The following is an excerpt from Hot and Cold Health by R. G. Heft (Acupuncture Physician FL 1992- 2002) based on traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicines and the questioning and counseling of 10,000+ Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is based on the theory, observation that everything is an ongoing balance of opposites, many of which we control through diet, exercise, sex, thought, etc.

Know the whole before attempting to diagnose and or treat the part, as you cannot cure the part ithout curing the whole. The whole is equal to and greater than the sum of its parts.  If you cannot afford or do not want to risk your money ($20 or less), then I will send, email you the E Book (Adobe file, 1,005 KB) for free.  Your health is  more important than my bank account. Email me (rgheft@netzero.com) your request or questions.  Peace.

The skin is the body’s largest organ. It has several functions.

(1) Acts as a protective cover, shield, barrier between the body and the external environment (heat, cold, dryness, dampness, wind)

(2) Has pores, openings allowing the body to release excessive heat, energy (in the form of perspiration) and or retain heat, energy.

(3) Sebaceous glands located throughout the body in the dermis (layer of skin below epidermis, outer layer of skin) secrete sebum an oily liquid that moistens the skin and hair. It also helps the body retain heat. Acne (raised, red lesions, pustules, blackheads, etc.) is an inflammatory disease of the sebaceous glands affecting primarily the face and shoulders

The skin is made from food, nutrients. There are only two kinds of foods, nutrients: building and cleansing. Building nutrients, foods (protein, fat, meat, eggs, cheese, beans, etc.) build and fuel. Cleansing nutrients, foods (water, minerals, fruit, vegetables, grains, etc.) reduce, cleanse, cool and moisten.

Long-term low protein, low fat (milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, beans, etc.) and high carbohydrate (bread, pasta, salads, tropical fruits, juices, smoothies, etc.) diets tend to cool, weaken and dilute digestion, reducing nutrient absorption, decreasing and thinning the blood (blood deficiency). Blood deficiency, in the extreme, tends to weaken, sag, thin, dry, crack and or bleed the skin producing partial facial flushing, red spots, splotches, acne, cracked skin, bleeding, pustules, eczema, exposed capillaries, blue veins and or translucent skin.

Too many building foods, protein and fat, especially animal (red meat, pork, chicken, eggs, cheese, fried foods, oil, etc.), in addition to alcohol, sugar tends to cause raised, red, hard painful, oily pimples, pus, boils and or dry flaky skin; warts, moles, psoriasis, tumors, etc. All excess sugar is turned into fat. Protein and fat build, thicken, fuel and heat. Too much tends to thicken, overbuild and overheat the blood, which in turn, overbuilds, overheats the skin.

The middle diet, meal plan adjusted accordingly is recommended. Try to eat simply and do not overeat. For deficiency, increase protein, fat (eggs, turkey, chicken, etc.), spices, cooked foods, (soups, vegetables), and a small amount of fruit (avoid tropical), for balance. For the overbuilt, eat less animal (red meat, pork, veal, chicken, etc.) and more beans, nuts, seeds, rice, vegetables, fruit (apples, pineapple, etc.). Space and or skip meals, especially dinner. Experience hunger and quench with water.

The beauty, health of the skin, starts in the inside via simple diet. From the outside, you can use good quality soaps, shampoos, cosmetics, etc. I highly recommend Aubrey Organics and Zia Cosmetics. Calendula oil is great for burns helps prevent scarring.

Eczema (cold, damp)

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory condition of the skin that produces blister like formations that weep, release fluid before forming a crust, scale and or flake. Itching may also occur. Poor diet is a major cause.

The body digests, transforms food, nutrients into blood, into structure (skin) into function, into health or disease. There are only two kinds of nutrients, foods: building and cleansing. Building nutrients (protein and fat) build and fuel. Cleansing nutrients (water, sugar, minerals, etc.) reduce, cleanse, cool and moisten. The correct amount of building and cleansing builds and maintains healthy skin (thick, firm, strong, etc. The incorrect amounts, build too much or too little skin. Too little protein and fat tends to under build, thin and weaken the skin causing it to crack, bleed and or infect.

The symptoms of eczema indicate deficiency via breakdown (falling apart). Low protein and low fat diets, in the extreme, tend to thin and weaken all structure and function, including the skin. Too many carbohydrates (pasta, bread, salads, tropical fruits, juices, etc.) tend to dilute and weaken digestion (acid, enzymes) reducing nutrient absorption (especially protein and fat), blood, which in turn, dilutes, weakens and thins everything else skin, hair, bones, memory, vision, etc.

Case history: In 1989, I developed a bad, hideous case of eczema. It first started as a pimple, blister on my index finger (left hand). Over the course of two months, it (blisters, cracked skin, bleeding, pus, etc.) spread to every finger up the back of hand to the arm. My other hand was affected eventually although not as bad. This happened while I was going to acupuncture school. It was gross. I tried every Chinese herbal remedy. Nothing worked. My skin kept getting worse and worse. I eventually turned to Ayurvedic Medicine (Ayurvedic Healing, and Yoga of Herbs by Dr. David Frawley, O.M.D.), which recommended the use of spices. My diet at the time was bland, low protein, low fat, sweet and cooling. I was living in Hollywood. Fl. I reduced juices, fruits, increased protein and fat and started cooking with spices (fennel, cumin, coriander, ginger, etc.). I always used at least five spices. Within three weeks, my eczema cleared up. My digestion also improved less bloating, gas, burping, farting, etc. I did have eczema as a teenager, although not as serious.  

Diet related eczema is simple but time consuming to cure as the skin takes time to rebuild via proper diet. The middle diet, daily meal plan, adjusted accordingly is recommended. Reduce salads, raw vegetables, tropical and citrus fruits, cold drinks, milk and yogurt

Other causes of eczema: low levels of hydrochloric acid, Candidiasis and or food allergies, all of which can all be caused by poor diet (low protein, low fat and high carbohydrate, in the extreme).

        Psoriasis (hot)

Psoriasis is a painful chronic skin disorder characterized by dry, red, scaly skin covering the scalp, genitalia, skin, etc. that alternates between exacerbation and remission. It is a disease of excess, caused in general by too much protein and fat, especially red meat, pork, hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, lasagna, oily, greasy foods (fries, chips, etc.) in addition to alcohol and sweets. Psoriasis generally occurs in conjunction with liver congestion, high cholesterol, atherosclerosis, etc. The colder middle diet, meal plan is recommended.

Hot and Cold Health

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION I PHILOSOPHY AND DIET

Chapter 1 The Way of Thinking Chapter 2 The Way of Food Chapter 3 Digestion, Spices and Chinese Herbs Chapter 4 Cooking Class

SECTION II BIOLOGY, EAST AND WEST

Chapter 5 Three Treasures Chapter 6 Blood and Body Fluids Chapter 7 Spleen Chapter 8 Stomach Small Intestine Chapter 9 Large Intestine and Urinary Bladder Chapter 10 Heart Chapter 11 Liver & Gall Bladder Chapter 12 Lungs Chapter 13 Kidneys Chapter 14 Disease and Diagnosis

SECTION III DISEASES A- Z

Chap 15 A Diseases AIDS 141 Alzheimer s 143 Anal fissure 143 Anemia 144 Anger 145 Aging 146 Anxiety 147 Arthritis 148 Asthma 152 ADD 154 Auto-immune 154 Chap 16 B Diseases Blood 157 Blood Pressure 158 Body Odor 159 Bones 161 Breast lumps 162 Bronchitis 164 Chap 17  C Diseases Candidiasis 167 Canker Sores 169 Cellulite 171 Cholesterol 173 Chronic Fatigue 175 Circulation 176 Cirrhosis 178 Cold hands, feet 178 Cold (lungs) Constipation 180 Coughing 182 Crohn s 182 Chap 18 D Diseases Depression 185 Detoxification 188 Diabetes 191 Diarrhea 193 Diuretics 195 Dizziness 195 Dysmenorrhea 196 Chap 19 E-F Diseases Ear Infections 197 Eczema 197 Edema 200 Endometriosis 202 Eyes 202 Fear 204 Fever 204 Fibrocystic Breasts 204 Fibroids 205 Fibromyalgia 205 Forgetfulness 207 Frigidity 208 Chap 20 G-H Diseases Gall Stones 209 GERD, GIRD 210 Gout 212 Hair Loss 213 Hearing Loss 215 Hepatitis 218 Herpes 220 Hot Flashes 220 Hysteria 221 Chap 21 I-J Diseases Infertility 223 Inflammation 223 Insomnia 224 Irritable Bowel 226 Itching 227 Jaundice 227 Chap 22 K-O Diseases Kidney Stones 229 Miscarriage 230 Mucous 231 M. Sclerosis 231 Nails 233 Nausea 235 Numbness 236 Obesity 237 Osteoporosis 238 Chap 23 P-R Diseases Pediatric 241 Perspiration 244 Plantar F. 244 Pregnancy 248 PMS 250 Prostate 251 Psoriasis 252 Rashes 252 Restless Leg 252 Chap 24 S-Z Diseases Sex 255 Shaking, tremors 257 Sinusitis 258 Skin Diseases 259 Sleep Apnea 261 Snoring 262 Sweaty hands 263 Teeth 264 Tumors 266 Urinary T. I. 267 Varicose Veins 269 Weight loss 270 Yeast infection 274 Chap 25 Case Histories 275

SECTION IV DAILY PRACTICES

 Chapter 26 The Way of Breathing, Chap 27 Exercise, Chap 28 Meditation 303, Chap 29 Spiritual Practices (belief in God)  307 Appendix 313 Bibliography 315 About the Author 317

Related posts

• Arthritis, diet, circulation and traditional Chinese medicine (0)
• Not Just for Kids — the Surprising Health Issues of Midlife Women (0)
• Home Remedies for Kidney Problem (0)
• Lose Unsightly Belly Fat – Before it Hurts Your Health (0)
• How to Obtain Optimal Health (0)

The following is an excerpt from Hot and Cold Health by R. G. Heft (Acupuncture Physician FL 1992- 2002) based on traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicines and the questioning and counseling of 10,000+ Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is based on the theory, observation that everything is an ongoing balance of opposites, many of which we control through diet, exercise, sex, thought, etc.

Know the whole before attempting to diagnose and or treat the part, as you cannot cure the part ithout curing the whole. The whole is equal to and greater than the sum of its parts.  If you cannot afford or do not want to risk your money ($20 or less), then I will send, email you the E Book (Adobe file, 1,005 KB) for free.  Your health is  more important than my bank account. Email me (rgheft@netzero.com) your request or questions.  Peace.

All disease is defined by its collection of symptoms. All symptoms are defined, produced by biological functions. All biological functions are produced by biological structures (organs, bones, muscles, nerves, etc.), which in turn, are produced, maintained and cleansed by blood, nutrients.  The body, digests, transforms food, nutrients into blood into structure into function, into health or disease.

Arthritis is a generic term for inflammation of the joint that tends to cause pain, swelling, pain, redness, etc. A joint is where two or more bones join. The joint, space between the movable bones is composed of fluid sacs, in addition to cartilage (gelatinous substance that caps the end of the bones). Both act as shock absorbers.  Ligaments hold bones together.  Tendons attach muscles to ligaments. Muscles contract and expand according to their nerves, electrical supply, stimulation, which in turn pulls and relaxes the tendons, ligaments, moving the bones.

Blood, nutrients build, fuel and cleanse the muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones. Poor nutrition, diet and or poor circulation tend to reduce, thin the blood, which in turn, thins, dries, weakens, pains and or inflames the joints. Poor posture, misalignment and or injury can also adversely affect the joints, i.e. cause arthritic symptoms.

There are three types of arthritis: rheumatoid (autoimmune), gout (uric acid) and osteo (bone on bone), Rheumatoid Arthritis is more common in women (middle aged), although it does attack men. The difference is cause. Women tend to suffer from blood, protein and fat deficiency via diet and menstruation.

Many women tend to eat anemic diets: low protein, low fat (milk, yogurt, soft cheeses, beans, nuts and seeds) and high carbohydrate (pasta, bread, salads, tropical fruits, juices, etc.). Women menstruate monthly 30+ years from the first period, menarche (teen, preteen) to the last (menopause).  This combination tends to thin and weaken the blood, which in turn, thins, weakens, dries, inflames and pains everything else, especially the extremities: arms, legs, hands, feet, bones, muscles, tendons, etc

Men tend to suffer the opposite: too much, stagnant blood via high protein, high fat diets, high cholesterol, atherosclerosis, congested liver, etc. restricting, reducing blood flow, which in turn, inflames, dries, thins and pains the joints: bones, ligaments, tendons, muscles, nerves, etc. especially in the extremities: arms and legs.

All blood passes in and out the liver. The liver stores, cleanses (filters excess protein, fat, cholesterol, impurities, etc.) and releases the blood. High protein and high fat (especially animal) diets in excess tend to thicken the blood, which in turn, thickens, clogs and swells the liver reducing not only liver, cleansing function but also distribution, circulation of blood. Less cholesterol, fat is removed form the blood, more stays in the bloodstream, arteries, veins, heart, liver, brain, etc. Less blood is circulated as more (blood) passes into the liver (clogged, swollen) than out reducing the overall amount circulated to the rest of the body, especially to the extremities: head, arms and legs, which contain no vital organs.

The vital organs (heart, liver, lungs, etc.) located in the center of the body (abdomen and chest) command the blood. In times of drought, and or the common cold, less blood is circulated to the extremities (includes the head).

.

Inappropriate diet (overbuilt or under built) is a major cause of rheumatoid arthritis. It is also tends to cause gout, excess uric acid that accumulates in the blood and joints. Uric acid is a by-product of protein (especially animal) digestion. High protein, high fat diets, in the extreme, tend to cause too much uric acid in the blood and joints. Gout is more prevalent in western countries and or those eating high protein, high fat diets. It tends to attack men (high protein, high fat) more than women.

Osteoarthritis cannot be improved through diet or herbs. You cannot grow cartilage (separates and cushions the bones) where there is none. You can grow cartilage where there is some. Glucosamine sulfate ((1500 mg/ day) and other supplements (bovine cartilage) have been shown to grow cartilage. Solgar, Solaray, Enzymatic Therapy, Twin Lab and Natures Plus are high quality companies that research, manufacture and distribute. I owned and operated a small health food store, Food and Thought, Hollywood, Fl (1984-2001). I sold a lot of Glucosamine Sulfate and never heard a complaint, just praise. Check with your doctor before making any changes.

Dietary cures for arthritis via blood deficiency and or stagnation are relatively simple. Blood deficiency (via low protein, low fat and high carbohydrate diets) requires the hotter middle diet, meal plan (more protein and fat: red meat, chicken, turkey, etc, cooked foods, soups, vegetables and spices. Spices (cardamom, cumin, coriander, fennel, ginger, cayenne, etc.) are hot in nature. They increase digestion, improve circulation, etc.

Weak digestion transforms and transports less food, nutrients into blood.  Too many cold and damp foods, drinks (milk, yogurt, salads, fruit, juices, cold drinks, etc.), in excess and or at the beginning of a meal, tend to dilute and weaken digestion (acid, enzymes, etc.) reducing nutrient absorption, blood, circulation, etc. while increasing waste product, abdominal bloating, gas, loose stools.

Blood stagnation (clogged arteries, veins, liver, etc.) is also curable, depending on severity.  It is a disease of excess: too much protein and fat. The colder middle diet, meal plan is recommended. Reduce animal protein and fat, no more than one animal food per day and never at night. A little chicken or turkey is permissible. Eat more vegetables (cabbage) fruit (apples), drink peppermint tea, etc. Avoid alcohol. Bitter herbs (golden seal, gentian, etc.) may also help. Eat less, skip, space the meals (gives the body extra time, energy to digest excess) and do not eat late. Avoid nightshades (tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant) which tend to aggravate, worsen arthritic conditions.

Hot salves (containing spices, camphor, capsicum/ cayenne pepper, etc.) used externally for reducing pain are also effective. Heat not only dries and warms but also moves. Spices, cooked foods move and warm the blood, and reduce pain via increased circulation, blood. They also help to thin the blood. Cumin, coriander and fennel are mild spices.  

Medication, blood thinners can also cause arthritic symptoms. Blood thinners not only thin the blood of excess protein and fat (includes cholesterol), but also thin the bones, skin, hair, etc. which are all fed, thickened by the same blood, protein and fat. When you thin the blood, decrease protein and fat, you thin everything else.

Hot and Cold Health

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION I PHILOSOPHY AND DIET

Chapter 1 The Way of Thinking Chapter 2 The Way of Food Chapter 3 Digestion, Spices and Chinese Herbs Chapter 4 Cooking Class

SECTION II BIOLOGY, EAST AND WEST

Chapter 5 Three Treasures Chapter 6 Blood and Body Fluids Chapter 7 Spleen Chapter 8 Stomach Small Intestine Chapter 9 Large Intestine and Urinary Bladder Chapter 10 Heart Chapter 11 Liver & Gall Bladder Chapter 12 Lungs Chapter 13 Kidneys Chapter 14 Disease and Diagnosis

SECTION III DISEASES A- Z

Chap 15 A Diseases AIDS 141 Alzheimer s 143 Anal fissure 143 Anemia 144 Anger 145 Aging 146 Anxiety 147 Arthritis 148 Asthma 152 ADD 154 Auto-immune 154 Chap 16 B Diseases Blood 157 Blood Pressure 158 Body Odor 159 Bones 161 Breast lumps 162 Bronchitis 164 Chap 17  C Diseases Candidiasis 167 Canker Sores 169 Cellulite 171 Cholesterol 173 Chronic Fatigue 175 Circulation 176 Cirrhosis 178 Cold hands, feet 178 Cold (lungs) Constipation 180 Coughing 182 Crohn s 182 Chap 18 D Diseases Depression 185 Detoxification 188 Diabetes 191 Diarrhea 193 Diuretics 195 Dizziness 195 Dysmenorrhea 196 Chap 19 E-F Diseases Ear Infections 197 Eczema 197 Edema 200 Endometriosis 202 Eyes 202 Fear 204 Fever 204 Fibrocystic Breasts 204 Fibroids 205 Fibromyalgia 205 Forgetfulness 207 Frigidity 208 Chap 20 G-H Diseases Gall Stones 209 GERD, GIRD 210 Gout 212 Hair Loss 213 Hearing Loss 215 Hepatitis 218 Herpes 220 Hot Flashes 220 Hysteria 221 Chap 21 I-J Diseases Infertility 223 Inflammation 223 Insomnia 224 Irritable Bowel 226 Itching 227 Jaundice 227 Chap 22 K-O Diseases Kidney Stones 229 Miscarriage 230 Mucous 231 M. Sclerosis 231 Nails 233 Nausea 235 Numbness 236 Obesity 237 Osteoporosis 238 Chap 23 P-R Diseases Pediatric 241 Perspiration 244 Plantar F. 244 Pregnancy 248 PMS 250 Prostate 251 Psoriasis 252 Rashes 252 Restless Leg 252 Chap 24 S-Z Diseases Sex 255 Shaking, tremors 257 Sinusitis 258 Skin Diseases 259 Sleep Apnea 261 Snoring 262 Sweaty hands 263 Teeth 264 Tumors 266 Urinary T. I. 267 Varicose Veins 269 Weight loss 270 Yeast infection 274 Chap 25 Case Histories 275

SECTION IV DAILY PRACTICES

 Chapter 26 The Way of Breathing, Chap 27 Exercise, Chap 28 Meditation 303, Chap 29 Spiritual Practices (belief in God)  307 Appendix 313 Bibliography 315 About the Author 317

Related posts

• Acne, psoriasis, eczema, diet, digestion and traditional Chinese medicine (0)
• Not Just for Kids — the Surprising Health Issues of Midlife Women (0)
• How to Obtain Optimal Health (0)
• Home Remedies for Kidney Problem (0)
• Lose Unsightly Belly Fat – Before it Hurts Your Health (0)

There is a wide incidence of women in the Western world who experience breast changes that are a direct consequence of their menstrual cycle and it is believed that as high as 70 percent of women are so afflicted. These women may find their breasts have become very uncomfortable due to their becoming tender, swollen or lumpy. This is one of the many women’s health issues that need to be studied and understood if one is to be able to treat the ailment and provide much needed succor to the patients. It is important to find an explanation for the condition and know which natural and medical treatments are available for this women’s health issue.

Breast Health: The Facts

Broadly speaking, women’s health issues can be categorized into several important concerns, of which include: breast problems, cystitis, endometriosis, fibroids, heavy periods, hysterectomy, irregular periods, menopause, miscarriage, no periods, osteoporosis, ovarian cysts, PMS, polycystic ovary syndrome, pregnancy, prolapse, thrush and vaginal infections. Women also face problems such as weight control and infertility.

In the case of breast cancer, one can safely say that it is widely prevalent in women living in the United States. This means that such an important women’s health issue needs to be better understood and this involves knowing the stage of the disease, new diagnostic methods versus recurrence, the woman’s age as well as prior treatments. Mostly, different women would respond to the crisis of having breast cancer in different ways but what is most important is for them to know and obtain as much information as possible so that they are better educated about the disease.

It is important that this women’s health issue be taken notice of, and a study of the risk factors involved with contracting breast cancer needs to be undertaken as some factors may have stronger links to breast cancer than others. These important risk factors are: gender, age, personal history of breast cancer, family history of cancer, high breast tissue density, breast hyperplasia, long term estrogen exposure, menopausal hormone replacement therapy, not having children or having first child after age 30, exposure to radiation, Ashkenazi Jewish heritage, genetics as well as diet, environment, and smoking. There is no denying the fact that breast cancer is an important women’s health issue for which no amount of research and development can be said to be enough.

Related posts

• Not Just for Kids — the Surprising Health Issues of Midlife Women (0)
• Baby in Hospital (0)
• Uterine Fibroids – Here Are the Basics (0)
• How to Obtain Optimal Health (0)
• Panic Attack Gene Research…Marching Ahead (0)

One of the advantages of reaching midlife is that we are finally finished with all those issues that make childhood and adolescence such a pain in the neck, such as needing set bedtimes as well as  regular dental and eye checkups; having to worry about using protection during sex and about cigarette smoking; getting all those shots to prevent diseases and wearing helmets to prevent sports injuries; needing to eat all our vegetables and avoid sugar as well as not missing gym class. What a relief to let these issues fade right along with our memories of tetherball on the school playground!

Not so fast. Would it surprise you to know that you still have to be aware of each and every one of the above so-called “child/adolescent” health issues?  

For instance, what about set bedtimes? The obvious reason that we needed enforced, regular  bedtimes each night was so that we would get enough sleep. Being tired and sleepy the next day in school caused everything from lousy concentration to crabby moods. Now that we’re in midlife, many of us believe that sleep is no longer an issue. This is not the case at all. It’s still essential to our health and wellbeing. Recent studies have shown that not only do sleep disturbances often indicate a serious health problem, but that lack of sleep can actually cause health problems, such as weight gain. Polls have shown that nearly two thirds of adults over the age of sixty-five have sleep complaints, but that less than 15 per cent of them have been formally diagnosed with a sleep problem. Why? Because we don’t mention sleep problems to our health care providers. Our mothers were right — we still need to be concerned about our bedtimes.

Once we’ve gotten the glasses we need and all our baby teeth are gone, we no longer need to get regular eye and dental checkups as we did in our younger years, right? Again — no. Although our vision does remain stable from young adulthood until we need bifocals, there are common eye diseases that begin to occur in midlife, and that can lead to blindness if not diagnosed.  And even though we no longer have our baby teeth,  other dental issues take the forefront upon reaching midlife, such as gum inflammation which has been shown to be associated with diabetes and heart disease. So, continued regular dental and eye checks are as important as in our younger years. 

And what about sex at midlife and beyond?  We’ve moved from groping and being groped in the backseat of the car to more sophisticated maneuvers in a comfortable bed, and finally, finally no longer have to worry about pregnancy. So we don’t need protection; or so many of us think. Although it’s true that once menopause arrives one can’t get pregnant (warning: make sure you have completed menopause before assuming this as diagnosing menopause can be tricky),  protection is still needed during sex because of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Yes, we can still get those, and in some cases are even more prone to becoming infected after menopause, even after a hysterectomy. And even though we’re past the childbearing years and our reproductive organs seem to have no further use, we still need regular pelvic exams and Pap smears. It is also important at that exam to discuss with our healthcare providers the need for testing for STIs; if there is a new partner or the worry that the current partner is not monogamous, this testing is a must.

STIs are not the only threat held over from our adolescent years; so is cigarette smoking. Many women in midlife think that there is no reason to stop smoking cigarettes at this age, since they wrongly assume that the damage is already done from all the prior years of smoking. This is not the case. No matter how many years one has smoked, stopping can prevent further damage to the heart, blood vessels, and lungs, and in some cases can reverse some of that damage.  

Also relevant to the lungs is the fact that asthma can begin in midlife, where once it was thought to only begin in childhood.  The two major causes seem to be occupational exposure to substances that damage the lungs, and the recreational exposure to air pollution by adults who run predominantly outside. So, a new onset of shortness of breath at this age — even if it occurs only with exercise — does not necessarily mean heart disease; remember that we can develop asthma now.

Did you think you were finished with all those horrible shots you had to have in childhood and adolescence? Sorry, you’re not. There is a recommended immunization schedule for adults in midlife and beyond, just as there are for children. At certain ages over 50 and at certain intervals, you’ll need shots against the flu, certain types of pneumonia, tetanus, and in some instances, shingles and hepatitis.  Ask your primary care provider about these.

And did you pack away your helmet when you gave away your bike with training wheels? Probably ok to have done this since now you will need a bigger size helmet. But you do need a helmet. A recent report by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission stated that sports-related injuries in the Baby Boomer population was on the rise, with over 1 million injuries in this age group in 1998 alone, most of the injuries being due to bicycling and basketball.  The same report said that the many head injuries associated with bicycling were probably due to the fact that Baby Boomers use helmets less than younger people do.

The fact that exercise and proper nutrition are as important in midlife and beyond as in childhood may not come as a surprise. Regular exercise at this age has been shown to increase longevity and wellbeing, postpone and possibly prevent dementia, strokes, heart disease, and diabetes, and aid in the treatment of depression. Important to know as well is that several different types of regular exercise are recommended at this age, including aerobic (cardio) exercise, weight-bearing exercise or strength training, and exercises to improve balance and flexibility.

What we eat as we get older is every bit as important as it was in our younger years. One particular healthy way of eating, the Mediterranean diet, has been shown to stave off dementia, prevent heart disease and diabetes, maintain a healthy cholesterol level, and improve longevity. One study showed that this diet even improved sexual function in certain women! This diet is exactly as expected given its name: lots of natural whole foods, like vegetables, fruits, and nuts, lots of fish and olive oil, moderate amounts of wine, and limited amounts of foods containing refined sugar. Controlling the portions of the foods we eat is even more important at this age. Our metabolic rate decreases with age, making it easier to gain weight while eating the same amounts of food as in our younger years.  

So, as you are rummaging through your mother’s attic looking at your old dolls, baseball bat and Ouija Board, and breathing a sigh of relief that you no longer have to worry about being picked for a baseball team or that your best friend copied your paper doll’s dress, don’t get lulled into complacency about your health. Although you once may have thought that taking care of yourself  health-wise would get easier as you get older, you know now that that’s not true. Make your appointments for regular checkups, get more than 5 hours of sleep a night, use protection when having sex, particularly with a new partner, stop smoking no matter how old you are, get the recommended immunizations, be careful and wear your helmet and seatbelts, and exercise regularly and eat well. Your mother’s recommendations from your childhood continue to apply!

©2008 Janet Horn, M.D.

Author Bio
Dr. Janet Horn is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, with training in Obstetrics and Gynecology. She spent many years on the fulltime faculty of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where she published articles in medical journals on her research interests, including sexually transmitted diseases, AIDS, and women’s health. She was also the primary author of several chapters in medical textbooks.  She started her solo private practice in 1990 while continuing to teach as an Associate Professor of Medicine on the part time faculty at Hopkins. She has been selected by Baltimore Magazine as one of the “Top Doctors in Baltimore” and by the Maryland Daily Record as one of the “Top 100 Women in Maryland.”   She is included in the books Consumer’s Guide to Top Doctors (in the US) and Best Doctors in America, Southeast Region.  She is the co-author of The Smart Woman’s Guide to Midlife and Beyond, which will be available this September from New Harbinger Publications.

Related posts

• Combine Diet With Exercise To Lose Weight Fast (0)
• Baby in Hospital (0)
• How to Obtain Optimal Health (0)
• Are bites and stings dangerous? (0)
• Herbal Prostate Health (0)

Women’s health is not only monitored and maintained by the foods that she eats, or the exercise she completes throughout the week, but also by the status of her sexual health.

Women’s sexual health is quite important because there are so many complications that can occur within a women’s body that could result in life-threatening consequences.

What makes some of these sexual health issues differ from a man is not only the fact that two different genitals are involved, but also the fact that women give birth, thus increasing the complications that could arise and affect a woman’s health.

Vaginal Bleeding

One of the things that affect both the sexual and overall women’s health is the presence of vaginal bleeding after sex, also referred to as post-coital bleeding. If a woman is not on her period at the time, this could be a warning sign of something that needs the attention of a doctor.

Many possible culprits could cause such an act to occur. Understanding sexual and women’s health is important because some causes of vaginal bleeding are common and can be easily treated with no future affects to women’s sexual health, while other causes can turn into life-altering complications.

Cervical dysplasia can cause Vaginal bleeding, which means that there is the presence of precancerous cells within the lining of the cervix that could affect women’s health. The risk of developing these cells is increased when a women compromises her sexual health by having sex before the age of 18; having sex with multiple partners; having a child before they turn 16 or have had a STD in the past. Cryosurgery can treat this condition, as well as other procedures before the cells turn into cervical cancer.

Cervical Polyps

Another women’s health issue deals with cervical polyps, which are growths that extend, pass the cervix or cervical canal. These fragile, red, or purple pests can be easily removed without pain.

Bacterial Infections

Two well-known bacterial infections are transmitted during sex or other contact with semen, vaginal secretions or blood. They are called chlamydia and gonorrhea.

Gonorrhea offers several treatments that can be prescribed by a doctor.

Vaginitis, also called cervicitis, is the inflammation or swelling of the cervix or vagina, which is caused by an infection. Depending on what caused the vaginitis, a treatment is available.

Trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted disease caused by a protozoan, can compromise a women’s sexual health, as well as the health of their newborn. It is possible for a mother to pass this disease onto her newborn during a vaginal birth.

One of the most common infections to affect women’s sexual health is the vaginal yeast infection, which is an overgrowth of harmless fungi that found in the vagina. The result is an odorless, cheese-like discharge accompanied by itching and burning. Three out of four women will have at least one yeast infection throughout their lifetime.

When a woman wishes to prevent this sort of infection from affecting her sexual health, a few preventive measures are available – women’s sexual health tips concerning a yeast infection include:

· Wear white cotton panties

· Use only water-based lubricants for the vagina

· Always wipe from front to back after a bowel movement

· Eat one cup of yogurt per day when on antibiotics

· Avoid bath products containing perfume in the vaginal area

· Do not douche because it creates an attractive breeding ground for yeast to flourish.

Other sexual and women’s health concerns include endometritis, uterine polyps, fibroid tumors, as well as adenomysis, which can affect the uterus and ovaries. Never ignore vaginal bleeding.

Calling a doctor immediately is the best way to solve the sexual and women’s health issues.

Related posts

• Not Just for Kids — the Surprising Health Issues of Midlife Women (0)
• Baby in Hospital (0)
• How to Avoid Muscle Soreness (0)
• Are bites and stings dangerous? (0)
• Combine Diet With Exercise To Lose Weight Fast (0)

Over 35% of all visits to the pediatrician are a result of an ear infection. Antibiotics are usually the treatment of choice, but more and more parents now understand the benefits of natural remedies. These natural approaches also happen to be the safest. Most infections are not even a threat to your child’s well-being. Developing a strong immune system for your child is a key component in making sure an infection does not occur.

Does your child have allergies?

Food allergies are a common problem in children, and often time are overlooked. In his book, “Childhood Ear Infections,” Dr. Schmidt presents over sixteen scientific studies that present many chronic ear infections are actually due to food or airborne allergies or hypersensitivity reactions. Eliminating the allergen allows the infection to go away on its own.

Cow’s milk and other dairy products are the number one allergen implicated in an ear infection. Other allergy prone foods include wheat, eggs, chocolate, citrus, corn, soy, peanuts, nuts, shellfish, sugar, and yeast. An elimination or rotation diet is an effective way to determine if a specific food is affecting your child.

Why is nutrition so important to ear infection prevention?

Nutritional deficiency is a major cause of an ear infection. We truly are what we eat. We can improve our health by eating more nutritious food and eliminating foods that contain high amounts of sugar, hydrogenated oils, and empty calories.

An organic, unprocessed, whole foods diet is essential for creating healthy cells and is a key factor in maintaining a vibrant immune system. Dietary fats can either enhance or impair our immune function, depending on what type of fat you eat. The incorrect types of fat can predispose a child to recurrent infections and inflammatory conditions. Bad fats include potato chips, hydrogenated oils, fried foods, processed and saturated fats.

Essential fatty acids promote normal immune and nervous system function. These fatty acids are found in extra virgin olive oil, cold water fish, flax seed oil, walnuts, almonds, and free range eggs. A recent study found that the U.S. has the highest incidence of essential fatty acid deficiency in the developed world. If our children were simply supplemented with a daily dose of essential fatty acids, our children would be far less sick.

What do you do if your child has an ear infection in the future?

An impaired nerve supply can make a child’s ears and eustachian tubes susceptible to fluid buildup or infection. Restoring proper nerve supply with safe and natural chiropractic care has helped thousands of children proactively fight off any ear infections, or keep a second one from returning.

An ear infection contains fluid that accumulates behind the ear drum. A structural blockage may be the cause of the chronic infection. The correction given by a chiropractor is a gentle movement to the bones of the head and neck. This allows for drainage of the fluid to be released from the ear drum.

Giving medication to block or suppress any illness can push the illness further into the body. Check your children for food allergies, maintain their healthy immune system with a natural, nutritional diet, and proactively seek chiropractic care so your child can be free from an ear infection.

Dr Joseph Fanning is a Chiropractor in North Fulton, Atlanta, GA. Helping health-conscious Suwanee/Johns Creek-area patients with today’s safe and natural chiropractic care is not only emotionally fulfilling, but also humbling. Seeing folks get better, each visit building on one the ones before is immensely gratifying! As a chiropractor, I get to witness miracles every day.

Dr. Fanning has a large family practice that focuses on the vitality of a properly functioning nervous system for all ages. Emphasis is placed upon diet, rest, exercise, and eliminating physical, chemical and emotional stress.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles/natural-ways-to-proactively-fight-off-your-childs-ear-infection-1786266.html

Related posts

• Uterine Fibroids – Here Are the Basics (0)
• Not Just for Kids — the Surprising Health Issues of Midlife Women (0)
• Teething Babies (0)
• Sexual and Women’s Health Issues (0)
• Puberty: Who Needs It? (Growing Up Smart Body Fact #20) (0)

Nail fungus is also known as Onychomycosis. It refers to a condition which the nails of the toes or the nails become colored and eventually disintegrate.

Unless you have a biology background, you may not be familiar with fungus. After all, they are not the most popular animals or plants. In fact, they are neither plants nor animals. These organisms range from the micro and invisible fungi to the large sized popular dinner serving of mushrooms. Some of them are edible by man while others are toxic and may only serve to provide medicines or poisonous substances. Fungi have therefore been used by man in various industries ranging from the food to medicinal, agriculture and others.

Fungi also enjoy a symbiotic relationship with man. They use man’s material creations or byproducts and also his or her own body for their growth and survival. This is the case of nail fungus infection which may lead to complete loss of your nail, toe and feet.

Nail fungus infection can only occur under conditions in which the nail hard surface made of keratin is made soft. This can happen due to several reasons. Some of the common reasons include nail polish which is always placed on the nail thus preventing the aeration and encouraging establishment of the fungal colony. Inappropriate hygiene of the feet will also lead to wet conditions which allow the enzymes of the fungi to act in the medium and the eventual formation of the roots of the fungi. Other causes include softening of the hardened part of the nail by losing the keratin part, this may be due to physical abrasion or use of chemicals; poor diet and ill health leading to low immunity against fungal infection among others.

The main part of the nail that is affected the nail plate. This is the hardest part that also gives shape to the nail and the toe. It is made of keratin, which is a continuum of dead matter and the connective tissues. This is the part that if made soft or made loose in its connection with the nail root or nail bed, would give room for fungal infection.

While treatment for nail fungus infection do exist in form of oral pills or topical creams, it is advisable that hygienic care and good diet be exercised for sustainable management. While some of the oral medications may have serious side effects and may need prolonged period of usage, they are also expensive. Keep the toenail dry to prevent other infections such as athletes foot.

Seek advice from your physician where you are not sure of what to do.

Related Articles
Nail Fungus Products
Toenail Fungus Infection

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles/understanding-toenail-infection-facts-on-nail-fungus-1773510.html

Related posts

• Three Important Factors that Cause Wrinkles & Some Must-Know Facts about Wrinkle Skin Care (0)
• Sexual and Women’s Health Issues (0)
• Nails care Tips for better nails (0)
• Kidney cleanse (0)
• If You Know the Causes of Hair Loss, Your Chances of Correcting This Problem are Excellent (0)

Buzzing Ear The matter of buzzing in ears and ear infection has continued discussed in a merde of sites across the web. This is due to the fact that it is an challenge that affects millions of people across the world. In addition to it being a wide spread illness it leads those of us differently and therefore has weird cures. For example some people have problems with ringing in the left ear, some in the right one and a handful associate it with thyroid. In this “buzzing in ears and ear infection” article I will only focus on one thing i.e. possible effect during childhood. Just read this right to the end, as I am sure you will find it helpful in your quest to find a lasting solution to stop the humming or buzzing for good. Buzzing Ear Chances are you had some ear problems when growing up and you were taken to the doctors for some check ups. Usually doctors insert some syringes in the ears to try and cure whatever problem there is at that particular time. Now chances are that some damages were done during the process, which never really manifested until now. There could have been an ear infection that was not detected and developed into a serious problem, as you grew older. Essentially this could be the cause of the ringing of your ear. Whatever the cause was, let me just say that there is a cure or remedy for humming in the ear. Let me just warn you that the web has many different solutions to this problem hence you need to tread with care as you evaluate your options. I have checked out a few sources myself that provide lasting solutions. There is no reason to trust me with my resources – I know, but if you want the ringing to go away and you’ve read till this far then you can trust my next recommendation that is meant to provide a quick and easy solution to help you deal with the problem Suffering from Tinnitus and Ringing in Ear? Get your life back forever by checking out Buzzing Ear now.

Been suffering from Tinnitus? Get Buzzing Ear to END it now!

Try the Program now and get back your
Life!

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles/buzzing-ear-buzzing-in-ears-and-ear-infection-1635261.html

Related posts

• Not Just for Kids — the Surprising Health Issues of Midlife Women (0)
• Natural Colon Cleanser for Constipation and Fatigue (0)
• Fish Oil For Pregnant Women: Your Child The Next Einstein (0)
• Women?s Health Services: the Need of the Day (0)
• Wii Fit Plus Review: A Great, Fun Way to Stay in Shape (0)

As you know that yeast infection home remedy has been successfully used by many sufferers for quite a long time. However, before talking about how to treat the infection as mentioned, let’s learn a little about the infection first.

Normally, the infection will happen when the bacteria, Candida, is growing in your body. This condition can be caused by many factors, such as, taking antibiotics, steroids, and contraceptive pills. Wearing tight underwear is considered to be the cause as well. It is a fact that women will get yeast infection more than 75%.

Why are many sufferers using yeast infection home remedy instead of creams or lotions? Because, in many cases, those creams and lotions can heal only the symptoms, not the root cause of the infection. This is the reason why the infection keeps returning in a short period of time. Besides, you might get some nasty side effects from using these products as well.

Now, let’s learn about some home remedies that can be used to eliminate your infection.

- Cranberry is considered to be one of the effective yeast infection home remedy. It can be easily found in the supermarket or local drugstore. In addition, you can get Cranberry in the form of pills as well. Cranberry can help building up your immune system and stop the spread of the yeast in your body.

- Apple cider vinegar can be used as your yeast infection home remedy as well. Just coat a cotton ball with apple cider vinegar and apply it in the vagina. Or you can mix this vinegar with garlic first before continue using as mentioned.

- You can use raw garlic juice by rubbing the juice on the infected area. However, you may need to put up with its smell in order to get rid of the infection as soon as possible.

- Olive leaf and grape fruit seed extract can be used as yeast infection home remedy as well. It provides the same results as using vinegar also.

- You can also apply plain yogurt directly on the infected area twice a day in order to cure the infection symptoms. Besides, eating yogurt every day can help eliminating the infection also because you are adding the friendly bacteria into your body system.

For women who are suffering from vaginal infection, aside from using yeast infection home remedy as mentioned above, they should stop having sexual activity until they are completely cured because the infection can be transferred to their partners as well.

Want to learn about YEAST INFECTION TREATMENT that has already been proven to work for many sufferers? If they have successfully treated their yeast infection,then, you can too. The embarrassing symptoms of this infection don’t have to be yours any longer.

CLICK HERE to finally do something (that really works) about your infection. What do you have to lose by gaining valuable knowledge pertaining to the treatment of your infection symptoms?

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles/how-to-deal-with-yeast-infection-by-using-just-simple-yeast-infection-home-remedy-1632209.html

Related posts

• Uterine Fibroids – Here Are the Basics (0)
• Rotator Cuff Symptoms – Recognise Them Early And You Can Avoid Suffering a Great Deal Of Pain (0)
• 6 Tips For A Healthy Dinner Out (0)
• Why Aren’t You Using Skin Hydration Products? (0)
• Teething Babies (0)

It is evident that we are not living in a healthy environment and the risk of skin infection is increasing exponentially. Skin infections are caused by bacteria which can range from merely annoying to deadly.

Staphylococcus and a form of Streptococcus are responsible for most of the skin infections that humans have to deal with and Staph Skin Infection is one of them. Staph bacterium can reside over the skin for a period of time without getting noticed and when you have a cut or wound on your skin, the bacterium enters the skin to cause an infection.

MRSA staph infection is another severe type of staph skin infection which is caused by Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureas. This skin infection is caused by a bacterium which has developed resistance to antibiotics due to various factors and therefore antibiotics like Methicillin, Amoxicillin, Oxacillin and Penicillin which have worked well against other skin infections are rendered ineffective against MRSA making it a difficult skin infection to deal with.

The most common ways of getting infected with staph skin infection is the use of contaminated objects which could be anything from a treadmill in a gym to towels, linen and bed sheets etc. although skin to skin contact plays a vital role in spreading staph skin infection from one person to another.

Plain staph bacteria can be found on the skin of many people but until it penetrates into your body through a cut or wound you are not infected you are just “colonized”. MRSA is transmitted when inadvertently you touch your nose with contaminated hand and the bacterium enters your nasal canal which often leads to soaring of nostrils.

Many people are just the carriers of staph bacteria and usually does not show any sign of infection but MRSA won’t let you so easily. Once MRSA bacterium resides on your skin, more often than not it will lead to a skin infection. Unless MRSA bacterium begin to show up externally you are only said to colonized and not infected. Initially it is just a boil that looks like an enlarged pimple filled with pus but if not treated well in time may aggravate the problem.

Prevention is better than cure and to avoid staph skin infections, the very first thing that you need to take care of is avoid sharing your personal belongings like linen, clothes etc., avoid skin to skin contact with a person who is infected with staph skin infections, take good shower after you are back from public places or having participated in some athletic practice. Thoroughly wash your hands, spend at least 2 to 3 minutes in order to get rid of germs.

In case you have not been able to prevent yourself from staph skin infection then you need to look out for the remedies available and Antibacterial Soap is one of them.

An antibacterial soap is a cleaning product to which active ingredients have been added which are helpful in destroying harmful bacteria and microbes. Triclosan and Triclocarbon and Chloroxylenol are the ingredients which are commonly used in antibacterial soap. An antibacterial soap works best when left on the surface of the skin for at least 2 to 3 minutes before washing off.

Although unnecessary and excessive use of antibiotics has made bacteria resistant to many antibiotics and MRSA is the prime example of the fact and for the treatment of MRSA staph infection, you need to use products which have been specifically developed for the treatment. In the worst case scenario the skin infection needs to be removed surgically.

If you take care of hygiene well enough, there is least chance that you will get infected. For more information regarding Staph Skin Infection, MRSA Staph Infection and Antibacterial Soap, you may visit: http://www.defensesoap.com/mrsa-staph-infection.html

The author is a personal hygiene consultant for various contact sport athletes. He has been writing on specialized topics on how to maintain a good hygiene regime so as to ward off various skin infections like Staph Skin Infection, MRSA Staph Infection and remedies available including Antibacterial Soap. For more information, you may visit: http://www.defensesoap.com

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles/staph-skin-infection-how-do-you-get-colonized-1611605.html

Related posts

• Why Aren’t You Using Skin Hydration Products? (0)
• What Pure Omega 3 Fish Oil Can Do For Your Health That Cod Liver Oil Can’t (0)
• Treatments for Acne (0)
• Some excellent, & fairly new Acne Pills – Natural Acne Remedies the Clear Acne (0)
• Organic Skin Care Products – Why These Are a Must For a Healthy Glow (0)