Asthma is a chronic health condition characterized by shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. The symptoms and severity of asthma attacks can range from mildly annoying to painfully debilitating, depending on the individual. In the United States, more than 20 million people — about 7 percent of the population — are now living with asthma. People with asthma can avoid attacks through careful monitoring of their symptoms and correct medication, including preventive treatment. Studies have shown that family history may sometimes play a role in who is diagnosed with asthma

By Madeline Vann, MPH

Medically reviewed by Niya Jones, MD, MPH

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If you have asthma, any exposure to cigarette smoke can lead to an asthma attack. Cigarettes “do not cause asthma, in the sense that people don’t become allergic to cigarette smoke,” but contact with cigarette smoke either by actively smoking or through secondhand exposure can trigger asthma symptoms, says Kenneth Rosenman, MD, chief of the division of occupational and environmental medicine at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Mich.

An asthma attack occurs when your airways become irritated and inflamed. Cigarette smoke is one item on a long list of potential asthma triggers. “We can describe an asthmatic as someone who has sensitive airways, the same way some people have [sensitive] skin — so any irritating stimulant, like cigarette smoke or [other air pollutants that wouldn't] produce a reaction in a normal person, will lead to wheezing or an asthma attack,” explains Richard Castriotta, MD, professor of medicine and associate director of the division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston.

Smoking and Asthma
Though many airborne pollutants can trigger an asthma attack, cigarette smoke is especially dangerous. “The single most important environmental factor that can make asthma worse is tobacco smoke,” says Miles Weinberger, MD, professor of pediatrics and director of the Pediatric Allergy & Pulmonary Division at the University of Iowa in Iowa City.

Dr. Weinberger cites statistics that show a fivefold increase in hospitalizations among children who have asthma and live with smokers. Living in a house with a smoker — even a smoker who says that the smoking takes place outside of the home — can make it very difficult to control asthma, says Weinberger. Keep in mind that even traces of smoke on clothing can irritate the sensitive airways of someone with asthma and can trigger an asthma attack.

In fact, Weinberger has done research in Iowa City that shows that close to 90 percent of children with asthma who live in a nonsmoking household can achieve good control of their asthma. The proportion drops dramatically, to only 50 percent, for children who live in homes with smokers, he says. Likewise, adults who smoke and also have asthma may find that they are much less responsive to asthma medications that are known to be effective in asthmatics who do not smoke.

Oats rich in soluble fiber which can reduce excessive intestinal absorption of cholesterol, changes in blood fatty acid levels, reduce “bad cholesterol” and triglycerides. Daily intake of 5-10 grams of soluble fiber, you can make “bad” cholesterol, reduced the absorption rate of 5%. Other water-soluble fiber-rich foods include: green beans, apples, peaches, melons, mushrooms, seaweed, black fungus, seaweed and so on.

Nuts. Almonds, peanuts, walnuts, cashews, chestnuts and other nuts contain polyunsaturated fatty acids, can lower cholesterol, but also to maintain the health and elasticity of arteries.

Published in this year’s World Heart Association Annual Meeting, a study reported that 10 European countries collected almost 40 million people in data analysis, found that eating nuts more and more people are suffering from the lower risk of coronary heart disease. Eat 13 grams of nuts who have coronary heart disease risk than those who ate less than 1 gram less 40%.

But nuts only drawback is that the heat is too high. Experts suggest trying to eat twice a week, each time to eat 8 grams, about grip in the palm of the hand the amount of loosely one can get rich in unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants.

Soybeans. Soy is low in saturated fat, cholesterol, replacing animal protein with soy protein can lower blood total cholesterol and “bad” cholesterol, triglyceride, without affecting the “good” cholesterol. In addition, soybeans contain soy isoflavones and fiber can also lower cholesterol. Daily intake of 20-50 grams of soy protein, about 4% -8% can reduce “bad cholesterol” and triglycerides.

In addition to soybeans, soy protein products are Tofu, soy milk and so on. It should be noted that the process will affect the isoflavone in soy, cellulose content.

Deep sea fish. Fish contains 3 fatty acids that can affect the blood lipids, lowering triglyceride levels, slowing the blood coagulation rate, which play a role in cardiovascular protection and reduce the incidence of coronary heart disease. Deep-sea fish, including salmon, tuna, mackerel, Pacific saury, eel and so on, preferably at least eat twice a week.

Orange juice. Which is a kind of plant sterols and cholesterol structurally similar chemicals, can compete in cholesterol absorption in the intestine channel, thereby reducing the body’s absorption of cholesterol. Recent studies have indicated that daily intake of 2-3 grams of plant sterols, can reduce the 6% -15% of the “bad” cholesterol, without affecting the “good” cholesterol. In addition to orange juice containing plant sterols along with nuts, seeds, soybean oil, peanut oil, and some plants have also added phytosterols cream inside.

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Cholesterol is the body’s vital nutrients as a fat. However, if blood cholesterol is too high, the excess part of the blood vessels will become narrow, blood flow impeded, deposited in the vessel wall can lead to hardening of the arteries.

Most medical professionals and experts suggest lifestyle changes is the most important factor in cholesterol-lowering. In many cases, simply change your daily diet and exercise can significantly change your cholesterol levels in a short period of 4-5 weeks.

1. Milk: Rich in whey acid and calcium, which can inhibit cholesterol deposited on artery walls and reducing the formation of cholesterol.

2. Mushrooms: Mushrooms can significantly reduce the blood vessels of cholesterol, triglyceride and low density protein level, regular consumption of mushrooms in the body can increase high-density lipoprotein relative. (High-density lipoprotein have anti-atherosclerotic effects)

3. Garlic: Allicin is not only effective in preventing high blood pressure, but also can reduce the incidence of heart disease. There is also the effect of fat removal.

4. Carrot: Carrot containing calcium, combined with bile acid fecal discharge from the body to produce bile acids is necessary to the use of blood cholesterol, thereby lowering blood cholesterol levels.

5. Onion: Onion contains prostaglandins A, there is a diastolic function of blood vessels to lower blood pressure; also contains allyl sulfur compounds and a small amount of three sulfur amino acids, in addition to blood cholesterol, it can also play a role in prevention of atherosclerosis.

6. Leek: Leek contain carotene and a large number of cellulose which can enhance gastric peristalsis to get rid of excessive nutrients in the gut and fat.

7. Kelp: Kelp contains taurine, dietary fiber polysaccharide, can reduce blood lipids and bile acids in cholesterol.

8. Grape: Grape juice and wine as a resveratrol contained, animal experiments proved that it can lower cholesterol, can also inhibit platelet aggregation.

Studies suggest that exercise can strengthen muscles lipase activity, first to rapid serum cholesterol levels rise, thus promoting the use of muscle cholesterol (oxidation of cholesterol to generate energy for muscle use), with the consumption of body heat, so that decreased blood cholesterol levels. In addition, the movement to speed up the body’s blood circulation and promote the body’s metabolism, increase fat utilization, thereby reducing the accumulation of cholesterol in the blood vessels and blood vessel walls of the calm, but also can increase the fiber protease activity is conducive to Control of coronary artery atherosclerosis and the prevention of the further development of thrombus formation.

Physical exercise should be sustained, and only after long-term, systematic exercise to be effective. Elderly people should select the appropriate sports according to their own health, such as walking, running, swimming, biking and so on.

A short-term diet high in calcium may provide support for individual weight-loss plans, according to the results of a study recently completed in Denmark. This trial supports several epidemiologic studies showing that greater calcium intake in obese adults on a low-calorie diet promoted healthy weight-loss better than a low-calcium intake. The randomized crossover study involved 10 moderately overweight subjects who consumed three different diets: low calcium (500 mg) and normal protein (15% of energy); high calcium (1,800 mg) and normal protein; and high calcium and high protein (23% of energy).

Journal of Obesity 29:292-301, 2005

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When it comes to finding quick weight loss diet tips that work, selecting your foods for your diet can be a real balancing act. You have to lose some of what you’ve grown accustomed to and add some items that may be new to you. Here’s some quick weight loss tips that experts recommend to promote weight loss.

Quick Weight Loss Tips #1 – Reduce fat.

With regard EO fat, the research is clear: Diets too high in fat promote overweight and obesity. You should strive to consume no more than 25 percent of your calories from fat – and that fat should the “non-saturated” type.

Quick Weight Loss Tips # 2 – Don’t be so sweet.

Numerous studies have linked table sugar to increased calorie consumption. While sugar doesn’t do as much dietary damage as fat, you’ll find that when you eat sweets, you simply want to eat more… of everything. Not only that, but sugar also makes your body excrete chromium, and chromium is a mineral that helps your body build calorie-burning lean tissue – so you want to keep your chromium levels up.

Quick Weight Loss Tips #3 – Drink up.

“If people want to keep their nutrients in balance, they need to drink plenty of plain, unflavored water every day,” says Judy Dodd, R.D., past president of the American Dietetic Association. Water not only acts as a solvent for many vitamins and minerals but also is responsible for carrying nutrients into and wastes out of cells, so the body functions properly. As a rule of thumb, you should drink a half-ounce of water for every pound of body weight daily, unless you’re very active, in which case you should increase your water intake to two-thirds of an ounce per pound of body weight daily. So if you weigh 100 pounds, you should drink 50 ounces of water a day as a minimum

Quick Weight Loss Tips #4 – Fill up on fiber.

You can curb your hunger by increasing your intake of dietary fiber, which is filling, so you feel full but eat less. For these diet tips, experts recommend eating more fruits, vegetables and wholegrain cereals.

Quick Weight Loss Tips #5 – Get treatment for food allergies.

Some researchers believe that being overweight is the result of people craving foods that they are allergic to. For these people, weight loss is extremely difficult until they figure out what those trigger foods are and eliminate them from their diets.

“There are specific food allergies that trigger uncontrollable craving and bingeing,” says Joseph D. Beasley, M.D., director of Comprehensive Medical Care in Amityville, New York. “It’s a common problem in overeaters.”

If you suspect that food allergies might be part of your problem, ask your doctor to help you identify the offending items. Your doctor may recommend that you see an allergy specialist.

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Menstrual Problems and Thyroid Disease
The Effects of Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism on Menstruation

by Mary Shomon

Many menstrual problems may be symptoms of undiagnosed thyroid conditions. Girls who have either very early or very late menstruation should be evaluated for a potential thyroid problem, as thyroid problems can frequently be a cause of early or delayed puberty and menstruation. In addition, any change in menstrual patterns – such as more or less frequent periods, the onset of substantially heavier or lighter periods, or the lack of periods entirely, should trigger a thyroid evaluation by your physician.

Thyroid disease is frequently the reason behind problems with a woman’s menstrual cycle.

The linkage between thyroid disease and the menstrual cycle is not well understood by medical professionals, but there are some established linkages between menstruation and thyroid disease that are well-established.

Early Menstruation / Precocious Puberty: Hypothyroidism in girls may trigger very early menstruation, i.e., before the age of 10. This early puberty is known as “precocious puberty.” Occasionally, if hyperthyroidism occurs very early during puberty, menstrual periods may also begin earlier than usual.

Late Menstruation / Delayed Puberty: Hyperthyroidism in a teenage girl can delay the onset of puberty and onset of menstruation into the mid-teens, in some cases after the age of 15.

Lighter Periods: Lighter than normal periods are frequently associated with hyperthyroidism.

Infrequent or Sporadic Periods: Infrequent or sporadic periods are frequently associated with hyperthyroidism.

Absent Periods / Amenorrhea: Hyperthyroidism can cause menstruation to stop for longer periods, a condition known as amenorrhea.

Heavy Periods / Menorrhagia: Menorrhagia is defined as excessively heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, for example, soaking through pad every hour for several hours. Hypothyroidism is associated with menorrhagia.

More Frequent, Longer Periods: Hypothyroidism is known to cause periods to come more frequently – for example, some women will find their 28 day cycle shortens to a 25 day cycle, and their normally 5-day long menses lasts 6 or 7 days.

Painful Menstruation, Dysmenorrhea: Hypothyroidism is associated with painful menstrual periods, known as dysmenorrhea. Dysmenorrhea can include an achy or stabbing low backache, nausea, leg aches, feelings of fullness, headaches, and bowel disturbances.

When to See the Doctor

You should see the doctor:

* If heavy bleeding lasts for over 24 hours
* If your period regularly lasts more than seven days
* If periods are coming less than 21 days apart
* If periods have stopped for more than three months
* If periods are accompanied by much greater level of pain than usual

Key Steps

Even when considered treated for hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, some women still report that menstrual symptoms continue.

If you are hypothyroid, be sure that you are optimally treated, as symptoms such as menstrual problems may persist if you are not at the optimal TSH and on the proper thyroid drug for you.

If you are hyperthyroid and taking antithyroid drugs, find out your TSH level, as too low a TSH level may be triggering menstrual-related symptoms.

Women who are having menstrual irregularities should have their doctor conduct a thorough hormonal evaluation at several points in their cycle, looking at estrogen, progesterone, follicle stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone levels, among others, to evaluate whether the hormonal cycle is normal. Significant irregularities in hormonal levels may warrant hormone treatment, or may warrant further evaluation and diagnosis.

In the absence of any particular medical diagnosis behind the menstrual irregularities, there are some alternatives that might be pursued. (Please note: It’s always best when herbal remedies and supplements are pursued under the guidance of a trained herbalist, naturopath or nutritionist.)

* Calcium supplementation is known to help reduce painful menstruation.
* Some women with extremely heavy periods, can benefit from iron supplementation during the menstrual period. A typical dosage may be approximately 100 mg of iron per day. Note: if you are on thyroid hormone replacement, allow for at least 4 hours between taking thyroid hormone and iron.
* Some herbs may help bring on a delayed menstrual period, including parsley, ginger, yarrow, sage, and feverfew.
* Some herbs that are thought to help with painful menstruation include chamomile, red raspberry, lemon balm, red clover, catnip, and comfrey ro

Excess weight is probably the number one risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Yes, other factors, such as genes and aging do play a role in type 2 diabetes.

But an International Obesity Task Force estimated in 2002 that 60% of diabetes cases around the world were due to weight gain, and in Western nations it was closer to 90%.

If you are obese or overweight, you are 90 times as likely to develop type 2 diabetes as someone who is not, according to a review of medical literature published in 2003 by University of Kentucky and other researchers.

Why belly fat is so bad
And while any excess fat cranks up the risk of diabetes, fat in your midsection—which tends to swaddle organs that play a key role in regulating blood sugar—is a bigger contributor to risk.

“When those fat cells go in and around your belly, not down in your buttocks or your hips, but when it’s around the belly … that fat in and of itself works to block the action of insulin, which is necessary to lower the blood sugar,” says Gerald Bernstein, MD, director of the diabetes management program at the Gerald J. Friedman Diabetes Institute at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City.

Insulin normally triggers the liver to take up extra blood glucose and store the energy for future use. But when the liver is submerged in fat tissue, insulin “can’t get the liver to respond,” he says.

As a result, blood sugar can accumulate in the bloodstream, where it can damage organs all over your body. But even a relatively moderate amount of weight loss and exercise can protect you from diabetes.

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A regular visit to an optician to have you and your family’s eyes tested is important. Vision is linked directly to the process of learning. Children who have limited vision when seeing or interpreting what they see will often have trouble with their schoolwork. Many times, children will not protest about impaired vision simply because they have no concept of what “normal” vision looks like. If you have a child who is performing poorly at school or displays a reading or learning disability, make sure to have their eyes checked by an eye doctor who specializes in children’s vision to discard an underlying visual reason. Eye Tests are a major component of health maintenance for everybody. Adults need to have their eyes tested to ensure that their prescriptions are current and to identify early signs of eye disease. And eye exams

for children play an important role in ensuring normal vision development and academic success of all kids.

As well as testing your eyes for glasses and contacts, your eye doctor will examine your eyes for eye disorders and other problems that could result in vision loss. Here is a list of some of of the conditions that your eye physician will be looking for:

1) Strabismus: Strabismus is charicterised by crossed or turned eyes. The examiner will measure your eyes’ alignment to be sure that they are operating together. Strabismus results in problems with depth perception and can bring about amblyopia

2) Refractive Error: This refers to your prescription, including near sightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Refractive error can be corrected with glasses, contacts or refractive surgery.

3) Amblyopia: This occurs when the eyes are turned or when one eye has a much different prescription than the other. In order to compensate, the brain ignores the image from the eye. If the conditionis ignored, amblyopia can stunt the visual development of the affected eye, resulting in long term eye damage. Amblyopia is frequently treated by covering the dominant eye for durations of time.

4) Eye Teaming Problems: Despite the fact that your eyes appear to be properly aligned, it’s possible that they do not work together efficiently as a team. Such binocular eyesight problems can cause headaches, eyestrain and other problems that can affect reading and other near vision tasks.

5) Focusing Problems: These problems can range from incompletely developed focusing skills in children to normal age-related declines in focusing ability (presbyopia) among older adults.

6) Eye Diseases: Many eye diseases, such as glaucoma and diabetic eye disease, have no symptoms at their early onset. Your optician will examine the health of your eyes inside and out for signs of early problems. Normally, early identification and treatment of eye diseases can help reduce your risk for permanent vision loss.

7) Other Diseases: Opticians can identify initial indications of some conditions and diseases by examining your eye’s blood vessels, retina etc. Your optician should be able to identify if you are suffering from high blood pressure, high cholesterol or other problems.

For example, diabetes can cause small blood vessel leaks or bleeding in the eye, as well as swelling of the macula, which can lead to vision loss. Your optician will probably identify this during a complete eye test. It is possible that one-third of Americans who have diabetes are not aware of their condition; your optician may detect the disease before your doctor does, particuarly if you haven’t had a medical recently.

Understanding diabetes is the first step to managing it. Get information on diabetes causes, risk factors, warning signs, and prevention tips.

What Is Diabetes?

Causes

Are You at Risk?

Prevention

Type 1 diabetes can’t be prevented, but type 2 diabetes has modifiable risk factors which can help you lower your risk for the disease. Find out how.

Did you know that despite having the risks for developing diabetes, some steps can help in preventing type 2 diabetes?  Get information on type 2 diabetes prevention from the National Institutes of Health.

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