Health Backpack

Contains about health information

Author: blogger

Swedish Fish Are Good For You

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Last night as I sat and watched television I opened up a bag of Swedish Fish. As I sat enjoying the delicious flavor of the gummy snack I did not give much thought to the fact that the gumminess of snack food was a potentially rebuilding my skin and adding to the elasticity of my cells. Growing up I was always taught that all snack food is essentially junk food and has no real nutritional value. However,

I recently learned that there are snack foods that are high in protein and contain hydrolyzed collagen which is essential for health bones, cartilage, and skin. Giving the Swedish Fish I was enjoying their gummy consistency the viscosity of the hydrolyzed collagen is what gives not only Swedish Fish, but all sorts of products their gummy texture.

As a parent I often indulge my children with a gummy based fruit snack. The sometimes juice flavored fruit snacks provide about 10% juices from the various flavored fruits that they represent and now that I know my children are receiving the health benefits of having the proteins of hydrolyzed collagen added to the fruit flavoring of their favorite snack treat I can feel good about giving them a treat that has some health benefits to them.

I have also learned that hydrolyzed collagen aids in the regeneration of damaged tissue. As a parent I know how easy it is for my children to suffer injuries and minor cuts and bruises that require a band aid and kiss to help them heal, but I have also discovered that their injuries are healed better with a dose of collagen proteins that are an essential building block for the bodys ability to regenerate cells and tissue that children are prone to.

Found in 30% of all animal proteins hydrolyzed collagen keeps skin looking and feeling younger as is responsible for proper joint function and movement. Because the cartilage within a joint acts as a cushion between the bones, having soft pliable amount of cartilage is essential to the healthy movement of joints throughout the body. As I thought about all of the benefits I and my children were gaining from enjoying a snack of Swedish Fish I could not help but think I was actually doing something good for my body and not filling it with sugar or artificial colors.

By eating a small portion of the gummy snack treat I was actually helping to replace the hydrolyzed collagen that my body needs to be healthy and strong. Who know gummy snacks could actually be good for you?

A Little Ignorance About Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment Can Spell Doom for You

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Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer, it does metastasize and usually grows very slowly. It usually begins with a circumscribed solid elevation of skin also known as papule. It enlarges that can develop into crater-like image that erodes, crusts and bleeds. It is a common condition of male 45 years old and above. Sun exposure and skin pigmentation are the common risks factors for basal cell carcinoma. There are three types of BCC and these are nodular basal cell carcinoma, pigmented lesion and superficial type. Nodular Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common type of this condition, a fresh-colored nodule is present with overlying of blood vessel. Meanwhile, Pigmented Lesion is a type of BCC has a darker shade compared to the nodular basal cell carcinoma. It can be confused with malignant melanoma. However, superficial type usually appears scaly and red in color. There are different types of basal cell carcinoma treatment depending on biopsy information.

Here are some of the most common and effective means of treatment:

1. Electrodessication and curettage – This type of treatment uses electrocute device that scrapes the tumor through a curette. This has to be repeated several times and several sessions to be completely assured that the tumor is completely eradicated. It is also advised that this method should be used for smaller tumor less that 6mm.

2. Simple Excision – This method involves surgical excision of the lesion through the normal skin. It is usually used for larger tumors in the cheek, trunk, forehead and legs. This is also a quick and inexpensive method, however, differentiation of normal skin tissue to cancerous tissues are observed and evaluated through the naked eye.

3. Moh’s Micrographic Surgery – This treatment needs an expert and experienced Moh’s surgeon in order to be performed. With this method, excision of the tumor and tissue are examined under the microscope. This can help determine the definite area of cancerous tissues, thus it can aid the residual cancerous tissue to be excised. Although, this type of basal cell carcinoma treatment can be expensive, the best advantage of it is being definitive and effective in treating the condition. Hence, recurrence of skin cancer is very rare.

4. Radiation Therapy – This method requires radiation treatment to the patient who has inoperable tumor or to refrain the loss of important tissue surrounding the affected area. It can also be used when the tumor is difficult to excise or there are health risks that may follow open surgery.

5. Cryotheraphy – Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the affected area, thus destroying the cancerous tissue. This is highly advised for patients who have superficial type of basal cell carcinoma and for those who have pre-malignant condition. This is usually inexpensive but it can only be used on certain condition and state.

With a wide array of available treatments for skin cancer, patients have a very big chance in leading a normal life. And it is also take into consideration that to prevent diseases, one must be healthy in mind and in body.

If you are not able to speak to your doctor immediately, manage to go through the website of Elisa Pouding that will present you with various crucial information on do’s and don’ts of basal cell carcinoma treatment and basal cell carcinoma.

Drug Patents Are Good For Our Health

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Miles White, Chairman and CEO of Abbott Laboratories recently wrote about the importance of drug patents for the future of medicine. He began by talking about a case settled by Abbott and the South American country of Brazil. Brazil felt that the price of Abbotts AIDS medication Kaletra, the most widely used AIDS medication, was too high and patients could not afford it. They were threatening to break Abbotts patent and produce a generic version locally in order to treat more patients. The two sides reached an agreement as Abbott agreed to significantly reduce the price per patient and the government agreed to honor the patent.

White points out that while this situation ended well for both parties involved, this issue should not be forgotten. He writes, we cannot let the agreement end discussion of the ideas involved; it is essential that we consider their implications so as to avoid situations that might not be so fortunately resolved. What hangs in the balance is how the world will continue to develop the medicines it needs.

He also writes about the need for a balance to exist between innovation and access to medicine:

The negotiation raised a well-worn chorus of criticisms of the patent system, but failed to address the underlying question: how would our society continue to progress without it? The problem is that our global needs and global systems are in conflict. This threatens to harm one goal, innovation, in the name of another, access to medicine. Access is the goal the world cares about and one taken seriously by innovator companies (those that conduct research and development of new medicines) that have made significant contributions to this end across the developing world – from building healthcare infrastructure in Africa, to drastic price cuts that have benefited a wide range of countries, including Brazil. But it must be recognized that access is inseparable from innovation: without access, innovation is meaningless; without innovation, there is nothing to have access to.

White concludes by quoting President Abraham Lincoln, The patent system added the fuel of interest to the fire of genius. The patent system exists so that innovation can continue. So scientists discoveries are protected.

Healthy Food Choices For The Elderly

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When people age, their needs for nutrition change. It is important for elderly to eat healthy foods that are full of nutrients. Some medications, as well as illness, can affect the appetite of older people. To maintain health and independence longer, elderly people should make sure that when they do eat, that the food is good for them and will help maintain health. Healthy food choices can be made at home, in restaurants, and at the grocery store.

The types of foods that should be included in an elderly persons diet should include foods that promote the following:

Circulation (soy products, fruits, seeds)
Strong bones (cheese, milk, salmon, legumes, beet greens)
Resistance to illness (apples, citrus, broccoli)
Mental alertness (high protein foods, complete carbohydrates, omega-3 fats)

Foods that are high in antioxidants are also recommended for elderly people.

Healthy food choices for elderly in restaurants may include eating low fat meats, salads, vegetables, and grilled foods. For the elderly that has trouble maintaining weight, fresh whole grain breads can be chosen at restaurants. Going to restaurants that serve fresh, healthy, and homemade dishes will

Italian food is made with tomatoes, which are high in antioxidants. Cooked tomatoes, like what is found Italian tomato sauce for pasta contains the antioxidant, Lycopene, which gives tomatoes their deep red color. Tomatoes are also high in vitamin C.

Cheese is high in calcium, which helps build strong bones. Lasagna and other Italian dishes with cheese are good choices for elderly because they are at risk for fractures and broken bones.

Many studies have proved that for some, a glass of wine with a meal is very healthy, especially red wines.

When mental alertness in the elderly seems to be diminishing, before concluding that they need additional care or are suffering from Alzheimers, check the persons diet. The diet may cause low blood sugar. Drops in blood sugar can cause mental confusion. Changes in hormones for women can also cause mental confusion. When healthy food choices are being made and there still seems to be diminished mental alertness, ask the pharmacist about the medications being prescribed and if they may be the cause. If yes, make an appointment with the doctor to discuss alternatives and any new medications that might be available.

Going to a relaxing restaurant that offers healthy food choices, like Mama Jennies in Miami, Florida, can keep healthy eating from becoming boring.

Improve the health of your bearded dragon with these simple facts

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The bearded dragon requires a certain amount of care to maintain a healthy and happy life. They generally do not suffer from many diseases may be able to catch parasites from worms as well as develop disorders if they do not receive an adequate amount of calcium and vitamin D3.

Good bearded dragon health depends largely on adequate calcium levels. Dragons must have calcium and full-spectrum UVB lights in order to maintain proper bone growth. If these are not available to the bearded dragon, they will suffer from metabolic bone disease. This may cause your bearded dragon lizard to become deformed as well as cause fatal injuries.

Most beaded dragon health diets have been optimized for maximum calcium and vitamin D3 levels. Rep-Cal is a non-phosphorous calcium supplement that may be added to both insects and vegetables. Tums may also be used as an emergency source of calcium. Calcium supplements may be sprinkled on vegetables and insects should be placed in a plastic bag and shook up with the calcium so that it will stick to them.

Herptivite may be used every two weeks or once per month. This is a multi-vitamin supplement. These supplements may be high in vitamin A and may cause many health problems if used too often. This is because they may cause the calcium levels of the bearded dragon to become depressed. The bearded dragon should also not be given any additional phosphorous because the

Bearded dragon health is very dependent on lighting. The bearded dragon will benefit greatly from being exposed to natural light as often as possible. Full-spectrum lighting is necessary but it does not take the place of natural light. The operative wavelengths for the bearded dragon are in the ultraviolet UVB range. These are offered by full-spectrum florescent-type light bulbs. Zoo-Med Reptisun UVB 5.0 is available at most pet stores and have been used by many bearded dragon owners and breeders. These light bulbs must be replaced every six months, as they will lose their UVB component. UVB light rays are not capable of passing through glass or plastic, so you must not use a glass top in your bearded dragons enclosure.

Incandescent light bulbs are also necessary for your beaded dragons health. These light bulbs may be used in a heat-reflector fixture. Bearded dragon health depends on its enclosure being properly lighted so that they are able to warm up enough to digest their food. The bearded dragon must have a body temperature of one hundred degrees in order to digest their food. The gradient should range from the mid 70s to 80s on the cool side of their enclosure and 95-105 degrees on the basking side of their enclosure. Lights should be adjusted so that they do not overheat your bearded dragon lizard. Under tank heaters may also be used to keep the bearded dragons stomach warm. These may also increase the growth rate of your bearded dragon lizard.

Hot rocks should be avoided by all means. These rocks have been detrimental to many a bearded dragons health. These rocks are capable of overheating and burning beaded dragon lizards. The bearded dragon is less sensitive to heat and may not realize they are burning until it is too late. The rocks may also ruin the heat gradient of the tank.

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