HealthStatus - How is your health? » Volume 115

Smoking and Irritable Bowel Syndrome

HealthStatus — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:00:47 +0000

Smoking does not only cause lung cancer but also worsen symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Tobacco just like caffeine and alcohol also worsen IBS symptoms. It really does not matter whether you smoked, chewed or inhaled Tobacco. The facts still remains that Tobacco is a potent GI tract irritant, carcinogen and stimulant.

People with Irritable Bowel Syndrome have sensitive gastrointestinal and are very susceptible to certain stimuli may it be in the form of food or even the simple waking up actions. Tobacco is one of the worst factors that trigger Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms and can cause various types of cancer.

Tobacco in general affects almost all the parts of the digestive system. It does not only cause heartburn but also reflux which are considered two conditions which IBS patients are likely to acquire. And since smoking damages the esophageal sphincter, the acidic contents of the stomach tend to flow upward and down into the lower portion of the esophagus. Nicotine leads to hyper production of acid in the stomach and at the same time decreases the pancreatic production of sodium bicarbonate, which is an important substance in counteracting the production of stomach acid.

Ways to Support a Family Member with Bipolar Disorder

HealthStatus — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:58:16 +0000

Families who have a person afflicted with bipolar disorder know all too well the difficulties in involved with dealing with this disorder. A person with bipolar disorder requires exceptional patience and tolerance. Family relationships can suffer because of this.

It is exceptionally hard to live with someone who has extreme lows and highs and sporadic and unexpected mood swings. It makes life difficult to cope with someone whose personality could change at any moment. There are medications to be aware of, frequent doctor visits, and in some ways one must “walk on eggshells.” Life is in turmoil quite a bit of the time. It is very difficult to witness seeing your loved one behave in such a way without a good way of helping them.

Here is a list of ways to support your family member with bipolar disorder:

Be ready to listen if the person with bipolar disorder wants to talk.
Educate yourself regarding bipolar disorder so that you are better able to help them.
Make the person with bipolar disorder aware that there is help for them and encourage them to seek the help that they need.
If they are on medication monitor them and make sure that they are taking it correctly. Never take remarks regarding suicide lightly.
Listen to what they are saying and seek out the physician’s guidance accordingly.
Take note, a relapse can occur and you must be able to recognize any signs of this. Such signs would include a disturbing or unusual sleeping pattern within the sufferer, fast speech, and/or restlessness.
Identify any triggers for the bipolar person such as birthdays, anniversaries, or other special occasions. Remind the person with bipolar disorder that they have a problem and suggest ways in which they can help themselves.
Above all, remember that you love the person and let them know that you do and that you will be there to offer them support.

Dealing with any disorder puts extra stress and strain on everyone involved including the caregiver and/or family member. Remember to take time for yourselves and perhaps join a support group in order to find the strength to cope with it. You are not alone and joining a group will best tell you this. It will also offer other means of help by listening to what works for others and hopefully picking up a few ideas along the way to try in your own situation.

Living with bipolar disorder is difficult at best, but with additional support and guidance you will be able to lessen the stress and strain, which will better help you to cope with the situation.

What is Liposuction?

HealthStatus — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:53:55 +0000

Liposuction is a surgical procedure intended to remove fat deposits and shape the body. Fat is removed from under the skin with the use of a vacuum-suction canula (a hollow pen-like instrument) or using an ultrasonic probe that emulfsies (breaks up into small pieces) the fat and then removes it with suction.

Persons with localized fat may decide to have liposuction to remove fat from just one specific area. Liposuction is a procedure for shaping the body and is not recommended for weight loss.

Liposuction may be performed on the abdomen, hips, thighs, calves, arms, buttocks, back, neck, or face. A liposuction procedure may include more than one site, for instance, the abdomen, back, and thighs all on the same day.

Who performs liposuction and where is it performed?

Most liposuction procedures are performed by plastic surgeons or dermatologists. However, all that is required to perform liposuction is a medical degree, so any licensed physician may perform liposuction.

This can be a bit discomforting because it means that even a “podiatrist” can legally perform liposuction procedures without any specialty training.