Archive for September, 2006

How Exercise Can Ease Symptoms of Menopause

Saturday, September 30th, 2006


If your body is entering peri menopause (a term used for pre menopause) or menopause, one of the most effective ways to decrease the uncomfortable side effects of this change in your body is with exercise. Peri menopause and menopause do not have to be debilitating and horribly uncomfortable; exercising on a regular basis can help decrease the side effects associated with peri menopause and menopause. Side effects commonly decreased are hot flashes, mood changes, night sweats, insomnia and a decrease in sex drive. These effects can all be combated with good old fashion exercise. Low impact exercises such as walking, a light jog, yoga, Pilates and swimming can have substantial effects on your overall health as well as peri menopause or menopause.If you are planning on exercising, make sure you talk to your physician before starting an exercise regiment and it is also important to make sure you have the proper exercise equipment such as a comfortable pair of sneakers and performance clothing. Most women don?t realize how much difference performance enhancing clothing can make in their exercise routine. If you ever tried to exercise in a tight shirt or jeans, you will easily understand, how much of a difference a comfortable pair of yoga pants or a cami top can have on your exercise routine. Whether you are practicing yoga, pregnancy exercises or taking a walk outside, comfort should be a top priority.

Many of these performance fabrics have special features such as technology that actually wicks away moisture. Tired of feeling sweaty and hot after a work out, moisture wicking technology in many performance clothing can wick away that sweat and leave your body cool, dry and comfortable. If you are interested in getting your body in shape, while decreasing the effects of peri menopause or menopause, look into routine exercise as a great way to overcome the side effects and live that that healthy lifestyle.
 

Easing The Effects of Chemotherapy

Saturday, September 23rd, 2006


For many women, life can deal you unexpected challenges in the form of illness. Many of today?s illnesses such as cancer can be treated; however, it is usually uncomfortable and takes lots of energy. If you are experiencing chemotherapy or have a friend or family member that is experiencing chemotherapy, here is some brief information, as well as common side effects that a person may experience.
Chemotherapy is usually referred to as the process in which cancer cells are destroyed by certain drugs. These drugs are called anti cancer drugs and can include side effects that are uncomfortable and physically and mentally draining. There are many types of chemotherapy and it varies on the type of cancer an individual has, where it is located and the overall health of the individual. Chemotherapy is personalized for each individual and each person reacts differently to the therapy.

Common side effect for chemotherapy can be harsh, but the result can be life saving. Some of the general side effects that may be experienced by a person on chemotherapy is fatigue, loss of hair, loss of weight, nausea, diarrhea, dry skin, flu symptoms, and skin rashes. This is a partial list of general side effects and you must consult with your doctor about your specific ailment to find out about side effects that can affect you or a loved one while on chemotherapy.

An important note is that these side effects are temporary and if you lose weight, your hair or feel nausea, it will come to pass. Once off chemotherapy, your hair will grow back, you will once again have an appetite and your nausea will fade.

There are things that you can do during chemotherapy that can help you get through this difficult period including eating healthy, exercising and remaining in a positive mood. Your doctor can give you specific tips on exactly what your diet should be or which exercises you can do on a regular basis.
 

Common Sleep Disorders And What You Can Do

Friday, September 15th, 2006


Common Sleep Disorders and what you can do?
 


Millions of people each year suffer from sleeping disorders. A sleeping disorder is usually defined as a condition that inhibits a person to fall asleep in a timely manner and/or have a deep and restful sleep. There are three common types of sleeping disorders; they include insomnia, sleep apnea and narcolepsy.

Insomnia is usually defined as the inability to fall asleep or to get a full night of deep, restful sleep. Many people that suffer from insomnia can’t fall asleep until late in the night and sometimes wake up before the morning, unable to return to sleep. For insomnia sufferers, prescription medications can be prescribed and do help sufferers fall asleep easily and sleep gently the entire night.

Sleep apnea is another common sleeping disorder. Sleep apnea is when the body is unable to breath due to a blockage in the throat or mouth. Since you are unable to breathe, your body instinctually wakes you up. People that suffer from sleep apnea can go with out breathing for a few seconds or over a minute before waking up. Many people with severe cases of sleep apnea might wake up dozens of times during the night not allowing them to get a full night of restful sleep.

Many people with sleep apnea can benefit from treatment to correct their apnea condition. One of the more beneficial tools is the CPAP machine. CPAP stands for constant positive air pressure and it is a mask that is worn over the face that gently blows air and oxygen into the lungs.

Narcolepsy is another common sleeping disorder. Narcolepsy is characterized by not having control over when and where you sleep. You can be in a meeting, eating a meal or handling heavy machinery. While extreme cases are rare, narcolepsy is hard to treat and many physicians prescribe certain medications that can help.

If you think are suffering from a sleeping disorder, it is advisable that you consult with a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Many health professionals also suggest that you change your lifestyle and environment to promote a good night’s sleep. This includes staying away from caffeine and alcohol, having a quiet, comfortable environment for bed time and wearing clothing that will keep you comfortable during the night. If you are wearing tight fitting pajamas that restrict your movements, this can reduce your quality of sleep.

If you currently in the stages of peri menopause or menopause and are experiencing night sweats, it is important to make sure that your clothing is made from fabrics that wick away moisture. Moisture wicking fabrics used as pajamas are perfect for keeping your body cool and dry all night while wicking away any moisture through the fabric, allowing it to evaporate into the air. If you think you are experiencing a sleep disorder or just have trouble getting to sleep, consult with your doctor regarding your sleeping habits and make sure you are creating a comfortable environment for bed time which includes wearing comfortable night wear or pajamas.

Are Prescription Drugs Keeping You Up At Night

Friday, September 8th, 2006


For many of us, prescription drugs are a way of life. Unfortunately some of these prescription drugs can give us a few unwanted side effects including side effects that cause us not to get a good night?s rest or have night sweats. If you are on prescription medication and experiencing night time side effects such as night sweats, here is some important information.
One of the common side effects that some prescription medications can give a user are insomnia and night sweats. Insomnia is usually defined as not being able to fall asleep or not being able to get enough quality sleep. Many people that are on prescription medications are unable to fall asleep and awake during the night many times, leaving them fatigued and irritable in the morning.

Night sweats is a condition in which a person begins to sweat uncontrollably due to hot flashes or a physiological reaction to medication. Many people may wake in the night being drenched in their own sweat, as well as making the sheets and pillow cases around them moist with sweat as well.

Some medications that are taken due to auto immune disorders, transplants, rheumatoid arthritis, etc. are cyclosporine, Neoral, Sandimmune and Hivid. These medications may be the possible culprit causing you night sweats, however it is extremely advisable that you consult with your doctor and tell him or her the medications that you are currently taking as well as any other supplements or herbs that you have taken.

If you are experiencing night sweats, one of the ways that you can reduce the discomfort is with special performance fabrics that have moisture wicking technology. Moisture wicking is a practical enhancement to clothing that can draw excess moisture away from your body through the fabric in order for it to evaporate in the air. Performance fabrics with moisture wicking technology include silky blends of nylon and lycra which feel great, look great and are very comfortable to wear as either day wear, lounge wear or as pajamas.

If you find yourself experiencing the side effect of night sweats, wearing clothing that can help you get to bed and stay comfortable once asleep means a lot. Look into these performance fabrics with moisture wick technology in order to get a more restful, and comfortable sleep each night.
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