Some illnesses and physical impairments are more prevalent in women. Knowing about these women’s health issues and concerns can help women to be better informed about their bodies.

One of these illnesses or diseases includes female heart disease. It is often not diagnosed, and once it is found it is often too late for the patient to be helped successfully. In women, risk factors for disease include smoking, increasing age, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and lack of physical activity.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer experienced by women, and treatments for the disease are continuing to develop. Risk factors for breast cancer, as discussed by the American Cancer Society, can include a family history of breast cancer, genetics, increasing age, race, early onset menstruation, obesity and not having children.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis affects nearly 44 million Americans, and two thirds of this number are women. This disease is preventable if women make healthy lifestyle choices. Risk factors for osteoporosis include:

Increasing age
Female gender
Ethnicity
Family history
Thin-boned and small body frame
Anorexia
Low intake of vitamin D and calcium
Lack of physical activity
Excessive use of alcohol
Smoking

Although we all know the main risks of smoking, there are still around 10 million people in the uk that smoke. Yes, the amount of smokers in the UK is not as much as some other locations around the world, but it is still astounding. Although many of the main health risks are forced upon us from the NHS and various non-smoking campaigns, a lot more of the smaller, but still disturbing side effects are left unknown.

Smoking leads to Impotence- large amounts of research have recognised smoking as one of the leading causes of erectile dysfunction, which can then lead to impotence. In fact, smoking actually increases the risk of erectile dysfunction by 50% in men between the ages of 30 and 40 years.

It has also been found that full-time smoking can lead to Permanent and Age-Related Blindness.

British research has found that smoking increases your chance of going blind as you age, as well as this, it has also been found that smoking can often cause: development of cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, loss of central vision and age-related macular degeneration (AMD.). In fact, experts have found the link between smoking and AMD is just as strong as the connection between smoking and the development of lung cancer. The chance of smokers losing their sight in later life is actually double that of non-smokers.

The risk of injuries is larger for smokers than non-smokers, healing time is also longer for smokers. By constricting the blood vessels about 25% of their normal diameter, the flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients around the body are all limited. This then then slows down the healing time for a wound to heal as it takes longer for the blood, oxygen and nutrients to reach the injury and form new cells, etc.

Increased risk of illness. Smoking can lead to the paralysis of the cilia which makes a person more susceptible to illness. Smokers are more likely to suffer from colds, pneumonia, coughs, bronchitis and flu.

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The vascular system is composed of the entire network of blood vessels in the body, including the arteries, veins and capillaries. Arteriosclerosis, blood clots and aneurysms are serious problems of the vascular system.

Erectile dysfunction can be one of the first signs of vascular disease in men and it is thought to be one of the most common causes of impotence. The narrowing and hardening of the arteries, called atherosclerosis, makes the increase in blood flow that is necessary to obtain and maintain an erection difficult or impossible to achieve.

Increasing and prolonging the flow of blood to the penis is the main purpose behind medication used to treat erectile dysfunction. Among these prescription drugs is Cialis. Sold under the generic name tadalafil, Cialis relaxes the muscles and allows freer flow of blood to the penis, enabling an erection.

Cialis’s effect on the body’s blood flow, and its uses in conjunction with activity that increases the heart rate, could result in certain cardiac reactions, including drops in blood pressure and even cardiac arrest in extreme situations. Consult your doctor before starting Cialis and notify him or her of any unusual reactions.

A variety of physical and psychological illnesses and issues can cause erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction, or ED, is the inability of the male body to have or maintain an erection when sexually stimulated. Erectile dysfunction is recognised as a medical problem if it lasts for more than three months.

Physical causes

Nerve damage and reduced blood flow to the penis are the most common causes of erectile dysfunction. Other contributing factors include: hormone imbalances, such as low testosterone or thyroid hormone levels that are too high or too low; neurological conditions, such as stroke or brain or spinal injuries; pelvic trauma; complications from abdominal or prostate surgery and some prescription drugs such as blood pressure medications and antidepressants.

Vascular disease and diabetes can also cause and contribute to erectile dysfunction. Arteriosclerosis, a hardening and narrowing of the arteries, reduces blood flow throughout the body and accounts for nearly 60% of erectile dysfunction in men over the age of 60. Diabetic neuropathy, a complication of diabetes, can damage the small blood vessels and nerves of the body, making it more difficult to maintain an erection.

Psychological causes

Psychological conditions that can lead to erectile dysfunction include depression, stress and anxiety. Experiencing impotence can also precipitate these feelings and lead even temporary dysfunction to become a chronic problem.

Treatment options

There are a variety of different treatments available for erectile dysfunction, including prescription medications and surgery. Oral prescription medications, such as Sildenafil, also known as Viagra, and Vardenafil, also known as Levitra, help boost nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide is a chemical produced by the body that relaxes the muscles of the penis, increasing blood flow and allowing an erection to take place in response to stimulation. These medications may not fix the erectile dysfunction immediately, but your physician will work with you in choosing the right medication for you and adjusting the dosage to give you the best chance of success.

Xenical is a drug that promotes weight loss and is most commonly used in the treatment of obesity. Xenical works by blocking the action of an enzyme called lipase; which is produced by the body to help it break down and absorb fat. By blocking the action of this enzyme, the fat cannot be absorbed and a large percentage of it is passed in the stool without it having been absorbed into the body, where it can contribute to a weight problem.

If you are considering taking Xenical it is important to understand that it is not a quick solution that will allow you to eat whatever you want. It must be used in conjunction with a low calorie diet if it is to be effective. The absorption of some vitamins might also be affected by the drug; so you should create a diet that has a high vitamin content or take vitamin supplements. The drug is generally only used to treat patients who have been diagnosed with obesity by a doctor, as opposed to those who are just a little overweight.

Xenical should be taken at the same time as you eat a meal, as this will have the greatest effect on the absorption of fat. If you are eating a fat-free meal then there is no need to take the medication, as it will not have any effect on the food you have eaten. If you do consume an excessively fatty meal while using the medication you are more likely to experience side effects.

The side effects associated with Xenical are generally infrequent. Flatulence and diarrhoea are not uncommon; but if you carefully follow the instructions associated with the medication you will reduce the risk of any adverse reactions. As with any drug, if you experience an allergic reaction, cease use immediately and seek medical advice.

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There are a number of alcohol related health issues that can be caused by excessive drinking. Alcohol can cause health issues ranging from liver disease to mental health problems. Information about some of the major alcohol related health issues are discussed below.

Heart Disease

Excessive alcohol use can cause blood platelets to clump together into blood clots, and this can lead to a stroke or heart attack. Heavy drinking can also cause cardiomyopathy; this is a condition that weakens the heart muscle until it ultimately fails.

Cirrhosis

Alcohol has a toxic effect on the liver, and individuals that chronically abuse alcohol can develop cirrhosis of the liver. This occurs when the liver has become so severely scarred that it is not able to recover or function. Cirrhosis of the liver is difficult to predict, but it can be avoided if alcohol users monitor and regulate their usage.

Depression

Depression and alcohol are related, but medical professionals are unsure which causes the other. It has been suggested that people that are depressed turn to alcohol as a way to self-medicate, but this can cause depression to worsen. Other researchers suggest that heavy drinking can lead to depression.

Dementia

Heavy drinking can speed up the shrinking of certain regions in the brain, and this can result in the loss of memory or other symptoms of dementia. Excessive drinking can also lead to issues with solving problems, making judgments, and the ability to plan. Heavy drinking can also cause nutritional deficiencies that may trigger different types of dementia.

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Medication is often used as the main treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. Medication is selected determining on the severity of the disease and its progression. Information about these medications for rheumatoid arthritis is discussed below.

Reasons for Medications

Medications for rheumatoid arthritis are used to reduce or relieve pain, and they can also play a part in improving the daily function and activity of patients. These medications may also reduce inflammation of the joints; signs can include limited range of motion, tenderness, and swelling. These medications can improve a patient’s quality of life and prevent a permanent disability.

Disease-Modifying Anti-rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)

DMARD drugs are used to slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis, and they can be used to prevent the destruction of joints. By starting treatment using DMARDs early, the severity of the disease can be reduced. These drugs are also called immune-suppressive drugs, and they work best when they are taken over a long period of time.

Commonly Used DMARDs

DMARDs are most commonly taken orally, and some of the most commonly used medications include:
-Sulfasalazine
-Methotrexate
-Leflunomide
-Antimalarials

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While most people know about the dangers of smoking, second-hand smoke is not discussed as frequently. Information about the effects of second-hand smoke is discussed below.

Second-hand Smoke Defined

Second-hand smoke occurs when people breathe in smoke that comes from the cigarette, pipe, or cigar being smoked by another person. In fact, a person experiencing second-hand smoke is almost inhaling the same amount of chemicals as the smoker.

Health Problems and Second-hand Smoke

Research suggests that damage can be caused after only 10 minutes of exposure to second-hand smoke. People that are exposed to second-hand smoke can develop lung cancer without ever smoking a cigarette. The risks of cervical and breast cancers are also higher when being exposed to second-hand smoke. Heart disease is also linked to exposure to second-hand smoke.

Children and Second-hand Smoke

Children breathe at a faster rate than adults, making them even more vulnerable to the dangers of second-hand smoke. The exposure to second-hand smoke has also been thought to contribute to:

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
Ear infections
Chronic cough
Asthma attacks
Respiratory infections

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Thousands of people experience headaches every day, but few understand the different types of headaches. Each different type of headache has a different set of symptoms and treatment options. Information about how to distinguish these different types of headaches is discussed below.

Migraines

Migraines feature moderate to severe pain with blurred vision and sensitivity to light. Many people that suffer from migraines report seeing auras or flashing lights, blind spots, and wavy lines.

Sinus Headache

Sinus headaches consist of constant and deep pain in the nose, forehead, and cheeks. This pain typically worsens when a person moves their head, and it usually occurs with other symptoms like nasal discharge.

Tension Headaches

Tension headaches can be chronic or episodic. Pain may intensify throughout the day and last from 30 minutes to several days. Symptoms include fatigue, irritability, and general muscle aches.

Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches include intense pain on one side of the head, and many people describe the pain as piercing and burning that occurs constantly. The pain is found behind one eye or in the region of the eye, and it does not change sides.

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Seen as the super foods from the previous posts have been extremely popular and easy to incorporate into every day eating habits, we have decided to explore further and bring you some more super food alternatives for you to try out and judge.

Fenugreek

Fenugreek is a herb that is often used when cooking Asian dishes. Fenugreek has a variety of benefits including its ability to “fight off” the common cold as well as to relieve the symptoms of a sore throat. This seems to be particularly useful seen as none of the other ”off-of-the-shelf” remedies seem to work!

Fenugreek is also thought to relieve the symptoms of diabetes as well as menopausal symptoms and soothe menstrual cramps. As well as these wonderful benefits, Fenugreek is thought to have weight loss properties as it supports the metabolism of both glucose and carbohydrates.

Kukicha Twig Tea

This twig tea is made from the twigs of a kukicha plant. The green tea contains a high level of antioxidants which have been proven to help beat diseases. The tea also has a alkalizing affect and therefore lowers acidity which results in reducing bloating and easing nausea.

Spirulina

Spirulina is a blue-green algae and is widely available as a supplement in various forms, including: powders, tablet, or capsule. The supplement is known to be one of the best sources of protein, as it actually 65% protein and contains all eight essential amino acids. It also helps to reinforce the immune system as it also contains over 100 different vital nutrients which can also help to give you an energy boost. Other health benefits include helping to control high blood pressure and cholesterol as well as a helping hand to weight loss.

Goldenberries

Goldenberries are also known as cape gooseberries or Incan berries. They are related to the potatoes and the tomatoes and are bright yellow in colour. The fruit is extremely sweet when ripe and are often eaten raw or dried. Goldenberries provide a large variety of health benefits. Not only do they contain a nice dose of antioxidants but they also contain anti-inflammatory bioflavonoids and a range of vitamins including vitamin A,B and C. They are believed to help maintain a healthy weight, ward off disease, and improve organ function. As well as containing a high percentage of protein which is essential for building and repairs within the body.

Goldenberry

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