Health Blog

A healthy body and a sound mind

4 Health Myths That Remain Myths

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With all the barrage of health information available on the internet these days, it’s easy to be swayed to believe certain data that may not actually be true at all. In short, people can be made to believe the healthy myths that may not actually have a real basis.

Some of the popular health myths are simply just myths and not something to be afraid of. We share here some of the true facts as provided by trusted medical experts.

Fatty Food and Carbs can Make You Fat

fatty food

Health experts say it’s not true that eating fat can make a person fat. In fact, fat should be an important part of one’s daily diet. It is only when too much fat is consumed that an energy imbalance occurs leading to weight gain. Fat is said to be a concentrated source of calories and when more is taken, this often results in a person adding more weight. [Read more…]

Originally posted on November 23, 2013 @ 11:29 pm

New Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea

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Sleep apnea affects millions of people worldwide. This health issue can be bothersome as it causes a person to wake up several times during the night and can lead to snoring or pauses in breathing.

The mild form can be easily treated through changes in lifestyle and sleeping habits. Medical experts say reducing weight, avoiding alcohol, smoking and sleeping pills are some of the ways to lessen the occurrence of sleep apnea. Additionally, changing one’s sleeping positions can help improve breathing. Sleeping on the back is not recommended.

For patients with suffering from chronic sleep apnea, a common treatment is the CPAP or the continuous positive airway pressure. This method makes use of a mask worn over the nose and/or mouth while sleeping. The mask is connected to a machine that provides continuous air flow to the nose.

Other treatments for this sleeping problem are the use of breathing devices, dental devices that help maintain an open airway and surgery in worse cases. Breathing tools include the bilevel positive airway pressure (BPAP) and adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV). The two basic oral tools are the mandibular repositioning and tongue retaining devices. Surgical procedures can be on the nasal area, the throat and palate and the face.
[Read more…]

Originally posted on December 12, 2012 @ 11:05 am

E-cigarettes: Are They Really Good for Quitters?

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There’s been much talk about these e-cigarettes which authorities say are good for smokers who want to kick their puffing habit for good. But amidst this hullabaloo, there’s concern particularly from the medical sector that these alternatives also pose health risks.

E-cigarettes or the electronic form are the trend today. They’re even used by Hollywood actors not only when shooting their scenes in front of the camera but as well as in real life.

Vaping is the term used for puffing this type of cigarette because it is actually just vapor that users are able to inhale while using it. The vapor emitted is from a solution containing propylene glycol that gets heated through the use of a battery.

What makes this product worth using is the fact that it does not contain tobacco. It is made from plastic and metal and comes in a disposable cartridge. Various flavors and nicotine levels are also available. Additionally, it does not stain the teeth like the usual cigarette.

Varied reactions have been given to this alternative cigarette. Some people who have tested it didn’t continue and returned to using the regular form while the others claimed to have gotten used to it and felt a big relief.

But the main issue still being debated by medical experts today is the lack of regulatory measures for these e-cigarettes. Concerns have also been raised as no clinical studies have yet been conducted to determine the effectiveness as well as adverse effects, if any, of this product to people who wish to quit their smoking habits.

So far, only one research done in 2011 has found that e-cigarettes may be able to help people stop smoking. The findings were published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

Apart from the health risks, however, government officials and parents are also concerned about the effects these e-cigs will have on teens and even the younger ones.Being referred to as something electronic, they fear there’s a possibility that young people will be tempted to buy the product out of curiosity. They believe the word electronic alone is enough reason for many youth to try out a new product.

China was the first to introduce the e-cigarettes in 2003. It became available in the U.S. three years after and currently, some 2.5 million Americans are now using it. Most are using it to stay away from the regular and addictive cigarettes.

Photo via happyshoppinglife.com

About the guest author:
Beverly used to be a heavy smoker but now uses a particular UK e-cigarette brand as a move to eventually stop smoking. She has joined several anti-smoking campaigns including on certain sites as her way of helping spread the word about the ill effects of cigarette use.

Originally posted on September 28, 2012 @ 7:42 am

What Corrective Eyewear is Best for You

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As people age, many experience vision problems. The doctors would tell you that it’s a normal occurrence and one that will most likely happen to people with parents who have the same issue. Either the child can get it at a young age or as he or she grows old.

Normally, though, vision issues start to occur when an individual is at his late 30’s or early 40’s. Various symptoms can be experienced such as dizziness as if you’re on a ship and some imbalance problems.
Eyeglasses-and-Contact-Lens
Vision issues can include either be astigmatism, nearsightedness or farsightedness. Nearsighted means a person sees clearly only when things are closer to him while farsighted means the person can see clearly from a distance but has difficulty viewing those near to him. Astigmatism, meanwhile, refers to a refractive error that leads to blurry vision.

The right person to consult regarding this matter is an ophthalmologist or a physician specializing in eye and vision care. This type of doctor is trained in providing all kinds of eye care including prescribing glasses and contact lenses as well as performing surgical procedures.
[Read more…]

Originally posted on January 2, 2013 @ 4:46 pm