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Friday, August 27, 2010


Dr Natura - The Global leader in cleansing and detoxification



Start Feeling Better From the Inside Out

How can cleansing help me ?

Regularly cleansing and detoxifying your colon and other vital organs (such as the liver) can help you return to a natural state of wellness. Did you know that about 70% of your immune system is located in your digestive system ? If you experience one or more of the following issues, then it’s probably time to cleanse :

• Frequent tiredness and low energy
• Flatulence, gas & bloating
• Impaired digestion
• Irritability, mood swings
• Bad breath & foul-smelling stools

• Occasional constipation
• Protruding belly ("pooch")
• Powerful food cravings
• Skin problems
• Metallic taste in mouth

Are you feeling more like a multi-tasking machine these days than the vital, life-loving woman (or man) you know you are inside ? If so, your "inside" may hold the key to getting your life back, and your body, too !

Using an all-natural colon cleansing and detoxification program from DrNatura® has proven to be the way back to healthier, happier living for thousands of people. Isn’t it time you started getting back
to you ?

Step 1 : Ask yourself, "How am I feeling now, and how much do I want to feel better ?"

Step 2 : To deepen your insight, click here to take a quick Self-Assessment that will also make you smile.

Step 3 : Take time to think about what your body may be telling you through your Self-Assessment. How many of your day-to-day discomforts might improve with a program of cleansing and detoxification? (Chances are, more than one!)

Step 4 : With your Self-Assessment results in hand, visit www.drnatura.com to learn about DrNatura® products and decide which ones are right for the program you want to follow.

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Visit Dr Natura's Testimonials at :

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Friday, August 20, 2010

What is Sleepwalking and its Causes ?

[Extracted from the website of health-cares.net]

Sleepwalking is one mainfestation of the fact that in sleep, certain parts of the brain may not "shut down" properly and sporadically cause outward signs of brain activity. Other examples of this sort of activity are sleeptalking and night terrors. They are techinically disorders of incomplete arousal. Activities such as eating, dressing or even driving cars have also been recorded as taking place while the subjects are technically asleep. There are even very rare instances of sleepwalkers, unknowingly, committing murder while in this trance-like condition. Most cases of sleepwalking, however, usually consist of walking, without the conscious knowledge of the subject.


Sleepwalking is a disorder characterized by complicated actions that result in walking during sleep. Sleepwalkers engage in their activities with their eyes open so they can navigate their surroundings, not with their eyes closed and their arms outstretched as parodied in cartoons and Hollywood productions. The victims eyes may have a glazed or empty appearance and if questioned, the subject will be slow to answer or unresponsive.

Sleepwalking behavior can range from simply getting out of bed and walking around the room to driving a car. Sleepwalking usually occurs during the slow-wave stages of non–rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep (stages of sleep in which eye movement does not take place. Persons affected with this disorder usually have their eyes wide open in a stare.


Causes of Sleepwalking

The normal sleep cycle involves distinct stages from light drowsiness to deep sleep. Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep is a different type of sleep, in which the eyes move rapidly and vivid dreaming is most common. During a night, there will be several cycles of non-REM and REM sleep. Sleep walking (somnambulism) most often occurs during deep non-REM sleep (stage 3 or stage 4 sleep) early in the night. It can occur during REM sleep near morning.

In children, the cause is usually unknown but may be related to fatigue, prior sleep loss, or anxiety. In adults, sleep walking is usually associated with a disorder of the mind but may also be seen with reactions to drugs and alcohol, and medical conditions such as partial complex seizures. In the elderly, sleep walking may be a symptom of an organic brain syndrome or REM behavior disorders. The sleep walking activity may include simply sitting up and appearing awake while actually asleep, getting up and walking around, or complex activities such as moving furniture, going to the bathroom, dressing and undressing, and similar activities.

Some people even drive a car while actually asleep. The episode can be very brief (a few seconds or minutes) or can last for 30 minutes or longer. Experts believe that sleepwalking probably results from immaturity in the brain's regulation of sleep/wake cycles. Most children outgrow the symptoms as their nervous systems develop. Sleepwalking that begins later in life or persists into adulthood may have psychological causes such as extreme stress or, rarely, medical causes such as epilepsy.

One common misconception is that a sleep walker should not be awakened. It is not dangerous to awaken a sleep walker, although it is common for the person to be confused or disoriented for a short time on awakening. Another misconception is that a person cannot be injured when sleep walking. Actually, injuries caused by such things as tripping and loss of balance are common for sleep walkers. Sleep walking occurs at any age, but it occurs most often in children aged 6 to 12. It may occur in younger children, in adults, or in the elderly, and it appears to run in families.


Symptoms of Sleepwalking

One of the key signs is walking or moving about during sleep. Sleepwalkers engage in their activities with their eyes open so they can navigate their surroundings, not with their eyes closed and their arms outstretched as parodied in cartoons and Hollywood productions. The victims eyes may have a glazed or empty appearance and if questioned, the subject will be slow to answer or unresponsive. Difficulty in arousing the patient during a sleepwalking episode with amnesia following waking. Sleepwalking typically occures in the first third of a sleep episode.

Sleeptalking may also take place during a sleepwalking episode. Although, sleeptalking during sleepwalking will most likely result in incomprehensible muttering. The range of sleepwalking actions can range from a simple act of sitting up in bed, to getting up running around and screaming. Sleepwalking episodes usually occur one to two hours after going to sleep and last from one to 30 minutes. A sleepwalker has open eyes and a blank expression, and is usually difficult, if not impossible, to awaken. The next morning, he or she won't remember the episode.


How is Sleepwalking diagnosed ?

Usually, no further examination and testing is necessary. A person's history usually provides enough information for a doctor to diagnose sleepwalking, especially in children. More difficult cases may require a consultation with a sleep specialist and an overnight sleep test called polysomnography. If sleep walking is frequent or persistent, examination to rule out other disorders (such as partial complex seizures) may be appropriate. It may also be appropriate to undergo a psychologic evaluation to determine causes such as excessive anxiety or stress, or medical evaluation to rule out other causes.

What's the treatment for Sleepwalking ?

Usually no specific treatment for sleep walking is needed. If sleepwalking is caused by underlying medical conditions, for example, gastroesophageal reflux, obstructive sleep apnea[Image], periodic leg movements (restless leg syndrome), or seizures, the underlying medical condition should be treated. Safety measures may be necessary to prevent injury. This may include modifying the environment by moving objects such as electrical cords or furniture to reduce tripping and falling. Stairways may need to be blocked off with a gate. In some cases, short-acting tranquilizers have been helpful in reducing the incidence of sleep walking.




What is Acrophobia (Fear of Height) ?

[Extracted from About.Com's website]

Acrophobia is defined as a fear of heights. It is different from aerophobia (fear of flying), as well as other similar specific phobias, because this fear is more generalized. Depending on the phobia's severity, an acrophobic person may equally fear being on a high floor of a building, climbing a ladder and any other activity that involves being at height.

Acrophobia and Vertigo

Acrophobia is sometimes confused with vertigo. Vertigo is a specific medical condition that causes a sensation of spinning and dizziness. The fear caused by acrophobia can sometimes cause a similar feeling, but the two conditions are not the same. If you experience a sensation of vertigo, it is important to see a doctor for tests. Medical tests may include bloodwork, CT scans and MRIs, which can rule out a variety of neurological conditions. Only a medical professional can determine the cause of vertigo.

Symptoms of Acrophobia

If you experience acrophobia, you may never experience vertigo symptoms. Instead, you may feel a sense of panic when at height. You may instinctively begin to search for something to cling to. You may find that you are unable to trust your own sense of balance. Common reactions include descending immediately, crawling on all fours and kneeling or otherwise lowering the body.

Emotionally and physically, the response to acrophobia is similar to the response to any other phobia. You may begin to shake, sweat, experience heart palpitations and even cry or yell out. You may feel terrified and paralyzed. It might become difficult to think.

If you have acrophobia, it is likely that you will begin to dread situations that may cause you to spend time at height. For example, you may worry that an upcoming vacation will put you into a hotel room on a high floor. You may put off home repairs for fear of using a ladder. You might avoid visiting friends’ homes if they have balconies or upstairs picture windows.

Danger of Acrophobia

The biggest danger that most phobias present is the risk of limiting one’s life and activities to avoid the feared situation. Acrophobia is unusual, however, in that having a panic attack while high in the air could actually lead to the imagined danger.

The situation may be safe as long as normal precautions are taken, but panicking could lead you to make unsafe moves. Therefore, it is extremely important that acrophobia be professionally treated as quickly as possible, particularly if heights are a regular part of your life.

Causes of Acrophobia

Research shows that a certain amount of reluctance around heights is normal, not only for humans but for all visual animals. In 1960, famed research psychologists Gibson and Walk did a “Visual Cliff” experiment which showed crawling infants, along with babies of numerous species, who refused to cross a thick glass panel that covered an apparently sharp drop-off. The presence of the infant’s mother, encouragingly calling him, did not convince the babies that it was safe.

Therefore, acrophobia seems to be at least partially ingrained, possibly as an evolutionary survival mechanism. Nonetheless, most children and adults use caution but are not inordinately afraid of heights. Acrophobia, like all phobias, appears to be a hyper-reaction of the normal fear response. Many experts believe that this may be a learned response to either a previous fall or a parent’s nervous reaction to heights.

Treating Acrophobia

Cognitive-behavioral therapy, or CBT, is a main treatment of choice for specific phobias. Behavioral techniques that expose the sufferer to the feared situation either gradually (systematic desensitization) or rapidly (flooding) are frequently used. In addition, the client is taught ways of stopping the panic reaction and regaining emotional control.

Traditionally, actual exposure to heights is the most common solution. However, several research studies performed since 2001 have shown that virtual reality may be just as effective. A major advantage of virtual reality treatment is the savings in both cost and time, as there is no need for “on-location” therapist accompaniment. More research will need to be conducted before this method becomes a readily available option, but if it is available it may be worth trying.

Acrophobia appears to be rooted in an evolutionary safety mechanism. Nonetheless, it represents an extreme variation on a normal caution, and can become quite life-limiting for sufferers. It can also be dangerous for those who experience a full panic reaction while at a significant height. Acrophobia can share certain symptoms with vertigo, a medical disorder with a variety of possible causes. For these reasons, if you experience the signs of acrophobia, it is extremely important to seek professional help as soon as possible.

Monday, August 16, 2010

Causes of Type II Diabetes !!!

[Extracted from WebMD.com]

Diabetes is a number of diseases that involve problems with the hormone insulin. While not everyone with type 2 diabetes is overweight, obesity and lack of physical activity are two of the most common causes of this form of diabetes. It is also responsible for nearly 95% of diabetes cases in the United States, according to the CDC.

This article will give you a better understanding of the causes of type 2 diabetes, what happens in the body when type 2 diabetes occurs, and specific health problems that increase your risk of type 2 diabetes. Each section links to more in-depth information on that topic.

In a healthy person, the pancreas (an organ behind the stomach) releases insulin to help your body store and use the sugar from the food you eat. Diabetes happens when one of the following occurs:

  • When the pancreas does not produce any insulin.
  • When the pancreas produces very little insulin.
  • When the body does not respond appropriately to insulin, a condition called "insulin resistance."

Unlike people with type 1 diabetes, people with type 2 diabetes produce insulin; however, the insulin their pancreas secretes is either not enough or the body is unable to recognize the insulin and use it properly. This is called insulin-resistance. When there isn't enough insulin or the insulin is not used as it should be, glucose (sugar) can't get into the body's cells. When glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells, the body's cells are unable to function properly.

The Role of Insulin in the Cause of Type 2 Diabetes

To understand why insulin is important, it helps to know more about how the body uses food for energy. Your body is made up of millions of cells. To make energy, these cells need food in a very simple form. When you eat or drink, much of your food is broken down into a simple sugar called "glucose." Then, glucose is transported through the bloodstream to the cells of your body where it can be used to provide the energy your body needs for daily activities.

The amount of glucose in your bloodstream is tightly regulated by the hormone insulin. Insulin is always being released in small amounts by the pancreas. When the amount of glucose in your blood rises to a certain level, the pancreas will release more insulin to push more glucose into the cells. This causes the glucose levels in your blood (blood glucose levels) to drop.

To keep your blood glucose levels from getting too low (hypoglycemia or low blood sugar), your body signals you to eat and releases some glucose from the stores kept in the liver.

People with diabetes either don't make insulin or their body's cells no longer are able to recognize insulin, leading to high blood sugars. By definition, diabetes is having a blood glucose level of 126 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or more after an overnight fast (not eating anything), or by having a non-fasting glucose level greater than or equal to 200 (mg/d) or an AIC greater than or equal to 6.5%. Diabetes must be confirmed by meeting at least two of these test criteria, or by repeating one of these tests on a different day.

Health Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is believed to have a strong genetic link, meaning that it tends to run in families. Several genes are being studied that may be related to the cause of type 2 diabetes. If you have any of the following type 2 diabetes risk factors, it’s important to ask your doctor about a diabetes test. With a proper diabetes diet and healthy lifestyle habits, along with diabetes medication, if necessary, you can manage your type 2 diabetes just like you manage other areas of your life. Be sure to continue seeking the latest information on type 2 diabetes as you become your own health advocate.

Other type 2 diabetes risk factors include the following:

  • High blood pressure
  • High blood triglyceride (fat) levels
  • Gestational diabetes or giving birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds
  • High-fat diet
  • High alcohol intake
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Obesity or being overweight
  • Ethnicity: Certain groups, such as African Americans, Native Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Japanese Americans, have a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes than non-Hispanic whites.
  • Aging: Increasing age is a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes. The risk of developing type 2 diabetes begins to rise significantly at about age 45 years, and rises considerably after age 65 years.

Sunday, August 15, 2010

What is Lunula ?


[Extracted from Wisegeek.com website]

The white crescent–shaped area located at the base of fingernails and toenails is known as the lunula. Differences in the shape, form, or color of lunulae can be indicative of injury or a serious health issue, such as a deficiency, infection, or disease. Medical attention should be sought when persistent changes in lunulae, or nail moons, occur.

The lunula is the only visible part of the nail matrix, or the living part of the fingernail, and appears white in color. In healthy individuals, lunulae are visible on all larger nails, except on the smallest or pinky. A majority of the nail matrix is positioned underneath and behind the actual nail bed. Responsible for producing the protein keratin, which forms the nail plate, the nail matrix is vulnerable to injury. When the nail is injured, the nail matrix can become damaged resulting in lunula discoloration and hindered nail growth.



Lunulae are considered reliable indicators for warning of deficiencies, infection, or disease. Differences in color or shape can denote a condition such as kidney disease, congestive heart failure, and systemic disorders. Traumatic injury, such as a hematoma, can also result in a change in the color or shape of the lunula. A hematoma results from trauma to the nail and manifests as a deep red color caused by trapped blood between the nail bed and plate.

Color anomalies, known as lunular dyschromias, can appear on the nail without an external cause such as injury. Colors with a red or blue tinge can be indicative of heart or lung disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or hypertension. Dark hues such as black, brown, or green can signify conditions such as infection or heavy metal intoxication. More subtle tones such as yellow, gray, or overall paleness can be a sign of conditions such as respiratory illness, vitamin deficiency, or anemia.

Formation anomalies, known as lunular dysmorphias, are often characterized as being suddenly visible, oversized, or nonconvexed in shape. A lunula that appears on the little finger can indicative health maladies such as hypertension or circulatory issues. An increase in the size of a nail's lunula, especially on the thumb, can signify an underlying cardiovascular or circulatory condition. Triangular lunula formation is a sign of a rare condition known as nail-patella syndrome (NPS).

Nail disorders, such as Beau's lines and koilonychia, are indicative of mineral or nutritional deficiency. Beau's lines is characterized by dark horizontal lines across the nail accented by linear indentations. The disorder is often caused by malnutrition, illness, or trauma to the nail. The fingernails of individuals with koilonychia are thin with raised ridges, and, in some cases, may have a concave shape. The development of koilonychia is commonly the result of an anemia caused by an iron deficiency.



Bacterial and fungal infections can adversely affect nail appearance, composition, and growth. Pseudomonas, or bacterial infections, manifest as a greenish discoloration of the fingernail and originate either underneath or on the surface of the nail itself. Sustained by dead tissues in the nail plate, these bacterial infections prosper in moist areas such as the nail bed. Fungal infections, also known as yeast infections, affect the nail plate and, when left untreated, result in the separation and shedding of the nail plate from the nail bed. Tinea unguis, referred to as ringworm of the fingernail, is a common fungal infection that causes the nail to thicken resulting in the deformity and loss of the nail plate.


Wednesday, August 11, 2010

What is a Dumbcane plant ?


Dumb Cane is the common name of the tropical plant of the genus Dieffenbachia and the family Araceae. Seguine and Amoena are two of the most well-known species of this plant. The Dumb Cane is referred to as The King of Plants, as it's a large and hearty plant that doesn't need a lot of light to grow well. The Dumb Cane is tall with long, pattered leaves. If the plant grows so tall that it looks too spindly, the top may be cut back in most cases.

The Dumb Cane often grows up to at least six feet (1.829 m) tall. The leaves are dark green with distinctive v-shaped pale yellow or cream patterns. Some species have spotted patterns. The Dumb Cane has remained one of the most popular houseplants in the United States since the 19th century as it can grow well in shade and any type of lighting conditions. A well-drained soil is often recommended for growing Dumb Canes.

Although the Dumb Cane is a favorite houseplant, it is not the best for smaller children and curious pets. This is because the leaves, sap and roots are very poisonous if ingested and can cause swelling of the mouth, tongue and throat. The sap of a Dumb Cane is especially acrid. The vocal cords may be so damaged and numb after chewing on part of a Dumb Cane that speech is impossible. This is why the plant is called the Dumb Cane; to be dumb means to be without the ability to produce speech.


Research has shown that calcium oxalate crystals found in the Dumb Cane cause swelling and dumbness. Some studies have found that toxic proteins such as asparagine in the calcium oxalate crystals may be the source of the burning and inflammation. The Dumb Cane originated in Brazil and is of the same family as the Philodendron. Many plants that belong to the Philodendron family contain calcium oxalate crystals in their sap.

What is Heartburn ?

Heartburn is a painful condition involving the upper digestive system, not the heart itself. Because the pain often radiates from the central chest region, some sufferers confuse the symptoms of heartburn with a heart attack. Heartburn is actually the result of stomach acids reacting strongly to certain foods during digestion. A small amount of stomach acid is forced up the unprotected esophagus and the resultant chemical burn causes moderate to severe pain.

Under ordinary circumstances, the esophagus which leads from the mouth to the stomach should not be exposed to stomach acids. The stomach itself contains a layer of mucus which protects its lining from the powerful digestive juices. The esophagus has no such protection, but it does have a sphincter muscle near the stomach which should work as a one-way valve. If this sphincter becomes weak or overwhelmed, stomach contents can be forced back up the esophagus and cause burns. This condition is called GERD, short for Gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Even if a heartburn sufferer does not have GERD, he or she may have a temporary condition called acid reflux. The stomach can be overwhelmed by excessive amounts of food or foods which are heavily spiced. The result is a churning sensation followed by a sudden urge to vomit. The entire esophagus from the vocal cords to the stomach may be affected by heartburn pain. Severe heartburn incidents can lead to excruciating localized pain and difficulty speaking.

The most common treatment for heartburn is the immediate consumption of antacid tablets. Since excessive acid production is the root cause of heartburn, these tablets contain a 'base' of calcium and carbonates. Chemically, an acid becomes neutralized when combined with a base. The excess acid essentially becomes water when antacid tablets reach the stomach. Effervescent tablets such as Alka-Seltzer work in much the same way, although the additional gas bubbles help to eliminate trapped air and pain medications treat other symptoms.

It is important to understand the difference between severe heartburn pain and a true heart attack or angina. Heartburn pain is localized in the central chest, while heart attack pain can radiate through the back and down an arm. Heartburn sufferers often report a series of sharp chest pains, while many heart attack victims feel more of a dull heaviness. When in doubt, it's always a good idea to visit the closest emergency room. It's better to be sent home with a prescription for antacids than to self-diagnose cardiac pains as heartburn.

What is DEET ?

[Extracted from Wisegeek.com]

DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) is arguably the most widely recommended active ingredient in insect repellents. Proven effective, DEET does not kill insects. Instead it prevents biting insects like mosquitoes and ticks from zeroing in on your skin.

Biting insects follow the scent of carbon dioxide gas to find a meal. Skin and breath naturally give off a carbon dioxide. By spreading a small amount of DEET on exposed skin and applying it to external clothing, insects cannot readily locate the source of the carbon dioxide.

Each year about 30 million Americans use products containing DEET. Its greatest benefit is in repelling disease-bearing insects, like deer ticks that can transmit Lyme disease, and mosquitoes that can transmit encephalitis and West Nile virus. It also benefits those exposed to insects that might be carrying malaria, dengue fever and other diseases.

Studies found that a concentration of 23.8% DEET successfully repelled mosquitoes for approximately 5 hours -- three times longer than the next leading product. It also found that higher concentrations extended that protection time. Other studies indicate ticks are repelled for 3-8 hours, depending on the concentration of DEET used.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered DEET for public use in 1957. It re-assessed DEET in 1998 to ensure that it meets modern safety standards. It concluded that DEET is very safe when used as directed.

Older products containing DEET may have had misleading labels that included a child safety claim for concentrations of 15% or less. When the EPA reassessed DEET in 1998 it mandated that the child safety claim be discontinued, finding that the concentration of DEET was irrelevant; following directions was deemed to be critical. Concentrations of 100% DEET are safe for children when used as directed, while lower concentrations of 15% or less do not guarantee safety if the product is misused.

DEET has over 50 years of scientific research behind it, and the efficacy of widespread public use for several decades. This makes it the most vigorously tested repellent on the market. Although safe, make sure to read and follow all labels instructions that come with any product containing DEET.


[Pictures of products, extracted from Off Insect Repellent's Website]

Which OFF!® Product With DEET Is Right for You?

5-15% DEET

OFF!® FamilyCare Insect Repellents (pump-spray, aerosol and towelette)

  • Contain 5-15% DEET
  • Ideal for the backyard or playground
  • Provides protection for up to 2 hours (5-7% DEET) or up to 6 hours (15% DEET) against mosquitoes
15-25%
DEET

OFF! Active® (pump-spray and aerosol)

  • Contain 15% or 25% DEET
  • Sweat resistant
  • Ideal for family sports
  • Provides protection for up to 6 hours (15% DEET) or up to 8 hours (25% DEET) against mosquitoes
25% DEET

OFF! Deep Woods® Insect Repellents (pump-spray, aerosol and towelette)

  • Contain 25% DEET
  • Effective in wooded areas
  • Ideal for camping, hiking, and fishing
  • Provides protection for up to 8 hours against mosquitoes
30% DEET

OFF! Deep Woods® Sportsmen Insect Repellents (pump-spray and aerosol)

  • Contain 25% or 30% DEET
  • Effective in intense bug-biting situations
  • Ideal for hunting, hiking, fishing, and camping
  • Provides protection for up to 8 hours against mosquitoes
98.25% DEET

OFF! Deep Woods® Sportsmen Insect Repellent I (pump-spray)

  • Contains 98.25% DEET
  • Easy to apply
  • Convenient-to-carry size
  • Provides protection for up to 10 hours against mosquitoes