Sep 24

Gout is a disease that develops along with the high levels of uric acid in the body. The pains usually occur in the cartilage of joints or tendons where the monosodium urate (uric acid) crystals are deposited. Symptoms include the excruciating pain together with the swelling of the infected joint. Oftentimes, a low grade fever can be present. Sources of pain can be from the crystal deposits in the joints or the inflamed tissues around the joints. Approximately, 75% of the first major attacks of gout occur in the big toe. The rest can occur in the heel, ankle, knee, wrist or even the spine.

The development of gouts can be the accounted as a complication from other medical conditions or the result of too much uric acid in the body itself. Causes can also be traced with heredity factors like the imbalance of purine-pyrimidine metabolism during the infancy period. However, this kind of disease is common on individuals who enjoy lobsters or crabs and other foods made from various animal organs. Thus higher percentage of developing gout is often associated with the kind of lifestyle that one is embracing. That is why obese and diabetic people are also prone to developing gout.

The diagnosis of gout is supported with the presence of plasma urate at a level greater than the specified normal value. In males, the value of urates must not exceed 420 ?mol/L (7.0 mg/dL) and 380 ?mol/L for females. The most common clinical sign for gout is the presence of podagra or the tophi.

There are various treatments available for gout related health issues but later creates severe side effects. However, reducing the risk factors can be practiced before any major complications can occur. This includes maintaining the ideal body weight, exercising, and the intake of the recommended daily water requirement.

Sep 8

In a recent study conducted by medical experts in Italy, it was found out that the condition of people suffering from heart improved after joining a dancing class as compared to those doing the traditional treadmill exercise. According to cardiology professor Dr. Romualdo Belardinelli exercise can give a better way of life so as dancing. In the study, waltz was chosen among the other dances because of its aerobic nature. It can help reduce stress, improve strength, increase energy and tones the muscles.

The popularity of dancing has enhanced many people to take it as their exercise regimen. Aside from doing the cardio-vascular benefits that dancing gives, it can be a social activity too. While keeping your heart healthy and losing those unnecessary pounds, you can still hang out with friends who are into dancing. The stomping, twisting and pumping along with the music can burn calories as much as the ordinary gym exercises do. As we dance, blood flows normally towards the brain at the same time engages the memory skills and reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease as well.

Dancing is a great way to do daily workout. Even though you are not a good dancer, as long as you jive with the music and do your own moves, you can still sweat out those unwanted fats. Your waist sides will show its natural curve. However, it is also recommended that you consider learning some ballroom dances since you can use this during formal gatherings. The typical “cha-cha”, “rhumba” and “fox trot” has its own individual effect on your body. But whatever kind of music you are into for dancing, you are surely dancing to the rhythm of your heart.

Jul 21

The brain changes as a person grows in age. There can be problems with remembering things as well as slowed thinking. However abnormal changes such as serious memory loss are not part of aging. Instead, it can be a sign of Alzheimer’s disease. This is caused by the increasing numbers of deteriorating and dying brain cells.

People getting affected by this disease are usually at their sixties and seventies. Since Alzheimer’s is hereditary, you are prone to inherit the disease yourself if one of your family members have acquired such disorder.

Here are some signs of Alzheimer’s disease:

  • having a hard time in remembering things
  • difficulty in completing familiar tasks
  • confusion on keeping track of dates
  • occurrence of visual problems
  • struggles in conversing with other people
  • misplacing things and the difficulty in retracing them
  • changes in mood or personality

As the disease progresses, signs of apathy and poor judgment is notable. Others may no longer recognize the things around them and what used to be a simple task will turn out to be very difficult. The worst stage of Alzheimer’s is when you already experience that you can no longer do things on your own. You already need help and support of caregivers who are trained in coping with this kind of situation.

Like any health problems, getting Alzheimer’s increases with age. But not everyone will suffer this kind of disease. Heredity may play a vital role. Several lifestyle factors may also contribute to the risk of having one. Limiting alcohol intake, avoiding tobacco, staying active and having a well balanced diet will protect you from acquiring the disease. Also, people who do not suffer from any heart ailments are less prone to developing Alzheimer’s.

The disease creates devastating effects on the patient. However, it is important that you understand how this will affect a person’s life. In such way, you will be able to provide them moral support.