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Archive for August, 2009

Supplements That Can Strengthen Immune System Responses

04 Aug



There are a number of things that one can do to strengthen immune system responses and improve immune system reactions. Good nutrition is of the utmost importance. With the knowledge that most people do not eat the right variety of foods in the right combination to achieve optimal health and function of the entire body, it may be necessary to add dietary supplements to strengthen immune system responses, particularly as the cold and flu season approaches.

While there are dissenters who say that people take more dietary supplements than they need, most doctors and health care professionals agree that those people who take daily vitamins and other dietary supplements are healthier in general than people who do not. It may be that people who are interested enough in their health to bother with dietary supplements practice good health habits, make efforts to eat right, get plenty of rest and regular exercise and improve immune system reactions in that way. Or, it could be that most people realize that they do not always eat right and do all of the things that are important to strengthen the immune system and for general good health, so they think of dietary supplements as added insurance.

A recent study in Canada concluded that, of the people who used dietary supplements on a regular basis, products designed to improve immune system performance were used most often. Echinacea was mentioned in this survey as being commonly used to strengthen immune system responses. Echinacea was used traditionally by Native Americans to treat infections of all types, but some evidence suggests that prolonged use (over 8 weeks) may be toxic to the liver. Since its traditional use was as a treatment, not particularly as preventative, Echinacea may not be the best choice for use as a regular dietary supplement to improve immune system responses, particularly when used in combination with prescription medications that are toxic to the liver.

Andrographis paniculata (AP), which is sometimes referred to as Indian Echinacea, even though it is unrelated to the Echinacea plant, has been shown to strengthen immune system function, by counteracting interference with the cell cycle. Viruses must interfere with the normal cycle of the cell in order to reproduce. Laboratory studies using cell lines indicate that AP can improve immune system function by stimulating production of white blood cells, interferon release and activity in the lymph system. White blood cells find and kill bacteria. Interferon kills viruses and stops their reproduction. The lymph system is basically responsible for carrying everything around. In addition to the affects of AP which strengthen immune system responses, science and traditional use have shown that it has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects. It is commonly used in Scandinavian countries to improve immune system action, prevent and treat the common cold and other viruses, including influenza. Tests on laboratory animals have shown that AP has very low toxicity, but traditional medicine notes that it may have contraceptive effects. Because of this, herbalists recommend that it should not be used to strengthen immune system responses by women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant.

The study of diseases and infections of all kinds ultimately lead to the immune system. It is believed that an effort to improve immune system performance can prevent cancer, as well as serious viral and bacterial infections. It is easy to see why those who are interested in good health would choose to use a dietary supplement that can strengthen immune system performance and possibly prevent illnesses of all kinds.

For more information about supplements that can strengthen immune system responses and improve immune system function, visit www.immune-system-booster-guide.com.

 
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Posted in flu

 

Are Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Filter Systems Really Effective?

04 Aug



Countertop reverse osmosis water filter systems make use of units that sits on top of the kitchen cabinet. It makes use of a unit that produces water directly into the container without the need for pressurized storage tanks like those used in units under the sink.

Using such water filter systems allow you to do away with other standard reverse osmosis parts. By using these systems, you can save money through a cheaper unit with a more simple design.

Compared to an under the sink type, countertop reverse osmosis water filters systems are more convenient. However, compared to the under the sink units where water is automatically produced and stored, a countertop unit entails the need for you to do a little work.

Countertop reverse osmosis systems can be used at home or while traveling to help give you purified water. It is easy to install and it doesn’t have to work against the pressure in the water storage tank like in reverse osmosis systems under the sink.

With all the advantages of such systems over the under the sink type, just how effective is it in cleaning your water to ensure safety and cleanliness?

Just like other kinds of water filter systems in this category, the principle with countertop reverse osmosis is still the same. It allows molecules of water to pass through a semi-permeable membrane while heavier and larger molecules are left behind. It is ineffective in removing chlorine and other volatile organic chemicals (VOC’s) because their molecules are smaller than water, allowing them to penetrate the membrane.

While heavy metals like lead and mercury may be removed, essential minerals are removed as well. This gives you acidic water which can cause loss of calcium and other minerals from the teeth and bones. This happens as a compensatory mechanism of the body to neutralize the acid. It also gives water an unpleasant taste.

Reverse osmosis, whether countertop or under the sink, still wastes a lot of water and takes a long time to produce an adequate supply. It also requires high maintenance in order to keep the system from running properly.

Countertops reverse osmosis water filter systems are still the same as the under the sink varieties, no matter where you install it. It is still inefficient in removing all contaminants and still expensive to be worth your money. Better options are out in the market like the use of water filtration systems.

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Posted in Allergy And Sinus

 

Hearing Aids for Children

03 Aug



It is widely realized and accepted that hearing is vital for the development of spoken communication, language, communication and learning. The earlier that hearing loss happens in a child’s life, the graver the result on the child’s development. Likewise, the earlier the hearing loss is identified and treatment commenced, the less serious the ultimate effects.

When a child has a hearing loss, many medical providers believe that it is crucial that they be fitted with child hearing aids as early as possible. This is because children commence identifying sounds and learning spoken communication in their very first months of life. Hearing aids can give numerous children the chance to hear and learn language like children with normal hearing. Even babies one month old can wear child hearing aids.

Hearing aids make sound louder in the ranges required; the individual Child’s hearing loss determine these ranges. They operate on tiny batteries, gather sounds, amplify them and then transfer them to the ear canal.

All child hearing aids are chosen for, and fitted to, an individual child’s hearing loss. This is because not all hearing loss is the same. Some children may not be able to hear certain pitches or tones of sound, while other children may not be able to hear others. An Audiologist is a professional trained in hearing loss, they will employ tests to ascertain how much to amplify sound for each child. These tests are not painful. They are used because very young children cannot reliably inform us when sound is too loud, too soft or unclear.

Although the type of hearing aid will greatly depend on the type and magnitude of the Child’s hearing loss, behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids are frequently recommended for children because their durability. BTE hearing aids are very practical for children because they are less dependent on the size of the inner ear. Custom ear molds for BTE hearing aids are soft and easy to clean and, while they may need to be replaced because children grow at rapid rates, they are easier and less expensive to replace than in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids or in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids. In addition, many parents find it beneficial that they can easily monitor and control behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids.

Once a child has been equipped with a hearing aid, it is very useful for parents to work with the child’s hearing medical providers and other professionals to identify the services the child will require to assist him or her develop spoken communication and hearing skills. For children below the age of three, these services may be available by way of the early intervention system. When eligible children with disabilities are three and older, the public education system takes over and makes special education and associated services available. (You can contact the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY) for information about accessing these systems or services).

This is just the briefest overview of hearing aids. Child hearing aids are complex devices, and there are many features to consider.

 
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Posted in aids & hiv

 

How Long Does Swine Flu Last?

02 Aug



Many people wonder how long swine flu lasts but as with many other disease it does depend upon the strength of the attack and whether other symptoms are present.

Essentially, just remember that swine flu is treatable and the earlier you get a diagnosis the better. Isn’t it better to seek the opinion of a medical professional as early as possible rather than wait a few more days? If it is swine influenza you have caught it early, if it’s not, then nothing lost.

 
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Posted in flu

 

Bee Pollen Allergies

01 Aug



Bee pollen allergies can range from extremely severe to very mild and even unnoticeable. Bee pollen allergies should be taken quite serious as the affects from suffering a severe reaction can be anaphylactic shock in which the throat swells shut. Bee pollen allergies can also be so mild that although the sufferer experiences a rash on the arm, deems it to be insignificant or doesn’t attribute it to the bee pollen. If you suffer from bee pollen allergies, you should steer clear of bee pollen products.

The good products made of pure bee pollen can be free of flower pollen but the less expensive brands of products quite often, have flower pollen in the products. This indicates sloppy manufacturing process on behalf of the supplier and should be avoided at all costs. It is suggested that no matter your bee pollen allergies or no bee pollen allergies, to add bee pollen supplements slowly to your diet.

Studies and Bee Pollen Allergies

There have been some relatively new studies done in which bee pollen is introduced to the allergic body to try to build up immunity towards the substance that invades its body. It works by desensitizing the body and promotes it to make antibodies that will stop the productions of the histamines that cause allergic reaction and reduce effects suffered from bee pollen allergies.

In the United States, there was a doctor named Dr. Leo Conway, M.D. who conducted a private study of bee pollen allergies and effects through his private practice. He treated his patients with bee pollen allergies with bee pollen injections, much like allergy shots, to build up the body’s defense against the allergic reaction when bee pollen is introduced into the body.

Along with bee pollen allergies, his patients had many other types of allergies and were all treated the same. After a considerable amount of time, Dr. Leo found that all of the patients he treated with bee pollen remained free and clear of their allergy symptoms.

The patients all came from different backgrounds and from a variety of lifestyles, as Dr. Leo believed that this would be a more effective way to process the results. It turned out that all of his patients, regardless of location or diet had the same results.

 
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Posted in Allergy And Sinus

 
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