An irresistible urge to move the legs is called “Restless Legs Syndrome.” The urge to move the legs is usually due to unpleasant feelings in the legs that occur when at rest. Movement eases the feelings for a while. Although symptoms mostly affect in the legs, they can also affect the arms.

There are two types of restless legs syndrome, they are:

1. Primary: Cause is not know, but tends to run in families, and is the most common
2. Secondary: Caused by another disease or condition or by taking certain medicines.

Restless legs syndrome is common in pregnant women and usually occurs during the last months of pregnancy. It usually improves or disappears within a few weeks after delivery.

People with restless legs syndrome describe their symptoms with words like creeping, crawling, tingling or burning sensations. The unpleasant feelings may also occur in the arms.

People with RLS often don’t get enough sleep because RLS can make it hard to fall asleep and stay asleep. They are often tired and sleepy during the day which makes it difficult to:

• Concentrate, learn and remember things
• Work
• Carry out other usual daily activities
• Take part in family and social activities

Not getting enough sleep can also cause depression or mood swings.

People with RLS usually also have a condition called periodic limb movement disorder. PLMD is characterized by leg twitching or jerking uncontrollably about every 10 to 60 seconds usually during sleep. The legs are usually most affected, but PLMD can also affect the arms.

Although RLS is unpleasant and uncomfortable, there are some simple self-care approaches and lifestyle changes that can help in mild cases. RLS symptoms often improve with medical treatment. There is ongoing research to better understand the causes of RLS and to develop better treatments.

Medicines that can cause RLS

RLS symptoms usually go away when medicine is stopped, if the RLS symptoms are actually caused by the medicine. You should never stop taking any kind of medicine that is prescribed by your doctor unless he or she instructs you to do so. Medicines that can cause RLS are:

• Antiseizure medicines
• Antinausea medicines
• Antidepressants
• Some cold and allergy medicines

Other substances that can cause RLS symptoms or make them worse include:

• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Tobacco

Although RLS affects both men and women, the disorder occurs more often in women than in men. The age group in which RLS mostly occurs is middle age; however, in up to two out of every five cases, the symptoms of RLS begin before age 20. People who develop RLS early in life usually have a family history of the disorder. The disorder is also more common in persons of northern European descent.

Signs and Symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome include:

• An almost irresistible urge to move the legs or arms when sitting or lying down
• An unpleasant feeling in the legs
• Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep because of the unpleasant feelings in the legs or arms
• Daytime sleepiness that results from a lack of restful sleep due to the repeated limb movements

Restless legs syndrome gets its name from the urge to move the legs when sitting or lying down. Typical movements include:

• Pacing and walking
• Jiggling the legs
• Stretching and flexing
• Tossing and turning
• Rubbing the legs

To help your doctor take a medical history, and to provide you with an appropriate diagnosis, provide him or her with answers to the following questions:

• Can you describe your symptoms?
• When did your symptoms first begin?
• When during the day or night do the symptoms usually occur?
• When are your symptoms worse?
• Do symptoms interfere with your sleep?
• What time do you go to bed and get up?
• What is your routine before going to bed?
• What kind of noise, light, interruptions are there in the room where you sleep?
• Do you snore?
• Are you tired and sleepy when you wake up and during the day?
• Do you have trouble concentrating?
• Do you doze off or have difficult staying awake doing routine tasks, especially while driving?
• Do other members of your family have similar symptoms?
• What medicines (over-the-counter and prescription) do you take?
• Do you gasp for air during sleep?
• Do you use caffeine, tobacco, or alcohol?

Listed below are some lifestyle changes to improve and relieve symptoms of RLS:

• Avoid things that can make symptoms of RLS worse such as tobacco, alcohol, foods and beverages that contain caffeine such as chocolate, coffee, tea, and some soft drinks
• Medicines: Only at the advice of your doctor should you stop taking medicines that have been specifically prescribed for you. There are some medicines that can make the symptoms of RLS worse and they include: Antidepressants, antinausea medicines, antipsychotic medicines, antihistamines.
• Adopt good sleep habits such as keeping your bedroom or sleep area cool, quiet, comfortable and free of unnecessary light. Use your bedroom for sleeping, not for watching TV or using computers or the telephone. Go to bed every night at the same time and wake up at the same time every morning.
• Follow a program of moderate exercise

Other activities that may also help relieve symptoms include:

• Walking or stretching
• Taking a hot or cold bath
• Massaging the leg or arm
• Using heat or ice packs

Doctors prescribe medicines to treat RLS in people who:

• Have clearly defined symptoms
• Those who have symptoms that cannot be controlled by lifestyle and non-drug treatments.

There is no single medicine that is helpful in all persons with RLS. It sometimes takes several changes in medicines and dosages to find the best approach. Always talk to your doctor before taking any medicines or over-the-counter medicines for your symptoms. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved ropinirole to treat moderate to severe RLS.

Restless legs syndrome is very often a lifelong condition. The symptoms may come and go frequently or they may disappear completely for long periods of time. They may even get worse over time. Lifestyle changes and medicines can help control and relieve symptoms of restless legs syndrome. Discuss with your doctor about lifestyle changes and medicines that might help your symptoms. As research continues new treatments are being developed.

Source: The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute

Disclaimer: *This article is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any kind of a health problem. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Always consult with your health care provider about any kind of a health problem and especially before beginning any kind of an exercise routine.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box. Article written 4-2007.

Author: Connie Limon, Trilogy Field Representative. Visit http://nutritionandhealthhub.com and sign up for a weekly nutrition and health tip. The article collection is available as FREE reprints for your newsletters, websites or blog. Visit http://www.healthylife27.com to purchase an array of superior quality, safe and effective products inspired by nature, informed by science and created to improve the health of people, pets and the planet.

One of the most important parts of a woman’s ability to maintain good health is proper diet and nutrition. Researchers continue to find growing evidence of the link between healthy eating and a variety of positive health outcomes which include:

• Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease
• Cancer
• Osteoporosis

If you are a woman looking to improve your diet you should eat foods rich in fiber, folate, unsaturated fats and calcium. Choose fruits, vegetables, whole grains and reduce intake of sugar, salt, cholesterol, saturated fats and trans fats.

As you age, your nutritional needs may change and vary. Consult with your personal physician or other healthcare professional to ensure your diet is providing the proper nourishment required for good health.

How do fiber, fat, folate, antioxidants, calcium, Vitamin D, iron, protein, alcohol and caffeine actually affect a woman’s health?

Fiber: The many benefits of high fiber intake include:

1. Substantially reducing the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke;
2. Cereal fiber has been shown in particular to reduce the risk of heart attack;
3. Diets high in fiber protect against diabetes;
4. Diets high in soluble fiber found in vegetables, fruits and legumes can help diabetic individuals control their glucose (blood sugar level);
5. Lower cholesterol levels;
6. Improved bowel function;
7. Research also suggests that diets high in vegetable and fruit fiber may help prevent colon and rectal cancer.

Fat: It is important to reduce intake of foods high in certain types of fat and cholesterol to help decrease the risk of coronary heart disease. Of most importance is to reduce the saturated fats and trans fats rather than concentrating on reducing the total amount of “fat” intake. Avoid consuming too many low-fat foods that are high in carbohydrates. Too many carbohydrates can lower the so-called “good” cholesterol that protects against heart disease.

Folate: Is a type of B vitamin important to the production of red blood cells that can help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and colon cancer. Folate supplements are recommended for women of child-bearing age usually in the form of multivitamins to help prevent a group of birth defects known as neural tube defects. These defects include spina bifida and anencephaly (failure of the brain to form).

Natural sources of folate include:

• Certain breakfast cereals
• Orange juice
• Peas
• Peanuts
• Beans
• Leafy green vegetables

Antioxidants: Certain fruits and vegetables, Vitamins A, C, E and beta carotene contain antioxidant properties. There are some studies that indicate antioxidants help prevent cancer and cardiovascular disease. The evidence to support these claims remains mixed.

Calcium: An adequate amount of daily calcium can help prevent osteoporosis. Osteoporosis particularly affects many women after menopause. It can lead to bone fractures. Calcium may also protect against colon cancer and may aid weight loss in obese women. If you are a woman who feels you need more calcium in your diet or you are just not sure how much is adequate for you, check with your physician about taking supplements.

Good sources of calcium include:

• Milk
• Yogurt
• Cheese
• Canned fish with soft bones such as sardines, anchovies and salmon
• Leafy green vegetables
• Calcium-fortified orange juice

Vitamin D: It is important to consume adequate amounts of Vitamin D to aid calcium absorption and bone formation. A lack of vitamin D can lead to softening of the bones.

Good sources of vitamin D include:

• Egg yolks
• Herring
• Sardines
• Tuna
• Salmon
• Fortified milk

Iron: A deficiency of iron can cause fatigue, decreased immunity and a type of anemia called iron-deficiency anemia. Iron is especially important to girls and women of childbearing age. Iron should be taken in moderation. Studies show high levels of iron can lead to heart disease in postmenopausal women.

Good sources of iron include:

• Liver
• Kidneys
• Red meat
• Poultry
• Eggs
• Peas
• Legumes
• Dried fruits
• Leafy vegetables

Protein: Women should get 10 to 35 percent of daily calories from protein to help prevent muscle tissue from breaking down and help repair tissue that has been damaged.

Good sources of protein include:

• Fish
• Poultry
• Eggs
• Milk
• Cheese
• Dried beans and peas
• Peanut butter
• Nuts
• Bread
• Cereal

Alcohol: Many experts agree the health risks of moderate consumption of alcohol outweigh the potential benefits of reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease shown in some studies.

Pregnant and nursing women should not drink alcohol in any form as it can cause harm to their offspring.

The many adverse health consequences of alcohol consumption include:

• Increased risk of cancers of the breast, mouth, esophagus, throat, larynx and liver
• Alcohol consumed during pregnancy can cause birth defects including fetal alcohol syndrome
• Cirrhosis of the liver
• May increase the frequency and severity of hot flashes during menopause

Caffeine: Is a stimulant and diuretic found in coffee, tea, soft drinks, chocolate and some over-the-counter drugs. A reduction of caffeine is often recommended during pregnancy. It may affect the heart rate and blood pressure, contribute to dehydration and have other possible side effects.

Numerous health problems can be the result of poor nutrition as well as obesity, which causes additional health problems. By contrast, are women with eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. Women who are underweight may experience irregular menstrual cycles, a stopping of menstruation called amenorrhea, which can lead to dental problems and osteoporosis and a shortened lifespan.

Source: Science Daily Healthology

Disclaimer: *This article is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any kind of a health problem. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Always consult with your health care provider about any kind of a health problem and especially before beginning any kind of an exercise routine.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box. Article written 4-2007.

Author: Connie Limon, Trilogy Field Representative. Visit http://nutritionandhealthhub.com and sign up for a weekly nutrition and health tip. The article collection is available as FREE reprints for your newsletters, websites or blog. Visit http://www.healthylife27.com to purchase an array of superior quality, safe and effective products inspired by nature, informed by science and created to improve the health of people, pets and the planet.

The medical name for bad breath is halitosis. Causes can range from poor oral hygiene habits and foods you eat to various other health problems and unhealthy lifestyles.

If you eat foods with strong odors like garlic or onions you basically have to wait until the foods have passed through your body before the odor is completely gone. You can mask it with brushing and mouthwash to cover up the odor temporarily. All food you eat begins the breaking down process in your mouth. As food digests and is absorbed into the bloodstream, it is eventually carried to the lungs and given off in your breath.

Poor dental hygiene habits promote bacteria growth between teeth, around the gums and on the tongue, which causes bad breath. If you don’t brush and floss your teeth daily, the food particles that remain in your mouth begins to promote bacteria growth on teeth, gums and the tongue. If dentures are not properly cleaned, bacteria and food particles can cause bad breath.
Other unhealthy lifestyles that include smoking or chewing tobacco-based products can cause bad breath, stain the teeth and irritate gum tissues.

Health problems associated with bad breath include:

• Gum or periodontal disease
• Poorly fitting dental appliances
• Yeast infections of the mouth
• Dental cavities
• Dry mouth (dry mouth may be caused by side effects of medications, salivary gland problems or continuous breathing through the mouth)
• Respiratory tract infections like pneumonia or bronchitis
• Chronic sinus infections
• Postnasal drip
• Diabetes
• Chronic acid reflux
• Liver or kidney problems

Tips on how to prevent or reduce bad breath include:

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and brush after you eat
• Always brush your tongue
• Replace toothbrush every 2 to 3 months
• Use floss or interdental cleaner to remove food particles and plaque between your teeth once a day
• Remove dentures at night and clean thoroughly before placing in your mouth the next morning
• See your dentist at least twice a year.
• Stop smoking/chewing tobacco-based products
• Drink lots of water to keep your mouth moist
• Chew cinnamon flavored, sugar free gum (read the food label for the ingredient Xylitol. Studies show Xylitol in sugar free gum can help to destroy the bacteria in your mouth and give you that just brushed clean feeling as well. The flavor “cinnamon” has also been shown in some studies to be the best flavor to combat against bad breath.
• Mouthwashes you buy over-the-counter generally provide a temporary way to mask unpleasant mouth odor. There are some antiseptic brands of mouth-rinse products that do help kill the germs that cause bad breath. Ask your dentist which product is best for you.

In most cases your dentist can find and treat the cause of bad breath. If your dentist determines the odor is due to gum disease you may be referred to a periodontist. A periodontist specializes in treating gum conditions. If the dentist finds your mouth to be healthy you may be referred to a family physician, internist or some other specialist to determine the odor source and an appropriate treatment plan.

Disclaimer: *This article is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any kind of a health problem. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Always consult with your health care provider about any kind of a health problem and especially before beginning any kind of an exercise routine.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box. Article written 4-2007.

Author: Connie Limon, Trilogy Field Representative. Visit http://nutritionandhealthhub.com and sign up for a weekly nutrition and health tip. The article collection is available as FREE reprints for your newsletters, websites or blog. Visit http://www.healthylife27.com to purchase an array of superior quality, safe and effective products inspired by nature, informed by science and created to improve the health of people, pets and the planet.

Successful network marketing by way of Internet marketing can often be a well-planned mix of other media resources in addition to the Web. Some of the top Internet marketing gurus are starting to realize that their home based business, or even the large corporation down the street, may benefit from a mix of Web site and other Internet marketing and mobile ad campaigning. With businesses such as network marketing , MLM and others that speak especially to an audience of adults 35 or younger, mobile advertising is nearly as effective – and sometimes more so - than Internet marketing.

Short Messaging Service, the use of a code of one to five numbers used to create contact between consumers and advertisers, is having much success, when combined with Internet, print, blog, e-zine and even pre-movie cinema advertising. Advertisers appear on a slide show presentation in a theatre before a movie, or in a small classified ad, on a Web Site, in a magazine, on a billboard, on the side of a truck, or even in a rest room. They are encouraged to respond by texting code 12345 for more information on that great looking house for sale, or to enter the contest, or to find out about that student loan. An autoresponder automatically replies to thank them for texting and to tell them they’ll be called or emailed shortly, or to ask them to go to such and such a site or make such and such a call, or take whatever action the advertiser determines.

Texting is a great “hip” way of getting the attention of the 18-25 year old crowd, and a way of marrying a print campaign or some other such as billboard that, unlike Internet marketing, has limits due to space and cost. The newspaper or the billboard, or the 30 second radio or TV spot can say, “For more info text 54321.”

There is at least one mobile ad vendor that not only works with Internet marketing and other gurus, home based business owners, corporate executives, and even community non-profits to help them plan their mobile ad campaign. The vendor provides an Internet-based user-friendly administrative back end system that allows the advertiser to set up text messages for multiple campaigns and provides great reporting features. The advertiser will know the phone number of each consumer that replies, complete with the date and time of their reply and which campaign they responded too. These replies will come in handy to create a subscriber network, and an opt-in list for e-mail and other marketing campaigns.

Often these mobile ad campaigns can be the network that brings the consumer to the Internet, and the advertiser’s Web site. It could be as simple as someone attending a football game on a Saturday afternoon, seeing the ad on the ball field board to text the local Sports Authority for a chance to win an autographed player jersey. The SMS code might say “thanks for your text. Answer this question right, and we’ll give you the Web address to enter the contest” – and then the baseball trivia question appears on the cell phone. Of course, the Internet phase could be left out altogether, but then the advertiser would lose the opportunity to display the great new products and specials in all their splendor on its engaging site.

The best thing, perhaps, about mobile ad campaigns is that people who respond are immediate leads. While the advertiser only has their phone number it’s easy to set up an autoresponder back that asks for name, address, and even date of birth, allegedly to confirm they’re old enough to enter the contest. When it comes to giving out personal information, more people will give more information willingly in your Internet marketing campaign than anywhere else. It’s easy to request registration – consumers have come to expect it. And they’ll expect it of a mobile advertising campaign as well. You then have your opt-in list and your marketing network is growing.

Source: www.cellitmarketing.com and personal professional knowledge

Rocky Yupangco is the owner of http://www.WiseBabble.com and writes on a variety of subjects, primarily on online marketing. To learn more about this topic Rocky recommends you visit: http://www.WiseBabble.com

Weigh yourself daily, preferably first thing in the morning. You will weigh the least at this time which will encourage you and you will have the motivation to eat correctly if the weight is higher than you expected. By weighing each day you can keep a better handle on what causes you to gain weight and helps you cut back a little that day if you have gained some.

Make sure you’re drinking at least 1/2 your body weight in ounces per day of water. If you drink coffee, make sure you drink extra water since coffee is a diuretic that will deplete the water in your body. One last thing to mention about water is to drink it 1/2 hour before a meal since water can dilute your meal and flush out the enzymes.

Toxins come into our bodies from water, air and our food. The fat cells in the body surround the toxins because they attach themselves to our organs. Fat cells are not going to leave the body unless the toxins leave and the only way to get toxins out is to use a program that will eliminate them. Ever wonder why we gain weight in our midsection right where our organs are? Ever wonder why it gets harder and harder to lose weight as we get older? Toxins and fat cells keep collecting more and more and don’t leave the body. You’ll be amazed how quickly and safely you can lose weight and inches if you use a program that gets rid of the toxins.

Stalled weight loss? You might want to try eating 4 small meals a day for a week instead of 3 to set your metabolism higher. Then when you’re back to eating 3 meals focus on filling your plate over 1/2 way with vegetables (raw or cooked or a combination). Make sure you balance it with some protein. If you eat the vegetables first and then fill in with the protein you’ll be surprised how full you will be when the meal is over.

More weight loss tips and free weight loss coaching are available from Heidi Johnson at her blog http://www.fataweigh.blogspot.com

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. The breakdown of joint cartilage caused by osteoarthritis may affect any joint in your body. Joints affected may include:

• Fingers
• Hips
• Knees
• Lower back
• Feet

At first osteoarthritis may affect only one joint, but if your fingers are affected, multiple hand joints may become arthritic.

There are available treatments for osteoarthritis, but no cure. The available treatments can relieve pain and help you remain active.

Some people may not experience symptoms because the disease often develops slowly. Signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis may include:

• Pain in a joint during or after use, or after a period of inactivity
• Discomfort in a joint before or during a change in the weather
• Swelling and stiffness in a joint, particularly after using it
• Bony lumps on the middle or end joints of your fingers or the base of your thumb
• Loss of joint flexibility

Areas in which osteoarthritis typically affects include:

• Fingers: Bony knobs can enlarge your finger joints and create a gnarled appearance. Early in the disease, your joints may feel painful or stiff and numb. The pain eventually often subsides, but leaves bony nodes that affect the mobility of the joints at the end of your fingers. The nodes run in families and affect women more than men.
• Spine: As the disk slowly deteriorate between the bones along your spine, back and neck pain and stiffness may occur.
• Weight-bearing joints: The hips, knees and feet are more susceptible to osteoarthritis because they bear the majority of your body’s weight. Over the years cartilage slowly deteriorates and chronic pain or varying amounts of discomfort when you stand and walk can occur. Swelling especially in the knees may also occur.

Treatment for osteoarthritis

Your doctor may recommend a combination of treatment that includes medication, self-care, physical therapy and occupational therapy. Surgical procedures may also be necessary in some cases.

Medications may include:

• Topical pain relievers such as Aspercreme or Sportscreme, Icy Hot and Ben-Gay.
• Acetaminophen like Tylenol and others can relieve pain but does not reduce inflammation
• NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs work to relieve pain and fight inflammation. They range from OTC aspirin, ibuprofen like Advil, Motrin IB and others to prescription strength
• Cox-2inhibitors: Are considered as effective as other NSAIDs for managing pain and inflammation without the same stomach-damaging effects. Other side effects of Cox-2inhibitors may include fluid retention, exacerbating high blood pressure and links to increased risk of heart attack and stroke
• Tramadol: Available only by prescription, has no anti-inflammatory effect, but can provide effective pain relief with fewer side effects such as stomach ulcers and bleeding. Tramadol may cause nausea and constipation. It is generally used for short-term treatment of acute flare-ups.
• Antidepressants: Tricyclics especially can help reduce chronic pain. They can treat sleep disturbances that can accompany arthritis. Some antidepressants used for arthritis pain and nonrestorative sleep include amitriptyline and nortriptyline.
• Injections of pain relievers: Corticosteroid injections into a joint space can offer some pain relief and reduce inflammation.

Surgical or other procedures used to treat osteoarthritis include:

• Joint replacement
• Arthroscopic lavage and debridement
• Repositioning bones
• Fusing bones

Source: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research

Disclaimer: *This article is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any kind of a health problem. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Always consult with your health care provider about any kind of a health problem and especially before beginning any kind of an exercise routine.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box. Article written 4-2007.

Author: Connie Limon, Trilogy Field Representative. Visit http://nutritionandhealthhub.com and sign up for a weekly nutrition and health tip. The article collection is available as FREE reprints for your newsletters, websites or blog. Visit http://www.healthylife27.com to purchase an array of superior quality, safe and effective products inspired by nature, informed by science and created to improve the health of people, pets and the planet.

Choose vegetable oils and margarines with liquid vegetable oil as the first listed ingredient and no more than 2 grams of saturated fat per tablespoon. Examples include:

• Canola
• Corn
• Olive
• Safflower
• Sesame
• Soybean
• Sunflower oil

Choose liquid or tube margarines low in saturated fat and trans fat. Choose reduced-fat and no-fat salad dressings and mayonnaise with no more than 1 gram of saturated fat per tablespoon.

Preparation tips include:

• Use fats and oils lowest in saturated fat and cholesterol for cooking, baking and in spreads sparingly.
• Use reduced-fat or no-fat salad dressings with salads and dips.
• Coconut oil, palm oil and palm kernel oil have no cholesterol; however, they are high in saturated fat.

Fish and Omega-3 Fatty Acids

The American Heart Association recommends eating fish, particularly fatty fish, at least two times per week. Good choices include:

• Mackerel
• Lake trout
• Herring
• Sardines
• Albacore tuna
• Salmon

Other good sources of omega-3 Fatty acids include:

• Soybeans
• Canola
• Walnut and flaxseed and their oils

The American Heart Association does not recommend widespread use of folic acid and B vitamin supplements to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Instead, they advise a healthy, balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat dairy products. Good sources of Folic Acid include:

• Citrus fruits
• Tomatoes
• Vegetables and grain products
• Wheat flour fortified with folic acid

There is a lack of evidence for the benefit of lowering homocysteine levels; however, patients at high risk should be advised to be sure to get enough folic acid and vitamins B-6 and B-12 in their diet. Sources of these vitamins include:

• Fruits and green, leafy vegetables eaten daily.

Potassium

Potassium is necessary for the body’s growth and maintenance. It plays an important role in the response of nerves to stimulation and in the contraction of muscles. Good sources of foods high in potassium include:

• Bananas
• Cantaloupe
• Grapefruit
• Oranges
• Tomato or prune juice
• Honeydew melons
• Prunes
• Molasses
• Potatoes

If you need to keep your weight under control eat lower calorie potassium containing foods such as fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products.

Food labels are a major accomplishment for the American Heart Association who participated actively in the legislation and regulatory process that has made nutrition labeling more useful to consumers. It is now easier for consumers to choose foods low in saturated fat, total fat, cholesterol and sodium as well as foods that contain potassium, calcium and other nutrients.

I rarely purchase an item these days without first reading the nutritional label. Remember to read nutritional labels when provided on foods. Nutritional food labels are a tremendous asset for everyone.

Source: American Heart Association

Disclaimer: *This article is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any kind of a health problem. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Always consult with your health care provider about any kind of a health problem and especially before beginning any kind of an exercise routine.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box. Article written 4-2007.

Author: Connie Limon, Trilogy Field Representative. Visit http://nutritionandhealthhub.com and sign up for a weekly nutrition and health tip. The article collection is available as FREE reprints for your newsletters, websites or blog. Visit http://www.healthylife27.com to purchase an array of superior quality, safe and effective products inspired by nature, informed by science and created to improve the health of people, pets and the planet.

Childhood disintegrative disorder is a severe loss of social, communication and other skills classified in a group of disorders called “Pervasive Developmental Disorders.” Onset is usually after the age of four. The signs and symptoms are similar to autism, although autism usually occurs at an earlier age and is more common.

Pervasive developmental disorders include:

• Childhood disintegrative disorder
• Autism
• Asperger’s syndrome
• Rett syndrome
• Pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified

A Viennese educator, Theodor Heller, first described the condition. Childhood disintegrative disorder is also known as Heller’s syndrome after Theodor Heller.

Signs and symptoms of childhood disintegrative disorder include:

• Normal development for at least the first two years of life
• Significant loss of previously acquired or learned skills before age 10 in at least two of the following areas:

1. ability to say words or sentences
2. ability to understand verbal and nonverbal communication
3. social skills and self-care skills
4. bowel and bladder control
5. play skills
6. motor skills (ability to voluntarily move the body in a purposeful way)

The lack of impairment occurs in at least two of the following areas:

1. social interaction
2. communication
3. repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests and activities

Childhood disintegrative disorder may occur abruptly over the course of days to weeks or gradually over an extended period of time. There is seldom found an underlying medical or neurological cause.

Further research is difficult due to the limited number of children diagnosed with childhood disintegrative disorder, although more research is needed at this time. Experts suspect there may be a genetic basis or that an autoimmune response plays a role in the development of childhood disintegrative disorder.

Treatment

Treatment for childhood disintegrative disorder is about the same as for autism; there is no cure for this disorder. Treatment may include:

• Medications: There are no medications specifically to treat childhood disintegrative disorder. Severe behavior problems like aggression and repetitive movements can sometimes be controlled by antipsychotic medications.

• Behavior therapy may be used by psychologists, speech therapists, physical therapists and occupational therapists, parents, teachers and caregivers.

Prognosis for children with childhood disintegrative disorder is usually poor and worse than for children with autism. Children with this disorder often need residential care in a group home or long term care facility.

Source: Mayo Clinic

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use the information in this article to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any questions or concerns you might have regarding your or your child’s condition.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.

Written by: Connie Limon. Visit us at http://www.babiesandtoddlers1.com About Babies and Toddlers is a collection of articles all about babies and toddlers available for information, education and FREE reprints to your newsletters, websites or blogs.

Vegetables and fruits are rich in nutrients, low in calories and high in fiber. Diets high in vegetables and fruits meet vitamin, mineral and fiber needs without adding a lot of calories. Diets rich in vegetables and fruits have been shown to lower blood pressure and improve other cardiovascular disease risk factors.

The American Heart Association continues to recommend the following to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease:

• Consume an overall healthy diet
• Aim for a healthy body weight
• Aim for recommended levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides
• Aim for a normal blood pressure and blood glucose level
• Be physically active
• Avoid use of and exposure to tobacco products
• Drink alcohol in moderation

A healthy diet includes:

• Eating a variety of whole (fresh, frozen, or canned) vegetables and fruits
• Eat more deeply colored vegetables and fruit such as spinach, carrots, peaches and berries (they tend to contain higher amounts of vitamins and minerals than others such as potatoes and corn)
• Choose whole fruits over juice most often (whole fruit contains more fiber)
• At least half of your grain intake should come from whole-grain foods
• Reduce intake of beverages and foods with added sugars (primarily to lower total calorie intake and to get enough of the nutrients your body needs)

Recommended servings per day for a healthy person needing 2,000 calories each day includes:

• 6 to 8 servings of grains (at least half of the servings should be whole-grain foods)
• 8 to 10 servings of vegetables and fruits (about ½ cup counts as a serving)

Cholesterol:

Cholesterol is an important part of a healthy body, however, high levels of cholesterol in the blood, is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease, which leads to heart attack. Typically the body makes all the cholesterol it needs, so people do not need to consume extra to get enough.

Some of the excess dietary cholesterol is removed from the body through the liver. The American Heart Association recommends that you limit your average daily cholesterol intake to less than 300 milligrams. If you have heart disease, they recommend limiting your daily intake to less than 200 milligrams. Everyone should remember that by watching how much cholesterol they take in each day can help significantly lower total dietary cholesterol intake. Especially watch foods high in saturated fat.

Regular physical activity is helpful in increasing HDL cholesterol in some people. Higher HDL cholesterol is related to a lower risk of heart disease. Physical activity also helps control weight, diabetes and high blood pressure. Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for heart disease.

Tobacco smoke is among the six major risk factors of heart disease. Smoking lowers HDL cholesterol levels and increases the tendency for blood to clot.

Source: American Heart Association

Disclaimer: *This article is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any kind of a health problem. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Always consult with your health care provider about any kind of a health problem and especially before beginning any kind of an exercise routine.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box. Article written 4-2007.

Author: Connie Limon, Trilogy Field Representative. Visit http://nutritionandhealthhub.com and sign up for a weekly nutrition and health tip. The article collection is available as FREE reprints for your newsletters, websites or blog. Visit http://www.healthylife27.com to purchase an array of superior quality, safe and effective products inspired by nature, informed by science and created to improve the health of people, pets and the planet.

It is sometimes difficult to know exactly when to call the doctor if your baby seems sick or even when to seek emergency care. Babies cannot tell us when something hurts.

Some specific signs that may require a call to your doctor include:

• Changes in appetite
• Changes in mood
• Changes in skin color
• Tender navel or penis
• Fever
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Dehydration
• Constipation
• Upper respiratory infections
• Ear pain
• Rash
• Eye discharge
• Minor injuries

Signs and symptoms that require emergency care include:

• Bleeding that can’t be stopped
• Poisoning
• Seizures
• Trouble breathing
• High fever
• Head injuries
• Sudden lethargy or inability to move
• Choking
• Unresponsiveness

Constipation:

Infants who have not had a bowel movement in three days are most likely constipated. Infants usually pass about four stools a day. Breast-fed infants have even more bowel movements than formula-fed infants.

What to do about infant constipation:

• 0 – 2 months: Call your doctor for advice
• 2+ months: Give the infant 2-4 ounces of water twice a day. If constipation does not improve, try 2-4 ounces of fruit juice – such as grape, pear, apple, cherry or prune – twice a day.
• 4+ months: If already eating solid foods, feed him or her baby food that is high in fiber such as peas, beans, apricots, prunes, peaches, pears, plums or spinach twice a day until constipation improves.

Never give mineral oil, stimulant laxatives or enemas to infants.

Infant constipation is rarely due to an underlying condition. It usually occurs with the transition from breast milk to formula or from strained foods to table foods. However, if constipation persists, call your doctor.

Cradle cap is another common condition in babies. Cradle cap can usually be prevented by shampooing your baby’s hair every few days with a mild baby shampoo.

Cradle cap causes scaly patches on a baby’s scalp; however, cradle cap is quite harmless. It looks awful, but it is harmless. The patches may be thick, yellow, crusty or greasy. It is most common in newborns, and often clears up on its own within a few months.

You can wash your baby’s hair once a day with mild baby shampoo, and loosen the scales with a small, soft-bristled brush before rinsing off the shampoo. If the scales do not loosen easily, rub a few drops of mineral oil onto your baby’s scalp. When the oil soaks into the scales after a few minutes, then brush and shampoo your baby’s hair as usual. Do not leave the oil in your baby’s hair; it may allow more scales to accumulate.

Time to call your doctor is if frequent shampooing does not help or the scaly patches spread beyond baby’s scalp. Older babies may require a prescription antifungal shampoo if they acquire scalp ringworm infections. Scalp ringworm infections resemble cradle cap and would require calling your doctor for specific advice.

Source: Mayo Clinic

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use the information in this article to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any questions or concerns you might have regarding your or your child’s condition.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.

Written by: Connie Limon. Visit us at http://www.babiesandtoddlers1.com About Babies and Toddlers is a collection of articles all about babies and toddlers available for information, education and FREE reprints to your newsletters, websites or blogs.