Healthy Sleep Tips

Health & Insurance----Many people want a quality sleep. But high levels of stress in daily life sometimes makes people hard to get good sleep. Perform these steps to get healthy sleep.


When the body enters sleep stage nonrapid eye movement (NREM) in most of the night and the cycle of rapid eye movement (REM) are repeated every 90 minutes.


During sleep, the energy supplied to the brain and body that can support the level of performance during the day. Consistent sleep can improve immune system health and mental clarity, regulate hormone levels and feelings of well-being.


In order to obtain these benefits then someone should get a sound sleep, the following tips you can do to get healthy sleep, namely:


1. Adjust the sleep time with recommended guidelines for the age group.
Generally adults are encouraged to sleep 7-9 hours per night, school-age children get 10-11 hours per night, while pregnant women and older people need more time to sleep.


However, this condition can vary depending on the status of his health, as too much sleep is associated with medical and mental problems, but if too little inhibiting memory timing, performance and reactions.


2. Set the environment to support a soothing sleep.
The atmosphere is important to encourage a deep sleep. We recommend using a mattress, sheets and pillows are comfortable, the room is not bright, calm and temperatures are moderate.


3. Eat 2-3 hours before bedtime.
Avoid heavy meals close to bedtime because it can make no sleep. If you are vulnerable people hungry in the middle of the night or before bed, then give the low-sugar snacks and avoid spicy foods that can interfere with digestion. Snacks can be consumed a cup of oatmeal with no added sugar or low-fat yogurt.


4. Stop caffeine consumption and smoking at least 8 hours before bedtime.
Substances such as caffeine and nicotine are stimulants that interfere with and can make people nervous. Restless sleep will not rejuvenate the body in the next day but cause irregularities in the memory and decision making.


5. Plan your sleep schedule in daily activities.
Have the same sleep schedule every night helps the body to be ready for relaxation if it is close to bedtime. If you can not sleep try to do relaxing activities like reading books or listening to soft music.


6. Doing a short nap to rejuvenate the mind.
Napping helps recharge body and mind, but limit the time that is less than 30 minutes to avoid disruption of nighttime sleep schedule. And avoid naps past 3pm.
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Hand Washing Can Inhibit Hepatitis A

Health & Insurance----Transmission of hepatitis A cases occurred again. After dozens of students Padjajaran University in Bandung affected Hepatitis A, dozens of students at one school in Depok are also exposed to hepatitis A. One of the prevention of hepatitis A is by washing hands with soap.


"Interventions that are hygienic and sanitary needs such as washing hands with soap or use alcohol," said Minister of Health Dr. Endang Rahayu Sedyaningsih, MPH, DrPH, Thursday (10/11/2011).


Furthermore, she revealed the disease is caused by a virus so it can heal itself (self-limiting disease) continue to be monitored as long as the sufferer, getting adequate rest and good nutrition.


Hepatitis A is quite different in character with hepatitis B and C, so do not be mixed because it is an acute and complete. The most important thing of hepatitis A is treated properly to avoid complications.


Transmission of viral hepatitis A or hepatitis virus type A (HVA) usually via the fecal oral route, the virus is found in the feces. The virus is also easily transmitted through food or beverages that have been contaminated.


Hepatitis A is associated with a clean lifestyle. In many cases, hepatitis A infection never develop to severe hepatitis B or C so it will not cause liver cancer. Prevention for the Hepatitis A vaccination is also available for people who are at high risk.


In many cases, infection with hepatitis A never grow up as badly herpatitis B or C so it will not cause liver cancer. However, hepatitis A continues to be treated well because of reduced productivity for those who must be hospitalized.


There is no specific treatment for hepatitis A, because the infection usually resolves itself in 1-2 months. However, to reduce impact damage to the liver as well as speed up the healing process, some steps will be given following treatment while being treated in hospital.


1. Rest. The goal is to provide enough energy for your immune system in fighting infection.


2. Anti nausea. One impact of hepatitis A infection are nausea, which reduces appetite. This impact must be addressed because nutrition is very important in the healing process.


3. Rest your heart. Liver function is to metabolize the drugs are already used in the body. Because liver inflammation is experiencing pain, then drugs that do not need as well as alcohol and the like should be avoided during illness.
ReadmoreHand Washing Can Inhibit Hepatitis A

Insomnia Boost Risk of Heart Attack

Health & Insurance----People who have trouble sleeping have an increased risk of heart attack is higher. The relationship between insomnia and an increased risk of heart attacks is still unclear, but sleep disorders affect blood pressure and inflammation that could be a risk factor for heart attack.


"Insomnia is quite common and easily treated. It is important for people to realize the relationship between insomnia and heart attacks. We recommend that you consult with your doctor if you have a sleep disorder," said Dr. Lars Erik Laugsand, internists from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim.


Laugsand and his team collected data on nearly 53,000 men and women who participated in a national health survey in 1995 to 1997 and were asked to answer questions about his sleep habits. The researchers also identified nearly 2,400 people who suffered a first heart attack during the next 11 years.


The researchers found that people who have trouble sleeping nearly every day had a 45 percent increased risk of heart attack, compared with those without sleep disturbances.


In addition, people who have difficulty staying asleep have 30 percent higher risk of heart attack compared with those not having difficulty staying asleep. People who do not feel refreshed after a night's sleep also has a 27 percent increased risk of heart attack, compared with that felt fresh.


According to the researchers, 33 percent of the general population has at least one symptom of insomnia. In addition, previous studies have found a smaller association between heart disease and insomnia and high blood pressure and heart attacks.


This finding was limited and the causal relationship has not been proven. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and reveal the mechanisms that might cause such a relationship.


"Previous studies have yielded mixed results and is still not known whether sleep more soundly produce a healthy heart," said Dr.. Gregg Fonarow, professor of cardiology at the University of California, Los Angeles and a spokesman for the American Heart Association.


"One possible explanation for this finding is that all the metabolic processes in the body is governed by what is called a circadian rhythm that varies between sleep-wake cycle," said Dr. Edward A. Fisher, The Leon H. Charney Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City.


"It is known that the animal is disturbed rhythm sirkadiannya risk of changes in metabolism. If this happens in humans, are at increased risk of heart disease," said Fisher.
ReadmoreInsomnia Boost Risk of Heart Attack

Efficacy Edamame (Japanese soybeans)

Health & Insurance----Previously boiled soybeans are often considered a cheap meal. Those who consume these foods are also considered less modern. In fact, soy is a source of protein, fat, fiber, and antioxidants best.


With increasing knowledge of nutrition, soy is now back on the rise. Moreover since the popularity of edamame (Japanese soybeans) as a snack.


Edamame soybeans are harvested when just 80 percent mature. What distinguishes the edamame with other soybean seeds are larger, smoother texture, taste sweeter, and easier to digest.


Edamame contains antioxidants and isoflavones. Consumption of foods rich in antioxidants is associated with strengthening the body's immune system and reduce the risk of cancer.


Isoflavones are also shown to reduce the risk of prostate cancer and breast cancer, prevent heart disease, lowers blood pressure, and reduce disturbance during menopause.


Meanwhile, the protein content in the edamame reached 36 percent, much higher than mature soybeans. These snacks also contain a low oil. Combined with a high protein content, this snack is ideal for those seeking a low-fat snacks, but high in protein.


Vegetarians and vegans who want to get the protein sources are also advised to consume a complete edamame for protein content. This means it contains nine essential amino acids the body needs.


Edamame also contains no cholesterol and less saturated fat. These snacks are also rich in vitamins C and B. The content of other essential minerals like calcium, iron, or magnesium. He also contain vitamin K and folic acid.


Lastly, add the edamame in your diet will increase fiber intake. Half a cup of edamame contains 4 grams of fiber. Fiber content of the body needs to maintain a healthy digestive tract to lower cholesterol.


Another reason to eat edamame is he making the stomach feel full longer.
ReadmoreEfficacy Edamame (Japanese soybeans)

7 Cancer Associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Health & Insurance----A person suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) was also at risk of suffering from some certain types of cancer. This can occur due to treatment or due to inflammation caused by this disease. However, you need not worry too much about this because the stakes are fairly low. Things you need to do is remain vigilant and not have to feel too anxious.


"The risk of all this is very, very low. When you see the number of events, relative risk seen higher, but the actual risk is very low," said Stanley Cohen, MD, clinical professor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School.


Rheumatoid Arthritis is a type of autoimmune disease characterized progressive inflammation of the joints. Rheumatoid Arthritis is a disease that is rarely found in Indonesia, with a prevalence of about 0.1 to 0.3 percent in adulthood.


This disease can actually affect all ages, but the risk would be increased in adult age, where women are among a greater risk that is up to 3 to 4 fold.


Rheumatoid Arthritis is also often called the thief of life because of its impact extraordinary, ranging from losses from the economic side, discomfort, disability, disability and death. Joint damage usually occurs in the first six months of this disease and disability will occur 2 to 3 years when not being treated.


According to Cohen, individuals who suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis have also been associated with risk (lower) experienced some type of cancer the following:


1. Lung cancer
RA has been associated with risk of lung cancer. Research shows people with RA (smokers) are at higher risk of lung cancer. Although it is known, in people with RA non-smokers also have an increased risk of lung cancer (smaller).


"By not smoking, the numbers will be very small. But still there is a higher risk because of inflammation and scarring in the lungs caused by RA," said Marc Hochberg, MD, MPH, chief of the Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology at the University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore.


2. Skin cancer
Research shows that melanoma - the most dangerous type of skin cancer - more common in people who use TNF inhibitor drugs, possibly because these drugs suppress the immune system.


A 2007 study found that people with RA using TNF inhibitors have twice the risk of suffering from melanoma, rather than RA patients not taking TNF.


3. Myeloma
Multiple myeloma is a relatively rare form of cancer - which affects white blood cells called plasma cells. According to research in 2008, people with RA seem to have a slightly higher risk (17 percent) had myeloma.


Dr. Hochberg said, people suffering from RA for long periods of time can produce antibodies that are associated with an excess of protein in the blood, a condition called hyperglobulinemia. This can sometimes develop into multiple myeloma, a disease characterized by the abnormal production of plasma cells.


4. Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a cancer (malignant) of the lymphatic system (lymph nodes). Two main types of lymphoma are Hodgkin's Lymphoma (more often called Hodgkin's Disease) and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.


A 2003 study involving more than 76,000 RA patients in Sweden found, they have 2-3 times higher risk of suffering from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and Hodgkin's disease than people without RA. In addition, a 2006 study found that people with the most severe symptoms of RA are at highest risk of suffering from lymphoma.


5. Leukemia
A Finnish study of nearly 12,000 men and 35,000 women found a higher risk of leukemia in men with RA, but no significant increase in women with RA.


Dr. Hochberg said the relationship between leukemia and RA and is a rather rare complication associated with immunosuppressive therapy such as Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide) and Azasan (azathioprine), which is used to treat RA.


6. Breast and colorectal cancer
People who develop RA appear to have little advantage, because they turned out to have less risk of developing breast cancer and colorectal cancer, than those who do not suffer from RA.


According to Dr. Hochberg, not known exactly why this could occur. But perhaps because many RA patients are often taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or anti-pain medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, which contribute in preventing inflammation. This was allegedly able to reduce the risk of cancer.


7. Prostate Cancer
Long term use of NSAIDs (anti-pain medications) also may reduce the risk of death in men with RA who developed prostate cancer.


A study of nearly 100,000 prostate cancer patients in Sweden who served in the American Society of Clinical Oncology found that 12 percent reduced risk of death in men with RA than those without RA. Men who were hospitalized for treatment of RA is six times more likely to use NSAIDs, so it has the lowest mortality rates.
Readmore7 Cancer Associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis