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According to the doctors, if every woman often undergoes cervical examination or check-up even once in their lifetime or, even better, every 5 years, then they can expect 84% protection from cervical cancer.

In Acetic Acid Wash Detection Method, a large cotton swab is immersed into 3% to 5% acetic acid and is placed on the cervix for about 2 minutes. The cotton swab is then removed. Visual inspection of the cervix follows.

If the areas of the cervix turn whitish after about 5 minutes, there could be some abnormal cancer cells already. Other signs that may indicate cervical cancer: a grossly misshapen cervix, ulcers or irregular mass formations on the cervix, and tissue that bleeds easily.

Patient positive for cervical cancer will be immediately referred to a obstetrician-gynecologist for immediate colposcopy (a diagnostic tool to determine the cause of abnormalities found in Pap smears) with Pap smear and biopsy if needed.

Lesions that eventually lead to cancer can be removed thus preventing full-blown cervical cancer.

For cervical cancer, the most important risk factor is infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). This infection can be passed from one person to another during sexual intercourse. Having unprotected sex, especially at a young age makes HPV infection more likely. Women with many sexual partners (or who have sexual intercourse with men with many sexual partners) have a greater chance of getting HPV.

Smoking is also another risk factor for cervical cancer. Tobacco smoke can produce chemicals that may damage the DNA in cells of the cervix and make cancer more likely to develop. Women smokers are about twice as likely to get cervical cancers than non-smokers.

Diet could also play a part as well in the prevention of cancer. Eating more fruits and vegetables may be linked to a lower risk of some cancers.

The main warning of invasive cancer of the cervix is unusual bleeding from the vagina at any time, especially after sexual intercourse. Although bleeding is often due to conditions other than cancer, medical advice should be sought immediately even if you have had a recent Pap test.

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I also have links to my other articles through my blogs: Sharing my Thoughts and Lifestyle Magazine for Moms

Want to know how to earn extra dollars through writing articles like this? Just visit: Earning Through Writing Articles

Can Anti-Perspirants Really Cause Breast Cancer?

This is perhaps, the oldest and most widely circulated hoaxes in the internet. According to the email messages going around the net, the use of anti-perspirants could lead to breast cancer by preventing the lymph system from purging the toxins through sweating. The email says that these toxins do not “just magically” disappear and instead deposit themselves in the lymph nodes below the arms. This causes a high concentration of toxins to remain in the body, and that leads to cell mutations: a.k.a. cancer.

But according to experts, this issue is absolutely a hoax. It has no basis at all. The lymph system does not eliminate toxins through sweating.  Experts also say that no studies have clearly established the correlation between the use of deodorants or anti-perspirants and breast cancer.  People should check out first with their doctors before believing in “health messages” that are being passed around in the internet.

Can Using Cellular Phones Really Lead to Brain Tumor?

The rumors even go as far as saying that putting the cellphones in pants pockets could even cause testicular cancer!

According to experts, there are no scientific studies that could back up that rumor. Present scientific knowledge does not prove that radiation from cellular phone transmitters could cause cancer.

Are Shampooo and Toothpaste Cancerous Too?

The email messages say that sodium laureth sulfate (SLS), a substance that makes shampoo and toothpaste foamy and sudsy, causes cancer. It claims that SLS is a very strong substance that is a main ingredient in garage floor cleansers.

Experts from the Health Canada has investigated the circulating letter and discovered that the email warning is a plain hoax. According to the article published by Health Canada “The letter is signed by a person from the University of Pennsylvania Health System and includes a phone number. Health Canada contacted the  University of Pennsylvania Health System and found that it is not the author of the sodium laureth sulfate warning and does not endorse any link between SLS and cancer.”

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I also have links to my other articles through my blogs: Sharing my Thoughts and Lifestyle Magazine for Moms

Want to know how to earn extra dollars through writing articles like this? Just visit: Earning Through Writing Articles

One unpleasant side effect of smoking cessation that most smokers have to contend with is nicotine withdrawal. Could flavored chewing gum help with this problem? A new study shows that chewing gum not only helps nicotine withdrawal symptoms, but certain chewing gum flavors work better than others.

What are the Symptoms of Nicotine Withdrawal?

Withdrawal from nicotine causes symptoms similar to a mild case of the flu. Fortunately, these symptoms are only temporary and usually subside once the body adjusts to no longer having a steady supply of nicotine.

The symptoms of nicotine withdrawal include headache, difficulty focusing, problems sleeping, fatigue, sore throat, cough, sweating, nausea, nasal stuffiness, and anxiety. Usually these symptoms start to peak after two days and then slowly subside, although it can take several months to feel completely normal again.

A Way to Calm the Symptoms of Nicotine Withdrawal?

In a study published in the journal Addictive Behaviors, researchers gave 49 smokers one of several flavors of gum to chew on for four weeks. The smokers were asked not to light up for two days during each week of the study – and to chew one of various flavors of gum to see how it would affect their symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.

Were some chewing gum flavors better than others for easing nicotine withdrawal symptoms? The smokers who chewed vanilla and apple cardamom flavored gum had the fewest symptoms of nicotine withdrawal during their period of abstinence. They experienced less anxiety, tension, and fatigue compared to those who chewed no gum – and relative to smokers who chewed the other flavor tested – peppermint. This is surprising since mint is among the most popular nicotine gum flavors.

The Bottom Line?

It’s difficult to draw solid conclusions from this study since the smokers weren’t quitting smoking permanently, just taking two day breaks from smoking each week. On the other hand, if you’re chewing gum to ease the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, chomping on vanilla flavored gum may offer some additional benefits. Apple cardamom gum seems to work too, but it could be more difficult to find.

Would chewing on vanilla mints, candies, or sniffing vanilla oil also help the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal? Maybe this will be the focus of a future study.

References:

Confectionary News. “Vanilla flavoured gum may cut nicotine withdrawal effects, study”

Addictive Behaviors. Volume 35, Issue 11, November 2010, Pages 955-960.

Antihistamines and Weight Gain

When Yale researchers looked at the body weight of 268 prescription antihistamine users, they made an interesting observation. Forty-five percent of antihistamine users were overweight compared to thirty percent of the general population. All in all, taking antihistamines was associated with a fifty-five percent greater risk of being overweight or obese.

Why Do People Take Antihistamines and Why Do They Cause Weight Gain?

Prescription antihistamines are frequently prescribed to treat allergy symptoms – particularly hay fever and seasonal allergies. They block the production of histamine – a chemical involved in producing allergic symptoms – such as itchy eyes, a runny nose, and sneezing.

Why the association between antihistamines and weight gain? Researchers are quick to point out that the results don’t necessarily mean that antihistamines cause weight gain. It could be that having allergies predisposes a person to put on weight.

On the other hand, the brain has receptors for antihistamine, and antihistamine receptors in the brain play a role in appetite, and, possibly, the rate at which the body burns fat. So, people who take antihistamines may unconsciously eat more – and taking antihistamines may slow down their metabolism slightly. The not so happy results? Weight gain.

Other Medications That Cause Weight Gain

Antihistamines aren’t the only medications that cause weight gain. Other common drugs that can cause “stealth” weight gain include antidepressants, beta blockers, steroids, insulin, and medications to treat seizures. Some people taking these medications experience gradual weight gain – and don’t know why – and it can be tough to take if off once it lands in all the wrong places.

Antihistamines and Weight Gain: Other Options?

Are there alternatives to taking antihistamines to treat allergies – that don’t cause weight gain? Anyone who’s experiencing weight gain on antihistamines should talk to their doctor about using a steroid-based nasal spray. These are quite effective for treating nasal stuffiness and won’t cause weight gain. There are also antihistamines eye drops available for itchy eyes and since they aren’t absorbed systemically to a significant degree, they don’t cause weight gain.

Antihistamines and Weight Gain: The Bottom Line?

There are lots of medications that cause weight gain that few people are aware of. Whether you’re taking antihistamines or any other drug, check your medication list if you’re gaining weight – and don’t know why.

References:

Medscape.com. “Antihistamines Linked to Extra Pounds”

Help for Obese Children

In America today 20 percent of all children ages 2 to 19 are obese, and a whopping 40 percent of African American and Hispanic children. These kids are more likely to have heart disease, including hypertension, high cholesterol and sleep apnea, as well as diabetes, early puberty, emotional difficulties and low self esteem. What’s worse is that 80 percent of kids who are obese as children are obese 25 years later. The sad news is that obese children in the United States has more than doubled in 30 years.

What can you as a parent do to help your obese child? The answer is, get the whole family on a healthy eating plan and get them moving, walk, jump rope, play ball. Don’t single your child out. He or she feels bad enough as it is, and usually the whole family will benefit from a food overhaul and exercise.

Clean out your pantry and cabinets of all sugary and fatty snacks.

Replace them with healthy nutritious foods.

Get the family out biking, walking, start a work project together, any involvement in activities that uses energy and exercises the body.

Eat all your meals at the table. No eating in front of the TV.

Serve dishes in the kitchen so you have control of portion sizes.

Serve the family, whole grains, vegetables, fruits, eggs, dairy, and white meats. Use olive and canola oils and very little other fat or sugar.

Make sure your child doesn’t skip breakfast.

See that he or she has a healthy lunch at school. No sugary desserts or chips.

Children’s weight loss is different from adults. Obese children are still growing and if they can keep the same weight for a year weight will shift, fat will be lost, and muscle gained. Slow and steady is the name of the game. If members of your family are obese, change your lifestyle and you and your whole family will be healthier and happier

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More Health articles:

http://healthmad.com/weight-loss/18-foods-that-will-zap-the-fat/

http://healthmad.com/nutrition/the-key-to-healthy-eating/

http://healthmad.com/fitness/strength-training/

http://healthmad.com/fitness/weight-chart-for-women/

http://healthmad.com/weight-loss/how-to-set-up-a-fat-budget/

Without the benefit of breakfast, I am working hard with only the previous day’s caloric intake as a power source, some of which I was burning off while sleeping! After the first few truly exerting moments, I am more tired than I would have been had I begun the day with breakfast. The more exerting work, the larger breakfast I should have. Heavy lifting requires many more calories than just pushing a lawn mower.

While calories are important for energy, they can also help you control your weight. If you are taking in more calories than you can burn off in a regular day, then you will begin to gain weight. Your metabolism is what controls your burning of calories. Making sure that your body is burning an appropriate number of calories will help you maintain and lose undesired weight. I have used the Lose It! iPhone app very successfully to monitor my caloric intake and usage and lose weight.

Image by Mess of Pottage via Flickr

Lose It! helps you watch your caloric intake and use and daily weight, and based on age, current weight and how much weight you would like to lose per week, will give you a plan to achieve your goals. In a period of about 6 months, I lost about 20 pounds and managed to keep the weight off by maintaining the level of caloric intake suggested by Lose It!.

Energy is necessary to work. Not having enough energy will leave you feeling drained; having too much energy will make you gain weight. Being healthy is a delicate balance. For a clever graphic depicting that balance by Jessica Hagy, visit Feed me, I’m tired

Does Green Tea Really Prevent Weight Gain?

Research has shown that drinking green tea can help prevent weight gain. There are a few reasons for this. Green tea can help you feeling full, which may prevent you from snacking. Men and women who drink green tea are also less likely to drink other high calorie beverages, such as soda. Finally, green tea contains antioxidants which are known to be responsible for weight loss.

How Much Green Tea Do You Have to Drink?

To prevent yourself from gaining weight by drinking green tea, it is ideal to sip on two to three cups per day. If you can, it is even more ideal to try to drink a cup of green tea prior to each of your meals, as this may help prevent you from overeating. Most men and women who only drink water in addition to green tea notice the best weight loss results.

Green tea is known to offer numerous health benefits. In addition to helping you maintain a healthy body weight, it is also thought that green tea can help you reduce the risk of heart disease. This is because the tea can help lower your triglyceride and bad cholesterol levels. Some believe that the antioxidants in green tea can help ward off various types of cancer. These are just more great reasons for you to think about drinking green tea. Not only will you find it easier to maintain your weight, but you will also be able to take advantage of other health benefits as well.

A burning in the throat and belching is a symptom of heartburn. When the valve (the lower esophageal sphincter) between the esophagus and stomach malfunctions, it lets stomach acids come up and reroute back through the esophagus. Pain is experienced from the middle of the chest toward the throat. Sometimes the acid will make it all the way into the mouth. Heartburn can be very painful. The good news is that you can prevent it by watching what you eat.

Picture by author

Instead of large portions, eat small portions several times a day. Avoid the foods that trigger heartburn such as caffeine, tomatoes, chocolate, citrus fruit, salty, fatty and spicy food. High-fat foods and being over weight can cause or worsen the problem. Having an excess of fat in the belly puts pressure on the stomach. That pressure pushes the stomach up into the esophagus. So losing weight might relieve your heartburn altogether.

More people have heartburn at night. When you are lying down gravity pushes the acid into your throat. Raising the head of the bed several inches will help. An even better solution is to refrain from eating for three hours before bedtime. If these changes don’t relieve your heartburn, your doctor might prescribe an acid reflux medication or even a proton pump inhibitor. Although, the FDA has warned about risks of wrist, hip and spine fractures from using the proton pump. Use it as a last resort and if you do use it, take extra calcium and vitamin D.

Before considering more drastic measures you can try more traditional remedies like chewing a stick of non sugar gum. Chewing brings up saliva and when you swallow it pushes acid down. Licorice can form a protective barrier against stomach acid. Chamomile has shown some success for heartburn. Check with your doctor to be sure these remedies are safe for you.

The constant flow of stomach acid can scar the esophagus, causing it to narrow and cause trouble swallowing. In rare cases it can turn cancerous. Watch for unexplained weight-loss, anemia or food getting stuck in the throat. Above all use caution and stay away from foods likely to cause heartburn.

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Are you getting five or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day? Most people are not. Only one in ten Americans eat the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetable daily – and veggies are more likely to be under-consumed than fruit. Needless to say, the plates of most Americans could use some more “green stuff”.  

Why is it so hard to eat more vegetables? Fewer Americans are cooking meals at home, and it’s difficult to find a good vegetable selection at most restaurants – and at fast food restaurants it’s almost impossible. Most restaurants focus on “meat” – and aren’t geared towards people who eat a plant-based diet.

Is there an easy way to eat more veggies? The answer could lie with eating raw veggies in a form most people can relate to – a salad. According to a new study, salad eaters consume forty percent more vegetables than people who eat salads infrequently. By eating a salad, a health conscious person can eat a multitude of raw vegetables in one setting – and reap the many health benefits.

The researchers in this study also made another discovery. People who eat salads get more benefits when they top their salad with a dressing that contains a small amount of fat. The fat in salad dressing increases the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E, and K. Fat-free dressings have fewer calories, but this comes at the price of less nutrient absorption.

To eat more vegetables, make it a goal to eat at least one salad a day. Choose a rainbow of vegetables in all colors – orange, green, red, and purple. Orange and red veggies are good sources of caroteinoids and lycopenes that are important for heart health and good vision, while purple vegetables contain anthocyanins that are strong antioxidants and help to protect the health of the brain. Don’t forget to top it off with a salad dressing that contains “good fat” such as olive oil to help with nutrient absorption.

Don’t have time to prepare a salad? Many grocery stores have a salad bar, which makes it easy to eat more veggies – without ever pulling a knife out of the kitchen drawer to chop. Look for one that has an organic salad bar. Many natural food markets such as Whole Foods have a well-stocked, organic bar filled with greenery. Eating a salad is a simple way to get more veggies without heating up the kitchen.

References:

Medical News Today. “It’s Time to Ramp Up Veggie Intake: New Study Finds Salad Eaters Consume 40% More Vegetables”