News and Articles on Health. Medical research topics.

Introduction

Patient JRK presented with reduced range of movement and moderate synkinesis on the left side of his face, onset September 2005. The facial palsy had originally been diagnosed as Bell’s Palsy, but MRI scan showed a pituitary tumour which was felt to be compromising the Facial Nerve. The tumour was treated with medication which brought about a large reduction in size, but there was no improvement in facial movement.

Examination

Static photography was used to assess and record the range of movement of his face in the following postures:

• At rest
• Small smile, lips together
• Large smile, lips apart
• Lip pucker
• Eye closure
• Eyebrow raise
• Open mouth wide
• Raise top lip/snarl

The Sunnybrook Facial Grading System was used to provide an objective measurement of the range of movement of the left side of his face, comparing it to the unaffected right side and expressed as a percentage. This scoring system not only measures range of movement, it also deducts marks for any signs of sykinesis, such as asymmetry at rest and aberrant linking of movements. Therefore it is a much more sensitive measure for patients who demonstrate significant synkinesis than the House Brackman scale which is widely used in British hospitals.

At his first attendance, JRK scored as follows:

Voluntary movement score 56%

Resting symmetry score -13%

Synkinesis score -14%

Complete score: 29%

Soft Tissue Assessment demonstrated shortening of the myofascia around the following muscles on the left side:

• Depressor Anguli Oris
• Depressor Labii Inferiors
• Risorius
• Zygomaticus major and minor
• Orbicularis Oculi
• Lower portion of Orbicularis Oris

Surface Electromyography (sEMG) was also used to evaluate the degree of nerve activity at each of the 4 main branches in the face, and proved a very useful part of treatment when employed for Biofeedback techniques.

Function of the Face

Patient JRK complained of problems with severe cramping in his right cheek on attempting to do large movements of his mouth. This restricted his facial movement when eating, yawning and laughing. He also experienced tension in his left cheek, and reported fatigue in this area on talking for prolonged periods.

Treatment

Treatment was given for a period of one year, during which the patient attended on 6 occasions at 2 monthly intervals, and it included the following treatment modalities:

Trophic Electrical Stimulation

sEMG Biofeedback

Myofascial Release Techniques

Home Stretches

Home Exercises

Results of Treatment

Static photography demonstrated improvement in facial symmetry in all 8 postures. Scoring with the Sunnybrook Facial Grading System improved by 25%, with the break-down as follows:

Voluntary movement score 68%

Resting symmetry score -8%

Synkinesis score -6%

Complete score: 54%

Function of the Face had improved significantly, with much reduction in the tension in the left cheek, and the problem of cramping on large movements resolved completely. Stamina on talking was improved, so the patient found that fatigue was no longer a problem.
Facial palsy or paralysis can result from a number of different conditions including Bell’s Palsy, acoustic neuroma, meningioma, facial nerve tumours, stroke, following facial reconstruction surgery, nerve repairs and transplants and trauma.

Holistic Health Care is an expression used most of the time but its exact explanation is not known yet. Definition of Holistic Health Care may fluctuate from person to person and from source to source. It basically means dissimilar things to diverse people. Although different perceptions exist for the term holistic, yet the basic meaning of it remains the same. Due to the interdependence of different health aspects on each other, the holistic health care has been introduced. The mental health conditions of a person strongly influence the physical health. A person may be in a very unstable environment as a result of which his personal health may get affected.

The holistic health care is best described as a symptom based approach. The actions and movements of a person greatly influence the kind of physical health that he is going through. The health care deals with the analysis of the patient’s mental condition so as to make sure that he does not undergo any kind of depression or isolation. Even in the hospitals, nowadays, the holistic wellness program approach is being followed. They make sure that the hospital conditions and environment are very healthy. The gloomy environment causes the health conditions of the person to degrade. It takes into consideration the factors that indirectly but drastically affect the health of a patient.

The medication and other treatments given by the doctors prove to give the best results only when the holistic health care is applied. The people who are close to the patient makes sure that he feels happy and comfortable with the environment and other conditions. The spiritual well being of the person is also ensured by the holistic wellness program. The positive energy should exceed the levels within the patient. The positive vibes that reach the patient makes him expect the good results soon. It makes him get more positive and thoughtful. Only then can a person recover with great pace.

The holistic health care follows some of the most innovative techniques. Right from improving the environment to laying stress on positive thoughts, it makes sure that the person gets the best conditions to improve. The physical heath of the person is greatly influenced by the mental state of mind. The holistic health care takes care about his state of mind. Hence the effect of all kinds of medicines seems to prove its worth at an increased rate. The various issues discussed under the holistic health care have to be implemented with newer ideas so that the parson shows greater degree of improvement. The environment has to be very positive with the best encouragement given to the person.

If you are searching for an effective and natural solution to your pain management, a massage therapy for pain relief could be just the right thing for you. It helps deal with your body ache without any need for drugs. This way it not only helps you relax as you battle the pain, but it also avoids any possible side effects.

In a recently conducted survey, it was found that about 63% of the total of 1,998 patients, claimed to feel better after a massage. Some even said that it felt better than acupuncture, chiropractic and other body therapies.

In fact science proves that massage can be a lot more effective than the other therapies for patients suffering from chronic back pain. It helps reduce the pain to a great extent, and make muscles healthier too. Similarly in case of cancer patients, it has been found that it can go a long way in reducing the stress and anxiety. The sensation of pain can be reduced too, and can help one relax.

This in fact even leads some experts to believe that massage can greatly reduce the spasms and muscle pains that occur after heart bypass surgeries. It helps control the pulse rate and blood pressure of patients, resulting in a soothing effect of the mind and body. Apart from that, a good treatment can also help combat pressures caused by post-traumatic headaches, and helps the brain produce endorphins.

Now you may wonder what exactly is so special about this therapy that can help your body deal with so many issues with such ease as claimed. Well, the simplest answer would be that massage basically helps to manipulate your muscles and tissues such that they can better adapt themselves to fight pain.

Those who have already experienced massage may have noticed that professional therapists loosen your body using techniques specific to the cause to be dealt with. The hand movements, the massage oils, and other accessories like magnets and stones etc, are all used at different places of the body in particular styles and forms so that they can provide maximum relief. The electrical signals used in various types of treatment can stimulate your immune system, blood circulation and even heal muscles that have been partly damaged.

Apart from that, most massage places also use aromatic oils, rose water etc during treatment sessions so as to arouse your sense of smell. Others might also play light soothing sounds to touch your sense of hearing, which can make the whole experience all the more relaxing for the mind. And as it is a universally known fact, the healthier the mind, the fitter the body would be.

Needless to say, massage is no more viewed as just as a way of self pampering for the ones hunting luxury. Yes, it goes much beyond that. In spite of all the rich feel of a massage, people are gradually beginning to realize that there is more to a massage therapy than plain indulge. It helps you soothe your nerves, helps the body relax, and makes you muscles stronger and active, helping your body learn how to deal with pain more easily and efficiently. It can even make your skin glow resulting in you looking healthier and younger, instead of causing side effects like the usual drugs that often make life more stressful.

There are a number of different types of massages that can be opted for. While some are simply meant to help one relax, others are more of pain and disease specific.

Therefore, if you are planning to go for a massage, it is suggested that you first go and speak to the therapist about the body pain that you seem to be suffering from. Make sure to let them know if you face any bleeding disorders, blood clot issues, have soft tissues or superficial vein infections, or have ever faced problems of kidney or heart failure. Pregnant women would need to stay extremely careful too, since only a few special types of treatment are permitted to them.

Let your therapist chalk out a plan for you as per your needs and convenience. Depending on your requirements, the session may comprise of just one treatment, or a number of therapy sessions spread over a number of days.

As we enter further into our sleep pattern there is a certain stage in our rest pattern called R.E.M. or (rapid eye movement) sleep. This is one of the most important stages and is imperative to our wellbeing. So in order to answer the question why is our sleep REM cycle so important we have to look at what happens when we are “in sleep.”

When we rest we go through stages ranging from light sleep (stages 1 and 2) to deep sleep (stages 3 and 4) it is only once the body has gone through these first stages that it reaches the final stage, the sleep REM cycle! REM tends to occupy around 20-25% of the total amount of sleep. We will experience around four or five bouts of REM which tend to be quite short at the beginning of the cycle but then increase in time latterly. However it is what happens during REM sleep that is really important.

When in REM one of the first things that happen is the increase in brain activity this is because the brain is acting as a kind of control centre for the repair and rejuvenation of cells. The eyes move rapidly back and forth and this is the stage when you start to dream. During this stage the brain also processes memories and emotions and deals with stress. Muscle movement is virtually non existent.

Recent studies have shown that better REM sleep helps to boost your mood throughout the day so the more you have of it the better. So this begs the question, how can you get more REM sleep? By the morning the REM stage is that much longer than at the earlier part of your cycle so try sleeping an extra 30 minutes in the morning. If you are deprived of deep sleep then the first thing that the body will do is to try to make that up first – to the detriment of your REM.

It is important that you get the right sort of rest and by this I mean quality sleep. So if you just drift in and out of the lighter stages ie, stages 1and 2 then you will probably wake up feeling tired. It is the deep sleep stages of 3 and 4 interspersed with REM that will have you waking up feeling like you are ready to face the world
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This is why our sleep REM cycle is so important to our health and wellbeing. In order to get enough deep and REM rest you need to have good sleep practices in place. By this I mean things like, set yourself a routine. Try to get up at the same time every morning even at weekends, and also get into a routine before you go to bed at night. Try to wind down and relax before you get into bed. This will aid sleep. Finally try to create a better sleep environment, by this I mean keep the room dark when you go to bed, and keep it slightly cooler.

The importance of including these immune boosters in your diet should not be ignored if you really want to always have a stronger and healthier body. If your work requires you to be outdoors on a daily basis, then all the more that you need these to keep your immune system strong. Immune boosters are those that strengthen the immune system to help it fight disease-causing elements like bacteria. By incorporating them in your daily routine, you’ll have less chances of getting sick. The homemade immune boosters help your body, essentially, to protect against all of the harmful invaders like bacteria, viruses, parasites, pathogens and all that could potentially lead to illness.

But aside from all those foods mentioned above, raw foods like cacao powder, cacao nibs, cacao butter, blue mangosteen, and acai are also good sources of antioxidants. Everybody knows about vitamins E and C. The immune system effects of these two vitamins are well documented and supported by several clinical studies.

Kombucha is not eaten, but is brewed into a strong antiviral and antibacterial tea after it has been left to ferment for a week or more in a mixture of spring or filtered water, organic sugar, and organic green or black tea.

The good news for all of us is that there are some very easy steps that we can take to best enhance our natural immunities and further reduce our risk of infection this season. Not for continuous everyday use, I do find this valuable when that first throat tickle comes on. People who suffer from urinary tract and intestinal infections will benefit from taking Goldenseal supplements because of the anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. Take sugar out of your diet. Once you do this you will see increase energy levels, immunity and your ability to think clearly when trying to lose weight your craving will go down.

Exercise is a powerful immune booster, not to mention a very important component of good overall health. Regular, moderate exercise has been shown to lower an individual’s likelihood of getting sick. It also boosts natural energy levels while relieving stress at the same time. It is a great way to prevent body from any germs. It creates a protective shield around our body which helps us to stop thinking about the infections. It is believed that the nervous system is affected when Glutathione production declines. GSH shortage can lead to lack of coordination, poor balance and tremors. Zinc is another nutrient needed to keep healthy and strong. Nutritionally, we get zinc from eggs, mushrooms, spinach, nuts, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, and whole grains. Vitamin C performs various immunity functions; it helps in wound healing and prevents infections from spreading. Vitamin C is essential to prevent scurvy and for sperm production.

In order to maximize the benefits of green tea, you need to drink it strong–leave it to brew for at least five minutes. However, some people find this too bitter and compromise by drinking it weaker. In addition to a daily supplement of Vitamin D3, it is important to boost your immune system in the fall months to ward off any impending influenza outbreak.

Because of the need for better air quality, the HEPA filter vacuums have become a necessity for most families, particularly those with members suffering from asthma.

Due to their superior and high quality filtration facilities, they are exceedingly efficient in eliminating airborne particles and other pollutants from different surfaces such as upholstery and carpets. Their functions can assist in making the air in your home healthier.

In actual fact, the indoor environment is a breeding ground for dust mites, allergens, gas, mold, and other detrimental microorganisms. As a result, your respiratory system resists yet still suffers from these harmful contaminants. Keep in mind that poor indoor air quality can lead to serious health problems and symptoms such as headaches, itchy eyes and nose, fatigue, digestive problems, congestion, and other acute and chronic illnesses. Studies have proven that one in three adults, infants, or children experience asthma, allergies, and other respiratory conditions due to air pollutants.

At present, most vacuum cleaners incorporate HEPA filters as an imperative segment of the filtration procedure. They are exceedingly beneficial for asthma sufferers as well as for people prone to allergies for the reason that the HEPA mechanism can proficiently restrain and trap the fine particles from the air, which trigger the asthma episodes.

An important factor that you need to understand when it comes to HEPA filter vacuums is that the filter placed in a vacuum cleaner will only be competent in trapping airborne elements if the vacuum is specifically designed so the air that is heaved in to the device will pass through the filter, without air leaking from any side. Additionally, because of the mass of this specialized filter, the vacuum cleaner should be able to support a more powerful motor to furnish adequate air cleaning power.

There are fundamentally two types of HEPA vacuum cleaners for asthma sufferers: the canister and the upright. The canister vacuums normally are smaller in size but have stronger cases which can spin along and track behind you as you vacuum your floor, furniture, or carpet. This vacuum model has a long hose that will assist you to clean difficult to reach areas of your house. In addition, this vacuum cleaner also frequently features detachable rug beaters that are known to be more powerful than those employed in upright vacuums. The upright vacuums on the other hand are made of a single unit that may incorporate an attachment hose or not. Past users of this model complained about the leaking of dusty air back in their houses, and because the rug beaters in this type are permanent, once they break, the entire device should be replaced.

When selecting vacuum cleaners, you should pay close attention to the power of the unit, as this will determine the suction force of the cleaner in inches of water lift and through its air flow. Keep in mind that any model with a 90 cfm or more is recognized as a powerful cleaning device and will efficiently eliminate pollutants from your home. You should also try to find out if the filter is positioned before or at the rear of the motor since studies discovered that a filter placed at the back of the motor can aid in catching fine carbon dust generated by the motor.

Now, you and your family will need to worry no more. With HEPA filter vacuums, asthma attacks will never have a place in your home.

Burns happen on an everyday basis. People brush up against hot surfaces, accidentally grab scalding pan handles, and run their hands under dangerously-heated water. All of these actions can easily cause minor burns, and if the skin is in contact with the heat source for a long enough period of time, they can result in major burns, as well.

It is important for you to familiarize yourself with the three different types of burns a person can suffer so that you will know how to treat them and when it is necessary to seek out professional medical attention. If you don’t get medical help after suffering a dangerous burn, you could face serious or even life-threatening physical complications.

Types of Burns

There are three main types of burn injuries, which are classified according to severity: first degree burns, which are the mildest, second degree burns, and third degree burns, which are the most dangerous type. The characteristics of each are as follows:

• First Degree: Affects only the top skin layer. Red and swollen skin, pain to the touch, no blisters or breaks.
• Second Degree: Affects the top two layers of skin. Area is painful, red and swollen, with blisters present.
• Third Degree: Affects all skin layers and, sometimes, the tissues underneath. Area can be black and charred, or white. No pain is present due to nerve damage.

Depending on the type of burn you sustain, you may be able to treat it easily at home.

Treating Burns at Home

You can treat first degree and most second degree burns at home. Follow these easy steps to facilities an efficient recovery process:

• Hold the burned area under cool, running water
• Take ibuprofen or another over-the-counter pain and swelling reducer
• Cover the injured area with a sterile bandage
• Don’t apply butter, ointments, or ice to the area. Aloe vera is acceptable
• Avoid breaking any blisters that formed

Second degree burns that cover an extensive area and all third degree burns will require professional medical attention. If you are experiencing the symptoms of these types of injuries, you should elevate and cover the burned area with a clean bandage or moist cloth as you wait for emergency services to arrive.

Diarrhea is not just another stomach ache. There are many complications that are involved in this condition and the sooner we find the cure for diarrhea, the better off we will be.

Diarrhea is the term used when a person has loose bowel movements. The stools passed during this time are usually soft and watery which is unusual as an average person should pass firm stools.

This condition can be accompanied by painful cramps in the abdomen, uncomfortable bloating and swelling of the abdomen, uncontrollable urge to defecate, chills, and even fever. A large part of the population does not seek treatment for this condition as this usually passes even without medication. However, we should be wary of the pending consequences of untreated condition.

Since we lose a lot of water because of this problem, it is important to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. This is the condition where the body does not have sufficient supply of fluid for it to function properly. Not only is fluid lost but also the natural minerals and chemicals produced by our body.

This is a serious condition that has a serious impact on the person affected. If you feel overly thirsting, have dry skin, feeling dizzy and fatigued and urinates less, you might be in danger of dehydration caused by this condition.

Loose bowel movements can be caused by the invasion of bacteria, parasites and viruses on our digestive system. If this is the case, it is best to seek medical advice to get rid of these parasites before it endangers your body further. This can also be caused by lactose intolerance, medicines or an effect of an underlying disease such as Crohn’s disease.

People of various ages can have this condition. While adults can tolerate it more, babies cannot and they need immediate treatment so that their body will not suffer from the loss of fluid and important salt-chemicals.

The cure for diarrhea is extensive. There are many products out there processed to specifically help replace the lost salts and fluid of the body. Some brand names are Pedialyte, ceralyte and infalyte.

Tablets or capsules can also be purchased even without the prescription of the physician. These are sold in drugstores to help relieve the symptoms of this condition.

It would also be helpful if the person affected eats fruits and vegetables high in fiber. The fiber can bind the waste in the intestines and can replace the vitamins and minerals lost.

There are also natural herbal remedies that are just as effective as over-the-counter medications.

Agrimony

This herb is safe for children to use and should be given in tea form at the initial sign of the symptoms of this condition.

Cayenne

This is especially helpful in reducing the formation of loose stools.

Psyllium seed

This is helpful in reducing the liquid from the stool

Fenugreek

This is great in coating the lining of the intestines to provide immediate relief from the symptoms.

One natural product that has been proven to be safe and effective is a product called DigestAssist.

This product provides comfort to our digestive system. It sustains the natural level of acidity in our stomach to prevent indigestion and to prevent bacteria and other parasitic creatures to flourish in our stomach.

This product only contains herbal ingredients such as fennel, ginger, peppermint, and stomach bush that can treat digestive ailments. The use of these remedies dates back to old times and the use of these have been carried until recent years because of their efficacy.

The cure for diarrhea can also be found with naturally manufactured remedies. These are even preferred by many because it does not contain any harsh chemicals. Try these remedies and prevent any complications that might develop because of this condition.

Basically people knows that iron is a metallic chemical element having the symbol Fe. Mostly in science books iron is considered as transition metal. Users of iron know that the iron and iron alloys basically present in the most common metals and ferromagnetic materials in daily purpose . Mostly iron looks like red and brown in color which happens due to iron coming in touch with air converting it into ferric oxide which is sometimes known as rust. People are always eager to know how iron appears? So one should know that it appears like having lustrous surface with silvery grey coloring.

Mostly the pure form of crystals of iron is soft in appearance having minute amount of impurity of carbon and this indirectly helping the iron to become more stronger. Reports reveals that iron is abundant element found in the list of red giants. It also act as the main metal of iron meteorites and with deep cores of several planets such as earth. Besides showing mechanical aspect of iron in human life, iron do have good usages by acting as good health supplements. One should know that iron is the major source of proteins and enzymes for the body. Also iron shows as an important component of protein helping in the transportation of oxygen. Iron do have role in regualtion of the cell growth and in differentiation.

People complaining of iron deficiency in the body which occurs due to lack of oxygen supplied in cells of the body. Iron deficiency leads to fatigue, bad work performance, and low immunity in the body. One should not have the overdose of iron as it might become poisonous in the body. Sometimes too much iron in the body result in toxicity and in few cases turned to be the case of death. Mostly iron act as absorption which happens during the intake of foods . Report says that healthy person has the absorption of near about 10 percent to 15 percent iron through varied foods. And individual absorption in few cases is influenced by several factors in the body.