Japanese women generally experience far fewer symptoms of menopause than do Western women. An article in the British medical journal, The Lancet, reported that the reason may be that Japanese women consume more phytoestrogens (plant estrogens). These estrogen- like compounds are found in foods such as soybeans, tofu, miso, flaxseeds, pomegranites, and dates. When these substances are eaten, they act like the estrogens produced in the body.

In Femestra, we have been able to formulate a special blend of Rice Bran Oil, which is very high in phytoestrogens. Our Rice Bran Oil is from a specific part of Japan, and is considerably more potent than any other Rice Bran Oil. Our proprietary Femestra blend has proven to eliminate most of the harmful effects of menopause. Femestra may eliminate your hot flashes, your sleepless nights, and will help your body naturally ease into the menopausal changes.

Femestra is a leading nutrition and herbal supplement using the same rigorous manufacturing standards reserved only for pharmaceutical products.

The raw material and entire production process are subjected to strict quality control using
state-of-the-art tech- nology and chemical analyses.

1. Allergies can give you a shiner
When hay fever strikes, pressure from nasal congestion can be so great that it causes blood vessels in the face to become constricted. The blood can’t flow freely and may pool under the eyes. Blood draining back toward the heart, or venous blood, appears blue in colour (compared to arterial blood flowing from the heart, which is red) and, when trapped, results in the appearance of an allergic shiner, sometimes known as “black-eye syndrome.”

2. Any organ in the body can be affected by allergies
Sufferers of hay fever (allergic rhinitis) will attest that allergies can cause a runny nose, irritated eyes, and an itchy throat. Some allergic reactions can cause the skin to break out in hives or the intestines to cramp, and allergy-induced asthma takes a toll on the lungs.

“These are the common ‘end organs’ for allergic disease,” explains Asriani M. Chiu, M.D., associate professor of allergy and immunology at the Medical College of Wisconsin. “In a severe allergic response, there can be a systemic reaction that affects multiple body systems. A bee sting, for example, can affect the cardiovascular system and send the body into shock.” Consequently, any organ could potentially shut down as a result of reduced blood flow. An anaphylactic response affecting the respiratory system is similarly threatening.

In very rare cases, Dr. Chiu notes, an allergy cell called the eosinophil can target and cause isolated damage to an organ like the esophagus or heart. However, when organs such as the liver or kidneys are affected by an allergy, it’s far more likely to be the indirect result of a system-wide reaction.

3. It’s not pet hair that gets your dander up
Contrary to popular belief, pet hair is not an allergen?though it’s still no fun to clean the sheddings of cats and dogs from your wool coat. Rather, it’s the particles of pet dander (dead skin), saliva, and urine trapped in the hair, or airborne in your breathing environment, that prompt allergic reaction.

4. “Allergy-addiction syndrome” lacks credibility
Like a drug addict who craves a chemical that’s bad for the body, some people claim to have an addiction to foods to which they are allergic. But paradoxical cravings are most likely explained by a typical psychological trick we play on ourselves: We always want something a little more when we know we can’t have it. As Dr. Chiu notes, a child with a food allergy will instinctively spit out food that causes her mouth to itch or her lips to swell. Electing to override that natural survival instinct may be a mild form of masochism, but it’s not an addiction.

5. The sharp rise in peanut allergies is still not well understood
The rate of peanut allergies over the past 10 years, currently affecting between 1 and 2 percent of the population. Prevalence may be explained by our method of processing; dry-roasting is not as popular a method in countries where the allergy is less common. Another prevailing theory is the hygiene hypothesis: Now that we’re living in an increasingly sterile environment where diseases are eradicated and bacteria vanquished, the immune system may be seizing on harmless foreign antigens?essentially, protecting our system against a false threat.

A new reverses recent health strategies. Rather than delaying an introduction to peanuts, the research suggests we might increase tolerance by introducing peanuts earlier and more frequently.

6. Risk of having food allergies
A March 2009 study showed that male children are about four times more likely than the rest of the population to be food allergic. The study of more than 8,200 participants found both food sensitivities and food allergies to be highest among males and kids?which leaves these kids right in the demographic crosshairs. Prevalence of food allergy is also higher among persons of lower income. Genetic and environmental factors are being researched, but the cause of food allergies and sensitivities is as yet unknown.

7. Eight foods are responsible for 90 percent of all food allergies
The chief offenders: milk, eggs, peanuts, soy, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, and wheat. As Dr. Chiu explains, some make the list because they’re prevalent among children, and others because they prompt lifelong reactions. “A child will ‘outgrow’ some food allergies, notably milk and egg; as the GI system matures, the system gets better at breaking down the proteins in them that cause an adverse reaction. Other foods, such as shellfish, peanuts, and tree nuts, tend to trigger an allergic response even when broken down, so the reactivity is more apt to be lifelong.”

8. A link has been drawn between allergies and obesity
Some research has suggested that food allergies contribute directly or indirectly to obesity. In 2007, one study published in the journal Diabetes found that a high-sugar, high-fat, low-fiber diet caused an immune response of inflammation, in turn leading to increased insulin resistance, which prompts the body to store more fat.

However, the prevailing wisdom is that allergic disease and obesity are each based on a variety of genetic and environmental factors. The research is not yet conclusive enough to establish a causal link between the two.

9. Nickel allergy is a common culprit of contact dermatitis
If your skin is irritated where contact is made with bracelets, rings, earrings, or eyeglasses, it may be due to nickel content in the metal. Reactions to 24-karat gold or other metals used in fine jewellery (such as platinum or titanium) are rare. Trace amounts of nickel in detergent, nail polish, and makeup, or even in buttons and snaps, however, can cause an itchy rash at the site due to metal allergy.

10. The prevalence of allergies continues to increase
According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology, allergies of every kind?inhaled, ingested, contact, or otherwise?are steadily increasing in rate. If you have pollen or mold allergies, you can check daily counts in your area through the National Allergy Bureau.
“It’s important to know what’s causing a reaction,” Dr. Chiu offers in conclusion. “Healthcare providers and allergy specialists can help identify the specific cause so that you can actually avoid what you’re allergic to rather than simply treat symptoms with medication.”

There are hundreds thousands of hosting companies out there. Most of their services are similar, so how to find a REALLY GOOD one ? Here are some things you may want to look for in a hosting company, especially if your website is part of your overall marketing plan to sell products or services.

1. Instant Support – I particularly emphasize this element is the most important element when you choosing a web hosting company. Admit it, no web hosting company can guarantee for no error occurs for your web hosting services. So, how fast is their response to your website error is critical, at least, you know what is going wrong and when it can be recovered. Before you sign up to a hosting plan with a web hosting company, You can try to write an email, asking some common questions and see how long is their respond time, or , try call them up.

2. Find a local hosting – Why ? because you won’t spent too much money on calling them when you need instant help. Further more, if your website is targeting on local market, then finding a local web hosting company can help to minimize your website download time.

3. Daily Backup – Sometimes you may accidentally delete or replace some files when you are using FTP to upload your webpages to your website. With the daily backup, you can ask the web hosting provider restore it back.

4. Email antivirus and antispam – This is must-have features in today’s web hosting service. it will give your extra protection besides the antivirus software installed in your computer, and minimize the junk mails you receive.

5. Control Panel - The Control Panel where you control all aspects of your account, such as managing email accounts, reading statistics, and configuring autoresponders. Make sure your hosting company has a control panel for your needs.

6. Website Statistics – From a marketing perspective, it’s important to know who is visiting your site and what pages they read. Your hosting company should keep track of all of this information for you, and present it in an easy to read format. Make sure your statistics are updated on a daily basis.

7. SEO Friendly – Yes, the quality of web hosting is also affecting the SEO (Search Engine Optimization). Unfortunately, it is very difficult to prove that their web hosting is SEO friendly. Here is a tip : try go to search engines like Yahoo, MSN or Google, searching “web hosting in Malaysia” ( Replace Malaysia if the hosting company is in other country) , If you can find the provider website, it mean this web hosting company is SEO frienly.

Others features such as support CGI/PERL, Front page extension support etc is too common to discuss here. Remember, price is not the most important element, the SUPPORT is !

8.The thetop10bestwebhosting.com – Always read reviews posted here with a pinch of salt. Some glowing and some negative reviews about popular web hosts like ipage, godaddy, justhost reviews will help you in choosing good web host for your sites. Don’t skip this site, or you might find yourself being suckered by a host that everyone else is steering clear of

I hope all the advice above help the newbies

Offer your child a wide variety of foods, he will get a balanced diet. It is better for him to eat something that he likes even if you disapprove of it than to eat nothing at all.

If your child refuses to eat fruits and vegetables, try to make them more tempting or more fun, but do not camouflage a detested food by mixing it with something else. The child should eat because he wants to and for no other reason. Encourage your child to feed himself.

• Serve food that is fresh and presented in an attractive way.
• Create a mealtime that is pleasant and relaxed.
• Talk about food; this may encourage a child to eat. Whenever possible, allow children to choose from one or two items on the menu (for example, a choice of peas or carrots for vegetables).
• Give your child the same food you eat.

You should be careful that the child is not overweight. Overweight kids are more likely to remain heavy as adults. This can lead to any number of health problems.

Your child should eat a more balanced diet. Start by setting a good example. If other members of your family commonly eats lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products, your kids will learn to eat a good diet. Kids tend to copy their parents, so if you eat well, they are more likely to eat well too. Do not get angry and do not panic if the child refuses to eat. If you are concerned about your child’s dietary intake, talk to your doctor or a dietician. Put less on your child’s plate and praise your child for eating even a little. Try to make meals enjoyable and not just about eating. Limit snacks and drinks between meals. Drinking too much liquid can lessen your child’s appetite. This will help ensure that your child is hungry enough to eat solid foods. Do not overfeed. Obesity in children is rarely recognized by parents and is a major health problem.

Children’s tastes change. One day they will hate something and a month later they’ll love it. Fussy eaters are often slow eaters who dawdle over their plate. It is pointless trying to hurry them. Do not lose your cool at dinner. Simply remove the uneaten food.

If you find that these techniques are not working, there are people who can help. A registered dietician who specialises in children’s nutritional needs can assess your situation and provide strategies for dealing with a picky eater.

Smokers also rely on the routine of smoking-for example, in the car on the way to work, or with friends at break time, or after dinner. Quitting is a very tough challenge for smokers.
Some smoking-cessation medications contain nicotine. These medications help to lessen withdrawal symptoms by slowly lowering the nicotine levels in the body. They let the smoker focus on breaking the social habits of nicotine without batting the withdrawal symptoms at the same time. Consult your pharmacist for best choice of medication.

There are a few steps to prepare you to become and stay smoke-free
Choose a quit date and stick to it
1. Consult pharmacist who will help you quit
2. Be prepared. Think ahead about the challenges you may come across, for example, wanting to light up with your morning cup of coffee or having to turn down a cigarette from a friend who smokes.
3. Understand your medications. Know how and when to use them and what to expect from each of them.
4. Have self-help materials available. Great recourses and links are also available at www.cdc.gov/tobacco/how2quit.htm.
5. Get information on available programs and services from pharmacist
6. Keep busy. Distract yourself by exercising, drinking water or chewing gum.
7. Avoid temptation. Establish a new routine to help you avoid old habits.

Many pharmacies in Pakistan are establishing smoking-cessation clinics. If you participate in one of these clinics, you will have regular appointments with a pharmacist. You and the health care provider together will establish and maintain a quit plan, discuss and monitor your medications and work toward helping you become and stay smoke-free. Check on what local community programs are available for you.

A well-stimulated brain also elevates your mood, which helps you feel better on the inside.

Here are 15 brain boosting activities:
1. Play games that challenge and stimulate your mind. These include:

• Picture Puzzles
• Strategy Games
• Crossword Puzzles
• Card Games
• Deduction Games (such as Clue)
• Visualization Puzzles
• Optical Illusions

2. Reading stimulates the brain as it activates your imagination. Reading also helps with memory retention and problem solving, especially if youre reading a mystery. Also, self-help books stimulate your brain by helping you to think for yourself, as well as find solutions in your mind..

3. Exercising helps circulate blood that carries oxygen to your brain. Over the long-term, exercise is proven to increase brainpower and even create new neurons.

4. Stimulate your brain with meditation.. Meditation has been shown to increase your IQ, relieve stress, and promote a higher level of brain functioning. Meditation also stimulates the prefrontal cortex of the brain, the area of the brain responsible for advanced thinking, ability and performance.

5. Deep breathing helps deliver oxygen to your brain. Oxygen helps you be more alert and awake. As little as 10 to 15 minutes of deep breathing daily can increase brain functionality.

6. Taking fish oil supplements is literally like membrane material for the brain.. The two primary components in fish oil, DHA and EPA, strengthen the emotional center of the brain and boost focus.

7. Studies have proven that listening to music strengthens the right hemisphere of the brain and actually changes the structure of it. Also, people who listen to music are shown to be more emotionally intelligent than those who dont.

8. Writing improves memory and thought expression. Writing articles, blogs, or journal entries stimulates thought processes, which also enhances brain function.

9. Sleep clears out brain clutter and reduces brain fog. When you dont get enough sleep at night, your memory and normal brain function suffers.

10. Painting is shown to be an effective brain booster in that it sparks the creativity within you. Even if youve never tried painting before, give it a shot. Youll find that you feel more creative and may actually enjoy it.

11. Starting the day out with a good breakfast has been proven to supply energy to the brain and body for the whole day. When you skip breakfast, youre missing out on a powerful edge, both physically and mentally.

12. Walking allows you to clear your mind and thoughts. Not only is it good exercise for your body, walking gives your brain a chance to wander freely, clearing it of any troublesome thoughts.

13. Drink a serving of pure fruit juice.. Fruit juice contains nutrients that revitalize and refresh the brain. Juices to drink are pomegranate, blueberry, and cranberry as they deliver more focus and energy.

14. Students who drink some caffeine before an exam typically have higher scores than those who dont. This is because caffeine stimulates activity in the brain, which produces better focus and thinking ability. Dont overdo it though!

15. Draw a picture. Like painting, drawing stimulates the creative side of your brain. So get out some colored pencils and start boosting your brainpower.

To get the most out of these brain boosting activities, mix them up and do a variety of them at different times. Just choosing one wont boost your brainpower, however, combining and alternating them will give your brain the added boost you need now and in the long run.

Jonathan Meyer and his study team took data from the Clinical Antipsychotic Trials of Intervention Effectiveness (CATIE) and used it to evaluate the effect of antipsychotic drugs on systemic inflammation. Every drug tested, particularly Zyprexa and Seroquel, markedly increased inflammation levels which are implicated in causing all sorts of other disorders.

Elevated levels of C-reactive proteins in particular were noted as a common side effect of taking antipsychotic drugs. High levels of these proteins are implicated in bringing about illnesses like heart disease and stroke.

Cardiovascular problems have long plagued the mentally ill. There is a much higher death rate from cardiovascular disease among the mentally ill population than there is among the general population. With current research indicating that serious inflammation also occurs from the same drugs, all indications seem to point directly to antipsychotic drugs as the culprit in unleashing a myriad of health problems.

Study doctors believe that the findings will encourage medical professionals to more closely examine the effects of these drugs in their patients. They also hope that as new information comes to light about the consequences of commonly-prescribed medications such as antipsychotic drugs, doctors will be more cautious in evaluating when and if to prescribe them.

Comments by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger
According to the pharmaceutical companies, there’s no need to be concerned about the side effects caused by psychiatric drugs. Why? Because they have other drugs to treat all those side effects, too!

In fact, there’s nothing wrong with one drug that can’t be treated with another drug.

Seriously: This is the mindset of modern medicine: Pump people full of drugs, chasing side effects with one chemical after another until people either die or run out of insurance coverage, at which point none of it really matters anymore.

From a Big Pharma marketing perspective, the best thing about pharmaceuticals is precisely the fact that they have side effects that create long-term repeat business. And psychiatric drugs, it
turns out, are particularly good at bringing patients back to the hospital with yet more serious health problems.

by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger
Editor of NaturalNews.com

The elevator was launched in the West long ago, but even now, health conscious people there sometimes use the stairs instead sometimes as an excuse for a small workout. The people in the East however still cling to Western ideals not bothering how they can optimise their health. To be really healthy, one needs to shun false ideals and adopt a lifestyle that can boost one’s health in the long run. For example, people in Pakistan blindly follow the media trends without using their own mind. The media ad campaigns capitalize on people’s imaginations promoting intake of soft drinks with BBQ meals. The viewer sitting in front of television sets does not even bother to seek a second opinion whether it is good for him to have cold drinks with Shish Kebobs for the poor fellow has been brainwashed. No doubt, cold drinks with spicy meals taste great since they provide temporary respite from the chilly flavour yet we ignore the risks to health involved. Research shows that having cold water or drinks during meals slows down the digestion since it is a heat consuming process. Furthermore, the intestines secrete a fluid during digestion, which gets diluted when we drink cold water.

Modern times offer a passive lifestyle. Driving a vehicle is everybody?s dream and nobody thinks of balancing it out with physical workouts. There are very few people who are cautious of maintaining good health that take up brisk walking or jogging to burn body fats and in this way lend some exercise to the heart muscles. Leading sedentary life styles makes us fall victim to heart diseases, diabetes, depressions and what not! Regular workouts lasting even 20-30 minutes, at least three to four times a week can rescue us and make us fit. Normally, executives who have hectic work schedules find themselves working late in the evenings, and then only wish to return home after wrapping their routine duties. Such individuals could buy an affordable treadmill to keep at homes, which they could use in the morning for 15-20 minutes before breakfast. This is also a way to keep your blood pressure under control and to remain active and youthful. Apart from treadmills, many free hand exercises like push-ups and pull-ups could also be undertaken. Many natural activities in your domestic settings can also contribute to your health. For instance, instead of always relying on your gardener, you can give him a leave once a week and pull the lawn mower for trimming your lawn or cutting the hedges in your garden with scissors yourself even if it requires sweating.

Our thought patterns play a very significant role in determining our health. Many of us lack a greater purpose in life. Our goals just revolve around getting university degrees, getting an executive job and progress even at the cost of the right of our colleagues, having a car after just one year of job experience, wanting to be socially accepted in even those circles where we do not belong, getting married, looking after our children and then preparing ourselves for the retirement phase in terms of financial security. These targets are somewhat necessary to nurture but depending on our resources, our Creator demands something more from us. We have to reach out to those who are in distress, be they in our neighbourhood or wherever we spend most of our time. The feeling that you are doing something for others not just as a charity measure but as goodwill gesture raises your spirits and strengthens your mind over the years. Goodwill acts may involve contributing to the plight of the people in your area, giving free tuitions to youth imparting them with your wisdom and experience, and carrying out small steps that might be seemingly mundane like helping out around your own house instead of leaving everything to the servants.

Cable TV viewing has now taken a large share of our time in the evenings. The favourite pastime for many is channel surfing where they keep switching between 60-7- channels. The term “couch potato” was never so relevant as today. Obesity is the hallmark of the second millennium and more so because of our food consuming habits. Many people here prefer eating out in restaurants and consume snacks or processed foods preferring them to fresh vegetables and fruits that guard your body against illnesses. Drink consuming habit need to be monitored also. Green tea intake two to three times a day is very beneficial to tone up your body and helps in fighting scores of illnesses including cancer, while imparting vitality to your moods. In addition to that, 10-12 glasses of water-intake daily is much necessary as it flushes your inner system, energizes you up and keeps your skin youthful.

We are a poor country, yet we aspire for the lifestyles of the inhabitants of the first world as conveyed through their media messages that have grown deep in our mindsets. The thing to be wary here is that many Westerners are simple folk who shun the media trends and adopt healthy outlooks with focus on natural foods. Good health is above all, and there should be no compromise on it.

If you have mild thalassemia, you may not need treatment. But, if you have a more severe form of thalassemia, you may need regular blood transfusions. You can also take steps on your own, such as eating a good diet, to help boost your energy.

Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of thalassemia include:

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Pale appearance
• Irritability
• Yellow discoloration of skin (jaundice)
• Facial bone deformities
• Slow growth
• Protruding abdomen
• Dark urine

The signs and symptoms you experience depend on your type and severity of thalassemia. Some babies show signs and symptoms of thalassemia at birth, while others may develop signs or symptoms later, during the first two years of life. Some people who have only one affected hemoglobin gene don’t experience any thalassemia symptoms.

When to see a doctor
Make an appointment with your child’s doctor for an evaluation if he or she has any of the following signs or symptoms of thalassemia:

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Pale appearance
• Irritability
• Yellow discoloration of skin (jaundice)
• Facial bone deformities
• Slow growth
• Protruding abdomen
• Dark urine

Causes
The cause of thalassemia is defects in the genes that make hemoglobin. The only way to get thalassemia is to inherit one or more defective hemoglobin genes from your parents.

Hemoglobin is a red, iron-rich protein found in red blood cells. Hemoglobin enables red blood cells to carry oxygen from your lungs to all parts of your body and to carry carbon dioxide from other parts of your body to your lungs so that it can be exhaled. Most blood cells, including red blood cells, are produced regularly in your bone marrow – a red, spongy material found within the cavities of many of your large bones.

Thalassemia disrupts the normal production of hemoglobin and leads to a low level of hemoglobin and a high rate of red blood cell destruction, causing anemia. When you’re anemic, your blood doesn’t have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to your tissues – leaving you fatigued.

There are two major types of thalassemia: alpha and beta, named for the two protein chains that make up normal hemoglobin. The type of thalassemia you have depends on the type of defective gene you inherit.

Alpha-thalassemia
Four genes are involved in making the alpha hemoglobin chain. You get two from each of your parents. If one or more of the alpha hemoglobin genes are defective, you develop alpha-thalassemia.

The more defective genes you have, the more severe your alpha-thalassemia:

One gene. If only one of your alpha hemoglobin genes is defective, you’ll have no signs or symptoms of thalassemia. But, you’re a carrier of the disease and can pass it on to your children.

Two genes. If you have two defective alpha hemoglobin genes, thalassemia signs and symptoms are mild. This condition may be called alpha-thalassemia minor, or you may be told you have an alpha-thalassemia trait.

Three genes. If three of your alpha hemoglobin genes are defective, your signs and symptoms will be moderate to severe. This condition is also called hemoglobin H disease.

Four genes. When all four alpha hemoglobin genes are defective, the condition is called alpha-thalassemia major or hydrops fetalis. It usually causes a fetus to die before delivery or shortly after birth.

Beta-thalassemia
Two genes are involved in making the beta hemoglobin chain. You get one from each of your parents. If one or both of the beta hemoglobin genes are defective, you develop beta-thalassemia.

One gene. If one of your beta hemoglobin genes is defective, you have mild signs and symptoms. This condition is called beta-thalassemia minor or referred to as a beta-thalassemia trait.

Two genes. If both of your beta hemoglobin genes are defective, your signs and symptoms will be moderate to severe. This condition is called beta-thalassemia major or Cooley’s anemia. Babies born with two defective beta hemoglobin genes usually are healthy at birth, but develop signs and symptoms within the first two years of life.

Risk factors
Factors that increase your risk of thalassemia include:

Family history. Thalassemia is passed from parents to children through defective hemoglobin genes.

Ancestry. Thalassemia occurs most often in people of Italian, Greek, Middle Eastern, southern Asian and African ancestry. Alpha-thalassemia affects mainly people of Southeast Asian, Chinese and Filipino descent.

Complications
Possible complications of thalassemia include:

Iron overload. People with thalassemia can get too much iron in their bodies, either from the disease itself or from frequent blood transfusions. Too much iron can result in damage to your heart, liver and endocrine system, which includes glands that produce hormones that regulate processes throughout your body.

Infection. Thalassemia increases your risk of developing a blood-borne infection related to blood transfusions, such as hepatitis, which is a virus that can damage your liver.

In cases of severe thalassemia, the following complications can occur:

Bone deformities. Thalassemia can make your bone marrow expand, which causes your bones to widen. This can result in abnormal bone structure, especially in your face and skull. Bone marrow expansion also makes bones thin and brittle, increasing the chance of broken bones, particularly in your spine. Spine factures can result in compression of your spinal cord.

Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly). The spleen helps your body fight infection and filter unwanted material, such as old or damaged blood cells. Thalassemia often destroys a large number of red blood cells, making your spleen work harder than normal, causing it to enlarge. Splenomegaly can make anemia worse, and it can reduce the life of transfused red blood cells. If your spleen grows too big, it may need to be removed.

Slowed growth rates. Anemia can cause a child’s growth to slow. Children with severe thalassemia rarely reach a normal adult height. Due to endocrine problems, puberty also may be delayed in these children.

Heart problems. Heart problems, such as congestive heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), may be associated with severe thalassemia.
Preparing for your appointment
People with moderate to severe forms of thalassemia are usually diagnosed within the first two years of life. If you’ve noticed some of the signs and symptoms of thalassemia in your infant or child, see your family doctor or pediatrician. You may then be referred to a doctor who specializes in blood disorders (hematologist).

Because appointments can be brief, and there’s often a lot of ground to cover, it’s a good idea to be well prepared for your appointment. Here’s some information to help you get ready for your appointment, and what to expect from your doctor.

What you can do
Write down any symptoms you or your child are experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.

Write down key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes. Ask family members if anyone on either side of the family has ever had thalassemia, and let your doctor know if they have.

Bring a list of all medications, vitamins and supplements that you’re taking.
Write down questions to ask your doctor.

Your time with your doctor may be limited, so preparing a list of questions can help you make the most of your time together. List your questions from most important to least important in case time runs out. For thalassemia, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

• What’s the most likely cause of my or my child’s symptoms?
• Are there other possible causes?
• What kinds of tests are needed?
• What treatments are available?
• What treatments do you recommend?
• What are the most common side effects from each treatment?
• I (or my child) have these other health conditions. How can they best be managed together?
• Are there any dietary restrictions to follow? Do I (or my child) need to take any nutritional supplements?
• Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can take home? What Web sites do you recommend visiting?

In addition to the questions that you’ve prepared to ask your doctor, don’t hesitate to ask questions during your appointment any time you don’t understand something.

What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. Being ready to answer them may reserve time to go over any points you want to spend more time on. Your doctor may ask:

• Do you know if anyone in your family has thalassemia?
• In what part of the world did your family originate?
• When did you first begin experiencing symptoms?
• Have your symptoms been continuous, or occasional?
• How severe are your symptoms?
• Does anything seem to improve your symptoms?
• What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?

Tests and diagnosis
Most children with moderate to severe thalassemia show signs and symptoms within their first two years of life. If your doctor suspects your child has thalassemia, he or she may confirm a diagnosis using blood tests.

If your child has thalassemia, blood tests may reveal:

• A low level of red blood cells
• Smaller than expected red blood cells
• Pale red blood cells
• Red blood cells that are varied in size and shape
• Red blood cells with an uneven hemoglobin distribution, which gives the cells a bull’s-eye appearance under the microscope

Blood tests may also be used to:

• Measure the amount of iron in your child’s blood
• Evaluate his or her hemoglobin
• Perform DNA analysis to diagnose thalassemia or to determine if a person is carrying defective hemoglobin genes

Prenatal testing
Testing can be done before a baby is born to find out if he or she has thalassemia and determine how severe it may be. Tests used to diagnose thalassemia in unborn babies include:

Chorionic villus sampling. This test is usually done around the 11th week of pregnancy and involves removing a tiny piece of the placenta for evaluation.

Amniocentesis. This test is usually done around the 16th week of pregnancy and involves taking a sample of the fluid that surrounds the baby.

Fetal blood sampling. This test can be performed after 18 weeks of gestation and involves taking blood from the fetus or the blood vessels in the umbilical cord using an ultrasound-guided needle.

Assisted reproductive technology
A form of assisted reproductive technology that combines pre-implantation genetic diagnosis with in vitro fertilization may help parents who have thalassemia or who are carriers of a defective hemoglobin gene give birth to healthy babies. The procedure involves retrieving mature eggs from a woman and fertilizing them with a man’s sperm in a dish in a laboratory. The embryos are tested for the defective genes and only those without genetic defects are implanted in the woman.

Treatments and drugs
Treatment for thalassemia depends on which type you have and how severe it is.

Treatments for mild thalassemia
Signs and symptoms are usually mild with thalassemia minor and little, if any, treatment is needed. Occasionally, you may need a blood transfusion, particularly after surgery, after having a baby or if you develop an infection.

Treatment for moderate to severe thalassemia
These more severe forms of thalassemia often require frequent blood transfusions, possibly eight or more each year. Over time, blood transfusions cause a buildup of iron in your blood, which can damage your heart, liver and other organs. To help your body get rid of the extra iron, you may need to take medications known as “iron chelators.” These medications may be given as a pill or as an infusion under your skin (subcutaneous).

In some cases, a bone marrow transplant or a stem cell transplant may be used to treat severe thalassemia. However, because these procedures have serious risks, including death, they’re generally reserved for people with the most severe disease who have a well-matched sibling donor available.

Lifestyle and home remedies
If you have thalassemia, be sure to:

Avoid excess iron. Unless your doctor recommends it, don’t take vitamins or other supplements that contain iron.

Eat a healthy diet. Eating a balanced diet that contains plenty of nutritious foods can help you feel better and boost your energy. Your doctor may also recommend you take a folic acid supplement to help your body make new red blood cells. Also, to keep your bones healthy, make sure your diet contains adequate calcium, zinc and vitamin D. Ask your doctor what the right amounts are for you, and whether you need to take a supplement.
Drinking tea may help keep your iron levels down because a substance in tea – tannins – prevents iron from being absorbed in the gut. However, tea can’t replace chelating medications if you receive blood transfusions.

Avoid infections. Protect yourself from infections with frequent hand washing and by avoiding sick people. This is especially important if you’ve had to have your spleen removed. You’ll also need an annual flu shot, as well as the meningitis, pneumococcal and hepatitis B vaccines to prevent infections. If you develop a fever or other signs and symptoms of an infection, see your doctor for treatment.

Coping and support
Coping with thalassemia can be challenging. But, you don’t have to do it alone. If you have questions or would like guidance, talk with a member of your health care team. You may also benefit from joining a support group. Such a group can provide both sympathetic listening and useful information. To find out about support groups in your area that deal with thalassemia, ask your doctor or contact the Cooley’s Anemia Foundation at 800-522-7222.

Prevention
In most cases, thalassemia cannot be prevented. If you have thalassemia, or if you carry a thalassemia gene, consider talking with a genetic counselor for guidance before you have or father a child.

Natural Treatment For Thalassemia
Home Remedies for Thalassemia:

One should consume diet rich in iron contents as green leafy vegetables and fruits that are a rich source of iron to an individual. A very beneficial home remedy in Thalassemia.

Also various fruit and vegetables should be consumed that are a rich source of folic acid since this further helps to promote the formation of the blood cells in the body.

One should consume eggs, fish and meats as these are a very rich sources of iron in the diet.

One should also consume milk regularly at least twice a day.

Also one should avoid junk foods as much as possible.

While consuming milk another very beneficial measure is that one can add honey around one or two teaspoonful in the milk. A very beneficial home remedy in Thalassemia.

One can also consume extra vitamins, and minerals that are supplemented for extra care.

One must perform various yogic asanas and most important of these is the Sun Salutation or the Surya Namaskara as this asana comprises of various poses in yoga that are performed one after the other. It not only just benefits in Thalassemia particularly but this also helps out the individual to have a complete healthy mind and body. A very beneficial home remedy in Thalassemia.

One must also add ginger in diet so as to help increase the appetite. This helps in consuming the required food. A very beneficial home remedy in Thalassemia.

One must also consume lemonade as it helps in the regulation of the various mechanisms in the body to regulate the production of blood cells. A very beneficial home remedy in Thalassemia.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.
The service is provided as general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor.

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2. Corn-Fed Beef
The expert: Joel Salatin, co-owner of Polyface Farms and author of books on sustainable farming

Cattle were designed to eat grass, not grains. But farmers today feed their animals corn and soybeans, which fatten up the animals faster for slaughter. A recent comprehensive study found that compared with corn-fed beef, grass-fed beef is higher in beta-carotene, vitamin E, omega-3s, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

3. Microwave Popcorn
The expert: Olga Naidenko, PhD, a senior scientist for the Environmental Working Group

Chemicals, including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), in the lining of the bag, are part of a class of compounds that may be linked to infertility in humans. In animal testing, the chemicals cause liver, testicular, and pancreatic cancer. Studies show that microwaving causes the chemicals to vaporize — and migrate into your popcorn.

4. Nonorganic Potatoes
The expert: Jeffrey Moyer, chair of the National Organic Standards Board

Root vegetables absorb herbicides, pesticides, and fungicides that wind up in soil. In the case of potatoes they’re treated with fungicides during the growing season, then sprayed with herbicides to kill off the fibrous vines before harvesting. After they’re dug up, the potatoes are treated yet again to prevent them from sprouting.

5. Farmed Salmon
The expert: David Carpenter, MD, director of the Institute for Health and the Environment at the University at Albany

Nature didn’t intend for salmon to be crammed into pens and fed soy, poultry litter, and hydrolyzed chicken feathers. As a result, farmed salmon is lower in vitamin D and higher in contaminants, including carcinogens, PCBs, brominated flame retardants, and pesticides such as dioxin and DDT.

6. Milk Produced with Artificial Hormones
The expert: Rick North, project director of the Campaign for Safe Food at the Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility

Milk producers treat their dairy cattle with recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH or rBST, as it is also known) to boost milk production. But rBGH also increases udder infections and even pus in the milk. It also leads to higher levels of a hormone called insulin-like growth factor in milk. In people, high levels of IGF-1 may contribute to breast, prostate, and colon cancers.

7. Conventional Apples
The expert: Mark Kastel, codirector of the Cornucopia Institute

If fall fruits held a “most doused in pesticides contest,” apples would win. And increasing numbers of studies are starting to link a higher body burden of pesticides with Parkinson’s disease.

Source: http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/health/the-7-foods-experts-wont-eat-547963/