Healthy Tips For Better Live

Archive for December, 2009

If you are debating hormone replacement therapy, you’re not alone. Women everywhere are looking for answers and when they can’t find them, they look to their doctors and pharmacists for help. According to the US Census Bureau, there were an estimated 78.2 million baby boomers, as of July 1, 2005, and over 47 million of them are women experiencing discomfort from menstruation to menopause, to loss of libido and beyond.

For those who still do not use any Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), the idea of anti-aging and bio-identical hormones has become intriguing. A myriad of products on the market make the right choice difficult.

People have become accustomed to talking about bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) in menopause and anti-aging medicines versus synthetic big pharmaceutical products like Prempro from Wyeth. Bio-identical hormone products are usually created from natural sources of plant hormones which match the chemical structure of hormones produced by the human body. The premise is that the body can’t distinguish created bio-identical hormones from the ones the female ovaries produce naturally.

The term bio-identical has basically become a catch all phrase for anything that is not a synthetic hormone. Bio-identical hormones can only be truly accurately bio-identical if the hormones for replacement mimic, not only those found in the body, but the natural biological process too.

Natural plant derived hormones can accurately be termed bio-identical only when they are dosed in a Biomimetic way; that would be in a rhythm. Biomimetic hormones, the scientifically accurate term, are derived from plant sources and mimic in the body the natural undulating or wavelike rhythms of the hormone blood levels in a normal menstrual cycle in a healthy young woman. This is the natural rhythm that’s missing from other bio-identical and synthetic hormone replacement therapies. It is the absence of this natural rhythm, according to T.S. Wiley, who developed the Wiley Protocol, that is responsible for the side-effects in both camps.

This is the natural rhythm that’s missing from other bio-identical and synthetic hormone replacement therapies. It is the absence of this natural rhythm, according to T.S. Wiley, who developed the Wiley Protocol, that is responsible for the side-effects in both camps.

So what exactly is meant by “the rhythm”? The body has rhythms that are governed by a master clock that works much like a conductor. It strikes up one section of the body’s orchestra as another quiets down, taking its main cue from light signals in the environment to stay in sync with the 24-hour day. Our body’s hormones surge and ebb to this maestro’s baton, controlling all endocrine function, predominantly a woman’s health for reproduction.

It is the circadian clock in our cells that measures one 24 hour spin of the planet. For 28 days the moon adds its light to create the menstrual rhythm for the body. The Wiley Protocol uses these natural rhythms in nature to establish the proper doses of estradiol and natural progesterone that mimic the natural hormones which would be produced by your body if you were young. The amounts of the topical creams vary throughout the 28 day cycle to restore the hormone levels of youth because young women typically don’t have heart attacks, breast cancer, osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes or Alzheimer’s,.

Questions about HRT began when The National Institute of Health (NIH) sponsored the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI). This study of more than 161,000 women was designed to identify the benefits and risks of using hormone restoration therapy to prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, breast cancer and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Even doctors did not realize that the results of WHI Study dealt with only women over 65 who were taking only synthetic hormone replacement therapy which consisted only of the drugs PremPro and Premarin. The study was ended mid-stream in 2002 when, WHI investigators found that the risks of this approach using synthetic therapy exceeded the safety limits established at the beginning of the study. They never looked at compounded bio-identical hormones in static doses because they are prescribed and dosed too many different ways.

Women deserve something proven to be safe and reliable. A new study, Bio-identical Hormones On Trial, or B.H.O.T., will soon begin at the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at the University of Texas, Tyler. The principal objective of the study will be to examine clinical outcomes and quality of life indicators of patients receiving BHRT at 10 to 12 primary care provider’s practices. This study will be the first of its kind to track and quantify outcomes based on dosing and patterns of administration of BHRT.

In 2030 there will be 57.8 million baby boomers living with many of the health issues that we may suffer between the ages of 66 and 84. There’s a chance that those who choose Biomimetic rhythmic replacement, could age to a healthier more graceful tune. Think about it.

According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, 80 percent of Americans will experience back pain at some time in their life.

The traditional treatment for low back pain is increasing core strength to increase flexibility on tight muscles, provide better stabilization of the spine and exercises to correct the muscle imbalances. The muscles surrounding the spine provide stability and support of the spinal column. All the muscles between the hips and shoulders are included. These muscles are referred to as the core muscles. Back pain can be caused by muscle imbalances of any of these muscles. If the back of the thighs are weaker than the front of the thighs, there will be uneven pull on the front of the spinal column. This muscle imbalance can be caused from long periods of standing or sitting, improper strength training or running, this lordotic curve or sway back of the vertebral column can be painful.

There are more effective ways to integrate core strength training exercises into every exercise you perform, than by doing traditional crunches. One way is to use effective breathing. The following “Pilates” style breathing technique can be added to any strength training exercise. While performing a leg press, inhale during the bending part and exhale during the press. This deep breathing technique needs to be incorporated with the resistance or force of the exercise. You will utilize the diaphragm muscles which help to provide spinal support and lengthen the spine, by breathing from your diaphragm instead of shallow upper chest breathing.

The tummy tuck and bridge lift and can help reduce back pain and strengthen the core muscles. The tummy tuck is simply a pelvic tilt drawing the abdominals away from the floor. Simply lie face down and squeeze the glutes to lengthen the spine. Reach the tailbone down towards the heels instead of pressing into the thighs. Perform 10-12 repetitions of each exercise alternating them until you have completed 2-3 sets. For the bridge, simply place the feet on a bench or on the floor and scoop the pelvis upward; the rib cage should stay low to reduce the spine muscles irritation. This will relieve stress on the back and focus the muscle contraction into the hamstrings and glutes.

The lumbar side stretch, hip flexor stretch, and calf stretches can help to alleviate pull on the spine.

For the hip flexor stretch, bring one foot forward in a bent knee, 90 degree angle (knee to hip and knee to ankle) while the other leg is on the floor behind with foot pointing toward the ceiling. This stretch helps to open the muscles in the back on the sides of the spine near the hips. Squeeze the glutes to deepen the stretch with each exhaled breath. You should feel a stretch on the back leg, in the front of the thigh and the hamstrings on the front leg.

For the lumbar side stretch bring the legs wide with knees bent while sitting or standing. Bring one hand down towards the foot inside the thighs and the other behind the head.

The last stretch opens up the Achilles tendon; the most distant pull on the spine of the body. Place an object under your foot and lean your body weight forward. Keep a fluid breath while holding all stretches for 10-30 seconds .You should feel a stretch behind the knee and shin.

By exercising core muscles you will be able to continue working out without sacrificing your back. Check with your doctor before starting ANY exercise program!

Women have it hard. First, they have to deal with menstruation, childbirth pains and menstruation. Amongst all these stages that all women go through, provided that they are able to reach a certain age, they also have to deal with the hormones that usually go crazy during these times. That is why it is no wonder why insomnia and menopause go together for most women. Who would not lose sleep over it? This is the reason why most women have insomnia during the menopausal stage. It is in fact quite common and considered as one of those prevailing and most annoying symptom of menopause.

Insomnia can manifest itself in a number of ways. There is difficulty in getting to sleep and getting back to sleep after waking up several times during the night. So a woman is usually drained, tired and irritated during the day. There is inability to falling to sleep. There is a scientific explanation why this is happening. The estrogen and the progesterone levels are fluctuating.

There are ways by which you can cure insomnia such as cutting back on caffeine. Never drink alcohol before going to bed, set a bedtime schedule for yourself and avoid watching television while in bed. Since hot flashes are also a regular occurrence for menopause, maintain the temperature of the bedroom at 5 degrees colder than what is normal. Last but not the least; never do any exercise routines before going to bed. So you see insomnia and menopause do not have to go together.

Teeth alignment, for instance, is one of the dental conditions that can cost a lot to treat, usually with the help of braces. The cost of braces is largely dependent on how long the treatment would take, the severity of the condition, and the type of braces used.

The cost of braces can also skyrocket when surgery and other procedures need to be undertaken apart from the brace treatment. Severe malocclusions and tooth gaps, for instance, have to also be treated and this significantly adds to the cost of braces.

Various types of braces also have different functions and properties, and of course the more severe the dental condition, the higher the cost of treatment. You shouldn’t be overwhelmed by all the expenses, though, as the cost of braces isn’t shouldered in just one go.

Your orthodontist knows how expensive dental treatments can be but they will also tell you about how important it is to have certain dental conditions attended to as early as possible. Thus, you shouldn’t give up that easily and instead must talk to the specialist about the best plan to fit your budget.

Discuss with him which treatments should be prioritized and how you could go about paying the cost of braces. When payments are staggered, you tend to think less of how much it’s setting you back and you’ll hardly notice how much you’ve paid in total, so don’t ignore the possibility of striking an easy payment scheme with your dentist.

The average cost of braces in the U.S. is around $3,000 to $5,000, with some costing as much as $9,000. Clear Invisalign braces cost more than traditional braces, are easier to use, and are obviously more aesthetically sound. However, not all types of dental problems are solved with clear braces.

The cost of braces is also quite high because of the amount of work appliances. Unlike other medical treatments, the wearing of braces takes repeat visits to the dentist for adjustments or refitting, and occasionally, repair.

Clear braces, for example, are damaged if you unconsciously grind your teeth at night. This means that the orthodontist would have to fit another tray for you to replace what has been broken, and this would definitely add to the cost of braces.

Despite their prohibitive costs, no one can contest the fact that every penny is worth it if wearing Braces means getting your smile back. Moreover, having your teeth fixed would not only give you a more attractive smile but would also save your oral health, as common dental problems such as misaligned teeth, tooth gaps, crowding of teeth, and underbites or overbites may possibly give rise to more severe dental troubles.

We all know that sleep is absolutely critical to feel your best, look your best, and perform at your best–every day. Quality and quantity sleep take front and center stage, along with the other major health players: lots of whole, fresh fruits and vegetables, sixty minutes of exercise every day, fresh air, clean water, and an uplifting outlook on life.

Sleep is important–that much we know. Yet there is lots of confusion about our bodies’ sacred time to rest, recuperate, and reenergize. Sometimes confusion is harmless; sometimes it is dangerous.

Here are 7 myths about your daily zzzzzzzzzz’s:

1. Myth: Snoring may be annoying to a sleep partner, but it is never harmful.

Fact: Snoring may be harmless, but it can also be a symptom of a life- threatening sleep disorder called sleep apnea, especially if it is accompanied by severe daytime sleepiness. Sleep apnea, or pauses in breathing while sleeping, preventing air flow, reduces oxygen levels and strains the heart and cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. People with sleep apnea awaken frequently during the night. Obesity can contribute to sleep apnea.

Solution: Lose weight and, if you suspect sleep apnea, get it checked out. It is treatable. Newer, medical advancements can assist in getting a good night’s sleep.

2. Myth: You can “cheat” on the amount of sleep you get.

Fact: Sleep experts say most adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep each night for optimum performance, health, and safety. When we don’t get adequate sleep, we accumulate a sleep debt that can be difficult to “pay back.” The result: sleep deprivation, linked to obesity, high blood pressure, mood swings, decreased productivity, and safety issues in the home, on the job, and on the road.

Solution: Put your body and health first and get to bed early enough for your eight hours of rest.

3. Myth: Insomnia means difficulty falling asleep.

Fact: Difficulty falling asleep is only one of the four symptoms associated with insomnia. The others include waking up too early and not being able to fall back asleep, frequent awakenings, and waking up feeling unrefreshed. Insomnia can be a symptom of a sleep disorder or other health problems. According to a recent National Sleep Foundation Sleep in America poll, 58% of adults in this country reported at least one symptom of insomnia in the past year.

Solution: Daily exercise, loading up on lots of whole, fresh fruits and vegetables, and avoiding or eliminating stimulants from the diet, such as caffeinated drinks, chocolate, and refined sugar foods and drinks. When insomnia symptoms occur more than a few times a week and impact a person’s daily lives, the symptoms should be discussed with the appropriate health care provider.

4. Myth: Health problems such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and depression are unrelated to the quantity and quality of a person’s sleep.

Fact: Studies have found a direct relationship between sleep and many health problems. Insufficient sleep affects growth hormone secretion that is linked to obesity. As the amount of hormone secretion decreases, the chance for weight gain increases. Blood pressure usually falls during the sleep cycle. However, interrupted sleep can adversely affect this normal decline, leading to hypertension and cardiovascular problems. Insufficient sleep impairs the body’s ability to use insulin, leading to the onset of diabetes.

Solution: Losing weight and building up health with whole fruits and vegetables, reducing fat-loaded foods, such as meat, cheese, and hydrogenated fats found in many processed foods, 60 minutes of daily exercise, and avoiding stimulants, such as caffeine, chocolate, and white sugar found in drinks and foods.

5. Myth: The older you get, the fewer hours of sleep you need.

Fact: Just like most adults, people over the age of 65 need 7 to 9 hours of sleep. While sleep patterns change as we age, the amount of sleep we need generally does not. In fact, National Sleep Foundation’s 2003 Sleep in America poll found that older adults typically do not sleep less than their younger counterparts, but an average of seven hours. Poor health, not age, is a major reason why many older people report sleep problems.

Solution: Building healthy, lifelong habits every day is a must to getting a good night’s sleep and enjoying life as a senior. Daily walking, deep-breathing and stretching exercises, spending time with family and friends, and jumping into a hobby can contribute to a good night’s sleep. Eat the best-for-you foods and avoid caffeine, refined and processed foods, and fatty/oily foods. Napping in the very early afternoon, noonish, is less likely to interfere with sleeping at night. And, of course, get down to your ideal body weight.

6. Myth: During sleep, your brain rests.

Fact: The body rests during sleep. However, the brain remains active and gets “recharged.” During sleep, you drift between two sleep states, REM (rapid eye movement) and non-REM, in 90-minute cycles. Non-REM sleep, when our minds can still process information, has four stages with distinct features, ranging from stage one drowsiness, when one can be easily awakened, to “deep sleep” stages three and four, when the most positive and restorative effects of sleep occur. REM sleep is an active sleep where dreams occur and eyes move back and forth under the eyelids.

7. Myth: If you wake up in the middle of the night, it is best to lie in bed, count sheep, or toss and turn until you eventually fall back asleep.

Fact: If you wake up in the middle of the night, relaxing imagery or thoughts may help to induce sleep more than counting sheep, which may be more distracting than relaxing. Most experts agree that if you do not fall back asleep within 15-20 minutes, get out of bed, go to another room and engage in a relaxing activity such as listening to music or reading. Return to bed when you feel sleepy. Avoid watching the clock. The bed should be associated with sleep and sex only.

By Dr. Narinder Duggal and Dr. Leslie Van Romer, MD/DC Connect: “The Med-Free Solution”

Dental treatment can be expensive even if you have dental insurance. Most insurance covers basic cleaning and fillings, as well as x-rays and extractions. However, unless you have the best coverage, you may be responsible for partial payment on procedures like root canals, teeth whitening, gum surgery and cosmetic dentistry. If you don’t have insurance cost for dental care can be astronomical.

Dental treatment usually involves relatively low-cost diagnostic measures and if tooth decay or consequent diseases are diagnosed early, the treatment is less expensive. So, education on dental care and early treatment are good ways to keep the cost down. However, there are ways to lower the cost of your dental care either through your place of employment or through low-income, community dental health care programs.

In a place of employment, an employee is usually offered a few dental plan options. The plans range from basic care coverage to the best dental care coverage you can get. The employer may pay all or part of a monthly premium to the dental insurance coverage. When the employee is seen by a dentist, depending on the coverage, he may have to pay for has much as half or as little as nothing for the procedure. Some types of treatment may not be covered under this plan at all.

For instance, cosmetic dentistry is generally not covered by any insurance, as it is not considered essential dental care. In many low-income community dental health plans, the only coverage is for the least expensive alternate treatment (LEAT) that is listed by the insurance company. For instance, if there is the option of a root canal or extraction the insurance company will pay for the extraction because it is less expensive.

In Austin, there are many private dental clinics and healthcare companies that offer low cost dental services. Check the local phone book or go to http://www.tda.org.

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