HealthStatus - How is your health? » Volume 93

How would you know if you have an allergy?

HealthStatus — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 13:54:50 +0000

Allergy is a term used in describing an unusual bodily reaction to a substance that has no distinctive or noticeable effect on other humans. According to studies, about 17 out of every 100 Americans are allergic, or hypersensitive, to some substances which are known to cause unusual reactions.

Allergens, range from various irritants, such as pollens, mold spores, insect venoms, animal dander, and house dust. There are some who are allergic to substances in soap and some who will have a reaction to the smell of a flower.

Common types of allergies:

Food Allergies – ignited by certain food types
Anaphylaxis – triggered by drugs, food, or insect stings
Respiratory Allergies – triggered by air born allergens
Contact Allergies – triggered by skin-affecting allergens
Insect Sting Allergies – triggered by insect venom

Symptoms and Signs of Common Allergies

Since each person may have unique reactions your symptoms might vary. Consult your doctor if the symptoms become persistent or severe.

Skin Care: Botox

HealthStatus — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 12:58:56 +0000

Botox cosmetic injections are a popular, non-invasive, facelift technique that plastic surgeons use to help eliminate frown lines, crow’s feet, and those tiny wrinkles around your mouth. Botox cosmetic injections were used off label for many years as they were first developed and FDA approved for the medical treatment of spasms in patients who suffered from paralysis.

In the early 1980’s physicians using the Botox injection for treatment of neurological disorders also recognized that the patients had positive cosmetic changes. They further developed the treatments but had to use them off-label until April 2002 when the FDA finally approved Botox for wrinkles.

The active agent in Botox cosmetic injections is the bacteria responsible for botulism infections. This toxin, botulinum is responsible for temporary paralysis of skin, muscle, and nerve tissue. Ingestion of the toxin can cause gastrointestinal distress, dilated, unresponsive pupils, and muscle weakness. However, injection of the toxin subcutaneously does not cross the blood brain barrier nor does it cause the other systemic illness.

Doctors at Cornell University in New York warn that, although Botox for wrinkles is safe and seemingly effective, wrinkles in the adjacent area can form as the body attempts to recreate the same expressions without using the paralyzed muscle. For instance, if Botox is used between the eyebrows (one of the most common areas), then muscles in the bridge of the nose, eyelid, and forehead will attempt to recreate the scowl that originally formed wrinkles. This abnormal use of muscles can often result in new wrinkles. Doctors and patients should be aware of the risks of forming new wrinkles before using Botox cosmetic injections for a non-invasive surgical facelift.

Age Defying Fitness

HealthStatus — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 12:47:32 +0000

As you grow old, it doesn’t mean that you don’t need to do fitness exercises. In fact, you need them more than ever. This way, your body will stay physically fit and combat certain health problems which old people are more prone to having. If you don’t believe these things, it’s time that you by Marilyn Moffat and Carole Lewis’ book entitled Age Defying Fitness. This is a good book that will open your eyes to the importance of health and fitness as people age. You can get the book under $20 from leading bookstores and online bookstores. Different individuals have varying fitness levels. With the right physical therapist or doctor, you will be provided with your very own specific profile and assessment. This way, you can determine which physical exercises are suited to your level and age to achieve the most favorable health.

The physical body changes as a person grows old, and there’s no doubt about that. Many old people are slowly realizing that and most of them can’t easily accept such fact. Changes related to an individual’s age is often induced, reversible, and inevitable. That is a fact that old people should accept and deal with.

With the aid of the book by Moffat/Lewis, old individuals can now overcome almost all the aches, unsteadiness, and stiffness of their joint muscles. By using their self-administered tests which are very simple, you can now assess your physical performance level based on the five vital domains. The five domains are balance, posture, flexibility, strength, and endurance.

Based on the results of the tests provided, the authors are able to develop your personal profile. The book features very easy stretching and strengthening exercises that are largely based on the newest clinical researches. A Theraband is also included; it is a resistive band used in certain kinds of exercise.

Age Defying Fitness is not just the typical how-to reference book because it encourages its readers to take full responsibility over their physical wellness. Straightforward everyday approach is also offered by the authors in order for the reader to achieve better health.