What Your Feet Tell You About the Health of Your Arteries

by Health

What Your Feet Tell You About the Health of Your Arteries

Claremont Colonic and Nutrient Clinic
What can your feet tell you about the health of your cardiovascular system?
Actually, quite a bit. Atherosclerosis, the hardening of the arteries due to plaque buildup, can occur throughout the body, not just near the heart. When it occurs in the arteries that lead to your feet, it may be an indicator of an increased risk of heart disease.

The buildup of plaque in arteries leading to the extremities is known as peripheral artery disease (PAD). According to the Cleveland Clinic, some symptoms of PAD include pain the the legs, getting tired easily after exercise, and trouble walking distances. The Mayo Clinic states that sometimes people show no symptoms of PAD, however, many people experience muscle pain and cramping in the legs, usually in the calves.

Other symptoms listed by the Mayo Clinic include leg numbness, one lower leg or foot feeling colder than the other, a change in leg color, changes in hair growth on the legs or feet, shiny skin over the area, leg or foot pain even while resting (in severe cases) and an absent or weak pulse in the feet or legs.

The Cleveland Clinic recommends asking your primary physician to check the pulses in your feet if you show any symptoms of PAD, have a family history of PAD or heart disease, or have a history of smoking. This is a simple test that can be done during a routine examination. A physician can also do an ankle brachial index, which utilizes blood pressure cuffs and an ultrasound wave to detect a pulse in the region.

While detecting PAD can indeed tell you a lot about your greater cardiovascular risk, the Cleveland Clinic states that healthy individuals who do not smoke and do not have a family history of heart disease generally do not need to be screened, as the test can sometimes give a false positive. However, if you are concerned, talk to a health professional that you trust about your PAD risk, and whether it would be beneficial to check the pulses in your feet.

Even if your leg pain seems relatively minor, a conversation with a health professional is a wise idea, as PAD itself can lead to serious complications, including the loss of a foot or leg, if it worsens to a certain point. It is worth it to have the conversation, for the sake of your overall mobility and health.


Contributor: The Alternative Daily

Elle Sez Series: Walking the Walk – My Own Qi Gong

by Lifestyle
Claremont Colonic Center

Elle Series: Walking the Walk - My OwnQi Gong

I discovered the Contact Staff (and Dragon Staff) just recently. It caught my attention because it struck a chord with my past. In high school I was on the twirling squad for 4 years and the captain in my senior year. During the Summer before senior year started, I had a dream that I was twirling a fire baton. So I decided to pursue that fantasy. I first went to my mother and asked her if I could. Her response was that if the principal said I could then it would be OK. I then went to the principal of the high school and asked him. He said that with my parent’s permission, it would be alright. So, as you might have guessed, I told both of them that the other had said Okay! Hence, my foray into the world of “fire juggling.”


But, of course, that was 55 years ago and my baton has sat for many years collecting dust in the closet. I don’t know exactly how the contact staff came up on my internet feed, but we all have had weird experiences with algorithms in the past…but this was REALLY in the past. Anyway, one day I just began seeing this art form in various contexts on the computer. Hmmmmm….that can’t be that hard, I said to myself. And the rest is history.

In short, Contact Staff is a form of object manipulation derived from contact juggling and traditional staff. It involves lots of moves done using your torso, rather than just your hands, to manipulate the staff. Contact staffs differ from regular staffs in their weight and handle type. From what I gather, the best contact staffs have solid cores, weighty ends, and sticky handles. It is much longer than your regular baton, extending about 55-60 inches. I have been using it as a form of gentle stretching and exercise. I spend up to an hour a day in the evenings practicing outside in my backyard, just as I did to learn the baton many years ago. It has a very meditative effect and I can create my own routines and choose my own music. It’s pretty sweet.

Eye Drop Recall Linked to 3 New Deaths and 8 Cases of Blindness: What to Know

by HealthNews and Information

Eye Drop Recall Linked to 3 New Deaths and 8 Cases of Blindness: What to Know

Claremont Colonic & Nutrient Resource Clinic
  • Three deaths and eight cases of vision loss due to bacterial infection have been possibly linked to the use of certain artificial tears products.
  • As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention investigates, the agency recommends that clinicians and patients stop using EzriCare’s or Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Tears products, both manufactured by India-based Global Pharma Healthcare.
  • In February, Global Pharma Healthcare voluntarily recalled its Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops and its Artificial Eye Ointment due to possible contamination.
  • A separate recall for eye drops has impacted two lots of the Purely Soothing 15% MSM eye drops from Pharmedica USA.
Three people have died and there have been eight reports of people losing their vision after developing a bacterial eye infection possibly linked to the use of certain artificial tears products, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

In addition, there have been four reports of people needing to have their eyeball removed as a result of the infection.

In total, the CDC has identified 68 patients affected in 16 states as of March 14. All patients were identified as having an infection caused by an extensively drug-resistant strain of the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

As the agency continues to investigate, it recommends that clinicians and patients stop using EzriCare’s or Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Tears products, both manufactured by India-based Global Pharma Healthcare. EzriCare’s product was the brand most commonly reported being used by affected patients, the CDC said.

On Feb. 2, Global Pharma Healthcare voluntarily recalles its Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops. The company issued another voluntary for its Artificial Eye Ointment due to “possible microbial contamination.”

MSM eye drop recall

In a separate incident, Pharmedica USA issued a voluntary worldwide recall of two lots of its Purely Soothing, 15% MSM eye drops, the Food and Drug Administration announced. The recall notice warns consumers that the products being recalled are non-sterile, meaning they may contain bacteria or other germs.

“Use of contaminated eye drops can result in the risk of eye infections that could result in blindness,” the notice said.

Dr. Diane Hilal-Campo, an ophthalmologist and founder of twenty/twenty beauty, said symptoms of an eye infection can vary, but may include redness, itching eye pain, a gritty sensation in the eye, discharge, sensitivity to light or a decrease in vision.

“If someone is experiencing any of these symptoms, no matter how mild, I encourage them to seek medical attention immediately,” she told Healthline.

Pharmedica has advised customers to immediately stop using the product, which can be returned to the place of purchase for a refund.

The Phoenix, Arizona-based company said in its notice that it has not received any reports of illness related to use of the recalled eye drops.

Purely Soothing, 15% MSM eye drops are an anti-inflammatory topical solution to relieve eye irritation and swelling.

The affected products were sold worldwide via e-commerce sites such as Amazon Marketplace, the company said.

The eye drops come in white, cylindrical bottles and have eye dropper caps and white lids. The products affected by the recall are:

  • LOT#: 2203PS01, 1 oz, UPC 7 31034 91379 9
  • LOT#: 1808051, ½ oz, UPC 7 31034 91382 9

Images of the labels for these products can be found with the recall

Consumers with questions concerning the Purely Soothing, 15% MSM recall can contact Pharmedica by email at osm@pharmedicausa.com, or by calling (623) 698-1752 between the hours of 8 a.m and 5 p.m. Mountain Time. Consumers who have experienced any problems that may be related to their use of this product should contact their physician or healthcare provider.

Soothing the eyes safely

To reduce the risk of infection when soothing your eyes, Hilal-Campo recommends choosing artificial tears that come in single-use vials.

“To use correctly, these single-use products should be opened and instilled with clean hands, and then immediately discarded,” she said.

Multi-use bottles increase the risk of spreading bacteria or other germs to the eye, because the dropper tip has more chances to come into contact with the eye, skin, or other surfaces.

Hilal-Campo also suggests that people choose preservative-free eye drops, which she says are easier on the surface of the eye.

In addition, “stick with large, trusted brands for your over-the-counter eyedrops — like Allergan, Alcon, and Bausch and Lomb,” she said.


Contributor: Shawn Radcliffe-Healthline.com

Series: Know Your Body-The Immune System

by HealthLifestyleNews and Information

Series: Know Your Body-The Immune System

Series: Know Your Body-The Immune System
A well-working immune system prevents germs from entering your body and kills them or limits their harm if they get in. To keep your immune system healthy, get plenty or sleep, stay active, eat healthy foods, manage your weight, reduce your stress and follow other healthful habits.
Overview
Your immune system is made up of a large number of organs and cells including white blood cells, lymph nodes, spleen, tonsils and adenoids, thymus, bone marrow, skin, stomach and bowel acids and bacteria.

Your immune system is made of up a complex collection of cells and organs. The system works together to protect you from germs and helps you get better when you get sick.

What is the immune system?

Your immune system is a large network of organs, white blood cells, proteins (antibodies) and chemicals. This system works together to protect you from foreign invaders (bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi) that cause infection, illness and disease.

Function What does the immune system do and how does it work?

Your immune system works hard to keep you healthy. Its job is to keep germs out of your body, destroy them or limit the extent of their harm if they get in.

When your immune system is working properly: When your immune system is working properly, it can tell which cells are yours and which substances are foreign to your body. It activates, mobilizes, attacks and kills foreign invader germs that can cause you harm. Your immune system learns about germs after you’ve been exposed to them too. Your body develops antibodies to protect you from those specific germs. An example of this concept occurs when you get a vaccine. Your immune system builds up antibodies to foreign cells in the vaccine and will quickly remember these foreign cells and destroy them if you are exposed to them in the future. Sometimes doctors can prescribe antibiotics to help your immune system if you get sick. But antibiotics only kill certain bacteria. They don’t kill viruses.

When your immune system is not working properly: When your immune system can’t mount a winning attack against an invader, a problem, such as an infection, develops. Also, sometimes your immune system mounts an attack when there is no invader or doesn’t stop an attack after the invader has been killed. These activities result in such problems as autoimmune diseases and allergic reactions.

Anatomy What are the parts of the immune system?

Your immune system is made of up a complex collection of cells and organs. They all work together to protect you from germs and help you get better when you’re sick. The main parts of the immune system are:

  • White blood cells: Serving as an army against harmful bacteria and viruses, white blood cells search for, attack and destroy germs to keep you healthy. White blood cells are a key part of your immune system. There are many white blood cell types in your immune system. Each cell type either circulates in your bloodstream and throughout your body or resides in a particular tissue, waiting to be called into action. Each cell type has a specific mission in your body’s defense system. Each has a different way of recognizing a problem, communicating with other cells on the defense team and performing their function.
  • Lymph nodes: These small glands filter and destroy germs so they can’t spread to other parts of your body and make you sick. They also are part of your body’s lymphatic system. Lymph nodes contain immune cells that analyze the foreign invaders brought into your body. They then activate, replicate and send the specific lymphocytes (white blood cells) to fight off that particular invader. You have hundreds of lymph nodes all over your body, including in your neck, armpits, and groin. Swollen, tender lymph nodes are a clue that your body is fighting an infection.
  • Spleen: Your spleen stores white blood cells that defend your body from foreign invaders. It also filters your blood, destroying old and damaged red blood cells.
  • Tonsils and adenoids: Because they are located in your throat and nasal passage, tonsils and adenoids can trap foreign invaders (for example, bacteria or viruses) as soon as they enter your body. They have immune cells that produce antibodies to protect you from foreign invaders that cause throat and lung infections.
  • Thymus: This small organ in your upper chest beneath your breast bone helps mature a certain type of white blood cell. The specific task of this cell is to learn to recognize and remember an invader so that an attack can be quickly mounted the next time this invader is encountered.
  • Bone marrow: Stem cells in the spongy center of your bones develop into red blood cells, plasma cells and a variety of white blood cells and other types of immune cells. Your bone marrow makes billions of new blood cells every day and releases them into your bloodstream.
  • Skin, mucous membranes and other first-line defenses: Your skin is the first line of defense in preventing and destroying germs before they enter your body. Skin produces oils and secretes other protective immune system cells. Mucous membranes line the respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive tracts. These membranes secrete mucus, which lubricates and moistens surfaces. Germs stick to mucus in the respiratory tract and then are moved out of the airways by hair-like structures called cilia. Tiny hairs in your nose catch germs. Enzymes found in sweat, tears, saliva and mucus membranes as well as secretions in the vagina all defend and destroy germs.
  • Stomach and bowel: Stomach acid kills many bacteria soon after they enter your body. You also have beneficial (good) bacteria in your intestines that kill harmful bacteria.


Conditions and Disorders

What conditions and disorders affect the immune system?

Many deficiencies and disorders can damage or disrupt your immune system. Some medicines make it harder for your body to fight infection. Certain health conditions cause your immune system to attack healthy cells or make it hard for your immune system to protect you from harmful germs. They include:

  • Allergies: When the body overreacts to a harmless substance (such as food or pollen), the immune system launches a response. Your body fights its allergy triggers by releasing histamines that cause allergy symptoms. An allergic reaction can range from mild (sneezing or stuffy nose) to severe (breathing problems and even death). Antihistamine medications help calm the symptoms.
  • Autoimmune disorders: These disorders occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy cells. Lupus, diabetes, Hashimoto’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis are examples of common autoimmune diseases.
  • Primary immunodeficiency disorders: These disorders are inherited (passed along in families). There are more than 100 primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDD) that prevent the immune system from working as it should.
  • Infections: HIV and mononucleosis (mono) are well-known infections that weaken the immune system. They lead to serious illness.
  • Cancer: Certain types of cancer, like leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma affect the immune system directly. These cancers occur when immune cells grow uncontrollably.
  • Sepsis: Sepsis is an overwhelming response of your body’s immune system to an infection. This triggers widespread inflammation and causes a downward spiral of events that can end in organ damage, organ failure and death.
  • Medications: Some medications, such as corticosteroids, can weaken the immune system. And after an organ transplant, people take immunosuppressant medications. These medicines help prevent a failed transplant (rejection). However, these drugs increase your risk of infection and disease.
Care How can I keep my immune system healthy?

Just like the rest of your body, your immune system needs nourishment, rest, and a healthy environment to stay strong. Certain lifestyle changes can boost your immune system and help you avoid illness. To keep your immune system running smoothly, you should:

  • Quit smoking.
  • Lose weight or maintain a healthy body mass.
  • Eat a healthy diet that includes lots of fruits and vegetables.
  • Avoid alcohol or use it only in moderation.
  • Get enough sleep.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Wash your hands often.
  • Try to stress less and focus on mind/body wellness.
  • Make sure you’re up-to-date on vaccines.


Frequently Asked Questions I seem to get sick a lot. When should I call my doctor?

If you feel like you’re always sick or you have symptoms that never seem to go away, you should visit your doctor. Some symptoms could be signs of an autoimmune disease. These symptoms include:

  • Exhaustion or fatigue (always feeling tired).
  • Sore, aching muscles, especially if you also have a fever.
  • Difficulty concentrating or paying attention.
  • Hair loss.
  • Inflammation, rashes, or redness anywhere on your body.
  • Fingers or toes that tingle or are numb.



Contributor: ClevelandClinic.org.