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Hip Fractures
What is a hip fracture?
A hip fracture is a break in the bones of your hip (near the top of your leg). It can happen at any age, although it is more common is people 65 and older. As you get older, the inside of your bones becomes porous from a loss of calcium. This is called losing bone mass. Over time, this weakens the bones and makes them more likely to break. Hip fractures are more common in women, because they have less bone mass to start with and lose bone mass more quickly than men.
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What are the symptoms of a hip fracture?
Hip fractures usually are caused by a fall. If you fracture your hip, you may experience the following symptoms:
•Severe pain in your hip or pelvic area
•Bruising and/or swelling in your hip area
•Inability to put weight on your hip
•Difficulty walking
•The injured leg may look short than the other leg and may be turned outward
Any time you fall and are unable to get up or stand, call your doctor right away. He or she may take an X-ray to check for hip fracture.
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How is a hip fracture treated?
Most people who have hip fractures will need surgery to make sure the leg heals properly. Your doctor will discuss your surgery options with you.

Some people are unable to have hip surgery because of an illness or poor health. If your doctor doesn’t think it’s safe for you to have surgery, you will be put into traction to help your hip heal. Traction keeps you immobile for a long period of time.
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What can I expect after surgery?
Your doctor can tell you when you should try to stand or walk after surgery. It may be painful to walk at first. You may need a walker or cane for assistance for several months after surgery.

You may need to see a physical therapist as part of your recovery. In physical therapy, you’ll learn to sit, stand and walk without reinjuring your hip. You’ll also do exercises to help you get stronger.

When you return home after your surgery, you may need some help from a home nurse or family member. Daily tasks may be difficult to perform while you aren’t able to move around very well. A family member or nurse can help you with your daily tasks, such as bathing, cooking and shopping.
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What about complications?
A hip fracture is a serious injury, but the complications from a hip fracture can be severe or even life-threatening. If you are immobile for a long period of time after your surgery, or if you are in a traction, you are at risk of developing deep vein thrombosis. Deep vein thrombosis (also called DVT) is a blood clot in a vein deep inside your body. These clots usually occur in your leg veins. If the blood clot breaks away and travels through your bloodstream, it could block a blood vessel in your lungs. This blockage (called a pulmonary embolism) can be fatal.

Other complications from immobility after hip surgery can include:
•Pressure sores
•Pneumonia
•Muscle wasting or atrophy
•Urinary tract infections
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How can I prevent another hip fracture?
To help prevent a hip fracture, you should:
•Get regular physical activity to keep your bones and muscles strong.
•Don’t drink or smoke.
•Eat and drink more products with calcium (for example: milk, cottage cheese, yogurt, sardines and broccoli) to keep your bones strong.
•Take vitamin D each day, which helps your body absorb calcium. Your doctor can tell you how much vitamin D is safe for you.
•If your doctor suggests that you use a cane or a walker to help you walk, be sure to use it. This will give you extra stability when walking and will help you avoid a bad fall.
•See your eye doctor once a year. You are more likely to fall if you can’t see well because of cataracts or other eye diseases.
•Ask your doctor about medicines that can keep your bones strong and about products that can protect your hips if you fall.
•Make your house safer. Make sure that you have good lighting in your home, which will help you avoid tripping over objects that are not easy to see. Put night lights in your bedroom, hallways and bathrooms. Rugs should be firmly fastened to the floor or have nonskid backing. Loose ends of rugs and carpets should be tacked down. Electrical cords should not be lying on the floor in walking areas. Put hand rails in your bathroom for bath, shower and toilet use. Have rails on both sides of your stairs for support. Be sure the stairs are well lit.

Margarine, butter, mayonnaise and sour cream add fat to vegetables and fruits. Try using nonfat or low-fat versions of these foods. You can also use nonfat or low-fat yogurt or herbs as seasonings instead.

Instead of this: Try this:
Fried vegetables or vegetables served with cream, cheese or butter sauces All vegetables raw, steamed, broiled, baked or tossed with a very small amount of olive oil and salt and pepper
Coconut Fruit (fresh)
French fries, hash browns and potato chips Baked white or sweet potatoes

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Meat, Poultry and Fish
Beef, Pork, Veal and Lamb
Baking, broiling and roasting are the healthiest ways to prepare meat. Lean cuts can be pan-broiled or stir-fried. Use either a nonstick pan or nonstick spray coating instead of butter or margarine.

Trim outside fat before cooking. Trim any inside, separable fat before eating. Select low-fat, lean cuts of meat. Lean beef and veal cuts have the word “loin” or “round” in their names. Lean pork cuts have the word “loin” or “leg” in their names.

Use herbs, spices, fresh vegetables and nonfat marinades to season meat. Avoid high-fat sauces and gravies.

Poultry
Baking, broiling and roasting are the healthiest ways to prepare poultry. Skinless poultry can be pan-broiled or stir-fried. Use either a nonstick pan or nonstick spray coating instead of butter or margarine.

Remove skin and visible fat before cooking. Chicken breasts are a good choice because they are low in fat and high in protein. Use domestic goose and duck only once in a while because both are high in fat.

Fish
Poaching, steaming, baking and broiling are the healthiest ways to prepare fish. Fresh fish should have a clear color, a moist look, a clean smell and firm, springy flesh. If good-quality fresh fish isn’t available, buy frozen fish.

Most seafood is high in healthy polyunsaturated fat. Omega-3 fatty acids are also found in some fatty fish, such as salmon and cold water trout. They may help lower the risk of heart disease in some people.

Cross-over Foods
Dry beans, peas and lentils offer protein and fiber without the cholesterol and fat of meats. Once in a while, try substituting beans for meat in a favorite recipe, such as lasagna or chili.

TVP, or textured vegetable protein, is widely available in many foods. Vegetarian “hot dogs,” “hamburger” and “chicken nuggets” are low-fat, cholesterol-free alternatives to meat.

Instead of this: Try this:
Regular or breaded fish sticks or cakes, fish canned in oil, seafood prepared with butter or served in high-fat sauce Fish (fresh, frozen, canned in water), low-fat fish sticks or cakes and shellfish (such as shrimp)
Prime and marbled cuts Select-grade lean beef (round, sirloin and loin)
Pork spare ribs and bacon Lean pork (tenderloin and loin chop) and turkey bacon
Regular ground beef Lean or extra-lean ground beef, ground chicken and turkey breast
Lunch meats such as pepperoni, salami, bologna and liverwurst Lean lunch meats such as turkey, chicken and ham
Regular hot dogs or sausage Fat-free hot dogs and turkey dogs

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Dairy
Choose skim milk or low-fat buttermilk. Substitute evaporated skim milk for cream in recipes for soups, sauces and coffee.

Try low-fat cheeses. Skim ricotta can replace cream cheese on a bagel or in a vegetable dip. Use part-skim cheeses in recipes. Use 1% cottage cheese for salads and cooking. String cheese is a low-fat, high-calcium snack option.

Plain nonfat yogurt can replace sour cream in many recipes. (To maintain texture, stir 1 tablespoon of cornstarch into each cup of yogurt that you use in cooking.) Try mixing frozen nonfat or low-fat yogurt with fruit for dessert.

Skim sherbet is an alternative to ice cream. Soft-serve and regular ice creams are also lower in fat than premium styles.

Instead of this: Try this:
Whole or 2% milk Non-fat or 1% milk
Evaporated milk Evaporated non-fat milk
Regular buttermilk Buttermilk made from non-fat (or 1%) milk
Yogurt made with whole milk Nonfat or low-fat yogurt
Regular cheese (examples: American, blue, Brie, cheddar, Colby and Parmesan) Low-fat cheese with less than 3 grams of fat per serving (example: natural cheese, processed cheese and nondairy cheese such as soy cheese)
Regular cottage cheese Low-fat, nonfat, and dry-curd cottage cheese with less than 2% fat
Regular cream cheese Low-fat cream cheese (no more than 3 grams of fat per ounce)
Regular ice cream Sorbet, sherbet and nonfat or low-fat ice cream (no more than 3 grams of fat per 1/2 cup serving)

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Fats, Oils and Sweets
Eating too many high-fat foods not only adds excess calories (which can lead to obesity and weight gain), but can increase your risk factor for several diseases. Heart disease, diabetes, certain types of cancer and osteoarthritis have all been linked to diets too high in fat. If you consume too much saturated and trans fats, you are more likely to develop high cholesterol and coronary artery disease.

Sugar-sweetened drinks, such as fruit juice, fruit drinks, regular soft drinks, sports drinks, energy drinks, sweetened or flavored milk and sweetened iced tea can add lots of sugar and calories to your diet. But staying hydrated is important for good health. Substitute water, zero-calorie flavored water, non-fat or reduced-fat milk, unsweetened tea or diet soda for sweetened drinks. Talk with your family doctor or a dietitian if you have questions about your diet or healthy eating for your family.

Instead of this: Try this:
Cookies Fig bars, gingersnaps and molasses cookies
Shortening, butter or margarine Olive, soybean and canola oils
Regular mayonnaise Nonfat or light mayonnaise
Regular salad dressing Nonfat or light salad dressing
Using fat (including butter) to grease pan Nonstick cooking spray

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Advantages of olive oil
Olive oil is extracted from the olive fruits and there are numerous olive groves in Portugal today in the regions of Norte Alentjano, the hills of the Moura region, the upper Douro and the Tras-os-Montes in the northern part of Portugal. The various climatic and geographical factors aid and facilitate its production in these regions. Since 1986, after Portugal became a member of the European Union, olive oil has begun to be exported to various parts of the world and according to recent figures, Portugal is ranked eighth in the world market.

Olive oil has manifold advantages and in fact it can be regarded as a product that has no negative side effects at all. There are various advantages of the olive oil produced upon extraction from the olive fruit and its functions are many. It is considered extremely healthy because of the high proportion of polyphenols and monounsaturated fats like oleic acid which it contains. They have a variety of uses in cosmetics, soaps, as fuels for lighting oil lamps, cooking and medicinal purposes. Olive oils have great digestive properties which ensure swift digestion because of their low acidity levels. For beauty and skin care regimens, olive oil is an important ingredient as it helps to smoothen and soften dry scaly skin.

Since ancient times, olive oil has been used in various religious rituals amidst the Jews and Christians and it has even found mention in the holy Koran which is the Muslim holy text. However, the most significant functions of the olive oil are in terms of medicinal uses. As a necessary requisite of the Mediterranean diet, it is very beneficial for curing various heart diseases. It is rich in natural antioxidants like Vitamin E which is also aids in reducing blood pressure and cholesterol. It is also at times used as a laxative.

Olive oil benefits are numerous…Here’s my list of

10 good reasons to use extra virgin olive oil.

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1. It’s Natural! – the best of olive oil benefits. Extra virgin olive oil is nothing but fruit juice extracted mechanically from olive fruit. There is no heat or chemicals used in the extraction process. My favourite and the most beneficial is a fresh organic unfiltered extra virgin olive oil. Follow this link for more information about olive oil grades.

2. Flavour – It just tastes good. I guess I would have to say it is an acquired taste and some people just don’t like the bitter characteristic of some oils. There are olive varieties known for their mild flavour and olive oil pressed from ripe olives is smooth, mellow and buttery.
substitute olive oil for butter

3. Nutritional Value – vitamins E, K, and A as well as polyphenols, squalene, oleocanthol, triterpenes and hundreds more micronutrients make olive oil a healthy choice. Read more about olive oil nutrients.

4. Oleic Acid – oleic acid (omega 9) makes up 55 – 85 percent of the fatty acids in olive oil. Don’t confuse this with the amount of free oleic acid which is the main factor used to determine the grade of the olive oil and the lower the better. It’s great for your skin – read about common oils used in soaps and how they can do so much more than just clean your skin at romancing-the-soap.com Oleic acid aids in keeping our arteries supple and helps prevent cancer.

5. Hydrogenated Oils – olive oil is not hydrogenated oil. Hydrogenation creates dangerous trans-fats found in margarine and many other packaged foods. Please read this page for more information about hydrogenated oil and trans-fats.

6. Heart Health and Cholesterol – extra virgin olive oil is high in polyphenols (a powerful antioxidant) and monounsaturated fat which contributes to lowering bad cholesterol. Read more about this health benefit here.

7. Cancer – researchers at the University of Oxford believe that olive oil may be just as effective in the prevention of colon cancer as fresh fruits and veggies. A diet rich in olive oil has been shown to reduce the incidence of colon., breast and skin cancers.

8. Blood Pressure – Studies now indicate that extra virgin olive oil may help to lower blood pressure. Patients were able to reduce or eliminate the need for medications when olive oil was consumed on a regular basis.

9. Alzheimers – this disease is associated with the clogging of arteries caused by cholesterol and saturated fat. Replacing other fats with olive oil will reduce the risk.

10. Gallstones – Olive oil promotes the secretion of bile and pancreatic hormones naturally and lowers the incidence of gallstones.

There are more olive oil benefits. It’s great for skin and hair care, used in natural remedies, and is a more versatile cooking oil than you may think.

Olive oil’s health benefits
The greatest exponent of monounsaturated fat is olive oil, and it is a prime component of the Mediterranean Diet. Olive oil is a natural juice which preserves the taste, aroma, vitamins and properties of the olive fruit. Olive oil is the only vegetable oil that can be consumed as it is – freshly pressed from the fruit.

The beneficial health effects of olive oil are due to both its high content of monounsaturated fatty acids and its high content of antioxidative substances. Studies have shown that olive oil offers protection against heart disease by controlling LDL (”bad”) cholesterol levels while raising HDL (the “good” cholesterol) levels. (1-3) No other naturally produced oil has as large an amount of monounsaturated as olive oil -mainly oleic acid.

Olive oil is very well tolerated by the stomach. In fact, olive oil’s protective function has a beneficial effect on ulcers and gastritis. Olive oil activates the secretion of bile and pancreatic hormones much more naturally than prescribed drugs. Consequently, it lowers the incidence of gallstone formation.

Olive oil and heart disease
Studies have shown that people who consumed 25 milliliters (mL) – about 2 tablespoons – of virgin olive oil daily for 1 week showed less oxidation of LDL cholesterol and higher levels of antioxidant compounds, particularly phenols, in the blood.(4)

But while all types of olive oil are sources of monounsaturated fat, EXTRA VIRGIN olive oil, from the first pressing of the olives, contains higher levels of antioxidants, particularly vitamin E and phenols, because it is less processed.

Olive oil is clearly one of the good oils, one of the healing fats. Most people do quite well with it since it does not upset the critical omega 6 to omega 3 ratio and most of the fatty acids in olive oil are actually an omega-9 oil which is monounsaturated.

Olive oil and colon cancer
Spanish researchers suggest that including olive oil in your diet may also offer benefits in terms of colon cancer prevention (5). Their study results showed that rats fed diet supplemented with olive oil had a lower risk of colon cancer than those fed safflower oil-supplemented diets. In fact, the rats that received olive oil had colon cancer rates almost as low as those fed fish oil, which several studies have already linked to a reduction in colon cancer risk.

Types of olive oil
Generally, olive oil is extracted by pressing or crushing olives. Olive oil comes in different varieties, depending on the amount of processing involved. Varieties include:

Extra virgin – considered the best, least processed, comprising the oil from the first pressing of the olives.
Virgin – from the second pressing.
Pure – undergoes some processing, such as filtering and refining.
Extra light – undergoes considerable processing and only retains a very mild olive flavour.

When buying olive oil you will want to obtain a high quality EXTRA VIRGIN oil. The oil that comes from the first “pressing” of the olive, is extracted without using heat (a cold press) or chemicals, and has no “off” flavors is awarded “extra virgin” status. The less the olive oil is handled, the closer to its natural state, the better the oil. If the olive oil meets all the criteria, it can be designated as “extra virgin”.

What is pure and light olive oil? “Pure” olive oil is made by adding a little extra virgin olive oil to refined olive oil. It is a lesser grade oil that is also labeled as just “olive oil” in the U.S.

“Light” olive oil is a marketing concept and not a classification of olive oil grades. It is completely unregulated by any certification organizations and therefore has no real precedent to what its content should be. Sometimes, the olive oil is cut with other vegetable oils.

How to care for your olive oil
Resist the temptation to place your beautiful bottle of olive oil on the windowsill. Light and heat are the #1 enemy of oil. Keep olive oil in a cool and dark place, tightly sealed. Oxygen promotes rancidity. Olive oil is like other oils and can easily go rancid when exposed to air, light or high temperatures.

You can of course buy extra virgin olive oil in any grocery store. A good source on the internet for extra virgin olive oil is here.

Olive oil versus canola oil
Do not fall into the hype which is put out by traditional medicine regarding the promotion of canola oil (rapeseed) as superior due to its concentration of monounsaturated fatty acids. Olive oil is far superior and has been around for thousands of years. Canola oil is a relatively recent development and the original crops were unfit for human consumption due to their high content of a dangerous fatty acid called euric acid.

If the taste of olive oil is a problem, or if you are frying or sautéing food, then you should consider coconut oil. Many nutritionally misinformed people would consider this unwise due to coconut oil’s nearly exclusive content of saturated fat. However, this is just not the case. Because it has mostly saturated fat, it is much less dangerous to heat. The heat will not tend to cause the oil to transition into dangerous trans fatty acids.

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by Dr. Kevin KeoughScientific research supports the accuracy of ancient folk wisdom that crying is good for our health. As far as we know, human beings are the only creatures that shed tears. Although crying is a universal human experience that appears in every culture throughout history, we understand very little about this mysterious phenomenon. Traumatic events, prolonged stress, loneliness, loss, pain, and simple daily hassles often trigger crying. Yet, most people have also cried tears of happiness, joy, and relief. How often and for what reasons people weep are influenced by many factors including gender, age, perceptions of events, societal attitudes, health, personality characteristics, and so on. Curiously, we have learned more about weeping from poetry, fiction, and movies than from medical and psychological studies. However,these scientific studies provide strong and consistent evidence that crying is linked to significant health benefits.

Biomedical researchers have identified four biological mechanisms that function as catalysts influencing the amount of tears we will shed at a given time: genetic influences,dietary factors, hormone levels and circadian rhythms (we are more likely to cry if we are sleep deprived and at certain times of day). Once the tear switch is flipped a complex interplay of psychological and neurobiological processes allow tears to flow. We really know very little about the precise psychological and biological processes that initiate an episode of crying or when it will stop. However, recent biological studies offer strong clues to how and why crying is related to health benefits.

Commonly, people report they feel some sense of relief after a bout of crying. There is general agreement that there is a significant increase in the number, type and amount of stress hormones released in our bodies prior to crying. Consistently, researchers find that tears contain stress hormones. This is a critical finding since we know stress hormones cause damage to virtually all bodily systems. During the last decade, stress hormones have been shown to cause serious damage to brain cells. Stress hormones have seem to target specific parts of the brain including the hippocampus, hypothalamus, and pre-frontal cortex. Unfortunately, stress hormones attack the very brain sites implicated in the perpetuation of mood disorders. As a result, stress hormones damage the exact sites capable of reducing or eliminating the release of the toxic stress hormones.

Finally, extensive biomedical studies demonstrate that stress hormones negatively affect virtually every system in the body including the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, endocrine, musculoskeletal, and immune systems. It is clear that crying is a primary way for the body to eliminate harmful stress hormones. Thus, crying is a natural and essential biological function that results in the elimination of stress hormones connected to every imaginable stress related health problem. The 21st century has started by removing any doubt about the positive health effects of crying.

Is it any wonder that people so often report feeling relieved after a good cry ? From a public health perspective, it is obvious that the general public would benefit from a campaign to eliminate all stigma associated with crying awareness so everyone can benefit from the innumerable positive health effects of crying.

Practitioner’s of folk wisdom have routinely encouraged people to allow themselves to cry comforting the suffering soul that ‘ a good cry will help you feel better’.

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Pimples are serious adolescence problem of the skin. They appear on the cheeks, forehead and nose and spoil looks.

Pimples are almost developed in young adults and teenagers due to the inflammation of skin.

The acne home remedies listed below have worked for many people, but they may not work for some people.

Pimples can be removed by taking enough vitamins, calcium, fruits etc.

Try out these home remedies to cure pimples.

Pimples Home Remedies
Mix 1 tablespoon groundnut oil with 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice to prevent formation of blackheads and pimples.

Another overnight home remedy for zapping a zit is to put a dab of toothpaste on it to help dry it out. You may need to test this on a short-term basis to make sure it doesn’t irritate your pimple. Calamine lotion will have the same drying effect.

Honey is a great remedy for pimples and acne. It kills bacteria and leaves the skin pimple free.

A common home remedy for pimples is toothpaste. Use the paste variety, not gel and gently apply a small drop directly on top of the blemish and let it dry. This will draw the pimple out and leave you blemish free. If left on too long, the skin may become irritated.

Juice of raw papaya is the best treatment for pimples. Apply fresh juice of raw papaya on pimples and get a good result.

Take a raw potato, peel and grate it. Put the grated into a muslin piece and tie it tightly to form a pad. Rub this pad all over the face in the firm, circular motions for about 5 minutes and then wash your face. Alternatively you could directly rub potato slices all over the face, Helps to get rid of blemishes and pimple scar.

Take a few pods of cloves and roast them dry in a pan. Powder them and add a little curd to make be a paste. Dab the paste on the pimples and let it dry. Wash off. Use this treatment regularly if you are prone to pimples. It is especially good for people who have an oily skin. The roasted cloves help to dry up the pimples faster.

A few handy tips for those who suffer from pimple ‘attacks’. Drink plenty of water and vegetable or fruit juices. Use cucumber or other fruit and vegetable packs to cure pimple scars. Maintain a diet that is rich in cottage cheese, fish and yoghurt. These help to cleanse your system and ward off pimples.

Pimples treatment using Zinc
Another useful remedy for acne and pimples is zinc. It should be taken in a dose of 50 mg daily for a month to reduce pimples. Then you can reduce the dose if noticable improvements are seen on your skin.

Home remedy for Pimple using Orange peel
Homemade Pimple Treatment using Orange peel has been found very effective. Pound the orange peel with water on a piece stone and apply to acne affected areas.

Mix equal amount of lemon juice and groundnut oil to form a paste. Apply on face and leave for 15 minutes and then wash off with water. Another good remedy to prevent pimples.

Mariglod petals crushed with a little castor oil can bring the zit to its head quickly. To suppress it, sandalwood paste with holy basil leaf helps.

To avoid transferring bacteria and germs, clean your pillowcase, washcloths, towels, make-up brushes and applicators frequently.

Apply fresh lime juice mixed to a glass of boiled milk as a face wash for acne, pimples, blackheads, and cracked skin.

Apply ripe tomatoes pulp on pimples and keet upto 1 hour, then wash.

Make a paste by mixing 3 tablespoons of honey and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it next morning with warm water. Repeat for two weeks, pimples will disappear forever.

Use of sulphur soap is effective in keeping the oil glands clean and thus reducing pimples and acne. Grease can be removed by the use of lemon juice or camphor­spirit.

Blend cucumber and make a paste. Apply this as a mask on your face and leave it for 1/2 hour and then rinse. This refreshes your skin and prevents acne.

A mask of grated apple mixed with a little honey is an excellent remedy for pimples. Most facial masks can be applied to the skin for 15-20 minutes then washed off with warm water, followed by a cold rinse.

Avoid consuming ghee, butter oils and sweets.

The Pimple affected parts must be thoroughly cleaned and wiped with a soft towel.

Cleanse the face free of make-up at night and before going to bed.

Fuller’s earth (multani mitti) pack is an effective means to control pimples.

Daily intake of a spoonful of honey mixed with rose water clears the skin.

Too much fingering and bursting of pimples causes septic and may leave behind permanent marks and damages to your looks.

Grind Neem leaves and turmeric. Mix with water to make a paste. It should be rubbed on the

pimple or scars, this helps clear away the spots.

How to reduce pimples:
Regularly shampoo your hair.
Avoid unnecessarily touching your affected areas.
Change your dirty cloths , always wear clean and fresh cloth.
Wash your face twice a day with mild soap.
Avoid over make-up, only wear on special occasions.
Try to minimize your stress levels.
Keep a food diary to work out.
Pimples Home Remedy Suggestion by Visitors
crush some asprin and add a little water. this will create a paste. put on face for 10-15 min. by Pete

To avoid pimples,wash your face with cold and hot water alternatively and note that you must end with cold water. by chottu

Home Treatment to get rid of Pimple Suggested by Visitors

Green tea was really a great affect on me, it worked wonderfully and afterwards my skin was not only acne free but soft too. take a small cereal bowl and fill about half way with water. the put in microwave for 55 seconds. put a tea bag in and stir every now and then during a five minute waiting period. then over sink dip affected area of skin into the bowl it was great for my chin and nose pimples.

hi, i have dark pimple marks on my forehead (i don’t have dandraff) .pls tell me how can i reduce it? Question asked by Sharon

To reduce puffiness and redness on a pimpled or under eyes , or lack of sleep, try rubbing hydrocortisol. Suggested by Jessie

Rathy says – To get rid of pimples mix sandal wood paste with a spoon of lemon juice and apply upon it.

To get rid of pimple swelling, put an ice cube over the blemish for 2 minutes, every 30 minutes, the swelling will go down! (By Emma)

Apply honey to a pimple before bed and cover with a bandaid for the night. Do it for 2 days and the pimple should be gone!

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The challenge
Good nutrition is the cornerstone for survival, health and development. Well-nourished children perform better in school, grow into healthy adults and in turn give their children a better start in life. Well-nourished women face fewer risks during pregnancy and childbirth, and their children set off on firmer developmental paths, both physically and mentally.

Globally, more than one third of child deaths are attributable to undernutrition.

Source: World Health Organization, 2008

Undernourished children have lowered resistance to infection and are more likely to die from common childhood ailments like diarrhoeal diseases and respiratory infections. Frequent illness saps the nutritional status of those who survive, locking them into a vicious cycle of recurring sickness and faltering growth.

Poverty, low levels of education and poor access to health services are major contributors to childhood undernutrition, a complex issue that requires tackling on a wide number of fronts.

Indicators
Underweight

Proportion of under-fives falling below minus 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) and minus 3 standard deviations (severe) from the median weight-for-age of the reference population*

Stunting

Proportion of under-fives falling below minus 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) and minus 3 standard deviations (severe) from the median height-for-age of the reference population*

Wasting

Proportion of under-fives falling below minus 2 standard deviations (moderate and severe) and minus 3 standard deviations (severe) from the median weight-for-height of the reference population*

* See Note on the Reference Population.
To name only a few:

•Ensuring food security for poor households, in both quantity and quality

•Educating families on the nutritional needs of young children, including the value of breastfeeding and the importance of introducing suitable complementary foods at the right age

•Protecting children from infection by immunizing them against common childhood diseases and by providing safe water and sanitation

•Ensuring that children receive quality care when they fall ill

•Shielding children from micronutrient deficiencies, especially in iodine, iron and vitamin A, that can bring death and disabilities

•Paying special attention to the nutritional needs of girls and women, since chronically undernourished women tend to bear low-birthweight babies, perpetuating the vicious cycle of undernutrition

Undernutrition greatly impedes countries’ socio-economic development and potential to reduce poverty. Many of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) – particularly MDG 1, to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger, and MDG 4, to reduce child mortality – will not be reached unless the nutrition of women and children is prioritized in national development programmes and strategies. With persistently high levels of undernutrition in the developing world, vital opportunities to save millions of lives are being lost, and many more children are not growing and thriving to their full potential.

Cost-effective programming strategies and interventions are available today that can make a significant difference in the health and lives of children and women. These interventions urgently require scaling up, a task that will entail the collective planning and resources of developing country governments at all levels and of the international development community as a whole.

Note on Reference Population: Prevalence of underweight, stunting and wasting among children under five years of age is estimated by comparing actual measurements to an international standard reference population. In April 2006, the World Health Organization (WHO) released the WHO Child Growth Standards to replace the widely used National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS)/WHO reference population, which was based on a limited sample of children from the United States. The new standards are the result of an intensive study project involving more than 8,000 children from Brazil, Ghana, India, Norway, Oman and the United States. Overcoming the technical and biological drawbacks of the old reference population, the new standards confirm that children born anywhere in the world and given the optimum start in life have the potential to develop to within the same range of height and weight. This means that differences in children’s growth to age five are more influenced by nutrition, feeding practices, environment and health care than by genetics or ethnicity.

The new standards should be used in future assessments of child nutritional status. It should be noted that because of the differences between the old reference population and the new standards, prevalence estimates of child anthropometry indicators based on these two references are not readily comparable. It is essential to have all estimates based on the same reference population (preferably the new standards) when conducting trend analysis.

UNICEF is in transition towards reporting prevalence estimates based on the new WHO standards. To the extent possible, UNICEF presents estimates according to the new WHO standards, but trends are still calculated according to the NCHS reference population to ensure the maximum number of data points are used for analysis.

Source: World Health Organization

Female Hair Loss Treatment – Where Oh Where Have My Beautiful Trusses Gone
Female hair loss can be a devastating and socially debilitating condition. As our society glorifies beautiful, long, full, thick hair, sufferers of hair loss are cowering under hats and wigs, feeling alone and depressed, and experiencing great discomfort during intimate times with their husbands or significant others. On the job can be just as bad. There is always that feeling that others are whispering their comments or giving sorrowful looks of sympathy. No one really knows how it feels unless they experience it for themselves.

Treatments vary widely, dependent upon age, cause and general body condition.The first step is to see a physician. Hair loss can be an early sign of some diseases, like Diabetes, and these need to be ruled out. As well, if your scalp is itchy and scaly, it is possible that a bacterial or fungal infection is at work. Fortunately, these can easily be resolved. Women who experience hair loss during or immediately following pregnancy or after surgery should not be alarmed. Chances are, these are temporary conditions and will right themselves. Poor diet and lack of exercise can be culprits as well. The important thing is to rule out any of the simpler, temporary causes and set your mind at ease.

For others, hair loss is considered a permanent condition. Whether a result of heredity or hormones, it is there to stay unless treatments can be successful.There are separate treatments for the reduction in the rate of hair loss and for the potential regrowth of hair that is already gone.For reduction in rate only, the following suggestions are widely made:

1. Stop using harsh shampoos – those with surfactants(lathering ingredients) are tough on hair and can cause early demise of hair strands.

2. Stop using dry heat methods of drying and styling. Get a hair style that does not require so much blow-drying or, worse, curling irons.

3. Stop coloring and treating so much – these processes damage hair, and, as it is brushed or combed, greater loss will be the result

4. Fix your diet – well-balanced meals, particularly high in protein and natural oils can help.

5. Exercise more to increase the blood supply to your scalp. Increased blood supply can help to keep follicles healthy and producing.

6. Try to reduce your reactions to stress and anxiety. If you have normal stressors that are typical in your day, find time to relax and get peaceful. Yoga and other forms of meditation can help to reduce your stress and anxiety.

7. Try “natural remedies” – these include essential oils and herbs which, in various mixtures, can be spread on the scalp and help follicles to remain open and healthy. For reduction in rate and the potential of regrowth, there are a variety of medical options. These are advertised through all media, and most include research results which show the levels of effectiveness. Some contain both man-made chemicals and natural ingredients, some one or the other. Solid investigation and some experimentation are warranted, so that you find the one that works best for you. This can be a lengthy process, because you may have to wait 3-6 months to determine effectiveness.

Female equivalents of medicines such as rogain, Provillus, and Propecia are available – and be certain you use the ones for women only.Wigs and hair extensions can provide relief, and some women accept these as their permanent solutions.Surgery is expensive, but many opt for it every day. Female pattern baldness responds best to this method, because hair is still relatively thick in the back and can be transplanted to front and crown areas. Hair grafts are also an option when there is an overall balding concern.Fortunately, a great deal of money is being poured into this problem. Research labs across the world are working continuously to develop medical preventions and cures. Progress is being made, and the wise sufferer of hair loss will keep abreast of any new research which surfaces.For more information visit: Provillus

101 dead in Mexico, 139 infected (confirmed)
1 dead, 141 infected in the United States
13 infected in Canada
10 infected in New Zealand
20 suspected, 4 confirmed infected in Spain
5 cases confirmed in Finland
8 suspected cases in Chile
7 suspected in Venezuela
4 suspected cases in Colombia
14 suspected, 5 confirmed in Britain
3 infected in Germany
2 cases in Israel, 1 confirmed
1 infected in Austria
1 Suspected case in South Korea (first reported in Asia)
1 case in Japan

Areas Affected:

Mexico: Mexico State and San Luis Potosi State
USA: Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia
Canada: Nova Scotia
New Zealand: Quarantined

Click on the tabs below for more information on the particularities of women and acne.

Female adult acne
Five facts about women and acne

As a general rule, women’s hormones tend to fluctuate more than men’s, which helps explain why acne in women tends to be less constant and more erratic than acne in men.More than half of all adult women experience at least occasional breakouts.60-70% of women who battle with acne experience premenstrual flare-ups.Acne can occur throughout a woman’s adult life, in early adulthood, in the late twenties and thirties (which I have personally seen quite a bit), during pregnancy, and during menopause.Hormonal acne can be frustrating, but can be effectively treated.Treatment options

For many women, the right topical medications can keep acne at bay. In my experience, men and women do not differ much in terms of effective acne treatments, and appropriate application of topical treatment is often the best option. I have personally coached many people, male and female, through the Regimen with equal success. This is my very best advice.

If for any reason topical treatment does not suffice, hormonal treatments are an option. Doctors sometimes prescribe oral contraceptives (birth control pills), or androgen receptor blockers (most notably spironolactone and cyproterone acetate). Both of these work internally to mediate the effects of male hormones, which are integral in the development of acne. Both options come with numerous side effects and should be carefully researched, and then discussed with a trusted physician before coming to an educated decision on whether or not to embark on hormonal therapy.

As a last resort, for women with very severe, widespread, and deeply scarring acne, Accutane is also an option. However, because Accutane causes severe birth defects in the fetuses of pregnant women, and because of Accutane’s other serious side effects, Accutane treatment should be entered into carefully. Before taking Accutane be certain to have a serious heart-to-heart with your family and your doctor and become as educated as possible on the drug.

Over 40% of adult women experience sexual dysfunction at some time in their life.

Female sexual dysfunction is a complex and problematical issue, and medical opinion on the causes and treatments vary enormously.

There’s no doubt many women have been treated successfully for sexual dysfunction, but health advocates claim that pharmaceutical companies are attempting to turn normal female sexual function into a medical diagnosis, in a race to manufacture the first female impotence pill.

A recent survey conducted on over 300 women with sexual dysfunction indicated that the focus for treatment should be on meeting their physiological and psychological needs rather than studying their medical condition.

The researchers claimed that over 45% of women in the study believed their sexual disorders could be overcome with more understanding, compassion and intimacy from their partners, rather than by taking a little blue pill [like Viagra].

Many women believe in the old adage that a woman’s sexuality emanates from “between her ears” not “between her thighs”.

Female sexual dysfunction is categorized into four types of disorder:

•Lack of sexual desire

Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) is characterized by a total lack of interest, or an aversion to sexual overtures, stimulation and sexual activity. Women who experience HSDD rarely fantasize or think about sex.

•Lack of sexual arousal

Female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD) is defined as the inability to achieve or progress through the “normal” stages of sexual arousal. Women with FSAD have no interest in initiating sex and avoid sexual contact.

•Discomfort or pain during intercourse

There are two categories within this disorder:

Dyspareunia is defined as pain or extreme discomfort in the genital area, particularly the vagina, before, during or after sexual intercourse.

Vaginismus is an involuntary contraction of the muscles around the vagina which makes penetration during sexual intercourse difficult or impossible.

•Inability to achieve orgasm

Female orgasmic disorder (FOD) is the inability to achieve orgasm as a result of sexual arousal or intercourse. Orgasm is a learned response for women – it isn’t an inherent response as it is for men.

Anorgasmia, or the inability to have an orgasm regardless of the circumstances, affects between 5% and 10% of women. It’s often the result of inexperience, a lack of understanding of the female anatomy, cultural influences, inhibitions or sexual trauma.

Causes of Female Sexual Dysfunction

Up until recently it was believed that female sexual dysfunction was “all in the mind”. The American Psychological Association still classifies female sexual problems as mental disorders.

Specialists in the field of sexual dysfunction are now looking at physical, psychological, physiological, environmental, cultural, and relationship issues to determine the overall cause of the problem.

There are a number of differing perspectives on the causes of female sexual dysfunction. These include:

•Adequate blood flow to the pelvic region is a basic requirement for sexual arousal in women. Insufficient blood flow (particularly to the clitoris) impairs arousal, reduces sensitivity and causes vaginal dryness. Decreased blood flow is associated with medical conditions such as diabetes, hardening of the arteries (artherosclerosis) and heart disease.

•Damage to the nervous system, particularly in the pelvic region can impair sensitivity. Diabetes affects the peripheral nervous system, as can spinal cord injury and surgery to the reproductive organs, pelvis, or lower abdomen.

•Hormones, in particular estrogen and testosterone, play a vital role in a woman’s sexual arousal and function. Many women experience reduced sexual desire, impaired sensitivity of the breasts and clitoris and vaginal dryness following menopause or hysterectomy.

Long-term use of the contraceptive pill can also affect hormone levels and lead to reduced sexual arousal.

Emotional and hormonal imbalances occur during and after pregnancy, particularly if a woman chooses to breast-feed. These imbalances can lead to a lack of sexual desire and reduced sensitivity.

•More recently, emphasis has been placed on the partner’s role in overcoming female sexual dysfunction. Poor communication, a woman’s inability to express her desires, and a lack of knowledge about a woman’s anatomy and the physical processes involved in sexual arousal and stimulation are considered to be prime causes of female sexual dysfunction.

•Other causes for female sexual dysfunction include:

1.Depression/anxiety disorders. The drugs used to treat these disorders also contribute to sexual dysfunction. Anti-depressants such as Prozac® and Xanax® are commonly associated with loss of sexual desire.

2.Alcohol and drug dependency.

3.Stress, fatigue and other emotional factors. Concerns and stress about family, children, work, finances, household and health related issues often leave women incapable of focusing on sex.

4.Sexual abuse or incest.

5.Feelings of shame and guilt about sex.

6.Fear of pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases.

Female Sexual Dysfunction Treatment Options

•Female Viagra

The question often arises: “Men have Viagra®, but what about Viagra for women?” The good news is that although drug companies haven’t come up with a version of female Viagra yet, on-going research suggests that male impotence drugs like Viagra may help treat sexual dysfunction in some women.

Viagra (sildenafil) and similar impotence drugs work by increasing blood flow to the sexual organs, which heightens stimulation and sensitivity. Women who have used Viagra report increased sexual arousal, enhanced lubrication, and more intense orgasms.

The use of Viagra for women has not been granted FDA approval, but doctors are able to prescribe it to women who they believe may benefit from this type of medication. Pfizer®, the manufacturer of Viagra, reports that well over 150,000 women have been prescribed Viagra.

Non-prescription topical creams like Viacreme® and Vigorelle®, which are applied directly to the clitoris, work effectively in a number of women by dilating clitoral blood vessels and increasing blood flow, thereby heightening sensitivity and arousal.

•Sexual Education

Studies by sex and behavioral therapists have shown that in a number of cases, female sexual dysfunction occurs as a result of lack of knowledge by both partners about a woman’s sexuality, and her physical and psychological needs during sexual activity.

Specialized therapists suggest that both partners need to effectively communicate their stimulatory needs and desires to each other. Taking a realistic approach and examining the physical act of sexual intercourse, including foreplay, is believed to help couples discover where and how problems develop and what can be done to overcome them.

•Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) helps restore normal sexual function to women who have sexual dysfunction due to fluctuating hormone levels. These hormonal imbalances generally occur as a result of menopause, hysterectomy, hormone disorders (such as hyperthyroidism) and surgery.

A common side effect of decreased levels of estrogen, particularly in post-menopausal women, is vaginal dryness, which can be treated by using lubricants.

Hormone replacement treatment needs to be monitored carefully by a doctor to ensure the right dosage is prescribed.

•Other treatments

Like most medical disorders, the best place to start is with a visit to a medical specialist. A physical, psychological and sexual history will usually point to any underlying cause that may be contributing to female sexual dysfunction.

An effective treatment plan may involve a referral to a sex therapist, behavioral therapist, or psychologist for further evaluation, hormone treatment, or medication.

Female sexual dysfunction can occur as a result of prescription drugs, so the doctor will generally ask for a list of current medications. The contraceptive pill, anti-depressants, mood stabilizers and blood pressure drugs are all known to contribute to sexual disorders.

Birth defects can be caused by different factors, such as:

Genetic problems that result from the failure of one or more genes to work properly
Problems with the number or structure of chromosomes, such as extra or missing groups of genes
Things that happen to a woman during pregnancy, such as getting rubella or German measles while pregnant, having untreated or uncontrolled diabetes while pregnant, being around or in contact with dangerous chemicals in the environment while pregnant, or using drugs or alcohol during pregnancy (for more information about these factors and their effects on prenatal health, visit the Prenatal Care–Healthy Behaviors section of this Web site)

These factors can change normal infant growth or development resulting in different types of birth defects, such as:

Physical problems with body parts or structures–Some physical problems include cleft (has a gap or split) lip or cleft palate, heart defects, and abnormal limbs, such as a club foot.
Functional problems with how a body part or body system works–These problems are often called developmental disabilities and can include things like:
Nervous system or brain problems–such as learning disabilities, behavioral disorders, speech or language difficulties, muscle spasms or convulsions, and movement trouble
Sensory problems–such as cataracts of the eyes, blindness, hearing loss, or deafness
Metabolic disorders–involve a body process or chemical pathway or reaction, such as conditions that limit the body’s ability to get rid of waste materials or harmful chemicals
Degenerative disorders–are conditions that might not be obvious at birth, but steadily make worse one or more aspects of health
In some cases, birth defects can result for a combination of these factors, or they can affect many parts or processes in the body, which may lead to both physical and functional problems, to different degrees.

Some of these types of birth defects and developmental disabilities are described below.

Physical Birth Defects

Researchers and health care providers use the term neural tube defects to describe one important category of birth defects. These problems are related to the growth and development of the brain and spinal cord. Neural tube defects can include conditions like anencephaly (an-in-SEFF-a-lee), a fatal condition in which much of the brain does not develop; and spina bifida, in which the membranes around the spinal cord don’t close properly, or the cord itself is not completely normal. People with spina bifida may have difficulty walking or be unable to walk without help, or they may have abnormal limbs. The condition is also associated with other structural problems with the body. In half of all babies born with spina bifida, the resulting problems are severe enough to result in death.

Research in this area has shown that getting the right amount of folic acid before and during pregnancy can prevent most neural tube defects. The U.S. Public Health Service recommends that women of childbearing age get at least 400 micrograms of folic acid each day, through food sources and/or supplements. Health care providers recommend that women supplement their diets with folic acid for three months before conception, and then for at least the first three months of pregnancy. Findings from research supported by the NICHD and other agencies indicate that the right amount of folic acid can help prevent certain birth defects and other problems during pregnancy. For more information on this and other prenatal recommendations, please visit the Prenatal Care section of this Web site. For more information on this research, read the news releases about folic acid.

In some cases, spina bifida can be detected in the womb. This early detection may allow surgeons to correct the spinal cord problems before birth, but researchers have yet to confirm this idea. If this research proves effective, it could alleviate many of the lasting effects of these problems. To learn more about this type of surgery, the NICHD is supporting the MOMS (Management of Meningomyelocele Study) trial, a clinical trial that will compare the safety and effectiveness of surgery before birth, with surgery performed right after birth in correcting spinal cord problems. The research is part of the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Unit (MFMU) Network, an NICHD-supported program that uses 14 sites around the country to conduct clinical trials related to the mechanisms of pregnancy and birth. For more information, read the Institute’s news release on the MOMS trial.

For additional information on spina bifida and neural tube defects, see the Additional Research and Other Resources on Birth Defects section below.

Functional Birth Defects/Developmental Disabilities

This complex group of birth defects involves a problem with the operation of a part of the body, a system in the body, or a process or pathway in the body. Although this information groups these developmental disabilities into general categories, many functional birth defects affect multiple body parts or systems. For example, a metabolic disorder may lead to nervous system or brain problems. This Web site groups the information to make it easier to remember.

Nervous System/Brain Problems

As mentioned above, some birth defects affect the functioning of the brain, which can impact intelligence and learning. This section describes some of the more commonly known functional birth defects.

Mental Retardation

The term “mental retardation” describes a certain range of scores on an IQ (intelligence quotient) test. Mental retardation can result from a number of different birth defects, including:

In the past, a specific type of bacterial infection, called Hib, was a leading cause of mental retardation in the United States. But, as a result of NICHD-supported research on this infection, researchers funded by the NICHD were able to develop a vaccine to prevent the infection from occurring. Since the discovery of the vaccine, Hib has been nearly eliminated in the United States, and in other areas where the vaccine is available. As a result, Hib is also no longer a cause of mental retardation in the United States and other areas.

Down syndrome describes a set of mental and physical characteristics related to having an extra copy of a specific chromosome, Chromosome 21. This set of symptoms includes mental retardation. Interventions and treatments for the symptoms of Down syndrome can allow many individuals with this condition to live healthy, productive lives. NICHD-supported work in Down syndrome includes efforts to understand some of the other problems associated with the condition, such as heart defects and early mental decline.

Fragile X syndrome is the most common inherited form of mental retardation. Parents with few or no symptoms can pass the condition on to their children through genes. A defect in a specific part of a specific gene, called the Fragile X Mental Retardation 1 gene, or FMR1, causes the body to produce low amounts or none of a certain protein. This protein is vital to normal brain development; without enough of it, the brain doesn’t grow properly, leading to the symptoms of Fragile X. In 1991, NICHD-supported researchers were the first to identify that a change in the FMR1 gene caused Fragile X. This and other NICHD-supported research has continued in hopes of finding out what the protein that is lacking or missing does in the brain. In response to the Children’s Health Act of 2000, the NICHD created three centers for Fragile X research, to ensure that this work can continue. In addition, the NICHD is working with other agencies and organizations dedicated to understanding Fragile X to further knowledge about this condition. The Institute’s Families and Fragile X Syndrome publication describes what is currently known about and what research is being done to learn more about Fragile X. You can pre-order your free copy of this booklet by e-mailing the NICHD Information Resource Center; please use “Fragile X” in the subject line, and be sure to include your mailing information.
For additional information on mental retardation, or on any of the specific conditions listed above related to mental retardation, see the Additional Research and Other Resources on Birth Defects section below.

Autism Spectrum Disorders
Other developmental disabilities include problems like autism spectrum disorders, a range of problems that can affect a person’s ability to communicate, social skills, and intelligence. Because autism is diagnosed on a spectrum, people with this condition can be severely affected, or have only mild symptoms; but they all have a type of autism.

Understanding autism spectrum disorders is one of the top priorities for the NICHD. To summarize and describe its research efforts in this area, the Institute maintains the NICHD Autism Web Site. Through this Web site, you can learn more about the current NICHD-supported projects in this area, as well as the latest findings from this research.

The Institute also provides publications on autism, in both English and Spanish. To learn more about the Institute’s recent research findings in this area, read the news releases about autism.

In addition, the NICHD and other Institutes are currently sponsoring clinical trials on autism. The National Library of Medicine also provides information on autism.

Sensory-related Developmental Disabilities

Sensory-related problems are often an important part of complex birth defect patterns. For instance, children with congenital rubella, a collection of problems that a child whose mother had rubella or German measles while pregnant may have, are likely to be deaf, and to develop cataracts of the eyes. Children with Williams syndrome have trouble seeing spatial relationships between objects around them. Those with Fragile X syndrome are often very sensitive to loud noises; they may overreact or have outbursts in reaction to such sounds.

The NICHD’s research on birth defects has been helpful in understanding the timing of many sensory-related birth defects. That is, the research allowed scientists to pinpoint at what point in development certain problems occurred. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders and the National Eye Institute conduct and support research into various types of sensory-related birth defects, their treatments and interventions, and different services available for families affected by these conditions.

For additional information on sensory-related birth defects see the Additional Research and Other Resources on Birth Defects section below.

Metabolic Disorders

This group of functional birth defects affects a person’s metabolism, which is the way the body builds up, breaks down, and otherwise processes the materials it needs to function. For example, digestion, how your body breaks down food into its smaller parts, is a metabolic process. Two commonly known metabolic disorders include:

Phenylketonuria (fee-nill-key-toe-NERR-ee-uh), also called PKU, is a condition in which a problem with a specific enzyme, a protein that speeds up certain chemical reactions, causes mental retardation. NICHD-supported researchers developed a dietary therapy that helps to balance the amount of this enzyme in the body, which has almost eliminated mental retardation in people with PKU. Conclusions from the NIH Consensus Development Conference on PKU: Screening and Management recommend that this dietary therapy continue throughout life. Women known to have PKU should follow the diet while they are pregnant to prevent mental retardation in their children. The NICHD hopes to use its successes with PKU research as a model for efforts on other diseases.

Hypothyroidism (high-poe-THIGH-roid-izm) is a hormonal condition that, if left untreated in a pregnant woman, can cause mental retardation in her baby. The thyroid is a gland in the body that makes a chemical signal called a hormone. Hormones help to regulate certain functions in the body, including puberty and pregnancy. Without enough thyroid hormone in the mother’s body, the fetus’ brain won’t develop correctly, resulting in mental retardation. NICHD-supported researchers found that, by identifying women who have this condition early in or before pregnancy, treatments to get the level of thyroid hormone back to normal can prevent mental retardation in some cases. In addition, NICHD research found that children who are born with hypothyroidism could also be treated with thyroid hormone to prevent many of the long-term effects of this condition.
Degenerative Disorders

Some infants born with degenerative disorders appear normal at birth, but then lose abilities or functions due to the in condition. In these cases, the defect is usually not detected until an older age, when the child or person starts to show signs of a problem. Degenerative disorder can cause physical, mental, and sensory problems, depending on the specific defect.

In one type of degenerative disorder, early onset X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (add-ree-know-loo-koe-diss-troe-fee), also called X-ALD, boys develop normally until between ages four and eight. After this point, they begin to lose brain and nervous system function. Eventually, boys with X-ALD lose so much of their brain and neural abilities that they appear to be in a “frozen” state, unable to move and communicate. X-ALD was the focus of the movie Lorenzo’s Oil, which described one family’s efforts to spur scientific progress.

Another type of degenerative birth defect is Rett syndrome. This disorder, which usually affects girls, is caused by a specific genetic abnormality.

The NICHD’s efforts to understand these types of birth defects focus on screening techniques that allow early detection of these problems, and strategies to treat or relieve some of the symptoms of these conditions. Other work is underway to find the cellular mechanisms or genetic markers for these conditions.

For additional information on degenerative birth defects see the Additional Research and Other Resources on Birth Defects section below.

Additional Research and Other Resources on Birth Defects

Research on birth defects often begins by focusing on the specific effects of the problem on an infant. Sometimes, the effects of birth defects can be severe, such as not being able to walk, having organ systems that aren’t complete, or even death. Once scientists know the outcomes of a certain problem, they can backtrack, following the problem back to early stages of development to isolate when it might have happened. Knowing when the problem first occurred can offer insight into how it occurred.

Through this general scheme, NICHD-supported researchers and their colleagues have made great progress in understanding the characteristics of certain birth defects, the patterns that these problems take, and possible points in growth and development where the problems might occur. And, armed with this understanding, researchers have developed interventions to prevent some birth defects, methods of identifying birth defects early in development, and possible treatments for birth defects.

The NICHD’s research on birth defects has not only improved the chances of survival for those affected, but has also improved the quality of life for many people impacted by birth defects and their families.

In addition to its research on specific types of birth defects, the NICHD recently announced the new NICHD Birth Defects Initiative. By establishing a network of research sites, the Initiative will work to develop an in-depth and thorough knowledge of birth defects, their mechanisms, their outcomes, and their patterns. The NICHD feels that this type of research is vital to creating a foundation of birth defects resources that may lead to preventive and intervention strategies.

The NICHD and other Institute are currently conducting a number of clinical trials related to birth defects.

The following resources can also provide more detailed information on birth defects:

In 2001, the NICHD joined then Surgeon General David Satcher, MD, the Special Olympics Foundation, the ARC of the United States, and other agencies and organizations in sponsoring a workshop to identify health disparities in mental retardation services, and outline ways to eliminate these inequities. The proceedings from this workshop are now available.

The Administration on Developmental Disabilities offers more detailed information about government-sponsored information, support, and service programs available for children and families affected by birth defects/developmental disabilities.

The National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers patient and statistical information on birth defects and developmental disabilities.

The Association of University Centers on Disabilities provides a network of health centers, which focus on advancing policy and practices related to individuals with developmental and other disabilities.

The March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation offers information and resources on birth defects and health care services available to assist families affected by birth defects.

The National Library of Medicine provides general information on birth defects. The National Library of Medicine also provides more detailed patient information about neural tube defects.

The Spina Bifida Association of America provides patient and support-group information about spina bifida.

The ARC of the United States, and the American Association on Mental Retardation provide information on mental retardation and descriptions of services and support groups available for individuals and families affected by mental retardation.

The Special Olympics Foundation is an international organization dedicated to empowering individuals with mental retardation to become physically fit, productive, and respected members of society through sports training and competition.

The National Down Syndrome Society offers more detailed patient and family information about Down syndrome.

The FRAXA Foundation and the National Fragile X Foundation both offer information, resources, and service information related to Fragile X.

National PKU News provides up-to-date, accurate news and information to families and professionals dealing with PKU.

For more information on X-ALD, visit http://www.peroxisome.org/Layperson/XALDlp.html.

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association offers patient information about many sensory-related birth defects, as well as treatments and interventions.