Women’s Health Dissatisfaction Leads to Unhealthy Body Image

Majority of girls and women today are unsatisfied about their bodies. That is why almost every woman, including those professionals in medical scrubs, strives to look more beautiful and younger. 

The biggest factor that shaped this idea to women is the media, especially TV commercials. Through good looking images of models, girls are obviously influenced to be like them too. Losing weight is among their first steps to successfully fit into a model’s look. 

However, this often results to disappointments about their own appearances due to unrealistic expectations. Barbie doll-like images are obviously hard to achieve. In turn, worrying about weight and how to get the best look leads to a negative body image that can also affect self-esteem. 

Body image refers to the mental representation of what we think about our body and how we feel about ourselves. It may be different or the same to what or how others see us. It is also the total of our personality, experiences, and cultural and social influences. 

Those who have a poor body image try to change their bodies in every possible way just to achieve their dream body figure. These include dieting or the advanced method of surgery. But a negative perception of a woman about her body is said to create a mental disorder such as eating disorders or depression. Garfinkel and Garner study showed that people, who were more expected to be thin, such as dancers and models, were more likely to have anorexia or appetite loss.    

All of us want to be attractive, of course. However, healthy body image does not necessarily talks about appearance. Being thin does not always mean beautiful and being fat is not automatically mean ugly. In fact, figures and shapes do not accurately distinguish ill and healthy people. Perhaps a positive perception about your appearance helps you to have not only positive body image but positive lifestyle as well. 

Super Fruit Combo You Can Easily Find

Banana and papaya have emerged to belong in the group of fruits that has much to do with a man’s health than simply fill an empty stomach. Significantly, knowing both fruits are available all year round and costs fairly little, anyone can benefit from the nutrients they offer anytime.

You probably grab a banana whenever your tummy growls but lunch is not yet ready. Its fibrous composition provides that feeling of fullness, while being assured of small probability of gaining extra pounds for it contains low saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. Aside from that, bananas are also packed with vitamin c for improved resistance against common diseases, potassium to ward off hypertension and maintain the body’s water balance, and manganese for strong bones, normal sugar levels, optimal thyroid gland function and healthier nerves.

A study showed more of banana than just potassium, vitamin c, manganese and dietary fiber, though. Jacalin-related lectin Banlec, a substance in bananas, may help inhibit HIV replication, according to researchers at the University of Michigan Medical Center.

The abstract of the study states: “BanLec is a jacalin-related lectin isolated from the fruit of bananas, Musa acuminata. This lectin binds to high mannose carbohydrate structures, including those found on viruses containing glycosylated envelope proteins such as human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1). Therefore, we hypothesized that BanLec might inhibit HIV-1 through binding of the glycosylated HIV-1 envelope protein, gp120. We determined that BanLec inhibits primary and laboratory-adapted HIV-1 isolates of different tropisms and subtypes. BanLec possesses potent anti-HIV activity, with IC₅₀ values in the low nanomolar to picomolar range. The mechanism for BanLec-mediated antiviral activity was investigated by determining if this lectin can directly bind the HIV-1 envelope protein and block entry of the virus into the cell. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay confirmed direct binding of BanLec to gp120 and indicated that BanLec can recognize the high mannose structures that are recognized by the monoclonal antibody 2G12. Furthermore, BanLec is able to block HIV-1 cellular entry as indicated by temperature-sensitive viral entry studies and by the decreased levels of the strong-stop product of early reverse transcription seen in the presence of BanLec. Thus, our data indicate that BanLec inhibits HIV-1 infection by binding to the glycosylated viral envelope and blocking cellular entry. The relative anti-HIV activity of BanLec compared favorably to other anti-HIV lectins, such as snowdrop lectin and Griffithsin, and to T-20 and maraviroc, two anti-HIV drugs currently in clinical use. Based on these results, BanLec is a potential component for an anti-viral microbicide that could be used to prevent the sexual transmission of HIV-1.”

Papaya is best known for its skin-whitening properties, but its health benefits are also notable. This fruit is an excellent source of vitamin C, folate, potassium, dietary fiber, vit A, and vit E. It’s also got B vitamins, magnesium, pantothenic acid, folic acid, and antioxidants. All this nutrients work together to protect the cardiovascular system from diseases such as atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease. Papaya also work promotes digestive health, boost the immune system, protect eyesight, improve lung health, protect against rheumatoid arthritis, and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Several studies also suggest that papaya help fight certain types of cancers such as cancer of the breast, cervix, liver, lung and pancreas. Published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, the study done by research scientists from the University of Florida found that papaya leaves extracts boosts the production of key signaling molecules called Th1-type cytokines for improved the immune system. The extract also has dramatic effect against laboratory-grown cancer cells.

Dubbed at the fruit of the angels, papaya sits more often on our table during the early summer and fall, providing soft and succulent food that fills both the stomach and quench thirst. Papaya is best for dieters for its low caloric content. They can enjoy its luscious taste when ripe as raw fruit and it also makes great fruit juice or shake, and of course, fruit salad. In some countries, thinly-sliced unripe papaya is cooked with coconut milk or chopped in about an inch thick to add flavor to chicken soup.

So, next time you head to the fruit stand for some pricey fruits, take your eyes to the less costly nutrient-packed bananas and papayas. And when you’re in the hospital fir some treatment, ask your nurse who stands lovely in those nursing shoes and nursing uniform if you could have banana or papaya for lunch.

Cavadas Led Spanish Doctors to the World's First Double-Leg Transplant

Remember Dr. Pedro Cavadas? See the man in nursing uniform in the attached photo. He was the first surgeon in Spain who performed face transplant, the first ever transplant that included new tongue and jaw. Just this Sunday, Dr. Cavadas and his Spanish team did the world’s very first double-leg transplant. But to know if procedure was a success, we’ll have to wait at least one month. If it failed, it will be discovered almost immediately.

The recipient was an accident victim who could not have prosthetics because he did not have enough leg length to which the artificial leg could attach. After the double-leg operation was approved last year, the patient and Cavada’s team waited for a suitable donor. And at last, the procedure took place on Sunday night. It was not until fourteen hours that all bones, nerves, and muscles were delicately connected.

Farewell Food Pyramid, Hello MyPlate

The Food Pyramid has guided Americans in their quest of keeping good health. That is unlikely the case in everyone, though. Many got confused with how to interpret the pyramid, and that could perhaps been a crucial aspect as to why obesity has become an epidemic. The Food Pyramid was unable to clearly convey what is real healthy eating. For this reason, Food Pyramid was ditched and replaced by MyPlate.

MyPlate is a much simpler food guide that even kids can easily understand. Derived from its name, the new symbol is a plate filled with different types of foods that provide nutrients necessary for good health. The plate is divided into four slightly different sized quadrants. Half of it is comprised of fruits and vegetables, and the other half contains grains and protein. To emphasize importance, grains and vegetables are both given the two larger portions compared to the fruits and protein. To complete the new food symbol, a blue circle, representing dairy, is added at the upper right portion of the plate.

It is important, though, to keep in mind that the grains should be whole grains, and the dairy low-fat if not fat-free. With regards the risky sodium and sugar, people would be wise to go for those with lower numbers. Taking in water than sugary processed drinks is also much wiser.

Does it mean that people should only eat the types of foods indicated in MyPlate? No. The plate is simply a guide that must be used by parents on what to serve their children, and the adults on how much to consume. Although, of course, people have different dietary needs, especially those with medical conditions, and that’s where sound judgment should come in. With the help of a trusted professional in nursing uniform and dietician, one will be able to know the types of foods that are needed the most.

MyPlate is the latest USDA dietary guidelines made easier to grasp. It tells drastic reduction of sodium consumption and limiting saturated fats, but recommends increase fruits and vegetables for up to half of every individual’s diet. Also important is the message of avoiding oversized portions. The plate suggests people to enjoy food, but to eat less.

Fruits and Vegetables - Jewels Beneath Dust & Rubbles

With the humanity literally living in man-made compounds of chemicals, considering them as essentials for living, it’s amazing how our body seems to long for nature and energized with nature. Different discoveries of the benefits brought by eating more fruits and vegetables appear like miracles, offering cure and protection against many types of illnesses. Significantly, the new found facts are like jewels rediscovered beneath dust and rubbles.

Blackberry, blackcurrant, and blueberry are a few of the commonly consumed fruits that contain particularly high beneficial effect in fighting heart disease, cancer, neurodegenaration, microbial infections, visual problems, ageing, and diabetes. Also included in the list of organic fruits are pomegranates, raspberry, and strawberry, offering definite benefits, but are not significantly lower than the first 3 mentioned fruits.

Of these fruits, strawberry was recently identified as a phytochemical-rich fruit having great potential in preventing esophageal cancer. In the study conducted, researchers were not yet able to identify the anti-cancer agent responsible for fighting the type of gastrointestinal cancer. Study lead author Tong Chen, assistant professor in the oncology division of Ohio State University, noted that strawberries contain a number of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals.

Just as what have been observed with strawberries and other superfruits, many vegetables contain notably high amounts of essential vitamins and minerals, along with phytochemicals. They are fibrous, protein-rich, and high in vitamins as well as minerals; it’s no wonder why results of different studies tout the importance of eating more vegetables in fighting heart disease and cancer. Rocket, spinach, dandelion greens, kale, watercress, parsley, lettuce, endive, chicory, broccoli sprouts and mustard sprouts are just some of the nutritious vegetables in our long list. Rich-colored vegetables such as carrots and tomatoes, on the other hand, are known for they anti-oxidant content, making them great for slowing natural degeneration.

If you would observe, patients are encouraged by the medical experts to eat healthy food, even after the period of taking medications. Nutritionists have long been recommending people to watch what they eat, avoiding unnecessary eating processed food that contain unhealthy chemicals. However, it’s strange to actually see these people bulging in their nursing uniform. Not only should medical workers encourage healthy eating habits in communities, but especially among themselves so as to set a good example.

One More Reason for Women to Loose Weight

Aside from a sexier figure, fit body, decreased risk of diabetes and other illnesses associated with overweight and fat, women has yet another reason to shed excess weight – to keep healthy bones. Researchers recently found that excess fat around the middle increases the risk of developing osteoporosis or lower bone mass, directly contrary to what was always believed by professionals in scrubs uniforms that fat actually protects bone loss. At mayoclinic.com, frame size is listed as osteoporosis risk factor, stating that exceptionally thin body with BMI of 19 and lower or small body frames are at higher risk of developing the disease.

After spending much of her time wearing lab coat and staying in laboratory, Miriam A. Bredella, M.D., a radiologist at Massachusetts General Hospital and assistant professor of radiology at Harvard Medical School in Boston and study's lead author concluded, "We know that obesity is a major public health problem. Now we know that abdominal obesity needs to be included as a risk factor for osteoporosis and bone loss."

The risk is even higher among older women, for as we know, bones naturally weaken due to degeneration that comes with ageing. And if combined with excess belly fat, the risk soars. So while still young, keeping belly fat at bay would be necessary. People, especially obese women, must hear what their gym instructor and physician say. Even seemingly healthy individuals must watch other risk factors of osteoporosis and act to reverse conditions.

Being a woman is a big risk factor for osteoporosis. Further, people and or Asian and white women are at higher risk of developing osteoporosis. If one has a family history of osteoporosis, there is greater possibility for that person to suffer from osteoporosis. Too much thyroid hormone can also cause bone loss that leads to osteoporosis. Other risk factors of osteoporosis also include law calcium intake, tobacco use, eating disorders, sedentary lifestyle, excessive alcohol consumption, corticosteroid medications and other drugs, as well as medical conditions and procedures affecting bone health.

Mouth-to-Mouth or Chest-Only Compressions – for whom?

Growing evidence suggest chest-only compression is more effective than mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing. Just recently, a new study released by Arizona Department of Health Services also favored chest-only compressions instead of traditional CPR. The conclusion was reached by measuring survival based on hospital discharge among 4,415 cardiac arrest patients from 2005 to 2009.

From that number, 666 got traditional CPR, 549 got chest-only compressions, and 2,900 got no aid. Of those who received chest-only compressions, 13% were discharged from the hospital, while only 7.8% from those who received CPR with mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and 5.2% from those who given no help at all.

Should you see somebody who obviously is unconscious, how would you know he or she needs CPR or chest-only compression? Chest-only compressions or hands-only CPR applies only to adults, and only those who are experiencing cardiac arrest. During Cardiac arrest among adults, heart stops before breathing, which means hard and rapid compressions could revive the patient by helping the heart to pump oxygen again and enable blood and oxygen circulation. With cardiac arrest on children though, rescue breathing is still necessary because it’s the breathing that stops before the heart. This is also true among those who were suffocated or drowned, and restoring respiration might revive them.

Chest-only compression is easy to administer and should not make you uneasy. Even if you don’t wear those Dickies uniforms or Adar uniforms, you could help revive anybody experiencing cardiac arrest. Here’s how to do chest-only compressions: Place the heel of your hand in the middle of the victim's chest. Put your other hand on top of the first with your fingers interlaced. Compress the chest about 1-1/2 to 2 inches (4-5 cm). Allow the chest to completely recoil before the next compression. Compress the chest at a rate equal to 100/minute. Perform 30 compressions at this rate. – about.com