Children and Acid Reflux
Friday, June 26, 2009
Children and Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is a condition normally associated with adults. Sadly, many children also suffer the effects of acid reflux.
This desease, also referred to as gastro-esophageal reflux, occurs when stomach contents churn and rise up into the esophagus, the tube connecting the stomach with the mouth. A muscle between the esophagus and the stomach, known as the lower esophageal sphincter, is responsible for keeping the stomach closed off until food is swallowed. The lower esophageal sphincter then opens up and allows the food into the stomach before closing again. Although Acid reflux can begin during infancy, it can carry over into early childhood.
Though quite common in children, most people are not aware of it's occurrence. In most cases, the process of gastro-esophageal reflux occurs quickly, the acid comes up into the esophagus and then rapidly goes back down into the stomach. In this case, the esophagus suffers no damage. However, if the stomach acid stays in the esophagus, it damages the esophagus lining. In some cases, the stomach contents rise up all the way into the mouth, only to be swallowed again. This process causes a number of symptoms such as a chronic cough, or a hoarse voice. More serious symptoms can include difficulty in swallowing, wheezing, and chronic pneumonia.
Anyone who suspects that their child is afflicted with acid reflux, should have the child seen by his or her pediatrician. After examining the child and evaluating the symptoms, the doctor may run tests to diagnose whether acid reflux is present. Often, the doctor will begin treatment before testing for acid reflux.
In one of the tests, called an upper GI-series X-ray, the child's X-ray is taken after being given a glass of barium to drink. This particular test is successfully used to locate hiatal hernias, blockages, and other gastrointestinal problems.
Another test, thought to be more effective than the X-ray, is the endoscopy. Typically, the child is sedated and put to sleep during the test. An endoscope, which is a thin, flexible plastic tube with a camera attached to the end, is then placed inside the throat. With the help of endoscope, the doctor is directly able to examine the esophagus lining, stomach, and a portion of the small intestine. The endoscopy also allows the doctor to perform a biopsy rather painlessly.
Yet another test, the esophageal pH probe, may also be used. This test consists of using an extremely light, and ultra-thin wire with an acid sensor tip and inserting it through the patient's nose and into the lower esophagus. This method is used to detect and record the presense of stomach acid in the esophagus.
posted by Healthy Life @ 4:00 AM,
Create Your Own Metabolism
Friday, June 19, 2009
Slow metabolism is frequently blamed for excess weight. The good news is we no longer have to be the victim of slow metabolism. We can actually be the creator of our metabolism. Knowing how your body works and using that knowledge to achieve your health and fitness goals, will get you results sooner with less frustration and aggravation. My goal is to help you get the most from your effort and see results.
How your metabolism works. Metabolism is the speed at which your body burns through food. As you get older, your metabolism decreases and you don’t require the same number of calories as when you were younger. The rate the metabolism decreases as we age is determined by the amount of muscle mass we have on our body. Greater muscle means higher metabolism. If you’re over 40, you probably aren’t as active as you used to be. You aren’t playing sports or chasing kids around the house. If you don’t use your muscle, you’ll lose it.
Digestion process burns calories. I teach my clients to eat 3 meals throughout the day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and then an additional 2 to 3 healthy snacks between meals. Many of us have been conditioned to think that if we eat less, we will weigh less. The opposite is true but we must be careful to eat quality instead of quantity. There is the thermic value of nutrients — the actual calorie burning properties of nutrient digestion. This means that healthy, balanced eating offers a metabolic advantage. Eating is thermic or produces heat. Since a calorie is a measure of heat, balanced eating equals more calories expended.
Keep aerobic exercise moderate. Believing that aerobic exercise is the secret to burning fat is only half-correct. Too much aerobics subject us to a repetitive catabolic state where it literally is eating up muscle tissue. You can burn fat anytime you are in an “aerobic state.” If you are sitting and reading this article, you are in an aerobic state. You are in an aerobic state anytime you are meeting demands for oxygen. This is why proper nutrition and weight training is critical to maintain and build muscle. You can burn fat while you sleep with lean muscle mass. I use aerobic exercise to keep my heart, lungs and circulatory systems healthy and use weight training to burn calories and keep my metabolism healthy.
Muscle is metabolism. As we age, we begin to lose muscle. This is called muscle atrophy. The key is to preserve muscle to fight fat and keep your metabolism healthy. The muscle you have on your body is in direct correlation to the number of calories you burn at any given moment. Muscle doesn’t know age. You can maintain or build muscle at any age with weight training. I believe training with weights is more important as you get older because you are typically less active and your muscle will get soft from lack of use. Dense muscle mass is key to having a strong and healthy metabolism. If you would like more information on how to increase your metabolism, send Linda an email and write “maximize your metabolism” in the subject line.
Build muscle, eat 5 – 6 small meals a day, and keep your aerobic activity moderate. For more information and tips on exercise, go to http://www.easyexercisetips.com
posted by Healthy Life @ 3:59 AM,
Boost Your Self Esteem With Acne Treatment
Friday, June 12, 2009
Acne is a common occurrence and can appear at any age. It is a condition that can be frustrating as successful treatment may be hard to come by. Acne can take many forms; blackheads, whiteheads and blemishes are just a few.
Many are advised to seek professional help in the form of a dermatologist, although even with this help, it can take a while to find a treatment that is right for you. As a consequence, it is very easy for the self esteem of an acne sufferer to be low, but you are urged to keep positive as acne treatment, like anything, requires time and will power before you can start to see successful results.
There are many forms of acne, which would explain why it is so difficult to treat, but there are also many acne treatment products available that work; although researches into the product before you go ahead and buy it is important. The range of products available is vast and you could easily end up spending a lot of time and money on many which may not help you to a great extent.
The problem for sufferers experiencing low self esteem from acne is that it is possible for those to become depressed, as a consequence of treatment products that may not work for the individual. There is not a cure for acne as such due to a particular treatment not working for everyone that tries it. Many treatment methods will take several weeks to several months for the effects to be noticeable, but perseverance is the key.
In addition to the treatment products you can use, carry out regular exercise to keep your body healthy and to build your immune system. It’s also important to maintain a healthy diet, including at least 5 servings of fresh fruit and vegetables and 8 glass of water every day. Always wash your skin thoroughly before going to bed, and ensure that any cosmetics are removed.
As mentioned, it may take a long time before any improvements are noticed but you can rest assured that as soon you do find an acne treatment product that works for you, that it’ll begin to boost your self esteem. Just make sure that you carry on with the treatment and don’t give up on it, and furthermore for those that have yet to find a product that is working, don’t give up on finding a treatment that works for you.
Stress can play a large part in the appearance of acne as it can set-off chemical reactions in the body, so try to remain calm and relaxed. For a wealth of information on acne and the treatment of acne, take a look at: http://www.acne-treatmentproduct.info
posted by Healthy Life @ 3:59 AM,
Low Cost Ways of Reducing or Preventing Back Pai
Friday, June 5, 2009
The vast majority of people will experience some sort of back pain throughout their lives. When most people think of back pain treatments, they often think of expensive medications and surgical procedures.
However, many would be surprised to learn that low cost methods for treating back pain are available which are quite effective. Several studies have been conducted which show that getting a good amount of cardiovascular exercise on a regular basis is very effective at stopping back pain.
Many of these methods are low cost, such as hiking, swimming, or jogging. Cardiovascular exercises have been shown to be just as effective for treating and preventing back pain as many physical therapies. These activities are fun to do, and will keep both your back and the rest of your body healthy.
Some of you reading this article may be under the impression that this advice is common sense. In reality, many people don't know how to properly exercise their backs, and give up easily when things become tough. Some are already unhealthy and overweight, and have developed bad habits which are difficult to break.
It is important to change your mindset. Instead of looking at cardiovascular exercise as a chore, incorporate it into your everday activities. If you have a job which is close to your home, start riding a bike to work once a week. Start small and work your way up.
Exercise is important for your spine and back. Humans aren't designed to spend hours sitting in front of a computer or in traffic. We are supposed to work out our bodies, and when we don't, problems like chronic back pain develop over time.
When people suffer from back pain, they often stop exercising entirely. They are under the false impression that exercising their backs will put them in even more pain. This is certainly true if they don't exercise properly. The muscles surrounding the spinal column support your body, and need to be strong.
The weaker they are, the more pain you will experience. By exercising, you strengthen these muscles in your back, and they will become strong enough to support your body, relieving you of pain. You don't want to wait until the problem becomes so severe that you need medical treatment.
The costs of healthcare are increasing, and people are finding it hard to afford care. The best type of treatment you can give yourself is prevention by exercising properly and keeping both your back and the rest of your body healthy.
posted by Healthy Life @ 3:58 AM,