Humidifier soothes Dry eyes

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Humidifier soothes Dry eyes

November 15, 2019

Humidifier soothes dry eyes

Humidifier for Dry eye Relief -- Healthbiztips

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan -- health blog

Excessive screen time, dry climate, hot and cold temperature are notorious environmental culprits that can cause or exacerbate dry eyes as they hasten the rate at which tears evaporate from the surface of the eyes. This is why restoring moisture in the air proves beneficial to control the symptoms of dry eyes.

Humidifier is a device that intoduces moisture into the air. It comes in various sizes that can cater a small area or an entire household. Not to be confused with diffuser which is use on essential oil, although certain types can also serve as humidifier.

In todays modern society, the incorporation of humidifier in households and offices is a practical solution to ease the eye strain brought about by spending too much time checking one's phone or working on a computer. A humidifier sitting on a desk while you fixate on your laptop is soothing.

Generally, an individual involuntarily blinks about 15 to 20 times every minute as a protective mechanism to continually spread a thin film of tears on the surface of the cornea to keep it moist and lubricated, however, substantial amount of screen time significantly lessens this crucial reflex.

Living in arid areas, the onset of summer or winter, or staying in an airconditionsd room can leave the eye dried-up.   Cases such as these can gain relief through the utilization of a humidifier indoors.

Another wonderful health benefit of humidifier is the prevention of common cold and flu, as well as improvement of breathing difficulty in asthma. Furthermore, since humidifier boosts humidity, it can be use to manage dry skin, dry hair, chapped lips, dry cough, and sore throat.

Indeed, eye drop is usually what comes into mind as a first line of dry eye treatment, but it is equally worthwhile to consider the positive effect of humidifier to abate the impact created by the lack of moisture in the air we breath.

Ketogenic diet for Drug-resistant Epilepsy

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Ketogenic diet for Drug-resistant Epilepsy

November 05, 2019

Ketogenic diet for Drug-resistant Epilepsy | healthbiztips

Keto diet, an Alternative Option for Drug-resistant Seizure

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan | health blog

Ketogenic diet has become an alternative treatment for epileptic people when conventional antiseizure medicine fail to prevent an episode, but how can such a dietary regimen alleviate a serious medical condition?

The utilization of ketogenic diet for drug-resistant epilepsy is predominantly utilized in children, although it is not recommended for adults.

The Epilepsy Foundation claimed that:

• Over half of children who go on the diet have at least a 50% reduction in the number of their seizures.
• Some children, usually 10-15%, even become seizure-free.

According to this agency, keto diet proves helpful in medical conditions such as:

• infantile spasms
• Rett syndrome
• tuberous sclerosis complex
• Dravet syndrome
• Doose syndrome
• GLUT-1 deficiency

Studies by Rogawski and colleagues sheds some light into this topic:

Although the exact mechanism of ketogenic diet's success in averting seizure episode is hard to point out, it is known that keto diet's fundamental principle of mimicking the state of starvation induced by fasting is a key factor. However, do note that this diet does not withhold food intake, Instead, it drastically cuts down the portion of carbohydrate a person eats and replaces this main energy source with fat.

Without enough glucose to break down from the scanty carbohydrate, the body switches to fat as it's fuel. Fat is broken down and the liver produces ketone to serve as energy source. At this state, the person is said to be under the state of ketosis in which these ketone bodies floods the bloodstream.

The presence of ketone bodies have several metabolic effects that greatly benefit epileptic people:

• increase in the production of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter
• decrease in the production of glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter
• Increase production of adenosine, an inhibitory neurotransmitter
• Increase in the mitochondrial biogenesis in the hippocampus
• Increase in reduced gutathione (GSH)

Since each patient has varying medical case and history, it is worth knowing that keto diet is not effective for all people so make it a point to consult your health care provider before starting it.


Resources:

Rogawski, M. A., Löscher, W., & Rho, J. M. (2016). Mechanisms of Action of Antiseizure Drugs and the Ketogenic Diet. Cold Spring Harbor perspectives in medicine, 6(5), a022780. doi:10.1101/cshperspect.a022780

Epilepsy Foundation. Ketogenic Diet. https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/treating-seizures-and-epilepsy/dietary-therapies/ketogenic-diet

Nivea Micellar Water Review

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Nivea Micellar Water Review

October 30, 2019

Nivea Micellar Water Review | Healthbiztips

Nivea Micellar Water Review | Healthbiztips

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan | beauty blog

Let's review Nivea Micellar Water. This is a 3-in-1 cleanser that contains absolutely no alcohol which is great for people with sensitive skin because it doesn't cause dryness.

Nivea Micellar Water Review | Healthbiztips

It has a very mild scent and when you apply it on your skin, it doesn't sting nor cause pain. In fact, micellar water is so gentle that you can even apply it around the sensitive area around your eyes. That's incredible because most other cleansers tells you not to put them around your eye area.

Nivea Micellar Water Review | Healthbiztips

I have here the Acne Clear Micellar Water by Nivea which deeply cleanses pores by removing hard to reach dirts, oils, and impurities. It's a great skincare product to prevent acne because, it doesn't only remove the bad stuffs from deep inside your pores, it actually prevents clogging of pores.


By the way, there are other versions of Nivea's Micellar Water like the Extra White. Here I got the Acne Clear because I got to get rid of these nasty pimples.

You know how those hard to remove waterproof make-up can be really tough to wipe away? Then, Nivea micellar water might just be the thing you are looking for. This cleanser can remove waterproof makeup! Although, I have to warn you that it can not remove 100% of those waterproof makeup. Like for example, I've encountered a case when this cleanser fail to remove a waterproof mascara. Nevertheless, this is still one of the good products out there in the market.

Nivea's Micellar Water contains Magnolia Bark Extract which has an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory property. It kills bacteria and reduces swelling and redness on your face.

Nivea Micellar Water Review | Healthbiztips

This skincare product comes in this blue tinged plastic bottle with a white cap. On the bottom part of the bottle, you'll see the expiration date.

Nivea Micellar Water Review | Healthbiztips

The cleanser has a transparent water-like consistency with a mild scent. When you shake the bottle, it actually forms a foam on the surface of the liquid.

To use this cleanser, you simply put a desired amount of micellar water into a cotton pad or a cotton ball, then wipe it over your face. Afterward, you can either choose to wash your face with water or not at all.


I have here a 125ml bottle of micellar water which is small enough to be brought during outdoor activities. There's  a bigger variation which is a 200ml bottle.

That's it. I hope you find this review useful.

Why you shouldn't skip Pap Smear?

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Why you shouldn't skip Pap Smear?

October 23, 2019

Why you shouldn't skip Pap Smear? | Healthbiztips

Why you shouldn't skip Pap Smear? | Healthbiztips

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan | health blog

There are women who decide not to undergo pap spear because it is an uncomfortable procedure, not aware of the crucial role it has in the fight against cervical cancer. Pap smear is an invasive screening procedure that involves taking cells sample from the cervix and testing it for changes or mutations (precancerous stage) that can later develop into maligancy.

What makes cervical cancer hard to detect is because it doesn't show any sign and symptom during it's precancerous stage. Therefore, by the time a girl feels something is wrong, usually the abnormal changes in the lining of the cervix has already became cancerous.

What is more, cervical cancer is a disease that is gradual in onset which usually takes 1 to 2 decades, thus allowing considerable amount of time to catch it before it gets out of control and spread (metastisize) to other organs of the body.

Taking this into consideration, this makes pap smear a valuable tool in early detection and treatment. It is imperative to catch cervical cancer while it is still on it's precancerous stage since at this point, it's easier to prevent it from advancing to cervical cancer.

When should you have pap smear?

According to the NHS of United Kingdom, women ages 25 to 64 years old are recommended to undergo pap smear test. Screening test should be done once every 3 years for individuals below 50 years of age and every 5 years thereafter.

Is stretch mark a scar?

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Is stretch mark a scar?

October 23, 2019

Is stretch mark a scar?

Is stretch mark a scar? | Healthbiztips

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan | health blog

When a stretch mark is examined under a microscope, it resembles the appearance of a scar. This is owing to the fact that stretch mark (aka. striae) is indeed a type of dermal scar.

Being a scar, a stretch mark is permanent although it may fade in color as time goes by. However, besides it's obvious cosmetic problem, it's presence should not be a cause of medical or health concern.

A stretch mark results when there is a sudden pulling, stretching, or shrinking of the skin such is the case when a person undergoes profound weight gain or reduction, seen especially during puberty and pregnancy. These instances damages the supporting structures of the skin, namely collagen and elastin, which leads to scarring as it heals.

Collagen is one of the key structure to maintain the integrity of the skin. Cases in which the collagen content if the skin is depleted such as among people who use corticosteroids over a long period of time have a considerably higher chance of  developing stretch marks.

In spite the fact that a stretch mark is there forever, it tends to lighten in color although it may be quite lengthy. A typical stretch mark initially emerge as a raised pink, red, brown, or purple narrow slim streaks on the skin but as years go by, these usually fades into flat white lines. Furthermore, stretch marks don't darken in color when you tan your skin.

How Plastic particles Terrorize the Air and Lodge into your Lungs

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How Plastic particles Terrorize the Air and Lodge into your Lungs

October 14, 2019

How Plastic particles Terrorize the Air and Lodge into your Lungs | photo credit: Stephen Leonardi @stephenleo1982 @unsplash

How Plastic particles Terrorize the Air and Lodge into your Lungs | Healthbiztips

Healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan | health blog

Microplastic or tiny plastic particles has polluted not just the land and sea, but also the air we breath. How come this happen?

Let's take a look at a common household: plastic storage boxes, food containers, water bottles, dishware, pipes, laptop case, device charger, children toys, and many others. Seems all harmless right? Although, they seem solid enough to contain themselves, in the presence of heat, friction, and even light, small plastic particles can dislodge and mix with room air.

Since these microscopic plastic particles are easily suspended, studies found that air indoor has a relatively higher concentration of these microscopic plastic particles than the outside. You know what that means? Plastic pollutes your supposedly safe haven.


That's not all, we have a lot more plastic than we realize. Did you know that synthetic fabric dominates the clothing and textile industry to such an extent that it comprises more than half our garmens, but guess what's in it--plastic! Polyester is notably the main offender. Turns out plastic is winning all sorts of race because it has such outstanding qualities, namely it's cheap but durable. Chances are, you're wearing one without even realizing it.

If you look closer into those fibers that make up you clothe, they don't all seem willing to stay there, do they?

Let's turn to personal care products. Yes, those stuffs people apply on their skin. Microbeads are plastic particles which are even smaller than microplastics and they are added to facial and skincare products like exfoliating facial wash, soap, and toothpaste.

While a microplastic is less than 5 millimeters in size,  a microbead is less than 1 millimeter.

Once microscopic plastic is inhaled by a human, it can lodge deep inside the lungs, however it can not be removed by the mere act of exhalation. These plastic particles can cause a range of health problems such as the destruction of lung tissues, asthma attack and increased risk of cancer.

Moreover, microplastic can find it's way into the bloodstream, by the same token breathed air is transported into the blood, and end up accumulating in various internal organs.


Plastic is everywhere. We see an emerging era of plastic pollution, an infestation which keeps getting worse as years goes by.

So you see, plastic is indeed in every single one of us and that may very well be the reality if these things aren't regulated enough. With convenience comes dire consequence.

How can we enjoy our stay in this planet without destroying it?

Why ditch red meat in exchange for fish?

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Why ditch red meat in exchange for fish?

October 13, 2019

Why ditch red meat in exchange for fish | Healthbiztips | photo credit: Wesual Click @wesual @unsplash

Why ditch red meat in exchange for fish | Healthbiztips | health blog

Healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan

Since there is an increasing body of evidence that red meat in the diet contributes significantly to premature aging and chronic diseases such as arthritis, asthma, cancer, inflammatory bowel disease and heart disease, seeking an alternative protein source in the form of fish is seen as as healthy option.

Here lies the question why fish is widely recognized as a superior food choice?

Perks of a fish dish

To begin with, fatty fish such as tuna and salmon have high amounts of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid which exerts an anti-inflammatory effect that, in contrary to red meat, prevents the onset of health problems mentioned earlier.

Another good reason is fishes mostly have substantially lower content of saturated fats and cholesterol compare to red meat which makes it a suitable meal to prevent the onset of cardiovascular problems such as atherosclerosis.

Among the best sources of omega 3 fatty acids are:

• albacore
• cod
• halibut
• herring
• lake trout
• mackerel
• salmon
• sardines
• snapper
• tuna

How much fish should you eat? Based on the recommendation set by the American Heart Association, a serving of 2 fatty fish each week is sufficient. That's roughly 3.5 ounce cooked, or about three quarters of a cup flaked fish.

However, it is worth contemplating that the nutritional and caloric value of all fish is not equal. Take for example milkfish and tilapia, both of which have elevated amount of saturated fats.


Issues and concern

On the other hand, the safety of consuming aquatic animals has become a global concern for the past decades due to sea pollution, particularly that of plastic, mercury, and the carcinogen PCBs.

You wouldn't want plastic as your meal, however our sea nowadays is notoriously infested by small bits of plastic or microplastics which in turn is devoured by fishes. Now, if you closely into the foodchain then you'll know where that microplastic can find it's way, namely your gut and organs.

Plastic particles have been found even in the deepest part of the ocean which reflects just how bad marine life has been infested.

Another serious affliction is that caused by the mercury, a chemical pollutant that is detrimental to the formation of a fetus, neurological development, and functioning of organs. Thus, U.S. FDA warns regarding fishes that have high levels of mercury which pregnant women and children should avoid, namely:

• king mackerel
• shark
• swordfish
• tilefish

Instead, seafoods with low levels of mercury are:

• catfish
• salmon
• tuna

The changing times have greatly affected  the quality of fish we consume. Sounds scary?

Let's look back into the red meat. The administration of hormone to cow with the intent of increasing their body build and milk production is still widely debated, although regulating bodies claim that the levels injected into these animals are within acceptable range.