Healthy Living Zone

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes occurs in women who are not diabetic prior to pregnancy, but who develop insulin resistance during their pregnancy. Women who develop gestational diabetes are unable to produce enough insulin for their bodies. Since not enough insulin is available to convert the glucose in the blood stream into energy for the body, the glucose levels increase causing hyperglycemia. This can be a serious condition if it goes undiagnosed and untreated. If the pregnant woman is seeking appropriate prenatal care, her health care practitioner is checking for glucose in the urine routinely, and some perform a finger stick as well.

Gestational diabetes may not be as serious as an insulin dependent diabetic going through pregnancy and delivery, but it can’t be ignored either. A proper diet is essential in controlling blood sugar levels in gestational diabetes, as well as regular exercise and keeping weight gained under control. These factors all contribute to the birth of a healthy baby. According to www.diabetes.org, if a mother with gestational diabetes does not keep her blood glucose levels under control, the developing fetus will be required to make more insulin to process the extra blood glucose that is transferred to it via the placenta. The fetus has no real use for this extra energy so it is stored as fat. This extra fat can cause the infant to be large or macrosomic, which can lead to complications during delivery, such as shoulder dystocia or dislocation. The infant can be so large that it must be delivered via Cesarean section because it is too large to pass through the birth canal. The newborn infant of the mother with gestational diabetes can also be prone to having low blood sugar values after birth, and must be monitored for signs of hypoglycemia. A macrosomic baby is also prone to obesity and to potentially developing Type II diabetes later on in their adult life.

Gestational diabetes can be managed, and doesn’t have to be an issue at all during pregnancy. Women are encouraged to check their blood sugar levels throughout the day and instructed to administer insulin if it is required. If women with gestational diabetes can keep their blood glucose levels under control, they are less likely to have complications during the birth of their baby. Most women do not continue to have high blood glucose levels after pregnancy, but some do go on to develop Type I or II diabetes later on. Gestational diabetes usually occurs with subsequent pregnancies as well. If you are pregnant and have developed gestational diabetes, it is very important that you keep your regular prenatal appointments and follow through with all recommendations made by your health care provider. It is all in the best interest of you and your baby.

Posted by Mark at 09:10 AM | Comments (0)

General Nutrition Centers

Are you in prime condition? I mean, are you in top shape and great health? The fact is that most of us are not. And when I say us, I am talking about Americans. Could it be something in the water? Well, I highly doubt it would make a difference, because too many people are too busy chugging sports drinks, soft drinks, and coffee. Therefore the water contamination issue is out. In reality our nation's health leads back to what we consume. What are you eating every day? Are you getting your daily nutrients and vitamins? Do you always consume enough fresh fruits and vegetables, and avoid fatty foods and sugary snacks? If your answer is a no, then you're certainly not alone. The good news is you can change it all. You can adopt a proper diet with the necessary food groups and start taking a daily multivitamin. It's time to visit your local general nutrition centers for guidance.

When was the last time you were in one of the many general nutrition centers? Or have you ever been in one at all? I hit up the local GNC on a regular basis for my daily vitamins. I like the way they provide multivitamins and supplements geared toward each gender. I can pick up a bottle of men's vitamins that deal more with men's health concerns. What multivitamin are you currently taking? You may want to check the label and see what all it's providing. Some vitamins lack in certain areas, but overcompensate in others. This can lead to health hazards. If you are one of those individuals who still refrain from taking a multivitamin, then I have to ask; what are you waiting for? This is your health we're talking about here. You want to make sure that you get all the necessary minerals each and every day. So much of the food we routinely consume doesn't provide this.

General nutrition centers are also a great place to shop for weight lifting supplements. If you are looking to beef up with some protein shakes or add some creatine to your game, general nutrition centers can surely help you out. This is also the perfect place to visit for dieting. Get those supplements you need for a trim figure and a high-energy day. With the vast selection of vitamins, supplements, and nutritional shakes found in general nutrition centers, you will certainly have all that you need for a healthier lifestyle.

Posted by Mark at 09:10 AM | Comments (0)

General Anxiety Disorder

The symptoms of a general anxiety disorder are insufferable—for both the one experiencing the general anxiety disorder and those associating with the one experiencing it. Whew!

General Anxiety Disorder, impacting approximately 500,000 people in the U. S. alone, is also called Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and consists of the following symptoms, which I will include in a scenario:

JJ anticipated EVERYthing, from what my boyfriend said about her after she left the room to what her grades would be like in graduate school, which was years away.

JJ would apologize for the exaggerated worrying she would do, over and over and over, and then worry that she had burdened me too much with her worrying ways.

JJ was hard to be with when she was in this state of General Anxiety Disorder, especially when we were just arriving somewhere and she was jacked up, shifting about in her seat, acting as if any minute someone would enter the restaurant, party, or even restful living room and kidnap her at gunpoint.

Then JJ would be exhausted, after having spent less than an hour at a store or movie, for example. If we were studying, she stare off, expressing the feeling of having a blank head, kind of nub. Or she would be grouchy as hell over the smallest, most insignificant things, over minutiae that hours earlier she had been all antsy about the outcome of.

And JJ slept very little—the worry or restlessness eclipsing natural tiredness or “normal” falling-to-sleep habits/patterns. Sometimes, she would be sick to her stomach, literally.

She had trouble in her other social circles, at school, and at work. She would come over to hang out, and within a matter of minutes, was clutching my arm repeatedly and having me investigate outside for creatures or criminals…or was interrogating me about my having once talked to her long-distance chat-room boyfriend, accusing me of starting my own affair with the guy.

On many occasions, however, you would have no clue that JJ suffered with or from General Anxiety Disorder. She was calm and confident and even supportive of others in their own life challenges. One day, I was amped up over a car accident (caused by a hit and run driver who slammed the hell out of me and had to be chased down). She gave me one of her pills (I know this ‘aint legal. Let me be.) That pill had me flyin’! Turns out, it was Xanax—a medicine prescribed by her shrink for the General Anxiety Disorder.

I tell the symptoms by putting them in a narrative format…because I am not a medical practitioner. But I would swear by that little pill, the size of half a jelly bean. Why worry? It is a condition no one should have to suffer, and no one should nurture or aggrandize, for, as I think it was Mark Twain who said “Worry is an investment on a product/property you will never get to own.” And that’s a paraphrased version, but I am not going to worry about it, especially after seeing what those with General Anxiety Disorder go through with worry, and especially since JJ will likely read this and do all the worrying all over again for me.

Posted by Mark at 09:09 AM | Comments (0)

Folk Remedies

All of us are familiar with the allopathic form of medicine. Your doctor, who prescribes pills to rid you of your ills, is in all probability, an allopathic practitioner. A vast majority of the doctors in the world today are practitioners of allopathic medicine. In fact, a vast majority of individuals around the world know no other form of medicine than the allopathic way. But some of you may prefer to be treated under the homoeopathic genre. In this case, the pills are not bitter. In fact, they are sugar coated globules, which are coated with the extract of the medicine and have been proven to work. People who are allergic to allopathic medicines, or who have known reactions to allopathic courses of medicine use the homoeopathic form of treatment.

Apart from these two major forms of treatment, there also exist other widely practiced forms of medicine like Unani, Ayurvedic and acupuncture. Although a vast majority of Americans may be unfamiliar with these forms of medicine, they are proven and effective folk remedies, which have become a part and parcel of medicine worldwide. Care must be taken to differentiate folk remedies from faith healing, shamanic healing and other unscientific forms of treatment. These too are common in many cultures, but they are hardly scientific. Folk remedies on the other hand, are information rich remedies that have been passed down from generation to generation, in several cultures across the globe. While they may appear to be unscientific and even unhygienic, folk remedies are the result of intense research and development by our forefathers. These folk remedies are still used, with great beneficial results, in parts of the world like China and India. And unlike other traditional folk remedies, they continue to remain very much a part and parcel of everyday life.

Take India for instance. This is the land where ayurveda has been a tried, tested and accepted form of medicine for not just decades or centuries, but for millennia. The western world is only now discovering the benefits and riches of these folk remedies. Places like Kerala and the Himalayas in India offer visitors the chance to immerse themselves in this most ancient of folk remedies. And those who take the plunge, come back n just healed, but refreshed as well. For like several other folk remedies, ayurveda too uses ingredients only from purely natural herbs and shrubs. No artificial or man made technologies or ingredients are used. While this has resulted in several people viewing such folk remedies as naturotherapy, it is a whole lot more. It not only repairs and refreshes the body. It also rejuvenates it, creating a natural balance that modern living has destroyed.

This is precisely how the Chinese folk remedies work. Based on the principle of yin and yang, these folk remedies attempt to bring the human body in balance with nature. Based on a balanced elemental nature of living things, these folk remedies believe that not being in harmony with nature causes ill health. They therefore attempt to regulate that balance and restore health.

Posted by Mark at 01:06 PM | Comments (0)

First Signs of Pregnancy

Planning for a pregnancy is an exciting time filled with dreams of your little one. There are things you can do to ready yourself for conception and the following months. Even if you are not experiencing the early signs of pregnancy, it is crucial that you prepare yourself for your intended conception.

The first few weeks of pregnancy are very important in the baby’s development so it is a good idea to refrain from doing things that can be harmful to the fetus. It is wise to quite smoking before you conceive. Once you decide that you want to have a child, put the cigarettes out and stay away from them. Of course, this is no easy task, but it won’t be any easier after you experience the early signs of pregnancy.

Drinking in excess is also detrimental to a developing baby. Before you notice the first signs of pregnancy, keep drinks to a minimum or stay away from alcoholic beverages entirely. The same goes for prescription medications. Inform your doctor that you are trying to conceive and find out if any prescription medication you may be taking can harm the baby.

Many women choose to wait until they have the first signs of pregnancy to quit their bad habits. Some wait until they miss their period before talking to their doctors, but taking care of these things before you are pregnant will benefit the baby. Part of this is because you have already rid you body of toxins and you are have the information you need from your doctor.

There is no bad time to start an exercise program. Consider working out before you notice the first signs of pregnancy. It is important to consult your physician before starting any exercise program and make sure to exercise in moderation. Many women make the mistake of waiting until the baby is born before starting a regular workout routine but a moderate exercise plan can be easily followed throughout your pregnancy.

It is important that you always take care of yourself in general. It doesn’t matter if you are planning to have a baby or if you are having the first signs of pregnancy. Bad habits are hard to break and they are not really easier to break when you are carrying a child. Introducing you baby to a healthy body that was taken care of before the first signs of pregnancy were even apparent will increase the baby’s chances of having a healthy start.

Posted by Mark at 09:04 AM | Comments (0)

Eye Vitamins

How many times, when you were a kid, did you hear someone nag you about eating your carrots because they were good for your eyes, were good eye vitamins, and when you challenged this, the nagger jokingly asked you, “Have you ever seen a rabbit wearing glasses?”? How many times did you figure out a way to slide those nasty cooked, mushy things off the plate, onto the floor, into your waiting beggar-doggie’s mouth? And years later, as you squinted or huffed on the stained eyeglasses to clear them, did you regret not listening to those who knew better after all? Yes, the carrot is an eye vitamin. It is classically the first one we think of as an eye vitamin, anyway, as carrots have vitamin A, an antioxidant that is said by the experts and pros to contribute in the prevention of weakening eyesight, macular degeneration, cataracts, and even blindness.

But carrots alone or vitamin A alone do not the complete eye vitamin make. And as with any vitamin—eye vitamin, skin vitamin, hair vitamin, etc.—there are a couple of important facts. One, it is possible to overdose on certain (if not most) vitamins. If we read how this or that supplement is the ideal eye vitamin, and we take too much, we can break out in itching, rashes, and worse conditions…due to vitamin toxicity. Two, an individual eye vitamin A, for instance, does not work alone. Other vitamins help the fat-burning properties of a vitamin, or assist in the absorption process. That is, vitamins work in conjunction. If you take vitamin C, considered a good eye vitamin for possibly reducing certain risks of degeneration and glaucoma, you will do well to have the right amount of bioflavonoids, for bioflavonoids are said to help the body absorb vitamin C. This latter point or principle makes sense if you think of the perfectly balanced diet: certain foods are reckless together, doing nothing more than encouraging the omega-6 fatty acids to overpower the nutrients or what have you; yet other foods, when eaten together, work to encourage digestion, or burn fat, or what have you. I am by no means an expert or a nutritional professional of any kind, I just found over the years that certain food combinations are extremely good together, like rice and beans, for instance. And I make the connection with the same process the eye vitamin and its comrades need to undergo by being taken together. I will leave the factual and scientific to the pros, then, and leave you with what I understand to be the ideal combo-eye vitamin:

Vitamins A, C, and E, as well as a balance of omega-3 fatty acids and others, are now in one eye vitamin…so you don’t have to weigh, measure, or calculate the right mix, and so you don’t have to, if you can’t stand to, eat those cooked carrots. Raw ones are better and better for you, anyway. Did you ever see a rabbit eating COOKED carrots?

Posted by Mark at 09:00 AM | Comments (0)

Energy Boost

Feel like you're dragging a little bit? There are some proven ways to help you improve your mood and give you an energy boost.

First, think positive thoughts. When you think negative thoughts about yourself, others, the future, the world, your financial situation or anything else, it bogs you down. When you find your thoughts going in this direction, stop! Notice what you're doing. And then deliberately replace the negative chatter in your mind with positive thoughts and concepts. It takes practice. But the more you do it, the better and lighter you feel.

Second, cut back on or eliminate your intake of caffeine. That buzz it gives you leaves you with less energy than before you imbibed it once it wears off. Replace caffeinated beverages with decaffeinated or non-caffeinated drinks. Drink water instead of sodas and herbal tea instead of coffee and caffeinated tea. Mint is a mild stimulant that is actually good for you.

Third, get enough sleep. If you have trouble getting to sleep, adopt a special bedtime routine, much like parents do with their young children. Make it relaxing and not stimulating, and start your bedtime routine at the same time every night. Get up at the same time every morning too, even on weekends. The body responds well to routine.
Short afternoon naps can give you an energy boost as well. Even 20 minutes can make a difference in the quality of your days.

Fourth, take stretch breaks during the day. Stretching refreshes you, and the yawns that tend to go along with stretching help oxygenate your blood. Take deep breaths while you're extending those arms and legs as far as you can. You can easily stretch at your office desk once every half hour or so. Try this, and you'll be less drained at the end of a work day.

Fifth, exercise. Even a brisk walk at lunch or later in the afternoon will give you an energy boost, on that is likely to continue for quite some time after the physical activity is over. You don't have to turn into a jock to reap the benefits of exercise. Short sessions of mild exercise done a few times each day have great benefits.

And most important, you've got to ditch junk food and fast food and eat a diet that is primarily fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, and, if you eat meat, consume cuts with low fat from animals that are raised with proper attention to healthy diets and conditions.

If you do these things and find your feet are still dragging, consult your doctor. You might have a medical condition that needs professional attention.

Posted by Mark at 08:59 AM | Comments (0)

Electrical Muscle Stimulation

I have had the opportunity over the last few years to experience some of the best of Eastern and Western medical and holistic treatments of the electrical muscle stimulation category. My friend bought an electrical muscle stimulation machine, or device, that comes with little electrodes you attach the sore areas on your back or legs or shoulders, for example, and then by dialing in the voltage you want delivered, you can lie back and relax as you receive intermittent electrical impulses—shocks—that are invigorating, stunning, and cathartic, at the least.

Electrical muscle stimulation, also referred to as EMS in the medical field, is chiefly used by medical professionals and others to reduce or hopefully prevent muscle atrophy, which can onset after surgery or an accident or injury if the patient is at rest for extended periods of time. The low voltage of electrical muscle stimulation engages the brain, which sends electrical stimulation or information to the nerve axons in involuntary muscles. This process also is said to stimulate growth as well.

The electrical muscle stimulation device is prescribed by a physician, but is also available OTC (over the counter), if you will. If prescribed (for injury, etc.), it is typically covered by most medical insurance policies. But if you wish to purchase an electrical muscle stimulation unit online or in a specialty store, you can find one for under twenty dollars, that comes bundled as the unit, batteries, two or more small (one-inch or so) electrodes, one or two butterfly electrodes, and even, in some cases, a carrying pouch or container.

After my friend treated me, so to speak, after I had complained of neck problems stemming from a hit and run accident where I was the victim, I was so relieved that I went online and found my own sources for the electrical muscle stimulation device. The range of offerings included everything from those you can put in your pocket (costing about 20 bucks) to those plug-in wall-sized units (costing a few hundred). That was a few years ago. Today, the electrical muscle stimulation units are being built into or crafted into belts and other accessories and clothing items, ad are used not just for pain and muscle rehabilitation. Instead, people are using them to lose weight by toning their muscles. As I mentioned earlier, the electrical muscle stimulation process contributes to muscle “growth”, or what is technically known as hypertrophy…. But according to researchers who did unbiased and thorough experiments and studies, this is hogwash, whitewash, snow-job material for the gullible. Yes, it would be cool to just lay around for a few minutes every day with electrodes strapped and zapping, and wake up with a six-pack that looks like the one on Pink. But then again, it would be nice if all those hundreds of pills were magic beans we could grow beanstalks leading to the golden egg, too.

Posted by Mark at 08:58 AM | Comments (0)

Dental Treatments

Have you been to the dentist, lately? Okay, I know what you're thinking; YIKES, the dentist? We all get that unsettling rumble toward the base of our stomachs when someone mentions the word "dentist." However, proper dental treatments will certainly do wonders for you choppers. You're actually supposed to head over there every six months. Although the downside may involve the man with the drill poking at your gums, the up-side equals clean and shiny teeth. How are your K-9s gleaming these days? Are they nice and white, or a little on the grayish yellow side? You may want to take a step into the bathroom for a quick inspection. Let's face it; no one wants a dull grin.

Did you know that regular dental treatments involving a once over and cleaning can seriously reduce your chances of needing the much worse dental treatments? You know what those are. Heck, we all know what those involve. Does a needle in the mouth and an ear-piercing drill sound familiar? Well, if you've ever had a cavity, they should. I personally can't stand the needle. In the arm it's no problem, but in the gums it's unbearable. They supposedly rub on some kind of numbing gel first, but I'm not buying it. It always makes me wince. Fortunately I avoid these terrifying dental treatments simply by taking care of my choppers as best I can. Here are a few musts. Always brush at least twice a day. I say throw out the two minute rule, and brush as long as you need to. Maybe you're not finished after two short minutes. You always want to floss once a day. Preferably before bed. In addition, a daily fluoride rinse never hurt anyone. This is the stuff that makes out teeth strong, people. Fluoride is the key to avoiding the painful dental treatments that may involve a tray of power tools.

Now, have I convinced you to take great care of your teeth? Remember you only get one set. Routine dental treatments can aid you in the process of keeping those pearly whites in good shape. Many people these days pay big bucks for whitening dental treatments as well. This trend has certainly become all the rage in modern times, and the dentists are making a fortune. If you have any queries concerning dental treatments in general, it's rather simple to acquire answers via the Internet.

Posted by Mark at 08:53 AM | Comments (0)

Dental Treatments

Have you been to the dentist, lately? Okay, I know what you're thinking; YIKES, the dentist? We all get that unsettling rumble toward the base of our stomachs when someone mentions the word "dentist." However, proper dental treatments will certainly do wonders for you choppers. You're actually supposed to head over there every six months. Although the downside may involve the man with the drill poking at your gums, the up-side equals clean and shiny teeth. How are your K-9s gleaming these days? Are they nice and white, or a little on the grayish yellow side? You may want to take a step into the bathroom for a quick inspection. Let's face it; no one wants a dull grin.

Did you know that regular dental treatments involving a once over and cleaning can seriously reduce your chances of needing the much worse dental treatments? You know what those are. Heck, we all know what those involve. Does a needle in the mouth and an ear-piercing drill sound familiar? Well, if you've ever had a cavity, they should. I personally can't stand the needle. In the arm it's no problem, but in the gums it's unbearable. They supposedly rub on some kind of numbing gel first, but I'm not buying it. It always makes me wince. Fortunately I avoid these terrifying dental treatments simply by taking care of my choppers as best I can. Here are a few musts. Always brush at least twice a day. I say throw out the two minute rule, and brush as long as you need to. Maybe you're not finished after two short minutes. You always want to floss once a day. Preferably before bed. In addition, a daily fluoride rinse never hurt anyone. This is the stuff that makes out teeth strong, people. Fluoride is the key to avoiding the painful dental treatments that may involve a tray of power tools.

Now, have I convinced you to take great care of your teeth? Remember you only get one set. Routine dental treatments can aid you in the process of keeping those pearly whites in good shape. Many people these days pay big bucks for whitening dental treatments as well. This trend has certainly become all the rage in modern times, and the dentists are making a fortune. If you have any queries concerning dental treatments in general, it's rather simple to acquire answers via the Internet.

Posted by Mark at 08:53 AM | Comments (0)