Gastric Sleeve Surgery - Benefits and Potential Problems
Gastric sleeving is a form of weight loss surgery which is gaining momentum. The complete name for the procedure is Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy but it is widely known by the more common term "gastric sleeve" or "sleeve gastrectomy". They all describe the same procedure.
Promoters of the procedure boast several specific advantages over other types of laparoscopic weight loss surgery. They will tell you that, unlike "lap-band" surgery, gastric sleeving does not include implanting a foreign object in your body, which also means that there is no need for later adjustment or filling after surgery. This means less followup medical visits and therefore, greater personal convenience and getting back to normal life much faster.
But is it all it's cracked up to be?
First, let's understand exactly what is involved and then discuss the implications. The procedure involves two things. The first is a significant reduction in the size of the stomach, while the second involves reducing the hormones that create a craving for food. The small intestine is unaltered, so digestion and absorption of nutrients is unhindered. However, your stomach normally has approximately a one litre capacity but this surgery can reduce that to about 100ml.
The impact on your eating habits could be quite significant. For example, if you once drunk from a normal size cup, you may have to purchase much smaller ones, because you may not be able to drink a whole cup. Your meal sizes may also diminish to almost a tenth of what you have been used to. That could amount to only a very small portion on a dinner plate.
This may seem attractive at first, but it could also mean you may not be able to physically consume sufficient food to provide normal nourishment and therefore, have to take nutritional supplements for the rest of your life.
Complications that can arise from the gastric sleeve procedure include internal leaking after the operation. This can cause septicemia which could be dangerous, if not life threatening.
The other important thing to remember, is that the procedure is irreversible. Once it's done, you have to live with the consequences for the rest of your life.
The Gastric Sleeve Resection as a stand-alone weight loss surgery is a new approach and still considered experimental by many bariatric surgeons and insurance companies. It is covered by some insurance companies, but not by others. Typically, insurance companies do not cover a procedure that they consider experimental.
It is often followed by a gastric bypass or duodenal switch after the patient has lost a significant amount of weight. Called a "staged" approach to weight loss surgery, this makes the second procedure less risky than it would have been had it been the first and only procedure.
Doctors point out that no obesity surgery is a cure-all. It's simply a tool to help patients cut portions and calories. The smaller stomach can enlarge again and weight loss can be regained.If this occurs the sleeve can be revised, but this requires another operation. This however is most uncommon and the reality is, that your "new" reduced stomach will be a lifelong blessing or curse.
posted by Healthy Life at 9:03 PM
The Four Phases of Obesity
There is absolutely nothing wrong in gaining weight. It is only problematic when such weight gain exceeds the threshold according to a person's body mass index. Considering this, you must constantly be aware of your weight so as to gauge your obesity risk. Central to this is to educate yourself on the four phases of obesity - namely the earliest phase, progressive phase, latest phase and severe obesity phase.
In the earliest phase, a person's weight is 15-30% more than the ideal weight. As for progressive phase, the weight is 30-50% greater than the ideal weight. The latest phase is considerably critical and is characterized by 50-100% extra weight. The last phase is severe obesity phase and this is a phase when a person's weight is twice or more than the ideal weight. The idea is to assess which phase you are now, thereby knowing what actions to take to overcome obesity.
In the earliest and progressive phase, one usually does not sense much physiological discomfort as there are no functional or structural changes in their organs. Rather, they feel more discomfort in terms of psychological well being owing to the fact that they feel that there is a scratch to their appearance. Whilst this phase does not bring about any serious physiological issues, it is precisely at this stage that one should exert more control on one's diet as health problems will ensue beyond this phase. The key is to take a proactive and preventive approach to obesity.
In the latest phase, one will start experiencing physiological discomfort such as pressure in spine, bones and junctions - collectively causing uneasiness while moving. In more serious cases, this phase may also cause chronic and periodic pain and confine one's mobility. In the severe obesity phase, one will have the aforesaid problems alongside other health issues such as joint pain, depression, drowsiness, shortness of breath and so on.
posted by Healthy Life at 12:01 AM
Aromatherapy - Basics
Oils are the key to aromatherapy. They are extracted from plants and can be used to treat all systems of the body, disturbances of the mind and imbalances of the emotional. There are many ways to use the oils, however I recommend massage as the most effective way of getting the oils into the body, as well as the relaxation benefits.
Brief History
Historians believe that aromatherapy came to the Western world during the Crusades. There are some records of aromatherapy being used during the plague in the fourteenth century. It became more popular during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Most ancient cultures valued the healing powers of aromatic plant oils.
Ways to use essential oils
Massage - using massage techniques and diluted essential oils.
Steam inhalations- using essential oils and hot water.
Baths - scented bath water
Vaporizers - using heat to release the scent and properties of oils in the air.
Creams/Lotions/Shampoos/Gels - essential oils are added to these.
Gargles and Mouthwashes
Compresses - using pieces of cotton soaked in water and essential oils.
Neat - some may be applied to the skin undiluted.
How does it work?
The oils enter the body by inhalation and absorption. Once inhaled, signals are sent to the limbic system of the brain where they exert a direct effect on the mind and emotions. When absorbed, the chemical constituents of the oils are carried in the bloodstream to all parts of the body where they react with body chemistry in a way similar to drugs.
Who benefits?
Everyone - all ages and levels of health can benefit.
Self-Treatment
Self-treatment is fine for minor or short-term problems such as: minor cuts, burns and bruises, colds, flus and chest infections, mild eczema, dermatitis, rashes, stings, constipation, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, indigestion etc.
When to see a professional
If you are pregnant, have an allergy, have a chronic medical condition such as epilepsy or high blood pressure, are taking homeopathic remedies, receiving psychiatric care, on prescription medicines and treating children.
Blending Oils
Essential oils can be used alone, or blended with others. When blending oils, choose two or three that come from the same group, citrus, floral, spicy etc.
Oils are blended to enhance their medicinal actions and to create a different fragrance.
Massage oil
When blending to massage choose a light vegetable base oil such as grapeseed, sweet almond or sunflower oil. Add the oil, then shake and test on the back of your hand. You can keep adding until you reach your desired smell.
Bath oils
For adults add 5-10 drops of essential oil to a full bath. For children use 2 to 3 and 1 drop for babies. You can use 2 to 3 drops for foot baths.
Cream/Lotion/Shampoo blending
Choose unscented products and add 1 to 2 drops of essential oils.
Gargle/Mouthwash blending
This is not going to taste good and is NOT for children. Dilute 4 to 5 drops of essential oil in a teaspoon of brandy then mix into a glass of warm water.
Steam inhalations
Add 3 to 4 drops of oil to a bowl of boiling water, bend over the bowel, cover your head with a towel and breathe deeply for a few minutes. Make sure to inhale with your chest, and not your stomach.
Vaporizers
Add 6 to 8 drops of essential oil to vaporizer. Vaporizer can be electric, ceramic or home made. You can use a ceramic pot warmed by a small candle.
Hot and cold compresses
Add 4 to 5 drops of essential oil to a bowl of hot or cold water then soak a cotton cloth in the water, wring out and apply over affected area.
Neat
Only lavender, tea tree and sandalwood can be used un-diluted on the skin.
posted by Healthy Life at 10:15 AM
Influenza Signs and Symptoms - Keep Away From the Deadly Avian Influenza Virus
If you get any influenza signs and symptoms, be sure that you report these to a proper professional. This is a significant notification that should be obeyed by everyone especially you since it could be avian influenza. Why is it so significant to do? Certainly, by reporting the indications earlier, you'll be able to avoid one potential curable illness.
It is generally spread through infected birds. This killer illness can be carried by ducks or chickens. It is important to recognize that indications are generally attracted through very little forms. Nevertheless, be careful of this disease since it can cause contagious as well as a rapidly fatal disease.
Avian or H5N1 influenza is usually deadly flu that usually recognized in Asia. In addition, it's also recognized to be a very pathogenic virus that invades humans and can make fatalities.
Avian Influenza Signs and Symptoms in Birds
Usually, the birds spread the infection through several ways before humans get infected with this virus. People can get contaminated through their nasal secretions, saliva, as well as feces.
The indications are commonly experienced by the bird include a decline in egg production and lethargy or decrease in their normal activity. Moreover, an infected person will also suffer from swelling of the head, breathing problems and difficulties, loose bowel movement, muscle paralysis and finally death.
Avian Influenza Signs and Symptoms in Humans
Everyone will be able to avoid the deadly virus if they are well informed about the avian influenza signs and symptoms. In addition, in order to stay away from the occurrence of infection, a person should have a healthy immune system.
posted by Healthy Life at 9:59 AM
7 Ways in Which Exercise Helps Ease Sciatica
Exercise brings about a wealth of wonders - including freedom from sciatica. Sciatica is any painful condition that results from the pressing of bone or muscle on the sciatic nerve. How then does exercising alleviate this affliction? Let me count the ways...
One, regular work out builds and strengthens the muscles. Stronger muscles provide a better support for the skeletal system, thus reducing the incidence of bone damage, fractures or dislocation. This reduces the likelihood of sciatica as there is a lesser chance of bones, particularly those in the lumbar region, to impinge on the sciatic nerve.
Two, exercise makes the body more flexible. Flexibility minimizes muscle strain. This is especially helpful when we bend; there is decreased likelihood of pulling a ligament or hurting the muscles. Any inflammation in the musculature is a potential irritant to the nerve.
This is connected to the third advantage of exercise: it develops elasticity. Stretching exercises in particular improves the muscle tone. Thus, we can engage in a wider range of activities with less worry about incurring an injury or muscle sprain.
Alternative exercises like yoga relaxes our body. Furthermore, it relaxes the mind. It has been found out that those involved in high stress jobs or are more prone to anger have increased likelihood of experiencing sciatic pains. Hence, these calming practices come in as our fourth reason why exercise is beneficial.
Active work out promotes positive feelings as well. The aerobic activity releases endorphins, commonly known as the "happy hormones". Enjoying yourself while preventing illness therefore comes fifth in our list.
Regular training improves our coordination too. The calisthenics we undertake make us practice our movements and subsequently help us develop an increased awareness of our bodies. Additionally, we improve our sense of balance. This leads to reduced chances of falling or slipping. Knowing where your feet are likewise betters your chances at the dance floor; with impressive moves, you can dazzle anyone. The improved sense of balance and coordinated movements is the sixth reason we should work out.
Lastly, there are a myriad of accompanying benefits keeping fit brings. Additional advantages include: improved blood circulation, enhanced bodily functions, the establishment of a stronger respiratory system, and of course, a (hopefully) whistle-bait figure (it's trim of unwanted fats in the least). That is total body conditioning - what more can one ask for?
Indeed, exercise has numerous benefits. There are various kinds of working out too, which should make choosing the type of activity you'd like to undertake easy and fun. Even seemingly non-active endeavors like Tai Chi can burn calories while encouraging proper breathing and relaxing the muscles and mind.
However, certain precautions must be taken when involved in physical activities. One research in Finland shows that walking and running can bring about sciatica. Accordingly, the repeated strain on the piriformis muscle compresses the sciatic nerve. Still, this risk can be ameliorated by using the right equipment and shoes, stretching, proper warming up and cooling down exercises, and receiving instruction form a qualified coach. It is a good idea to team up with medical professionals and sports trainers if one is to undertake professional walking or running.
In the end, no one can dispute the gains reaped from a proper work out. Indeed, exercising each day can keep the sciatic pains away.
posted by Healthy Life at 8:42 PM
