Protect Health
Protect Health – Protect Yourself for the Future
Archive for August 2010
Aug 27 2010
Information On Womens Hair Loss
Introduction
A popular misconception is that only men suffer from hair loss. A related fallacy is that only a very small percentage of women experience hair loss. Both assertions are not true; it is estimated that six out of ten women will undergo some degree of hair loss. This process is even more devastating for women because it seems that it is not as prevalent (as hair loss in men) and a womans beauty is closely tied in with lustrous, full-looking hair.
Probably one of the most traumatic experiences that can affect a woman is losing her hair. Baldness occurs when hairs begin to fall out (which is normal- about 100-150 per day), but do not grow back. Science is still tackling with exact reasons for the start of the process, but we know that genetic predisposition, aging, and diet are closely (if not directly) related.
Reasons for Hair Loss
Genetic hair loss and increased shedding (chronic telogen effluvium) is responsible for the majority of hair loss grievances by women (up to 95% before menopause). Unlike men, women are more likely to experience thinning from behind the front hairline to the crown.
There are two types of hair loss: telogen effluvium and anagen effluvium. The latter is due to medications or processes such as chemotherapy. The former is due to an abnormal number of hair follicles being in the resting stage. The following are reasons for telogen effluvium:
- Stress on the body due to surgery, illness, anemia, rapid change in weight, etc.
- Stress on the mind due to mental illness, death, depression, etc.
- Thyroid abnormalities
- Medications such as high doses of Vitamin A, blood pressure pills, gout medications, etc.
- Hormonal causes such as birth control pills, pregnancy, and menopause
The following could be reasons for temporary hair loss:
- Too little protein or iron in the diet
- Alopecia areata
- Traumatic stress or illness
- Childbirth
- Ringworm
When these above causes are remedied, a return of normal hair growth will follow.
Diet
A good, healthy, and well-balanced diet contributes to voluminous hair. Large amounts of vitamin A should be avoided. Protein and iron rich foods will contribute to healthy hair. Vegetarians and Vegans often may be targets for hair loss because of their modified diets. Protein, iron, and zinc supplements should be ingested on a daily basis if you are a vegan or vegetarian.
Physical and Emotional Stress
Undergoing severe illness and emotional stress can contribute to hair loss. The body begins to break down and normal functioning is altered. The body knows that hair production is not vital to survival, so it will devote its energies elsewhere and in effect create hair loss. In most cases there is a three month delay between an event and the advent of hair loss. It may take up to three months for hair to grow back after the resolution of a traumatic event.
Health conditions such as anemia, low blood count, and thyroid abnormalities attribute to hair loss. These conditions can be combated and can easily be indicated by a blood test.
Hormonal Change
Hormonal changes can cause hair loss in women. Pregnancy and the discontinuation of birth control pills can cause hair loss. When a woman is pregnant their levels of the hormone progesterone becomes high and causes hair to be in a dormant state. When hormone levels re-balance, the woman will experience re-growth of the hair. Ironically, when a woman undergoes restoration, she will see a great deal of hair falling out. This is the dormant hair being replaced by healthier, fuller hair.
Remedies
- A well balanced diet including foods high in protein and iron
- Regular doctor check ups
- Counseling for stress (especially after a traumatic event)
- Hair weaves, changing hair style, and or wigs.
- Hair transplants
- Minoxidil (Rogaine)
The good news is that if you are experiencing hair loss, most likely the cause can be remedied. It is up to each woman to take care of herself and be proactive to fight hair loss. Because it takes some time to overcome and re-grow hair after many of the instances of hair loss, finding a great looking wig is suggested, so that you will not experience a lack of confidence and cause more stress (which is bad for the hair) while your hair is growing back.
Aug 20 2010
Hurricane Aftermath Health & Safety Tips
With the record-setting hurricane season of 2005, it is never too soon to begin preparing for the 2006 season, which has been predicted to have an above average number of hurricanes.
EHA has over 25 years of experience with mold related matters and can assist you with assessment of the property and your health concerns.
EHAs teams of qualified professionals are ready to respond immediately with offices in West Palm Beach and Tampa Bay, Florida.
Please feel free to contact us at 561-965-0250 in West Palm Beach, 813-236-8220 in Tampa Bay or via our corporate offices in Baltimore at 800-969-1441.
As public health consultants, our first concern is for the health and safety of the people who suffer through these unfortunate events. The potential for disease outbreaks and serious injury loom far after the threat of a major hurricane. As such, people affected by major weather events of catastrophic size must first be prepared to deal with the following conditions so critical to human survival including food, water and shelter.
* Infectious diseases and chemical exposure Diseases such as typhoid and cholera are associated with the consumption of contaminated food and water supplies due to flooding of sewers and sewage systems. Viral and parasitic diseases such as Hepatitis A and Cryptosporidiosis can also become major threats to the publics health. Contaminated flood waters may also harbor toxic chemicals including pesticides and petroleum by-products.
* CO- Carbon Monoxide intoxication Precautions should be taken to ensure that adequate ventilation exists whenever running any gasoline powered engine such as, large pumps, generators or vehicles. Last year there were deaths associated with carbon monoxide intoxication in Florida.
* Safe food and water Often the most critical two items essential to survival, safe food and water are often in short supply during major catastrophes. Food that has not been properly refrigerated should not be consumed. Whenever possible, drink only boiled or bottled water. If boiling water is not practical, authorities recommend the use of chlorine bleach at a concentration of18 teaspoon per gallon of water, but be advised that some pathogenic organisms are resistant to this chemical treatment.
* Mosquito transmitted diseases Diseases such as Encephalitis and West Nile Virus can be of serious concern. Since most hurricanes occur during the summer months, when temperatures can be sweltering, the best line of defense is a mosquito repellant containing DEET or Picariin.
Long after a hurricane has passed, after basic survival has been assured and upon return to your property, the threat of mold looms. For this reason, we’ve listed our Emergency Prevention of Mold Damage & Property Damage recommendations below to help provide you with the first steps you should take to limit mold damage. More information about hurricane-related mold damage and safety tips is available at http:www.ehagroup.commoldhurricane.asp.
Aug 13 2010
Human Growth Hormone
Human Growth Hormone (HGH) or Somatotrophin is a protein which helps in growth and cell production in animals and humans. It is the hormone which is made naturally in the pituitary glands of humans. The pituitary gland is deep inside the brain just behind the eye. The hormone is made in the body throughout a persons life but the development of this hormone is more when the person is young. The human growth Hormone is a microscopic protein substance and is found secreted in short pulses after the exercise and during first hours of sleep. The hormone plays a very essential role in adult metabolism and growth of children.
The growth hormone as it indicates helps in th growth of the human body, it stimulates the liver and other tissues which in turn stimulates the growth of bone. The process of growing continues till the time when it has to i.e till the time a person reaches adult height. But the role of the growth hormone does not ends, then there will be normal level of human growth hormone that will maintain the balance throughout lifetime. Another function of Human Growth hormone is to control protein, carbohydrate and fat metabolism, and stimulates the growth of muscle tissue in cell reproduction. our lifestyle, diet, exercise, adequate sleep, stress levels will have great impact on the growth hormone and its capacity to function properly.
Normal growth and proper function will always keep the body fit but there are condition when there is excessive growth of this hormone or deficiency, both hampers the proper functioning of the body along with some adverse effects. If the level of HGH is increased in the body it results in Giantism in children where the growth is rapid and in continuation. Whereas in adults it results in Acromegaly, a disease in which the bones of the jaws, fingers and toes thickens which exerts presure on nerves, insulin resistance or a person can suffer from a rare form of type2 diabetes, this is not all a persom with increased growth hormone can have weak muscles and reduced sexual function. This condition is treated with medication which obstructs the release of human growth hormone.
When there is deficiency of growth hormone it results in stunted growth in children whereas the effects are mild in grown ups. They will experience muscle weakness, fatigue or weariness and inability to metabolize the fat. The deficiency of growth hormone can be treated with the supplements of human growth hormone. But in more sereve conditions the solution lies in surgery.
There are HGH injections ,HGH oral sprays and HGH supplements which are meant to fulfull the requirement of human growth hormone when the body is not able to produce it naturally. The growth hormone are said to be working as anti aging process, but the more advanced studies reveal that the evidence are inconclusive to prove that HGH reverse the process of aging. Prolong use or regular application of growth hormone will definitely have many side effects and long lasing ill effects on health.
Aug 6 2010
How To Keep Yourself Healthy While Traveling
Have you ever planned a trip weeks or maybe months in advance, but when the time comes to have fun, you get sick during the journey and have to spend your time alone in the hotel room? Of course, this is something that no one wants to experience. In this article, I will share with you a few tips for keeping yourself healthy at all times during your travels to prevent this unfortunate scenario from happening!
First, by doing some biking, aerobics or long walks, one is able to condition the muscles for those long tours. By obtaining information on the weather or climate so as to pack the right clothes for the trip and the condition of the drinking water are just some examples one can also work on. By purchasing water purification tablets before going to a place with suspect water sources, one is able to avoid getting any sickness from the water.
If one is taking medication, it is best to pack sufficient stock for the trip and must also check if the medication one is carrying is allowed in the place where one is going to avoid any problems with customs.
It is best to have a good meal before going on a long trip. Check-ins in airports is long and it will take some time before the airline gives the meals to its passengers.
On a long trip that could take hours by any mode of transportation, it is best from time to time to stretch or walk around to circulate the blood in the body. If you suffer from motion sickness while traveling, it is also advisable to take the proper medicine at least an hour before the trip for the medicine to take effect.
Water is important and if you are unsure of the tap water available, it is best to order bottled water from the establishment.
By taking these necessary precautions, you will be way ahead of most people in keeping yourself healthy (and safe!) throughout your trip!