Archive

Archive for the ‘Health’ Category

Lowering Your Blood Pressure

June 22nd, 2010
Comments Off

Arteries are like hoses. They carry blood from your heart to the rest of your body. If you crimp in the hose, pressure will build up. High blood pressure is pretty much the same thing. This occurs when blood moves through the arteries at a higher pressure than normal. Too much pressure can cause your arteries to pop, and can very well lead to death.

Knowing how to lower blood pressure is important. Follow a healthy eating pattern – avoid overly fatty and salty foods. Exercising is also good to burn off all that fat in your body. Limit your alcohol intake and stop smoking, as it can increase blood pressure in some people. Follow these tips, and you will be rid of high blood pressure in no time.

TheGoodLife Health ,

Interesting Facts About Marijuana

June 21st, 2010
Comments Off

The UN estimates that 4% of adult world population use cannabis. ‘Reefers‘ is a slang term for a cannabis cigarette. Here are interesting facts about the use of marijuana or cannabis:

  • According to one national survey on drug use, each day approximately 6,000 Americans try marijuana for the first time.
  • Worldwide, it is estimated that about 162 million adults use marijuana at least once per year, and 22.5 million use the drug daily.
  • Marijuana usage is a ritual part of many religious traditions throughout the world. In Islamic nations, it is accepted alongside coffee and tobacco while alcohol is strictly prohibited.
  • According to one report, it would take 800 joints to kill a person “but the cause of death would be carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • There are over 200 slang terms for marijuana in the popular vernacular.
  • The name marijuana comes from a Mexican slang term for cannabis and is believed to have derived from the Spanish pronunciation of the names Mary and Jane. (The two names were also common Mexican military slang for a prostitute or brothel.) Marijuana came into popularity as a name for cannabis in the U.S. during the late 1800s.
  • The cannabis plant can grow in nearly any environment and averages one to two inches of growth per day and up to 18 feet total in ideal conditions.
  • The primary active ingredient in marijuana is THC (delta 9 tetrhydrocannabinol). It is this chemical that produces marijuana’s mind-altering effects.
  • Depending upon the weather conditions, soil type, and time of harvest for a cannabis plant, as well as the specific mixture of dried leaves and flowers in the marijuana product, a sample of marijuana can contain anywhere from 3% to 20% THC.
  • Cannabis seeds were used as a food source in China as early as 6000 B.C.

TheGoodLife Health ,

More About Electronic Cigarettes

June 16th, 2010
Comments Off

We are of the impression that electronic cigarettes are better alternatives to real cigarettes. They do look similar; it will provide the physical satisfaction of holding a real cigarette stick. Manufacturers claim that they help you quit, maybe not altogether, but at least they reduce the possibility of you getting cancer. Are we getting correct, honest and sufficient electronic cigarettes information? Even the FDA is hazy about the safety of e-cigarettes.

From what we can gather e-cigarettes are beneficial in that they do not emit real smoke which in conventional cigarettes contains the dreaded nicotine. They are less messy; the smoker does not have to contend with ashes. You are not obligated to finish the stick, as happens with conventional cigarettes. You can stop anytime and pick up from where you left off. However some switchers complain about the taste – “not same taste as tobacco cigs”. Furthermore, they need to be attentive to charging batteries. Atomizer maintenance can also be a pain in the ass.

TheGoodLife Health ,

Signs to Look For

June 10th, 2010
Comments Off

Diabetes can result in harsh complications if left alone. It can make a person vulnerable to other diseases. Problems with blood circulation are common. Arteriosclerosis of the legs and heart disease are the most widespread. People with diabetes are also susceptible to kidney failure and kidney disease. These are only some of the complications that may arise if diabetes is left untreated. One must become familiar with symptoms of diabetes and what to look for before it gets worse.

Some warning signs if a person has diabetes include:

Not everyone will exhibit these symptoms. The surest way to make sure is to have your blood sugar level tested.

  • Frequent urination
  • Extreme hunger
  • Excessive thirst
  • Sudden weight loss
  • Irritability
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Vomiting/nausea
  • Blurred vision,
  • Tingling in the arms and feet
  • Odd aches and pains
  • Dry mouth

TheGoodLife Health ,

Tips on How to Quiet Tinnitus

May 19th, 2010
Comments Off

Tinnitus can be very annoying. The constant ringing in my ears is enough to keep me awake all night and make me cranky in the morning. Sometimes I wish I had an off switch somewhere to make it stop. I didn’t really know what causes that annoying sound in my ear, but after visiting my EENT, I found a way to quiet tinnitus.

First, I had my ears cleaned. Apparently, using ear buds to clean ears can push the earwax deep into the ear. The hardened wax can very well be the cause of the ringing. Then, he had me listen to soothing music that can drown out the ringing. Also, he prescribed some medication that can help me relax before going to bed. My tinnitus is still there, but at least it doesn’t bother me anymore when I’m trying to get some sleep.

TheGoodLife Health ,

Acai Palm Trees

May 17th, 2010
Comments Off

The Acai berry has taken the world by storm. This small fruit with its distinctive deep purple color has the nutrients and fibers that can increase energy, lower high blood pressure, and burn fat. It also has an abundance of antioxidants that can slow down the process of aging. But what is acai, and where did it come from?

The berry can be found as a wild plant on top of native Amazon palm trees. These trees can usually be found in the rainforests of southern and Central America, and can grow to about 50 to 100-feet tall. An Acai palm is prized for two things; the palm heart and the berries. The palm heart is an expensive delicacy, while the grape-like berries are harvested, pulped and juiced. The berries deteriorate quickly once they are harvested, so it is best to extract and bottle the fruit juice immediately.

TheGoodLife Health ,

Eating Plan for the Hypertensive

May 14th, 2010
Comments Off

In most cases high blood pressure has no symptoms. The only way a person will know if he has hypertension is by having his blood pressure checked on a regular basis. In cases where blood pressure reading is high, symptoms will begin to manifest. This can include tiredness, irregular heartbeat and blurred vision. Nosebleeds may also occur and a buzzing in the ears or blood in the urine.

When these symptoms appear, it is imperative that you see your doctor who will probably give you some medication and order you to go on a hypertension diet. Research has shown that following a healthy eating plan can reduce the possibility of developing high blood pressure. It can also lower an already elevated condition. The suggested diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy foods. It is low in saturated fat, total fat, and cholesterol.

TheGoodLife Health

Non-Surgical Way to Fight Arthritis

May 13th, 2010
Comments Off

Having sore knees can be a hassle, especially when you spend a lot of time walking or climbing up the stairs. It could be a result of arthritis or some other condition. But whatever it is, it is important to see a doctor for treatment. There are numerous treatment options to choose from. Surgical intervention is quite effective and expensive. If you do not have the time and the money for surgery, then you can opt for non-surgical means of relieving your sore knees.

One common non-surgical treatment would be wearing an arthritis knee brace. These braces are commonly called “unloader” knee braces. It is a specialized knee brace designed to reduce pressure on a joint that has developed arthritis. The special hinges in the brace can change the angle of your knee joint, thus decreasing pressure and easing the pain. These are light-weight, sleek, and adjustable with dynamic leverage systems and arthritis friendly features.

TheGoodLife Health ,

Stop Smoking and Become Healthier

May 12th, 2010
Comments Off

A lot of smokers already know that smoking is bad for their health. However, few make the effort to quit saying it is too difficult. This is not so according to experts. If a person is really determined to get rid of the habit, there are various alternatives to smoking that won’t compromise health.

Some of the things you can do:

  • Throw out all cigarettes and matches. Have your teeth professionally cleaned. Air out your house and clean your car to eliminate smoking odors.
  • Only go to places where smoking is prohibited. Take up healthy physical activities.
  • Stick to smoke-free friends as much as possible. Take along low-calorie snacks like apples, cinnamon sticks, and carrots during trips.
  • When the urge to smoke becomes intense, take deep breaths, drink cold water or juice and do something else instead.

TheGoodLife Health ,

Strengthening The Immune System

May 11th, 2010
Comments Off

If your mouth is sore and have difficulty eating, drinking and sleeping. If you have a slight fever, a sore throat or swollen lymph nodes, it is likely that you have a cold sore. Cold sores are blisters on the lips and the edge of the mouth that are caused by an infection with the herpes simplex virus (HSV). About 6 to 48 hours before a cold sore is visible, you may feel tingling, burning, itching, numbness, tenderness, or pain in the affected area. The condition is triggered by a long list of factors that include stress, allergy, dental treatment other infections and taking of certain medication.

There are over the counter medication that is effective cold sore remedy. There are also home remedies being recommended such as a cold compress, applying moisturizers, petroleum jelly and using herbal remedies such as tea tree oil and sage. These may not work immediately but cold sore blisters usually break open, weep clear fluid, and then crust over and disappear after a few days. Recurrence can be prevented with supplements such as lysine and zinc. Vitamin C is also a good supplement to strengthen the immune system.

TheGoodLife Health