Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder in which a person eats inadequately or exercises excessively, resulting in severe weight loss.

Help for Anorexia and Bulimia

Incidence of Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is thought to affect one out of every 100 teenagers. It usually affects people in their teenage years or early adolescence. Girls are more likely to suffer from this eating disorder as compared to boys.

Effects of Anorexia Nervosa

Today’s word is obsessed with good looks and body image. Celebrities and models work hard to maintain a thin body. Most of the models endorsing big brands look emaciated and thin. These celebrities are often the role modes of teenage girls and boys. They try to achieve a thinner body as they think thinner body equals beautiful looks.

They usually have a false impression of their body size, believing themselves to be fat when to others this is clearly not the case. They have an intense fear of becoming fat and may obsessively collect slimming guides, recipe books and other information about food and nutrition. They will often spend a lot of time preparing food for others to eat.

Another reason that leads to this eating disorder is peer pressure. As their friends and siblings endorse thinner looks and they are criticized for being fat in spite of a healthy weight, these teenage girls and boys give in to the peer pressure and opt the fast and easy way to lose weight, which is by starving themselves. They do not take into consideration the long term health hazards associated with anorexia nervosa.

As a result of this they tend to starve themselves. They refuse to eat anything even when they are excessively hungry. Most people with anorexia severely restrict their food intake, some make themselves vomit and use laxatives, and many exercise intensely. The affected person may lose about one-sixth of their body weight, and often much more.

Their main focus is to lose the extra pounds quickly and to achieve and maintain a thinner waistline.

Health hazards associated with Anorexia

Teenage girls and boys choose to starve themselves in order to lose weight and maintain a thin body size. But they are unaware of their health risks associated with an unhealthy weight loss. Their body is deprived of the nutrients essential for their growth and development. As a result of this, they may suffer from patchy, scaly and dull looking skin. Many girls even complain of excessive hair loss. They may have irregular periods as a result of malnutrition. They may also suffer from anemia and excessive fatigue. Hunger affects their ability to concentrate. They may suffer from irritability as a result of starvation. Many young adults suffer from depression and insomnia as associated symptoms of this eating disorder. In some people, the consequences of anorexia nervosa may be potentially fatal. The serious life threatening conditions that occur as a result of this eating disorder include renal failure and cardiac failure.

Treatment

The best treatment option is psychological counseling and support groups. Drugs can be used to treat the associated symptoms.

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There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease but the symptoms of this disease can be controlled and alleviated with the help of proper medication and management. Natural cure for Parkinson’s disease involves proper management of the disease with the help of physical activity and support therapy.

Yoga and Pilates may help in relieving muscle rigidity

Alternative therapies such as yoga and pilates focus on muscle coordination and controlled movements. These therapies must be practiced under the supervision of a trained professional and in consultation with your doctor.Many people suffering from this disease have reported significant relief in muscle pain after regular practice of yoga.

Physical activity

People with Parkinson’s disease should remain as active as possible, maintaining daily activities and, if possible, a regular exercise program. Support therapies from physiotherapists, occupational and speech therapists can also help with specific exercises, education and retraining to improve coordination, balance and movement. Physical activity has been shown to have numerous health benefits for all. It helps with weight control and reduces the risk or improves the outcomes of many diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes or depression. People with Parkinson’s disease who regularly exercise will enjoy all these benefits as well as specific assistance with their movement disorder. It will help keep muscles stay flexible and in good tone; increase the range of movement and maintain physical strength. All these factors influence balance, posture and the way you move.Normal household duties such as gardening, cleaning the car and walking the dog will also help maintain general fitness.

Continue with your current sports and hobbies, such as tennis, bowls, golf or dancing. You may find your performance is gradually affected as your Parkinson’s disease progresses, but the enjoyment, physical activity and social aspects of sport are still very worthwhile.

It is important to understand that over exertion and fatigue may worsen the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Hence a person suffering from this disorder must exercise in moderation and not overdo it as fatigue can sometimes exacerbate symptoms such as tremor.

Speech  Therapy

As Parkinson disease gradually worsens, the person’s speech may be affected. In such cases a speech therapist can provide assistance to the affected individual.

Counseling for the carers

In many instances the primary care givers, especially if they are a close family member such a s a spouse or a parent are emotionally stressed as they have to cope with the added responsibilities. Many support groups are available these days that provide emotional support and guidance not only to the persons suffering from this disorder but to their primary care givers as well

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Generally people with high levels of LDL cholesterol do not show any major symptoms and their condition may go unnoticed until a blood test detects the rise in cholesterol levels.

The main line of treatment in reducing LDL cholesterol levels includes lifestyle changes, dietary modification and use of medications.

Lifestyle changes that need to be made in order to reduce the cholesterol levels are as follows:

Regular exercise helps to reduce cholesterol

Regular physical activity helps to increase the HDL cholesterol levels and reduce the LDL cholesterol levels. Any sport or physical activity that leads to an increase in the heart rate and an all body workout is recommended. Doctors recommend brisk walking at least 30 minutes every day for several days a week.

Reduce alcohol consumption in order to lower the cholesterol levels.

Heavy drinking has been associated with high levels of cholesterol as well as blood glucose. Alcohol only provides empty calories. Hence it is necessary to cut down alcohol intake to two standard drinks every day for men and one standard drink daily for women, with at least two alcohol free days every week.

Quitting smoking helps to lower cholesterol levels

Quitting smoking helps to reduce the LDL cholesterol levels. Smoking also increases the risk of stroke and coronary heart disease. Hence it is very necessary to quit smoking.

Dietary changes should be made to reduce blood cholesterol levels.

Foods that are high in HDL cholesterol need to be a part of the daily diet as they help in reducing the LDL cholesterol levels. These foods are olive oil, sunflower oil, nuts and legumes. Everything Low-Cholesterol Cookbook: Keep you heart healthy with 300 delicious low-fat, low-carb recipes (Everything: Cooking)

Foods that are high in LDL cholesterol need to be avoided. These foods are derived from animals and they include dairy products like cheese and ice cream. Eggs and meat are also high in LDL cholesterol and should be replaced with lean meat. Oily and fried foods should be avoided.

Medication

When the cholesterol levels are not reduced even after lifestyle changes and exercise then medication is considered as the line of treatment.

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Levadopa is used in the treatment for Parkinson’s disease

The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are caused as a result of depletion of dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter in the brain. Hence medications that can replace dopamine are the mainstay of treatment. Levodopa, a precursor of dopamine, can be converted to dopamine in the brain. It is administered in combination with carbidopa or benserazide to maximise the delivery of levodopa to the brain and minimise side effects. These medications are usually effective for many years. However, the response tends to wear off or becomes less predictable with time.

Anticholinergics

This group of medications was the first available treatment for Parkinson’s disease before levodopa. They block the effect of acetylcholine, another brain chemical, to re-balance its levels with dopamine. Some antihistamines such as diphenhydramine also have anticholinergic activity and a useful sedative effect.

Neurosurgery has beneficial effects in treating Parkinson’s disease

Neurosurgery is increasingly common as a treatment for Parkinson’s disease. Neurosurgery is more preferred as the choice of treatment in relatively young age group of affected individuals who are otherwise healthy people.

Stem cell therapy

Stem cell therapy is still in the experimental stages and there are different opinions about it. Stem cell therapy involves transplantation of healthy dopamine-forming cells into the damaged area of the brain .It is a controversial line of treatment and scientists are conducting more clinical research examining the possible benefits as well as side effects.

Regular exercise

Exercise plays a crucial role in the treatment of people suffering from Parkinson’s disease. Regular physical activity such as swimming and walking is an excellent mood booster and helps to increase the stamina. Overall fitness and good muscle tone can help minimize some of the abnormal movements associated with Parkinson’s disease.

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Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease result from the progressive degeneration of nerve cells in the middle area of the brain. This causes a deficiency in the availability of dopamine, a chemical messenger necessary for smooth, controlled movements. The symptoms of Parkinson’s appear when about 70 per cent of the dopamine producing cells cease to function normally. Symptoms develop slowly and gradually progress over years, but are greatly helped by drug treatment.

Causes of Parkinson’s disease

What causes Parkinson’s disease is not yet known. A significant amount of clinical research has been conducted on this subject. According to some scientists, a combination of several factors is involved in the development of Parkinson’s disease. These factors are listed below:

• Genetic Predisposition

Many researchers have found a strong genetic predisposition in some cases of parkinson’s disease where the disease tends to run in the family. Often the affected individual has a close family member such as a twin, sibling or a parent suffering from the disease.

• Environmental toxins

Environmental toxins such as exposure to strong chemicals or radiations may play a role in the development of this disorder according to some studies. But what is the exact causation of this neurological disorder is still yet to be determined.

• Head trauma

Another factor that may trigger the development of Parkinson’s disaese is physical injuries such as trauma to the head.

Mechanism that leads to the development of Parkinson’s disease

Deep inside the brain are specialised areas responsible for coordinating body movements, including the basal ganglia, the substantia nigra and the cerebellum. They connect with each other and other areas of the brain via nerve pathways using a neurotransmitter (messenger chemical) called dopamine, which is manufactured in the substantia nigra. These pathways help to make the body’s muscular movements smooth and regular.

But in Parkinson’s disease, the substantia nigra becomes severely depleted of dopamine and the pathways become disrupted. As a result of this the affected individual develops symptoms such as rigidity or stiffness of muscles and tremors or trembling of hands and legs.



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Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease :

Dopamine is a chemical messenger in the brain which plays a vital role in coordination and movement of the muscles. In a person suffering from Parkinson’s disease , there is progressive degeneration of nerve cells in the middle area of the brain. This causes a deficiency in the availability of dopamine. As a result of this, the affected individual has three main symptoms which are tremor, rigidity and bradykinesia.

The presentation of symptoms varies greatly between individuals diagnosed and no two people will be affected in the same way. Symptoms usually become evident on one side of the body initially and will affect both sides as Parkinson’s progresses.

• Tremor

This is the most characteristic symptom of Parkinson’s Disease. Tremor usually begins in one hand and then spreads to the leg, before crossing to the other side. Typically it is most noticeable at rest and when stressed or tired and disappears during movement and when asleep.

• Rigidity

Rigidity means stiffness of the muscles and it is a very common early sign of Parkinson’s disease. The muscles seem unable to relax and are tight, even at rest. Rigidity may be experienced through the entire range of movement of a joint or just in parts .

• Bradykinesia

Bradykinesia means slowness of movement. This occurs because the brain is not able to control smooth and delicate movements as a result of dopamine deficiency. The fine motor coordination is affected. As a result of this, there is lack of spontaneous activity. The person will notice a change in his handwriting. The handwriting becomes smaller. There may be a change in his gait, with episodes of freezing or periods of immobility.

Other symptoms of Parkinson’s disease:

The affected individual may suffer from depression as a result of the disease. Many people suffering from Parkinson’s disease often suffer from insomnia, disturbed sleep,bouts of anxiety, memory problems and difficulties in multi-tasking. In some people symptoms can include pain and discomfort particularly on the side of the body affected. Constipation is common and bladder problems, especially a tendency to pass water more frequently and with more urgency, may occur. Speech and swallowing problems tend to become more of a problem later in the illness.

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Parkinson’s disease usually affects people in the middle to later years. The most common age group to be affected by this disease is between 50 to 75 years. However, people in the young age group are also likely to be affected. Each person is affected differently. As a result of this, the rate of progression of the disease differs greatly. The intensity, frequency and severity of the symptoms also vary greatly on an individual basis. The illness progresses at a very slow rate and longevity of life is not shortened. Treatment for Parkinson’s disease is targeted at symptom relief. The main aim of the treatment is to alleviate the symptoms. The treatment does not halt or slow the progression of the illness.

Symptoms usually become evident on one side of the body initially and will affect both sides as Parkinson’s progresses. The three hallmark symptoms of this disease are tremors, rigidity of muscles and bradykinesia or slowness of movement. It is difficult to diagnose Parkinson’s disease as there are no special laboratory diagnostic tests or identifying markers to confirm a diagnosis. Diagnosis is based mainly on the symptoms, clinical presentation and a progressive history of deterioration in function and movements of the affected individual.

Parkinson’s disease can affect a person’s role within a family and therefore alter the roles and responsibilities of other family members. It may significantly affect the person’s ability to perform the household chores.  Leisure activities, driving, and the capacity to maintain current income can be disrupted or limited. The person suffering from this disease may also suffer from depression and a decreased level of self confidence and self esteem as a result of their inability. It can put a strain on his relationship with other family members as well. Many carers receive no training, guidance or instructions on how to cope with someone who has Parkinson’s disease. The primary care giver, especially if they are a close family member such as a spouse, parent or a sibling may experience a whole range of feelings; such as guilt, anger, resentment, fear and bereavement. They need general information, and counseling. These days, many support groups are available that combine training as well as practical help and emotional support for the care givers and the affected individuals.

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Treatment can be classified into three main categories.

• Preventive Treatment

The irritants that flare up the eczema or worsen the existing symptoms of eczema must be identified and avoided. Other allergens that are notorious to bring an attack of eczema are food products such as egg, soy, wheat, gluten, milk and milk products, as well as sea food such as shellfish and crab.

• Symptomatic treatment

The symptoms of eczema include dry skin, patchy redness and intense itchiness. Moisturizers are used to relieve the dryness of cream. Eczema, especially in children and babies causes considerable anxiety to the parents and the primary care givers who may then resort to a range of topical creams and applications that are readily available in supermarkets these days. However, it is necessary to consult the health care professional before starting any new treatment regimen as the chemicals in the creams may irritate the skin and flare up an attack of eczema. The doctor may prescribe topical applications to treat the itchiness of skin.

• Treating secondary infections and associated symptoms

In many people suffering from eczema, the constant skin irritation and the itchiness lead to constant scratching. As a result of this the skin lesions may get infected by bacteria and viruses. Impetigo is a bacterial infection that can appear on the top of the lesions. In these cases the health care professional may resort to the use of antibiotics. Some people also suffer from other conditions such as asthma and hay fever along with eczema. So the health care professional often prescribes medicines that control the associated allergies.

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Skin Dr. - Homeopathic remedy relieves symptoms associated with skin irritations and rashes such as eczema to promote skin strength, health & functioning

cured. In fact, very few people have eczema that is caused by an allergy. However, the same people who have eczema may also have allergies which give them different symptoms.

Eczema tends to run in families

People suffering from this skin condition often present with a family history of asthma, hay fever and other atopic diseases. They may also have a history of allergies to certain substances such as dust, fur, wool and so on.

Irritants can flare up an attack of eczema

A person with a tendency to eczema is generally born with dry, easily irritated skin, which needs special care to prevent eczema developing. Any episode of irritation of the skin can easily flare up an attack of eczema or in other cases, worsen the existing symptoms. Hence it is extremely important to identify the irritants and take steps to avoid them. The most common irritants of the skin are listed below:

• Dust

Dust is one of the most common irritants of the skin and it can worsen the existing symptoms of a dry flaky itchy and red skin.

• Sand

Sand is also one of the skin irritants causing a flare up of the eczema.

• Wool and fur

Another common skin irritant is materials such as wool and fur. They can be found in carpets, car seats, stroller covers and may be one of the common cause of eczema in babies and toddlers.

• Perfumes and deodorants

Many individuals have an allergy to perfumes and deodorants as a result of their high chemical content. This can also cause flare up of the eczema.

• Soap

Certain soaps can lead to increased dryness of skin and worsen the existing symptoms.

• Food Allergy

Food allergy is on e of the most widely discussed and the most common cause of a flare up of eczema. Many people suffering from eczema often report an allergy to food, soy, wheat and gluten. In other cases they may also have an allergy to milk and milk products, fish such as shellfish and sea food such as crab. This can lead to worsening of the existing symptoms. It is extremely important to check the food labeling before buying any food products, in order to avoid the potential allergens and thus prevent an attack.

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Symptoms of Eczema

Although eczema affects all ages, it usually appears in early childhood. Hence it is commonly found to affect babies, between the age group of 2 months to 6 months and toddlers. Children usually grow out of this skin condition. In fact, more than half of all eczema sufferers show signs within their first 12 months of life and 20 per cent of people develop eczema before the age of five.

The most common symptoms of eczema are listed below:

1. Dry patchy skin
2. Recurrent red rash on the face and the knees
3. Rough leathery skin
4. Intense itchiness of the skin that is not relieved by scratching
5. Skin patches that are affected by eczema may show signs of secondary infection by bacteria and viruses
6. Oozing of fluid from the affected skin patches in severe cases of eczema

Types of Eczema

Eczema can be classified into several types. The most commonly found types of eczema are listed below:

• Atopic eczema

This type of eczema is usually associated with allergies, hay fever or asthma. The skin condition runs in the family. The person suffering from the condition may show a history of allergies or have a close family member such as a sibling or a parent that is affected by the condition.

• Contact eczema

When irritants touch the skin, they can produce contact eczema. Some of the common irritants include soap, perfumes, deodorants, powder, dust, sand, mites, bubble bath, cleaning products, carpets and fur.

• Varicose eczema

Varicose eczema affects the lower legs as a result of poor blood circulation. People in the middle ages of life, leading a sedentary life style are more prone to be affected by this type of eczema.

• Hand eczema

This is a form of chronic eczema and it is limited to the hands. It can be related to atopic eczema or it can occur because of repeated hand washing or exposure to strong detergents and harmful chemical products in cleaning agents. Occasionally, hand eczema is caused by an allergy, such as a latex allergy.

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