Why Migraine Auras Should Never Be Ignored

The recent case of CBS reporter Serene Branson’s reportage of the Grammy Awards and her getting “tongue-tied” on air (whose video has gone totally viral on the web) has put the spotlight on migraine, specifically, that migraine phase that involves “auras”. Many initially thought Branson suffered a stroke, only to be corrected later by her UCLA doctors upon the release of her medical exam results. Branson had what is technically called “migraine with aura” a specific phase of a migraine attack in which the person suffers visual disturbances or hallucinations. Branson’s case is very interesting because it is a rare case of an actual video recording of a migraine aura attack, demonstrating to the general public what actually happens to a person when such an attack takes place.

Many women like myself are silent sufferers of long-term migraine. Usually, we pop a pill or painkiller, the symptoms go away, and we move on with our lives. And often, that’s alright: for the most part, migraines do not cause any lasting neurological damage. But that neglectful attitude, it turns out, may be dangerous: migraine can be an indication of some serious underlying condition. According to the Mayo Clinic, those who have had migraine with auras are more likely to suffer a stroke in the future.

Even now, the causes of migraine is not known. But the results of recent studies show that migraine auras have a strong connection with constricted blood vessels in the brain. And constricted blood vessels puts one at high risk for a stroke.

So how does one manage this kind of migraine?

For one, be aware of your migraine triggers. It helps to keep a diary of when, where, and the circumstances surrounding each of your migraine attacks (especially indicate if the attack is with or without aura), and how the pain went away. Such a “migraine diary” is especially useful in migraine that have food triggers.

Management of your migraine is very important, especially in terms of actual physical pain and the economic impact of loss of productivity. While popping pills can help in the short-term, the long-term management is more important. There may not be a “silver bullet” to defeat migraine, but you can make it “smaller” and less intrusive in your life. All it takes is some patience and work.…

Being pregnant is a very beautiful experience, and you probably can’t wait for the arrival of your baby. With pregnancy, of course, there is always the question of exactly what the gender of the baby will be. Many parents have this question and often want to find out as soon as possible. There are also parents who want to keep it a surprise and wait until the baby is born. There are different ways to find out the sex of your child. Many people think they can find out by feeling, but most find out at the 20-week ultrasound. The doctor then looks at any physical abnormalities and can then tell you the gender as well. However, the doctor cannot always see the gender due to the baby’s position. The doctor then does not take extra time to find out the sex of the child.

So what do you do if you want to find out the gender? Fortunately, there is a solution and you can just order a baby gender test on the internet. A baby gender test does make it possible to find out the sex of your baby. This gender test can simply be used at home and the result is 99.9% accurate. How exactly does a baby gender test work? In this article, we will go into this in detail so you can find out all you need to know.

How does a baby gender test work?

You can easily order the baby gender test on the internet and use it at home. To find out the sex of the baby, you obviously need the child’s DNA. During pregnancy, taking DNA from a baby is difficult and can also be very dangerous. Fortunately, the mother has the baby’s DNA in her blood, and it needs to be taken. The DNA samples can be sent to the laboratory for further testing. In this examination, the gender is checked, and the result is sent to you.

You can open the result together with your partner, but you can also choose to organise a fun party. Indeed, a gender reveal party can be a lot of fun for the parents. Here, it is important that you give the result to a family member, so they can organise the party properly. Find the right provider on the internet and search for the DNA test that you need.

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Vitamin D Deficiency and Cancer

New and exciting scientific research indicates that vitamin D may help to prevent cancer as well as other chronic diseases. Many of us have wrongly assumed that our vitamin D levels are adequate since we drink milk, are exposed to the sun, and take a multivitamin. However, it is now known that even with these activities, most people have a vitamin D deficiency. This deficiency may play a role in causing serious illness such as heart disease, hypertension, and other diseases, but in particular, cancer. The following is information from current research on vitamin D and its association with cancer.

What is the Association between Vitamin D and cancer?

While vitamin D is essential for bone formation, growth and repair, new research studies suggest that it is also associated with a reduced risk of breast, prostrate, and colorectal cancer. These studies, showing a possible cancer-protective role, were performed in laboratory experiments on cancer cells in culture, and in randomized clinical trials. Several studies have shown the following effects on cancer.

Prostate cancer- cells contain receptors for the active form of vitamin D and respond to vitamin D (3) with decreases in cell growth, invasiveness and metastasis, and increases in cell death.

Breast cancer Cedric Garland at the University of California in San Diego, and other prominent researchers, in a study involving more than 120,000 women determined that women with vitamin D levels above 52 ng/ml have half the risk of developing breast cancer as those with 13 ng/ml. The researchers estimate that 58,000 new cases of breast cancer in the United States could be prevented per year by raising levels to 52 ng/ml.

Colorectal cancer- A new study using meta-analysis, a sophisticated analytical technique, examined the data from five previous observational studies. The study examined the effect of vitamin D on colorectal cancer risk, with a follow-up of 25 years. Results showed that increased serum levels up to 34 ng/ml reduced the incidence rates of colorectal cancer by half. Rates were reduced even further with higher serum levels.

What is vitamin D and where do we get it?

Vitamin D is not an actual vitamin, but an inactive fat soluble pre-hormone (inactive precursor to a hormone). It helps the body absorb and regulate calcium and phosphorus. There are two major forms, D(2) (ergocalciferol) and D(3) (Cholecalciferol). D(2) is made by plants while D(3) is made by the body, via exposure to ultraviolent radiation (UVB-radiation) from the sun. The body modifies both forms in the liver to an active form (Calcitriol) and then further modifies it in the kidneys to 1, 25-dihydrovitamin D, the form used by the body.

We also get vitamin D from our diet from fatty fish, fish liver oil and eggs as well as from fortified foods such as milk juice yogurt, bread and cereal. However, both the D(2) and D(3) forms are commercially available as dietary supplements.

What is the Right amount of Vitamin D to take?

This question is not …

10 Tips For Keeping Your Pets Safe in the Summer

Ah, yes. It’s summertime. That means barbecues and picnics, trips to the local park and beach, and lots of time spent out-of-doors for both you and your pets. Although it’s wonderful to take your furry friend outside when the temperature rises, there are numerous perils that can occur. Here is a list of 10 great tips to follow so that your pet can have a fun and safe summer!

1. Always provide fresh, cool water to keep your pet well hydrated. Take water with you if you’re on-the-go.

2. Provide your animal with plenty of shade. Since the sun moves across the sky during the day, the shady areas will change. Therefore, keep an eye on your furry friends.

3. On hot days, make sure your pet doesn’t overdo the exercising, running around, playing, or other activities.

4. Consider keeping your pets indoors on humid days. High humidity interferes with your animal’s ability to cool itself.

5. Keep your dog off fertilized lawns and away from insecticides and dangerous, toxic plants.

6. Swimming in a lake, pond, or even a pool is a great way for your pet to stay cool. Just make sure you supervise your dog in the water. A doggy life jacket is an important safety item.

7. Traveling with your pet can be lots of fun. Just make sure you spend the time preparing the travel plans including car or airplane arrangements.

8. Never, ever, ever leave your pet in a parked car. Even if you park in the shade and leave the windows down somewhat, the temperature inside your car will rise so quickly, your pet can be dead in minutes. Don’t ignore an animal in distress even if it’s inside someone else’s car.

9. Just like humans, pets can get sunburned, too. So, don’t forget to apply sunscreen on your animal’s nose and ear tips. Pets with light colored noses or fur are more susceptible to sunburns and skin cancer.

10. Watch for signs of heat stroke. Heat stroke can be fatal and can occur quite quickly. Signs include (but are not limited to): body temperature of 104-110F degrees, excessive panting, dark or bright red tongue and gums, staggering, stupor, seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomiting. These can lead to coma and death. Dogs with the highest risk are short snout, elderly, or heavy-coated breeds as well as those with predisposing illnesses. If your dog is suffering from heat stroke, seek veterinary attention immediately! Remember, prevention is key.…

The Basics of Vitamin E, Everything You Wanted to Know But Were Afraid to Ask

Vitamin E is one of the four fat-soluble vitamins required by the body. The other fat-soluble vitamins are Vitamin A, D and K. Vitamin E is an effective antioxidant and one of it functions in protecting the body from free radicals that may cause aging and cancer.

It may also be known as Tocopherol, Tocotrienol, E307, E308 or E309. The term “Vitamin E” is used for any of the eight tocopherols and four tocotrienols. The most popular of this class of substances is the alpha-tocopherol because it is the most studied due to its fast absorption potential in the body.

Functions of Vitamin E in the Body

This vitamin aids in wound healing, especially in cases of burns and other injuries. The presence of Vitamin E in the body also lowers the risk of developing cancer and heart disease. Because of its antioxidant effects, Vitamin E is also associated in the prevention of aging.

Vitamin E exerts it antioxidant effect by reacting with the free radicals, which are the intermediate products of peroxidation reactions of lipids in the body. By removing the intermediate products, the reaction cannot go further and the cell membranes of the cells are protected from damage.

This vitamin also performs a role in cell communication, which is very important particularly to the immune system, tissue repairs, and development of the body.

Sources of Natural Vitamin E

Vegetable oils – such as canola, sunflower, olive, corn and soybean oils – are some of the natural sources of Vitamin E. It is also found in avocadoes, almonds, hazelnuts, wheat germ, asparagus, milk and spinach.

Forms of Vitamin E

The most well known form of vitamin E is the alpha tocopherol, which is the content of most vitamin E supplements in the market. The other forms of vitamin E also act by protecting the cells of the body from oxidation. For example, gamma tocopherol is also a potent nucleophile that reacts with mutagens that seek electrons. The tocotrienols, on the other hand, play a role in cancer prevention, neuron protection and cholesterol reduction.

Vitamin E Deficiency

Poor nerve conduction is the major effect of a deficiency of this vitamin. This will lead to neuromuscular problems including myopathies and spinocerebellar ataxia.

Vitamin E Toxicity

Too much of this vitamin in the body may cause toxicity. Because of its anticoagulant effects, an overdose of vitamin E can increase the risk of bleeding problems. As a guide, a person should not take more than 1000 mg of vitamin E.…

Restoring Function After Stroke With Adult Stem Cells – An Incredible Breakthrough

Below are facts just released on 15 January 2010 from the Family Research Council in Washington, D.C about an incredible scientific study undertaken at the University of California, Irvine.

A new study indicates that function can be restored long after stroke damage by stimulating adult stem cells in the brain. Scientists at UC-Irvine found that a natural growth factor called Transforming Growth Factor-alpha (TGFa) stimulates adult stem cells in the affected brain to divide, migrate through the brain, and repair the damage. Using a rat model for stroke, they injected the TGFa protein directly into the brain as much as 4 weeks after the stroke damage, and found 99% recovery. Darius Gleason, a graduate student who worked on the study said:

“It’s becoming more and more clear that the brain is like any other organ: it has a lot of potential to regenerate. We are just emulating nature by giving a little nudge to what the brain is trying to do itself.”

In a new study just published, the group has shown that even nasal administration of TGFa can give significant recovery (70%). This non-invasive route could have great therapeutic application. Previously, German researchers showed nasal administration of adult stem cells was an effective delivery method. This new study shows that using only the stimulatory protein can also be very effective at stimulating the existing adult stem cells already present in the brain.

A clinical trial is currently under way in Houston that injects the stroke patient’s bone marrow adult stem cells into the circulatory system; the cells seem to migrate to the injured brain and stimulate repair. Early results from this trial are very promising for stoke treatment.

This article was researched from the Family Research Council, Washington D.C.…

How to Raise Your Energy Through Proper Supplementation

If you really want to amplify how much joy and passion you get from life than you have to increase your energy to a point where you feel alive and ready to take on the world.

I want to help you magnify your ability to get up and go take charge of life so I put together a short list of some of the most important vitamins and minerals you need to ensure optimal energy production.

Make sure you are taking your B vitamins because they play a serious roll in increasing energy as well as increasing how fast you can metabolize food including fat which means it might help you shed a few pounds as well.

B12 has even been linked with helping your bodies cells be more efficient on the cellular level, enabling your cells to work more efficiently and leaving you with left over energy.

Vitamin C is not just important for keeping the common cold away but it greatly increases cellular repair as well as encourages the conversion of fats into energy through the mitochondria process. Oranges and tomatoes are a great source of vitamin C.

Magnesium is also extremely important to your energy levels. It is necessary for ATP production which is the main energy producing powerhouse in the body. When magnesium levels fall to low, it results in cells which are able to produce less energy, resulting in fatigue.

In fact, magnesium supplementation is one of the most recommended supplementations in the western hemisphere because most of us do not get enough of the mineral with our general food intake.

Although it is not exactly a vitamin, ginseng is another very important supplement you can take to increase your energy. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicines for over 3,000 years and has a large variety of documented health benefits in addition to energy such as boosting the immune system.

And of course a great way to make sure you are getting your nutritional needs met to is find a multi-vitamin that includes all of the things we just talked about.

Try checking out your local health foods store to see if you have a knowledgeable person behind the desk who can help you determine what multi-vitamin would best suit your needs.

Whatever you do, do not mosey on down to the local grocery store though and just pick up some random bottle off of the shelf because those vitamins are typically very cheaply made and will likely do you no good.

I would also encourage you to have a review High Energy for Life which is a new homeopathic program out designed by one of the best natural energy doctors in the world.

Click my link below and check out Dr. Stengler’s full program.…

Heat Related Illness

Humans need sun exposure to survive. The sun provides humans with vital forms of Vitamin D and can be essential to emotional health and stability. Places such as Alaska that have long periods of the year with very little daylight have serious problems with suicide and cabin fever among their population. But as essential as the sun is to our continued health, not to mention fun, there are serious problems that can occur from continued sun exposure. The sun is a source of great heat and therefore a variety of heat related illnesses.

Types of Heat Related Illnesses

There is a full spectrum of heat related illness ranging from fairly innocuous rashes to deadly strokes. Anyone taking a trip out in the mid day sun should be aware of each of the possible heat conditions they may experience. It is essential to be able to be able to point out the signs of these illnesses in case they appear in friends, family or the individual. Heat conditions to be aware of include:

o Heat rash-this rash appears as many small bumps with the most exposure to the sun. It can be uncomfortable and often itches but has no known serious side effects. Generally, a little bit of Benadryl will make the rash disappear.

o Heat cramps-these occur in muscles after strenuous exercise in the sun because sweating results in the loss of water, salt and essential electrolytes to the body. Drinking liquid containing electrolytes such as Gatorade can help keep this problem at bay.

o Heat edema-edema is swelling within the skin. Heat edema usually occurs in the legs and hands just from sitting for long periods in the heat.

o Heat tetany-this is hyerperventilation and heat stress caused by periods of stress in a hot environment.

o Heat syncope-syncope is fainting. This occurs when a person sits up and the heat causes the blood vessels to dilate and body fluids move into the legs.

o Heat exhaustion-this is a mild form of hyperthermia. It occurs from strenuous exercise or work in intense heat. Signs include nausea, weakness, vomiting and loss of color.

o Heat stroke-this is the most severe form of hyperthermia from the sun. Heat stroke has similar symptoms as those of heat exhaustion but is much more severe and can lead to death if not swiftly treated.

Individuals experiencing signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke should be immediately cooled down with a hose or whatever water is nearest by. This is essential to saving their lives. For more information on heat stroke, contact Des Moines area lawyers.…