Archive for June, 2008

What is depression?
Depression is a common and potentially serious psychiatric disorder, characterized by a persistent lowering of mood, loss of interest in usual activities and diminished ability to experience pleasure. Everyone occasionally feels sad, but these feelings are usually fleeting and pass within a couple of days. When a person has a depressive disorder, it interferes with daily life, normal functioning, and causes pain for both the person with the disorder and those who care about him or her. Depression is a common but serious illness, and most who experience it need treatment to get better. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that more than 11.6 million Americans are suffering from depression.

What causes depression?
Depression is a complex disease that can occur as a result of a many reasons. For some, depression occurs due to a loss of a loved one, a change in one’s life, or after being diagnosed with a serious medical disease. Other factors, such as stresses at home, work or school, are also important. We know now that people suffering from depression have changes in their brains compared to people who do not suffer from depression. The hippocampus, a small part of the brain that is vital to the storage of memories, is smaller in people with a history of depression than in those who’ve never been depressed. A smaller hippocampus has fewer serotonin receptors. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, a chemical messenger that allows communication between nerves in the brain and the body.

How does depression affect our health?
It restricts you from doing the normal day-to-day activities and jeopardizes your work, friendships and how you deal with others. Some of the biological underpinnings of the depression-disease relationships have recently come to light. For instance, take depression and heart disease. Depression might play a part in formation of blood clots via serotonin. Depression and serotonin deficiency go hand in hand. When there is less serotonin in the blood, chances of blood clotting increase. An artery-blocking blood clot can have serious consequences for the heart and the brain. . Depressed diabetics are much more likely to develop heart disease, blindness, or nerve damage. Depression makes the body less responsive to insulin via cortisol.

Are there ways to prevent depression?
Some forms of depression that are genetically mediated may not be preventable since current theory suggests that they may be triggered by chemical malfunctioning in the brain. However, there is good evidence that depression may often be alleviated or sometimes prevented with good health habits. Proper diet, exercise, vacations, not overworking, and saving time to do things you enjoys all help keep the blues at bay.

Treating depression
Depression can make your feel exhausted, worthless, helpless, and even hopeless. But it can be a short-term disorder, especially if you are in treatment with a qualified professional.

While negative thoughts and feelings may make you feel like giving up, it’s important realizing that negative views are part of the depression and often do not accurately reflect your actual circumstances.

If you have any queries regarding depression or want to know more it then please visit http://www.simplyanswer.com and post your queries online.

Vinay Gupta is an experienced writer who is writing for <a href="http://www.simplyanswer.com">Online Doctor Help</a> and <a href="http://www.simplyanswer.com/Depression.php">Depression Treatment</a> for the website http://www.simplyanswer.com since long time.

Monday, June 30th, 2008 at 06:00 | 0 comments
Categories: Depression
Tags:

If you have a family history of diabetes then chances are that you will have it to. Proper care with diet, exercise, and discipline in life could keep diabetes at bay. The cooking styles should be changed because the tongue is the culprit, which always craves for sweet things. There are several diabetic recipes also which have low calories. There is diabetic meal plan should have proper amounts of recommended
If you have a family history of diabetes then chances are that you will have it to. Proper care with diet, exercise, and discipline in life could keep diabetes at bay. The cooking styles should be changed because the tongue is the culprit, which always craves for sweet things. There are several diabetic recipes also which have low calories. There is diabetic meal plan should have proper amounts of recommended nutrients to help fight the disease. A lot of research is going on in this field to prevent diabetes and supplement the diabetics with their researched low-calorie cakes and chocolates which are displayed on the internet to be delivered at door. There is a rapid increase in diabetes over the past 10-20 years. With this sudden increase in number of diabetics there is a huge demand created for diabetic diet plans to help them fight the battle the diseases. Diabetes affects all types of people and it can damage vital organs such as eyes, kidneys, heart etc. The only found prevention and cure for diabetes is diet plan. There should be proper amounts of nutrients in the diet to progress against diabetes.Diabetes is considered as a mother of host of woes. You need to be very cautious and attentive to prevent any complications that at times develop without you noticing it.A diabetic should know the expected complications in detail a little negligence would add misery. As we discussed diet control is the best prevention and cure for diabetes with constant walking exercise of minimum 30 minutes. If you have craving for sweets do order them online through sites such as masalamall.com where you can find many coupons which can get you discounts when you buy them online and are trustworthy.So always remember if you are diabetic you are prone to attain increased level of bad cholesterol that can in turn cause coronary artery disease. A little control over unhealthy food cravings and you could save your life.Another complication is high blood pressure with which a diabetic gets afflicted often. Diabetic neuropathy can cause nerve damage. There are also chances of developing impotency. Total control of diabetes is in our own hands with diet and exercise.Always remember if you have constipation, weight gain, excessive urination, craving for sweets, and frequent urination get yourself checked up for diabetes. One of the main reasons of constipation is excess amount of glucose in blood. So apart from balanced diet you should search for some fibrous diet so that your mornings can be lighter and you remain stress free. For more information about Diabetic diets and diabetic meal plans and more discounts to save on your latest meal repalcement plans,
weight loss programs, Coupons, Low Calorie foods, Promotional Codes for High Protein Diets, and Liquid Diet – Diabetics – Cardiac Diets to make your living more healthier than ever by just clicking here : www.couponcircle.com and choosing the right plan.

Rachelydream is an Author with quality articles to provide more useful information about Diabetic diets and diabetic meal plans for every one. Visit the site for free coupons with great discounts on diet plans and diabetic meal plans : www.couponcircle.com

Wednesday, June 25th, 2008 at 06:00 | 0 comments
Categories: General Articles
Tags:

It is always difficult to promote the use of natural methods to treat this disease. Cancer is a very serious disease, which kills millions of people throughout the world and particularly in the West. Traditional medicine wants to arrogate to itself the exclusive right of scrutiny and treatment in this area. Yet the results are far from satisfying.

The cancer continues to defy the technology of modern medicine and remains, after decades of intensive research, an enigmatic disease, responsible each year of millions of death. While a few types of cancer are now successfully treated, several others remain extremely difficult to fight and are a major cause of mortality. More than ever, finding new ways in which we can improve the effectiveness of current anti-cancer therapies is of paramount importance. The naturotherapy is one of those means. ”

Many oncologists recognize naturaltherapy as a preventive mode in order to avoid the development of cancer. They also recommend regular consumption of certain foods as a method to support conventional treatments for those who are undergoing cancer treatment, radiation and chemotherapy. However, for some, herbal remedies or natural cancer treatments have no positive effects on cancers, either preventive or curative.

A global study on a large scale has shown that if each person consumed at least 150g of a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables per day, the risk of cancer would be decreased by 30%. If there were a pill that would fall by 30% the risk of cancer, it is likely that everyone would consume it. Why not try natural remedies? In fact, most plants used in natural remedies can grow in your own backyard (Astragalus, Burdock root, Green tea, for example). Along with natural cancer alternative and/or conventional cancer treatment, alimentation plays an important role in your recovery from cancer.

A good alimentation has not only a significant role in cancer prevention, but can also provide the cancer patient who must undergo chemotherapy or radiotherapy, the means to fight against the aggressor. No treatment can work properly without a healthy diet, either conventional or natural cancer treatment.
The remedies exist in the form of dried or fresh plants for preparation and capsules or liquid ready to use. Of course, it is illegal in the USA to claim that a natural remedy can treat cancer, but we believe it is unfair not to mention these methods, which are supported by some doctors and testimonials patients, have no anticancer properties.

Many supplements and natural remedies can be used to fight against cancer, either alone or in supplement to conventional therapies. Our Cancer herbal remedies may reduce hair loss, improve appetite, reduce nausea (for those undergoing chemotherapy), and amplify the positive tumor shrinking effects of radiation therapy. To learn more, visit our cancer herbal remedies website and save 5%.

Raphaelo is a nutritionist who strongly believes in natural healing and disease prevention. He loves to share his own personal beneficial experience with natural remedies to others. To learn more about natural cancer remedies, nails vitamins, etc. Visit his <a href=“http://www.vitalfoodstore.com/natural-cancer-remedies-cancer-herbal-remedies-s/28.htm”> cancer herbal remedies </a> website.

Sunday, June 22nd, 2008 at 06:00 | 0 comments
Categories: Cancer
Tags:

Stress is a normal feeling that happens in everyone’s life one time or another. It can encourage you to remain focus on something or get things done. We all have it sometimes in our life. Certain occasions are known to cause stress. For some people, it happens before having to speak in public. For other people, it might be before a first date. For people like me, it happens when they meet someone that they love deeply. What causes stress for you may not be stressful for someone else. However, a long-term stress over which you don’t have any control can increase the risk of diseases like depression, cancer, heart disease and a variety of other problems such as suicide.

Scientists have discovered that stress may cause stubborn belly fat. According to government researchers, there is a link between stress, tension, and excess belly fat. High levels of cortisol, stress hormone, can cause pound after pound of excess body fat to accumulate around your waist and even in other parts of your body.

Stress and depression are part of the Western civilization. They reach all classes of the American population. They often lead to taking antidepressants during several months with difficulties of interruption, without ever resolving the problems. To treat a depression or stress, it is essential to investigate the causes. Once the cause is known, it is easier for the stress to be treated even by the patient him/herself.

The most common causes of stress and depression are:
• Sleep deprivation has a number of physical and mental effects
• Alimentation – poor nutrition can contribute to stress
• Thyroid problems can cause depression, fatigue, and lack of dynamism.
• Environment – unsafe neighborhood, pollution, noise, being distracted by gossiping colleagues
• Insulin hyper secretion – releasing excessive of insulin can cause hypoglycemia, fatigue and depression
• Amino acid deficiency that are precursors of neurotransmitters, which plays an important role in our personality
• Professional conditions — job dissatisfaction, insufficient pay, medical professions: doctors, nurses, paramedics, etc.
• Family and relationship — can be a source of stress due to marital disagreements, dysfunctional relationships, jealousy, rebellious teens, and financial problems: bills, debt, high mortgages.

A lot can be done to naturally maintain a healthy positive attitude and prevent occasional emotional lows. It is a good idea to keep your natural feel-good chemicals flowing by eating lots of fresh fruit and vegetables and whole grain foods, ensuring plenty of fresh air, adequate sleep, moderate sunshine and regular exercise.

In addition, Natural remedies have been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years to gently and safely support the healthy functioning of the brain and nervous system, as well as to encourage normal and efficient balance of emotion and a soothed state. To learn more about natural depression, insomnia and stress remedy, Visit our natural stress remedies website today and save 5%.

Raphaelo is a nutritionist who strongly believes in natural healing and disease prevention. He loves to share his own personal beneficial experience with natural healing to others. To learn more about natural depression, insomnia and stress remedy, Visit his <a href=“http://www.vitalfoodstore.com/natural-cure-depression-natural-stress-remedies-s/35.htm”> natural stress remedies </a> website

Sunday, June 22nd, 2008 at 06:00 | 0 comments
Categories: Depression
Tags:

Diabetes is a disease caused by a failure of the biological mechanisms for regulating blood sugar, due to insufficient of the production of insulin (hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy) by the pancreas. The disease is characterized by a significant increase in blood sugar. Three major types of diabetes are Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes and Gestational diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is characterized by a loss of insulin production by particular cells of the pancreas (Beta cells or Langerhans cells. The causes of this loss of insulin production are still unknown. Type 1 diabetes can affect children or adults but, most of times, it starts between few months of life and about 35 years. The organism of a diabetic patient rejects, by the formation of antibodies, cells which are capable of producing insulin. The symptoms are discomfort and frequent urination which can lead to dehydration and weight loss. Type 1 diabetes accounts for 10% of patients with diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes or Diabetes mellitus type 2 is a form of diabetes characterized by high levels of sugar in the blood. This type of diabetes results from a lack of insulin secretion and its ineffectiveness to keep the blood sugar within a normal level. Type 2 Diabetes can be caused by genetic factors or unhealthy lifestyle, lack of exercise, obesity, alcohol abuse and high-fat diet. However, the causes of diabetes in the vast majority of cases have not yet any logical explanation.

Gestational diabetes mellitus is a type of diabetes that occurs in pregnant women only. No specific cause has been identified, but it is believed that during pregnancy, the body of the mother produces hormones to support the fetus as it grows. In some women, these hormones work against their bodies, making them less able to make the insulin needed to get energy from body cells. Without this insulin, the level of sugar in the mother’s blood starts to build up, which can do harm to both mother and fetus, if left untreated . Gestational diabetes occurs in nearly 7 percent of all pregnancies. Unlike type 1 and type 2 diabetes, Gestational diabetes is often treatable.

General signs of type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes

The symptoms of diabetes may occur in different ways: fatigue, difficulty concentrating, blurred vision, intense thirst, frequent urination, insatiable hunger, weight loss,muscle weakness. Some or all of these symptoms are present in patients with diabetes early in the disease. However, some diabetics have few symptoms. The disease is then detected in a blood sample.

Diabetes Natural remedies

Natural remedies have been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years to support pancreatic health , the endocrine system and all its functions. In more recent times, research has confirmed the importance of natural remedies in diabetes treatment. There are now many published clinical studies demonstrating the ability of a range of herbs to support the endocrine system and pancreatic health and to maintain normal blood sugar levels.

Our natural herbal remedies have several synergistically acting compounds present that have anti-diabetic effects. You can find a relief you never found before if you use them along with a healthy diet and a regular exercise program. We have formulated the herbal capsules with all the original qualities of the respective herbs intact. To Learn more about our Natural remedies for diabetes and how you can save 5%, Visit our Diabetic Remedies website.

Raphaelo is a nutritionist who strongly believes in natural healing and disease prevention. He loves to share his own personal beneficial experience with natural remedies to others. To learn more about Diabetic Remedies and diabetic sores, Please visit his <a href=“http://www.vitalfoodstore.com/Diabetic-Remedies-remedies-for-diabetes-s/32.htm” > Diabetic Remedies </a> website.

Thursday, June 19th, 2008 at 06:00 | 0 comments
Categories: General Articles
Tags:

Cancer is a horrible disease without a cure. However, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk for cancer, which also improve your overall health.
It is important to exercise every day. Thirty minutes of exercise at least 5 days a week has been shown to significantly decrease the risk for cancer. However, to reduce the risk for breast cancer, it must be 45 minutes of exercise 5 days a week. Men can also get breast cancer, so they also need to take precautions and exercise to protect themselves. Maintaining a healthy weight, in addition to exercise, has also been shown to reduce the risk for cancer.
Having a healthy diet is beneficial as well. A healthy diet consists of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. It should also be high in fish and soy.
On the other hand, certain things in the diet need to be reduced or eliminated to decrease the risk for cancer. Processed meat should be eaten in moderation and alcohol consumption should be limited. Not smoking is essential to reduce the risk for cancer and improve your health.
Limit the amount of time spent in the sun and always wear sunscreen when you are outside. It should be at least 30 SPF, and reapplied every two hours. Do not forget to put it on the part in your hair, the front and back of the neck, the ears, the lips and the feet.
A self-breast exam should be done each month shortly after a woman has her period to check for breast cancer. Women also need to have a mammogram at age 35 to establish a baseline for future mammograms. Beginning at the age of 40, women need to have a mammogram each year to check for breast cancer.
Men should have prostate exams each year beginning at the age of 40. The age was previously 50, but to further reduce the risk of cancer, it has been changed.
Take care of your health and encourage your loved ones to also have a healthy diet and lifestyle to reduce the risk for cancer.

Gina Clark writes on nutrition and fitness. Visit her blog for <A HREF="http://pureejercicios.blogspot.com/">healthy</a> tips to improve the quality of your life.

Thursday, June 19th, 2008 at 06:00 | 0 comments
Categories: Cancer
Tags:

Meditation Article
www.buyawishone.com/GAIAM.html
You have looked at yoga meditation, and it looks like something that can give you benefits. You now have two courses that you can take. Either do meditation at home or go to yoga meditation classes. There are many benefits of yoga meditation classes, and we will be taking a look at them in this article.

In this article on the benefits of yoga meditation classes, you will find:
* Benefits Of Yoga Meditation
* Benefits Of Yoga Meditation Classes Vs Benefits Of Yoga Meditation At Home
* How To Find A Local Meditation Class And Get The Benefits Of Yoga Meditation Classes

* Benefits Of Yoga Meditation
Yoga is a form of meditation which has been practiced in some Asian countries for centuries. The benefits of yoga meditation are immense. Peace of mind is one of them. When you begin meditating, you will find that your thoughts are like a busy highway! You just seem to have so many. You may even be saying you don’t have the time to meditate.

When you meditating, you will find that your mind becomes clearer, and you feel more serene and peaceful. Less stress becomes apparent in the face of adversity, and you can take life in its stride.

* Benefits Of Yoga Meditation Classes Vs Benefits Of Yoga Meditation At Home
The question is now that you want to start getting the benefits of yoga meditation, how do you start? There are benefits of yoga meditation classes, and there are benefits to meditating at home.

With Yoga, there are several postures and ways of doing meditation. The benefits of yoga meditation classes verses doing it at home, is that you can learn exactly how to do those postures. You also get to ask your class teacher questions you may have, and get answers to them. Some more benefits of yoga meditation classes, is that you get to meet like minded individuals, and also have more of a commitment to continue.

Doing yoga meditation at home is an option if you simply can’t go to yoga meditation classes, though you would not be getting the full benefits of yoga meditation classes. You will not learn the correct postures, etc. But, still there is hope!

There are many yoga books, and yoga DVD programs that can help you get started in the meditation techniques of yoga. One problem however, is that if you do, do the meditations at home, and learn techniques, then if you decide to go to a yoga meditation class after, you may not see all the benefits of yoga meditation classes. For example, we are creatures of habit. Often when we learn something, even if we are doing it wrong, it can be hard to correct.

* How To Find A Local Meditation Class And Get The Benefits Of Yoga Meditation Classes
Getting the benefits of yoga meditation classes is possible today. There are many yoga meditation classes in the west, and finding one locally is possible. Whether you are in the US, UK, France or Germany or wherever in the world, you can find a way to get the benefits of yoga meditation classes. A lot of these classes can be found online now, and a simple look around some sites can help you find what you need.
www.buyawishone.com/GAIAM.html

Wednesday, June 18th, 2008 at 06:00 | 0 comments
Categories: Depression
Tags:

If you have a family history of diabetes then chances are that you will have it to. Proper care with diet, exercise, and discipline in life could keep diabetes at bay. The cooking styles should be changed because the tongue is the culprit, which always craves for sweet things. There are several diabetic recipes also which have low calories. There is diabetic meal plan should have proper amounts of recommended nutrients to help fight the disease. A lot of research is going on in this field to prevent diabetes and supplement the diabetics with their researched low-calorie cakes and chocolates which are displayed on the internet to be delivered at door.

There is a rapid increase in diabetes over the past 10-20 years. With this sudden increase in number of diabetics there is a huge demand created for diabetic diet plans to help them fight the battle the diseases. Diabetes affects all types of people and it can damage vital organs such as eyes, kidneys, heart etc.

The only found prevention and cure for diabetes is diet plan. There should be proper amounts of nutrients in the diet to progress against diabetes.

Diabetes is considered as a mother of host of woes. You need to be very cautious and attentive to prevent any complications that at times develop without you noticing it.

A diabetic should know the expected complications in detail a little negligence would add misery.

As we discussed diet control is the best prevention and cure for diabetes with constant walking exercise of minimum 30 minutes. If you have craving for sweets do order them online through sites such as masalamall.com where you can find many coupons which can get you discounts when you buy them online and are trustworthy.
So always remember if you are diabetic you are prone to attain increased level of bad cholesterol that can in turn cause coronary artery disease. A little control over unhealthy food cravings and you could save your life.

Another complication is high blood pressure with which a diabetic gets afflicted often. Diabetic neuropathy can cause nerve damage. There are also chances of developing impotency. Total control of diabetes is in our own hands with diet and exercise.
Always remember if you have constipation, weight gain, excessive urination, craving for sweets, and frequent urination get yourself checked up for diabetes. One of the main reasons of constipation is excess amount of glucose in blood. So apart from balanced diet you should search for some fibrous diet so that your mornings can be lighter and you remain stress free.

For more information about Diabetic diets and diabetic meal plans and more discounts to save on your latest meal repalcement plans, weight loss programs, Coupons, Low Calorie foods, Promotional Codes for High Protein Diets, and Liquid Diet – Diabetics – Cardiac Diets to make your living more healthier than ever by just clicking here : www.couponcircle.com and choosing the right plan.
http://www.couponcircle.com/couponlist/4107/diet_plans_weight_loss

Author Bio:
Rachelydream is an Author with quality articles to provide more useful information about Diabetic diets and diabetic meal plans for every one. Visit the site for free coupons with great discounts on diet plans and diabetic meal plans : www.couponcircle.com

<a href="http://www.couponcircle.com/couponlist/4107/diet_plans_weight_loss">Diabetic diets</a>

<a href="http://www.couponcircle.com/couponlist/4107/diet_plans_weight_loss">weight loss programs</a>

<a href="http://www.couponcircle.com/couponlist/4107/diet_plans_weight_loss">Promotional Codes</a>

Tuesday, June 17th, 2008 at 06:00 | 0 comments
Categories: General Articles
Tags:

Could correcting sleep apnea remedy depression? Studies link sleep apnea and depression, therefore the correction of sleep apnea may be a remedy for depression. For more than twenty years studies have suggested the existence of a relationship between depression and obstructive sleep apnea in the general population.

A researcher at Stanford University found that in the general population of the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Portugal, and Spain about 800 of 100,000 individuals have both a breathing-related sleep disorder and a major depressive disorder with nearly 20% of the subjects who had one of these disorders also having the other. (J Clin Psychiatry 2003, 64:1195-200; quiz, 1274-6).

In clinical practice, the presence of depressive symptoms is often considered in patients with obstructive sleep apnea although sleep problems and specifically obstructive sleep apnea are rarely assessed on a regular basis in patients with a depressive disorder.

It is speculated that obstructive sleep apnea might not only be associated with a depressive syndrome, but its presence may also be responsible for failure to respond to pharmacological treatment and that undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea might be exacerbated by antidepressant medications, such as benzodiazepines.

Although the benzodiazepines (central nervous system depressant drugs) may reduce sleep fragmentation, their long-term use may also cause health problems, such as complete obstructive sleep apnea in heavy snorers…(Am J Med. 1990 Mar 2;88(3A):25S-28S).

Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form of sleep disordered breathing and is defined by frequent episodes of obstructed breathing during sleep. It is characterized by sleep-related decreases or pauses in respiration.

The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea is higher in men than in women and is found in all age groups but its prevalence increases with age. In children, the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea is less well known and has been estimated to be between 2-8%.

The estimated prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing in people between the ages of 30 to 60 years old was 9 percent for women and 24 percent for men. Male sex and obesity were strongly associated with the presence of sleep-disordered breathing. (N Engl J Med. 1993 Apr 29;328(17):1230-5).

Abnormal respiratory events are the hallmark of obstructive sleep apnea and are generally accompanied by heart rate variability and arousals from sleep, with frequent arousals being the most important factor resulting in excessive daytime sleepiness.

The extent to which daytime functioning is affected generally depends on the severity of obstructive sleep apnea. Symptoms other than excessive daytime sleepiness which greatly impact daytime functioning are neuropsychological symptoms such as irritability, difficulty concentrating, cognitive impairment, depressive symptoms, and other psychological disturbances. Therefore obstructive sleep apnea can easily mimic symptoms of a major depressive episode.

In 1997 researchers studied the relation between obstructive sleep apnea and depression and reported that 24% of 25 male patients with obstructive sleep apnea had previously seen a psychiatrist for anxiety or depression. (Arch Intern Med. 1977 Mar;137(3):296-300).

In 1989 researchers at the University of California Irvine Medical Center, found 67% of patients who presented to a major sleep disorders center reported an episode of depression within the previous 5 years, and 26% described themselves as depressed at presentation. (J Clin Psychol. 1989 Jan;45(1):51-60).

Of 50 patients who had severe obstructive sleep apnea most patients showed cognitive impairment; 76% had suspected or mild to severe deficits in terms of thinking, perception, memory, communication, or the ability to learn new information, resulting in a greater potential for being distractible, confused, and irritable. (J Chronic Dis. 1985;38(5):427-34).

In 1992 researchers in Spain found elevations in several depression scores in 23 obstructive sleep apnea patients (moderate to high severity) compared to 17 controls. Depression, schizophrenia, and hypochondriasis [chronic and abnormal anxiety about imaginary symptoms and ailments] were the highest scales. (Int J Neurosci. 1992 Feb;62(3-4):173-95).

Compared to patients who snore but do not have apnea, those with obstructive sleep apnea have more intense depressive symptoms (e.g., pessimism, inactivity, guilt) and somatic [physical] concerns. However, patients who snore but do not have apnea show psychological maladjustment that is in quality similar, but in quantity less severe, than those with obstructive sleep apnea. (Sleep. 1999 May 1;22(3):355-9).

Contradictory Research with Due to Limitations:

Researchers at the University of Kentucky, Department of Medicine, conducted a 5-year study of 95 normal older persons and did not find any significant depressive symptoms in elderly patients with a relatively mild obstructive sleep apnea, when compared to a control group without obstructive sleep apnea. (Chest. 1996 Sep;110(3):654-8).

However, there are multiple limitations to this study, besides a relatively small sample size for group comparisons and a non-representative study population.

Obstructive sleep apnea was only assessed at the start of the study, but not repeated at the five-year follow-up, i.e. neuropsychological data were compared between two groups based on obstructive sleep apnea status five years earlier.

Second, obstructive sleep apnea severity was mild even in the obstructive sleep apnea group.

Third, the groups differed significantly by age, with the obstructive sleep apnea group being older than the control group.

Finally, the drop out rate over the five years was very high with only 42 out of the initial 95 subjects completing the follow-up assessment. (Annals of General Psychiatry 2005, 4:13).

In 1998 researchers in Israel conducted a study comprising 2,271 patients (1,977 men, 294 women) with suspected Sleep Apnea Syndrome. They did not observe any association between respiratory disturbances and Symptom Check List 90 psychiatric questionnaire. (Chest. 1998 Sep;114(3):697-703).

However, the SCL-90 psychiatric questionnaire was developed as a screening tool for psychiatric patients, and not for a normal study population. Therefore, it might be a less sensitive tool with regards to milder forms of mood disturbances than other scales. (Annals of General Psychiatry 2005, 4:13).

However, the researchers in the abovementioned study did observe that among the minority of women in the study, those with severe obstructive sleep apnea had higher depression scores than those with mild obstructive sleep apnea. (Chest. 1998 Sep;114(3):697-703).

Fewer studies have focused on the screening for obstructive sleep apnea in primarily depressed study groups.

Sleep apnea was found in 42.9% of demented patients, 17.6% of depressives, and 4.3% of controls. A significant association between sleep apnea and dementia of the Alzheimer type was found in women but not in men. Moreover, severity of dementia was significantly correlated with apnea index. (J Clin Psychiatry. 1985 Jul;46(7):257-61).

All of the above suggests that obstructive sleep apnea might be an important confounding factor for studies on mood disorders in general, as its presence is not routinely determined in either research studies examining mood or clinical settings.

More studies are required to assess the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea in primarily depressed patients, particularly as it can be suspected from existing studies that obstructive sleep apnea is greatly under diagnosed in depressed patients.

Reference: Adapted from: Schröder CM, O’Hara R. Depression and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Annals of General Psychiatry 2005, 4:13 (27 June 2005). Review. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License.

If this article is reproduced please ensure links to my site are kept live.

Kevin Flatt specializes in Alternative Medicine. He is the publisher of <a href="http://www.naturalremediescures.com" target="_blank">Natural Remedies and Cures</a> at http://www.naturalremediescures.com

Saturday, June 14th, 2008 at 06:00 | 0 comments
Categories: Depression
Tags:

Chemotherapy and radiotherapy (radiation) can change the pigmentation of the skin, its color and freshness. The most common reactions occur gradually dry skin, itching skin, acne, skin breaks out in a rash or hives, hypersensitivity to sunlight. Finally, rings may appear under your eyes. These skin problems are common side effects of chemotherapy and radiation. They occur when treatment affects both cancer cells and normal cells.

Feeling good about yourself

Undergoing cancer treatment can change your look, which in return provokes a low self-esteem. To feel better, both physically and emotionally, being a cancer patient, you need effective skin care products to address your specific needs. These products must be designed to enable you to keep your freshness despite the cancer and its treatment. Indeed, retaining a good physical appearance can help you to maintain your morale and confidence.

How can our radiation skin care, cancer skin care products help you?

Lindi Skin care products combine the latest medical information with innovative ingredients to formulate superior, safe products for people undergoing cancer treatment. While many skin care products abound, they are not made for people with chemotherapy or radiation related skin issues. As they may cause nausea due to scent, irritation, and even inflammation. The main role of Lindi skin care product is to reverse the external effects of the cancer treatment on your skin, nails, hair and face. The idea is first to preserve your image. Thanks to our products, treating cancer and its side effects on your appearance is possible. These natural products, made especially for people undergoing chemotherapy, allowing you both to retain an image vis-à-vis yourself and vis-à-vis others.

Facial care

First, keep in mind that you don’t have to look awful during and after cancer treatment. That can affect your confidence. You must keep your skin clean, by removing makeup, dander and impurities. We have a variety of products for all your special needs. For your face, use our natural Face Wash followed by our Lindi Face Moisturizer application. Hydration of the skin is essential during radiotherapy and chemotherapy; use a moisturizer adapts to your skin type to keep your skin moist and soft. For your eyes, remove the make up with our special makeup remover is necessary before going to bed.

To better manage these side effects, along with our products, please try the tips below:
* Moisturize your skin while it is still damp
* Protect your skin from chemical irritants and heat
* Drink at least seven (7) glasses of water every day
* Take special care around your eyes, and on your lips
* For acne, use a non-irritant natural lotion or soap
* Apply special cream and lotion to keep your skin moist
* Drink a lot of carrot juice daily – it is great for your blood and skin health
* using makeup will also help you to hide these small transient imperfections
* Protect your skin from irritation and cuts by using an electric razor when shaving
* For dry skin, use a lotion containing lanolin. Avoid hot water; it removes your natural skin oil
* Avoid prolonged exposition to the sun. Even if you have dark skin, you need to protect yourself from the sun during chemotherapy and radiation
For more detail on our cancer skincare products and save 5%, please visit our radiation skin care, cancer skin care website.

Raphael is a dermatologist who strongly believes that anyone can have an ideal skin naturally. He loves to share his personal experience with natural skin care products to others. To learn more about radiation skin care, cancer skin care, please visit his <a href=“http://www.vitalfoodstore.com/lindi-skin-radiation-skin-care-s/30.htm”> radiation skin care, cancer skin care </a> website.

Thursday, June 12th, 2008 at 06:00 | 0 comments
Categories: Cancer
Tags: