How to Lose Weight by Getting Enough Sleep

Weight loss is a constant challenge for many people whose body mass index (BMI) is above 25. Being overweight or even obese has become common place in many countries, including small, developing countries. Failure to lose weight causes much frustration, especially when one has tried the different diets, exercise regimens, weight loss pills, weight loss products like slimming teas, medications that claim to lower cholesterol levels and even plastic surgery. Yet another factor which one can work on, based on scientific research is improving one’s sleep habits. 

Recent studies prove that lack of sleep can lead people to gain more weight. But how does getting enough sleep help one to lose weight?

Read More:  How to Lose Weight by Getting Enough Sleep

Breast Augmentation and Breast Implants: Risks and Complications

Breast augmentation, also called breast enlargement or enlargement mammoplasty, may be done to change the breast size and shape for cosmetic reasons, for reconstruction purposes or as part of male-to-female sex transition. In the process, breast implants are used, which may be made either of saline water or silicone.

Despite the popularity of plastic surgery and breast augmentation, women should be aware of the possible risks and complications of having breast implants.

Read more at Suite101: Breast Augmentation and Breast Implants: Risks and Complications 

Eating Oatmeal is Not Enough to Lose Weight

Whole oats, oat bran, oat flour or oatmeal products have long been accepted as part of a healthy diet and a staple in most weight loss diet programs. They have been known to decrease LDL, more popularly known as bad cholesterol due its soluble fiber content. As soluble fibers pass through the intestines, bad cholesterol is trapped and prevented from entering into the bloodstream. Because of this, heart disease and hypertension may be controlled or even prevented, especially when coupled with weight loss. Its fiber content slows down the digestion of starch which may help decrease blood sugar in diabetics. Oatmeal products also contain antioxidants and phytochemicals that increase immunity to inflammation and cancer.
The many health benefits of eating oatmeal are well recognized but it is not enough to sustain weight loss even if taken regularly.
Read more : Why Is Eating Oatmeal Not Enough to Lose Weight?

Flu Season: Updates on Influenza A H1N1

The once worldwide epidemic (pandemic) H1N1 influenza (sometimes called “swine flu”) is now in the post-pandemic stage, according to the World Health Organization (WHO, Aug 10, 2010). Last year many countries around the globe experienced the emergence of the new strain of virus to which most people had no immunity. It caused unusual and extensive outbreaks, and many suffered from severe symptoms and death. Whereas influenza is usually a seasonal phenomenon, the H1N1 2009 outbreak occurred throughout the winter and even the summer months in many countries.

The post-pandemic stage is characterized by the fact that since the virus has extensively spread throughout the continents last year, some level of immunity among the different populations now exists. Except for a few like India, its pattern of occurrence is now more seasonal in many countries. However, outbreaks can still occur, especially in places which were not previously affected.


Read more at Suite101: Flu Season: Updates on Influenza A H1N1 

Strep Throat: Guidelines for Antibiotic Treatment

Symptoms of fever and sudden sore throat are common among children and adults. These can be brought about by a virus, or it may be caused by Streptococcal A infection. In either case, the features may be similar, which may include lack of appetite, stomach ache, headache, chills and nausea.

Sore throat with cough and colds is usually due to a virus. The throat may be red, but in strep throat, sudden pain and difficulty in swallowing are experienced. There is usually no cough or colds, symptoms are usually mild, and may disappear in three to five days without treatment. However, others may experience severe illness, including very high fever that does not subside in 3 days, for which immediate diagnosis and treatment may be required.


Read more at Suite101: Strep Throat: Guidelines for Antibiotic Treatment 

Chronic Headache and Sleep Disorders: Are They Related?

Chronic headache and sleep disorder are closely related. Screening, behavioral and pharmacologic interventions for good sleep may help relieve headaches.

Studies have shown that people who suffer from chronic headaches may be experiencing sleep disturbances which trigger the headaches. This is quite apparent, especially for those who have daily morning headaches, which is often an indicator of sleep disorder. In addition, people who suffer from primary headache, or headache not associated with any medical condition, may suffer disturbed sleep patterns. Because of this association, it is recommended that to diagnose and treat chronic headaches, screening for the possibility of concomitant sleep disorders must be done.


Read more at Suite101: Chronic Headache and Sleep Disorders: How are They Related?

How to Choose The Right Sunscreen

Every skin care regimen emphasizes the use of sunscreen to protect against premature wrinkles and skin cancer. But choose and use the right sunscreen!

The use of sunscreen has been known for as long as 70 years. Although exposure to sunlight has its beneficial effects to health, chronic or prolonged exposure may result in sunburns, sun damaged skin, premature aging and worst of all, cancer. Thus the use of sunscreen lotions, lip balms and hair protection has been recommended by dermatologists, and the proliferation of these products in the market has continued. But not all products are effective, and some of them may even be harmful, according to recent studies.

Read more at Suite101: How to Choose the Right Sunscreen: Are They Over-Rated?