15 Untold simple ways To Flatten Your Belly

 fat is the bane of most dieters, but unfortunately – as you probably already know – is one of the more difficult places to firm and tone up. There are, however, things you can do to help lose weight from this area. Fifteen tips for firming up your tummy are listed below.

Girls’ Time on the Track

Suggest a weekly walk-and-talk session with your girlfriends so you can both catch up as you’re getting fit. If you have a walking buddy, you are more likely to stick with your program as we

Keep up with Cardio

If you are really after burning the belly fat, aerobics are still the way to go. They burn 67% more calories than strength training and will tackle even problem areas like the tummy.

Ramp Up the Fiber

For every 10gms of fiber you eat daily, your body belly will carry nearly 4% less fat. Great sources of fiber include fresh fruits and vegetables, beans, and cereals like bran flakes.

Order First

Don’t be afraid to be pushy and order first when at a restaurant. This will generally mean a shorter wait time before your food arrives so you will not feel like you are starving and overeat.

Wipe the Windshield!

Lie face up with arms extended, palms down, and legs bent at a 90 degree angle so your feet are off the floor. Keeping abs tight, lower your right legs to the floor, keeping shoulders firmly planted, then raise leg up again. Repeat with left leg and do 20 reps.

Vacuum

Vacuuming actually provides a great workout for your tummy, especially if you tighten your abs while you are doing it. You will get a cleaner house and a slimmer waistline!

Beware of the Salt

Too much salt in your diet will cause you to retain more fluid and contribute to water weight. So watch your salt intake.

Indulge in Avocadoes

Avocadoes are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids which stop the blood sugar spikes that can lead to more belly fat. They also are easy to work into anybody’s diet.

Skip the Soda

The calories you get from these fizzy drinks usually wind up on your belly. Try sparkling water or unsweetened iced tea instead.

Avoid Alcohol

Too much alcohol in the diet can raise your levels of cortisol, which can send fat straight to your belly. Opt for virgin drinks and you will save a ton of calories.

Kayak

Kayaking is loads of fun but also provides a great workout for your abdominal muscles – and your upper body, too!

Eat Sunflower Seeds

Sunflowers are also a great source of monounsaturated fats and adding them to your diet is as simple as sprinkling them on your lunchtime salad.

Tummy Tuck

Tucking your tummy in while you walk or do housework is a simple way to help tone muscles while you go about your day.

Get Fishy

Salmon and other fish are good source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which also help you in the war on fat. Try to get several fish servings a week.

Hydrate

Good hydration keeps your whole body functioning better – including your metabolism. You also need more water if you are working out.

Following these tips is not difficult, and it can really pay off in the form of a firmer, tighter belly!

naturalnews.com

Read More

Exposure to environmental toxins linked to autism incidence rates

Researchers from the University of Chicago have found that rates of autism and intellectually disability in the US correlate with incidence of genital malformation in newborn males at county level - an indicator of fetus exposure to harmful environmental factors, such as pesticides.
The research team, including Prof. Andrey Rzhetsky, recently published their findings in the journal PLOS Computational Biology.
Past research has linked environmental factors with the development of autism.
Last year, Medical News Today reported on a study suggesting that pregnant women exposed to high levels of air pollution are twice as likely to have a child with autism.
To investigate this association further, the researchers analyzed medical information from an insurance claims database that involved almost 100 million patients across the US.
As an indicator of parental exposure to environmental toxins, the team looked at the levels of congenital malformations of the reproductive system in males.

Researchers have found that autism rates strongly correlate with rates of genital malformations at birth in males across the US - an indicator of fetus exposure to harmful environmental factors.

They note that male fetuses are very sensitive to certain environmental toxins, and such exposure is believed to lead to reproductive malformations existing at birth, including micropenis and undescended testicles.
On assessing the incidence rates of autism and intellectual disability (ID) in their dataset county by county, the team found that every 1% increase in malformations was linked to a 283% increase in autism and a 94% increase in ID in that same county.
They also found that almost all areas with higher autism rates had higher ID rates. The researchers say this supports the presence of harmful environmental factors in these areas.
Furthermore, the researchers discovered that male children with autism were almost six times more likely to have genital malformations at birth.

Effect of environmental exposure 'surprisingly strong'

Commenting on the findings, Prof. Rzhetsky says:

"Autism appears to be strongly correlated with rate of congenital malformations of the genitals in males across the country. This gives an indicator of environmental load and the effect is surprisingly strong."

The research team also found that viral infections in males were linked to significant increases in incidence rates of autism and ID.
Since exposure to environmental toxins is associated with the weakening of human immune systems, the researchers say this finding supports the theory that environmental exposure may be linked to autism and ID incidence.
On analyzing other potential factors that may influence autism and ID incidence rates, the researchers found that state-specific law had a significant impact. For example, state-mandated diagnosis of autism by a clinician or pediatrician for consideration in the special education system was linked to a 99% decrease in autism and ID incidence rates.

Fast facts about autism

 
• Approximately 1 in 88 children in the US has been identified with an ASD.
• ASDs are almost five times more common among boys than girls.
• Children born to older parents are at higher risk for ASDs.

Income appeared to have a small impact on incidence rates. Every extra $1,000 income above the county average was linked to a 3% increase in autism and ID rates, but this was considered a "weak link."
The researchers note there were some limitations to their study that could prevent the findings from being generalizable. For example, ease of access to data may differ between counties, or there could be "uneven genetic distribution."
"For future genetic studies we may have to take into account where data were collected, because it's possible that you can get two identical kids in two different counties and one would have autism and the other would not," explains Prof. Rzhetsky.
But overall, he says the team interprets the results of the study as "a strong environmental signal."

source:  http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/274088.php

Read More

Oral thrush a common complication of HIV 'because of fungi

A new study investigates the role of bacteria and fungi in the human mouth. Researchers from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH, published their findings in the journal PLOS Pathogens.
Experts know that organisms that live in our mouths are capable of contributing to both health and disease.
It is also known that these organisms are more likely to cause oral diseases, such as oral candidiasis (oral thrush), in people with compromised immune systems - such as those who have cancer or who are infected with HIV.
In this new study, researchers compared the bacteria and fungi present in the mouths of people who are HIV-positive with the bacteria and fungi present in the mouths of healthy people.
The researchers used high-throughput gene sequencing to catalogue the bacteria and fungi present.
They found that there was no overall difference in the bacteria found in people infected with HIV and the healthy people. However, there were consistent differences in the oral fungi present in the two groups.
The Candida family of fungi was found in both groups, but at higher levels in the mouths of people with HIV. Another fungi family, Pichia, was found in high levels in the healthy group, but at lower levels in the group with HIV.

'Good' oral fungi can suppress 'bad' oral fungi

The researchers wondered if the reason for the opposite fungi levels in the two groups was because one species of fungi works to suppress the other.

Fast facts about oral candidiasis

• Symptoms include creamy white lesions, loss of taste and a "cottony feeling" in the mouth.
• Repeated bouts of oral candidiasis could be the first sign of HIV infection.
• In people with HIV, oral thrush is more likely to spread to other parts of the body - such as the lungs, liver and intestines.

To test this, they grew Pichia alone in a liquid and then filtered the fungus out. They found that the "Pichia spent medium" (PSM) that was left was able to stop Candida and several other forms of disease-inducing fungi from growing.
This explains why oral candidiasis (otherwise known as "thrush") is a common complication of HIV infection, despite the fact that antiretroviral therapies have reduced the susceptibility of HIV-infected people to different types of infection.
Translating their findings with the PSM to an animal model, the researchers treated a group of mice with PSM and found that they had much less severe symptoms of oral candidiasis than a group of untreated mice.
"Our findings have wide implications regarding the discovery of novel antifungal agents and will open the way to new therapeutic approaches for the management of fungal infections," the study authors say.
"Detailed investigations are warranted to purify and characterize the specific Pichia factors that can inhibit Candida and other disease-causing fungi," they conclude.

Read More

First Aid For Snake-Bites!

Characteristics that are unique to certain poisonous snakes include:

Rattlesnakes rattle by shaking the rings at the end of their tails.
Water moccasins’ mouths have a white, cottony lining.
Coral snakes have red, yellow and black rings along the length of their bodies.
To reduce your risk of snakebite, avoid touching any snake. Instead, back away slowly. Most snakes avoid people if possible and bite only when threatened or surprised.
If a snake bites you;
1. Remain calm.
2. Immobilize the bitten arm or leg, and stay as quiet as possible to keep the poison from spreading through your body.
3. Remove jewelry before you start to swell.

4. Position yourself, if possible, so that the bite is at or below the level of your heart.
5. Cleanse the wound, but don’t flush it with water, and cover it with a clean, dry dressing.
6. Apply a splint to reduce movement of the affected area, but keep it loose enough so as not to restrict blood flow.
7. Don’t use a tourniquet or apply ice.
8. Don’t cut the wound or attempt to remove the venom.
9. Don’t drink caffeine or alcohol.
10. Don’t try to capture the snake, but try to remember its color and shape so you can describe it, which will help in your treatment.
11. Seek immediate medical attention, especially if the area changes color, begins to swell or is painful.

Read More

For Ladies – 4 Top Causes Of A Smelly Private Part

Most women experience feminine issues from time to time. Feminine odor is especially frustrating, because it can leave you feeling unclean and gross, even if that’s not the case. There are lots of causes for feminine odor, but here are the top four culprits.

BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common cause of vaginal odor. Every v**ina is filled with naturally occurring bacteria, and BV is simply an overgrowth of those bacteria. Most women in their reproductive years will experience at least one case of BV. The cause is unknown, but unprotected s*x and frequent douching can put you at a higher risk. Other symptoms include itching, soreness and discharge. Some cases of BV will go away on their own, but Planned Parenthood recommends that all women with BV symptoms visit their doctor for treatment to prevent rare but serious complications. Treatment for BV is usually as simple as a course of antibiotics.
YEAST INFECTION
A yeast infection is also very common (and very uncomfortable!). They present signs much like BV, with the addition of a thick, white discharge. Yeast infections do not require antibiotics and instead can be treated with one- or three-course vaginal anti-fungal treatments. Treatment for yeast infections has become very simple and can even be purchased over-the-counter. Most of these treatments tend to get messy, so it’s better to use them overnight.

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES
Some STD’s can cause feminine odor, the most common are chlamydia and gonorrhea. Both diseases are common and easy to treat, but can cause serious complications if they go untreated. Unfortunately, both are also often not quickly diagnosed because they may or may not produce symptoms. The most common symptoms of chlamydia and gonorrhea include painful urination and pus-like discharge, although an unpleasant odor is often present as well. See your doctor immediately if you are experiencing any of these symptoms and avoid risk by abstaining or using protection during s*x.
PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) occurs when bacteria travel through the v**ina into the uterus. It is often a late-stage result of an STD not diagnosed, such as chlamydia. PID usually is not diagnosed until you experience chronic pain or have trouble getting pregnant because often,it does not present symptoms. If symptoms of PID are present, they may include pelvic pains, odor, heavy discharge, fever, fatigue, painful intercourse or painful urination. PID can be treated with antibiotics, though it may leave behind scar tissue that has lasting effects..
If you are experiencing any of these, the best bet is too see a medical doctor for proper treatment.

Read More

8 Positive Ways To Deal With Your Negative Emotions

Some days you feel like you might just lose your cool because you’re so sleep deprived, stressed out and overwhelmed. But instead of melting yourself down, read on to find eight simple and effective ways to deal with your feelings and to find your inner peace.

1. Realize That Emotions Are Natural:

During your childhood you must have learned that expressing emotions was not expected of you with messages like “big girls don’t cry,” or “I’ll give you something to cry about.” But emotions are just normal function of the body. And all feelings are rooted in just three emotions: anger, sadness and fear. Expressing them is perfectly normal, even healthy, Bijou said.

2. Have A Plan B:

There  are some inevitable events like tantrums, meltdowns and sibling fights,and if you anticipate and plan ahead, you’ll be more equipped to handle tough situations. Some ideas: throw your tantruming tot into the bath and let him or her play while you take your own time out or take a trip to the park during the witching hour.

3. Rationalize Your Expectations:

You’ll only set yourself up for frustration and disappointment if you’re trying to be the perfect mom and follow every piece of advice you hear. Instead, reevaluate and do what’s realistic for your family.  Don’t think about how it should be; look at how it is.

4. Take A Break:

If stuck at home with the kids on a rainy day then set the kids up with any activity and take a 20 minute break to read a magazine, take a bath or call a friend. Any way that you find brings you comfort and support, take it.

source: 
http://researchonmedical.com

Read More

Tips to Help Prevent Bad Breath and Mouth Odour

1)       Brush and Floss
Your mouth contains millions of bacteria. In fact, there are probably more bacteria colonized in your mouth than there are cells in your entire body. Regardless, there are a few things you can do to beat the bad breath caused by germs. Start by keeping your mouth clean: Your food supply is their food supply. Although you can try to kill bacteria with mouthwash, this is only a temporary solution. The bacteria will grow back over time. Your best defence is to brush your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day, and floss once a day. This will help remove the food trapped between your teeth, as well as the food trapped in the gum line. Otherwise, both of these areas would provide breeding grounds for bacteria. If food particles are left to linger, bad breath is imminent.
2)       Clean Your Tongue
Scientists suspect that some bacteria produce a pungent odour as they multiply. There is one simple thing you can do to help, though: Clean your tongue. The rough surface of the tongue is home to a potentially foul-smelling combination of dead cells, food debris, bacteria and the by-products of bacterial digestion — factors that all contribute to less-than-fresh breath. Be sure to brush your tongue with your toothbrush after you brush your teeth.
3)      Drink Water
Why is morning breath so awful? When you sleep, you produce less saliva than when you’re awake and according to howstuffworks.com, saliva contains oxygen, and oxygen deters the growth of bacteria. Your mouth can become dry during the day, too. And a dry mouth — whether it’s at midnight or noon — can quickly cause bad breath. You need plenty of saliva because it helps clean your mouth; it’s naturally antibacterial, and it washes away food particles. To keep your saliva flowing throughout the day, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. You also could stimulate saliva production by sucking on a mint or chewing gum, but these are only temporary solutions.
4)      Don’t Rely on Mints
Relying on a mints or chewing gum to hide bad breath is just like using perfume to hide body odour. It may work for a little while, but eventually the smell will break through and it will be even worse. A mint or piece of chewing gum simply won’t kill the bacteria that cause mouth odour. Plus, if the mint or gum contains sugar, it will act encourage the growth of the bacteria in your mouth. They will continue to rapidly reproduce and release the by-products, such as volatile sulphur compounds, that cause bad breath.
5)      Watch your Diet
You probably expect some foods to give you bad breath, such as garlic or onions. But some bad-breath culprits may surprise you. Take meat, for example. Meat particles are known for sticking around, even after you’ve swallowed and washed down with a gulp of water. These meat particles collect at the gum line, get stuck between teeth, and sometimes work their way under fillings or crowns — and are especially attractive to reproducing bacteria. The key to preventing this is to brush after every meal or at least twice a day.
6)      Rinse After Eating and Drinking

What you drink can cause bad breath, too. Consuming an acidic beverage, including soft drinks, coffee or alcohol, will release compounds into your bloodstream that will, in turn, release odours through your breath. Plus, acidic drinks lower the pH level in your mouth: A lower pH level allows bacteria to flourish and release volatile sulphur compounds, which smell similar to a rotten egg.
You can keep your breath fresh by doing one simple thing: Rinse your mouth with plain water after drinking it. This will help rebalance your mouth’s pH levels. Rinsing with water also works after meals — no matter what you’ve eaten.
7)       Use Nature’s Cures
If you’re serious about combating bad breath, drink green tea during meals or sip it throughout the day. Green tea helps keep your breath fresh because it has antibacterial compounds that fight the germs in your mouth.
8)      Eat Sweet Smelling Food
There are certain foods that smell good — and that make your breath smell good, too. Take fruits high in vitamin C, for example. Melons, berries and citrus fruits such as oranges are packed with vitamin C which tampers with the bacteria in your mouth. Instead of continuing to reproduce, the bacteria will begin to die. And the more C-laden fruits you eat, the more oral germs you’ll kill.
9)       Stop Smoking
Cigarettes release a cocktail of chemicals into the mouth and they also cause a host of other problems. People who smoke cigarettes are more likely to experience oral infections and disease. In addition, they often have a plaque build-up on their teeth, and plaque is an ideal place to harbour odour-causing bacteria. Plus, smoking tends to dry out the mouth. A dry mouth is an oxygen-depleted mouth, which provides the perfect environment for anaerobic bacteria to thrive
10)   Visit Your Dentist
Unfortunately, one of the most common causes of persistent bad breath is also one of the most overlooked: a lack of regularly scheduled visits to your dentist. It is recommended that children and adults have a professional cleaning regularly. For most, twice a year should suffice. For others who experience tartar build-up more quickly, four times a year may be necessary.

source : information nigeria

Read More

Tight Clothes Can Have a Damaging Effect On Your Health, Doctors Say

The pressures of continually evolving fashion have led both men and women into wearing ill fitting clothing. Here are some documented health problems from wearing clothes that are too tight:
1. Tingling Thigh Syndrome: Although rarely permanent, individuals who wear their jeans too tight can experience nerve problems called meralgia paresthetic. If your thigh tingles with no explanation, then it’s probably time to stop wearing extra tight clothes for your own good.
2. Yeast Infection: When women’s pubic areas are kept tightly under wraps by clothing such as tight jeans or underwear especially g-strings, the area becomes very warm and moist.  This makes it a breeding ground for bacteria and, as a result, can cause yeast infections and also urinary tract infections.
3. Back Pain: When trousers are low riding and too tight nerve compression in the back could occur and this leads to severe low back pain.
4. Fainting: Although the girdle isn’t as popular as it used to be, body magic and the like have taken its place. Tight clothing can restrict our ability to fully expand our lungs making breathing shallow and decreasing oxygen intake and this can lead to fainting.
5. Heartburn: Tight pressure against your stomach can increase abdominal pressure, causing acid to go back into your esophagus, resulting in heart burn and acid reflux.
6.  Abdominal Pain/Constipation: Tight trousers can slow down the digestive process.
7. Headaches/Blurred Vision: Wearing b*tton down shirts that are too tight in the collar or ties that are tied too tightly can decrease proper circulation to the brain and head.
8, Infertility: Tight fitting trousers can lead to bladder problems, twisted testicles, low sperm count and even infertility.
So, next time you are tempted to buy an extremely tight garment, think twice.  You might be putting your health at risk!

Read More

Sick Ngozi Nwosu Out Of Hospital, Releases New Photos

Ngozi Nwosu is out of the hospital and doing much better. And she looks really good.

Read More

Over 25% of schoolgirls in South Africa are HIV positive

Over 25% of schoolgirls in South Africa are HIV positive because 'sugar daddies are taking advantage of them', says health minister Aaron Motsoaledi

At least 28% of schoolgirls in South Africa are HIV positive because 'sugar daddies' are taking advantage of them, the country's health minister warned today.

In contrast,  Aaron Motsoaledi highlighted the fact that only 4% of schoolboys were HIV positive, The Sowetan newspaper reported.

Mr Motsoaledi released the figures at a public meeting at Carolina in South Africa's Mpumalanga province.

He said: "It is clear that it is not young boys who are sleeping with these girls. It is old men. We must take a stand against sugar daddies because they are destroying our children."

He said 94,000 schoolgirls fell pregnant in South Africa in 2011, with around 77 000 having abortions at public facilities.

"We can no longer live like that. We want to put an end to it, " he declared.

Some of the girls who became pregnant and tested positive for HIV were reportedly between the ages of 10 and 14.

Mr Motsoaledi has been widely praised for his efforts to help stop the spread of HIV, with the country backing the world's largest anti-retroviral programme since Jacob Zuma made him health minister in 2009.

Around 10% of South Africa's population is now living with HIV, official figures show.

Read More

Child healthcare gets Japan’s N443m boost

Japanese Government yesterday boosted child survival interventions in Nigeria with $2.8 million (about N443 million) grant.

The grant was handed over to the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, to prosecute health programmes aimed at enhancing well-being of Nigerian child, especially routine immunisation and disease prevention.

Speaking at the signing of the agreement in Abuja, the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Ruichi Shoji, said his country had joined in the efforts to reduce child killer diseases in Nigeria since 2000.

He said: “Japan’s accumulated financial contribution to the fight against polio, malaria and other infectious diseases in Nigeria is so far more than eight billion yen, approximately N13 billion at the current exchange rate.

“Today, I am absolutely honoured to be here once again to reaffirm Japan’s commitment to stand by the Federal Government of Nigeria in its fight against polio to the end, by signing the Exchange of Notes of 259 million Yen, which is equivalent to N443 million.

“In relation to infectious diseases in Nigeria, Japan also contributes to the malaria prevention programme in Nigeria by providing $2.5 million through UNICEF this year.

“In addition, earlier this week, Japan signed a grant with the National Planning Commission to provide N440 million to donate wheelchairs and walking support wheels for the welfare of those who require mobility aid.”

Responding, UNICEF Deputy Representative and Officer in Charge, UNICEF Nigeria, Mr. Jacques Boyer, said the support from Japan remained the most valuable contribution to joint efforts to give every Nigerian child a chance to survive.

Urging Nigeria to tackle existing challenges in its child healthcare programmes headlong, the agency noted the grant would help in fighting child killer diseases in the country.

Read More

One Million People Living With HIV/Aids in Benue - BENSACA Boss

Makurdi — Executive Secretary of the Benue State Action Conmmittee Against Aids, BENSACA, Mrs. Ashi Wende, has said that more than 1,027,328 people in the state were currently living with the dreaded HIV/AIDS.

She said the figure comprises 706,640 adults and 318,888 children, hence the need for anti retroviral therapy for the children.

Mrs. Wende said this yesterday, at a training programme for media practioners on HIV/AIDS in Makurdi, the state capital.

She explained that out of the number of infected adults, 21,259 were new cases out of which 17,139 were women

She said: "The HIV epidemic has lasted for several years with Benue State contributing significantly to the prevalence of the virus in Nigeria.

She further explained that the state government was taking proactive steps to check the spread of the virus with the establishment of 40 treatment centres across the state.

"We have the highest number of treatment centres that are providing free anti-retroviral drugs to infected persons in the country; and we have drugs that could last up to 2015; that is why we are urging everyone to undertake free testing and counseling in order to know our status and check the spread of the virus," Wende added.

Read More

Anyone Can Be At Risk

 Human Kidney

By Dr. Michael Etomi


This year’s World Kidney Day is March 14. This day serves to increase awareness of kidney disease which ordinarily is a silent condition that can lead to so much financial and psychological toll on the patient and the family. This article about facts about kidney disease comes timely this month

What are the Kidneys?

There are usually two kidneys, each about the size of a fist, and they are on either side of the spine at the lowest level of the rib cage.

What do the Kidneys do?
Think of your kidneys like a filter that keep some things in your body that you need and get rid of other things that you don’t.
1. Make Urine
2. Balances the chemicals in your body
3. Produces a form of Vitamin D for your bones
4. Produces hormones that regulate blood pressure, control calcium metabolism
5.  Stimulates red blood cell production

So overall, kidney function kind of looks like this:

 What is “Kidney Disease”?
1. Can be ‘Acute’ which is when the kidney function deteriorates suddenly (Acute Kidney Injury or “Acute Kidney Attack”).
2. Chronic Kidney Disease which basically means that there is a gradual decline of kidney function.

What causes Chronic Kidney Disease?
1. High Blood Pressure
2. Glomerulonephritis – inflammation of the glomeruli
3. Polycystic kidney disease (A genetic disorder where numerous cysts grow in the kidneys and can slowly replace much of the mass of the kidney).
4. Drugs and toxins including (but not limited to)
1. Large numbers of over-the-counter pain relievers
2. Cocaine
3. Heroin
4. AND…DIABETES

Risks for Kidney Disease
Anyone can develop kidney problems, but you are at higher risk if you:
- Have Diabetes
- Have high blood pressure
- Have a family members with kidney disease
- Are over 60 years old
Symptoms of Kidney Disease

Most kidney disease has no symptoms until the disease is far advanced so your best bet is regular checkup.
- A sick feeling in your stomach often
- A tired or dizzy feeling often
- Swelling in your feet, hands, or face
- Back pain
- Bloody, foamy, or dark-colored urine
- Unexplained high blood pressure
- A change in how often you urinate (more or less often)


Tests for Kidney Disease
Many kidney diseases often have no symptoms so ask your doctor about these tests.
- Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)
o Tells your doctor how well your kidneys clean your blood
- Your doctor should test for “creatnine”. This can be put in a formula to get your estimated GFR.
o Normal GFR is between 90-130 but this drops as you get older.

- Check your urine for protein (albumin).
- High blood pressure can cause kidney disease.
o A normal blood pressure is less than 120 over  80 (120/80).
- Kidney Biopsy
o Your doctor looks at a tiny piece of your kidney tissue under a microscope.

- Tests that take pictures of your kidneys. For example:
o Ultrasound
o CT Scan
What are treatment options for kidney failure?
Kidney disease can sometimes lead to kidney failure (also called End-Stage Renal Disease).

To stay alive a patient needs one of these:
1. Dialysis: This is a way of cleaning wastes and extra fluid from the blood artificially.
- Hemodialysis: Needed three to four times a week and each treatment last around four hours. Hemodialysis patients must follow a restricted diet and must take a variety of medicines and vitamin supplements.
-Peritoneal Dialysis: A second way of cleaning wastes and extra fluid from the blood artificially. A permanent soft tube called a catheter is used to fill the abdomen with a cleansing liquid called dialysis solution.
2. Kidney Transplantation: A procedure that takes a healthy kidney from another person into the body. The new kidney takes over the work of the two failed kidneys. The donated kidney may come from a living donor, or someone who has just died.


Finally, Preventing Kidney Disease
Diabetes and high blood pressure must be controlled.
- Regular check-ups with your doctors
- Taking medications prescribed by your doctor
- Regular exercise
- Avoiding smoking
- Drinking alcohol in moderation
- Low fat diet

For more information contact the Nigerian Association of Nephrology (NAN) at nephrologynigeria@hotmail.com

Etomi, MD, MPH, FASN is a Vice President with Metrolina Nephrology Associates and Medical Director Home Dialysis in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. He is also the current President of the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas.

Read More

HIV Cured In Baby For The First Time

Researchers say they have, for the first time, cured a baby born with HIV — a development that could help improve treatment of babies infected at birth.

There is an important technical nuance: researchers insist on calling it a “functional cure” rather than a complete cure.

That is because the virus is not totally eradicated. Still, its presence is reduced to such a low level that a body can control it without the need for standard drug treatment.

The only fully cured AIDS patient recognized worldwide is the so-called “Berlin patient,” American Timothy Brown. He is considered cured of HIV and leukemia five years after receiving bone marrow transplants from a rare donor naturally resistant to HIV. The marrow transplant was aimed at treating his leukemia.

But in this new case, the baby girl received nothing more invasive or complex than commonly available antiretroviral drugs. The difference, however, was the dosage and the timing: starting less than 30 hours after her birth.

It is that kind of aggressive treatment that likely yielded the “functional cure,” researchers reported Sunday at the 20th annual Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) in Atlanta, Georgia.

What researchers call dormant HIV-infected cells often re-start infections in HIV-infected patients within a few weeks after antiretroviral treatment stops, forcing most people who have tested HIV-positive to stay on the drugs for life or risk the illness progressing.

“Prompt antiviral therapy in newborns that begins within days of exposure may help infants clear the virus and achieve long-term remission without lifelong treatment by preventing such viral hideouts from forming in the first place,” said lead researcher Deborah Persaud, of Johns Hopkins Children’s Center in Baltimore, Maryland.

It appears to be the first time this was achieved in a baby, she said.

The baby was infected by her HIV-positive mother, and her treatment with therapeutic doses of antiretroviral drugs began even before her own positive blood test came back.

The typical protocol for high-risk newborns is to give them smaller doses of the drugs until results from an HIV blood test is available at six weeks old.

Tests showed the baby’s viral count steadily declined until it could not longer be detected 29 days after her birth.

The child was given follow-up treatment with antiretrovirals until 18 months, at which point doctors lost contact with her for 10 months. During that period she was not taking antiretrovirals.

Researchers then were able to do a series of blood tests — and none gave an HIV-positive result.

Natural viral suppression without treatment is an exceedingly rare occurrence, seen in fewer than half a percent of HIV-infected adults, known as “elite controllers,” whose immune systems are able to rein in viral replication and keep the virus at clinically undetectable levels.

Experts on HIV have long wanted to help all HIV patients achieve elite-controller status. Researchers say this new case offers hope as a game-changer, because it suggests prompt antiretroviral therapy in newborns indeed can do that.

Still, they said, their first priority is learning how to stop transmission of the virus from mother to newborn. ARV treatments of mothers currently stop transmission to newborns in 98 percent of cases, they say.

“Our next step is to find out if this is a highly unusual response to very early antiretroviral therapy or something we can actually replicate in other high-risk newborns,” Persaud pointed out.

The research was funded by the National Institutes of Health and the American Foundation for AIDS Research.

Read More

10 Natural Remedies For Swollen Feet And Ankles

Swelling in your feet and ankles is called edema (or oedema), and there are a lot of things that can cause the problem, from high blood pressure to pregnancy. What’s happening is your body is having trouble fighting gravity to move blood and fluids back up your legs, so your ankles, feet, and even your legs can begin to swell.
Edema on its own is not harmful, but it is uncomfortable. If you are seeing one foot or leg swelling a lot more than the other, or you face is swelling, you do want to call your doctor, because the cause could be a blood clot, and you don’t want to wait to address that problem.
That uncomfortable swelling is not actually a disorder, just a symptom, and the best way to treat it is to treat the root cause. If you’re swelling because of pregnancy, it should go down not long after you deliver. Talk to your doctor to see what could be causing your swelling.
Whatever the reason, these remedies can help give you some relief while you sort out the cause of your edema.
Here are 10 Natural Remedies for Swollen Feet and Ankles
1. Try a magnesium supplement
Magnesium deficiency can contribute to edema, and taking a supplement can help give you some relief. Most of the recommendations I’ve seen are for 200mg twice a day, but if you’re pregnant you’ll want to talk to your doctor about that first. The RDA for magnesium is 350mg per day, and your doctor might not want you taking an extra 400mg, since you’re also probably getting magnesium in your prenatal vitamin and your diet.
At six months pregnant, I started taking 250mg of magnesium in the evenings, and the difference in my swelling was dramatic without changing anything else.
2. Do a Little Yoga
Exercise can help improve your circulation, and yoga is a great way to get moving and really focus on that circulatory system.
Of course, you’ll want to talk to your doctor before staring up with yoga, especially if you haven’t been doing it before. If you’re totally new to yoga, I highly recommend taking a class. A yoga instructor can not only help you overcome any hesitations you have about yoga, but she or he will make sure you are doing the poses properly and might even be able to suggest additional postures to help with your edema! Once you have a swing of how the poses feel, you can practice at home.
3. Soak in Tonic Water
This one might sound a little odd, but soaking in room temperature – or cold, if it’s not too uncomfortable – tonic water can help with swelling. The quinine and the bubbles can help reduce inflammation, and frankly just soaking your poor, swollen feet feels great!
4. Grab Some Grapefruit Essential Oil
A warm bath can also help with swelling, and you can give that water a boost with a few drops of grapefruit essential oil! You can also just fill a bucket with nice, warm water to soak in.
If baths aren’t your thing, you can also mix a few drops of grapefruit oil with a carrier oil like olive or sweet almond oil and give yourself a little foot and leg massage. As you rub your feet, ankles, and calves, focus your pressure upward, rather than downward or in a circular motion.
5. Do a Salt Water Soak
Adding a healthy dose of Epsom salts to the tub is another way to boost that bath. Like the grapefruit oil, you can also just use a bucket, if you’re only having swelling in your feet and ankles. If your calves are swollen, too, a bath is probably your best bet.
Epsom salts are like magic for swelling. Even before I was pregnant, I took occasional salt baths after super long runs to help my muscles relax.
6. Treat Yourself to a Massage
A massage therapist can do wonders for swollen feet and ankles! Don’t be shy about mentioning the problem when you get to your appointment, so she or he can focus on getting things moving in your lower extremities.
If you are pregnant, I’d recommending finding a therapist who specializes in prenatal massage. A prenatal massage therapist will be much more knowledgeable about how to make you comfortable. Seriously, I have never had so many pillows around me in my life, but all of that really does help make it a more beneficial experience.
7. Get Some Support Hose
Support hose or compression gear can prevent swelling, especially from being on your feet. You can find compression socks that come knee- or thigh-high or full-on compression stockings. These suckers are hard to get on, because they’re meant to be pretty tight on your legs, but they can really make a difference.
I have read a lot of great experiences with compression socks, but I’ve found that they start out feeling amazing, and after about four hours they start to make my feet cramp. You can find footless compression stockings, so if you experience the same problem, that might be a good solution for you.
8. Elevate Those Feet
Gravity is not your friend when it comes to edema, so elevate your feet every chance you get! When you’re relaxing in the evening, prop your legs up on some pillows. Ideally, you want your feet above your heart. Take THAT, gravity!
If you work a day job, try to find a way to prop your feet up under your desk. Even elevating a bit can make a big difference in your swelling as the day goes on.
9. Make a Splash
Swimming or even floating in water can help with swollen feet and ankles. The pressure from the water can help get things moving in your legs, and floating gives your circulatory system a break from gravity’s constant pull. If you don’t have a pool, check out local gyms to see what they offer.
10. Drink Up!
Excess salt is a big contributor to swelling, and upping your fluid intake can help dilute the salt in your system. Aim for 8-10 glasses of water per day to flush things out. Even better? Try making cucumber-lemon water! Just drop a couple of cucumber and lemon slices in your glass, and enjoy! Both of these fruits have anti-inflammatory properties, so if gives that water an extra swelling-fighting punch! [Care2]

Read More

7 Foods That Help You Sleep Well

 

If you find yourself staring at the ceiling late into the night, try these foods to help you drift into blissful sleep.
A cup of chamomile tea: For centuries, chamomile has been harnessed as a herb that alleviates anxiety and promotes relaxation.

A handful of almonds: soak almonds in clean water in the morning. At bedtime, slide off their skins and munch on them slowly. The magnesium in almonds relaxes muscles and their protein content keeps your sugar levels stable while you sleep.

A bowl of oatmeal: Every now and then, I stir up oatmeal for dinner because it feels so warm and comforting. Only recently, I learned that I’m actually helping myself sleep better by doing so. The fiber and minerals in them do a wonderful job of easing the body and mind. Do avoid sugar in your oatmeal, though.

Half a cup of cottage cheese: Wara it is called in Yoruba language. The slow-digesting proteins in cottage cheese/paneer keep your digestive system relaxed all night long. Besides, it contains tryptophan, the amino acid that plays a key role in promoting better sleep.

A bunch of grapes: I was surprised to know that grapes are the only fruit that contain melatonin, the hormone famous for coming to the rescue of those who cannot sleep. Just munch grapes on their own or stir them into a bowl of yogurt for a lovely and soothing bedtime snack.

Banana: the secret here is three-fold—potassium, magnesium and tryptophan, which combine in one wonderful fruit to help you say ‘goodnight.’

Toast: it’s hot, filling and comforting. And surprise, toast actually helps you sleep well, thanks to its being a trigger for insulin production, which in turn boosts the sleep-friendly brain chemicals serotonin and tryptophan.

Read More

State to focus on areas of HIV prevalence

THE government’s latest survey of HIV among pregnant women, released on Monday, has highlighted tremendous variation on how the epidemic has affected South Africa’s 52 health districts, with prevalence ranging from 5% in the Northern Cape’s Namakwa to 46% in Gert Sibande in Mpumalanga.

The Department of Health has conducted an HIV and syphilis prevalence survey among pregnant women every year since 1990, enabling it to track the progression of the HIV epidemic and gauge the effect of its response.

Its latest snapshot of the epidemic in the health districts points to regions that need more attention, the deputy director-general for HIV, tuberculosis and child and maternal health, Dr Yogan Pillay, said on Monday.

He said officials were very concerned about districts with an HIV prevalence of over 40% and were considering increasing condom distribution in these areas.

The male condom distribution rate in Gert Sibande was just 18 per male per year, compared with 40 in Eden, which had a prevalence of 16%, Dr Pillay said.

The sample sizes in each district are small, so there is often considerable year-on-year fluctuation, but the data collected provided a useful picture of patterns over time, said University of Cape Town demographer Rob Dorrington.

The 2011 antenatal clinic survey, released on Monday by Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, found 29.5% of pregnant women attending government clinics were infected with HIV, a level that has remained constant for the past five years.

The survey contains good news on two fronts — the rate of new infections is declining and more women in their 30s are living longer as they get access to life-saving treatment, said Prof Dorrington.

The survey reported that about 5.6-million people living in SA last year were HIV-positive.

The HIV prevalence among young women aged between 15 and 19, which is used as a proxy for new infections because they are assumed to have been relatively recently infected, was 12.7%. In 2010, the prevalence was 14%.

In a separate development, activists from Médecins Sans Frontières and the Treatment Action Campaign on Monday raised the alarm over drugs shortages in the Eastern Cape, following a strike at the Mthatha medical depot.

"Serious antiretroviral drug supply shortages at the Mthatha medical depot threaten the health of more than 50,000 HIV patients in the Eastern Cape who are at risk of treatment interruption," they said.

Dr Pillay said the Department of Health had sent two teams to the Eastern Cape to help resolve the crisis, which affected all patients, not just those with HIV.

Vaccines and chronic medicine supplies had also been affected, he said.

Read More