HIV Cure - British Man May Be the First Patient Cured of the Disease

There’s no cure for HIV. But after the Sunday Times reported that a British man was cured of HIV using a therapy discovered by a team of scientists from the UK, an HIV treatment could just be around the corner. 

The British man is a 44-year-old person who’s part of the 50 individuals who participated in the trial treatment. The treatment is designed to target the disease even in its dormant stage. 

Presently, the HIV is undetectable in the patient’s blood. Scientists said that if it remains that way, he’ll be the first person to be cured. This case is one of the first attempts at finding a cure for this disease. Although it’s still early to say that it’s indeed an HIV cure, the progress is considered as remarkable. 

The HIV cure trial is being undertaken by scientists from several universities, such as Oxford, Imperial College Lond, King’s College London, Cambridge, and University College London. 

Why is it unfathomable to find the cure for this disease? 

One of the reasons HIV is complicated to treat is that it targets the patient’s immune system. It joins with the DNA of T-cells. As a result, the cells will ignore the disease. They also become viral factories that reproduce the virus. 

Current treatments are being used. They’re known as the anti-retroviral therapies. They target the process of the virus replicating. Unfortunately, they can’t spot infected T-cells that are still in the dormant stage. 

The latest treatment, however, works in two phases. The first step involves a vaccine that assists the body in recognizing those infected T-cells. From there, it can start clearing them out. Then, a new drug called Vorinostat is introduced. It activates the dormant T-cells. In that way, they’ll be seen by the immune system. 

In the UK, there are over 100,000 patients with this condition. But 17 percent of them don’t know that they have this condition. Worldwide, there are 37 million people infected with it. 

It’d be great if HIV cure would be discovered. The British man said that his blood test was taken two weeks ago and the virus couldn't be found. For him, it’s a massive achievement if it’s indeed a cure. 

This therapy aimed to clear the system of all HIV viruses. As mentioned earlier, the treatment includes even those dormant ones. Scientists working on this cure said that the treatment worked in the laboratory and they’re positive that it’ll work in humans. However, they admitted that this discovery is still a long way from the actual HIV cure. 

The medical tests will still continue for the next five years. At the moment, the scientists don’t recommend patients with HIV to cease from taking ART (anti-retroviral therapies). 

There’s only one person who has ever been cured of the disease. This patient received a stem cell transplant in 2008 from a patient who’s naturally immune to HIV. 

Currently, a drug that can cure HIV isn't available yet. With the results of this study, it looks promising because it doesn't just suppress the virus, but it also eradicates it. 

Type 2 Diabetes Diet: Recommended Food Options

Type 2 diabetes diet is designed for individuals with this type of medical condition. Individuals with this disease requires good nutrition. 

For doctors, good nutrition is regarded as a medicine in its own right. 

Patients with type 2 diabetes must rigorously monitor their blood glucose levels, which are all affected by the sugars and starches that they consume. But what should be included in type 2 diabetes diet? Let’s find out. 

High-Fiber Content

Eating high soluble fiber, in particular, can help. Even if you don’t have diabetes but you’re concerned that you might develop it, fiber should be included in your diet. 

Fiber reduces your digestive system in metabolizing carbohydrates and transforming them into glucose. By slowly metabolizing carbs, it can prevent sudden flood of glucose into your bloodstream. Instead, glucose will be slowly and steadily introduced into the blood. 

Oats, avocados, sweet potatoes, and oranges contain high-amount of soluble fiber. 

If you’re not yet used to eating high amount of fiber, it’s important to slowly introduce it to your diet. 

In order to prevent gas, bloating, and cramps, you should increase your water intakes. 

Fluid 

In addition to fiber, your type 2 diabetes diet must include consumption of more fluid. Diabetics are prone to dehydration. When there’s too much sugar in the blood, your kidneys will try to get rid of it through urine. 

Although it’s essential that you increase your fluid intake, you should avoid taking in sweet options as they can only increase your blood sugar. 

Health experts don’t recommend fizzy drinks, sports drinks and sweetened fruit drinks. 

Even if you don’t have diabetes, you should only take these drinks sparingly. Regular consumption of these beverages is linked to type 2 diabetes. 

How about protein?

The American Diabetes Association advises patients with diabetes to consume only lean proteins that are low in saturated fat. These would include fish and turkey. You should eat at least two servings of seafood every week. Some fish can offer additional benefits to achieve a healthy heart. 

Deli meats and hot dogs are worst options when it comes to type 2 diabetes diet. The reason for this is that they contain high amount of sodium, which would increase your risk of high blood pressure. Hypertension can lead to heart attack and stroke. They’re two complications of diabetes. That said, it’s necessary that you avoid those foods and have your blood pressured checked regularly. 

What fruits should you consume? 

Your best options should be fresh fruits. They can easily conquer your sweet cravings. They don’t only contain fiber but they’re also rich in antioxidants. Berries can leave you more satisfied. 

Fruits that are canned in syrup are your worst options. Dried fruits have high amount of sugar. If you opt for fruit juices, you should only consume them in moderation as they’re still high in sugar. Plus, they don’t have the same nutrition content as the whole fruit. 

Type 2 diabetes diet doesn’t really have to be strict. What’s important here is to monitor all your portions for foods that contain high carbohydrates. And don’t forget to exercise. 

Talk to your doctor about the best food options for your medical condition.

Surgical Technology in the Philippines – A Look at 3D and Da Vinci Surgery

Will Da Vinci Surgical Technology Be Popular in the Philippines?

The future of surgical technology means no more incisions. That said, there are no more reasons for patients to go under the knife, when surgery is necessary.

St. Luke’s Medical Center is one of the well-known hospitals, not just in the Philippines, but also in Asia. Recently, they introduced the 3D laparoscopic surgery.

This is not only ideal for complex procedures but patients who just need simple surgery can take advantage of this latest surgical technology at said hospital.

This surgical technology can be performed on biliary, adrenal, hernia and colorectal, among others. If you opt for it, it means less scars.

Hospitalization will also be shorter. Plus, it is safer than the old surgical method.

What is 3D laparoscopic surgery?

It involves the use of various 3D instruments during the procedure. The surgeon utilizes a 3D monitor to look into the patient’s body cavity.

With this advanced surgical technology, doctors will have better viewing of the operative field. As a result, they can make precise and accurate procedure.

Thus, errors involving poor depth perception can be prevented.

• The 3D image offers excellent perception.
• For surgeons, it means better accuracy and greater precision.
• The operating time is also faster. It will be easier for the surgeons to navigate to the targeted organ.
• Apart from improving the operation’s length of time, surgeons can also work more confidently.

Surgeons at St. Luke’s who will perform the latest laparoscopic surgical technology utilize Dr. Camscope 3D laparoscopic system from Sometech.

The system involves 3D binocular laparascope in navigating the surgical site. Then, doctors will use medical-grade glasses with 3D technology. It is like watching movies in 3D.

The only difference is that doctors are using dark sunglasses that are of medical-grade.

When doctors utilize the 3D monitor, they can easily see the target organ in real distance. The enhanced vision reduces surgical errors, significantly.

The use of this surgical technology has become a trend worldwide.

In the Philippines, there are only a few hospitals that utilize such technology. Unfortunately, Davao Doctor’s Hospital does not have one yet.

What Philippine surgeons are saying about this surgical technology?

Surgeons in the Philippines prefer this future technology than the old method or the 2D technology because of the enhanced imaging.

It is not only limited to gastroenterology but other specialties can also take advantage of it, including urology and gynecology.

It was only in 1993 that the minimally invasive surgical operation, like laparoscopic surgery, was introduced. This future technology brought a great shift in surgery – from an open incision to a simple incision method.

This advanced surgical technology allows men and women to undergo surgical operation with little down time. It means that they can go back to their work, a day or a few days after the operation.

Some patients think that this surgical technology no longer needs surgeons to perform the procedure. But the role of surgeons in this type of procedure is imperative.

Just like the older method, surgeons will still have stand beside the patient to operate them. This would still cause fatigue to the surgeon while performing the procedure.

The overall procedure is considered counterintuitive to the brain. When the doctor inserts the instrument into the abdomen of the patient, the tip goes forward, while the doctor moves the instrument backward.

If it must go left, the doctor must go right. Surgeons are moving the instrument inside the patient’s body while looking at a 3D monitor.

Because of this counterintuitive movement, it took a long time for doctors to get used to it. In fact, there are only a few hundreds of surgeons who are qualified and certified to perform this type of surgical operation.

But the introduction of Da Vinci Robot offers surgeons to easily carry out invasive procedures. The best thing about this surgical technology is that it only requires one to two centimeters incisions.

Features of Da Vinci

The entire machine consists of console, patient cart and vision system.

During the operation, your surgeon navigates and operates while sitting comfortably at the console. He/she views a 3D image of your body’s interior. While operating, your doctor utilizes master controls. They work like forceps.

The Da Vinci surgical technology responds to any type of input your doctor is making. And it responds in real-time. Any wrist or finger movements will be translated into precise movements.

The patient’s cart of Da Vinci can hold up to three EndoWrist instruments, plus a 3D camera. Your doctor uses the EndoWrist instrument to make precise control within your body.

But these instruments are not the only ones being used by surgeons. Instead, there are wide range of instrument types to help them perform the task with precision, accuracy and better control.

Are there complications?

The future of surgical technology may improve the results of a procedure. But it still comes with serious complications. Anything can happen during the operation.

The most serious is death.

Serious complications associated with this type of surgical technology will include the following:

• Bleeding
• Injury to the target organ or surround tissues/organs
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Internal scarring which can result in long-lasting pain

The complications can be the result of human error or equipment failure. Hence, it is important to only undergo such operation with a qualified physician.

Those who underwent minimally invasive surgery trough Da Vinci surgical technology system may have the following risks:

• Temporary pain as a result of positioning
• Temporary discomfort from gas during procedure
• Longer operation, which is especially true if your surgeon needs to change from one surgical operation to another surgical technique.

If you are not a good candidate of non-robotic surgical operation, you are also not a good candidate for this type of surgical technology.

There are only 3,000 Da Vinci robots installed and being used all over the world. Most of them are in the US. And there is only one in the Philippines.

When it was approved by the FDA to be used for prostatectomies, a rapid decline in open surgery for the removal of the male prostate was seen.

In the US, 87% percent of prostatectomies are done robotically. But this is not the same in the Philippines. The reason for this is that most patients still prefer the open-wound method because, well, it is cheaper.

However, whether it is performed in the Philippines or not, the complications associated with it must be taken into account.

According to some researchers at the John Hopkins in 2013, some doctors performing Da Vinci surgery did not report or underreport the complications with this surgical technology.

Between 2000 and 2012, there were incidents that occurred in relation to this technology. Some of them involved several deaths and injuries.

In fact, some patients in the US are suing the manufacturer of this robotic technology. They claimed that the product is faulty and must not be on the market.

One man reported to have a routine prostatectomy but he ended up spending 13 hours in the OR, instead of the five hours as he was quoted. To add insult to the injury, he was left incontinent. He also suffered from kidney and lung damage.

Before he passed away, he had sepsis and stroke.

Then another woman was reported undergoing endometriosis through this surgical technology. For nearly 11 hours, she remained in the OR. Then, a few days after the surgery, she was rushed to the ER.

Doctors discovered that she had torn rectum and colon because of this robotic surgical technology.

Surgeons all over the world who performed with Da Vinci said that they experienced serious malfunctions when they used such machine. The FDA revealed that there were one third deaths being reported to them during gynecological procedures.

How much will it cost for you to undergo this type of surgical technology?

According to St. Luke’s Medical Center, the entire cost can be around PHP500,000. To get more people interested in this type of technology, said hospital is offering a promo that let patients take advantage of it a more affordable price.

You can say that it is twice or thrice the price of a laparoscopic surgery. But some would say that it is all worth it.

One of the reasons patients would opt for it is the shorter time it would take for them to stay in the hospital. They will not only be living with a big scar. Thus, most of the patients in the entertainment industry would go for it. Some patients who are following tight work schedules would find this option a more practical choice.

Is the price of this surgical technology cheaper?

You may think that PHP500,000 is a very expensive rate. But, if you compare it to other countries, our rate here is a lot cheaper.

This is why some patients from the US and other parts of the world are coming  here to take advantage of this service. Although it is not yet included in our country’s medical tourism, some people in the government are looking into its benefits.

Still, it is an expensive technology for an average Filipino. This may be the reason DDH is not yet considering it because each robot can cost around $1 million. But the cost will depend on the model. Replacements of its parts can go around $1,500.

Then, the hospital has to pay around $140,000 to maintain it. That said, not all hospitals are opting for it. Doctors are also needed to be trained to perform robotic surgery, which is an additional expense to them.

The extra cost of this equipment and maintaining it will be, of course, passed on to the patient. So, if the ovarian cyst removal will only cost less than PHP 50,000 through traditional laparoscopic surgery, the robotic surgical technology can go three times more than that.

In a Columbian study, researchers revealed that robotic surgical technology costs more than the regular surgical operation. And the complications are greater than opting for the regular minimally invasive surgery.

The makers of this technology are making billions of dollars for one robot. Unfortunately, there is the lack of clinical evidence that this type of technology is more superior than the traditional method.

Nevertheless, the popularity continues to grow. In fact, in 2011, the use of it has increased more than 200 percent of what has been predicted.

If you were to ask a regular person in the Philippines, he/she will just opt for the traditional surgery. Even though it has been predicted that robotic surgical technology will grow exponentially, it may not peak here in the Philippines, where most people are receiving an average salary.

Unless you belong to the elite, your pocket may not be able to handle the overall cost.

It is true that robotic surgical technology is here to stay. But its advantages are only appropriate for those who can afford it.

Newer upgrades will come in to improve its flexibility. They may also reduce the bulkiness of the machine. As a result, surgeons will have better versatility while performing operation. But the overall cost will or may not go down.

This type of surgical technology was once thought to be a science fiction. It was once believed to be a technological stuff that you would only see on Star Trek or Star Wars. But this technology is now a reality.

However, no matter how real it is, the income of Filipinos may not be able to endure the expensive cost of the technology.

Still, this is a wonderful opportunity for us to experience how easy it is to undergo a surgical operation. Hopefully, St. Luke’s Medical Center will offer huge discount to it. And that discount will allow us, regular people, to pay for this expensive technology.

Some insurance companies may not cover it. This is another disadvantage.

If you do have the money to undergo such operation, then by all means take that opportunity. However, make sure that you are a good candidate for it. Bear in mind that not all patients can embrace the benefits of robotic surgical technology, even if they can afford it.

References:

• http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/09/09/new-concerns-on-robotic-surgeries/?_r=1
• http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007339.htm

Eyes: What are the Changes in Your Eyes That You Must Pay Attention To?

Our eyes are a window to our soul. They allow us to see the beauty of our surroundings and the people around us.

Because our eyes play an important role in how we deal with life, let’s take care of them.

If there are changes in their appearances, they can be a sign of an underlying medical problem.

What are these changes?

Yellow spots on eyelids

They can be a sign that your blood cholesterol levels are high. They’re called as xanthelasma or cholesterol-filled lesions. If you have them, then you may have a high risk of developing a heart disease.

You may be more likely to have a heart attack or develop hardening of the arteries.

Eye bags

They could be a sign of chronic allergies. Allergies can cause dilation of blood vessels causing them to leak.

Grey ring

It’s a thin grey ring that appears around the edge of your cornea. Grey ring is a warning sign of high cholesterol and triglycerides. This is also a sign that you’re at high risk to have heart attack or stroke.

Bulging eyes

They are a warning sign that you have an overactive thyroid or hyperthyroidism. Having bulging eyes or exophthalmos is a common sign of Grave’s disease. When you have this type of disease, you’re also experiencing nervousness, weight loss and irregular pulse that’s rapid.

If you see these changes in your eyes, better consult an ophthalmologist. For eyesight protection, read this. Or take this to prevent macular degeneration.

Oesteoarthritis – The Number of Steps to Take to Prevent it

Osteoarthritis can cause debilitating pain, i.e. if you don’t seek medical treatment. While you’re still young, you can prevent this disease from haunting you.

How?

In a study published by the Arthritis Care and Research, it showed that those who made extra 1000 steps each day had decreased their risk of having osteoarthritis by 17%.

The researchers who conducted such study recommended a minimum of 6,000 steps a day, i.e. walking for about an hour, to provide you with utmost protection against osteoarthritis or any type of disability.

To assist you in making 6,000 steps a day to prevent osteoarthritis (which can be difficult for some), you may need the help of your favorite music. 

It’s said that those who listen to music while walking or exercising tend to focus not on the physical activity but the fun associated with it.

With mere pleasure of listening to music, you’re less likely to get a snack right after walking. You’re not only preventing yourself to suffer from osteoarthritis but you’re also avoiding gaining weight.

Should you wear a fitness tracker to monitor your steps? Well, it’s really up to you. The most important thing here is to achieve the required steps.

Source:

http://www.webmd.com/arthritis/news/20140612/can-6000-steps-a-day-keep-knee-arthritis-at-bay  

Mental Health Counselor – Tips on Finding the Right Provider

It’s not easy to find mental health counselor that you can trust. This is especially true if you don’t know the counselor that fits your specific needs.

To help you get started, here are some tips as you search for the best provider.

Know the type of provider that you need

Mental health providers provide treatment right after diagnosing a patient with a mental health condition. Some of them have taken/completed master’s degree while others have undergone advanced training. Either you go for the former or the latter, you must choose the one who is licensed to provide you with mental health services.

A mental health counselor can be a psychiatrist. He/she is a licensed medical doctor who specializes in mental health. He/she can handle mental health cases of child, adolescent and geriatric. Even addiction psychiatry can be provided by this type of doctor.

Another person you can go to is a psychologist. He/she isn’t a medical doctor. But he/she is trained to handle thoughts and emotions, as well as behaviors of his/her patients. A psychologist holds a Ph.D, a Psy. D., or a Ed.D. But a psychologist can’t prescribe medicine, unless he/she is also a medical doctor.

A psychiatric-mental health nurse can also be considered a mental health counselor. He/she is a registered nurse. The only difference from that of a regular nurse is that he/she underwent rigorous training in mental health issues. He/she can diagnose, treat and assess mental illnesses. As regards to prescribing medicines, he/she must be an advanced practice nurse.

Try considering some factors

Although it’s okay to go to a provider who can treat a range of mental health conditions, it’s best to seek mental health counseling from a person who is trained to treat or diagnose your specific condition.

This means that if you have an eating disorder, the mental health counselor that you need is a psychologist. Marital problems can be consulted with a licensed marriage counselor. And so on and so forth.

If your condition is complicated, then you have to consider getting counseling from the person who is an expert in the field and who underwent training for your condition.

Find out if you need medication

As previously mentioned, some of those counselors cannot prescribe medicine. But just because you have mental health disorder doesn’t mean you need medicine. However, if you do need medicine, you should consider consulting with a mental health counselor who is licensed to prescribe the right medicine for you.

Get to know your insurance

Not all insurance providers will cover fees of mental health counselor. If your insurance can cover it, you should look into its list of specific providers that are covered.

As soon as you know that your condition can be covered by your insurance provider, it is a must that you get to know the policy, your benefits, as well as your limits.

Whether the consultation fees and medicines are covered by your insurance policy or not, you need to make sure that the mental health counselor you choose is trained and licensed to practice in this field. You must pick a counselor that you can establish a good relationship. In this way, you can easily maximize your treatment.

Dental Clinics In Davao City

Here is a list of dental clinics or dentists in the city of Davao:

1. Noeme Abellar 
Telephone number: 227-2329
Address: 105-A Pichon

2. Alojado Dental Clinic
Telephone number: 221-0928
Address: Lapu-lapu Street, Davao City

3. Pinky Daisy Ancog
Telephone number: 221-0966
Address: Paseo De Legaspi

4. Andres Dental Clinic
Telephone number: 227-1741
Address: Central Plaza Building, Davao City

5. Bacus Dental Clinic
Telephone number: 305-2081
Address: Skylite Arcade Davao City

6. Jossie gloria Balignot
Telephone number: 221-2100
Address: C.M. Recto Avenue, Davao City

7. Bautista Orthodontic Clinic - General Dentistry and Orthodontics
Telephone number: 221-5724
Address: JP Laurel Avenue, Davao City

8. June Buenaventura 
Telephone number: 224-1664
Address: Aldevinco Shopping Center, Davao City

9. Dental Magic Oral Care - Orthodontics and Aesthetic Dentistry
Telephone number: 298-4964
Mobile number: 63-920-636-5584
Address: Eco-West Drive Davao City

10. Dental Point Clinic - Pediatric Dentistry, Oral Surgery, Dental Implants
Telephone number: 227-8188
Address: Palma Gil, Davao City

11. Ma. Cristina Domingo
Telephone number: 224-6220
Address: Davao Doctors Medical Tower

12. E De Jesus Dental Office
Telephone number: 221-4040
Address: 10 Mt. Mayon Street, Davao City

13. Gentle Dental Care - Dentistry for children, Aesthetic dentistry, Endodontics, Orthodontics and oral surgery, and Treatment for gum and bone disease. 
Telephone number: 221-8486 and 282-1534

14. San Vicente Dental Clinic
Telephone number: 227-1535
Mobile number: 63-919-637-5163
Note: I highly recommend Dr. San Vicente to treat your tooth problems. 

If you dial outside Davao City, the area code you must use is 082. 
If you want your dental clinic to be included in the list, please submit your contact information through the comment section. 

DDS Dentist - How Can A Dentist Help In Your Child's Teeth Development?

As early six months of age, you must bring your child to a DDS dentist. This is to prevent any small problems from becoming big concerns. Thumb-sucking may be a common scenario among infants but it could create serious problems later on. Keep in mind that a baby who sucks his/her thumb is more likely to suffer from malformed teeth or bite problems. Baby bottle tooth decay can also be prevented if you let your infant be seen by a DDS dentist as early as possible. If it is left untreated, it can lead to premature decay, which can greatly affect your baby's future teeth.

How to alleviate thumb-sucking? 
Dentists do recommend letting your baby suck on a teething ring. Or you may rub his/her gums using a small spoon or your clean finger. Pacifiers may also be used for babies under 4 years old. They can relieve gum pain and alleviate suckling problems. However, pacifiers are strongly discouraged after the age of 4. This is because they can interfere with the teeth development of your child.

When will the primary teeth be seen? 
Primary set of teeth can be seen by the age of 3. These teeth are replaced by permanent teeth by the age of 12. When your child has a full set of 28 permanent teeth, it is important that you teach your child how to take care of them to avoid becoming diseased. If their primary teeth have become diseased, their permanent replacements may suffer the same fate. Therefore, it is a must that you allow your child to see a DDS dentist as early as possible.

Is it okay to brush baby's gums and teeth using a toothbrush? 
Yes. But make sure that you use an infant toothbrush that can fit over your finger. Instead of using toothpaste, you must utilize water. You must avoid fluoride toothpaste until your child reaches the age of 2. Use a pea-sized portion of toothpaste and teach your kid to spit it out when finished.

Are fluoride toothpaste enough? 
To keep your child's teeth as healthy as possible, you must use a toothpaste high in fluoride. Thankfully, most public drinking systems have fluoride in it. However, you may try asking your dentist about fluoride supplements for your child.

How to relieve toothaches? 
DDS dentist recommends rinsing your child's mouth with a solution of warm water and table salt. It can relieve the pain. However, if the pain still persists, your child may take acetaminophen or you may contact his/her dentist.

You must teach your child how to take care of his/her teeth as early as six months. There are plenty of DDS dentists who know how to deal with children's teeth development and they can help your kids deal with any tooth problems.

I recommend: 
Exercise Diabetes - Tips To Help You Start Working Out
Diets And Foods For Diabetics - 5 Facts You Must Know
Diabetes Prevention - Tips To Effectively Prevent Or Control Diabetes
Teeth Whitening Toothpaste Is Not Advisable For Me
Medifast Weight Loss Plan - 3 Side Effects That You Must Know While On This Program 

Exercise Diabetes - Tips To Help You Start Working Out

Exercise diabetes is essential if you have this type of medical condition. Even if you are suffering with diabetes complications, you can carry out some exercises to help lower your blood sugar levels and be able to lose weight. If you have not exercised in years, then it is highly likely that you consider any workout routine to be intimidating. But, according to doctors, it is perfectly all right to start slow and work your way up. To help you get started, here are some tips provided by experts from the endocrinology department.

1. Increase your physical activity
Do not just focus on a particular type of exercise. Instead, you must concentrate on increasing your overall activity, be it walking or climbing stairs. But, according to fitness experts, you must not depend on the household chores as your sole exercise. Rather, you must think about the amount of exercise you are getting and the amount of calories you are consuming.

2. Use a pedometer. 
By using this gadget, you can increase your physical activity by 27%. This is according to a study conducted in 2007. To achieve it, you must aim for 10,000 steps, which is equivalent to five miles.

If you are trying to lose weight, then a pedometer can also be a good weight loss gadget as people who utilize it tend to lose more weight than those who do not use it.

3. Exercise with a friend. 
Having a friend by your side when working out is an important motivator. This is especially true if you are over 60 years old. You may set up an exercise contract with your buddy to further help you deal with exercise diabetes.

4. Reward the good things you have accomplished. 
When you have reached your goals, you must remember to reward yourself. But do not consider it as an emotional reward. Rather, focus on the health benefits that exercise diabetes can do for you, such as increasing your energy levels or enjoying the outdoors.

5. Avoid setting your goals too high. 
You will likely to achieve your goals if you start small. That means, you need to set up easily attainable goals that you can gradually increase them in the next few days or months.

6. Obtain an exercise diabetes prescribed by a fitness expert or an exercise physiologist. 
A fitness expert, for instance, knows how to measure your fitness level and prescribe you with a specific exercise according to your level.

What other exercise diabetes routines can your recommend?

I recommend: 
Diets and Foods For Diabetics - 5 Facts You Must Know
Diabetes Prevention - Tips To Effectively Prevent Or Control Diabetes
Carbs On - 4 Simple Ways To Choose The Right Carbohydrates
Calories In To - 4 Simple Ways To Cut Calorie Intake
Food Recipes: 3 Healthier Food Alternatives

Diets And Foods For Diabetics - 5 Facts You Must Know

Diets and foods are important for patients with diabetes. If you have this kind of condition, then you should know about the importance of eating right. According to medical experts, there are no such thing as special diets and foods for diabetics. These are not necessary. This is because a diabetes diet only means having a healthy eating plan that consists of nutrients and low in fat. Here are facts that you must be aware of about diets and foods for diabetics.

1. You can still enjoy your favorite treats. 
There is no need for you to avoid all sugars. You can still eat your favorite treats. This means that you can still consume desserts. However, they must be combined with exercise. Also, you must remember to eat in moderation.

2. Following diets and foods high in protein is not always the best. 
According to medical studies, eating too much protein can cause insulin resistance. Instead of focusing on a high-protein diet, you must follow a healthy diet that consists of protein, carbohydrates and fats. These elements are all necessary so that your body can function well. This is the real key to a balanced diet.

3. You do not need to consume diabetic meals. 
There is no need for you to purchase those expensive diabetic foods as they do not really offer special benefits for your case. You can still eat out with your friends and family. However, you must always remember to eat in moderation.

4. You must eat high-fiber food with slow-release carbs
As mentioned earlier, you do not need to avoid carbohydrates. All you have to do is to know how to be smart when eating carbs. It would be best for your condition to limit your consumption of highly refined carbohydrates, like soda, white bread and past. Instead, try eating brown rice, cauliflower mash, whole-wheat pasta, bran muffin and other carbohydrates packed with fiber.

4. You may add healthy fats to your dessert. 
No, it does not mean that you have to reach for donuts. Instead, you must choose healthier fat options like peanut butter, yogurt and nuts. Healthy fat options are those with unsaturated fats. They come from plant and fish sources. The primary sources for these healthy fats will include canola oil, olive oil and avocados. You must also consume foods with omega-3 fatty acids as they support heart and brain health. Choose salmon and tuna as they are rich in these fatty acids.

You can reduce unhealthy fats by cooking with olive oil, instead of using vegetable oil or butter. When cooking chicken or turkey, you must trim or remove visible fat before you cook it.

5. You should keep a food diary. 
To keep track of your diets and foods, you must have a food diary. You do not have to count calories or starve yourself. You just need to eat regularly and record what you eat. Avoid skipping breakfast so you can have all the energy that you need. This will keep your blood sugar levels at acceptable range. Instead of eating larger meals, you must opt for small meals and eat up to 6 times a day. This will keep your portions in check. With a food diary, you can identify your strengths and weaknesses. This will also help you avoid mindless snacking.

I recommend: 
Diabetes Prevention
Carbs On
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Food Recipes
How To Lose Weight

Diabetes Prevention - Tips To Effectively Prevent Or Control Diabetes

Diabetes can be prevented or controlled by simply changing your lifestyle. Controlling or preventing it from worsening is as basic as consuming more healthy foods and becoming more physically active. If you start now, you can avoid the health complications of this disease.

Here are some of the diabetes prevention tips that you can implement to your life as presented by the American Diabetes Association.

1. Be more physically active. 
By this it means you need to spend at least 30 minutes of your time to get an exercise. Through exercise, you can lower your blood sugar while you lose weight. Exercise also improves your sensitivity to insulin allowing you to keep your sugar levels within a normal range. A good diabetes fitness program includes both aerobic and resistance training.

2. Eat whole grains. 
Experts do recommend eating whole grains as they can reduce your risk of developing diabetes or health complications. Whole grains are also good in maintaining your blood sugar levels. Some breads and pasta products are made from whole grains. When choosing a product, you must look for the word "whole" in the ingredient list.

3. Lose extra pounds. 
Each pound that you lose will definitely improve your health. In a study conducted, overweight adults who lost at least 2 pounds have reduced their diabetes risk by 16%. If you want to further reduce your risk of developing diabetes, you must aim to lose at least 5% to 10% of your initial body weight.

4. Make healthier choices. 
Instead of following fad diets, you must consider portion control as part of your healthy-eating plan. Low-carb diets, for instance, are not that effective in preventing diabetes. They also do not provide long-term effects to patients as they require you to give up some essential nutrients.

5. Eat plenty of fiber
By eating fiber-rich foods, you are helping your body in losing weight. These foods help you feel full for a longer period of time letting you eat fewer calories. They also reduce your risk of cardiovascular problems and improve your blood sugar control.

The American Diabetes Association also recommends seeing a doctor regularly to further help you prevent or reduce your risk of developing diabetes.

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Food Recipes: 3 Healthier Food Alternatives

When thinking of healthier food recipes, you might want to consider cutting calories without giving up flavors. According to experts, you can do this by tricking your taste buds through food swaps. Here are some suggestions you can try:

1. Avocado
Replace butter for your toast with a scoop of avocado and a pinch of salt. You can also replace the mayo on your sandwich with a few slices of avocado. The result will still be satisfying as avocado spread can make your food creamier without the unhealthy fats from butter. Avocado is not only good for your body but it is also great for your eyes as it contains lutein, which is a powerful element that can improve the health of your eyes.

2. Jicama sticks. 
Instead of eating potato chips, you might consider switching to jicama sticks to help you save fat and calories. This Mexican potato is an edible root that contains 45 calories per cup. It is also high in fiber and vitamin C.

3. Cauliflower. 
Replace your mashed potatoes with cauliflower for your dessert. Cauliflower is rich in Vitamin C and folate while mashed potatoes do not have nutrients. You can find cauliflower food recipes online and try one of them this dinner.

What other healthy food recipes that you can recommend?

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Human Body: How To Accept It?

Accepting your human body is not that easy, especially if you are always dreaming of having a supermodel-like body. But how can you truly appreciate what God has given you? Here are some tips given by experts on how to start accepting your body.

1. Get real. 
The majority of the images that you see on print ads and on televisions are not real. Those models endure hours of professional hair make-up sessions to bring out their best side. Professional lighting is also included to  produce their best shots. In other words, what you really see is just made up.

Therefore, you must educate yourself that no person glows the way those models in the magazines or televisions do. You must always think about what really happens behind the scenes.

2. Stop comparing yourself with those models. 
No human body is perfect. Even models and celebrities have parts in their bodies they do not really like and want to change them. Instead of comparing yourself with others, you must look at your human body as a whole and consider its marvelous functions. You do not have to experience a debilitating accident before you start accepting what God has given you. Do not be too obsessed about getting six-pack abs. Rather, start realizing that your body has a purpose and it performs a lot of functions to make you feel alive.

3. Take care of it. 
You must remember that you only have one human body per lifetime. Thus, you must accept and respect it. Over exercising, taking diet pills or undergoing quick fixes are ways to disrespect your body. Take care of it and you will feel better eventually.

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What Is HDL? -- 5 Must-Eat Foods To Increase HDL Level

What is HDL? 
It is considered a good cholesterol. High Density Lipoprotein gathers all bad cholesterol in your body from the arteries and carries it back to the liver. It has anti-inflammatory effects that are beneficial to your heart. And this is one of the reasons your HDL level must be high so it can protect your arteries from plaque build-up.

The ideal HDL levels must be over 40 mg/dL for men and 50 mg/dL for women. Although genetics can affect the level of your HDL, you can still change that by improving your lifestyle choices. These are the foods that can help you increase this good cholesterol level.

1. Nuts
They are good sources of healthy fats, which are good for your heart. What is good thing about them is that you can easily add them to your cereal, salad, pasta dishes and rice. They can be eaten raw, toasted or baked.

2. Salmon, mackerel and other seafood choices. 
You must aim for fatty fish options like halibut, albacore tuna, salmon and mackerel. They contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to be beneficial for your heart. They can reduce the risk of death. The recommended serving is at least 2 servings per week. Fish oil supplements are also great if seafood is too hard to find.

3. Olive oil. 
This, too, is great in elevating your HDL level as it contains high level of unsaturated fats. Instead of using butter, you can cook your food in an olive oil. But, even though it is healthy, it is still oil. So, you must only use it in moderation.

4. Avocado. 
It may be high in fat but it is also good for your heart. You can spread it on your sandwich or add it to your omelets.

5. Oatmeal. 
It is not only rich in fiber but it is also great in bumping up your HDL. While it increases your good cholesterol, it also reduces LDL. It is an excellent source of fiber just like bran, dried peas and beans.

6. Exercise .
You must incorporate these foods with daily exercise to produce more HDL. Aim to become active for 30 minutes each day and your heart will thank you for it.

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Diet Foods: 8 Snack Ideas That Prevent Your Condition From Worsening

People with diabetes know that eating is quite a challenge at first and knowing the right diet foods is a must. Thankfully, there are ways to help them get used to eating smarter snack choices.

Listed below are snack ideas that you might want to try and place on your meal plan.

1. Orange. 
An orange is a fruit that has only 11 grams of carbohydrates and 1 gram of protein. Its calorie-content is only 45.

2. Frozen fruit juice bar. 
It may seem like a very sweet choice but this bar only contains 11 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of protein and 45 calories.

3. Light popcorn. 
In diet foods book, light popcorn is described as 3 cups of popcorn with no butter or cheese. It has 12 grams of carbohydrates, 60 calories and 2 grams of protein. You will feel full for longer hours.

4. Sandwich. 
No. It is not a sandwich from McDonalds. Rather, it is a sandwich that consists of 1 slice of bread, lunch meat and one ounce of cheese. This choice contains 13 grams of carbohydrates, 15 grams of protein and 149 calories.

5. Apple. 
A 2.5-inch-diameter apple contains 14 grams of carbohydrates, 0 grams of protein and 53 calories. (This is my favorite snack.).

6. Chocolate Milk
It must be a low-fat 8-ounce of milk. It contains 26 grams of carbohydrates, 8 grams of protein and 158 calories. Swiss Miss Fat-Free is a good option too as it only contains 50 calories. This is also great for individuals who want to lose or maintain their ideal weight.

7. Low-fat yogurt. 
A 6-ounce container contains 33 grams of carbohydrates, 7 grams of protein and 174 calories. You must be picky when considering this option as some yogurts do contain more carbs and calories.

8. Pear
A small pear has 22 grams of carbs, 1 gram of protein and 81 calories.

There are other diet foods for diabetes that you can choose from, which are ideal for your case. You just need to know its carbohydrate content to avoid worsening your condition.

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Acne Prevention: 5 Tips That Can Make Acne Vulgaris Go Away

Here are some things to keep in mind to prevent acne from recurring:

1. Clean your face. 
But you must only clean it once or twice a day. Overcleaning will not do any good to your condition.

The main goal of washing your face is to remove impurities and excess oil from the skin surface.

When washing your face, you must only use warm water and not hot. Avoid using harsh soap. Instead, you must only use mild facial cleanser. Avocado soap is a good one too.

Do not scrub your skin using a loofah or a washcloth.

2. Use moisturizer. 
Even if you have oily skin, you still need to apply moisturizer. But make sure it is gel-based. The importance of this product is to avoid drying your skin as topical acne products contain ingredients that can cause dryness and skin peeling. Herbalife Soothing gel is a good moisturizer, too.

3. Apply an anti-bacterial agent. 
It must be a product that contains salicylic or benzoyl peroxide, which is known to get rid of bacteria and slough off skin. You must first start at a small amount. Then, increase or decrease the amount later.

4. Avoid applying makeup. 
If you have to wear a makeup, you need to wash it off before going to bed. Choose oil-free cosmetics without those harmful chemicals. Your dermatologist may also recommend going for water-based cosmetics.

5. Visit a dermatologist. 
You and your dermatologist can work together to prevent acne from appearing on your face.

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What Is The Real Cause Of Acne?

What is the real cause of acne? 

It is not food or personal hygiene. The real culprits of this annoying skin condition are clogged pores. This skin condition only occurs if the excess oil and skin cells in your face clog the pores. Skin bacteria start to grow in those pores and produce certain substance that can cause inflammation, i.e. acne.

According to dermatologists, acne is not caused by poor hygiene. In fact, if you excessively wash your face and scrub it can make your acne worse as these acts can irritate your skin.

Foods, too, do not cause acne. (No matter how many boxes of pizza I ate, I did not experience acne breakouts).

Unfortunately, for us, women, we are more prone to adult acne. Fluctuating hormones during menstrual cycle can cause acne breakouts. We are also more susceptible if we discontinue taking birth control pills or prescription drugs.

Acne Treatment
OTC products may help ease this skin condition. However, if this skin condition does not clear up, you must see a dermatologist. To prevent severe acne, you must treat it now. If your doctor has prescribed acne medication, you must stick with it for a few weeks. Keep in mind that there is no such thing as overnight treatment. So, give it at least eight weeks before you decide that such treatment is effective or not.

You must also remember that acne breakouts can be a sign of an underlying condition such as polycystic ovary syndrome, hormone-secreting tumor or disorder in the adrenal gland. If you have this condition, your acne will never clear up until the underlying disease has been resolved.

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Cosmetic Dentists – 5 Important Cosmetic Dentistry Services That You Must Be Aware Of

Cosmetic dentists offer various ways to make your smile more beautiful. If your teeth are crooked or chipped, the services of a cosmetic dentist can help you out. What other services cosmetic dentistry can offer you?

• Teeth whitening. If your smile has lost its sparkle, you might want to take advantage of having your teeth whitened by a cosmetic dentist. Your pearly white teeth can fade over time caused by drinking coffee or tea. Cosmetic dentistry can offer a number of ways to solve discolored teeth. Some dentists offer at-home teeth whitening while others provide in-office teeth whitening services.
• Dental bonding. This is a procedure that involves applying a tooth-colored material to your chipped teeth. Essentially, this procedure is useful to fill in gaps between your teeth.
• Fillings. If you need a new filling or replace darker fillings that you already have, you can do so by visiting a reputable cosmetic dentist. He/she can apply fillings that are less noticeable than silver fillings.
• Dental veneers. They are recommended to enhance the overall appearance of your teeth that are broken or discolored. They offer lasting effects compared with dental bonding.
• Dental implants. They are the most popular technique to replace missing teeth. Although they are more expensive than removable dentures, they can last for decades. They are also not prone to damage caused by mishandling of dentures. Plus, they make it easier for you to chew your food. Essentially, your teeth will look natural. They are especially recommended if you have lost your front tooth. With dental implants, you will no longer be afraid to smile. Because they look natural, you do not have to feel self-conscious about them.

When you decide to undergo one of the cosmetic dentistry procedures that can improve your smile, you might want to heed to the following tips below. They can help you avoid bad results.

• Bring photos that will show what you expect from a particular procedure. In this way, cosmetic dentists will have a clue as to what kind of results that you have in mind. They can also advise you whether or not the results that you want are realistic.
• Look at the before and after photos from their previous clients. Cosmetic dentists must be able to show you some projects that they had recently. In this way, you will know whether or not they can offer you significant results.

Cosmetic dentists can improve your smile. However, you need to be realistic when it comes to your expectations. 

Photo source: texasdentalspecialists.com

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