Heartburn is extremely uncomfortable. It happens due to acid from your stomach backing up into your esophagus. Most people feel it directly behind their sternum. Symptoms can occur directly after eating, and it mostly gets worse at night or when laying down. In order to eliminate heartburn from your life, it's best to figure out what the initial trigger might be so that you can cut it out from your diet. In order to do this, it might be a good idea to keep a food diary for a week or two. Keep track of everything that you eat and note how you feel afterwards. After a week or two, you will probably see a pattern and figure out what the culprit is.
Many people complain of heartburn after eating certain types of foods. For that reason, it makes sense to avoid spicy foods - or at least avoid the ones that you know will make you uncomfortable later. Also, avoid laying down for at least a few hours after a meal. Eating smaller meals more often might also help. Another common culprit is coffee. You may need to limit the amount your drink or switch to tea to get your caffeine fix. Another way to avoid feeling the burn of those digestive enzymes in your esophagus is to chew gum directly after a meal. There have been studies that have shown that chewing gum after a meal can help lower acid levels.
Although there are a number of over the counter and prescription remedies for heartburn, many of them unfortunately produce other unwanted side effects. However, there are natural remedies that work just as well (without the high cost or unwanted side effects). Examples include black licorice, drinking a solution of baking soda and water, aloe juice, and an herb known as slippery elm bark. Slippery elm bark can be found in tablet form or in powder form and some people find that making a tea out of it helps their digestive tract stay relatively calm. Another consideration is how fast you eat. Try to eat slowly, chewing each bite completely before filling your fork again. This will help keep your digestive enzymes from working overtime. The important thing to remember about heartburn is that it is temporary - and with just a few dietary changes you can get rid of it completely.
A blog with information to help inspire action that will improve health.
Organ Transplants
Organ transplants are becoming more and more common thanks to the advances in medicine and the growing number of people who choose to donate their organs. Deciding to be an organ donor is a very personal choice, and making your wishes known can be done by making a choice stating on your drivers license that you are a donor. The decision to donate your organs can save lives by giving someone who desperately needs a transplant a second chance at life. It can also help enhance the lives of others who are in need of tissue donation. One person can save up to eight lives through organ donation.
The organs that can be donated include the heart, liver, kidneys, and lungs. It isn't a simple process. There are many ethical and medical considerations that must be decided upon before a transplant can occur. In order to determine a good match between the donor and the recipient, there are certain tests and markers that must be passed. Serotyping is done to make sure the donors and recipients are compatible so the risk of rejection is low. This is also done to ensure that the donor's don't have any types of diseases that will potentially harm the recipient. Of course, the natural immune response of the body is to reject the organ, so patients who have had transplant surgery must take anti-rejection medications for the rest of their lives.
Coordinating a transplant can be a very involved process. The organs go to whoever is at the top of the list and has the highest compatibility with the donated organs. In order for the organs to stay viable and start working correctly in the recipient, they must be removed from the donor's body within 24 hours post the last heartbeat. It is also usually done after the prospective donor has been declared brain dead and there is absolutely no hope for recovery.
The organs that can be donated include the heart, liver, kidneys, and lungs. It isn't a simple process. There are many ethical and medical considerations that must be decided upon before a transplant can occur. In order to determine a good match between the donor and the recipient, there are certain tests and markers that must be passed. Serotyping is done to make sure the donors and recipients are compatible so the risk of rejection is low. This is also done to ensure that the donor's don't have any types of diseases that will potentially harm the recipient. Of course, the natural immune response of the body is to reject the organ, so patients who have had transplant surgery must take anti-rejection medications for the rest of their lives.
Coordinating a transplant can be a very involved process. The organs go to whoever is at the top of the list and has the highest compatibility with the donated organs. In order for the organs to stay viable and start working correctly in the recipient, they must be removed from the donor's body within 24 hours post the last heartbeat. It is also usually done after the prospective donor has been declared brain dead and there is absolutely no hope for recovery.
Pneumococcal Pneumonia Transmission and Prevention
Pneumococcal Pneumonia is a highly transmittable virus that can make people very ill. This is particularly true for young children, people older than 65 years of age, and people who have compromised immune systems. This infection is transmitted through respiratory droplets in the air through coughing and sneezing. There are numerous types of pneumonia, but most of them have similar symptoms. Some of those symptoms include high fever, rapid breathing, nausea, and chest pains. Most people also experience tiredness, and that can last for weeks following diagnosis, even after the other symptoms have gone away.
One of the best ways to help prevent this virus is to get vaccinated against it. This is particularly important for children who are in daycare settings, as it can be easily spread. Doctors often recommend that the two most important age groups that should be vaccinated against this virus are children below the age of five as well as people who are 65 or older. And because pneumonia often develops as a secondary infection due to another illness, doctors also recommend a yearly flu vaccine. Other prevention techniques include washing your hands often and using anti-bacterial hand gel, as pneumonia can also be caused by bacteria.
Bacteria and germs are almost always in our respiratory tracts, including our nose and throats. When the body is healthy, the immune system can fight against the germs. However, there are many conditions that put people at risk for developing pneumonia, including alcoholism and sickle cell disease. Smoking can also contribute. One of the best ways to avoid getting sick is to exercise and eat healthy. This will help to keep your immune system strong.
If you have been diagnosed with pneumonia, try to avoid contact with people. Stay at home and get rested and stay hydrated. Don't try to overdo it. Listen to your body. Be sure to see your doctor, as he or she can prescribe medications that can help improve symptoms and get rid of the infection. Your doctor may prescribe anti-viral medications, antibiotics, cough suppressants and fever reducers. After a week or two the worst of the symptoms are usually gone but full recovery may take a month or more.
One of the best ways to help prevent this virus is to get vaccinated against it. This is particularly important for children who are in daycare settings, as it can be easily spread. Doctors often recommend that the two most important age groups that should be vaccinated against this virus are children below the age of five as well as people who are 65 or older. And because pneumonia often develops as a secondary infection due to another illness, doctors also recommend a yearly flu vaccine. Other prevention techniques include washing your hands often and using anti-bacterial hand gel, as pneumonia can also be caused by bacteria.
Bacteria and germs are almost always in our respiratory tracts, including our nose and throats. When the body is healthy, the immune system can fight against the germs. However, there are many conditions that put people at risk for developing pneumonia, including alcoholism and sickle cell disease. Smoking can also contribute. One of the best ways to avoid getting sick is to exercise and eat healthy. This will help to keep your immune system strong.
If you have been diagnosed with pneumonia, try to avoid contact with people. Stay at home and get rested and stay hydrated. Don't try to overdo it. Listen to your body. Be sure to see your doctor, as he or she can prescribe medications that can help improve symptoms and get rid of the infection. Your doctor may prescribe anti-viral medications, antibiotics, cough suppressants and fever reducers. After a week or two the worst of the symptoms are usually gone but full recovery may take a month or more.
West Nile Virus, Keeping Our Kids Safe
For most kids, summer is their absolute favorite season of the year. There’s no school, the weather’s hot, and most of their time is spent outdoors with friends. However, summer also brings the risk of contracting the West Nile Virus. For most kids, the virus isn’t a big deal. But unfortunately it can lead to a very serious illness and swelling of the brain in rare instances. That’s why it is so important to protect your child from mosquito bites.
Mosquitos are very common in certain areas, such as the woods and open agricultural areas. They also stay near water. Rivers, lakes, and streams are usually very highly populated by these pesky insects. It doesn’t matter how dirty or stagnant the body of water is. They are attracted to high levels of humidity, which means that during the months of July and August they are out in full force.
Protecting your kids from exposure is the number one way to prevent the annoying bites and the potential development of the West Nile Virus. Fortunately, there are many ways to do this. First of all, there are substances that you can spray on your lawn that will kill both adults and larvae, as well as deter the insects from entering your yard. There are also special bug repellents that can be sprayed on your child. If your child is going to be out and about at dusk, try having them wear clothing that covers their bodies more and therefore doesn’t give any where for a mosquito to land on bare skin. And keep in mind that the time between dusk and dawn is the most prevalent time for these busy insects.
Symptoms of a West Nile infection include fatigue, fever, back pain, and headaches. Eye pain and skin rashes can also be present. In very rare cases, the infection can localize in the brain and the spinal cord, leading to swelling and paralysis. Keep in mind that this happens in less than 1% of the population, but when it does happen it is extremely serious and early treatment is absolutely crucial. Just be sure to reduce your child’s risk of becoming ill by an infected mosquito and still have an enjoyable summer while enjoying the night air.
Mosquitos are very common in certain areas, such as the woods and open agricultural areas. They also stay near water. Rivers, lakes, and streams are usually very highly populated by these pesky insects. It doesn’t matter how dirty or stagnant the body of water is. They are attracted to high levels of humidity, which means that during the months of July and August they are out in full force.
Protecting your kids from exposure is the number one way to prevent the annoying bites and the potential development of the West Nile Virus. Fortunately, there are many ways to do this. First of all, there are substances that you can spray on your lawn that will kill both adults and larvae, as well as deter the insects from entering your yard. There are also special bug repellents that can be sprayed on your child. If your child is going to be out and about at dusk, try having them wear clothing that covers their bodies more and therefore doesn’t give any where for a mosquito to land on bare skin. And keep in mind that the time between dusk and dawn is the most prevalent time for these busy insects.
Symptoms of a West Nile infection include fatigue, fever, back pain, and headaches. Eye pain and skin rashes can also be present. In very rare cases, the infection can localize in the brain and the spinal cord, leading to swelling and paralysis. Keep in mind that this happens in less than 1% of the population, but when it does happen it is extremely serious and early treatment is absolutely crucial. Just be sure to reduce your child’s risk of becoming ill by an infected mosquito and still have an enjoyable summer while enjoying the night air.
Healthy School Snacks
It's a known fact that kids who eat foods that are high in fat and sugar are often the ones who pack on the pounds. Those foods often taste good to them, it's also no secret that the marketing ploys used by makers of those snacks are what snares the attention of the kids to begin with. And while parents can often control or at least contribute to what their children eat at home, that isn't often the case regarding what they snack on at school. That's because many schools have vending machines filled with non-nutritious foods that are easily available for a low price - and that convenience is yet another reason those items are so popular.
Recently there has been an initiative within schools to replace unhealthy items, such as soda and potato chips, with more nutritious items. The USDA's recent ruling on that issue requires schools to offer foods that are lower in sodium and sugar. But is it enough to just remove the options that aren't good for kids? In order for the forward momentum of this healthy initiative to work, we need to curb the desire to eat unhealthy foods. Again, this is where savvy marketing can be used. By putting a positive spin on the healthier items that are offered, children are more apt to buy them - and so are adults.
The changes that will be implemented include reducing the amount of sodas that are offered in high school vending machines as well as keeping certain items at or below the 200 calorie threshold. And in middle schools and elementary schools, soda in vending machines will be a thing of the past - water, fruit juices, and low-fat or fat-free milk will be the main offerings.
Of course, many people will complain that their choices are being arbitrarily taken away from them. However, schools are supposed to be a safe environment. How safe is it to serve food to kids that will contribute to obesity and other health problems? Not very safe at all, if you look at it from that point of view. The bottom line is that to improve our children's health, we have to simply offer better foods and introduce them to the concept of making better choices. Doing so is simply laying the groundwork for a healthy life.
Recently there has been an initiative within schools to replace unhealthy items, such as soda and potato chips, with more nutritious items. The USDA's recent ruling on that issue requires schools to offer foods that are lower in sodium and sugar. But is it enough to just remove the options that aren't good for kids? In order for the forward momentum of this healthy initiative to work, we need to curb the desire to eat unhealthy foods. Again, this is where savvy marketing can be used. By putting a positive spin on the healthier items that are offered, children are more apt to buy them - and so are adults.
The changes that will be implemented include reducing the amount of sodas that are offered in high school vending machines as well as keeping certain items at or below the 200 calorie threshold. And in middle schools and elementary schools, soda in vending machines will be a thing of the past - water, fruit juices, and low-fat or fat-free milk will be the main offerings.
Of course, many people will complain that their choices are being arbitrarily taken away from them. However, schools are supposed to be a safe environment. How safe is it to serve food to kids that will contribute to obesity and other health problems? Not very safe at all, if you look at it from that point of view. The bottom line is that to improve our children's health, we have to simply offer better foods and introduce them to the concept of making better choices. Doing so is simply laying the groundwork for a healthy life.
Preventing Diabetes From a Young Age With The Right Nutrition
Though hereditary components do frequently play a key role in the development of diabetes, a genetic susceptibility is not a definitive sentence or a reason to give up on prevention measures. Watching what we cook and what we eat can help to drastically reduce the number of risk factors we face when it comes to obesity, diabetes and many other debilitating health issues. When we learn to avoid the foods that lead to type 2 diabetes and teach our children to do the same, we lay the foundation for a healthier and happier future.
When it comes to sweet treats, kids know what they like. Chocolate, ice cream, candy and soft drinks packed with sugar are just a few common favorites among children as young as two years old across America. Though not all sweets should be positively vilified or outright banned, the medical community agrees that they certainly shouldn't be a regular staple in the normal childhood diet. Becoming dependent on fatty, sugary foods from an early age increases a child's risk of developing a number of major health problems later in life. On the other hand, encouraging a diet of wholesome, natural foods when a person is young can help set the stage for intelligent, healthy decisions as a teenager and adult, thereby decreasing the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.
A nutritional plan that features low carbs from whole grains rather than refined grains is recommended for people who are pre-diabetic or recently diagnosed. This is meant to naturally regulate blood glucose without robbing the body and brain of the energy they need to function properly. This notion can easily be applied to childhood nutrition in an effort to prevent diabetic risk factors. Quality protein, which also serves as a vital source of energy, can come in the form of lean meats like turkey, chicken and fish as well as tree nuts and whole wheat. High in calcium, low fat dairy products like yogurt and string cheese are a popular choice among parents who like to keep an eye on their kids' calorie and sugar intake as well.
Planning a healthy diet, such as a Mediterranean or Paleo Diet, for children and teenagers may seem simple at first, but for some picky eaters, any major change to their snacks or meals can result in a big problem for Mom and Dad. Try out simple swaps at first, like baked fries made from sweet potatoes rather than the deep fried version of white potatoes. When you're at the grocery, let the little ones pick out the fruits and vegetables for the week. Lead by example and watch your children begin to make the healthy choices that may someday keep them safe from diabetes.
When it comes to sweet treats, kids know what they like. Chocolate, ice cream, candy and soft drinks packed with sugar are just a few common favorites among children as young as two years old across America. Though not all sweets should be positively vilified or outright banned, the medical community agrees that they certainly shouldn't be a regular staple in the normal childhood diet. Becoming dependent on fatty, sugary foods from an early age increases a child's risk of developing a number of major health problems later in life. On the other hand, encouraging a diet of wholesome, natural foods when a person is young can help set the stage for intelligent, healthy decisions as a teenager and adult, thereby decreasing the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.
A nutritional plan that features low carbs from whole grains rather than refined grains is recommended for people who are pre-diabetic or recently diagnosed. This is meant to naturally regulate blood glucose without robbing the body and brain of the energy they need to function properly. This notion can easily be applied to childhood nutrition in an effort to prevent diabetic risk factors. Quality protein, which also serves as a vital source of energy, can come in the form of lean meats like turkey, chicken and fish as well as tree nuts and whole wheat. High in calcium, low fat dairy products like yogurt and string cheese are a popular choice among parents who like to keep an eye on their kids' calorie and sugar intake as well.
Planning a healthy diet, such as a Mediterranean or Paleo Diet, for children and teenagers may seem simple at first, but for some picky eaters, any major change to their snacks or meals can result in a big problem for Mom and Dad. Try out simple swaps at first, like baked fries made from sweet potatoes rather than the deep fried version of white potatoes. When you're at the grocery, let the little ones pick out the fruits and vegetables for the week. Lead by example and watch your children begin to make the healthy choices that may someday keep them safe from diabetes.
Vegan Decision
There are many reasons that people decide to adopt veganism. The first and most common involves becoming and staying healthy through consuming only nutritious, natural plants and other foods that come from the earth rather than from the animals who live on it. Vegans are found all over the world and from numerous cultures, each individual making this important life choice for unique reasons.
Many people disagree with the way food-producing animals, such as cows, chickens and pigs, are treated and will not tolerate meat for ethical reasons. They believe that all animals should be treated with love and caring rather than forced into cages and killed for their flesh. In some cases, a species of animal that is manipulated for its skin, fur, flesh or eggs becomes endangered due to excessive human hunting, fishing or harvesting in its habitat. Thousands of people whose primary intention is to save the planet and preserve nature find themselves turning to veganism for this very reason.
For the majority of Americans, becoming a vegan is a life-changing decision. Our culture's culinary choices typically include large portions of various meats, from chicken and fish to beef, pork and lamb. Meat isn't the only dietary component a new vegan might miss, though, as all products derived from animals are off limits. This includes all dairy foods and anything made using them, any products manufactured using fur or leather, and anything made in a laboratory that employs animal testing. The latter two of these are less common, though, as most vegans focus only on the dietary aspect of the lifestyle.
When it comes to switching to veganism from a traditional diet, the process should ideally be a gradual one. Keep in mind that your body is used to obtaining energy through various resources, such as the protein found in meat, eggs and dairy products. Vegan alternatives include soy, tofu, lentils, leafy greens, nuts and hemp, many of which also pack a substantial amount of essential vitamins and minerals. Also remember that eliminating meat and dairy from your diet will likely have an effect on your digestion at first. To make the transition easy on your body, talk to your doctor first and develop a step-by-step plan that helps you make the switch slowly.
Many people disagree with the way food-producing animals, such as cows, chickens and pigs, are treated and will not tolerate meat for ethical reasons. They believe that all animals should be treated with love and caring rather than forced into cages and killed for their flesh. In some cases, a species of animal that is manipulated for its skin, fur, flesh or eggs becomes endangered due to excessive human hunting, fishing or harvesting in its habitat. Thousands of people whose primary intention is to save the planet and preserve nature find themselves turning to veganism for this very reason.
For the majority of Americans, becoming a vegan is a life-changing decision. Our culture's culinary choices typically include large portions of various meats, from chicken and fish to beef, pork and lamb. Meat isn't the only dietary component a new vegan might miss, though, as all products derived from animals are off limits. This includes all dairy foods and anything made using them, any products manufactured using fur or leather, and anything made in a laboratory that employs animal testing. The latter two of these are less common, though, as most vegans focus only on the dietary aspect of the lifestyle.
When it comes to switching to veganism from a traditional diet, the process should ideally be a gradual one. Keep in mind that your body is used to obtaining energy through various resources, such as the protein found in meat, eggs and dairy products. Vegan alternatives include soy, tofu, lentils, leafy greens, nuts and hemp, many of which also pack a substantial amount of essential vitamins and minerals. Also remember that eliminating meat and dairy from your diet will likely have an effect on your digestion at first. To make the transition easy on your body, talk to your doctor first and develop a step-by-step plan that helps you make the switch slowly.
HPV Vaccine Preventing Cervical Cancer
The primary cause of most cases of cervical cancer is human papillomavirus, one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the U.S. today. According to the CDC, more than 20,000 potentially preventable HPV-related cancer cases are diagnosed and 4,000 women die of HPV-related cervical cancer every year. There are more than 40 strains of the virus, some of which can cause genital warts, oral cancer and cervical cancer. The virus rarely has any symptoms, which is why prevention is so crucial.
The HPV vaccine is designed to prevent the most common cancer causing HPV strains. Two different human papilloma virus vaccines are currently available: Cervarix and Gardasil. Both are highly effective and can also help prevent the spread of precancerous lesions in the cervix.
The Centers for Disease Control has recommended that all girls between 11 and 13 should receive the three-shot dose of either Gardasil or Cervarix. Young women between 13 and 26 who have not yet received the vaccine should get it as soon as possible. Gardasil has been licensed and recommended for all males and females between the ages of 9 and 26, including gay and bisexual men and men who are HIV-positive.
Because the virus can be transmitted through any contact with an infected person’s genitals, the CDC recommends that either Gardasil or Cervarix be administered before sexual activity begins. Ideally, all three shots in the series will be completed before sexual activity. The HPV vaccine offers no protection against other STIs and does not take the place of condoms in safer sexual activities. However, condoms and the vaccine can work together to reduce the overall risk of contracting HPV. The vaccine also does not treat or eliminate current infections, and adult women should continue to receive cervical cancer screenings even if they have been vaccinated.
These vaccines can play an important role in saving lives. Education about safer sex including condom use can help protect sexually active males and females. As with all drugs, there may be side effects. Most commonly, patients report headache, fever and injection site pain. Studies have found no evidence of safety concerns or serious reactions.
The HPV vaccine is designed to prevent the most common cancer causing HPV strains. Two different human papilloma virus vaccines are currently available: Cervarix and Gardasil. Both are highly effective and can also help prevent the spread of precancerous lesions in the cervix.
The Centers for Disease Control has recommended that all girls between 11 and 13 should receive the three-shot dose of either Gardasil or Cervarix. Young women between 13 and 26 who have not yet received the vaccine should get it as soon as possible. Gardasil has been licensed and recommended for all males and females between the ages of 9 and 26, including gay and bisexual men and men who are HIV-positive.
Because the virus can be transmitted through any contact with an infected person’s genitals, the CDC recommends that either Gardasil or Cervarix be administered before sexual activity begins. Ideally, all three shots in the series will be completed before sexual activity. The HPV vaccine offers no protection against other STIs and does not take the place of condoms in safer sexual activities. However, condoms and the vaccine can work together to reduce the overall risk of contracting HPV. The vaccine also does not treat or eliminate current infections, and adult women should continue to receive cervical cancer screenings even if they have been vaccinated.
These vaccines can play an important role in saving lives. Education about safer sex including condom use can help protect sexually active males and females. As with all drugs, there may be side effects. Most commonly, patients report headache, fever and injection site pain. Studies have found no evidence of safety concerns or serious reactions.
Mastectomy
Mastectomies are surgical procedures that are designed to prevent or treat breast cancer by removing all the breast tissue. In early stage breast cancer, women may have the option to choose between a lumpectomy, which enables the doctor to remove only the tumor and preserve the breast, or a mastectomy. Both procedures have been determined to be effective, but lumpectomy may not be appropriate for all women. Mastectomy may be highly recommended for women who are at a risk for having the tumor metastasize, or spread. Doctors may also recommend mastectomies on one or both breasts if a woman is diagnosed with:
Surgeons today can perform procedures designed to preserve the maximum amount of skin to allow for more comfortable, natural-looking breast reconstruction surgery, which may be performed at the time of your mastectomy or at a later date. The incision will generally be made around the nipple, and the breast tissue will be removed. Women who are undergoing radical mastectomies may have some of their chest muscle removed as well. If the reconstruction is performed at the same time, the plastic surgeon will complete the process after the affected tissue is removed.
The procedure is considered safe, extremely effective and can result in life extension. However, as with all surgical procedures, it does carry some risks including pain, bleeding, hematoma, infection, swelling, shoulder pain, numbness or scar formation. Women may experience a period of physical and emotional adjustment after undergoing mastectomy. If you have undergone a mastectomy, rest frequently, and take your pain medication as prescribed. Arm exercises can help restore mobility and reduce discomfort. Phantom pain may continue several months following your procedure, and you may feel fatigued as your body recovers. Seek support from your friends, family members or support group as you continue to heal.
- Non-invasive, stage 1, stage 2 or stage 3 breast cancer
- Inflammatory breast cancer, or IBC
- More than one tumor in separate areas or tumors that have recurred
- Breast cancer and is pregnant or have another condition that would make radiation or chemotherapy inadvisable
- Cancerous tissue that remains after a lumpectomy
- A comparatively large tumor that would leave little healthy breast tissue after a lumpectomy
- A gene mutation that dramatically increases the risk of developing IBC
Surgeons today can perform procedures designed to preserve the maximum amount of skin to allow for more comfortable, natural-looking breast reconstruction surgery, which may be performed at the time of your mastectomy or at a later date. The incision will generally be made around the nipple, and the breast tissue will be removed. Women who are undergoing radical mastectomies may have some of their chest muscle removed as well. If the reconstruction is performed at the same time, the plastic surgeon will complete the process after the affected tissue is removed.
The procedure is considered safe, extremely effective and can result in life extension. However, as with all surgical procedures, it does carry some risks including pain, bleeding, hematoma, infection, swelling, shoulder pain, numbness or scar formation. Women may experience a period of physical and emotional adjustment after undergoing mastectomy. If you have undergone a mastectomy, rest frequently, and take your pain medication as prescribed. Arm exercises can help restore mobility and reduce discomfort. Phantom pain may continue several months following your procedure, and you may feel fatigued as your body recovers. Seek support from your friends, family members or support group as you continue to heal.
Anxiety
Most people experience occasional anxiety. Your heart may pound in stressful situations, or your palms may become sweaty and your stomach may fill with butterflies when you give a speech or an important presentation. Anxious feelings are a normal and even healthy response to stress. However, when the everyday stress of your life begins to intrude during even mundane occurrences and you are no longer happy doing previously enjoyable activities, you may be suffering from an anxiety-related condition.
The scientific theory of anxiety is that both your environment and biological factors play a role in its development. Many people experience an exaggerated physical reaction to stress. They may experience headaches, stomach pain, tense muscles and urge incontinence. Visiting your doctor can be helpful for ruling out more serious health conditions and identify appropriate treatment options, but lifestyle changes and self-help strategies can help you get your stress under control and reduce your symptoms.
If you are experiencing a chronic anxiety, avoid self-medicating with alcohol or sedatives, drinking coffee or smoking, which can exacerbate your symptoms. Instead, make a goal to exercise most days of the week for at least 30 minutes at a time. The fresh air, sunshine and physical activity can be a powerful stress reducer. As you become fitter, increase the intensity of your workouts or the length of time you exercise. Find a fun activity to which you will look forward to boost results. A healthy diet works hand-in-hand with exercise and can help your body function optimally.
Relaxation techniques and improved sleep habits have also been shown to be helpful in controlling the frequency and intensity of panic attacks. If your condition worsens or does not improve with self-help, you may benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication. CBT is designed to help you discover problematic behavior patterns and adjust your reactions as needed while medications can have an effect on your nervous system response. Antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs and sedatives may be beneficial on either a short- or a long-term basis. Because some of these medications can be habit-forming, they may not be appropriate for those who have struggled with substance abuse in the past.
The scientific theory of anxiety is that both your environment and biological factors play a role in its development. Many people experience an exaggerated physical reaction to stress. They may experience headaches, stomach pain, tense muscles and urge incontinence. Visiting your doctor can be helpful for ruling out more serious health conditions and identify appropriate treatment options, but lifestyle changes and self-help strategies can help you get your stress under control and reduce your symptoms.
If you are experiencing a chronic anxiety, avoid self-medicating with alcohol or sedatives, drinking coffee or smoking, which can exacerbate your symptoms. Instead, make a goal to exercise most days of the week for at least 30 minutes at a time. The fresh air, sunshine and physical activity can be a powerful stress reducer. As you become fitter, increase the intensity of your workouts or the length of time you exercise. Find a fun activity to which you will look forward to boost results. A healthy diet works hand-in-hand with exercise and can help your body function optimally.
Relaxation techniques and improved sleep habits have also been shown to be helpful in controlling the frequency and intensity of panic attacks. If your condition worsens or does not improve with self-help, you may benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication. CBT is designed to help you discover problematic behavior patterns and adjust your reactions as needed while medications can have an effect on your nervous system response. Antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs and sedatives may be beneficial on either a short- or a long-term basis. Because some of these medications can be habit-forming, they may not be appropriate for those who have struggled with substance abuse in the past.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)