What is Parkinson's disease?

Parkinson's disease (PD or, simply, Parkinson's) is the most common form of parkinsonism, a group of motor system disorders. It is a slowly progressing, degenerative disease that is usually associated with the following symptoms, all of which result from the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells:

* tremor or trembling of the arms, jaw, legs, and face
* stiffness or rigidity of the limbs and trunk
* bradykinesia (slowness of movement)
* postural instability, or impaired balance and coordination

Dopamine is a substance produced in the body which has many effects, including smooth and coordinated muscle movement.

Facts about Parkinson's disease:

It is incorrectly believed that Parkinson's disease disappeared after the introduction of levodopa (L-dopa) in the 1960s. In fact, about 60,000 Americans are newly diagnosed with Parkinson's disease each year, with more than 1.5 million Americans affected at any one time. Further, more people suffer from Parkinson's disease than multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis combined.


What causes Parkinson's disease (PD)?

The specific cause of PD is unknown, however, medical experts believe the symptoms are related to a chemical imbalance in the brain caused by brain-cell death. Parkinson's disease is chronic (persists over a long period of time), and progressive (symptoms grow worse over time).

Although the disease may appear in younger patients (even teenagers), it usually affects people in late middle age. It is not contagious, nor is it likely passed on from generation to generation.

The biggest risk factor for developing PD is advancing age. In addition, men have a slightly higher risk of developing it than women.

Family history is another important risk factor. Individuals with a parent or sibling who are affected have approximately two times the chance of developing PD. This increased risk is most likely because of a combination of environmental and genetic factors.

Environmental causes are being researched and the strong consistent findings are that rural living, exposure to well water, and exposure to agricultural pesticides and herbicides are related to PD. It is important to remember, however, that these factors do not guarantee the development of PD, nor does their absence prevent it. Less than one percent of PD is familial (occurring among members of a family).

Currently researchers believe that in most individuals the cause of PD is a combination of genetics and environmental exposure.

What are the four primary symptoms of Parkinson's?

The following are the most common symptoms of Parkinson's disease. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

* muscle rigidity - stiffness when the arm, leg, or neck is moved back and forth.
* resting tremor - tremor (involuntary movement from contracting muscles) that is most prominent at rest.
* bradykinesia - slowness in initiating movement.
* postural instability - poor posture and balance that may cause falls; gait or balance problems.

How is Parkinson's disease diagnosed?

Making an accurate diagnosis in the early stages of Parkinson's disease can be difficult, and may require observation of the patient for some time until it is apparent that the tremor is consistently present and is joined by one or more of the other classic symptoms.

Currently, there are no specific tests or markers for PD, although there are several methods for making the diagnosis. Diagnosis depends on the presence of two of the three major signs: tremor at rest, rigidity, and bradykinesia, as well as the absence of a secondary cause of the signs.

Other methods to assist with the diagnosis of PD include:

* neurological examination (including evaluation of symptoms and their severity)
* trial test of drugs - when symptoms are significant, a trial test of drugs (primarily levodopa [L-dopa]) may be used to further diagnose the presence of PD. If a patient fails to benefit from levodopa, a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease may be questionable.
* computed tomography scan (Also called a CT or CAT scan.) - a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general x-rays.
* magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - a diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body.

Treatment for Parkinson's disease:
Specific treatment for a Parkinson's disease will be determined by your physician based on:

* your age, overall health, and medical history
* extent of the condition
* type of condition
* your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
* expectations for the course of the condition
* your opinion or preference

With today's medicine, we have yet to find a cure for Parkinson's disease. However, based upon the severity of the symptoms and medical profile, the physician will establish an appropriate treatment protocol. Treatment for Parkinson's disease may include the following:

* medications
* surgery

Can Exercise Improve your Sex Life?

Whether you're a fitness junkie or exercising for the first time, learn the answer to the question, "Can exercise make a huge impact on having a better sex life?"


There are several rational reasons why a physically fit person is more likely to fully enjoy sex compared to a non-fit person. For instance, improved muscle tone can increase sexual gratification since orgasms depend on multiple muscle activity. In the case of the more mature man, improved cardiovascular fitness can be critical for maximum sexual function.

Physically fit men seem to benefit in the bedroom as it relates to increased libido and stable testosterone levels that often decline as men age. On the other hand, sex can be as much mental as it is physical, and a person's physical appearance can be beneficial on an emotional level, as well. Looking and feeling healthy can increase your self-esteem while making you feel more attractive.

The relationship between physical fitness and sexual function is not the only factor that may increase a person's sexual pleasure. Some researchers attribute a good exercise program, along with other healthy activities such as good eating habits, smoking cessation and getting plenty of rest, with having a positive effect on sexual performance for people of all ages.


A study conducted at the University of California-San Diego tracked 78 middle-aged men on an aerobic exercise program. The subjects exercised at moderate intensity for 60 minutes a day, three or four days a week. After nine months of continuous exercise, these subjects reported that their sex life was more satisfying as far as stamina and orgasms. In comparison, 17 male subjects that performed light workout routines such as walking at a comparatively slower pace stated that they had no substantial improvement in their sex lives.




In conclusion, exercise alone should not be considered the panacea for all sexual dysfunctions or dissatisfaction. However, if you hope to improve your sex life through exercise, you should carefully consider adopting a more comprehensive healthy lifestyle in order to increase the possibility of fully experiencing your sexual peak.

Breast Feeding....Nature's Health Plan

Basic Facts:

1. The ability of the breasts to produce milk diminishes soon after childbirth, without the stimulation of breast-feeding.
2. The immunity factors in breast milk can help the body fight off infections.
3. Breast milk contains vitamins, minerals and enzymes, which aid the baby’s digestion.
4. Breast and formula feeding can be used together.


Advantages of breast-feeding.

1. It is the simplest way to feed the baby.
2. It increases the period of lactation amenonhoes after childbirth.

3. Breast milk also contains infection-fighting anti-bodies from the mother.
4. Breast feeding in the initial 4- months of the baby’s life reduces the chances of infection and increases the immunity of the baby.
5. The amino acids in breast milk, the building blocks of proteins, are well balanced for the baby. These proteins best aid the baby’s intestinal tract.
6. The emotional bonding between the baby and mother is strengthened & gives a feeling of satisfaction and achievement to the mother.
7. It is much cheaper than artificial feeding.



The baby should be put to the breast as soon as possible after birth. The initial yellowish and thick fluid (colostrum) is rich in proteins and protective antibodies. The practice of giving ghutti should be discouraged, because the nourishment of the baby is delayed, increasing chances of infection and delaying the stimulation for milk production.



Some important points:
1. The mother should sit in a comfortable position, hold the baby in her arms and offer the baby her whole breast & not just the nipple.
2. The baby should be fed from a different breast each time so that both breasts produce the maximum amount of milk.
3. The baby should be fed, whenever she is hungry. Before offering the second breast to the baby, it should be ensured that the baby sucks the fat rich hind milk from the first breast.
4. A daily bath is sufficient to keep the breasts clean.
5. Frequent cleaning with soap removes the natural oils from the breasts, predisposing the nipples to develop fissures.
6. Burping the baby after every feed by holding her against the shoulder is advisable.
7. A mother who is feeding her baby should eat healthy foods to keep up her strength & feed the baby letter.
8. At times the breasts may feel hot, heavy and hard, due to accumulation of milk.
9. The mother should be encouraged to let the baby continue to suck for as long as possible.
10. If still enough milk is not removed, the milk should be squeezed out in a clear (preferably) boiled cup using the thumb and the finger.
11. A warm compress on the breast or a warm bath is also helpful.
12. It the baby is fed frequently both during the day and night this condition (engoryememt of breast) is uncommon.
13. If nipples are cracked and painful, the mother is advised to leave a drop of hind milk on, the nipple after feeding as this helps in healing. Malai can also be can applied.

Heart-Healthy Diet

A heart healthy diet begins by paying close attention to what you eat. You can reduce your chance of developing atherosclerosis, the blocked arteries that cause heart disease with a heart healthy diet. If the artery-clogging process has already begun, you can slow the rate at which it progresses

While this is very important for everyone at risk for atherosclerosis, it is even more important if you have had a heart attack and/or procedure to restore blood flow to your heart or other areas of your body, such as angioplasty, bypass surgery or carotid surgery. Following prevention advice can protect against restenosis, or the renarrowing of your arteries.

Feed Your Heart Well

Feeding your heart well is a powerful way to reduce or even eliminate some risk factors. Adopting a heart-healthy nutrition strategy can help reduce total and LDL cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol), lower blood pressure, lower blood sugars, and reduce body weight. While most dietary plans just tell you what you CAN'T eat (usually your favorite foods!), the most powerful nutrition strategy helps you focus on what you CAN eat. In fact, heart disease research has shown that adding heart-saving foods is just as important as cutting back on others.

Here are nine nutrition strategies to reduce your risk:

1. Eat more fish. Fish is a good source of protein and other nutrients. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids, which may help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
2. Eat more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes. These beautiful and delicious wonders of nature may be one of the most powerful strategies in fighting heart disease.
3. Choose fat calories wisely. Keep these goals in mind:
4. Limit total fat grams.
5. Eat a bare minimum of saturated fats and trans fats (for example, fats found in butter, margarine, salad dressing, fried foods, snack foods, sweets, and desserts).
6. When you use added fat, use fats high in monounsaturated fats (for example, fats found in olive and peanut oil).
7. Eat a variety -- and just the right amount -- of protein foods. Commonly eaten protein foods (meat, dairy products) are among the main culprits in increasing heart disease risk. Reduce this nutritional risk factor by balancing animal, fish, and vegetable sources of protein.
8. Limit cholesterol consumption. Dietary cholesterol can raise blood cholesterol levels, especially in high-risk people. Limiting dietary cholesterol has an added bonus: You'll also cut out saturated fat, as cholesterol and saturated fat are usually found in the same foods. Get energy by eating complex carbohydrates (whole-wheat pasta, sweet potatoes, whole-grain breads) and limit simple carbohydrates (regular soft drinks, sugar, sweets). If you have high cholesterol, these simple carbohydrates exacerbate the condition and may increase your risk for heart disease.
9. Feed your body regularly. Skipping meals often leads to overeating. Eating five to six mini-meals is the best way to control blood sugars, burn fat calories more efficiently, and regulate cholesterol levels.

Other Heart-Healthy Strategies

* Reduce salt intake. This will help you control your blood pressure.
* Exercise. The human body was meant to be active. Exercise strengthens the heart muscle, improves blood flow, reduces high blood pressure, raises HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol), and helps control blood sugars and body weight.
* Hydrate. Water is vital to life. Be sure to stay adequately hydrated.
* Enjoy every bite. Your motto should be dietary enhancement, not deprivation. When you enjoy what you eat, you feel more positive about life, which helps you feel better. An added bonus is that you eat less when you eat food you love, and that helps control weight and reduce cholesterol levels.

Neck pain

Neck pain can be so mild that it is merely annoying and distracting. Or it can be so severe that it is unbearable and incapacitating.Most instances of neck pain (and stiffness) are minor and commonly caused by something you did. That is, if you keep your head in an awkward position for too long the joints in your neck can "lock" and the neck muscles can become painfully fatigued. The price you pay for carelessness in how you position your head and neck (say, while working, watching TV, using a computer, reading a book, or talking on the phone with the receiver held against your shoulder and under your chin), is a pain in the neck. You may be one of the many unfortunates who, after a long and tiring day, has "harmlessly" fallen asleep in a chair or in bed with your head propped up, only to awake with a stiff and painful neck. Fortunately, most minor, posture-induced neck pain episodes clear up on their own after rest and efforts not to repeat the offending stresses on the neck.

But neck pain that just won't go away after a day or so is a more serious matter. Neck pain that lasts for many days or keeps coming back is a signal that something isn't right. Disease, an injury (such as whiplash in an auto accident), a congenital malformation, or progressive degeneration that can come with age may be responsible for the more significant pain you experience. An expert must determine the underlying causes of such neck pain. Examination, diagnosis and treatment by a doctor of chiropractic can relieve your mind and may quickly relieve your pain.

Who gets neck pain

About 10% of the population has an episode of neck pain each year. Neck pain may occur slightly more frequently in women than in men.
How neck pain is diagnosed

In most circumstances, a medical history and physical examination are the essential components of an evaluation required for diagnosis of neck disorders. On occasion, individuals who do not respond to initial therapy may undergo specialized radiographic tests, such as plain x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computerized tomography to screen for additional involvement of soft tissues, ruptured discs, spinal stenosis, tumors or nerve injuries.

Treatment Options


The rehabilitation of neck injuries occurs in three phases. During the first phase, called the acute phase, physiatrists treat pain and inflammation. After they make a specific diagnosis and develop a treatment plan, physiatrists may offer treatment options like ultrasound, electrical stimulation, mobilization, medication, ice and even specialized injections.

In the second, or recovery, phase of treatment, flexibility and strength are developed to get the body parts into their proper positions. The goal of this phase is to get you back to your usual work, sports and leisure activities. This goal is achieved through specially designed exercises that rebuild the body.

The main goal of the third phase of treatment, the maintenance phase, is to minimize recurrence of the problem and to prevent further injury. This often consists of a total body fitness program, designed to maintain body mechanics and increase endurance after the original symptoms have resolved.

These are very broad and general approaches to the treatment of neck pain. The physiatrist that you choose will develop an individual treatment plan for you.