Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Best Ways to Protect Your Kidneys

By Dr. Willie T. Ong (Internist and Cardiologist)

Most people know how to protect the heart, but do you know how to care for your kidneys? The kidneys' job is to help remove various toxins (drugs and food wastes), and expel them through the urine.

As we grow older, our kidneys will also start to age. A problem with kidney disease is that majority of patients have no warning symptoms.

Some time ago, we interviewed Dr. Elizabeth Montemayor, a nephrologist at the Philippine General Hospital. Here are 10 ways to protect your kidneys:


1. Limit your salt intake -- Too much salt is not only bad for your blood pressure, it's also bad for your kidneys. Many die of kidney disease, which can be partly attributed to a high salt intake and fondness for fish sauce, soy sauce, plain salt and salted fish. Even instant noodles, chips and nuts are teeming with salt. The problem with salt is that it encourages the body to retain water, and can increase your blood pressure (which damages the kidneys).
 

2. Don't load up on high protein foods such as meat and steaks --A high protein diet makes the kidneys work twice as hard. Pretty soon, your kidneys could get tired and some of the weaker kidney cells can die. A friendly reminder to people on a high-protein Atkin's Diet or South Beach Diet. The time-tested doctor's advice of moderation in everything will serve you well. Eat a balanced diet of rice, vegetables, fish and fruits and you can't go wrong.

3. Keep your blood pressure at 130/80 or lower -- If your blood pressure is above 140 over 90, this can cause kidney damage within five years. The kidneys are said to be "happiest" with a blood pressure of 130/80 or lower. To help control your blood pressure, you should limit your salt intake, reduce weight and take medicines for high blood pressure, if needed.

4. Keep your blood sugar below 120 mg/dl -- Diabetes and high blood pressure are the two leading causes of kidney failure. A person with uncontrolled diabetes for 5-10 years may develop significant kidney damage. Consult your doctor and keep your blood sugar under control with diet, exercise and maintenance medicines.

5. Drink 8 glasses of water a day -- Doctors usually advise people to take in 8 glasses of water a day, but this really depends on your age and condition. If you're sweating a lot and work outdoors, you may need to drink more than 8 glasses a day. However, if you are above 65 years of age, you may do well with just 6 glasses a day. Drinking enough water also prevents the formation of kidney stones.

6. Watch your intake of pain relievers and other drugs -- Taking pain relievers like mefenamic acid, ibuprofen and the coxibs (like celecoxib) for a prolonged period of time may cause kidney damage. Because of this, we should limit taking these medicines to only a week, or just take them as needed. For those with chronic arthritis, try to look for other ways to relieve the pain such as using a hot water bag, pain reliever ointments, or the safer paracetamol tablet. 


7. Be careful with tests and procedures using contrast dyes -- Some tests, like CT Scans and MRIs, and angiograms, use a contrast dye which helps doctors delineate the organs better. The problem with such dyes is that they can cause kidney damage. To be safe, I would strongly advise you to consult a kidney specialist before undergoing such procedures.

8. Don't drink too much Vitamin C -- Excess vitamin C (ascorbic acid) can lead to the formation of kidney stones in predisposed individuals. If you need to take vitamin C, a dose of 500 mg or less is safer.

9. Don't rely on food supplements to protect your kidneys -- The above tips are so far the best tips to care for the kidneys.
10. Get a kidney check-up --Simple tests, such as a complete blood count, BUN and creatinine, and a urinalysis are the first screening tests for the kidneys. Finding a trace of protein in the urine can alert the doctor of possible kidney disease.

Bottomline:  Kidney diseases are expensive and difficult to treat. Let's take the necessary steps to protect our kidneys today.


DISCLAIMER: “The health advice in this forum is only for general knowledge. For your specific questions, kindly consult your personal physician. Thank you.”

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Alzheimer's Disease

The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease (AD). AD is a progressive and irreversible brain disorder. The actual cause of AD is unknown. AD slowly damages, and then destroys, a person’s memory, judgment, reasoning skills, personality, autonomy, and bodily functions.

The disease specifically affects several components of the brain. These include:
  •     a gradual loss of brain cells, called neurons
  •     damage to neurons so they no longer function properly
  •     the loss of neural connections—called synapses— where messages are passed from neuron to neuron

Forgetfulness: A Normal Part of Aging?

It’s normal to sometimes forget things, but as we age, it often takes longer to learn new skills or remember words, names, or where we left our glasses. Of course, this does not mean an individual has dementia. In fact, scientists have found that healthy older adults perform just as well as their young counterparts on complex and learning tests—if given extra time to complete.  

However, there’s a difference between occasional forgetfulness and behavior that may be cause for concern. Not recognizing a familiar face, trouble performing common tasks (such as using the telephone or driving home); or being unable to comprehend or recall recent information are all red flags that need to be checked by a medical professional.


Who Gets AD?

Also known as late-onset Alzheimer’s disease, AD is primarily a disease of the elderly. The first noticeable symptoms can occur as early as age 60.  

When AD runs in families, it’s called familial Alzheimer’s disease (FAD).  

AD sometimes can affect people as young as 30. This type of AD is called early-onset AD. It is rare and affects less than one out of every 1,000 people with AD.

The underlying cause or causes of AD, and specific risk factors, remain unclear. Yet experts believe AD is likely due to a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Lifestyle choices, such as diet, exercise, and staying mentally active like learning new skills, also are factors.

About 5.3 million Americans have AD, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). That number will only climb as the elderly population rises.

AD is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. and the fifth leading in Americans age 65 and older. Worldwide, approximately 24 million people have AD.


What’s Being Done?

Scientists are working to better understand AD in order to create more effective early diagnostic tools, improve treatments, and perhaps even discover a cure. In terms of what’s immediately available, there are numerous reputable resources and services for people who suffer with AD and their loved ones and caregivers. Some current treatment options even may slow the progression of AD, however, their effectiveness varies and diminishes over time.


Prevention

Intellectual activities such as playing chess or regular social interaction have been linked to a reduced risk of AD in epidemiological studies, although no causal relationship has been found.

At present, there is no definitive evidence to support that any particular measure is effective in preventing AD. Global studies of measures to prevent or delay the onset of AD have often produced inconsistent results. However, epidemiological studies have proposed relationships between certain modifiable factors, such as diet, cardiovascular risk, pharmaceutical products, or intellectual activities among others, and a population's likelihood of developing AD. Only further research, including clinical trials, will reveal whether these factors can help to prevent AD.

Although cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypercholesterolaemia, hypertension, diabetes, and smoking, are associated with a higher risk of onset and course of AD, statins, which are cholesterol lowering drugs, have not been effective in preventing or improving the course of the disease. The components of a Mediterranean diet, which include fruit and vegetables, bread, wheat and other cereals, olive oil, fish, and red wine, may all individually or together reduce the risk and course of Alzheimer's disease. The diet's beneficial cardiovascular effect has been proposed as the mechanism of action. There is limited evidence that light to moderate use of alcohol, particularly red wine, is associated with lower risk of AD.

Reviews on the use of vitamins have not found enough evidence of efficacy to recommend vitamin C, E, or folic acid with or without vitamin B12, as preventive or treatment agents in AD. Additionally vitamin E is associated with important health risks.[125] Trials examining folic acid and other B vitamins failed to show any significant association with cognitive decline. Docosahexaenoic acid, an Omega 3 fatty acid, has not been found to slow decline.

Long-term usage of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) is associated with a reduced likelihood of developing AD.[130] Human postmortem studies, in animal models, or in vitro investigations also support the notion that NSAIDs can reduce inflammation related to amyloid plaques. However trials investigating their use as palliative treatment have failed to show positive results while no prevention trial has been completed. Curcumin from the curry spice turmeric has shown some effectiveness in preventing brain damage in mouse models due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Hormone replacement therapy, although previously used, is no longer thought to prevent dementia and in some cases may even be related to it. There is inconsistent and unconvincing evidence that ginkgo has any positive effect on cognitive impairment and dementia, and a recent study concludes that it has no effect in reducing the rate of AD incidence. A 21-year study found that coffee drinkers of 3–5 cups per day at midlife had a 65% reduction in risk of dementia in late-life.

People who engage in intellectual activities such as reading, playing board games, completing crossword puzzles, playing musical instruments, or regular social interaction show a reduced risk for Alzheimer's disease. This is compatible with the cognitive reserve theory, which states that some life experiences result in more efficient neural functioning providing the individual a cognitive reserve that delays the onset of dementia manifestations. Education delays the onset of AD syndrome, but is not related to earlier death after diagnosis. Learning a second language even later in life seems to delay getting Alzheimer disease. Physical activity is also associated with a reduced risk of AD.

Two studies have shown that medical marijuana may be effective in inhibiting the progress of AD.  The active ingredient in marijuana, THC, may prevent the formation of deposits in the brain associated with Alzheimer's disease. THC was found to inhibit acetylcholinesterase more effectively than commercially marketed drugs. A recent review of the clinical research has found no evidence that cannabinoids are effective in the improvement of disturbed behaviour or in the treatment of other symptoms of AD or dementia.

Some studies have shown an increased risk of developing AD with environmental factors such the intake of metals, particularly aluminium, or exposure to solvents.  The quality of some of these studies has been criticised, and other studies have concluded that there is no relationship between these environmental factors and the development of AD.

While some studies suggest that extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields may increase the risk for Alzheimer's disease, reviewers found that further epidemiological and laboratory investigations of this hypothesis are needed. Smoking is a significant AD risk factor. Systemic markers of the innate immune system are risk factors for late-onset AD.

Get FREE E-BOOKS on ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE !!   <------ Click the link to find out.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Bipolar Disorder

Understanding Bipolar Disorder

We all have our ups and downs, but, with bipolar disorder, these peaks and valleys are more severe. The symptoms of bipolar disorder can hurt your job and school performance, damage your relationships, and disrupt your daily life. And although it’s treatable, many people don’t recognize the warning signs and get the help they need. Since bipolar disorder tends to worsen without treatment, it’s important to learn what the symptoms look like. Recognizing the problem is the first step to getting better.

 

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression) causes serious shifts in mood, energy, thinking, and behavior–from the highs of mania on one extreme, to the lows of depression on the other. More than just a fleeting good or bad mood, the cycles of bipolar disorder last for days, weeks, or months. And unlike ordinary mood swings, the mood changes of bipolar disorder are so intense that they interfere with your ability to function.


Common symptoms of bipolar depression include:
Feeling hopeless, sad, or empty
Irritability
Inability to experience pleasure
Fatigue or loss of energy
Appetite or weight changes
Sleep problems
      Concentration and memory problems
      Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
      Thoughts of death or suicide


Treatment for bipolar disorder

If you spot the symptoms of bipolar depression in yourself or someone else, don’t wait to get help. Ignoring the problem won’t make it go away; in fact, it will almost certainly get worse. Living with untreated bipolar disorder can lead to problems in everything from your career to your relationships to your health. Diagnosing the problem as early as possible and getting into treatment can help prevent these complications.

Basics of bipolar disorder treatment

§                    Bipolar disorder requires long-term treatment. Since bipolar disorder is a chronic, relapsing illness, it’s important to continue treatment even when you’re feeling better. Most people with bipolar disorder need medication to prevent new episodes and stay symptom-free.
§                    There is more to treatment than medication. Medication alone is usually not enough to fully control the symptoms of bipolar disorder. The most effective treatment strategy for bipolar disorder involves a combination of medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, and social support.
§                    It’s best to work with an experienced psychiatrist. Bipolar disorder is a complex condition. Diagnosis can be tricky and treatment is often difficult. For safety reasons, medication should be closely monitored. A psychiatrist who is skilled in bipolar disorder treatment can help you navigate these twists and turns.

 

Self-help for bipolar disorder

While dealing with bipolar disorder isn’t always easy, it doesn’t have to run your life. But in order to successfully, you have to make smart choices. Your lifestyle and daily habits have a significant impact on your moods. Read on for ways to help yourself:
§                    Get educated. Learn as much as you can about bipolar disorder. The more you know, the better you’ll be at assisting your own recovery.
§                    Keep stress in check. Avoid high-stress situations, maintain a healthy work-life balance, and try relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.
§                    Seek support. It’s important to have people you can turn to for help and encouragement. Try joining a support group or talking to a trusted friend.
§                    Make healthy choices. Healthy sleeping, eating, and exercising habits can help stabilize your moods. Keeping a regular sleep schedule is particularly important.
§                    Monitor your moods. Keep track of your symptoms and watch for signs that your moods are swinging out of control so you can stop the problem before it starts.
 
Stress or mood swings rock everyone's balance from time to time. However, when too much stress, anxiety, depression, or worry interferes with your health, career or personal relationships, it’s time to make a change. No matter how difficult things seem, by learning to harness overwhelming stress and gain emotional awareness, you can bring yourself into balance and have a more positive effect on those around you.

For references, you may visit FREE E-BOOKS on BIPOLAR DISORDER.

R. Y. MANABAT, R.N.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Hypertension

Hypertension, also referred to as high blood pressure, is a condition in which the arteries have persistently elevated blood pressure. Every time the human heart beats, it pumps blood to the whole body through the arteries.


Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing up against the blood vessel walls. The higher the pressure the harder the heart has to pump.

Hypertension can lead to damaged organs, as well as several illnesses, such as renal failure (kidney failure), aneurysm, heart failure, stroke, or heart attack.

The normal level for blood pressure is below 120/80, where 120 represents the systolic measurement (peak pressure in the arteries) and 80 represents the diastolic measurement (minimum pressure in the arteries). Blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89 is called prehypertension (to denote increased risk of hypertension), and a blood pressure of 140/90 or above is considered hypertension.
 

What causes hypertension?

Though the exact causes of hypertension are usually unknown, there are several factors that have been highly associated with the condition. These include:

  • ·                        Smoking
  • ·                        Obesity or being overweight
  • ·                        Diabetes
  • ·                        Sedentary lifestyle
  • ·                        Lack of physical activity
  • ·                        High levels of salt intake (sodium sensitivity)
  • ·                        Insufficient calcium, potassium, and magnesium consumption
  • ·                        Vitamin D deficiency
  • ·                        High levels of alcohol consumption
  • ·                        Stress
  • ·                        Aging
  • ·                        Medicines such as birth control pills
  • ·                        Genetics and a family history of hypertension 
  • ·                        Chronic kidney disease

Symptoms of Hypertension

There is no guarantee that a person with hypertension will present any symptoms of the condition. About 33% of people actually do not know that they have high blood pressure, and this ignorance can last for years. For this reason, it is advisable to undergo periodic blood pressure screenings even when no symptoms are present.  

Extremely high blood pressure may lead to some symptoms, however, and these include:

  • ·                        Severe headaches
  • ·                        Fatigue or confusion
  • ·                        Dizziness
  • ·                        Nausea
  • ·                        Problems with vision
  • ·                        Chest pains
  • ·                        Breathing problems
  • ·                        Irregular heartbeat
  • ·                        Blood in the urine

How is hypertension diagnosed?

Hypertension may be diagnosed by a health professional who measures blood pressure with a device called a sphygmomanometer - the device with the arm cuff, dial, pump, and valve. The systolic and diastolic numbers will be recorded and compared to a chart of values. If the pressure is greater than 140/90, you will be considered to have hypertension. 

In order to perform a more thorough diagnosis, physicians usually conduct a physical exam and ask for the medical history of you and your family. Doctors will need to know if you have any of the risk factors for hypertension, such as smoking, high cholesterol, or diabetes.

How can hypertension be prevented?

Hypertension can best be prevented by adjusting your lifestyle so that proper diet and exercise are key components. It is important to maintain a healthy weight, reduce salt intake, reduce alcohol intake, and reduce stress.

TREATMENT

The main goal of treatment for hypertension is to lower blood pressure to less than 140/90 - or even lower in some groups such as people with diabetes, and people with chronic kidney diseases. Treating hypertension is important for reducing the risk of stroke, heart attack, and heart failure. 

High blood pressure may be treated medically, by changing lifestyle factors, or a combination of the two. Important lifestyle changes include losing weight, quitting smoking, eating a healthful diet, reducing sodium intake, exercising regularly, and limiting alcohol consumption. 

Medical options to treat hypertension include several classes of drugs. ACE inhibitors, ARB drugs, beta-blockers, diuretics, calcium channel blockers, alpha-blockers, and peripheral vasodilators are the primary drugs used in treatment. These medications may be used alone or in combination, and some are only used in combination. In addition, some of these drugs are preferred to others depending on the characteristics of the patient (diabetic, pregnant, etc.). 

If blood pressure is successfully lowered, it is wise to have frequent checkups and to take preventive measures to avoid a relapse of hypertension.

R. Y. MANABAT, R.N. 

 You may be interested to know 13 Ways to Lower Blood Pressure Naturally

 

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Skin Asthma


WHAT IS SKIN ASTHMA?
 
Skin asthma is called atopic dermatitis, commonly referred to as eczema. Atopic dermatitis is a disease that causes the skin to get very itchy and inflamed when irritated by an allergen. Many people who suffer from atopic dermatitis have to alter their lifestyles to avoid breaking out into severe rashes.


CAUSES OF SKIN ASTHMA
The exact cause of atopic dermatitis is unknown although it is seems that it is caused by both genetic and environmental factors.



SYMPTOMS
The exact symptoms for someone with eczema vary from person to person, but they usually all have dry, itchy skin. The skin can appear red and scaly, thick and leathery, bumpy, or it can leak fluid and become crusty and infected.



IRRITANTS
People with atopic dermatitis are commonly allergic to wool and synthetic fibers, soaps and detergents, chlorine, dust or sand, and cigarette smoke. Atopic dermatitis also tends to worsen when people are in stressful situations.




TREATMENT
Skin Allergy Treatment – 6 Ways to Cure Skin Problems

At some point, almost everyone suffers from skin irritation. The first step to treating itchy, dry, red skin is to figure out if there is an underlying allergy, or some other problem that is causing the flare-ups. By eliminating what the triggers are, you can find the best treatment option. This cause could range from seasonal allergies to contact dermatitis.

1. Identify the trigger. It’s virtually impossible to find a real lasting skin allergy treatment without figuring out what is triggering this allergy. Food allergies, exposure to dust, mold, or the outside elements can all be factors.

2. Moisturize your skin. Find a moisturizer that has anti-inflammatory properties, which can be prescribed by your doctor as part of a skin allergy treatment.

3. Think about dietary changes. Certain foods have been shown to improve the skin’s condition, naturally. Skin allergy treatment options could include eating more of these foods, such as flaxseed oil, avocados, walnuts, and anything high in vitamins A, C and E.

4. Use natural forms of seasonal allergy relief. Itchy skin can be soothed with natural treatments such as an oatmeal bath. If you have sensitive skin, always ask a dermatologist before taking any skin allergy treatment, however.

5. Exercise caution around pets. One of the leading causes of skin allergies is exposure to pet dander and fur. This may manifest itself in respiratory disorders, but skin problems are also quite common.

6. Use antihistamines. These medications are the most frequently prescribed by doctors for skin allergy treatment, because they reduce redness, itching, and other common symptoms of eczema, hives, or other flare-ups.

R. Y. MANABAT, R.N.


Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Asthma


Asthma is an inflammatory disorder of the airways, which causes attacks of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing.
Symptoms
 Cough with or without sputum (phlegm) production.
Pulling in of the skin between the ribs when breathing.
Shortness of breath that gets worse with exercise or activity.
Wheezing -is a high-pitched whistling sound during breathing. It occurs when air flows through narrowed breathing tubes
  • ·            Comes in episodes
  • ·            May be worse at night or in early morning
  • ·            May go away on its own
  • ·            Gets better when using drugs that open the airways (bronchodilators)
  • ·            Gets worse when breathing in cold air
  • ·            Gets worse with exercise
  • ·            Gets worse with heartburn (reflux)
  • ·            Usually begins suddenly

 Emergency Symptoms
  • ·                 Decreased level of alertness such as severe drowsiness or confusion, during an asthma attack
  • ·                 Extreme difficulty breathing
  • ·                 Rapid pulse
  • ·                 Severe anxiety due to shortness of breath
  • ·                 Sweating

Asthma symptoms can be substantially reduced by avoiding known triggers and substances that irritate the airways.
· Colds and viruses
· Irritants like cigarette smoke, scent, pollution 
· Cold air or change in weather
· Physical exertion 
· Allergens like dust, mite, pollen, furs
· Some medications
· Infections



·                  Asthma cannot be cured, but it can be controlled
·                  Keep the house clean 
·                  Use hardwood floors or tile 
·                  Avoid carpets in house
·                  Avoid pets with fur or feathers 
·                  Use clean bed sheets & pillow covers 
·                  Use bed made of synthetic materials 
·                  Use air conditioner 
·                  Maintain low humidity at home 


 Anti-inflammatory drugs include:
a. Steroid Inhalers
b. Sodium Chromoglycate 

Inhalers / Capsules

 Bronchodilators.    Common bronchodilators include:
a. Salbutamol Inhalers
b. Terbutaline Tabs

Consult your Pulmonologist.  For references, you may visit ASTHMA FREE E-BOOKS,

R. Y. MANABAT, R.N.