big & huggable » health ideas

Study Finds Too Many Options Are Depressing

admin_bighuggable — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 03:36:33 +0000

They say it’s good to have more choices to go with, instead of just one thing that we have to stick with no matter what. However, a new study comes to show that, where options are concerned, having too many is actually detrimental to us. Having too much choice often leads to depression and feelings of uncertainty because we can’t tell anymore if we’ve made the right choice or not.

From television channels to the types of milk or fruit available in supermarkets, the sheer amount of variants is overwhelming. In fact, there are so many things to choose from that we’re torn by uncertainty and doubts as to whether we made the right choice or not, researchers say. At the same time, while we’re focusing on picking the right thing for us, we’re actually losing sight of what could be good for society, as we become increasingly selfish.

People can become paralyzed by too much variety and wracked with uncertainty and regret about whether they have made the right decision. Ultimately they can be less satisfied by the choices they have made. The study believes that the problem is that when you have too much choice, you become obsessed about what your decision will say about you. Then when you have made the choice you worry that it is wrong. Choice can also foster selfishness and a lack of empathy because it can focus people on their own preferences and on themselves at the expense of what is good for society as a whole.

We cannot assume that choice, as understood by educated, affluent Westerners, is a universal aspiration, and that the provision of choice will necessarily foster freedom and well-being. Even in contexts where choice can foster freedom, empowerment, and independence, it is not an unalloyed good. Choice can also produce a numbing uncertainty, depression, and selfishness. And even what counts as a ‘choice’ may be different for non-Westerners than it is for Westerners, study cited.

short info about shoulder brace

admin_bighuggable — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 20:37:24 +0000

Shoulder pain is caused by a lot of things. From every day use or overuse from such activities as gardening or cleaning your house to sports. But, it is mostly the common complaint among those that are active in sports. It is not only uncomfortably painful, but can worsen without therapy. This can be mended by using donjoy shoulder brace.

A shoulder brace is a device designed to assist the shoulder by supporting the muscles and rotator cuff area through load sharing from the chest area opposite of the injured shoulder. It typically consists of elastic straps that support the injured shoulder by wrapping the arm and chest area, thereby leveraging support on the injured shoulder throughout the upper body. But, the type of brace you need will depend on your injury. Some braces support the shoulder area and collarbone and another type is shoulder immobilizer which keeps the shoulder from moving at all. Both types help prevent future dislocations in the shoulders and aid in the healing process.

tormenting headache

admin_bighuggable — Thu, 19 May 2011 10:37:21 +0000

These past few days the heat of the sun is taking a toll in my health. It’s giving me a bad case of headache. Just this morning while hanging the laundry to dry outside, the hotness is really terrible. But, I have to bear it to dry the clothes. Then, now I’m suffering from this tormenting headache. I’m still lucky it’s not migraine though. Popping one tablet of paracetamol combined with some rest and I will be fine.

Speaking of migraine, I’ve learned Topamax is also a prescribed medicine to prevent migraine headaches. But, it is mainly used to treat epileptic seizures in children and adults. The only problem is that continued use may have side-effects. It can result in cleft lip or cleft palate – birth defects that occur when the lip or palate fail to completely fuse together. The defect can result in a small, notched lip or in extreme cases, an open groove that extends from the roof of the mouth to the nose.

If something like this happens, the aggrieve party can file Topamax lawsuit. The attorneys of O’Hanlon, McCollom & Demerath understand that the child’s injuries may not be the parent’s fault – instead, possibly a dangerous side-effect of Topamax. Their expertise and experience, combined with their highly trained staff, make them uniquely well-equipped to handle even the most complex products liability claims.

O’Hanlon, McCollom & Demerath – Personal Injury Lawyers – 808 West Avenue, Austin, TX. 78701 – 512-494-9949

improving aging process

admin_bighuggable — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 10:53:18 +0000

Whenever I look at my kids, it makes me realize I am really growing old. Twenty eight years has passed since I gave birth to my eldest. From that it is not surprising to see deep lines and other signs of aging in my face. I think I can use a lot of help from the best anti wrinkle cream. All I need to do is to find that one.

Anyway, I know I can’t stop the aging process. But, with the help of anti-aging creams I know I can reduce the appearance of it. It is enough to make me feel good again. Don’t get me wrong, I love to grow old because it’s a blessing. But, I don’t like to see too many lines in my face as they don’t fit in.

countless benefits of breastfeeding

admin_bighuggable — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 15:11:42 +0000

Parents tend to want to do what is best for their children, including breast feeding their infants. While it can be uncomfortable to do in a public setting, the bond between child and mother grows tremendously when the baby eats from its mother’s breast. In addition to strengthening the bond between parent and child, there are many medical benefits associated with breastfeeding. Discover now some of the medical benefits of breastfeeding your baby such as:

protection against gastrointestinal trouble
protection against allergies
increased intelligence in the child

Research studies have found that the first milk your body produces contains immune factors that guard against germs by forming a protective lining on your baby’s mucous membranes in the intestines, throat, and nose. This is why it is important for mother to start nursing her child directly after birth.

Breastfeeding your baby helps protect your infant child from gastrointestinal trouble as well as respiratory problems and ear infections. Many research studies have been conducted around the world and have concluded fewer diarrheas, less ear infections, and fewer respiratory illnesses in children who have been breastfed. Women involved in the research studies breastfed their babies exclusively for at least the first six months. This means the baby consumed breast milk only, no solid food.

Many research studies have also found that breastfeeding exclusively for at least six months can reduce the chances of the child developing allergies. At least one research study has proven that this lasts up into the age of adolescence. Breastfed babies are also at less risk of developing asthma up to the average age of 6.

In addition to the above research studies, other studies have been conducted and have found possible links between breastfeeding and the child’s IQ. In these research studies, people who had been breastfed at least for the first six months of their lives scored higher on IQ tests. Experts have said that the emotional bonding associated with breastfeeding may be a key factor in this, but that fatty acids in breast milk just may play the larger role in a baby’s brain development.

Chronic Embarrassing Problem with Halitosis

admin_bighuggable — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 15:22:38 +0000

Halitosis (bad breath) is something that most people have to deal with from time to time. But with some people it is a chronic embarrassing problem that cannot be treated by over-the-counter cures. Bad breath is not just simply caused by a lack of brushing and flossing or a pungent meal. There can be several other causes of this problem. If you still cannot get rid of your bad breath even after diligent brushing and flossing and regular trips to your dentist, it’s time to delve deeper into what may be causing this serious problem.

Chronic bad breath can be caused by underlying medical issues and should not ever be ignored. Chronic low-grade sinus infections, liver disease, gallbladder disease, diabetes, and allergies are just a few of the medical causes of bad breath. Another common source of halitosis is the presence of anaerobic bacteria that hides in your mouth. These bacteria thrive and grow in an oxygen-free environment and are often found in the grooves of your tongue and the pockets of your gums. Daily brushing and flossing just can’t get to these bacteria. Another source of halitosis is tooth decay and infection as is gum disease (periodontal disease).

Masking the Odor – breath mints, mouthwash, etc. actually contain alcohol and dry your mouth out creating a more hospitable environment for the bacteria that make your breath bad. Breath mints and gum are a temporary fix but do not cure bad breath; some, in fact, just make it worse.

There is hope; bad breath can be eliminated, so there is hope if you have this chronic problem. You need to speak to your dentist because most halitosis problems are dental in origin. Your dentist can identify the source of your halitosis and can also tell you if your problem lies outside of dental issues and requires medical attention.

metabolism problems when nearing the age of 30

admin_bighuggable — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 08:30:15 +0000

I guess almost all people have some problems with regards to metabolism when they are nearing the age of 30. This is the same problem I used to have before and until now. Even if I eat less, I still feel like I am gaining weight. Well, I have to say I exercise less that is also part of the reason.

For years, I gained and gained weight especially when I gave birth to my fifth child; I end up looking like a balloon or cabinet maybe. It took me a while to realize that it’s something that I should be worried about. Too much body fat leads to different kinds of illnesses. I’m actually feeling some of it like arthritis and aching ankles. That is why I am more determined to lose some excesses.

The process isn’t too friendly. It is really difficult especially that I’m used to eating loads of food. Cutting back even a little amount feels like I’m going crazy. Good thing the fat-burners aids in process of my weight loss. The exercise routine is also a pain. But, after a few months, I’m already seeing a little result that is no more painful ankle whenever I walk. And, losing even little pounds make me feel lighter than usual. Well, I just hope I will continue to shed pounds until I reach the most desirable weight.

Key points for Hypertensive People

admin_bighuggable — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 09:06:16 +0000

When blood pressure is high, it starts to damage the blood vessels, heart, and kidneys. This can lead to heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and other problems. But if you don’t measure your blood pressure, you won’t know when it’s high, because there are usually no symptoms.

Healthy adult with normal blood pressure (119/79 or below), have your blood pressure checked at least every 1 to 2 years. If your systolic blood pressure (the first number) is 120 to 139 and/or your diastolic blood pressure (the second number) is 80 to 89, you are prehypertensive. This means that your blood pressure is higher than normal but not high enough to be high blood pressure. It is a warning that your blood pressure is going up. If you are in this category, you should have your blood pressure checked as often as your doctor advises, or at least once a year.

While, adults with other risk factors for heart disease or evidence of disease caused by high blood pressure need to have their blood pressure checked more often. A home blood pressure monitor makes it easy to keep track of your blood pressure.

Lifestyle revisions to manage heartburn

admin_bighuggable — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 01:44:21 +0000

You can make revisions to your lifestyle to help relieve your symptoms of heartburn. Here are some things to try:

Change your eating habits – It’s best to eat several small meals instead of two or three large meals. After you eat, wait 2 to 3 hours before you lie down. Late-night snacks aren’t a good idea. Chocolate, mint, and alcohol can make heartburn worse. They relax the valve between the esophagus and the stomach. Spicy foods, foods that have a lot of acid (like tomatoes and oranges), and coffee can make heartburn symptoms worse in some people. If your symptoms are worse after you eat a certain food, you may want to stop eating that food to see if your symptoms get better.
Do not smoke or chew tobacco.
If you get heartburn at night, raise the head of your bed 6 in. (15 cm) to 8 in. (20 cm) by putting the frame on blocks or placing a foam wedge under the head of your mattress. (Adding extra pillows does not work.)
Do not wear tight clothing around your middle. Lose weight if you need to. Losing just 5 to 10 pounds can help.

African remedy for Fever

admin_bighuggable — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 14:43:28 +0000

Most people know that normal body temperature is approximately 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius). Anything higher is considered a fever. Small changes in body temperature are usually not serious. Temperature can fluctuate depending on the time of day or one’s level of activity.

In the case of illness, a moderate rise in temperature may help the body fight some types of infection. Above a certain level, however, temperature must be controlled. A fever of 106 degrees fahrenheit or higher (in adults) is extremely serious and demands immediate medical attention. If the temperature remains at this level for a prolonged period of time, seizures, brain damage, even death, can result. In children, temperatures above 104 degrees fahrenheit can cause damage to the more sensitive brain tissue.

For more typical fevers, such as those that accompany a common cold or flu, Western medicine recommends aspirin, or acetaminophen, and cool compress. However, the tribal people of Africa’s Kalahari use the root of the devil’s claw plant to fight high fevers. The plant has the anti-inflammatory properties of cortisone and may reduce brain tissue swelling that accompanies some bacterial infections. The Africans either boil it into a tea or pound it into a powder.