September 26, 2008

Women\'s Health Concerns: Finding A Breast Lump

One of the most common women's health issues that plague women are lumps in their breast. Finding a lump can be traumatizing. A lot of women feel that their breasts are what make them an attractive woman and can't bear the thought of losing their breast(s) should the lump turn out to be the sign of something serious.

There are several causes of breast lumps. Some of these causes are nothing to be concerned about, while others can be painful and/or dangerous.

One common cause of a breast lump is infection. An infections of the breast are known as mastitis and is especially common in women who are breastfeeding. When the skin of the nipple (areola) is injured or cracked, such as is common with nursing, bacteria can enter the wound and cause infections. In a breastfeeding woman, a hard area commonly thought of a clogged milk duct will form. Sometimes, certain treatments can prevent the painful, hard area from developing into an actual breast infection (mastitis). Infections can either be a deep pocket of pus, in which the infection looks like it is growing down into the breast (an abscess), or a wider area of skin redness that spreads out (cellulitis). Body piercing in the nipple area increases the risk of breast infections that may be particularly difficult to treat.

Another cause of breast lumps is injury. If a breast is injured by trauma, tiny blood vessels can rupture to cause an area of localized bleeding (hematoma) that is felt as a lump. Trauma to the breast can damage the fat cells in the breast tissue, a condition called fat necrosis which can also form a lump in the breast.

Third, there are non-cancerous growths such as Fibroadenomas or cysts. Fibroadenomas growths most commonly occur in women 30 to 35 years old. They are solid, firm tumors that are usually painless or only slightly tender. They sometimes grow quickly in teenagers or during pregnancy. Breast cysts are fluid-filled, tiny sacs within the breast tissue and are benign. They are very common, especially over the age of 35. These cysts often vary in size during the menstrual cycle and may be tender.

Last, the most dreaded cause- cancer. Breast cancer usually causes no pain in the breast. Although women often worry about breast pain, most women with breast pain do not have breast cancer. Only about 6% of women with breast cancer have breast pain as their first sign of cancer.

Nipple discharge that occurs without the nipple being touched can be caused by benign (non-cancerous) growths. Examples of these growths are intraductal papillomas (non-cancerous growths that protrude into the milk ducts) and dilated areas of milk ducts (ductal ectasia). Nipple discharge can also be caused by cancer of the breast tissue. Because nipple discharge can be a sign of cancer, it needs to be evaluated by a doctor.

Skin changes on the breast, including redness and warmth, can sometimes be a sign of breast cancer. A form of breast cancer that commonly causes these signs of inflammation is Paget’s disease of the breast. Most inflammation or rashes on the breast are not due to cancer. They may be caused by benign problems such as nipple eczema or a fungus infection. Still, any breast rashes should be evaluated by a doctor. Areas that are especially scaly and red, particularly if they are persistent, or if there is also nipple discharge, are often sampled (biopsied) to rule out cancer.

In conclusion, women's health issues such as breast lumps are not to be taken lightly. Should you find a lump in your breast, it is best to seek medical attention immediately to rule out the possibility of it being the sign of something life threatening like cancer.

Filed under Women's Health by Debbie

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September 25, 2008

Oral Thrush – Understanding It Better

Oral thrush is one type of yeast infection. This as the name indicates happen in the mouth, a location that is constantly moist and ideal for proliferation of the yeast. This condition which is quite common in the very young and elderly individuals can be remedied by proper treatment and control of diet.

Diet has an important role in many bodily activities including keeping the level of the immune status and in preventing overgrowth of yeast. So, regulation of diet plays a rolein preventing yeast infections. Apart from diet, the other factors that play a role in helping overgrowth of yeast include badly constructed dentures, antibiotics, oral contraceptives, iron deficiency, chemotherapy, pregnancy, endocrine problems, and any contributory skin problems.

Oral thrush is seen to form a white coating on the surface of the tongue and palate and sometimes on the inner portion of the lips and in the throat. It can sometimes take up a yellow color instead of white. Apart from this, the person is seen to have a craving for yeast products like bread, sugar or alcohol. This cannot be noted in young individuals as they cannot express their craving, but there are other ways to diagnose the condition.

Some other common symptoms that are usually seen are problems with digestion and fatigue. The most important Yeast Infection is a rash that could be found as an inflamed peeling patch on the area of the tongue or palate. There may also be presence of discolored excess tissue and cracking of the lips at the corners.

There may be some burning sensation associated that makes babies suffering from oral yeast infection very uncomfortable especially while nursing. This is added to the fact that they are not able to express their problem verbally to the others.

Babies usually contract the yeast infection at birth due to increased yeast proliferation in the vagina of the mother. It can also be spread from the mother to the baby due to the presence of infection below the mother’s breast or within the breast or on the nipples. It is also possible that the yeast infection can spread from any other person in the family or through a pet in the household although it is more common from the mother.

The diagnosis is confirmed by taking a scraping from the mouth or through a swab. While providing treatment both the mother and the child need care as the infection can again be spread from the mother if she is not treated and vice versa. There is also a high chance of developing resistance if the infection goes on recurring.

One biggest problem you might face if your baby is suffering from thrush is the difficulty in feeding as the infection could cause difficulty in swallowing. For this reason, the baby is likely to go hungry and cry a lot. He/ she will also suffer from disruption of sleep due to hunger. This could then result in other type of complications and the child might fall ill and remain very irritable. So, check your baby’s mouth for any white coating on the tongue or other areas of the mouth and see if it will go off when wiped with a moist cloth. If not, check with the pediatrician whether your child is suffering from oral yeast infection.

Filed under Women's Health by Debbie

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September 23, 2008

How to stay on the healthy track if you have a very busy schedule.

Some believe that because one is disease free then that person is healthy. Healthiness is really a combination of factors, including both mental and physical aspects. If you are trying to be healthy the first thing you need to do when you come home from a day at work is not to collapse on the couch in a state of exhaustion. Health and well-being means you possess enough energy to really get the most out of your free time and not just be a couch potato. If you are healthy, old age is not to be dreaded but embraced.

No one else is as considered about your health care as you. You, and you alone, are responsibile for your health. Among the most significant initial steps to take is to ensure you obtain sufficient micronutrients.

Micronutrients are crucial for survival if they are are taken in small amounts. Vitamins and minerals are the most common micronutrients. Small amounts of these vital dietary substances are necessary to prevent deficiency and disease.

The Journal of the American Medical association has proven that most people do not have a vitamin deficiency, such as scurvy, according to studies published between 1966 and 2002. Although they do not have a vitamin deficiency, per se, many people ingest some vitamins and minerals at levels which are below that which is needed for good health.

For an in depth guide visit My Sport Nutrition .

Filed under Nutrition by Debbie

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September 22, 2008

How To Deal With The Beginning Indicators Of Menopause

Baby boomers are aging. As this phenomenon progresses, increased attention will of necessity be paid to physical ailments, mental disorders and awkward conditions that limit lifestyle options. Among those impacting women is menopause.

The first signs of menopause can make you think you're going crazy. Certain parts of the house are hotter, you're waking up in sweats, forgetting things, and your vision is changing. If you're a woman between the ages of 40 and 60, you're not insane, but rather likely experiencing the first indicators of menopause.

Most of the first signs of menopause don't require a doctor or expensive hormonal treatments. In fact, you can deal with many of them on their own. To learn more about these "symptoms" and how they affect you, along with how you can effectively deal with or live with them, keep reading.

Hot Flashes

Hot flashes are the most commonly reported symptom of menopause, and they affect approximately 80% of menopausal women. They're often caused by stress, hot environments or even diet.

To combat hot flashes, always carry a small fan or even some wet naps with you in your purse. You may also want to invest in sweat wicking undergarments and work on exercising more, which can improve circulation and help control hot flashes.

Forgetfulness

If you're having trouble remembering where you set down your cell phone, the name of a friend or where you're supposed to be Friday at 11:00, then carry a pad of Post-It Notes with you. You can jot down simple reminders to yourself and then stick them where they're visible at all times.

If you're a little bit more high-tech, then consider writing yourself reminders on your Blackberry or other portable device. You can keep track of more than just your meetings and contacts.

Hair Growth

Many menopausal women experience hair growth in unlikely places. To avoid looking in the rear view mirror and spotting a massive chin hair that you can't do anything about it, carry a pair of tweezers with you in case of emergency.

Unexpected Sweating at Night

Night sweats are a nighttime manifestation of hot flashes, causing you to wake up soaking wet and often disturbed or anxious. To fight night sweats, keep your bedroom cool (below 70 degrees) and try relaxing before bed. You may also want to spend the money on a high-quality pair of sweat-wicking pajamas.

Joint and Bone Pains

Menopausal women can suffer from major bone and joint problems if they don't supplement the amount of calcium they're intaking. Try carrying calcium chews or calcium candy with you.

Dry and Irritated Eyes

One of the most common first signs of menopause is dry or irritated eyes - a problem brought on by hormone fluctuations. To combat this problem, invest in over-the-counter and preservative free artificial tears.

Filed under menopause symptoms by Debbie

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September 20, 2008

Yeast Overgrowth Candida - Natural Remedy To Cure Yeast Infection!

Yeast infection on the skin is one of the common skin disorders. Yeast infection is caused by the increase of the fungus or yeast on skin.

Cure Yeast Overgrowth

Usually the fungus Candida albicans which is normally found on the skin, show an abnormal growth when other inhibiting factors are not present, leading to the presence of the disease. Antibiotics, lack of hygiene, not washing the genitalia after sexual intercourse, hot and humid weather, birth control pills etc lead to the increase of the fungus which cause yeast on skin.

It is believe that yeast on skin is usually present in women, but it can affect men and children too. It is important to keep one’s skin clean and dry so that there is no spread of infection. It is another myth that yeast infection only affects private parts; it can affect places where skin touches skin, which could be your armpits, underside of breasts, between the toes or under the fat folds of the skin. Take a look at Cure Yeast Overgrowth.

Even the part inside out mouth is susceptible to yeast infection, considering the warm that the warm and humid environment is just right for Candidas to grow. You should ideally wear loose clothing and incorporate vegetables and yogurt in your diet because improper clothing and bad diet can increase the chance of yeast infection to grow more effectively.

What a Yeast Infection Looks Like

A Candida infection or yeast infection looks like a smooth, reddish rash with prickly edges. You may even see small dot like pimples along the edges of the rash which can itch, tingle or inflame. The skin is the largest organ of the body and having yeast on skin can be unhealthy as well as embarrassing.

Though medicines are available in the form of topical creams and tablets, a holistic approach cures the disease from within, permanently. Allopathic medication merely cures the symptoms of yeast infection and there is a chance that the infection could recur. So it is wiser to go for home remedies for yeast infection.

Remedy for a Yeast Infection

There are yeast infection natural remedies and some of them include aloe vera juice, oregano oil, garlic, yogurt, tea tree oil and detoxifying the body with a colon cleanse. Of course, you can take monistat, but that is like a band aid to the problem and cause for recurring yeast infection. Natural remedies will get rid of the yeast infection once and for all.

If you would like to learn about natural cure for candida and more about Yeast Infection Cure Homeopathic, then visit our website at Eliminate Yeast Infection Now at Cure Yeast Overgrowth.

Filed under Menopause Relief by Debbie

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September 19, 2008

Drinking Aloe Vera Juice - 3 Simple Ways To Make Aloe Vera Juice!

Everyone wants to be in optimal health and fitness to enjoy their life to the highest degree. Some people go around being frustrated with acne, constipation, acid reflux, yeast infection, menopause problems and other health issues when they don’t really have to.

Drinking Aloe Vera Juice

All of our health issues can be avoided before they get worse or constitute a visit to the doctor by looking at holistic and natural remedies that are safe to take. Aloe Vera Juice is one of the ideal solutions to your health problems. If you drink a glass or two of Aloe Vera Juice on a daily basis, you would be surprised how much your health would improve.

When your body is lacking energy and you would drink a glass of Aloe Vera Juice, you can bet that it will rejuvenate you for the entire day. Below you will find an Aloe Vera Juice recipe that you can make from the comfort of your home.

I would not suggest that you buy the Aloe Vera Juice from the local health food store because you want to prepare it yourself so that you can have fresh Aloe Vera Juice and you will be able to put whatever you want in it.

Using this simple Aloe Vera Juice recipe, you will be able to make this juice as often as you want.

Aloe Vera Juice Ingredients

• Use one whole cucumber
• Use one whole Apple
• Lemon Juice from one whole lemon
• Use two tablespoon of the Aloe Vera gel that you extracted from the Aloe Vera Plant.

Making the Aloe Vera Juice

• Cut up the cucumber and the apple into small pieces.
• Blend the small pieces together in a blender or a juicer.
• Now add your lemon juice and the Aloe Vera gel that you got from your Aloe Vera plant
• Stir the combined mixture.
• You can add honey to the mixture as well as cod liver oil (optional)
• Put the Aloe Vera Juice in the refrigerator and serve it while it is chilled

If you were given something that would make you feel better even if it tasted bad, I am sure you would drink it; especially if it would save your life. Aloe Vera Juice is not pleasant tasting, but it is advantageous to your health.

If you want more information about the benefits of Aloe Vera Juice and how to effectively use it to improve your health, I would highly recommend the book here - Aloe Vera Juice Benefit at Drinking Aloe Vera Juice.

Filed under Natural Remedies by Debbie

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September 17, 2008

Hot Flash Remedy Tips That Work

No 2 women experience the exact same symptoms of menopause . A lot of women will only experience very mild menopause symptoms. For others the experience will be quite overwhelming and could be quite a demoralizing ride. If you're one of the unfortunate minority, don't give up, as there are many effective menopause treatment options particularly natural herbal remedy for menopause that make a big difference in easing your symptoms almost completely.

Believe it or not, the menopause is a crucial stage in your life. If you treat it as a positive and life enhancing event, it can be a rewarding and revealing one. Life is a series of milestones. When we were younger we rushed past the markers concentrating on the next rather than celebrating this one. As we accumulate years we tend to slow down and contemplate what we've achieved. If you're into the menopause you may feel it's time to look at a new lifestyle. Reaching menopause is a great opportunity to take the plunge.

Making plans for the years ahead is just like planning a journey. Look upon it as a reward for a successful career or for bringing up your family. Just think about your last vacation. It was such an adventure just planning it a long way in advance. Perhaps you got out guide books and maps, made the decision of where you would be going, and booked the trip.

The further forward you planned, the more you anticipated going, and the more you savored the trip. There may have been some out of the blue adventures along the way but because you had planned for every eventuality you were able to cope with every eventuality.

Becoming menopausal may just be your cue to start your new journey.

A Healthy Menopause Diet

From the very first spark of life till the day we die, the quality of food and nutrition that we eat determines the quality of our health and well being. The immediate benefits of a nutritious diet are great body tone and vibrant health. It will build our immune system to help fight off colds, viruses and diseases, increase our energy levels and improve physical performance.

In the long term, it will help protect against diseases such as heart problems, many forms of cancer, all forms of diabetes, cataracts, and high blood pressure. When you notice signs of symptoms of menopause, creating a highly nutritious menopause diet and incorporating certain foods, such as soybean based products, is a very good idea. The right nutrition will also make a big difference to relieving symptoms of menopause and help ensure you don't gain weight during this period.

Interest in health, nutrition and well being has never been greater. The media, our friends and family all believe they are experts on what a balanced diet is all about. With this abundance of often conflicting information, it can be hard to know who has the answers or what we should be eating. Not only that, but it often seems like the people who say they know about health are forever changing their direction and telling us something different.

Believe it or not the standard advice on what a healthy and balanced diet consists of is just the same today as it was 30 years ago.

How To Create Your Healthy Well Balanced Diet

There are several key ingredients in a nutritious diet but one of the most important is balance. Nutritionists divide foods into five main food groups. To ensure that you get all the nutrients your body needs, you need to make sure you eat some food from all of the 5 groups every day.

During menopause in particular, finding the balance will depict how intensely you suffer with menopause symptoms.

Filed under Menopause Relief by Debbie

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