Oxidation and free-radical damage are words to describe damage being done to cells by certain chemical constituents. A free radical is an electron that is easily given up by a molecule. It is “fired”, like a kind of chemical “bullet”. The words used to describe this action include oxidation, oxidative stress and free-radical damage. Certain Read More …
Author: DocKaren.com
Allergies and Asthma on the Rise
According to a study published in the British Medical Journal (July 8, 2000;321:88-92) the incidence of asthma is up by 250% in the last two decades. Prescriptions for steroid medications for asthmatics has increased by 600% in the last 20 years. Hay fever is also on the rise. Among non-smokers, the rate of hay fever Read More …
ADD/ADHD
ADD is attention deficit disorder. It is characterized by a poor or short attention span and impulsiveness inappropriate for the childn’s age, with or without hyperactivity. (With hyperactivity, it is called ADHD.) Hyperactivity is a level of activity and excitement in a child so high that it concerns the parents or caregivers. The diagnosis of Read More …
Acetaminophen Use Linked to Asthma and COPD
COPD is an acronym for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, it includes emphysema and bronchitis. Research appearing in the May, 2005 issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine contains research that connects acetaminophen use with asthma and COPD. “Oxidative stress may increase the risk of asthma, contribute to asthma progression, and decrease Read More …
25% of all Smokers Will Get Lung Disease
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is also known as COPD. COPD is actually two related diseases: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. In both diseases, there is chronic obstruction of the flow of air through the airways and out of the lungs. The obstruction is permanent and gets progressively worse over time. While COPD is actually two diseases, Read More …
Lung and Asthma
The lungs are two sacks of a soft, spongy like material. The trachea is a rigid tube that connects the mouth with the bronchia. The bronchia are two tubes that come off of the trachea and go into each lung. The bronchia further split into several bronchioles, and the tubes split further and further, and Read More …
Vitamin D Deficiency may be Linked to Chronic Pain
According to the Mayo Clinic Proceedings (December 9, 2003), vitamin D deficiency is one possible cause of persistent and vague musculoskeltal pain. A study of 150 children and adults suffering from vague musculoskeletal pain performed at the University of Minnesota found that 93% of the subjects were vitamin D deficient. Of the subjects involved with Read More …
Tai Chi can Benefit Arthritis Sufferers
According to a pilot study, found in the Journal of Nursing Scholarship (May, 2001) by a doctoral student at Case Western Reserve University, Tai Chi can reduce arthritic pain. Tai Chi is gentle and slow, making a good exercise for the elderly. The study’s subjects were16 people, ages 68-87 and suffering with chronic arthritis pain. Read More …
Some Pain Medications May Make Blood Pressure Rise
According to research published in the Archives of Internal Medicine (October 28, 2002;162:2204-2208), frequent use of pain-relief medications may result in an increased-risk of high blood pressure in women. These drugs are known as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Use of acetaminophen (eg Tylenol) was also monitored in this study. Acetaminophen is not an NSAID, it Read More …
Rheumatoid Arthritis May Respond to Diet
According to the article, “Clinical Review of Dietary Therapy For Rheumatoid Arthritis”, published in the British Journal of Rheumatology (1993;32:507-514) changes in diet may benefit patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The authors of the study propose that improving the diet is extremely safe and may improve symptoms and reduce medication needs without any side-effects. One of Read More …