Urinary incontinence is the inability to keep urine in the bladder. This is due to loss of voluntary control to the muscles that are responsible for keeping urine in the bladder, and for passing urine. Even if urinary incontinence affects millions of people, it isn’t a normal part of aging or, in women, an inevitable consequence of childbirth or changes after menopause. It’s a medical condition with many possible causes, some relatively simple and self-limited and others more complex.

There are five kinds of urinary incontinence:

• Stress incontinence. This is due to weakening of pelvic floor muscles. “Accidents” may happen when you cough, sneeze, laugh, exercise or any other movements that add intra-abdominal pressure or pressure to the bladder, causing small amounts of urine to escape.

• Urge incontinence or Hypertonic. This is when you feel an urge to urinate for no apparent reason. The most common cause of this is involuntary and inappropriate detrusor muscle contraction. The detrusor muscle is the muscle responsible for bladder contraction when passing urine. Urge incontinence may be caused by local or surrounding infection, inflammation, or irritation of the detrusor muscle; or a defective CNS inhibitory response. Some doctors may call it as a spastic, or overactive bladder. People with urge incontinence usually feel the need to urinate even by simply hearing the sound of gushing water, touching something watery, or drinking a small amount of water.

• Functional incontinence. This occurs when the person does not recognize the urge to go to the toilet to urinate or fails to get to the toilet in time.

• Overflow incontinence or Hypotonic. This occurs when the person’s bladder is always full that it leaks urine. Weak bladder muscles or a blocked urethra may result in incomplete emptying of the bladder, causing this kind of incontinence.

• Transient incontinence. This is temporary urinary incontinence brought about my medications and certain medical conditions that may cause urinary tract obstruction.

There are many ways to treat incontinence, here are a few:

• Exercise. This requires exercising the muscles of the pelvis. Kegel exercises may help strengthen the muscles responsible for controlling urination. Strengthening or retaining pelvic floor muscle functionality may help reduce stress incontinence.

• Vaginal cone therapy. This is done with the use of a set of five vaginal cones of different weights. The patient inserts the small plastic cone inside her vagina where it is help by a mild reflex action of the pelvic flood muscles. Vaginal cone therapy is done to strengthen the appropriate muscles of the pelvic floor.

• Bladder training. This is done by taking trips to the bathroom at certain times before he or she involuntarily leaks. This helps condition the body to set a schedule for storing and emptying urine.

• Medications. Some drugs inhibit contraction of an overactive bladder. Some medications relax the bladder to completely empty it during urination. Some medications tighten the bladder muscles, preventing leackage.

• Surgery. This is suggested only in cases where other treatments have already been tried but failed to work.

There are a lot more treatments available for curing urinary incontinence. It is best to consult your doctor thoroughly as to what is the best possible means you can use to rid yourself of this problem.

Incontinence often brings with it a feeling of shame, and it may sometimes make a person to isolate himself from society in fear of being made fun of. Urinary incontinence is no laughing matter. However, you must not be afraid to seek medical help about this concern. The sooner you get over this hurdle, the sooner you can get back to a life without worrying if you’re going to make it to the toilet when you need to urinate.

For the past few decades, the field of medicine has been largely influenced by the medical philosophy of the Western world. The emphasis of Western medicine has been predominately curative, relying on chemical preparations and invasive surgery as means of treatment.

In contrast, Eastern medical and therapeutic philosophy focuses on the more metaphysical side of human illness and treatment. Its practice is hinged on the use of a variety of methods ranging from the use of medicinal plants and herb, massage, acupuncture, aromatherapy, pulse reading, and other alternative healing methods. These methods are now gaining acceptance even in modern societies, in a large measure, due to the increased awareness about the healing arts of China and India. There are volumes of literature on traditional Chinese medicine. But what also deserves wide recognition is the folk remedies and traditional practices in India which are also ancient and effective, at least, according to those who have tried them.

Ayurveda, a healing system native to India, is a centuries-old practice that has recently been given attention by Western science. Like traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda practitioners adhere to a particular medical philosophy that regards illness as an imbalance in the body and influenced by internal and external factors, similar to the Chinese principles of yin and yang. Ayurveda also takes into consideration a patient’s emotions and state of mind alongside the study of infections that make the body sick. It places a high importance on the patient’s sense of taste and diet.

In Ayurveda, it is believed that the healing of a person must take into consideration three elements found in nature: air, water, and fire. Each of these elements has a deep philosophical background. These elements also govern the major functions of the body. Ayurvedic theory rests on the belief that the balance of the three elements is the basis of health. Any imbalance, blockage, or weakening in these elements causes illness. It is the task of the Ayurveda practitioner to determine and restore the patient’s elemental harmony. In other words, an infection or ailment is the result of an imbalance in the patient’s natural internal or elemental harmony. These imbalances can be caused by internal or external factors, and may be aggravated or alleviated by the patient’s emotional state and, in some cases, mental health.

The primary concept of Ayurveda is that the restoration of imbalances in the body requires a very personalized concept. Treatment can involve the use of natural oils, minerals, herbs, metals, and even animal ingredients. Similar to how herbal medications are administered in traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda medications are given base formulas that are modified by the physician according to the patient’s needs. This process makes getting a treatment for an infection different from Western medicine, where the formulas are constant and only the dose is altered based on the patient’s metabolism and constitution. As mentioned earlier, diet and taste play a central role in Ayurveda. However, unlike Chinese medicinal doctrine, the taste and quality of the food plays a much larger role in traditional Indian healing arts. Different tastes correspond to different conditions in the body. These tastes are taken into account by an Ayurveda physician before prescribing an appropriate treatment. For example, food with a bitter taste is generally considered to cool the body, dry out moisture, and work to remove toxins. This concept also extends to the herbal and animal ingredients that are used in Ayurveda medication.

Ayurveda also prescribes a particular form of massage known as “Panchakarma” for the treatment of emotional distress. This practice is highly similar to acupuncture except that no needles are used. The strokes, presses, and body manipulations used in Panchakarma supposedly stimulates energy flow throughout the body, a process that is necessary to ensure good health. Problems arise when the energy flow is disrupted, clogged, or stalled. Massage is often prescribed in conjunction with a diet plan and herbal remedies to relieve problems such as sinusitis, conditions associated with stress and anxiety, and other problems that Ayurveda practitioners see as symptoms of emotional disharmony rather than just purely physical ailments.

Food is one of the core necessities of life and has often been hailed, along with music, as a “universal language.” No culture or civilization is without a means of preparing meals, instilling the same ingredients with a flavor unique to that region or group.

Food has become so important for human survival and culture. But nothing can cause more worry and paranoia when food becomes tainted with infection. Sadly, there are several bacterial infections that you can get by eating contaminated food, though not all of them are frequent in appearance.

One of the more common bacterial infections you can get from food would be e. coli. This particular bacteria is typically found in cattle, though it can also appear in smaller animals.

Morinda citrifolia, commonly called Noni is a native fruit that grows in Southeast Asia. Noni has been gaining popularity in Western countries because of its health benefits. This fruit is widely used as traditional medicine for many health conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome, menstrual problems, arthritis, respiratory problems, poor digestion, and many more. Noni is also rich in vitamin C and contains naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, trace elements, and enzymes. Because of the health benefits of this fruit, Noni is now available in different consumable forms such as juice, liquid concentrate, tablet, and capsule form. The juice, which is reddish brown in color, is usually mixed with other juices to make it taste better.

Through the use of pasteurization process, manufacturers ensure that the Noni juice is free of bacteria and other harmful microorganisms. This process also helps maintain or preserve the fruit extract’s beneficial properties. Noni juice is considered as one of the most potent natural drinks in the market today. Many people who regularly drink Noni juice is attest that they have already experienced improved health due to the said beverage.

Traditional health benefits of Noni fruit juice include the following:

Strengthens the heart and alleviates heart palpitations;

Fights insomnia and forgetfulness;

Helps cure sexual dysfunction in elderly individuals;

Helps improve the function of the immune system;

Has some anti-cancer properties and may prevent the development of certain cancers;

Has been successfully used to treat hepatitis-B;

Has been used successfully for weight loss;

Helps the body detox, cleans the blood and build the immune system; and

Used as a treatment for bladder infections, diabetes, colds, and constipation.

The usual dosage recommended by Noni juice manufacturers is four ounces a day to be taken at least 30 minutes before breakfast. Liquid concentrates, on the other hand, can be taken two tablespoons per day.

Several animal studies had been conducted to evaluate the beneficial effects of Noni juice. Research shows that the said natural beverage has anti-cancer, pain-relieving, and immune-system enhancing potential. None juice is believed to be potent enough to increase one’s vitality and lead to improved overall health and well-being.

Many nutrition books have, in fact, claim that Noni fruit juice is one of the most significant discoveries in the field of medicine over the last few decades. Because of the anti-aging and other health benefits of this juice it has gained popularity over other kinds of natural fruit juices.

However, it is important for consumers to ensure that they only purchase Noni fruit juice that has been thermally treated (pasteurized). The potency and health effects of mass-produced Noni fruit juice are often compromised by contamination, heat, and low-quality manufacturing conditions.

Noni fruit juice is nature’s gift for people who desire good health and long life. It is not only said to be effective for relieving pain, it also has anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties. Noni juice is also full of antioxidants that help cleanse the body of toxins and improves digestive health.

Try Noni fruit juice today and experience improvements in health and well-being.

Many vegetables and fruits are known for numerous health benefits. Diets composed of five to nine serving of fruits and vegetables may help reduce the risk of chronic disease and other health ailments. Vegetables and fruits can supply the body of necessary nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fiber that are vital for the development and maintenance of the human body. In addition, many vegetables contain disease-fighting phytochemicals. Phytochemicals is term that is used to describe the fiber, vitamins, sugar, and other components of plants. Many research suggests that phytochemicals and other nutrients in plants, may help slow the aging process, and lessen the risk of many ailments including cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, urinary tract infections, and many more.

There are different types of phytochemicals and each works diversely in promoting improved health. Here are some types of phytochemicals and their possible health actions:

• Flavonoids &ndash Flavanoids may aid against the damage that can be done by cholesterol. Many flavanoids are found in green tea, dark chocolate, red wine, and apples.

• Organosulfurs &ndash Studies show that organosulfurs found in onions and garlic are able to reduce the formation of plaque in the arteries, therefore reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

• Isoflavones &ndash Isoflavones are primarily found in soy and may be able to reduce menopausal symptoms and osteoporosis among women. Soy protein can also reduce blood pressure in men.

• Sterols &ndash Plant sterols are known to reduce the levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol in the body. Sterols are naturally acquired from nuts, legumes, seed, and cereals.

• Proanthocyanidins &ndash Proanthocyanidins may be able to reduce the development of urinary tract infections and may improve dental health.

• Allicin &ndash Allicin is an antibacterial and anti-fungal compound that is found in garlic. This compound is not present in garlic in its natural state, but is developed when garlic is chopped or damaged. Allicin also helps fight arteriosclerosis, a disease that effects the the arteries.

• Lycopene &ndash Lycopene us a proven antioxidant that slows down the aging process by eliminating free radicals that may damage the body’s cells.

Lack of fruits and vegetables deprive individuals of antioxidants and phytochemicals that are essential in promoting good health. In addition, unhealthy lifestyles and exposure to many carcinogens increases the risk of cancer and other health ailments. Smoking and excess alcohol may dehydrate the cells and cause many health ailments. Smoking exposes the body to nicotine that causes the blood vessels to develop cancer cells. Excess alcohol on the other hand dehydrates cells which may cause cancer. Air pollution and smoke from solid fuels and carcinogens in the air, may expose individuals to viruses that may cause cancer and other health difficulties.

Eating a balanced diet may provide different phytochemicals that may be essential in achieving improved health and overall well-being. Individuals do not need to eat raw fruits and vegetables to accomplish the health benefits of phytochemicals. Though some of the these compounds may be lost when cooked, many still hold their health properties. It also does not matter if the vegetables are peeled, juiced, frozen, or canned. A nutritious diet composed of fruits and vegetables, coupled with exercise may promote good health and overall health.

The Ears

The ear is one of the body’s many sensory organs. Its main purpose is to detect sounds. But aside from hearing, it plays a big role in a person’s sense of balance and body position. The ear, along with the brain, makes up the auditory system.

The ear is made up of the following:

l The outer ear. It is composed of:

* Pinna. This is the cartilagenous external ear outside the ear canal. It reflects and attenuates sound waves into the ear canal. The change it makes on the sound provides more information in helping the brain locate the source of the sound.

* Auditory canal. This is the tube connecting the pinna to the middle ear.

l The middle ear.

* Eardrum. This is a thin membrane that seperates the external and the middle ear. It transmits sound from the air to the ossicles within the middle ear.

* Ossicles. These are the three smallest bones in the body. They are the hammer (malleus), anvil (incus) and stirrups (stapes). They transmit the sounds towards the fluid-filled cochlea. They convert lower-pressure eardrum sound vibrations into higher pressure sound vibrations at the elliptical window.

l The inner ear.

* Cochlea. This portion of the ear is filled with watery fluid that moves in response to vibrations from the middle ear. The fluid reacts to the movement, causing thousands of “hair cells” to start moving. It then converts the movement into electrical signals communicated through neurotransmitters to different nerve cells.

* Vestibules. This is the central part of the inner ear. It houses sensitive accoustic nerves that goes from the semi-circular canal to the cochlea.

* Semi-circular canals. It is composed of three, interconnected, half-circular tubes. They detect hea movement on a vertical, rostral-caudal, and sagittal planes.

Medical Complications

Improper care of the ears may cause one to develop ear infections and medical complications. The most common of ear infections is otitis. Otitis is a generic term used for inflammation or infection of the ear. It is subdivide into three different classes:

1. Otitis Externa. This infection involves the pinna and the auditory canal. Sufferers feel pain when their ears are touched or pulled. This condition is also called “swimmer’s ear”.

2. Otitis Media. This affects the middle ear. In this condition, the ear is infected or clogged with fluid at the back of the ear drum, in the normally air-filled tympani cavity.

3. Otitis Interna. This condition is also called Labyrinthitis. It affects the inner ear that houses the major sensory organs for balance and hearing. Vertigo is often a symptom for this condition.

Ear infections may be caused by dirty water, having things stuck in the ear canal, too much ear manipulation, diseases (colds), and certain lifestyle factors (smoking).

Proper Ear Care

Here are useful tips for taking better care of your ears to prevent infections:

l Take extra care in cleaning your ears. Use a washcloth or tissue to wipe the pinna dry. Do not use sharp, pointed objects to clear the middle and inner ears, these objects may injure the ear canal.

l Protect yourself from illnesses. Have upper respiratory tract infections treated as these may affect your hearing. If you notice a weird discharge from your ears, consult a physician immediately.

l Avoid exposing yourself to noise. Wear ear protection when you’re required to perform a task that exposes you to excessively loud noises. Avoid playing music at a very high volume. Wear ear plugs when attending loud concerts, especially if you’re seated near the stage speakers.

l Protect yourself from physical trauma. Wear a helmet when engaging in any activities that may injure the head. Wear filtered ear plugs when going on air travel, this helps equalize the pressure inside and outside the ears.

l Attend regular ear check ups with your trusted ear physician.

I stumbled across TMJ when I needed treat a literal pain in the neck that would not go away. It seemed that the pain in my neck came from my jaws. “TMJ” refers to disorders of the jaw muscles and of the temporomandibular joint, the hinge at the side of the head that joins the lower jaw, mandible, to the temporal bone of the skull. TMJ expert John Taddey, D.D.S. states that one the most common symptoms of TMJ is a dull, aching pain around the ears which can radiate to the neck, shoulders, and back of the head. These symptoms may be coupled with tenderness of the jaw muscles and a headache.

While the causes of TMJ are many, the condition is usually the result of a collective malfunctioning of the chewing muscles, the teeth, and the temporomandibular joint. The face and jaw muscles may go into spasm or cramp and lead to tissue damage, pain and tenderness. The level of damage and pain varies.

Diaganosing TMJ can be elusive. Recognizing TMJ requires a thorough understanding of the two-inch area just in front of the ears that houses the temporomandibular joint, sinuses, glands, the middle and inner ears, throat tissues, brain tissue, muscles, ligaments, nerves blood vessels, lymphatic tissues, bones and teeth. TMJ can mask itself with a “referred pain”. This occurs when pain felt in one area of the body originated from another source. For example, you may visit your doctor with an earache and find your ear is healthy, while a decayed tooth or TMJ is the root cause of the earache.

TMJ can arise form trauma, whiplash, stress, teeth-grinding and clenching, misaligned teeth, missing or sore teeth, muscle abuse, infection, diseases of the joints such as arthritis, and cancer.

Your family dentist should be able to recognize TMJ. Depending on your condition, she may treat the TMJ herself or refer you to a physician, orthodontist, chiropractor, psychologist or oral surgeon for more specialized treatment.

For more information on identifying and treating TMJ yourself, read TMJ Self-Help Program: How to recognize a TMJ problem: What to do to relieve pain and restore health: When to seek professional help by John Taddely, D.D.S. with Constance Schrader and James Dillon.

Since 1982 Accutane has been a reliable, if not controversial, drug for treating severe acne. Now with FDA representative David J. Graham’s statement that Accutane should be taken off the market, and pharmaceutical manufacturer La Roche’s defense of Accutane’s safety in a Florida courtroom, access to Accutane faces mounting restrictions.

Author of Acne Messages: Crack the code of your zits and say goodbye to acne, Naweko San-Joyz, understands the concerns facing acne sufferer’s who desire Accutane-like results. San-Joyz conducted research to inexpensively mimic the effects of Accutane. ” Accutane provokes five acne-fighting actions that anyone can replicate using nutrition and self-care”, explains San-Joyz.

Reduce excess oil secretion:

Accutane is a derivative of vitamin A and reduces the secretion of oil by the oil glands.

Foods that supply the body with Vitamin A and beta-carotene (which is converted to vitamin A by the body) include: Liver, oily fish, whole eggs, carrots, sweet potatoes, and broccoli.

Encourage extreme shedding of the skin:

Using a peel is the easiest method to promote shedding of the skin. Exfoliation releases the build-up of dead skin cells, oils and bacteria trapped in the pores, which could lead to the formation of blemishes.

Extreme peels

Peels come in varying degrees, from mild to harsh. The trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel is an extreme peel that can cost from $100 to $1000 depending on the degree of the treatment. It is only performed in a doctor’s office. The TCA is not a save all however. The peel can make the skin sensitive to the sun cause hyper-pigmentation.

Home use peels:

Several over-the-counter peels contain papaya enzymes or glycolic acid. These peels lightly exfoliate the skin and are safe for weekly use.

Reduce the spread of bacterial infection:

Using an astringent such as witch hazel or apple cider vinegar to disinfect the skin significantly reduces the presence of bacteria on the face. This reduction limits skin inflammation and the likelihood of a pimple developing.

Enhance Fat Metabolism:

Free fatty acids can irritate the skin and provoke acne eruptions. Reducing intake of foods containing hydrolyzed fats will improve fat metabolism. However, do consume essential fatty acids such as Omega-3 and Omega-6, which are found in foods such as salmon and olive oil. These essential fats aid the gastrointestinal tract eliminate pro-inflammatory substances, which reduces the possibility of experiencing acne lesions.

Reduce inflammation:

A strong immune system serves as a buffer against inflammation. Stress reducing activities such as exercising, eating a well-balanced diet and sleeping well boosts the immune system. A diet supplemented with B-Complex, zinc and vitamins C and E likewise enhances the effectiveness of the immune system.

Like Accutane, these five steps will not work overnight. Accutane works via creating a bodily environment that is not conducive to acne. By adhering to the nutritional and aesthetic steps above, anyone can attain clear skin while simultaneously augmenting their health.

What is nail fungus?

Nail fungus, also known as Onychomycosis, is an organism which digests the keratin found in your fingernails and toenails. The fingernail and toenail are naturally built to be strong barriers, and resistant to fungi and other infections. However, because of how strong this barrier is, once the infection is present, it is sometimes very difficult to eliminate.

How can I prevent nail fungus?

One of the most important steps in preventing nail infections is to keep nails well trimmed, but not over trimming them. Cutting the nail too short can cause small cuts and tears, which could allow fungal organisms to penetrate your nail bed. To prevent toenail fungal infections, keep your feet as dry and clean as possible at all times. Change socks and shoes frequently. If you have athlete’s foot, treat it regularly. Athlete’s foot is a fungus which can spread to your toenails. Do not share nail clippers with anyone else, as it is possible to transmit the fungus.

How common is nail fungus?

No one knows for sure, but experts estimate that 30-35 million Americans are affected by this condition.

What are the symptoms?

Because nail fungus can affect the toenails’ appearance, they are rather unsightly for an untrained eye. Usually people first discover the infection because of the nail discoloration. Nails may turn green or yellow, but in some cases they turn into an even darken color. Other rather common nail fungus symptoms may be: nails may get flaky, and chipped, bits of “gunk” or debris may collect under your nails, your nails may smell bad, toenails may get so thick that wearing shoes causes pain, discomfort from the infection may make it hard to walk, or do other activities.

The medical term for toenail fungus is “onychomycosis,” pronounced on * EE * ko * my * ko * sis. Despite the commonly used term “fungal toenails”, onychomycosis describes both fungus and yeast infections in the nail. The prevalence in America is about 2-3%, but some have reported it as high as 13%. Even at a low estimate of 2%, this accounts for 6 million Americans with toenail fungus. Toenail fungus affects men twice as often as it affects women.

The prevalence among elderly individuals and diabetics is 25%. In the 1800s, fungal toenails were very rare. The increased prevalence is linked to the increased exposure to fungus through the use of showering facilities in gyms, the use of hot tubs, saunas and public pool areas. There is an increase in occlusive footwear, an increase in sporting activities, an increase in diabetes and increase in age of the general population.

The risk factors for developing toenail fungus are increasing age, male gender, nail trauma, sweaty feet, poor circulation, poor hygeine, foot fungus and a compromised immune system.

Athlete’s tend to have a higher rate of fungus infection than non-athletes. The moisture in the shoe combined with repeated nail trauma increases the chance of infection. Hikers, runners, backpackers, soccer, basketball and tennis players, athletes wearing loose fitting shoes that allow jamming of the nails against the shoe and any individual wearing shoes that toe tight are at risk for developing toenail fungus.

There are a number of treatments for onychomycosis. The most aggressive and effective way to treat the fungus is with oral anti-fungal medications.