Health News

QUITTING THOSE CIGARETTES FOR A HEALTHY HEART: SAYING GOODBYE TO AN OLD FRIEND AND ENEMY

admin — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 10:31:28 +0000

Imagine what it would be like if every time you got on an airplane you were struck with the realisation that three fully loaded jumbo jets crashed daily, killing all aboard. Needless to say, there would be much more fear of flying. Yet in America, the equivalent of three jumbo jetloads of people every day (390,000) die directly as a result of cigarette smoking.

If you’re a smoker, or even a former smoker, you and I provide more statistics. Cigarette smoking is one of the Big Three risk factors for a heart attack, along with high blood pressure and cholesterol. I know in my own case that it was the real reason for my heart attack at age 35.

As I’ve already told you, I have a family history of heart disease. Yet my Dad didn’t have his attack until he was 57. The big difference was that he didn’t smoke. By the time I entered college, I was a confirmed smoker, and soon I was smoking two packs a day. And I do mean I smoked them all, I didn’t just light them and leave them to smoulder in an ashtray. I sucked that smoke down to my toes, 40 times a day, every day.

Of course we’ve all heard over and over that smoking is bad and that everyone should quit. But this takes on a whole new meaning for those recovering from a heart attack or bypass, or for those who have confirmed heart disease. It’s now a matter of secondary prevention, making sure that we don’t have another attack or need another bypass.

If you’ve already quit, congratulations. I know it can be one of the most difficult things in life to do. If you haven’t quit yet, don’t feel too ashamed. You’re in good company. It’s a sad but true fact that fully half of all of us who have a heart attack continue to smoke. Anywhere between 40 and 75 per cent of patients will go back to smoking after a bypass, even if they quit for a while after getting back from the hospital.

Those most likely to quit are those who have a really close call, a really major heart attack. Then there are those who realise that this is a truly serious matter, and that quitting can be a matter of life or death.

I must admit that I continued to smoke after my heart attack and first bypass. First there was the matter of my mental attitude. I was mad at the world and furious with my own body for failing me. I’d be damned if I was going to give up all my pleasures. And, down deep inside, I didn’t admit that the disease was bigger, “badder” and meaner than I was.

To make matters worse, my cardiologist at the time did little to discourage my habit. I had cut down to about eight cigarettes daily, and he asked whether those helped me to relax. I said they did, and he reassured me that the relaxation I derived probably balanced out the damage done. So I kept on puffing, staying in a state of perpetual withdrawal since I really wanted to smoke more than that. But the doctor said it was OK, and that was OK with me. Remember, however, that this was in 1978. We’ve learned a lot since then, and I don’t imagine one could find a single physician today who would counsel heart patients that it was acceptable to smoke even a few cigarettes daily.

Unfortunately, while those doctors might intellectually recognise the dangers of smoking, especially for heart patients, they don’t always do everything necessary to help those patients quit. Too frequently, doctors mention it only in passing, but don’t press the point. Yet those who do quit most often are those who have been given very strong encouragement from their doctors. Some physicians actually refuse to continue to treat patients who won’t try to quit. But most take a far more passive role, at most giving out little brochures pointing to the dangers.

Why is quitting such an important step? By doing so, you cut the risk of sudden cardiac death in half in just two days. Immediately following a heart attack, and for the ensuing weeks, the risk of another heart attack, and potentially a fatal one, is highest. You can cut that risk in half by quitting now.

Moreover, you’ll halve the rate of all morbidity and mortality that may occur after heart attack. This is true no matter how severe that heart attack might have been.

The converse is just as true. You cut your chances of survival by 50 per cent if you continue to smoke.

And it’s never too late. Many patients erroneously believe that the damage is done, and that there’s no point in quitting after the heart attack. Kind of like closing the barn door after the horse has run away, they feel. But it’s not true. Those statistics above apply to everyone, young or old.

The importance of quitting applies to women as well. For women, nothing raises the risk of heart attack more than smoking. Want proof? Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania and Boston University schools of medicine studied 555 women who had survived a first heart attack. There was a distinct increase in risk of having a second heart attack as the number of cigarettes went up, even after considering the effects of other risk factors such as blood pressure and cholesterol.

Unlike men, women are at risk of a heart attack when they smoke even if their coronary arteries aren’t all that clogged. British researchers have found that women smokers are twice as likely to die from a heart attack, regardless of the state of their arteries. For women, smoking may have a more immediate influence, involving the clotting and clot break-down processes rather than just contributing to the long-term atherosclerotic process as with men.

On the plus side, women can reduce their risk quickly when they give up the cigarettes. On the other hand, they often find that even more difficult to do than men. Regardless of difficulty, however, it’s worth every bit of effort.

After a heart attack, both men and women hate the notion of having to give up all their pleasures. Smoking appears to provide the comfort and solace not found elsewhere. This is particularly true for those who become depressed after their heart attack. Here we have a vicious circle. Depressed persons are more likely to smoke cigarettes, yet smoking contributes to guilt and further depression, and the act of quitting can lead to depression itself.

For some heart patients, there seems to be so much to be done at once. You want to quit smoking, but you’re also trying to control your weight, and you’re avoiding fatty foods to keep cholesterol levels down. Moreover, the chance of failure looms, and the last thing you want is something else to fail at.

If anything, the mind rationalises, this is the time you really need a friend, and that cigarette is a friend indeed. After all, it was the cigarette that was there for every time of trouble and for every time of triumph for just about as long as you can remember. Is it even possible to think about living life without the cigarette?

Yes, it is possible. Although that cigarette has been your “friend”, it is also your deadly enemy. Compare it with the black widow spider that eats its partner after mating. You lived for quite a few years before you began to smoke and you’ll live a lot more years if you stop. It’s tough, yes, but millions of people have done it, and you can too.

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Cardio & Blood/ Cholesterol

DIET, ANTIOXIDANTS AND OTHER NUTRIENTS: HERBS AND OTHER CIRCULATORY AIDS AND GINKOBILOBA

admin — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 10:30:32 +0000

Ginko Biloba is often cultivated as an ornamental tree in streets and parks throughout the world for its beauty and long life. It is resistant to the pollution often found in big cities. This is hardly surprising when it is discovered that the plant has long been part of the traditional Chinese pharmacopoeia, being first cited as a medicinal agent more than 5,000 years ago, when it was known as the plant of youth for its general tonic properties.

To this day, in China, people inhale decoctions of the leaves to alleviate asthma and bronchitis, where it is known to be beneficial for the heart and lungs.

A systematic study of the plant was initiated in Europe around 1960 after several newspapers had reported that Mao Tse Tung had been greatly helped by it. Allowing for its extremely low toxidity, the extract was tested for its ability to improve central and peripheral circulatory disorders. It proved to increase blood flow in a large number of diseases related to depleted circulation, especially in the brain and lower limbs. With this sort of record, and its harmlessness, it is certainly worth a month’s try.

Other herbs which are known to have significant effects on various aspects of cardiovascular disease are: hawthorn berries, lily of the valley, broom, lime blossom, valerian, mistletoe and yarrow. To employ these, it is necessary to find a qualified herbalist who will utilize very great skills in treating aspects of this disease safely.

Herbalists, nutritional experts etc can usually be located by reading advertisements in local health publications or by writing to the publication for advice. Local health centres may help, as may health food shops. Some public libraries carry lists. Word of mouth is the best recommendation, but remember that what helped your colleague (even with the same condition) may not necessarily help you. Trial and error is the only way – your good health the goal. Never stay with a therapist you don’t like or respect or completely trust.

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Cardio & Blood/ Cholesterol

GERM OIL – DOSAGE AND DURATION OF TREATMENT

admin — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 05:31:07 +0000

The normal dosage for adults is one tablespoon of wheat germ oil in the morning, at noon and in the evening. For children it is sufficient to give one teaspoonful three times daily. Wheat germ oil has a strengthening effect and is especially recommended when children and adolescents suffer from tiredness as a result of studying. As a tonic or prophylactic, adults should take one teaspoonful daily. Alternatively, you can take wheat germ oil in soup or in your breakfast muesli.

The duration of the treatment depends entirely upon the individual’s needs. Generally speaking, if a vitamin or mineral deficiency is to be rectified, it is necessary to take the medication for several months. When the deficiency has been overcome, it is recommended to continue the treatment by taking half the dosage only, then a quarter, and then slowly phasing it out altogether.

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VARIOUS DIETS AND TREATMENTS – COLD WATER FRICTION TREATMENT (KUHNE TREATMENT)

admin — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 05:25:10 +0000

The Kuhne treatment is best done at night, for it ensures more restful sleep because it draws the blood from the head to the abdomen, with the effect that it is much easier to switch off from distracting thoughts. If you find it difficult to go to sleep, you should try this method. Five minutes are often enough to draw the blood away from the head to the centre of the body, resulting in hyperaemia, increased blood flow. In accordance with the body’s reaction and the purpose intended, the treatment has to be carried on for 10-15 minutes. However, always remember that you must not allow yourself to become chilled; the body should remain nice and warm for the effect to be beneficial. If you think that you could catch a cold because you keep dipping the brush in cold water and going over the same area again and again, you are actually mistaken. This part of the body has an abundance of blood vessels and is therefore less sensitive to the cold. When massaging, do avoid the region of the bladder because it is more sensitive. If your body does not respond to the cold water friction by making you feel warm, and you are quite sure that it does not, it would appear that the Kuhne method is not for you.

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SEASONINGS – CULINARY HERBS ARE MEDICINES – SALT AS A MEDICINE (GENERAL INFORMATION)

admin — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 05:19:00 +0000

Salt has a good effect when used externally and it is also beneficial when taken orally. However, for internal use common cooking salt, iodised or fluorinated salt should not be used if at all possible, only sea salt or herbal salt, which are much better. The trace elements found in sea salt and herbal salt benefit the endocrine glands and normalise both hypofunction and hyperfunction. Obesity is often the result of insufficient glandular function, and in such cases ordinary salt will aggravate the condition by increasing the body weight still more. On the other hand, a herbal salt containing seaweed has the opposite effect. In fact, if Herbamare seasoning salt is used regularly, quite a few pounds of excess weight will be lost in a natural way.

Salt is an excellent preservative, even for fresh plant extracts, and does not reduce their therapeutic value. Trocomare herbal seasoning salt contains eight different fresh herbs with an antibacterial effect. If you are susceptible to, or are exposed to, infectious diseases, Trocomare will prove invaluable as a prophylactic and will also have a favourable influence on any existing problems.

Salt is widely used in homoeopathy too, where it is known by the name Natrum muriaticum.

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A BRIEF GUIDE TO SELECTED HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES – COCCUS CACTI (COCHINEAL) – CONCLUSION

admin — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 05:12:00 +0000

In addition to its beneficial effect on whooping cough, students and supporters of Dr Rademacher have found that Coccus cacti has an excellent effect on the kidneys. Observations made at a Vienna clinic confirm that all kinds of spasmodic blockages, respiratory blockages and pneumo-tubercular coughs also benefit from it. In the great Homoeopathic Repertory by the well-known American authority Kent, Coccus cacti is recommended for diseases of the central nervous system.

Physicians in earlier times used this remedy in material doses, that is, the mother tincture, for severe kidney disorders, but homoeopathy generally employs the medium potencies 4x—6x.

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A SELECTION OF MEDICINAL HERBS – PAPAYA (CARICA PAPAYA)

admin — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 05:03:35 +0000

Every time I see papaya fruits on display in a shop I remember the time I spent in Lagunas, on the Maranon river. It was there that I acquired the habit of looking for a papaya plant after every meal. I would break off a leaf and eat some of it to aid the digestion and as a prophylactic, even if it was only a piece the size of a large coin. It may even be possible that my regular chewing of papaya leaves may have seen to it that the many kinds of parasites did not really bother me on my repeated travels in the tropics, even though I may have swallowed them with my food. True, I was always very careful, but even so, dangerous amoebas, hookworms, oxyurias, ascarids, whipworms and many other parasites, are rampant in the tropics and multiply rapidly, laying millions of eggs. There are some that draw blood from the intestinal linings; others cause inflammation, even abscesses and ulcers. They penetrate the liver and as a direct or indirect consequence thousands of victims die, often literally wasting away.

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HOW TO CURE YOUR ALLERGIES: RECOMMENDED TREATMANT PROGRAM- STEP 8, 9

admin — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 06:52:30 +0000

If you are using a densensitising vaccine make sure it is not an injectable one. The injection of any foreign substance through the skin and into the blood carries with it the risk of adverse (or if you like allergic) reactions. All substances are supposed to enter the blood via the digestive tract, that’s why you should only take an oral vaccine. ‘Anaphylaxis’ is the name given to these adverse reactions which can vary from mild exacerbation of your existing symptoms to full-blown shock and possible death.

If after eight to nine weeks on the combined Anti-Candida/Anti-Allergy Program and vaccine you feel you’re still not making sufficient progress (assuming you are not stressed and you are sticking to the program) it would pay to talk over with your doctor the possibility of a course of Nizoral. Make sure the doctor does a liver function test before you go on this drug.

Symptoms that get worse on cloudy days usually indicate the blood-borne Candida colonies that Nizoral works so well against. Cloud prevents pollution escaping into the upper atmosphere causing it to concentrate at street level in greater than normal quantities. Chemical sensitivity is a give-away sign of blood-borne Candida.

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HOW TO CURE YOUR ALLERGIES: RECOMMENDED TREATMENT PROGRAM- STEP 1

admin — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 06:50:44 +0000

No matter what your symptoms are, be they those of allergy, Candida yeast infection, asthma or any one or more of the conditions mentioned in this book, the commencement of any treatment is always the Metabolism-Balancing Program.

For an anti-candida or anti-allergy treatment program I recommend six to eight weeks on the Metabolism-Balancing Program first, for the following reasons:

• It removes all nutrient deficiencies. This is especially important for women who’ve had children, miscarriages and/or terminations of pregnancy. Significant mineral loss is incurred by the body during terminations and from the placenta at childbirth. Breastfeeding further drains the body of minerals. Many women who had mild allergies prior to miscarriage, termination or childbirth find they have full-blown allergies afterwards—this is due to mineral loss. Most of these women experience a significant reduction in allergy symptoms as the Metabolism-Balancing Program builds up their mineral and energy levels.

• It raises physical and mental energy, thus buoying the spirits and significantly alleviating depression. This enables one to cope with stress more effectively.

• It raises the resistance to allergies and Candida yeast infections by boosting the vitality of the white blood cells, that is, the immune system. When immunity is up, sensitivities are down.

• It reduces the time it takes to overcome allergies and contain yeast infections by balancing the metabolism and boosting immunity as much as is possible while allergies and yeast infections exist.

• It improves the chances of total desensitisation to allergic foods after ninety clays’ avoidance of them.

• It significantly reduces the intensity of the withdrawal and yeast kill-off symptoms experienced during the first week on the combined Anti-Candida/Anti-Allergy Program.

• It reduces the number of things you are allergic to before you take the allergy tests. This is important as the less you’re allergic to, the less restrictive and more nutritious and interesting your program will be. This of course makes it easier to stick to.

• In some cases of mild allergy, especially with kids, symptoms disappear completely on the Metabolism-Balancing Program.

• It ensures an adequate supply of nutrients to tissues that have been damaged by allergic inflammation. This enables a more rapid healing of the tissue when the allergens have been removed. Such quick results keep up enthusiasm for the program. Eczema, acne and psoriasis arc examples of damaged skin tissue that, heal quickly if the Metabolism-Balancing Program is first employed. Diverticulitis and Crohn’s disease arc examples of damaged intestinal tissues. Arthritis has damaged joint (issue, asthma has damaged lung and bronchial tissue and fluid retention has damaged the blood capillaries. All of these heal more rapidly if the Metabolism-Balancing Program is first employed. By balancing the metabolism of the body and brain, the program makes it easier to think more positively and to adopt self-enhancing attitudes.

After six to eight weeks on the Metabolism-Balancing Program you can begin the process of gradual withdrawal from cortisone and antihistamines. This is done only with your doctor’s permission. During (his time make sure you stay on Ventolin and any other non-cortisone/non-antihistamine drug your doctor has prescribed for asthma. If you arc taking drug medications for any other condition don’t withdraw them unless your doctor OKs if.

During this time make sure you have a dust mite cover (available from your chemist) on your mattress, doona (comforter) and pillow if you suffer from asthma or any skin complaint, hayfever, sinusitis, stuffy nose, post-nasal drip, glue ear or bloodshot eyes. If it is your children (and not you) who arc suffering from these complaints make sure you have a dust mite cover on your mattress, pillow and doona if they like to get into your bed. If suffering from asthma, colds, ‘flu, sore throat or glandular fever. Remember the deep breathing exercises. They’re part of the Metabolism-Balancing Program and are important for lowering the levels of histamine in the blood, which in turn reduces the intensity of your allergy.

Pace yourself. In fact do less than before. Certainly don’t raise your work, exercise, social or commitment load as you feel your energy levels rise. Many people make this mistake and become tired again. If your energy doesn’t rise your immunity won’t rise, and if your immunity doesn’t rise you won’t get a good result on the Anti-Candida/Anti-Allergy Program. All things being equal your energy levels should be up after six to eight weeks on the Metabolism-Balancing Program. Don’t go onto the Anti-Candida Program until they are. If you’re getting plenty of sleep, not. overdoing it and the doctor has cleared you of viral infection, diabetes, iron deficiency and thyroid/adrenal gland underactivity, and you’re still tired, then allergy is the most likely cause. You can now proceed to step 2. If any of these factors are in evidence they must be corrected before moving on. Worm yourself and the rest of the family during the final week of the Metabolism-Balancing Program (Combantrin—over the counter from the chemist—is a good anti worm medication). This is particularly important for hyperactive, slow learning kids and those suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. If your allergy symptoms are significantly diminishing on the Metabolism-Balancing Diet, stay on it until this improvement has plateaued, even if it requires more than eight, weeks. Chances are you could throw your allergies on this program alone.

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ALLERGY-CANDIDA ALBICANS: HOW TO START AND STAY ON THE PROGRAM

admin — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 06:49:30 +0000

The best way to start and stay on the Anti-Candida/Anti-Allergy Program is to grasp the nettle and say emphatically to yourself: ‘I’m going to go on this program, it’s my personal project, I’ve made up my mind, nothing is going to dissuade me from it.’ There is nothing more powerful on this earth than the human mind and when it’s ‘made up’ it’s unstoppable. If you think you lack the willpower to start and stay on any program you’re wrong. All humans have willpower and those who exercise their faculty of will, develop and strengthen their will. The Anti-Candida Program is an excellent opportunity for you to increase your willpower and the spin-off effects of this increased willpower, will serve you well in other spheres of your life.

Having completed the program you’ll be impressed with your achievements and will experience a significant increase in self-confidence and self-esteem as well as health. Many of those who complete the program go on to tackle and achieve things they previously thought were beyond their ability. I’ve witnessed this in many of my former Candida patients and have no doubt that it can happen for you as well.

If while on the program you experience a waning of your resolve, the most effective way to counter it is to sit yourself clown and give yourself a good talking to. Make sure you pose yourself the following question: ‘Well what’s (he alternative? Feeling as grotty as I did before starling the program?’

There are a number of things you can do to maintain your willpower:

• Get adequate rest. Tired people get depressed easily and lose interest in everything—including themselves and their goals. Tired people can’t be bothered doing the shopping, preparing balanced meals, organising themselves or disciplining themselves. Learn to pace yourself so that you don’t get tired.

• Don’t skip meals, especially the midday meal. Skipping meals causes a drop in blood glucose levels (hypoglycaemia) which in turn causes a rebound craving for something sweet. Hypoglycaemia can also trigger allergies leading you to believe the program has stopped working. This could upset you to the point of giving up the whole thing.

• Don’t smoke marijuana. They don’t call that stuff ‘dope’ for nothing. It makes you dopey, disinterested and undisciplined. It also gives you the ‘munchies’. It’s a guaranteed recipe for breaking a program and failure to achieve any of your goals. Passive dope smoking is just as bad as taking speed, heroin, crack or any other mood-altering, recreational drug. Keep away from those who smoke or take drugs; they’ll undermine everything you are trying to achieve and will drag you down to their own level of low achievement.

• Don’t skip your vitamins, minerals and other supplements; you will get tired if you do.

• Don’t cut yourself off from the mainstream of life by staying at home for the duration of the program—keep socialising. We humans are tribal creatures. We need the emotional nourishment provided by close and regular communication with friends, kin and acquaintances. Without it we become tired and depressed and try to compensate by binge eating, drinking alcohol or taking drugs.

• Don’t shun restaurants. Go to fish restaurants and steak houses while on the program, saving the other restaurants for when you are well. There will never be a menu that fits your program perfectly so order what you can from the menu and explain to the waiter/waitress that you are not to have sauces or gravies because you are on a strict program. You’ll be amazed how many waiters are familiar with anti-candida programs. Don’t be fazed when your meal comes with everything on it that you requested not be included. People are fallible, especially when they’re rushed. Just push the forbidden foods to the side of your plate, it’s an excellent opportunity to exercise your willpower.

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