Five rules of a healthy heart

Food for heart

Rule 1. Eat vegetables, fruits, grains and products with minimal heat treatment.
Vegetables, fruits, grains - are vitamins and fiber, which improves the body works in general, retard the development of atherosclerosis and deposition of cholesterol on the walls of blood vessels. Fish, particularly oily sea (trout, mackerel, mackerel, herring) are extremely rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids. The Nordic nations, whose menu sea fish has an important place, suffer from cardiovascular diseases by almost 2 times less likely to rest. According to recent studies, regular use of omega-3 to minimize the risk of sudden cardiac arrest.


Training

Rule 2. Daily Exercise, walk walk, run, ride a bike.Exercise helps to keep the tone all muscles, including the heart. During physical exertion faster process glucose, consumed substances which by law are deposited in the meanness of the most problematic places.

There are special aerobic exercise for heart and blood vessels. This jogging, walking, swimming. The main condition - to engage in at least 30 minutes at a time, ideally - 40-50. The fitness club for this is cardio: Steppers (simulated walking on the stairs), treadmill, bicycles and elliptical trainers. Do not love the gym - to ride a bicycle in the park, run or just go walking, ignore the elevator. Follow the pulse: during training it should be 110-130 beats per minute.


Alcohol

Rule 3. Moderate drinkers.
Note that it is not that the use of alcohol should be completely abandoned. Keyword - "moderation". A glass of dry red wine a day - say, over lunch in good company - my heart only benefit. Red wine is rich in polyphenols - powerful antioxidants contained in the grape pips. According to recent research conducted at the University of Florida, a moderate intake of alcohol (1-7 servings per week) reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke by 30%.

However, scientists clarify: bust alcohol is much worse than complete abstinence. Safe rate - 20 grams per day in terms of clean ethanol. The wine equivalent of a glass of beer - 0,33 l.

Slim waist

Rule 4. To have a healthy heart, it is important to have a waist.In any case, the waist should not exceed the amount of the hips, which, in turn, must fit in the average office chair.

Joking aside, the "right" weight to avoid many health problems, which ultimately affect the work of the heart. Waist 89 cm more - a real threat. Familiar medical school teacher called it a "Fatty chain": too much fat - the relative lack of insulin - in the blood glucose concentration (there is type 2 diabetes mellitus) - increases the cholesterol level - there is atherosclerosis, increased blood pressure.

And most of that chain events develop in people with abdominal obesity - that is, when the fat is deposited in the main at the waist. From this point of view to be "woman-pear" (waist hip already) is much better than being a "woman-apple" (waist wider hips). It is necessary to make the waist!

Cigarettes banned

Rule 5. Quit smoking.

Usually the eventual disadvantages of tobacco show impregnated with soot lungs. In fact, smoking is harmful and many other organs, particularly the heart. If I had my way, I would have shown in the eventual disadvantages of tobacco large scar that remains on the heart after a heart attack. According to WHO, smoking - after the second factor of atherosclerosis, which leads to coronary heart disease.

Nine questions about cancer

Malignant neoplasms can be considered a true scourge of humanity - from their lives of nearly 15% of people, and their prevention and treatment leave much to be desired. At the same time, few people know what is cancer and how to fight it.

Question 1. Why cancer is cancer?

Answer. The name "cancer" (the Greek «oncos», Latin «cancer») gave this disease famous Greek physician Hippocrates for the resemblance of a malignant tumor or cancer crab, launching its "feelers" deep to healthy tissue.

In modern medicine, cancer is usually called only malignant tumors originating from epithelial tissue. Other malignant tumors (from muscle, nerve and other tissues) of cancer called incorrectly. Often, however, traditionally referred to as cancer, any cancer. For simplicity in this article the word "cancer" also refers to all malignant neoplasms.

Question 2. What is the difference malignant tumors from benign?

Answer. Fundamental differences between the three. First, the tumors grow uncontrollably, that is, their cells divide continuously, producing a similar. Secondly, they are not limited to tissues that occurs, that is, grow into the surrounding organs and tissues, destroying them. And, thirdly, malignant tumors are able to metastasize. It lies in the fact that tumor cells may be with blood or lymph transported to other organs, which of them grow new tumors, similar to the original.

Question 3. Can a person get cancer?

Answer. In contact with a person who has a malignant neoplasm, infection can not. For the development of cancer requires two basic conditions.

The first condition - that change the genetic apparatus of cells, ie DNA that causes cells to multiply uncontrollably and turns off the mechanism of programmed death, inherent in all cells at the end of their life cycle. That is, any cancer comes from our own human cells, and during malignant degeneration of the cell can either maintain their initial symptoms (such tumors are called highly differentiated), and lose them completely (such tumors are called poorly differentiated).

The second condition - is a violation of the immune system, which is responsible for detecting and destroying cancer cells.
Changing the genetic apparatus might occur under the influence of many factors. They are, for example, chemical carcinogens and ionizing radiation, changing the structure of DNA, the hereditary predisposition. Exist as a tumor, the appearance of which depends on increased levels of hormones. For example, elevated levels of female sex hormones estrogen increases the risk of developing breast cancer and uterine epithelium, and male sex hormone androgen - prostate cancer.

Some types of cancer develop on the basis of the so-called precancerous conditions, such as stomach cancer is often preceded by long-existing ulcer.

Most precancerous lesions are viral infections - they are "responsible" for 15% of all cancer cases. This is not surprising, since many viruses affecting cell embedded in its "holy of holies" - the genetic apparatus. And so these infections can indeed be infected. Of course, there is some virus does not mean necessarily disease related type of cancer in the future, but the risk of complications increases many times. The most known viruses that predispose to cancer - is certain types of papilloma virus to cervical and penile, hepatitis B and C in liver cancer, Epstein-Barr virus to Burkitt's lymphoma, and others.

Question 4. Is cancer hereditary?

Answer. Direct hereditary transmission of cancer does not exist. However, a predisposition to developing certain types of cancer can be inherited, and for various hereditary tumors has different meanings. Thus, some genetic features greatly increases the risk of breast cancer in relatives of sick women, although it may appear without them. And such a tumor, such as liver cancer, is much more dependent on external influences. In any case, the dependence of developing cancer of heredity is the nature of probability, rather than direct transmission.

Question 5. Can I be vaccinated against cancer?

Answer. Despite continued scientific research, nor from one type of cancer preventive vaccination does not exist. Numerous reports of studies in this area allows us to hope that the problem will be solved very soon, at least for some types of cancer, but so far can not be vaccinated against cancer.

But not all that bad. Already have and continue to receive vaccinations against viral infections, predisposing to the development of cancer. For example, anyone can now be vaccinated against oncogenic papilloma virus or hepatitis B.

Question 6. Cancer can be cured, or it always leads to death?

Answer. Can be cured, and in full, but not always. The possibility of cure is strongly dependent on several factors, such as:
• The type of malignant tumor - different kinds of cancer have different growth rate and probability of metastasis (usually poorly differentiated tumors are more dangerous, the cells that have lost the identity of the original fabric);
• disease stage at which a diagnosis (if the tumor is small in size, located within a single body and no metastases, the chances of its complete removal is very high);
• The accuracy of diagnosis and correct choice of treatment;
• the possibility of the establishment where the therapy (the presence of necessary equipment and sufficient qualified professionals)
• and several others.

Question 7. How to detect cancer at an early stage?

Answer. Absolute algorithm for early detection of tumors, unfortunately, does not exist. However, methods of screening cancer developed and constantly improved.

Some of them are taken earlier, managed to demonstrate its irrelevance. For example, this fluorogram to identify lung cancer (note that it is an excellent job of identifying tuberculosis, so it must pass required), self-examination to detect breast cancer. The benefit of test for prostate specific antigen (PSA) to detect prostate cancer is considered doubtful.
Currently uniquely efficient screening methods are recognized: mammography for early detection of breast cancer by cytological examination of cervical smears, the test for faecal occult blood and colonoscopy for the diagnosis of colon cancer.

More and more opportunities becoming screening of genetic markers of cancer. For example, the defined mutation analysis of genes BRCA 1 and 2 are responsible for 30-40% of cases of predisposition to breast cancer. Unfortunately, due to the high cost method of mass genetic screening as there is only a few Western countries.

Question 8. Is it true that the worst thing in cancer - a metastasis?

Answer. In cancer of all afraid. Metastases really strong worsen prognosis, because all of them can not be deleted, and they disrupt the work of those bodies that have arisen. But even without metastasis cancer often leads to death.

First, actively multiplying tumor cells require a constant influx of nutrients, like "eating around" the whole body. In addition, with this enhanced metabolism increases and the number of metabolic products, most of which are toxic. All this leads to the weakening and exhaustion of the patient - the so-called cancer cachexia, and the poisoning of the body - cancer intoxication.

Secondly, the tumor may form in vital organs, or grow into it, causing a lack of functions. The greatest risk in this regard, a brain tumor.

Question 9. Why in the treatment of cancer bald?

Answer. Effects of basic anticancer drugs - cytostatics - based on the suppression of actively dividing cells. Because malignant tumors are composed of just such cells, they become major targets for drugs. But the body is healthy tissue, cells are constantly updated - this is, first of all, hair follicles, bone marrow and intestinal epithelium. Therefore, people receiving chemotherapy, often suffer from hair loss, as well as the oppression of blood and erosions of the intestine.

Bulimia

Mental illness is manifested in the ruthless attacks of hunger. According to Medscape General, women suffer from them ten times more often than men. Usually this is the model athlete, dancer and actress. However, far from it.
If this happens regularly, then it is time to heal ...




Bulimia (from the Greek. Boul - «Bull and limos -« hunger ") - is, simply speaking, gluttony. There are two criteria of the disease: firstly, bulimik eats certainly more than fitting, secondly, during the meal can not control myself and eat until all the food or the physical ability is there.

Everyone knows what a "jam" trouble and sorrow. Many of us found ourselves in the difficult moments of life with his mouth at the open refrigerator. However, bulimia is considered only if the disease took shape when the frequency of attacks of hunger appears: in the evening, or every weekend, or even once every two weeks. If this happens regularly, then it is time to heal.

Bulimia is not harmless. Feeling pangs of conscience, a man unsuccessfully trying to go on a diet, do fitness, take drugs for weight loss. Only 6-8% stop there, the rest go to violent methods of treatment: enemas, laxatives and induced vomiting.

Vomiting - the most convenient and fastest way to get rid of excess calories before they learned the body. However, this process is extremely protivoestestven and fraught with not only the loss of potassium and other trace elements, chemical burns of the esophagus and oral cavity, which lead to ulcers of the esophagus, tooth decay and chronic stomatitis. The horror that eventually produced pathological reflex, and the person involuntarily turns every time you try anything to eat.

Severe bulimia looks very similar to another disease - anorexia. Some experts say at this stage of bulimoanoreksii. In fact, the distinction here bulimika from anorektika is difficult: both alternate hunger strike to uncontrollable bouts of overeating and cause vomiting, and eventually he and the other answer an involuntary gag reflex to attempt a little snack.

Gluttony is old as the world. Even in times of decline of the Roman Empire had been opened for days of feasting, at which have been made known more than it can digest. And as an indispensable assistant to the stomach in those days used peacock feathers, which the guests induce vomiting. The tradition of this, incidentally, existed in the Middle Ages and later. Louis XVI, as is known, was characterized by love feasts, which spared no government money: according to the historical documents on the budget of a royal reception could have been half a year to feed a small village.

Bulimia is, unlike the good old rablezianstva was due to hedonism, and mental disorders: fear of impotence and loss of control over the situation. Eventually bulimik realizes that he also stopped to control your appetite and vomiting reaction in the form of food, which only adds to his self-hatred, depression, fear and apathy.

Public people are particularly vulnerable to this disease. Popularity sometimes is out of control, and unflattering press reviews to give rise complexes even in the strongest soul. Among the celebrities who suffered from bulimia, were Princess Diana, singer Alanis Morissette, actress Jane Fonda and Calista Flockhart, singer Elton John, TV host Oprah Winfrey and many others.

Treatment of bulimia is not one month, and participate in it together psychologist and dietician.

Anorexia

 

At the core of anorexia is the relentless desire to lose weight, which patients realize through diet, exercise, and sometimes enemas, laxatives, vomiting. As a result of weight loss were reconstructed metabolic processes, there is amenorrhea, mental changes occur. The patients for weight loss and fatigue do not pay attention. To the doctor they usually lead relatives, concerned about their substantial weight loss. Only some patients have somatic complaints, due to complications (damage to the musculoskeletal system as a result of physical activity, cardiovascular disorders due to starvation and hypokalemia).

Anorexia nervosa is relatively rare, in the U.S. - 15 cases per 100 000 population per year. Because the disease is chronic, the overall prevalence of anorexia nervosa above - 0,1-0,7%. Mainly girls are sick. The peak incidence occurs in teenage age, although onset may be as a child and in adolescence. Painful conviction in its own fullness and desire to lose weight usually are not in anorexia nervosa nature of obsession. Focusing on weight and shape is not contrary to domestic installations, and therefore is not accompanied by anxiety. Only in rare cases, anorexia nervosa is combined with obsessive-compulsive disorder, and then you can identify common for these patients obsessions (fear of pollution, contamination, etc.) and rituals.

Many changes in personality and behavior in anorexia nervosa - a consequence of starvation, they may have any hungry person. This concentration of thoughts on food, slow chewing of food, depression, fatigue, reduced sexual activity, social isolation, deterioration of cognitive function (inability to concentrate, low test scores on intelligence, infringement opinions). Approximately half of patients with anorexia nervosa are binge eating episodes, followed by unloading. This type of behavior is more characteristic of impulsive, less fettered personalities. Some believe that this is not anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, but the consensus here yet.

As shown by the long-term observation, the mortality of anorexia nervosa is about 15% (in contrast to the traditionally accepted 5%). Approximately half the cases the cause of death is suicide - it once again suggests that in anorexia nervosa expressed emotional distress, and that in each case it is necessary to assess suicide risk.
Treatment of anorexia

Emergency aid is reduced primarily to the correction of water-electrolyte disorders. If the concentration of potassium in serum is less than 3 mEq / L, there may be cardiac arrhythmias, including life-threatening. So make sure to cover the shortage of potassium, and if bulimia nervosa potassium enough to give in, then with anorexia - required in /.

Long-term treatment. The first step - convincing the patient and family in need for treatment and details of it. This may require a lot of time and effort, because patients usually underestimate the danger of his condition. Nevertheless, this step is necessary because the involuntary treatment is difficult and often impossible.

Almost always - except for the early stages, when weight loss is negligible, - is shown hospitalization in a specialized hospital. In the hospital first begin to restore weight. Usually used method of compensation: if one day the patient gained weight, for example, 200 grams, then "a reward" him give more freedom (at first allowed for some time to leave the chamber, and then meet with friends, leave the office, etc.) . Since patients entered into the agreement, which determine what remuneration corresponding to a daily weight gain. This agreement is then often discuss and, if necessary, change. It is important to patients themselves to determine for itself incentives. If the weight is not added, then compensation is not enough attractive and should look better. According to one controlled trial, method of remuneration in anorexia nervosa that of the other, although it gives the best results yet in mild cases. Tube feeding - distributed earlier treatment - are rarely used now due to the risk of aspiration pneumonia. After being discharged from hospital should be extended outpatient treatment. His goal - to achieve a healthy weight and maintain it for at least 6 months.

The basis of outpatient treatment - psychotherapy, aimed at psychological support, distraction from relentless thoughts about weight and shape, the resolution of life's difficulties. Teenagers useful family therapy. Most patients with this approach continues to gain weight but often a few months later comes anorexia relapse requiring re-hospitalization. Fully recover less than half the patients, although almost all can work. A rare complication of therapy - obesity