Healthful Goddess

At this site we seek to educate and illuminate on crucial health issues for women, and the people they love. We cover women’s health, men’s health, nutrition, weight loss and more.

You don’t have to be of advanced age to suffer from conditions usually seen in that age group. One such condition is high blood pressure.

The heart pumps blood throughout the body. The blood carries oxygen from the lungs to all of the cells and organs along the circuitous route of the arterial vascular system. Deoxygenated blood is carried via the venous system back to the lungs, where it picks up more oxygen.

To move that blood, there is a certain amount of pressure that needs to be created within the vessels. Normally an acceptable blood pressure reflects two numbers: systolic (upper number), the pressure exerted when the heart is pumping blood, and diastolic (lower number), the pressure exerted when the heart is at rest. Ideally blood pressure needs to be no higher than 140/90, but ideally 120/70.

Higher numbers indicate that something is causing the pressure needed to move a volume of blood to increase. It could be due to a narrowing of the vessels (caused by high cholesterol or plaque build-up), stress, obesity, high salt intake or genetics. This condition is known as high blood pressure, or hypertension.

The Problems of High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure poses a problem for the rest of your body. Here are just a few of the conditions that can arise as a result.

* Artery damage – Increased stress on the arterial walls can result in the tissue being damaged; when any tissue is damaged, an inflammatory response occurs. The walls can thicken and stiffen, leading to a smaller lumen (opening) and a higher blood pressure. If you also have a problem with bad cholesterol plaque, the increased pressure could dislodge it, turning it into emboli, which block the blood flow.

* Heart condition – When you have high blood pressure, the heart has to work harder to push that same volume of blood. As a result, the heart muscle can enlarge; it can also fail, or experience an infarct in a portion of the muscle that can lead to a heart attack.

* Stroke – The cholesterol plaque that breaks off as a result of high blood pressure can travel along the vascular system until it gets stuck in a smaller vessel. This often happens in the lungs or the brain. In the brain it is called a stroke. Both can result in death.

Beyond the blockage, the brain tissue is not receiving oxygenated blood. Since the brain needs twenty percent more oxygen than the rest of the body, this can lead to decreased functioning such as speech impairment, numbness or paralysis on one side of the body and other problems.

If you are facing a diagnosis of high blood pressure, work to reduce it to normal levels and avoid the dangers.

While nuts are high in fat, but the values go deeper than that because not all fats are equal. There are saturated fats, unsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats.

Of course, saturated fats, found in animal products, are the worst. However, the amount of fat found in some nuts, particularly pistachios, is minimal and is unsaturated fat, which is a good fat because it helps to increase the HDL (good) cholesterol numbers. This is the type of cholesterol that keeps blood vessels clean and elastic so they can function properly.

Speaking of Pistachios

Now, let’s get down to pistachios. Speaking of them specifically, a one-ounce serving of this nut contains about 13 grams of fat. This seems like a lot, but again, most of the fat is unsaturated so it contributes to a good cholesterol profile.

Pistachios are also low in carbohydrates, and they contain dietary fiber which works to fill you up and maintain your blood sugar level throughout the day.

Pistachios are full of B vitamins, which are essential for a healthy metabolism, healthy skin, muscles, eyes and nerve tissue. Other essential elements include arginine, copper and manganese. All are important for immune and nerve function.

Of course, all nuts should be eaten in moderation. Stick to one serving at a time for a snack.

Also, some nuts that you purchase can contain some extra unneeded ingredients. Don’t purchase nuts that have added salt and sugar in the form of honey-roasted or praline. And, use pistachio ice cream only as an occasional treat; otherwise, stick with plain pistachios.

If you love pistachios, keep eating. They are very good for you.

When teenagers and women get their ears pierced, it is not uncommon for infections to occur. Even from a small opening, bacteria entering the body require immediate attention.

When you decide to have your ears pierced, know that there is risk involved. Many don’t think about it because it is such a simple procedure, but you are introducing a foreign object into your body. Whether the earring is 24-karat gold or surgical steel, it is still not part of your natural tissue.

The earlobe is different from the cartilaginous portion of the ear when it comes to the incidence of infection. Most piercings take place in the lobe of the ear, where the blood supply is rich. When piercings are done further up the ear, the blood supply is not as good in the cartilage, and it needs to pull blood from nearby vessels, which can create a more extensive infection if it occurs there.

Even with precautions an infection can still occur. Here are some steps that you can take to clear up an infection from ear piercing:

* Remove the earring – This is advised when the ear is not newly pierced. If it is, removing the piercing can seal the infection in the ear tissue, which can stem the source of the infection.

* Cover the ear in a solution of salt – Using balanced salt solution or Epsom salts will flush the wound and promote healing. Do this at least twice a day.

* Squeeze the ear – This might be painful, but it is necessary to remove any pus and bacteria from the ear that is forming. Constantly removing infected fluid and irrigating with salt solution will clean it out.

* Use warm compresses – They will bring more blood supply to the area to speed healing. Try it twice a day for several minutes. Be sure to completely dry the ear afterwards. Bacteria love moist places and you don’t want to spread the infection.

* Apply antibiotic ointment – This ointment can seal the wounds and keep other bacteria out. Just apply a small amount around both sides of your ear.

* Continue to turn your earrings daily – The infection has interrupted the healing process. As it is stopped, the ear will recommence closing. Turning the studs will prevent the tissue from attaching to the piercing.

* See a doctor – If the infection seems to be getting worse instead of better after a few days of at-home treatment, seek medical attention. A doctor can prescribe an oral antibiotic for more aggressive bacteria.

An infection doesn’t have to stop you from enjoying pierced ears. Wear pure metal earrings to avoid allergic reactions that can contribute to an increased risk of infection.

Ear piercing goes back thousands of years. Today we have the benefit of sterile techniques and disposable needles. You can go to any number of stores or kiosks in the mall and have your ears pierced in minutes, but what takes such a short time to do can become a nightmare if not taken care of properly.

Piercing is a surgical procedure in which the skin of the ear is incised by a needle to make room for an earring. It is a small opening but still needs to be cared for post-operatively.

The skin around the piercing will begin to heal. You want to avoid the healing from encasing the earring and also from reclosing the hole that has just been created. If your teenager wants to have her ears pierced, you should teach her how to take care of the piercings to avoid infections.

Tips for Care of Piercings

* Don’t remove your earrings – Just in case they don’t tell you this when you have it performed, for the first six weeks, do not take out the studs. This is the primary healing time and the piercing can easily close over.

* Clean the earring hole every day – Before doing anything near the earring, wash your hands with soap and water. Since you can’t remove the stud, take a cotton ball or cotton swab and dip it in alcohol. Swab the stud on both sides of the ears. If you are given a specific cleaning solution, use that instead. When participating in sports or other activities that can introduce dirt around the studs, clean them more than once per day.

* Turn your earrings daily – As the tissue heals, it will try to attach to the studs. Daily turning prevents this so you don’t end up with earrings that you can’t remove without reopening the wounds.

* Keep chemicals away from your newly pierced ears – Hair dyes, perfumes, cosmetics and hair oils can all introduce an infection into the ears as they heal.

* Protect your ears from injury – This can happen if you play sports. Any blow to the ears or tugging on the studs can reopen the healing tissue.

* Don’t play with your earrings – It’s an unconscious thing to twirl earrings as you talk, but this action can also introduce bacteria and dirt into the healing ears.

An infection is one thing that you want to avoid when you get your ears pierced. Just like anywhere else, an infection here can be painful and can mar your dreams of donning dangles from your newly pierced ears.

Veganism is different from vegetarianism. Vegetarians don’t eat meat, but they may eat fish, dairy and/or eggs. It all depends on the category.

If you are a vegan, then to you it probably makes sense to want to raise your child that way as well. Therefore for a child’s nutritional safety, you must know what to consider in a vegan diet so they stay healthy.

Vegans are opposed to eating any animal products of any description, and many vegans consume only fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains and legumes.

It can be a challenge to eat in this manner, but for children of parents who have done it, there is usually little issue. What can be most challenging is making sure that all of the required nutrients for a child are met with the vegan lifestyle.

Many foods don’t take much tweaking to make them vegan friendly. For instance, babies usually drink breast milk or formula. You can buy formula that has no milk solids in it. Experts say that breastfeeding is better for infants because they pick up extra immunity from their mother.

When it comes to introducing solid foods, rice cereal is often used. It doesn’t contain meat or dairy so it is just the same as what any child would eat.

When your child is ready to move on to solid foods, choose mashed fruits and veggies. Mashing your own can avoid the extra sugars added to store-bought varieties. Usually the most important nutrient that causes concern is protein. Without meat, it can be hard to get enough protein each day for proper body function.

Introduce nuts, legumes and soy. Soy is a plant protein. It has less fat than animal protein. Beans are also a low-fat protein alternative. Tofu is a soy material that can be used as a meat substitute to make dishes.

Know what your child needs to eat every day. This includes examining the FDA food pie (formerly the food pyramid) for children to be sure you are keeping their diet healthy.

Vitamins and minerals are also crucial to proper development:

* Calcium – Eat green leafy vegetables, sweet potatoes, beans and even soy milk.

* Vitamin D – This vitamin helps synthesize calcium in the body. It is normally found in dairy but you can get it from fortified soy milk and also from time spent out in the sun.

* Vitamin B12 –The B vitamins are great for boosting metabolism.

With a vegan diet, your child will enjoy the tastes of whole foods such as grains, vegetables and fruits. They get all of the nutrition with very little fat as long as you plan well.

In a world plagued by an obesity epidemic, weight loss is high priority. General health decreases when people are obese. Most people think that losing weight is difficult, but it is only half the issue. Over time, following a program that works for you can bring about results. It gets difficult, however, keeping that weight off over a period of two to five years.

any who lose weight regain it, and sometimes an extra ten to twenty extra pounds on top of their highest previous weight. This occurs partially based on perception. When we lose weight we have a goal. We want to be healthier, slimmer, and more energetic, or we want to decrease the amount of medications we take for medical conditions. There is something to look forward to at the end of the effort.

When the goal is reached, the motivation is gone. Some people return to old eating or sedentary habits and that leads to weight gain again. Losing and regaining weight is a vicious cycle that can take a toll on your body over time. Therefore, the important point here is to find ways to sustain the weight loss you have achieved.

How to Make Weight Loss Permanent

Instead of asking how to lose weight, ask how to maintain the lower weight for the rest of your life. Here are some tips:

* Change your thinking – See weight loss as only half the journey. The second half of your goal is to find a way to incorporate the same habits that helped you lose weight into a long-term maintenance program. Weight loss is not a diet plan, but a lifestyle change to be followed as long as you live.

* Eat breakfast – This is the most important meal of the day. After such a long overnight respite, the body needs fuel to keep the metabolism stoked. Eating first thing in the morning helps to fight cravings throughout the day and keep blood sugar levels steady.

* Exercise – Exercise is a great equalizer. In our minds, if we sweat for an hour or longer each day, eating something that is full of fat negates all of your work, and most are not willing to do that. Also, regular exercise makes it easier to increase its intensity if you notice that you are gaining weight.

* Plan splurges – Losing weight should have some benefit. You don’t have to give up foods you love, just cut back on the portion sizes. This also makes healthy eating the norm.

* Allow mistakes – We all slip at one time or another. Attending a party can lead to weight gain and loss of motivation. Recognize the mistake; accept it and move on.

Losing weight is only half of the equation. The challenge is keeping it off – for good.

There is a lot that proper treatment can do to help a person with Alzheimer’s disease. Although there is no cure, there are a number of medications that can help with both memory loss and problems with sleep. Agitation or depression can also be helped with treatment.

Here are some of the more common treatment options for Alzheimer’s disease:

Medications for Memory Loss

For individuals whose memory loss is relatively mild, cholinesterase inhibitors are often prescribed. They slow down the damaging of nerve cells that comes with Alzheimer’s. It won’t repair existing damage, but can slow down the progress of the disease. Three of the most common cholinesterase inhibitors are Aricept, Exelon and Reminyl ER.

If memory loss is already moderate to severe, the only approved treatment is Memantine hydrochloride, branded as Ebixa. Ebixa works by preventing the leakage of neurotransmitters between nerve endings. In a healthy brain, neurotransmitters are fired between neurons with no leaks. In an advanced case of Alzheimer’s, neurotransmitters are dispersed outside the nerve cells and can actually become toxic to the brain. Ebixa prevents this from happening.

To date, there are no medications that can actually reverse the progression of Alzheimer’s. However, these medications can work wonders on slowing the disease’s progress.

Treating Mood Swings, Agitation and Depression

A person with Alzheimer’s may be suddenly paranoid one moment, agitated the next and then depressed a few minutes later. It can be very disconcerting for loved ones to see a normally calm person suddenly break out in angry shouts. It’s important to remember that it is the disease speaking, not the person.

There are a number of medications that can help treat these symptoms. Most commonly, anti-psychotic medications such as Haldol, Zyprexa and Geodon may be prescribed. These are especially effective for treating paranoid behavior.

Anxiety medication may also be prescribed. These include Ativan, Xanax or Buspar.

A Home for Alzheimer’s

If someone you love is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, you have two main options: to care for them in your own home, or to have them live in a care-giving facility.

Having them go to an outside facility means that they will be surrounded by trained professionals who know how to best cope with the disease. Unfortunately, that also means they won’t get to spend as much time with loved ones.

If you choose to have the patient live at home instead, there are a number of precautions you need to take. First, make sure your house is as physically safe as possible. Remove as much clutter as possible from your home. Put away knives, untangle electrical cords, and make sure there are railings on all stairways. Furthermore, make sure that any visitors approaching the house can be seen from the inside.

In summary, if someone with Alzheimer’s is going to be living in your home, you need to make your abode as safe as possible.

Alzheimer’s disease may appear at first to just be a decline in cognitive function that often comes with aging, but it is not. It’s a very real disease that requires medical attention.

If you spot one or more of these warning signs, that doesn’t mean you have Alzheimer’s, but you should see a doctor to get a proper diagnosis:

Forgetting How to Do Simple Tasks

This includes tasks such as how to start up a computer, how to cook a meal, how to fold a shirt. If you find that tasks which didn’t require any thinking in the past suddenly elude you, you might be seeing the early warning signs of Alzheimer’s.

Repeating Phrases and Questions

Another warning sign is the repeating of questions and/or phrases during conversation. Someone with Alzheimer’s often won’t remember what they have asked or said already and may ask or say the same thing again, even if they just said it a minute ago.

Loss of Decision-Making Ability

People with Alzheimer’s may lose the initiative to make decisions for themselves. Someone who in the past often decided what to have for dinner might instead begin asking others what they should have.

Putting Things in Strange Places

For example, a laptop might be stored under the couch, or the television remote might be stored in the cupboard with the cooking pots. Alzheimer’s can impair memory of even so-called “common sense” things as to where objects naturally belong.

Mood Fluctuations

Someone with Alzheimer’s may be laughing joyfully one moment, then bursting into tears the next, with no apparent explanation. These mood swings can take place all throughout the course of a minute, or throughout the day. Different cases of Alzheimer’s have different tendencies.

Sudden Disorientation

A person with Alzheimer’s may suddenly lose track of who they are, where they are, or what they are doing there. For example, if you took someone with Alzheimer’s to a movie theater, they might be very excited about the movie as you are walking there, then suddenly have no idea where they are or what they are doing at a theater when you get there.

Unable to Place Names to Faces

Though forgetting real people is usually a later development in Alzheimer’s, it is not uncommon for people to be unable to remember names, even of people they know very well.

These are a few of the most common early warning signs of Alzheimer’s. Keep in mind that a number of other things, from improper prescription combinations to more serious diseases, can cause these symptoms. The only way to really diagnose Alzheimer’s is to see a doctor.

To make our skin it look its best requires us to watch what we consume in our bodies. The skin is the major organ of our body. Whenever there is a problem on the inside of our body, it will show up in our skin. If you have ever experienced dull and lifeless-looking skin, you were probably also sick at the time.

In order to prevent the skin from looking sick, you must feed your body the right way. Eating healthily keeps your skin healthy as well. Here are some ideas of how to eat for great-looking skin:

* Dairy products – To reduce the amount of fat, try products such as low-fat or non-fat milk, yogurt and cottage cheese. Dairy contains vitamin A, an essential vitamin for skin health. Yogurt also contains live cultures and probiotics to keep the digestive system clean and the bowels moving properly to remove unwanted waste products. A healthy intestinal system also shows in the skin.

* Whole grains – They don’t just maintain the blood sugar level, but also contain minerals that nourish skin. Whole grain cereals and breads contain selenium, vitamin E and vitamin A. All are helpful for healthy cellular growth of the skin and reduced inflammation.

* Omega 3 fatty acids – These are great for increasing heart health, but can also improve the look and feel of skin. Fats are needed for proper cellular membrane construction. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in plant oils such as olive oil and flaxseed oil. Also, eating cold water fish such as salmon gives you a healthy dose of it. Try to eat fish at least twice a week. Cooking with olive oil increases your daily dose of omega 3s.

* Eat berries – Berries of all sorts are full of antioxidants, which we know fight free radical damage done in the body from cellular activity. It is this damage that can lead to wrinkles, saggy skin and other signs of aging. To keep skin strong, toned and looking its best, keep free radical damage to a minimum. Try strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and others.

* Water – Drink as much as you can. Water gives the body an internal cleansing and is also most important for proper kidney function as it helps the body remove toxins. Try drinking at least eight glasses a day.

* Green tea – This contains antioxidant substances called polyphenols; these are also found in chocolate that contains a high level of cacao. Polyphenols have anti-inflammatory properties, which also increase immunity levels.

Keep your body healthy-looking on the outside by feeding it well inside.

After you outgrow your teenage years, you want the acne to go with it, but often discolored scars are left behind.

Acne is a common skin disease that usually strikes in adolescence and the teenage years, but can also be a problem for some adults. It is characterized by inflammatory forms such as whiteheads, blackheads and pimples.

Sebaceous follicles in the skin secrete more oil during puberty. This oil can clog up the pores along with dead skin cells and other detritus, which can cause a pustule to form as the skin tries to get rid of the clog. An infection can set in, further inflaming the skin and resulting in a more serious form of acne.

Many teenagers, not wanting anyone to see whiteheads or blackheads on their skin, pick at the acne until they pop the skin covering the pus. This seemingly temporary fix can leave a longer-lasting problem once the acne is gone in the form of scarring, which can develop over the area and become unsightly.

Ways to Reduce the Appearance of Acne Scars

You don’t have to go through life with dark spots or scars on your face. Here are some ways to help smooth out your skin again and reduce the appearance of scarring left behind by acne:

* Use Vitamin E – Vitamin E is good for the skin. It can help improve tone and elasticity. On the surface, using a vitamin E oil can help moisturize the skin and reduce the appearance of the scars over time.

* Use Aloe Vera – Aloe vera is a plant where the juice has healing properties such as reducing the pain of a burn or the warmth associated with a bee sting. Using Aloe vera gel on the scars can reduce the inflammation and begin the healing process for your skin.

* See a Dermatologist – They can suggest ways to renew your skin. One is microdermabrasion. The uppermost skin layers that are damaged are removed in this process to make way for new unblemished skin to grow. The procedure leaves the skin vulnerable for a few days while new skin is replacing the old. Microdermabrasion kits can be purchased so you can perform the procedure at home. Be advised that it will be more extensive if conducted in a doctor’s office.

* Try detoxification – Some believe that illness or disease is a result of toxic build-up in the body. Trying a detoxification program can rid the body of excess toxins and start you on a new eating plan with healthier foods. This can also help reduce the incidence of acne and the scarring that can follow.

Use the tips above to minimize the appearance of your scars if you have suffered from acne.