Shingles disease threats

“If you’ve had chickenpox, you are at risk for shingles’”

What is Shingles?
Shingles (Herpes Zoster or Zoster) is a painful skin rash, often with blisters. It’s caused by the Varicella Zoster Virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Varicella Zoster Virus stay dormant (inactive) in your body and can later resurface as shingles, with no warning.


Shingles can cause long-lasting nerve pain and other serious complications.





What is the symptom for shingles?
Shingles usually starts as a single painful rash (stripe) around either the left or the right side of the body or face.


The rash forms blisters that typically scab over in 7 – 10 days and clears up within 2 – 4 weeks.


In rare cases (usually among people with weakened immune systems), the rash may be more widespread and looks similar to a chickenpox rash.


There was great variability in pain density, where 96%of patients experienced acute pain and 42% reported that their worst zoster pain was “horrible” or “excruciating”.


Shingles serious consequences
Acute pain is the most common symptom of shingles whereas chronic pain is the most common complication of shingles. Post herpetic neuralgia (PHN) is chronic pain that follows acute shingles lasting for at least 3 months.


Other serious complications
Other serious complications of shingles are:

• Allodynia
  
• Pneumonia
  
• Hearing loss
  
• Scarring
  
• Blindness
  
• Ramsay Hunt syndrome
  
• Brain infection (encephalitis)
  
• Bacterial super infection
• Motor neuron palsies

Allodynia is a distressing and debilitating pain caused by even the slightest touch.

What are the serious complications for shingles?

• Chronic Nerve Pain
  

Up to 1 in 5 people who develop shingles will experience postherpetic neuralgia, or PHN – nerve pain that can develop even after the rash heals, which can range from mild to severe and debilitating.


Patients have described PHN as burning, throbbing, stabbing, shooting and or sharp pain.


PHN can be difficult to manage and refractory to treatment and can persist for months or even years. As people get older, they are more likely to develop PHN, and the pain is more likely to be severe.


For some people, this nerve pain can get in the way to normal day-to-day activities such as walking, sleeping and social activities.

• Visual Loss
  

Almost 10% to 25% of shingles patients will suffer from zoster ophthalmicus and among 50% to 72% of these will suffer chronic ocular disease and visual loss.


Who is at risk for shingles?
Approximately 99.5% of the U.S. population aged ≥ 40 years has evidence of a previous varicella zoster virus infection; therefore, almost every older adult are at risk for shingles, although many cannot recall a history of chickenpox.

• According to Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, almost 1 in 3 people will develop shingles in their lifetimes.
  
• The risk increases as you get older. This is especially true if you’re over 50 years of age.
  

We have no way to predict:

• When the varicella virus will reactivated
  
• Who will develop shingles
  
• How severe any individual case may be
  

The only way to reduce the risk of developing shingles and the long-term pain that can follow shingles is to get vaccinated.

5 Fake Foods Diabetic Should Avoid

Are whippe toppings dangerous?

Imitation seafood/crabmeat salad - This prepared salad is often found in the seafood section of the grocery - it looks and smells like real seafood salad but it may not offer any of the real thing. Imitation seafood salad contains a majority of fillers with very little fish; a large amount of the fillers are carbohydrates, sometimes up to 14 grams for a ½ cup serving. You would assume this is a protein source since it is fish. These salads can also be laden with mayonnaise or dressing which can raise the amount of saturated fat; this increases your LDL or bad cholesterol and elevates your risk of heart disease. Although much more expensive, consider the real crab, shrimp or lobster in a smaller amount, mix with low fat mayonnaise or lemon juice and add fresh vegetables with whole grain bread or crackers to increase your portion and have a satisfying meal with little fat or fillers.

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Processed cheese is also a fake food worth staying away from. Many processed cheese foods have milk product concentrates and milk products that increase the carbohydrate count to almost triple the amount found in regular low fat cheese. Processed cheddar cheese has 3 grams of carbohydrate per ounce while real cheddar has only a trace. If it says "pasteurized prepared cheese product" it is not real cheese. Processed cheese is usually shiny, lacks real cheese consistency-almost waxy, has an artificial bright yellow color and does not really taste like cheese. Try to avoid cheese that comes in the squirt-can, artificial American sliced processed cheese or Velveeta. If you can not completely avoid them at least enjoy in moderation. Consider low fat cheese as a better option.

Processed meats including sausages, salami, bologna and hot dogs (unless all beef/no fillers) are fake foods with many empty calories, fake coloring, artificial flavors and lots of saturated fat. Corn syrup is added for enhanced sweetened flavor which is not healthy especially if you have diabetes. Look for varieties that say nitrate-free, since meats with this preservative can increase cancer risk. Processed meats may also contain large amounts of carbohydrates (fillers) that are not expected in a protein source. Nitrates may increase the risk of diabetes and heart disease as well. Choose Canadian bacon or lean low sodium ham if possible.

Whipped toppings may seem like an answer for added sweetness with a creamy topping to your dessert, but think again. Most of these toppings contain multiple chemicals with artificial flavors and colorings. They usually include hydrogenated vegetable oil which is considered a trans-fat. Trans-fat is connected with cardiovascular disease. Think about using a small serving of a real homemade whipped cream topping for flavor in moderation.

Written by: Paula Johanson

Non-Dairy creamers (liquid or powder) - To lessen hunger and stay filled up I see many patients who drink decaf coffee throughout the day with artificial creamers. The creamers may seem convenient and innocent since they do not require refrigeration and even come in small single portion containers, but they are not particularly healthy. They contain hydrogenated oil, corn syrup, sugar and calories. Now and again they are fine but some patients drink 6 cups a day with 2-3 creamers per cup! Watch refrigerator flavored creamers even when they say "low fat or low sugar" as well. A little goes along way. Think about low fat 1-2% organic milk or Lactaid milk (if you are lactose intolerant) for a good healthy alternative (milk is a carbohydrate).

I would never say "never" to anything you may want to eat, but definitely try to make better and healthier food choices. When grocery shopping read food labels when possible, ask waiters or restaurant owners about ingredients, try apps including Fooducate on your smart phone for calorie counts and ingredients if available; this app grades products from an A-D scale. It also allows you to compare foods and make the best choice. You will feel better and your body will appreciate it too!

-by Roberta Kleinman, RN, M.Ed., CDE

Superfood: Incredible Powers of Celery Juice

Celery are highly nutritious and one of the most hydrating foods which it is incredibly alkalizing, equalizes the body's PH and vital for peak health. Celery contain a perfect balanced minerals, vitamins and nutrients. Celery leaves are high in vitamin A, whilst the stems are an excellent source of vitamins B1, B2, B6 and C and dense in potassium, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, sodium and essential amino acids.

Celery is rich in sodium, which is very different to table salt. Normal table salt is composed of insoluble inorganic compounds which lead to the development of varicose veins, hardening of the arteries and other aliments. If salt, including sea salt is white, then it has been processed and all minerals and nutrients have been destroyed.

The celery and your health



Fights Cancer - Celery is known to contain at least eight families of anti-cancer compounds. A study at Rutgers University of New Jersey found that celery contains a number of compounds that help prevent cancer cells from spreading. Celery contains compounds called acetylenics and this compound has been shown to stop the growth of tumor cells. Celery contains other compounds called phonolic acids that block the action of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins, which encourage the growth of tumor cells. Coumarins, another phytonutrient in celery helps prevent free-radicals from damaging cells and prevent the formation and development of the colon and stomach cancers.

Lowers Cholesterol - Laboratory studies also indicate that butyl phthalide, a chemical in celery, may help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol. According to researchers at the University of Chicago, celery reduces cholesterol levels by as much as 7 points with as little as 2 stalks a day. Celery also aids in increasing bile acid secretion which helps to remove cholesterol from the body.

Aids in Digestion - Special nutrients in the fiber are released during juicing that aid bowel movements. This makes celery a natural laxative that helps to relieve constipation. It also helps relax nerves that have been overworked by man-made laxatives.

Diuretic - The potassium and sodium in celery juice are powerful body fluid regulators that stimulate urine production to help rid the body of excess fluid.

Anti Inflammatory - The polyacetylene in celery is an amazing relief for all inflammation including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, asthma and bronchitis. A study published in the Proceeding of the National Academy of Science U.S.A found that another powerful phytonutrient called luteolin prevents activation of a pathway that allows inflammation in the brain to get switched on. Luteolin also inhibits the excess production of TNF-alpha, a direct cause of inflammation. Juice is the most efficient and nutritious way to eat celery, and people who have these conditions can drink as much juice as desired without overdosing.

Lower blood pressure - Celery's potential for reducing high blood pressure has long been recognized by Chinese medicine. Studies show that drinking celery juice every day for 1 week can significantly help lower blood pressure. A compound called phtalides helps relax the muscles around the arteries, dilating the vessels and allowing blood to flow smoothly. Pthalides also reduce stress hormones, one of whose effects is to cause blood vessels to constrict. When researchers injected 3-n-butyl phthalide derived from celery into laboratory animals, the animals' blood pressure dropped 12 to 14 percent. Celery amazingly doesn't lower blood pressure which is already low.

Insomnia - The minerals and essential oils in celery juice have a calming effect on the nervous system, making it beneficial for insomniacs. Its high magnesium levels help people to relax into a soothing and restful sleep.
 

Superfood weight loss celery


  Weight loss - Drinking celery juice frequently throughout the day helps curb cravings for sweet. It is filling without putting any extra pounds on.

Elimination and Prevention of stones - Celery juice is an amazing eliminator of toxins from the body, which aids in the breaking and elimination of urinary and gall bladder stones. This lovely juice helps those who have suffered from stones from getting them again.

Increased Sexuality- Celery juice is beneficial for weak sexuality, yet doesn't cause an uncontrollable urge as some pharmaceutical drugs do. Celery balances the system rather than increasing it.

Celery can be juiced with any other fruits or vegetables. A particularly delicious and powerful combination is carrot, apple, cucumber and celery.

Celery juice recipe

Here are two juicing recipes to get you started! Feel the difference juicing everyday with basic recipes that offer concentrated liquid nutrition to your body and blood.

Juicing is easy and fun! It is a great way to start the day when the digestive tract is clear and the cells are hungry for high quality liquid nutrition.

1. Green Celery Juice

Ingredients:

• 2 celery stalks
• 1/2 cucumber
• 3 big pieces of dino kale
• some fennel bulb or stalk
• 6 stems of parsely
• 1/4c spring water

Press veggies through your favorite juicer and run 1/4c spring water at the end to extract rest of juicing liquid. Pour into a glass. Serves one.

We tend to drink about a quart of juice at one time, in this case you would need to double the above recipe.

2. Sweet Delight Juice

Ingredients:

• 2 apples
• 4 celery stalks
• 2 carrots
• 2 kale leaves
• 1/2 cucumber
• 1/4 spring water

Press through juicer, pour and serve.

This is one of my husbands favorite's, he likes his juice on the sweeter side. It is delightfully sweet, as the name implies, and makes you smile when you drink it.

If you need an affordable, durable and yet powerfull compact juicer, you might need to find a Breville BJE200XL 700-Watt Compact Juice Fountain. It's really excelent for the job and worth for your money too.

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includes Breville BJE200XL 700-Watt Compact Juice Fountain

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Now everybody can ride a bike



Credit: Yahoo news

 A new design of bicycle has been invented. The bicycle made almost entirely of cardboard has potentially wide spread all over the world.

The cardboard bicycle seems has the potential to change transportation habits from the most congested cities to the poorest country.

Beside of it's low price, the bicycle uses recycleable materials which were environment friendly. So we can enjoy our physical activities with this 'green bicycle' along our neighborhood.

Look for other bicycle:
* Biking for sliming
* Schwinn Windwood Women's Cruiser Bike (26-Inch Wheels)
* Mongoose Impasse Dual Full Suspension Bicycle (29-Inch)
* Titanium Mountain Bike
*Diamondback 2012 Grind Pro BMX Bike

Minimum cigarette price in Malaysia

PUTRAJAYA Aug 14 — Malaysian government has set the minimum price of all cigarette brands at RM7 effective Sept 1 and only allows cigarette packets with 20 sticks to be sold.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said with effect from that date all discounting prices by cigarette companies would also not be allowed Cigarette companies would also be required to only produce cigarette carton containing 10 packets he told a media conference after introducing the ASAP Smoke Free Lifestyle ambassador here today.

The regulations imposed on cigarette companies were aimed at reducing the capability of children youngsters and the low income earners to buy cigarettes.