Archive for May, 2009

Medical studies on fish oil and omega 3′s effects on the heart

Wednesday, May 27th, 2009

Want to learn more about omega 3 fatty acids? Marcus Ryan helps you to discover the health benefits of omega 3 fatty acids and fish oil, including a clear understand of the results of medical studies and research.

Fish oil have made it into the medical news headlines many times over the past couple of decades.

Why has this been the case?

This is because omega 3 fish oils have been shown to have some very impressive effects on prevention of heart disease, as well as being linked to lower incidences of depression and dementia in both population studies, and in the case of depression, randomised controlled trials as well.

And the product is natural as well.
So let’s have a look at what these benefits of omega 3′s are. In this article, we’ll have a look at the health effects of omega 3s on the heart.

Benefits of omega 3 fatty acids in survivors of heart attacks (myocardial infarction)

Firstly, lets have a look at the DART study (Diet And Reinfarction Trial).

This trial showed that patients who survived a myocardial infarction, who followed advice and took oily fish, equivalent to approximately 500 to 800 mg of omega 3 fatty acids each day, had a 29% fall in total risk of death. The subgroup who took fish oil capsules containing 450 mg of omega 3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA) each day, had a 62% fall in cardiac related death rates, and a 56% reduction in risk of death.

Then there was a large Italian study of 11,324 myocardial infarction survivors, called the GISSI prevention trial.

The GISSI trial found that myocardial infarction survivors who had one capsule of fish oil each day, equivalent to 1g of fish oil, which is equal to 850mg of omega 3 fatty acids, had a 30% fall in cardiac mortality, and 45% fall in risk of sudden death. These benefits were seen within just four months of the study.

Then there was the Lyon study which looked at 600 myocardial infarction patients.

This study found that those who took the dietary advice of consuming a Mediterranean type diet, with an adequate fruit and vegetables, and in particular an adequate intake of non-marine sources of omega 3 fatty acids, alpha-linolenic acid, had a 70% fall in their risk of heart related death at 5 years, in contrast to those patients who had no such dietary advice.

Now let’s have a look at fish oil effects in prevention of heart disease in the first place…

Benefits of omega 3 in preventing heart disease and sudden death in healthy individuals

Firstly, there was a study looking at the benefits of omega 3 fatty acids in healthy male doctors. This study was known as the Physician’s Health Study.

This study found that those with the highest levels of omega 3 fatty acids in their blood streams, had a risk of sudden death that was only 1/5 of the risk of sudden death found in the group with the lowest omega 3 fatty acid levels. That is, their relative risk was 19%. Those with the second highest levels of omega 3 fatty acids had a relative risk of less than 1/3, with a relative risk of 28%.

Secondly, there was the Chicago Physician’s Health Study Western Electric Study which studied a group of 1822 men over a period of 30 years.
This study found that those who ate more than 35 g of fish per day had 38% less risk of dying from heart disease, and a 44% reduction in risk of heart attacks, when compared to those who had no fish intake.

These are just sample of the various studies on the health effects of omega 3 fatty acids on cardiac health.

It is very sobering to realise that about 50% of heart attacks have no warning.

The benefits as shown in the studies above, relate to preventing heart attacks in those who have already had one, as well as reducing the risk of myocardial infarction and sudden death in healthy individuals.

The these essential fatty acids have been linked to reductions in risk of dementia and depression, in the treatment of depressed patients, and improvement in IQ of children.

There are even studies on the effect of fish oils on reducing levels of aggression in young adults.

The health benefits of omega 3 fish oils are certainly very interesting, and very promising.

They vary from heart health, to mental health.

If you have a medical condition, you should always seek the advice of your doctor before taking any new supplements or medications in case you are on medications or have medical conditions that contraindicate the use of natural supplements.

So watch out for more developments in the area of omega 3 fish oils, including more medical studies on its various benefits.

Gout – A Form Of Arthritis

Wednesday, May 20th, 2009

Gout is a form of rheumatic disease
caused by uric acid deposits in the joints and it is marked by sudden attacks of painful, inflamed joints. It is caused by too much uric acid in the blood. It is the commonest inflammatory arthritis of men above 40 years old, and it is 20 times commoner in men than women; however, the number of postmenopausal women who have gout is increasing.

Gout is a complex disorder that can affect anyone. It is one of the oldest and probably most painful diseases known to mankind, which the symptoms develop at a quick pace. Fortunately, gout is treatable, and there are ways to keep gout from recurring.

Gout is caused when a patient continuously has trouble digesting properly and waste matter from digested foods accumulates within the body, the excess uric acid then starts to crystallize and settle in the joints (especially on the feet), setting off inflammation, pain, and stiffness. Usually, the joints in the big toe are affected, but gout can also affect the instep, ankles, heels, knees, wrists, fingers and elbows.

The connection between drinking alcoholic beverages and attacks of gout is a strong one for many with the disease; experts recognize that the standard goal in the treatment of chronic gout is the reduction and maintenance of sUA levels of less than 6 mg/dL.

People with high uric acid can develop lumps under the skin and they are often found in or near joints previously attacked by gout and also on the elbow, over the fingers and toes, and in the outer edge of the ear, additionally, its increasing degenerative changes may make aging joints vulnerable, with cartilage fragments acting as seeds for crystal formation. Experts say the concentration in the blood is so high that the uric acid settles in the joints of people with gout, a leading cause of gout attacks.

Eating lots of cherries and fresh cherry juice has been highly recommended in the treatment of gout and gouty arthritis, another treatment that can be included simultaneously with herbal remedies for gout is the addition of rosehip tea to the diet, joints affected by gout will recover completely once the gout has been treated.

Parenting Plans Will Save Your Life More Than Once

Wednesday, May 13th, 2009

The many aspects of this change that you will need to face are things such as, your working hours, money situation, living arrangements and last but not at all least is, if you are the mother, how you live your life. When you implement a parenting plan that you made with your spouse, you will find things go much smoother when reality rears its ugly hand.

Implementing a parenting plan sounds so old fashioned, but it may as well be the smartest thing you have ever did. The moment you discover the news that you are pregnant, you might as well say to yourself, my entire life has changed from this moment and on, because it is one of the most profound life experiences you will have. Having a Parenting Plan will guide you through this amazing period in your life.

What To Expect When You First Conceive

The many aspects of this change that you will need to face are things such as, your working hours, money situation, living arrangements and last but not at all least is, if you are the mother, how you live your life. When you implement a parenting plan that you made with your spouse, you will find things go much smoother when reality rears its ugly hand.

You and your spouse will need to sit down and make major decisions about your lives. Things that seemed simple before are complicated now, like is your house large enough to accommodate the baby, or how much time to take off work after it is born. One of the largest issues you will face is money, and putting it into a savings plan for your childs future needs, be sure to cover a financial plan into your parenting plan.

When you pack for a vacation, you know you are particular, and prepare for it the best you can. Some women pack nearly everything they have! You should take the same approach when it comes to parenting; you want to be prepared the best you can be. When you prepare yourself for something you will eliminate possible anxiety that comes from not knowing what to do. Parenting plans will be your guide in your future, you think with a clear head at the time you make the plan, but in the height of the moment, your thinking will be warped. Remember not to forget the other important person in your parenting plan, which is yourself! All these changes affect you profoundly since you are changing your life for another human being.

Retirement is not in the cards for you when it comes to parenting, it is an infinite commitment you make to your child. To love them, care them nurture them, cry with them and teach them is a few jobs you must accomplish while being a parent. It is one of the most lovingly jobs that offer wonderful benefits and rewards.

Ways to Create Your Parenting Plan

We do not mean to make a long list of plans up to your childs marriage, although it is wise to plan at least a couple years in advance. The best place to start is in the beginning, gradually thinking and adding important aspects in your newborns life.

When you are unprepared many shocking experiences will come, and you will panic and not know how to deal with it appropriately, parenting plans will ensure you have thought out any possible occurrence happening, and already decided how to handle that particular situation.

Instead of spending your life disagreeing and bashing heads with your child, create a parenting plan, implement it and relax with knowing that you are prepared for any kind of situation that may pop up. Being a parent is one of the most thrilling incidents that happen to you, you want to make sure you do it right, you only get one chance.

How To Find The Right Drug and Alcohol Rehab Center

Wednesday, May 6th, 2009

Each individual is different and each type of addiction is different. You need to understand the type of addiction that your loved one is dealing with, then evaluate the various types of rehab centers and clinics to find the best treatment with the best chances for long term success.

When you, a family member or loved one is battling against the demons associated with drug and/or alcohol abuse, rehabilitation is needed to get back on a healthy track. Turning to the healing properties of a drug rehab or alcohol rehab center can bring about the lifestyle and behavioral changes associated with leaving negative influences to the wayside.

There are numerous drug and alcohol rehab centers across the United States. Sometimes, a patient may even choose treatment outside of the country. Rehabilitation is a very emotional and a mental roller coaster that takes every ounce of restraint and focus. It is the responsibility of alcohol and drug rehab centers to find the medium and motivation for each patient to embrace recovery. Each and every individual that walks through the door of a clinic or enters a program is unique.

Different Clinic and Program Approaches

Since no two patients are alike, drug and alcohol rehab programs and procedures differ. While some rely heavily on prescription drugs and other medical techniques, there are other methods of treatment that utilize holistic or natural approaches. When evaluating a potential drug or alcohol rehab center, there are several different types of treatment programs to consider. Substance abuse is a delicate issue and each drug of choice is dealt with in a different manner. For instance, sleeping pill addiction will not be treated in the same way as crystal meth addiction.

One of the main decisions regarding the type of alcohol or drug rehab center to consider is the length of necessary treatment. With short-term rehab clinics, a patient may become a resident and undergo various medical approaches for several weeks. They may also receive drug-free outpatient services. When longer-term care is needed, several outpatient treatments are available as well. A patient may also choose to live in a residential community treatment center to ensure continue drug-free success. Some residents may choose or need to spend years at these types of facilities.

The issue of medication and other drug treatment options come into play when choosing a drug rehab clinic, as seen through what is called maintenance treatment. For example, a heroin addict may receive an oral dose of methadone to help block the effects of their abused drug of choice. The methadone helps to eliminate the cravings that many addicts encounter through physiological demands on their body. Some people are leery of methadone treatments because this drug in itself can be addicting.

When it comes time to locate the best drug rehab and alcohol rehab centers within your grasp, doctors and other health professionals will give you what is called a referral. You may receive one or two to choose from, but they are usually the most viable options of treatment for you to consider. When budget is of no concern, some people will look into treatment options both near and wide. Some drug and alcohol rehab centers are more private than others, offering certain luxuries that state officials cannot afford. There are numerous brochures and websites to scan when you are able to pay more for your treatment options.

What to Expect With Treatment

Very rarely do you see drug rehabilitation without some sort of approach towards psychological repair. Even though drugs can be purged from the physical parts of the patient, it is the mental barriers and breakdowns that continue the vicious cycle of drug abuse. Most drug rehab and alcohol rehab programs will treat the mind, body and soul of a patient. This is the best approach towards increasing the success rate for when patients are released onto the world.

It is also much healthier for the patient to receive well-rounded treatment so that they may achieve stronger, more positive outcomes. It is the goal of rehab centers to make sure patients equip themselves with the tools and strength needed to resist temptation and face the threat of relapse.

While at a drug or alcohol rehab center, you will encounter a trained professional who knows the ins and outs of drug addictions. Physicians and therapists become important fixtures on the road to recovery. They will ask you many different questions and may even perform a series of medical tests. This will assist in the accurate assessment of your personal characteristics. It will aid in deciding on the appropriate drug rehabilitation program that you will benefit the most from. You could face inpatient, outpatient, residential, and/or short-stay treatment.

Helping Rehabilitated Patients Succeed

It is the responsibility of the newly rehabilitated patient to take control over the things that affect their life. Surrounding themselves with positive influences and adhering to outpatient counseling and programs is a must. Family and friends should be supportive and aware that the potential of relapse is never too far behind. A circle of support and encouragement is crucial to long term success.

For a newly released drug or alcohol rehab patient, one day at a time never made more since than now. Each morning should be greeted with individual care and concern. They may need a lot of help to continue their success. Love, understanding, and support is all friends and family can give; the rest is up to the rehabbed individual.

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