DISORDER TWICE AS LIKELY TO HAVE TOXOPLASMOSIS

Irregular dangerous issue (IED) has been characterized as "intermittent, indiscreet, tricky upheavals of verbal or physical hostility that are unbalanced to the circumstances that trigger them."

Up to 16 million Americans are thought to have IED, more than the aggregate number for bipolar issue and schizophrenia consolidated.

Toxoplasmosis is a typical and for the most part safe parasitic disease that is gone on through the excrement of tainted felines, defiled water or undercooked meat.

It influences around 30% of all people yet is typically latent1.

Research has uncovered that the parasite is found in mind tissue, and it has been connected to various psychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar confusion and self-destructive conduct.

Scientists from the University of Chicago, drove by Dr. Emil Coccaro, have been searching for more successful approaches to analyze and treat IED and indiscreet hostility.

22% of subjects with IED tried positive for the parasite

In the present study, the creators assessed 358 grown-up Americans for IED, identity issue, sorrow and other psychiatric issue and gave them scores for characteristics, for example, displeasure, hostility and impulsivity. They likewise screened for toxoplasmosis utilizing blood tests.

Quick certainties about toxoplasmosis

Around 60 million Americans are thought to have toxoplasmosis

On the off chance that a lady gets it just before or amid pregnancy, it can be risky for the infant

For those with a debilitated safe framework, there are medicines to treat it.

They then characterized the members into three gatherings: roughly 33% had IED, 33% were sound controls with no psychiatric history, and 33% had gotten a finding for a psychiatric issue yet not IED.

The reason for the last gathering was to empower the group to recognize IED from other psychiatric variables.

Sources :

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HEADACHE

Headache is one of the most common human illness. A headache is a pain anywhere in the region of the head or neck. It can be a symptom of a number of different conditions of the head and neck. The pain is caused by disturbance of the pain-sensitive structures around the brain. There are a number of different types of headaches.

Types of Headache

Common Headache: A variety of causes can lead to headache, like fever, injury, anxiety, long hours at work, lack of sleep, common cold and so on. Headache in such cases can vary in severity from a mild discomfort to a pain which makes you unable to work. It occurs for a limited duration with no side effects and is usually relieved with common medications like Aspirin (Disprin), Paracetamol (Calpol).

Migraine: The main characteristics of a migraine headache are that it occurs in children and young to middle-aged adults. It is a dull ache; causing nausea or vomiting; occurs usually on one side of the head and lasts for 1-2 hrs. It is usually relieved with sleep, a dark room, and relaxation.

Tension headache: It usually affects both side of the head, or the neck. It persists continuously throughout the day and night without any relief in between. It may occur under conditions of emotional crises or intense worry.

Symptoms of headache

• Headache can be mild, moderate or severe pain that affects the whole head, a part of the head, forehead or the eyes
• Nausea
• Difficulty in sleeping
• Loss of appetite
• Feeling of uneasiness

Causes Of Headache

• Sinusitis
• Hypertension
• Constipation
• Over work
• Mental stress
• Indigestion
• Acidity
• Sleeplessness
• Fever
• Excessive consumption of tea, coffee, aspirin or nicotine is also known to contribute to headache
• Nervous weakness
• Anemia
• Deficiency of oxygen in the blood
• Reading with insufficient light

Remedies for Headache

• Take clove, cinnamon and almond in equal quantities and grind together with a little water to make a paste. Apply paste on the forehead.
• Mix a quarter teaspoon of clove powder in one teaspoon of cinnamon oil. Apply mixture to the location of pain.
• Take a few drops of ghee on your palm. Mix 3 or 4 pieces of saffron in it, and rub it for two minutes. The saffron does not dissolve in the ghee, but its qualities are absorbed. Remove saffron and put two drops of this ghee in each nostril.
• Mix 1 tablespoon of milk and half teaspoon of ginger powder and put drops in each nostril.
• Wrap a wet cloth around the neck.
• Oil massage on the scalp also relieves tension and headache. Sesame oil, almond oil, mustard oil can be used for massage.

ACNE

Acne, also called acne vulgaris appear on the skin in various forms such as:

• congested pores or comedones
• whiteheads,
• blackheads,
• pimples ,
• pustules,
• Cysts, deep pimples, boils

Acne occurs when oil glands come to life around puberty, stimulated by male hormones from the adrenal glands of both boys and girls. Sebum (oil) is a natural substance which lubricates and protects the skin, and under certain circumstances, cells that are close to the surface block the openings of sebaceous glands and cause a buildup of oil underneath. This oil stimulates bacteria to multiply and cause surrounding tissues to become inflamed. This inflammation produces a pustule or a pimple, a cyst, a whitehead, or a blackhead.

The best treatment to cure acne on your own is to unclog pores, kill bacteria, and minimize oil.

Washing once or twice a day with a mild cleansing bar or liquid keeps the skin clean and minimize sensitivity and irritation. A variety of mild scrubs and masques can also be used. These contain either fine granules or salicylic acid that remove the outer layer of the skin and thus open pores. Retinol also pomotes skin peeling. To kill the bacteria antibacterial cleansers and topical applications in the form of gels, creams, and lotions, are applied to the affected skin area. The active ingredients that kill bacteria include benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, and resorcinol.

And finally you cannot stop your oil glands from producing oil. You can only get rid of oil on the surface of the skin by using a gentle astringent or toner to wipe away oil. Products containing glycolic acid or one of the other alpha hydroxy acids are also mildly helpful in clearing the skin by causing the superficial layer of the skin to peel. Masques containing sulfur and other ingredients draw out facial oil.

Different types of Acne Vulgaris

A: Cystic acne on the face,
B: Subsiding tropical acne of trunk,
C: Extensive acne on chest and shoulders.

Acne Scars

Acne often leaves small scars where the skin gets a volcanic shape. Physical acne scars are often referred to as “Icepick" scars. These are deep pits that are the most common and a classic sign of acne scarring. Box car scars are angular scars that usually occur on the temple and cheeks. Rolling scars are scars that give the skin a wave-like appearance. Hypertrophic scars are thickened, or keloid scars.

Basic Skin Regimen

1. Cleanse twice daily with a 5% benzoyl peroxide wash. An alternative for those who are allergic to benzoyl peroxide is 2% salicylic acid.
2. Apply a gel or cream containing 5% benzoyl peroxide.
3. At night, apply a cream containing sulfur to the affected skin areas.
4. Use a light skin moisturizer and oil-free makeup.

COMMON ILLNESS

There are certain types of common illness that usually occurs even if we are healthy. There are certain internal and external factors that contribute to the various types of common illness. Common illness can be caused in children, men or women of any age. Timely treatment of these common illnesses is essential for a healthy living.

 

The most common illness includes

• Acne
• Headache
• Backache
• Snoring
• ENT
• Epistaxis
• Sinusitis
• Hypertension or high blood pressure
• Sinusitis or sinus infection
• Degenerative Joint Disease such as arthritis
• Asthma
• Otitis or ear infection

External Causes of Common Illness

• Wind
• Cold
• Heat
• Dryness
• Dampness and Summer heat.

Internal Causes of Common Illness

• Anger
• Joy
• Worry
• Pensiveness
• Sadness
• Fear and Shock

VITAMINS

Vitamins are natural substances found in plants and animals and are considered essential nutrients for human beings. The name vitamin is obtained from "vital amines" as these substances were all amines. The body needs vitamins to stay healthy. Vitamins do not provide energy directly, but they help regulate energy-producing processes. There are 13 essential vitamins and each one has a special role to play within the body, helping to regulate the processes such as cell growth and repair, reproduction and digestion.

Types of Vitamins

Vitamins can be broadly classified into two main categories i.e. water-soluble vitamins and fat-soluble vitamins.

Water-soluble vitamins

Water-soluble vitamins cannot be stored in the body. You need to get them from food every day. They are destroyed by overcooking. These are easily absorbed by the body. B-complex vitamins and vitamin C are water-soluble vitamins that are not stored in the body and must be replaced each day. These vitamins are easily destroyed or washed out during food storage and preparation.

Nine of the water-soluble vitamins are known as the B-complex group: Thiamin (vitamin B1), Riboflavin (vitamin B2), Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Biotin, Pantothenic acid and Vitamin C.

Fat-soluble vitamins

Fat-soluble vitamins include vitamins A, D, E and K. They are soluble in fat and are absorbed by the body from the intestinal tract. The human body has to use bile acids to absorb fat-soluble vitamins. Once these vitamins are absorbed, the body stores them in body fat. When needed, the body takes them out of storage. Fat soluble vitamins should not be taken in excess as they result in side effects.

Characteristics of the vitamins

• Most of the vitamins are artificially synthesized.
• Some of vitamins are soluble in water and others are fat-soluble.
• Some vitamins are synthesized in the body while some are synthesized by microorganisms in the intestinal tract.
• Vitamins are partly destroyed and are partly excreted.
• Vitamins can be stored in the body to some extent, for example the fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the liver and subcutaneous tissue.

Need of Vitamins

• Vitamin A is a vitamin for growth and body repair. It is very vital in the formation of bone and tissues and also keeps the skin smooth and is a cure for night blindness also.

• Vitamin B1 is an energy building vitamin that helps to digest carbohydrates. It also keeps the heart and muscles stable.

• Vitamin C protects bones, teeth and gums. It is the best medicine for curing scurvy and also resists any infection to grow in the body.

• Vitamin D is very essential for children. Rickets, a disease is actually caused by the deficiency of Vitamin D. Direct sunlight is a natural source of vitamins apart from spinach and vegetables. In adults, Osteoporosis is caused due to lack of Vitamin D.

• Vitamin E is a wound treating vitamin. It is essential to prevent sterility and to break up blood clots.

• Vitamin B6 is essential for production of antibodies.

• Vitamin B12 is required for carbohydrate and fat metabolism for children's growth.

• Vitamin B2 and Folic Acid help in the formation of red blood cells.

AEROBICS

Aerobics is a form of physical exercise that combines rhythmic aerobic exercise with stretching and strength training routines with the goal of improving all elements of fitness. Aerobic exercise is defined as any repetitive physical activity that is done long and hard enough, to enhance circulatory and respiratory efficiency. Aerobic means with oxygen and it requires the lungs and heart to meet the body`s increased oxygen demand.

Ailments, such as hypertension, stroke, heart disease, diabetes and cancers can be prevented by regular aerobic exercise. The other benefits are that it can lower our blood pressure, build stronger bones, improves muscle strength and flexibility. Aerobics also helps us to control depression and body weight thus enabling us to lead a happy and healthy life. Exercises performed depend on an individual’s own potential and capabilities.

Types of Aerobics

The best aerobic exercise for you depends on your level of fitness. There are various types of aerobics such as fitness, water aerobics, step aerobics, swimming, kickboxing, fitness walking, inline skating, bicycling etc.

Low Impact Aerobics: Low impact aerobic exercise comprehends rhythmic movements, with exercising of the large muscle groups. Water Aerobics: Water aerobic exercises are a way to exercise over the hot summers. Water aerobic exercise is good for people ailing from arthritis and other problems.

Step aerobics: Conventional step aerobics are practiced on the floor with a series of dance steps such as the Pony or the Jazz Square.

Dance Aerobics: Aerobic dance integrates exercise and dance movements into routines that are practiced with the music. Many dance ways are used, including ballet, jazz, and disco. Aerobic dance classes integrate fat-burning aerobics with develop of the muscle and stretching exercises.

Sport Aerobics: Sport Aerobics is a hard and competitive sport that has a singular connection of aerobic choreography and gymnastics elements.

Aerobic Exercises

Walking: It is a low impact exercise and can be performed by people of any age group. When you walk you breathe faster. The oxygen which you breathe helps to burn your body fat which is essential for staying in shape. It also increases blood circulation in the body and sends oxygenated blood to different parts of the body.

Jogging \ Running: It is very effective in developing cardiovascular endurance. Its benefit over walking is that it leads to greater calorie loss.

Aerobic Dance: It is a fun way to exercise. It consists of athletic moves and dance steps choreographed around foot-tapping music that keeps your motivation levels high.

Swimming: It is also an effective cardio-exercise. It is a non-weight bearing exercise. It is beneficial for overweight, arthritic and injured people.

Stationary cycling\ Bicycling: It increase muscle endurance and strength, they improve the flexibility of selected muscles of legs and thigh.

Cycling: It increases your body’s immunity and enables you to burn excess fat from your body.

Skipping: Skipping is a high impact exercise. It keeps you light on your toes and it good for timing and coordination and is a very efficient fat burner.

Shadow Boxing: Shadow boxing is an excellent way to burn calories that’s also kind of fun and tones the muscles.

Other types of aerobic exercises include playing tennis, bowling, soccer, cross-country skiing, basketball, hiking, ice-skating, rowing, singles tennis etc.

The important benefits of aerobic exercises are

• Heart operates more efficiently and becomes stronger.
• It helps to control your weight.
• Decreases the risk in developing diabetes, heart diseases and obesity.
• There is an augment in good cholesterol and reduction in bad cholesterol.
• It augments endorphins.
• Helps to reduce and regulate the body fat.
• Increases the body muscle strength and elasticity.
• Increases the quality of sleep.
• Helps to decrease chronic diseases like heart disease and hypertension.
• Aerobics intensify the resistance fatigue and gives you more vigor and energy.
• Recovers your mood and decreases the depression, stress and anxiety.
• Aerobics pushes the blood faster.
• Helps in prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
• Helps to reduce blood pressure.

NUTRITION

Nutrition is the supply of materials i.e. food required by organisms and cells to stay alive. In human medicine, nutrition is the science or practice of consuming and utilizing foods.

Nutrition studies how the body breaks food down (catabolism) and repairs and creates cells and tissue (anabolism) i.e. referred to as metabolism. Nutrition also focuses on how diseases, conditions and problems can be prevented with a healthy diet.

A nutrient is a source of nourishment, an ingredient in a food, e.g. protein, carbohydrate, fat, vitamin, mineral, fiber and water. Macronutrients are nutrients we need in relatively large quantities. Micronutrients are nutrients we need in relatively small quantities. The human body requires seven major types of nutrients:

Carbohydrates - 4 kcal per gram
Molecules consist of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms. Carbohydrates include monosaccharides (glucose, fructose, glactose), sisaccharides, and polysaccharides (starch).

Proteins - 4 kcal per gram
Molecules contain nitrogen, carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Simple proteins, called monomers, are used to create complicated proteins, called polymers, which build and repair tissue. Proteins are the building block your body uses to create new muscles tissues and repair any injured tissues.

Fats - 9 kcal per gram
Molecules consist of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. Fats are triglycerides - three molecules of fatty acid combined with a molecule of the alcohol glycerol. Fats are essential for body to perform many corporal functions.

Fiber
Fiber consists mostly of carbohydrates. Fiber is a crucial part of essential human nutrition.

Water
About 70% of the human body is water. Human body needs between one to seven liters of water per day to avoid dehydration. Water helps in washing out the dangerous toxins that your body takes in, from the air you breathe, the food you eat and the chemicals used in the various products you use on your skin and hair.

Balanced Diet and Health

A balanced diet comprising of healthy foods is a key to promote good health. A nutritious diet while ensuring overall well being, helps to maintain a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI), reduces the risk of several diseases like cancer, cardiovascular ailments, diabetes, osteoporosis and stroke. Thus a nutritious & healthy diet is important for the prevention and cure of various diseases.

It is essential to consume a variety of healthy foods. There are five main food groups:

• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Cereals and Pulses
• Dairy
• Poultry, Fish and Meat products

A healthy balanced diet of these food groups ensures essential vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber. The food group serving size depend on various factors like age, activity level, body size and gender.

HYPERTENSION

Hypertension (HTN) or high blood pressure is a chronic medical condition in which the systemic arterial blood pressure is elevated. It is the opposite of hypotension. Persistent hypertension is one of the risk factors for stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure and arterial aneurysm, and kidney failure.

Hypertension comes associated with high-stress conditions. If it is not controlled effectively, those people who are suffering can experience serious health related problems.

Hypertension is considered an autonomous and a high risk situation for the cardiovascular disease, congestive heart failure and kidney failure. Other factors credited to the hypertension include obesity, genetic vulnerability and high salt intake.

There are two main types of hypertension. If you have hypertension with no easily identifiable cause then it is a primary hypertension, while if you have a specific gene or organ directly responsible for your hypertension then it is a secondary hypertension.

Some of the common symptoms of hypertension include.

• Chronic headache
• Dizziness
• Blurry or double vision
• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Shortness of breath
• Heart palpitations
• Fatigue
• Nosebleeds
• A strong need to urinate
• Tinnitus (a ringing in the ears)

Causes of Hypertension

• Smoking
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Lack of physical activity
• High levels of salt intake
• Insufficient calcium, potassium, and magnesium consumption
• Vitamin D deficiency
• High levels of alcohol consumption
• Stress
• Aging
• Medicines such as birth control pills
• Genetics and a family history of hypertension
• Chronic kidney disease
• Adrenal and thyroid problems or tumors
• Hardened and inelastic blood vessels caused by arteriosclerosis

Home Remedies for Hypertension

• Garlic is regarded as one of the most effective home remedy in lowering the blood pressure.
• Indian gooseberry (amla) is another effective home remedy for high blood pressure.
• In half of the cup of lukewarm water add one teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Drink it when needed.
• Grind equal amounts of watermelon seeds and khas khas and keep together. Take one teaspoonful with an empty stomach and one in the evening with water for lowering blood pressure.
• Squeeze half a lemon in 100 grams of water and drink it every two hours for immediate relief.
• One or two pieces of garlic rolled in raisin also lower blood pressure.
• Take four leaves of Tulsi and two leaves of Neem with 2-4 teaspoonfuls of water, empty stomach for 5-7 days.
• Take fresh papayas daily on an empty stomach for a month regularly.
• Amla taken along with milk daily helps in lowering the blood pressure.
• Walking barefoot on green grass for 15-20 minutes daily also improves blood circulation and helps to maintain the blood pressure at normal.
• Yogic asanas such as suryanamaskar, makarasana, matsyasana, vajrasana, ardhpadmasana, pavanmuktasana, shavasana and simple pranayama like anuloma-viloma and abdominal breathing are beneficial.
• Mix half onion juice and half honey. Take 2 tablespoons twice daily to lower the blood pressure.
• Baked potatoes are best for lowering the blood pressure.

ASTHMA

Asthma is a common chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes that causes swelling and narrowing of the airways which results in difficulty in breathing. Bronchial tubes that are chronically inflamed become overly sensitive to allergens or irritants. The airways become twitchy and remain in a state of heightened sensitivity. This is called “bronchial hyper reactivity" (BHR). Amongst asthmatics, some have mild BHR and no symptoms while others have severe BHR and chronic symptoms. Asthma affects people differently.

Symptoms of Asthma

When the breathing passages become irritated or infected, an attack is triggered. The attack may come on suddenly or develop slowly over several days or hours. The main symptoms of an asthma attack are:

• Wheezing
• Breathlessness
• Chest tightness
• Coughing
• Difficulty in speaking
• Increased nighttime cough
• Tiredness
• Decreases in your peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR)
• Restless sleep or waking up tired
• Rapid heart rate
• Sweating
• Neck muscles may tighten
• Stuffy and blocked nose
• Headache

Causes of Asthma

Asthma has no single cause. It is caused my multiple factors, which can be divided into external and internal factors. Some of the common causes of asthma include:

• Genetic or hereditary
• Mental stress
• Pollens
• Air pollutants
• Smoking and second hand smoking
• Respiratory infections
• Common cold, Sinusitis
• Cold air
• Medications such as Aspirin, NSAID, Beta blockers
• GERD (Gastro esophageal Reflux Disease)
• Exposure to chemicals, dust, industrial waste
• Respiratory irritants such as perfumes or cleaning products
• Emotional excitement or stress

Home Remedies for Asthma

1. Take the juice of one clove of garlic mixed with a tsp of honey twice a day to dilate the contracted bronchial tubes.

2. Take ½ tsp of hing (asafoetida), 50ml of sesame oil and a pinch of camphor and apply on the chest to relieve congestion and uneasiness.

3. Take 1 tsp full each of green ginger juice, betel leaf juice, juice of one clove of garlic thrice a day.

4. Tulsi leaves juice with honey taken 3 times a day is also beneficial.

5. Pipal, amla and sonth taken in equal quantities in the form of churana with honey, mishri and ghee give good results in mild attacks.

6. Gur mixed with equal quantity of mustard oil taken for 21 days gives almost permanent relief from asthma.

Do’s and Don’ts

1. Avoid all Cold items such as Ice cream, yoghurt, butter milk, cold drinks, lemon etc.
2. Avoid Allergy causing factors known.
3. Avoid eggs, guava, and cucumber.
4. Avoid Sleeping during the day.
5. Use garlic, hing, tea, warm water as much possible.
6. Take hot water bath only.
7. Protect the body with warm clothes in cold weather.

DIABETES

Diabetes is a group of metabolic diseases in which a person has high blood sugar, either because the body does not produce enough insulin, or because cells do not respond to the insulin that is produced. The most common symptoms of diabetes are polyuria (frequent urination), polydipsia (increased thirst) and polyphagia (increased hunger).

 

There are three main types of diabetes:

Type 1 diabetes: It results from the body's failure to produce insulin.
Type 2 diabetes: It results from insulin resistance, a condition in which cells fail to use insulin properly or there exists insulin deficiency.
Gestational diabetes: It is when pregnant women have a high blood glucose level during pregnancy.

Symptoms of diabetes

• Frequent urination
• Frequent thirst
• Lack of energy and feeling tired
• Blurred eye vision
• Too much hunger
• Unusual sudden weight loss
• Dry and itchy skin
• Losing sense or tingling in feet

Causes of Diabetes

• Hereditary: It is strongly believed that due to some genes which pass from one generation to another, a person can inherit diabetes. It depends upon closeness of blood relationship as mother is diabetic, the risk is 2 to 3%, father is diabetic, the risk is more.
• Age: Increased age is a factor which gives more possibility of diabetes.
• Poor Diet (Malnutrition): Improper nutrition, low protein and fiber intake, high intake of refined products are also the reasons for developing diabetes.
• Obesity and Fat Distribution: Being overweight leads to increased insulin resistance and thus diabetes.
• Sedentary Lifestyle: People with sedentary lifestyle are more prone to diabetes, when compared to those who exercise thrice a week.
• Stress: Any disturbance in Cortiosteroid or ACTH therapy also lead to clinical signs of the disease.
• Drug Induced: Clozapine (Clozaril), olanzapine (Zyprexa), risperidone (Risperdal), quetiapine (Seroquel) and ziprasidone (Geodon) are known to induce diabetes.
• Infection: Some of the strephylococci also causes infection in pancreas.
• Sex: Diabetes is commonly seen in males but, strongly in women and those females with multiple pregnancy or suffering from (PCOS) Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.
• Hypertension: There is a direct relation between high systolic pressure and diabetes.
• Serum lipids and lipoproteins : High triglyceride and cholesterol level in the blood is also related to high blood sugars.

Diabetes Care Tips

• Eat food at fixed hours and do not overeat.
• Do not eat immediately after a workout.
• Make sure you have three proper meals & light snacks in between.
• Do not eat fast; munch your food well before you swallow.
• Drink a lot of water that will help flush the toxins off your system.
• Avoid fried foods and sweetmeats.
• Include fresh vegetable salad in every meal.
• Include sprouts in the diet.
• Take your medicines at the same times each day.
• Exercise at about the same times each day.
• Avoid smoking as it leads to heart disease and poor circulation.
• Check your feet for cuts, blisters, and swelling.
• Check your blood sugar level regularly.
• Check the other tests such as kidney function, liver function, heart function, ketone level etc.
• Check your weight periodically and maintain ideal body weight.

EYE CARE

Eye Diseases

Some of the common eye problems include Color Blindness, Blepharitis, Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma, Astigmatism, Strabismus, Cataracts, Myopia, Low Vision, Blindness, Presbyopia, and Eye Infection/Conjunctivitis/Pinkeye

 

Color blindness or color vision deficiency is the inability to perceive differences between some of the colors. It usually occurs because of eye, nerve, or brain damage, or exposure to certain chemicals. Color vision deficiencies can be classified as: Monochromacy, also known as total color blindness, is the lack of ability to distinguish colors; caused by cone defect or absence. Dichromacy is a moderately severe color vision defect in which one of the three basic color mechanisms is absent or not functioning. It is hereditary. Anomalous trichromacy is a common type of inherited color vision deficiency, occurring when one of the three cone pigments is altered in its spectral sensitivity.

Blepharitis is a chronic inflammation of the eyelid. Blepharitis may be caused by inflammation, bacteria, allergies, tumors, environmental conditions, or it may be related to systemic disease. Blepharitis usually causes symptoms of eye itching, irritation, burning, and the sensation that something is present in the eye.

Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve. The optic nerve receives light from the retina and transmits impulses to the brain that we perceive as vision. Glaucoma is usually associated with elevated pressure in the eye that leads to damage of the eye nerve. Elevated pressure in the eye is the main factor leading to glaucomatous damage to the eye nerve. There are two main types of glaucoma: Open-angle glaucoma and Closed-angle glaucoma. Open-angle Glaucoma is painless and does not have acute attacks. Closed-angle Glaucoma is characterized by sudden ocular pain, seeing halos around lights, red eye, nausea and vomiting, sudden decreased vision.

Cataracts are changes in clarity of the natural lens inside the eye that degrades visual quality. Cataracts are classified as one of three types. A subcapsular cataract begins at the back of the lens. A nuclear cataract forms in the nucleus, the center of the lens, and is due to natural aging changes. A cortical cataract forms in the lens cortex.

Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva i.e. the membrane that lines the eyelids and covers the exposed surface of the eyeball. It can be caused by allergies, bacteria, viruses, chemicals, or underlying health conditions.Conjunctivitis can be classified as infectious or noninfectious. Infectious conjunctivitis or pinkeye is caused by either a bacteria or a virus. It is very contagious. Noninfectious conjunctivitis is caused by allergies (such as pollen or grass), or chemicals (such as air pollutants, smoke or household cleaners).

Home Remedies for Eye Care/ Eye Care Tips

• Dip cotton in a cup of water overnight. Strain this in the morning and add 1 cup of plain water to this. Splash the eyes with this water.

• Dip cotton wool in rose water with 2-3 drops of Castor oil mixed. Place these soaked cotton on the eyelids for 15-20 minutes.

• Grate 3 pieces of cucumber and squeeze them through a muslin cloth and extract the juice. Dip cotton in this juice for 2 minutes and place on eyelids and darkened areas.

• Take 1 teaspoon of Tomato pulp,1 pinch of Turmeric powder, half teaspoon of lime juice and 1 teaspoon of gram flour. Make a paste of the above ingredients and apply gently on the eye lids and the darkened areas.

• Mix 1 teaspoon of honey with half teaspoon of almond oil. Apply the above mixture gently on the eyes at bedtime. Repeat this for a week.

• Place cotton dipped in chilled milk before boiling on the eye lids while relaxing.

DISEASES

A disease is an abnormal condition affecting the body of a person. It may be caused by external factors, such as infectious disease, or it may be caused by internal dysfunctions, such as autoimmune diseases. It is usually referred to a condition that causes pain, dysfunction, distress, social problems, and/or death to the person. It includes injuries, disabilities, disorders, syndromes, infections.

A localized disease is one that affects only one part of the body, such as a foot or an eye infection. A disseminated disease spreads to other parts. And a systemic disease is a disease that affects the entire body, such as influenza or high blood pressure.

Infection refers to infectious diseases, which result from the presence of pathogenic microbial agents, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and multicellular parasites. Illness and sickness are used to refer specifically to the patient's personal experience of his or her disease. Disorder refers to a functional abnormality or disturbance. It can be categorized into mental disorders, physical disorders, genetic disorders, emotional and behavioral disorders, and functional disorders. Medical condition includes all diseases and disorders, and also includes injuries and normal health situations, such as pregnancy, that might affect a person's health. Morbidity refers to a diseased state, disability, or poor health due to any cause.

Different forms of diseases have surrounded our daily lives and so the human immune system is becoming weak in fighting these diseases. The fastest way to recover from disease is to stop doing the things that have caused the physical problem to develop in the first place and provide your body the nutrients that are essential for your body to restore and rebuild itself back to optimal health.

Some of the common diseases which adversely affect the human body include:

• Heart Attack
• Hypertension
• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Asthma
• HIV/AIDS

Treatment of Diseases

Medical therapies or treatments are efforts to cure a disease or other health problems. Common treatments include medications, surgery, medical devices, and home remedies.

A prevention or preventive therapy is a way to avoid injury, sickness, or disease. A treatment attempts to improve or remove a problem. Cures are a subset of treatments that reverse diseases completely or end medical problems permanently.

Get Your Kids To Ask for Veggies (Seriously!)

Hello Friends,

What is the number one ingredient lacking in your child’s diet?  Vegetables!  It’s not because you don’t try, it’s because the kids hate them.  And… let’s all admit, sometimes it’s just easier to give them what they want, instead of listening to the whining. 

Let me assure you, there is hope.  I have compiled 5 food items that sneak in those dreaded veggies.  Make these recipes at least 3 or more times and your children’s taste buds will start to change.  Before you know it, you’ll be able to sneak even more in

5 Foods Your Kids Will Beg For (Shhhh!!! Don’t mention the veggies) 

1. Mashed Potatoes (aka Cauliflower):

Cauliflower is a magic vegetable.  I have used it to make tater tots, pizza crust, and mashed potatoes.  Mashed potatoes are the easiest.

Ingredients:

• One large head of cauliflower
• Butter (I love Earth Balance Spread)
• Garlic to taste
• Salt to taste

Method: 

Cut the cauliflower into flowerettes. Steam the cauliflower.  Place in a food process  with the remainder of the ingredients and make smooth.

2. Shrek Shake (aka Green Smoothie):

Green smoothies have the bad reputation of tasting a little green!  It doesn’t have to.  If you use the right greens, it will have no added taste.  Start with one leaf and gradually increase as they get used to it.  The greens I would recommend are: spinach, romaine lettuce, or watercress. The reason I call it a Shrek Shake is because obviously because of the green color and you gotta give it a cool name for the kiddos.  Here’s a great beginner recipe. 

Ingredients:

• 1 c. romaine lettuce
• 2 Tbsp. carob powder
• 3 bananas, peeled
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 c. vanilla kefir
• 1 c. ice

Method:

Place romaine, carob powder, bananas, vanilla, and kefir in a blender and blend until thoroughly combined. Add ice as needed while blending until desire consistency is achieved. Serve.

 3. Chocolate Pudding (with Avocados):

Yes, when I first heard avocadoes, it made me nervous.  Not to worry.  The avocado is more for the texture (and nutrients).  The ingredients you add to it make it taste great. 

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe avocado
• ¼ c. cocoa powder
• ¼ c. agave nectar or honey
• ¼ c. almond milk
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

Method:

Peel and quarter the avocado. Put all ingredients in a blender, until smooth. 

4. Spaghetti sauce (with blended veggies):

When I was growing up, I was very picky.  If I so much as felt a mushroom, I would give up.  If it’s a texture issue, why not blend some veggies into your spaghetti sauce?

Ingredients:

• 4 carrots, chopped
• Stems of 2 broccoli crowns
• Preferred spaghetti sauce

Method:

Add everything together and cook until veggies are tender. Blend together with a hand mixer. Serve over spaghetti.

*Bonus: If you have leftover sauce, use it as pizza sauce!

5. Chocolate Shake (aka Shakeology):

I wanted to save the best for last! This is my go to drink.  It has a day’s worth of fruits and veggies in one glass.  And it tastes sinfully good.  I make it really thick to make it resemble a frosty. Add 12 oz. of water with a scoop of the powder and voila.  For a more “frosty” like texture add ice. You can add extra goodies to your kids liking.  In fact, I bet they’d have fun choosing what goes in. 

I’d Like to Know…

What are some recipes that you’ve sneaked veggies in? Share in the comments below.

Today’s Tweetable:  Make these recipes at least 3 or more times and your children’s taste buds will start to change.

Happy Eating,

Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe (A Must-Have For Fall)

Hello Friends,

One of the things I love most about this time of year is the variety of warm beverages at your fingertips.  Come on, there’s literally a a Starbucks on every corner.  Don’t act like you haven’t secretly gone to one on the way to work

With my pumpkin spice latte recipe, you can forget about spending that $5 for a such a little drink.  Make one yourself for so much cheaper!  Not to mention, you can enjoy it in the comfort of your own home in your pajamas.  Now doesn’t that sound nice…

Pumpkin Spice Latte

(Dairy-Free, Vegan Option)

Ingredients:

• 2 c. non-dairy milk
• 2 Tbsp. pumpkin puree or canned pumpkin
• 2 Tbsp. honey or Grade B maple syrup
• 2 Tbsp. vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice, plus more to garnish
• 1 to 2 shots espresso, about 1/4 cup of espresso or 1/2 cup of strong brewed coffee

Method:

In a saucepan, whisk together milk, pumpkin and and honey and cook on medium heat, stirring, until steaming.  Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and spice, transfer to a blender and process for 15 seconds until foamy.  If you don’t have a lbender, don’t worry about it – just whisk the mixture really well with a wire whisk.

Pour into a large mug or two mugs.  Add the espresso on top.

Garnish:

Top with whipped cream, if desired, and sprinkle pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, or cinnamon on top.

I’d Like to Know

What is your all-time favorite fall, hot beverage?  Share in the comments below.

Happy Sipping,

Crock-pot Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

Hello Friends,

Quick questions: What’s your most prized kitchen possession?  Mine hands down is the crock-pot.  If you’re a mother who is struggling to get things done, especially dinner, then this recipe is for you.  All you need to do is add the ingredients to the crock-pot, cook it during the day, and serve dinner with ease.

Reasons why I love the crock-pot

• Clean up is easy
• Cooking is easy
• Saves time
• Meals are tasty

As if I had to convince right?  The recipe below is a favorite of everyone, spaghetti sauce.  

Crock-pot Spaghetti Sauce

Ingredients:

• 2 cans diced tomatoes
• 2 Tbsp. italian seasoning
• 1 Tbsp. garlic powder
• 1 lb. ground turkey

Method:

Add ingredients to a crock-pot.  Turn on low and cook for 6-8 hours.

I’m actually in the market for a new crock-pot.  The one I’m drooling over is the Breville crock-pot.  

I’d Like to Know

What is your all-time favorite crock-pot meal to come home to?  Share in the comments below.

Happy Slurping,

Simple Soda

Hello Friends,

Am I the only one that gets sick of water? I drink it because I know it’s good for me, but I don’t have to like it, right?  It just gets so boring!  My problem is that I don’t want to drink soda and I’m super sensitive to caffeine, meaning coffee is out of the question.  Sometimes I feel there isn’t much left to choose from.  I’ve been experimenting with infused water but carbonation hits the spot so perfectly some days.  Enter my simple soda.  This drink is great to serve at dinner parties and makes a perfect non-alcoholic alternative to champagne or gin and tonic.  So you pregnant mamas can drink up too!

Simple Soda

(Sugar free)

Ingredients:

• Fill a tall glass with sparkling mineral water
• 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
• Juice of 1/2 a lemon
• Sweetener to taste (honey, stevia, maple syrup)

Method:

Pour ingredients into a tall glass over ice.  Drink straight away or store excess in the fridge for later.

Optional Add-ins: 

Add fresh mint leaves and ginger slices for extra pizazz!

Happy drinking,

Avocado Toast (The Easiest Snack Yet!)

Hello Friends,

Need a quick snack?  Yea, me too!  I could go to my old goodies: Cheetos, Little Debbie’s,  mmmmmm….pop-tarts.  Unfortunately, that ain’t on the health coach’s menu anymore. 

Instead, I’ve come up with a rotation of snacks that are both easy, healthy, and sooo good   This avocado toast is like butta!

Avocado Toast

Ingredients:

2 slices of gluten-free bread or sprouted grain bread, toasted

• 1/2 an avocado
• salt and pepper to taste

Method:

Smash the avocado.  I am a texture person so I mix it up really good.  Spread it onto toast.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Enjoy!

Additional Add-Ons:

Sprinkle with red chili flakes or my favorite, sriracha! 

I’d Like to Know

What’s your go-to healthy snack?  

Share in the comments below!

Happy Snacking,

Peppermint Scrub

Happy Holiday Friends,
This time of year is hectic but in the midst of it all, I do really like giving. My favorite part is seeing their face brighten up when they open my present.  I do my best to give everyone I work closely with a little something, but unfortunately I don’t have a money tree in my back yard :-/
Luckily, (thanks to pinterest) there are a ton of homemade present ideas.  This is a recipe I used last year for my colleagues. It’s really cheap and everyone raved about it.  They said it was the best scrub they used.  So, guess what I’m giving again???

Peppermint Scrub

Ingredients:

• 3 c. sugar (white or brown sugar is fine)    
• 1 c. + 2 Tbsp. good quality oil (olive oil or coconut oil are great)             
• 10 drops of peppermint essential oil (or your favorite scent)
  

Method:

Mix all ingredients together.  Place in a decorative jar and give to all your friends & family.

Peace & Happiness,

Relax With a Hot Towel Scrub

Happy Wednesday Friends,

I am amazed by all the easy things you can do to better your health.  This hot towel scrub is one of them. 

You’re a few weeks into the new year and if you made a resolution to get healthy, then listen up!  This is one of the easiest things you could do for yourself and it is so relaxing!  

 Benefits:

• Reduces muscles tension.
• Re-energizes in the morning and deeply relaxes at night.
• Opens the pores to release toxins.
• Softens deposits of hard fat below the skin and prepares them for discharge.
• Allows excess fat, mucus, cellulite, and toxins to actively discharge to the surface rather than to accumulate around deeper vital organs.
• Relieves stress through meditative action of rubbing the skin.
• Calms the mind.
• Promotes circulation.
• Activates the lymphatic system, especially when scrubbing underarms.
• Easy massage and deep self-care.
• Can be your “me time” especially if done with candlelight and a drop or two of essential oils, such as lavender.

Directions:

1. Turn on the hot water and fill the sink.

2. Hold the towel at both ends and place in the hot water.

3. Wring out the towel.

4. While the towel is still hot and steamy, begin to scrub the skin gently.

5. Do one section of the body at a time.

6. Scrub until the skin becomes slightly pink or until each part becomes warm.

7.Reheat the towel often by dipping it in the sink of hot water after scrubbing each section, or as soon as the towel starts to cool.

Body scrubbing can be done before or after your bath or shower.  For the maximum effect, scrub your body twice a day: once in the morning and once again in the evening.  You can scrub anywhere from 2-20 minutes. 

Happy Scrubbing,

The One Item Every Woman Needs to Look Good

Hello Gorgeous,
Today, new studies are revealing just how beneficial coconut oil is for your health.  Incorporating coconut oil into your diet can yield a myriad of benefits.







Benefits of Coconut Oil
1. The ultimate fuel for your body: Coconut oil is metabolized like a carbohydrate by the body so it creates energy immediately. It’s also easily absorbed by the cells, so your metabolism also increases.  In simpler terms, it helps you lose weight.

2. Heart smart: Multiple studies have shown that certain populations (Polynesians and Filipinos) who consume high levels of coconut oil, generally have lower levels of blood cholesterol and better heart health compared to other cultures.  

3. Radiant beauty: Ladies, we all love this one right?  It’s long been a staple in producing cosmetics, soaps, and conditioners for lustrous skin and hair.  It relieves dryness and flaking, diminishes the appearance of fine lines, and wrinkles, and eases the pain of sunburn.  Apply it straight to your skin like lotion.

Stay tuned for next week’s post where I gave you a crazy amount of uses… I’m really excited for this one!

What are some ways you use coconut oil in your everyday life? Share in the comments below.

Happy Oiling, 

Epsom Soak Bath

Hello Friends,

Do you know what holiday is coming up?  Hint: According to mom’s, it’s the most important holiday of them all… Mother’s Day.

You have one day of the year, where I fully believe you’re entitled to be selfish.  After all, you play chauffeur, maid, accountant, handyman, chef, teacher, organizer, babysitter, psychologist, manager, and many more.  If I missed any, feel free to leave a comment below

My point is, you do it all!  That hard work can be exhausting.  It may be hard to do, but you gotta take time for yourself.  My favorite saying is “if mama ain’t happy, nobody’s happy.” As a little treat to yourself, all you need is 20 minutes.  Turn on some relaxing music, light up some candles, shut the bathroom doors, and just let yourself sink into the bathtub.  In fact, if I really need to talk you into it more, then read on for the benefits…

Benefits Of An Epsom Salt Bath

• Improved heart and circulatory health, reducing irregular heartbeats, preventing hardening of the arteries, reducing blood clots and lowering blood pressure.
• Improved ability for the body to use insulin, reducing the incidence or severity of diabetes.
• Flushed toxins and heavy metals from the cells, easing muscle pain and helping the body to eliminate harmful substances.
• Improved nerve function by electrolyte regulation. Also, calcium is the main conductor for electrical current in the body, and magnesium is necessary to maintain proper calcium levels in the blood.
• Relieved stress. Excess adrenaline and stress are believed to drain magnesium, a natural stress reliever, from the body. Magnesium is necessary for the body to bind adequate amounts of serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of well being and relaxation.
• Reduced inflammation to relieve pain and muscle cramps.
• Improved oxygen use.
• Improved absorption of nutrients.
• Improved formation of joint proteins, brain tissue and mucin proteins.
• Prevention or easing of migraine headaches.

So if the hubby needs some convincing, tell him it’s for your own health  Below is a recipe I use weekly for myself.  Be sure to forward it to your husband or kids as a little hint. Because let’s face it, the husbands can’t read our minds.

Epsom Salt Bath

Ingredients:

• 2 c. epsom salts
• 1/2 c. apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 c. baking soda
• A few drops of essential oil (For something relaxing, my favorite is lavender)

Method:

Add to a warm bath and soak for 20 minutes. 

Happy Mother’s Day,

Homemade Air Freshener

What’s up?

Do you ever notice that every house has a smell?  I swear, if this is just me then quit reading now  But seriously, every house is different.  And I’ve always wondered what mine smells like.  I have a dog, so that probably doesn’t help. 

Luckily, every cleaner on the market can be made right from your home. I don’t have to worry about what my house smells like anymore with my air freshener handy. When people come over, they say my home smells like a spa now, and I’m totally okay with that!

Homemade Air Freshener

Ingredients

• 2 c. distilled water
• 2 Tbsp. vodka or rubbing alcohol
• 1/2 tsp. of essential oil of your choice (I love Thieves)

Method

Pour ingredients into a spray bottle.  Shake before use.  

I love to spray this stuff ANYWHERE AND EVERYWHERE!  On the carpets a couple minutes before I vacuum, on my rugs, on my couches, bed… Again, I spray it everywhere. What are your favorite scents to use?  I’d love to hear in the comments below.

Happy Spraying,

Mexican Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding

Hello Friends,

Do you ever settle down after a long day, eat dinner, lounge on the couch and come to realize you’re missing something?  I do this time and time again!  As much as I try to fight it, I just want my dessert.  It really doesn’t have to be much, but I just need a little sweetness after dinner to make the day complete.  If you’re like me, but don’t want to expand the waistline, try this.

Now you might be asking, why chia seed pudding?  Well, there is so much beauty in chia seeds, why not add a little nutritional oomph to your dessert? 

5 Reasons You Should Eat Chia Seeds

1. Great source of protein – over 20%!
2. High in soluble fiber. (Translation: Flattens your belly and helps you “go.”)
3. Excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids.
4. They’re high in antioxidants.
5. They’re an all-natural , nutrient-dense, thickening agent. Use it in soups, stews, eggs, dips, yogurt, smoothies and baked foods to thicken your dish.

Mexican Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding

(Dairy Free)

Ingredients:

• 1/3 c. chia seeds
• 1 c. non-dairy milk
• 2 Tbsp. cacao or cocoa powder
• 1 Tbsp. raw honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• pinch of cayenne (optional) 

Method:

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Cover and refrigerate overnight for at least 8 hours. Transfer mixture to blender and blend until completely smooth. If pudding is warm from blending, return to refrigerator until chilled. 

Happy Eating,

Uses of Coconut Oil for Beauty

Happy Wednesday Friends,

Last week I told you all the benefits of using coconut oil.  Now the question is, how do you specifically use it.  I am so excited for this post.  I am a very organized person.  One thing you’d notice about my home is that I don’t have a lot of stuff. I like when “one size fits all.”  Coconut oil is my go-to product because it can be used for so many things.  

Uses for Beauty

• Cuticle oil: Softens and strengthens cuticles, and soothes/prevents hangnails.
• Eye makeup remover: Use it to remove makeup, even waterproof mascara. 
• Reduces wrinkles: Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Defrizzer: Use to defrizz and smooth fly-aways. Works especially well on dark hair.
• Deep conditioner – Coconut oil works extremely well as a conditioning treatment, especially as a pre-shampoo hair repair mask.
• Natural deodorant: You can dab some under your arms plain, or mix it with baking soda.
• Toothpaste: Use it as an ingredient, with baking soda, for homemade toothpaste. Good for gum health.
• Sunscreen (SPF):  It doesn’t sound like it, but coconut oil has an SPF of 4-6. And if you use it while tanning, it prevents skin damage due to its antioxidant and moisturizing properties.  DOUBLE WHAMMY!
• Body scrub: Mix with a little sugar or sea salt for a yummy, moisturizing body scrub.
• Lip balm: Hydrating on dry or cracked lips. You can try mixing it with shea butter to make it richer.
• Foot/Heel softener: Softens and smooths dry, cracked heels.
• Facial cleanser:  Massage in like any facial cleanser and rinse with a cloth.
• Body butter: Coconut oil is a great moisturizer by itself, but for even more pampering, whip it into a homemade body butter using a kitchen mixer.
• Aftershave: Men can use this on their face, and for ladies it is amazingly soothing on legs and the bikini area.
• Massage Oil:Just melt some down.
• Elbows:  Improves look of dry dark elbow patches.
• Shaving “cream”: Just use it in the shower like you would with shave cream/gel, or apply it before shaving normally as a pre-shave preparation.
• Bug repellent — Just mix with a few drops of peppermint oil and apply to skin.
• Stretch mark oil — Use it on your pregnant belly to prevent stretch marks. It also works on stretch marks to reduce their appearance.
• Fades age spots
• Tattoos — Aids in healing a new tattoo, and regular use prevents the ink from fading.
• Cellulite!

Have you fallen in love yet?  I feel like this is the fountain of youth for woman! SERIOUSLY.  I don’t know about you, but every problem area I have on my body was mentioned on that list and can be fixed with coconut oil.   So don’t just keep a jar in the kitchen, put one in your bathroom too.

Happy Rubbing,