Just Shoot 'eM and Run!!!

31.1.10

Causes of Water Retention

Some well-known causes of water retention include heart or kidney problems. These are due to a reduced ability of the heart or kidneys to do their job, and can cause severe swelling of the legs and ankles.

Weak circulation in the leg veins is probably the most common cause of water retention in legs and ankles. This occurs in pregnancy and causes swellings like those shown in the video. In older people this problem may also result in varicose veins.

A blockage or congestion of the lymphatic system can cause a type of water retention known as lymphoedema (lymphedema), which is common after some types of surgery, for instance. People who spend a lot of time immobile, e.g. those in hospital beds, wheelchairs, or on long-haul flights, even “couch potatoes” can develop water retention because without regular movement, it is difficult for your lymphatic system to drain excess fluid out of your tissues.

Premenstrual water retention is also common, and is caused by the hormonal changes of the menstrual cycle.

Salt
One of the main causes of water retention is eating too much salty food. The main component of salt is sodium, which the body dilutes with water if too much of it is present. Salt makes you thirsty, and your body will hold on to this water. Reducing the amount of salt in your diet will help you to release a little water retention but not usually more than about 2 lbs in weight. Even a relatively salty diet, although it can be harmful in many ways, will not normally cause gross water retention.

Lesser-known Causes

Hormones and Medicines
High levels of certain hormones can also make your body hold on to water. These include insulin, which is needed to process sugar; cortisone, which is produced when you are under stress; and the female hormones oestrogen (estrogen) and progesterone. The water-retaining effect is caused by the effects which these hormones have on sodium levels in your body, and on the hormones which govern how your kidneys work. Certain prescribed medicines such as the contraceptive pill and some painkillers can affect levels of these hormones.

Water retention which is caused by hormones can be spread around the body but often affects your tummy most of all. Women can also get water retention in the breasts, which causes breast tenderness and swelling.

Wastes and Toxins
Cellulite, which mostly affects women’s thighs, is a form of fat complexed with retained water. Sometimes it holds so much water that it is swollen and painful to the touch. Metabolic wastes and toxins such as pesticides which the body cannot easily release tend to be stored in this fat. It is thought the causes of the water retention in cellulite are either irritation and swelling due to
these toxins, or results from the body’s attempt to dilute them.

Low-Calorie Diets
If you have water retention you are very likely to be overweight. But overweight people tend to go on a low-calorie diet. A low-calorie diet will unfortunately not get rid of water retention - it can actually make it worse, especially if you eat less than 1,200 Calories a day for months or years. This is because you may not have enough protein in your blood to draw excess water out of your tissues. This type of water retention can cause generalised puffiness but if severe can give you a swollen tummy.

Histamine
Histamine causes water retention leading to bloating and tummy swelling. If you have ever been stung by an insect or developed an itchy red lump after a mosquito bite, you will be familiar with the effects of histamine. Histamine widens the joins between the cells which line your smallest blood vessels, known as your capillaries. This makes them leak both water and protein into your “tissue spaces” - the area surrounding the cells of tissues such as flesh, organs and intestines. If the protein cannot be removed from your tissue spaces, it will stay there, attracting water.

Poor digestion and taking antibiotics can cause changes in your intestines which lead to a lot of histamine being produced in this area. Sometimes eating yoghurt and probiotics can help to reduce this problem, but if it has been going on for some time these measures may not be effective on their own.

Drinking less fluid will not cure water retention. One of the causes of water retention is dehydration due to not drinking enough water.

Many types of water retention can respond to dietary measures. The Waterfall Diet has been designed by British nutritionist Linda Lazarides to help release excess water weight as quickly as possible. It can also help to treat health problems associated with water retention, such as swollen legs, arthritis, high blood pressure and PMS.

14.11.09

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by the loss of the normal density of bone, resulting in fragile bone. Osteoporosis leads to literally abnormally porous bone that is more compressible like a sponge, than dense like a brick. This disorder of the skeleton weakens the bone causing an increase in the risk for breaking bones (bone fracture).

Normal bone is composed of protein, collagen, and calcium all of which give bone its strength. Bones that are affected by osteoporosis can break (fracture) with relatively minor injury that normally would not cause a bone fracture. The fracture can be either in the form of cracking (as in a hip fracture), or collapsing (as in a compression fracture of the vertebrae of the spine). The spine, hips, and wrists are common areas of bone fractures from osteoporosis, although osteoporosis-related fractures can also occur in almost any skeletal bone.

Risk Factors Several groups of children and adolescents are at risk for poor bone health, including:

• Premature infants and infants with low birth weight who have lower than expected bone mass in the first few months of life.
• Children who take medications such as steroids to treat respiratory diseases such as asthma.
• Children who have cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, and inflammatory bowel disease. These conditions make it difficult for the body to absorb nutrients appropriately.
• Adolescent girls who have minimal, delayed or irregular menstrual cycles because of strenuous athletic training, emotional stress, or low body weight.
• Children with cerebral palsy and other conditions that place limits on physical activity, especially those who take chronic medications for seizure control.

Prevention:

Many more studies are needed on ways to maximize peak bone mass in girls and boys. Parents and children alike can benefit from following these suggestions:

• Make sure you get enough calcium and vitamin D throughout your life.
• Exercise regularly, using resistance and high-impact activities.
• Eat a healthy diet and follow a healthy lifestyle.

reading reference : http://www.medicinenet.com/osteoporosis/article.htm

http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00330

23.8.09

What Is A Stroke?

A stroke is, literally, a "brain attack." A stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery (carries blood from the heart to the body) or a blood vessel (moves blood through the body) breaks, interrupting blood flow to an area of the brain.

Strokes can be classified into to main categories: ischemic and hemorrhagic. An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood vessel supplying the brain becomes blocked and impairs blood flow to the brain. Brain cells and tissue begin to die from lack of oxygen and nutrients within minutes of the blockage occurring. About 80% of strokes fall into this category.

A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when an artery supplying the brain ruptures and bleeds into the brain. Brain cells and tissues do not receive oxygen and nutrients when a rupture occurs. Irritation and swelling of the surrounding tissues can also occur due to pressure build up. About 20% of strokes fit into this category.

Ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes are each broken down into two categories. For more on these categories, visit the Ohio State University Medical Center.

Risk Factors
Anyone can have a stroke. Man or woman, old or young. There are certain risk factors that can increase the likelihood of having a stroke.

Read more: http://disabilities.suite101.com/article.cfm/stroke#ixzz0P0oBd4IL

8.8.09

Pharyngitis

Pharyngitis is a common condition which we will probably all suffer from at one time or another; for many several bouts are likely throughout life.

What Is The Pharynx And Pharyngitis?
The pharynx is described as the area between the back of the nose all the way down to your voice box (the larynx). Like other parts of the throat, the area can become inflamed quite easily and in most cases pharyngitis is simply known as a sore throat, though it may itself be a symptom or consequence of other disorders.

Causes Of Pharyngitis
Pharyngitis is almost always caused by a viral infection. These are very common and usually manifest in conditions such as influenza, a common cold or as a symptom of more serious illnesses that attack the immune system.

In a few cases it may be caused by a bacterial infection, commonly strep throat which can be quite serious if left untreated, however these forms of infection occur a lot less than those of a viral nature.

Symptoms Of Pharyngitis
The most common symptom is to experience pain or discomfort in the throat. Occasionally this may affect swallowing making eating and drinking uncomfortable.

It is also likely that you will have an increase in temperature which is common when the body is fighting infection and viruses like flu. As pharyngitis is usually accompanied by a cold it is likely that you will also feel congested and suffer from post-nasal drip which happens as the nasal secretions trickle down the back of the throat causing a nasty taste and sensation and sometimes a tickle.

Treatments For Pharyngitis
Most people will be able to manage their symptoms at home with no medical assistance. Warm fluids that are soothing on the throat can help, avoiding very hot drinks as these may harm the inflamed tissues or make your discomfort worse.

Basic pain relief such as paracetamol or aspirin can help ease your pain or headache; paracetamol is also useful for helping decrease a high temperature.

If you have noticed white spots or pus at the back of your throat, you have a high temperature that will not lower even with the use of paracetamol taken regularly for a few days or your pain is making it almost impossible to swallow fluids, please see your GP as you may need antibiotic therapy.

Rest your voice and try and get plenty of sleep to prevent the infection from spreading to your larynx and causing laryngitis or even to other parts of the anatomy. If you are having difficultly breathing or you or you notice a rash developing, seek medical advice urgently as you may have an underlying condition that can be very damaging.

Preventing pharyngitis.
Pharyngitis may not be preventable in all cases but the risk can be lowered for some. Do not share eating utensils or cups with those with a sore throat and avoid sharing towels or other household items whilst they have a sore throat or cold.

Keep your immune system healthy by eating a healthy diet containing all the essential vitamins and minerals and make sure you are always well hydrated, especially during the winter months when the viruses that cause a sore throat are more virulent. During the cold weather wear a scarf to keep the tissues of the throat warm with a good blood supply and well oxygenated.

Sore throats are very common and rarely cause long term damage as they usually resolve themselves in a few days. However if symptoms persist please see your doctor as your may need a prescription to help your body fight the infection.

sources from : throatproblem.uk

18.7.09

Results Anugerah Planet Muzik 2009

As i browsed thru gua.com.my, i finally saw the list of Anugerah Planet Muzik 2009 nominees. I really hope for the best!!.. Good Luck All..!!
After watching APM a while ago, here's the results.
KEPUTUSAN ANUGERAH PLANET MUSIK 2009 [ MSIA, INDON, SPORE ]

Persembahan Vokal Terbaik Dalam Lagu Untuk Artis Baru Lelaki (Best Vocal Performance In A Song By A New Male Artiste):