Urinary incontinence is probably one of the most embarrassing conditions of aging. It is defined as the loss of bladder control. Bladder control is simply dependent on the coordination between the different muscles of the urethra, bladder, pelvis and the nerves that stimulate these muscles.

It is important to know the types of urinary incontinence. In the elderly, incontinence is caused by the weakness of the urethral sphincter. This condition is called stress incontinence. Pressure is exerted on the bladder during laughing, coughing, bearing down and doing strenuous activities. The weakness in the sphincter causes the leakage of urine. In women, stress incontinence is usually experience after childbirth or menopause. In men, it can happen when the prostate is surgically removed.

Another type is overflow incontinence. This can happen when a person is not able to completely empty his bladder upon urination that often results to leakage of urine and frequent visits to the toilet.  Overflow incontinence occurs in people with enlarged prostate glands, tumors that can block the urethra or in diabetics with nerve damage to their bladder.

Urge incontinence is the third type. This is characterized by the sudden urge to urinate and followed by an involuntary flow of urine. Older persons who are stroke victims, those with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson ’s disease are prone to having this kind of incontinence.

The last type is functional incontinence. This is often seen in old people and is caused by mental and physical impairment. Elderly who are slow in movement and reflexes prevent them from making it to the toilet in time. Arthritis is also one condition that can cause older people to have difficult time in urination.

Complications and Treatment

Recurrent UTI (urinary tract infection) is one of the clinical complications of urinary incontinence. Some people may have skin rashes and ulcers due to frequent wetting of the skin especially in the groin area. Complications are not so pronounced but the social stigma and restrictions that it brings are far more devastating.  Urinary incontinence may prevent a person from doing his daily activities and can affect his personal and social life. It may cause embarrassment, anxiety and worse, depression.

People with urinary incontinence should seek treatment early. Treatment involves managing one’s fluid consumption, bladder training, scheduling routine trips to the toilet and even making lifestyle changes.

Kegel muscle exercises help strengthen weak muscles. Medication is used in combination with exercise. Anticholinergic drugs are the ones often used in these cases. If medical and conservative remedies fail, surgery may be required.

The fruit Gac (Momordica cochinchinensis) comes from a coarse of vine that can grow up to 15 meters long. It is large, round and red to yellowish with tubercle-like spines. This fruit is indigenous to Southeast Asia, particularly in China and Vietnam where it has been referred to as the “fruit from heaven.”

Gac is often used for cooking although it is well known for its medicinal purposes. Recently, the fruit became famous in the West, and is being considered a “super fruit.” Studies show that gac plays an important role in preventing cancer. The water extract from the fruit was able to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Although this finding does not mean the fruit can cure cancer but it shows potential in reducing the risk of acquiring the disease.

Gac contains high amounts of phytonutrients and antioxidants such as zeaxanthin, lycopene that is 10 times the amount found in tomatoes, and betacarotene that is 10 times the amount found in carrots. According to folklores, gac can also treat fry eyes, wounds, hemorrhoids, ulcers and can prevent spleen and liver diseases.

The phytonutrients in gac protect our eyes against exposure to ultraviolet rays and reduce the risk of blindness. Phytonutrients also lessens oxidative damages in tissues that can lead to cancer. The betacarotene helps in the development of white blood cells which are considered the soldiers of our immune system.

Aside from health benefits, gac is also used as food coloring, soap substitute and treatment for head lice. Its seeds and leaves have been used as laxatives. Neutraceutical companies have used gac as a main ingredient in food supplements because of its numerous health benefits.

The fruit can be found in thickets and secondary forests at low and medium altitudes.

Summer is here. This is the season for great outdoor activities. But with all the fun and games come the health risks and illnesses. It is important to know the common summer health hazards such a sore eyes, measles and food-borne diseases. As for the beach lovers, remember to plan well for the water escapade and remain safe. Do research the place where you will be spending your summer vacation and check the whole area, make sure it is safe for both kids and adults. Ensure that there is a nearby health facility or hospital where you can run to in case of emergencies.

Have a personal checklist.

Whenever planning for a summer trips. Always remember to bring the essentials:

1. Water. It is vital to remain hydrated especially if you will be staying under the heat of the sun for longer periods. Drinking water can prevent heat stroke and dehydration. Bring your own bottled water to avoid water-borne illnesses from contaminated water.
2. Sun protection. Getting a sun tan may be cool for some but contracting skin cancer is definitely not as cool. Bring things that will protect you from harmful rays of the sun such as sunglasses, umbrellas, hats and sunscreen. Put on a sunscreen that has a SPF of at least 30. This will protect you from ultraviolet A which causes aging and skin cancer, and ultraviolet B which causes sunburn. You need to apply sunscreen even if it is cloudy because 80 percent of sun rays can get through the clouds.
3. Beach wear. Wear the proper attire for swimming such as bikinis and board shorts. These have quick drying materials that can prevent itchy skin and possible breakouts caused by dirt and sweat. Also have appropriate footwear that is matched with the activity you want to engage in.
4. Toys for the kids. Children may want to spend all their time swimming in the pool or beach. Bring books or toys that they can use at times that you forbid them to swim.
5. Pool devices. It is important to teach every child to swim. However, for those who have yet to learn how to swim should use flotation devices to prevent drowning accident. But these should not be used as substitutes for adult supervision. It is still best to watch over your kids whenever they are in water.

There’s a big debate on whether emotional and psychological stress can cause acne breakouts. Scientists say it does not but new studies show there’s a link between stress and pimples.

Stress has many effects on our body. These include elevated blood pressure and heart rate, weight gain or loss, changes in appetite, elevated hormone levels, and inability to sleep. These effects can cause stress-related acne breakouts.

How can stress cause acne?

Extreme stress can trigger the production of certain hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol.  These hormones can bring about skin changes such as increased sebum or oil production. Oil can easily block pores and cause inflamed pimples and other skin conditions.

What are other ways in which stress can cause pimples?

There are indirect ways in which stress can lead to an acne breakout. Pimples can be a side effect of drugs or medications that are used to relieve stress. People who are going through a lot of stress have the tendency to eat unhealthy foods such as junk foods which can lead to vitamin deficiencies. Deficiencies in essential vitamins and nutrients can increase the chances of developing acne.  Stress can also cause insomnia or inability to sleep. Without enough rest and sleep, the body will lose its chance to heal and further worsen the breakout. In addition, stress can slow down the healing process. Since pimples are considered sores or a type of wound, they take longer to heal if the affected person is stressed.

How do I know if my pimples are stress-related and how can I avoid them?

Almost everybody in some point of their lives experiences acne outbreaks. Most often than not, pimples are rampant during the onset of puberty until the age of 20. While it is but normal to have pimples, you will know if the breakout is stress-related if you know what triggered it and whether or not you notice changes on your acne at that time. Monitor your pimples, the severity, number, or redness and compare them to the moments you feel stressed and see if the stress is exaggerating the condition and if it leads to an outbreak.

You can avoid stress-related pimples by taking steps to manage stress and control your pimples. Eat healthy. Include lots of fruits and vegetables in your diet. If your body has enough nutrients it needs, your hormones will be well-balanced and your skin will remain healthy. Also drink lots of fluids to keep your skin well hydrated. Get enough rest and sleep to avoid stress and exhaustion. Try to do stress management techniques like meditation or yoga. And lastly, always keep your face clean. Wash it with mild soap to keep your skin pores clean.

 Inflammation? Isn’t that what happens when you bump your knee against your desk and it becomes swollen? Or when there’s a huge reddish zit on your face that looks half of your face all puffy? If this is your idea of what the term means, then you are on the right track and are getting your medical info correct. You also know that it’s nothing some over-the-counter anti-flammatory pain medication, warm compress or some ice can’t cure.

But chronic inflammation is a completely different story altogether – you may unknowingly have it but feel completely healthy. Its silent existence makes it close to impossible to be detected by even the most advanced diagnostic tests. This is all the more reason more and more medical researchers are hot on its tail. Studies about chronic inflammation are showing that it is behind the progression of serious illnesses. According to Frank Lipman, MD, an integrative medicine specialist and director of the Eleven Elevent Wellness Center in NYC, chronic inflammation is a causative factor behind a lot of medical conditions.

To this date, scientists cannot give a definitive response to the question on how inflammation works. However, it is explained like so:

The body has a built-in protective device in the form of the immune system, which is the primary defense line against harm of any sort. Any injury, infection or illness gets your cells to wake up and call 911 to reach your bone marrow, where white blood cells are produced. These cells have the armor that’s needed to zap infectious agents in their own specialized technique so that you can start to heal and feel better.

But sometimes, these ever-ready white blood cells receive a false-alarm signal of distress but cannot pinpoint the location. They end up being deployed waywardly and unnecessarily. Since they don’t have a particular area in the body to heal and protect, then scatter all around, misguided. They aren’t doing anything, so they are unnecessarily kept hanging around on stand-by for long periods. 

Unfortunately, the human body cannot afford to have its defensive white blood cells acting in an unfocused and wayward manner. The dispatched white blood cells become so bored at not having any virus or germ to attack, so they end up attacking your own cells and organs. Even other protective cells in the body that are made to ward off illnesses are also attacked by these formerly friendly white blood cells, so now other cells mutate and become evil as well. When this happens, you become at risk for cancer and other similar illnesses.

Researchers are working non-stop to find out more about this silent enemy that may be the biggest factor behind unexplained serious illnesses. While they are at it, it helps to be meticulous about your nutrition, prioritizing foods that boost immunity and offer plenty of antioxidants; sleep well; and get your immunizations in check.

Going in for a swim within 30 minutes of eating on a big hamburger or sandwich will not cause you any cramps or make you sink at the bottom of the sea or pool. This is just one of the lame summer health myths you hear from a lot of people. There are so much more that we are revealing in this article today. How true are they? Let’s find out.

Peeing on a jelly fish sting can help alleviate the pain. Although it may seem possible, it is absolutely disgusting. Instead of human pee, scientists and doctors recommend vinegar. Its acidic property can eradicate the stingers thereby easing the pain. Soak a clean cloth or towel in vinegar and place over affected area for 30 minutes. You can use over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to treat itching. However if you become dizzy, nauseated or if you develop a rash, you have to call your doctor immediately.

Going inside and outside of air-conditioned places can make you sick. This is not true. People who have allergies or those who are sensitive to irritants can get sick if they move from a very air-clean house or building to places which are full of allergens. During the summer, the temperature gets very hot. This is when irritants are on the rise. Try to stay indoors on very humid days and keep your house dust free by cleaning the filter of your AC regularly or by installing air purifiers that can cut down 99% of airborne irritants.

Flip flops are good for your feet. Anyone who plans on going out for a summer vacation will prefer flip flops over sandals or shoes because it is comfortable to wear. Think again. Wearing these all summer can damage your foot nerves, cause heel pain, inflammation of the tendons and strained arch. If you cannot set aside your flip flops, you can try using the kind which has arch support and cushioned soles.

You don’t have to shower after a dip in the pool. This is incorrect. A lot of people do not take a shower or rinse before they go for a swim. Human sweat, make-up and other products can interfere with the water’s chorine making it ineffective. Also, there may be organisms in the pool water that can cause diarrhea, skin rashes and infections. Take a bath and use soap after a dip in the pool. This can help wash off harmful bacteria and can cut down your risk of acquiring diseases.

You may have read the different signs that can lead to an unhealthy heart. You may have seen them on books, magazines, health flyers or on posters. But are there earlier signs that can alert us ahead of time if our heart is in trouble?

Actually, there are. A number of studies have been conducted through the years that are looking out for signs and symptoms that people experience in months or years which have resulted to a heart attack. The human heart, the arteries and veins that connect to it are composed of muscles. When the heart fails, symptoms show in other parts of the body. Here are some body clues that tell you your heart needs checking out. The presence of any one of these or a combination of 2 symptoms is a reason to pay your doctor a visit for some work up.

1. Pain in the neck. A persistent neck pain may be more than a pulled muscle problem. Post-heart attack patients remember feeling pain in their necks that they describe as tight. Most people miss this symptom because they often attribute heart attack to chest tightness or pain radiating from the shoulders down to the arms. Neck pain happens because the damaged tissue from the heart sends pain signals to the spinal cord and this extends to the shoulders and the neck. This neck pain is radiating and does not stay in one spot. It is not relieved my massage or heat compress.
2. Erectile dysfunction. Sexual problems such as erectile dysfunction in men are early signs of heart problems. Difficulty in having an erection is common in men afflicted with coronary disease. In fact males who have these problems are encouraged to do cardiovascular work ups.  Arteries in the heart are the same with the arteries in the penis, they harden and narrow. But since the arteries in the penis are much smaller, the damages show early around 3 or 4 years before heart disease is detected.
3. Faintness, dizziness and shortness of breath. 40 percent of women who experienced heart attack reported shortness of breath days before the attack. This happens because plaque builds up in the arteries and this leads to coronary artery disease. A condition in which the plaque blocks the arteries that feed the heart preventing the transport of oxygen. If you are feeling dizzy, close to fainting or you can’t breathe during an activity that caused you no trouble previously is a sign that you need to be checked by a doctor.
4. Heart burn or indigestion. Most people expect any condition that affects the heart causes chest pain. As this maybe partly true, some heart conditions may actually cause abdominal pain instead especially in women. A build-up of plaque or fatty deposits in the artery reduce or completely block the supply of blood to the heart causing tightness in the chest or sometimes in the abdomen. It depends on which part of the heart is affected.

Diabetes mellitus is a condition wherein there is an elevated blood sugar level in the body. The condition happens when the body does not produce enough amount of insulin which regulates blood sugar levels. When this happens, the usual symptoms of diabetes like extreme thirst, hunger, and frequent urination affects the person with the condition. When diabetes is left unmanaged, the person can suffer complications like kidney failure and cardiovascular problems.

Just like any other conditions, prevention is always better than cure and that is the same with diabetes. The following are some of the ways on how to prevent diabetes from hitting your body:

• Eat healthy! If you love sweets like chocolates and sodas, then it is time to cut those cravings now especially if you have a family history of diabetes. A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains will be healthy as these foods won’t increase blood sugar levels in the body.
• Stick to your recommended weight. Being obese is one of the leading factors that can lead a person to have diabetes. Obese persons have increased fat deposits in the abdomen making a big risk for having diabetes.
•  Exercise! Doing even the simplest form of exercise like walking will surely do great things to your health. It is thru exercise that harmful toxins which are one of the main reasons for sickness are released out of the body. Those who constantly exercise have regulated blood sugar levels so there are minimal chances of having diabetes. It is also thru exercising that one is able to maintain a healthy weight, which is very important in preventing diabetes from affecting the body.
• Avoid vices like cigarette smoking and too much alcohol intake. These bad habits will not only make you prone to have diabetes, but also to other conditions as well.
• See your doctor regularly. Your doctor is the best person who knows if your body has any abnormalities on it. Regular blood pressure and blood sugar monitoring are good ways in gauging if you are healthy or not and if you are already bound to have diabetes.
• Stay out of stress. When you are under too much pressure, your body’s natural defenses are down making you prone to have conditions such as diabetes.