RN ONLINE

RN ONline Now Available for Live Consultation

2009-07-27T14:21:00.000-07:00

I have some great news! RN ONline is now available for online consultation. This means that I can take the time to personally answer all of your medical questions in the comfort and privacy of your own home.

Check out my virtual office here:

http://www.liveperson.com/debbye-leader-rn-bsn-phn

Dealing with Insensitive Comments About Your Disease

2009-04-05T20:08:00.000-07:00

There seems to be an invisible stigma attached to the diagnosis of COPD, or any other disease caused by smoking. It's almost as if being a smoker, or having been a smoker, makes a person "deserving" of getting a disease. "So, how long did you smoke, anyway?" "You knew that smoking was bad for you. Why didn't you quit a long time ago?" "Why did you start smoking in the first place when your own father died of COPD?"

Indeed, people can make some truly insensitive remarks which, for the most part, aren't meant to hurt you, but are made without the presence of forethought. Instead of letting a nasty comment ruin your day, the following article asks the question:

How Do You Deal with Insensitive Comments Made About Your Disease?

While the article provides some excellent tips on how to deal with harsh comments, About.com has just launched a new type of interactive article type, entitled User Answers.

What does this mean? Well, after reading the article, not only will you be able to share your story which will be included as part of the article, but you'll be able to read other people's stories as well.

Share Your Story

Read Responses

MDI versus Nebulizer - And the Winner Is?

2009-03-31T10:58:00.000-07:00

When it comes to treating respiratory illnesses like asthma, or COPD, the battle between the metered-dose inhaler (MDI) and nebulizer is still going strong. And, while most people think the nebulizer is better, the MDI is packing a mean punch as studies show it is just as effective or even better than wet nebs.

Learn more about their differences so you can appreciate their similarities:

Comparing Metered-Dose Inhalers to Wet Nebulizers

How to Protect Yourself from Secondhand Smoke While Traveling

2009-03-23T21:53:00.001-07:00

Last year, I attended an About.com Guide Event in Las Vegas, Nevada and was overwhelmed by the secondhand smoke I encountered, in spite of a non-smoking room. The air ducts in the hotel actually allowed for the smoke to enter my room, making all of my clothes stink to high-heaven! When I returned, actually, before I returned, in a restaurant at the airport awaiting my plane, I started the following article:

How to Protect Yourself from Secondhand Smoke While Traveling

Would love to hear from you about how you protect yourself from secondhand smoke, traveling, or at home!

Let's Talk About Sex, Baby!

2009-03-22T20:08:00.000-07:00

If you have COPD, lung cancer or any other type of respiratory illness, shortness of breath may by your worst enemy when it comes to your sex life. Fear not, however, because having a chronic lung disease does not mean the end to your sex life.

Learn how to spice things up in the bedroom and rekindle the flame that once burned so brightly:

Sex and Chronic Lung Disease

Pills and Dollar Bills: How to Save Money on Your Prescriptions

2009-03-21T11:13:00.000-07:00

Economy got you down? When times get tough, the tough have to find ways to fight back! And, what better place to start, especially if you take a lot of them, than your medications. Learn:

10 Ways to Save Money on Your Prescriptions

The Importance of Oral Care in Intubated Patients

2009-03-17T10:54:00.001-07:00

You may have seen it - a hospitalized patient who is intubated whose mouth looks drier than the Sahara Desert. Nothing is more irritating to me as a critical care nurse. The importance of oral care for intubated patients should not be overlooked, by nurses, doctors, or family members. Why? Because along with other steps, providing oral care every 6 to 8 hours can help reduce the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).

VAP is a totally preventable, secondary consequence to intubation and mechanical ventilation. Studies have shown that the initiation of certain steps, including proper oral care, can help reduce the incidence of VAP in hospitalized patients. Learn what steps you can take as a nurse, doctor, or family member to help reduce the risk of VAP in your loved one:

The Importance of Oral Care in Intubated Patients

Discover Your Real Age - The Results May Amaze You!

2009-03-15T08:58:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, a friend of mine called and said she was down in the dumps. When I prompted her as to why, she told me that she had just discovered that her real age was in essence, 8 years older than she really was. When I asked her how, pray tell, she figured that out, she told me that she had just taken a rather lengthy quiz at RealAge.com which examined her physical and mental health history, as well as her health habits, fitness level and a few other things. She then encouraged me to take the quiz myself, which I did. And, you know what - I am actually 11 years older than I really am - and I am a nurse. Now, I am happy to say that I am bummed out too!

What I liked about taking the quiz, was that after you are done, they e-mail you your results, along with a host of valuable tips to help reduce your real age to a younger one. So, go ahead, take the plunge and find out what your real age it today!

And, be sure to leave a comment letting us know what your results were:

Find Out Your Real Age

Fewer Calories Mean Less Weight

2009-03-13T10:52:00.000-07:00

From Medscape:
News Author: Shelley WoodCME Author: Charles Vega, MD, FAAFP

Because weight loss is so important to many of us, myself included, and, I am unable to provide a link to this article, (it is for members only), I decided to include the article, in its entirety for your review:

March 2, 2009 — It may be one of the most commonsense observations ever to be validated in a diet study: people lose weight if they eat fewer calories, regardless of where those calories come from [1]. That's the upshot of a two-year study by Dr Frank Sacks (Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA) and colleagues, published in the February 26, 2009, issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

After two years, 811 overweight adults randomized to one of four heart-healthy diets, each emphasizing different levels of fat, protein, and carbohydrates, showed similar degrees of weight loss. On average, patients lost 6 kg in six months, but gradually began to regain weight after 12 months, regardless of diet group.

According to Sacks, the research should help quell some of the debate — fostered by decades of research and fad diets — over what types of foods should be emphasized to produce weight loss.
"Research has looked at whether carbohydrate is more satiating than fat, or whether protein is more satiating than carbohydrates, or whether overeating fat puts more fat in the belly than overeating carbohydrates, etc," Sacks explained. "So what's concerned colleagues of mine on the nutrition guideline panels in the past is the possibility that if we say that a 40% fat diet is okay, that maybe that would lead to weight gain. But where this study is going to be helpful is in saying 40% fat, 20% fat, it doesn't matter. If people can maintain a calorie deficit no matter what type of diet they were on, they're going to lose weight."

Sacks, who is incoming chair of the American Heart Association's (AHA) Nutrition Committee, acknowledged that nutrition advice in the past has worried too much about fat in the diet. "I'm very concerned that we maintain the focus on calories and keep the focus off percent calories from fat," he said.

Another important, if unsurprising, finding from the study was that people who regularly attended counseling sessions over the two-year study were significantly more likely to lose weight.

The findings should remind physicians to hammer home the importance of losing weight. "Physicians really should, visit after visit, keep encouraging patients to eat a heart-healthy diet that they can stick with, that will help them lose weight, and try to get them involved in some kind of support group or to see a dietitian," Sacks said.

Commenting on the study for heartwire, Dr Robert Eckel (University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver) said he wasn't surprised by the study findings. "I think you can lose weight in a number of different ways, and this study simply affirms that people who are successful are the people who adhere to a program. . . . Ownership, by the patient, of the weight-loss program is what proves successful, not the type of diet you chose."

Diet Details

The diets tested in the study included the same types of foods, but in different proportions, and were tailored to patients such that overall calorie consumption was reduced by approximately 750 calories per day, with each diet including a different macronutrient composition:

High-fat, average protein: 40% fat, 15% protein, 45% carbohydrate.

High-fat, high-protein: 40% fat, 25% protein, 35% carbohydrate.

Low-fat, average protein: 20% fat, 15% protein, 65% carbohydrate.

Low-fat, high-protein: 20% fat, 25% protein, 55% carbohydrate.

Participants were advised to exercise for at least 90 minutes per week, at a moderate level, and were offered counseling sessions every eight weeks, with group sessions held weekly or biweekly over the course of the study.

In all, 80% of subjects completed the trial, and 14% to 15% of subjects managed to lose at least 10% of their initial body weight. Subjects randomized to different groups reported similar degrees of satisfaction, hunger, and satiety. All the diets reduced risk factors for diabetes and cardiovascular disease at six months and two-year follow-up. At the two-year mark, the low-fat diets and the highest carbohydrate diet fared better than the high-fat diets and low-carb diet in terms of reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. By contrast, the lowest carbohydrate diet improved high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol levels more than the highest carbohydrate diet. All of the diets produced slight improvements in blood pressure and decreased the number of patients with metabolic syndrome. All, with the exception of the highest carbohydrate diet, decreased fasting serum insulin levels.

External and Internal Motivators

An editorial accompanying Sacks et al's study applauds the duration of the study and the low dropout rate but takes a dimmer view of the weight loss achieved in the study and the ability of dieters to adhere to their diets over time [2]. "Even these highly motivated, intelligent participants who were coached by expert professionals could not achieve the weight losses needed to reverse the obesity epidemic," Dr Martijn B Katan (VU University, Amsterdam, the Netherlands) writes. "The results would probably have been worse among poor, uneducated subjects. Evidently, individual treatment is powerless against an environment that offers so many high-calorie foods and labor-saving devices."

Sacks, speaking with heartwire, defended what he insisted was "clinically meaningful" weight loss in his study, emphasizing that many people achieved far greater losses than the average figure. Eckel, by contrast, was less sanguine, pointing out that an average weight loss of 3.5 kg at two years represents the best-case scenario, since real-life interventions rarely live up to the research setting.

Katan, however, argues that "like cholera, obesity may be a problem that cannot be solved by individual persons but that requires community action." He cites a French study that profoundly reduced obesity rates in children by having everyone in the town commit to getting children to eat less and move more, building sporting facilities and playgrounds, giving cooking workshops to families, creating walking itineraries, etc.

"It is an approach that deserves serious investigation, because the only effective alternative that we have at present for halting the obesity epidemic is large-scale gastric surgery," he writes.
In response, Sacks said simply that community wide changes won't absolve individual responsibility. "It's two factors. There's what each person puts into his or her mouth, and there's what's out there for people to choose to put in their mouths."

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the General Clinical Research Center, National Institutes of Health, supported this study. Drs. Sacks and Katan have disclosed no relevant financial disclosures. A complete description of other disclosures for the other study authors is available in the original article.

Many adults have tried to lose weight through low-carbohydrate diets in the past several years, and there is some evidence that these diets may be more effective than traditional low-fat diets. In a study by Samaha and colleagues, which was published in the May 22, 2003, issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, a low-carbohydrate diet was associated with greater weight loss among a small cohort of obese patients with a high rate of diabetes or the metabolic syndrome. In addition, the low-carbohydrate diet was associated with superior results in serum triglyceride levels as well as insulin sensitivity among participants without diabetes. The 2 dietary interventions were similar with respect to their effects on levels of total and LDL cholesterol.The current study compares the efficacy of reduced-calorie diets featuring different macronutrient profiles.

Study Highlights

Study participants were between the ages of 30 and 70 years and had a body mass index of 25 to 40 kg/m2. Individuals with diabetes, unstable cardiovascular disease, or who were judged to have poor motivation on screening interviews were excluded from study participation.
All study diets included 8% or less of the total calories from saturated fat, at least 20 g of fiber daily, and 150 mg or less of cholesterol per 1000 kcal. All diets restricted baseline individual participants' daily caloric intake by 750 kcal.

Participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 diet groups. The macronutrient contents of these diets were as follows:

20% fat, 15% protein, and 65% carbohydrates (low-fat, average-protein)

20% fat, 25% protein, and 55% carbohydrates (low-fat, high-protein)

40% fat, 15% protein, and 45% carbohydrates (high-fat, average-protein)

40% fat, 25% protein, and 35% carbohydrates (high-fat, high-protein)

Blinding was maintained by the use of similar foods for each diet.
Participants attended 3 group sessions for diet counseling per month during the first 6 months of the trial and then every 2 weeks from 6 months to 2 years. Individual counseling sessions were held every 8 weeks.

The goal for physical activity was 90 minutes per week for all participants.
The main outcome of the study was the change in body weight at 2 years, particularly comparing low-fat vs high-fat and low-protein vs high-protein diets. Researchers also followed waist circumference, participant satisfaction with diet, and laboratory markers of cardiovascular risk.
811 adults underwent randomization, and 80% completed the 2-year trial. Baseline characteristics were similar between the randomly assigned groups. The mean age of subjects was 51 years, 64% of the study cohort were women, and 79% were white. The mean body mass index was 33 kg/m2, and the mean waist circumference was 103 cm.
Weight loss at 2 years was similar in the 4 diet groups. Mean weight loss among participants in the 25% and 15% protein groups was 3.6 and 3.0 kg, respectively. The mean weight loss among subjects in both the low-fat and high-fat groups was 3.3 kg.

The level of carbohydrate in the diet did not significantly affect weight loss.
Waist circumference decreased by approximately 4 cm in all study groups.
Most weight loss occurred in the first 6 months of the trial. After 12 months, all groups, on average, slowly regained weight.

At 2 years, 14% to 15% of participants in each diet group had lost at least 10% of their baseline body weight.

Low-fat diets were associated with greater reductions in LDL cholesterol levels, whereas the lowest-carbohydrate diet promoted higher HDL cholesterol levels. All diets reduced fasting serum insulin levels, and blood pressure decreased modestly with all diet interventions.
Craving, fullness, and scores for hunger and diet satisfaction were similar among diet groups at 6 months and at 2 years.

Attendance at group sessions strongly predicted weight loss at 2 years.
7% of participants experienced severe adverse events. There was no difference among diet groups in the rate of severe adverse events.

Pearls for Practice

A previous study found that a low-carbohydrate diet was superior to a low-fat diet in weight loss, serum triglyceride levels, and insulin sensitivity. However, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels were similar between groups.
In the current study, macronutrient concentrations of reduced-calorie diets did not significantly affect the amount of weight loss, the reduction in waist circumference, patient ratings of satisfaction with the diet, or the rate of severe adverse events. Greater attendance at group sessions predicted higher degrees of weight loss.

Questions? Comments? Be sure to leave them below!

A List of the Most Common Inhalers

2009-03-13T09:01:00.000-07:00

If you have asthma or COPD, you probably know what it is like to use an inhaler as part of your treatment. But, did you ever wonder what that inhaler does to make you breathe better and, if you have been prescribed more than one, are you confused as to which-is-which, and what-does-what as far as inhalers are concerned. To help you understand their differences, is a list of the most common inhalers and what they do to your lungs:

A List of the Most Common Inhalers

Vitamin D and Respiratory Infections

2009-03-08T13:16:00.000-07:00

Did you know that low levels of Vitamin D are associated with an increased risk for respiratory infections, like the flu or common cold? And, that people with respiratory diseases, like asthma and COPD are at an increased risk for this association?

If you have COPD, there is a new COPD clinical trial designed to test the hypothesis that increasing levels of Vitamin D in the body will lead to better COPD outcomes:

Vitamin D as Treatment for COPD Clinical Trial Study

How can you increase your levels of Vitamin D in your body? Here are some helpful tips:

Eat salmon, with the bones
Drink 3 cups of milk daily
Get 15 minutes of sunshine each day, or, if you don't live in a sunshine infested state,
Take a multivitamin with at least 200 international units of Vitamin D

Do you have some interesting ideas about how to add Vitamin D to your diet? Please be sure to leave a comment!

Should You Get a Pneumonia Vaccine?

2009-03-06T10:32:00.000-08:00

Many of us are ready, willing and able to get an annual flu shot to keep us from getting that nasty flu virus. But what about the pneumonia vaccine? Should everyone get one? Or, are there certain groups more susceptible to bacterial pneumonia who would therefore benefit more than others from the vaccine? Learn more about the answer to these questions here:

The Pneumonia Vaccine: What Every Patient Should Know

Patients' Bath Basins Potential Source of Infection in Hospitals

2009-03-05T21:05:00.000-08:00

If you, or a loved one, has ever been hospitalized, you have probably seen those little, (generally) pink bath basins that health care workers use to give their patient a bed bath. Well, the next time you see one of those, you may want to ask the health care worker to sanitize it first before using it. Or, better yet, you would be far safer not using them at all, and using pre-packaged bath towelettes. Why? Read more:

Patients' Bath Basins Potential Source of Infection in Hospitals

Bacterial Pneumonia: Are You at Risk?

2009-03-05T10:36:00.001-08:00

Do you have a chronic disease like COPD, diabetes or heart failure? If so, then your immune system just "ain't what it used to be". But did you know that having a chronic illness can put you at risk for developing bacterial pneumonia? Find out more about how bacterial pneumonia and chronic disease sometimes go hand in hand:

Bacterial Pneumonia: Are You at Risk?

RN Online Poll: Are you Happy?

2009-03-04T16:13:00.000-08:00

I have to admit, I am (sometimes) depressed). With that in mind, I seem to associate with other depressed people who can truly understand what being depressed is really all about. Today, I was speaking with a friend of mine on the phone and we were talking about the nature of happiness. As our conversation ended, and we both came to the general conclusion that happiness for most people, is, but alas, very elusive, and if experienced at all, is only experienced in rather brief, fleeting moments, I started to wonder if we were mistaken, and if happy people were truly happy all of the time?

In my quest to find out about happiness, I felt compelled to learn more about happiness, or lack-there-of it, from great philosophers who came before me. Here is what I found out about happiness:

Martha Washington:

The greatest part of our happiness depends on our dispositions, not our circumstances.

Helen Keller:

Happiness cannot come from without. It must come from within. It is not what we see and touch or that which others do for us which makes us happy; it is that which we think and feel and do, first for the other fellow and then for ourselves.

Mark Twain:

The perfection of wisdom, and the end of true philosophy is to proportion our wants to our possessions, our ambitions to our capacities, we will then be a happy and a virtuous people.

M. Ghandi:

Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.

Ramona L. Anderson:

People spend a lifetime searching for happiness; looking for peace. They chase idle dreams, addictions, religions, even other people, hoping to fill the emptiness that plagues them. The irony is the only place they ever needed to search was within.

So, do you know how to find happiness. Why not share your secret with the rest of us!

RN ONline is Officially Back in Business

2009-03-04T16:08:00.000-08:00

Hey, ya'll. How the heck are you? I have been gone for quite some time and wanted to let you know that I am officially back in the business...of writing that is! A lot has happened and I have missed my calling, but I assure you I am back and hope to continue to provide you with titillating web content to tantalize your reading taste buds!

Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Deficiency

2008-06-22T18:11:00.000-07:00

Have you heard of Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency? It is a genetic condition caused by a lack of the protective protein, Alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT) that is made by the liver. If you are asking what this has to do with COPD, that is a good question. AAT acts to protect the lungs from damage and without it, certain enzymes in the lungs end up causing destruction of lung tissue that eventually leads to emphysema. For more information about AAT deficiency and what you can do about it, visit my latest article on About.com:

What is Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Deficiency Emphysema?

Treatment of COPD

2008-06-20T21:28:00.000-07:00

That COPD is an irreversible lung disease, speaks loudly for the importance of treament in slowing down the progression of the disease and improving quality of life.
While many medications are available to treat COPD, no drug has demonstrated effectiveness in halting the progression of the disease. Rather, the goal of drug therapy at this time is to maintain control of symptoms and prevent COPD exacerbation.

For more information about COPD treatment, stop by http://www.copd.about.com/ and read one of my most popular articles:

There is Hope: Treatment for COPD.

Please be sure to leave a comment.

COPD and Exercise: Walking Your Way Toward a Healthier You

2008-06-09T18:47:00.000-07:00

If you have COPD, your exercise tolerance is probably not what it used to be. In fact, you may find yourself short of breath just walking across the room. Low impact exercises, such as walking can help the body utilize oxygen more efficiently which awesome news for those with COPD!

Discover more about the health benefits of walking, and how it can help people with COPD lead a better life in my latest article on About.com:

Exercise and COPD: Walking Towards a Healthier You

How Flu Shots Can Help Prevent COPD Exacerbation

2008-06-07T14:35:00.000-07:00

Have you gotten your annual flu shot this year? If so, that is great news, especially if you have COPD. Did you know that getting a flu shot each year can help you to prevent a worsening of your COPD symptoms, better known as a COPD exacerbation? Find out more about flu shots and how those with COPD should be among the first in line to receive them by reading my latest article on About.com:

Flu Shots Help Prevent COPD Exacerbation

Share Your Quit Smoking Success Story

2008-06-06T10:05:00.000-07:00

As the COPD guide for About.com, I am currently looking to interview several individuals who have successfully quit smoking for at least 2 years or more. The goal is to post the best interview on my website at www.copd.about.com.

If you have a great success story to tell about quitting, please email me at copd.guide@about.com and I will send you the list of interview questions. Only your first name will be posted with the story on the site. May the best quit smoking story win!

Kick the Habit For Good: Quit Smoking Resources from Your COPD Guide at About.com

2008-06-06T09:44:00.000-07:00

Pictured to the right is what your lungs look like if you are a smoker! If that is not enough to make you quit immediately, as your most excellent COPD guide for About.com, I have devoted an entire section of my website to quitting smoking. Learn more about quitting smoking from tips to help you quit to the health hazards of secondhand smoke by visiting Quitting Smoking or my site's homepage to discover everything you ever wanted to know about COPD but were afraid to ask at http://www.copd.about.com/.

Health Hazards of Secondhand Smoke

2008-06-03T21:06:00.000-07:00

If you have ever needed a reason to quit smoking, the health effects of secondhand smoke on the people that you love may just give you one. Secondhand smoke is filled with toxic chemicals, such as benzene, formaldahyde (yes, the stuff they embalm people with), and carbon monoxide, to name a few. To read more about the hazards of secondhand smoke, visit my latest article on About.com:

The Health Hazards of Secondhand Smoke

Please be sure to leave a comment and join my forum so that we may welcome you!

Do You Suffer From COPD?

2008-05-24T17:04:00.000-07:00

If you have been diagnosed with COPD, or you think you may be at risk for developing this lung disease, I have great news for you! I am the new COPD guide for About.com and have spent the last couple of months preparing my site for the public! Well, it is finally done. If you are looking for a wealth of valuable information about COPD, including the definition of COPD, risk factors and causes of COPD, symptoms of COPD, treatment and prevention of COPD and much more, be sure to check out my new guide site at

www.copd.about.com

Would love if you joined in my forum discussions and signed up for my free weekly COPD newsletter. Hope to see you there!

A Ringing Epidemic Growing with the Use of Electronics and Among Troops Coming Home from Afhganistan and Iraq

2008-05-16T10:02:00.000-07:00

The following is a guest post contributed by one of my readers, Laura Giardina,
Senior Account Executive for Robin Leedy & Associates, Inc.

An estimated 50 million people (according to the American Tinnitus Association) suffer from some degree of tinnitus (ringing in the ears) that ranges from mild to severe – so severe that it can have a huge impact on one’s life. While the cause of tinnitus is not fully understood, experts say that it may be the result of an injury to the hearing mechanism caused by a sudden loud noise/explosion or repeated and prolonged exposure to loud noises (loud music, occupational exposure, etc.) Until recently, tinnitus was experienced mostly by those over 50.

However, with the increased use of the newest devices that stream loud sounds directly into the ear, such as iPods, hands-free phones, etc., the growing epidemic of ear ringing is becoming a more widespread problem among younger people – one that isn’t going away anytime soon,” explains Andrew Cheng, M.D., an otolaryngologist and clinical assistant professor in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at New York Medical College. “In fact, many of the troops returning from overseas are reporting a high incidence of tinnitus despite the fact that most of them are quite young. According to the Department of Veteran Affairs, hearing damage is the No. 1 disability in the war on terror, and some experts say the true toll could take decades to become clear. They also reported that nearly 70,000 of the more than 1.3 million troops who have served in the two war zones are collecting disability for tinnitus, a potentially debilitating ringing in the ears, and more than 58,000 are on disability for hearing loss. The condition, according to Dr. Cheng, “is reaching epidemic proportions.”

While there are some treatments available for tinnitus, there is no cure. However, doctors often suggest making lifestyle and dietary changes to help ease the intensity of the ‘ringing.’

What to do if you have tinnitus? Dr. Cheng offers this advice:

Control Blood Pressure – If you suffer from high blood pressure and you have tinnitus, now you have another reason why you should control your pressure. “If you are taking medicine for high blood pressure, you should be diligent about it,” advises Dr. Cheng.

Decrease salt intake – When trying to minimize or lessen the intensity of tinnitus, most physicians will suggest eliminating sodium as the first step in the management of tinnitus (since sodium retains fluids). “In some cases, tinnitus results when the fluids of the inner ear mix,” explains Dr. Cheng. “Therefore, the less fluids retained in the body, the less opportunity there is for them to mix in the inner ear.” Reduce or eliminate salt in the diet, paying close attention to the sodium content on the labels of the foods you eat and beverages you drink.

Dietary Supplements – Dr. Cheng has been recommending Lipo-Flavonoid, a nutritional supplement that contains the B complex group of vitamins in a base of lipotropic agents, such as choline, inositol and pantothenic acid, plus vitamin C and bioflavonoids. “Many of my patients with tinnitus have had success with Lipo-Flavonoid, which provides nutritional support to improve circulation in the inner ear for overall ear health.” “The exact formulation of ingredients in Lipo-Flavonoid has been tested numerous times in clinical studies on humans and the results have demonstrated relief and improvement in the tinnitus,” says Dr. Cheng.

Avoid nerve stimulants (caffeine & nicotine) – “Nicotine and caffeine constrict your blood vessels, increasing the speed of blood flow through your veins and arteries,” explains Dr. Cheng. “Caffeine is one of the most common tinnitus aggravators and should be very limited or completely eliminated.” Coffee, teas, caffeinated colas, and chocolate all contain significant amounts of caffeine capable of constricting blood flow in the ear.

Cover up the noise – Tinnitus is usually more bothersome when the surroundings are quiet, especially when going to sleep. “A competing sound, such as a ticking clock, a radio, a fan or a white noise machine may help mask tinnitus by creating a special environment,” advises Dr. Cheng. For some people, tinnitus maskers — devices similar in appearance to hearing aids that produce a pleasant noise — may help, too, since the quiet of silence can actually seem loud to tinnitus sufferers.

Acupuncture – Some tinnitus sufferers have found relief in alternative therapies, such as acupuncture.

Avoid Stress - Stress can make tinnitus worse. “Stress management, whether through relaxation therapy, biofeedback or exercise, may provide some relief, not to mention be beneficial to your overall health,” advises Dr. Cheng.

Visit

http://www.stopearringing.com/ for additional information about tinnitus and Lipo-Flavonoid.

Additional information about Lipo-Flavonoid:

For everyone who suffers from tinnitus, whether the cause is known or not, it is necessary for sufferers to take control of their personal situation for greatest relief, since it can affect a sufferer emotionally and physically to hear a continual noise that no one around them can hear. Lipo-Flavonoid, a nutritional supplement developed by an otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat doctor, or ENT) in the early 1960s, has been providing relief and improvement of the condition for many sufferers. Until recently, it had a limited following, with people learning about it mostly through word-of-mouth from those who have used it successfully or seen it work (doctors who recommend it- the well-respected, syndicated health columnist Dr. Peter Gott, has recommended Lipo-Flavonoid to his readers on several occasions. Here is one link http://www.crescent-news.com/news/article/3367851 .However, as the success of this supplement has become more widely known due to the Internet, media coverage and increased doctor recommendations, it is now becoming a more mainstream brand with mass market distribution.

Lipo-Flavonoid provides nutritional support to improve circulation in the inner ear for overall ear health. When the circulation in the inner ear is improved, the microscopic hair cells responsible for transmitting electrical impulses of sound to the brain stay flexible, and fluids within the ear canals may flow better (it is thought that a primary cause of tinnitus is damage to or stiffening of these microscopic hair cells within the ear). Lipo-Flavonoid® nutritional supplement is recommended by ear, nose and throat doctors nationwide, and patient feedback has shown it to be effective in helping to reduce tinnitus in a significant number of users.

Thai Basal Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry: Negative Calorie Food Recipes

2008-05-14T13:14:00.000-07:00

Hey all, I am on a roll with the negative calorie food diet that I have been on. It is fantastic and I just created this delicious, fat burning recipe that is possibly one of the best I have ever tasted. Simple, delicious and fast, you and your family will LOVE THIS MEAL!

Thai Basal Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry: Negative Calorie Food Recipe

Lose Weight With Negative Calorie Foods

2008-05-13T19:08:00.000-07:00

Have you heard of negative calorie foods? If you haven't, don't worry, you are not alone. Negative calorie foods require the body to use more calories during their digestion, than the foods acutally contain.

For your dieting pleasure, I have put together a weight loss plan that can super-size your fat burning potential. With my plan you can safely lose an amazing amount of weight in a short period of time.

You can check out the article here:

How to Lose Weight With Negative Calorie Foods

Please be sure to leave a comment here at RN ONline to tell use what you think!

Coping With Alzheimer's Disease: Even If You Don't Have It

2008-05-06T00:13:00.000-07:00

By-line:
This article is contributed by Sarah Scrafford, who regularly writes on the topic of Care Plans. She invites your questions and writing job opportunities at her personal email address: sarah.scrafford25@gmail.com. RN Online invites others to share their guest posts. Please email djtphn1@gmail.com if you would like to contribute.

They didn’t have a name for it in those days, or if they did, we did not know what it was. We were only 9 and 10, my brother and I, but we were old enough to know that our grandfather, Pappy, as we affectionately called him, was no longer the same. I still remember the summer we rushed back to our grandparents' farm eagerly anticipating the good times that awaited us, only to be shell-shocked when Pappy looked at us as he would strangers. As we learned much later in our lives, Alzheimer’s disease crept up on him pretty rapidly, and it was as if we were fighting a downhill battle from that point forward.

The vibrant and good-natured grandpa we knew and loved morphed into a shadow of his former self. He hardly remembered us. He would leave the stove turned on, shout at the nursing attendants for no reason at all, wander across the hall to other people’s apartments, (mom and dad brought him home to the city to live with them once his condition deteriorated) or sit like a dummy in front of the television with no reaction what-so-ever on his face.

Alzheimer's changes lives overnight. Not just the lives of the people afflicted, but of the people involved in caring for the Alzheimer's patient. In moments of lucidity, people suffering from the disease are aghast at the parodies their lives have become. These moments however, are few and far between, as they slip back into the child-like state that we call Alzheimer's.

Most affected by Alzheimer's disease are the caregivers, especially if they are close family members. They practically put their lives on hold, becoming stressed out from providing constant care to those who have the disease. It is a thankless job, and as one associated with providing palliative care for a disease that has no known cure, it can turn its tentacles on the people doing it. I know, because I watched my mom become a totally different person as she tried to be a good nurturer and caregiver to Pappy, my grandfather, her beloved father.

Caregivers not only deal with patients exhibiting symptoms of the disease, but also with the side-effects that arise because of the medication. They need help too, perhaps more than the patients they care for. Organizations like Alzheimer’s Association, The Department of Health Care Services, and Alzheimer’s Online exist to help people like my mother care for loved ones who have Alzheimer’s disease. From answering questions on care-giving basics to helping in planning for the future, these websites are a veritable storehouse of resources designed to help the Alzheimer’s caregiver.

Chef's Diet Video: Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa & Roased Asparagus Recipe

2008-05-02T10:54:00.000-07:00

MMmmmnnnn, just saying the words, "grilled salmon with mango salsa and roasted asparagus" makes my mouth water in delight! If you are like me, and always looking for tasty low-fat, low calorie recipes to cook for yourself or your family, why not try this delicious salmon recipe from Chef's Diet:

Yield:

1 Serving

Protein:

6 oz. Fresh Salmon Fillet (Boneless and Skinless)

Carbohydrate:

1 ea. Mango (1/2 cup, diced)
1 ea. Lime
1 ea. Plum Tomato (diced)
1 ea. Tomatillo (Green Tomato) (diced)
1 ea. sm. Red Onion (diced)
1/2 tsp. Cilantro
1/2 cp. Corn Niblets
7-8 ea. Asparagus Spears
1/4 cup of Wild Rice (cooked)

Fat:

1/8 cp. Olive oil

Method:

Turn grill on low flame. Spray cooking oil on heated grill.

To make salsa, toss together the diced mango, red onion, tomato, tomatillo, corn, cilantro and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Squeeze the juice of 1/2 a lime and add pinch of salt & pepper to taste. Toss lightly and set aside to allow all the flavors to merge together.

On a sheet of aluminum foil, place raw asparagus and drizzle about 2 teaspoons of olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper on top. Fold to wrap the foil completely around the asparagus. Place on the grill for about 5 minutes, turning halfway.

Marinate Salmon with the remaining half of fresh lime and 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Grill over low flame on both sides until done (look for fat deposits rising to the surface), about 4 minutes on each side.

Want more information about this recipe? Visit the chef!

I have personally tried Chef's Diet and it worked great for me. If you want fantastic tasting meals to help you lose weight for summer, go to my side bar and click on the Chef's Diet icon. Get in shape for summer now!

Recipe courtesy of Chef's Diet.

Asperger Syndrome: From a Personal Perspective

2008-04-30T08:49:00.000-07:00

If you are like me, you may have never heard of Asperger's Syndrome until today. This proves to be a bit embarrassing, because I am a nurse. But hey, I learn something new everyday, and today is no different.

According to Wikipedia, "Asperger syndrome is one of the autism spectrum disorders (ASD) or pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), which are a spectrum of psychological conditions that are characterized by abnormalities of social interaction and communication that pervade the individual's functioning, and by restricted and repetitive interests and behavior".

So, what does that mean? I was browsing hubpages and found a hub about this fascinating and virtually unknown disorder written by my friend, Isabella Snow. Written from more of a personal perspective, Isa tells it like it is when it comes to Aspergers, without pulling any punches. Read more about Asperger Syndrome in her latest hub:

Asperger's Syndrome: What's It Really Like?

Fat Burning Foods

2008-04-17T08:31:00.000-07:00

Are you trying to lost weight only to be stuck in a rut with the scale tipping upward? Maybe it is because you are eating the wrong foods. Did you know that foods that are high in protein and fiber will help you burn the most fat and lose the most weight! Find out more about fat burning foods:

Fat Burning Foods

Tooting My Own Horn

2008-04-08T15:57:00.000-07:00

As an RN, I am often frustrated with the current state of health care. Being a nurse just "ain't what it used to be", and I often wonder why the powers that be can't see that the nurses of today would better serve patients if they actually took care of them instead of the paperwork. I really despise it, and decided to do something about it when I started focusing more on my writing. I did not want writing to be merely a "hobby". I wanted it to be a job, something that I could make money doing, while working towards getting away from bedside nursing. This mind you, is not because of patients, but because of bureaucracy.

And so I did just that. I have been working night and day for months on end doing different freelance writing jobs that focus on health care. And, it has not been that lucrative, until now. I have just become the guide for About.com's COPD site and could not be happier. About.com is owned by the New York Times Company! Finally, a real freelance job that allows me to use my knowledge of health care while helping people in an online forum. The job is perfect for me and I just wanted to tell everyone about it. I have been working for almost 3 weeks developing the site, and when it goes live, I will of course provide readers with a link to my new site. I am so excited!

In the meantime, I will not forget RN ONline or my other blog, The Writer's Block! I hope you don't either!!! Thanks for your continued support.

How to Stop Bed-Wetting

2008-04-01T03:23:00.001-07:00

Children should never be punished for wetting the bed. To do so could cause emotional scars that may follow a child into adulthood. If you have sought medical attention for your child's bed-wetting problem and there is nothing physically wrong, there are some methods available that may help you to solve the problem and reduce the frustration both you and your child may be experiencing. To read more about bed-wetting cures visit my latest article on EHow:

How to Stop Bed-Wetting

Please don't forget to leave a comment and vote!

How to Cure Bad Breath

2008-03-20T09:52:00.000-07:00

If you have ever wondered if you have bad breath, you probably do! Garlic, onions, hot peppers, fish, cheese......all these foods have one thing in common, they have essential oils in them that cling to the plaque on your teeth and cause your breath to smell rank! Never fear however, as RN ONline has come to the rescue. I have just published a new article on Hubpages on how to cure bad breath forever! Be sure to read it here:

How to Banish Bad Breath

As usual, please leave me a comment, you do not have to be a member to do so. Thanks for your continued support!

New Take on Weight Loss

2008-03-16T09:51:00.001-07:00

If you are tired of yo-yo dieting, Andrea Albright, a new author from Hubpages, has written an interesting article on weight loss that I thought I would share with you.

Healthy Weight Loss: 5 Easy, Pain-Free Tips For Natural Weight Loss

This is a great read for all you dieters out there. Hope you enjoy it and as usual, please be sure to leave a comment!

Alternative Cure for Athlete's Foot

2008-03-12T16:58:00.000-07:00

Summer is coming, and it is a perfect time for your tired feet to become afflicted with athlete's foot! Whether you are an athlete or not, this little bug is an equal opportunity fungus and does not care if you are a star quarterback or a couch potato! It thrives in warm, moist environments, so be sure to keep your feet clean and dry and change your socks and shoes often. And, if you are looking for a cure, I have a great, alternative treatment that is sure to help, althought it is somewhat unconventional! Click below to visit:

How to Cure Athlete's Foot

As usual, please leave a comment!

4 Risk Factors of COPD that are Preventable

2008-02-25T21:24:00.000-08:00

If you have ever seen someone die from respiratory distress secondary to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), it is something you will probably never forget. While there is a genetic component to the disease, there are a variety of risk factors of COPD that can be eliminated to avoid developing symptoms.

To read more about the devastating effects of COPD and learn how to reduce risk factors, see my latest article published on AC:

To Breathe Again: 4 Risk Factors of COPD that are Preventable

11 Tips to Cure a Hangover

2008-02-24T15:18:00.001-08:00

Headache, nausea, vomiting.....nope, it is not the flu, you just had a bit too much of the sauce last night and now you are paying for it dearly! Relax, I have composed a detailed list of 11 tips to cure a hangover in record time so that you will be back on your feet and ready to go in no time! See my latest article published today on Hub Pages! If you have ever had a hangover, you had better read this!

11 Hangover Cures That REALLY Work!

Impotence: A Natural Cure

2008-02-22T18:28:00.000-08:00

Hey guys, remember that I said we were going to talk more about sexual health this month? Well, I am keeping my promise by writing an article on EHow about curing impotence naturally. We have all experienced it in some form or another at some point in our lives so I wanted to give all you hot men out there a natural approach to dealing with the problem.

Be sure to check out my EHow article by clicking on the link below:

How to Cure Impotence Naturally

As usual, please make sure to rate the article if you like it, and leave a comment. And don't forget to look at all my other blog posts before you leave!

Side Effects of Nexium

2008-02-21T00:33:00.001-08:00

The healing purple pill may be effective in treating Acid Reflux Disease, but it does not come without side effects and risks. To learn more about the side effects of nexium, check out my recent article published on AC:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/602341/nexium_side_effects_my_best_friends.html

As always, please make sure you leave a comment and vote! Thanks for your continued support!

Side Effects of Prednisone: My Personal Experience

2008-02-14T09:10:00.000-08:00

Several years ago I took Prednisone for a respiratory infection and it worked wonders to cure what "ailed me"! Today, I published an article about it at Associated Content. Check out my recently published content on AC:

Prednisone Side Effects: My Personal Experience

Side Effects of Lexapro: My Experience

2008-02-14T06:41:00.001-08:00

I have recently been writing alot for Associated Content. Whenever I do, I like to share it with you. My latest endeavor was my own personal experience with the antidepressant Lexapro. Lexapro side effects can range from mild to severe, but overall, I believe if you are suffering from depression, this may be the drug for you. Check out my recently published content on AC:

Lexapro Side Effects: My Personal Experience

2008 Grammy Awards: From a Cynic's Standpoint

2008-02-11T11:22:00.000-08:00

Hey, guys, I know that this is supposed to be a health blog, but I was wondering if any of you watched the Grammy Awards last night and what you thought about them? If you don't mind, leave me your comments as I am quite interested in other people's opinion.

To read mine, check out my recently published content on AC:

2008 Grammy Awards: A Cynic's Review

Symptoms of Male Menopause

2008-02-10T11:06:00.001-08:00

As promised for the month of February, we are going to be talking about SEX! Now that I have your attention, to be more accurate and not be so naughty, what I really mean is sexual health.

Male menopause is a caused by a troubliing decrease in the male sex hormone, testosterone. Symptoms of male menopause can be so disruptive for many men, that it actually affects their home-life, employment and self esteem.

To learn more about the symptoms of male menopause Check out my recently published content on AC:

Male Menopause Symptoms and Treatment: My Ex-Boyfriend's Experience

Genital Herpes: When Should You Tell

2008-02-09T22:22:00.000-08:00

Genital herpes is a topic that has become very popular on television these days, as big time pharmaceutical companies spend millions of dollars advertising their immuno-suppressive drugs such as Valtrex to treat this sexually transmitted disease. While herpes is no longer a "taboo" subject in the news, it continues to be very difficult for those who are afflicted with it to "spill the beans" when they are faced with a potential new relationship.

Many people who have herpes used to think that as long as they did not have sex during an outbreak, that it was ok to keep the secret, as they were not putting people at risk if they had no visible lesions. But according to the latest studies, it is possible to spread herpes at ANY time, even while you are being treated with say, once daily Valtrex to minimize the occurence of epidodes.

So, the question remains, when should you tell. And the answer will always most likely remain the same. You should tell BEFORE YOU HAVE SEX with someone. Doing otherwise is an outright lie by omission, and can be seen as a betrayal of trust. If you have a desire to start a relationship with someone, then being upfront and honest at the beginning, will show the other person that you have integrity, and they will be far more apt to stay with you when you do tell, as they will respect you for having the courage to face your worst fear, rejection!

If you withhold this information, have sex and then enter into a relationship, you have put that person at risk, and when you finally do tell, they may not be very happy about it. Getting it out of the way in the beginning will put you at ease so that you can be yourself. If the person does not want to be with you because of it, then you will not have wasted any of your precious time.

But, you are asking, how do you tell? You start by doing so in a non-confrontational manner, by just being honest and open, and simply taking responsiblity for doing the right thing. When you tell, you should be in a neutral environment, not in the bed ready to have sex. This will give the other person some time to think about things, so they won't feel pressured or uncomfortable. Heck, have them over for dinner and tell them after having a glass or two of wine, so that you feel more relaxed. Whatever, the key here is that you don't want to make a huge deal out of it. You want to be honest and informative, so make sure that you are knowledgeable about the disease, so that if your partner has any questions, you can answer them accordingly.

Just remember, honesty is always the best policy, and the truth will always set you free! If you use this as your personal motto, then you will always do the right thing and it won't come back and bite you in your proverbial ass!

Sadness: A Poem

2008-02-05T23:59:00.000-08:00

Today, I was overcome with grief about my granddaughter, whom I have lost. In a moment of profound sadness, I put her pictures away, and it broke my heart. I wrote a poem about it and wanted to share it with you. If you are struggling with grief and loss, perhaps my words can somehow articulate how you are feeling too.. Please read it by visiting the link below:

Sadness

RN ONline is Getting a Makeover!

2008-02-05T19:31:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone, just wanted to let you know to check back often in the next few days, because RN ONline is getting a makeover! Yes, that is right, a whole now look will adorn my blogsite and you won't believe how fabulous it is going to be! I am bringing a new topic to the table, if you will, as well! We are going to be talking a lot more about SEX this month because of Valentine's Day! If you have any problems in the bedroom, or questions that you may be too embarrassed to ask your doctor, by all means, ask a nurse and please email me. RN Online would love to help you resolve your sexual health issues. I have featured articles that will focus on sexual health that will appear each week during February. Here is a list of some of them:

1. Symptoms of Male Menopause

2. Vaginal Orgasms: Can Women Have Them?

3. Mutual Masturbation: Enhance Sexual Intimacy

4. Herpes: How to Tell your Lover You Have Them

5. Top 5 Birth Control Methods

Stay tuned, you won't want to miss these hot topics during this special month for lovers!

Weight Watchers Chicken Recipes

2008-02-04T20:56:00.000-08:00

Are you currently trying to lose weight with Weight Watchers? Need some great tasting, simple dishes to try. Try these tasty Weight Watcher's chicken recipes from Maddie Ruud....Makes me hungry just thinking about them! Maddie is known for publishing some great low fat recipes and I know these are going to be sure hit for easy weight loss success! Let us know how you like them! Click HERE to view these delicious recipes now!

Side Effects of Vytorin

2008-02-04T16:37:00.000-08:00

It is no secret that high cholesterol increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and heart attack. Vytorin, developed by Merck Pharmaceuticals, is a combination of both Zocor (a simvastatin) and Zetia (an antilipidemic). It is noted for its ability to treat both types of high cholesterol, the first, resulting from the foods we eat and the second, due to our family history. To read more about the side effects of Vytorin, click on the link provided below to read my most recent article, published today on Associated Content, Vytorin: Serious Risks and Common Side Effects! Don't forget to rate it at the top and leave a comment at the end! As always, I really appreciate your support!

Low-Fat Cupcake Recipes

2008-02-03T22:07:00.000-08:00

Want to put a delicious treat into your hubbies lunch box this Valentine's Day? Why not get him in the mood for a romantic evening my making him these delicious, low fat cupcakes in either chocolate, vanilla, lemon or red velvet? Published by Maddie Ruud on Hubpages, these cupcakes are simply divine and will be a wonderful surprise on the most special day of the year for lovers! Don't forget to leave a comment for Maddie, when you stop by:

Low-Fat Cupcake Recipes (Chocolate, Vanilla, Lemon, Red Velvet)

A Nurses Prayer

2008-01-29T09:10:00.000-08:00

Several months ago, a patient of a fellow nurse died as a result of negligence on the part of some of the staff and the hospital. It affected me so, that I went into the break room several days later, and wrote a poem, if you will, about the experience. To read the poem and find out more about the events of that day, please click HERE to go to my hubpages. Hope you enjoy it, and please be sure to leave a comment when you stop by! You may also want to have a box of kleenex with you when you read it!!!

Lowering Your Cholesterol and Other Benefits of Hearty Lima Bean Soup

2008-01-27T12:05:00.000-08:00

In the cold, drudge of winter, this delicious, hearty Lima Bean Soup recipe is just the ticket for warming your soul!

Beans are low in fat, while high in protein and fiber, and can help to fight cancer and lower your blood sugar if you are a diabetic. They will also help to lower the risk of heart disease!

Make sure to visit my hubpages for my delicious Lima Bean Soup recipe and learn more about the benefits of eating beans!

How to Prevent Bed Sores

2008-01-24T12:08:00.000-08:00

If you are caring for a bedridden family member or friend, you should know that, due to immobility and other factors, they are more prone to acquiring bed sores. Bedsores, also known as decubitus ulcers or pressure ulcers, can be prevented by taking daily precautions to avoid them.

I have just written a great new article on EHow entitled How to Prevent Bedsores, and would love you to take a look! Click HERE to visit my article now, and don't forget to leave a comment. I appreciate your support!

More on the Flat Belly Diet and MUFA Meals

2008-01-21T07:16:00.000-08:00

I blogged a couple of weeks ago about the new, Flat Belly Diet, that has recently been introduced to the dieting industry. my take on it: JUST ANOTHER SCAM! But, I wanted to see what others thought so I did a little searching. I found a great article about the diet and MUFA meals on hubpages. Published by Maddie Ruud, it is a really well-written article...Click the below link to read it:

http://hubpages.com/_vajs531wdt59/hub/MUFA-Diet

How to Treat a Sprained Ankle

2008-01-18T12:34:00.000-08:00

So, you have twisted your ankle doing that new Samba move on the dance floor again? How many times have you told your partner to quit stomping on your feet? You are probably now experiencing severe pain, increased swelling and it may be turning an amazing color of crimson and azure blue. Click here to go to my hubpages article and find out more about signs and symptoms of a sprain and the best treatment for a speedy recovery. Oh, and we will also go over the mechanism of a sprain and find out how it is caused....Some really interesting stuff, I assure you. Stop by my hubpages for additional really cool articles written by me, RN Online!
http://hubpages.com/_vajs531wdt59/hub/How-to-Treat-a-Sprained-Ankle

How to Avoid a Winter Cold

2008-01-12T09:26:00.000-08:00

Winter Colds are the worst, aren't they? And to top it off, colds are the result of a virus for which there exists no cure! So, the best that we can do is try to prevent ourselves from catching one in the first place. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure and that is so true when it comes to the common cold.

I have written a really cool article on EHow giving you tips and advice about how to NOT catch a cold this season! Click HERE to read the entire article NOW!

The Truth About the Flat Belly Diet

2008-01-02T16:26:00.000-08:00

Flat Belly Diet: Just Another Diet Scam?

After the New Year, everyone is busy first making and then trying to keep from breaking their New Year's resolutions. It is no wonder then, that keyword searches for diet plans to assist individuals in reaching their goals are HOT, HOT, HOT as far as major search engines like Google and Yahoo are concerned. Topping the list of On Fire Topics and sparking the latest media frenzy is a new revolution in diet plans, a "breakthrough in medical science", the so-called Flat Belly Diet. Recently spotlighted on the Good Morning America show, the diet claims that frantic dieters can lose 15 pounds in 32 days and get a flat belly without ever doing a single crunch! The diet was developed by Editor in Chief, Liz Vaccariello and Nutrition Editor, Cynthia Sass, both of Prevention Magazine! Yes, you did hear me correctly! This supposed "breakthrough in medical science" diet was actually created by two MAGAZINE EDITORS!

The diet is fully detailed in a book for $31.95 plus offers an online support system, similar to Weight Watchers and the South Beach Diet. Wow, sounds like a great deal! But really, is it?

This article hopes to serve the purpose of reviewing the major claims of the Flat Belly Diet and will attempt to offer the conscientious consumer an alternative view on these claims, thus enabling them to make informed choices about whether this is a diet miracle, or just another contemporary, predator-style, marketing-friendly diet scam stalking it's next desperate, overweight prey!

Major Claim #1: Lose 15 pounds in 32 days.

Unfortunately, our current generation focuses on the dense desire for instant gratification! We want everything NOW, and sometimes even yesterday! It is no mistake, then, that brilliant advertising executives exploit this concept by marketing these "quick fix" types of diet plans, such as the Flat Belly Diet.

First and foremost, any diet plan that offers dieters a quick fix in losing weight is an absolute farce! While quick fixes may often result initially in rapid weight loss, this weight loss tends to be short term, consequently resulting in an even greater weight gain further down the line.

Additionally, physicians recommend that weight loss that is most beneficial for your body, your health, and will ultimately be easier to maintain is weight loss that occurs slowly, at a rate of about 2 pounds per week. Therefore, losing 15 pounds in one month's time, although an attractive concept is NOT HEALTHY!

Losing weight is such a simple matter, yet most individuals make it so difficult, especially when people are brainwashed by this "quick fix" mentality. It's a matter of a simple balancing act of diet, exercise and then maintaining your weight loss with your continued efforts. The bottom line is you must either eat less than you burn, or burn more than you eat! It is all about calorie intake vs. calorie expenditure, period!

Major Claim #2: MUFA at Every Meal

The Flat Belly diet claims that eating MUFA, or mono-unsaturated fatty acids at every meal is the key to their weight loss program. MUFA's include foods such as vegetable oils, nuts, seeds and some plant foods.

According to "Dietary Fat and Heart Health: in Search of the Ideal Fat", MUFA intake at the expense of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFA) and saturated fatty acids, (SFA) does not actually counter the presence of dietary cholesterol very well and can lead to an actual increase in LDL/HLD ratio. A balanced SFA/MUFA/PUFA ratio, which is a blend of each type of fatty acids, is said to incorporate a better fatty acid balance than just MUFA alone. In general, their study found that a balance of 1:1:1 produced the best LDL/HDL ratio.

Major Claim #3: Get a Flat Tummy without any Crunches

So, let me get this straight? Lose weight and get a flat belly without any exercise? Wait a minute, it IS a miracle!

Come on folks, let's use our heads, here and think about this concept for just a minute. Bodybuilders will tell you that getting flat, six-pack abs is no easy task. It requires hard work and commitment. When you see a lean, muscular bodybuilder during a competition, their ripped, washboard stomachs are the result of intense dieting down during their pre-competition preparation. Furthermore, they do a great deal of abdominal exercises, along with additional cardiovascular and strength training as well.

In complete opposition to what the Flat Belly Diet leads you to believe, a flat belly does not magically occur with little or no effort. In order to achieve a sexy, flat tummy, regular cardiovascular exercise is required, along with strength training for the ENTIRE body, not just the stomach, and a healthy, low calorie diet. And sorry folks, you are going to have to do some regular sit ups to build those muscles. Losing belly fat without strengthening underlying abdominal muscles will only leave you with a soft, flabby tummy that looks like mush! So, contrary to what the Flat Belly Diet is telling you, it is just not that simple and will take some time and hard work.

Conclusion

According to USA Today, 65% of Americans are either overweight or obese! It is also thought that this rate will continue to rise to even greater alarming levels within the next few years. Quick fix methods of weight loss do not work. Long term efforts that focus on lifestyle changes have proven to be the best way to promote healthy weight loss that will be able to be maintained throughout one's lifetime!

The weight loss Industry will continue to prey on those desperate individuals who are looking for quick fixes in an attempt to solve a long term problem. It is up to each individual to educate themselves and not fall into the trap that these large corporations try to entice them into. This article hopes to open your consumer eyes ever so gently to this concept to assist you in defending yourselves against big business, corporate weight loss scams. The Flat Belly Diet, in this author's opinion, falls into this type of category, but you, the consumer, must judge for yourself!

Happy New Year

2008-01-01T00:16:00.000-08:00

I would like to wish everyone a safe and Happy New Year! I hope to continue to blog my way into 2008, by posting my very first blog of the New Year. I have just said goodbye to 2007, opened up the front door, literally, and let 2008 in. I hope all you can do the same!

Byetta and Type 2 Diabetes

2007-12-31T09:55:00.000-08:00

I am sure most of you have seen the latest commercials on television advertising Byetta" (Exenitide) for Type 2 diabetes. Interesting to note, Byetta actually has its origin from the saliva of a Gila Monster, a venomous lizard found in the desert regions of the Southwestern United States and Northwestern Mexico. When studied, the Gila Monster was noted for going long periods of time without having to eat.This amazing lizard was found to produce a certain type of protein that slows down stomach emptying. What this means is that it stays full for prolonged periods of time. Humans are known to produce a similar type of protein, called GLP-1. Hence the new drug, Byetta was born, which is actually a synthetic form of GLP-1. Byetta comes in an injectable form, but it is important to note, it should NOT replace insulin therapy for those who require it.

Byetta was approved in the U.S. market as early as 2005 and in the two years since it has been on the market, it has not yet been hit with any controversial allegations regarding serious, detrimental side effects. Remember, the keyword here is: "YET"! Eli-Lily, the producers of the drug, have reported huge jumps in sales hitting the $164.8 million mark for its third quarter in 2007. Currently, they are working on an more advanced version of the drug, Byetta LAR, which is a long acting release formula in an effort to keep sales growing.

Benefits of Byetta include delaying stomach emptying, increasing a feeling of fullness and reducing glucagon release from the liver thereby lowering blood sugar. It may also help pancreatic cells that produce insulin live longer. Additionally, Byetta has been found to reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure and promote, in some cases, significant weight loss. For those patients studied, the ones who lost the most weight also had a reduction in triglycerides and an increase in their HDL's, (the good cholesterol). Overall, these effects can assist individuals with not only improving diabetic health, but also in reducing cardiovascular risk factors such as those associated with stroke and heart attack.

Of course, with any drug, there are side effects to consider and if they become bothersome, discuss this with your doctor. Your physician should also be advised of any other drugs that you might be taking that may react with Byetta, so always make sure you bring your full list of medications with you when you visit him/her.

Any drug that you take may cause a severe allergic reaction, Byetta included. If you develop hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, this is considered a medical emergency and 911 should be called immediately. Other less severe side effects of Byetta include:

Nausea
Vomiting
Heartburn
Diarrhea
Loss of Appetite
Dizziness
Headache
Feeling jittery

It is important to also be aware of the signs of hypoglycemia that could be related to this medication. These are:

Headache
Confusion
Irritability
Sweating
Rapid Heartbeat
and in severe cases difficulty arousing and coma

Always keep a source of sugar with you if you begin to experience any of these symptoms, and be sure to teach family members these signs as well. If anyone that you live with is unable to arouse you, of course they should contact 911 immediately.

Remember it is important that you discuss Byetta or any other medication with your doctor prior to taking it!

Follow this link to view the latest Byetta commercial on hubpages:

http://hubpages.com/_vajs531wdt59/hub/Byetta-and-Type-2-Diabetes

On the lighter side, you want to get a good laugh read this one:

Man Boobs: What's a Guy To Do

Study Finds Fat People More Likely to Have Bad Breath

2007-12-30T10:17:00.000-08:00

Now there’s another good reason to go on that diet after the holidays. Tel Aviv University researchers have published a study that finds a direct link between obesity and bad breath: the more overweight you are, the more likely your breath will smell unpleasant to those around you. Click here to Read More.....

Wu-Yi Tea: Diet Miracle or Diet Scam

2007-12-29T17:23:00.000-08:00

Wu-Yi Diet Tea is said to have many properties that essentially improve your health as well as promote weight loss. The benefits that are advertised about this "wonder" tea include:

anti-carcinogenic properties that reduce the risk of cancer

assists in managing high cholesterol levels

lowers blood pressure

inhibits the abnormal formation of blood clots

helps with digestion

improves immunity

relieves tiredness

Powerful Fat Burner

But are the miraculous effects of this so called "diet wonder tea" a real miracle or just another money making scam? Judge for yourself by doing your own research before buying into their high priced marketing advertisement efforts. You can start by reading this incredible article written by a fellow hubber, Maddie Ruud on hubpages.com.

Follow this link to learn The Truth About Wu-Yi Tea.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: The Consequence of War

2007-12-27T14:40:00.000-08:00

Several weeks ago, during a radio broadcast, the wife of an American soldier spoke about the difficulties her husband was having after serving in the war in Iraq. As she wept, she told interviewers that her husband, who was a U.S. Marine, had recently found out that he was being re-deployed to Iraq, after having served one previous term. So distraught was he over the news, he barricaded himself in his home and vowed that he was NOT going back. And he never did. He was shot and killed by police that day, without provocation, according to his grieving widow.

Many extraordinary cases similar to this exist within American history, however most end up getting swept under the carpet, as military officials do little to investigate the cause, quick to arrest, and even historically known to execute deserters.

In 1945, Private Eddie Slovik became the 1st American soldier to be executed for desertion since the Civil War. Slovic made no secret that he did not want to fire against the enemy in World War II. Because the military wanted to make an example out of him, he was shot and killed, while tied to a post, by a firing squad. It is important to note that many others were considered deserters during WWll, but Private Slovik was the only one executed for his act.

When a human being witnesses or participates in the atrocities of war; senseless murder, bombings, child killings, rape, disfigurement....some, especially those who are particularly vulnerable to stressors in their environment, are not able to cope, thus developing Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD). According to the Veteran's Association, tens of thousands of U.S. solders suffer from PTSD, causing horrifying flashbacks, nightmares and intense anxiety.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), formerly known as "Shell Shock" during WWll, is defined in Brunner and Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing as "the development of characteristic symptoms after a psychologically stressful event that is considered outside the range of normal human experience (rape, combat, motor vehicle crash, natural catastrophe). Symptoms of this disorder include intrusive thoughts and dreams, phobic avoidance reaction (avoidance of activities that arouse recollection of the traumatic event), heightened vigilance, exaggerated startle reaction, generalized anxiety and societal withdrawal. PTSD may be acute, chronic, or delayed".

The statistics surrounding PTSD are startling. Dr. Greg Passey, a retired military psychiatrist who treats individuals with this disorder claims that as many as one in five people with PTSD actually attempt suicide.

On December 17, 2007, Roy Thomas Bell, a 44 year old Winnipeg man who served in the armed forces for 20 years, was shot and killed by Winnipeg police when he reportedly threatened them with a bat and gun. When police arrived at the scene, Bell was pleading with police to shoot him. And they eventually did. Those who knew him suspected that this was an act of "suicide by cop" as friends claimed he was dealing with PTSD and his condition had recently deteriorated.

Most of those who join the ranks of the armed forces are young men, barely in their 20's, still developing as human beings, thus very impressionable. It becomes the military's job to make these young men "killing machines" as they develop the mentality that their mission is to either kill or be killed. When they encounter the actual brutalities of war, though pre-conditioned to maintain a certain level of detachment for their acts, their psyche becomes somewhat "fractured", as the natural inclination of human beings is that we are taught to preserve life and not take it. As this causes deep emotional scars and they return home, expected now to fully function as "normal human beings" in society, they may start to feel different. Why? Because they "are" different. How can someone who has experienced this type of horror ever be the same? Ultimately, this experience has inevitably changed them forever. For some who cannot cope, they eventually sink further and further into themselves, lost souls, not knowing where to turn.

The National Center for PTSD (NCPTSD), developed by the Veteran's Administration in recognition of this growing problem, "aims to advance the clinical care and social welfare of U.S. Veterans through research, education and training on PTSD and stress-related disorders". Here you can learn more about PTSD, find a facility close to you that treats the disorder and read other published material related to PTSD.

Although the Veteran's Administration is making an attempt to confront the issue in some, perhaps some would say, menial way, the Bush Administration is perpetuating it by planning to cut health care costs for Veterans. This article taken from Think Progress explains further:

"The Bush administration plans to cut funding for veterans' health care two years from now - even as badly wounded troops returning from Iraq could overwhelm the system. Bush is using the cuts, critics say, to help fulfill his pledge to balance the budget by 2012. ... Even though the cost of providing medical care to veterans has been growing rapidly - by more than 10 percent in many years - White House budget documents assume consecutive cutbacks in 2009 and 2010 and a freeze thereafter." February 12, 2007

Whatever the reason behind the Bush Administration's decision, the cuts will negatively impact Veterans, their families and our nation as a whole. As they strive to put the pieces of their lives back together, where do Vets turn when the nation that was supposed to support them, turns their collective back?

If you are suffering from symptoms that may resemble PTSD, it is vitally important that you seek prompt medical attention. Please remember, you are not alone! Don't wait until it is too late! Your life may depend upon it!

See Internet Mental Health Links for more information about this and other mental health disorders. To see the touching video that portrays WWll Veterans talking about their horrific experiences after the war, click below and scroll to the bottom of the page:

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: The Consequence of War

Healthcare News: Obama Promises Healthcare for Vets

2007-12-26T22:41:00.000-08:00

I am not a politically oriented person, however, I do find some political news interesting, especially when it comes to promises made by presidential candidates that have the potential to be broken. In the latest political news, democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama was photographed tearfully embracing retired Air Force Veteran Andrew Hampton in Mason City, Iowa during a recent campaign stop. Hampton reportedly questioned Obama about the poor state of health care for Veterans, especially concerning himself with Veterans returning home from wars in Iraq and Afghanistan severely disabled and in desperate need of health care. Hampton, who received a standing ovation from the crowd, was then approached by Obama who embraced him while onlookers cheered. As the crowd listened intently, Obama promised that if he were elected president, he would take care of all veterans as a way of "encouraging future generations to enter the military." Perhaps he should take care of veterans just because it's the right thing for the country to do. After all, these soldiers deserve access to the best health care available after risking their lives for us on a daily basis. What a self-serving comment! Some people will just say anything to get elected these days! We shall see, Obama, if you keep your promises or if you will be just another presidential candidate that fabricates stories to serve your own political purpose. Would love to hear what the rest of America thinks about the upcoming election. Feel free to post your comments.

The Food Pyramid for Older Adults gets a Makeover!

2007-12-26T17:30:00.000-08:00

The Food Pyramid for Older Adults has recently gotten a much needed "makeover!" In response to the federal government's recent change in the general food pyramid guide, researchers at Tufts University in Boston re-vamped the Food Pyramid for seniors to create a more user-friendly model and to focus on the unique, nutritional needs of older adults.

The emphasis of the new Food Pyramid is on the need for seniors to get an adequate supply of fiber, Vitamins D and B12 from nutrient and fiber rich foods instead of supplements. Also stressed upon is the need for the proper amount of daily exercise and fluid intake.

The new Food Pyramid is available in a graphic, print-out form and has icons representing foods, fluids and exercise in the following categories:

Whole, enriched, and fortified grains and cereals such as brown rice and 100% whole wheat bread.
Bright-colored vegetables such as carrots and broccoli and deep-colored fruit such as berries and melon. Canned, fresh or frozen are all acceptable forms.
Low- and non-fat dairy products such as yogurt and low-lactose dairy products.
Dry beans and nuts, fish, poultry, lean meat and eggs.
Liquid vegetable oils and soft spreads low in saturated and trans fat.
Adequate Fluid intake.
Physical activity such as walking, swimming, house work and yard work.

If you look at the top of the pyramid, you can see the little flag that reminds seniors that supplements or foods fortified with calcium, vitamin D and vitamin b12, may be beneficial to some of them. In addition, the bottom of the pyramid reminds them to drink 8 glasses of water a day, as well as giving examples of how they can include exercise in their daily lives.

Of course, the food pyramid is meant to be a guide, only. One should always consult with their primary care provider about which meal plan is best for them. The Modified Food Pyramid entitled "MyPyramid for Older Adults" will be published in the January 2008 issue of the Journal of Nutrition.

Queen Latifah Celebrates Plus Size No More?

2007-12-24T09:30:00.000-08:00

Have you heard the latest? Queen Latifah, 37 year old Oscar-nominated actress and singer, recent star of the hit musical Hairspray, has decided to join the ranks of Kirstie Alley and Valerie Bertinelli by signing on to endorse the Jenny Craig weight loss program! "We officially confirm that Queen Latifah will join the Jenny Craig program in January" Scott Parker, vice president of Jenny Craig told People Magazine. He added, "We are thrilled to have her support our mission of improving health by taking her first step toward achieving a healthier lifestyle." Does this mean she will no longer be celebrating her voluptuous, plus size figure? We hope not Queen! It is rumored that she will not be focusing on being a "smaller size," but will help promote lifestyle changes and healthy living! You go girl, we can't wait to see you on those Jenny Craig commercials!

Want a good laugh, read my latest hub on hubpages:The Laughter Diet

Eating Out and Dieting Part 1

2007-12-19T23:35:00.000-08:00

If you are like me, you are ALONE and tend to eat out alot instead of cooking for your little ol' lonesome self! The challenge, then, becomes how to continue on your weight loss journey and still lose weight, when confronted with all those tasty, high calorie menu options that most restaurants seem to offer? This post will serve to review some of my favorite restaurants and the menu plans they feature. Each week I will feature a different restaurant that I have reviewed and hopefully, this will inundate you with information along with providing you some fun and interesting options for your dining out pleasure, while still maintaining your weight loss.

I like to frequent restaurants that are conscious of my dilemma, ones that offer a low calorie meal plan or some type of healthy menu plan. I also prefer eating at places that can give me some printed information about the nutritional content of the foods I eat, IE; calorie, fat, carbohydrate and dietary fiber content. In utilizing this information, I can then make well-informed food choices for myself, or not, if I have decided that I want to splurge that night!!!

Most of you Southern Californians are familiar with Marie Calender's, and since this is one of the restaurants that is close to my house, this is where this story begins.

When I walked in and sat down, the first thing I did was order a glass of Merlot, yes, wine is ok on a diet, as long as you only have 1 bottle and not two!!! LOL! Just kidding, but one glass is not going to kill me, so I ordered it. After reviewing the menu, I realized immediately that they did not include any nutritional information at all on it, so I asked the waitress if they had that information written down someplace else on a separate pamphlet. She advised me that they did not! Hmmmnnn, for some reason, I thought that was some sort of law in California, but maybe not. Anyways, to make a long story even longer, since I did not have that information, it was up to me to use the brain God gave me to make my choices based on my own current knowledge of healthy eating. So, in turn, I then looked over the menu.

Marie does offer a "lighter bites" menu option, but they only give you a choice of 3 entrees under that category. They also have a variety of petite salads to choose from, but surprisingly, salads, depending on the one you choose, can be pretty high in fat, carbs or calories, so, again, nutritional information would have been helpful at this point. Continuing on, the lighter bites mealplan includes:

Fresh grilled Atlantic Salmon
Roasted Turkey with Tomato Basil, and
Grilled lemon chicken with broccoli

Each of the above is served with a house salad with low-cal vinaigrette dressing. They also all include vegetables, but no potatoes, rice or bread. These all sounded like great choices to me. Salmon, chicken and fish are lower in calories than red mean, just remember, NO SKIN! (I know, that is the best part!) Veggies are very low in calories, virtually calorie free and having no bread etc, means no carbs, so this is a great start, but I still have no idea of how many calories etc. that I am putting into my body. Anyways, my choice for the night was the salmon. It arrived with a plate full of broccoli and tomatoes and a pretty hefty serving of fish. I only ate half of the salmon, and took the rest home for later, as it appeared to be two servings and since I am trying to lose, who needs the extra calories. It is always a good idea to make it a habit to always take home half of what you ordered and eat it the next day. Portion sizes in most restaurants are humongous, and that is probably why we, as Americans tend to lean towards the hefty side at times!

In conclusion, this restaurant serves good food, but I would like to see them incorporate nutritional information in their menu. If I were rating restaurants on a scale of 1-10, the lowest being the least appealing to the health conscious dieter and the highest being the most, I would probably give it a high 5! Stay tuned for next weeks chapter of Eating Out and Dieting, Part 2. Hope you all have a Merry Christmas if I don't post till then.

In the meantime, I have just written a dark and grisly tale on hubpages about the dark side of medicine. Check it out here:

The Dark Side of Medicine: Doctors and Nurses Who Kill

Check out my Hubpages Articles

2007-12-17T12:06:00.000-08:00

I have some interesting articles published on HubPages, stop by, check them out and become my fan:

http://hubpages.com/_vajs531wdt59/hub/Depression-Are-Carbs-Poisoning-Us
http://hubpages.com/_vajs531wdt59/hub/The-downside-of-Heliumcom-for-writers
http://hubpages.com/_vajs531wdt59/hub/How-to-Avoid-Gaining-Weight-This-Christmas_
http://hubpages.com/_vajs531wdt59/hub/How-to-Make-Money-Selling-on-Ebay
http://hubpages.com/_vajs531wdt59/hub/How-to-Foster-your-Creative-Side-and-Cure-Depression
http://hubpages.com/_vajs531wdt59/hub/Make-Money-Online-With-Clickbank

Foster Your Creative Side: A Cure For Depression?

2007-12-16T22:46:00.000-08:00

Are you more analytical or perhaps more creative? Are you good in math, but weak in organizational skills? Are you also confused yet? If so, then rest assured that much information can be found on studies that help to determine actually which side of your brain is most dominant. Why is this important? Because amazingly, research has determined that each side of the brain controls different "modes" of thinking and most of us prefer one side to the other! Want to find out which side of your brain dominates the other? Take the hemisphere dominance test now! Understanding whether you are a "right brained" person or a "left brained" person, in this author's opinion, can tell you a lot about yourself and give you much needed insight into your personality.

According to Neuropsychiatry, Neuropsycholgy and Behavioral Neurology, "Researchers have uncovered evidence that illnesses, such as depression, are associated with one half of the brain and that by activating the brain's healthier other half, a person's condition may improve" (March 2002). Therefore, it may be safe to say, accordingly, that when creative individuals activate the right side of the brain, or their "creative" side by indulging in creative experiences, their depression lessons! At least this has been part of my life experience!

I have been contemplating this concept for some time now, and thinking about how it has applied in my own life. As as I mentioned in an earlier post, I suffer from chronic depression. In the last few weeks, however, my depressive symptoms have been somewhat alleviated because I have embarked on a mission to re-release my creative side, or my "right brain" so to speak. I have always been very creative. For years, I played piano, guitar and as a child, accordion. I was also very involved in theatre and dance and have written poetry since I was a wee tot! Hence, I am classically "right brained". For a significant period of time, however, I stopped doing all these things that literally made me feel ALIVE! Consequently, in my opinion, I became increasingly more and more depressed almost to the point of not wanting to live! It was only when I started to get my creative juices flowing again that I truly felt that my depression was starting to lift. I have been amazed ever since!

The point of this post is as follows...If you are an individual that suffers from chronic depression, perhaps you are right brained as well? I invite you to challenge my theory and see if fostering your creative side will help you with your depression. Can you draw or paint? How about gardening or creative writing? What about trying out for a play or singing in your church choir? Anything that nurtures that creative spirit inside you will serve the purpose. Try it for 30 days and see if you feel better! What have you got to lose, except those nasty, debilitating symtoms of depression!

For more interesting articles related to depression and other interesting topics, please visit my hubpages! I would love to hear your comments about this post? I will revisit again when I do further research on the topic. In the mean time, let your creativity flow!

Depression: Are Carbs Making Us Sad?

2007-12-15T21:34:00.000-08:00

I am 100% addicted to carbs! I crave

them mercilessly. I dream about them at night! Like a dog with a bone, I salivate just thinking about them! Like many Americans today, however, I also suffer from dreaded. chronic depression. Now wait a minute, before hitting the back button, amazingly, there is hope while we strive to answer the question of the hour? Are chronic depression and carbohydrate consumption related and are carbs actually poisoning out bodies literally making us sad? This theory may not be new in conception, however, I am becoming increasingly more aware of just how significant the concept is, given our hectic, junk-food-junkie lifestyles.

According to http://www.healthjourneys.com/, "Depression isn't just sadness or joylessness. It is a lack of physical, emotional and psychic energy that combines with a sense of hopelessness and helplessness, and then literally sprinkled with self hatred." If this definition were in the dictionary, you would probably find my picture right next to it as this totally defines how I have felt for many, many years. It was not until recently, however, that I started to actually associate my depression with my carbohydrate intake.

Think about how you feel when you load yourself with carbs? A sudden burst of energy followed by an inevitable "crash", right? This "crash" ultimately leaves you feeling even more sluggish than you were before you indulged yourself! Physiologically, carbohydrate metabolism can be simplistically explained as follows:

Carbohydrates metabolize into sugar. When you eat a meal loaded with carbs, this causes a sudden significant increase in the sugar in your blood, or blood glucose.

In response to this "sugar overload" your amazing body produces insulin. In this case, an "overproduction" of insulin which in turn, leads to a dramatic drop in blood glucose levels, which leads to the symptoms of a "sugar crash".

In turn, think about doing this over and over to yourself, for year and years at at time? You can imagine the impact this can have on your body and the toll it must be taking. I believe that this endless cycle of carb binging and carb crashing is strongly associated with chronic depression. In the years that I have been plagued by this disorder, there have been periods of time, usually very brief, where I have made myself "carb free" and felt an amazing lightness of being, almost transforming myself in just a few short days! But these times do not last for very long, as the stress of my life and my job, (yes, I know, these are excuses), once again initiate the cycle and here we go exploding into another carb binging nightmare all over again....and again, and again!

So, you ask, what can we do about it? I have made numerous attempts to find a "quick cure" for my depression. From antidepressants, psychological therapy, 12 steps programs, colon hydrotherapy, gym memberships, etc., etc., etc. The bottom line is, in my humble opinion, the only way to stop the cycle, is to change our diet and to begin to cut out the carbs. I do not mean totally, however, as any healthy diet is not complete without a certain percentage of carbohydrates. What I mean is the excessive carb binging that causes the extra stress on your body that continues to perpetuate the depression.

But then, you ask, "what about my carb cravings?" I know for myself, that the intense cravings I get for carbs are overwhelming at times. Like a junkie seeking heroin, the urge to binge to satisfy my ever-incessant carb appetite can cause me to have an out of control urge that leads me into temptation, ultimately forcing me to feed my craving! The following is a list of things that I have found in my research to help curb the carb cravings and hopefully lead the way to a more productive lifestyle:

Protein---Increasing protein can actually help curb your carb cravings. The next time you feel inpired to binge on carbs, try indulging in a handful of delicious nuts and seeds.

Vegetables--Veggies are tasty, healthy and really low in carbs, but some are lower in carbohydrates than others. Better choices include broccoli, cauliflower, cucumbers, mushrooms and summer squash. Try a salad with all of the above with some low calorie dressing.

Flax Seed Oil--This is something completely new to me. Studies have found that Omega-3 Fats are of the highest nutritional value. Flax Seed oil has the highest content of Omega-3 fats and has been found to help reduce the craving for carbs! It can also help to create a feeling of satisfaction and fullness in our bodies. Additionally, it actually stabilizes insulin levels and lubricates our intestines while it increases the metabolic rate which promotes weight loss. It has also been found to reduce depression. Isn't that great! Have it right out of the bottle however, and don't mix it in with cooking as this decreases the benefit. Recommended dosage for adults is usually 1 Tbsp. daily or 3000 mg. capsules two times per day.

Water--Drinking 8, eight ounce glasses of water daily can help give you a feeling of fullness and aid with your mission of trying to decrease your carb cravings.

Low-carb food choices--Portion control and choices of carbs are very important in a successful carb-reducing endeavor. Try whole-grain bread instead of white, brown rice instead of white and whole fruits instead of fruit juice.

Exercise--As always, exercise is important to not only help reduce unbalanced cravings in your body, but to assist you with elevating natural serotonin levels in your brain to help alleviate depression.

Avoid alcohol--Alchohol is the absoulute worst thing that you can do if you are trying to curb carb cravings. Alcohol is pure sugar and not only impedes your self-control, causing you to ignore your noble mission to reduce carb intake, it also leads you down that same, familiar path of causing a surge in blood sugar leading to the "sugar crash", leading to worsening depression. The endless cycle, once again.

Don't think that you can do it? If all of the above seem overwhelming, start slow and work your way into making better choices. Pick one or two lifestyle changes that will work for you and just DO THEM! Stop making excuses and instead make changes! This will enable you to lead a healthier lifestyle in the long run and not commit suicide because of your carbohydrate induced depression. In the end, we always seem to make things more difficult than they really are, when it is really, quite simple. CHANGE YOUR LIFESTYLE, CHANGE YOUR MOOD!

Why Do Fatty Foods Taste So Good?

2007-12-12T21:44:00.000-08:00

This evening, I went to Marie Calender's for dinner. I am trying to watch my calories, so I ordered from the light and healthy menu plan. I had Atlantic Salmon with vegies. The waitress brought me a salad initially, as an appetizer and while I was eating it, I thought to myself how bland it tasted. Then, she brought me the Atlantic Salmon and it looked divine. However, instead of my ever favorite tarter sauce, rich and loaded with calories, she brought me some sort of vinagerette to dip the fish in and when I did so, I thought, YUKKKK!!!!!! So, as the blogger I have become, I started right then and there to write about my experience. Why, oh why, does blue cheese dressing and regular, fat-filled tarter sauce taste so much better than vinagerette dressing? I vowed that when I arrived home, I would do a little research and here it goes. Some people think that those tastes that we crave are "fundamentally wired in" to us, at least that is according to Dr. Zata Vickers, a food scientist at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Vickers believes that we are acutally programmed to LEARN to like certain foods, ultimately the bad ones. Studies have shown that when we are born, we have inherent likes for certain tastes, such as sweet, sour, bitter, salty and umami (the latest "5th taste" found in meat and broth). We are programmed to like the high fat foods as they are the ones most loaded with high caloric value. Dr. Vickers believes this goes back in history to when we were hunter-gatherers and as a matter of survival needed to focus on the most calorie-rich foods. The problem with this concept, however, is that food, for most of us, is no longer a scarce commodity. Think about it. What do you crave more, donuts or or broccoli?. Dr. Vickers believes that much of this is psychological and that we are conditioned to crave certain foods actually since childhood. "If you go to a birthday party that is a lot of fun when you are a kid what do they have? They have candy or some cake," said Vickers. Studies have proven that our liking for foods increase when they are paired with fun. Think about why McDonald's calls their kids meal a "Happy Meal" and puts a toy in the box. Dr. Vickers also believes that there is something we do wrong at the dinner table with our kids. When trying to get kids to eat vegetables, parents often say, "if you eat your peas you can have dessert." Dr. Vickers believes that "if you want your kid to like peas that is not a good thing to do at all." She feels that when we use rewards for eating better, we tend to like those healthy foods even less and like the reward food even more. So, what is the moral to the story? I believe that if we are to change our eating habits, we need to reprogram our tastebuds along with associating non-fatty foods with FUN! So, the next time you have a dinner party at your house, try cooking FAT FREE. Or, the next party for your kids, consider learning how to reduce the fat content when baking a cake, by trying a low fat, low calorie cake, such as this Lemon Pudding Cake or Low Fat Chocolate Cake. I bet your kids won't even know the difference and it will be much healthier for them in the long run! Learn to indulge yourself with healthy foods, to savor every bite of what is actually good for you! In time, just a few short weeks, your tastebuds will rejoice in the flavors that you have taught them to love!

Hospital Acquired Infections On the Rise: What you Can Do to Help Prevent

2007-12-12T10:35:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago, I was working in the ICU and I had a patient who was in isolation for MRSA of the blood. I was in the room with the patient, in my isolation gown with gloves on, etc, and the doctor came to evaluate the patient that particular night. He walked in the room, without gloves, without an isolation gown, was leaning against the patients bed and talking with the patient for about 10 minutes. I watched as he left the room, amazed, because as he walked out, he did NOT wash his hands or use the sterile hand sanitizer that is at the outside of every door. When I tried to speak to him about it, he became very defensive, and left the unit. Appalling, yes, but folks, it happens ALL THE TIME! This article is about Hospital Acquired Infections, and what you can do to help prevent them!

A Hospital Acquired Infection (HIA for the purpose of this article) is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as:

an infection acquired in the hospital by a patient who was admitted for a reason other than that infection.

an infection occurring in a patient in a hospital or other health care facility that was not present or incubating at the time of admission. This includes infections acquired in the hospital but appearing after discharge and also occupational infections among staff of the facility.

HAI's occur throughout the world and impact both developed and resource-poor countries.

HIA's are one of the major causes of death and increased morbidity among patients admitted to the hospital. Additionally, they increase disability and emotional distress of patients and may lead to even more disabling conditions, which can impact quality of life. They increase the overall length of stay for patients, causing health care costs as a whole to rise exponentially. This is due to an increase in the use of drugs and the increased necessity for isolation equipment and further laboratory tests or other diagnostic studies.

Contributing factors to Hospital Acquired infections are the advanced age of patients admitted to the hospital, the greater prevalence of chronic disease among them and the ever-increasing use of invasive procedures that weaken the defenses of the patient.

It is also important to bear in mind that organisms acquired in the hospital can be transmitted throughout the community through discharged patients, visitors and staff. When these organisms are multi resistant, this can cause significant disease in the community, as well.

Prevention

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the 4 most common HAI are

Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) 32%

Surgical Wound Infections 22%

Pneumonia 15%

Bloodstream 14%

Each of these are associated with some sort of invasive procedure.

UTI's are associated with the use of foley catheters. This is a device that is put into the patients urethra to drain the bladder of urine. Many times, this is necessary, but hospitals tend to leave them in too long and do not change them often enough if the patient is admitted long-term. Recommended length of time before changing a foley catheter is about 3 weeks in most facilities. Sterile technique should always be used when inserting. If the catheter does not go in right the first time, a new catheter should be inserted, never inserting a device that has been contaminated by placing it in the wrong spot, and believe me, this does happen.

Surgical Wound Infections can occur in the operating room from improper surgical technique or at the bedside from not using aseptic technique during dressing changes or wound care. Surgical wound infections can also be related to extended pre-operative stay and improper skin preparation. It is always recommended that a patient shower preoperatively with an antimicrobial skin prep such as Hibbaclens to reduce the amount of bacteria on the skin during surgery.

Pneumonia is often associated with the use of ventilators that assist the patient with breathing. Improper suctioning technique can be a contributing factor to HAI as is the length of time the patient spends on the ventilator. Keeping the patients head of bed upright at 30-45 degrees has also been shown to reduce infections.

Bloodstream infections can be caused by asterile techniques of IV catheters or central lines at the time of insertion. Peripheral IV catheters should be removed and sites changed according to the hospital policy, usually every 72 hours. Central Lines stay in much longer, but the dressing needs to be changed every week, and sterile technique should be used when changing the dressing, including wearing a mask. If it appears that an IV site or Central Line site is infected, it should immediately be removed and evaluated.

What Can You Do?

Obviously, you cannot be at the bedside of your loved one 24 hours a day. But there are some things while you are visiting the patient that you can do to prevent the spread of HAI.

WASH YOUR HANDS BEFORE AND AFTER YOU TOUCH THE PATIENT. WASH YOUR HANDS BEFORE AND AFTER YOU PUT GLOVES ON. I put this in capitol letters because HAND WASHING IS THE NUMBER ONE DEFENSE AGAINST INFECTION! Not only should you wash your own hands, but make sure all visitors and staff do so as well. This includes doctors and nurses. If you see a doctor or nurse not washing their hands, it is not improper to advise them to do so. If they refuse, tell the hospital manager. This is your loved one we are talking about and you must be their advocate.

Make sure you wear isolation equipment provided by the hospital. Make sure all visitors wear it as well as staff. If you see staff entering the room without it, kindly advise them to put it on. If they continue, then notify hospital management. When you remove the isolation equipment, WASH YOUR HANDS AGAIN!

Become an advocate for shorter hospital stays for yourself and your loved ones. This means you may have to look into home health upon discharge, but longer hospital stays increase the chance of developing HAI therefore it is better that the patient recover at home.

Become an advocate of minimal use and early removal of invasive devices, ie. Foley Catheters, ventilators, central lines, etc.

Become an advocate for prudent use of antibiotics and antimicrobials. Make sure if the patient does go home on antibiotics that the ENTIRE dose is taken as directed, even if they feel better. Resistance to medication can occur if the course of antibiotics are not complete.

It is hopeful that these tips can help you shorten the stay of you or your loved one in the hospital and ultimately reduce the incidence of HAIs in the long run for your family and your community. For more information on HAI, please visit the WHO or the CDC.

Let the Spiders Crawl

2007-12-12T00:16:00.000-08:00

You all may be wondering why I am writing this post. Well, this is a new site and I am trying to do everything I can to get RN Online out there and recognized by some loyal readers and some creepy crawly search engines. Hence, this post. I would appreciate you linking to this site and posting any comments you may have. Below is required by Technorati:
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Let the Spiders Crawl!!!!

Eating Oatmeal to Promote Weight Loss

2007-12-11T11:23:00.000-08:00

Recently, before I went on my diet plan that I mentioned below, I was working in the ICU, and a co-worker and I were talking about dieting and weight loss. I was telling her that I felt rather bloated lately and that someone even asked me if I was pregnant! NOT A GOOD QUESTION TO ASK SOMEONE, FOLKS, BY THE WAY! Anyways, she started encouraging me to eat oatmeal to promote better overall health and regularity....so, I did. And now I want to share the benefits with you. Oatmeal is actually a really delicious way to help you lose weight. Research has proven that people who eat oatmeal with moderate exercise LOSE WEIGHT. Here are some added benefits of eating oatmeal daily:

Oatmeal is high in protein, about 7 grams per serving. Research has proven that protein helps to give you a feeling of fullness and also promotes lean muscle mass.
Oatmeal is high in fiber about 6 grams per serving. Fiber is important in maintaining regularity and also promotes weight loss. Fiber also gives you a feeling of fullness and satisfaction so you tend to eat less.
Oatmeal is an excellent source of whole grain. For overall health, you should have at least three servings of whole grains per day. Research has shown that those who eat a diet rich in whole grains tend to weigh less.

So, I have to say, I have been eating oatmeal now for breakfast every morning. I tend to like the flavored packets, they are quick, easy and taste great. I must say that I do feel more regular and less bloated since I have been doing this and it feels great! For more information about weight control, weight management tips and oatmeal, visit www.quakeroatmeal.com.

Lose Belly Fat and Get 6-pack Abs

2007-12-11T01:02:00.000-08:00

Let's face it, belly fat is so unattractive. The fact of the matter is, a high waist circumference is associated with an increased risk for type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and Cardiovascular Disease. Improve your overall health by reducing your waist size and losing that nasty belly fat. If you want a tight, sexy stomach like the one seen here, then you should click below to find out the truth about how to get 6-pack abs. This is the number one abs program on the internet today. Lose that ugly belly fat by Clicking Here!

Lifestyle Modifications that Can Prevent Disease

2007-12-11T00:00:00.000-08:00

Most of us do not make changes in our lives unless something prompts us to do so, perhaps an unexpected illness, accident or emotional upset. Let's face it, we do NOT like to change. We are comfortable where we are at! Right! Being a nurse and working in the ICU, I frequently encounter people when it is too late. For these individuals, disease process has set in and for many of them, lifestyle changes at this point are ineffective. As a nurse, I am also an educator. No matter how sick the individual is, they do not leave my ICU without education. Most of the time, it is on lifestyle modifications necessary to keep them from coming back to the hosptial. Ultimately, they must change their ways. Their old behavior is what brought them to the hospital in the first place: ie; smoking, drinking, overeating, sedentary lifestyle, you name it, they have done it and that is why they are flat on their backs having nurses clean them, turn them, suction them, whatever! The bottom line is, if they were able to make one or two small changes in their daily lives, it could dramatically improve their overall health and ultimately help to prevent future hospitalizations. So, with that said, let's review some lifestyle modifications that you can make to improve your health and prevent disease so that I don't have to see you in my ICU!

Stop drinking.....if you drink too much, either stop or cut down. Alcohol contributes to a long list of illnesses, including cirrhosis of the liver, esophageal varices, GI bleeding, ulcers, pancreatitis, depression, obesity, and the list goes on and on.
Stop smoking.....if you smoke, either stop or cut down. Smoking is another huge risk factor for many illnesses, including heart attack, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, emphysema, COPD, and yes, guys, I hate to tell you this, but IMPOTENCE. Stop smoking people, it smells bad and makes you really sick!
Increase your physical activity.....If you live a sedentary life, you need to GET MOVING NOW. Inactivity contributes to obesity which is a risk factor for disease, such as heart attack and stroke and diabetes. Inactivity makes you depressed and feel really bad about yourself. If you don't have time to exercise, then increase your steps or daily movements. You can do this in many different ways. Why not park in a spot farthest from the entrance to where you are going, and not waiting for the closest parking spot. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Instead of sitting on the couch after work and watching TV, sit on the floor and watch TV while doing Yoga, or stretching. MOVE IT OR LOSE IT IS WHAT I AM TRYING TO TELL YOU FOLKS!
Once again, drink plenty of water. Take a bottle of water with you EVERYWHERE YOU GO, unless of course it is contraindicated. Water hydrates and flushes the body of all the junk we put into it. Water is a natural diuretic. Water increases your metabolism. Drink 8 eight ounce glasses per day for optimal health.
Eat a well balanced diet.....I am not saying go on a diet. I am saying if you drink soda, cut it out. Drink water instead. If you eat potato chips in front of the tube after work, try popcorn, unbuttered instead. If you eat 5 slices of pizza on pizza night, cut it down to 2. Include a combo of 5 fruits and vegetables in your daily diet. Don't binge eat. Eating 6 small meals a day increases your metabolism and actually helps you lose weight. Don't skip meals. Always eat breakfast. If you simply modify your diet, instead of going on one, you will be more apt to stick to your lifestyle changes and see better results in the long run.
Meditate daily.....take time for the emotional you! Take time to breathe, to enjoy the sunshine, each and every day. Even if it is only for 5 minutes, sit down, do some deep breathing exercises, stretch and just think about how grateful you are for being alive, for all of your blessings. DESTRESS yourself to a better you. For more tips on how to meditate Click Here!

Now, I guarantee you, if you follow the simple steps above to lifestyle modifications, you will change your life and I will not be seeing you in my ICU!

Fast Diet Weight Loss Plan to get you slim for the Holidays

2007-12-10T22:00:00.000-08:00

If you are like me, you need to go on a diet before Christmas, just so you can fit into that slinky little holiday number you bought before you gained a few extra pounds! If you are interested in a quick, easy weight loss program then you need to try this one. With this simple program, you can lose 9 lbs every 11 days. This is no joke! I tried it and it works, and it is still working, and I plan to be in my skinny clothes by Christmas day. I have already dropped a dress size in the first 11 days! With this plan, gone are the low carb, low calorie, low fat diets. They just don't work. Instead, you will focus on fat loss and this diet teaches you just how to do that! Get slim for Christmas. Have more energy, be excited about life again when you see the new you emerge in just 11 days with this great, simple weight loss program.
Click Here!

Avoid Overeating for the Holidays

2007-12-10T16:22:00.000-08:00

Well, folks, the holidays are approaching and we are all looking forward to the tasty delights that await us during those special holiday dinners. Maybe a delicious, savory honey glazed ham, sliced to perfection paired with golden, Gulliver Cream Style Corn and Sweet Potato Casserole will adorn your holiday table. Or perhaps you prefer a tryptophan loaded, Golden Brown Turkey filled with Roasted Chestnut Stuffing and tangy Orange Cranberry Sauce on the side. Whatever your pleasure may be, most of us ultimately overeat during the holiday season and end up gaining a few extra, unwanted pounds. To avoid having to commit to yet another weight loss program for the New Year, try these simple tips that will help you make better choices in the long run and avoid overeating for the holidays.

Whatever you do, don't starve yourself all day before attending your holiday dinner parties. This is a holiday no-no which will definitely cause you to overeat at the holiday mealtime. Make sure to eat a healthy, well balanced breakfast and lunch prior to attending any holiday party.
Drink plenty of H2O, (water that is folks). In fact, drink a full glass of water before sitting down to the holiday dinner. Drinking water gives you a feeling of fullness and also ultimately increases your metabolic rate. This will help you burn those extra holiday calories. It is recommended that you follow the 8x8 rule, meaning drink 8, eight ounce glasses of water per day.
Eat an apple before you sit down to your holiday meal. Studies have found that those who eat an apple before a meal consumed 187 fewer calories in comparison to those who don't. Eating an apple before your meal will also give you a feeling of fullness, which will help you to avoid overeating.
Exercise, exercise, exercise. Plain and simple, your weight is determined by how many calories you consume minus how many calories you burn. So, if you consume more calories, as is often the case during the holiday season, then simply exercise more to balance out the excessive caloric intake. Adding an additional 15 to 30 minutes to your exercise regime will not only help you avoid excess holiday pounds, but it will cause you to be more conscious about what you are putting into your body during the holiday season. We cannot say enough about exercise!
Take along healthy snacks to your holiday affairs. Yogurt, nuts, fruit, protein bars, whatever your favorite healthy snack may be, having a snack before the big, sit down can help you avoid extra or excessive portions.
Limit your alcohol consumption. Alcohol erodes your committment to portion control and making careful food choices. Alcohol adds calories to an already calorie-overloaded holiday dinner. If you must have a drink, then limit yourself to 1 and you will thank yourself in the long run. Remember, it is unsafe to drink and drive and it is also unsafe to drink and diet!

We all want to enjoy the holidays without the additional stress of worrying about gaining weight. RN Online hopes the above information will keep the holiday pounds off, and the holiday smiles abundant!