Coral Stress 'Like Never In History'

Large scale coral die-offs are now occurring more frequently than at any time in the last 11 000 years, according to a new study by Australian-based scientists.Investigations by Associate Professor John Pandolfi, of the ARC Centre of Excellence in Coral Reef Studies and The University of Queensland, of fossilized reefs in Papua New Guinea show how often the reefs were ‘wiped out’ by disastrous events in past times.

“What we found was in stark contrast to what we see in the modern day,” says A/Prof Pandolfi. “The frequency of reef [die-off] events in the fossils is at least an order of magnitude less than it is today,” he says.

Studying the fossil reefs of the Huon Peninsula, which are now cliff faces rising up to 25 metres above the beach, A/Prof. Pandolfi and his team were able to see where large scale disturbances had occurred in the history of these reefs which dated back as far as 11 000 years ago.

“The sequence of fossils is like a three dimensional movie of what happened in the reefs’ past,” says Pandolfi.

Over the 6000 years recorded in the fossil strata the team found 4 devastating events which resulted in the death of most of the reef – indicating such events had occurred about once every 1500 years.

“The cause of some of these events was volcanic, but others may have been due to bleaching, disease, or something else - we just don’t know. Regardless, what is clear is that the frequency of die-off was so much lower than it is today,” says Pandolfi of his findings.

The results, published in the scientific journal ‘Geology’, sound a warning bell to modern day reef management practices as today’s reefs face more stress than ever.

But while the ancient reefs warn that we are seeing abnormal die-off rates, they also show that the reefs of the past recovered rapidly after these events, taking as little as 100 years to be repopulated by the corals that normally occurred there.

Although they are struck by more high impact events, some of today’s reefs are still proving to be able to ‘bounce back’ to good health – with a little help.

“The recovery of the Great Barrier Reef from the devastating impact of the crown of thorns starfish took less than a few decades, at least in part due to comprehensive reef management,” says Pandolfi,”…but this rate of recovery isn’t seen in other parts of the world….some reefs still haven’t recovered from [events in the last century],” he says.

With the help of the ARC Centre of Excellence in Coral Reef Studies, A/Prof. Pandolfi plans to continue studying fossil coral reefs around the world in order to help build a bigger picture of how the world’s reefs have survived devastation in the past – so that managers can help them continue to survive into the future.

The FDA said the action came after reports of serious allergic reactions and hypotension in patients who received high "bolus" doses of the blood-thinning drug. The serious reactions included difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, excessive sweating, and rapidly falling blood pressure that can lead to life-threatening shock. Four people have died after receiving heparin, although the relationship to the drug is unclear.

"FDA concurs with Baxter's decision to halt manufacture of heparin sodium in multiple-dose vials," said Dr. Janet Woodcock, the FDA's deputy commissioner for scientific and medical programs. "FDA is vigorously investigating to determine the root cause of these serious reactions … in the meantime, patients and health care professionals who cannot obtain alternative sources of heparin should use caution in administering any Baxter multiple-dose vials that remain."

Heparin is commonly used before certain types of surgery, including coronary artery bypass graft surgery, and in kidney patients before they undergo dialysis.

Over one million multiple-dose vials of heparin are sold monthly in the United States, with half of the vials manufactured by Baxter

Healthy smile linked to healthy heart

Health People with periodontal disease whose biomarkers showed increased bacterial exposure are more likely to develop coronary heart disease, a U.S. review says.Researchers at Howard University in Washington identified 11 studies that had previously examined clinically-diagnosed periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease.

The findings, published in the Journal of Periodontology, suggests that periodontal patients whose bodies show evidence of a reaction to the bacteria associated with periodontitis may have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

"While more research is needed to better understand the connection between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease, this study suggests the importance of taking care of your teeth and gums and how that can help you take care of your heart," Susan Karabin, president of the American Academy of Periodontology, said in a statement.

"With the number of people with heart disease continuing to increase, it is important to understand that simple activities like brushing and flossing twice a day, and regular visits to your dental professional can help lower your risk of other health conditions."

Canadian study OKs Losec and Nexium

Health Canada has completed a review of safety information for Losec (omeprazole) and Nexium (esomeprazole) and found no increased cardiovascular risks
Both prescription drugs are used to treat conditions in which a reduction of gastric acid secretion is required, such as ulcers and reflux.

In Canada, omeprazole is also sold in generic form as Apo-omeprazole, Ratio-omeprazole and Sandoz-omeprazole. Esomeprazole is only sold under the trade name Nexium.

Based on its review, Health Canada scientists said they found no evidence supporting an increased cardiovascular risk associated with the long-term use of either drug.

Officials advised patients taking either Losec or Nexium to not make any changes to their medication unless they first discuss it with their physicians.

Errant protein linked to Parkinson's

U.S. researchers have found that rats develop Parkinson-like symptoms when their brain cells have a common protein lacking a single phosphate component.

The protein, known as alpha-synuclein, is believed to help nerve cells communicate by controlling the release of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine.

Parkinson's is a chronic, progressive disease marked by the death of nerves that control voluntary muscle movement.

The scientists found the phosphate-deficient alpha synuclein in rats bred to have a form of Parkinson's disease. Phophates are compounds containing phosphorus, and are important in many bodily processes.

Rats that were given a gene therapy that stimulated the growth of the phosphate did not develop the Parkinson-like illness.

"This is one more piece of information about what might be causing the toxicity in Parkinson's disease, and it gives us a little more to go on about what alpha-synuclein does in the brain," said University of Florida Professor Nicholas Muzyczka, one of the study's authors.

The study appears in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Hepatitis C virus affects organs

Patients with chronic hepatitis C may develop liver fibrosis and may be at risk for developing conditions affecting other organs, Bulgarian doctors say.

The study, published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology, find these conditions include fatigue, kidney impairment, type 2 diabetes, joint pain, numbness or tingling of the skin and purpura -- discoloration caused by bleeding under the skin.
Effective treatment of hepatitis C virus may prevent cryoglobulinemia -- the presence of abnormal proteins in blood serum, the researchers say.
The study involving 136 hepatitis C patients at Alexandrovska Hospital in Sofia, Bulgaria, find the risks of developing B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma higher in cryoglobulin-positive patients --17.6 percent -- and lower -- 3.5 percent -- in cryoglobulin-negative patients.
The study finds positive links between the presence of extra-hepatic manifestations and age, female gender, duration of the infection, infection by transfusion of blood and blood products and extensive liver fibrosis. Therefore, elderly women with chronic hepatitis C and advanced liver fibrosis, who were infected by transfusion during childbirth, are at the highest risk of developing extra-hepatic manifestations of hepatitis C infection.

Vitamin E may reduce diabetic heart risk

An Israeli study suggests that vitamin E supplements can reduce the risk of heart attacks and related deaths for some Type 2 diabetics.

Researchers at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology and Clalit Health Services found that Type 2 diabetics who took 400 IUs of vitamin E daily had more than 50 percent fewer heart attacks, strokes, and related deaths than Hp 2-2 patients who took a placebo pill, the American Technion Society said Friday in a release.

The report said 40 percent of people with diabetes carry the Hp 2-2 gene.

The findings were published in the Nov. 21 online edition of the journal Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology.

Dr. Andrew Levy of the Technion Faculty of Medicine said the study suggests that genetic testing for the Hp 2-2 gene may be useful to identify those who might benefit from taking vitamin E supplements.

Ginkgo biloba may not benefit memory

U.S. researchers say further studies are needed to determine if there is any benefit, or harm, to the elderly in taking gingko biloba.

The researchers conducted a three-year study involving 118 people over age 85 with no memory problems. Half took ginkgo biloba extract three times a day and half took a placebo.

The study, published online in the journal Neurology, found 21 people developed mild memory problems; 14 of those had taken the placebo and seven the ginkgo extract. Although there was a trend favoring ginkgo, the difference was not statistically significant.

However, researchers also found seven people taking ginkgo biloba had strokes or transient ischemic attacks known as mini-strokes, while none of those taking the placebo did.

"Ginkgo has been reported to cause bleeding-related complications, but the strokes in this case were due to blood clots, not excessive bleeding, and were generally not severe," study author Hiroko Dodge of Oregon State University, in Corvallis, said in a statement.

"These results need to be clarified with larger studies, but the findings are interesting because ginkgo biloba is already widely used, readily available, and relatively inexpensive," said Dodge

Drug helps boost blood-platelets in Hep C

A low blood platelet count is a frequent complication associated with advanced disease, a problem compounded by the fact that standard antiviral treatment for the disease can further reduce platelet numbers to dangerously low levels, Dr. Samuel Sigal of Weill Cornell Medical College said Friday in a release.

Sigal said tests show eltrombopag increased platelet counts, allowing more patients to complete antiviral therapy.

A Phase 2 placebo-controlled study followed 74 patients with low platelet counts and cirrhosis of the liver due to hepatitis C virus infection. Seventy-four percent of those randomized to take the lowest dose saw their platelet counts go up significantly, while up to 95 percent of the participants saw increases with the highest doses. Less than a quarter of patients receiving placebo completed their therapy.

Eltrombopag is an investigational oral, non-peptide platelet growth factor that induces the proliferation and differentiation of cells to produce platelets. It is taken as a once-a-day pill.

Hepatitis A exposure requires vaccination

Dr. Bradley Connor, a New York specialist in infectious disease, says hepatitis A virus is spread by close personal contact or by eating food or drinking water contaminated with the virus. Symptoms may include fatigue, jaundice, appetite loss, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea and fever.

Recent revelations about a grocery store produce worker in Buffalo with hepatitis A led to more than 10,000 people seeking immunizations at a county clinic. After it was disclosed that a bartender with hepatitis A worked at actor Ashton Kutcher's 30th birthday, 700 people who attended -- including actor Bruce Willis and pop singer Madonna -- got vaccinations.

New York health officials have urged anyone exposed to hepatitis A to get immunized.

"If you believe that you have been exposed, talk to your doctor about whether you should receive an immunization against hepatitis A," Connor says in a statement. "This treatment is intended to help boost your immunity and reduce your risk of developing a full-blown infection."

Hepatitis A can be spread by contaminated food and water. However, hepatitis B and hepatitis C are spread by exposure to infectious blood and body fluids.

Gas fireplaces pose risks for youngsters

Parts of the United States are having record snowfalls and many families are using gas fireplaces, but a Dallas doctor warns they pose a hazard to children.
Dr. Douglas Baker, a pediatrician and emergency department physician at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, said that while gas fireplaces are convenient and provide instant warmth more children are burning themselves by touching the glass doors.

"Young children, especially those younger than age 2, are explorers and often unsteady on their feet," Baker said in a report on the medical center Web site. "Children can burn themselves by falling toward the gas fireplace and pushing against the hot glass for balance."

Baker also warned that children might touch hot glass out of simple curiosity. It takes only seconds for a child to be seriously burned, and children can still be harmed after the burner has been turned off and the glass is cooling, Baker said.

Parents should never leave children unsupervised near fireplaces, and barriers should be erected to keep youngsters at a safe distance, the doctor said.

Awas Kebanyakan Gula Bikin Pikun!

Selama ini gula merupakan kambing hitam dari rusaknya lapisan gigi, serta penyakit diabetes. Tapi ternyata, kadar gula yang berlebih dalam tubuh seseorang juga dapat mengakibatkan pikun. Sebuah Studi dilakukan oleh Dr. Dongfeng Cao dan tim dari Universitas Alabama di Birmingham. Eksperimen mereka dilakukan terhadap dua ekor tikus. Tikus yang pertama diberi konsumsi air, sedangkan yang kedua diberi konsumsi air gula.

Setelah beberapa waktu, kedua tikus itu diberikan semacam tes pembelajaran memori. Tikus yang diberi konsumsi air gula ternyata memiliki gangguan memori (Alzheimer) lebih besar ketimbang tikus yang hanya mengkonsumsi air putih biasa. Dalam penelitian itu juga terungkap bahwa penurunan ingatan tikus yang mengkonsumsi air gula jumlahnya signifikan dibanding tikus yang lain.
Penelitian ini dibuat karena kenaikan konsumsi gula yang melonjak akhir-akhir ini. Diharapkan hasil penelitian ini dapat membuat masyarakat mengontrol konsumsi gula mereka. Para peneliti belum menemukan hubungan antara penyakit diabetes dengan pertambahan resiko kepikunan. Namun mereka menyimpulkan mengontrol konsumsi makanan bergula merupakan langkah yang efektif untuk mengurangi resiko perkembangan penyakit Alzheimer juga pikun.

HUBUNGAN HARMONIS PANGKAL BAHAGIA

Jangan tunggu sampai hubungan Anda dan suami membosankan. Banyak, kok, cara yang bisa dilakukan untuk mencapai hubungan suami istri yang saling memuaskan.

Banyak hal yang bisa membuat hubungan suami istri tidak harmonis. Beberapa hal penyebabnya adalah komunikasi yang buruk, serta ketidaktahuan mengenai seksualitas.
Menurut Dr. Nugroho Setiawan, MS., hubungan pasutri (pasangan suami istri) yang harmonis adalah hubungan seksual yang bisa dinikmati oleh kedua belah pihak, yakni suami dan istri. Salah satu faktor penentu agar kedua belah pihak menikmati aktivitas tersebut adalah terbukanya komunikasi selebar-lebarnya. "Suami dan istri harus saling berbicara dan menyampaikan keinginan masing-masing," tandasnya.
Nugroho mengingatkan, seks itu belajar sambil berjalan. "Semakin lama usia pernikahan, dan selama pasangan mau mempelajari hubungan seks lebih baik dan mau berkomunikasi, seharusnya mereka mendapat kenikmatan lebih. Sehingga seharusnya orgasme sebulan mendatang jauh lebih nikmat daripada orgasme sekarang," kata seksolog dari RS Bintaro Internasional ini.
Yang tak kalah penting, pasangan suami-istri juga harus memiliki pengetahuan tentang seksualitas, sehingga pasangan suami istri sudah mengetahu dengan pasti apa yang ingin dicapai, dan apa yang harus dilakukan saat berhubungan intim.
Pengetahuan seks yang harus diketahui oleh pasangan mencakup segala aspek yang berkaitan dengan hubungan seksual, dari mencumbu, meraba, dan sebagainya. Termasuk, misalnya, mengetahui kapan melakukan penetrasi. "Penetrasi yang benar adalah menunggu sampai terjadi reaksi bangkitan seksual sepenuhnya pada kedua belah pihak. Secara anatomis, sudah terjadi perubahan karena rangsangan seksual. Pada pria misalnya, sudah terjadi ereksi yang kuat," ujar Nugroho.
Kesiapan untuk penetrasi inilah yang harus disampaikan ke pasangan. Jika ternyata si wanita belum siap, ya sampaikan saja bahwa ia belum siap. Biasanya, pada wanita, bangkitan seksual tidak begitu tampak secara fisik, berbeda dengan pria yang bisa tampak dari sudah terjadinya ereksi yang kuat. "Jadi, harus berkomunikasi. Kalau tidak, bisa-bisa mereka tidak tahu apakah pasangannya sudah siap atau belum. Ujung-ujungnya, si wanita mengeluh karena tidak memperoleh kepuasan."
MENJAGA KETERTARIKAN
Hubungan seksual yang harmonis biasanya diawali oleh adanya ketertarikan antara keduanya. Ketertarikan pertama biasanya ketertarikan fisik. "Seseorang tertarik pada lawan jenis karena fisiknya sesuai seperti yang ia harapkan," kata Nugroho. Namun, fisik tentu akan berubah seiring bertambahnya usia. Misalnya, pada pasangan yang sudah menikah selama 10 tahun. "Fisiknya tentu berubah, tidak seperti yang mereka harapkan dulu. Harapannya langsing, sekarang istri sudah gemuk, atau suami sudah buncit. Ini akan mengubah ketertarikan, dan bisa memicu kejenuhan."
Pada pasangan suami-istri yang sudah lama menikah, ketertarikan fisik biasanya akan berubah menjadi ketertarikan emosional. "Mereka tertarik pada sifat atau kelakuan pasangan. Namun sebaliknya, hubungan yang sudah berjalan sekian lama seringkali juga membuat pasangan tidak menyukai sifat dan kebiasaan pasangan. Ini yang menjadi penghalang dan memicu hubungan jadi hambar," lanjut spesialis andrologi ini menjelaskan.
Oleh karena itu, Nugroho menyarankan pasangan untuk berkomunikasi menyampaikan harapan mereka untuk mengukuhkan ketertarikan, seperti ketika pertama kali bertemu. Misalnya, "Sayang, kalau kamu lebih langsing pasti tambah cantik, deh," atau, "Sepertinya perut kamu sudah terlalu buncit, Mas. Aku lebih suka ketika perutmu tidak terlalu buncit."
Menurut Nugroho, menyampaikan harapan seperti ini tak bakal menyinggung perasaan pasangan, asal disampaikan dalam suasana dan cara yang tepat. "Kalau waktunya tidak tepat dan cara penyampaiannya tidak pas, tentu hasilnya tidak bagus, bisa-bisa pasangan malah tersinggung," lanjutnya.
Jika harapan semacam ini tidak disampaikan, orang tidak akan mengetahui apa yang sebetulnya diharapkan pasangan. "Jadi, memang harus saling menyesuaikan dan memahami keinginan pasangan, sehingga ketertarikan tidak luntur." Seandainya komunikasi verbal tidak memungkinkan, pasangan suami-istri bisa menyampaikannya secara tertulis. "Misalnya, setiap tiga bulan sekali, masing-masing menuliskan keinginan dan harapannya, kemudian dibahas berdua. Ini lebih fair dan bisa membantu perkawinan lebih harmonis."
Hubungan seksual yang harmonis juga akan tercapai jika ada rangsangan seksual, salah satunya dengan panca indera. Bisa dengan melihat saja atau sampai perabaan di daerah-daerah erotis. "Daerah erotis pria dan wanita memiliki sedikit perbedaan. Kepekaannya pun berbeda, sehingga komunikasi juga harus dilakukan untuk menunjukkan perabaan dan intensitas seperti apa yang yang diharapkan," kata Nugroho.
Contoh lain yang berhubungan dengan panca indera adalah pemilihan ruangan. Ada pasangan lebih menyukai ruangan yang beraroma tertentu, sehingga gairahnya bisa bangkit.
Nah, jangan langsung putus asa jika hubungan pasutri Anda mengecewakan. Banyak cara yang bisa dilakukan agar hubungan Anda dan suami menjadi harmonis, bukan?
JIKA SI DIA YANG TAK SEMANGAT
1. Dia memiliki perut buncit
Di dalam studi terakhir, pria yang memiliki lingkar pinggar 105 cm, atau lebih, memiliki problem dua kali lebih banyak untuk dapat berereksi dibandingkan mereka yang mempunyai ukuran pinggang 80 cm. Peneliti menduga karena mereka memiliki risiko mendapat serangan jantung, dimana tidak saja mengganggu peredaran darah ke jantung tetapi juga ke kelamin. Penyelesaiannya? Doronglah pasangan Anda untuk lebih beraktivitas secara teratur dan memakan makanan dengan kadar lemak rendah.
2. Perpenghasilan Anda lebih besar
Jika penghasilan Anda lebih besar, dan suami merasa tidak sanggup menenuhi kebutuhan materi keluarga, bisa menimbulkan rasa kurang jantan pada diri suami. Akibatnya, minat untuk mengadakan hubungan seks pun berkurang, seperti yang diutarakan, ahli pengobatan seks pada McLean Virgiania - A.S. Nasehat beliau, bicarakan secara terbuka terhadap pasangan anda tentang masalah ini.
3. Kecelakaan/luka-luka.
Setiap kekurangan yang dihadapi dapat mengurangi percaya diri yang membuat dia merasa berkurang kejantanannya. Cobalah cari jalan atau cara untuk mengatasi semua hal tsb diatas: belaian kasih sayang dan komunikasi yang baik dapat menolongnya mengatasi kembali kepercayaan dirinya.

Baliqui Atasi Noda Hitam di Pangkal Paha dan Ketiak

Banyak orang memiliki pangkal paha dan ketiak yang warnanya hitam atau lebih gelap daripada kulit tubuh yang lain. Hal ini disebabkan oleh kelembaban di sekitar pangkal paha dan ketiak cukup tinggi serta terjadinya gesekan kulit.

Menyikapi kondisi tersebut, kini dengan kemajuan teknologi, Baliqui menghadirkan produk-produk eksklusif berbahan baku alami dengan grade cosmetic (aman dipakai tanpa efek samping) antara lain DARK SHADOW dengan ekstrak daun bearberry yang akan mengatasi problem pangkal paha dan ketiak Anda yang berwarna gelap/hitam bahkan bisa dipakai untuk menghilangkan stretch mark; SOLUTION air rebusan daun sirih dalam kemasan; FOOT CREAM yang merupakan ekstrak tanaman portulaca yang berfungsi mengatasi kaki/siku pecah-pecah/kasar, berbau, menjaga kelembaban dan mengandung antiseptik; ALOE WONDER GEL antiinflamasi dan iritasi akibat paparan sinar matahari pada muka, pemakaian popok bayi/dewasa; SCRUB/LULUR (ekstrak bengkuang, sea weed, green tea dan milk) berfungsi mengangkat kotoran dan sel kulit mati secara efektif tanpa menyebabkan iritasi, membantu regenerasi sel kulit baru, memperbaiki kulit kusam, menghaluskan, melembutkan, mencerahkan serta sebagai antioksidan yang dapat membersihkan kulit tubuh dari racun dan radikal bebas; FACIAL WASH (tea tree oil) yang berfungsi mengangkat debu, menjaga kulit muka agar tetap sehat dan bebas jerawat; CLEANSER; BODY LOTION with AHA; ANTI AGING; COLLAGEN EYE CREAM; NIGHT CREAM; MOISTURIZER. arixs

Hal yang perlu diketahui tentang Disfungsi Seksual

Gangguan fungsi seksual adalah gangguan pada salah satu atau lebih aspek fungsi seksual. Gangguan fungsi seksual dapat terjadi pada dorongan seksual, reaksi organ kelamin terhadap rangsangan sampai pada orgasme sebagai puncak reaksi seksual.

Pada dasarnya gangguan fungsi seksual disebabkan oleh faktor fisik dan psikis. Penyebab fisik dapat berupa kelainan lokal pada organ kelamin maupun karena suatu penyakit sistemik. Sedangkan penyebab psikis adalah hal-hal kejiwaan yang mengurangi atau menghilangkan reaksi seksual pada seseorang.
Gangguan fungsi seksual dapat diatasi sesuai dengan penyebabnya, apakah fisik atau psikis. Bila penyebabnya psikis maka diatasi dengan konseling seksual, dan bila penyebabnya fisik diobati dengan obat-obatan, terapi nutrisi dan penggunaan alat Bantu.
Ada penderita yang dapat sembuh dengan satu jenis terapi namun ada pula yang memerlukan kombinasi beberapa terapi untuk mendapatkan kesembuhan yang optimal. Keberhasilan terapi sangat bergantung dari jenis disfungsi seksual, penyebabnya, lama terjadinya dan faktor penyulit lain.
Baik wanita maupun pria dapat mengalami penurunan atau kehilangan dorongan seksual/gairah seksual. Sering terkesan gangguan seksual lebih umum dialami oleh wanita padahal banyak pula pria yang mengalami masalah tersebut.
Ada dua jenis hilangnya dorongan seksual, yaitu primer dan sekunder. Yang dimaksud hilangnya dorongan seksual primer adalah bila tidak ada dorongan seksual sejak semula. Sedangkan sekunder bila pria mengalami kehilangan dorongan seksual, padahal sebelumnya normal.
Hilangnya dorongan seksual ini dapat disebabkan oleh faktor fisik maupun psikis. Penyebab psikis antara lain perasaan bersalah karena telah berselingkuh, stres berkepanjangan, dan pengalaman seksual yang tidak menyenangkan seperti pernah diperkosa pada waktu kecil. Sedangkan penyebab fisik yang dapat menyebabkan hilangnya dorongan seksual antara lain gangguan hormon atau menurunnya kadar hormon testosteron dan hormon tiroid, kepayahan yang berlebihan seperti pada penyakit hati, penyakit jantung, penyakit ginjal dan penyakit paru, konsumsi obat penenang dan narkotik.
Sebagian orang menghabiskan sangat banyak waktu untuk bekerja. Bagi mereka seolah-olah hidup hanya untuk bekerja, sehingga bekerja bukan hanya sebagai kebutuhan untuk menunjang hidup. Bagi kelompok ini, gila kerja atau workaholic telah menjadi suatu gaya hidup sehingga merasa sangat terganggu bila tidak sibuk bekerja. Gaya hidup gila kerja mendatangkan lebih banyak stres daripada gaya hidup yang menyeimbangkan antara kesibukan kerja dengan kesantaian istirahat.
Dengan tenggelam dalam kesibukan kerja yang terus-menerus tanpa relaksasi, berbagai bentuk stres akan dialami, baik stres fisik maupun stres psikis. Berbagai macam masalah akan menjadi stressor bagi mereka yang workaholic. Gangguan fungsi seksual ini diperberat oleh tertekannya dorongan seksual yang terjadi karena kelelahan fisik dan psikis. Di pihak lain, sebagian wanita juga terperangkap dalam workaholic. Sama dengan pria, wanita yang gila kerja juga mengalami stres fisik dan psikis. Gangguan seksual juga dialami oleh wanita yang gila kerja, yaitu berupa hilangnya dorongan seksual dan hambatan orgasme.
Seringkali gila kerja juga sampai mengganggu irama hidup sehingga menjadi tidak teratur. Waktu tidur dan makan menjadi terganggu sehingga mengakibatkan fungsi berbagai organ tubuh terganggu. Pada akhirnya fungsi seksual menjadi semakin terganggu.
Untuk menghindari gangguan fungsi seksual, maka gaya hidup haruslah suatu gaya hidup yang sehat. Menjauhkan diri dari gaya hidup tidak sehat dan sia-sia merupakan suatu cara untuk menghindarkan diri dari berbagai macam gangguan fisik dan psikis yang dapat mengakibatkan gangguan fungsi seksual.

Ubah Cara Berpikir untuk Hindari Stres

Cara paling efektif untuk mengurangi distress emosional dengan mengubah cara berpikir atau persepsi dan perilaku/sikap. Stres adalah suatu keadaan di mana seseorang menilai situasi yang dihadapinya sebagai hal yang berbahaya, mengancam atau menantang, kata dr Heriani, SpKJ ketika berbicara mengenai dampak musibah, di Jakarta, kemarin. Dia menerangkan apabila seseorang mempersepsikan musibah yang dialaminya sebagai sesuatu yang menantang dan ia merasa memiliki kemampuan untuk menghadapinya, maka ia akan maju terus. Apalagi jika orang-orang di sekitar lingkungannya memberi dorongan dan semangat sehingga memacunya untuk bangkit dari kesedihan Sebaliknya orang yang mempersepsikan kemalangan yang menimpa dirinya sebagai sesuatu yang mengancam dan melihat dirinya tidak memiliki cukup kemampuan untuk menghadapinya, akan menjadi putus asa. Mereka yang putus asa cenderung terus menerus memikirkan kondisi yang terjadi pada dirinya sehingga dia akan mengalami distress. Orang yang sudah distress fungsi kesehariannya menjadi terganggu seperti tidak mau makan, tidak mau pergi ke kantor atau ke sekolah, dan lain-lain, ujar dokter dari Departemen Psikiatri FKUI/RSCM tersebut. Untuk mengatasi stress solusinya dengan melakukan coping mechanisms yaitu proses berpikir atau bertingkah laku yang bersifat adaptif. Tujuannya untuk mengurangi atau menghilangkan stress yang muncul dari kondisi yang berbahaya, mengancam atau menantang. Menurutnya ada tiga macam coping mechanisms: appraisal-focused coping, problem-focused coping dan emotion-focused coping. Appraisal-focused coping difokuskan pada bagaimana seorang individu memaknai suatu situasi dengan menggunakan strategi dan analisis logika. Dia harus melihat apakah kondisinya masih dapat diperbaiki atau tidak. Bila tidak apa yang dapat dilakukannya. Problem-focused coping fokusnya menghilangkan sumber stress sehingga terbentuk situasi yang lebih memuaskan individu tersebut. Kalau kondisi fisiknya tidak dapat diperbaiki maka perbaiki faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi kondisi mental atau sosial, paparnya. Emotion-focused coping dia melanjutkan fokusnya mengatur rangsangan emosi yang disebabkan stressor dan supaya seseorang bisa mengatasi aliran atau tekanan emosi yang ada. Metodenya bisa dengan cara relaksasi mengubah cara pandang dan mencari makna hidup. Hidup itu tetap memiliki makna dalam setiap situasi, bahkan dalam penderitaan dan kepedihan sekalipun. Makna ialah sesuatu yang dirasakan penting, benar, berharga dan didambakan, serta memberikan nilai khusus bagi seseorang dan layak dijadikan tujuan hidup, katanya. Dia menyatakan setiap manusia memiliki kemampuan untuk mengambil sikap terhadap penderitaan serta peristiwa tragis yang tak dapat dielakkan yang menimpa dirinya atau lingkungan sekitar, setelah upaya untuk mengatasinya telah dilakukan secara optimal tetapi tetap tak berhasil. Jadi jika kita tidak mungkin mengubah suatu keadaan yang tragis sebaiknya yang kita ubah atas keadaan itu adalah sikap kita. Mungkin saja kita tidak mendapatkan apa yang kita inginkan, tapi tidak berarti kita menjadi tidak bahagia karenanya. Kalau kita berpikir kita bisa bahagia, maka kita akan bahagia. Tidak ada sesuatu pun di dunia ini yang dapat kita kendalikan selain pikiran kita sendiri, tegasnya. Dia menyimpulkan penderitaan baik ringan atau berat merupakan sesuatu yang tak dapat dihindari dalam kehidupan ini sehingga harus diatasi sekuat mungkin. Yang terpenting adalah mengambil sikap yang tepat atas penderitaan itu. Jangan segan untuk meminta bantuan professional seperti psikiater apabila Anda merasa tidak mampu menghadapi penderitaan Anda sendirian, tambahnya.

Tinggalkan Pasta Gigi yang Bahayakan Kesehatan

Masyarakat Sumenep, Madura, Jawa Timur, dihimbau agar tidak menggunakan pasta gigi yang mengandung Diethylene Glycol (DEG) karena membahayakan kesehatan. Diethylene Glycol (DEG) seharusnya digunakan untuk bahan campuran minyak rem sepeda motor dan mobil, bukan untuk pasta gigi. Bila digunakan akan merusak ginjal atau hati karena sifatnya beracun, ujar Kepala Bidang dan Promosi Kesehatan Dinas Kesehatan (Dinkes) Kabupaten Sumenep, dr Chusnul Arief seperti diberitakan Antara, di Sumenep, Senin (6/8). Ia mengemukakan produk pasta gigi yang dilarang dan mengandung Diethylene Glycol (DEG) yaitu, Maxam Toothpaste with Fluoride Spearmint (Biru), Maxam Toothpaste with Fluoride Wintergreen Mint (hijau), Maxam Toothpaste with Fluoride Spearmint, SanKeZhen Green Tea Toothpaste. Selain pasta gigi ada beberapa merek permen impor dari China yang dilarang beredar karena mengandung formalin yaitu, White Rabbit Creamy Candy, Kiamboy, Classic Candy, Blackcurram, White Rabbit dan manisan Plum. Kita baru menerima surat pemberitahuan resmi dari pusat berbagai macam jenis pasta gigi dan permen impor yang dilarang itu, tuturnya. Meski ia mengakui selama sebulan telah melakukan penelurusan, pengawasan, serta inspeksi mendadak (sidak) kesejumlah toko serta sejumlah pasar di wilayah kota belum ditemukan, namun bukan berarti Sumenep aman dari produk China yang berbahaya tersebut. Sejumlah produk China tersebut tidak mungkin beredar di toko kecil maupun dipasar tradisional, karena harganya tergolong mahal. Kalau masyarakat ekonomi lemah tidak mungkin membeli, katanya. Untuk mengetahui produk yang dilarang masyarakat dapat membedakan dengan tidak adanya Standar Nasional Indonesia (SNI).

Kanker Payudara Pembunuh Para Wanita Karir

Kanker payudara merupakan pembunuh nomor dua bagi kaum wanita di Indonesia setelah kanker rahim. Umumnya kaum wanita usia produktiflah yang banyak terkena.

Memang masih banyak wanita yang tidak mengetahui bahwa kanker dapat ditangani dan dirawat hingga sembuh. Oleh sebab itu, diperlukan kesadaran untuk memeriksakan diri dan mencari bantuan medis sejak dini.

Setiap wanita sebenarnya dapat melakukan pemeriksaan sendiri dan bila mereka mendapatkan adanya benjolan di payudaranya, maka mereka dapat berkonsultasi dengan dokter untuk langkah-langkah selanjutnya berdasarkan standar WHO.

Menurut ketetapan WHO, wanita berusia antara 20-40 tahun perlu memeriksakan dirinya dengan alat mammografi setidaknya satu kali. Jika usianya 40-50 tahun, sebaiknya memeriksakan diri dua tahun sekali. Jika diatas usia itu, memeriksanya sebaiknya setiap tahun.

Mammografi merupakan radiologi pada payudara dengan perangkat pendeteksi yang dapat berbasis x-ray. Pemeriksaan ini kadang bersamaan dengan pemeriksaan berbasis ultra sound, atau yang tercanggih dengan MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging).

Pemeriksaan ini dilakukan setelah pemeriksaan oleh dokter untuk adanya benjolan, perubahan bentuk payudara, warna cairan dari puting susu, perubahan kulit, benjolan di ketiak dan rasa nyeri. Tujuannya adalah untuk memberikan gambaran tentang kelenjar payudara dan bisa dilanjutkan dengan pemeriksaan patologi yaitu pengambilan jaringan.

Jika sudah terdeteksi, penanganan akan ditentukan oleh stadium penyebaran kanker. Dukungan keluarga merupakan faktor penting dalam penanganan dan perawatan pasien kanker payudara.

Sumber : InfoSehat

Khasiat Buah Jamblang

Jamblang tergolong tumbuhan buah-buahan yang berasal dari Asia dan Australis tropic. Biasa ditanam di pekarangan atau tumbuhan liar, terutama di hutan jati. Jamblang tumbuh di dataran rendah sampai ketinggian 500 m dpl.

Pohon dengan tinggi 10-20 m ini berbatang tebal, tumbuhan bengkok dan bercabang banyak. Daun tunggal , tebal, tangkai daun 1-3,5 cm. helai daun lebar berbentuk baji, tetapi rata, pertulangan menyirip, permukaan atas mengkilap, panjang 7-16 cm, lebar -9 cm, warnanya hijau. Bunga majemuk bentuk malai dengan cabang yang berjatuhan, bunga duduk, tumbuh di ketiak daun dan di ujung percabangan, kelopak bentuk lonceng berwarna hijau muda, mahkota bentuk bulat telur, benang sari banyak, berwarna putih, dan baunya harum. Buahnya buah buni, lonjong, panjang 2-3 cm, masih buah hijau, setelah masak warnanya merah putih. Berakar tunggang, bercabang – cabang, berwarna cokelat muda.

Biasanya buah jamblang yang masak dimakan segar. Rasanya agak asam sepat, kulit kayu bisa digunakan sebagai pewarna.

Sifat dan Khasiat Buah Jamblang
Daging buah rasanya asam manis, sifatnya sejuk, astrigen kuat, berbau aromatic. Berkasiat melumas organ paru, menghentikan batuk, peluruh kencing (diuretik), peluruh kentut (karminatif), memperbaiki gangguan pencernaan, merangsang keluarnya air liur, dan menurunkan kadar glukosa darah (hipoglikemik). Kulit kayu berkasiat untuk peluruh haid.

Kandungan Kimia
Jamblang mengandung minyak asiri, fenol (methylxanthoxylin), alkaloid (jambosine), asam organic, triterpenoid, resin yang berwarna merah tua mengandung asam elagat dan tanin.

Bagian yang Digunakan
Bagian tanama yang dapat digunakan sebagai obat adalah kulit kayu, daging buah dan bijinya. Daging buah bisa digunakan segar atau yang telah dikeringkan. Jika daging buah dimakan, akan menyebabkan rongga mulut dan lidah berwarna ungu.

Indikasi
Daging buah digunakan untuk pengobatan :

• Kencing manis (diabetes mellitus),
• Batuk kronis, sesak napas (asma),
• Batuk rejan, batuk pada TB paru disertai nyeri dada,
• Nyeri lambung dan diare.

Biji digunakan untuk pengobatan :

• Kencing manis (diabetes mellitus),
• Diare, disentri,
• Gangguan pencernaan seperti kembung, nyeri lambug, keram perut,
• Keracunan strychnine (penawar racun yang tidak spesifik), dan
• Pembesaran limpa.

Kulit Kayu digunakan untuk pengobatan :

• Kencing Manis (diabeter mellitus)
• Diare
• Sariawan
  

Cara Pemakaian
Daging buah bisa dimakan secukupnya sebagai buah meja.

Efek Samping

• Hasil penelitian menunjukan biji, daun, dan kulit kayu jamblang mempunyai khasiat menurunkan kadar glukosa darah (efek hipoglikemik) pada penderita diabetes mellitus tipe II.
• Penelitian di India mendapat hasil bahwa buah jamblang potensial sebagai obat kontrasepsi pada pria
• Pada percobaan binatang, jamblang dapat mencegah timbul katarak akibat diabetes.
• Jamblang juga menurunkan risiko timbulnya atherosclerosis sampai 60-90% pada penderita diabetes. Hal ini terjadi karena kandungan oleanolic acid pada jamblang dapat menekan peran radikal bebas dalam pembentukan atherosclerosis.
  

Contoh Pemakaian

• Batuk Kronis, asma
  - Cuci buah jamblang segar (15 g) sampai bersih, buah bijinya, lalu makan. Lakukan tiga kali sehari
  - Sediakan buah jamblang kering (15g). masukkan ke dalam mengkuk, tambahkan air sampai seluruh buah terendam, lalu tim sampai matang. Setelah dingin, minum airnya dan makan buahnya sekaligus. Lakukan tiga kali sehari.
  
  
• Batuk Rejang
  Siapkan buah jamblang kering (15g), empedu ayam betina (1 buah), dan gula pasir secukupnya. Masukkan ke dalam air sampai seluruh bagian terendam, lalu tim sampai matang. Minum airnya dan makan isinya. Lakukan sekali sehari sampai sembuh.
  
  
• Batuk pada TB Paru disertai nyeri dada
  Siapkan buah jamblang segar (30g, jika dipakai buah kering gunakan sebanyak 15g) dan daun sembung segar (Blumea balsamifera) (25 g). Cuci semua bahan, lalu potong-potong daun sembung seperlunya. Masukkan ke dalam mangkuk, tambahkan gula pasir (15g) dan air secukupnya sampai seluruh bahan terendam. Tim sampai matang. Setelah dingin, minum airnya. Makan buahnya, tetapi bijinya dibuang. Setiap malam sebelum tidur
  
  
• Diare pada anak
  Siapkan buah jamblang segar yang belum matang dan beras yang sudah digongseng sampai kuning (masing-masing 6g). masukkan ke dalam mangkuk, tambahkan air secukupnya sampai semua bahan terendam. Tim sampai matang. Setelah dingin, makan sekaligus. Lakukan tiga kali sehari.
  
  
• Nyeri Lambung
  Gongseng buah jamblang kering tanpa biji (30g) sampai berbau harum. Masukkan ke dalam mangkuk, tambahkan air secukupnya sampai semua bahan terendam, lalu tim sampai matang. Setelah dingin, makan seluruhnya. Lakukan tiga kali sehati, selama 10 hari.
  
  
• Sariawan
  Rebus kulit kayu atau daun secukupnya. Setelah dingin, gunakan untuk berkumur-kumur. Lakukan 3-4 kali dalam sehari

Sumber : Ensiklopedi Tanaman Obat Indonesia

Ikan tingkatkan daya ingat lansia

Lupa?. Lupa nama seseorang walaupun wajahnya sangat familiar? Apabila seseorang ingin mengurangi tanda-tanda atau gejala-gejala penuaan seperti di atas, cukup dengan hanya menerima asupan ikan lebih banyak lagi dalam pola makan sehari-hari mereka. Dan semakin banyak ikan yang kita makan semakin besar pula dampak positif yang diberikan, bagi kesehatan terutama bagi daya kerja otak kita atau daya kognitif. Hasil penelitian memperlihatkan bahwa kaum lanjut usia baik laki-laki ataupun perempuan yang lebih sering mengkonsumsi ikan memiliki daya ingat, konsepsi visual, ketrampilan motorik, orientasi perhatian dan kemahiran berbahasa yang lebih baik. ''Sebanyak enam uji tes kognitif dilaksanakan memperlihatkan hasil yang jauh lebih baik pada mereka-mereka lansia yang mengkonsumsi lebih banyak ikan dari pada mereka-mereka yang tidak,'' kata Dr.A. David Smith dari Universitas Oxford, Inggris. Selanjutnya ia juga menambahkan bahwa dampaknya akan terlihat jelas saat di mana dalam kondisi konsumsi ikan meningkat hingga melewati ambang batas sekitar 80 gram per hari. Smith dan rekan-rekannya meneliti kemampuan kognitif yang berkaitan dengan asupan ikan dan makanan asal laut lainnya setiap harinya yang melibatkan 2.031 wanita dan pria dengan kisaran usia 70 hingga 74 tahun yang diambil dari populasi masyarakat umum di Norwegia barat. Dari sejumlah 1.951 orang yang ikut dalam penelitian tersebut didapatkan semakin sering seseorang menerima asupan ikan dan aneka makanan asal laut yang kandungan lemaknya sedikit dalam menu makanan utama mereka sehari-hari maka mereka mampu melakukan sedikitnya enam tes koginitif dengan hasil yang jauh lebih baik dibandingkan dengan mereka-mereka yang tidak. Lansia yang mengkonsumsi roti isi ikan sedikitnya tiga kali dalam seminggu memperoleh hasil yang jauh lebih baik pada sedikitnya tiga tes kognitif, dikatakan oleh para peneliti. Sementara para lansia yang mengkonsumsi hanya minyak ikan setiap harinya memiliki hasil tes yang jauh lebih baik sedikitnya untuk satu tes kognitif. Para peneliti mengatakan pentingnya melakukan penelitian lanjut untuk menentukan keuntungan kognitif memang diakibatkan dari asupan ikan dari jenis tertentu. ''Selanjutnya kita juga perlu meneliti lebih lanjut komposisi kandungan yang terdapat dalam ikan-ikan tersebut,'' kata Smith. ''Karena kami menemukan ikan berlemak sama baiknya dengan ikan tanpa lemak jadi kemungkinan asam lemak Omega 3 lah yang memberikan manfaat bagi kemampuan kognitif.

Olahraga bantu depresi

Selain menjaga kebugaran tubuh, olahraga atau latihan fisik ternyata juga dapat memperbaiki kondisi mental atau kejiwaan. Di beberapa wilayah Inggris misalnya, olahraga mulai banyak direkomendasikan untuk mengobati pasien penderita depresi ringan dengan cara memperbaiki pengendalian diri melalui pencitraan tubuh yang lebih baik. Seperti yang terungkap dari hasil survey Mental Health Foundation terhadap terhadap sekitar 200 dokter, sekitar 22% dokter kini merekomendasikan latihan fisik atau olaharga untuk membantu mengatasi depresi. Angka ini meningkat cukup signifikan di banding survey tahun lalu yang hanya mencapai 5% saja. Mental Health Foundation menekankan, penting artinya bagi para dokter untuk tidak hanya memberikan resep obat antidepresan kepada para pasien, namun juga mencari alternatif terapi lain seperti olahraga. Riset telah membuktikan bahwa olahraga memang dapat membantu pasien yang mengidap depresi ringan dengan cara memperbaiki pengendalian diri melalui pencitraan tubuh yang lebih baik atau mencapai tujuan-tujuan tertentu. Metode ini juga membebaskan dari perasaan terasing yang biasanya dapat memicu timbulnya depresi. Olahraga juga membuat tubuh menghasilkan hormon otak yang bermanfaat seperti endorfin. "Olahraga bisa membantu orang secara fisik, sosial dan biologis. Mereka (penderita) seringkali bertemu dengan orang lain yang berada dalam situasi yang sama seperti mereka, namun sekarang bisa dijauhkan dan merasa lebih baik," kata Celia Richardson, direktur kampanye Mental Health Foundation. Dari survey juga terungkap bahwa kini telah muncul kepercayaan yang lebih luas di antara dokter bahwa terapi dengan olahraga memang bermanfaat buat pasien. Tiga tahun lalu , sekitar 41% dokter menilai "efektif atau sangat efektif" dan sekarang meningkat hingga 61% . Namun sekitar 50 persen dokter yang dilibatkan dalam survey menyatakan mereka belum memiliki akses terhadap terapi melalui olahraga ini. Dua pertiga dari para dokter juga mengatakan mereka berharap bisa mendapatkan akses tersebut. Dari survey pun tercatat banyak pasien yang tertarik bagaimana olahraga dapat membantu kesulitan mereka. Satu dari nem dokter mengatakan mereka mencatat peningkatan jumlah pasien yang menanyakan apakah olahraga dapat membantu penderita depresi. Pasien yang telah mendapat rekomendasi dokter untuk menjalani program latihan biasanya wajib didampingi pelatih pribadi atau personal trainer yang akan membantu menemukan jenis alat serta latihan buat mereka. Program latihan bagi penderita depresi yang digagas Mental Health Foundation kini telah berjalan di beberapa wilayah seperti Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, London, Northamptonshire, Redcar and Cleveland, serta Wirral. Hasil pelatihan di enam wilayah ini rencananya akan dipublikasikan tahun depan.

Jalan Kaki Tingkatkan Vitalitas

Latihan olahraga di rumah tanpa pengawasan tenaga pelatih misalnya jalan kaki dapat meningkatkan vitalitas tubuh dan kesehatan. Melakukan kegiatan jalan kaki di sekitar rumah selama 20 menit sedikitnya dua kali dalam sepekan dan menambah jumlah langkah yang kita buat dalam kegiatan keseharian di rumah memperlihatkan manfaat yang besar bagi kesehatan tubuh maupun mental setelah berlangsung 32 pekan, demikian dilaporkan oleh Dr Nozomi Okamoto berserta rekan-rekannya dari Fakultas Kedokteran Universitas Nara di Kashihara. Manfaat dari latihan fisik atau olahraga bagi vitalitas tubuh adalah jelas namun sebagian penelitian menyangkut program latihan di bawah pengawasan tenaga pelatih kebugaran yang dapat memakan biaya yang cukup besar dan membuat hidup tidak nyaman, demikian disampaikan oleh Okamoto den rekan-rekannya. Hasil temuan tersebut dipublikasikan di satu majalah olahraga The International Journal of Sports Medicine. Okamoto menguji apakah latihan fisik yang dilakukan sendiri di rumah yang bersifat santai dan relaks selama 32 pekan juga dapat membawa pengaruh positif bagi kesehatan. Para peneliti memberikan program latihan olahraga secara acak kepada sekelompok orang yang berjumlah 200 orang dewasa dengan kisaran usia 42 hingga 75 tanpa menggunakan jasa tenaga pelatih kebugaran, dilakukan di rumah dan sebagaian lainnya lagi melakukan program latihan fisik dengan memakai tenaga pelatih disatu tempat kebugaran .
Sebagai tambahan kelompok pertama juga diminta mengikuti latihan kebugaran selama dua jam sekali setiap empat pekan. Pada akhir program, mereka yang mengikuti program latihan kebugaran dengan pelatih memperlihatkan kemajuan yang besar dalam tes uji stamina olahraga jalan kali dan mereka kemudian diberi tes uji fisik lainnya yaitu diperintahkan untuk duduk, bangkit dari kursi dan duduk serta bangkit dari kursi terus berulang kali selama 30 detik. Peserta pria dari kelompok pertama memperlihatkan kemajuan secara keseluruhan, baik kesehatan fisik maupun mental dibandingkan dengan kelompok yang melakukan program latihan olahraga dengan pelatih. Sementara para wanita mengalami kemajuan dalam fungsi organ, vitalitas dan kesehatan secara keseluruhan. Manfaat dari program olah fisik yang dilakukan di rumah sebanding dengan kelompok yang melakukan latihan fisik dengan pengawasan tenaga pelatih, demikian dikatakan Okamoto. ''Hasil temuan tersebut dapat direkomendasikan sebagai hal yang dapat diterapkan kepada masyarakat bahwa banyak kemungkinan dan cara melakukan kegiatan fisik seperti misalnya jalan kaki di rumah sebagai kegiatan sehari-hari, yang sama besar manfaatnya bagi kesehatan fisik maupun mental dibandingkan dengan latihan olahraga yang terprogram,'' Okamoto dan rekan-rekannya menyimpulkan.

Hubungan Mendengkur dengan Bronchitis

Adakah hubungan antara begitu seringnya kebiasaan mendengkur disaat tidur dengan kemungkinan terjadinya penyakit bronchitis kronis ? Bagi para perisat dari Korea University Ansan Hospital di Ansan (Korea Selatan) kaitan itu bukanlah hal yang aneh. Karena hasil penelitian yang mereka lakukan menunjukan hal itu meski mereka tidak tahu penyebab yang pasti. ''Mekanisme hubungan antara mendengkur dengan bronchitis kronis memang belum mampu kami jelasnkan,'' jelas para peneliti dari Ansan itu. Bronchitis merupakan sebuah peradangan aliran udara di paru-paru di mana bronchitis yang masuk dalam tahap akut akan mambut membuat infeksi. Biasanya kasus bronchitis kronis banyak disebabkan oleh kebiasaan merokok ataupun serapan dari cairan kimia. Dalam studinya tim dari Korea Selatan ini melibatkan 4,270 orang yang mengaku setidaknya mendengkur 6 sampai 7 kali dalam semalam. Untuk penderita bronchitis kronis setidaknya ada 25 persen yang lebih parah dari mereka yang mendengkur lima kali dalam sepekan atau lebih. Dr. Robert Keaton menyebut hasil penelitian ini sangatlah menarik di mana tim dari Korea Selatan melihat dua kemungkinan yang menyebabkan terjadinya bronchitis termasuk vibrasi dan peradangan. Mendengkur biasanya menjadi guyonan belaka namun bisa menjadi penyebab yang serius terjadinya tekanan darah tinggi, stroke dan serangan jantung. Menurunkan berat badan ke berat ideal sembari mengubah gaya hidup yang sehat termasuk olahraga teratur menjadi salah satu kemungkinan dijauhkanya seseorang terkena mendengkur.

A new vision for the aging eyes of America

Vision impairment and eye diseases are major public health problems among older Americans. More than 3.4 million Americans aged 40 years or older are either blind or visually impaired.1 Eighteen percent of Americans aged 70 years and older self-reported blindness in one or both eyes or some other trouble seeing.2 Older Americans are also disproportionately affected by vision impairment, as people aged 65 years of age or older make up 12.8% of the U.S. population but account for 30% of all cases of visually impairment.3 As people age, they face a vast array of health disorders that can potentially lead to disability. One of the most feared disabilities among older adults is a vision disability. This fear is justifiable when one considers that loss of vision often correlates with a loss of independence. Compromises in eye function cannot easily be overcome and affect people’s ability to drive, read, watch television, or simply attend to common household or personal tasks. Reduced vision in this select population has been shown to result in social isolation, increased risk of falling and resultant hip fractures, depression, family stress, and ultimately a greater tendency to be disabled or die prematurely.4-6 In 2003, the direct and indirect costs of visual disorders and disabilities in the United States was approximately 68 billion dollars; these costs continue to escalate.7 As discussed below, the four most common causes of vision impairment and blindness in the United States are age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma. Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss among older adults. AMD results from a breakdown of the central retinal tissue leading to leakage and a subsequent loss of central vision. Those affected often lose their ability to read, see facial details, watch television, and drive. Peripheral vision however, remains intact, so individuals with AMD are still able to move about on their own. According to the National Eye Institute, 1.8 million Americans aged 50 years or older have AMD and another 7.3 million people are at substantial risk for developing AMD due to early retinal changes in the macular area.8 Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes. Elevated blood sugar damages the retinal blood vessels causing them to breakdown, leak, or become blocked. Over time, this causes retinal hemorrhage and impaired oxygen delivery to the retina that can lead to the growth of abnormal vessels. These new vessels are fragile and can easily break, causing permanent vision loss. One of 12 people with diabetes aged 40 years and older has vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy.8 cataracts are a clouding of the eye lens most often caused by aging. The lens is responsible for focusing the images onto the retina, and thus a clouding of the lens can result in diminished vision as well as increased sensitivity to glare. Over half of all Americans aged 65 years and older have cataracts.3 Glaucoma is a progressive disease that damages the eye’s optic nerve. It is the eye’s optic nerve that is responsible for carrying the retinal image to the brain so any disruption in this transmission can result in irreversible blind spots or field loss that over time can lead to total blindness. A view of the optic nerve during a dilated eye exam combined with visual field testing, intraocular pressure testing (IOP) and other tests can often reveal damage at an early stage, thus providing opportunity for treatment. It is important to note that IOP should never be used as a sole diagnostic indicator. Among Americans aged 40 years or older, 2.2 million have glaucoma and another 1.1 million are unaware of having the disease.8 For this reason glaucoma is often referred to as the “silent thief of sight.” Glaucoma is twice as common among black older adults as it is among whites. The silver lining to these sobering statistics is that half of all blindness today can be prevented. Most people with low vision can now benefit from vision rehabilitation, environmental modifications, and assistive devices that can maximize their residual vision and help them maintain an independent, productive life. Early detection and timely treatment; however, is the essential element to this healthy equation.
Age related eye diseases most often have no early symptoms or clear warning signs, and therefore require a dilated examination by an optometrist or ophthalmologist on a periodic basis. The dilated component of the examination in which drops are instilled in the eyes, allows the doctor a better view of the lens, optic nerve, and retina as well as other internal aspects of the eye. A comprehensive eye exam may also detect early signs of age related systemic diseases such as; cardiovascular diseases, connective tissue diseases, thyroid disorders, and malignancies. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends an eye exam every one to two years for people over age 65 and the American Optometric Association recommends that persons aged 61 years and older have a yearly eye examination. Both professional provider organizations stipulate that patients with risk factors for eye disease may require examination more often. As an example, individuals diagnosed with diabetes should have, at minimum, yearly dilated eye exams but may require exams more often. A recent study using Medicare data found that older adults who visit an eye doctor regularly have a lower probability of a vision related decline in reading ability and in developing low vision and blindness. In addition to frequent eye examinations; we encourage people to make healthful lifestyles choices that have been shown to facilitate eye health such as not smoking, protecting ones eyes from ultra violet rays, chemicals and projectiles, and eating a diet rich in antioxidan

Healthy Weight

Understanding the Energy EquationWhether you want to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, it’s important to understand the connection between the calories your body takes in (through the foods you eat and the beverages you drink) and the calories your body uses (through normal body functions, daily activities, and physical activity). Want to find out if you are at a healthy weight? Use our Body Mass Index (BMI) calculator. Getting the Most Nutrition out of Your CaloriesThere is a right number of calories for you to eat each day. This number depends on your age, activity level, and whether you are trying to gain, maintain, or lose weight. You could use up the entire amount on a few high-calorie foods, but chances are, you won’t get the full range of vitamins and nutrients your body needs to be healthy. Choose the most nutritionally rich foods you can from each food group each day – those packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other nutrients, but lower in calories. Pick foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products more often. For more information about food choices and appropriate calories, visit the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005 and My Pyramid. gov. Finding Your Balance between Food and Physical ActivityBecoming a healthier you isn’t just about eating healthy – it’s also about physical activity. Regular physical activity is important for your overall health and fitness. It also helps you control body weight by increasing the calories you expend each day. Be physically active, at a moderate intensity for at least 30 minutes most
days of the week. Increasing the intensity or the amount of time that you are physically active can have even greater health benefits and may be needed to control body weight. About 60 minutes a day may be needed to prevent weight gain. Children and teenagers should be physically active 60 minutes every day, or most every day. Whether you want to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, it’s important to understand the connection between the calories your body takes in (through the foods you eat and the beverages you drink) and the calories your body uses (through normal body functions, daily activities, and physical activity).

Relaxation techniques for relief of anxiety & stress (2)

Then let your hands relax. On relaxing, see a golden light flowing into the entire body, making all your muscles soft and pliable. Now, tense and relax the following parts of your body in this order: face, shoulders, back, stomach, pelvis, legs, feet, and toes. Hold each part tensed for 15 seconds and then relax your body for 30 seconds before going on to the next part. Finish the exercise by shaking your hands and imagining the remaining tension flowing out of your fingertips. Exercise 7: Release of Muscle Tension and Anxiety Lie in a comfortable position. Allow your arms to rest at your sides, palms down. Inhale and exhale slowly and deeply with your eyes closed. Become aware of your feet, ankles, and legs. Notice if these parts of your body have any muscle tension or tightness. If so, how does the tense part of your body feel? Is it viselike, knotted, cold, numb? Do you notice any strong feelings, such as hurt, upset, or anger, in that part of your body? Breathe into that part of your body until you feel it relax. Release any anxious feelings with your breathing, continuing until they begin to decrease in intensity and fade. Next, move your awareness into your hips, pelvis, and lower back. Note any tension there. Notice any anxious feelings located in that part of your body. Breathe into your hips and pelvis until you feel them relax. Release any negative emotions as you breathe in and out
Focus on your abdomen and chest. Notice any anxious feelings located in this area and let them drop away as you breathe in and out. Continue to release any upsetting feelings located in your abdomen or chest. Finally, focus on your head, neck, arms, and hands. Note any tension in this area and release it. With your breathing; release any negative feelings blocked in this area until you can't feel them anymore. When you have finished releasing tension throughout the body, continue deep breathing and relaxing for another minute or two. At the end of this exercise, you should feel lighter and more energized. Erasing Stress and TensionOften the situations and beliefs that make us feel anxious and tense look large and insurmountable. We tend to form representations in our mind that empower stress. In these representations, we look tiny and helpless, while the stressors look huge and unsolvable. You can change these mental representations and cut stressors down to size. The next two exercises will help you to gain mastery over stress by learning to shrink it or even erase it with your mind. This places stress in a much more manageable and realistic perspective. These two exercises will also help engender a sense of power and mastery, thereby reducing anxiety and restoring a sense of calm. Sit or lie in a comfortable position. Breathe slowly and deeply. Visualize a situation, person, or even a belief (such as, "I'm afraid of the dark" or "I don't want to give that public speech") that makes you feel anxious and tense. As you do this, you might see a person's face, a place you're afraid to go, or simply a dark cloud. Where do you see this stressful picture? Is it above you, to one side, or in front of you? How does it look? Is it big or little, dark or light? Does it have certain colors?. (Susan M. Lark M.D.)

Relaxation Techniques for Relief of Anxiety & Stress

Women with increased levels of anxiety and nervous tension often need to develop more effective ways of dealing with day to day stresses the minor everyday pressures that women with a healthy emotional balance handle easily but that can be overwhelming for women whose anxiety responses are easily triggered. Such stress can include riding in an elevator, being in crowds, going to the dentist, or any situation, place, or person that sparks a woman's emotional charge. Often these charged issues evoke anxiety, fear, or upset feelings. Moreover, significant lifestyle changes death of a loved one, divorce, job loss, financial problems, major changes in personal relationships can be almost impossible to handle when a woman is already feeling anxious and tense. Being unable to cope with stress effectively can also damage a woman's self esteem and self confidence. A woman with anxiety episodes may feel a decreasing sense of self-worth as her ability to handle her usual range of activities diminishes. Life stresses themselves don't necessarily change, so how a woman copes with them can really make the difference. How Stress Affects the BodyYour emotional and physical reactions to stress are partly determined by the sensitivity of your sympathetic nervous system. This system produces the fight or flight reaction in response to stress and excitement, speeding up and heightening the pulse rate, respiration, muscle tension, glandular function, and circulation of the blood. If you have recurrent anxiety symptoms, either major or minor lifestyle and emotional upsets may cause an overreaction of your sympathetic system. If you have an especially stressful life, your sympathetic nervous system may always be poised to react to a crisis, putting you in a state of constant tension. In this mode, you tend to react to small stresses the same way you would react to real emergencies. The energy that accumulates in the body to meet this "emergency" must be discharged in order to bring your body back into balance. Repeated episodes of the fight or flight reaction deplete your energy reserves and, if they continue, cause a downward spiral that can lead to emotional burnout and eventually complete exhaustion. You can break this spiral only by learning to manage stress in a way that protects and even increases your energy level. Techniques for RelaxationMany patients have asked me about techniques for coping more effectively with stress. Although I send some women for counseling or psychotherapy when symptoms are severe, most are looking for practical ways to manage stress on their own. They want to take responsibility for handling their own problems observing their inadequate methods of dealing with stress, learning new techniques to improve their habits, and then practicing these techniques on a regular basis.
I have included relaxation and stress reduction exercises in many of my patient programs. The feedback has been very positive; many patients report an increased sense of well being from these self help techniques. They also note an improvement in their physical health. This chapter includes fourteen stress reduction exercises for women with anxiety. They will take you through a series of specific steps to help alleviate your symptoms. The exercises will teach you the following helpful techniques: focusing and meditation, grounding techniques (how to feel more centered), exercises that help you to relax and release muscle tension, erasure techniques (how to erase old programs), healing the inner child, visualizations, and affirmations. These techniques will help you cope with stress more efficiently, make your thoughts more calm and peaceful, and help you learn to relax, while you build self esteem and self confidence. Try them all; then decide which ones produce the greatest benefits for you. Practice these on a regular basis.(Susan M. Lark M.D.)

Healthy weight-Loss

It is important to establish a realistic goal when deciding to lose weight. There are several factors, such as age, gender, occupation and other energy demands, genetics, and more. For the sake of this website and it's intention to help you select an appropriate weight-management program, you will first determine your BMI (body mass index). These programs are aimed at the very overweight and obese categories; if your number is in the 27-40 range, the programs suggested here are wonderful options for you. If you are below 27, more than likely, you can reach a target weight with smart eating and exercise. If you are over 40, you should be under medical care.
There are many issues where excess weight/obesity are concerned: appetite control, over-eating, excess sugar and/or excess fat consumption, overconsumption of nutrient-poor foods, food allergies/sensitivities, lack of movement (calorie expenditure), genetics, fungal/yeast overgrowth, parasites, insulin insensitivity, low thyroid function, slow metabolism, and psycho-emotional factors. Several of these issues are very difficult to treat, such as food allergies/sensitivities, which may be hard to identify, or fungi/yeast overgrowth which may take months to eradicate. Assuming that you can properly identify all of your issues, it takes time, money, discipline, and persistence to be successful.There is no magic-bullet supplement or fad diet that is going to help you lose weight in a healthy or permanent way, so the first thing you need to do is accept that you have to work to reach your goal. It will be well worth it, and like so many other goals, once you're "over-the-mountain," it is an easier path.This website is not intended to replace working with a good health practitioner, but there are so many bad options out there, and this approach will often provide desirable results. Please steer clear of some of these less-than-desirable options: fad diets. There are too many to list, but even the Atkin's craze has it's problems-many of us in the healthcare industry call it "the cancer diet," because if it is followed long-term, it may make you more prone to developing certain kinds of cancer. This is true of most high protein diets that don't avoid high residue/mucous-producing foods and most importantly, sugar and alcohol. Short term, they seem to help a number of people, but if you'd simply avoid sugar and white-flour products, and minimize your alcohol consumption, you'd do well.

Nutritional approaches to mental health (2)

Let food be thy medicine.- HippocratesBesides the oxygen we breathe, all that we need to survive comes from what we eat. Food nourishes both the body and the brain. In fact, the brain has first call on the available supply of nutrients. Therefore, the first effects of nutritional deficiencies are often mental symptoms. When orthomolecular psychiatrists refer to a nutritional deficiency, they are not necessarily talking about the prevention of a traditional deficiency disease, such as beriberi, a once-common illness that is fortunately now rare due to vitamin B1 food supplementation. However, lesser subclinical deficiencies are quite common. While not enough to bring on overt physical symptoms, they are often sufficient to stimulate changes in brain chemistry, and affect mood. Antidepressants, including St. John's wort, are not likely to be successful in treating these cases until the specific deficiency is corrected. In this chapter, I will introduce you to someone who was helped by nutritional therapy, and present information on vital depression-fighting nutrients. I'll then discuss other possible causes of depression-including illnesses that St. John's wort can help alleviate. Treating the Entire Person When treating depression, it is important to address all of a patient's problems, both biochemical and psychological, if healing is to take place. Jeff is a good example. Jeff, a 19-year-old college freshman with no prior history of emotional problems, was brought to see me by his concerned father. "I don't know what to think. Jeff has been withdrawing more and more lately, won't join us at the dinner table, hasn't been finishing his assignments, and says there's nothing wrong." Further questioning revealed that Jeff had been popular in high school, a good student, and a member of the basketball team. Yet he was now failing at the local college he was attending, and according to his father, was "not his old self." As his father talked, the tall, somewhat thin, young man sat across from me, looking sullen. I asked his father to leave the room so I could see Jeff alone. There was little change in his demeanor. A series of questions went through my mind: Was he depressed? Was he psychotic, hearing voices that he would not admit to? Or, putting on my orthomolecular hat, was he eating a typical teenage diet of fast food and soft drinks, which could leave him deficient in nutrients needed for adequate brain function? I determined from his rather brief answers that he was not in any immediate danger, but that he would need more time before he trusted me enough to talk more freely. Given his good prior history, I was willing to wait another week or so before doing anything more definitive, such as prescribing medication. My philosophy is "natural is preferable," since it addresses the root of the problem, and not the symptoms. Also, young people often feel stigmatized by a psychiatric diagnosis, especially when it is accompanied by a prescription. Jeff agreed to take some daily vitamins, minerals, and herbs. When he came alone to see me two weeks later, he was far more communicative, and appeared to have gained some weight. He had indeed been going through a difficult time, with inner conflict about life issues that he had not had to deal with in high school. He was also feeling that he had let down his parents in some way by not being as competent, decisive, and independent as he expected himself to be. This confusion and depression is not unusual for first-year college students, who face a radical change from familiar high school surroundings. However, he admitted that he had been helped by my advice despite himself. While he had "resented my Dad's dragging me to some shrink," he had followed my instructions by taking the vitamins and herbs three times daily with meals. This instruction also assured that he would eat regularly, and likely, with the family. He said that the supplements seemed to calm his worried mind, and gave him energy and clarity at the same time. He turned out to be quite bright and articulate, in contrast to our initial contact. (Hyla Cass M.D.)

Nutritional approaches to mental health (1)

What were these pills? The basic multivitamin/multimineral capsules are standard fare in my office, often restoring energy and emotional balance in depleted individuals. The herbs were St. John's wort, the herbal antidepressant, and kava-kava, a South Pacific herb used to help relieve stress. As his depression and anxiety lifted, Jeff was able to think more clearly, and began to seek my advice. Psychotherapy, or any learning, can take place much better when the brain is working properly. Any prior attempts at therapy with Jeff would probably have driven him further away. However, with the proper brain food, he was able to have some insight into his situation, and move in the direction of healing. Jeff's moodiness might have been ignored by those around him, as friends and family of depressed people often rationalize that while something is not quite right, the person remains healthy in most respects. But sweeping these difficult issues under the carpet may lead to catastrophic consequences. Fortunately for Jeff, early intervention on several levels prevented his disturbance from becoming chronic. Nutritional Balance and Depression: Amino Acids, Vitamins, Minerals, and Other Nutrients Like Jeff's diet, the standard American diet is deficient in many of the nutrients we need to stay healthy, both physically and mentally. What causes these deficiencies? We need only consider the high-sugar, low-fiber, additive-preserved foods that many people consume on a regular basis, combined with the impaired absorption of nutrients that accompanies such poor nutrition. Many people simply do not get the important nutrients needed for good health. They are at once overfed and undernourished, and a poorly nourished body contains a malnourished brain. In my own practice, I prefer to begin psychotherapy only after excluding an underlying physical cause. In fact, deficiencies in almost any of the vitamins and minerals can show up first as emotional or mental symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, or impaired memory and concentration. Because lab tests to determine specific deficiencies can be costly, I most often recommend the use of multivitamin/multimineral supplements. (For more information on vitamins and minerals, see Prescription for Nutritional Healing by James and Phyllis Balch(Avery) and The Real Vitamin and Mineral Book by Shari Lieberman and Nancy Bruning (Avery). Let's look at the amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that are especially important for mental health. (The essential fatty acids are also significant in the prevention and treatment of depression and other disorders.) Amino Acids Depression can result if brain messengers called neurotransmitters are in short supply. Synthetic antidepressants work by raising neurotransmitter levels in the brain, and it is likely that St. John's wort does the same thing. Amino acids, the building blocks of protein, are the precursors, or raw materials, for neurotransmitters and other mood-regulating compounds. It is possible to reverse depression by loading up on these amino-acid precursors. There are three amino acids that are most directly related to mood and depression: phenylalanine, tyro-sine, and tryptophan. Phenylalanine and tyrosine produce the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, and tryptophan is eventually converted to serotonin. Research has proven the effectiveness of amino acid therapy in fighting depression. Both phenylalanine and tyrosine-which is created in the body from phenylalanine-have been found to be as effective as the antidepressant drug imipramine. Phenylalanine has also been shown to reduce pain by preserving brain levels of endorphins, the body's natural painkiller. Tyrosine is helpful in the treatment of PMS and chronic fatigue syndrome. Tryptophan, which the body converts into the precursor 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HT), has also been found to be as effective as the synthetic antidepressants.

Sehat dalam bekerja

Yang sedang banyak dibicarakan sekarang adalah makan dengan pola food combining. Singkatnya, food combining adalah makan secara teratur pada waktu tertentu dan seimbang antara asam dan basa. Makan secara teratur terutama pk 12.00 - 20.00, yaitu saat tubuh efektif untuk mencerna. Makanan pembentuk asam, misalnya, protein hewani, lemak, minyak, produk susu, biji-bijian, kacang tanah, makanan beragi, dan alkohol. Makanan pembentuk basa, yaitu buah-buahan, sayuran, kentang yang direbus dengan kulitnya, susu mentah, kedelai, taoge, dan kacang-kacangan (kecuali kacang tanah). SarapanBangun pagi sering kesiangan, apalagi kalau kantor jauh dan harus menembus kemacetan. Maka, sarapan dilupakan. Padahal sesuai namanya, breakfast, sarapan berguna untuk memutus ‘puasa’ panjang setelah makan malam terakhir. Pilih makanan yang mudah dicerna, menurut food combining, makanan terbaik di pagi hari adalah buah-buahan segar. Bisa dijus atau dipotong-potong. MinumApabila bekerja di dalam ruang ber-AC dengan hawa dingin dan menikmati pekerjaan, biasanya lupa untuk minum. Sulit mendapatkan minum karena bekerja di luar ruangan pun menjadi alasan untuk sedikit minum. Padahal tubuh kita memerlukan sedikitnya dua liter air, atau lebih kurang delapan gelas sehari. Air itu kita butuhkan untuk mengganti cairan yang keluar dari tubuh, baik melalui keringat, pernapasan, atau air seni. Jika Anda tak mengkonsumsi air sebanyak itu, tubuh akan menyeimbangkan diri dengan mengurangi air di darah dan otak! Selanjutnya ginjal akan bekerja lebih keras menyaring darah kental dan sel-sel otak lebh cepat mati.