Friday, October 26, 2007

Blood Tests for Heart Conditions Know and Smoker Lungs

Smokers are known to be more susceptible to various chronic diseases like heart.Now researchers are developing a blood test that can determine the condition of the heart and lungs of smokers.

Researchers from UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered a simple blood test that can later be used to measure the toxicity of the lung and a smoker's risk of heart disease.

"Levels of protein in the lungs of smokers found in the blood can indicate risk of plaque buildup in blood vessels is dangerous," said Dr. Anand Rohatgi, professor of internal medicine at UT Southwestern, as quoted by ScienceDaily, Thursday (10/27/2011).

In this study researchers measured the amount of pulmonary surfactant B (SP-B) is a protein found in cells of damaged lungs. Researchers found smokers with high levels of SP-B appeared to have a more dangerous buildup of plaque in the aorta (largest artery with a branch that leads to the pelvis, abdomen and legs).

The research was done because most smokers will be lost productivity and treatment costs big, so expect this blood test could be a way for early detection.

"Smoking is one of the largest contributors to the development of heart disease, and this test can measure the effects of smoking that contribute to atherosclerotic heart disease," said Dr. Rohatgi.

Increased risk of heart attack, stroke and death from cardiovascular disease in smokers varies between individuals and up to now there is no blood test that can measure these varisi.

Now researchers are doing further evaluation to investigate whether SP-B causes atherosclerosis or simply as a marker of the disease course, and to find out whether the decreased levels of SP-B can improve the healing of heart disease.

The results of this study have been published in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology by the American Heart Association.

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Cigarette Disturb Absorption Vitamins and Blood in the Body

Smoking was not only increases the risk of various diseases, but also affect the absorption of nutrients consumed and blood flow.What nutrients are influenced by smoking?

Almost everyone knows that cigarettes contain many compounds carcinogen (causes cancer) and other compounds that are harmful to the body. Antaar combination of smoking, alcohol consumption and poor nutrition can further increase the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular.

Studies show smoking outside the action itself, the smokers are very likely to engage in other negative health behaviors as quoted from Lifemojo, Tuesday (10/11/2011), namely:

  1. Too few eating fruits and vegetables
  2. Consuming alcohol and caffeinated beverages
  3. Not getting enough sleep
  4. Eating foods containing high fat levels
  5. Not getting enough exercise or become inactive.

Meanwhile, a recent study conducted by professors at Berkeley showed that the absorption of some nutrients and metabolism are impaired in themselves are a smoker like:

Vitamin C
Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant that is important for disease prevention. But a growing number of cigarettes smoked so the more vitamin C is lost from the tissue and blood.

Eg 1 cigarettes seized about 25 mg of vitamin C from the body, then people who smoke need more vitamin C to fight cell damage and prevent disease.

Vitamin D
Cigarettes have significant side effects on the metabolism of vitamin D. The incidence of vitamin D deficiency 50 percent higher in smokers compared with non-smokers.

Calcium
More calcium metabolism may be impaired pad aorang who smoke, so he is more at risk of developing osteoporosis or thinning bones.

Vitamin E
Vitamin E is believed to inhibit the buildup of fat on the inner walls of the arteries that one of them caused by smoking. Therefore, smokers may reduce the risk of hardening of the arteries by taking vitamin E.

Blood circulation and increase blood fats
Study shows smoking damage the blood circulation and blood flow from the heart (21 percent lower in smokers than non-smokers).And consumption of 2-4 cigarettes can raise levels of fats in the blood of 200-400 percent.

For that to smokers should consume foods that are healthier than non-smokers to get the same amount of nutrients, such as the consumption of green tea, eat lots of fruit dna vegetables, consumption of vitamins and of course trying to quit smoking.

Sunday, April 15, 2007

Physical Therapist Jobs In Mcallen, Texas

It does not matter whether you are a fresher or have years of experience working as physical therapist -- there are many healthcare centers in McAllen, Texas requiring eligible and industrious physical therapists. Candidates applying for physical therapist jobs in McAllen, Texas need a master’s or doctoral degree in physical therapy. They must also possess a state license for practicing in McAllen, Texas.

Physical therapist jobs can be quite arduous and demanding. A physical therapist is one who provides physical therapy treatment to patients. They carry out physical therapy proceedings to restore the patients’ physical function, improve their mobility, and alleviate the pain caused by injury, illness or disease. They always work closely with patients to identify and study the real cause of the injuries and disabilities. After a careful observation they develop treatment plans which include exercise and other related activities.

It is the duty of the physical therapist to gather information regarding the patient’s reaction to the treatment and communicate the result to the supervising therapist. They often focus on overall fitness, and provide treatment for conditions such as fractures, injuries related to sports, arthritis, stroke, back and neck injuries, amputations, multiple sclerosis, and birth defects.

Physical therapists’ job activities include:

• Diagnosing the patient’s problem
• Determining appropriate evaluation procedures
• Designing and executing treatment plans
• Educating patients on how to use assistive devices and exercises that are a part of the treatment plan
• Evaluating a patient's progress
• Maintain records on each patient, and concerning the treatment provided

Physical therapy jobs in McAllen, Texas give qualified healthcare professionals a chance to work in numerous healthcare facilities such as clinics, doctors’ offices, state and local health departments, private offices, research laboratories, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, long term care centers, hospitals, and home health jobs agencies.

The physical therapist jobs in McAllen, Texas carry competitive salary packages and ensure an excellent working environment. Salaries vary with education, experience, and place of employment. Benefits for salaried physical therapists include allowances such as medical and dental insurances, paid accommodations and more. Travel assignments are more remunerative, with the professionals being eligible for travel expenses and other facilities.

The sources for finding employment openings are newspaper ads, the American Physical Therapy Association, professional journals, and job banks on the web. Both fresh and experienced physical therapist professionals can apply directly to healthcare centers in McAllen, Texas.

Friday, April 6, 2007

Foods that Improve Concentration

As people age, brain function also decreased. Conditions that make a lot of advertising in the media offer the products to sharpen the mind, memory and helps concentration. But is it really effective? Or willing to try foods that increase the concentration.

And indeed healthy foods into one of the factors that keep the brain healthy. As quoted from WebMD, Thursday (20/10/2011), some foods that can help improve brain function, among others:

1. Caffeine to stay alert
There are no miracle cures to boost IQ or make so much smarter, but certain substances such as caffeine can give you energy and help stay focused and concentrate.

Many are found in coffee, chocolate, energy drinks, and some medications, caffeine makes the drinker stay awake, even though the effect is only short term. However, excess caffeine and can cause anxiety and discomfort.

2. Sugar increases alertness
Sugar is the fuel of the brain. Sugar in question is glucose, the metabolism of the body from sugar and carbohydrates are eaten.

That is why a glass of sugary drinks can improve memory, thinking processes, and mental ability in the short term. But if you consume too much, can interfere with memory.

3. Breakfast to fuel the brain
Research has found that breakfast can improve memory and attention span for the short term. Students who eat breakfast tend to perform better than those without.

Breakfast is very beneficial for the brain include foods rich in fiber, grains, dairy, and fruits. But do not eat too much breakfast. High-calorie breakfast can actually hinder concentration.

4. Fish, a brain nutrient sebenanrnya
Useful source of protein that improve brain performance are fish, especially those rich in omega-3 fatty acids are essential for brain function and development. Healthy fats are great to improve brain power.

Foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids may reduce risk of dementia and stroke, slow decline in mental function, and it is important to improve memory, especially when people get older. For brain and heart health, eat two servings of fish each week.

5. Nuts and chocolate
Nuts and seeds are a source of antioxidants vitamin E is able to reduce the effects of declining brain function due to age. Dark chocolate also has powerful antioxidant properties and contains caffeine which can improve focus and concentration.

Eating an ounce of nuts and dark chocolate every day can provide all the benefits that your body needs without having to worry about excess calories, fat, or sugar.

6. Avocado and whole grains
All organs of the body depends on blood flow, especially the heart and brain. Eating avocados can reduce the risk of heart disease and blood pressure and lowering bad cholesterol levels.

The impact will reduce the risk of plaque buildup and increase blood flow, a simple yet delicious way to stimulate brain cells. Grains such as popcorn and whole grains also contain fiber and vitamin E.

7. Blueberries
Research in animals shows that blueberries may help protect the brain from damage caused by free radicals and may reduce the effects of aging such as Alzheimer's disease or dementia.

Research also has shown that a diet rich in blueberries significantly improved the working muscles and brains of older mice as well as make it mentally equivalent to much younger rats.

8. Healthy food
Foods that do not contain essential nutrients can reduce the ability to concentrate. Eating too much or too little can also interfere with the ability to focus the mind.

Heavy meal can make the body feel lethargic, while too few calories can lead to annoying hunger.

9. Vitamins, minerals and supplements
Store shelves displaying various kinds of supplements that claim to improve health. Although many ads about supplements such as vitamins B, C, E, beta-carotene, and magnesium look promising, a supplement is only useful for people who lack certain nutrients.

Scientists are more optimistic about the effects of ginseng, ginkgo, and vitamin, mineral, and herbal combinations on brain function.

10. Get ready to face the daily activities
Start by drinking 100% fruit juice, eat whole wheat bread with salmon, and drank a cup of coffee. In addition to eating a balanced meal, experts also recommend:
- A good night's sleep.
- Drink enough water.
- Exercises to sharpen the mind.
- Meditation for the mind clear and relaxed.