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April 15, 2013

Prevent Cancer Risk With Exercise

Filed under: cancer,cancer risk,exercise,health-tips,obesity — Tags: cancer prevention, exercise, prevent cancer — dennisv @ 9:00 am

Prevent cancerSurely there can be no worse thing to hear from your doctor than for him or her to say, “I’m sorry, but you have cancer.” There are a number of reasons why anyone fears this diagnosis: pain, ghastly treatments that may not work, the emotional strain on the family, cost of medications, surgery…the list goes on and on. However, there is one way that you can help prevent cancer: exercise.

Being inactive, and in turn, putting on unnecessary pounds makes an individual more likely to develop cancer. It’s no secret that obesity has become an increasing problem that affects all aspects of health. By the year 2030, obesity is projected to cause half a million cases of cancer. While all cancers are not necessarily preventable through exercise, cutting the risk of developing cancer by exercising certainly makes sense.

Cancer is associated with fat because fat stimulates the over production of hormones. This makes it more likely that someone will develop cancer. Researchers say that through exercising, cancer can be reduced by up to 30%.

Of course, this does not mean that you should exercise to exhaustion (that will just create more health problems), it means that if several hours a week are devoted to walking, aerobics, swimming, or working out on a rowing machine, the chances of developing cancer drop by a significant amount.

So why not plan a regular schedule of exercise, such as walking or jogging, to help peel off that extra weight, tone your body, and give cancer the boot?

 

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Pharmapassport.com, a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC X23), provides customers with low prices and long-term prescriptions drugs. All Canadian prescriptions are filled by a professionally registered pharmacist. For more information on how to order Canada drugs safely and securely call 1-866-293-3904 or visit http://www.pharmapassport.com/ – a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy that has filled over 1 million prescriptions.

March 13, 2013

DASH Diet: The Basics of a Diet Plan

 

DASH stands for Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension. Since that’s such a mouth full, DASH works just fine for me.

The DASH Diet Guidelines Explained

H stands for Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension. Since that’s such a mouth full, DASH works just fine for me.

Here’s what the DASH diet recommends for daily intake:

• 2 to 3 servings a day of low-fat dairy. This could be a cup of milk or low-fat yogurt.

• 6 to 8 servings of whole-grains. A serving counts as a slice of bread, an ounce of dry cereal, or a half-cup of cooked rice or pasta or cereal.

• 4 to 6 servings of lean meat, poultry, or fish. That means one ounce of cooked lean meat, or one egg.

• 4 to 5 servings of fruits. This is an apple, an orange, a quarter-cup of dried fruit, a half-cup of fresh, frozen, or canned fruit, or a half-cup of fruit juice.

• 4 to 5 servings of vegetables. Look for a cup of raw, leafy vegetables, or a half-cup of cut-up raw or cooked vegetables.

On top of these daily recommendations, the DASH diet also includes 4 to 5 servings of nuts, seeds, or legumes a week. That could be one-third of a cup of nuts or 2 tablespoons of peanut butter.

Lastly, people on the DASH diet should only have 2,300 mg of salt in a day, and just 5 tablespoons of added sugar a week.

Does this diet work? After 8 weeks of being on the DASH diet, experiment participants had their blood pressure measured. By-and-large, their blood pressure was significantly lower. For just 8 weeks of being on the diet, that’s a big deal.

DASH Diet Guidelines Made Easy

Such a structured approach to food and eating isn’t for everyone. Instead, here’s a quick way to think about the DASH diet.

• First, think of your dinner plate as divided into quarters.
• Non-starchy vegetables should make up a bit more than a quarter of your plate. When taking veggies for dinner, take a good amount.
• Grains should also be a little more than a quarter. This could be pasta, for example.
• Fruits should take up just under a quarter of the space. An apple would do nicely.
• Meat and protein should take up the last less-than-a-quarter of room. That means don’t always go for the ‘big piece of chicken.’
• A bit of dairy can be added with pasta sauce, a side of yogurt, or a glass of milk.

It’s safe to start out with rough guides like this when you want to ease yourself into eating better, slowly.

Why Follow DASH Diet Guidelines or Mediterranean Diet Guidelines?

Obesity and diabetes are growing concerns in the United States. Not only is it costing people health, but money as well. A big portion of funding goes to trying to control these preventable health issues.

When it comes down to it, health care can start on your plate.

Just eating more fruits and vegetables can help your body get more nutrients and feel fuller, faster, for longer. The fiber in fruits and vegetables help with that. With fruits, you also reap the benefit of a sweet taste.

Much of obesity and diabetes can be helped by just limiting access to refined sugars and processed foods. It’s easy to pick up pop, chips, and deep-fried foods; and cheap, as well. In the long run, the health costs just aren’t worth it.

 

We’re social! Let us know what you think of the DASH diet, or anything else, on Facebook, Twitter, or the comment box below.

Pharmapassport.com, a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC X23), provides customers with low prices and long-term prescriptions drugs. All Canadian prescriptions are filled by a professionally registered pharmacist. For more information on how to order Canada drugs safely and securely call 1-866-293-3904 or visit http://www.pharmapassport.com/ – a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy that has filled over 1 million prescriptions.

January 6, 2013

Keeping Your Immune System Strong

Filed under: flu — Tags: flu, immune system — dennisv @ 1:53 pm

There are many things one can do in order to keep their immune system at its optimal level. This becomes even more important during the transition from summer to fall. Here are some tips that can reduce your risk of contracting the flu.

  • Wash your hands: This has been said time and time again. It is extremely important to take the time to wash your hands properly. Try to use soap that is chemical free.
  • Rest well: An adult should try to get at least seven hours of sleep. Being well rested will keep your body’s defenses up.
  • Exercise: Try to incorporate some form of physical activity into your day. This could be pretty much anything that has you up and moving. Exercise can also help reduce stress, especially if participated in outdoors.
  • Develop a healthy meal plan: Eating a well balanced meal goes without saying. A difficult task for most is limiting sugar consumption. Consuming a lot of sugar and processed foods weaken the immune system.
  • Don’t stress: Many people are not able to keep control over their stress. If you do not cope with it your body will suffer in more ways than one. Stress often leads to many different health problems.
  • Take Vitamin D: Many people do not have an adequate amount of vitamin D. Vitamin D helps fight against infections. In most cases a deficiency of Vitamin D causes seasonal flu viruses.

The tips listed above are a few of many things that you can do to protect yourself.

Pharmapassport.com, a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC X23), provides customers with low prices and long-term prescriptions drugs. All Canadian prescriptions are filled by a professionally registered pharmacist. For more information on how to order Canada drugs safely and securely call 1-866-293-3904 or visit http://www.pharmapassport.com/ – a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy that has filled over 1 million prescriptions.

October 23, 2012

Natural Remedies for Canine Cushing’s disease

Filed under: animal treatment,disease — dennisv @ 9:41 pm

Natural Remedies for Canine Cushing’s Disease sometimes turn out to be the most helpful beings in sustaining a moral rapport with us, especially for those lonely beings out there. Hence it is highly essential to care for our pets as much as we would care for our babies. The Cushing’s disease is especially prevalent in older dogs. The main cause of this disease is a tumor in the pituitary gland in the canine that may either be harmless or fatal. Scientifically speaking, the main cause for Cushing’s is excess production of the hormone ACTH (AdrenoCorticoTrophicHormone) due to the pressure put on the gland by the tumor. This secretion has no response and is uncontrolled. Untreated dogs may succumb to infection of the pancreas, kidneys, heart disease and nervous disorders. But if they are well looked after through the below recommended remedies, this will just be a passing phase in their lives.

Some of the symptoms that should alert the pet owners are discussed here. Behavioral inconsistencies include excessive panting, losing of interest in daily activities and lethargic behavior. The physical symptoms to look out for are

  • Thinning of hair
  • Head looks a little ‘bony’
  • Hyper pigmentation of the skin
  • Increase in size of abdomen
  • Increase in thirst and appetite
  • Weight gain coupled with urinating frequently

As soon as your pet is diagnosed with Cushing’s disease (It takes more than one test to confirm this diagnosis which is a true ordeal for your pet) start him/her on some of the natural ways to control the dog’s secretion of the cortisol hormone. The usage of drugs might cause damage to the organs and might have a few side effects that make the pet face another ordeal. Effective canine cushings disease holistic treatment include:

Dandelion – It is a pesky weed but a very powerful herbal solution for many diseases. It’s juice is a powerful healer of external injuries and wounds. In homeopathy its tonic is used as a blood purifier that cures inflammations, kidney and liver disorders. It essentially controls the production of ACTH that decreases cortisol production.

Burdock – This is another wonder herb that naturally detoxifies the bodily tissues and gets rid of the toxins. Also it is an effective controller of sugar levels in the body.

Arsenicum – Must be taken in its most diluted form. It is effective in water retention in the body by controlling the thirst and frequent urination of the dog.

Sulphur & Hepar Sulph – Sulphur is one of the main chemicals present in the body that constitutes the body building proteins called amino acids. It essentially improves the loss of hair and hyper pigmentation skin conditions. Hepar Sulph helps to heal wounds, infections and irritated skin.

Astralagus – This herb helps in reducing the bad cells induced by the tumor and boosts the immune system.

Mercurious – Used as Mercurious Corrosives in homeopathy, Mercury Chloride is the source of this derivative. This is used to control thirst and cure ulcers and diarrhea.

In cases where the tumor is malignant additional efforts must be taken to medicate these dogs with extracts of Oleander, flax seed oil (Or any Omega3 source), black seed oil or any other cancer reducing medications. Apart from that, natural ingredients must be included in the dog’s diet rather than extra grains and fillers. Cushing’s disease may lead the pet owners to choose euthanasia but careful examination, treatment and diet will definitely lead to good health and recovery of your pet.

Pharmapassport.com, a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC X23), provides customers with low prices and long-term prescriptions drugs. All Canadian prescriptions are filled by a professionally registered pharmacist. For more information on how to order Canada drugs safely and securely call 1-866-293-3904 or visit http://www.pharmapassport.com/ – a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy that has filled over 1 million prescriptions.

December 8, 2011

Breast Cancer Prevention: The Responsibility is Yours

breast-cancer-preventionThere has been recent controversy surrounding breast cancer screening in Canada, as the Canadian Task Force on Preventative Health advised some provinces to stop screening women between ages 40 and 49. This age group is labeled as younger patients; it has been found that screening these younger patients do not prevent any deaths. In response to this recommendation, many female doctors have approached the media to refute the Task Force’s evidence and argue that early screening does prevent deaths. With breast cancer being so prominently featured in the news, it is important to remind readers about how one becomes prone to this devastating disease, as well as promote breast cancer prevention and awareness.

A new study clarifies environmental breast cancer risk factors. While genetic effects have long been a known cause of breast cancer, and it has been acknowledged that some environmental factors do pose a risk, it is unclear as to which environmental factors can be confirmed to cause breast cancer. The study was alarming because it concluded that the medical community has done a better job with treatment than breast cancer prevention. The report divided risk factors into several categories: those that definitely resulted in breast cancer, those factors that did not contribute to breast cancer, those that probably contributed to breast cancer, and those that possibly contributed to breast cancer.

• Definite high risk factors contributing to breast cancer include: breast cancer hormone therapy combining estrogen and progestin, excess weight after menopause, alcohol consumption and radiation test, particular those taken as a child.
• Risk factors that did not contribute to a breast-cancer diagnosis include: hair dyes and radiation from cell phones, microwaves, and electronic gadgets.
• Another way to decrease the risk of breast cancer is to quit smoking .
• Possible breast cancer risk factors include: second-hand smoke, working the nighttime shift, and exposure to benzene.

With all of the above in mind, it is important you take the necessary preventative measures to avoid this deadly disease. This may mean making drastic changes to your lifestyle, including to something as fundamental as your work schedule. But what’s more important: your work or your health? Additionally, with younger patients now being excluded from breast cancer screening, it will become more of an individual responsibility to take action for your health.

Pharmapassport.com, a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC X23), provides customers with low prices and long-term prescriptions drugs. All Canadian prescriptions are filled by a professionally registered pharmacist. For more information on how to order Canada drugs safely and securely call 1-866-293-3904 or visit http://www.pharmapassport.com/ – a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy that has filled over 1 million prescriptions.

August 29, 2011

Hangover Cures That Work

After experiencing that sensitivity to light and sound, the throbbing head, and having the spins, the phrase that often follows is “I am never drinking again”. Yes, I am talking about the dreaded hangover. Hangovers are caused by excessive alcohol consumption. The hangover arrives when the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is falling,  so about 8-24 hours after consumption. Basically when you consume alcohol, it puts your biological self out of sync, bringing on the hangover symptoms; so naturally the remedies would be to restore your biological self.

There are probably as many hangover cures out there as there are drinks. The important thing to know is a lot of the “cures” are just myths. The hangover remedies that work are the ones that biologically make sense. First let us tackle a few myths. Taking Tylenol during the symptoms of a hangover definitely works, but taking it before you go to sleep doesn’t actually do anything. Coffee isn’t going to solve the hangover; in fact, it just makes you more dehydrated so in the long run it doesn’t help you at all. Also, the morning-after drink – or hair of the dog – doesn’t work either it just delays the inevitable.

Those were just a few of the many myths out there. Now let’s focus on how to get rid of a hangover. Drinking water is the best thing you can do if you want to get over a hangover. Drinking lots of water will help restore your biological chemical balance. Taking painkillers like Tylenol, Aspirin and Ibuprofen have become known as hangover medicine because they work to reduce headaches and muscle pain, but they need to be taken with caution. As for hangover food, you should be eating eggs, bananas, Bouillon Soup, and fruit.

When consuming alcohol, you’re putting your body though a battle. If you know you’re going to go to war, you’re obviously going to prepare so you have the least amount of casualties. The casualties here, being the symptoms. Before you drink, understand your limits and stay within them. Eat food beforehand to prevent an excess of alcohol absorption into you body. Stay with one or two types of alcohol like vodka or gin because they are light liquors as oppose to dark liquors (dark liquors are more likely to cause a hangover). Stay away from the bubbly drinks because it really does go straight to your head. Stay hydrated throughout the night!

Pharmapassport.com, a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC X23), provides customers with low prices and long-term prescriptions drugs. All Canadian prescriptions are filled by a professionally registered pharmacist. For more information on how to order Canada drugs safely and securely call 1-866-293-3904 or visit http://www.pharmapassport.com/ – a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy that has filled over 1 million prescriptions.

July 29, 2011

The Truth About Hormone Therapy

vaginal creamHormones are chemicals which are naturally released in the body to monitor and regulate day-to-day functions. For example, the hormone thyroxin, which is released by the thyroid, regulates metabolism, protein synthesis, and neural development. During menopause, a woman’s ovaries release less estrogen which brings on uncomfortable menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood swings. As a result, hormone replacement therapy was often recommended as a treatment for menopause symptoms and to prevent osteoporosis. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the supplement of synthetic hormones in the forms of skin gels, pills, vaginal creams, patches, or vaginal rings.

Estrogen promotes healthy blood levels of cholesterol, the thickening of the uterus lining, optimal vaginal health, and proper processing of calcium. As estrogen monitors how the body uses calcium, a deficiency in estrogen can lead to osteoporosis. Women who have retained their uterus need to take progesterone with estrogen; otherwise estrogen will elevate the risk of cancer in the lining of the uterus. Progesterone reduces this risk by inducing monthly bleeding.

In July 2002, the results of the Women’s Health Initiative study which was published in Journal of the American Medical Association, caused millions of women across the US to stop hormone therapy due to the significantly increased risk of breast cancer. The study which was initially meant for duration of eight and a half years was immediately terminated after five years.

The study found that for every 10,000 women there were 7 heart attacks, 18 blood clots, 8 strokes and 8 cases of blood cancer. These findings led researchers at the National Health Institution to ask women to discuss the discontinuation of estrogen plus progesterone hormone therapy with their healthcare professionals. Some positive results of the study included 6 less colon cancer cases, 5 less hip fractures, and fewer fractures in general. Although these benefits were found, it was thus concluded that the risks of estrogen plus progesterone HRT outweighed the benefits.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy is looked as a safer alternative to conventional HRT as the hormones are molecularly identical and natural. Bioidentical hormones are derived from botanical plants such as soy and wild yam. As these hormones are more identical to the natural hormones produced in the body, the risk of potential side effects are minimized. The long term use of bioidentical hormones have not been studied so it is important for patients to only use FDA approved hormones. This applies especially to the use of compound hormones. Compounding is defined as the combination and/or modification of at least two FDA approved drugs to the specific medical needs of the patient. Compounded drugs are made as specified by a licensed practitioner. Compounded drugs are not approved by the FDA due to cases of death and injury. Moreover, when testing compounded hormones, over thirty percent of the medications failed. There are several FDA approved bioidentical hormones that patients can talk to their doctors about taking.

Pharmapassport.com, a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC X23), provides customers with low prices and long-term prescriptions drugs. All Canadian prescriptions are filled by a professionally registered pharmacist. For more information on how to order Canada drugs safely and securely call 1-866-293-3904 or visit http://www.pharmapassport.com/ – a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy that has filled over 1 million prescriptions.

July 22, 2011

Walking Towards A Longer Life

Filed under: being healthy — Tags: active lifestyle, healthy state, living longer, secret of longevity — dennisv @ 9:05 pm

As we age the question of how healthy we are and how much longer I have left hangs over us. We look for many ways to decide if our health is good and if the lifestyles we live are the correct ones. This process is tricky because we see seemingly healthy seniors die while others much like them continue to live. So the next question becomes what’s the secret to living longer?

The secret of longevity according to tests show that the faster a senior walks reflects their life expectancy. A study done on 35,000 older adults (average age of 74) mostly white women showed a ten-year survival increase of about 12% for every 0.1 m/second of increasement in their walking speed. Seniors that walked 1 meter per second (about 2.25 mph) or faster consistently showed the best results.

What this study along with many other studies about the effects of walking shows is that the faster you walk the better all your biological systems are working for example your muscular, nervous, and digestion systems. However if you’re walking speed is fast then don’t assume everything is alright you still need to closely watch your health because underlying issues that aren’t reflected by walking speed. Walking fast just means you’re more likely to love longer because you’re in a healthy state. Take Edward Gerjouy for example. Edward is a 92 year old man who can walk on an incline treadmill for more than 30 min without fatigue.

Administering a time test can give you and your doctor an understanding of your level of health. The lesson here is to have an active lifestyle because the more movement especially an elderly person goes though keeps their internal systems active and working supposed to slowing down and getting lazy. It’s advised that elderly get more involved in activities like strolls to increase their walking speed.

Pharmapassport.com, a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC X23), provides customers with low prices and long-term prescriptions drugs. All Canadian prescriptions are filled by a professionally registered pharmacist. For more information on how to order Canada drugs safely and securely call 1-866-293-3904 or visit http://www.pharmapassport.com/ – a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy that has filled over 1 million prescriptions.

June 22, 2011

Associations between Education and Blood Pressure

man learning on computerA long-term study conducted with 3890 participants from the Framming Offspring Study set out to determine if blood pressure is inversely linked with education in developed countries. The study consisted of participants were put through 7 separate examinations through the course of 30 years. The average age of the participants was thirty six years. The study was seeking to establish an understanding on whether low education was associated with high blood pressure through many long assessments. Factors that could cause a difference at the baseline were separated for better results.

After considering age, obesity, blood pressure medication, alcohol, and smoking, the ending results concluded that people with less than 12 years of education suffered higher systolic blood pressure verses people who had more than 17 years of education. There was an evident difference in results after adjustments between male and female participants were made. Women who had less than 12 years of education had a 2.69 mmHg higher systolic blood pressure compared to women who were educated for 17 years or more. The link between education and high blood pressure was less dramatic in men. Men, who were educated for 12 years or less, had 1.20 mmHg higher systolic blood pressures than men who went to school for 17 years or more.

Elevated systolic blood pressure causes a number of ailments, especially heart disease. The conclusion of the study further explains the risk factors of cardiac arrest and aspects of lowering blood pressure. Thus, there is a natural association between education and systolic blood pressure.

Pharmapassport.com, a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC X23), provides customers with low prices and long-term prescriptions drugs. All Canadian prescriptions are filled by a professionally registered pharmacist. For more information on how to order Canada drugs safely and securely call 1-866-293-3904 or visit http://www.pharmapassport.com/ – a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy that has filled over 1 million prescriptions.

May 24, 2011

Seasonal Allergies: What You Should Know

What are seasonal allergies?

To better understand seasonal allergies, one needs to know what allergies are. Allergies occur when the body mistakes certain substances (known as allergens) as a threat. When the immune system detects the allergen, it releases histamines which induce the physical symptoms of allergies. Seasonal allergies are allergies which occur periodically according to the season.

What causes seasonal allergies?

Allergens of seasonal allergies differ depending on the allergy season. During the spring the common culprit is tree pollen. Grass commonly causes seasonal allergies in the summertime, whereas allergic reactions to ragweed are commonplace from late summer to the end of fall. Year-round allergies are most commonly caused by dust and mold.

What are the symptoms of seasonal allergies?

The symptoms of seasonal allergies are similar to the symptoms of year-round allergies. The most common symptoms include: itchy palate, itchy throat, sinus congestion, runny nose, and sneezing. Sufferers of year round allergies usually take allergy medication on a regular basis throughout the year.

Why do people have seasonal allergies?

Although the direct cause of allergies remains unknown, genetics are suspected to indirectly cause allergies. Specific allergies are not inherited, however the tendency of developing an allergy increases if one’s parent(s) has allergies.

How can I prevent seasonal allergies?

By avoiding the outdoors when the pollen count is high, one can reduce exposure to pollen thus reducing the occurrence of seasonal allergies. To make outdoor activities and events more enjoyable, it is best to make outdoor plans when the pollen count is low. To reduce contact with allergens, take a shower and changes your clothes once you have returned indoors. If you have pets, make sure to keep them clean as well, as pet fur can contain dander and outdoor allergens which can aggravate your allergies.

How can allergy medications treat seasonal allergies?

Over the counter allergy medications are often anti-histamines. Anti-histamines work to inhibit the production and action of the naturally released histamines in the body. For best results, it is recommended for one to take anti-histamines before allergy season. Doing so will make the event of allergies occurring less likely, and you will not have to deal with any of the symptoms. For eye irritation, eye drops are taken to relieve one from itchy red eyes. There are allergy medications available which can treat nasal symptoms along with irritated eyes such as Reactine. If you continually suffer from eye related allergy symptoms, you can use allergy eyedrops which work to soothe and prevent these symptoms for reoccurring.

Pharmapassport.com, a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC X23), provides customers with low prices and long-term prescriptions drugs. All Canadian prescriptions are filled by a professionally registered pharmacist. For more information on how to order Canada drugs safely and securely call 1-866-293-3904 or visit http://www.pharmapassport.com/ – a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy that has filled over 1 million prescriptions.

May 16, 2011

Natural Remedies for Hay Fever

Filed under: allergies — Tags: allergies, hay fever, hayfever, seasonal allergies — dennisv @ 5:34 pm

Hay Fever, or allergic rhinitis, is an allergic reaction caused by your immune system as a response to foreign material such as pollens and mold. Hay fever usually occurs in the spring or in the fall. Symptoms of hay fever include: fatigue, stuffy, itchy, red nose, mild sore throat, plugged ears, and itchy, puffy, and watery eyes. If you’re not into taking discount prescription drugs, here are a few things you can do to treat hay fever

  • Chamomile oil can help reduce symptoms of hay fever in a couple ways. Smearing chamomile oil onto a towel or tissue and inhaling or boiling chamomile and inhaling the steam will benefit anyone who is suffering from hay fever.
  • Take peelings from grapefruit and lemon and bring to a simmer. Add honey to sweeten, then digest to ease symptoms of hay fever.
  • Having locally produced honey can decrease sensitivity to pollens. Since honey is produced from bees pollen, being exposed to these pollens will reduce your symptoms of hay fever.
  • Eating fruits and vegetables can also do the trick! Berries are the best at treating hay fever.
  • Drinking a hot 18oz cup of coffee is surprisingly helpful. The heat of the coffee can open up your airways to help you breath much better.
  • Having ginger can strengthen your immune system and thus reduce symptoms of hay fever. Although digesting garlic cloves will put an unpleasant taste in your mouth, it can be helpful in relieving hay fever.
  • Tea bags that are prepared and cooled and placed on eyes will help alleviate inflammation and soreness of eyes.
  • Herbs can always work magic when it comes to illness. Whether you use capsules or prepare them, they work! Herbs such as lavender can be prepared in a warm bath to reduce symptoms of hay fever.

Whatever your preference, there are many ways to help relieve hay fever. If natural ways are not showing you results, medications such as Claritin, Medrol, and Periactin can definitely help relieve symptoms of hay fever.

Pharmapassport.com, a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC X23), provides customers with low prices and long-term prescriptions drugs. All Canadian prescriptions are filled by a professionally registered pharmacist. For more information on how to order Canada drugs safely and securely call 1-866-293-3904 or visit http://www.pharmapassport.com/ – a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy that has filled over 1 million prescriptions.

February 14, 2011

Rethink Those Weird Health Tips

Filed under: health-tips — Tags: cinnamom, eat outside, health, health-tips, laughing, metabolism, music, peppers — dennisv @ 5:04 pm

Have you ever come across a weird health tip, that you thought sounded ridiculous? Well, you may be surprised when some of those strange tips, could be quite beneficial for a healthier you.
Below are just a few of the many odd health tips you may have heard about, but these ones are worth a try.

• Ever heard that laughing helps you lose weight? Well, according to scientists laughing up to 10 to 15 minutes a day will help you burn off the amount of calories in one medium square of chocolate! So that means if you laugh up to 10- 15 minutes a day, in a year you could lose an estimated 4.4 pounds per year! Some people spend hours in the gym trying to shed calories, when simply laughing can do the same result for you. Why not enjoy yourself and lose the weight in the process. Try it out!
• Ever heard that eating more will help you weigh less? That might be confusing to you, especially if you find your eating too much and gaining weight. Eating small and healthy throughout the day, on top of regular balanced meals can keep your stomach full. It will also stop you from going to the nearest vending machine, to feed your hungry needs. Eating the nutritious and protein rich foods, can assist in bettering your metabolism, as well as persuade muscle building.
• Ever heard that eating outside will help you lose weight? Well those who eat while working will eat on average 250 calories more than those who eat outside. This occurs because when you are focusing more on your work, you are less focused on what you are putting in your body. This can keep you so distracted that you don’t realize you’re not hungry anymore, and still are eating.
• Ever heard that eating cinnamon can help burn fat? An individual can burn fat through consuming a least half a teaspoon daily of cinnamon. It helps boost metabolism.
• Ever heard that it is beneficial to eat red peppers? Eating spicy peppers can help you shed extra pounds as it contains capsaicin which helps boost metabolism.
• Ever heard that listening to music helps the brain’s fitness? According to a study by Nature Reviews Neuroscience, they found that musical training or any relations with music can improve the brains capability to handle communication. Thus making it easier for the brain to acclimatize and alter during physical or mental change. Listening to music can also provide a distraction from stress or worries, so you are completely focused on working out.

Pharmapassport.com, a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC X23), provides customers with low prices and long-term prescriptions drugs. All Canadian prescriptions are filled by a professionally registered pharmacist. For more information on how to order Canada drugs safely and securely call 1-866-293-3904 or visit http://www.pharmapassport.com/ – a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy that has filled over 1 million prescriptions.

February 3, 2011

Breast Cancer: an occupational hazard for firefighters

Filed under: cancer — Tags: breast cancer, cancer, cancers, development of cancer, firefighters, hazard, prostate — dennisv @ 5:35 pm

In Manitoba on Tuesday December 14th, more than fifty firefighters, mainly women, sat in the visitor’s gallery, waiting as the Province’s Labor Minister Jennifer Howard, introduced Bill 6. Bill 6 is a document that expands coverage to firefighters for four work related cancers, which includes breast cancer. Meaning, that those who work as a firefighter, has coverage against four work related cancers. It will also give worker-compensation benefit will be paid for firefighters who suffer from primary-site prostate, skin cancers, and multiple myeloma.

In 2002, Manitoba recognized cancer as an occupational risk for firefighters. President of The United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg, Alex Forest explained that firefighters lay their lives on the line during deadly situations, but also face a higher risk of developing cancer in the later years. Firefighters need some form of protection if they work in a deadly field that gives individuals a higher risk of developing cancer, which is why action has been taken place.

Since Manitoba’s step to change, six other Canadian provinces, several U. S states and in some European Countries have copied this law.   The government of Manitoba is being applauded for recognizing the dangers firefighters lives are in.

Pharmapassport.com, a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC X23), provides customers with low prices and long-term prescriptions drugs. All Canadian prescriptions are filled by a professionally registered pharmacist. For more information on how to order Canada drugs safely and securely call 1-866-293-3904 or visit http://www.pharmapassport.com/ – a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy that has filled over 1 million prescriptions.

January 21, 2011

Causes Of Morning Headaches

Headaches can strike anyone, at anytime! They can occur as just one symptoms of a medical condition, or they can occur on their own. One thing is for sure, headaches are painful, distracting, and unwanted!

For those who suffer from morning headaches, they may be a result of any of the following ailments.

1) Sinus Inflammation- Morning headaches are  likely caused by sinus inflammation. The pain is caused due to the inflammation of the sinus and normally worsens when you bend forward.  As you bend forward, there is an increase in pressure in the sinus cavity.

2) Drinking: After a night of drinking, you may wake up with a headache. Alcohol consumption causes to blood vessels to expand, which can cause a headache.

3) Irregular Sleeping Patterns: Persistent headaches that occur in the morning have been said to occur in people who have difficulty sleeping.

4) Overdose of Headache drugs: The frequent use of headache medication can also cause morning headaches.

5) Pregnancy: Women who are pregnant may notice they suffer from morning headaches. This symptom of pregnancy is caused by hormone changes in expectant mothers. These changes cause an increase of blood flow and lead to the morning headaches.

Pharmapassport.com, a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC X23), provides customers with low prices and long-term prescriptions drugs. All Canadian prescriptions are filled by a professionally registered pharmacist. For more information on how to order Canada drugs safely and securely call 1-866-293-3904 or visit http://www.pharmapassport.com/ – a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy that has filled over 1 million prescriptions.

December 17, 2010

Snacks For Diabetics

Filed under: diabetes — Tags: cholesterol, diabetes, high cholesterol, lower cholesterol — dennisv @ 9:02 pm

Being a diabetic and choosing healthy snacks can be very hard. Avoiding sugar and fats can make all the difference. Here are a few snacks packed with vitamins and other health benefits so you can eat right.

  • Blue berries were rated #1 out of 40 fruits. Blueberries may help lower LDL cholesterol. Also, eat the fresh ones, not the ones found in desserts!
  • Yogurt contains healthy bacteria that helps boost your immune system and fights off infections. It is enriched with calcium and vitamin B. When choosing a yogurt, go with a low fat, low sugar product; pay attention to the nutrition label!
  • Broccoli is high in antioxidants. It is also loaded with vitamin C, calcium, and high in fiber. Broccoli is good because it is low in calories; who doesn’t love that!  Additionally, try steaming broccoli for added flavor.
  • Spinach is a food that can be cooked in any recipe. It is high in antioxidants and vitamin A,C, and K. It also contains potassium.
  • Apples are healthy in many different ways. They help lower cholesterol, prevent cancer, and many other medical conditions. Apples have large amounts of vitamin C and fiber. “An apple a day, keeps the doctor away”, sounds just about right now!
  • Almonds contain a lot for a little nut. It contains protein, fiber, potassium, and calcium. It is rich in vitamin E and can help lower cholesterol therefore reducing the risk of diabetes.

There are many other snacks you can enjoy suck as; omlettes, sun dried mangos, baked potatoes, brown rice, fish, and even a little ice cream for dessert. Finding meals and snacks that fit your needs is hard but with a little hard work, you can lower your cholesterol and stay healthy.



Pharmapassport.com, a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC X23), provides customers with low prices and long-term prescriptions drugs. All Canadian prescriptions are filled by a professionally registered pharmacist. For more information on how to order Canada drugs safely and securely call 1-866-293-3904 or visit http://www.pharmapassport.com/ – a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy that has filled over 1 million prescriptions.

September 30, 2010

How to Improve your Ocular Health

The visual system is one of the most complex and demanding systems of the body.  The muscles around eyes are the most used muscle groups in the body, and more than 25% of the nutrition in your body is absorbed through this system.

1. Take Multivitamins – The amount of vitamin C and other nutrients is higher in the eyes than anywhere else in the body. Proper nutrition is an extremely important in preventing and treating most common eye problems including cataracts and glaucoma.  Keep in mind that proper nutritional balance is important.  The body does not use each vitamin and mineral separately, but it allows specific vitamins and minerals to work together in order to nourish the body.

2. Hydrate your eyes – A saline solution can go a long way in keeping your eyes soothed and lubricated.  Other problems such as mild allergy problems can be relieved with over the counter anti-histamine eye drops.

3. Eat your Veggies! – Green vegetables such as spinach, collard, and kale can help to prevent degenerative eye problems such as macular degeneration.  When the macula doesn’t work, there is blurriness or darkness in the center of your vision.

4. Eat your Fruits! – Blueberries and apricots are especially good for ocular health because they help reduce eye fatigue and are full of beta-carotene and lycopene which encourage good eyesight.

5. Take a break – If you spend most of your time on a computer, take a break every 20 minutes.  Every 20 seconds look at least 20 feet away to refocus your eyes and give them a break.

6. Eat fish – Omega 3 fish oil is a key ingredient in having healthy eyes. Omega 3 is good for the heart, and as a general rule, heart-healthy diets are also good for the eyes. Make eating salmon and tuna a part of your weekly routine.

Pharmapassport.com, a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC X23), provides customers with low prices and long-term prescriptions drugs. All Canadian prescriptions are filled by a professionally registered pharmacist. For more information on how to order Canada drugs safely and securely call 1-866-293-3904 or visit http://www.pharmapassport.com/ – a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy that has filled over 1 million prescriptions.

September 14, 2010

4 Hair Myths Exposed

Many women are willing to try anything in order to have healthy, beautiful hair. Some women believe that home remedies and shopping channel products can provide larger than life results. Let’s face it – we spend hours coiffing and poking at our hairstyles in order to look our best.  So when it comes to hair myths, we are willing to believe anything that will provide us with promising results.  Lets shed some light on the truths of common hair care myths.

1. Shaving or Cutting your hair makes it grow back thicker: I have a friend whose mother shaved her head when she was just a baby in hopes that she would develop thick, luscious locks. The truth is, shaving doesn’t affect the texture of the hair because it acts on the hair shaft, not the hair follicle where the hair develops.  My friend even claims she has very thin hair regardless of her mother’s good intentions.

2.  Baldness is passed on through the mother’s genes: Its been common knowledge that a mans baldness can be determined by looking at the mothers father, however there is a lot more to it than that.  Either parent can pass down the gene for baldness however the female X chromosome passed down by the mother is an important factor in determining whether or not baldness will occur.  Men and women can both inherit the gene for baldness, but men are more likely to have physical signs of the gene. Luckily, there are ways that men can slow down the rate of  hair loss.

3.  Your hair will be healthy and shiny if you brush it 100 times a day:  Some time ago someone believed that doing this will stimulate blood circulation in the hair follicles and improve hair quality.  The fact is that although hair is naturally strong, unnecessary brushing will cause excessive breakage and damage to the hair.

4. Prenatal vitamins help hair growth: Most women truly believe that these vitamins increase hair growth, however there is no evidence that proves prenatal vitamins assist in hair growth.  During pregnancy, however, hair does grow longer and thicker due to higher hormone levels.  Vitamins can help people who experience poor hair growth due to a vitamin deficiency, but in this case there is no difference between a regular multivitamin and prenatal vitamins.

Pharmapassport.com, a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC X23), provides customers with low prices and long-term prescriptions drugs. All Canadian prescriptions are filled by a professionally registered pharmacist. For more information on how to order Canada drugs safely and securely call 1-866-293-3904 or visit http://www.pharmapassport.com/ – a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy that has filled over 1 million prescriptions.

August 25, 2010

Ways to Beat Depression

Filed under: depression — Tags: anxiety, caffeine, depression, exercise, massage, relax, vegetarian, vitamin D — dennisv @ 6:29 pm

Summer is coming to an end and it’s the time to get out, enjoy the weather, forget your worries, and just be happy! Here are a few tips on how to beat your depression and fully enjoy the finish of the summer season.

  1. Depression is transientDepression does not last. Even in severe cases of depression it does go away. Even if it only leaves for a small amount of time each day (example- you can laugh when you watch a comedy show), you do get a relief from depression.
  2. Learn the value of human contact – Do not keep yourself to yourself. Get out of the house and out with your friends. Go do something active. Talk to people, hug people, spend time away from yourself. This is key in overcoming depression.
  3. Healthy eating habits – There are certain foods that can contribute to depression, which you should avoid. This includes coffee, meat, alcohol, and fast foods. If you really want to overcome depression, try to be a vegetarian for a while.
  4. Get some sun – The sun is extremely healthy for depression. Outside there is fresh air and you are not enclosed in some small little room. Just as little as 15 minutes a day can have a major impact on your emotions.
  5. Exercise – Exercise is healthy on all levels. You do not necessarily have to run. You can walk, jog, or play a sport. You can bring a pet or a friend with you or go alone. Local parks or forests are the best locations because of their calming serenity.
  6. Take a break – Go get a massage or invest in a rocking chair. Something calming and relaxing where all you have to do is sit, and enjoy yourself. Let yourself be pampered.

Pharmapassport.com, a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC X23), provides customers with low prices and long-term prescriptions drugs. All Canadian prescriptions are filled by a professionally registered pharmacist. For more information on how to order Canada drugs safely and securely call 1-866-293-3904 or visit http://www.pharmapassport.com/ – a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy that has filled over 1 million prescriptions.

August 24, 2010

5 Foods that boost your energy

During a summer heat wave it becomes harder and harder to feel energized.  After a long hot day most of us just feel like slouching on the couch or having a nap.  Here are some foods that will promote energy production,help you retain  more energy, and leave you feeling rejuvenated.

1. Oatmeal - The fiber in oatmeal helps you to get a long stream of energy.  This is a healthy food because it makes digestion easier on your body and also stabilizes your blood sugar levels.  The complex carbohydrates in oats are not like the simple carbohydrates that turn into fat and make you feel drowsy.  Instead they are absorbed more slowly into the body therefore stabilize blood sugar levels and provide you with lasting energy.  Oats contain vitamin B which helps to transform carbohydrates into energy that your body can use.

2. Nuts – Nuts like peanuts and almonds are packed with protein that gives you lasting energy.  Snack on almonds during the 2pm slump and add peanut butter to your oatmeal for optimum energy.

3. Water – It’s not a food, but it’s the most important item on this list.  Without water, your body can’t even generate energy.  Water allows your body to digest, transport, and absorb nutrients.  If you are dehydrated, your body cells can’t function to efficiently receive nutrients. This leads to fatigue.  Try to drink as much water a day as you can to keep yourself hydrated and energized.

4. Pineapple – The fructose in pineapple breaks down quickly for an instant energy boost while the fiber slows down digestion and gives you long lasting energy.  In addition the manganese and thiamin are both crucial to energy production and the vitamin B6 helps the body create the hormone serotonin that boosts your mood! Pineapple can also prevent dehydration – a main cause of fatigue in most individuals

5. Yogurt – Yogurt will give you an immediate boost of energy because it is easily and quickly absorbed into the body.  The high protein levels in yogurt ensure that it will give you long lasting energy. Yogurt is full of calcium, protein, zinc, vitamin B2, vitamin B12, phosphorus, tryptophan, and molybdenum.

Pharmapassport.com, a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC X23), provides customers with low prices and long-term prescriptions drugs. All Canadian prescriptions are filled by a professionally registered pharmacist. For more information on how to order Canada drugs safely and securely call 1-866-293-3904 or visit http://www.pharmapassport.com/ – a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy that has filled over 1 million prescriptions.

August 23, 2010

Bad Foods for Your Bones

Bones have an important role in our bodies. They help control muscle movement and make us into the vertebrates that we are.  Keep your bones healthy by drinking plenty of milk and by exercising on a regular basis.  You can also try to stay away from these substances that are damaging to your bones.

Salt - For every 2,300 mg of salt you eat, you will lose 40 mg of calcium.  This is a big deal considering that the average American has around 5,000 mg of salt every day (double the recommended daily intake) due to processed food and fast food.

Soda - Soda is a complete bone killer.  The carbonation in soda comes from phosphoric acid.  These acids will cause twice as much calcium to leave your body through urination, meaning your calcium levels will be compromised as a result of your need for a sugary fix.  Not to mention there is no nutritional value in soft drinks!

Coffee -
The caffeine in coffee is known to suck the calcium out of bones.  For every small/medium sized cup of coffee you consume, you lose 6 milligrams of calcium.  It’s not a lot, but can do some damage if you tend to drink large amounts of coffee without making up for it with fortified drinks like milk and juice.  Try to limit your coffee intake to control your calcium levels.

Alcohol -
Alcohol prevents your body from absorbing bone building minerals that you eat.  Chronic drinking prevents bone-building cells from re-building damaged and eroding bones.  Alcohol makes your bones weaker and slower at healing after a break or fracture.

Carrots?  - Apparently too much vitamin A can actually affect your health.  Vitamin A is essential for good vision and a healthy immune system, but the average diet is already naturally high in vitamin A.  If you add multivitamins to your diet then you are actually getting way more than the recommended daily dose of 5,000 IUs.  Too much vitamin A has been linked to bone loss and an increase in the risk of hip fracture.  Experts believe that excessive vitamin A can trigger an increase in osteoclasts (cells that break down bone).  In addition they also believe that vitamin A can interfere with vitamin D, a vitamin that is important to preserving bone.

Pharmapassport.com, a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC X23), provides customers with low prices and long-term prescriptions drugs. All Canadian prescriptions are filled by a professionally registered pharmacist. For more information on how to order Canada drugs safely and securely call 1-866-293-3904 or visit http://www.pharmapassport.com/ – a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy that has filled over 1 million prescriptions.

Massive Recall of Eggs Linked to Salmonella

Filed under: health risks — Tags: CDC, contamination, eggs, FDA, health risk, Recall, salmonella, Wright County Egg — dennisv @ 9:18 pm

In May 2010, the CDC began noticing a drastic increase in the number of reported salmonella cases (4 times the average amount) and began to investigate. During the investigation, the CDC, FDA, and other state partners were able to successfully locate the site of contamination, Wright County Egg of Galt, Iowa.

On August 13, 2010, Wright County Egg began a voluntary recall on all of their shell eggs that had been shipped since May 19, 2010. The recall will be the largest in years as Wright County Egg ships their products to food wholesalers, distribution centers and food service companies in California, Illinois, Missouri, Colorado, Nebraska, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa. These companies then distribute the eggs all throughout the nation. There is also the issue that the contamination is thought to have begun back in May, almost 3 months before the recall of these products.

Wright County Egg shell eggs are packaged under the names: Lucerne, Albertson, Mountain Dairy, Ralph’s, Boomsma’s, Sunshine, Hollandale, Trafficanda, Farm Fresh, Shoreland, Lund, Dutch Farms, and Kemps.

The FDA has issued the following information for consumers.

  • Don’t eat recalled eggs or products containing recalled eggs. Recalled eggs might still be in grocery stores, restaurants, and consumers’ homes. Consumers who have recalled eggs should discard them or return them to their retailer for a refund. Individuals who think they might have become ill from eating recalled eggs should consult their health care providers.
  • Keep shell eggs refrigerated at ≤45˚ F (≤7˚ C) at all times.
  • Discard cracked or dirty eggs.
  • Wash hands, cooking utensils, and food preparation surfaces with soap and water after contact with raw eggs.
  • Eggs should be cooked until both the white and the yolk are firm and eaten promptly after cooking.
  • Do not keep eggs warm or at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
  • Refrigerate unused or leftover egg- containing foods promptly.
  • Avoid eating raw eggs.
  • Avoid restaurant dishes made with raw or undercooked, unpasteurized eggs. Restaurants should use pasteurized eggs in any recipe (such as Hollandaise sauce or Caesar salad dressing) that calls for raw eggs.
  • Consumption of raw or undercooked eggs should be avoided, especially by young children, elderly persons, and person with weakened immune systems or debilitating illness.

Pharmapassport.com, a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC X23), provides customers with low prices and long-term prescriptions drugs. All Canadian prescriptions are filled by a professionally registered pharmacist. For more information on how to order Canada drugs safely and securely call 1-866-293-3904 or visit http://www.pharmapassport.com/ – a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy that has filled over 1 million prescriptions.

5 Ways to Prevent Salmonella Poisoning

The recent Salmonella outbreak throughout the United States due to contaminated eggs has everyone worrying about Salmonella poisoning.  If you have Salmonella, your symptoms will develop within 8 to 72 hours of eating a contaminated product. Salmonella poisoning can be deadly to those with weak immune systems.  The most common symptoms of Salmonella are diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Salmonella poisoning usually lasts for 2 to 5 days.

How to Prevent Salmonella Poisoning

  • Don’t buy or eat recalled eggs or products containing recalled eggs.  These eggs may still be used in grocery stores, restaurants, and people’s homes.  If you have recalled eggs in your home, discard of them immediately.
  • Keep your eggs refrigerated in a fridge with a constant temperature of 4 degrees Celsius or below (40 degrees F or below), and discard of any cracked or dirty eggs that you have purchased.
  • Always wash your hands before and after dealing with raw eggs.  Wash the cooking utensils and surfaces where your eggs came in contact to immediately after preparation.  Do not eat products that contain raw eggs like uncooked cookie dough or Caesar Salad dressing.
  • Cook your eggs until both the yolk and the white are firm.  Eat your eggs soon after cooking and don’t keep eggs warm or at room temperature for more than 2 hours.  Refrigerate any unused to left over egg products without delay.
  • Avoid eating out at restaurants with meals made with raw or undercooked, unpasteurized eggs. Restaurants should use pasteurized eggs in their recipes. If you are worried about a restaurant serving unpasteurized eggs, ask your server to find out or avoid ordering a dish that contains raw eggs.

Pharmapassport.com, a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC X23), provides customers with low prices and long-term prescriptions drugs. All Canadian prescriptions are filled by a professionally registered pharmacist. For more information on how to order Canada drugs safely and securely call 1-866-293-3904 or visit http://www.pharmapassport.com/ – a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy that has filled over 1 million prescriptions.

August 17, 2010

5 Dangerous Medication Mishaps

100,000 people die each year due to medication mistakes and 1.5 million become sick or injured due to improper use. Many of theses deaths and injuries are accidental. It’s shocking that the public is unaware of how use prescription and over-the-counter medicines safely.  Read about these medication mistakes and enlighten yourself on how to safely use medications.

Age - One mistake people make is that they forget to ask their doctor or pharmacist if certain medications are safe for certain age groups. Many doctors are still uninformed about medications that cause risks to elders and children.  Older adults process medication differently, and they are at an increased risk of problems like dementia, dizziness, falling, and high blood pressure.  Some drugs can increase these risks and are more likely to cause dangerous side effects in people older than 65.  To avoid this problem, check with your doctor and the Beers List before taking any medication you are unsure of.

Similar Medications – Many medications have similar appearances or names causing medications to accidentally be misused. The doctor’s handwriting may be hard to read, or the name of the drug could be incorrectly placed into the computer.  The pharmacist could even grab the wrong medicine off the shelf as most pharmacies are organized alphabetically.   For example, it is easy to mix up Proloprim and Proferrin; however one medication is an antibiotic used to treat infections, and the other is an iron supplement. To avoid this costly mix-up, ask your doctor to tell you the name of the medication after he or she writes it down.  After receiving your medication at the pharmacy, check the prescription label and directions to make sure you received the correct medicine.

Combining Medications with Similar Side Effects– All drugs have possible side effects, but if you take two or more medications at the same time without consulting your doctor, they can interact with each other and cause unwanted or dangerous effects.   Some drugs, including ones that involve blood pressure and dizziness, can magnify the other’s potential effects. If you are taking a drug with the potential side effect of high blood pressure, and then you being taking a medication with the same possible effect, your blood pressure will become dangerously high. If you combine medicines that may cause dizziness, it can lead to falls and fractures. Before taking any combination of medicines, talk to your doctor about their possible effects and reactions with each other.

Combining Medications with Similar Components- It’s easy to accidentally combine medications with similar effects or properties.  You might be taking one medication for pain, one for anxiety, and another for insomnia – but little do you know that they are all sedatives and can cause toxic effects when taken in large doses.  The risk for overdose is highest in drugs that are designed to deal with the central nervous system.  Narcotic painkillers and sedatives are examples of these. To avoid accidental overdose, tell your doctor before taking any new prescription medication about all prescription and over-the-counter medication that you are already using.

Mixing Alcohol with medicine – Many people don’t realize the dangers of alcohol in general, let alone the dangers of mixing it with medication.  Alcohol can be a deadly poison when taken with painkillers, sedatives, and other medications.   Many experts now believe that there should be no alcohol consumption with any medication because alcohol can decrease the effectiveness of any medication or increase the risk of side effects. Alcohol can cause a dangerous reaction with over-the-counter drugs like Benadryl and cough and cold medicines. The cough and cold medicines can also contain alcohol themselves – so you can end up with alcohol poisoning.   Other drugs like antidepressants can cause a dangerous rise in blood pressure when mixed with alcohol, and some sedatives like Ativan or Valium can depress the heart rate enough to cause a coma when taken with alcohol.

Pharmapassport.com, a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC X23), provides customers with low prices and long-term prescriptions drugs. All Canadian prescriptions are filled by a professionally registered pharmacist. For more information on how to order Canada drugs safely and securely call 1-866-293-3904 or visit http://www.pharmapassport.com/ – a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy that has filled over 1 million prescriptions.

August 12, 2010

Internet Addiction Leads to Depression

Filed under: depression — Tags: anxiety, depression, internet addiction — dennisv @ 4:35 pm

A recent study shows that the amount of time that a teenager spends on the internet is linked to an increased chance of developing depression. Teenagers who are addicted to the internet are 2.5 times more likely to suffer from depression than normal internet users.

Teenagers use the internet for a variety of reasons and many end up getting hooked to it. This should however be no surprise. I mean in this age, what can’t you do on the internet? With everything being at your fingertips, why get up from the computer?

Approximately one half of the teenagers surveyed said that they used the internet as a means of entertainment. The other half said that they used the internet to talk to their friends or to do some research.

Here are a few tips you as a parent can give to your child in order to avoid this problem.

5 Ways to Avoid Internet Addiction

1) Stop the urge: Set a time to use the internet, instead of going over whenever temptation calls.

2) Get away: Focus on your hobbies and interests and what you are passionate about. Doing something you enjoy will help you stay off the internet.

3) Use the phone: Instead of communicating to your friends by messenger, facebook, or whatever you may use, just call them. Having a real conversation is much more interesting.

4) Counseling: In some cases, if the addiction is very high then counseling is necessary. With counseling one can work towards ridding themselves of their addiction.

5) Schoolwork and friends: There’s more to life than sitting in front of a computer screen all day. Do your schoolwork and go hang out with your friends. Get your work done and have a fun time!

As a side note to parents, internet addiction can lead to kids avoiding their homework. Keeping the computer in a place which everyone has access to (not your child’s room) will give you a greater ability to help your child get past his/ her addiction.

Pharmapassport.com, a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC X23), provides customers with low prices and long-term prescriptions drugs. All Canadian prescriptions are filled by a professionally registered pharmacist. For more information on how to order Canada drugs safely and securely call 1-866-293-3904 or visit http://www.pharmapassport.com/ – a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy that has filled over 1 million prescriptions.

High Heels are Dangerous to Womens Health

This is not new information, doctors have been warning women against heels for years, but it is important for women to know that high heels, thick or thin, can negatively affect the health. Orthopedists have been warning women for years about how high heels can cause many conditions such as arthritis, chronic knee pain, and back problems.  Several studies have been conducted over the years to show women the health hazards associated with wearing high heels.

Apparently women who wear heels on a regular basis are at a greater risk of developing knee osteoarthritis and joint degeneration.  Specifically, the higher the heel is, the greater the risk.

In 1998, researchers at Harvard linked high heels, exclusively very narrow stiletto heels, to knee osteoarthritis. This disease is categorized by the breakdown of cartilage surrounding the knee and is a painful degenerative joint disease.  In 2001 the researchers decided to look at wider heels to see if they are also harmful to women’s knees.  The study concluded that wider heels actually increase the risk of osteoarthritis in the knee as much as, or even more than narrow heels. Researchers suggest that wide heeled shoes give women the feeling of stability and comfort, which in turn allows them to wear them all day long. The extra support does make them better for your feet, but just as bad for your knees.

Other studies used sensors and cameras to measure the force acting on the knee joints and the shock waves travelling up their bodies from the heel strikes caused by flats, two inch heels, and 3.5 inch heels.  As the heels got higher, the compression inside the knee increased.   Heels two inches and high changed the join positions at the ankle, hip, and trunk.  These changes will inevitable alter posture and put strain on the lower back.

Even though it takes a long time to start feeling the effects of osteoarthritis, it comes suddenly and cannot be cured.   80% of Americans suffering from arthritis have osteoarthritis, and there are over 300,000 artificial knee replacement surgeries performed every year due to knee osteoarthritis. The study concludes that low-heels (1 inch) or no heels are best for protecting yourself against osteoarthritis of the knees.

Pharmapassport.com, a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC X23), provides customers with low prices and long-term prescriptions drugs. All Canadian prescriptions are filled by a professionally registered pharmacist. For more information on how to order Canada drugs safely and securely call 1-866-293-3904 or visit http://www.pharmapassport.com/ – a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy that has filled over 1 million prescriptions.

7 Health Benefits of Blueberries

Blueberries are ripe and local during the summer months, the perfect reason to eat them as snacks or in pies.  You may not know, however, that blueberries are also exceptional for the health in numerous ways

Anti-Oxidant Rich - Blueberries have the highest ant-oxidant capacity of all other fresh fruit.  Blueberries contain large amounts of vitamin C, vitamin B complex, vitamin E, vitamin A, copper, selenium, zinc, and iron.   All of these components boost the immune system and prevent infections.

Help Slim Belly Fat – New studies suggest that blueberries can help reduce belly fat as well as risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome.  A blueberry rich diet in a study on rats resulted in lower cholesterol, less abdominal fat, and lower triglycerides in the subjects.  There was also an improvement in glucose and insulin control.

Anti-Aging – Blueberries have components that neutralize the free radicals in your body that can cause aging.  Being full of anti-oxidants these sweet berries are your best defense against wrinkles.

Healthy Heart – Blueberries have the amazing ability to improve cardiac muscles, and reduce bad cholesterol. Blueberries are often used as a supplement to cure heart disease.

20/20 Vision – According to clinical studies, blueberry extract high in anthocyanosides has been found to slow down vision loss.  Blueberries can prevent and slow down all age-related eye problems due to their high anti-oxidant levels.  Other components in blueberries like flavanoids, vitamin A, zinc, phosphorus, and selenium are beneficial and essential for good eye health.

Increased Mood – Blueberries increase the production of the feel-good hormone dopamine.  This hormone is a natural neurotransmitter that moderates mood, brain function, and motor skills.  Those who are low in dopamine levels tend to have brain disorders such as Parkinson’s disease.

Cancer – Blueberries can be beneficial to cancer patients because they contain compounds such as Pterostilbene, Ellagic Acid, Anthocyanin (anti-oxidant), copper, and Vitamin C that work together to help prevent and even cure cancer.

Pharmapassport.com, a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC X23), provides customers with low prices and long-term prescriptions drugs. All Canadian prescriptions are filled by a professionally registered pharmacist. For more information on how to order Canada drugs safely and securely call 1-866-293-3904 or visit http://www.pharmapassport.com/ – a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy that has filled over 1 million prescriptions.

Hormonal Contraceptives are Less Effective in Obese/Overweight Women

A systematic review of results reported online has concluded that hormonal contraceptives (such as skin patches, vaginal rings, implants, pills, and injections) may not be as effective in overweight and obese women.

With obesity rates increasing worldwide every year, it is important that these findings be shared with the public.

The results from seven studies on 39,531 women on the success of hormonal contraceptives were examined and the results were varied among the different methods of birth control.  Some methods such as the birth control pill were less effective at preventing pregnancy in the obese and overweight women who used a hormonal contraceptive.

Body mass index, or BMI, played a large role in the effectiveness of the birth control pill.  Women with a BMI higher than 25 (classified as overweight), were more likely to get pregnant while using the pill than women with a BMI under 25.

Body weight, on the other hand, was the factor among women using the skin patch, vaginal ring, implant, or injection.  The body weight due to fat on the body determined the pregnancy risk among women using contraception.  Overweight and obese women using the skin patch, progestin implant, and vaginal ring were more likely to get pregnant than women of normal weight using these forms of contraception.  Curiously enough, the effectiveness of the hormonal injection was not affected by BMI or body weight.  One possible reason for the decreased effectiveness of the skin patch is simply that there is a higher density of fat cells in areas where the patch is to be placed.  The fat cells in the way of the blood stream can absorb and store the hormones preventing them from reaching the blood stream.

The exact reason why overweight and obese women are at a greater risk of pregnancy while using hormonal contraceptives is unknown.  Although several theories imply that it has something to do with specific biological factors.

Liver Enzymes – overweight women can experience an increased regulation of liver metabolism.  These higher levels of enzymes can help break down the hormones in oral contraceptives.  Heavier women have a greater circulating blood volume and body mass therefore there is more tissue for blood to circulate though. The chance that enzymes will break down the hormones in contraception is faster therefore the levels of circulating hormones can be decreased.

Hormone Storage – Hormones like estrogen and progestin that are found in birth control are stored in body fat.  The more fat cells on a woman, the greater her chances of the hormones becoming stored in her fat rather than flowing into her bloodstream.

Pharmapassport.com, a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC X23), provides customers with low prices and long-term prescriptions drugs. All Canadian prescriptions are filled by a professionally registered pharmacist. For more information on how to order Canada drugs safely and securely call 1-866-293-3904 or visit http://www.pharmapassport.com/ – a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy that has filled over 1 million prescriptions.

Another Risk Factor- the Size of Your Waist

Filed under: obesity — Tags: heart disease, obesity, risk factors, waist size — dennisv @ 4:35 pm

Obesity is a huge issue in the United States. More than a quarter of the people who live in the US are affected by this condition. It has many emotional and physical effects on a person and is responsible for causing many different health conditions. For example, heart disease is one of the most common. In order to lower obesity, many measures have been taken to reinforce healthy living over the years.

The focus has been on losing weight and achieving a healthy body mass index (BMI). However, recent research claims that even if one has a healthy BMI, if they have a large waist they will have a much higher risk of death in comparison to someone with a smaller waist, approximately twice as much of a risk.

The waist size recommended for men by the American Heart Association is less than 40 inches. For women, they recommend less than 35 inches. It has been found that every four inches of extra waist can mean a 25% higher risk of dying.

The reason why having a large waist can lead to death is because fat in the waist region means that there is a great amount of fat around vital organs. This sort of fat is the cause of many health complications.

This study was based on 100 000 people (a mixture of both men and women) that were 50 years or older. The people were studied over a time period of nine years and many ended up dying due to their health condition. The results were based on one study so the research has not technically been proven as of now. However, it wouldn’t hurt to burn off some of the fat hanging around, right?

Pharmapassport.com, a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC X23), provides customers with low prices and long-term prescriptions drugs. All Canadian prescriptions are filled by a professionally registered pharmacist. For more information on how to order Canada drugs safely and securely call 1-866-293-3904 or visit http://www.pharmapassport.com/ – a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy that has filled over 1 million prescriptions.

July 26, 2010

Diet Soda is linked to Premature Births

Artificially sweetened soft drinks have been linked to high blood pressure and an increased risk of premature birth.  A recent study examined almost 60,000 women at around 25 weeks of pregnancy.  The women reported on their daily diet – specifically how many soft drinks they drank every day.

The study was conducted by the Statens Serum Institute in Copenhagen, Denmark.  Lead Dr. Thorhallur I. Halldorsson said “It may be non-optimal for pregnant women to have a high consumption of these types of products”.  Diet drinks sweetened with aspartame are considered to be good alternatives to their sugar-filled counterpart, but Halldorsson notes that there has been too little research on the safety of the consumption of artificial sweeteners. New studies have found a link between soft drinks and high blood pressure.  High blood pressure increases the risk of premature birth.

After analyzing the results from the study of 60,000 pregnant women, it was found that 5% delivered their babies before 37 weeks.  Women who had at least one serving of artificially sweetened soda a day while they were pregnant were 38% more likely to deliver their babies preterm than women who drank no diet soda at all.

The shocking find from the study was that women who had at least 4 diet sodas a day were 80% more likely to deliver preterm.

Only diet soda was linked to early delivery, not sugar sweetened soda.  The findings propose that the artificial sweetener itself is the cause of the findings.  However, researchers say that other possible causes for the link cannot be ruled out.

Pharmapassport.com, a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC X23), provides customers with low prices and long-term prescriptions drugs. All Canadian prescriptions are filled by a professionally registered pharmacist. For more information on how to order Canada drugs safely and securely call 1-866-293-3904 or visit http://www.pharmapassport.com/ – a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy that has filled over 1 million prescriptions.

July 22, 2010

Your Feet and Your Health

Filed under: anemia,diabetes,health — Tags: anemia, athletes foot, diabetes, feet, foot health, hair, hair loss, hypothyroidism, iron, thyroid — dennisv @ 7:02 pm

Your feet can tell you a lot about your health by sending you important signals.  These signs can indicate that you have anything from anemia to diabetes. Pay attention to the signs your feet are sending you in order to stay in good health. Unsolved foot problems can lead to bigger problems in the future.

  • No hair – If you have hairless feet or toes, it might be an indication of poor circulation caused by vascular disease.  Growing hair on your toes isn’t your body’s biggest concern when you have a vascular problem.  Since your feet are the farthest from your heart, they are usually harder to reach when your circulatory system isn’t up to par.
  • A foot sore that doesn’t heal – if you have a sore on the sole of your foot that isn’t healing, it could be a sign of diabetes. High blood sugar levels can damage the nerves in the feet leaving you with cuts that don’t heal and can even go unnoticed.  If you have an infected, foul-smelling sore on the bottom of your foot that’s been there a while, it might be a good idea to see a doctor about having your blood glucose level checked.
  • Cold Feet – Women usually tend to experience this every now and then because they have a lower core temperature than men. It’s usually nothing, but if you are having persistently cold feet in even normal conditions, you may be suffering from hypothyroidism.  An under active thyroid can lead to irregular body temperature and metabolism.
  • Flaky Skin – If you have dry, flaky skin on your feet, don’t ignore it. This is a sign of athlete’s foot. This fungal infection usually starts with dry, itchy skin and then turns into swelling and blisters.  It usually shows up first between the warm, moist cracks of  your toes and can spread to other parts of the body.
  • Sunken, spoon-shaped indents on your toenails - This is a sign of anemia that makes your nail beds look like strange, spoon-like shapes.  This happens when you don’t have enough iron in your body.  You don’t have enough iron-rich hemoglobin proteins that transfer oxygen to the body through the blood.

Pharmapassport.com, a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC X23), provides customers with low prices and long-term prescriptions drugs. All Canadian prescriptions are filled by a professionally registered pharmacist. For more information on how to order Canada drugs safely and securely call 1-866-293-3904 or visit http://www.pharmapassport.com/ – a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy that has filled over 1 million prescriptions.

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