 1990, breast cancer has caused 15.4 deaths among black women for every 100,000 population compared to 9.3 deaths for white women for every 100,000 population.

Medical doctors have said that, traditionally, more white women have contracted cancer compared to African American women, but that when the latter suffer from breast cancer, it is usually a more aggressive type of cancer that is exceedingly more difficult to treat.

Medical researchers identified a quick-spreading, basal-like subtype of cancer that has afflicted a high level of black women, about 39 percent of black women who are pre-menopausal. Among older black women, this basal-like subtype also accounts for 14 percent of breast cancer cases. Overall, it was prevalent in only 16 percent of non-black women of any age.

The study said that this type of genetic profiling of cancer suffered has led drug manufacturers to product a new generation of best cancer drugs that are targeted at specific race groups. Reports indicate that these new generation drugs have met with startling success. However, with regard to the basal-like subtype, there are no such targeted therapies that have been developed and the conventional chemotherapy is still the best medical approach.

Doctors said the next step is further research that can provide a deeper understanding of what causes the more lethal subtype of breast cancer and why it tends to afflict a greater percentage of black women. At the moment, it is uncertain whether this subtype has anything to do with any inherited predisposition or with the fact that black women are exposed to something in the environment that other women are not.

Doctors did state, however, that one reason for the higher mortality rate among black women is in prevailing disparities in access to treatment.By: Jonathon Hardcastle

Benefits of Using a Sauna

In any athletic club or spa you visit today, it is highly likely that you will find a sauna of some sort.

What is it with saunas that makes them so attractive to people? What is it about saunas that make them so indispensable to health centers? Well, it's because you can gain a lot of health benefits if you use a sauna. Here are some of them:

1) Improves Cardiovascular health - Staying inside a sauna for 10 to twenty minutes can actually cause the same effect on the cardiovascular system as a brisk walk or even a jog. The breathing conditions inside the sauna make your lungs work harder and for your heart to pump blood faster. This strengthens your heart and improves blood circulation.

2) Helps in Weight Loss - The ultimate effect of a sauna to the cardiovascular system lies in the effect it has on the body metabolism. Since your blood flows faster through your veins, it also follows that you burn energy faster. Not many people know this, but your body actually keeps burning calories long after you've gone out of the sauna.

3) Good Skin health - As mentioned before, a sauna session helps speed up your blood flow. One benefit of this is to the skin. Increased blood flow will cause blood vessels in the skin to expand making the skin taut and young-looking. Good blood circulation will give your skin that rosy-pink tinge that people associate with great health and beauty.

Another way that a sauna session can help your skin health is by actually reviving it. With the existence of a lot of pollutants in the air today, people's skin are being poisoned and end up looking dull. A sauna session can help revitalize your skin. It helps you sweat more and thus get rid of the dead skin cell easier. A sauna session also helps in moisturizing your skin making it smooth and soft to touch.

3) Helps Get rid of toxins and fat - Did you know that 30 percent of the body's wastes are excreted out of the skin through sweat? By inducing a good sweat, most of the harmful toxins inside your body are excreted making you feel fresh and clean.

Of course, toxins are not the only problems we have in our bodies. We also have the problem of fat. A good sauna session, together with a massage, can actually help break down fatty deposits under the skin and helps your body use them up or excrete them through sweat. For a lot of people, this means less fat and maybe a farewell to your cellulites if done regularly.

These are just some of the health benefits of using a sauna. It's not just about relaxation and socialization - it's also about becoming healthy and good looking too.
By: Mike Hirn

The Link Between Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis and a Mold Allergy

There are a number of allergens that can cause seasonal allergic rhinitis. Most of these identified allergens are airborne, such as the pollen that is blown about from trees, plants and grasses. Another type of airborne allergen, mold spores, is the seasonal culprit of mold allergies.

This type of allergy is generally found from spring to early fall, with a peak in the late summer months, although other types of mold can cause symptoms nearly year-round. The allergens that cause mold allergies are generally found in humid climates, and moist areas like rotted logs and compost piles.

They can also be found indoors in damp basements or closets, or even lurking in your shower stall. Fresh food storage areas are also a popular hangout for mold spores, as well as house plants and certain pieces of furniture.

Why do Mold Allergies Occur?

If you suffer from a mold allergy, your immune system has incorrectly identified mold spores as a substance that is harmful to your body. The response of your immune system is to produce antibodies called immunoglobulin that will create chemicals that will ward off these potentially damaging substances. The result is symptoms like sneezing, wheezing, watery eyes and itching. In the case of a mold allergy, the mold spores are airborne and inhaled into the body through the respiratory tract.

This is why nasal congestion and coughs are common complaints of mold allergy sufferers. The incidence of symptoms from a mold allergy will be dependent on the abundance of the allergen and the ability of the air currents to spread the spores. These factors can be affected by changes in weather patterns throughout the day, making mold counts somewhat ineffective in determining the severity of the allergen exposure.

Treating Mold Allergies

Because mold allergies are airborne, they will most often result in the symptoms of rhinitis, which will include nasal congestion, watery eyes and coughing. The best treatment for rhinitis is generally an over-the-counter antihistamine, decongestant or nasal spray to treat the inflammation and congestion. If over-the-counter medications are not effective in treating your mold allergy symptoms, it is a good idea to see your doctor for possible prescription relief for your mold allergy.

There are a number of medicines that your doctor can recommend to treat your mold allergies through the use of prescription antihistamines and steroidal nasal sprays that will reduce the inflammation in your sinus passages. Allergies to molds and other airborne allergens can cause seasonal or even year-round rhinitis, depending on which allergens affect you. The good news is that there are many options in treating these allergies to allow you more symptom-free days and a higher quality of life.By: John Hilaire

Arthritis Symptoms And Signs

With over a 100 different forms of arthritis, it can be difficult to determine which type a patients has. Pinpointing arthritis symptoms can help expedite the diagnoses of it.

Typical Arthritis Symptoms

The word arthritis means joint inflammation, and this is a result of having arthritis. Some forms of arthritis can actually affect body's organs and can cause death.

Arthritis symptoms in the initial stages can be somewhat undefined. Vague pain and being tired may accompany joint pain that can come and go. Most of the specific pain surrounds the joints of the patient. These symptoms can be in the form of direct joint pain, redness and warmth around the joints, swelling and tenderness around the joint and the patient may experience limited range of motion in the joint.

Arthritis symptoms are important to keep track of in order to get definitive diagnoses. When a patient begins seeking medical advice in regards to their symptoms, the patients history will play an important part in being able to determine the form of arthritis that they have.

A doctor will also perform a physical evaluation of a patient that is experiencing arthritis symptoms. This can be in the form of looking at the patients joints, and determining if the rang of motion is compromised. The doctor may also be searching for warm or red joints, and will ask the patient numerous questions in order to get a clear physical picture of the patient. Arthritis symptoms may not be obvious to a patient, so the doctors questioning can lead to a proper diagnoses.

There are several major forms of arthritis. Discovering which arthritis symptoms go with these diseases can help in finding out which form of arthritis a patient has. Rheumatoid Arthritis has some classic arthritis symptoms, including severe morning stiffness, the small bones of the hands and feet may be swollen and painful and extreme fatigue are common arthritis symptoms in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Osteoarthritis often appears as a constant pain in a specific joint. This pain may be more evident after continued use of the joint. The pain is more common later in the day, and this form of arthritis can also occur with other arthritis conditions.

Psoriatic arthritis affects not only the joints but also the skin. The arthritis symptoms associated with this arthritis include, swollen joints and red, patchy and scaly skin. This form of arthritis has an impact on both joints and skin areas.

Anklosing spondylitis is another form of arthritis. The arthritis symptoms associated with this disease include, severe lower back pain that will progress up the spine and into the ribs. This form of arthritis is very painful and begins with chronic lower back pain.

As arthritis is a very common condition, learning some of the classic arthritis symptoms can assist a patient in getting the proper treatment.By: John Hilaire

The Health Risks After Weight Loss Surgery

As the problem of obesity continues to increase across much of the Western world we are becoming ever more sensitive to the health risks associated with being very overweight and of the increased death risk arising out of obesity. But just how far can these risks be reduced by undergoing gastric bypass surgery?

A recent study looked at the histories of a substantial number of people who had undergone bariatric surgery in the 10 years from 1995 to 2004 and found that in the region of one percent of patients died within twelve months of surgery while roughly 6 percent died inside 5 years. When the numbers had been adjusted for sex and age and matched against statistics for the population at large they were found to be relatively high. So exactly what does this say about the ability of gastric bypass surgery to lower the general risk to our health?

If we want to find the answer this particular question we have to look behind the headline numbers and discover why these deaths happened and where the true variation lies between weight loss patients and the population at large.

When we study the detailed numbers two particular things stand out.

The first is the number of patients who died from heart disease which was the major cause of death in the obesity patients and is well higher than that seen in the general population.

The second is the number of deaths that resulted from suicide and drug overdoses that, while not officially classified as suicide, must nevertheless raise the question of whether or not these overdoses were really accidental. Within the general population you would expect to see roughly 2 suicides in a group of the same size as that used in the study and yet the study group showed 16 suicides and 14 deaths from drug overdoses.

When we look at these findings and consider them alongside our general knowledge about people having gastric bypass surgery then we may perhaps be able to understand this variation to a certain degree.

In spite of the fact that gastric bypass surgery is frequently very successful it is often not performed until people are suffering from other conditions or comorbidities and, although surgery will cure many of these conditions and lower the risks from others, a lot of people are still at some degree of risk following surgery. For example, in a lot of cases people remain troubled by such things as high blood pressure and diabetes mellitus and it is thus unsurprising that this section of the population at large has an increased risk of heart disease.

Furthermore, while gastric bypass surgery can lead to a large loss in weight a lot of people remain very much overweight for a considerable time following surgery and many people will stay that way for months or years to come.

As a final point, the lifestyle changes following surgery are dramatic and a lot of people find that depression sets in the weeks following their surgery. Indeed a lot of attention is given to the physical affects of weight loss surgery and the need for such things as a strict diet and exercise but, all too often, little more than lip service is paid to the psychological affects of surgery.

Time will reveal whether this explanation holds water but there is little doubt that improvements to post-operative care for weight loss patients could go a long way to finding a solution for this variation.As the problem of obesity continues to increase across much of the Western world we are becoming ever more sensitive to the health risks associated with being very overweight and of the increased death risk arising out of obesity. But just how far can these risks be reduced by undergoing gastric bypass surgery?

A recent study looked at the histories of a substantial number of people who had undergone bariatric surgery in the 10 years from 1995 to 2004 and found that in the region of one percent of patients died within twelve months of surgery while roughly 6 percent died inside 5 years. When the numbers had been adjusted for sex and age and matched against statistics for the population at large they were found to be relatively high. So exactly what does this say about the ability of gastric bypass surgery to lower the general risk to our health?

If we want to find the answer this particular question we have to look behind the headline numbers and discover why these deaths happened and where the true variation lies between weight loss patients and the population at large.

When we study the detailed numbers two particular things stand out.

The first is the number of patients who died from heart disease which was the major cause of death in the obesity patients and is well higher than that seen in the general population.

The second is the number of deaths that resulted from suicide and drug overdoses that, while not officially classified as suicide, must nevertheless raise the question of whether or not these overdoses were really accidental. Within the general population you would expect to see roughly 2 suicides in a group of the same size as that used in the study and yet the study group showed 16 suicides and 14 deaths from drug overdoses.

When we look at these findings and consider them alongside our general knowledge about people having gastric bypass surgery then we may perhaps be able to understand this variation to a certain degree.

In spite of the fact that gastric bypass surgery is frequently very successful it is often not performed until people are suffering from other conditions or comorbidities and, although surgery will cure many of these conditions and lower the risks from others, a lot of people are still at some degree of risk following surgery. For example, in a lot of cases people remain troubled by such things as high blood pressure and diabetes mellitus and it is thus unsurprising that this section of the population at large has an increased risk of heart disease.

Furthermore, while gastric bypass surgery can lead to a large loss in weight a lot of people remain very much overweight for a considerable time following surgery and many people will stay that way for months or years to come.

As a final point, the lifestyle changes following surgery are dramatic and a lot of people find that depression sets in the weeks following their surgery. Indeed a lot of attention is given to the physical affects of weight loss surgery and the need for such things as a strict diet and exercise but, all too often, little more than lip service is paid to the psychological affects of surgery.

Time will reveal whether this explanation holds water but there is little doubt that improvements to post-operative care for weight loss patients could go a long way to finding a solution for this variation.By: Donald Saunders