Friday, October 4, 2013

Is Kidney Failure a Terminal Illness?

The term “renal” derived from the Latin word for kidney. The kidneys are located in the abdomen towards the back, on on each side of the spine. Kidneys play an important role in our system. Its vital role is not just filtering the blood that flows throughout the body and getting rid of the waste products, also the kidneys are responsible in controlling the blood pressure and stimulate production of red blood cells. they have the ability to monitor the amount of body fluid in the body. They filter waste products of the body metabolism like urea from protein metabolism and uric acid from DNA breakdown. They are also responsible in the concentration of electrolyte like potassium and sodium and the acid-base balance of the body.

A first kidney failure is not showing any signs and symptoms As the kidneys decrease its ability to function normally, the symptoms are related to to the inability to regulate water and electrolyte balances to filter waste product in the body and promote red blood cells production. Weakness, shortness of breath, abnormal drowsiness and generalized swelling may seen. Another signs and symptoms of renal failure are hyperkalemia, arrhythmia, increase urea level in the blood, encephalopathy which is caused by uremia which affects the function of organs ranging from the brain with alteration of thinking. general weakness caused by anemia a decrease red blood cell count, lose of appetite, lethargy and fatigue due to accumulation of waste products in the blood. Eventually mental function will decrease that will result to coma. Since the body has a rising acid loads in the body, breathing becomes more rapid as the lungs are trying to buffer the acidity by blowing off carbon dioxide. Because of too much fluid in the body,it will accumulate and deposited in the lungs, that will result to congestive heart failure.

Diet plays an important role to those patients with impaired kidney function. Since the kidneys cannot easily eliminate excess fluid, salt and potassium in the body, these may be consumed in moderation. Example of foods containing high in potassium and salts are banana, apricots and salt substitute. Also foods rich in phosphorus should be taken in moderation by persons having renal failure. phosphorus is a chemical associated with calcium and may be elevated in the body by kidney failure. Example of these are milk, nuts, cheese and cola. Too much of this chemical in the body can leach calcium in the bones that cause fracture and osteoporosis.

Here are some medications that can somehow control the issue associated with kidney failure.

1. Blood pressure medication

2. Phosphorus lowering medication

3. Iron supplements

4. Red blood cells production stimulation

5. Vitamins

Once the kidneys dysfunction completely, dialysis and kidney transplant are the only option one can do.

How to Maintain Good Eating Habit for Children

Parents have a big role in keeping their children healthy. This is one of their ultimate goals, and once achieved, no one can ever compare the feeling of knowing and seeing that your children are enjoying the gift of good health. Children with good health are those who are active in their daily life activities not just physically but mentally as well. As your children grow, there are lots of things a parent should learn and must do in keeping them healthy.

First, developing a good eating habit for growing children should be monitored by most parents. Let your children enjoy, and make them understand the importance of eating nutritious foods. Of course it should be done together with daily physical activities. Show them that what you are telling to them comes first from you by setting yourself as an example. The key to healthy living are eating variety of healthy and balance food like vegetables, fruits, foods rich in carbohydrates and protein rich food. Drink water to quench your thirst. Limit foods that are high in saturated fats, sodium, sugar and cholesterol.

Here are some important tips on how to help your children develop healthy eating habits and be physically healthy:
  • Spending time eating with your family specifically with your kids with nutritious food on the table is a big help for them to enjoy the food that you serve. Make sure that you set time for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 
  • Be aware and make sure that you monitor your children’s meals or snacks and their physical activities so that you can balance the amount of nutritious intake of your children as well as their physical activities that they perform. 
  • Choose a variety of foods. Make sure that you serve different kinds of nutritious food on the table since no single food can provide all the nutrients needed in the body. Encourage each member of the family to eat nutritious food every single day. These include bright colored fruits and vegetables, a glass of fresh fruit juice and vegetables. Salad can be served for lunch. Some fruits for snacks in the afternoon. A slice of an apple will do. 
  • When shopping, limit yourself in buying unhealthy food such as candies, chocolates, junk foods and soda. Instead, purchase group of foods that are included in the food pyramid like GO, GLOW and GROW foods. 
  • Educate your kids about nutritious food and its vital role in our body 
  • Never offer to substitute an unhealthy food if your kids refused to eat what you have served. 

There are lots of things parents can do to keep their children healthy. Choosing the right food, proper nutrition and perfect education are enough to help your children combat the challenge of life. Bear in mind that the key to obtain the goal of keeping children healthy is in the hands of a responsible parents.

Facts About Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the most known diseases in men. This kind of cancer may not cause any symptoms at the early age, but it is possible for early aged men to have prostate cancer. It is most common in men ages 65 and older. More than half of all men have seen with prostate cancer at the age of 80. Prostate cancer is always diagnose at early stages. Cancer cells are only found in the prostate in its early stage. Unlike any other cancer, prostate cancers progresses very slowly and it will take 10 to 30 years before a prostate tumor becomes big enough to cause a symptoms or for a physicians to diagnose it.

Signs of prostate cancer can be found during your regular PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) and DRE ( Digital Rectal Exam) It is necessary to men to have regular examination and ask a medical professionals about any unusual signs and symptoms of prostate cancer.

It is necessary to know the symptoms if one has a prostate cancer. symptoms may include:
  • Frequent urination 
  • Trouble starting or holding back urination 
  • Inability to urinate 
  • Blood in the urine or semen 
  • Interrupted flow of urine 
  • Painful ejaculation 
  • Frequent pain in lower back, hip and upper thigh 
  • Painful urination 

There are no causes of prostate cancer. But there are factors that lead men to a higher risk of having prostate cancer such as age and genetics. Men younger than 40 years old have a very low cases of prostate cancer. After age 50, the chances of having this disease increased rapidly and 2 out of 3 prostate cancers are found in men over 65 years old. Race is also one factor. This disease often occurs in African-American men than in men in other races. It is always found in Northwestern Europe, North America, Australia and in Caribbean Islands. It is also inherited but only in small cases. Vasectomy in some cases may have a slightly risk of prostate cancer. Family history and diet can also be factors in acquiring prostate cancer.

Benefit of Yoga and Its Risk Factors

Exercise is the best thing to do if you are concern with your total well being. But what would be the best exercise one should do? There are lots of exercises to choose and all are good when perform in moderation. Running, walking, biking, mountain climbing, etc are forms of exercise and they are all advisable to keep you fit and maintain your perfect shape.

Other form of exercise that most people are getting into is yoga. This is a term for physical, spiritual and mental exercise which originated from India. Its ultimate goal is to attain mental peace. It includes some of the physical poses and breathing technique and meditation techniques as well. Yoga offers a greatest benefit by helping you develop flexibility, balance and strength since it teaches you how to move your body in a new way. but there are forms of yoga that is design for purely relaxation.

Though you are doing little body movement in performing a yoga, there are still risk factors that you have to be aware of. According to American academic Orthopaedic surgeon, the yogas injuries most commonly treated involved over stretching and strain from repetition to the neck, shoulders, legs, knees and spine.

It is advisable to seek for a professional advice before getting into yoga exercise especially if you have existing condition like high blood pressure or low blood pressure, problem with spine, severe osteoporosis, ear problem, and if you are pregnant.

Here are some things to remember to reduce the risk of injury from yoga.

1. Consult your yoga instructor if you are pregnant or have a pre existing health condition.

2. Never to try yoga by yourself.

3. Yoga is not a substitute to treat medical condition. It may offer health benefits but it is still important to ask a health care providers about your current physical condition.

4. Know your limitation before trying another non aerobic exercise

5. Wear proper clothing

6. Warm up properly before every session.

7. Stay hydrated.

8. Pay attention to what your body is telling you.

9. Ask question if you do not understand the exercise.

ADHD in Children

Do you know what ADHD/ADD means? As we go along with this article we will understand better and learn how to manage children suffering from this kind of disorder. Let us define first what ADD/ADHD? ADHD means “Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder” that develop during the early stage of your child’s life. Children suffering from this health disorder experience difficulty to manage daily life organization especially complex task, planning and sustained focus. Children who also show hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention may possess the signs of ADHD. Sometimes, parents tend to misinterpret their children’s actions because they believe that their kids are acting like normal children do. Children who are labelled as trouble maker, undisciplined and tend not to follow instruction properly, they may have this kind of condition as well. It is hard to identify the condition of a child with ADHD and normal kid behaviour. But once you spotted even 2 signs and symptoms of ADHD in your child, well then, it is time for you to take actions for seeking for medical advice. Also you can work together with you kid, find creative solution, compensate on the areas of weakness and focus on the opposite side.

Medication can help, but it might not be the best choice for your child’s condition. Proper education, healthy lifestyle, support at home and in school, exercise, behavioural therapy and proper nutrition are more effective than medication. Although dealing with children with ADD/ADHD is pretty much exhausting, parents can still do better interventions to regain control while helping your kids bring out the best of her/his abilities without forcing him or her to do so. Children with ADD/ADHD need clear communication, love, support and encouragement. Parents must be consistent and compassion in dealing with children having this kind of disorder. Parents with positive attitude and common sense can be of great help for your child meeting her or his challenges in life. Be satisfied on the things that your child has accomplished. Never force her/him to do things beyond her/his capacity. Above all trust your child that he can change, learn many things and grow mature in a way you wanted him or her to be.

In dealing with cases like this, parents should also take time to take care of themselves. Since this is a lifetime responsibility, it will require more of your energy than usual task you used to do. You also need to exercise and eat healthy and balance diet. No room for sickness, but if you do seek medical help right away. You can also take a break and give yourself time to relax whenever possible. As you can see it is stressful and exhausting to deal with children with ADHD but all they need is you. A person who can stand with them all throughout their disability.