Living with HIV and AIDS- How an HIV support Group can help you
When you have been diagnosed as HIV positive, despite the initial shock, sooner or later, you have to get used to the fact that you will be living with HIV the rest of your life. But this is easier to say than to practice. This is where an HIV support group can help you. Such groups can help you cope with the initial trauma when you first learn of your diagnosis. An HIV support group will also help you get back your life on track later, as you learn to live your life again, with HIV. You can also participate in an HIV AIDS forum where you can discuss anything related to AIDS and HIV.
An HIV AIDS forum is a place where you can ask questions and get information about HIV and AIDS, such as keeping track of your CD4 positive T cells, where to get retroviral drugs, how to avoid other infections etc. A forum is a place where you can also discuss other aspects of living with HIV, such as learning to cope with depression, with discrimination towards HIV positive people and those with AIDS, and how to tell your family and friends about your condition.
The right forum can indeed help you a lot in coming to terms with your condition.
In this regard, there are now many online resources for those who are looking for HIV support. There are many websites that provide HIV support groups. Some of these groups are even divided according to interests, like Art and Literature, Film and Music, Cultures and Community and so on. These sites also have various forums where you can discuss things that you would discuss with an actual, physical forum. However, an HIV AIDS forum on the net will have more members than a real forum could ever possibly have. This is the advantage of online HIV forums. The higher number of people in the forum means that you will get more responses to your queries. Moreover, they provide a lot of flexibility with respect to time and place for members, unlike actual forums where you have to be physically present. So if you are searching for HIV AIDS support groups in your area and can’t find one that seems right, then you could consider joining an online group on one of the many websites on HIV and AIDS.
Of course, you should carefully check the credentials of any website before you consider becoming a member of it. You don’t want half-baked information or even harmful information to be passed on to you as genuine advice. You also don’t want to be exposed to online abuse from ignorant and fear-mongering people. Good websites often have restricted access for their forums and blogs. They will also often put disclaimers to the effect that their website is not supposed to replace professional medicinal and psychological therapy, unlike misleading ones which will claim to provide all the HIV AIDS support that you need.
Diabetes Natural Treatments That Help Lower Blood Sugar
Article by Elvira Filinovich
Diabetes is disease which has become very common these days. It is also known as diabetes mellitus. It is caused by accumulation of glucose or sugar in blood. Generally the carbohydrates we eat are converted in to glucose. The glucose is burnt down by a hormone called insulin secreted by our pancreas. The burnt glucose enters the body cells, supplying the body with energy. When this process does not take place properly, glucose builds up in the blood stream leading to diabetes. Diabetes is of three major types: Type 1 diabetes is caused due to insufficient supply of insulin, Type 2 diabetes is caused due to cells becoming insulin-resistant and Gestational diabetes attacks women during pregnancy. Diabetes is the long-term result of inactivity, sedentary lifestyle, over-eating, obesity, stress and anxiety, some disease of pancreas. Heredity is another factor leading to diabetes. Diabetes, if not timely arrested, may cause serious damage to heart, kidneys, liver, eyes and the nervous system.
Symptoms of Diabetes
1. Increased thirst2. Increased hunger3. Increased urination4. Fatigue5. Irritability6. Exceptional weight loss7. Slow wound healing8. Intense itching round genitals9. Nausea and vomiting
Natural Treatments
1. Consumption of garlic, ginger and onion can lower blood glucose.
2. Soya bean is rich in proteins, vitamins like retinol, minerals like calcium and iron. It is effective in fighting diabetes.
3. Bengal gram is beneficial for diabetics.
4. 10 leaves of holy basil, neem and bael may be consumed every morning in empty stomach to get relief from the symptoms of diabetes.
5. Bread made out of a mixture of powdered wheat, barley and gram is very useful for diabetics.
6. The juice of mango leaves boiled in water is an effective diabetes treatment.
7. Grape juice is good for treating this problem.
8. Indian gooseberry is also an effective cure for diabetes.
9. Almonds may be soaked in water overnight, and then taken early morning in empty stomach. This helps to cure diabetes.
10. Half cup juice of bitter gourd may be taken every morning to get relief from diabetes.
11. Fenugreek seeds, soaked overnight in a glass of water, and then taken in crushed form along with the water next morning are helpful in treating diabetes.
12. A diabetic should consume low calorie and low fat diet. The diet should also be rich in fiber.
13. Yogic asanas, morning and evening walk are very essential for a patient of diabetes.
14. Stress relaxation techniques, slow breathing, and meditation should be practiced.
15. Fasting and diet control methods should be adopted.
Read about Diabetes Natural Treatment and its benefits. Know about Diabetes Supplement. Find how Diabetes Supplements help lower blood sugar naturally.
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Some Habits Which Will Help Improve Immunity Of Your Children
There is nothing abnormal if your small children suffers from occasional cold fever or cough but these should not be allowed to interrupt their growth. It is best to boost children’s’ immune system by followings some smart things.
Breastfeeding- It has been proven time and again that breast milk offers the finest and total nutrition for all newborn babies. Yellow colostrums which flows in the initial days after childbirth have been known to contain antibodies which safeguard the newborn from several kinds of illnesses, like meningitis and diarrhea.
Eating more fruits and vegetables- They are a wonderful source of various nutrients including minerals and vitamins and play a vital role in keeping the child healthy. If you include them in your kid’s diet on a regular basis it will prevent from your child suffering from infections.
Hygiene should be a way you live- Wash your kids hands with soap especially playing, handling pets, meals and using the bathroom.
Adequate sleep is needed- Immunity of the body goes down if the kids don’t get enough sleep. It is a good idea to take a daily nap so that the children get enough sleep and if they don’t do that you can make them sleep a little early in the evening.
Taking part in outdoor activity and regular exercising- Make the kids join you in exercising and you can even play with them outdoors as activities increase the stamina of children. You can enjoy exciting activities like hiking, swimming and soccer.
Avoiding tobacco- Smoking as known by most of us is very unhealthy, and the smoke can be even more hazardous. If any adult member of the family smokes they should try to get rid of this unhealthy habit to safeguard the health of your kids.
They are all very simple things but they plat a very important part in the health of your children. You can discuss this with your partner and both can have a new start to healthier family and children.
For more useful information, please visit our website: THE KNOWLEDGE BASE, and look for the HEALTH & NUTRITION section.
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Down Syndrome: Early Treatments To Help In Dealing With The Condition
Article by Vijay K Shetty
Sometimes we come across children who have deformed organs or abnormally shaped head. We throw at them a glance of pity and in our minds thank god for blessing us with happiness. While there are many treatments for Down syndrome, Down syndrome is not a condition that can be cured.There are some therapies which can help to deal with this. The goal of medicinal treatments is to deal with physical, medical and cognitive problems with Down syndrome. This is the most common cause of mental retardation and malformation in a newborn and occurs because of the presence of an extra 21st chromosome.The symptoms include decreased muscle tone at birth, odd-shaped skull, and small mouth, protruding tongue and upward slanting eyes. There are medical treatments like anti-seizure treatments for those suffering from seizures. While some cases can get fixed by themselves with time, others require surgery, like heart defects, intestinal defects, etc.Children born with this syndrome can be helped with early interventions. This is a program of therapies, exercises and activities designed to help children the most common early intervention services for babies with Down syndrome are physical therapy and speech therapy.The goal of physical therapy is to teach children to move their bodies and improve their muscle tone, in order to prevent them from developing posture problems, etc. Speech therapy is an important treatment and can help children by making use of sign language and dealing with articulation problem.Many people with Down syndrome now live independent from their families in assisted living situations or group homes. For them to have to make that transition there need to be professionals and specialists who can help, understand and aid them in this act.Older individuals suffering with Down syndrome suffer depression and need help groups of people having the same condition, and sharing their experiences as to how to cope with it.In the United States, one out of every 750 births is a case of Down syndrome. This happens when one of the parents contributes an extra chromosome, which causes the deformities and defects related to Down syndrome. As the age of a woman increases, the risk of having a child with this problem also increases.Regular check-ups, medication and surgery are a regular part of treatment for Down syndrome. People with Down syndrome are faced with a great number of challenges in life, starting at birth. These treatments and medications are strongly focussed on increasing intelligence and improving health conditions and abilities in those suffering from Down syndrome.
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Leave a commentDown Syndrome Help: Why Is It Important?
Down syndrome is a physical and mental condition which results when a person develops extra chromosomes 21 or what is commonly known as Trisomy 21. It is also considered as one of the main causes of cognitive impairment. This is associated with a kids poor, mild and moderate learning abilities which is why most parents who have kids that are suffering from this condition would do anything to get Down syndrome help. Most of the kids who have this kind of condition have similar physical feature which is why it is important to get help so you would know what to do with your kids.
Here are some of the tips that you could get in dealing with a child who has Down syndrome:
Pregnant women should have prenatal screening so they would be able to become aware of the signs if the fetus has Down syndrome or not. There are two types of prenatal screening although this might be considered easy but it cannot provide you with a definite result whether or not the fetus has down syndrome or not. The other type of test is called the diagnostic test would let the doctor and the parents know whether or not the fetus really has this type of condition, they are even regarded s ninety nine percent accurate. The only thing that prevents most couples in performing this type of test is that they are scared of the possibility of miscarriage and complications since by doing the test, it has to be performed inside the pregnant woman’s uterus.
You need to get help. As much as you want to take care of this matter by yourself, it would still be best if you ask help from people who have already dealt with this condition. Parents who have kids with Down syndrome would definitely share their experiences when it comes to raising and taking care of kids with Down syndrome. There are different schools and other institutions which specialize in teaching kids who have this particular condition. It would be best to have your kids go to these schools and institutions because the therapists in these places are trained to help your kids and help them improve their learning abilities. You must look for schools and institutions who offer specialized services if there are things that you want your child to focus on like developing his or her speech.
It is really important to look for Down syndrome help so you would be able to know the things that should and should not be done in taking care and raising a kid who is suffering from this condition. Getting help from people who are experienced with this condition could really help you and your kid as well.
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Diabetes in The Elderly: The Best Way to Help Your Diabetic Parent
Diabetes is principally a disease of the middle-aged and elderly; more than one in ten people over 65 suffer from diabetes. Often the elderly do not have access to information about diabetes and this affects their ability and willingness to follow advice about diet, exercise and medicines. Doctors often do not have time to counsel them fully. The following information about diabetes is presented in the question-answer format. If your parents suffer from diabetes, you can ensure they have the knowledge and understanding to deal with diabetes with confidence and success.
Diabetes: What is it?
Diabetes is a condition in which there is increased sugar (glucose) in the bloodstream. This happens because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or because the body tissues are resistant to the action of insulin.
Insulin is responsible for moving glucose from the blood into the body cells especially after meals. It acts like a key opening a door into the cell for the glucose to enter. So, when there is no insulin or when the body is resistant to its action, glucose cannot enter the cells and accumulates in the blood. Increased blood glucose, over time, leads to progressive damage to blood vessels and nerves.
Symptoms of diabetes and how are they caused?
Many people with diabetes may not have any symptoms.
Fatigue is often the first symptom. Since glucose is unable to enter the cells, the muscles tire easily because they do not have the basic fuel they need for power.
Meanwhile, the glucose that cannot get into the cells of the body builds up in the blood. The kidneys are able to reabsorb all the glucose in the blood until blood glucose level is more than 180 mg/dl. Once the glucose in the blood exceeds 180 mg/dl, it passes through the kidneys into the urine and carries water along with it. So, extra water is lost in the urine resulting in thirst and increased intake of water. So, fatigue, increased urination and increased thirst are all symptoms of glucose not being able to get into your cells.
Also, you may lose weight even though you are eating plenty of food because nutrients are unable to enter your cells.
Diabetes diagnosis
Normal blood glucose is less than 100 mg/dl after an 8-hour fast and less than 140 mg/dl after a two-hour glucose tolerance test.)
Diagnosis of diabetes is confirmed if:
1. Blood glucose is 126 mg/dl (7.0 mmol/l) or higher after an 8-hour fast
2. Blood glucose is 200 mg/dl (mg/dl) or higher, two hours after a meal
3. Blood glucose is 200 mg/dl two hours after drinking 75 grams of glucose
(glucose tolerance test)
Prediabetes(impaired tolerance of glucose) indicating increased risk of developing diabetes in future is diagnosed if:
1. Blood glucose is between 100 and 126 mg/dl after an 8-hour fast
2. Blood glucose is between 140 to 200 mg/dl two hours after drinking 75 grams of glucose
Diabetes: Different Types
Type 1 diabetesis caused by a lack of insulin and is usually seen in children.
Type 2 diabetesis mainly because of resistance of body tissues to insulin and develops in middle-age. Ninety percent of all diabetics worldwide have type 2 diabetes.
Gestational diabetesoccurs during pregnancy. Though it disappears after childbirth, it is a sign of insulin resistance and such women are at greater risk of becoming diabetic in future.
Diabetes Complications
If not controlled, the raised blood sugar level can progressively damage the delicate capillaries as well as the larger blood vessels and nerves in all tissues.
The most common complications of diabetes are:
1. Heart disease
2. Kidney failure
3. Stroke (bleeding or blood clot in the brain leading to paralysis)
4. Blindness
5. Foot ulcers and eventual amputation
6. Decrease in general immunity leading to increased risk of infection
Principles of Treatment of Diabetes
Diabetes usually cannot be cured or reversed.
The principles of treatment are:
1. Keep blood glucose within normal limits
2. Prevent long-term complications of diabetes with the help of counseling, healthy diet, adequate exercise, and appropriate medication
3. Control associated risk factors such as smoking, obesity, increased blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and lack of exercise.
4. Avoid prolonged physical inactivity, which is an independent risk factor for heart disease.
Monitoring Diabetes
1. Blood glucoseshould be checked as frequently as recommended by the doctor. Blood glucose may have to be checked more frequently if diet, medications, exercise routine or health status change.
2. Hemoglobin A1cindicates how well your blood glucose has been controlled in the preceding three months. It is a better indicator of control of diabetes than individual blood glucose levels. Hemoglobin Ac1 values below 6.5 percent cut the risk of complications.
Monitoring Complications of Diabetes
1. Examine feet daily for ulcers
2. Visit your doctor regularly and follow his or her advice
3. Monitor the following:
a. Body weight and waistline
b. Blood pressure
c. Blood cholesterol
d. Kidney function (urine protein and serum creatinine)
e. Heart function (EKG, stress test, echocardiography, coronary angiography)
f. Vision (examination of eyes every 3-4 months)
Treatment of Diabetes
1. Diet is the mainstay of treatment of diabetes. In many diabetics, control of diet and reduction of body weight is the only treatment required. Doctors usually advise a gradual loss of body weight of about one pound every week. To achieve this, doctors recommend a diet rich in nutrients and fiber and low in fats and refined carbohydrates. Diabetics are encouraged to eat more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes.
2. Exerciseimproves control of diabetes by reducing blood glucose and improving insulin sensitivity. More importantly, exercise is a natural antidepressant and improves mental wellbeing and sleep.
3. Medication:If diabetes is not controlled by diet and exercise, your doctor may have to prescribe anti-diabetic tablets or insulin.
Hypoglycemia: Symptoms and Treatment
Hypoglycemia means low glucose level in the blood (below 70 mg/dl) and is usually seen in diabetics treated with insulin or anti-diabetic tablets such as Glimepiride (Amaryl), Nateglinide (Starlix), Glipizide (Glucotrol), Repaglinide (Prandin), and Glyburide (Glynase).
It is either caused by exercise, delay in meal or increased dose of anti-diabetic medications. Early signs include shaking, sweating, hunger, anxiety, weakness, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, lightheadedness, sleepiness, confusion and difficulty in speaking.
The immediate solution is to take about 2-3 spoonfuls of sugar or 4-6 glucose biscuits. Repeat after 15 minutes if the blood sugar is still low. Inform your doctor who may reduce your anti-diabetic medication.
Hypoglycemia is more common in the elderly and more dangerous so they must take extra precautions to deal with it.
1. Avoid long gaps between meals, especially after exercise or insulin
2. Always carry sugar or glucose biscuits and ingest at the first signs of hypoglycemia
3. Wear an identification bracelet stating you are a diabetic and should be given sugar if you are unconscious or confused and taken to the nearest doctor.
Precautions about Diabetes Medication
The elderly usually have more than one illness and have to take many medications several times a day. It is important to help them by labeling all medications clearly. If they are likely to miss or repeat doses, their medicines must be kept in individual boxes and labeled with the date and time when they are supposed to take them.
Elderly people with diabetes may be handicapped by insufficient knowledge of how to deal with their illness. The best way you can help your diabetic parent is to provide him or her with adequate information about diabetes. This will enable them to gain a better understanding of how to control diabetes and prevent its complications. It will also help them to be more responsible for their own health.
References:
1. Haslett Christopher et al, eds. Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine. 19th ed. Oxford: Churchill Livingstone; 2002
2. Barnard Neal, Dr. Neal Barnard’s Program for Reversing Diabetes. New York: Rodale; 2007
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