Category: Health & Fitness

Platelet Count Abnormalities

1Most people are unaware of how the very thing that comes out from a cut – the blood – is what makes it possible to cover the said cut naturally. It’s nature’s band-aid, essentially. What’s interesting about this is that amidst the irony, there’s actually a component in blood that exists specifically for this purpose, the platelet. Having a healthy amount of platelets in the blood helps considerably in healing the clot in a reasonable amount of time. But the question begs to be asked, how many platelets are in a drop of blood in order for it to be considered normal levels? This number would be a difficult one to deal with when it comes to precision. But there is a range wherein doctors consider as normal levels. For a drop of blood, the platelets should be around 150,000 to 450,000.

That’s a lot. But do remember that these platelets are tiny and can’t be seen by the naked eye. So that number isn’t really surprising, nor impressive for a single drop of blood. However, when that number dips or exceeds, it would be a cause for concern. Too little platelets would be just as concerning as too much of it.

Thrombocytosis

Having too many platelets than normal should raise some alarms even though the symptoms aren’t that violent. Though headache and dizziness don’t sound like something that needs urgent medical attention, the person suffering from high platelet count should think otherwise. The awful truth is that these headaches and light-headedness are merely symptoms and are indicative of a bigger problem in the system.

The trouble with thrombocytosis – the term for increased platelet count – is that diagnosis isn’t that easy. There are numerous factors that lead to it including bone marrow problems. Fortunately, doctors are usually able to pinpoint the cause in a short span of time and then appropriately provide treatment recommendations. There are also home remedies and lifestyle changes that can bring platelet count back to normal.

Thrombocytopenia

People who have low platelets in their blood have thrombocytopenia. The causes for this condition are also quite numerous, with ones that are harder to place such as inheritance. There are also cases where a patient experiences low blood platelet count due to medications. Chemotherapy, in particular, is known to lower blood platelet count. Recent and heavy trauma can also cause it.

Thrombocytopenia can be a big problem because of random bruises that may appear on the skin. They’re unsightly, yes. But they can probably also cause misunderstanding if people perceive them as signs of domestic abuse. Also, people who have low platelet counts oftentimes experience bleeding nose and gums that easily bleed out at the slightest poke. Or even from brushing the teeth in a gentle manner.

Addressing these two platelet amount abnormalities usually requires the input of a medical professional. Yes, home remedies do a lot of work. But it would be a better idea to first check with a professional to understand the current physical state and how intensive the home remedy should be if one intends to do so.

The benefits of turmeric in your diet

Many health-conscious people just like you have been asking these days about the benefits of turmeric in your diet. So, here are a few facts about the subject to show you what those considerable benefit actually are and why:

4,000 Years of History

Turmeric is one of the ingredients in the majority of mustards and curry. However, it also has approximately 4k years of history for being used for so much more than just spicing up everybody’s food. It possesses a deep orange color, which has been used in certain types of dyes. In addition and more importantly though, it has been used in both traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicinal treatments for just as long. In fact, this amazing spice has even been used in India for religious ceremonies for thousands of years as well.

Modern Day Supplement

So, let’s fast forward to modern day and we find that turmeric is considered highly useful for reducing joint pain and inflammation, as well as its antioxidant properties. It’s also useful for treating allergies, Alzheimer’s disease, bruising, cancer, depression, diabetes, eczema, fibromyalgia, gallstones, headaches, heartburn, hepatitis, high blood pressure, jaundice, ringworm, stomach ulcers, and even wounds, as well as aiding digestion, preventing bone loss from osteoporosis, and regulating menstruation. Now, that’s a pretty impressive list of ailments that can be treated using turmeric!

Why is Turmeric So Healthy?

Curcuma longa is basically an herb that has a close relationship with another popular spice, ginger. It is cultivated all over Asia for its tropical climate. The rootstocks are responsible for supplying the pigment and flavor and are ground into either a powder or a paste that contains 300+ .naturally occurring healthy components. They include ascorbic acid (vitamin C), beta-carotene, calcium, fiber, flavonoids, iron, niacin, potassium, and zinc, as well as some other nutrients. However, the one chemical that turmeric contains with the capability of having a major effect on your health is curcumin, its main ingredient.

Seeing is Believing

Yes, that’s a pretty common saying but very true. As you can see, the benefits of turmeric in your diet are numerous. The only way to find out for sure exactly what it can do for you and your health is to try it.

Must-Have Features of a Running Watch

5There’s no arguing about the minimalist nature of running. It requires nothing more than a good pair of shoes and running attire. In fact, some runners don’t even wear shoes when running. Interestingly, there are numerous runners that consider running watches as an important part of a runner’s getup. Running watches bring so many advantages on the table that it’s essentially a phone, GPS tracker and music player in one. Yes, a modern smartphone can do all of those, but it can’t be worn on the wrist. Unfortunately, not every running watch is created to be equally powerful. Such is a reality with practically any product or service offered everywhere. But there are some running watch features that are generally considered to be indispensable. Here are some features to always keep a look out for when planning to buy one.

  1. GPS tracker

The essence of running is covering distances. Well, with the exception of treadmill running, of course. Running outdoors has a more rewarding feeling when covered distance can be checked. Running watches should also be able to store the actual path of the run and make the data available and viewable on a computer. Tracking the run not only provides a feel-good psychological feedback but also a means to track progress quantifiably. And tangible progress is considered to be one of the most effective ways to keep a person motivated in whatever they’re pursuing.

  1. Accelerometer

Some people argue as to the better option to running watches, GPS or accelerometer. Hands down, GPS is the more accurate way to measure a run. But accelerometer offers something useful to a niche group of runners that GPS systems can’t – logging runs on a treadmill. While most treadmills already come with a calibrated distance measuring function, it’s a lot more convenient to sync data from a watch and have it available on the computer in less than two minutes.

  1. Intuitive controls

The multi-functional nature of a running watch demands extra attention to designing how controls work. It’s something that probably most users can’t appreciate the depth required for its planning, testing, and execution. Even with the prevalence and ubiquitousness of touch interface, the need for analog controls is still something that can’t be done without. Regardless of a manufacturer’s choice of using or foregoing analog controls, what’s important is that the watch is easy to understand and work with. It is because it’s going to be used for something fast-paced like running.

  1. Anti-glare screen

The best watches for running are those that can immediately show information when looked at. Not everyone can afford to run in the early morning hours or late afternoon, so it’s a good idea to go for smartwatches that are coated with an anti-glare. It’s inconvenient to be unable to see live data feed while huffing during a run. The good news is that one doesn’t have to personally try if the watch has it, as there are reviews from other runners that can be found online.

Pathogens and the natural and conventional ways of combating disease

Human beings like any living thing strives to live in comfort and in wellness. Avoiding pain and any kinds of suffering is a basic instinct that helps man survive. This is important since there are numerous agents that are always around us that would cause us pain and suffering and if not checked they can lead to death or disabilities.

Sickness and disease are conditions that man tries to avoid at all cost. Being sick is a condition that is as a result of the body systems not functioning normally. Most of the time sickness is caused by pathogens that are ubiquitous in our surrounding. Disease causing pathogens are in the air we breathe, in the food we eat, and in the water we drink.

It is impossible to identify the disease causing agents and so many times the pathogens are introduced into the body without us noticing. We only get to realize that the pathogens have got to us when we start experiencing the effects of their reaction to our body. These pathogens which include viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms are what cause many types of diseases when they infiltrate our bodies.

To combat sickness, it is important to therefore find ways of combating these disease causing agents. This can be done by enhancing the human immune system to combat and prevent the entry of the pathogens into the body, or by having remedies to combat the pathogens once they have already invaded the body.

The need for disease combating measures led to the introduction of cures and medicines. Mankind in the pre historic times discovered that there were foods he would consume that were good in combating certain diseases. These included specific tubers, herbs, roots, and barks. Sometimes the cures in the ancient times were mixtures of two or more of these.

Today people are still using natural foods as remedies for disease or as preventive measures to keep the body strong to prevent attacks. A good example of this is apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is a natural product that has multiple health benefits. It is believed to have antiseptic properties which helps it to fight pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. It is also known to help provide suitable pH levels for optimum operation of body systems.

As man has advanced in science, especially in medical science and chemistry, he has been able to identify chemicals, or a combination of chemicals that can be used to fight against particular disease causing agents. These has brought about the advent of prescription drugs which are usually very effective for quick recovery as compared to natural remedies although they are also known to have negative side effects which are not experienced when using natural remedies.

The best ways to keep healthy is to eat healthy foods that have healing properties. A good example is  foods such as hummus which is known to have multiple health benefits. One can also incorporate traditional cures such as chamomile, alfalfa, aloe vera and other traditional cures in their diet to keep their immunity strong.

Food and Lifestyle Choices for Those Who Work in Shifts

In a highly modern job market and the use of emerging technologies, the usual understanding of work hours changes dramatically. What was once considered as the regular working hours of 7AM to 6PM is no longer the standard and most popular. Today, the new normal is to find professionals who work beyond the traditional working hours. What is more popular today is a shift work, or those that work beyond the usual 7AM to 6PM schedule. Shift work is popular in the service industry, particularly those who work in hospitals and clinics. By working at night, a person is presented with convenience, more work opportunities and less stress associated with traffic and meetings. But shift work, especially in the health care industry has its own set of problems as well. Because the schedule tends to vary, it can upset the internal clock of the body, thus affecting the quality of sleep and the nutrition that is enjoyed by the body. For example, occupational health nurses who work late nights to early mornings are prone to a change in appetite, weight loss (or weight gain) and high blood pressure. But all these can be avoided if you eat the right foods, and keep an active lifestyle.

Eat a Full Meal Before Going to Work

If you are working the night shift in the hospital, then it pays to eat your full meal before reporting for work. This should provide you with the energy to start your working day right. But this is not enough to sustain your energy for the next 8 or 9 hours of work.  To sustain your energy throughout the working schedule, you may want to eat small meals and healthy snacks at work. You can prepare healthy food and snacks that you can eat at your desk or table.

Healthy and Light Snacks to Prepare

There are a number of healthy and light snacks that you can prepare and eat on your desk. For example, you can prepare whole wheat crackers with peanut butter. This is a loaded light snack that can provide you with the calories and fiber. You also can’t go wrong with a variety of fruits as snack items. Some of the popular fruit items that are often brought to work include apples, bananas and pears. Make sure to bring a variety of fruits every week.

It is also best to stay hydrated for the rest of the shift. Drink the required amount of water, and limit caffeine intake. Although coffee can keep you active all night, remember that it should be taken in moderation.

Finally, it pays to adopt an active lifestyle. You can include a few basic exercises in your daily routine. This should not be a problem if you are wearing durable nursing shoes. Even during your ‘lunch break’, you can find time to stretch and relax your body. You can also sign up for gym membership in your area, and you can work out a few hours during your free day. All these steps can keep you healthy even if you are faced with work-related pressure at work.

The Espresso Experience

Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages with very few countries lagging behind in the coffee drinking culture. Some countries have even gone ahead to introduce coffee in other beverages such as yoghurt ensuring that the coffee culture remains intact. Coffee comes in a variety of types with the limiting factor being the method in which the coffee is made and the type of machine used to make the coffee. The age old most known type of coffee is referred to as espresso. Espresso is a classic way of taking coffee and simply involves making highly concentrated coffee without any additions. This way, one gets to feel the flavorful aroma of coffee whether Arabica or Robusta.

While making coffee is an art that can be learnt and passed from one person to the next, most people prefer using machines to make their coffee which also enable them to create variety in the way they take the coffee. Coffee machines give the coffee the chance to have other things incorporated into it. The variety is all determined by the person making and taking the coffee. Currently, there are two main coffee makers that have been causing a stir in the coffee making industry with both of them having great attributes. The two includeGaggia 14101 classic espresso machine and the Cuisinart em 100 espresso machine.

The Gaggia 14101 is a legendary machine that has been around for quite some time now and has seen the ups and downs of the industry. In comparison to other machines, this machine is cheaper and offers very excellent coffee making capacity and ability. Most customers have termed it as a very cost efficient and great machine rating it with an average of four and half stars out of a possible five stars. The machine is well developed since the producing company has developed their brand for quite a long time owing to their loyal and very dedicated customers. The machine costs about and average of $ 170 and 15 bars of pressure and great measurements for storage space factors.

The Cuisnart em 100 on the other hand is a new age machine that has all the modern features that are great for especially espresso as a type of coffee. The price of this beauty is a bit higher than that of the Gaggia but it also comes with a well-established brand and hence a guaranteed mark of quality. This coffee maker possesses about 15 bars of pressure with a 53 ounce reservoir which means enough coffee for quite a number of people. The stainless steel material makes it very food grade and an easy to remove lid which is very functional for the coffee maker. The coffee maker comes with a three year warranty which is great in comparison to other coffee makers.

The choice of coffee makers is important especially if you are looking to invest in coffee making for a long time. The choice should be based mainly on the performance of the maker and the personal choice of the person buying the maker.

The Espresso Experience Credit Picture License: Brewing Coffee via photopin cc

Color Coded Sweets

Color is everything for some people while others find black and white perfectly perfect. The way we perceive things is different and ultimately means different likes and dislikes. Health as an issue has been a cause for alarm in this particular century with everyone taking keen concern of what they are eating. Health is not only related to what we eat but rather a work of how we eat it and what our daily life is consumed with. This is true for both nonfood and food related illnesses which are all subject to so many external factors. However, the variations of our health can be controlled by choosing the right diet and having a meditation and exercise routine.

Over the years, brown sugar has become a commodity of choice for most bakeries while white sugar is often used for making sweets. Both of these two products fall under the same class of foods; confectionaries. The two types of sugar both have the same effect when heat is applied to them since they will caramelize yet their use in the two different products serve different purposes. Brown sugar imparts very strong flavor on the cakes or biscuits which is desirable while white sugar allows easier crystallization when making sweets.

Brown sugar and white sugar differ in that white sugar is purer than brown sugar since the brown sugar contains some molasses which were not removed during processing. White sugar is better in terms of quality since it requires a smaller amount to sweeten something as compared to brown sugar. In terms of health, brown sugar may contain minerals that are lost with the molasses after processing in the white sugar. This amount is however too little to have a health impact.

A healthy breakfast is important for every individual. Contrary to what most people think, breakfast should be the most important meal of the day filled with high powered food in a well-balanced manner. In the morning, one has deprived all their energy and will use more throughout the day. For the best results through the day, a healthy breakfast should contain food portions as designated on ‘my plate.’ This design of measuring your portions will make sure all your meals are well balanced and healthy. Water is commonly forgotten as part of breakfast but should always accompany the meal.

Cereals form the worlds most consumed food group due to their high energy source and the roughage that they provide. Cereals come in variety and food processors have found ways to process them to give everyone a great choice for breakfast meals or any other meal. The most common breakfast cereals include; oats, sorghum, corn, wheat, millet, barley and rye. Other than being high in carbohydrates, cereals offer great sources of protein, minerals and fatty acids. Oats are the healthiest cereals since they have high fatty acid and protein content.

Weight loss is a factor of physiological and psychological factors. The more food one eats with a limited method of losing the extra energy that is not expended by their daily activities, the more weight they gain and the harder for them to lose weight. Weight loss is simple and can be made possible by easy things such as managing the food we take, how we take and when we take food and finally is we engage the body to exercise.

Color Coded Sweets Credit Picture License: Sugar via photopin cc

Being a Loser

Going to the gym and exercising is generally very interesting but takes a lot of will power and motivation. With the right mind set, the gym can be a great place to enjoy oneself and meditate about everything else. Exercise as a whole also offers the same benefits. This is very important for people who have stressful work conditions and want to work out their jobs by going to the gym. The gym and other forms of exercise can however be very grueling if you have the wrong kind of gym equipment, wrong gym routines or the wrong wearing gear. The wrong equipment may cause an imbalance in your system while the wrong routine will hurt your body physically rather relax you. The wrong kind of wearing kit on the other is something that someone can control and does not have to be told twice. Wrong clothes will make you extremely uncomfortable while the wrong foot wear will injure you.

Weight lifting can be done at home or in the gym depending on the person. During weightlifting as with other exercises, the perfect foot wear is very important. Shoes may be considered as a by the way during weight lifting but may be the reason you have sore feet or wobble over during the lifts. The first important factor to consider when choosing the right shoes for this purpose is the stability of the shoes. The shoes should be very stable, stability will determine if you wobble over with your weights or not. The durability of the shoes is extremely important since they will be made of more comfortable material most of the time. The longer lasting the better. The longevity of the exercise is important since it will determine the shoes you choose, some shoes can endure long periods of exercise while others cannot and will only last a few hours. Flat shoes with enough cushioning are very favorable.

The comfort ability of the shoe will be a great deal breaker since the exercise of weightlifting may be rewarding but it is also very tedious. The cost of the shoes will also generally determine what you buy. One should buy the best shoe for their budget although it would also make sense to save up for an expensive but longer lasting shoe. The design, shape and color are all subjective factors and will be dependent on the person varying with their change of moods and perception. It is however important to choose what you love. There are various well-known brands used in the sporting world such as Jordan’s or Nikes. Other brands include; Balance Minimus, Vibram Fivefingers and Pendalay Do- Win shoes.

Apple cider vinegar pills are mainly used by a variety of people so as to lose weight as opposed to other forms of exercise.  This is mainly as a substitute for people who do not want to take vinegar for the same purpose. The pills contain acetic acid in high doses and other ingredients such as calcium and phosphorous. The pills are however not regulated and may cause normal harm due to toxicity. This toxicity may occur from excessive accumulation in the body of the acetic acid.

Being a Loser Credit Picture License: Having fun with friends – Dancing girls via photopin cc

The Food Chronicles

Spaghetti Squash is not something you find on the menu regularly. In any case, there are a ton of medical advantages of spaghetti squash. In the event that you are somebody who likes to take a stab at making new things, then figuring out how to make spaghetti squash may be a smart thought for the menu. It is extremely sound and it is additionally very heavenly. Continue perusing to figure out how to make spaghetti squash and improve it than at any other time.

Zapiekanka

Zapiekanka is another menu thing you don’t see regularly. In any case, you will find that it has an extremely rich history loaded with convention and delight. Here is a zapiekanka formula that may be something you would need to attempt in the event that you get a kick out of the chance to cook. It is entirely delectable and you might need to set it up again at some point.

Zapiekanka is an open-face sandwich made of half of a baguette or other long move of bread, finished with sautéed white mushrooms, cheddar and alternatively different fixings, and toasted until the cheddar softens. Served hot with ketchup, it is a prominent road sustenance in Poland. With its inception going back to the 1970s, the zapiekanka is connected with the grave times of Poland’s Communist administration, however it has delighted in reestablished request in the 21st century, which has additionally brought a more extensive scope of assortments.

A fantastic no nonsense zapiekanka is produced using one portion of a baguette, or some other long move of white bread, cut the long way, concerning a submarine sandwich. It might be up to 50 centimeters (20 in) long. The bread is finished with cut, sautéed white mushrooms and ground cheddar to shape an open-face sandwich, which is then toasted until the bread gets to be fresh and the cheddar liquefies.

Spaghetti Squash

The assessed downright time to make this formula is 15 Minutes-4 Hours.

Cook the Spaghetti Squash Using One of the Following Methods:

Microwave: Prick outside of squash 5-10 times with a blade to discharge steam. Cook spaghetti squash by microwaving for 5-10 minutes, or until delicate. Expel squash from the microwave and put on a slicing board until cool to the touch.

Stove: Prick outside of squash 5-10 times with a blade to discharge steam. Heat squash in the broiler at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes, or until squash is delicate. Expel squash from broiler and place on a slicing board until cool to the touch.

Stewing pot: Prick outside of squash 5-10 times with a blade to discharge steam, and put in a moderate cooker container. Pour 1/2 container water into simmering pot. Cook on Low 4 to 6 hours. Evacuate squash and put on a slicing board until cool to the touch.

Split the spaghetti squash into two even parts. Be watchful, it’s hot!

Spirulina Health: Take it or Leave it

There are a number of benefits of drinking apple cider vinegar and eating spirulina. Most people have never even heard of spirulina more or less know about its health benefits. The more you learn about different types of food, the better you will be able to cook for you and your family to create healthy meals. Keep reading to learn more about these two ingredients and possible meals.

Apple Cider Vinegar

How much apple cider vinegar for kidney stones is needed varies depending on the severity, size, and how long in existence a kidney stone actually is. That being said, a kidney stone can be easily dissolved by consuming apple cider vinegar on a daily basis. Apple cider vinegar works to reduce and dissolve kidney stones by helping to flush out the body from dangerous excess toxins, including the minerals that form into kidney stones. The high acidity level of apple cider vinegar actually helps to break down the hard tissues that make up the kidney stone, making it easier to pass (if it is large) or eliminating it completely by dissolving it in the case of smaller stones.

The key in using apple cider vinegar to treat kidney stones is consistency. You should take apple cider vinegar every day with lots of water until the stone is completely dissolved, or the pain from the kidney stone (and accompanying issues while urinating) goes away completely.

A common rule of thumb for consuming apple cider vinegar is to drink 2 tablespoons of it once a day in an 8-ounce glass of water, and consuming ample amounts of water throughout the day to help flush out the kidneys. Apple cider vinegar and kidney stones relief should become prevalent within 24 to 48 hours when taken correctly, and bring relief to kidney stone sufferers quickly.

Spirulina

There are many benefits of spirulina. When choosing Spirulina, make sure to choose one that is organic, as others can be contaminated or have nitrate compounds as additives. The one I’m currently using can be purchased here and it is also the cheapest organic Spirulina I’ve seen.

It does taste like pond water though, so many people prefer supplements like this high quality spirulina capsule.

I add Spirulina to my veggie smoothies each day and take extra during pregnancy. It is best to get in about 2 teaspoons per day, and 2 or more tablespoons during illness, after radiation exposure, or during pregnancy. It does taste horrible though!

You can also mix into water and drink straight, though many people have trouble with this. The phosphorous makes it useful for the tooth demineralizing regimen, and it is best taken with an Omega-3 source like fermented cod liver oil. Its anti-inflammatory properties have been helpful to some with joint pain or other types of inflammation.