PharmaPassport Health Tips Blog

January 28, 2010

8 Breast Cancer Myths

Filed under: birth control pills,breast cancer,breast cancer awareness,breast cancer risk,breast exam,cancer risk,cheap ways to quit smoking,family genetics,Uncategorized,weight loss — Amanda @ 2:14 pm

Breast cancer is a touchy topic but it is important for you to know the facts about it. There are many rumors about your susceptibility of getting cancer and many of them aren’t true. Everyone should be aware about breast cancer. Here are the facts:

Myth: You’re more likely to get breast cancer if you are older

The truth is that although the risk of breast cancer increases as we become older, breast cancer is likely to occur at any age. One woman in 231 younger than 39 years of age will get breast cancer. Between the ages of 40 and 59, the risk becomes one in 25 women. From the age of 60 – 79, the risk is one in 15 women. If you live to the age of 90, your risk of getting breast cancer over an entire lifetime is one in 7.

Myth: If you have greater risk factors for breast cancer, you are more likely to get it
The truth is that getting breast cancer is not certain. Even if you have a stronger risk factor such as a breast cancer gene it is not certain that you will develop it. Out of the women with the inherited breast cancer gene, between 40 and 80% will develop cancer over their lifetime. 20-60% will not.

Myth: If breast cancer doesn’t run in your genes you won’t get it
The truth is that almost 80% of women who get breast cancer have no known family history of breast cancer. The biggest single risk factor is aging. For women who do have family history of breast cancer, the risk may go up, or not at all. Talk to your doctor about your family history if you are worried.

Myth: You can only get breast cancer if it comes from your mothers side of the family

The truth is that a history of breast cancer from either side of your family will affect your risk equally. Half of your genes come from your mother, and half of your genes come from your father. A man with a breast cancer gene abnormality is less likely to get breast cancer than a woman with a similar gene. If you would like to find out about your fathers family history, look at both the women and the men in his family.

Myth: Antiperspirants cause breast cancer

The truth is that there is no solid evidence that the ingredients in antiperspirants affect your risk of breast cancer. It is possible that certain products containing carcinogens can contribute to a an already existing breast cancer development, but antiperspirants alone will have no effect on your risk of developing cancer.

Myth: Birth control pills cause breast cancer
The truth is that there is no relationship between modern day estrogen and progesterone birth control pills and a risk of developing breast cancer. One study did show that there is a very small increase in the risk of developing breast cancer by using birth control, but after time the slight increase began to decrease. After 10 years birth control pills did not show any association with breast cancer development. In fact, birth control pills have been found to reduce certain cancer risks such as ovarian and endometrial cancer.

Myth: I cannot change that fact that I am at risk of developing breast cancer
The truth is there are things you can do to decrease your risk of developing breast cancer if you have the breast cancer gene. Lifestyle changes are the most effective way to reduce your risk. Minimize your alcohol intake, don’t smoke, and exercise regularly to improve your health and reduce your risk. Remember to have regular breast exams and mammograms to watch for cancerous lumps. There are also medicinal options for women with a high risk of breast cancer. Talk to your doctor about your risk of developing breast cancer.

Myth: Eating foods high in fat causes breast cancer

The truth is that there is no definite relationship between eating fatty foods and developing breast cancer. Avoiding fatty foods, however, will lower your cholesterol levels, make room in your diet for healthier alternatives, and help you control your weight. Being overweight does increase your risk of developing breast cancer. If you are overweight already, cutting back on fatty foods is a good idea.

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January 27, 2010

Natural Hair Loss and Hair Beautifying Remedies

Filed under: causes of hair loss,hair loss treatment,hair thinning,how to grow hair,Uncategorized — Candace @ 2:04 pm

Hair loss is a complex issue to deal with at a young age. If you wish to grow your hair fast, or grow your hair back, these tips will help you!

1. Aloe Vera – You can purchase pure Aloe Vera gel at most drugstores. To stimulate hair growth, after shampooing, apply a generous amount of Aloe Vera gel to your scalp and massage methodically, then rinse. Aloe Vera will reduce any tenderness and provoke skin growth.
2. Henna – Red henna is a natural herb customarily used as conditioner. Prevent hair from breaking and getting split ends and it gives hair a ton of shine.
3. Rosemary and Sage – Boil equal amounts of rosemary and sage. You may use the stems and leaves. Strain out the liquid. If available, add very little Castile soap and create a shampoo. Use this twice weekly. Rosemary and sage together purify pores and stimulate hair follicles while conditioning the scalp.
4. Exercise – Exercise is not directly attributed to hair growth, but it is highly suggested. Exercise does develop your blood flow and thus the delivery of oxygen to your body, therefore indirectly helping your hair grow.
5. Oil – Mix equivalent amounts of olive oil, almond oil, and coconut oil in a bowl. Microwave it for a few seconds until it is warm. Massage your scalp with the mixture. If you are able to keep this on overnight, do so (by wrapping your hair in a thin cotton fabric), if you are unable to, leave it in for at least an hour before rinsing out.
6. Onion – Onion juice is said to considerable help grow hair. Rub onion juice into your hair once a week, leaving it on for two hours at the least, and 4 hours at the most.
7. Brush – Brush your hair upside-down. Put your head between your legs and brush from the root to the tip. Do this twice a day to encourage your hairs growth.
8. Dilute your shampoo – Shampoo can clog your pores and stunt hair growth. Dilute your shampoo with a little water to prevent pore clogging.
9. Vodka – Mix a sliced onion, a bay leaf, and a cup of vodka. Cover with Saran Wrap and let sit for one week. After the week is up add a cup of rose water. Massage this into your scalp each morning and night.
10. Mustard seeds – Boil a cup of water. Add 5 mL (1 tsp) of mustard seeds. Cook this for 5 minutes and then cool. Drink it weekly to help grow hair.

Other ingredients used to grow hair are lemon, egg yolk, brussel sprouts (eaten), nettle tea or capsules (eaten), coriander extract, castor oil, cumin, and coconut milk. Hair growth shampoos or medications may be necessary.

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January 21, 2010

5 Things you Didn’t know About a Sneeze

Filed under: allergies,cold and flu,hayfever,pollen,sneezing,Uncategorized — Amanda @ 5:12 pm

1. The scientific name for sneezing is Sternutation – sneezing occurs when something tickles the lining of the nose. The nerves in the nose lining send a signal to the brain, which initiates a chain of messages to other parts of the body – chest, face, eyelids, abdomen, mucus glands, and the sphincter. All these parts work to expel the thing irritating your nose. When we sleep, the nerves are at rest which explains why its impossible to sneeze while sleeping.

2. There are lots of things that make us sneeze – Things like dust and pollen allergies and pepper are considered the most common sneeze triggers, but they aren’t the only triggers. Strong smells and changes in temperature can make us sneeze too. Sometimes, plucking your eyebrows can trigger a sneeze because of the nerve stimulation in an area close to the nose. One in three people sneeze when they go out into the sunlight. There is also a gene that causes multiple consecutive sneezing in some people that happens after eating a big meal.

3. You can’t sneeze with your eyes open – Scientists still don’t understand why our eyes shut when we sneeze. Some people believe that its an adaptation that protects our eyes from the particles that leave the mouth and nose during a sneeze. Others believe its another muscle contraction that takes place during a sneeze. Even though a sneeze doesn’t cause an extremely high enough amount of pressure behind the eyes, I still believe that your eyes close during a sneeze so that your eyeballs don’t fly out.

4. A sneeze travels fast - A single sneeze can travel up to 100km/h. The particles that come out when we sneeze can reach up to 5 feet beyond your body. This fact makes it more important to cover our faces and reach for the hand sanitizer when we sneeze. This will help to prevent spreading a cold or flu virus to others. The bacteria that diffuses into the air after a sneeze can spread up to 150 feet away meaning that we can be walking through a persons sneeze without even noticing it.

5. In Nebraska, USA it is against the law to burp or sneeze in a church – That one speaks for itself.

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January 18, 2010

Strangest Acne Treatments

Filed under: acne,acne remedy,drugs for acne,pimple solution,solutions for acne,Uncategorized — Candace @ 4:35 pm

I’ve heard of countless medications, face washes, cleansers, and toners that are said to cure your acne, but now people are relying on strange methods to cure their skin. Acne occurs on various body parts, but is most common on the face, chest, and back.

Facial Acne

1. For blackheads, tomato is a strange but helpful remedy. Cut a tomato in half or quarters and massage it on your face in the most affected areas. Leave the tomato juice on for 15 minutes. Wash it off with cool water. Tomatoes are the best for oily skin.

2. Egg whites might do the trick. Rub egg whites onto your face and leave them overnight. Another version of this is to mix the egg whites until bubbles form. Rub the mixture on your face and leave it on for 20 – 25 minutes. Rinse off after. A 3rd adaptation to this is to dip a couple of napkins into egg whites and leave these on your face for 20 – 25 minutes. All the methods are said to cure acne or uneven facial tones.

3. Your iPhone! Who knew your iPhone could cure acne. A new application is available which has a minuscule version of professional light treatment. With this application your phone will send out blue and red light. These are the same colors of light skin care professionals use in treatment to cure acne. This is not scientifically proven yet but it is a creative idea.

Chest and Back Acne

1. Mix 2 parts lemon juice and one part yeast and rub it on your chest or back. When it dries wash it off with lukewarm water. Another lemon juice mixture is to combine equal amounts of yogurt, sour cream, ground oatmeal (uncooked) and lemon juice. Then apply this to your chest and wash off after 25 minutes.

2. Prepare a cup of oatmeal as if you were planning on eating it. Rub it on your chest or back. After 15 – 20 minutes wash it off with cool water.

3. After rinsing some lettuce, keep the rinse water. Leave it overnight (with the leaves in it). In the morning, wash your chest or back with this mixture.

4. Combine 2 parts white sugar and one part brown sugar and rub it on your wet chest or back. Rinse it off after 30 minutes.

Although these remedies are strange and unpopular, it has been said that a lot of these work by those who tried the concoctions.

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January 11, 2010

How To Determine If Your Child Has Sleep Apnea

Filed under: children,effects of snoring,obstructive sleep apnea,sleep,sleep apnea,Uncategorized,urine test — Nicole @ 4:55 pm

Snoring is an annoying part of life, especially if you can hear it from the next room over with the door completely shut. Like adults, many children are apt to snore on occasion; however, if a child demonstrates consistent snoring, they may be showing symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that is a cause for concern. However, a recent study has shown a direct link between sleep apnea and urine samples, which may help to restore some of your peace of mind.

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition, which causes a person to repetitively stop and start breathing as their throat muscles relax to block his or her airway. This can happen multiple times during a night, all while the person is sleeping, which invokes an extreme cause for concern, because if your throat muscles don’t un-relax themselves, you’ll have a lot more to worry about than whether or not you’ll have time to stop for coffee the next morning.

My Child Snores Sometimes, Does That Mean That He or She Has Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
In the small percentage of children who regularly snore, it is estimated that approximately twenty five percent suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, and although this estimate demonstrates that very few children are likely to develop obstructive sleep apnea, it never hurts to be safe.

How Can I Tell If My Child Has Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
If your child snores regularly, they will likely also show signs of obstructive sleep apnea during the day and night that can help you to determine whether or not their snoring could impact their health.

At night, children with obstructive sleep apnea may exhibit the following symptoms:

Loud snoring on a regular basis
Interruptions of breathing, including snorts, gasps, pauses, which may awaken child.
Stoppages of breathing
Appearance of restlessness while sleeping
Odd sleeping positions
Heavy sweating during sleep

During the day, children with obstructive sleep apnea may also display the following symptoms:

Difficulties in waking up
Headaches throughout the day, but especially in the morning
Display difficult behavior, including aggressiveness, crankiness and agitation
Excessive sleepiness, child may fall asleep or daydream
Nasal speech
Frequent breathing through the mouth

Children who are obese, have high blood pressure or have large tonsils are additionally prone to obstructive sleep apnea.

A recent study has also shown that obstructive sleep apnea can be detected through urine samples taken after a child’s sleep. Though no immediate changes are being made to the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea, it is possible that future tests for obstructive sleep apnea may be done in a form similar to that of a pregnancy test.

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January 8, 2010

5 Low Cost Tips to Quit Smoking

Filed under: cheap ways to quit smoking,free ways to quit smoking,quit smoking,smoke-free,smoking cessation,Uncategorized — Candace @ 5:04 pm

Many people have made their New Year’s Resolution to quit smoking. Quitting smoking is a difficult procedure which often requires expensive options or relapse. Experts say that it takes between 8 and 11 tries for the average person to successfully quit smoking. Here are a few free tips to help you help yourself to quit smoking.

1. Use your phone – There are various smokers who rely on telephone support service as a major part of their attempt to quit smoking. After two weeks of using a telephone help line, smokers showed a decrease in their smoking habits. Telephone help lines are anonymous and easy to find. Try http://communitylinks.cioc.ca/record/GCL1757 if you reside in Canada.

2. Make a plan – Identify when you most often smoke. Do you smoke when you drink coffee? When you go out? Is smoking a social affair for you? Aim to avoid these times. Try writing down each time you have a smoke and when you are doing. This can help you to quit. Plan something else in advance to do instead of smoking, such as drinking tea, rather than coffee.

3. Check your insurance – Many insurers cover costs related to smoking-cessation. The reason they cover this cost is because nonsmokers file fewer medical claims than smokers. Read over your insurance policy or phone your insurance company to find out if this cost is covered.

4. Replace smokes with something else – Unlike replacing an ex, replacing smokes with other options seems to help smokers to quit. Sucking on hard candies or munching pretzels may be a cheap option. You can also pretend to smoke with a straw or Popeye candies. Also it is wise to remove “smoke gear” from your sight. Try to eliminate ashtrays and cigarettes from your car and home.

5. Tell the world – Make a day when you plan to stop smoking and then tell your friends and family. It has been proven that by being aware and sharing your goals with others helps you to reach your goal. Before the day when you plan to quit, begin reducing the frequency of your cigarettes.

You may also ask a health care provider for advice and help on deciding which (if any) prescription medications are best for you.

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January 7, 2010

Top 5 Reasons For Hair Loss

Filed under: anxiety,anxious,causes of hair loss,chemotherapy,depression,eczema,hair loss,hair loss treatment,seborrhea,stress,Uncategorized — John @ 3:34 pm

As most men age, they begin to experience hair loss, sometimes even starting while in their teen years. However, most men don’t really know, or really even try to prevent hair loss. Additionally, some women also experience hair loss, but instead of just accepting it, as most men do, they become very anxious. However, there are some ways that you can avoid losing your hair simply by first, eating a healthy diet and second, attempting to avoid the other main causes of hair loss.

Hormonal Abnormalities - There are certain hormonal problems that have been shown to lead to hair loss. Some of these abnormalities include elevated levels of testosterone, too much or too little thyroid hormone, high insulin levels, and polycystic ovary syndrome (women with elevated levels of testosterone and insulin).

Local Trauma - Putting stress on your hair can cause very serious damage that could lead to hair loss. Things like cornrows or putting your hair in tight hairbands can cause the breaking of hair at the base. Some chemical treatments, like hair dye, can damage the follicles, especially if the use of chemicals occurs often. Certain insects, such as lice can also contribute to hair loss.

Scalp Inflammation - Certain skin condition that cause inflammation, like eczema, seborrhea, and psoriasis, can lead to hair loss in patches that often have red and scaly skin underneath. Bacterial and fungal scalp infections can cause problems similar to inflammatory skin conditions. However, an autoimmune condition called alopecia areata can cause patches of hair loss with any redness.

Medications - When you start taking certain medications, you may notice some hair loss. Among the most common medications that cause hair loss are steroids and chemotherapy. Medications may result in temporary or even permanent hair loss, but if they’re saving your life I would think this would be one of those times to just accept the fact that you’re probably going to have to give up your hair on this one.

Psychological Factors - Many psychological conditions are actually very common for causing hair loss. Among these psychological factors are, stress, anxiety, depression …etc. While many people do not know these factors cause hair loss, or even realize that these psychological factors are affecting them. Try to find some time during the day that you can just relax, even if it’s just 5 minutes. If you begin to notice different habits forming or feelings of constant sadness you may be developing depression and you should probably talk to a doctor.

Additionally, there are certain medications and creams that can be used to restore hair to your scalp. Talk with a doctor before using these medicines to make sure they are safe for you.

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January 4, 2010

Your Doctor’s Pet Peeves

Filed under: breast cancer,breast exam,cosmetic surgery,mammogram,over the counter drugs,pap smear,physical,Uncategorized — Amanda @ 3:47 pm

Doctors have a wide range of annoyances that they deal with everyday. Many doctors may be annoyed that you complain about sleep problems or tooth decay caused by smoking, but you’re unwilling to try to quit! Here are some things that your doctor wishes you wouldn’t do.

Your Ophthalmologist hates when…

his patients insist on licking their contact lenses and putting them back into their eyes. Dr. Maloney from L.A says “They would be better off rinsing the contacts in toilet water than in their mouth, because the toilet has less germs!” If you are guilty of this, try to carry a bottle of contact re-hydrating solution with you at all times. (P.S Tap water isn’t any better than saliva)

Your Dentist can’t stand it when….patients use their teeth as weapons. Yes, they hate it when you bite down on their hand or on their utensils, but Dr. Golub-Evans from NYC really wishes his patients would stop using their teeth to chew ice, open rappers, chew bones, and hold pins.

Your Oculoplastic Surgeon wishes that you won’t…. run to the mirror immediately after a procedure hoping for instant results. All cosmetic procedures take time to show their full results. If you look bruised or sensitive right after procedures, don’t sweat it – it won’t last long.

Your General Practitioner is annoyed when… patients jump from one product to the next in hopes to get the best deal or best price. Dr. Gaboriau from Washington says that other doctors will tell him that patients will try many drugstore products, putting out lots of cash, only to complain about not getting the results they expected. Some over-the-counter remedies work well, but if you are hoping for real results, save yourself the expense and see a doctor.

Most of all, your Doctor wishes you wouldn’t… treat your car better than you treat your body. Dr. McMillin from Texas says “Just as your car needs regular checkups and oil changes to keep it running in top form, you need to practice preventative medicine on a regular basis”. This means getting an annual physical with a Pap smear, a clinical breast exam, a mammogram (for women over 40), and glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure checks.

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