Shake it Baby

If you feel any pain from wearing your contact lenses there is something seriously wrong. Contacts shouldn’t be felt at all, there shouldn’t even be the slightest feeling that there is something in or on the eye.

What’s Causes the Pain?

If you’re once comfortable contact lenses suddenly become noticeable, whether it’s the feeling that there’s pressure on the eye, sharp gritty feeling or a localised pain, then the reason is generally dirt. Sometimes debris can become lodged between the inside surface of your contact lens and the surface of your eye.

If this is the case then finding relief is simple. Because it’s always best to avoid touching your contacts, you can first of all try adding a few drops of your lens solution or lubricant to your eye. Hopefully this on its own will be enough to rinse the debris away. If it’s not, then remove the lens and take a closer look. You might find protein deposits accumulating on the lens surface. If that’s the case, it’s time to pay more attention to your cleaning routine. If you’re experiencing pain with disposable lenses then you’ll probably want to have them replaced.

Always take that uncomfortable feeling as a warning sign. If you allow protein deposits to build up it can become a much more serious problem.

A Tear in Your Contact Lens?

If you have carried out the above advice and still found that wearing your contacts is uncomfortable then it may be that they have developed a tear. Remove the lens, place it on your fingertip and hold it up towards a light source. Look around the edges for what appears to be a tiny fibre. If one is found, investigate further. It could just be something sitting on the surface of the lens however if it doesn’t come away then it’s probably a tear. There’s nothing you can do about that.

What Else Might be Wrong?

Other reasons contact lenses can become uncomfortable include wearing the wrong prescription, a problem with dry eyes, allergies or other medical problems including eyes that aren’t healthy and eye strain. Talk to your optometrist about your problems, they may want to have your eyes tested so that proper corrective measures can be put into place.

That might include a new, properly-fitting contact lens prescription or possibly a different brand of contact lens, one that allows more oxygen to flow to the cornea. The optometrist might recommend using lubricants and/or artificial tear drops when dry eyes are causing the uncomfortable feelings. You might even be given other medical treatments depending on what the problem is. It might surprise you to find out that hormonal and thyroid problems can interfere with the wearing of contacts.

No Comments » Posted by April / Health

Lots of people underestimate the importance of contact lens maintenance. Think about it, is it natural for people to place foreign object in their eyes? Absolutely not! So why is it that some people allow themselves to place dirty contact lenses in their eyes?

Clean Your Lenses or Buy Disposable

If you’re one of these people then you must stop this awful habit now. Either replace your normal contacts with disposable ones or ask you optometrist for advice on how to properly care for your lenses. Following the optometrist’s recommendations is the key to success because contact lenses and cleaning products are not created equally.

Buy Commercially-Available Multi-Purpose Solutions

As a general rule, caring for your contacts requires using one of the commercially-available multi-purpose solutions which deal with each aspect of cleaning, disinfecting, rinsing and storage. After removing a contact lens, with hands that have first been washed using non-moisturising soap, shoot the lens with a steady stream of the multi-purpose solution for a minimum of 20-seconds (or as directed), making sure that both sides of the lens are sprayed.

With some of these solutions you need to rub the contacts between the palm of your hand and your fingertip. This is to help loosen dirt, protein, cosmetics and other debris. Just make sure that your hands are clean otherwise you could be doing more harm than good. Also, rinse each lens as directed as this is an important step in helping rid the lens of foreign matter.

Clean the contact Lens Storage Too

Then, fill a clean storage unit with the same solution and place the cleaned lens into the appropriately labelled storage container. When your contact lenses aren’t being worn, the solution you store them in will disinfect them. Repeat these steps for the other lens.

Normally these maintenance steps are the same no matter if they’re soft or gas permeable lenses. Because people often view maintenance as a chore, make sure you devise a way to make it as quick and simple as possible. Again, your optometrist is the person who should advise you on a suitable maintenance routine and to whom you should turn when questions arise.

Those wearing daily contact lenses that aren’t disposable usually need to add an extra step to their maintenance routines, especially if they wear soft lenses or older styles of gas permeable lenses that are more prone to protein build-up. To be extra safe, also use an enzyme cleaner weekly.

• Everything that may come into contact with your contact lenses must be kept clean. That includes fingers, hands, tips of solution bottles and storage containers.
• Never use water for cleaning. It may contain contaminants and it’s too harsh for some lenses.
• Develop a cleaning routine and stick with it. Never change without first checking with your eye doctor or specialist.

If this sounds all too much of a bother then buy some disposable ones instead. That’s what they were created for!

No Comments » Posted by April / Health

Gone are the days when only people with poor eyesight wore contact lenses. Now people are wearing them just to change the colour of their eyes and make a fashion statement! They come in an assortment of amazing colours and some are even designed to be worn for Halloween.

What’s sad is that most people who wear lenses even realize that they’re available or if they do, they’re too scared to give it a try. But don’t worry. The colour change can be subtle or it can be dramatic and that’s part of the fun of wearing them.

Do I Have to Get a Prescription?

If you want to buy coloured lenses purely for fashion purposes you’ll still need to see an optician to obtain a prescription. A prescription for contacts that doesn’t include vision correction is called a plano prescription. You need a prescription to make sure that the lenses are the correct width and curvature to your eye. If they don’t fit right you’ll know in a moment because the pain will be persistent and irritating.

Don’t Share Your Contacts

Be careful, just because you’ve got fashion contact lenses doesn’t mean you can share them with your friends. It’s not just the size and shape of the contacts that can cause problems, it’s also germs that can be transferred from one person to another.

When buying coloured contacts make sure you understand the options available to you.

Coloured Lenses – You’ll want to buy opaque lenses if you want to change the colour of your eye. Coloured lenses are actually tinted, and besides changing colour you’ll find other types of tints, some of which aren’t necessarily designed to change eye colour.

Tinted Lenses – One great benefit of making contacts tinted is that you can see them easier. When you drop a clear contact lens you’ll have great difficulty finding it again. But the coloured tint on the lens will help pinpoint their location. Enhancement tints have a deeper tint that will enhance and intensify a person’s eye colour.

Sun Protection – If you spend a lot of time outdoors in the sunshine then buying lenses with a UV/UB protection is a must. The tints help to reduce glare which improves vision and hopefully the game if you’re playing sports. And speaking of sun protection, there is a brand of coloured contact lenses that darken to a colour that resembles that of sunglass lenses when exposed to light. When you’re indoors, the colour transitions back into clear.

No Comments » Posted by April / Fashion and Health

C’mon admit it, how long have you actually owned and used your current toothbrush?  Have you just recently bought it or is it more than three months old?  If it’s the latter then you should buy a new one at you’re earliest convenience.

Why do you need to replace your toothbrush? Well, it’s because over time the bristles start to break down.  They become frayed and start to splay out.  Once this breakdown starts to happen, it’s not going to be possible for your toothbrush to work as effectively or efficiently as one with bristles that are standing straight up.

It might interest you to know that even if your brush is fairly new, you should replace it if you have recently recovered from an illness or infection.  This is because bacteria can linger in the bristles and using that toothbrush may cause re-infection.

Even if you’ve been in top health, bacteria may still be in your toothbrush’s bristles if you haven’t washed it thoroughly after use.  Food particles can remain on bristles and that can lead to the development of bacteria, another reason why frequently changing your toothbrush is a good idea.

When you’ve cleaned your teeth it only takes a few moments more to rinse out the brush and make sure it’s free of food particles.  The purpose of a toothbrush of course is to remove food and plaque from your teeth.  So it makes sense to remove these particles from your brush after each use.

Whatever you do, don’t be tempted to clean your toothbrush in the dishwasher.  It will only cause it damage.

You also want to make sure that your brush is not left in an environment which allows bacteria to grow.  This means that it should be stored upright in an open container.  Not in an airtight container where there’s no air circulating.

When storing your brush keep it away from other brushes as this can cause cross-contamination.  Also never share your brush with anyone else.  To date, there’s not been any solid proof that toothbrush sanitizers or mouth rinses with antibacterial agents offer any better protection than good cleaning habits so read the product’s claims carefully before making any purchases.

And always remember – when in doubt, throw it out!  If you are interested in dental hygiene you might even be interested in the history of toothpaste.

No Comments » Posted by April / Health

There are numerous reasons for people developing diabetes including diet and genetics.  However exercise can go a long way to reducing the severity of this disease.

There are two types of diabetes – Type I and Type II.  In both cases the body has trouble regulating blood glucose levels.  Glucose is the primary source of energy for the body’s activities.

Diabetics and Insulin

The main problem is that diabetics have problems producing the correct amount of insulin (an important hormone for transporting glucose to the cells).  In Type I diabetes the body can’t produce adequate insulin, so the loss has to be made up from the outside, usually via injection.  This is the most problematic type of diabetes and you should always consult a doctor for further advice.

In Type II diabetes, individuals produce insulin, but it’s less effective in performing its role as a transport aid.  This type of diabetes tends to occur as we get older.  The kidneys become less efficient and we tend to adopt a more sedentary lifestyle.  It doesn’t help when there’s a lot more indulgent food around saying “eat me”.  This may be OK as a youngster but it eventually takes its toll.

Type II can be kept under control with diet and exercise and with careful self-monitoring under the care of a physician, the effects can be minimal.

The reason exercise is so great for diabetics is that it increases insulin sensitivity, meaning that our bodies don’t need to produce as much insulin.  It also reduces body fat, which helps regulate the amount of glucose needed and used.  Weight training is a popular form of exercise which increases metabolic rate and reduces body fat.  At the same time, it increases the use of glucose used by muscles and improves the ability of muscle tissue to store it.

Always seek advice from a professional when starting any new fitness regime, especially if you have been living a sedentary lifestyle.  Also, if you do too much too soon this can cause you to give up.  Additionally you need to give your body time to adjust to changes in hormone level, metabolic level and thus glucose and insulin levels.

Remember to do Warm Up Stretches

Be sure to warm up for five to ten minutes at minimum. Easy stretches and low-impact, low heart rate exercise help get the muscles infused with blood and joints limber. Be careful not to exercise when it is too hot as heat stroke (from too high an internal temperature and lack of fluid) is a risk.  This is especially true for those who are older.

Avoid Exercising on Hot and Humid Days

Avoid exercising when there are high humidity levels as our bodies have more trouble regulating our internal temperature.  The heat doesn’t travel out of the sweat and off the skin so easily. On hot and/or humid days, wear loose fitting clothing and reduce the time and intensity of your routine.

Walking is a great way to get started. Try to walk on grass rather than concrete or tarmac, but with good shoes you can do either. Ideally you should walk for an hour per day, but even 20 minutes three or four days per week will help.

Persistence is key. Reducing the odds of getting diabetes, or controlling it once you have it, require permanent lifestyle changes. But the benefits are not only the absence of a debilitating disease, but a healthy body and improved mood.

No Comments » Posted by April / Health

What’s the secret of a good night’s sleep?  Some people may answer with a comfy bed, a wee dram, exhaustion or even lavender oil.  But the real reason is actually to do with the fact that our bodies release a hormone called melatonin

Melatonin Regulates our Internal Clock

We produce melatonin from our pineal gland which is located at the base of the brain.  Melatonin is released throughout the day and regulates our internal clock so we know when to sleep and to be awake.  It also helps keep the body in balance by regulating the release of different hormones, neurotransmitters and chemicals that impact the body in many ways.

In fact, there is a high association between the release of melatonin and the body’s temperature, both of which are controlled by the body’s circadian rhythm.  During the day melatonin and body temperature are low and gradually increase in the evening.  By the time we are ready to go to bed, our body temperature and melatonin is at its highest.

During the day when there is sunlight, melatonin levels are low but when darkness falls, this is when the pineal gland starts to pump out melatonin.  As more melatonin travels throughout the blood, the body starts getting more and more tired. Blood pressure slows as the body prepares to fall asleep. Melatonin levels continue to increase until they peak which generally occurs around 3 or 4 a.m.  After this, melatonin levels dip and our bodies ready themselves for the day ahead.

Darkness During the Day

If your life interrupts this normal cycle of melatonin release it’s no surprise that it can have a devastating affect on your sleeping patterns.  Increased melatonin production signals that it is time to go back to sleep. Therefore, darkness any time of day can trigger the release of melatonin and the changes that naturally take place with its release.

Dull weather and dark winter days can also affect melatonin production levels.  If you work inside an office building all day and don’t see much sunlight this too can cause problems.  Such scenarios can cause melatonin levels to remain higher than normal during daytime, and may cause a person to feel less energetic and drowsy when they otherwise should feel alert and be able to concentrate.  If your body is producing lots of melatonin during the day, it’ll produce less at night causing insomnia and other sleeping disorders.

Light therapy can help when natural sunlight isn’t available. However the best way to keep melatonin levels balanced is by allowing natural sunlight to penetrate your skin.

No Comments » Posted by April / Health

The vitamins that we receive from our food and the ones our body makes on its own are essential for our health and well being. The truth is, however, that we are not receiving nearly enough from these things. A lack of vitamins can cause problems such as acne, depression and can even lead to cancer. Understanding the vitamins that the body needs and how much will help to live a long healthy life.

Vitamin A

In its most potent form, vitamin A is called retinol. It is fat soluble like vitamins D, K, and E. Most adult men need about 1000mg daily and women need about 800mg.

Vitamin A directly impacts the eyes, hair, bones, immune system, skin, and teeth along with the soft tissues.  So look after your teeth and prevent the need for porcelain veneers.

Signs that you may have a lack of vitamin A are the appearance of acne, trouble sleeping at night (insomnia), dry skin and hair, allergies, sinus issues, night blindness, and loss of appetite. These symptoms may appear by themselves or together.

Not having the correct amount of retinol may also affect your immune system and leave you open to certain cancers.

Taking a daily multivitamin will help provide the body with the recommended dosage of vitamin A.  Also eating foods such as fish, liver, yellow and green veggies, carrots, garlic, apricots, and sweet potatoes will give your body a boost.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, unlike A, is water-soluble. The body cannot produce its own vitamin C so it must be obtained through diet.

Blood, bones, adrenal glands, cells, heart, nervous system, and teeth are some of the body parts directly affected by this vitamin.

Just as with retinol, there are signs that you may not be receiving a healthy dosage of vitamin C. Some of these symptoms are anemia, shortness of breath, poor digestion, stress, blood clots, bleeding gums, and nosebleeds.

Most people have been told to take vitamin C if they have a cold. It does have the ability to prevent infections and it does strengthen the immune system. Best way for it to work, however, would be to take it daily so the body can fight off the cold virus before it makes you sick.

Eating oranges or any citrus fruit will help increase the amount vitamin C you are getting. Also, strawberries, green vegetables, cantaloupe, tomatoes, and good old brussel sprouts are a few others.

Daily Needs

Taking a multivitamin really will make a huge difference. They are designed with all the recommended dosages of the various vitamins needed.

Consuming foods high in nutrients is very beneficial. The truth is that a lot of foods purchased at our local supermarket may not have the high levels of vitamins the body needs. If possible, try buying fruit and vegetables from local farms and buy them freshly picked. This will help to insure that the vitamin content is at its peak.

Making sure that your body has all it needs, will not only give you energy and overall good health but will also help guard against a lot of cancers and other ailments in the future.

No Comments » Posted by April / Health

About 75% of women will have a yeast infection at some point in their lives. Almost half will have it on a reoccurring basis. The probability is that if you are a woman reading this, than you have either had or will have one in your life.

Understanding a Yeast Infection

The symptoms of an infection are like other vaginal infections - burning, swelling, redness, and itching. When it’s a yeast infection, this is caused by a fungus called Candida albicans. This fungus is naturally found on the skin along with other places on the body.

When the balance in the vagina changes the natural yeast begins to grow. Even though it is called an infection, it really is just an over growth of something that is normally there. Yeast in itself is not dangerous.

Relief for Your Yeast Infection?

For anyone who has had a yeast infection, they know it can be very uncomfortable. The itching alone can get so bad that walking can even be troublesome.

There are a number of over-the-counter treatments. Some dealing with the infection and the itch individually. All of these treatments work, but wouldn’t it be nice to find a natural, drugless remedy?

First it needs to be understood that the infection has occurred because the balance of the vagina has become out of whack. Bringing it back is easily done by reintroducing “good” bacteria.

1. Yogurt contains a lot of good bacteria. That’s one of the reasons it’s great for us to eat. In the case of treating a yeast infection, the yogurt is not consumed.

A container of plain, unsweetened yogurt and a box of tampons is all you will need. Take the tampon and dip it in the yogurt, then insert into the vagina. The yogurt will help to restore the balance and will also help to sooth. This treatment is very common and used by many women.

2. Apple-cider vinegar douche is another way to help stop the growth. Vinegar is an acid so it attacks the yeast. Keep in mind that plain white vinegar will not work.

3. Garlic is another natural remedy. It has anti fungal properties. A clove can be placed in the vagina to help fight the fungus. This is good for mild infections.

4. Then there is tea tree oil. Tea tree oil has been used for centuries to treat all sorts of aliments. It is a natural antiseptic and has anti fungal properties. A small amount of oil can be placed in the vagina.

Remember, it is best to go see a doctor if you feel you have an infection. The symptoms are like many other vaginal infections that can be more severe. You will also want to discuss treatment options with your doctor. You will find that naturopathic physicians will be more likely to suggest a natural remedy.  Internestingly, it’s not just humans that suffer from this condition, you might actually be looking for a cure for yeast infection in dogs.

1 Comment » Posted by April / Health

Discussing vaginal infections can be very embarrassing. A lot of women would rather hope for a miracle or take care of it before anyone knows.

75% of Women Affected: Yeast Infections are very common. Infecting roughly 75% of woman at some point in their life and nearly half of them having it reoccur. The symptoms of an infection can be similar to many other vaginal infections. If you are having symptoms such as itching, burning, or swelling, it is best to start with a visit to your doctor.

What causes a Yeast Infection?

Yeast Infections, also known as candidiasis, is caused by a fungus called candida albicans. Yeast is sometimes found in the vagina, along with other areas of the body, but in low amounts. When there are changes from things like antibiotics, pregnancy, or frequent sexual intercourse where semen is introduced to the vagina a yeast infection can occur.

There are certain conditions in which a yeast infection is more likely. If someone uses a lot of douches, feminine sprays, or anything that may change the natural balance of the vagina this can lead to an infection.

What Are the Symptoms?

The itching can be so intense that walking or sitting may become uncomfortable. Swelling of the vulva may occur along with burning during urination. You may also get a white-yellowish discharge that may be lumpy and have a smell of yeast.

Urination may cause burning. This symptom is also an indication of a urinary tract infection. Knowing where the burning is coming from will help to determine which one it may be. With a yeast infection the burning will happen as soon as the urine exits. The burning is caused when the urine hits the already irritated skin. If the burning starts before that, it may be a urinary infection and you should see a doctor.

If you have symptoms such as itching, burning, or redness you should contact a doctor to confirm a yeast infection. Since there are a number of other things it may be, having a doctor diagnose the condition will insure that the right treatment will be given. Over medicating or medicating when not needed may lead to a resistance to the medicine. If this happens, it may make it more difficult to treat the infection if it returns.

How Can You Prevent it?

There are ways of preventing an occurrence. Avoid using any products that may change the environment within the vagina. Stay away from wearing synthetic under garments, instead choose cotton. Keep the area clean and dry.

Yeast Infections mostly happen in women in their child bearing years. However, this is not always the case. Men and children may get them, also.

Again, the first stop should be the family doctor. After it is determined that this is the type of infection you have, treatment will be next. There are many different types of over the counter remedies along with natural cures. Talk with your doctor to decide what will work for you.

1 Comment » Posted by April / Health

Thrush is typically a yeast infection of the mouth. This type of yeast infection is very common in infants, toddlers, adults of advanced age and people who have weakened immune systems. Thrush can also be found on the breast of nursing mothers.

Yeast infections are caused by the Candida fungus. Candida is commonly found on the body but is usually kept at bay by the body’s natural defences. An infection only occurs when the natural balance of an area is changed by antibiotics, hormonal changes or a medical condition.

Causes of Thrush

Infants can contract thrush from their mother during delivery. If the mother has a Candida infection, it can be passed to the infant as the baby pushes through the vagina. This is a common way for babies to get thrush since yeast infections are commonly found in pregnant woman.

Nursing is another way to pass the infection. In this case, a baby who is infected with thrush during delivery can pass the virus to mom’s breast. If both baby and mum have the infection, they need to be treated at the same time.

Symptoms

Thrush can appear very suddenly. Lesions will form in the mouth and will be creamy white in colour and slightly raised. The lesions will usually be found on the tongue, inner check, and roof of the mouth. A “cottage cheese” like discharge may also be present. A good way to tell if baby has thrush and it’s not just something else in the mouth is by taking a clean towel, slightly dampened, with warm water and wipe the inside of the mouth, gently. If the white coating comes off, it is not thrush. If it hangs on and refuses to be come off, chances are the baby has an infection.

If mum gets thrush on her breast from nursing, the nipples may become red and sore. Pain might be felt in the breast itself.

Thrush is pretty harmless but it can be very irritating. If thrush is not treated early, the infection can spread to the esophagus. In more extreme cases, thrush can infect the lungs, liver and skin.

Ways to Treat and Prevent

If you find that baby has thrush and you are nursing, you will both need to be treated. If you chose a natural remedy, make sure that it is suitable for the age of the infant. There are also prescriptions and over the counter creams for yeast infections.

Mystatin is commonly prescribed by doctors to treat thrush in babies. For mum an anti-fungal cream such as Monistat or Lotrimin can be used on the breast.

For babies that are old enough to eat solids, yoghurt is a good way to introduce “good” bacteria into the mouth. This will help rid the mouth of the yeast colony. If a child has allergies then adding acidophilus to the bottle will introduce “good’ bacteria into their system.

Another natural remedy is an apple cider vinegar mouthwash. This, of course, should not be used on infants. Tea tree oil is great for treating the breasts but should be wipe off before nursing.

No Comments » Posted by April / Health