Health Articles

The calf is made up of two muscles. The gastrocnemius is the larger of the two, and this attaches above the knee and heel joint. The soleus is the smaller muscle positioned beneath the gastrocnemius, and this attaches below the knee and heel joint. When these contract, flexion of the knee joint occurs. During sports, calf muscles are commonly injured resulting in pulled or even torn calf muscles. Pulled calf muscle treatment is recommended when the muscle is pulled to prevent a worsening of the injury. This form of muscle treatment can be done on your own as explained in this article.

When pulled calf muscle injury occurs, immediately apply this treatment by following R. I. C. E. ‘R’ stands for ‘Rest’, ‘I’ stands for ‘Ice’, ‘C’ stands for ‘Compression’ and ‘E’ stands for ‘Elevation’. The first thing we want to do in a pulled calf muscle injury after muscles building workout routines is to stop any internal bleeding which causes swelling of the muscle. Applying cold compression will cause the blood vessels in the pulled calf muscle to constrict, thus restricting blood flow to the area. Elevation of the limb also discourages blood flow to the injured area. All this reduce any further internal bleeding and starts the healing process. The injury will not heal without adequate rest. So make sure you stay off physical activities until healing is complete.

The short term treatment is R.I.C.E.

For the injury to heal, the long term pulled calf muscle injury must be started. This basically involves treatments that will aid blood flow to the area. It might sound contradictory here, but it is not. R.I.C.E. stops the internal bleeding. Once the internal bleed stops and swelling is reduced, the injured muscle needs to be flushed with nutrients for repair and healing to take place. Our blood carries all the necessary nutrients to the injured area for repairs to begin. Hence, the more blood flow towards the area, the better and quicker is the healing.

To increase blood flow to the area, you can do three things:

• Apply heat treatment. By rubbing and applying heating ointments like tiger balm to the area will cause blood vessels to expand.
• You can gently massage the area with the ointment. Massage will speed up blood flow to and from the area.
• You can apply a hot bag over the affected area and secure this with a bandage. This combination of heat and massage treatment will allow the injured area to heal up.

Of course this will take time, and you must rest a lot.

While resting, it is sometimes impossible to give heat and massage treatment to your pulled calf muscle all the time. In between periods, you can also apply R.I.C.E. to make sure that swelling does not occur. However, the pulled calf muscle treatment should be made up of more heat treatment than anything else.

Yeast infection is known to be one of the most difficult infections to ever deal with. The sufferer would be subjected to intense itching, which makes it very uncomfortable, even debilitating. Well, to begin with a yeast infection happens when there is more yeast level in one’s body, usually in moist parts like the skin and mouth and vagina as well.

Bacteria build up equates to more yeast production and of course, this then is a good recipe for disaster. The best and easiest way to prevent yeast infection doesn’t even require anything but what if you may ask? Nothing else but common sense! The reason people get infected with something is because of bacteria build up. How can one avoid bacteria build up? Of course, by proper hygiene. More than spending hundreds of dollars on antioxidants, everything starts from being conscious about how you take care of yourself, particularly, your hygiene.

How many time do you hit the shower in a day? Once? Twice? Sometimes none? Everyone should take a shower at least twice a day no matter what season it is, yes, even on winter! Many people are under the impression that you only take a shower when you get to sweat profusely, then let me tell you that this not at all true. You take a shower to remove excess dirt and oil accumulated the whole day whether you just stayed home or went out to work or grocery shopping.

Accumulation of dirt and oil is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, and of course next to it would be yeast infestation as well. When you take the shower, ensure that you clean thoroughly, with a mild antibacterial soap.

If you notice, this is nothing but the simplest way to avoid yeast infection, or any other sickness or infection for that matter. But it is also so true that the simplest of things sometimes or more often than not overlooked.

The new discoveries by medical researchers are that anorexia (the male version is known as manorexia) is not limited to women and that the idea of starving yourself in order to achieve the perfect body is crossing gender lines. Manorexia is a serious eating disorder which needs to be detected at its early stages.

What is Manorexia?

Manorexia is an eating disorder. Dietary restriction is the most significant manifestation of the disorder/disease. It sometimes occur in its pure form however appears in the form of alternating crises restriction and bulimia with vomiting. The body is viewed as too big, despite been extremely thin. This physical state due to malnutrition is often times fatal.

Who is affected by Manorexia?

While anorexia is typically thought to be a disorder affecting only teenage girls or women, experts estimate that about 1 million American men suffer from manorexia and the figures seems to be rises.

At what stage in life?

Risk of manorexia is particularly said to be high during two main periods i.e. between ages 12 and 13 and then between ages 17 and 18. This latter part is made significant because it is at the end of high school when ’serious’ dating occurs i.e. you want to get attention from girls.

How does it start?

For many it often starts as a simply attempt to get fit but it quickly turns into a deadly battle for the perfect body.

What are the underlying and predisposing factors of Manorexia?

In as much as there are biological factors, external factors like early like interactions e.g. family values, identity development and sense of worth/self esteem are vital I triggering the disorder. Pop culture is also a great influence here with some aiming to be wiry — think Mick Jagger, some want to be lean, muscular Brad Pitt, James Bond while other just want to be big and chiseled like Arnold [Schwarzenegger], the governor.”

Warning signs?

A sudden feeling of insecurity followed by a change in eating habits, an obsession with the mirror, an rate of loss of weight leading to general weakness are all signs of manorexia that should not be taken fore granted.

Are there consequences?

Since Manorexia is essentially depriving your body of nutrients dangerous consequences such as stated below may follow – abnormally slow heart rate, low blood pressure, changes in the heart muscle, risk of heart failure, electrolyte imbalance, anemia, changes in bones density (meaning your bones can break more easily, dental problems) loss of muscle tone, general weakness, severe dehydration, which can result in kidney failure, hair loss is common, death.

What should I do now?

It is important not to isolate yourself. The first thing to do is talk to a doctor. There are also a number of associations for parents of children with anorexia which offer good support and are good sources of information.

If you are going through it and you have a problem with manorexia, put away the pride, put away the ego, and don’t be afraid to seek the necessary treatment for it. It’s OK. It’s fine. Just because you are a guy doesn’t mean, ‘I can’t ask for help.’ Do not procrastinate consulting a medical practitioner as an early treatment facilitates cure.

Diabetes in children is a disease that is severe in nature but can be managed through medication, use of insulin injection or healthy lifestyle of your choice. This is the result if the body is not able to regulate blood sugar levels by itself. It is caused by lack of enough insulin, a hormone which breaks down and changes glucose into the blood. Diabetes mellitus (type II diabetes) and diabetes insipidus (type I diabetes) are the two kinds of diabetes. Type I diabetes is the kind that attack children.

Common symptoms that can be seen in children with diabetes are thirst, loss of weight, headaches, frequent urination, pain in the abdomen and problems in behavior.

In order not to acquire diabetes in children, high blood sugar level must be prevented. Hyperglycemia, high blood sugar happens if the sugar (glucose) level goes up above normal. It is difficult to maintain the level of the child because of the speedy growth during teen years.

Elevated readings tend to increase gradually, usually in a period of hours or days. But if you take large meals or skip insulin dose it will increase rapidly (typically within a few hours). Gradual elevation in blood sugar can make someone tired and thirsty. Continued elevation can cause harm in the heart, eyes, kidneys, blood vessels and nerves. If the blood sugar of your child goes on raising like his or her kidneys increase the production of urine, dehydration will occur. It is risky because he or she will suffer coma and eventually dies when your child becomes dehydrated severely.

There are three steps that could assist you to get rid of problems in high blood sugar:

• Regularly, test the blood sugar level of your child especially in the duration of illnesses.The symptoms of high blood sugar level like fatigue, increase in urination and thirst are not seen in every child.
• Consult your doctor whenever there is a frequent elevation in the readings or when the level stays consistently above normal range.
• To prevent dehydration, advice your child to take extra water or non-caffeinated and drinks that are sugar-free.

Special Child Diabetic Care
It is very important to have a regular monitor of blood sugar. The most appropriate times are during meals and at night before going to sleep. Normal scale of blood glucose is 80 to 120. If you have elevated reading, insulin is needed to bring down the level. Eating carbohydrates and proteins are needed to ensure that your level will go up, if your blood glucose level is below the scale of 80. Change in diet or medication or even insulin scale, is needed when your blood glucose fluctuates.This is the reason why checking up the blood glucose regularly is very important.

Annual examination of the eyes is needed if you are diabetic. Diabetic retinopathy is a severe condition if not stopped will lead to blindness. The small blood vessels in the eyes erupt or burst if you have diabetic retinopathy. Visiting the ophthalmologist is necessary to check your eyes also.

Make sure the good circulation of the lower extremities especially the legs and feet. You can use special shoes and socks to aid you. Be aware of some sores that will develop in your feet. There is a tendency for diabetic patients for slow healing and the sores will lead to cutting of toes, feet and even legs.

Another side effect of diabetes in children is kidney problem and if this happens it will require dialysis. All of these can be prevented if you maintain the normal level of your blood glucose by eating healthy and continue to exercise regularly and have a healthy lifestyle.

One of the most common fantasies that men all over the world harbor is a bigger penis. Men have this notion that immense sexual pleasure can be attained with a big penis. In fact they think that women can be sexually satisfied with a big penis only. Male enhancement as it is commonly termed is one of the flourishing industries in the world. You will come across numerous male penis enlargement methods and ways but the pertinent question being how reliable and durable are these methods?

First and foremost you should know that there is a difference between temporary and permanent male penis enlargement. The former lasts for a short time while latter lasts for the rest of the life. Male penis enlargement can be done in various ways.

You will see plenty of male penis enlargement pills that are endorsed at late night commercials and most of your spam mails display the promise and magical results that the pills can do. The pills proffer an increase of 4-6 inches but they conveniently fail to mention the harmful side-effects caused to body. You should never pop pills before consulting your doctor. Negative repercussions on the body can demand immediate medical attention.

Till date there is no scientifically proven medicine or lotion that results in male penis enlargement. But you will still come across numerous creams and lotions that proffer the world and a magical increase of 4-6 inches. You should be very cautious before using the creams and lotions as they may have a detrimental effects on the organ. You may develop disgusting rashes, irritating itching, and so on. You may suffer from a swelling or that area may even lose the sense of touch and feel.

One of the best and natural ways of having a bigger penis is by regular exercising. This is a healthy way of losing weight in that area so that the penis appears bigger and larger. All men desire a big and a thick penis so that they can sexually satisfy their partners as the size of the penis is directly related to sexual satisfaction.

There are many devices that help in the elongation of the penis. The muscles are stretched and the blood vessels become active and a better quantity of blood reaches the penis. You should be careful so that you do not injure or harm yourself.

Dr. Ron Nusbaum is the Director of Back Clinics of Canada. He has been in practice for 21 years, helping those suffering from severe, chronic back pain and neck pain achieve a pain-free life and regain vitality and strength. Dr. Nusbaum has performed more than 4,000 Spinal Decompression sessions over the last two years, and his patients experience an unprecedented success rate when they follow his program of care.

Back Clinics of Canada serves primarily the Southern Ontario Region, but patients do come from across Canada and the United States, and sometimes from overseas.

Are you worried that you are suffering from diabetes?Are you thinking that either you or someone you love is experiencing some signs of diabetes? If your answer is yes then the good thing is that you have reached the right place. As following article will guide you in such a way that by the time you finish reading it you’ll have a clearer picture in your mind.

Here you’ll find brief outline of signs and symptoms of diabetes. If any one or more than one of these symptoms are experienced then it is important that you should consult the doctor as early as possible to have the blood test done.

Diabetic Symptoms

Whenever the diabetes sets in the blood sugar level of the body start to rise. The increased blood sugar level causes different symptoms and signs of diabetes. Most common diabetic symptoms are:

Polyuria: The body in an attempt to get rid of excessive glucose in the blood draws extra water from the body tissues. The result is that an increased amount of urine is produced. An adult person may have to wake up several times during the night to urinate. If the problem is experienced by a child suddenly he may start to wet the bed.

Polydipsia: The body needs to replace that too much of water that has been expelled by the body in the form of urine. This need of the body results in excessive urination.

Polyphagia: The body’s need of energy cause this signs of diabetes. The leading cause is that cells of the body are unable to draw glucose from the blood. The cells than feel energy starved and give the signal of being hungry to brain.

Exhaustion, Fatigue and Tiredness: This sign of diabetes occurs when the body is unable to use the provided sugar as cells are unable to convert it into energy. The diabetic symptom is further intensified if the body becomes unable to store the consumed carbohydrates in the form of energy.

Recurrent Infections and Slow Healing Cuts And Bruises: The perfect breeding environment for yeast and bacteria are high sugar surroundings. The women that are suffering from high-level of blood sugar most of the times develop urinary tract infection or vaginal infection.

Numbness or Tingling In Hand And Feet: The damage to the blood nerves caused by consistent high blood sugar results in tingling or numbness sensation.

Trouble Getting Erection: Nerve damage and poor circulatory system is again the culprit here.

Dry and Itchy Skin: Tiny crystals of sugar just beneath the surface of the skin cause the diabetics to feel itchy.

Blurriness in Vision: There can be microscopic bleeding in retina of the diabetics. This may cause blurriness in visions.

Dehydration: If the fluids of the body are not properly replaced; it may cause dehydration

Serious Diabetic Symptoms: Some serious signs of diabetes include

• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Abdominal cramps
• Fruity smell in breath
• Flushed skin

Swine influenza also known as the pig or hog flu is a disease of the pigs spread through any one of the several strains of the influenza virus. The virus known as SIV or Swine Influenza Virus has many sub-types of its strain. These are known as H1N1, H1N2, H3N2, H2N3 and H3N1.

The virus gets transmitted from pigs to human beings and gets assimilated in the human blood to create antibodies. Swine flu is common among the pigs that are human-bred world over but it does not always cause influenza or sickness in humans. Many from the pig population die through the virulent swine flu and even vaccinations are injected to protect the home-bred pigs that are bred in huge quantities.

The symptoms of Swine flu are similar to the normal influenza in human beings, therefore detection in some cases take some time. Though his strain of the swine flu virus is not as dangerous as a few others, it is deadly enough to kill a person if not detected early. Some of the symptoms of Swine flu in human beings include chills, coughs, body aches, diarrhoea, headache, sore throat, temperature, vomiting and tiredness.

To protect yourself from the H1N1 virus you should maintain some personal protection and precaution like you should try to maintain health and fitness and get enough of sleep, try to manage stress and do exercise, eat a well balanced diet with plenty of fibre and liquids. You should most importantly be careful in public and not get in touch with sick people and should wash your hands regularly with antiseptic soap or alcoholic hand sanitizers.
Swine Flu Immunity
Besides, there are other precautions to be kept in mind if you or your friend gets infected like you should cover your mouth while sneezing, clean all surfaces since sometimes small droplets containing the influenza virus can remain behind and also to maintain minimal social contact. The virus also can be stubbed by vaccinating the pigs in the pig farms properly.The farmers who look after them and remain in regular direct or indirect contact with the pigs are more susceptible to acquire the virus and should therefore maintain certain measures like smoking the area and wearing gloves since they are the ones who come in contact with the infected pigs on a daily basis and may lead to human to human transmission of the virus.

The H1N1 virus had spread to many countries and had taken many lives in the past from 1976 to 2009 and will continue to do so in future since the virus can mutate and remain dormant for several years to again emerge in the form of a different strain. Pigs can be infected by both human and avian influenza strains which in turn create new strains. The best way is to ensure your own protection by being aware of the influenza virus and its workings. You can gain information from online health care information. A health guide can also bail you out, if you are confused about the Swine flu and its virus.

Merry christmas and Happy holidays

by Health Articles autors!

Autism is a medical condition that affects young children. To be able to fully be in control of the disorder, it is vital to understand all the signs associated with it. This is most important since failure to do that would mean that any similar sign may be completely misinterpreted or even go completely unnoticed until it is too late. For that matter, this article was written with that in mind – to help all of you readers have a better grasp and understanding on the different signs of autism to watch out for.

Before we proceed any further, let me give you a general definition of autism. Generally speaking, autism is a medical condition that affects the neurological development of young children. The result would be repressed/slower communication and interaction in every day society. Furthermore, autism will cause a child to repeat a series of actions that are driven by motor muscles. These repetitions appear to serve no purpose and is still considered to be baffling by experts since they could potentially injure the autistic.

The autistic child’s parents or guardian has a heavy responsibility in monitoring the child’s progress. It is vital for parents of autistics to spend as much time as they possibly can afford to in order to be able to fully understand, take note and monitor any signs and changes in behavior. This is because children who have been diagnosed at the early stages of the disorder is known to have the best options in support to help them cope with growth and development in order to maximize life’s opportunities.

Let’s move on to some of the signs. Before I go into it in detail, it is vital to note that many of these signs will tend to overlap. Among the many include difficulty in expressing desires and needs, repressed language development. In addition, autistic children will take a longer time to respond to names if they do respond at all.

Furthermore, they are known to appear to be in their very own world and oblivious to their surroundings. They have the tendency of walking on their toes and showcase other behavior patterns that are deemed to be abnormal on a regular and consistent basis.

In addition to the above, signs such as being resistant, hyperactive and being uncooperative towards their parents or guardians are all known to be displayed by those with autism. They are known to be loners and play on their own and find ways to amuse themselves. They have very minimal or no social skills at all – they do not bother interacting or playing with other children or couldn’t be bothered with what others are up to at all. To top it off, they are known to do things in a very specific manner and order; having compulsive behavior.

The flip side of this is the majority of children with autism shows special abilities especially where music and maths are concerned. As a matter of fact, there have been cases where they display abilities that are far superior compared to a handful of adults even to boot.

Autistic children are no less human being than a “normal” child. The above signs might not necessarily be a confirmed diagnosis of autism. Still, it is entirely up to the parents and guardians of these children to continue monitoring and to seek the earliest possible professional help.