Monthly Archives: March 2018

5 Hacks to Keep Outdoor Allergies Symptoms Away

March 28 in Allergy by admin | No Comments

Millions of people have to deal with outdoor allergies on a daily basis. The problem becomes more rampant during the spring and the summer when flowers are in full bloom and there is too much pollen in the air. While keeping allergens away in the house is easy, you have little if not control over what happens when you are outdoors.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, up to 30 percent of the world’s population suffers from hay fever. While medicine might be a great way to combat outdoor allergies, there are other non medicinal approaches that will give you an upper hand over the condition.

1. Shower Before Going to Bed

Showering before going to bed will wash off that pollen from your skin and hair keeping it off the bed sheets and pillows. You won’t spend the whole night rolling in a sea of pollen only to wake up feeling soggy and awful in the morning. It will be a great idea to wash your bedding in hot water more often to get rid of any residual pollen.

2. Stay Indoors in the Morning

Pollen count will be at its highest early in the morning. This is between 5am and 10am. If possible, stay indoors and wait until this high activity period is over before stepping out. You, however, don’t have to worry it rains since the rain will wash away the pollen. You will have the hardest time on a dry, warm and windy day.

3. Irrigate Your Nasal Cavities

Nasal irrigation flushes out allergens and extra mucus from the sinuses and nostrils. Saline nasal rinses and neti pots are effective at cleaning dust, pollen and other irritating elements from your nostrils before they trigger a catastrophic allergic reaction.

4. Dress Appropriately When Visiting High Risk Areas

If you cannot stay indoors and avoid high risk areas like open fields or other places with heavy allergen concentrations, you will be better off covering your eyes and perhaps nostrils. A wide-brim hat and sunglasses will keep the allergen from your eyes. If the symptoms are severe, consider wearing a mast to protect your nose too.

5. Keep Off Some Foods

Raw and fresh fruit plucked straight from the tree will still have traces of the pollen or compounds that trigger your allergic reactions. Even though it is healthy, its impact on your health might be more terrifying. This will only apply to people who are allergic to specific pollen. People allergic to birch tree pollen might have trouble consuming fresh apples.

When Prevention Fails

Prevention might be the first line of defense against allergic reactions. However, the little control we have over the open environment makes it very hard to control what we breath without looking paranoid. Covering your eyes, nose and mouth with a mast will work but it might be too extreme.

In such cases, it would be wise to keep your allergy medication nearby and use it when you get the first symptoms. If your are very sensitive to outdoor allergens and can alter your schedule to stay indoors until safer times of the day, you will live a better life with less attacks.

Staying healthy and drinking lots of water will keep your body healthy and increase your endurance. It won’t necessarily better your immunity to the allergen but you will feel less awful when you get an attack and have to use medication to fight it off. Keep your home clean, well aerated and humidified to give you a safe resting place at the end of the day.

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Asthma and Allergies: Understanding the Connection

March 28 in Allergy, Health, Uncategorized by admin | No Comments

There are various kinds of asthma. One of these is exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB), or exercise-induced asthma (EIA). Other types include childhood and occupational asthma. But did you know that asthma and allergies are inextricably linked and that allergic asthma is always triggered by an allergy? These allergies could present itself in the form of dust mites, pollen, or mold. According to The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAA) this form of asthma is triggered when you inhale allergens The AAAA also notes that more than half of America’s asthma sufferers have this type of asthma. Allergic asthma occurs when allergens cause an allergic reaction that constricts your airways, and makes it swollen and inflamed. This in turn may make you cough and wheeze or experience shortness of breath. Here’s what symptoms to look out for, diagnosis,treatment, and how to go about reducing your chances of developing allergic asthma.

The Symptoms of Allergy-Induced Asthma

Persistent cough. One of the earliest warning signs of allergy-related asthma is a cough, specifically one that develops at night.
Shortness of breath. If you suffer from shortness of breath after being exposed to a dusty environment, the outdoors during Spring, or after playing with your pet, you may have allergic asthma.
Pain, pressure, or tightness in your chest.
Wheezing. This may occur more frequently at night, but you may also develop wheezing during the day.
Insomnia. Breathing difficulties often leads to sleeplessness.

How to Diagnose Asthma

Skin allergy tests. Skin allergy tests often include scratch, patch and intradermal testing. With the scratch test, your healthcare provider will cover a tiny part of your back or forearm with an allergen, and then perform a painless prick or puncture on your skin. The patch test would require two consecutive visits to your doctor. He or she will place a patch containing allergens on your back or arm for 48 hours here. With the intradermal test, your doctor will inject a tiny amount of allergens just beneath your skin.
Allergy blood tests. These types of tests are beneficial in diagnosing approximately 10 types of allergens including pollen, dander, mold spores, and even some food allergies. They include enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (EIA or ELISA) tests, and radioallergosorbent (RAST) tests.
Chest X-rays. Your doctor will obtain an image of your lungs to ascertain your pulmonary health.
Pulmonary function test. Also known as spirometry, this test serves as an indicator of your inhaling and exhaling capacity.
Methacholine challenge test. Here your healthcare provider will place methacholine in your airways to see if it will constrict your airways. Methacholine is an irritant with the tendency to tighten airways in asthma sufferers.

Treatment and Preventative Measures

Avoiding triggers. You could do this by ensuring your environment is clear of any pet dander and dust mites. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), a case study of 400 children aged under 7 years was conducted by Celedon et al. Researchers discovered that the children exposed to dust mite allergens from birth to three months, were more prone to develop asthma by the age of seven. If possible, always use dust mite encasing for your bedding. Also, ensure that you’re outdoors less often on windy days during the pollen season.
Bronchodilators. This form of medication helps relax the muscles around your airways. It also clears excess mucous from your lungs. Theophylline and anticholinergics are bronchodilators.
Use anti-inflammatories. These pharmaceuticals include inhaled corticosteroids that help reduce inflammation and mucous in your airways. Some well-known brands here include Asmanex, Flovent, Qvar, Pulmicort, and Alvesco. If taken daily, your symptoms should start disappearing within weeks.

What Is Pollen?

March 27 in Allergy by admin | No Comments

If you’ve ever seen acorns scattered about a residential lawn – or countryside, for that matter – as the fall seasons approaches, then you intuitively know what pollen is. Much like trees cast off these acorns so that they can perhaps grow into trees later on down the line, many plants, weeds and grasses cast off pollen in order to reproduce. The grains are usually very small – microscopic, in fact – and so are carried great distances on a springtime breeze.

How Does Pollen Affect People?

The primary mechanism by which pollen in its natural state affects people is the size of the individual grains. Some trees cast off large grains of pollen that are sticky (usually, these are fruit-bearing trees), and these don’t generally cause allergic reactions. The large size restricts the ability of the wind to carry them far, and the stickiness tends to keep them rooted to the ground or other surface objects. The microscopic grains of pollen are the troublemakers for many humans; the breeze can carry them quite some distance from the progenitor, and they can get inside your body through your mouth and nose. Once inside, your immune system treats the pollen as an invasion and marshals a response to it. This is precisely what most allergies are; the following are the resulting symptoms of your body’s defense:

Sneezing may be one of the most common causes to breathing in the fine powder that comprises pollen
Runny or stuffy nose – general nasal congestion
Watery eyes
An allergic response can trigger a decrease in your ability to taste and smell food
Sinus pressure
Asthmatic reactions
Hay fever
Allergic rhinitis

Allergies to pollen can’t be cured – and the reason why makes sense when you think about it. After all, your body is actually trying to protect you from an alien invasion of very fine pollen grains. The origin is the immune system, itself, and it is conducting what would ordinarily be its most useful service. It simply doesn’t recognize that pollen is generally harmless; it simply “knows” that it shouldn’t be in your body and so takes steps to defend against it.

How Can You Fight Pollen-Induced Allergies?

Most health professionals agree that avoidance is the best measure when feasible. Plants such as ragweed, oak pollen and grass pollen are trying fertilize at the same time every year – sometime around late spring and very early fall. There are national broadcasts detailing days when you can expect high pollen counts; usually, the fine powder is in the air in the early to late morning hours. If you can avoid it, or protect your nose and mouth, then this will significantly reduce the chances that you trigger an immune response. Dry, windy days are when people who are susceptible to pollen allergies should try to stay indoors as much as possible. Invest in a dust mask if you must go outside, and make sure to close windows and doors to avoid letting in insects that carry pollen grains. If you are beset by allergy symptoms, then you can always see a doctor. Most are well aware of the range of allergens, and can refer you to a specialist if needed. Over-the-counter antihistamines work adequately well for many people, as well as decongestants to provide relief for symptoms. There are home remedies to help you avoid pollen altogether, such as HEPA filters, dehumidifiers and air conditioning. An allergy shot is always an option as the season for plant fertilization nears; these tend to do a great job of dampening your immune response to pollen.

Understanding Mental Illnesses

March 26 in Health, Uncategorized by admin | No Comments

Guide to Mental Illness

Mental health refers to our psychological, social and emotional health. Mental health affects the way one thinks, feels and behaves. It is normal for our emotional well-being to change due to positive or negative life events. Positive events, such as winning the lottery may cause happiness or feelings of joy. Negative things, like losing a loved one, may trigger feelings of sadness or anxiety. These changes are usually temporary.

Mental illness, on the other hand, involves persistent changes in emotions, thoughts and behavior. Mental illness is more than just a temporary change in emotional well-being. Mental illnesses affect a person’s ability to cope with day-to-day life and to relate to others. People that suffer from mental illness often have difficulty in their employment, school, social relationships and other important areas of life.

What Causes Mental Illness?

The cause of mental illness varies. There are more than 200 different mental illness and they each have different causes, symptoms and prognoses. Research suggests that, in most cases, mental illness is brought on by varying factors, including environmental stressors, genetics, brain structure and lifestyle choices. Traumatic events, such as being the victim of a crime, makes one more susceptible to mental illness, but not everyone who is the victim of a violent crime will go on to develop mental health problems. It is likely these stressors, combined with other factors, that makes one more susceptible.

How Common Is Mental Illness?

According to National Alliance on Mental Illness, one out of every five adults experiences a mental health problem each year. Serious or chronic mental illness, such as bipolar or schizophrenia, affects one out of every 17 persons. Most serious mental health problems began by the teen or early adult years.

What Are the Different Types of Mental Health Conditions?

Depression

Depression occurs when someone experiences feelings of sadness or irritation for periods longer than a couple of weeks. Depression is more than just feeling sad. Everyone has normal sadness from time to time. Depression interferes with one’s ability to go to school or work. Here are some of the common symptoms of depression:

Depressed or sad mood
Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
Feelings of hopelessness
Lack of energy
Trouble concentrating

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder causes dramatics shifts in a person’s mood, from feeling overly high to extremely sad or irritated. It interferes with one’s ability to think clearly. Common symptoms of bipolar disorder include:

Distinct periods of depressed mood
Mania symptoms, such as excessive happiness, excitement, pressured speech

Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety is normal, but when the worry becomes difficult to control, it may be an anxiety disorder. Here are some of the most common symptoms of an anxiety disorder:

Persistent worry
Restlessness
Irritability
Trouble concentrating
Racing heart
Frequent physical symptoms like stomach pain

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a psychotic disorder. Often people with schizophrenia lose touch with reality. They may hear and see things that are not really there or believe that others are out to harm them. Other symptoms include disordered behavior and thoughts.

Borderline Personality Disorder

This serious mental disorder causes mood swings, instability in relationships, impulsivity and poor self-image. A person with borderline personality disorder may have periods of severe anger or depression lasting anywhere from a few hours to a few days. They often engage in self-harming behaviors.

Is Recovery Possible?

It is possible to recover from mental illness and enjoy meaningful work, relationships and other things in life. The important thing when it comes to recovery is to get help as soon as you notice the symptoms and to stay involved in your treatment.

How Can You Diagnose a Drug Allergy

March 17 in Allergy, Uncategorized by admin | No Comments

Switching or starting a new drug prescribed by a doctor can be scary with the long line of side effects that come along with most of them these days. One of the possible serious side effects being a drug allergy, which can cause severe and even life threatening side effects.

With that said, when a drug allergy occurs symptoms appear within an hour, but in rare cases allergic reactions can occur with prolong use of a drug as late as a month. Either way, knowing the side effects of a drug allergy is a helpful way to diagnose one.

What are some of the side effects of a possible drug allergy?

Some of the most common side effects of a drug allergy are:

Constant runny nose
Swelling in the face and body
Watery itchy eyes
Breathing complications such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and an asthma attack
High fever
Skin reactions such as rashes and hives

Rare, but a severe condition that can occur with a drug allergy is anaphylaxis, which is a condition that causes side effects such as:

Tightening of the airways
Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal discomforts
Dizziness
Weakness
Rapid heartbeat
Seizures
Loss of consciousness
Unbalanced blood pressure levels
Irregular bowel movements
Headaches
Dehydration

Reactions that occur from a drug allergy weeks or even months later from long exposure to a medication can cause drug allergies known as:

Serum sickness that causes flu like symptoms
Drug-induced anemia causing fatigue and blood loss
Nephritis a condition that causes inflammation of the kidneys
Drug rash eosinophilia and systemic symptoms also known as DRESS

What should occur if a drug allergy develops?

If a drug allergy occurs or you are experience a negative reaction to it, you must call a doctor or seek out medical attention immediately. Some allergic reactions to medications can cause death if not caught and treated in time.

With that said, if the allergic reaction is occurring rapidly just dial 911 from your home phone, cell phone or any landline. Medical responders can reach you faster than you can reach a hospital, which increases your chances of stopping the reaction sooner rather than later, and in life threatening cases saving your life.

What are some end thoughts to keep in mind?

Some end thoughts to keep in mind with a drug allergy are sometimes mood changes can be one of the side effects of a drug allergy, but are rare. Muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, high white blood cell counts, extreme fatigue and heart complications are also rare, but possible allergic reactions that can occur with medications, which are also important to keep in mind and tell your doctor.

Remember, every bit of information you remember and can give your doctor will help diagnose your drug allergy. After a proper diagnosis, your doctor will take you off the drug and prescribe you a new one to help get you feeling better.

Types and Causes of Kidney Disease

March 17 in Health by admin | No Comments

Types and Causes of Kidney Failure

Your kidneys are one of the most significant organs in the body. They are a pair of organs located towards your lower back and serve the purpose of filtering your blood to remove toxic and waste substances from the body. The toxic substances can be detrimental to your health if they are not removed out of the body.

What is a kidney failure?

Kidney failure is the condition where both of your kidneys or just one of them cannot serve their function to the required level of performance. This can be brought about by a myriad of factors that may interfere with the health and proper function of your kidney. Some of them include:

Kidney trauma
Some acute and chronic diseases
Toxic exposure to environmental pollutants
Severe dehydration

When your system is burdened with toxins and dangerous wastes resulting from a kidney failure, what follows are life threatening conditions that can be dangerous to your health. This is the reason why you should always seek the services of a doctor the moment you realize you have a kidney problem.

What causes kidney failure?

The following factors could predispose you to kidney failure

Loss of blood flow to the kidney

Kidney failure is often prompted by a sudden loss of blood flow to the kidneys. Some of the diseases and conditions that may lead to loss of blood flow to the kidneys include:

Heart attack
Severe burn
Dehydration
Liver failure
Allergic reactions

Urine elimination problem

When your body finds it difficult to eliminate urine from the system, there is a consequent build up and overloading of the kidneys. Certain cancers can lead to blockage of urine passageways. Such cancers include prostate cancer, cervical cancer, colon cancer, and bladder cancer. Other conditions which that can interfere with urination include

Trauma on the nerves controlling urination
Blood clots within the urinary tract
Kidney stones
Enlarged prostate

Other causes

Certain diseases and conditions can lead to kidney failure. They include:

A clot of blood in the kidney
Drug and alcohol
Dyes used in certain imaging tests
Chemotherapy drugs (medications that treat autoimmune diseases and cancer)
Overload of toxins from heavy metals
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. (A disorder that causes blood clot in tiny vessels)

Types of kidney failure

Below are the types of kidney failure

Acute Prerenal kidney failure

Without enough flow of blood into the kidneys, the kidneys find it difficult to filter out the toxic wastes hence the occurrence of acute perennial kidney failure. This problem is usually solved once the problem leading to the low supply of blood has been determined.

Acute intrinsic kidney failure

Direct trauma causes this kind of kidney failure to either one of the kidneys or both of them. An accident or physical impact can lead to the trauma. Its causes are ischemia and toxic overload making it difficult for the kidney to perform its function in the right manner. Ischemia may be caused by

Obstruction of renal blood vessel
Shock
Severe bleeding
Glomerulonephritis

Chronic Prerenal kidney failure

This is the condition where the kidney begins to shrink thus losing its function. The primary cause of this is insufficient blood flowing into the kidneys.

Chronic intrinsic kidney failure

This usually occurs when there is a long-term damage to the kidneys as a result of intrinsic kidney diseases. Direct trauma causes these intrinsic kidney diseases to the kidneys like severe bleeding or insufficient oxygen.

Chronic post renal kidney failure

This is caused by a long-term blockage of the urinary tract thus hindering urination. The consequent is pressure which in turn cause kidney failure.

Autism Risk Factors

March 15 in Health, Uncategorized by admin | No Comments

What is Autism?

Autism was first defined in 1943 by Leo Kanner as the inability to create normal, determined, emotional contact with others. Other definitions surround this primacy of lack of social reciprocity. Over the years, there has been major improvements in the conceptualization of autism and related disorders.

Risk Factors for Autism

There has been a lot of awareness that has been created concerning autism due to the rising number of autism cases in the last decade, but most people are still in the dark when it comes to establishing what puts unborn babies at risk of developing this disorder. With 10-15% of all babies being born with one neurodevelopment disorder or the other, it is crucial for people to be knowledgeable on the avoidable and unavoidable risk factors.

Mycotoxins

Mycotoxins are mold byproducts that are mostly found in wine, grains, coffee and pork. Several studies have been able to positively link the presence of mycotoxins in these foods with autism. Mycotoxins are known to put males at a higher risk of developing theses disorder. Although there are numerous studies being conducted on the effects of mycotoxins on animals and human beings, the jury is still out on the long-term effects. This does not mean that mycotoxins are not a risk factor just that you need to be careful with foods that contain them.

C-Sections

There has been a new study that has shown that babies who are born through C-Section, rather than other traditional methods stand a higher chance of developing autism-related disorders. This study is important because 1 in 3 babies in the United States is born via C-Section. The reason for the increased risk is because the babies are born before their due date. It is therefore important for parents to pursue other methods of giving birth before settling on C-Section.

Maternal Antibodies

This is an unfortunate risk factor since our own bodies produce these maternal antibodies which attach themselves to the baby’s proteins that are used for cognitive and neurological development therefore hindering the normal process of fetal development. Scientists are now working on ways of separating these antibodies and prevent them from causing autism.

Placenta abnormalities

Studies have established a relationship between placentas that have an abnormal structure and children who have neurological disorders such as autism. It is therefore advisable to check the condition of the placenta at birth so as to predict whether the child will have any neurological disorder.

Smoking

Tobacco smoking comes with a plethora of health issues and unfortunately, smoking while pregnant can lead to autism in children. Although a direct link has not yet been established between smoking and autism, women who smoke while pregnant stand a higher chance of birthing children suffering from Asperger’s (an autism spectrum disorder).

Air Pollution

New evidence has come out suggesting that some particles in polluted air may increase the risk of autism. By reducing air pollution indoors and doing our part as the society to deal with outdoor pollution, we can contribute to an overall healthy society.

Endocrine Disruptors

Endocrine disruptors affect chemicals that are crucial in the development of the thyroid and many experts believe that they are hormone related since males are 4 times more likely to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders.

Vaccines

Thimerosals and aluminum found in vaccines have a causal relationship with autism. Vaccines have the power to save lives but we need to do more research so as to establish a clear relationship between ingredients in vaccines and neurological development.

Understanding the Importance of Immunization

March 14 in Health, Uncategorized by admin | No Comments

Understanding the importance of immunization

Many health professionals recommend immunization for protection against diseases. Immunizations are where you get vaccinated with weakened antigens to prevent you from getting that illness. It works by making your immune system produce antibodies to fight off that particular infection ensuring you get added immunity.

These diseases you are vaccinated against, are usually infectious and can be difficult to treat. Immunizations are usually given to children at a young age. There are vaccination campaigns encouraging parents to get their children vaccinated and for adults who were not vaccinated to get their vaccines. However, there is need to understand the importance of immunization and why every child should get vaccinated as early as possible.

Immunizations save the lives of children. New-born children get their immunity from their mothers. However, the immunity runs out within the first year, and they become more susceptible to getting infections. Through getting vaccinated, children get protection from diseases that were once fatal. Some diseases have been eradicated as a result of these vaccinations.
Vaccinations are effective, and there are no serious side effects after getting immunized. All vaccines undergo extensive testing and review to ensure they are safe for administration. Other than the initial soreness at the entry point, it is extremely rare for people to get seriously affected by the vaccine.
By getting all your vaccines, you protect those around you. Immunizations make sure your immune system is strong enough to fight infections. As a result, you will not spread infections to those who have weaker immune systems. Children and adults who are not vaccinated can pass these dangerous diseases to those who have compromised immune systems like those who have cancer or do not respond to vaccines or children who are too young to get immunized. These diseases can result in long-term complications or even death.
Immunizations save you time and money that would have been spent treating diseases that are preventable. In some schools and child care facilities, children who are not vaccinated are denied attendance since they pose a risk to the other children. When they get an infection, you will have to spend a lot of money getting treatments that can be avoided at an early age. You will also have to take time from work to take care of the child, and all this would have been prevented by getting the child vaccinated at an early age.
Immunization also protects future generations by eradicating very dangerous infections. Through vaccines, smallpox has been eradicated worldwide, and children no longer need to get the vaccination since the disease does not exist. The risk of pregnant women passing rubella to their unborn children has also greatly reduced as a result of getting vaccinated at an early age. Through immunization, other diseases are expected to be eradicated making it safer for future generations.
Since you interact with different people, it is easy to get infections if you are not vaccinated. Immunizations ensure that you can safely interact with foreigners without the risk of getting diseases they might unknowingly be carrying.
Vaccinations reduce the risk of disease outbreaks, especially in school. Outbreaks usually occur when children are not immunized.
Vaccination gives children protection against serious illnesses and the complications that arise as a result of these illnesses. These complications include paralysis, deformities, amputations, brain damage and in severe cases death.

It is recommended to ensure children get immunized at an early age to reduce the chances of getting an infection. Through immunization, you get increased immunity without having to get sick first.

National Endometriosis Awareness Month is in March

March 13 in Health, Uncategorized by admin | No Comments

The month of March is dedicated to bringing awareness to Endometriosis, the devastating condition that affects so many women each and every year. This is a very painful condition that often goes undiagnosed and it can cause a host of unpleasant and unwanted symptoms such as extreme pain, bleeding and infertility. As time goes on, these symptoms usually get worse and many women choose to have a hysterectomy or have an ovary removed in order to decrease their symptoms. Not many people know what endometriosis actually is and many women may even be having symptoms of it without knowing what the issue actually could be. Let’s take a look at some of the basics related to endometriosis:

What Is Endometriosis?

There is a lining of tissue inside of each woman’s uterus that is called the endometrium lining. The cells found inside of this tissue are unique only to the uterus and when this tissue responds to the ebbs and flows of estrogen and progesterone, it will bleed as part of a woman’s period. When endometriosis is present, this tissue can actually escape out of the uterus and begin to grow on the outside lining of the uterus, on the ovaries, on the fallopian tubes and also nearby organs. In some rare cases, endometriosis has even affected the lungs and other organs. As hormones fluctuate, this tissue will respond just like the inside of the uterus does and a woman will bleed out of this tissue. This blood is not lost as part of a period though, and being trapped in the body, it will begin to form scar tissue and lesions that will cause a lot of pain and wreak havoc to the body. Because of these issues, many women with endometriosis are infertile or have menstrual issues each month.

How Severe Is Endometriosis?

Some women can experience very mild symptoms associated with endometriosis while other women are left in bed for days when they have a flare up of their condition. Some women may be reading this and may not even be aware that they are currently dealing with endometriosis. Doctors will run a number of tests that include blood work and sonograms in order to diagnose endometriosis and to formulate a care plan moving forward. If infertility is an issue, women can often go through treatments to increase their chances of getting pregnant. This really depends on the severity and the projected outcome from a trusted medical professional.

What Is The Cause?

Currently it is unknown what the actual cause of endometriosis is but it definitely is genetic. Your chances of developing endometriosis are much higher if your mother or grandmother suffered from it when they were younger. When menopause hits, the symptoms often get much better and surgical intervention can play a big role as well. There are certain chemicals that can cause endometriosis as well if a pregnant woman was exposed to them or a woman was exposed to them extensively during her lifetime.

During the month of March, it is important to educate yourself on endometriosis. You may have symptoms that you decide to have looked at or you may know somebody with endometriosis and knowing a bit more about this condition can help you fully understand what they are actually going through more. While no known cause or cure is known, future research and dedication to learning more about this condition will go very far to helping better diagnose patients but also to help prevent and treat patients suffering from debilitating and devastating endometriosis as well.

What is Brain Awareness Week?

March 12 in Health, Uncategorized by admin | No Comments

Every year millions of people are negatively affected by invasive brain diseases. In 1993, concerned individuals came together and formed an alliance to bring awareness and champion brain research in their global communities. March 12th serves as a launching point for Brain Awareness Week, 2018.

In March, the world will watch as government groups, the education system, patient advocates, scientists and service workers all unite to promote awareness of the wonderful organ you know as the brain!

Combating the Stats

Brain affliction can literally protrude into every aspect of your life. The brain’s function affects your body as a whole. Neurological and nervous system disorders invade when abnormalities plague the most complex structure on the planet, your brain. Do you know anyone who struggles with a brain disorder? Brain disorders are difficult for the sufferers and their loved ones. Below are some of the most common types of brain disorders:

Epilepsy
Alzheimer’s
Migraines
Parkinson’s
Tumors
Cerebral Palsy
Developmental Disorders

Many lives are affected by the irreparable damage brain disease can cause. Children and adults suffer from physical and mental inconsistencies because of brain disorders. It makes it that much more important to support Brain Awareness. Scientific research and experimental studies on the brain are supported by groups like the Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives to help bring aid and knowledge to people everywhere. Brain Awareness Week is the catalyst for jump-starting brain-saving fundraising and facilitation of brain-related programs over the course of the year.

What to Expect

Everywhere in March, people will celebrate the many functions of the brain. The series Your Brain at Work supported by Brain Awareness Week founders focus on how employers and employees can maintain cognitive fitness. Maintaining your brain fitness is extremely important to effectively battle nervous system disorders like Alzheimer’s disease.

This year, brain exhibits can be seen across the world. On March 12th, exhibits such as the Mind Apples exhibit at the Health Professional’s Building in Phoenix, Arizona will engage participants by asking questions about what they do to keep their brains healthy. Students will be asked to handout detailed brochures on Brain Awareness to help spread the word.

In San Sebastian, Spain at the Science Museum, Brain Week Awareness activities are being introduced from March 12th to the 16th to the general public as well as to school-aged students. Organized by the Basque Center on Cognition Brain and Language, workshops and discussion will be made available to people of all ages. They will get to experience the brain in a setting that breeds exploration and life-changing experimentation!

What Can You Do?

Did you know that almost 50,000 thoughts are conceived in your brain on a daily basis? Sadly, close to 70 percent of those thoughts are negative ones. How can you turn those negative thoughts into a positive, proactive movement? You can gain a sense of achievement when you help promote brain awareness in your area! Below are some great ideas for you to keep you and others informed of the many wonderful things the brain is capable of:

Volunteer for a Brain Awareness activity in your area.
Plan a Brain Awareness activity of your own. Whether for close friends/family or for the public, you can make a difference!
Community libraries and classrooms are ideal settings for interactive brain exhibits. Considering facilitating one. You don’t have to be an expert to spread important facts about the brain.

Let Brain Awareness Week propel your positive brain activity forward! Engage your brain, engage an audience and start a conversation on Brain Awareness today!