The Power Of Friendship - Health Benefits

"There are not many things in life so beautiful as true friendship, and not many things more uncommon."

Recent studies revealed that Americans have 1/3 less friends today than they did twenty years ago. Although technology is helping us to work faster and more efficiently, it is also keeping people from having the personal touch that they once experienced. One could argue that technology has allowed connections that otherwise wouldn't exist for example, emails and recent social network boom in recent years-Myspace, Facebook, Skype, and even text messaging.

DISEASE

Regardless of how we connect with our friends, convenience has become a commodity and often times friendship suffers as a result of the lack of personal interaction. There are several other legitimate factors that we can think of that makes it difficult to keep in touch with our friends regardless of distance; however, to the degree that we value relationships, we should make necessary means to stay connected. We may want to take a closer look at friendships according to recent landmark UCLA research on Women and Friendship.

Having friends can actually help you to live better and longer according to scientists. The benefits of having friends is so astounding, that scientists from UCLA testify to that fact being with your friends can decrease the stomach-quivering stress that most people encounter on a regular basis.

Let's assume that it's healthy friendships, as we know that sometimes being around the certain friends can bring on stress as appose to reduce stress!

Webster's 1828 definition of friendship is "one who has sufficient interest to serve another; genuine, pure real, not counterfeit, adulterated or false. True friendship is a noble and virtuous attachment, springing from a pure source, a respect for worth or amiable qualities."

I recently came across a quote that is an accurate depiction true friend, "A faithful friend is like a strong defense, he that finds such a one has found a treasure." If you've watched the movie, "National Treasure," you know those treasure hunters go through extremes to find that which is valuable. Friends are described as treasures because it is also something that has to be searched out. It is rare that you will find such a treasure of a friend in your life merely by chance.

I love the other point this quote makes- a faithful friends is a strong defense. Defense is described as, any thing that opposes attack, violence, danger or injury; any thing that secures the person, fortification; guard; protection; security. A wall, a barricade, safeguard. Just as God is the defense of the righteous, as a faithful friend is a defense to one another.

If we place "strong" in front of each of those verbs: guard, security, barricade, safeguard, we can accurately say, a faithful friend is a strong guard, a strong security, a strong barricade, and a strong safeguard. Now that is "The Power of Friendship!"

Solomon who was the wisest man in all the world quotes in Ecclesiastes, "Two people are better off than one; for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble." (NLV)

In fact friendship is so vital for the quality of life we have that a significant study by UCLA shows that women react to stress with a stream of brain chemicals that cause them to make and maintain friendships with other women.

The hormone "oxytocin" is released as a part of this stress reaction in women that encourages her to tend to children or be with her friends. Have you noticed that even after a long stressful day at work, that new mom's can't wait to get home to be with their baby?

When women take part in a nurturing friendship relationship, research shows that more "oxytocin" gets released, which then further reduces stress and creates a calming effect. This calming effect does not take place in men, unfortunately. The reason that this is not as effective in men is because when men have stress, they produce high levels of testosterone which reduces the effects of "oxytocin" release rather then promote it. Estrogen levels in women enhance oxytocin release.

"What is oxytocin?" It is considered to be the "love" hormone that causes attachment, connection, nurturing, bonding, and mothering. It's even the same hormone that is released when mother bonds with her baby at birth.

Repetitive research has discovered that social connections decrease the risk of disease by lowering blood pressure, heart rate, and cholesterol. You can cut your risk of death by 60% just having a greater number of friends over a 9 year period. These findings are so incredible that studies have concluded that not having close friends or confidants was as damaging to your health as being a smoker or overweight!

According Dr. Josselson, PHD, and co-author of Best Friends: The Pleasures and Perils of Girls' and Women's Friendship; "Women should be careful and NOT put their girlfriends on the back burners. Every time we get overly busy with work and family, the first thing we do is let go of friendships with other women, push them right to the back burner. That is really unfortunate because women are such a source of strength to each other. We nurture one another." There is a comforting effect that women experience when in one another's presence.

Getting together with our girlfriends in a healthy atmosphere fosters intimacy, a closeness, times of laughter, joy, and bonding, which ultimately makes us healthier and happier! Ladies, lets schedule some girl time and get those oxytocin hormones flowing. You heard the saying, "If mama's happy-everyone's happy!" Don't neglect those treasures! "Life's truest happiness is found in friendships we make along the way."

Sources:

Glamour Magazine, April 2008

http://www.anapsid.org/cnd/gender/tendfend.html

The Power Of Friendship - Health Benefits

DISEASE

Gout Treatments - What to Do When Gout Flares Up

If you are having a gout attack you hurt, you are in pain and want some help. What do you do?

The first thing that you do is call your health care provider. When you first experience the symptoms of a gout attack, call immediately. There are medications that will have more effect when they are taken early in the gout attack.

SEVERS DISEASE

When you talk to your health care provider, tell them everything. Tell them what medications you are taking, both prescription and over the counter. When you are talking to your health care provider make sure that you tell them what you ate and what herbal supplements and vitamins you are taking. All of this is important since combinations of what you are taking will have an effect on what your treatment plan will be.

Once your health care provider has determined a treatment plan expressly for you, follow the instructions you have been given to the letter. If you ask your health care provider for help to alleviate your pain during the gout attack; then follow the directions that you have been given. If you are told to rest, then rest. Rest is important during a gout flare-up. If you don't rest you increase the chances that you will have another gout flare-up quicker.

Ice is often used when a patient has a gout flare-up. Ice is often utilized to reduce swelling and inflammation. If your health care provider recommends that you apply ice to the affected joint make sure that you completely understand how long to leave ice on the joint and how often to apply an ice pack.

Once you get through the gout flare-up, make an appointment to discuss your condition with your health care provider. Part of the treatment for gout is preventing future gout attacks; not simply what you have to do during an attack. Once again, your health care provider will make recommendations to you that will help you keep from having another painful gout flare-up. You will be much more comfortable by preventing a gout flare-up than suffering through the pain of having your gout cause you problems.

Gout Treatments - What to Do When Gout Flares Up

SEVERS DISEASE

Get Rid of Athlete's Foot - Learn How to Totally Cure Athlete's Foot

You don't have to be a sports figure to have athlete's foot. It's a condition that will plague you if the environment in your feet is ideal for the micro-organisms that cause it. Athlete's foot is a name given to the itchy lesions that appear in feet, often found between the toes. It's a very bothersome condition and it is important to cure it immediately. If you want to get rid of it, here are some important things you must know.

What causes athlete's foot?

SEVERS DISEASE

To cure athlete's foot or tinea pedis means understanding what it is and what causes it. The culprit in this case is fungi, which normally lives on our skin. They are usually harmless, but when there are changes in the skin's environment that encourages fungi to grow, this often results to fungal infections such as athlete's foot.

What does athlete's foot look like?

Athlete's foot begins as a scaly, flaky patch of skin that is very itchy. Scratching it will not stop the itch and may sometimes aggravate the discomfort. If left untreated, skin may crack and blisters may appear which expose the tissue underneath. The affected area may become inflamed and painful.

Is athlete's foot found in other areas of the body other than the feet?

The fungus that causes athlete's foot can infect other parts of the body like the knees, groin, elbows, armpits and even the feet. Once it moves to another part of the body, it's no longer called athlete's foot. If it settles in the groin area, for example, it will be known as jock itch and its medical term will be tinea cruris.

How do I cure athlete's foot?

If you already have athlete's foot, your first line of defense should be medications with antifungal properties. Your doctor will most probably prescribe topical creams and ointments that contain miconazole, clotrimazole, terbinafine or itraconazole. These creams are usually applied two or three times a day on clean feet. If infection has already started because of the exposed flesh, your doctor might also prescribe antibiotics to prevent further damage.

Take the recommended dosage and make sure you complete the full course of treatment to cure athlete's foot. A common mistake among athlete's foot sufferers is that they stop treatment just after the itching and inflammation disappear. Just because you don't see them doesn't mean the fungi are destroyed. It usually takes about two weeks for the symptoms to disappear so you'll have to keep using the medication for another week or so to complete the treatment. If the condition is severe, treatment can even take about 45 days or longer.

What can I do to totally cure athlete's foot?

To completely cure it, you must prevent the fungus responsible from acting up again. This type of fungus prefers warm, moist environments so it's important to keep your feet dry as much as possible, especially the area between the toes. Change your socks daily and wash your socks and beddings in 60C water.

Athlete's foot can transfer from one individual to another. If you have it, don't share your shoes, flip-flops, towels or clothes to anyone else. Keep athlete's foot at bay by not borrowing personal items from others. Wear rubber sandals in bathrooms, changing rooms and swimming pools. Prevent sweaty feet by using antifungal powders, creams or sprays. Wear socks made of natural fiber such as cotton to help absorb moisture.

Get Rid of Athlete's Foot - Learn How to Totally Cure Athlete's Foot

SEVERS DISEASE

Dog Eye Diseases - The 8 Most Common Types

Dog eye diseases are oftentimes genetic, however others are the natural result of aging. Many eye problems are associated to the loose skin of the face, which happens in mixed breeds and purebreds alike. Traumatic eye diseases are sometimes caused by hereditary characteristics, although they might not always be related to genetics.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy:
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a serious hereditary eye disease caused by the deterioration of retinal cells, resulting in the dog not being able to see stationary objects. It causes vision impairment by about five years of age. Purebred breeding stock should be tested for this disease. Ask your veterinarian about the various certifying agencies such as CERF. Some affected dogs are treated, however cure is unlikely. A dog affected with PRA can lose his vision, but blindness isn't fatal. If the vision decreases slowly, the dog can adapt and live a normal life as a pet.

DISEASE

Entropion:
A dog may inherit a predisposition for this condition, which may cause symptoms at any age. It's not a serious threat to the life of the dog, but if it's determined to be hereditary, affected dogs should not be bred. Entropion is caused by excess skin around the dog's eyes, which causes the lids of the dog's eyes (upper or lower) to roll inward. With the rolling skin, the hair of the eyelids rubs on the dog's cornea, causing severe irritation. Secondary conjunctivitis generally accompanies entropion, and the dog often squints in discomfort. This condition is easily fixed by a comparatively simple surgical procedure.

Ectropion:
Ectropion is another surgically correctable eyelid problem. If too much loose facial skin causes the eyelids to sag excessively, the exposed conjunctiva is subject to infection. Predisposition for this condition is sometimes inherited, but may occur in mixed breeds.

Corneal Scratches and Ulcers:
These are usually traumatic in nature, though in some breeds ulcers can occur spontaneously and are considered to be genetically transmitted. Simple dust irritation or foreign bodies such as grass seeds that are picked up under the eyelids often cause dogs to scratch and rub at their eyes. Toenails can cause corneal scratches as well. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is needful. If unattended, the dog's constant scratching could cause the cornea to tear, and loss of sight ensues, sometimes followed by a loss of the eye. Whenever the dog squints, rubs his eyes, holds it closed, and it looks reddened and inflamed, rush him to your veterinarian.

Cherry Eye:
The nictitating membrane, also called the third eyelid, usually appears as a tiny pink structure located at the inside corner (nasal canthus) of the eye. If that membrane becomes irritated, it spreads out over the entire eye surface. If the gland located on the underneath side of the membrane becomes inflamed, it will swell and cause the whole third eyelid to turn wrong-side-out. This results in a horrible-appearing red mass, which, amazingly, doesn't appear to bother the dog in the least. Cherry eye is easily diagnosed, and if no cause is determined, can be treated either by surgical removal of the gland or occasionally by medication to combat the swelling and infection. A predisposition for cherry eye can be inherited.

Cataracts:
Normally a condition found in older dogs, cataracts may be hereditary. A cataract is an opacity within the lens, which lies directly behind the iris. Eventually causing blindness, this condition can't be treated medically. Cataract or lens removal is surgically possible. Surgery is expensive, and even when performed by specially qualified veterinary ophthalmologists, it could have complications.

Glaucoma:
This disease is often genetically transmitted. It results when the fluid pressure within the eyeball increases, causing significant discomfort and possible blindness. Glaucoma is diagnosed with special veterinary equipment and is treated both medically and surgically with fair success.

Pigmentary Keratitis (PK):
A condition caused by the invasion of blood vessels into the normally clear cornea, PK is usually genetically linked with certain breeds. German Shepherds are probably the breed in which this disease is encountered most frequently. Invading vessels transport pigment into the cornea and deposit it there, and if allowed to advance unchecked, PK will in time cause a physical blockage to vision. The invasion of blood vessels can usually be controlled by the application of medication into the eye, or by injecting steroids into the critical point between the cornea and sclera (white) of the eye.

Dog Eye Diseases - The 8 Most Common Types

DISEASE

Fenugreek - Fights Diabetes, Heart Disease, Obesity

Although fenugreek seeds are used extensively in the recipes of countries in the Middle and Far East, in the West it is not as well known as many other spices.
Not only does fenugreek impart a characteristic flavour and tang to food but it also has several very important disease preventing characteristics.

In traditional medicine, fenugreek has been used to treat a number of conditions including diabetes, sore throats, and in poultices used to treat sores and abscesses. Recent investigations into the medicinal properties of this spice suggest it is important not only as a preventive for chronic diseases such as diabetes, but also for enhancing normal physiological processes, especially with respect to athletic
performance.

DISEASE

As with most spices it contains many antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds such as apigenin,
genistein, kaempferol, quercetin, rutin, selenium and superoxide-dismutase. It also contains compounds such as trigonelline that has shown to prevent the degeneration of nerve cells in neuro-degenerative diseases.

Medicinal properties of fenugreek

Cardiovascular disease and blood lipids

Fenugreek has a strong modulating effect on blood lipid levels and can substantially reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. In diabetics, who usually suffer lipid imbalances, it has demonstrated a remarkable ability to lower cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL levels while raising HDL levels. Another property of fenugreek is the reduction of platelet aggregation which, in turn, dramatically reduces the risk of abnormal blood clotting associated with heart attacks and strokes. Like most spices, fenugreek also contains many important antioxidants and has the added benefit of protecting other dietary and internally produced antioxidants from free-radical damage. This has important cardioprotective benefits, as well as helping to fortify the body against a range of other chronic conditions.

Diabetes

Fenugreek, which has comparable antidiabetic potency to cinnamon, is one of the most valuable spices for the control of glucose metabolism and thus the prevention and treatment of Type II diabetes.
Owing to its many properties it helps in the prevention and treatment of diabetes in several ways.

Working in a similar way to the common antidiabetic drug glibenclamide, fenugreek lowers cellular insulin resistance and controls blood glucose homeostasis. It has been shown to lower blood glucose levels of Type II diabetics by as much as 46 percent.

It also increases the levels of several important antioxidants and reduces the damaging oxidation of lipids associated with diabetes.

As an added bonus, fenugreek seeds are a very rich in a type of dietary fibre that modulates post-prandial blood glucose levels by delaying the absorption of sugar in the intestines. This mucilaginous fiber also reduces the absorption of fat and cholesterol from the intestines thus providing additional protection against heart disease and obesity.

Cataracts

Fenugreek is also effective against diabetes-related cataracts which occur commonly in diabetics. The enzymes that control glucose uptake into the lens of the eye do not function normally in diabetics and, as a result, glucose and its metabolites, fructose and sorbitol, accumulate in the lens tissues. The lenses of diabetic patients are also prone damage by enzymes that would normally protect against destructive free radicals, and a combination of these factors leads to the gradual opacification of the lens known as a cataract. As fenugreek has been shown to partially reverse both the metabolic changes in the lens and to reduce the density of the cataract, it is likely to be even more effective as a prophylactic agent against cataract formation in diabetics.

Alzheimer's and other neuro-degenerative diseases

Fenugreek contains the compound trigonellene that has shown to stimulate the regeneration of brain cells. This property has stimulated further research to see whether it can help in the prevention of diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

Sport

One of the greatest difficulties facing athletes who compete in endurance events is maintaining a readily available supply of energy in the body. In order to achieve this, muscle carbohydrate stores, in the form of glycogen, must be continuously replenished. In an event lasting more than one-and-a-half hours, glycogen stores become depleted, and for the remainder of the event the athlete has to rely on external sources of energy, such as high carbohydrate drinks, which are inferior to glycogen as an energy source. Post event re-synthesis of glycogen is also very important, and the two hours immediately following prolonged exercise is the crucial time for this process to occur.

Fenugreek has been shown to have a strong effect on glycogen replenishment; increasing post-event re-synthesis by over 60 percent in some endurance athletes. While its effects on glycogen re-synthesis during an event have yet to be tested, fenugreek is likely to exhibit a similarly beneficial effect during, as well as after, exercise.

Hormones

Fenugreek is one of the richest sources of phytoestrogens and is thus a very useful spice for women who have low oestrogen levels. Phytoestrogens are also thought to help protect against certain types of cancer, and fenugreek may well be proven to have anti-tumourigenic effects should this property be investigated in the future.

Selenium

Fenugreek is one of the richest sources of selenium, which is among the most important antioxidant micronutrients. When consumed regularly, selenium appears to have a protective effect against a range of cancers, including those of the colon, lung and prostate. Recent evidence also shows that selenium helps to prevent the progression of HIV and other chronic viral illnesses.

While other spices like chilies and cinnamon hold the culinary and medicinal headlines, the research into fenugreek is showing us that this spice has health benefits on a par with, or even superior to, those of the better known spices.

However it is important to appreciate that synergism between different spices enhances the bioavailability and efficacy of their respective bioactive compounds. Therefore, to obtain optimum benefit from fenugreek, it is important to use it with other common spices in both the prevention and treatment of disease.

Fenugreek - Fights Diabetes, Heart Disease, Obesity

DISEASE

What is Red Thread Lawn Disease and How to Cure It?

Since ages, people tend to adopt various measures to avoid the varied range of diseases that can harm the lawns. Among the various known lawn diseases, the red thread lawn disease can sometimes prove out to be severest and thus results in killing the entire grass of the lawn area. Therefore it is recommended to learn in advance about its symptoms and cures. This would help you in tackling any future problems related to this disease.

Identifying the Disease

DISEASE

Before learning about related aspects of the red thread disease, it is primarily important to know about its characteristics like shape, color, etc. This disease can be identified as a brown patch with reddish tinge placed at any part of the lawn. These patches at the affected area are commonly found in irregular shapes. Ironically, you can only completely identify the disease once it reaches its more advanced stages. When the pink fungus mycelium of the disease finally grows up to 1/16" to ¼" length of the leaves, you can surely mark it as affected by the red thread infection. This fungus then passes on to another nearby areas, and thus affects the whole plantation. It is also to be noted that the disease also gets transferred from the lawn mower since the mycelium can easily get loose and pass on to the related areas.

The red thread lawn disease is commonly caused by the laetisaria fuciformis / corticium fuciforme fungus. The temperature surroundings of the lawn also play a major role in disease occurrence. The lawn with temperature between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit have more probability of getting affected by the disease. The disease mostly occurs during the autumn and spring seasons. During summers, the fungus may survive up to 2 years.

The Cure

It is essential to learn about the curing tips of the disease otherwise it may transfer the fungus from the infected blade of grass to the whole of grass. This may further result in killing the lawn grass. In order to prevent the onset of the disease, the following measures are recommended-

· Since the lawn with lack of nitrogen is more susceptible to the disease therefore make sure to use a high quality fertilizer with adequate nitrogen percentage.
· A well drained lawn helps in avoiding the fungus of the disease.
· During autumn, always aerate the lawn through a hollow spike lawn aerator.
· Make sure to regularly remove the lawn thatches.
· However, if the disease have already attacked a grass blade, you can prevent the spread of red thread lawn disease by adopting the following measures-
· Mow and burn the grass clippings collected from the infected area.
· You can also use fungicides, especially during wet weather. It is recommended to use fungicides that contain carbendazim or benomyl.

Initially the red thread disease affects a blade of grass, which further gets spread to the rest of the lawn area. Make sure to follow the above mentioned curing measures well in advance to prevent your lawn from perishing.

What is Red Thread Lawn Disease and How to Cure It?

DISEASE

Poor Blood Circulation - Your Leg Pain Could Be Peripheral Arterial Disease

A lot of times during the course of taking care of patients with type 2 diabetes, the discussion wanders casually to 'poor circulation'.

It may go something like; 'You know I always have poor circulation in my feet'.

DISEASE

Well here is what you need to know. Poor circulation is not normal. Poor circulation may be a sign of a more serious condition called peripheral arterial disease.

What are some factors that put a person at risk of developing peripheral arterial disease?

Cigarette smoking. In one study people who smoked had an increased risk of:

Type 2 diabetes especially in those over the age of 50 High cholesterol levels High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) People over the age of 70 If you have had blocked arteries elsewhere. This is calledatherosclerosis. Examples would be angina (chest pains) or a heart attack, strokes or kidney disease.

You may notice that a lot of the above factors, except cigarette smoking, type 2 diabetics are at risk of developing anyway.

Now do you see why poor circulation is something that cannot be ignored?

Peripheral arterial disease is the leading cause of non-traumatic amputations in the United States.

I have met some myths in people with type 2 diabetes, especially African-Americans. One of these myths was that if you are diagnosed with diabetes, that eventually your legs would get cut off.

In fact they usually could tell me stories of friends or relatives that this had happened to.

A myth does not have to become self-fulfilling prophecy.

I want to dispel this myth. I want to prove that people living with diabetes do not have to give up on life. They don't have to wait for their legs to get amputated. End up on dialysis, suffer a heart attack or stroke.

In order to change a statistic, we need to increase our awareness.

How do you know if you have peripheral arterial disease?

A common complaint that people have is claudication. Claudication causes pain and/or cramps in the legs. They may start to walk. Have to stop because of the pain. And then start to walk again. Then they have to stop again.

As peripheral arterial disease gets worse, the pain in the legs may occur even when at rest. A lot of people may describe this as cramps in the legs, or a 'Charlie horse'. Peripheral arterial disease may cause less hair on the legs. The toenails may become brittle and break off easily. The skin may also get darker in color and shiny.

How is peripheral arterial disease diagnosed?

It is straightforward to diagnose someone with peripheral arterial disease when they already come in complaining of 'poor circulation'. So the person who complains of pain while walking that stops them in their tracks or even pain at rest, most likely has peripheral artery disease.

Your doctor most likely will refer you to a vascular specialist.

Here are some tests that may be done:

Ankle-brachial index (ABI)

This is a test that measures the resting blood pressure at the ankle compared to the blood pressure in the arm. Sometimes the test may be normal. So the doctor may have them exercise by walking on a treadmill. Or by taking a brisk walk outside. The normal value for the ABI is between 0.9-1.3.

Segmental Blood Pressure Testing

In this test, the blood pressure is taken at different levels of the leg. For instance the thigh, the calf, and the ankle. The readings are then compared to decide where the blockage is.

Imaging Tests

There are different imaging tests. Ultrasound, CT angiograms and Magnetic resonance angiograms are all examples of imaging studies that can be done. The vascular disease specialist decides what test gets done.

If the symptoms get worse, then the specialist may need to order a more detailed invasive test called an arteriogram. This will help map out exactly where the blockage is. At times surgery may even be needed.

How can you prevent peripheral arterial disease?

You can reduce your risks of developing peripheral arterial disease by making adjustments in your lifestyle. Also follow the medical treatment plan that your doctor recommends.

It is very important to make sure that you follow up with your doctor regularly.

So if you are a person living with type 2 diabetes and you smoke, quit smoking.

Get your cholesterol checked and if it is high, then make sure that it is treated. Lowering the cholesterol to less than 100 mg/dL will help to reduce the symptoms of claudication.

If you have high blood pressure, take your medications. And make sure that you keep your blood pressure under 130/80 mm hg.

If you have had a heart attack, stroke or have angina make sure that you are being properly treated for these conditions. They increase your risk for peripheral artery disease.

Think of the circulatory system in the body like the plumbing in your house.

If the sink gets clogged up one day, there's a fair chance that the toilet may get clogged another day. This is because as your house gets older the plumbing system will need to be unclogged from time to time.

The same thing with cholesterol build up (called atherosclerosis) in the circulatory system of the body.

Medications:

Your doctor or the vascular specialist may also start you on medications for peripheral artery disease.

Always remember that you can prevent peripheral arterial disease. And even if you do get symptoms, the important thing is to treat it early.

Let's reduce amputations from peripheral arterial disease. So remember if you have 'poor circulation' please schedule an appointment to see a healthcare provider immediately.

Poor Blood Circulation - Your Leg Pain Could Be Peripheral Arterial Disease

DISEASE