Healthy Living In Jakarta, Indonesia

World's Tallest Couple Meet Smallest Man

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 06:32:00 +0000

What To Do If Your Child Has a Fever

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 09:04:00 +0000

There is some medical disagreement concerning the medical need for Temperature control. Some doctors recommend paracetamol to lower temperature others do not. Usually children and adults feel better and function better it their temperature is reduced to near normal

Remember paracetamol is very dangerous in overdoseIf your child's temperature is above 37.5⁰C, give Paracetamol ("Panadol" is a common brand) in a dose according to your child's age - follow the dose instructions on the label and repeat the dose every four hours if necessary.
Do NOT give more frequently.

Remember:
Place body temperature is 37⁰C. If you take the temperature by placing the thermometer under the arm then add IC to obtain the Internal Temperature. For example: If the underarm Temperature is 36.8⁰C then add 1⁰C to obtain the internal temperature of 37.8⁰C which is the temperature you act on. If your child's temperature is above 38.5⁰C, give Paracetamol and then a tepid sponge bath: Fill the bath with tepid water (not cold water).

Place the child in the bath and wet the child's head with a face cloth. Continue to run the water over the head and body until your child's temperature comes down to 37.5⁰C or less. This may take 20 minutes or more. Do not leave the child unattended in the bath. Take the child's temperature every 10 minutes while in the bath. If the child is shivering then remove the child from the bath immediately.

Shivering increases internal body temperature. Pat the child dry - rubbing dry also increases body heat. Alternatively, you can just let the water evaporate without drying your child.

If your child has a fit because of the high fever, immediately lie the child on its side - this will protect the airway and the child will not swallow its tongue. Do not place objects such as spoons or fingers in the child's mouth. It is very frightening to see a fit but try to stay calm and keep reassuring yourself it is unlikely your child will have any lasting effects from that fit. It is unlikely epilepsy will follow. However subsequent fits with high fevers are more likely.

If the child's fit lasts longer than 5 minutes, call a doctor or take the child to the Hospital Accident & Emergency or call an ambulance.

How to Tell if Your Baby is Really Sick

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 08:55:00 +0000

Use the ABCT Fluids In, Fluids out system:

A is for Arousal, Alertness & Activity.

A baby is at much higher risk if it is more drowsy than usual, cannot wake properly, does not respond to normal stimulation and is less active. The more drowsy, the more serious is the illness. If there are periods of normal activity and alertness, serious illness is less likely.

B is for Breathing difficulty.

This is characterised by a heaving chest with indrawing of ribs and sternum or grunting with breathing.

C is for Circulation.

Poor circulation is shown by being suddenly and persistently pale all over or having cold legs up to the knees.

T is for Temperature.

If your baby has a Temperature 38oC or & 36.4oC then seek medical advice.

Fluids In:
Feeding less than half normal over 24 hours.

If a baby is breast fed then consider the frequency of feeding and the duration of active sucking over 24 hours. If bottle feed, count up the volume of milk taken over 24 hours and compare it with the baby’s normal intake.

Fluids Out:
Fewer than 4 wet nappies per 24 hours.

In babies under 6 months of age this is an indication of increasing risk of dehydration.

Remember:

- The more of these symptoms present, the higher the risk of serious illness.

- Review is essential with babies: If any doubt with babies seek medical advice.

How To Get To Sleep

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 08:51:00 +0000

Many people experience sleep difficulties during their "settling in" period in Jakarta or any other post.

1. Go to bed only when you are tired. Do not eat, drink, read, smoke or watch TV in bed. Get up if you are not sleepy.

2. Get up at the same time every morning. Set your alarm clock.

3. Avoid spicy food, caffeine, or too much liquid with your evening meal. Coffee, tea, chocolate and cola drinks contain caffeine.

4. Keep nights free from stress. Don't think in bed. Deal with problems when they happen during the day. Don't let them build up and dominate your sleep time.

5. Do not drink alcohol before bed. A night cap will induce lighter sleep and sleep will be less refreshing.

6. Exercise after work and before dinner. Morning exercise does not induce sleep and late evening exercise makes sleep more difficult.

7. Control noise. Older people are more easily disturbed by noise.

8. Have a hot shower or bath immediately before going to bed.

REMEMBER:

· Alcohol and sedatives are only a temporary solution. Their long term use will disrupt your sleep.

· Not everyone needs 8 hours sleep.

If you are having a real problem with early morning (2 – 3am) wakening and can’t get back to sleep then contact the hospital

HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 04:37:00 +0000

Weight gain is common during a Jakarta posting: “A 10kg posting”.

Sadly the additional weight appears on the bottom first and then works its way up. Weight loss goes in the opposite direction.

You cannot exercise a specific area to lose weight. Exercise just tones the muscles in that area which helps hide the fat.

HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT:

1. Avoid anything sweet.

2. Avoid anything fatty.

3. Eat less of everything else.

4. Take regular mild to moderate exercise at least 3 times per week.

5. Aim to lose a maximum of 0.25 kg per week (or 13 kg per year).

Remember:

• "Dieting makes you fat."

• If you follow any diet especially a crash diet you will almost certainly finish up heavier than when you started the diet.

• Try to establish a long term habit of more appropriate eating and exercise rather than multiple diets.

• Authorities recommend the popular Low Carbohydrate High Protein diet not be followed for more than 12 months

TRY HERBAL TO LOSS YOUR WEIGHT AND TO MAINTAIN YOUR WEIGHT From the ION KLINIK
Take 1 tablet before 7 am
And
Take 1 Tablet before 1 pm
For 45-90 days
After you get your ideal take 1 tablet to maintain the weight for 45 days

A Price: Rp.250.000 for Herbal (loss weight)
           Rp.150.000 for Maintain Herbal
For delivery Post:International Rp.50.000/box
                        Overseas Rp.25.000/box
                        Around Jakarta Rp.10.000

You can order to Erna
email address:sagalaerna@yahoo.com
Ph:081317057129
BCA Account No.5240093431 (Erna Tambunan)

Cause of Malaria

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 04:04:00 +0000

Malaria is caused by a microscopic sized parasite called Plasmodium.

This process involves a very complex mosquito - human being life cycle:

A female Anopheles mosquito itself infested with a Plasmodium parasite bites a human being. This parasite which has multiplied in the mosquito salivary glands is then injected into that person's bloodstream.

The Plasmodium parasite then moves to the human liver where it multiplies again. It is later released into the human blood stream which causes the symptoms of Malaria. The infected human being is subsequently bitten by another mosquito which in turn bites and transmits Malaria to another human being.

The commonest forms of Malaria are Plasmodium vivax which is rarely fatal and Plasmodium falciparum which can be fatal. The other forms, P.ovale and P malariae are not so important.

Incidence:
• Malaria is one of the 10 most prevalent and fatal diseases worldwide. Approximately 1.5 -2.7 million people die from Malaria each year with 300-500 million people infected at any given time.
• About 90% of cases are in sub Sahara Africa with most fatalities in young children in remote rural areas.
• About another 6-7% of Malaria cases are from India, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Colombia and the Solomon Islands.
• Indonesia has a relatively low incidence of Malaria especially large cities and major tourist areas e.g. Jakarta and Bali. Risks are greater in remote areas.

Prevention of Malaria
1. Be aware of the local incidence of Malaria:
• Not always easy to get this information.
• Overall risk in Indonesia is about 1:50,000 but varies greatly with location eg risk much higher in Irian Jaya than Bali.
• Likelihood of contracting Malaria increases with time spent in the area.

2. Reduce exposure to Mosquitoes:
• Obsessive prevention of mosquito bites reduces the risk of contracting Malaria about ten -fold.
• Use mosquito nets preferably treated with permethrin unless in reasonable standard accommodation in a low risk area.
• Spray an aerosol insecticide in your room before retiring.
• Use mosquito coils or vapourising mats containing pyrethoid.
• Cover arms and legs from dusk to dawn – the time when the female Malaria mosquito bites.
• Avoid dark areas or garden areas from dusk to dawn.
• Use mosquito repellents preferably those containing DEET eg “RID”, “Tropical Strength AeroGard”, “Autan” (a local brand).
• Wear light coloured clothing.
• Scent attracts mosquitoes –avoid perfumes and after shaves.

3.Preventive Medication:
• The objective of preventive medication is to prevent death caused by Plasmodium falciparum Malaria.
• No drug is 100% effective in preventing Malaria.
• Drugs do not prevent initial infection. Mosquitoes still bite and parasites will be transferred to your blood stream.
• It is reasonable not to take Malaria preventive drugs if you are only visiting a Malaria area for up to 3 days: Obsessive mosquito protection should be sufficient.
• The choice whether or not to take preventive medication is yours.
• Malaria may be up to 10 times more common in those who do not take any drug prevention in known Malaria areas.
• About 50% of people do not take the preventive medication as directed.
• All preventive drugs have side effects, usually but not always mild.
• Resistance to preventive drugs is a major problem. Assume all of Indonesia has Chloroquin resistance.
• Which preventive drugs to take depends on many factors. This should be discussed with your doctor.

Early Diagnosis and Treatment:
• Malaria has no specific symptoms eg it can mimic Flu, Pneumonia, Gastroenteritis etc. Shivering, headache & high fevers are common.
• Malaria symptoms usually occur more than 7 days after infection but symptoms may occur weeks or months later.
• ANY fever on return from or while travelling in Indonesia may be Malaria and MUST be investigated within 48 hours of onset. Young children and pregnant women are particularly at risk from Malaria. See a doctor and insist on a Malaria screen.
• If appropriate treatment is started by the fourth day of illness(not infection) then the adult Malaria patient is not likely to die.
• If you are travelling in an area more than 24 hours from medical help consider taking an Emergency Self Treatment Pack for Malaria. Further treatment on return home will still be necessary. Discuss with your doctor.
• Pregnant women and young children should think seriously about travel in known Malaria areas. Our advice is not to travel unless necessary.

Preventive Malaria Drugs:
Discuss preventive treatment with your doctor well before you leave. Your past medical history, any drug allergies, other medication you are taking, whether you are pregnant and the age of children traveling will influence drug choice.

The most commonly used Malaria preventive drugs are:
1. Doxycycline

• Dose is 100mg per day starting 2 days before travel and continuing for 4 weeks on return.
• Not suitable for pregnant women and children under 8 years.
• Common side effects: Nausea, indigestion, increased sensitivity to sunburn, thrush in females.

2.Malarone
• Dose is 1 tablet per day starting 1-2 days before travel, continuing 1 tablet a day and 7 days on return.
• Suitable for children(Malarone Junior)

3.Mefloquine ("Lariam"):
• Dose is one tablet per week taken on the same day each week starting one week before travel and continuing for 4 weeks after return.
• Suitable for pregnant women in the second and third trimesters and can be given to children over 3 months of age but discuss first.
• Common side effects: Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headaches -usually transient. Occasionally confusion, anxiety, agitation, depression, sleep disorders. Incidence of all side effects is low but discuss with your doctor.

4.Other Drugs:
Fansidar, Chloroquin, Proguanil plus Chloroquin combination are also used but not usually recommended by your doctor.

Life Is Meaningful

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 03:32:00 +0000

Jumlah manusia di dunia ini sungguh banyak. Miliaran orang menghembuskan nafasnya setiap hari. Tapi, apakah kita semua sudah menentukan apa tujuan hidup kita? Sudah kita pastikan untuk apa kita bernafas setiap hari?

Jangan-jangan kita hidup hanya untuk menghabiskan umur yang diberikan Tuhan saja. Bagaimana dengan anda? Anda sudah tentukan tujuan hidup anda? Syukurlah kalau sudah. Dan, saya berdoa semoga tujuan anda tercapai.Kata orang tua, hidup di dunia itu cuma sebentar. Saking sebentarnya, ibarat orang mampir minum. Sayang kalau waktu yang cuma sebentar ini tak berarti. Tapi, tak semua orang bisa dengan mudah menentukan apa yang ia tuju dalam hidupnya. Kita semua mesti melalui perjalanan yang panjang.
Dan, mungkin berliku-liku.

Baru kita menemukan apa sebenarnya yang kita cari dalam umur yang pendek ini. Tujuan hidup bukan ambisi, tapi lebih pada sebuah jati diri.
Ketika anda sudah menentukan apa yang anda tuju, ya itulah diri anda. Untuk hal itulah anda hidup.

Healthy Diet Food

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 05:08:00 +0000

1. Berries
All berries are low in sugar and high in fiber. Blueberries have been shown to increase memory in lab studies, and raspberries and strawberries are loaded with ellagic acid, a powerful antioxidant that seems to have some anti-cancer properties, according to the American Cancer Society.

2. Beans
Beans are extremely high in fiber, which helps to control weight, prevent or manage diabetes and blood sugar, and may help prevent colon cancer and protect against heart disease. The National Institute of Medicine recommends 25-38 grams of fiber a day. The average American gets only 4-11 grams. One cup of beans provides 11-17 grams.

3. Nuts
Some of the largest and most important long-term studies of diet and health have
shown that eating nuts several times a week is consistent with a risk of heart attack and heart disease that is 30%-50% lower than the general population. Just one ounce of nuts-almonds, macadamia, Brazil , walnuts, pecans-eaten three to five times a week seems to be the magic number.

4. Wild Salmon
Fish is the ultimate anti-aging food. Cold-water fatty fish like wild salmon, sardines, mackerel and herring contain omega-3 fats that protect the brain and the heart, improve mood, and lower blood pressure and triglycerides.

5. Raw Milk
Raw, organic milk nearly always comes from grass-fed cows and contains high levels of cancer-fighting CLA (conjugated linolenic acid) as well as a rich assortment of vitamins, minerals and beneficial bacteria (like Lactobacillus acidophilus)

6. Grass-Fed
Meat Meat from grass-fed cows has a much different fat profile than ordinary supermarket meat: high in omega-3s, lower in potentially harmful omega-6s and loaded with CLA, a kind of fat known for its anti-cancer activity. A superb source of protein and vitamin B12, it's also missing the antibiotics, steroids and hormones found in the meat that comes from feedlot farms.

7. Eggs
Considered by many to be nature's most perfect food, the egg is high in protein and relatively low in calories. The yolk contains choline, one of the most important nutrients for the brain, as well as lutein and xeazanthin, two critical nutrients for eye health. Brassica Vegetables Cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and kale all contain plant compounds called indoles that help reduce the risk of cancer. In addition to a stunning range of vitamins and minerals, they also contain sulforaphane, an important plant chemical that helps the body detoxify health-damaging chemicals.

8. Apples
Not only do they keep the doctor away, they also appear to do the same for lung cancer, diabetes and asthma. An apple contains five grams of fiber and a rich blend of nutrients including the bone-building vitamin K and the anti-inflammatory nutrient quercetin. And there's no better way to control your appetite than an apple eaten about half an hour before a big meal.

9. Onions and Garlic
In an impressive number of published studies, the consumption of onions and garlic has demonstrated protective effects against stomach, prostate and esophageal cancer. Along with broccoli, tea and apples, onions and garlic are among a select group of foods found to reduce mortality from heart disease by 20%.

10. Pomegranate Juice
Called "a natural Viagra" by researchers at Tel Aviv University , pomegranate juice is loaded with antioxidants. Studies show it can reduce blood pressure and plaque in the arteries. New research indicates it also slows the progression of tumors.. Four to eight ounces a day is highly recommended.

11. Green Tea
Though all teas are great for you, green tea has a unique profile of plant chemicals that have anti-cancer activity. It's now fairly established that green tea may help prevent the following types of cancers in humans: bladder, colon, esophagus, pancreas, rectum and stomach. If that's not enough, it also appears to help with weight control.

Blood Tipe

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 13:55:00 +0000

The human body contains one of four main blood types: A, B, AB and O.
Each blood-type also has an accompanying Rhesus or Rh factor of either positive or negative.
The most commonly found blood-type in the world is O positive while the rarest is AB negative.

From the U.S population it was determined that the percentages of blood types were as follows.
- O positive ~ 38.4%
- O negative ~ 7.7%

- A positive ~ 32.3%
- A negative ~ 6.5%

- B positive ~ 9.4%
- B negative ~ 1.7%

- AB positive ~ 3.2%
- AB negative ~ 0.7%

So what blood type do you have? Are you reasonably rare like me (O-) or do you
Have a more common popular blood type?

What is H1N1 Flu?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:22:00 +0000

H1N1 Influenza A, or “swine flu”, is a new form of influenza caused by a mixture of Influenza A viruses from pigs, birds and humans. It was first identified in Mexico but has since spread to many countries in the world.

What are the symptoms?
The symptoms are similar to seasonal flu - sudden fever (over 38ºC) and cough, sore throat, headache, generalised aches and pains and shortness of breath although vomiting and diarrhoea may also be present. Young people are being affected more than older people.

How is this H1N1 flu spread?
It is spread from person to person in the same way seasonal flu spreads: through droplets released when a person coughs, sneezes or talks. If these get into a healthy person's nose or mouth, the person can get infected. Sometimes people get infected when they touch an object with flu virus on it, then touch their mouth
or nose. Flu viruses can live on shared objects (doorknobs, keyboards, counters, etc.) for up to 48 hours. They can live on clothes or materials for up to 12 hours.

What drugs are available for treatment?
Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and Zanamivir (Relenza) are currently effective in treating the illness. However, so far, most cases have been mild and have not required treatment with antiviral medication

Is it safe to eat pork and pork products?
Yes. H1N1 influenza has not been shown to be transmissible to people through eating properly handled and prepared pork or other products derived from pigs. The H1N1 influenza virus is killed by cooking temperatures of 160°F/70°C.
Is there a human vaccine to protect from swine influenza?
Vaccines have been developed that protect against the H1N1 “swine” Influenza. It is to be hoped that all Embassy people will be protected from the disease by being immunized.

What can be done to reduce the risk of catching flu? (Risk Reduction Measures)
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and discard into a bin. Use upper sleeve if tissue not available.
• Be aware of viruses possibly living on shared surfaces e.g. door knobs, lift buttons, microwaves etc – clean them frequently with soap and water, detergent or alcohol. This will kill the H1N1 influenza virus.
• Wear gloves when cleaning shared items, discard after use and wash hands.
• Wash hands with soap and water frequently and thoroughly.
• Avoid close contact with people who appear unwell and who have fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue and diarrhoea / vomiting.
• Practise good health habits including adequate sleep, eating nutritious food and keeping physically active.

What preparations can be made at home now?
Keep stocks of items such as:
• Thermometer – the diagnosis of H1N1 Flu includes a temperature recorded above 38ºC.
• Tissues and soap or medicated alcohol based hand gel.
• Medications: Paracetamol, throat lozenges, decongestants.
• Food supplies for one week in case household members require home isolation.
• Masks, if available

Go to Sleep Early And Wake Up Early

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 08:49:00 +0000

Evening at 9 - 11pm:
Is the time for eliminating unnecessary/toxic chemicals (detoxification) from the antibody system (lymph nodes). This time duration should be spent by relaxing or listening to music. If during this time a housewife is still in an unrelaxed state such as washing the dishes or monitoring children doing their homework, this will have a negative impact on health.

Evening at 11pm - 1am:
Detoxification process in the liver, and ideally should be done in a deep sleep state.

Early morning 1 - 3am:
Detoxification process in the gall, also ideally done in a deep sleep state.

Early morning 3 - 5am:
Detoxification in the lungs. Therefore there will sometimes be a severe cough for cough sufferers during this time. Since the detoxification process had reached the respiratory tract, there is no need to take cough medicine so as not to interfere with toxin removal process.

Morning 5 - 7am:
Detoxification in the colon, you should empty your bowel.

Morning 7 - 9am:
Absorption of nutrients in the small intestine, you should be having breakfast at this time. Breakfast should be earlier, before 6:30am, for those who are sick.

Breakfast before 7:30am
Is very beneficial to those wanting to stay fit . Those who always skip breakfast, they should change their habits, and it is still better to eat breakfast late until 9 - 10am rather than no meal at all.

Sleeping so late and waking up too late will disrupt the process of removing unnecessary chemicals. Aside from that, midnight to 4:00 am is the time when the bone marrow produces blood. Therefore, have a good sleep and don't sleep late.

The Main Causes Of Liver Damage Are

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 08:47:00 +0000

1. Sleeping too late and waking up too late are main cause.

2. Not urinating in the morning.

3. Too much eating.

4. Skipping breakfast.

5. Consuming too much medication.

6. Consuming too much preservatives, additives, food coloring, and artificial sweetener.

7. Consuming unhealthy cooking oil.
As much as possible reduce cooking oil use when frying, which includes even the best cooking oils like olive oil. Do not consume fried foods when you are tired, except if the body is very fit.

8. Consuming raw (overly done) foods also add to the burden of liver.
Veggies should be eaten raw or cooked 3-5 parts. Fried veggies should be finished in one sitting, do not store.

We should prevent this without necessarily spending more. We just have to adopt a good daily lifestyle and eating habits. Maintaining good eating habits and time condition are very important for our bodies to absorb and get rid of unnecessary chemicals according to 'schedule.'

BRAIN DAMAGING HABITS

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 08:42:00 +0000

1. No Breakfast People who do not take breakfast are going to have a lower blood sugar level.
This leads to an insufficient supply of nutrients to the brain causing brain degeneration.

2. Overeating It causes hardening of the brain arteries, leading to a decrease in mental power.

3. Smoking It causes multiple brain shrinkage and may lead to Alzheimer disease.

4. High Sugar consumption
Too much sugar will interrupt the absorption of proteins and nutrients causing malnutrition and may interfere with brain development.

5. Air Pollution
The brain is the largest oxygen consumer in our body. Inhaling polluted air decreases the supply of oxygen to the brain, bringing about a decrease in brain efficiency.

6. Sleep Deprivation
Sleep allows our brain to rest. Long term deprivation from sleep will accelerate the death of brain cells.

7. Head covered while sleeping
Sleeping with the head covered increases the concentration of carbon dioxide and decrease concentration of oxygen that may lead to brain damaging effects.

8. Working your brain during illness
Working hard or studying with sickness may lead to a decrease in effectiveness of the brain as well as damage the brain.

9. Lacking in stimulating thoughts
Thinking is the best way to train our brain, lacking in brain stimulation thoughts may cause brain shrinkage.

10. Talking Rarely Intellectual conversations will promote the efficiency of the brain

Foods Causing Cancer

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 08:10:00 +0000

Top Foods Causing Cancer are:

1. Hot dogs
Because they are high in nitrates, the Cancer Prevention Coalition advises that children eat no more than 12 hot dogs a month. If you can't live without hot dogs, buy those made without sodium nitrate.

2. Processed meats and bacon
Also high in the same sodium nitrates found in hot dogs, bacon, and other processed meats raise the risk of heart disease. The saturated fat in bacon also contributes to cancer.

3. Doughnuts
Doughnuts are cancer-causing double trouble. First, they are made with white flour, sugar, and hydrogenated oils, then fried at high temperatures. Doughnuts, says Adams may be the worst food you can possibly eat to raise your risk of cancer .

4 . French fries Like doughnuts
French fries are made with hydrogenated oils and then fried at high temperatures. They also contain cancer- causing acryl amides which occur during the frying process. They should be called cancer fries, not French fries, said Adams .

5. Chips, crackers, and cookies
All are usually made with white flour and sugar. Even the ones whose labels claim to be free of trans-fats generally contain small amounts of trans-fats.

Breakfast Can Help Prevent Stroke

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 04:59:00 +0000

Breakfast can help prevent strokes, heart attack and sudden death. Advice on not to skip breakfast!

Healthy living
For those who always skip breakfast, you should stop that habit now! You've heard many times that "Breakfast is the most important meal of the day." Now, recent research confirms that one of the worst practices you can develop may be avoiding breakfast.

Why?
Because the frequency of heart attack, sudden death, and stroke peaks between 6:00am and noon, with the highest incidence being between 8: 00a.m. and 10:00a.m.
What mechanism within the body could account for this significant jump in sudden death in the early morning hours?

We may have an Answer.
Platelet, tiny elements in the blood that keep us from bleeding to Death if we get
a cut, can clump together inside our arteries due to cholesterol or plaque buildup in the artery lining. It is in the morning hours that platelets become the most activated and tend to form these internal blood clots at the greatest frequency.

However, eating even a very light breakfast prevents the morning platelet activation that is associated with heart attacks and strokes. Studies performed at Memorial University in St.Johns, Newfoundland found that eating a light, very low-fat breakfast was critical in modifying the morning platelet activation. Subjects in the study consumed either low-fat or fat-free yogurt, orange juice , fruit, and a source of protein coming from yogurt or fat-free milk.

So if you skip breakfast, it's important that you change this practice immediately in light of this research.
Develop a simple plan to eat cereal , such as oatmeal or Bran Flakes , along with six ounces of grape juice or orange juice, and perhaps a piece of fruit. This simple plan will keep your platelets from sticking together, keep blood clots from forming, and perhaps head off a potential Heart Attack or stroke.
So never ever skip breakfast.

Headache Will Be Gone

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 04:17:00 +0000

Our noses have left and right nostrils. Are these nostrils having the
same function for inhaling (breathe in) and exhaling (breathe out)?

Actually it's not the same and we can feel the difference.
Accordingly, the right side represents the sun and the left side
represents the moon.

When having headache, try to close your right nostril and use your
left nostril to do breathing for about 5 min. The headache will be
gone.

If you feel too tired, do it the opposite way. Close your left nostril
and breathe through your right nostril. After a while, you will feel
refresh again.

Because the right side belongs to heat, so it gets hot easily. The
left side gets cold easily.

Women breathe mainly with their left nostril, so they get calm down easily.

Men breathe mostly with their right nostril, so they get angry easily.

When we wake up, do we notice which nostril breathes faster? Is it the
left side or the right side?

If the left nostril breathes faster, you will feel very tired. Close
your left nostril and use your right nostril for breathing and you
will get refresh quickly.

You can teach your kids about it. The effect of breathing therapy is
much better for adults.

I used to have painful headache. When consulted a doctor, he told me
jokingly," You will be all right if you get married!" The doctor did
not bullshit me as he had his theory and supported with testimony.

During that time, I used to have headache every night and I was not
able to study. I took medicine but I was not cured.

One night as I sat down to meditate, I closed my right nostril and
breathed with my left nostril. In less than a week, it seemed that my
headache problem had left me! I continued doing it for about a month
and since then there was no recurrence of headache in me.

This is my own experience. I used to tell others who also suffer
headache to try this method as it was effective for me. It also works
for those who have tried as well. This is a natural therapy, unlike
taking medicines for a long time may have side effect. So, why don't
you try it out?

Practice the correct ways of breathing (breathe in and breathe out)
and your body will be in a very relaxing condition.

Vitamin

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 05:23:00 +0000

Americans love to take their vitamins. More than 150 million Americans take dietary supplements according to the Council for Responsible Nutrition, a supplement industry trade group.
But what should you do? Walk through the vitamin aisle of any grocery store, and you're hit by a staggering array of options. From vitamin A to glucosamine to milk thistle (what is that, anyway?) to whey protein, it's hard to decide what to take.
That's why this week the Empowered Patient asked four experts -- all medical doctors -- what supplements they take every day.

Their lists may surprise you -- they all take at least two supplements -- some take three or four or more.Choosing a daily vitamin regimen is especially daunting in light of two new studies out this week. In the largest and longest study of its kind, researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, found that vitamins C and E do nothing to protect against heart disease in men.

The study, published in The Journal of the American Medical Association, also found that vitamin E even appeared to raise the risk of bleeding strokes, which, while rare, are often the most deadly. Other research on women and vitamins is also discouraging.

A study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute this week found that a daily regimen of vitamin D and calcium did not offer any protection against invasive breast cancer. With those studies in mind, here's what our panel of experts takes every day. For more advice about vitamins Dr. Andrew Weil; Age: 66; director, Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine; Drweil.com

What he takes:
1. A daily multivitamin/multimineral

2. Vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, heart disease, and multiple sclerosis, as well as other conditions. Studies show many of us are vitamin D deficient. Weil says look on the label to make sure you're getting vitamin D3, not vitamin D2.

. Magnesium. Lack of magnesium may lead to irritablity, muscle weakness, and irregular heartbeat.

4. Juvenon (or "Omega"), a compound believed to enhance cellular health and function. This supplement contains two nutrients, acetyl-L-carnitine and alpha lipoic acid. The company that makes Juvenon says benefits include "more energy," a "sharper mind", and "more restful sleep." Don't MissIn Depth: Empowered Patient

5. Co-Q-10, a supplement that boosts coenzyme Q10, which is produced by the human body and is necessary for the basic functioning of cells. Animal studies have found that coenzyme Q10 helps the immune system work better and makes the body better able to resist certain infections and types of cancer.
Weil, author of 10 books including, "Eight Weeks to Optimum Health," says it is important to take studies, like the one in JAMA, with a grain of salt. "I believe vitamins E and C are important as part of our antioxidant defenses, even if we have not yet documented specific preventive effects," says Weil.

What not to take
Weil says men shouldn't take iron unless they've been diagnosed by a physician as having iron deficiency anemia. He also advises against men taking calcium supplements; he's concerned they could increase the risk of prostate cancer.
Dr. Christiane Northrup; Age: "50 something;" author, "The Secret Pleasures of Menopause;" Drnorthrup.com

What she takes:
1. Antioxidant supplement
2. Fish oil. Some studies have found fish oil, which contains omega 3 fatty acids, can help lower triglyceride levels, lower blood pressure, and help depression, among other uses.
3. Calcium, which can help prevent osteoporosis -- a problem in particular for older women
4. Magnesium
5. Coenzyme Q10
6. Vitamin D

Northrup, an authority on women's health and wellness and author of the new book "The Secret Pleasures of Menopause," says it is important to remember that vitamins are not drugs. They don't work the same way in the body.
"Vitamins are best taken in the correct proportions to each other," says Northrup. For example, she says if you are taking folic acid, which is a B vitamin, you'll do better when you also take the other Bs that make up the B complex. Says Northrup, "That's how nutrients occur naturally and how the body best utilizes them."

What not to take
Northrup says postmenopausal women almost never need iron, and taking too much might pose a risk for heart health.
Dr. Walter Willett; Age: 63; chairman, Department of Nutrition, Harvard School of Public Health What he takes:
1. Multivitamin
2. Vitamin D

Willett thinks the jury is still out on vitamin E and C and heart health. "I don't think we have the final answer," says Willett, the chair of the Department of Nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health. He points out that in the Women's Health Study, women receiving vitamin E experienced a statistically significant 24 percent reduction in total cardiovascular disease mortality.
What not to take
He agrees with Dr. Weil: men don't need extra calcium, and high intake might increase the risk of prostate cancer.
Dr. Melina Jampolis; Age: 38; Drmelina.com
What she takes:
1. Multivitamin
2. Calcium
3. Vitamin D
4. Omega 3

Jampolis, who practices in San Francisco, California, and specializes exclusively in nutrition for weight loss and disease prevention and treatment, says everyone should take a basic multivitamin. "I like to call it an insurance policy," she says.
What not to take
What not to take: "I'm not convinced that the 'beautiful skin' vitamins really help much -- it's much better to get the nutrients from your diet, drink water, and wear sunscreen," Jampolis says.

The bottom line
Our experts agree you shouldn't make decisions about what vitamins to take based on a single study. For example, the JAMA study findings didn't make our experts lose faith in these two vitamins.
"I believe vitamins E and C are important for optimum health as part of our antioxidant defenses, even if we have not yet documented specific preventive effects," Weil says.
The experts also agree that taking vitamins is only part of the larger puzzle. You also need to watch your diet and exercise. And, do your homework. New studies come out all the time.

Headache Will Be Gone!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 05:01:00 +0000

Our noses have left and right nostrils. Are these nostrils having the
same function for inhaling (breathe in) and exhaling (breathe out)?

Actually it's not the same and we can feel the difference.
Accordingly, the right side represents the sun and the left side
represents the moon.

When having headache, try to close your right nostril and use your
left nostril to do breathing for about 5 min. The headache will be
gone.

If you feel too tired, do it the opposite way. Close your left nostril
and breathe through your right nostril. After a while, you will feel
refresh again.
Because the right side belongs to heat, so it gets hot easily. The
left side gets cold easily.

Women breathe mainly with their left nostril, so they get calm down easily.

Men breathe mostly with their right nostril, so they get angry easily.
When we wake up, do we notice which nostril breathes faster? Is it the
left side or the right side?

If the left nostril breathes faster, you will feel very tired. Close
your left nostril and use your right nostril for breathing and you
will get refresh quickly.

You can teach your kids about it. The effect of breathing therapy is
much better for adults.

I used to have painful headache. When consulted a doctor, he told me
jokingly," You will be all right if you get married!" The doctor did
not bullshit me as he had his theory and supported with testimony.

During that time, I used to have headache every night and I was not
able to study. I took medicine but I was not cured.

One night as I sat down to medidate, I closed my right nostril and
breathed with my left nostril. In less than a week, it seemed that my
headache problem had left me! I continued doing it for about a month
and since then there was no recurrence of headache in me.

This is my own experience. I used to tell others who also suffer
headache to try this method as it was effective for me. It also works
for those who have tried as well. This is a natural therapy, unlike
taking medicines for a long time may have side effect. So, why don't
you try it out?

Practice the correct ways of breathing (breathe in and breathe out)
and your body will be in a very relaxing condition.

Preventive Medication For Malaria

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 08:49:00 +0000

• The objective of preventive medication is to prevent death caused by Plasmodium falciparum Malaria.
• No drug is 100% effective in preventing Malaria.
• Drugs do not prevent initial infection. Mosquitoes still bite and parasites will be transferred to your blood stream.
• It is reasonable not to take Malaria preventive drugs if you are only visiting a Malaria area for up to 3 days: Obsessive mosquito protection should be sufficient.
• The choice whether or not to take preventive medication is yours.
• Malaria may be up to 10 times more common in those who do not take any drug prevention in known Malaria areas.
• About 50% of people do not take the preventive medication as directed.
• Resistance to preventive drugs is a major problem. Assume all of Indonesia has Chloroquin resistance.
• Which preventive drugs to take depends on many factors. This should be discussed with your doctor.

Early Diagnosis and Treatment:
• Malaria has no specific symptoms eg it can mimic Flu, Pneumonia, Gastroenteritis etc. Shivering, headache & high fevers are common.
• Malaria symptoms usually occur more than 7 days after infection but symptoms may occur weeks or months later.
• ANY fever on return from or while travelling in Indonesia may be Malaria and MUST be investigated within 48 hours of onset. Young children and pregnant women are particularly at risk from Malaria.
See a doctor and insist on a Malaria screen.
• If appropriate treatment is started by the fourth day of illness(not infection) then the adult Malaria patient is not likely to die.
• If you are travelling in an area more than 24 hours from medical help consider taking an Emergency Self Treatment Pack for Malaria. Further treatment on return home will still be necessary. Discuss with your doctor.
• Pregnant women and young children should think seriously about travel in known Malaria areas. Our advice is not to travel unless necessary.

Preventive Malaria Drugs:
Discuss preventive treatment with your doctor well before you leave. Your past medical history, any drug allergies, other medication you are taking, whether you are pregnant and the age of children traveling will influence drug choice.

The most commonly used Malaria preventive drugs are:
1. Doxycycline.
• Dose is 100mg per day starting 2 days before travel and continuing for 4 weeks on return.
• Not suitable for pregnant women and children under 8 years.
• Common side effects: Nausea, indigestion, increased sensitivity to sunburn, thrush in females.

2.Mefloquine("Lariam"):
• Dose is one tablet per week taken on the same day each week starting one week before travel and continuing for 4 weeks after return.
• Suitable for pregnant women in the second and third trimesters and can be given to children over 3 months of age but discuss first.
• Common side effects: Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headaches -usually transient. Occasionally confusion, anxiety, agitation, depression, sleep disorders. Incidence of all side effects is low but discuss with your doctor.

3.Other Drugs:
Fansidar, Chloroquin, Proguanil plus Chloroquin combination are also used but not usually recommended by this clinic. Discuss with your doctor.

Get $10 From Alert Pay

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 06:40:00 +0000

Natural Food To Keep Your Artery Clean

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 05:17:00 +0000

Your arteries are blood vessels that transport oxygen and nutrients from your heart to the rest of your body. In order for this important process to occur, your arteries should be flexible, strong, elastic and clear of any deposits.
All fruits and vegetables are said to help prevent heart disease, but certain varieties (like apples) pack a particularly powerful punch.

However, over time deposits of fatty substances, cholesterol, cellular waste products, calcium and other substances can build up in your arteries. These plaques can severely restrict blood flow and, even more seriously, they can cause your arteries to rupture, leading to blood clots.
Blood clots can then block your blood flow entirely, leading to heart attack and stroke.

In fact, a build-up of plaques in your arteries, known as atherosclerosis, is the main underlying cause of heart disease.So keeping your arteries clean is not only a key part of your heart health, it's a key to your health overall.

While exercising on most days of the week is an excellent way to keep your arteries healthy, your diet also plays a major role. Here we've identified 10 foods that are especially adept at helping to keep your arteries clean.
1. Grapefruit:
It contains a type of fiber called pectin, which has been shown in animal studies to slow down the progression of atherosclerosis.

2. Green Tea:
This healthy beverage contains procyanidins, which have been found to help prevent blood clots and promote healthy endothelium (the tissues that lines blood vessels and your heart).

3. Apples:
Apples (particularly Red Delicious and Granny Smith) are also rich in procyanidins.

4. Garbanzo beans:
Garbanzo beans contain both soluble and insoluble dietary fiber, which help to remove cholesterol- containing bile from your body. They are also known to help prevent heart disease.

5. Olive oil:
Using olive oil as your exclusive source of oil may cut your risk of coronary heart disease almost in half, according to the CARDIO2000 case-control study, published in Clinical Cardiology. Meanwhile, studies show that particles of LDL (bad) cholesterol that contain monounsaturated fats (found in olive oil) are less likely to become oxidized. This is important because only oxidized cholesterol is able to stick to your artery walls and form plaques.

6. Spinach:
This leafy green contains both vitamin C and vitamin A, which team up to prevent cholesterol from becoming oxidized (and thereby helping to prevent plaques from forming in your arteries).

7. Salmon:
Salmon is rich in omega-3 fats, which make blood less likely to clot inside arteries and prevent cholesterol from becoming damaged or oxidized. Choose wild-caught salmon (instead of farm-raised) for the most benefits.

8. Tomatoes:
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that may make LDL cholesterol much less susceptible to becoming oxidized -- again, this is the first step in the formation of plaque formation and is a major risk factor for heart disease.

9. Swiss Chard:
Swiss chard is an excellent source of the antioxidant vitamin E, which helps prevent free radicals from oxidizing cholesterol. Eating a diet rich in vitamin E has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis.

10. Garlic:
Garlic helps your heart and arteries in numerous ways, including:
- Stimulating the production of nitric oxide in the lining of blood vessels, which may help them to relax
- Inhibiting coronary artery calcification, which serves as a marker for plaque formation
- Preventing the oxidation of cholesterol
- Reducing the formation of nanoplaque (the first building blocks of plaque) by up to 40% and reducing the size of the nanoplaque that has already formed by up to 20%, according to a study by German scientist Professor Güautnter Siegel, M.D., from the University of Medicine in Berlin

Vitamins

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 04:25:00 +0000

ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN)
Americans love to take their vitamins. More than 150 million Americans take dietary supplements according to the Council for Responsible Nutrition, a supplement industry trade group.

But what should you do? Walk through the vitamin aisle of any grocery store, and you're hit by a staggering array of options. From vitamin A to glucosamine to milk thistle (what is that, anyway?) to whey protein, it's hard to decide what to take.
That's why this week the Empowered Patient asked four experts -- all medical doctors -- what supplements they take every day.

Their lists may surprise you -- they all take at least two supplements -- some take three or four or more.
Choosing a daily vitamin regimen is especially daunting in light of two new studies out this week. In the largest and longest study of its kind, researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, found that vitamins C and E do nothing to protect against heart disease in men.

The study, published in The Journal of the American Medical Association, also found that vitamin E even appeared to raise the risk of bleeding strokes, which, while rare, are often the most deadly. Other research on women and vitamins is also discouraging.

A study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute this week found that a daily regimen of vitamin D and calcium did not offer any protection against invasive breast cancer.
With those studies in mind, here's what our panel of experts takes every day. For more advice about vitamins Dr. Andrew Weil; Age: 66; director, Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine; Drweil.com

What he takes:
1. A daily multivitamin/multimineral

2. Vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, heart disease, and multiple sclerosis, as well as other conditions. Studies show many of us are vitamin D deficient. Weil says look on the label to make sure you're getting vitamin D3, not vitamin D2.

3. Magnesium. Lack of magnesium may lead to irritablity, muscle weakness, and irregular heartbeat.

4. Juvenon (or "Omega"), a compound believed to enhance cellular health and function. This supplement contains two nutrients, acetyl-L-carnitine and alpha lipoic acid. The company that makes Juvenon says benefits include "more energy," a "sharper mind", and "more restful sleep."

Don't Miss

In Depth: Empowered Patient

5. Co-Q-10, a supplement that boosts coenzyme Q10, which is produced by the human body and is necessary for the basic functioning of cells. Animal studies have found that coenzyme Q10 helps the immune system work better and makes the body better able to resist certain infections and types of cancer.
Weil, author of 10 books including, "Eight Weeks to Optimum Health," says it is important to take studies, like the one in JAMA, with a grain of salt. "I believe vitamins E and C are important as part of our antioxidant defenses, even if we have not yet documented specific preventive effects," says Weil.
What not to take
Weil says men shouldn't take iron unless they've been diagnosed by a physician as having iron deficiency anemia. He also advises against men taking calcium supplements; he's concerned they could increase the risk of prostate cancer.
Dr. Christiane Northrup; Age: "50 something;" author, "The Secret Pleasures of Menopause;" Drnorthrup.com

What she takes:
1. Antioxidant supplement
2. Fish oil. Some studies have found fish oil, which contains omega 3 fatty acids, can help lower triglyceride levels, lower blood pressure, and help depression, among other uses.
3. Calcium, which can help prevent osteoporosis -- a problem in particular for older women
4. Magnesium
5. Coenzyme Q10
6. Vitamin D
Northrup, an authority on women's health and wellness and author of the new book "The Secret Pleasures of Menopause," says it is important to remember that vitamins are not drugs. They don't work the same way in the body.
"Vitamins are best taken in the correct proportions to each other," says Northrup. For example, she says if you are taking folic acid, which is a B vitamin, you'll do better when you also take the other Bs that make up the B complex. Says Northrup, "That's how nutrients occur naturally and how the body best utilizes them."

What not to take
Northrup says postmenopausal women almost never need iron, and taking too much might pose a risk for heart health.
Dr. Walter Willett; Age: 63; chairman, Department of Nutrition, Harvard School of Public Health
What he takes:
1. Multivitamin
2. Vitamin D
Willett thinks the jury is still out on vitamin E and C and heart health. "I don't think we have the final answer," says Willett, the chair of the Department of Nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health. He points out that in the Women's Health Study, women receiving vitamin E experienced a statistically significant 24 percent reduction in total cardiovascular disease mortality.
What not to take>
He agrees with Dr. Weil: men don't need extra calcium, and high intake might increase the risk of prostate cancer.
Dr. Melina Jampolis; Age: 38; Drmelina.com

What she takes:
1. Multivitamin
2. Calcium
3. Vitamin D
4. Omega 3

Jampolis, who practices in San Francisco, California, and specializes exclusively in nutrition for weight loss and disease prevention and treatment, says everyone should take a basic multivitamin. "I like to call it an insurance policy," she says.
What not to take
What not to take: "I'm not convinced that the 'beautiful skin' vitamins really help much -- it's much better to get the nutrients from your diet, drink water, and wear sunscreen," Jampolis says.

The bottom line
Our experts agree you shouldn't make decisions about what vitamins to take based on a single study. For example, the JAMA study findings didn't make our experts lose faith in these two vitamins.

"I believe vitamins E and C are important for optimum health as part of our antioxidant defenses, even if we have not yet documented specific preventive effects," Weil says.
The experts also agree that taking vitamins is only part of the larger puzzle. You also need to watch your diet and exercise. And, do your homework. New studies come out all the time.

General Healthy Living In Jakarta, Indonesia

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 02:39:00 +0000

Healthy Living in Jakarta, Indonesia

Air.
- All major Indonesian cities have severe atmospheric pollution. This can be unpleasant but exposure during a normal 2-3 year posting is unlikely to cause new health problems.
- Pre existing respiratory problems may be aggravated but asthma is very common in Indonesia also Hay fever is common.

Water
- Do not drink tap water anywhere in Indonesia
Bottled water is widely available and should be used for drinking, tooth brushing and for a final rinse after washing fruit and vegetables.
- Most foods are available.
- Fruit and vegetables are of reasonable quality.
- Meat and fish from public markets should generally be avoided.
- Supermarkets offer much higher food handling standards.

Restaurants
- Many restaurants have acceptable hygiene standards. These standards can vary daily and with food type irrespective of the quality of the restaurant or hotel.
- Roadside food stalls should be avoided especially Padang food stalls.
- Shellfish, snails and uncooked fish should not be eaten.

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS: Lifestyle:
- Expatriates often have an unhealthy lifestyle in Indonesia.
- Many people do not exercise sufficiently because of the heat and pollution.
- Excessive alcohol consumption, smoking and overeating are common.
- Many people gain weight.
- Try to moderate your diet and exercise regularly.
Vaccinations:
- Start all vaccinations well before posting as you may need a course of injections.
- Check with your doctor that all previous vaccinations are up to date.
- All adult and childhood vaccinations can be given at the all Jakarta Hospitals or Clinics.

Medications:
- Most medications are available in Indonesia.
- The Hospitals, Pharmacy or Drug Store or Clinics arround Jakarta they have stocks medicines.
- If you are on Medications ussually supplied from your country before leaving.
- If you require long term medication initially bring 3 months supply with you.

Doctors and Clinics:
- Expatriate doctors generally can not practise in Indonesia but there are exceptions.
- Some local Clinics are well equipped but generally not of Western standard.
- Some clinics are with associated cultural and language problems.
- Ensure disposable needles and syringes and sterile instruments are used.
- Try to avoid any surgical procedures.
- Contact the your doctor at home town or Insurance Company Doctor for recommended Hospitals, Clinics, Specialists, Medical Laboratories and X
-Ray Clinics before any invasive procedure
- Blood tests, X-Rays, etc quality are good quality at the Big Hospitals.
- You will have to pay for all treatment in Indonesia. Carry adequate cash with you or some Hospital they accept credit card too.

House and Hotel Calls:
- Home visits are usually not available unless if you contact with Expats clinic
- Hotels have a doctor on call or a hotel clinic. Expect high fees
- It is often preferable to proceed directly to the clinic or hospital.

Ambulance:
- Ambulance services are usually owned by hospitals or private clinics and are often not of Western standard. Payment before service is normal
- It may be faster to go by car or taxi to a clinic or hospital

Blood Bank
- The Red Cross monitors blood banks. Standards are variable. Blood supply is not a free service.
- Avoid blood transfusion if possible. Insist blood is re screened by the hospital before transfusion. Contact the your family doctor first

Dentists:
- Good quality treatment is available in Jakarta at recommended dental clinics. Request an indication of likely fees before starting treatment. Contact the hospital or clinic for recommended dentists or for to make an appoitment before you see doctor

To Much Cola Cause A Problem

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 08:22:00 +0000

WEDNESDAY, May 27 (Health Day News)

Drinking too much cola can increase the risk of a muscle problem called hypokalemia, experts warn.In people with hypokalemia, a drop in blood potassium levels results in problems with vital muscle functions.
Symptoms can range from mild weakness to serious paralysis,
say Greek researchers who conducted a review of people who drank between
two to nine liters of cola a day.
Two of the patients were pregnant women who were admitted to hospital with low potassium levels.

One was a 21-year-old woman who drank up to three liters of cola a day and complained of fatigue, appetite loss and persistent vomiting.
An electrocardiogram revealed she had a heart blockage, and blood tests showed she had low potassium levels, the researchers explained in a news release.

The second pregnant patient, who'd consumed up to seven liters of cola a day for 10 months, had low potassium levels and was suffering from increasing muscular weakness, the researchers noted. Both patients made a rapid and full recovery after they stopped drinking cola and took oral or intravenous potassium.
The case studies are described in the June issue of the International Journal
of Clinical Practice. "We are consuming more soft drinks than ever before,
and a number of health issues have already been identified including tooth problems, bone demineralization and the development of metabolic syndrome
and diabetes," and there's increasing evidence that excessive cola consumption leads to hypokalemia, Dr. Moses Elisaf, of the University of Ioannina, said in the news release. Elisaf said the three most common ingredients in cola -- glucose, fructose and caffeine -- can contribute to hypokalemia.

"The individual role of each of these ingredients in the pathophysiology of cola-induced hypokalemia has not been determined and may vary in different patients," Elisaf said. "However, in most of the cases we looked at for our review, caffeine intoxication was thought to play the most important role.

This has been borne out by case studies that focus on other products that contain high levels of caffeine but no glucose or fructose."However, "caffeine-free cola products can also cause hypokalemia because the fructose they contain can cause diarrhea," Elisaf said.
More informationThe MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia has more about hypokalemia

Why is hand washing important?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 26 May 2009 07:34:00 +0000

Why is hand washing important?

Hand washing is a vital way to keep healthy people from contracting the flu. It cannot be overemphasized: it is absolutely essential that people wash their hands correctly, and wash them often.
What is the correct method to wash hands?
Remove all jewellery from the hands.
First wet hands under running water.

Apply soap to wet hands. If using bar soap, allow it to drain between uses. It is preferable to use liquid soap or small bars of soap that are changed frequently.

Rub all surfaces of the hands vigorously for a minimum of 10 seconds.

Rinse the hands under running water.

Dry with a clean cloth or disposable paper towel, or hot air dryer.

Avoid splashing.

Use a paper towel to turn off the tap. This prevents your hands from becoming re-contaminated.

If running water is not available, hands that are not visibly soiled can be cleaned with a waterless hand wash product. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

When should I wash my hands?

Before, during and after food preparation

Prior to eating

After using the toilet

After touching animals or animal waste

After touching the nose or mouth

After changing diapers / nappies

Whenever hands are dirty

What about waterless hand rubs?

These are only required where hand washing facilities are inadequate.

If hands are visibly soiled, the visible dirt must be removed first with soap and water.

Use of a waterless antiseptic agent is equivalent to washing with soap and water.