How Concerned Should Americans Be About HIV/AIDs to the Caribbean?

Global warning 2008 AD: Potential HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean countries

In the year 2008, Americans are becoming increasingly concerned about the spread of HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean and rightly so. Many people are also becoming more and more aware of the threat of HIV/AIDS, in many other countries of the world, as there is no country which remains exempt from the threat of this devastating disease, which is gradually running rampant throughout the world.

The people who live in Caribbean countries are vulnerable and wide open to HIV/AIDS infection, for a number of different reasons.

First, the Caribbean region is an extremely high risk area for HIV/AIDS, partly because of open tourism. There are virtually thousands of people, who are entering the Caribbean countries, from all over the world, every day. This includes people from many other parts of the world, where HIV/AIDS is already documented, as being widespread.

Secondly, the status of health care in these Caribbean countries, depending upon the area, may or may not be on a high enough level, to prevent an influx of the disease or to provide the necessary treatment necessary to control the spread of HIV/AIDS, if an epidemic were to begin and run rampant.

Thirdly, the poverty level in the Caribbean countries is extremely high, rendering people from this region likely to have immune deficiencies, severe enough to elevate the spread of the disease.

These three reasons alone would suggest that any global epidemic, not just HIV/AIDS, represents an extremely serious threat, to the people who live in the Caribbean.

Yes, Americans should be concerned, but not just Americans. This concerns everyone.

The question becomes one of whether or not, if or when, there is an epidemic of HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean, is it possible to contain the spread of HIV/AIDS within that area or to prevent it from spreading from there, to other people outside of that particular region?

One might ask if there is any kind of legislation in effect in the Caribbean, that would allow HIV/AIDS to be contained? Or, is there any legislation in North America, Mexico, Central America or South America, that would protect the population in these countries from receiving an influx of highly contagious people, who may already have been infected with HIV/AIDS? If not, why not?

There are some serious concerns here. Many of these are education, health education and HIV/AIDS education related issues.

Education, health education and HIV/AIDS education for the people who are currently living in the Caribbean, is important. But, this is also true with respect to education, health education and HIV/AIDS education, on a larger or global scale.

People can be taught to prevent and to contain the spread of illness, at least to some degree, through a higher standard of education, health education and HIV/AIDS education.

The economy in the Caribbean, does involve tourism to a large degree. Because of the sun, the sand and the surf, it is highly unrealistic to assume that tourism will decrease to any extent, in the Caribbean area. It is realistic to assume that a high influx of HIV/AIDS into the Caribbean or the sudden spreading of this disease in the Caribbean population, could put the tourism industry in serious jeopardy. The economy of the region would suffer tremendously, increasing the poverty level of the people, as well as the likelihood of an HIV/AIDS epidemic spreading further.

It is in everyone's best interest in the Caribbean and on a global level, not just Americans, to attempt to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS into the Caribbean and from the Caribbean, into other neighboring countries. Each person, family, community and country has a degree of responsibility, which must be assumed both now and in the future.

The Hazards of Smoking

What you may or may mot know about smoking

How human beings react to tabacum (Latin), commonly known as tobacco, with its own peculiar symptomatology, has been documented medically, over the years. This is not something new or different. In reality, most smokers are not aware that when they begin to smoke, they might wind up having a collections of symptoms they had never anticipated.

One of the problems with respect to medical diagnosis, lies in the reality that even the doctor may not attribute the symptoms that the patient is demonstrating to smoking. Thus, the patient may wind up being diagnosed and treated for other disease entities instead, while the real problem is covered up.

Consider these symptoms for a moment, if you are a smoker.

Are feeling giddy at times?
Do you have recurrent bouts of nausea?
Does you skin appear to have a death-like pallor?
Are you vomiting more frequently?
Do you feel icy cold?
Are you sweating a lot more than you think you should?

These symptoms can all be attributed to the use of tobacco or nicotine.

There are symptoms that are more serious. Consider these for a moment.

Do you have diarrhea frequently?
Does your throat feel constricted?
Are you becoming more and more short of breath all the time?
Do you feel depressed or despondent?
Are you getting to be forgetful?
Are you becoming hoarse when you try to speak?

These are also symptoms that result from using tobacco or nicotine in excess.

Look at a few more, as you begin to weigh your cravings and addiction against the symptoms.

Are you experiencing problems with your vision?
Is your pulse becoming weaker and weaker, all the time?
Does your chest feel tight and constricted?
Do your limbs tremble at times?
Do you have a dry, irritating cough?
Are you having problems sleeping at night?

What you might do is make a copy of this article and take it with you, when you go for your next physical. 

Mark off the symptoms that you are experiencing. Ask your doctor, as your medical adviser, if this is possible. He can do any amount of research necessary to prove or disprove these symptoms. You can do that too. Find out for yourself!

There are more symptoms and they will increase in severity, as you continue to smoke. You will crave more and more cigarettes, as your addiction increases.

Consider the alternative while you still can and claim back your health. You will be glad that you did.

Panic Attacks: Symptoms and Treatment

Coping with anxiety panic attacks

Anxiety panic attacks are frightening whether you are the one experiencing the attack, a family member or a friend. A person may suddenly be concerned that he or she is having a heart attack or a nervous breakdown. That person may feel a loss of control or that he or she is trapped, going crazy or dying. Visual disturbances occur also.

What is a panic attack?

A panic attack is an abrupt response by the sympathetic nervous system, attempting to defend itself. The human body is suddenly filled with hormones, especially epinephrine, which triggers a fight or flight response. Sudden psychological arousal, associated with cognitive and somatic symptoms, intense anxiety related to fear and bowel or stomach problems, may last 1-5 minutes, or even hours.

Symptoms

There may be no outward symptoms or they may appear as physical, mental, emotional or perceptual symptoms.

Serious symptoms should not be ignored, ie. chest tightness, shortness of breath and chest pain. Go, or to take the person having the attack to emergency immediately, to rule out a pending heart attack.

Other symptoms may include trembling, palpitations, sweating, nausea and dizziness. One can feel dizzy or lightheaded, have a tingling or burning sensation, the feeling of choking or smothering, vertigo, nausea and hyperventilation.

Where can one go for diagnosis and treatment?

A person may or may not, need diagnosis or treatment, depending on the severity of the attack.

For recurrent and severe attacks, medical investigation is advisable. Conditions like hypoglycemia and hyperthyroidism should be ruled out. Caffeine or nicotine, ritalin, vitamin B deficiency, marijuana, phobias and obsessive compulsive disorders are all possible causes. It can be an inherited condition.

Common treatments

Even if no immediate treatment is required, investigation by a doctor is still a good idea.

Breathing slowly into a paper bag may resolve the attack, as the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide may need to be corrected.

Diaphragmatic or abdominal breathing techniques are highly recommended.

A proper medical assessment should be done. Your doctor may prescribe medications like diazepam and lorazepam or antidepressants.

What to expect if you are the person who is experiencing a panic attack?

Having a panic attack can be very frightening, so try to relax.

Breathe slowly and deeply. Hold a paper bag over your nose and mouth while you breathe in and out.

Stay in touch with reality.

Remind yourself that you are not going to die.

Focus on the present, not on what is upsetting you. Remember that line from "Gone With the Wind," where Scarlett O'Hara says, "I'll not think on that today!"

Acknowledge that you are having a panic attack.

Remind yourself that it will pass and ride the symptoms out.

If you need help, go to emergency.

Learn correct diaphragmatic and abdominal breathing techniques.

Talk to someone for emotional and psychological support, eg. your physician, a cognitive behavioral therapy counselor, a family member, or friend.

Join or form a support group.

Identify what triggered your attack. (Is this an allergic reaction to something like citrashine, the wax that is sprayed on apples and green peppers or an insect bite?)

What should your family and friends expect?

No one anticipates your first anxiety panic attack, so do not be surprised if others don't know what to do. While you are educating yourself, make a point of educating them too.

Resources

Many resources are available in libraries, book stores or on the Internet. Do research. Talk to your doctor or counselor about current or new information.

Hot flashes and panic attacks

Hot flashes may be part of anxiety panic attacks, but so are cold flashes. In your menopausal years, hot flashes can be the direct result of a hormonal imbalance or lack of estrogen. Discuss hormone replacement therapy with your doctor.

Public speaking and panic attacks

Many public speakers have panic attacks. Stay calm, cool and collected. Practice your speech. Make notes, just in case. Breathe deeply and slowly, smile and take a good look at your audience. Speak to only one person in the crowd. Add humor to your speech. You and others will respond positively to it! Remember that you are an over comer.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panic_attack

Borderline Personality Disorder: Symptoms and Treatment

Diagnosis and treatment for borderline personality disorder (BPD)

Psychiatry uses the expression borderline personality disorder (BPD) to describe a personality function disturbance, experienced by about 2% of the population, (frequently young women, as they are three times more likely to be affected than men.) The onset is in adolescence or early adulthood. It normally persists about ten years with a gradual decline in severity, as time passes.

The word borderline was used initially in 1938 by Adolph Stern, to define a condition that is borderline between the diagnosis of neurosis and psychosis. It is characterized by a chronic pattern of instability with respect to personal relationships, self image and affect. Affect has to do with the way a stimulus brings about a response, leading to a change in behavior.

The seriousness of this illness cannot be under-estimated and the symptoms should not be ignored, because it may become a life threatening situation, very quickly.

One can use the mnemonic AM SUICIDE to identify the illness.

A abandonment (feeling of)
M mood instability
S suicidal
U unstable and intense relationships
I impulsive behavior
C (lack of) control
I identity disturbance
D dissociation or paranoid symptoms
E emptiness (feeling of)

Causes:

Research has shown that the more common causes of borderline personality disorder are childhood trauma and sexual abuse, or genetic and environmental factors. It can result from a brain abnormality or abnormal serotonin metabolism.

Treatment:

A psychiatrist will suggest psychotherapy, but schema therapy, dialectical or cognitive behavioral therapy, may be used, as well. Psychoanalysis is often recommended.

Borderline personality disorder may be treated with medications for the relief of specific symptoms. Antidepressants and anti-psychotics are often recommended. Marital or family therapy, group therapy and rehabilitation may be offered as options. The use of mental health services may be suggested for the recovery period.

Testing for borderline personality disorder involves the recognition of specific persistent symptoms. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders recommends psychiatric treatment when five, out of these nine symptoms are ongoing.

A person makes frantic efforts to avoid being abandoned. Personal relationships are unstable and intense. There is a serious problem with self identity or self image. Impulsive and self damaging behaviors like promiscuous sex, eating disorders, substance abuse or reckless driving endanger the person's life. There is evidence of suicidal behavior, threats, gestures or self-mutilation. Mood changes with irritability and anxiety are frequent. A person has feelings of emptiness and worthlessness. There are continual displays of temper, fighting or the lack of ability to control anger is demonstrated. Paranoia or dissociation symptoms are present.

Being aware of the symptoms and seeking immediate medical advice from a doctor is the most appropriate action to take. A physician will be able to make referrals for further assessment or treatment.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borderline_personality_disorder

Paranoid Personality Disorder: Symptoms and Treatment

To comprehend paranoid personality disorder, it is important to define other types of paranoia that may appear at different times in a person's life.

Definition:

Kraepelin used paranoia to describe a mental illness where a delusional belief was prominent, but there was no deterioration of mental faculties. (1)

Paranoia is from the Greek word paranoia, meaning madness (para outside and nous mind) and describes delusional states. (2)

Paranoia includes thoughts of persecution about perceived threats and reveals a disturbed thought process, demonstrating anxiety, fear, irrational thinking and delusions. There is concern about harm that is occurring, harm that will occur or a persecutor with intent to harm. (3)

Paranoia is associated with psychotic illnesses or non-psychotic illness including paranoid personality disorder or obsessive compulsive disorder. Known causes are medications, marijuana, methamphetamine and crack cocaine. (4)

Paranoid personality disorder:

This is a psychiatric diagnosis, where long term suspicion and mistrust are central in the thought processes.

Symptoms include maladaptive behaviors and thinking or personality traits beginning in adolescence or early childhood, that interfere with relationships, employment and the ability to function. A person may be hypersensitive, suspicious, emotionally constricted or isolate oneself. (5)

Four of these symptoms will be evident:

Person suspects that others are exploiting, harming or deceiving him or her
Preoccupation re loyalty or trustworthiness of friends or associates
Reluctance to confide, because information may be used against him or her
Perceives benign remarks as demeaning or threatening
Bears grudges, does not forgive insults, injuries or slights
Sees attacks on character, not perceived by others; reacts with anger or counter attacks
Demonstrates unjustified and recurrent suspicion, re his or her spouse or sexual partner

Treatment may be with psychotherapy, anti-depressants, anti-anxiety medications or intervention. (6)

Paranoia agent:

Paranoid agent is a contemporary expression depicting an animated, Japanese television mini-series. Shonen Bat or Bat Boy, (Lil' Slugger) is a juvenile assailant in Musaschino, Tokyo. The series director was Satoshi Kon (Madhouse). School peer pressure, loss of identity, morality, cultural and other social issues that concern children, are central themes. (6)

Paranoia in elderly, depressed patients:

Paranoia, often associated with Alzheimer's Disease, may appear as a desire for isolation, suspicion, mis-trust, poor self image, fear of harm or delusions in the elderly. (7)

Seeking advice from a qualified physician, psychologist or psychiatrist, is always advisable. Other medical conditions may need to be ruled out.

Paranoia schizophrenia:

Dementia praecox, later referred to as schizophrenia, (8) is a chronic mental illness, affecting perception. A schizophrenic holds delusions as untrue beliefs or has auditory hallucinations, ie, hears things that others can not hear. This is managed with medication and mental health care. (9)

(1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paranoia

(2) Ibid.

(3) Ibid.

(4) Ibid.

(5) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paranoid_personality_disorder

(6) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paranoia_Agent

(7) http://www.caregiver.com/articles/general/paranoia_know_signs.htm, Paranoia: Know the Signs, Jennifer M. Buckley

(8) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paranoia

(9) http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/paranoid-schizophrenia/DS00862

Hypertension: Symptoms and Treatment

Monitor your BP: A strategic plan for longevity

The word hypertension was first used in 1893, to designate high blood pressure, particularly high arterial blood pressure and the systemic condition resulting from hypertension. (1)

Hyper means above, beyond or in excess, while tension refers to the tonus in the blood vessels. Hypertension suggests that the tension in the blood vessels is higher than it should be.

A person's normal blood pressure is 120/80, so when a person's blood pressure is 140/90 or higher, it is considered to be in excess. Seeking proper medical treatment is advised.

Why is awareness so important?

Hypertension is known as a silent killer. In America, one in three people has hypertension and one of those three, does not know that he or she has hypertension, because there are no symptoms.

So, a strategic plan for longevity must include careful blood pressure monitoring and appropriate medical treatment by a physician, exercise and a proper diet.

Pulmonary hypertension depicts high blood pressure that results from the narrowing of small arteries in the lungs. The incidence is higher in women.

When blood cannot flow through the arteries properly, one's blood pressure increases. The heart enlarges and heart failure may occur. This may results from genetic defects, some diets, medications, lung or heart valve disease, or a blood clot.

The symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, weakness, fatigue, fainting, light-headedness upon exercising, dizziness or swelling of the legs. (1)

A physician may discover enlarged neck veins or a heart murmur. A pulse may be felt over the breastbone and there may be swelling of the liver or spleen.

About hypertension

Hypertension can be treated successfully, with medications including diuretics, prescribed and monitored by a physician. It is advisable to seek medical assistance immediately, when there is increased shortness of breath or chest pain. Oxygen therapy may be indicated and a heart-lung transplant might be recommended, if medical treatment is not effective.

Blood tests will include creatinine, electrolytes, glucose and cholesterol. Urine may be tested for proteinuria if kidney disease is suspected. An EKG or a chest x-ray may be done to rule out cardiac enlargement.

Good dietary management includes foods high in potassium like bananas, orange juice, white beans, tomatoes, broccoli, soybeans and apricots.

Primary pulmonary hypertension is an elevated blood pressure, where the cause is not known, as opposed to secondary pulmonary hypertension, which results from medication or an underlying condition.

Folic acid 2b hypertension refers to hypertension in pregnancy, where there is excess salt retained. Folic acid and vitamin B2 are recommended.

Folic acid helps to prevent heart disease and stroke. It is found in whole grain cereals, wheat germ, leafy green vegetables, dried peas and beans.

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) gives the bright yellow color to urine. It is important for the prevention of heart disease and found in asparagus, cottage cheese, milk, yogurt, eggs and fish.

(1)Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc. Springfield MA 1983 

(2) http://www.righthealth.com/Health/Pulmonary%20Hypertension-s?lid=yhoo-ads-sb-7460722696

Urticaria: Symptoms and Treatment

Can the sun cause urticaria (hives)?

Solar urticaria (hives)

Yes, solar urticaria is a physical urticaria caused by sunlight. Hives may appear within a few minutes after exposure to the sun and fade within a few hours.

What is urticaria?

Urticaria is another name for hives or the wheals that form on the skin, as the result of an allergic reaction to something. Sometimes, the allergen which causes a reaction can be identified immediately, but not always.

What happens when a person has an allergic reaction?

Blood plasma leaks between the cells.
Histamine is released from the mast cells along the blood vessels.
The formation of wheals (hives) occurs upon the skin.

What does urticaria look like?

The symptoms of urticaria or hives may vary depending upon the cause, but hives should be taken seriously, as they can be frightening for the person who is affected and may present a life threatening experience. 

Emergency medical treatment at a hospital or by a physician may be required if the symptoms are severe.

Symptoms:

Symptoms of urticaria may include the following: localized wheals (or swellings known as hives) form individually or in groups. Wheals are pale in color, itchy and may burn or sting. Wheals may be different sizes, pencil diameter to plate size. New wheals may develop as old ones fade. Wheals may join together to form one large hive. Urticaria may cause swelling of eyes, lips or genitals. There may be difficulty breathing or swallowing and wheezing, flushng or fainting.

What is the actual incidence of hives?

Hives affect approximately 10-20% of the population, at one time or another in their lives, according to the 

Amercian Academy of Dermatology.

How long will the hives persist?

Acute urticaria will last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Any urticaria that persists longer than that would be referred to as chronic urticaria.

Causes of urticaria::

Foods: nuts, chocolate, shellfish, tomatoes, eggs, berries, milk, food additives and preservatives
Drugs: medication eg. antibiotics, diuretics, vitamins, pain medications etc.Infections: viral, (colds in children), bacterial or fungal

Insect bites
Internal diseases: hepatitis or liver disease
Physical causes: sunlight, heat, cold, water, vibration or exercise

Treatment of urticaria may include the following: identify and eliminate the cause if possible, antihistamines, epinephrine (adrenalin) injection and cortisone

Urticaria and liver disease

Hepatitis is one of the diseases known to cause hives.

Chronic urticaria

Chronic urticaria that persists over six weeks may have a cause that is difficult to identify. A further investigation may be required including a physical examination, questioning re possible allergens and blood work to rule out any possible disease processes. A biopsy may be indicated.

http://www.aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/skin_urticaria.html

SARS: Symptoms and Treatment

SARS: Should we be concerned about the SARS Virus:

The SARS virus or Coronavirus, is one that should concern us. The SARS viruses (coronaviruses) are a group of positive strand, enveloped RNA viruses, pathogens common to mammals and birds. They may cause enteric and respiratory tract infections in humans, livestock and pets. (1)

SARS Symptoms: 

Flu-like symptoms appear 2-10 days following exposure. These may include: headache, fever above 38 degrees C, chills, muscle pain, fatigue, diarrhea, non-productive dry cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing and pneumonia.

SARS disease is a highly contagious, viral infection that spreads rapidly from one person to another, by personal contact, when the infected air-born droplets from the affected person enter the mouth, nose or eyes of another person.

This is also spread by shaking hands, hugging, or touching contaminated objects like tissues, dishes or cutlery. It may be spread in other ways, also. The symptoms must be taken seriously, as death may result from respiratory failure.

What is SARS?

SARS is the abbreviated form for severe acute respiratory syndrome.

SARS in China:

On November 16, 2002, the first incidence was documented, as an outbreak of severe, acute respiratory syndrome, called Yellow Pneumonia, in the Guangdong province of China, bordering on Hong Kong.

A farmer from Foshan County, traveling from Guangdong Province in China, to Hong Kong and Hanoi, Vietnam, was diagnosed by Dr. Carlo Urbani, who died shortly after the death of his patient.

The disease continued to spread.

The World Health Organization (WHO) later learned 806 people contacted the disease and 34 died.

SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) is considered to be an acute or rapid onset of a very severe and serious form of respiratory disease or pneumonia that occurs in humans. It is caused by the coronavirus (SARS-CoV). (2)

Interestingly, the same virus causes the common cold.

The disease is suspected when a person exhibits symptoms, has a possible or known contact or has been traveling in an affected area.

Diagnosis is made by physical examination, chest xrays, blood work and tests specific for the virus. A chest x-ray will reveal pneumonia. Blood work shows  low white blood cells, platelet count, sodium and potassium levels. Testing further may reveal neutrophilia, lymphopenia, raised lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase and C-reactive protein.

SARS may appear in a viral culture, but it is confirmed with several diagnostic tests, particularly polymer chain reaction (PCR), when genetic material is apparent in the blood, sputum or stools.

Treatment with antibiotics is not effective as this is a virus. Antipyretics, supplemental oxygen and ventilatory support are indicated. The patient must be isolated with full barrier nursing precautions. Steroids and antiviral drug therapy have been attempted.

It is suspected that SARS results from an over reaction of the immune system to the virus. Ongoing research suggests that it is possible to create an effective vaccine.

There is ongoing concern about SARS, because it represents a global health threat, even though it appears to be under control at this time. The virus is also known to be able to mutate or change its form.

(1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Severe_acute_respiratory_syndrome

(2) Ibid

.

How Do Zinc Tablets Help You?

Zinc Tablets: Is supplementation a good idea?

Ever wonder how zinc tablets help you or if you should consider taking them, as a supplement? Do you know what zinc is and how it affects the human body?

The following information will answer your questions.

Zinc is a metallic, chemical element with the symbol Zn and atomic number 30. (1)

The majority of people who regularly consume well balanced diets normally receive sufficient zinc for normal growth and health, so they do not need extra supplementation with zinc tablets. It is always advisable to consult with a physician, if one is concerned about having any kind of a mineral deficiency, including zinc.

Zinc, as a mineral, is found in:

Lean red meats
Seafood herring and oysters
Vegetables peas and beans
Whole grains (2)

Other sources include:

Turkey neck (high levels)
Beef chuck and shank, (high levels)
Nuts almonds
Seeds pumpkin and sunflower (3)

A zinc deficiency occurs when a person does not eat a properly balanced diet and there is insufficient zinc to meet his or her metabolic needs. It can occur, if zinc is not absorbed properly (malabsorption) by the human body. There may be other reasons, as well.

Typical symptoms of a zinc deficiency or depletion of zinc could include any of the following:

Skin problems eczema, acne, psoriasis
Poor wound healing leg ulcers, oral lesions
Lines of Beau lines across the fingernails
Growth retardation
Delayed sexual maturation
Hypogeusia poor taste acuity
Chronic immunodeficiency
Frequent infections (4)

A zinc deficiency or depletion of zinc in the body, can be treated with supplementation in tablet form or zinc injections. Zinc tablets are preferable and this is a relatively inexpensive way to correct a deficiency. Life long treatment is required as the symptoms can re-occur, when a person no longer takes zinc. Any person taking zinc tablets should be under the treatment of a physician who is familiar with metal metabolism disorders, as well as a nutritionist. (5)

Here are some other interesting facts about zinc.

Phyates found in whole grain breads, cereals and legumes can decrease zinc absorption. (6)

Zinc is thought to delay age related macular degeneration when combined with anti-oxidants.

Zinc can impede the onset of the flu. (7)

It plays an important role in anorexia nervosa, as a deficiency can cause loss of appetite and malnutrition. (8)

Zinc is believed to be a neurotransmitter and low levels could result in the inhibition of neuron activity. Low levels are now associated with behavior disorders, like attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and conduct disorder (CD).

Zinc deficiency has also been confirmed in assaultive young males who show elevated serum copper levels. (9)

Diagnosis is made through a medical history, physical examination, laboratory analysis for plasma zinc and the observed response to zinc supplementation. (10)

Caution is required with respect to the unnecessary administration of zinc, as it can result in anemia or an imbalance in trace metals. The US recommended dietary allowance is 11 mg for males and 8 mg for females, but higher dosages are recommended during pregnancy and lactation. (12)

Talking to your doctor, following these guidelines or researching the topic of zinc supplementation further, may help you to obtain answers for any other questions that you have about how zinc tablets can help you.

(1)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zinc

(2)http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information/DR602313

(3)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zinc#Food_sources

(4)http://www.hriptc.org/zinc_deficiency.html

(5)Ibid.

(6)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zinc#Food_sources

(7)Ibid.

(8)Ibid.

(9)http://www.hriptc.org/zinc_deficiency.html

(10)Ibid.

(11)Ibid.

(12) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zinc#Food_sources

How Does Fish Oil Benefit Skin?

Fish oils, Omega 3, fatty acids and skin care

Having a healthy, nutritious diet is important for healthy skin. Not everyone has a healthy diet and skin problems can be the result of a poor diet. There is increasing evidence that shows when one includes or increases the use of fish oils in one's diet or skin care, there is a marked improvement.

Fish oils contain omega-3 fatty acids and thus, proper nutrition in conjunction with fish oil supplements are beneficial for: eczema, psoriasis and the health of skin, nails and hair.

Fish oils have been beneficial with respect to treatment of eczema because of the presence of the omega-3 fatty acids. Epidermal cells actively convert essential fatty acids into prostaglandin hormone, which helps to determine the degree of smoothness and moisture in the skin.

EPA and ALA are the two omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils that are involved in the conversion of gamma-linolenic acid to anti-inflammatory prostaglandin hormone. This improves skin texture. (1)

With psoriasis, a skin disorder that affects approximately two percent of the population, there is an abnormal level of leukotrienes or metabolites of arachidonic acid. Eicosapentaenoic acid, found in fish oils, reduces the adverse affects that lead to itching, scaling and erythema. (2)

With psoriasis, there is a known hereditary factor. Interestingly, the Inuits, who have a traditional diet of fish containing high omega-3 fatty acids levels, have a relatively low incidence of psoriasis. (3)

Fish oils with omega-3 fatty acids, are beneficial in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and other conditions, including cardiovascular or heart disease. (4)

How the body handles oils or a lack of oil in the body, is part of the problem with skin health. It makes sense to alter one's diet to include fish oils, eg. supplementation with cod liver oil in capsule form or to include extra fish in one's diet. Supplementation recommendations are 1-8 g per day. (5)

Including skin care products that contain the Omega-3 fatty acids also improves one's skin.

Ever wonder how a fish that has scales, can give us fish oils that relieve skin that feels the same way?

(1) http://www.softecare.com/Ingredients/omega_3_skin_disorders.cfm

(2) Ibid.

(3) Ibid.

(4) Ibid.

(5) Ibid.