Prostate Cancer Symptoms Tips What is prostate cancer symptoms? We have tips about prostate cancer symptoms

June 3 is the National Cancer Survivorship Day - a day on which cancer survivors celebrate life after a cancer diagnosis. Healthy eating after cancer treatment is important for weight control and nutrition.

This video from the Joan Karnell Cancer Center takes a look at nutrition and survivorship after treatment for breast cancer is complete.

Parents have been urged to help children learn good dental care habit right from the start by making brushing fun and enjoyable.

The Senior Brand Manager of Macleans Milk Teeth, Mr. Emeka Uchenna, observed at a free dental screening programme for children in Lagos on Children’s Day that, “You cannot engage a child in a boring activity and the earlier parents understand this, the better for the whole family.

“I encourage parents to always supervise and monitor their children not just when they brush their teeth; find time to be involved in their lives; show them love and care and I believe that these will go a long way in helping them achieve the brighter future we all hope for.”

He said the toothpaste was specially formulated for children between ages one and six years old as a way of reinforcing good oral health among children in Nigeria.

The free dental screening programme, which spanned three days, was also used to raise awareness among parents and guardians about the need to maintain healthy oral care for their children and wards.

Uchenna said it was formulated with the right child-safe amount of all the active ingredients in the adult toothpaste especially fluoride. ‘’The quantity of fluoride in children’s toothpaste is absolutely important because of the possibility of dental fluorosis, a dental condition which leaves the teeth pitted and mottled, due to too much fluoride in the system as a result of swallowing of toothpaste during brushing,” the brand manager added.

He said the toothpaste has 500ppm of fluoride which is safe for children at that tender age, adding that it contains active calcium protection specially formulated for strong healthy milk teeth and gums. This, according to him, comes in gentle minty taste, soft texture and natural peppermint flavour.

At the event, dentists examined children to determine the healthiness or otherwise of their mouth and educated parents on how to best meet the dental needs of the children. Fun methods of brushing and encouraging regular brushing in children were discussed and parents were charged to take personal responsibility for inculcating the healthy habit of brushing every morning and night among the children.

Uchenna further advised parents, “Use a pea sized amount of the toothpaste on a soft toothbrush for children. Ensure children spit it out after brushing and rinse thoroughly since children would naturally want to swallow it because of the sweet taste.”

Source:punch

Getting great skin is now within your reach without spending oodles of money in the parlour. Here are some food and beverages to help boost your skin’s vitality

Cocoa: The bean has high levels of flavanols, plant compounds with antioxidant properties that help protect skin from sun damage. Apart from sipping it in the morning and evening you can also use it as a bath soak – add 1/8 cup ground cocoa powder and 1/3 cup fat-free dry milk in your bathtub.

Curd: The calcium and phosphorus in it helps strengthen tooth enamel and protect your teeth from cavities. It is also high in protein, which is an essential nutrient for the production of collagen, a fibrous substance that keeps your skin looking young. You can also apply it to the face to sloughing away dead skin cells and unclogging pores.

Strawberries: The vitamin C in strawberries help protect skin from environmental damage. Puree the berries in a blender and mix in chilled curd and add a half of lemon juice. This will help lighten dark spots. Strawberries have high dosage of vitamin C and ellagic acid which is essential for the production of collagen and acts as an antioxidant.

Avacado: It is the king of beauty foods. It is rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, which help keep skin plump and smooth. Add avocados to salads and shakes to help bring out the shine.

Tea: All teas are good for the skin but green and white are especially beneficial because they have double the antioxidants of black tea.

Almonds: Go nuts with almonds as it contains high levels of catalase, an enzyme that may help slow the greying process.

Coffee: It helps protect skin from sun damage and prevents the breakdown of collagen and elastin that causes wrinkles and sagging. However, don’t drink more than a cup per day as coffee can also cause dehydration.

Following an earlier warning on Tuesday, the National Association of Resident Doctors will on Thursday (today) commence a three-day warning strike in protest against the sacking of 788 medical doctors by the Lagos State Government.

The warning strike is billed to hold between May 31 and Saturday, June 2.

The President, ARD, Dr. Wale Ojediran, while addressing journalists at a press conference held at the University College Hospital, Ibadan on Wednesday, noted that the sacking of the doctors in the employ of Lagos State Government had assumed a national and unpleasant dimension.

Ojediran called on policy makers and stakeholders in the health sector in the country to intervene in the crisis.

He said, “The situation is actually becoming a national crisis. The issue of payment of Consolidated Medical Salary Structure began in September, 2009 when the Federal Government of Nigeria approved its payment.

“The doctors signed an agreement in March 2011 that the CONMESS salary should be paid in full without compression to all doctors; that allowances will be classified as non-taxable; thus, no taxes will be deducted and that further welfare packages will be developed to improve working condition for all healthcare providers in the state. “

He stated that all efforts by the doctors to ensure that the demands were met were abortive thereby leading to the strike.

He said, “The government actually violated all the contents of the agreement by failing to implement the payment of full CONMESS by removing teaching allowance for some cadres of staff, introducing heavy taxes on the allowances of the doctors and demotion of all doctors in its employ by steps.”

Ojediran said following the Ordinary General Meeting of NARD in Port Harcourt, the association gave a 14-day ultimatum from Monday (May 28) to prevail on the Lagos State Government to recall the doctors and implement earlier agreements or face an indefinite nationwide strike.


Source:punchng

Nutritious food is very important, especially the first 1000 days of a child, starting from conception. Experts insist that investments in the basic, low cost, proven solutions such as breastfeeding, iron and Vitamin A supplementation can save children’s lives. For most people, “hunger” is a figure of speech  for a list of wants rather than needs. People hunger for more of many things— more time, more money, more of what their friend has. Nevertheless, when it is used with reference to food, it is just to indicate the feeling of wanting to eat.

Even when people declare, “I am starving” after staying without a meal for more than six hours, it cannot be compared to the feeling a child has after a prolonged deprivation of food. Certainly, it is better imagined than felt.

Without any doubt, a child who is hungry would feel empty and sad. The worst scenario is the fact that hunger can stunt growth, affect brain development, spur behavioural problems and increase the likelihood of falling sick.

Food insecurity has been associated with emotional and psychological stress among children. It could exert a negative effect on general health and contribute to a heightened risk of chronic diseases. While abnormal body weight may also increase vulnerability to a range of conditions such as asthma, experts have said that adequate feeding that ensures good health starts in the womb.

Good nutrition during the critical 1,000-day window from pregnancy to a child’s second birthday is crucial to developing a child’s cognitive capacity and physical growth. Ensuring a child receives adequate nutrition during this window can yield dividends for a lifetime, as a well-nourished child will perform better in school, more effectively fight off disease and even earn more as an adult.

Millions of children worldwide struggle against hunger, and Nigeria is no exception. There is growing concern that adequate nutrition is crucial to human capital formation and economic development because it prevents losses in productivity resulting from ill-health, deficits in schooling due to poor academic performance, and increased healthcare costs.

Although the effects of hunger have both short and long term implication, when the problem occurs in the first two years of life, its consequences are irreversible on the growth of the child. The sustained poor nutrition weakens immune systems, making children and adults more likely to die of diarrhoea or pneumonia. And it impairs the effectiveness of lifesaving medications, including those needed by people living with HIV and AIDS.

The devastating impact of undernutrition spans generations. Poorly nourished women are more likely to suffer difficult pregnancies and give birth to undernourished children themselves. The Save the Children’s 13th State of the World’s Mothers report indicated that out of 73 developing countries – which together account for 95 per cent of child deaths – only four scored “very good” on measures of young child nutrition. Niger was the worst place in the world, replacing Afghanistan for the first time in two years. And Norway was the best.

The ranking which compared 165 countries around the globe, looked at factors such as mother’s health, education and economic status, as well as critical child indicators such as health and nutrition, places Nigeria as 80th –the worst placed-out of 80 countries in the Less Developed countries category.    Of the 10 countries at the bottom of Save the Children’s unique annual index, seven are in the midst of a food crisis. Niger, in bottom place, is currently in the grip of a worsening hunger situation, threatening the lives of a million children. Four of the bottom 10 countries have seen an increase in stunting over the past two decades - where children’s mental and physical growth is permanently blighted by malnutrition.

Dr David Olayemi, the Senior Programme Adviser, Government and Advocacy of “Save the Children’’, a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), who stated that child malnutrition is widespread, declared that 30 countries in the developing world have stunting rates of 40 per cent or more.

According to him, malnutrition is the underlying cause of more than 2.6 million child deaths every year, adding that 171 million children – 27 per cent of all children in the world – are stunted, meaning their minds and bodies don’t develop properly.

In developing countries, breastfed children are at least six times more likely to survive the early months than those that are not. Breastfeeding could save 1 million children’s lives each year. If all children in the developing world received adequate complementary feeding with breastfeeding, stunting rates at 12 months could be reduced by 20 per cent.

But investments in the basic, low cost, proven solutions can save children’s lives. According to him, breastfeeding is the single most effective nutrition intervention for saving lives. Breastfed children are at least six times more likely to survive in the early months of life than non-breastfed children. This followed by a timely and appropriate comple-mentary feeding is the best way to prevent a lifetime of lost potential due to stunting.

Iron supplements strengthen children’s resistance to disease, lower women’s risk of dying at childbirth and may help prevent premature births and low birth weight.

Vitamin A helps prevent blindness and lowers a child’s risk of death from common diseases. Zinc and good hygiene can save a child from dying of diarrhoea, the second leading cause of child death. These solutions are not expensive, and it is a tragedy that millions of mothers and children do not get them.

Professor Tola Atinmo, President, Federation of African Nutrition Society, speaking at an infant nutrition workshop in Ibadan stated that “a woman must be ready to provide breast milk, which is the best food for the baby for the first six months of life and after then complementary feeding must begin. This is an adult food prepared very soft.”

According to him, “Babies that are born small for their age have a higher risk of developing obesity, of becoming diabetic, of developing cancer and other non-communicable diseases and that is why all babies must have that very healthy start. Of course, such a good foundation, aside setting them on the right track to a healthy lifestyle, also assures that less money would be spent on managing diseases or on hospital bills.”

Certainly, breast milk might be the “miracle cure” for childhood malnutrition, thus explaining why emphasis must be on ensuring mothers know how best to feed babies in order to ensure that a healthy lifestyle.

Medical science has found that wasting and vitamin A deficiency, all indicative of nutritional status, increase substantially the risk of dying from childhood diseases such as malaria, pneumonia, diarrhoea, measles and HIV/AIDS. In fact, children who are malnourished in the first two years of life can lose 11centimetres of potential height and grow up as adults with lower intellectual ability and economic productivity.

Certainly, children need not die from hunger. Increased invest in health workers – especially those serving on the front lines – to reach the most vulnerable mothers and children; education of girl-child; increase government support for proven solutions to fight malnutrition and save lives; increase private sector partnerships to improve nutrition for mothers and children as well as improved laws, policies and actions that support families and encourage breastfeeding are required, in ensuring brilliant and healthy children.


Source:tribune

Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola on Tuesday said his administration had reversed the sacking of 34 doctors out of the 788 dismissed recently.

He urged the remaining doctors to end the logjam in the health sector by emulating their colleagues and appealing to the Health Service Commission, since their reinstatement was still possible.

Fashola explained that the doctors were recalled because of their appeal and positive review of their cases.

The governor spoke during a panel discussion aired live on the state television station, LTV, to commemorate his 5th anniversary in office.

He said he could not order the reversal of the sacking because it was not his own making. He explained that his powers as governor of the state did not give him power to sack or employ any doctor.

Fashola pointed out that the HSC was the body saddled with the responsibility of determining the fate of the doctors.

He said, “It is not in my power to reverse the sacking, just as I cannot determine their promotion. It is the HMC that will promote them and since I won’t be here after three years, it is better to allow procedure to take its course. It is not about me, it is about institutions.”

He however said he was still making efforts to ensure a final resolution of the crisis, adding that any doctor that appealed stood a good chance of being recalled.

The governor denied that the government reneged on its agreement with the doctors, saying the state had made efforts to ensure that doctors were comfortable.

He, however, noted that instead of incessant calls for increment by workers, the focus should be on solution to institutional imbalance and factors that weaken the currency.

He said the state government was tackling some of the problems by initiating projects to promote welfare in agriculture; housing and inter modal transportation.

The governor later inaugurated State Traffic Radio, 96.1 FM, as part of the celebration, saying that traffic information would ensure safe motoring in the state and a healthy life for its citizens.

Fashola also inaugurated a new BRT route to cover Yaba-Oyingbo-Iddo, saying it would provide sustainable mass transit services in the state.

While it is true that fat is higher in calories than carbs and protein, it is also true that fat has many benefits, such as providing twice the energy of carbs and protein, insulating the body against temperature extremes, protecting against shock, and maintaining cell membranes. And depending on the type of fat you eat, you may be protecting your heart.

Christine Wilson, cancer survivor, shares her experiences from the Abramson Cancer Center’s Focus On Pancreatic Cancer Conference. In this blog, she recaps the conference. You can view the conference in its entirety, including presentations here.

A Day of Cautious Optimism

"I have been to everyone of these pancreatic cancer conferences, and this is the most hopeful one yet."

These are the words of the wife of a six-year survivor of pancreatic cancer.  They speak to a genuine sense of cautious optimism that pervaded the annual Focus on Pancreatic Cancer Conference sponsored by Penn’s Abramson Cancer Center.  This new hope, grounded within innovative research, doesn't replace realism about the heavy toll pancreatic cancer takes and the persistently disappointing outcomes for most patients.  Patients, caregivers and physicians share an understanding that pancreatic cancer remains one of the most difficult forms of cancer to diagnose early and treat effectively. 

For the first time, though, there is real excitement about progress on a number of fronts, including better understanding of the biology and genetics of pancreatic cancer, improved technology for imaging and surgical interventions, and a more proactive approach to identifying individuals and families who are at increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer.  These aggressive approaches to diagnosing and treating pancreatic cancer are beginning to yield small, but real improvements in survival rates. 

Pancreatic cancer experts from all clinical disciplines discussed the promise of the future and the work under way at Penn to find better ways to diagnose and treat this disease to an audience of 200 patients and caregivers.

Innovative Research:  "Seeing Cancer Differently"

Starving Cancer Cells

Abramson Cancer Center Director, Chi Van Dang, MD, PhD, welcomed attendees, providing a short, clear primer on the complex biology of how pancreatic cancer cells grow, divide and invade neighboring tissue. The key to the future, he said, is "in seeing cancer differently." 

One key area of inquiry for pancreatic cancers is in studying the way these cells utilize energy – in effect what and how they feed themselves. The theory, Dr. Dang, explained, is that normal cells take in nutrients to divide, and then stop when the process is complete.  Cancer cells, on the other hand, are "addicted to nutrients," constantly gorging on them so that they can continue to grow and divide in an uncontrolled way.  They may also use different "food" than normal cells. 

One very exciting line of research is directed at this "addiction model" of pancreatic cells with the goal of basically starving cancer cells to death by depriving them of the nutrients they require.  The concept sounds simple, the implementation is far more complex, but the potential for developing targeted, metabolically based therapies is very real.

New Uses for Old Drugs

Most people think of new cancer treatments as developing new drugs. But in at least two cases, drugs that have been used to treat other conditions for many years are showing promise for treating pancreatic cancer. 

Led by researcher Peter O'Dwyer, MD, Penn is launching a clinical trial for cancer to test the efficacy of chloroquine, a drug used to treat malaria. Research has shown that chloroquine is highly effective in inhibiting what is known as autophagy, the ability of cells to replenish needed nutrients by eating themselves until they are able to find new sources of nutrition.  Pancreatic cancer cells are known to have a very high rate of autophagy and the hope is that chloroquine will stop that from happening and in the process slow down or stop the growth of the cancer. 

Metformin is another drug that is being "repurposed," finding new uses as an anti-cancer agent.  Metformin is traditionally used to treat diabetes.  It inhibits one step in the metabolic process and thus slows down the ability of cells to grow and divide. Like chloroquine, metformin is known to be safe.
Both of these drugs provide real hope for developing new therapies that will in effect cut the fuel line for pancreatic cancer cells.  In Dr. Van Dang's words, this research focuses on the "many differences between cancer cells and normal cells," differences that are becoming the basis for innovative clinical approaches to treating pancreatic cancers.

Learn more about pancreatic cancer clinical trials offered at the Abramson Cancer Center.

View the Focus On Pancreatic Cancer Conference to learn more about treatment options for pancreatic cancer at the Abramson Cancer Center.

About 40,000 women die annually in Nigeria during child birth while one woman dies every ten minutes across the country, giving it the highest maternal mortality recorded in the world.

The World Bank Country Director, Marie Françoise revealed this during the national gender dialogue session in Nigeria which held on Monday in Minna, the capital of Niger state, where the issue of gender inequality and the high rate of maternal mortality in the country attracted a filled hall for the event.

Also speaking at the event the gender head, United Nations Department for International Development (DFID) Katja Jobes revealed that eighty percent of women in northern Nigeria cannot read or write.

She also affirmed that Nigeria has the highest maternal mortality in the world; a situation she noted is not good for the social- economic development of the country.

A recent study by UNICEF identified haemorrhage as the main cause of maternal mortality in the country.

Experts at the event are of the opinion that no meaningful development can take place in the country without the active participation of the womenfolk who formed a significant part of the country’s population.

Others believe that contrary to belief in some quarters and practice in some parts of the country, the role of the woman has gone beyond the kitchen and childbearing.



Source:247

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, yesterday said he lacked powers under the law to overturn the dismissal of the 788 medical doctors recently sacked for allegedly embarking on illegal strike action.
The governor’s clarification on the sacked doctors also came on a day the state’s chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) described as mere propaganda, the claim by the state government that it had re-instated the sacked doctors.
But Fashola, who spoke on a live state-wide televised panel discussion with Editor of THISDAY Newspapers, Mr. Simon Kolawole; Deputy Managing Director of the SUN Newspapers, Mr. Femi Adeshina; and Producer of InsideOut Talk Show, Mr. Aderoju Adepoju, said the dismissal of the medical personnel was not his making and that he lacked the power and right as the state governor to either sack or employ any medical doctor.

According to him, “I cannot reverse the sack. It is not in my powers to do so. I will not be able to do just as I cannot affect their promotion. It is the Health Service Commission (HSC) that will promote them. I will not be here after three years.”
The panel’s discussion, which was aired on Lagos Television live, was organised to mark Fashola’s fifth anniversary during which the governor gave account of his stewardship since his return to office for the second term.
At the panel discussion, the governor confirmed that 34 of the 788 dismissed medical personnel had been reabsorbed having appealed to the HSC and Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), both of which he described as their employers.
He said: “So, it is not about me. It is about institutions. I have made efforts to ensure a final resolution to the prolonged strike hence the recall of the 34 doctors. But the affected doctors have to appeal.
“Anyone who appeals should be recalled, but they have to take the step. Let them go to their employers and resolve the issue. Any doctor who still wants to remain can have their jobs back and engage with their employers.”
The governor explained that the HSC was the body saddled with the responsibility of determining the fate of the doctors, however urging them to take the first point of appealing their dismissal.
On whether the state reneged the agreement with the doctors, the governor said the state government had overstressed beyond its capacity to ensure the doctors were comfortable due to the important service they provide.
He said most of the problems confronting the nation were as a result of institutional imbalance with continuous call for a decrease in government spending, saying however that the focus should be on solution rather than over flogging the problems.
Fashola also recalled that the wage bill of the state on his assumption of office in 2007 “was N2.8 billion, but the last wage cheque I signed in April was N6.1 billion, I am yet to see that of May.
He described the notion held in some quarters that the state government was rich as completely erroneous, adding that funds “remain a challenge in his quest to bring about infrastructural renewal. The only bulk money we receive every month fluctuates between N7 billion to N9 billion which is what we get from the federal allocation. This is a state of over 20 million residents and its increasing by the day.”
But the governor lamented the disparity in the country’s revenue allocation structure, saying a state with four million residents “gets N21 billion monthly. If I had N21 billion monthly, my work is finished in Lagos.”
However, the governor handed over Lagos Traffic Radio 96.1 FM to Lagosians as part of dividends of democracy to achieve safe motoring, saying it was established to give first hand information about traffic situation in the state.
The governor, who used the opportunity offered by the Democracy Day celebration to inaugurate a new BRT route to cover Yaba- Oyingbo axis, said it would provide sustainable mass transit services in the state.
Fashola assured Lagosians that the problem of homelessness would soon be a history in the state, stating that the state government “will soon flag off Lagos Homes Ownership Mortgage Scheme (HOMS) driven by a single digit mortgage facility.
“The mortgage payment pattern would improve productivity in the state, as the beneficiaries would want to work harder and retain their jobs to offset their mortgage,” the governor said.
Meanwhile, the NMA through its chairman, Dr. Edamisan Temiye, while addressing a press conference yesterday, said the doctors purportedly re-instated were not among the sacked doctors, “we have it on good authority that these doctors were neither sacked nor queried.”
“The governor is not ready to act. Is it possible for the Head of Service and the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) board to sack all its consultants without his approval. Is it possible to sack two thirds of a group of professionals without the governor’s approval,” he said.
If the answer is no, then the governor has deceived all Lagosians and if the governor does not have power over people that he has selected to work for him then it is very sad,” he said.
Speaking on the way forward, the chairman who said that the indefinite solidarity strike had not been suspended called on the governor of the state to act in his capacity as the governor to bring the current crisis to an end without delay.
In a chat with journalists after the press briefing, the chairman of the state Medical Guild, Dr. Olumuyiwa Odusote, who confirmed the reinstatement of 34 doctors, however, said: “Many of the 34 doctors have called us and we told them that whether you are on leave or resuming your leave and your association is on strike, NMA has called the strike, you must join.”
“The medical guild was on strike before most of us were sacked and that strike to my understanding has not been called off,” he said.
The NMA has announced plans to convene a national emergency meeting on June 2 to chart the way forward.

Source:247

Eat More Fruits And Vegetables
It is alarming how many do not make fruits and vegetables a major part of their diet. Fruits and vegetables are the one source of food fuel that you can almost never overdo. You can snack on them all day long and the worst thing that can get happen is that you get too full!
It is alarming how many do not make fruits and vegetables a major part of their diet. Fruits and vegetables are the one source of food fuel that you can almost never overdo. You can snack on them all day long and the worst thing that can get happen is that you get too full!
      

                                                 Your health... Our concern   

Method To Weight loss

Far more people every single day are becoming diagnosed with obesity. Overweight is classified as getting a body mass catalog of greater compared to thirty. Becoming obese puts a person at calculated risk for quite a few illnesses similar to diabetes, cardio ailment, and high bloodstream pressure. The alternative to overweight is to lower the body crowd index by not placing weight. One effective and protected way to lose weight is to use the Medifast reduce weight system.

Medifast Weight Loss

Doing so Medifast weight loss system has been proven effective and has been assisting individuals lose pounds confidently because 1980. Thousands of physicians possess suggested the drive for their patients at the time of the years. The strategy was designed by a medical doctor and is rooted in medical evidence that following a managed diet plan with acquiring regular exercise should result in incredible transformations.

Medifast Weight Loss

Each and every Medifast diet plan is well-rounded of things which are specifically designed to make one sense well-rounded and satisfied for a longer period of time. Among the greatest difficulties of being on a diet is the sensation of becoming happy. Limiting caloric consumption is the key to fall lbs, but is difficult to do when the person thinks eager all day.

Depending on one’s certain needs; there can be a program that can work for them. Medifast weight loss is innovative to deliver for all sorts of people, including diabetics. There are additionally objectives which come enhanced with the heart healthy health supplement omega-3. Doing so can promote cardiovascular and center wellbeing even though supporting the difficult vitamin must of a diabetic.

It’s been proven that guys and females possess various weight loss designs and metabolic rates. They also have various diet plan and nutritional needs. A man must roughly 5 hundred more energy a day in contrast to a lady and has a rapidly metabolic process that benefits in swifter fat loss. Students have different packages designed and custom-engineered to encounter these different needs of men and ladies and may be bought in a two or four full week strategy.

Weight Loss for Ladies

As ladies age, these folks are faced with difficult difficulties which can hamper their endeavors at losing excess weight. Menopause generates a hormone upheaval inside the body type and provides stress as well as an assortment of unpleasant signs and symptoms. The Medifast Plus weight reduction plan is particularly designed to help combat those signs or symptoms and assist her fat burning capacity for effective fat loss.

Utilizing a Medifast Weight loss pc is a certain way to increase energy, lose weight, and attain overall health. Progressively lose weight on a Medifast diet plan the safe way. One can anticipate shedding approximately two and a 50 percent pounds a week and retain the extra weight off long term. Rebound gain in weight is typical in folks who try to decrease lbs too quickly or in fake types similar to crash proper diet and fad dieting. With the correct program and exercise, any individual can achieve their excess pounds goals.

Ruth Steinman, MD, is a clinical associate professor of psychiatry at Penn’s Abramson Cancer Center. In this blog, Dr. Steinman discusses how to tell children about a cancer diagnosis and offers suggestions on how to make the conversation easier.

Children who are old enough to speak need to be told about a cancer diagnosis. Begin by identifying your illness by name without confusing euphemisms. Discuss how it will be treated and what will happen to you during treatment (losing your hair, feeling tired and so on). Tell them who will be taking them to soccer practice, cooking their meals and how their day-to-day lives may change.

Don’t let them overhear it
Prevent your children from hearing the news of your cancer by overhearing. Let them know what is happening and what to expect directly from you. Tell them you will let them know any new information that comes up.

Welcome all questions warmly
Your child needs to know they can talk to you about any topic. Be available to talk about what is on their minds at times when they are likely to talk to you such as in the car, while doing an activity or at bedtime.

Try to tease out the “real” question your child wants to ask
“What are you wondering about?”

Often the real worry is something much more concrete and readily addressed. For example, children may ask: “Will you be better by summertime?” Rather than a question about prognosis or a request for a guaranteed cure, they may be asking if they will go to summer camp as usual. Remember: not every question requires immediate or detailed answers. “That is a good question. Let me think about it/discuss it with daddy/ask my doctor/ and get back to you.”

Respect children who wish not to talk
You can still provide basic information in order to prevent confusion or surprises even with children who don’t want to talk. Check in from time to time and ask what they are hearing and make sure they are getting the right amount of information. Instead of asking: “How are you feeling about Mommy’s cancer?” ask: “How is it working out with Katie’s mom picking you up from practice?”

Don’t let your child worry alone
Kids often hear or read frightening information. Tell your children you understand that they may feel more comfortable talking about what is worrying them with someone else and that you will arrange this if that is the case.

Try to maintain your child’s usual schedule
Assign a point person for each child. Post schedules and calendars for caregivers. Keep the channels of communication open with key caregivers who provide appropriate emotional support and ensure your children’s routines are disrupted as little as possible.

Let your kid’s teachers know who they can go to if they are having a hard time. Make sure the teachers do not share the information with other children in the class. School should be free of cancer talk unless your children initiate the discussion. Ask the teachers not to share information about cancer or about someone else who went through a similar situation. This information, while given with well meaning, can be burdensome to children.

Carve out protected time for the family
Turn off telephones and tell friends and family not to visit during these times so that your children have your full attention without distractions. Ask about their day. Try to use this time to focus on the children and not on your illness.

Have support around hospital visits
Hospital visits often help children feel less worried. Have extra support people accompany your children to the hospital to allow you to adjust the length of the visit to what your children can comfortably manage. Younger children should have toys available. When visits are not possible, cards, drawings and such are helpful. Be sure to have an adult check in with each child after the visit to answer questions about what they saw or heard which might have been confusing or worrisome.

Be honest
Don’t lie, no matter how much you think a lie will protect them. Children are less anxious when they can trust that the information they get from you is true. We all want to promise our children that we will never die. It is important not to make promises you may not be able to keep.

Talking to children about end-of-life
Acknowledge that sometimes people die of cancer. Reinforce the plan for your treatment and the hope that it will keep the illness from getting worse. The most important worry for children is who will look after them if something happens to you. You need to assure them that no matter what happens, they will be cared for.

After Death
Children need to know they are loved and why they are loved. It is also important to:

• Maintain a routine for kids of all ages.
• Include children in rituals but explain beforehand what will happen: the coffin, people crying, that they can leave at any time and this is who will go with them (family or friend).
• As time goes on, demonstrate that it is ok to discuss good and bad memories. Help your children find a way to maintain an emotional, internal connection.

It can often be difficult to tell when children need professional intervention. Certainly if a child asks to speak with someone outside of the family, he or she should be helped to do so. Symptoms that may indicate a need for intervention include depressed mood or high anxiety for more than a couple of weeks, changes in appetite and/or sleep, risk-taking behavior, problems with school (academic or behavioral) and substance abuse. Any expression of suicidal thinking needs to be taken seriously and evaluated by a professional despite the resistance in doing so.

Read “Speaking with Children about Cancer”

Get Fit at Home


Think you need sweaty machines at the gym to get fit? Save your money. Your own body weight and gravity can do the job. Standing core exercises like wood chops are particularly effective.


 Moves to help both men and women get in great shape.

Standing Tubing Row
This deceptively simple move hits all the muscles used in a pull-up, as well as all your core muscles. Grasp the handles with straight arms and tubing taut. Pull the handles towards you and lean back a little. Focus on bringing your shoulder blades back and together. Pause and slowly straighten arms back to the starting position without bending forward.

Circuit Train to Burn Fat
Want to burn fat quickly? Rapid-fire circuits turn strength moves into calorie-torching, cardio work. "If your goal is weight loss, use light weights and low reps. A circuit may include push-ups, pull-ups, and crunches followed by a two-minute run around the room. Repeat or alternate with a different circuit of biceps curls, dips, and shoulder presses to target smaller muscles.

Wide Grip Push-up
A wide grip makes the chest muscles work a little harder. Place your hands outside the shoulders.  It’s important to engage your core, thigh, and gluteal muscles to get the most out of this or any push-up.  As you lift he says: "Think about gripping the ground with your hands to engage the large muscles of the pectoralis major."

Decline Push-up
This challenging push-up can kick your shoulder strength up a couple notches. Get into a standard push-up: hands a little wider than shoulder-width apart, fingers facing forward, elbows slightly bent, and eyes on the floor. Then place feet behind you on a sturdy chair or bench. Keep your body in a straight line, engage the abs, bend your elbows, and lower your chest towards the floor. Push back to starting position.

Jump Squat
Shift your hips back and down until your heels start to lift off the floor. Pause briefly and explode up, swinging the arms overhead as you straighten your legs. Create a straight line from toes to fingers, with your back flat. Land softly on the mid-foot and sink back into a squat to help absorb the impact. Before adding jump moves, people who are sedentary or injured should check with a doctor.

Jump Lunge
Try this advanced move on grass or another soft surface.  Sink into a lunge position with left leg forward, right leg back, and both knees bent to 90 degrees. Swing your arms behind you for greater power as you explosively jump up, using arms to assist as needed. Keep your back straight, eyes facing forward, and engage the abs. Switch legs in the air and land softly, returning to the lunge position. Rest after each set.

One-legged Hamstring Blaster
Strong hamstrings help you blow past fellow runners on hills. To challenge these muscles, lie with knees bent at a 90-degree angle and both heels on a chair or stair. Cross one ankle over the opposite thigh just above the knee. Now raise your hips as high as you can and keep your back straight -- do not arch. Pause at the top and slowly lower hips back to the ground and repeat. Switch legs.

Chair Dip
This simple move tones the backs of the arms, a problem zone for many women. Sit on the edge of a step or chair, palms on each side, and knees bent to 90-degrees. Now, scoot your hips forward, off the step, until your hands are supporting your weight. Slowly lower your body, keeping your back very close to the step.  Bend the elbows until you upper arms are parallel to the floor. Slowly push back up and repeat.

Protection for the Low Back
If you have low back pain, warm up by gently stretching your hips before working out. "Tight hip flexors pull on the lower spine." Kneel down on one knee with the foot trailing behind you. Keep your legs parallel to each other, hands on the bent knee, and let your hips sink forward to the floor, keeping upper body straight. Don't lean forward. Hold for 30 seconds and switch legs.

As your body gets used to exercising, your metabolism increases and thus uses vitamins and nutrients more quickly. As you continue to workout, you need to replenish these vitamins. Each vitamin has a different purpose, so be sure to think about how to get enough of each. A combination of water soluble vitamins and fat soluble vitamins will ensure your body has the nutrients it requires to repair your muscles.

Michelle Stortz, CYT, CMT, MFA is a yoga therapist, massage therapist and movement educator. She specializes in yoga therapy for cancer and works with cancer survivors in the Philadelphia region.

Yoga has recently been the subject of much attention from the medical community as the field begins to confirm its many benefits. For those undergoing cancer treatment, yoga is especially helpful in managing side effects of cancer as well as some of the more difficult emotional and mental aspects of a cancer diagnosis and treatment.

There is a common misconception that yoga is limited to stretching and practicing difficult poses. In truth, long before the physical aspect of yoga developed - largely what we see today - yoga was concerned with meditation and the achieving of heightened states of consciousness. Related breathing techniques have also long been a part of the yoga toolbox.

These tools and techniques, in combination with movement, are proving invaluable in reducing stress, pain, fatigue, insomnia, depression and anxiety; improving both coping skills and overall quality of life.

The methodology behind the yoga class I teach in partnership with the Joan Karnell Cancer Center at Pennsylvania Hospital called “Yoga Therapy for Cancer Patients” emphasizes the stress reduction aspects of yoga.

Benefits of yoga for cancer patients

Gentle movement, breathing techniques, meditation, deep relaxation and imagery work to guide patients to an energized yet calm state of peaceful awareness. As fatigue is the number one side effect of cancer treatment, patients spend approximately 60 to 75% of class time in chairs, with some choosing to remain in the chair for the entire class.

Movements can be modified to accommodate all types of limitations.

In addition to these classic elements of yoga, “Yoga Therapy for Cancer Patients” includes concise lectures on the physiology behind yoga and arms patients with information and an understanding of yoga’s workings.

For instance, meditation elicits the “relaxation response,” a term coined by researcher Herbert Benson at Harvard Medical School to describe a phenomenon in which the following physiological changes take place:

• Metabolism decreases
• Heart rate lowers
• Muscles tension is reduced
• Breath rate slows
• Blood pressure decreases
• Chemicals associated with stress, cortisol and adrenalin, are reduced

When patients know these benefits of yoga, they are inspired to practice more frequently.

These yoga techniques affect the body by quieting down the sympathetic nervous system and engaging the parasympathetic nervous system.

The sympathetic nervous system is the “fight or flight” process of the limbic brain. It sends adrenalin and cortisol through the body, which in turn sends blood to the extremities - arms and legs - leaving the organs at the core of the body functioning with less blood and interfering with their efficient functioning. In this situation the digestive and reproductive systems are suppressed and the immune system altered.

The parasympathetic nervous system tells the body that everything is okay, that it can relax. It returns the blood to the organs so they can operate efficiently. If stress is prolonged and the body is continuously exposed to the stress hormones, one becomes at risk for heart disease, sleep problems, digestive problems, depression, obesity and memory impairment.

Register for yoga

Registration for yoga classes at Pennsylvania Hospital is recommended.

Dates: Tuesdays
Time: 5:30 to 7 pm
Location: Old Pine Community Center, 401 Lombard Street, Philadelphia, PA

To learn more, or to register for yoga therapy classes, email at Michelle michelle@ironjon.com or call 215-242-1366.

Avocado
Sure, avocado is high in fat - but it's the "good" kind. The monounsaturated fat found in avocados packs a one-two punch against cholesterol when it replaces saturated or trans fats in your diet. It can knock down levels of total cholesterol and "bad" cholesterol (LDL), as long as no more than 25%-35% of your daily calories come from all types of fat. Olive oil and nuts also contain good fats.

Chocolate
Chocolate may improve blood flow - if you eat the right kind. Studies suggest the flavanols in dark chocolate may curb levels of bad cholesterol, improve circulation, and keep blood pressure in check. Men with poor blood flow are more likely to develop erectile dysfunction, so heart-wise foods may protect your sex life, too. But too much chocolate can lead to weight gain. Bonci suggests eating one ounce a day in lieu of other sweets


Shellfish
Shellfish and other types of seafood are rich in zinc, which is critically important for the heart, muscles, and reproductive system. Research has linked zinc deficiency to poor sperm quality and male infertility. If you're not a seafood fan, beef, turkey, chicken, nuts, and seeds provide excellent alternatives for stocking up on zinc.

Fatty Fish
Fatty fish, like salmon, herring, sardines, or halibut, are another excellent source of healthy fat. They contain a special type known as omega-3 fatty acids, which protect against heart disease, some cancers, and arthritis. Studies suggest two servings of fatty fish per week can lower your chances of dying from heart disease

Ginger
Like cherries, ginger may have anti-inflammatory properties that come in handy when you push yourself too hard. Research suggests eating ginger regularly may help reduce the pain of exercise-related muscle injuries

Bananas
The banana is celebrated for its bounty of potassium -- and with good reason. Potassium is critically important in muscle contractions and bone health, it also helps blood pressure. In fact, getting enough potassium may be as important as reducing sodium when it comes to lowering blood pressure.

Tomato Sauce
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a potent antioxidant that may protect against some cancers. Some research suggests that men who eat tomato sauce regularly are less likely to get prostate cancer, but not all studies support this. Bonci says tomatoes are worth your time anyway, because they provide a variety of plant nutrients. Adding salsa to a burrito or tomato sauce to pasta is an easy way to make a meal more nutritious.

Mixed Vegetables
Vegetables are packed with phytochemicals, plant-based nutrients that boost cell health and protect against cancer. There are many different types of phytochemicals, and the best way to get a variety of them is to eat different colored veggies. "There should be color on your plate at every meal,

Orange Vegetables
Orange vegetables are an excellent source of beta-carotene, lutein, and vitamin C. These nutrients lower your odds of developing an enlarged prostate, according to a large study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Good choices include red bell peppers, carrots, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes.

Baked Potato
Baked potatoes are hearty and easy to make. They're also surprisingly high in vitamin C, an antioxidant that works against free radicals in the body. These normal byproducts of our metabolism become damaging at high levels and are linked to the development of cancer, heart disease, even arthritis. Go easy on the butter, or top with salsa and reduced-fat cheese. Other sources of vitamin C include green peppers, kiwi, and citrus fruits.

Leafy Green Vegetables
Spinach, collard greens, and kale can benefit the eyes as well as the prostate. These leafy green vegetables are rich in lutein and zeaxanthin. Both nutrients protect against cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, a chronic eye disease that impairs vision.

Eggs
Eggs provide lutein, protein, and iron -- but you have to eat the whole egg. "Even though the yolk is a source of cholesterol, it has half the protein and most of the flavor," Bonci says. She recommends cutting back on high-cholesterol sweets to make room for whole eggs in your diet. If you have high cholesterol, ask your doctor if you should limit how many eggs you eat per week.

Brown Rice
Brown rice is another great source of fiber, and it's easy to dress up with nutritious, colorful food. Try adding lean meat, baby spinach, and pineapple. If you don't like the texture, mix some white rice in with the brown. There's good evidence that brown rice and other whole-grain foods can help you maintain a healthy body weight, while reducing the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Berries
"Berries can help you be on top of your game mentally as well as physically. They're loaded with antioxidants that may reduce the risk of various types of cancer. Animal studies suggest blueberries can also enhance memory and brain function. Similar research in people is in its infancy, but looks promising. When fresh berries are expensive or tough to find, try buying them frozen and making a shake.

LAGOS — Governor Babatunde Fashola of  Lagos State, yesterday, said he had no power to reinstate the 788 sacked doctors in the state health service, adding that he has no power to employ or sack any doctor.
Fashola who spoke in a television programme in Lagos denied any involvement in the sack of the doctors.
The governor, who spoke without prejudice, regretted that people had failed to understand that government is only an institution and people in public office would one day complete their service and leave while the institution remains.

Fashola said: “I don’t even have the power to employ a doctor. A doctor  is employed by the Health Service Commission and the Hospital Management Board that have delegated authority to the commission in line with the law made by the State House of Assembly.  This body deals with employment, they approve promotions, they have disciplinary powers and also powers to review disciplinary procedures.  The law does not give the governor any role to play in that process.
“Except the appointment of the chairman and other members of the board on the recommendation of the Commissioner for Health, that is the only role the governor has to play there.”
Fashola further explained that his approval was not needed in promotion, employment as well as in disciplinary procedures, stating that what is happening currently with the doctors was an institution that is acting.
Condition for their recall
Fashola who insisted that government would allow institutions to work independently noted that the only condition for their recall would be if he is advised to do so by the appropriate authorities.
Fashola said the doctors were employed by the state health commission and were answerable to it and not the governor, noting: “If I receive advice that I can do so, I probably would. The problem there is that the law does not give me a role to play except in appointment.”
Drawing analogy with elections, he said: “The law says that once you appoint a chairman, he is independent. Then, it is wrong for me or anyone to say go and change that. No matter how aggrieved we feel, we must allow institutions to work. If anyone is aggrieved with the results, you have to go to a tribunal to say that the results were wrong.
“If they failed to do their job or is done improperly, there is institution also set up to correct them. They cannot be self correct.”
He said if all the parties genuinely seek solution, there will be away out.
Denies walking out on doctors
He denied reports that he (Fashola) ever walked out on the doctors, saying he only excused himself for another engagement.
He said: “All I can do is what I did yesterday.  I had an engagement to receive a governor, I was running late. I had an appointment. They doctors said they want to see me.
“The courteous thing to do was to see them with our people. And to say look I don’t believe that the doors are closed but you find the keys to open the doors. Go back to your employers. But you must excuse me for this meeting because I am going somewhere. As a courtesy, I have received you and even in spite of that, I spent time with you and have to excuse my self.  These are the facts of the matter.
“Those who know me know that it was not the truth. I have a legitimate reason not to be with them but I waited for them to see what we could do to promote peace.”


Source:vanguard

Vomiting and nausea are not illnesses but common symptoms that accompany with many diseases and conditions. The problems with nausea and vomiting are related to the cause. Nausea and vomiting from motion sickness, seasickness, food poisoning, or cancer therapy can result in loss of water and electrolytes, which can lead to dehydration. Vomiting and nausea known as morning sickness may occur during pregnancy.

•    Nausea is an unpleasant, queasy feeling in the throat or stomach that may result in vomiting.
•    Vomiting is emptying the stomach as a result of strong gagging and retching that leads to throwing up. The stomach's contents are forcefully expelled through the mouth. Vomiting can come in waves as the natural movement (muscle contractions of the digestive system known as peristalses) is reversed, and involuntary contractions in the walls of the stomach and esophagus force the stomach contents out. Sometimes coughing or spitting up mucus from the lungs is confused with vomiting. Vomiting can only come from the stomach.
•    Retching is the reverse movement (peristalsis) of the stomach and esophagus without vomiting. Sometimes this is called the dry heaves.
Vomiting and Nausea Causes
Nausea and vomiting are controlled by the same parts of the brain that control involuntary bodily functions. Vomiting is actually a reflex triggered by a signal from the brain.
•    The signal to vomit can result from several stimuli such as smells, taste, various illnesses, emotions (such as fear), pain, injury, infection, food irritation, dizziness, motion, and other changes in the body, specifically these:
o    Eating disorders (anorexia and bulimia)
o    Food poisoning
o    Certain virus infections
o    Motion sickness (car sickness, seasickness)
o    Vertigo (the sensation that the room is spinning around)
o    Head injuries (such as a concussion or bleeding injury)
o    Gallbladder disease or appendicitis
o    Migraine (a severe form of headache)
o    Brain tumors
o    Brain infections (such as meningitis)
o    Hydrocephalus (too much fluid in the brain)
Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of some medications. Usually nausea is not an allergy (which is a severe reaction that can include skin rash or trouble breathing), but an unwanted side effect of the medicine. Some medicines such as those used in cancer treatment (chemotherapy) and strong pain killers are well known for causing nausea and vomiting.
The following are common causes of nausea and vomiting.
•    Side effects of anesthesia used for surgery
•    Stomach problems such as blockage (pyloric obstruction, a condition that causes forceful spitting up in infants)
•    Bleeding into the stomach from different causes
•    Infection, irritation, or blockage of the intestines
•    Low or high body chemicals and minerals
•    Presence of toxins in the body
•    Excessive alcohol intake
•    Alcohol from beer, wine, and liquor is turned into a chemical (acetaldehyde), which results in the sensation of nausea that is felt the next morning, known as a "hangover"
•    Nausea and vomiting occur frequently in pregnancy. Morning sickness usually happens in the first few months but sometimes can last throughout the pregnancy.
 Symptoms
•    Nausea is a feeling of unease that frequently includes an upset stomach, dizziness, and anxiety. There is often an urge to vomit. This sensation often feels as if it comes from the stomach, but it is mostly controlled by the brain.
•    Vomiting, however, frequently improves the sensation of nausea, at least temporarily. Vomiting occurs when the stomach forcefully expels its contents out of the mouth. When vomiting continues after all the food and liquid has been forced out, it is called the dry heaves.
•    When vomiting leads to dehydration from loss of fluids, the affected person may have increased thirst, dry lips, and dry mouth. The person may not urinate often or urine will be darker in color. In children, signs of dehydration include dry lips and mouth, sunken eyes, rapid breathing, lethargy, and dry diapers, indicating the child is not producing urine.
Seek medical attention at a hospital's emergency department if:
•    You are experiencing nausea or vomiting and severe belly pain
•    Vomiting accompanied with fever, especially in a child
•    Vomiting blood. Blood may be bright red or dark red. Old blood may look brown (like coffee ground)
•    Vomiting won't stop and you are unable to keep any fluids down
•    You have a known head injury before vomiting occurred
•    There are other medical conditions present such as heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, or diabetes
•    You are unable to take your daily medications for other medical conditions
•    You observe any signs of confusion or extreme weakness
•    A new or severe headache is also present
 Treatment
Most of the time, nausea and vomiting go away on their own and can be managed at home.

Treatment for nausea and vomiting usually involves medications to decrease the nausea and fluid replacement for dehydration.

Do You Have Bad Breath?
Bad breath is often caused by a buildup of bacteria in your mouth that causes inflammation and gives off noxious odors or gases that smell like sulfur -- or worse.
Everybody has nasty breath at some point, like when you get out of bed in the morning.
Not sure if your breath is bad? The best way to find out is to ask a trusted friend or your significant other, "'Does my breath smell?' Because it's really hard to tell on your own. There's another way to know. It may seem a bit gross, but look at and smell your dental floss after you use it.
"If your floss smells or there is blood on it, then there are foul odors in your mouth.


What Causes Bad Breath?
There are no statistics on what percentage of the population has bad breath. That's because studies usually rely on someone reporting whether or not they think they have bad breath and may not be accurate.
But studies show that about 80% of bad breath comes from an oral source. For instance, cavities or gum disease can lead to bad breath, as can tonsils that have trapped food particles; cracked fillings, and less-than-clean dentures.
Several internal medical conditions also can cause your breath to go downhill fast. They include diabetes, liver disease, respiratory tract infections, and chronic bronchitis. You'll want to see your doctor to rule out things like acid reflux, postnasal drip, and other causes of chronic dry mouth (xerostomia).
Woodall recalls a 30-year-old patient who had chronic bad breath, though her teeth were "immaculate" and her tongue was very clean. Her doctor tested her for acid reflux and other stomach conditions, "gave her some medicine, and her bad breath went away.
See Your Dentist, Brush Your Teeth
Nixed medical causes for your bad breath? Keep your scheduled dental appointments.
Good oral hygiene also is key to fighting bad breath. Ideally, you should brush and floss after every meal to help reduce the odor-causing bacteria in your mouth. While a regular toothbrush works just as well if you use it as recommended, Frangella recommends using an electric toothbrush, for two reasons.
"First, because many electric toothbrushes have timers on them and the majority of people do not brush their teeth for the right length of time. And secondly, because electric toothbrushes distribute a uniform motion, which I find helps remove plaque more efficiently than when my patients use manual toothbrushes."
Some mouthwashes or mouth rinses can help prevent cavities and reduce bacteria-causing plaque and fight bad breath. Stick to an antiseptic or antibacterial rinse that kills bacteria, rather than a cosmetic rinse that just focuses on freshening the breath.

Watch What You Eat
What you eat affects what you exhale. That's because as food is digested, it's absorbed into your bloodstream and then is expelled by your lungs when you breathe.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet and regular meals. Certain diets -- such as extreme fasting and very low-carb diets -- can give you bad-smelling breath.
Consider snacking on raw carrots, celery, or apple slices. "It's good to have a nice watery vegetable in there - something like celery - that will help clear your mouth of debris," Frangella says.
Avoid breath busters such as garlic, onions, and some other spicy foods. Chronic garlic users cannot only have chronic bad breath, they also often have body odor, Woodall says.

Six More Ways to Fix Bad Breath
Here are a half dozen more ways to banish bad breath - hopefully for good.
•    Stay hydrated. If you can't brush your teeth after a meal, drinking a lot of water can help speed up the process of cleaning harmful bacteria and debris from between your teeth. Drinking milk can even help deodorize some offensive breath odors. Avoid sugary drinks.
•    Don't drink too much coffee. It may be tasty, but coffee is a tough smell to get off the back of your tongue. Consider switching to an herbal or green tea.
•    Don't smoke or use other tobacco products. Cigarettes, pipes, and snuff can foul your breath. "Smoking can give people horrible breath. And some people carry this stuff worse than others."
•    Cut back on alcohol. Alcohol can lead to a dry mouth. Too much beer, wine, and hard liquor can make your breath reek for up to eight to 10 hours after you finish drinking, Woodall says.
•    Chew sugarless gum. Doing so 20 minutes after a meal can help with saliva flow. Gum that's 100% xylitol-sweetened can help reduce cavities, but it's also "kind of cooling and gives you really nice fresh breath.
•    Be careful with breath mints. Sugar-free mints are OK for a quick fix but only mask the offensive smell and don't do anything to remove harmful bad bacteria. Tempted to pick up a sugary mint as you leave your favorite restaurant? Don't. The sugar will only sit on your teeth and make the problem worse.


Source:webmd

• Anemia
• Congestive heart failure
• Liver disease
• Malnutrition

White Nails

If the nails are mostly white with darker rims, this can indicate liver problems, such as hepatitis. In this image, you can see the fingers are also jaundiced, another sign of liver trouble.

Yellow Nails

One of the most common causes of yellow nails is a fungal infection. As the infection worsens, the nail bed may retract, and nails may thicken and crumble. In rare cases, yellow nails can indicate a more serious condition such as severe thyroid disease, lung disease, diabetes or psoriasis.

Rippled Nails

If the nail surface is rippled or pitted, this may be an early sign of psoriasis or inflammatory arthritis. Discoloration of the nail is common; the skin under the nail can seem reddish-brown.

Cracked or Split Nails

Dry, brittle nails that frequently crack or split have been linked to thyroid disease. Cracking or splitting combined with a yellowish hue is more likely due to a fungal infection.

Puffy Nail Fold

If the skin around the nail appears red and puffy, this is known as inflammation of the nail fold. It may be the result of lupus or another connective tissue disorder. Infection can also cause redness and inflammation of the nail fold.

Dark Lines Beneath the Nail

Dark lines beneath the nail should be investigated as soon as possible. They are sometimes caused by melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer

Gnawed Nails

Biting your nails may be nothing more than an old habit, but in some cases it's a sign of persistent anxiety that could benefit from treatment. Nail biting or picking has also been linked to obsessive-compulsive disorder. If you can't stop, it's worth discussing with your doctor.

Nails Are Only Part of the Puzzle

Though nail changes accompany many conditions, these changes are rarely the first sign. And many nail abnormalities are harmless -- not everyone with white nails has hepatitis. If you're concerned about the appearance of your nails, see a dermatologist.