Health Center Blog

my poor baby! it’s nearly a week now and i’ve been trying a lot of things to reduce her purging. brought her to the doc last friday, and she’s taking some pro-biotics and non-lactose milk. i just bought another tin of milk for her today; she was expected to be ok by Monday.

Arielle's 'medicine'

i’m giving her water from the porridge, water from barley and thanks to Soo, i’ve got some organic barley tea for babies too. she’s so kind! the doc says she can take black tea to harden the stool. and according to Soo, Koreans usually take barley water to clean the system and stop diarrhoea.

Organic barley tea for babies

she’s lost quite a lot of weight now; i can feel her shoulder blades when i pick her up but my MIL says her face is still as round. what to do… she takes after her papa! one good thing is even with her condition, she hasn’t lost any of her zest. still running around and stuff.

hopefully all these mix with prayers, she’ll get well soon.

This information was found on WebMd.Com at http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/bipolar-disorder-manic-depression

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder was formerly called manic depression. It is a major affective disorder, or mood disorder, characterized by dramatic mood swings. Bipolar disorder is a serious condition, when mania causes sleeplessness, sometimes for days, along with hallucinations, psychosis, grandiose delusions, and/or paranoid rage.

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a complex genetic disorder. The mood swings associated with it alternate from major, or clinical, depression to mania or extreme elation. The mood swings can range from very mild to extreme, and they can happen gradually or suddenly within a timeframe of minutes to hours. When mood swings happen frequently, the process is called rapid cycling.

Along with the dramatic mood swings, patients with bipolar disorder may have disturbances in thinking. They may also have distortions of perception and impairment in social functioning.

What causes bipolar disorder?

Like with other mood disorders, what causes bipolar disorder is not known. What is known is that bipolar disorder has a genetic component and can run in families.

At what age is bipolar disorder usually diagnosed?

Bipolar disorder usually appears between ages 15 and 24 and persists throughout a lifetime. It’s rare that newly diagnosed mania is seen in children or in adults over age 65.

Severity of symptoms varies with individuals who have bipolar disorder. While some people have a few symptoms, others have many that impair their ability to work and live a normal life.

Marked by relapses and remissions, bipolar disorder has a high rate of recurrence if untreated. Patients with severe mania usually require hospitalization to keep them from risky behaviors. Those who are severely depressed also might need hospitalization to keep them from acting on suicidal thoughts.

About 90% of individuals with bipolar I disorder, which is the more serious form, have at least one psychiatric hospitalization. Two out of three will have two or more hospitalizations in their lifetime.

What are the clinical depression symptoms of bipolar disorder?

The clinical depression symptoms seen with bipolar disorder include:

• Decreased appetite and/or weight loss, or overeating and weight gain
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, and making decisions
• Fatigue, decreased energy, being “slowed down”
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
• Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
• Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex
• Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain
• Persistently sad, anxious, or “empty” moods
• Restlessness, irritability
• Thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts

What are the signs of mania with bipolar disorder?

The signs of mania with bipolar disorder include:

• Disconnected and racing thoughts
• Grandiose notions
• Inappropriate elation
• Inappropriate irritability
• Inappropriate social behavior
• Increased sexual desire
• Increased talking speed and/or volume
• Markedly increased energy
• Poor judgment
• Severe insomnia

My tummy muscles are a little tired today. I’ve been doing 25-30 crunches daily this week, using my stability ball. Though that probably sounds extremely easy to many folks, for me it is pretty good.

In just a few minutes I’ll be doing my first session of 30 Day Shred. Level one of course. After it arrived yesterday I watched it to get a feel for the pace and routine. It looks tough but doable. I’ll let you know how it goes!

God - I hope this gives my metabolism a boost and drives me below 214. Tomorrow is my official weekly weigh in. I track Thursday weights on Google Docs and I’m not even down one whole pound since last week.

This is not because of a lack of working out, it’s because of the “Just a Bite Syndrome.” Since Thanksgiving I have been eating healthy meals, but I realized last night I was taking an extra bite here and there of the fatty/sugary foods that I am trying to avoid. A bite of a dinner roll dipped in gravy while my planned meal finished cooking, two sugar cookies while I cleaned up the kitchen because I skipped my afternoon healthy snack and my stomach was growling, a couple of Hershey’s kisses, a handful of olives, licking the frosting off the knife… Those are just a few that I remember indulging in over the last week. I’m sure more thoughtless eating happened as well.

So. I need a firm reminder. Food is food & every little bite counts. Every smidgen, lick, sip and sneak. They all contain calories, they all add up, they all work against what I am aiming for.

Some mornings on the treadmill I must be stern with myself…

“Yes. Your calves are tired, your throat is hot, but you will not stop. Do you think marathon runners reach the end of the race by wimping out when they are sore? Do you think those muscular, fit women in Oxygen and the other magazines get into that shape by giving up when they don’t feel like doing the work? You keep moving. You are strong enough.”

This is the same with eating. It is just as important to properly fuel my body as it is to work my muscles. Tossing bits of trash in the tank is not acceptable.

“Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.” - Johann Von Goethe

Start:226.2
Current: 214.8

Winter at Red Rock Cliffs wp

Multitasking canola: A California miracle crop?

In a trial, Diener’s canola meal - grown on once-fallow land - was fed to dairy cows on the east side of the San Joaquin Valley, where selenium does not occur naturally and has to be added to food rations.

If the USDA’s experiment is successful, officials say they will try to persuade other farmers in the region to start planting canola and other selenium-tolerant plants.

“These challenges force farmers to become smarter, and that’s where science comes in,” said Gary Banuelos of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s research station in Parlier, who manages test plots at Diener’s ranch.

There is urgency to the effort because the ongoing drought and court-ordered water rationing to protect threatened fish species means farmers who have relied for decades on state and federal water deliveries via canals are being forced to turn to groundwater pumping.

I left ou the unfortunate part where they’re using canola oil as a biofuel. As a solution to using land/soil that is high in selenium and needs tons of fresh water to make productive for other crops is great news. Besides making a good supplement for cattle feed, the oil itself in high in unsaturated fats, making it healthier cooking oil.

6 green reads - Eco-themed books for the beauty buff, world traveler, new parent, more

….I will present Josh Dorfman’s “The Lazy Environmentalist: Your Guide to Easy, Stylish, Green Living” (Stewart, Tabori & Chang). [Full disclosure: I helped Josh with the editing of his book.] Following the idea that most people want to do the right thing, but don’t want to compromise the way they live, Dorfman has compiled a comprehensive guide to goods and services that respect the earth without skimping on quality. “The Lazy Environmentalist” covers every aspect of creating a comfortable, incredibly stylish green life — including clothes, furniture, cars, kids, pets (animals need green gear, too!), investing, education and gardening.

That is a frequent complaint or concern, changes in lifestyle to be greener must autumatically mean living in a grass hut and living without the creature comforts that we’ve become accustomed to. There will be changes in lifestyle, but we can still have lots of that all important STUFF.

Grey wolf leaping.

Sculptor creates treehouse-like tent. Have you ever let a gourd dry out, then drilled out a hole to use as a quickie bird house. That is what it reminds me of, a giant gourd birdhouse.

It’s no wonder why every expectant parent’s first and main with for their unborn child is that it be healthy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued its latest data on infant mortality rates and has ranked the U.S. with Poland and Slovakia – 29th in the world. And the CDC reports that the statistics have not improved much since 2000.

The U.S. infant mortality rate was 6.86 infant deaths per 1,000 live births in 2005, the last year for which data are available. Compare that to data reported from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) put the number in 2000 at 6.89 deaths per 1,000 births. 28,000 U.S. infants died before their first birthday ranking the U.S. behind Cuba, the CDC reports.

That means the US is slipping further behind other developed countries, despite the fact that it spends more per capita on health care than other countries. In 1960, it was 12th in the world, though even more babies died.

The CDC points to an increase in the number of premature births, up nine percent during that period. Premature births and the corresponding low birth weight are the primary cause of infant mortality.
Japan ranked in third place behind Singapore and Hong Kong. Japan’s infant mortality rate is 2.8 infants per thousand live births; Singapore 2.0; and Hong Kong 2.5.

And while the numbers of premature infants is up, so is the ability to help them survive with drugs such as prenatal steroids that help a baby’s lungs develop. An increase in the number of multiple births, twins and triplets from fertility treatment, has added to the increase in infant mortality.
The number of underweight infants has increased to its highest rate in 40 years, particularly in the southern states of Mississippi, South Carolina, and Louisiana. The numbers come from the annual Kids Count report on America’s youth. The Healthy People goal for 2010 is for 4.5 infant deaths per 1,000 live births. The current rate is about 50 percent higher than that goal.

Rounding out the top ten are Sweden 3.1; Norway 3.2; Finlnd 3.3; Spain 3.5; Chech Republic 3.7; France 3.9 and Portugal 4.0.

Last night was my first one-on-one with this fantastic little bundle of joy.  Frankly, I’ve always enjoyed the idea of having a pomegranate but I was a little intimidated by it.  It looks like it is the most difficult fruit to get to this side of a mango(which I love, but hardly worth the effort.)  This on the other hand, was quite easy, especially after watching this:

Had them on a salad last night, very yummy.  This morning I mixed them in my oatmeal and had a little taste-a-palloza on every bite.  Plus they are uber-healthy which is nice.

Okay, now that I got that out of the way, it is almost that wonderful time of year!!!  No not Christmas, or Hanukkah.  Neither Kwanzaa or Tet.  Nope we are just ten days away from Christmas at Fenway.  The day that tickets for the upcoming season go on sale.  Every year the Sox really do this day up right.  Huge party at Fenway and the chance to see the 2009 World Champs.  Of course, it is a nearly impossible feat to get tickets because of the demand, but just having the chance to make someones holiday that much brighter is worth it, and no that was not a not-so-subtle hint family!!!!  Here’s a little something to warm the hearts:

Wednesday and it’s going to be a busy one at work. Yesterday I did walk and felt better. Stayed with the program and slept well until alarm went off.

គួរតែព្យាយាមញុំាវា​​ !!

Kefir is a fermented milk drink. The word kefir is said to have originated from the Turkish word “Keif” which means “good feeling”. Kefir dates back many centuries to the shepherds of the Caucasus Mountains who carried milk stored in leather pouches where it would ferment into fizzy sour yoghurt.

How to make Kefir

• A 500ml glass jar like a kilner jar
• About 1 tablespoon of kefir culture
• Fresh milk

Put the kefir culture in the glass jar, then fill it with fresh milk about 2/3 or so full. Cover the jar with a cloth or put the lid on the jar. (If you use a lid don’t fill the jar above two thirds or use a jar with a rubber gasket that will let any pressure escape.)

Let the contents stand at room temperature for approx. 24 hours depending on your taste. 48 hours will make a thicker, sourer kefir, 12 hours a thinner, sweeter kefir. The temperature will effect how quickly the culture works. So during the warm summer months the kefir will ferment faster.

When it’s ready strain the kefir into a clean jar. While it’s fermenting the kefir grains will float to the top of the milk along with any cream. It’s a good idea to stir it gently with a wooden spoon to mix up the solids and liquids to make it easier to strain. Or use a wooden spoon or clean hands to scoop out the culture from the kefir (the culture is easy to feel and separate from the liquids). The kefir culture produces a jelly like polysaccharide substance that develops around the grains as they grow, making it look ‘gloopy’. It has unique properties and it’s own name ‘kefiran’. As you scoop out the grains you may find them coated with a gel like substance. This is the kefiran. Giving the kefir a good stir will distribute the kefiran in the kefir and it contributes to the thickness of the finished kefir. (This seems to be pretty variable, some strains producing a lot and others not much.)

After straining, the grains are placed straight back into a clean jar without washing them first. Fresh milk is added to the grains to make the next batch.

A Note on Cleanliness
Make sure everything is very clean when handling kefir. It’s a living culture, a complex system of bacteria and yeasts and you don’t want risk contaminating it. Use freshly cleaned hands, clean jars and clean non metallic implements.

Benifit to health

Kefir has many reputed health benefits. It has antibiotic and antifungal properties. It’s been used in the treatment of a variety of conditions, including metabolic disorders, atherosclerosis, and allergies, tuberculosis, cancer, poor digestion, candidiasis, osteoporosis, hypertension, HIV and heart disease. You might find it odd that that a drink containing yeasts would be good for treating candidiasis but it has been helpful to many people, both by restoring a better balance to the gut flora and because some elements of the microflora will kill off Candida Albicans. Not all yeasts are harmful.

In addition to beneficial bacteria and yeast, kefir contains many vitamins, minerals, amino acids and enzymes. Particularly calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, B2 and B12, vitamin K, vitamin A and vitamin D. Tryptophan, one of the essential amino acids abundant in kefir, is well known for its relaxing effect on the nervous system. Because kefir also has an abundance of calcium and magnesium, also important minerals for a healthy nervous system, kefir in the diet can have a particularly calming effect on the nerves.

The abundance of enzymes brings more health benefits, especially to lactose intolerant people, many of whom can tolerate kefir without difficulty, as long as the kefir is raw and not cooked (cooking destroys the enzymes).

Source

I’m obsessed with this drink right now, so much so that I’m washing my Vita-Mix and juicer TWICE a day to have it. 

4 plum tomatoes

4 carrots

3 leaves & stalks of kale

5-6 celery stalks

1.5-2 c. sprouts (your choice what kind)

Pinch cayenne and salt

Juice the tomatoes, carrots, kale, and celery, leaving one celery stalk out for a stirrer if you’d like.  Add the rest of the ingredients and juice to your blender and process about 30 seconds, until smooth.  Delicious!

(Disclaimer:  If vegetables don’t sound good to you, don’t make this.  Try to make things you enjoy.  And eat your vegetables so your body (and tastebuds) can get used to a healthy diet!

Headaches – causes and prevention

Over the years, people have had serious or fair share of the headache problem. Some have asked the causes and prevention methods while others chose to manage themselves especially in Africa. Headache is not new to mankind. In fact, almost every able-bodied man or woman must have come in contact with headache in one way or the other.
Headache is associated with irritation, sharp pain which arises within and outside the skull. Headache is mainly caused by not due to irritation of the brain, but due to the pulling or stretching of the blood vessels or coverings of the brain.
Also, when headache arises outside the skull, it is attributed to the stimulation of the fine nerve fibres in the walls of the arteries or within the powerful muscles of the head or neck. “A headache is caused by the swelling or dilation of blood vessels,” explains Dr. Seymour Diamond, director of a headache clinic in Chicago. “Cold will cause these vessels to constrict.” He recommends putting crushed ice in a plastic bag and pressing it against your forehead for 30 to 45 minutes while either sitting or lying down.

The following two types of headache will help us identify the causes and if possible provide us with the preventive measures.

Tension headache: this type of headache is the everyday headache we experience after a major work. It is felt in the muscles at the back of the head or on both sides of the head; or even above the eyes. The symptoms may range from pressure or sensation of weight on the head. It is mostly caused as a result of excessive or sustained contraction of the muscles of the scalp and the powerful muscles of the neck that support the head.

Migraine headache: this type of headache affects only one side of the head. It results in a painful throbbing due to affected arteries outside the skull. It is followed by a feeling of unsettled stomach, other digestive disturbances or even sickness. Also, this type of headache mostly affects one side of the head. Sometimes, this type of headache is inherited. Many a time, classical migraine may be followed by a preheadache warning.

Fighting headache

“There are many ways to kill a rat” as the saying goes. There are many ways to prevent or stop headache. In this modern era, development in technology, medicine and science gives us the edge over our sorrows. But, this will have appropriate result if care is well taken. It is know that amidopyrine and phenacetin can cause harm; therefore it is not advisable to use them.

Paracetamol and Aspirin are known to be great help in the fight against headache. It is safer to use, cheap and affordable. Care must be taken when taking these drugs and the recommended dosages must be adhered to strictly to avoid complications. Also, proper rest, relaxation, warm bath and a thorough massage of the muscles of the neck have been known to remedy this situation.

More so, it is a common fact to state that headache may be invited simply by anxiety, stress, conflict or even fatigue. Again, excitement, emotions or violent emotions can trigger the occurrence of headache. According to Dr Oliver W. Sacks, in his book Migraine: The Evolution of a Common Disorder (1970), writes: “Violent emotions exceed all other acute circumstances to provoke migraine reactions, and in many patients—especially sufferers from classical migraine—are responsible for the vast majority of all attacks experienced. . . we find, in practice, that sudden rage is the commonest precipitant, although fright (panic) may be equally potent in younger patients. Sudden elation (as at a moment of triumph or unexpected good fortune) may have the same effect.”

Prevention tips.

For one to overcome headache, necessary steps must be taken. A proper attention must be given to diet, eating habit, relaxation, recreational activities, rest and our mental attitude. It is not a rumour to say that a well balanced diet and eating in moderation is a good way of curtailing headache.

The following have been known to cause headache, they include stress, fatigue, depression, and harsh conditions at work, poor ventilation are factors that contributes to headache. Health expert would advise patients to indulge in healthful recreational activities like walking, a trip to the beach and having a positive mental attitude towards life. More so, our ability to overcome emotional stress, tensions, depression and strains may minimize the occurrence of headache. By and large, we must strive to keep our heads up and make necessary adjustments to see if we can minimize this scourge. But, we must keep in mind that all these defects in one way or the other must plague mankind since we are still in an imperfect world. Therefore, we must try to cope with it and also keep a positive mental attitude in life.
It helps!