Health-Next

What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?

Wellness — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 16:03:14 +0000

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) as the name suggests is a condition where multiple small cysts develop in the ovaries of a woman. It is a hormonal imbalance usually evident in women of reproductive age. The syndrome is a serious issue as it can deprive a woman of her child bearing capabilities. Till date, the exact cause for the problem is not clear, but insulin resistance is considered to be one of the major causes for this condition.

The symptoms

All victims will not face similar kinds of symptoms. The symptoms keep varying from person to person. The most common of the symptoms experienced by women with PCOS include irregular period, very less or excessive flow during period, feelings of pain or discomfort in the pelvic area, sudden growth of excess facial or chest hair, development of extra skin flaps in the armpit and neck area, male pattern baldness, heart and liver problems, high blood pressure and cholesterol, and other problems.

The cure

Seek the help of your doctor. It is also good to strive towards getting rid of the symptoms. So eat food that is not rich in carbohydrates, calories and saturated or trans-fats. Substitute sugar with honey if you have to. Do not forget to exercise well. Make sure you include in your diet food and herbs that help you lose excess weight and regularise your periods.

Ovarian cyst cancer

healthblogger — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 07:52:12 +0000

Ovaries for a woman are the means to have a baby, so these organs in the body of a woman are highly important. About 5-10% women all over the world experience multiple small cysts in their ovaries; the condition is known in the medical world as polycystic ovarian syndrome. This syndrome can lead to infertility, but is not always fatal. Sometimes, though rare, it can be fatal when a woman develops ovarian cyst cancer.

Ovarian cyst cancer is a condition found to affect women in their 50s, though it is quite rare. If the cysts are not too large, the victims do not experience any pain. Normally, the condition is detected when the cysts grow too large and the victim starts experiencing pain; this is bad as treatment then starts at a late stage.

The cancer starts developing at the cell. When old cells do not die and new cells develop, there is a load of cells forcing the development of a tumor, which can be cancerous. Only malignant tumors are cancerous, not the benign ones.

Complicated ovarian cysts can pose to be a big problem. So, it is always ideal to see a doctor immediately for treatment. The victim should state clearly the symptoms that she is facing, so that the doctor is able to prescribe the right treatment for her.

How to Lose Weight

Wellness — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:53:40 +0000

Every one of us wants to look good and slim and get rid of all those excess fat that bulges at our waists and hips. The problem is we all want to shed the extra kilos but do not want know how. There are certain tips to losing weight steadily.

Most obese and overweight people either overeat or sit before the television, or sit at the computer working or doing Facebook all day. So, weight is gained due to overeating and due to lack of motion mainly. Taking care of these two factors helps reduce weight.

Feed yourself the right food

Opting for crash diets is not a wise thing to do as it makes you weak and besides it is unhealthy. The key is to eat less and at short intervals; this will kill your appetite and refrain you from overeating. When you are chewing food, always chew very slowly, this will help you eat less. Do not have snacks whenever you want to instead develop a good habit of drinking water and fruit juices when you think it’s time for a snack. Abstain from food rich in fat, switch over to leafy green vegetables and fruits.

Keep moving, don’t sit for long

This goes for all who have to sit before their computers for a long time or are in the habit of watching TV for hours. Do not sit with the remote control in your hand, for surfing channels, get up and change the channels each time.

If you can, use the stairs instead of the elevator. If your office is at a walking distance from your home, you will do good to indulge in brisk walking every morning when going to work. At the office also, take some time to stretch yourself and walk around the room instead of sitting for hours before the computer. Take your dog for a walk, play with it, or dance to some foot tapping music. The idea is to move a lot and be active.

Do you lack energy?

Second wave of Swine flu could be over in UK

Wellness — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 20:38:29 +0000

With the advent of Christmas holidays in the schools, doctors in United Kingdom are predicting that the second wave of the deadly H1N1 flu could be wrapped. According to the Health Protection Agency, the consultations of Swine flu like illness have dropped below the periodic flu level. In the second and third week of December, as many as 9000 cases were reported in England; which however, is 2000 less than the numbers that were reported in the first week of the month. Overall, 532 patients are hospitalized in England currently and the number is fast declining.

“The first influenza pandemic of the 21st century is considerably less lethal than was feared in advance,” stated Chief Medical Officer for England, Sir Liam Donaldson.

A guide to swine flu

Wellness — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 20:07:59 +0000

With new cases of swine flu being reported all over the world, taking precaution against the pandemic has become an integral part of modern day lifestyle. Measures like washing the hands often, staying away from mass gathering, increasing the level of immunity by taking fruits rich in Vitamin C, and avoiding body contact have become a part and parcel of living. We have compiled a comprehensive swine flu guide, which will help you in fighting against the new threat of the millennium called swine flu!

Swine flu official site: http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1FLU/
Flu surveillance: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/

Leptin reduces risk of dementia

Wellness — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 11:58:26 +0000

A new research has found out that leptin, produced by fat cells, could reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). It was found that leptin induces additional effect in areas outside the hypothalamus in brain. Hypothalamus is the portion of the brain, which is responsible for controlling hunger, thirst and the temperature of the body.

Dr. Wolfgang Lieb, of the Framingham Heart Study, Framingham, Mass., and his associates has examined the effect of leptin on dementia and AD. A group consisted of 785 people (62% female) without dementia was taken as the sample, with average age being 79. It was found that an increase in leptin gradually decreased the effect of dementia.

In previous studies, it was found that obesity in midlife could result in the reduction of cognitive function in general population and an increase in the risk of dementia. “If our findings are confirmed by others, leptin levels in older adults may serve as one of several possible biomarkers for healthy brain aging and, more importantly, may open new pathways for possible preventive and therapeutic intervention,” stated the researchers.

H1N1 hits Chandigarh hard

Wellness — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 11:48:49 +0000

With so many cases of H1N1 flu been reported in the city, Chandigarh has geared up to put more doctors to treat the infected flu patients. A technical committee set up by the UT health department has declared on Saturday that the infection can now be considered as community spread, according to the guidelines of the central government.

The committee has decided to increase the number of doctors who can administer Tami flu tablets. The Indian Medical Association has been asked to give the names of 10 additional doctors who could be extended the permission. UT home-cum-health secretary Ram Niwas declared this in a review meeting that took place on Saturday.

In the meeting, the name of Command Hospital, Chandimandir was also been explored so that patients get another destination for flu check-up and medication. Haryana chief secretary, health had been called for to set up ICU facilities in places like Agroha, Mullana and Rohtak. According to the latest count, swine flu has affected 133 people in the city of which five deaths were reported.

Chandigarh affected 133; dead 5
Punjab affected 70; dead 15
Haryana affected 63; dead 10

Green tea cheers up the elderly

Wellness — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 12:11:21 +0000

Here is something to cheer up for the elderly. According to a new study, taking green tea four or more cups daily reduce depression in elderly men and women. Earlier, studies have been conducted to find out health benefits of green tea however, this new study by American Journal of Clinical Nutrition was targeted mainly towards the psychological aspect of the popular beverage.

The study states that daily consumption of green tea can reduce the risk of depression by 44 percent for people above 70. Oolong and black tea however, proved ineffective in reducing the negative effects of depression in the test individuals. The anti-depressant effect was credited to Theanine, an amino acid, found mainly in green tea.

Doctors delaying Swine flu vaccination

Wellness — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 11:59:23 +0000

The Westminster government, which acts on behalf of four United Kingdom countries, has yet to reach a consensus with the General Practitioners, on the swine flu vaccination program for children below the age of five years. “It is disappointing that we have not been able to reach a national UK-wide agreement for the delivery of phase two of the vaccination of children aged under five,” said Dr David Bailey, chairman of the British Medical Association’s Welsh GPs Committee.

No indication has come from the assembly spokesperson on the date on which a green signal will come. According to him, the talks are on the similar line as it was for the first phase of vaccination. Under the mass vaccination programme of the Government, the GPs are getting £5.25 per patient for the high risk groups, including the likes of patients with heart disease, asthma or diabetes.

Alcohol increases breast cancer risks

Wellness — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 11:48:46 +0000

A new study has found out that alcohol can increase the risk of breast cancer in women. Breast cancer survivors who have consumed a little drink are more likely to see a recurrence of the diseases after some time.

Kaiser Permanente Division of Research in Oakland, California researchers have trailed 1,897 women who were given a diagnosis of early-stage invasive breast cancer from the year 1997 to 2000, evaluating the intake of alcohol through a self-doled food frequency form citing 122 food and beverages.

“Alcohol has been shown in animal studies to increase circulating levels of oestrogen, and increase oestrogen metabolism,” which may drive recurrence risk, said Marilyn Kwan, the lead author of the research paper.