Health Creator

SNORING

Embarrassment factor High. Often this involves a sleep-deprived female dragging along her sheepish, snoring partner to see the GP.

Possible causes It’s usually linked to variations in jaw and throat anatomy, and is more likely if you tend to sleep on your back. Occasionally, it’s caused by polyps blocking your nose. It can be a sign of sleep apnoea, in which breathing is disrupted at night.

Can I self-treat? It’s a good idea to lose weight and reduce alcohol consumption, if necessary. Various gizmos are available from the chemist or via britishsnoring.co.uk.

Is it worth seeing my GP? Yes, if you have a constantly stuffy nose, or sleep apnoea, treatment is available.

FLATULENCE

Embarrassment factor Astronomical. This symptom seems more at home in a Carry On script than the surgery.

Possible causes If your wind level is off the Beaufort scale, there may be a simple explanation. Causes include fizzy drinks, chewing gum, gulping meals too quickly and the usual food suspects such as beans and broccoli. Air swallowing - via, say, pen-top chewing - may be significant, too.

Can I self-treat? Chewing your food more slowly and modifying your diet is more likely to break your wind habit than remedies.

Is it worth seeing my GP? Only if there’s an underlying cause, which is unusual. Possibilities include excess stomach acid or drug side-effects.

HEAVY PERIODS

Embarrassment factor Moderate. All things menstrual remain taboo.

Possible causes Usually, this is just a variation of normal. If there’s an underlying cause, there may be further clues. Pelvic infection or endometriosis can lead to painful periods and discomfort during sex.

Can I self-treat? Yes. Ibuprofen tablets can help to reduce bleeding as well as pain.

Is it worth seeing my GP? Yes, if self-treatment doesn’t work, or you need contraception - the Pill could help. And there are other options available on prescription. You should also see your doctor if you have other gynaecological symptoms.

FEMALE INCONTINENCE

Embarrassment factor Very high. Many sufferers feel ashamed and may believe that they smell.

Possible causes Urge incontinence usually results from a “twitchy” bladder and means you can’t get to the loo in time. Stress incontinence is caused by weak pelvic-floor muscles leading to leakage on coughing, laughing or straining.

Can I self-treat? Urge problems may be eased by gradually training your bladder to accept larger volumes of urine. Stress incontinence may improve with pelvic-floor exercises. Losing excess weight and stopping smoking will help, too.

Is it worth seeing my GP? Definitely, if simple measures haven’t helped. Treatment depends on the cause, and ranges from tablets to surgery.

EXCESSIVE SWEATING

Embarrassment factor Moderate. The perceived link with body odour means that sufferers may be reluctant to seek help.

Possible causes This is usually a variation of normal, though stress may be a factor. Occasionally it’s caused by an overactive thyroid. Hyperhidrosis is the name given to incredibly drippy armpits or feet.

Can I self-treat? Relaxation exercises may help if tension plays a part. For hyperhidrosis, powerful antiperspirants, such as aluminium chloride roll-ons, are available from the chemist.

Is it worth seeing my GP? Yes, unless your symptoms are mild and lifelong. A blood test will rule out thyroid trouble. Severe sweating can sometimes be eased by tablets.

ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION

Embarrassment factor Lower than previously. Traditionally, this was a “while I’m here” symptom in red-faced males. In the post-Viagra age, they are much happier to discuss ED.

Possible causes These include circulation problems, depression, diabetes, excess alcohol, medication side-effects and psychosexual issues. But usually no specific cause is found.

Can I self-treat? Reducing alcohol, stopping smoking and increasing exercise might improve matters, and will at least get you fitter. Avoid “miracle cures” and dodgy supplies of Viagra, though.

Is it worth seeing my GP? Yes, unless your ED is recent and easily explained by stress or tiredness. Your doctor will check for any underlying cause, may give you a health MoT and will advise about treatment.

ITCHY ANUS

Embarrassment factor High. Pant-area problems always cause awkwardness. This has the added disadvantage of seeming trivial.

Possible causes Typically, no particular reason is found.The itching makes you scratch, which, in turn, aggravates the itch.

Sometimes, the symptom is caused by infections such as thrush or threadworms, or by skin problems such as eczema.

Can I self-treat? Keep the area squeaky clean, especially after opening your bowels; moisturising tissues will help. And stop scratching. Over-the-counter creams, especially those marketed for “piles”, may make matters worse.

Is it worth seeing my GP? Yes, if simple hygiene measures don’t work. He can check what’s causing the embarrassing itch and prescribe a soothing cream.

EXCESSIVE HAIR ON WOMEN

Embarrassment factor Very high. There’s the squirm-inducing fear that you’re turning into a man.

Possible causes This is usually normal. “Unwanted hair” is often a family trait and is more common, for example, in Mediterranean women. Occasionally, it’s caused by an underlying illness or the side-effects of tablets.

Can I self-treat? Choose from plucking, shaving, waxing, bleaching, depilatory creams, laser treatment or electrolysis. If you’re overweight, slimming may help.

Is it worth seeing my GP? Certainly, if the hairiness is caused by a medical problem. Clues are a sudden or recent onset, associated scalp hair loss or absent periods - these can be signs of hormonal trouble. GPs may also prescribe creams or tablets for this symptom.

SMELLY FEET

Embarrassment factor High. This is seen as an indictment of personal habits rather than a symptom.

Possible causes The problem may simply be a combination of sweaty feet, less-than-rigorous hygiene and over-dependence on “favourite” shoes. Occasionally, infections cause or aggravate the problem.

Can I self-treat? Wear fresh socks daily, clean your feet and the inside of shoes regularly and try washable insoles. Also, avoid wearing trainers every day and let your feet “breathe” whenever possible.

Is it worth seeing my GP? Only if you reckon your feet are infected. The clues are scaling of the skin, starting between the toes, or tiny holes or pits dotting your soles. Antifungal creams or antibiotics should clear it up.

MALE-PATTERN BALDNESS

Embarrassment factor High. Men aren’t supposed to be so vain.

Possible causes Being a man and getting older. Genetics play a part, too, so blame your dad.

Can I self-treat? Minoxidil is available as an over-the-counter lotion. It shows limited success in baldness that has been present for only a few years and which mainly affects the crown.

Is it worth seeing my GP? Only if you’re desperate and minoxidil hasn’t helped. The doctor can provide a private prescription for finasteride, a tablet that helps some men. But it can cause side-effects and, like minoxidil, is pricey. It may be more sensible to accept your fate and spend your money on something more worthwhile.

Children as young as six have been treated for cannabis addiction in Manchester, a drugs expert has said.

Drug specialists also reported regularly seeing addicts aged eight and nine referred to them.

They said the children suffered from paranoia, sleeplessness, anxiety, depression and schizophrenia.

One drugs worker said the youngest child he had dealt with was six - and that addiction was usually just one of a series of problems youngsters face.

Mike Linnell, 47, from the charity Lifeline Project , which has run a support service for young substance abusers in Manchester for two years, said: “We run eight different young person’s services in the country and two years ago we didn’t run any.

“Around 70% of the young people who we treat come to us through the criminal justice service.

“They have mostly been in trouble with the law already and drug addiction is only one of a whole series of problems they have to face.”

Oldham Alcohol Substance Intervention Service (Oasis) said children were trying out drugs at a younger age.

The warning comes only days after a new study into the effects of cannabis led to calls for the government to reclassify the drug.

Oasis opened five years ago and offers support to young people suffering drug abuse problems.

Jamelia Rashid, from the centre, said: “It is very unusual to have a child as young as eight suffering from cannabis addiction.

“We have only had one case of a child of that age coming to us within the last five years.

“Alcohol, not cannabis, remains the most commonly abused drug among young people.

Ms Rashid added: “The average age for young people seeking support for problematic cannabis use is around 14, though it’s not unusual for 11 and 12-year-olds to begin experimenting”.

He added that many of these children also have family problems, alcohol addiction and are frequently in care.

Via BBC News

Aspen Dental’s Newest Michigan Office Helps Patients Find Their Smile with Affordable, Full-Service Denture and Dental Care

Syracuse, NY (PRWEB) September 11, 2008 — Aspen Dental (www.aspendent.com), a leader in the denture and dental service community, will celebrate the grand opening of its first office in Flint, Michigan on Thursday, September 18. The new office, located at 3538 Miller Road, will provide patients with high-quality, denture and dental care and offer a wide range of payment plan options.

“We’re really looking forward to the opening of our new Flint office and bringing access to high-quality, full-service oral health care to the area. We hope to make going to the dentist an easier, more convenient experience for people who live and work in the Flint vicinity,” said lead dentist Dr. Khaldoun Tarabin.

Aspen Dental will provide patients with a full range of denture and dental services, including hygiene, oral surgery, fillings, whitening and crown and bridge work. Aspen Dental is the only authorized provider of eight styles of full and partial hand-crafted ComfiDents® brand dentures. As an added convenience to denture patients, the Flint office will have its own denture laboratory, which ensures same-day turnaround for new dentures, denture repairs, relines or adjustments.

The Flint office is the eleventh Aspen Dental location in Michigan and will feature state-of-the-art digital radiography services to better diagnose, serve and treat patients. The new office will also provide patients with Vizilite Plus®, the most advanced technology in oral cancer screening. Vizilite Plus® uses a blue-light, “glowstick” technology that detects oral cancer at its earliest stage.

As part of its grand opening celebration, Aspen Dental is offering free new-patient exams and x-rays, special pricing on dental and denture services as well as senior discounts.

The office will be open extended hours, including weekends, and will work with all insurance providers. Walk-in patients are welcome.

To make an appointment, call (810) 424-0400 or visit www.aspendent.com. Walk-in patients are welcome.

ABOUT ASPEN DENTAL:

Aspen Dental is a leading provider of denture and dental care services. Through routine dental procedures, cleanings, oral surgery and cosmetic dentistry, Aspen Dental is committed to providing patients with affordable, high-quality care. Aspen Dental is the only company authorized to provide eight styles of its hand-crafted, full and partial ComfiDents® brand dentures.

Aspen Dental has grown from 13 offices in 1998 to more than 160 in 12 states. Over 200 licensed dentists and 110 dental hygienists work with Aspen Dental throughout Connecticut, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Arizona and Iowa.

In 2007, Aspen Dental recorded more than one million patient visits, including visits from about 200,000 new patients and more than 25,000 denture patients.

Aspen Dental meets the demand for high-quality, yet affordable denture and dental services by offering convenient locations, extended hours, affordable fees and a wide range of payment plan options. The company also works with all insurance providers.

For more information about Aspen Dental and the services it provides, please visit www.aspendent.com.

Contact: Mark Frank
315-454-6000 ext. 244, mfrank @ aspendent.com

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[Via PRWeb: Medical Dental]

In 2005, The American Dental Association (ADA) predicted a whitening product on the horizon that would actually heal and strengthen teeth. Using the well-documented mineral compound, Amorphous Calcium Phosphate, Dr. Alan Creamer, PhD. is proud to announce that predicted technology has arrived. Nutrabrite™, comprised of a “Whitening Booster” and a “Radiance Value Booster”, is the first whitener to fortify the teeth with nutrients, like calcium, minerals and vitamins that teeth are actually made of, instead of striping them away. Enamel safe whitening has arrived!

(PRWEB) September 11, 2008 — Announcing the Long Awaited, NutraBrite™ Dental Rejuvenation System - Feel Good about Your Whitest Teeth Possible.

In 2005, The American Dental Association (ADA) predicted a whitening product on the horizon that would actually heal and strengthen teeth. Using the well-documented mineral compound, Amorphous Calcium Phosphate, Dr. Alan Creamer, PhD. is proud to announce that predicted technology has arrived. Dr. Creamer is one of the scientist who developed the technology behind the ubiquitous light-based whitening treatments in dentists’ offices, including the technology which became the famous, Zoom!® whitening system.

Nutrabrite™, comprised of a “Whitening Booster” and a “Radiance Value Booster”, is the first whitener to fortify the teeth with nutrients, like calcium, minerals and vitamins that teeth are actually made of, instead of striping them away. Enamel safe whitening has arrived!
              
Best of all, this safe, nutritious, two-stage system can be used from the comfort of home — Comfort being the operative word here, because Dr. Creamer figured out how to achieve superior whitening while maintaining a pH balance that virtually eliminates sensitivity. That means no aching, stinging–neither immediate nor lingering tooth sensitivity–just gleaming white teeth! In-dental-office whitening treatments do cause sensitivity in over 50% of cases.

Dr. Creamer has improved upon his light-based whitening technology, which paved the way for those expensive, in-office procedures that are all the rage today. Until now, these, as well as the at home whiteners, took away vital minerals (along with those unsightly stains) and exposed vulnerable enamel to very acidic conditions. In his recent years of research, Dr. Creamer and others found that the pH of the whitening agent should not drop below 5.5 pH in order to eliminate sensitivity and maintain the integrity of that precious enamel. Therefore, he set out to deliver the product that is now available at www.nutrabrite.com for a fraction of the cost of in-office whitening treatments. [With a limited-time free trail
The second stage of the NutraBrite treatment consists of the foremost tooth-whitening guru’s Radiance Value Booster (RVB).

“This will add an instant reflective value that you’ve never seen before,” says Dr. Creamer. “This is what really healthy teeth look like!” Dr. Creamer’s commitment to formulating the healthiest, most natural product possible has resulted in this patent-pending, RVB product. After years in the lab analyzing micronutrients that teeth are made of, Dr. Creamer infused this RVB paste with a variety of bio-available nutrients like magnesium and vitamins C and D, in addition to the well-documented Amorphous Calcium Phosphate that the ADA was referring to in that 2005 press release.

“Casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) nanocomplexes have been shown to prevent demineralization and promote re-mineralization of enamel subsurface lesions.” -the Journal of Dental Research. ACP is the main ingredient in the NutraBrite RVB. (Dr. Creamer opted to leave out the Casein, so that his product would be safe for those with milk allergies as well).

One of the most exciting points Dr. Creamer makes is that teeth are truly alive — absorbing and becoming what they are exposed to. “Our RVB baths the teeth in more absorbable calcium in 10 minutes than it would naturally receive in a whole day (via healthy saliva and no acidic soda!).

As an added healthy bonus, the NutraBrite formula does not add Fluoride like some other re-mineralizing products on the market. “We found that we don’t need it to get superior strengthening and rejuvenation of the enamel,” says Dr. Creamer, “and since Fluoride can be toxic at high levels, we opted to leave it out.” (We get the fluoride from other sources in our water and diet.)

Dr. Creamer has also designed the patented delivery system for the NurtaBrite products–a silicon tray for “all-surface whitening”. “Because teeth have a translucent quality, the most effective whitening is achieved by whitening the sides and behind surface, not just the front of the teeth,” The scientist and inventor explains.
The natural mineral compound ACP in the RVB paste is at the center of the same exciting technology that scientists like Creamer expect to someday eliminate the need for the dentist’s drill. “Drilling and filling cavities is an antiquated practice,” says Dr. Creamer, “In the future, we are working to develop ’smart fillings’ that will detect decay and release a healing mixture of minerals, much like our RVB does now.” Until then, NutraBrite’s RVB will help teeth repair themselves, as skin or bones do, by reinforcing them with the minerals they are made up of. “Recent technology has allowed us to view teeth on a more intricate level than ever before and so we have been able to identify more micronutrients [in teeth than ever before,” Dr. Creamer explains. Therefore, these are the ingredients that make up the NutraBrite RVB and this is what makes the teeth truly healthy, strong, and increases resistance to bacteria, cavities and stains.

Less is more
Dr. Creamer has found that superior maintenance of the whitest teeth is achieved with periodic short periods of whitening (at a safe pH) versus more exposure to high levels of peroxide less frequently. Therefore, the NutraBrite™ Dental Rejuvenation system is distributed through a 60-day maintenance auto-ship program.

Finally, teeth whitening is safe, healthy and maintainable! Available only at www.nutrabrite.com. For an interview with Dr. Creamer or a sample of the NutraBrite system, please contact Angela Braden at PopCulture PR, 310-309-7046. angela @ pcpratl.com.

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[Via PRWeb: Medical Dental]

CHICAGO (Business Wire EON/PRWEB ) September 10, 2008 — At the invitation of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Scott Mandell, CEO, President and Co-Founder of Enjoy Life Foods, the country’s leading manufacturer of allergy-friendly and gluten-free foods, provided comments on the National School Lunch Program saying that children with special dietary needs due to Celiac Disease, food allergies and other health concerns are not accommodated under the current program.

Today’s meeting, held by the Food and Nutrition Service of the USDA, was a Request for Public Comments for Use in Preparing for 2009 Reauthorization of the Child Nutrition Programs, which includes the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program; and the Child and Adult Care Food Program, which support nutritious meals and snacks served to children in schools, child care institutions and afterschool care programs.

Speaking on behalf of the American Celiac Disease Alliance (ACDA) and Enjoy Life Foods, Mandell said, “On behalf of the children, their parents and caregivers that are currently excluded from receiving program benefits, I strongly urge the USDA to make the necessary changes to the National School Lunch Program to ensure that ALL eligible students can benefit from this important, federally assisted meal program.”

Mandell supported his comments by citing the growing number of children affected by Celiac Disease, food allergies, food intolerances and autism:

• Celiac Disease, is the world’s most common genetic auto-immune disease, and is estimated to affect at least 1% of the populationⁱ. At this time, the only known treatment for Celiac Disease is strict adherence to a gluten-free diet for life (gluten is the protein that is found in wheat, barely and rye).
• Food allergies are estimated to affect 6 to 8% of children and 3 to 4% of adultsⁱⁱ, and diagnoses are on the rise. For the over 12 million Americans with food allergies, symptoms can range from mild (such as gastrointestinal discomfort) to life threatening (due to anaphylactic shock).

• Another 30 million Americans have food intolerancesⁱⁱⁱ that cause them to avoid certain foods.
• And finally, one in 150 children is affected by autism^iv which can be effectively managed in some cases by following a diet free of gluten and casein (the protein found in dairy).

Carol McCarthy Shilson, Executive Director of the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center and ACDA member, also provided comments on behalf of Stefano Guandalini, M.D., the Center’s founder and medical director. “It is not right that children with Celiac Disease should be denied a safe meal or given food that is nutritionally inadequate. Surely we cannot expect our children to learn and thrive with such conditions. It is our duty to see that all children are provided with a nutritious and safe meal at school,” Guandalini commented.

Shilson also presented results from a recent survey by the ACDA, which revealed that among 2,229 parents of children with Celiac Disease, only 111 were able to get a gluten-free lunch at school. The others had to pack a lunch or go without, according to the ACDA survey.

About ACDA

The American Celiac Disease Alliance (ACDA) began to take shape in early 2003 when an ad hoc group of 15 leaders in the celiac community came together to help persuade Congress to require food labels to include information about allergens. The group’s efforts were instrumental in the passage of landmark legislation, the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act. The non-profit organization provides leadership on policy issues affecting the lives of individuals with celiac disease, an inherited autoimmune disorder affecting children and adults. The ACDA is recognized internationally for its role in advocating on behalf of all segments of the celiac community.

About Enjoy Life Foods

Enjoy Life Natural Brands, LLC (d/b/a Enjoy Life Foods, LLC (ELF)) was founded in 2001 with the mission of making great-tasting allergy-friendly foods that most everyone can eat freely. The company launched the Enjoy Life brand in 2002 with a broad product line that is free of the eight most common allergens and gluten-free. To meet the needs of a rapidly growing consumer base, in 2004 the company acquired Perky’s™, a line of gluten- and nut-free cereals. Today, ELF offers 29 different Enjoy Life and Perky’s products that are sold in natural food and select grocery stores throughout the United States and Canada. Visit www.enjoylifefoods.com and www.perkysnaturalfoods.com for store locations and more. In September 2008, Enjoy Life Foods was named for the second consecutive year to Inc. 500 list of the fastest growing privately held businesses in the U.S. For more information, visit www.enjoylifenb.com.

ⁱ Dr. Stefano Guandalini, University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center

ⁱⁱ FAAN

ⁱⁱⁱ National Institutes of Health

^iv Autism Society of America

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[Via PRWeb: Medical Allergies]