Changes to prevent acid reflux not hard to swallow

SMOKING cigarettes, eating fatty foods, or downing caffeinated drinks can all contribute to a health problem shared by more than 15 million Americans: gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Commonly known as acid reflux, GERD is a condition in which stomach acids back up into the esophagus, causing a warm or burning sensation in the lower chest and upper stomach.

While that sensation of heat in the chest may be dismissed as simple heartburn, it can actually signal more serious problems. If left untreated, the constant backup of stomach acid can damage the lining of the esophagus, causing bleeding, ulcers and, possibly esophageal cancer.

Anyone experiencing heartburn twice a week or more may have GERD. But while heartburn is the most common symptom, it is not the only one; some people may have GERD without any heartburn at all. A chronic dry cough, laryngitis, asthma, nausea, belching or difficulty with swallowing can also indicate the presence of GERD.

Infants with this condition may spit up or arch their backs in pain more frequently than babies without it. Most infants outgrow these problems in the first year, but if GERD persists, it can cause repeated vomiting, coughing or respiratory problems, and older children may complain of abdominal or chest pain.

Weak muscle vs. strong acid

GERD can develop when a muscle ring at the end of the esophagus — the lower esophageal sphincter — becomes weak. This muscle is designed to
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act as a one-way valve that allows food to flow through the esophagus into the stomach. If this sphincter muscle contracts or relaxes improperly, then the strong acids from digested food in the stomach can push past it and move back up toward the esophagus and chest, causing heartburn and other problems associated with GERD.

Weakness in the muscle is also viewed as one cause of the acid reflux experienced by about 75 percent of pregnant women. When a woman is carrying a full-term baby, the uterus pushes against the stomach and chest and that puts more pressure on the esophageal sphincter so it cannot function properly.

Hiatal hernias, in which the upper portion of the stomach protrudes into the chest cavity, can also interfere with the ability of the muscle to prevent acid reflux. A hernia can displace the muscle from its proper position and the hernia sac can also trap stomach acids too close to the esophagus. While a majority of patients with GERD have hiatal hernias, not all do; and not every person with a hiatal hernia has GERD.

Change habits, not prescriptions

Over-the-counter and prescription medications can often relieve symptoms of GERD. Antacids, such as Tums or Rolaids, work quickly but provide relief for only 30 to 40 minutes. Taking too many antacid tablets can cause diarrhea because they contain magnesia; and, while post-menopausal women may take Tums for calcium, they should not ingest more than three tablets per day.

Histamine or H2 blockers such as Zantec, Pepcid and Tagamet can relieve GERD, as can proton pump inhibitors such as Prilosec, Nexium, Prevacid, Protonix and Acifex. In cases of severe acid reflux, patients may be given a short-term prescription for a medication called Reglan. Surgery may be advised for a small minority of patients.

But by far, the most common and effective treatment plan requires patients to make these lifestyles changes to minimize the impact of acid reflux on their health:

-Quit smoking, because smoking substantially reduces the clearance of acid from the esophagus, and this effect can last for up to six hours after the last cigarette.

-Avoid chocolate, peppermint and alcohol as well as fatty foods. Also stay away from spicy or acid-containing foods such as citrus juices, carbonated beverages and tomato juice.

-Limit the intake of coffee, black tea, sodas or other caffeinated beverages; drink them with meals since food neutralizes acid, or switch to decaffeinated products.

-Try chewing gum after meals — it stimulates the production of saliva and increases the rate of swallowing, which can neutralize acid in the esophagus.

Source:www.insidebayarea.com

When in Tenerife, do as the Finns do

This paper has been kind enough to allow me to write this feature about our sauna company – “Pasidee S.L”. My name is Dee and my husband Pasi and I started up this business when we realised how difficult it was to get authentic Finnish saunas on the Island. Pasi is from Finland and he and his family have been working with saunas for the past 40 years, the last three generations, so it only made sense that we should give our expert advice and knowledge to others. We work alongside “Harvia” who is The World’s leading sauna manufacturer, all the wood that is used is slowly grown from Northern countries for its durability and we only supply the best Harvia products and accessories.

Some people still have the perception that a sauna is a dark sweat box to feel claustrophobic and hot, but anybody who has had the pleasure of using one of our designs would say that it was a pleasurable and relaxing experience, providing a great sense of well being. Not only an enjoyable environment to help relax and unwind from the day’s stresses and strains, there are also many professed health benefits from saunas, here are just a few:
· Your heart rate increases between 50-70% during a 10-20 minute sauna session, the increased cardiac load is the equivalent to a brisk walk, this causes a nominal effect in blood pressure because the heat also causes blood vessels in the skin to expand to accommodate increased blood flow.
· Such increased blood flow brings important nutrients to the surface tissue promoting cellular activity and growth, resulting in healthy, glowing skin.
· Skin is the largest organ of the body and saunas induce sweating to provide a comprehensive cleansing of the skin and sweat glands.
· Such profuse sweating enhances detoxifying capacity of the skin, by opening the pores and flushing impurities from the body.
· Research has shown that sweat is much more effective than water in emulsifying fat, which results in removing the bacteria and allowing essential fluids to be moved to the skins surface, showing a continued wrinkle free complexion.
· When taking a sauna, skin temperature rises to 40’C (104’F) and internal body temperature rises to 38’C (100.4’F) such heat creates an artificial fever state, which stimulates the immune system in increased production of disease fighting white blood cells and antibodies, which is all part of the bodies natural healing process. Also excellent treatment for keeping tension headaches and migraines at bay.
· Steam inhalation is an excellent treatment for many respiratory problems, such as chest congestion, bronchitis, laryngitis and sinusitis. The moist air loosens secretions and relieves inflammation.
· Saunas are often used alongside a massage, to loosen fatty tissue and assist in the battle against cellulite or to revive tired and strained muscles after physical exertion.
· A sauna relaxes the body and soothes your inner self whilst unlocking tension. Limbs feel supple, muscles at ease and the whole mind and body light.
All our saunas are custom designed to suit specific requirements, virtually any size, no matter how small can be built, for indoor or outdoor and as basic or exclusive as required. Personalised with windows, doors, colour lights and speakers to suit the mood. Either a traditional wood burning or a more economical electric stove, however, the Finns aren’t overly keen (although we would supply) on the infrared cabins, these nowhere near could ever compare to the feeling of the exuberance when the water is thrown on the hot stones and the steam, which can be fragranced or herbal, encompasses the air. We are quite relieved that we are yet to sell an infrared and when people enquire about them it’s only because they are uneducated on the alternatives.

Source:www.tenerifenews.com

Horses aid therapists in treating patients

I just heard about a program that uses horses to help handicapped kids. What can you tell me about this type of therapy?

You're referring to "hippotherapy," a term that means treatment with the help of a horse. It is designed for people who have problems with balance, posture, mobility and even psychological, behavioral and communication functions because of such disorders as cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, stroke, autism, Alzheimer's disease and even learning disabilities and language problems.

Hippotherapy is not merely recreation for the handicapped. It has specific therapeutic goals. Treatment takes advantage of a horse's natural rhythmic and repetitive movements to help improve patients' muscle tone, balance, posture, coordination, strength, flexibility and cognitive skills. In addition, the horse's movements can improve responses that patients need for walking.

Physical and occupational health therapists who have special training also offer hippotherapy to their patients, and mental health professionals and their patients may work with certified riding instructors in equine facilitated psychotherapy. Here, the goal is to provide experiences that promote self-esteem, awareness of others and better trust and social skills.

Although this form of therapy appears to be growing, I could find only 26 medical studies on the subject, suggesting that we have a lot to discover about its specific effects.

To learn more about it, I suggest visiting the Delta Society's Web site at deltasociety.org. You'll also find useful information there about animal-assisted therapy in general, a trend that appears to be accelerating.

What causes laryngitis? For the past week, my voice has been so weak that I can barely be heard. I haven't had a cold recently.

Laryngitis is an inflammation of the vocal cords, usually because of an infection, fatigue or irritation.

A cold or sore throat can lead to laryngitis. So can overuse of your voice. This is most common among singers and others who have to use their voices constantly - politicians, for example.

Drinking alcohol and smoking also can irritate the vocal cords and larynx. If so, laryngitis may be your body's way of telling you to cut back on drinking and to stop smoking. Another common cause is gastroesophageal reflux disease, in which stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. Sometimes, acid can get into the back of the throat and irritate or even damage the surface tissue of the vocal cords.

(Hoarseness or even voice loss can be a symptom of an underactive thyroid. Blood tests can begin to determine whether your thyroid is to blame. A rare cause of persistent hoarseness is laryngeal cancer.)

The most important thing you can do when you have laryngitis is rest your voice. Inhaling steam can help, as can sucking on lozenges to soothe your throat.

Drink plenty of fluids but avoid alcohol and caffeine, which are irritating. Try not to clear your throat - it can increase the swelling of the vocal cords.

If you have chronic hoarseness that you can't attribute to any of the common causes mentioned above, see your physician to get a proper diagnosis.

Source:www.rockymountainnews.com

Flu Bug to Bite Southern Illinois

Doctors are anticipating the virus will be here in full force in the next couple of weeks.

According to the latest map from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are local outbreaks of the flu in Illinois.

Family physician Kurt Martin practices at the Center for Medical Arts in Carbondale.

On News Three This Morning Friday, he talked about the potential spread in our area.

"We have seen some flu in St. Louis. We've seen some at the Center for Medical Arts. I've tested a couple of dozen people. Haven't seen it yet, but I'm pretty certain it will be here in the next couple of weeks."

Doctor Martin says in addition to the flu threat right now there is a nasty virus going around. People are experiencing fever, sore throat, and pink eye with it.

"Take some non steroidal anti inflammatories, ibuprofen. Aleeve. Get plenty of fluids, take some Mucinex. If it persists, gets worse, hard to breath, fever for three days, go get it checked out."

As for the flu, doctor Martin says the onset is sudden and most people know they've got it right away.

Things to look out for include a fever of 103 degrees or higher and--

"Your muscles hurt all over. It feels like someone beat you. A dry cough, sore throat. Flu does not cause runny nose. Flu does not cause laryngitis. If you have these symptoms you probably don't have influenza."

Doctor Martin suggests good personal hygiene and covering your mouth when you cough to prevent the spread of germs.

He also says it's not too late to get vaccinated against influenza.

"It takes three or four weeks before you're going to get the maximum benefit from the vaccine, but if we do get a flu outbreak in two weeks, it won't protect you now. But flu epidemics aren't one day. They're an event that usually take several weeks to unfold."

Doctor Martin says the virus going around has been turning into pneumonia in some patients.

He also suggests drinking plenty of fluids, getting lots of rest, and eating right in order to stay healthy.

Source:www.wsiltv.com