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Vitamin D might make you live longer

November 30, 2007

Vitamin D

The ‘Sunshine Vitamin’ is good for your bones and cuts the risk of cancer and diabetes, doctors have said for years. But, a new study has revealed that taking the compound everyday might extend your life too. A team of international researchers has carried out a study and found that taking a daily dose of Vitamin D lowers the risk of mortality —the findings have been reported in the ‘Archives of Internal Medicine’ journal. “It’s very new to see (the effects of) Vitamin D on organs different than the bones. These’re very ordinary doses. You don’t need four or five pills a day. You should probably get rid of all the other vitamins.

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Written by James · Filed Under Health 

Causes and Cure of depression during pregnancy

November 30, 2007

Depression

The birth of a baby can trigger a range of powerful emotions — excitement, joy, even fears. But it can also result in something you might not expect — depression. Pop star Britney Spears was being treated for from post-partum depression at the luxury Malibu rehab centre. Brooke Shields too, in the past, spoke candidly about her experience with postpartum depression after the birth of her daughter, and provided millions of women with an inspiring example of recovery. And that’s not all. Former Friends star Courteney Cox has spoken about her battle with postpartum depression after the birth of her daughter.Symptoms of Postpartum Depression (PPD):
The following symptoms may be more diagnostic during the postpartum period. New mothers should seek help if they experience any of the following signs.

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Written by James · Filed Under Pregnancy 

Tips for runny nose

November 30, 2007

Runny Nose

• Sniffing and swallowing or gentle blowing is often the only treatment you need for a runny nose. But if the discharge is persistent and watery, an over-the-counter antihistamine may be helpful, primarily if your runny nose is allergy related.

• Avoid irritants. Common irritants that may stimulate mucus production include cigarette smoke and sudden temperature changes — going from extreme heat into air conditioning, for instance.

• Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated keeps your postnasal mucus thin and easier to swallow.

• Use a humidifier. Dry air thickens and dries mucus in your nose and throat.

• Try saline sprays or rinses. Saltwater rinses and saline sprays thin your mucus and get rid of irritants. You can buy saline nasal sprays in most drugstores.

• See your doctor. If the problem persists and other measures don’t help, see your doctor for other options.

Written by James · Filed Under Nose 

Brain flaw causes OCD

November 28, 2007

Finally, the brain flaw that causes obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) has been discovered — a finding that “could lead to new treatment for it”. Scientists from the Brain Mapping Unit at University of Cambridge in Britain have carried out a study and found the changes by tracking the effects of the gene that causes the condition on brain structure, The Times reported here today. According to lead researcher Lara Menzies, “Impaired brain function in the areas of the brain associated with stopping motor responses may contribute to the compulsive and repetitive behaviours that are characteristic of OCD. These brain changes appear to run in families and may represent a genetic risk factor for developing the condition. The current diagnosis of OCD is subjective and therefore the knowledge of underlying causes may lead to better diagnosis and ultimately improved treatments.”

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Written by James · Filed Under Mental 

Obesity can cause disability in elders

November 28, 2007

As you age obesity can cause disability. Researchers in the United States have carried out a study and found that older obese adults develop disabilities that interfere with daily living than those who are normal weight or slightly overweight, the WebMD reported. “It’s not just that obese people have a higher risk (of these disabilities) than normalweight people. What is new about this research is that the risk is actually increasing in obese people over time. Adults aged 60 and over who are slightly overweight do not have much of an increased risk of impairment. But in those who were obese, the risk can rise at a concerning rate. The more obese, the greater the risk,” lead researcher Dawn Alley was quoted as saying.

In fact, Alley of the University of Pennsylvania and her fellow researchers came to the conclusion after analysing data from a national survey at two different time points. The researchers looked at the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys for 1988 to 1994 and for 1999 to 2004. In all, they evaluated the obesity disability link for nearly 10,000 adults aged 60 and older.

Written by James · Filed Under Health