Autism

If I told you that one half of the Blues Brothers, Dan Aykroyd; the creator of Pokemon, Sathoshi Tajiri; and lead singer of the Top Ten group, the Vines, Craig Nicholls; all suffer from a brain disorder. A brain disorder which make difficult for an individual to communicate or even relate to other human beings. Although, physicians and doctors are still unsure of the precise origin of Autism, studies have revealed the symptoms and their effects.

1. Doctors are currently debating over two different, but very noticeable theories; nature vs. nurture. Some scientists believe that the patients, inherit the disease through their family, while others preach that an individuals surroundings are the cause.

2. The symptoms for autism are mainly conveyed at an early age. The child shows prolonged delays in speech development or unnecessarily repeats habits. Like most diseases a child can suffer from a very high functioning, to a more severe version. Individuals suffering from a severe form of autism will also most likely experience below normal intelligence, epilepsy, or depression.

3. Unfortunately, because autism is such a fragile disease, there is no pharmaceutical cure for the disease. The individual must undergo special behavioral training. This practice uses a system of positive and negative reinforcement in order to create a strict internal discipline. Remember every individual who is stricken with autism is different, so each case must be handled differently.

4. If you are a parent or a loved one of someone with autism, there are regimented steps to success. First off, the task of taking care of child with autism can be a very difficult one, so allow yourself the occasional break. As the child gets older, do not be afraid to ask for help. Exercise humility. Although you may experience everyday, does not mean you know everything about the disease. In order to establish a better understanding of the disease; get in contact with another family who has a child with autism.

Dehydration

On October 10, 2009 Peter Curtin was approaching the 25 mile-marker in the Baltimore marathon, when he suddenly collapsed and died. On October 18, 2009, three runners – men aged 26,36,65 died within a 16 minute span during the Detroit half marathon. The highly acclaimed New York City marathon, even had two men die during the race. Why do the hearts of such highly conditioned men fail during exercise designed to make their hearts stronger? Is there something wrong with endurance exercises as a healthy activity? In essence, yes and no.

1. Physician: If an individual wants to participate in an endurance activity or an endurance race, he/she must consult their local physician. Although your friend or family member can handle the exercise, it does not mean your body can. Each body is different and varies with the amount of intensity it can handle.

2. Dehydration: This is the main catalyst for injury during an endurance race. Although 26.2 or 13.1 miles sounds like a long distance; trust me it is even longer than you think. Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate. It is imperative to an individual’s body that it remain hydrated. Our muscles and organ system work in the way that a camel’s hump does (merely an analogy). If we consume copious amounts of water, it will aid our bodies for hours.

3. Inflammation: The constant pounding of running on concrete can cause an inflammation in an individual’s knees or lower back. Individuals who suffer from pre-existing knee or back ailments, consult your local physician.

4. Cardiac System: Doctors theorize that the reason individuals die during endurance races, is because of a malfunction in the cardiac system. As with joint ailments, any individual experiencing pre-existing ailments must consult a doctor before participation.

Upon the doctors approval, the individual must consult seasoned endurance runners. Once you have contacted them, ask them how to breathe. “But, I know how to do that”. You know how to unconsciously breathe, but every breath is extremely important in an endurance race. Since, every breath is important, there is a form to the action, which will best aid your health.

5. Form: In order to protect your lower back, knees, and other joints an individual must perfect his form. This can be done in several different ways (i.e. practice, the Road Runners store’s technical breakdown, mirroring).

Preventing Brest Cancer

Breast cancer is most common cancer among women in the United States. Each year, 192,370 new cases of breast cancer occur, and over 40,000 individuals lose their battle. There is no 100% guaranteed prevention, but their are some very easy, preventive steps, which can aid being one less.

1. Healthy Weight: The risk of breast cancer is almost doubled when a women is overweight. On top of that, an overweight women’s survival rate of surviving breast cancer is, in fact, less. In order to gauge the proper weight for the current height, women should use the BMI (Body Mass Index) as a resource. However, this chart is not completely accurate for all individuals, so it is best to contact your local physician.

2. Exercise: Get out there and break a sweat. The recommended amount of exercise a week is 45 to an hour, five days a week. If making it to the gym is not an option, try at home workouts, runs outside, or eliminating short drives and replacing them with walks. This practice will strengthen your immune system, while lowering the levels of estrogen and insulin in your body.

3. Less Alcohol: One glass of red wine is a great source of antioxidants; not a bottle. Research has recently shown that drinking two or more drinks a day can raise the risk of breast cancer by 21%. Instead of indulging in wine, eat their developers; grapes. Grape skin, actually reduces the risk of breast cancer.

4. Vegatable: You better eat your vegetables. A low fat diet can reduce the risk of breast cancer. Vegetables such as, broccoli and kale, contain sulforaphane, which is believed to help prevent cancer cells from multiplying.

5. Family History: You may know the health of your mother, grandmother, and perhaps great grandmother, but to truly know your family history is important to breast cancer prevention. In 15% of breast cancer cases, there is a history of the disease in the family history.

6. Doctor Visits: The most important form of prevention is regular check ups at your local physician. Clinical breast exams and mammograms are a must at least every three years.

Foods Relieve Stress

In this day in age it is difficult not to be stressed out. Unemployment, economic crisis, health care bill, the war – and that is not even skimming your personal issues. Life can be tough. Allow us to show you a few foods to make it easier.

1. Almonds: This little snack packs a healthy punch with B2 (riboflavin), vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc. The actual hormone, serotonin, which balance mood and stress, is in almonds. Vitamin E is an antioxidant, which can enhance an individual’s immune system, while zinc has been shown to fight negative effects of stress. However, this snack should only be consumed in small portions, because it is high in fat.

2. Fish: Along with being a main source of Omega 3, Fish, is also filled with vitamin B-12. This vitamin has the most important involvement in producing serotonin. Serotonin aids in the balance of an individual’s emotional level.

3. Broccoli: This vegetable is stocked full of B vitamins. Broccoli also contains folic acid; aids in stress relief, anxiety, panic, depression, and other emotional disorders.

4. Whole-Grain Rice or Pasta: Whole grain is not a hidden secret any more. Restaurants noticed the popular rise of whole-grain, by adding them as feature items to their menus; delis now feature whole grains, and even pizzerias offer whole-grain pizza pies. Complex carbohydrates take longer to digest, which gives the brain the sensation of fullness; in other words, happy.

5. Sushi: Aside from the previous benefits described in the fish region, sushi holds several other stress reliving properties. The seaweed maki has been known to have anti-anxiety properties. The seaweed itself, is comprised of magnesium, vitamin B2, and pantothenic acid. This acid contributes to the health of adrenal glands, which perform a vital part in stress management.

6. Milk: Milk can supply the human body with vitamins B2 and B12. Aside from these, milk also contains antioxidants which help enhance the immune system and fight free radicals.

7. Cottage Cheese: This light snack is packed with vitamins B2 and B12. For a healthy, midday snack spread some cottage cheese on whole grain cracker.

8. Beef: Out of any products on the list, beef may be the most unhealthy, but it is still comprised of some essential nutrients. Beef offers the human body a great portion of vitamin B, zinc, and iron.

9. Cantaloupe: Vitamin C, which is found in Cantaloupe, is crucial component of fighting stress in the human body. Take slices of cantaloupe and add it to a small bowl of cottage cheese for a healthy snack.

10. Blueberries: For such a small piece of food, blueberries are compounded with antioxidants and vitamin C, which aid in the balance of stress.

Kelly Slater

Kelly Slater has won 54 Surfing Championships, 42 World Championship Tours, and was ranked #1 by the ASP nine times. There is not much, the highly regarded; best surfer in the world, is afraid of. But there is one thing; Clay Marzo. Marzo debuted to the surfing community in a surf movie called, Young Guns II. In the film he displayed the raw talent and aggressive style of past champions. Now, at eighteen years old, Marzo is changing the landscape of surfing with courageous surf stunts and organic ability to pull of tricks that no surfer could have imagined possible. This story on its own is incredible; however, it is not the entire story. Marzo suffers from Aspergers (a form of Autism).

Marzo’s parents noticed that he was different at a very young age. The average symptoms of this disorder are the inability to understand social cues, a lack of inborn social skills, a dislike to change, and an inability to deceiver the subtle difference in speech tone. Aside from these internal symptoms, the individual will suffer from external symptoms, such as, avoiding eye contact, unusual facial expressions, invested in a sole interest, only conversing about one topic, delayed motor skills, and a heightened sensitivity.

At the beginning of Marzo’s career, his symptoms never interfered, but once his fame caught up with his talent – it became a bit difficult. Each day was filled with a new challenge; sponsors wanting to set up meeting, magazines wanting to conduct interviews; and fans wanting autographs. Although the media blitzkrieg was a bit intimidating, Marzo is gradually adapting. He has several sponsors, even more fans, media attention, and just last year, he released his own surfing movie.

To watch his movie, is to watch the expression of an incredible life; the crash of the waves, the strength of the ride, sprinkled with a touch of genius.

Papilloma virus

At this very moment, 20 million people are currently infected. 50% of all individuals who engage in sexual activity in some time in their life, will become infected. Not to worry, there are actually 100 types of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in this group; most of which can not harm you.

1. The HPV live in the body’s epithelial cells. These flat and thin cells are are found on the skin’s surface; predominately around orifices. 60 of the 100 types of HPV, cause small reaction warts on the hands and feet, but the other 40 are sexually transmitted.

2. If an individual contracts one of the 60 HPV strands which is not sexually transmitted, they will experience, warts on their hands and feet. On the other hand if an individual contracts, one of the 40 sexually transmitted HPV strands, it can lie within a human’s body without notice, until irritation. Once the indvidual irritates the infection it can cause irreprable damage to cervix, penile, or anal cells.

3. The 40 sexually transmitted HPV strands are contracted through infected genital skin, mucous membranes, or bodily fluids; during intercourse or oral sex.

4. The initial symptoms of HPV will be scattered warts around the infected area. If this symptom goes without treating, an individual can experience severe internal damage, to their cervix, penile, or anal cells.

5. There is no current cure for HPV, but it will normally go away on its own. If the infection does not dissapear on its own, an individual can take one of the several HPV vaccinations.

Lung Cancer

Each year, less money is spent on lung cancer research than on research on other cancers. In 2007, the National Cancer Institute estimated it spent only it spent only $1,415 per lung cancer death compared to $13,991 per breast cancer death, $10,945 per prostate cancer death, and $4,952 per colorectal cancer. Although lung cancer is not as distinguished in terms of funding, it is extremely dangerous, and must be valued as such.

1. Signs & Symptoms: An individual experiencing lung cancer, will endure shortness of breath, coughing up blood, chronic coughing, wheezing, chest pains, fatigue, weight loss, hoarse voice, or difficulty swallowing.

2. Causes: The main causes of lung cancer are carcinogens, ionizing radiation, and viral infection.

Smoking – The most notorious of all of these causes is smoking. Cigarettes contain over 60 known carcinogens, which are released every time an individual inhales. Of course not every individual who smokes will obtain lung cancer, but the risk is much higher. The most frightening discovery is that individuals can actually become stricken with lung cancer from an overexposure to cigarette smoke. Currently, 10%-15% of individuals with lung cancer have never smoked a cigarette.

Radon Gas – The United States Environmental Protection Agency, currently estimates that one in 15 homes in the U.S., has radon levels over the recommended amount. This colorless and odorless gas is created through the breakdown of radioactive radium or uranium.

Asbestos – This material is the catalyst for several different types of cancer. Although it only accounts for 2%-3% of deaths from lung cancer, it is an extremely dangerous material.

3. Treatments: Patients with lung cancer, depending on the severity, have a multitude of options for treatments. If the cancer is caught early enough, the patient can request a surgery to attempt at removing the actual tumor. On the other hand if the cancer has spread, he/she can participate in chemotherapy sessions. Along with these two forms of treatment, scientists and doctors have developed adjuvant chemotherapy, radiotherapy, interventional radiology, and targeted therapy.

Mad Cow Disease

In the early 1990′s, the news outlets were drowning with the infectious fright of the Mad Cow Disease. Although the outbreak took the appearance of a disease for the ages, it was fortunately an exaggeration.

In reality, the disease is extremely rare in humans. Actually, there have only been a few reported cases of the disease in humans.

The disease itself, is caused by prions located within the cattle. If the cattle had contracted a virus, the proteins within the cow’s body may turn into prions. The spread of this virus will occur when a farmer feeds a cow animal products from an infected animal. Now, once the cattle is slaughtered for consumption, the prions remain. In turn, these prions enter our body, resulting in an internal virus.

Unfortunately it takes anywhere from two to eight years to show any signs of the actual disease. The prions or Mad Cow disease can cause sponge like holes within the central nervous system, or even the brain. Although these symptoms sound horrifying, it rarely ever gets to that level. The initial symptoms include insomnia, anxiety, and depression mixed with the average cold symptoms.

While there is no cure for the disease, there are Mad Cow disease treatments which can suppress and subside the actual symptoms.

Silybum marianum

As in most pharmaceutical advertisements, this article will start off with a product that can fix an occurring ailment, but this article is unique, in that it lacks the end-of-commercial-blitzkrieg of confusing side effects crammed in you ear. With the recent emergence of natural remedies, studies have shown that in order to effectively prevent or cure an ailment; organic is the best.

1. Coleus forskohlii root extract
[Prevent the Growing Midsection]: Last year, the US Food and Drug Administration banned ephedra, which stimulated an individual’s central nervous system to propel fat loss. On the other hand, this root extract’s main ingredient, forkolin, increases your supply of hormone-sensitive lipase, an enzyme that allows stored fat to be burnt for fuel.

2. Huperzia serrata (aka toothed clubmoss)
[Prevent Alzheimer's Disease]: This plant carries the ingredient, Huperzine A, which inhibits the production of an enzyme that reduces the amount of acetylcholine in the body. This chemical, is the precise chemical that is low in patients with Alzheimer’s Disease.

3. Crataegus monogyna (aka hawthorn extract)
[Prevent Angina]: Discovered in Germany, this leaf and flower extract is effect in improving heart functions. This single extract can prevent the actual ailment, or can subside the symptoms when an individual is stricken with it. Although the medicine has fallen under criticism, the scientists continue to conduct research.

4. Silybum marianum (aka milk-thistle extract)
[Prevent Toxins]: The liver is the main line of defense against all toxins. This extract actually produces a protective barrier around the liver, which is called siliybin. Not only can this extract, prevent toxins, but it can aid in the production in lost silybin.

5. Griffonia simplicifolia seed extract (aka 5-HTP)
[Prevent Sleepless Nights]: The feeling of heavy eye lids or muscles, is the production of serotonin in the body. This chemical is a hormone which induces sleep. This extract’s main ingredient is tryptophan, which must convert in order to boost serotonin.

6. Paullinia cupana (aka guarana seed extract):
[Prevent Fatigue]: It may be tempting to toss back a Red Bull, or swallow a 5 hour energy pill, this extract’s main ingredient, theophylline, is a natural high octane booster.

Yeast Infections

Most every infection can be shared by men and women. There is no infection that is distinct to male or females. Even the yeast infection. That’s right, the yeast infection can be contracted by males and females. The yeast infection is contracted through a variety of ways , but it always enters the body in the same fashion; through the urethra. This area of the body must not only be properly washed daily, but must be surrounded with the correct surroundings. Along with the clothing you wear, it is suggested to implement certain food items in your diet. Such as, yogurt, garlic, or cranberry juice. No matter which variety of preventions you choose, they should always remain organic. The body can easily digest organic foods, and begin incorporating the nutrients immediately.

1. Yogurt: Yogurt is plentiful in the bacteria lactobacillus acidophilu. This bacteria enhances your immune system and balances the chemicals in the body. Although non-flavored yogurt does not taste the best, it is reccomended to have atleast one cup every two days, in order to keep a balanced system.

2. Garlic: Do not worry, it is not reccomended to chew raw garlic, but a bit of chopped garlic in a daily meal is. This food product contains anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties which stave off yeast infections.

3. Tea Tree Oil: This prevention is hands down, the most relaxing. Take three drops of tea tree oil, place in a full bath, and relax. Although three drops sounds miniscule, it is an extremely strong anti-septic, which aids in the prevention of yeast infections.

4. Camomille: The herb of camomille is a natural dietretic, which enhances the abillity to flush all toxins and chemicals through your system. This herb can be supplemented in a tea or in a soup.

5. Cranberries: While cranberry juice is a natural dietretic, your chances at any infections, especially yeast, are severly diminished when digesting the actual berry. The berry itself not only bolsters your immune system, but it actually strengthens your urinary tract.

6. Black Walnut: The best source of protein are from the simple walnuts and almonds at your local grocery store. None of these though, actually gives us as much nutrients as the black walnut. Along with enhancing your immune system, the high amount of protein strengthens your muscular system. The muscular system may seem non exsistent during a yeast infection, but a strong muscular system can actually aid in the prevention.

7. Foods to Cut Down: It may be easy to add additional items to your grocery list, but the hardest part is cutting back on a few; especially some of the best tasting. Although carbohydrates should be half of your daily intact, it should not be high in yeast. That means all Italian breads, most pastas, and snacks, must be cut down. When you continually add the precise ingrediants into your body that you are trying to avoid, it can become a problem.