List of Iron Rich Foods

We all need some iron in our diets. Some people need to eat more iron rich foods than others. Read on to see a list of foods that are high in iron. Our bodies need this essential mineral to avoid certain deficiencies. It is a necessary part of all of our cells and plays an important role in maintaining good health. One of the important things that this mineral does includes helping our muscles to properly store and utilize oxygen. It is also instrumental in maintaining proper hemoglobin levels in our blood, so that our body is properly oxygenated.

A person can become iron deficient when they do not get enough iron in their diets. This common condition can lead to anemia, and can impair the function of certain body functions. Some of the symptoms and signs of iron deficiency can include:

• tired, weak and feeling fatigued
• decreased immune function
• glossitis, which is an inflamed tongue
• decreased performance

It is important to have one's blood checked for this deficiency, especially within high risk groups such as pregnant women and young children. If this is a concern, your healthcare provider can administer the proper blood tests to determine your blood iron levels and screen for anemia. Follow the healthcare provider's instructions on gaining and maintaining proper iron and hemoglobin levels in the body for proper development, growth and body function.

List of Iron Rich Foods

When humans eat foods that contain iron, it is absorbed into the body. A diet of foods that are rich in iron is important for many people. The following list is not a complete list, but is representative of the types of foods that contain this essential mineral. Including foods with vitamin-C can increase the absorption rate.

• Beef
• Liver
• Chicken
• Chicken liver
• Clams
• Oysters
• Shrimp
• Tuna
• Salmon
• Turkey
• Ham
• Green leafy vegetables such as spinach and collards
• Dried Apricots
• Baked potato
• Peanuts, pistachios, almonds, sunflower seeds
• Prunes, raisins, figs
• Broccoli
• Wheat germ
• Beans, lentils, lima beans, tofu
• Breakfast cereals enriched and fortified with iron
• Prune Juice

Video: Healthy Food Choices for Iron  



Resources:
• Iron rich foods - www.webmd.com/diet/iron-rich-foods    
• Nutrition basics for everyone - iron and deficiency: www.cdc.gov/nutrition/everyone/basics/vitamins/iron.html.
• ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/iron/

Juice Detox Information

Does juice detox really work? There are many advocates of a natural and balanced system of cleansing the human body, and juices of various fruits have been used and touted as a way to cleanse the body of toxins. Throughout history, even way back in Egyptian times, a lot of people were in support of cleansing the body with various detox techniques. Do they help?

Juice Detox -  Does It Work?

In terms of a juice detox, various fruits have been used, such as lemon, citrus, oranges, watermelon, berries and other fresh fruits and vegetables. I guess it makes sense to eat a natural and balanced diet of fruits and vegetables in balance with other types of fresh foods to help the body maximize it's natural defense systems. See, there are organs in the body that work to naturally rid the body of unwanted toxins. So, what is detox, anyway? The best way to approach that question, really, is to see your healthcare provider for guidance on what would be best for your body's system. All to often, people will believe in shortcuts, when most of the time, it is not that simple. Some juice detox plans and systems may help people feel better, but science has not really proven that all of the juice detoxification diets do anything significant in detoxifying the body or cleansing toxins.

There are many different natural supplements that are on the market and tout their abilities to help cleanse the body. Do they work or help? No one really knows for sure. There are many touted options provided by advocates of this technique of body cleansing and detox diets may help and may not. More troubling, is that when some of these detoxfication plans are administered without a trained health professional overseeing the process, it can cause complications.

Keep in mind that no one should enter into any type of detox program without first consulting with their healthcare provider.

Also see:
• Food with antioxidants  

Resources:
• www.webmd.com/diet/features/detox-diets-juice-up-your-health

Breathe Right Nasal Strips www.BreatheRight.com Review

The official website for Breathe Right nasal strips and snore relief products is at www.breatheright.com. The nasal strips, produced by GlaxoSmithKline, are nonprescription and drug-free strips that are adhered on top of the nose. These flexible strips, when applied correctly on the nose, should help to relieve snoring, breathing and nasal congestion problems.

Breathe Right nasal strips help to open the nasal passages to help you breath better immediately and on a continuous basis. As we all know snoring and nasal problems can cause you not to have a good night's sleep. These nasal strips helps snore and nose congestion sufferers to breath better and sleep better.

On GlaxoSmithKline's product website at www.breatheright.com, you can learn all about how the nasal strip works to help you breath and sleep better. Also learn how it helps with nasal and congestion problems from colds and allergies. The manufacturer also states that it may help those persons who suffer from a deviated septum, (bend in the cartilage in the nostrils), to breath easier, sleep better and get relief from snore problems.

The breathing and nasal strip device is nonprescription and is available over the counter for use by persons over the age of five years, with sleep, snore, nose congestion and breathing problems. Some of the different products the company provides or the Breath Right Advanced, Extra, Clear, Mentholated and Original Tan. The company also provides a way for interested persons to get Breathe Right free samples, to try out the product. If you suffer from these conditions and breathing issues and would like to breath easier, sleep better or stop snoring, see their website for complete information.

Also see:
• Snoring causes  
• Sleep disorders  
• Juice detox information

Resources:
• How Breathe Right nasal strips work: www.breatheright.com/how_br_works/    
• Free sample: www.breatheright.com/freesample.promo        
• Website:  www.breatheright.com

Florida Healthy Kids www.HealthyKids.org Review

The Florida Healthy Kids program is government funded and offers health insurance options for kids and children that are age 5 through 18 years old. The official website is at www.healthykids.org. Their mission is to provide kids access to affordable quality health insurance. The program is designed for families that are not qualified or eligible for Medicaid benefits.

At www.healthykids.org, interested families can find out the all of the information to determine if the government funded program is something that will benefit their situation. The website states that most of the eligible families that are on the Florida Healthy Kids program pay on average $15 to $20 per month. Some of the health and medical items that the program covers includes the children's doctor visits, emergency care, hospital stays, immunizations, dental care and more. There are also options for families to get affordable full-pay coverage if they do not qualify for the subsidized kids health insurance coverage.

If you already have a 'My Account', there are options for you to pay online. The website page where registered users can login and sign in to review account information and to pay your bill online is at www.healthykids.org/account/.

Visit www.HealthyKids.org to get answers to your questions, to learn more about what the Florida Healthy Kids health insurance program is all about, and to get login access to your 'My Account' so you can pay online.

Also see:
• Food with antioxidants    

Sleep Disorders - Common Types

If you have problems falling and staying asleep, or you wake up each day and still feel tired and fatigued, you may have a sleeping problem. There are several types of common sleep disorders. Read this list of sleeping problems.

A sleep disorder is a type of medical condition that interferes with restful sleep. Some disorders can be simple and some can lead to other serious health conditions. A disruption to a good night's sleep can be caused by many different factors. Only your doctor or healthcare professional can determine your health condition. See your doctor for information and a complete list of these conditions.

List of Common Sleep Disorders:

• Restless legs syndrome (RLS)
• Snoring (See snoring causes)
• Sleep Apnea
• Insomnia
• Hypopnea syndrome
• Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD)
• Somniphobia
• REM behavior disorder (RBD) 'rapid eye movement'
• Parasomnias
• Narcolepsy
• Bruxism
• Sleep paralysis
• Delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS)
• Nocturia
• Sleepwalking
• Cataplexy
• Night terror

Video: Some sleep disorders, of which there are about 80 different types, may cause health conditions. The National Sleep Foundation estimates that over 40 million Americans have sleep disorder issues.



This is a summary and not a complete list of the different types of sleeping problems, conditions or disorders that may exist. See your healthcare provider for a complete list of types, causes and symptoms.

Also see:
• Breathe Right nasal strips www.breatheright.com  
• Snoring causes    
• List of breathing diseases  

Resources:
• Sleep disorders: www.medicinenet.com/sleep/focus.htm    
• www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/sleepdisorders.html    

Snoring Causes

If you have ever been near someone that was snoring, then you know how annoying it can be. The causes of snoring can be varied depending upon several factors. The factors and variables that can lead to snoring include things such as structure or shape of one's mouth and jawline, the structure of the sinuses, body weight, allergies, stuffiness and alchohol use.
When someone snores near you, all you want to do is to get them to stop. As you are sleeping, the flow of air to the lungs can make certain body tissues in your airways to vibrate, which in turn causes the sound. The usual causes of this are some type of blockage in the airways. It could be an obstruction or narrowing of the airways through the mouth, nose or throat. In addition to certain tissues vibrating, the tonsils may also vibrate and cause snoring.

Research studies estimate that approximately 30% of women and 45% of men will snore regularly. Most all people will snore at some point in their lives. The unpleasant sounds can also be caused by tissues in the nasal passages that are enlarged. Blocked nasal passages can be a sign or symptom caused by upper respiratory infections. People with extreme snoring may also be suffering from sleep apnea.

The video describes some of the factors that can cause snoring symptoms.



Also see:
• Sleep disorders - list of common types
• Breathe Right nasal strips www.breatheright.com review        

Resources:
• Snoring causes: www.mayoclinic.com/health/snoring/DS00297/DSECTION=causes    
• Snoring symptoms, causes and treatment: www.medicinenet.com/snoring/article.htm

Causes of Gout

First off, what is gout? It is a painful condition that develops and caused when uric acid settles into soft tissues and/or the joints in the body. Uric acid is a waste product that when deposited into the body, are as uric acid crystals. These crystals become lodged and then can cause a condition called inflammatory arthritis. This can then cause redness, pain, stiffness in the joints and swelling.

It is estimated that over six million adults have signs and symptoms of gout at some point in their lives. Middle aged men are more at risk and more likely to develop gout than are women. Also, persons who have been through an organ transplant are more at risk.

What Causes Gout?

Hyperuricemia, (high level of uric acid in the blood), is a root cause and reason that signs and symptoms of gout may develop. There are several different contributing risk factors that can be causes of gout, also called podagra. The reasons that this arthritic and swelling condition can develop include factors such as diet, alcohol consumption, weight, genetics, gender, age, medications and other health issues.

Stages of Gout:
1. Asymptomatic hyperuricemia - elevated levels of uric acid in the blood,
2. Acute gout, gouty arthritis - the hyperuricemia causes uric acid crystal deposits in joints and leads to quick development of joint swelling and intense pain,
3. Interval or Intercritical gout - period of time between gouty arthritis attacks with no symptoms
4. Chronic tophaceous gout - worst stage of symptoms and comes about over an extended period of time. Once the condition reaches this stage, it could have caused long-term damage to joints.

This is a brief overview of the causes of this medical condition, with many other factors and concerns that can come into play. The information on this page is not a substitute for professional medical help. See your doctor or healthcare professional for complete information on this uric acid condition.

Also see:
• Uloric febuxostat gout drug review
• Juice detox information   

Resources:
• Q&A about Gout: www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Gout/default.asp
• en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gout    

Boniva Side Effects

It is important to remember that all drugs may cause certain reactions. Boniva can also cause side effects in some patients. Boniva, or ibandronate sodium, is manufactured by Roche Therapeutics Inc and Genentech. It is approved by the FDA as a once-monthly oral treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis symptoms in women. The one tablet per month treatment must be prescribed by your doctor.

It has been estimated that as many as 44 million Americans that are over the age of 50 years old are affected with or at risk of developing osteoporosis. Once-monthly Boniva may help to keep people from developing this bone disease and condition, and also may help with the symptoms of those who have postmenapausal osteoporosis. Basically, osteoporosis is a bone disease that can cause a person's bones to become weak and brittle. It can also be the cause of low bone mass. The bone disease can cause a lot of pain and discomfort.

Boniva  Side Effects:

All drugs and medications have the potential to cause interactions, but does not mean that all people will develop any side effects. While not a complete list, some of the common side effects of this once-monthly table tablet medication can cause include the following list of adverse effects.

Common reactions:
• headache
• heartburn
• pain in the arms and legs
• diarrhea
• tiredness
• dizziness
• nausea
• muscle aches

Some potential severe Boniva side effects:
• severe allergic reactions
• facial swelling
• eye pain
• chest tightness
• severe bone pain
• severe stomach pain

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these or other severe side effects. Discuss all risks, concerns and potential reactions with your physician before taking Boniva.

Review this bone disease and concerns with your doctor.

Prescription Savings and Coupon Offer:
• www.MyBoniva.com Free Boniva Offer Review  

Resources:
• www.boniva.com/about_boniva/side_effects.aspx    
• www.drugs.com/boniva_150.html    
• www.medicinenet.com/ibandronate/article.htm  

www.MyBoniva.com - Free Boniva Offer

If you are looking for help with your Boniva prescription, you can visit www.MyBoniva.com and become a member of the MyBoniva program. Members receive a one free month supply. Members also receive periodic newsletters with tips to help their postmenopausal osteoporosis treatment support. They also receive monthly reminders and exclusive promotional discounts and special coupon offers through out the year.

Boniva is a prescription medication treatment used to treat women with postmenopausal osteoporosis symptoms. This drug is manufactured by Genentech, which is a member of the Roche Group. This osteoporosis drug may be prescribed by your doctor to help prevent or to treat current symptoms. The drug helps to improve and increase a woman's bone mass density over time, with the goal to reduce the risk or chances of a bone fracture or spinal fracture. At their official medication website, you can also read and learn more about the symptoms that the drug treats and any side effects that it may cause in women. Discuss all of these issues, potential side effects and concerns with your doctor before taking the medication or treatment.

The program was developed to help support women and their concerns with this once-monthly treatment medication. You can join the program at www.myboniva.com. The one month free Boniva trial offer will help many people to better afford the medication. Another way to help some people save money at their local pharmacy is with a free prescription savings card. While the discount pharmacy cards may not work for everyone, a lot of patients will be able to save cash on their prescriptions with pharmacy coupons. When signing up for Genentech's osteoporosis medication program, keep in mind there may be certain restrictions and eligibility requirements, so read about the program. More information is also available at their medical condition and medication website at www.Boniva.com.

• Boniva Side Effects       

Low Testosterone

Do you know if you have low testosterone? If you do, is it affecting your health?

Low testosterone is a normal condition that many men will face with differing degrees and levels of testosterone drop. Testosterone is a steroidal hormone that is present in both men and women, although a minimum amount for females. The steroid hormone testosterone performs two key functions in the body. First it is necessary for the formation and maintainence of the male sex organs. It also provides for other characteristics such as hair growth and voice levels.

Second, due to its androgenic steroid relation, it helps to facilitate muscle growth and bone development. While testosterone levels are present in both males and females, the average male will have up to ten times the amount of testosterone levels as the average female. Testosterone levels can affect the entire body and many different tissue groups and organs. Low levels and high levels can also affect mood swings and aggression.

Low Testosterone Levels in Men

What is low testosterone? It is when, on average, a male has less than 300 nanograms per deciliter of blood. Why does it drop? The aging process is natural, so is having your levels drop. As we age the natural level of this anabolic steroid drops in our bodies and affects our mood swings, sex drive, energy levels, and general outlook on life. Some doctors' estimates put the loss at 1% to 2% percent each year after age 40. If you think your levels are low or lower than they should be, it may be a good idea to your doctor or physician in order to assess your symptoms and test your actual levels. Your doctor can discuss replacement options and treatments if they are necessary.

Some types of replacement therapies can include a daily skin gel or patch to help supplement or replace the natural drop of this steroid in our bodies.

Resources:
• low testosterone symptoms, health effects and testosterone replacement
men.webmd.com/features/low-testosterone-explained-how-do-you-know-when-levels-are-too-low
• en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Testosterone        

FDA - US Food and Drug Administration

Some people may want to know what the FDA does to help patients and consumers. The FDA, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, has taken the charge to have programs and systems in place that will effectively protect the public health. The FDA is in place to ensure the safety and security of drugs and medicines for both human and animal consumption. The FDA oversees the efficacy of human and veterinary medicines, drugs, medical devices, our food supply, biological products, products that emit radiation and cosmetics.
One of the main ways that they accomplish this task is by making sure that our food supply is secure, sanitary and safe to eat. Also, to ensure that the medicines we take are also safe to take. Understand that no medications, drugs, or medical devices should be used without recommendation or prescription from your physician. The FDA is actually a division in the Department of Health and Human Services. There are various office locations across the United States.

To Contact the FDA:  
1-888-INFO-FDA  ( 1-888-463-6332 )
Emergency Operations numbers are: 301-796-8240 or 1-866-300-4374

U.S. Food and Drug Administration
10903 New Hampshire Ave
Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002

FDA Centers and Offices:  
• www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/CentersOffices/default.htm    

What the FDA Regulates:

Some of the items that the FDA U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulates to maintain public safety include the following:

• Biologics
• Cosmetics
• Drugs
• Foods
• Medical Devices
• Radiation-Emitting Electronic Products
• Veterinary Products

Also see some key areas of the FDA website that may be of interest to consumers.
• Drug Safety - Drug Alerts and Statements  
www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm215175.htm    

• Information by Drug Class  
www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/InformationbyDrugClass/default.htm      

• Drug Safety and Availability - Medication Guides
 www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/UCM085729    

The government website has a ton of information to help you better understand about health and drug safety.

Also see:
• COPD support groups information  

Health Topics for the Average Person

Hello,
This HealthTopica blog is devoted to providing concise pieces of information on various health and medical related topics that may be of interest to the average person. This blog does not give health or medical advice, rather will attempt to bring information from authority sources on a wide range of health and fitness topics.


• Causes of Gout  

• Snoring causes  

• Sleep disorders
• List of breathing diseases    

• Juice detox information
• Breathe Right nasal strips  
• Low testosterone  
• Food with antioxidants

How To:
• How to treat a wasp sting    

Savings:
• Simple Savings Card review
• www.PPARx.org prescription assistance program    
• www.MyBoniva.com Free Boniva Offer    
• Florida Healthy Kids www.healthykids.org      

Medication Coupons:
• Spiriva coupons    

Side Effects:
• Boniva side effects 

COPD:
• COPD support groups information  

Resources for Healthy Eating and Exercise

Enjoy the benefits of a healthy weight

The National Institutes of Health encourage you to maintain a healthy weight so you can enjoy the benefits of  feeling good about yourself, having more energy to enjoy life, and a lowered risk for developing serious health problems.  It is important to assess your body fat, learn about the healthy foods you should eat, and find fun ways to increase your activity level:

• Calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI )

          Assess your weight & health with these key measures:

          * BMI
          * Waist circumference
          * Risk factors for Diseases and Conditions Associated with Obesity

• Be Active Your Way:  The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans describe the major research findings about the health benefits of physical activity:

         * Regular physical activity reduces the risk of many adverse health outcomes.
         * Some physical activity is better than none.
         * Benefits occur as the amount of physical activity increases through higher intensity, greater frequency, 

            and/or longer duration.
         * Most health benefits occur with at least 2 1/2 hours/week of moderate-intensity physical activity

        * Episodes of activity that are at least 10 minutes long count toward meeting the guidelines.
         * Both aerobic (endurance) and muscle-strengthening (resistance) physical activity are beneficial.
         * Health benefits of physical activity occur for children through older adults in every studied racial and 

            ethnic group.
        *  Health benefits of physical activity are attainable for people with disabilities.
         * The benefits of physical activity outweigh the risks of injury and heart attack.

• Track Your Food and Exercise with MyPyramid Tracker, an online dietary and physical activity assessment tool that provides information on your diet quality and physical activity status.  You can also find links to:

         * Nutrient information

         * Physical Activity Information

         * Calorie/Energy balance

It's important to make lifestyle changes with a focus on reducing calories from food and beverages, a healthy eating plan, and portion control. You will find information on how to eat right with menus, recipes, and food exchange lists to help get you started.

Click here for more resources on food, nutrition and fitness from USA.gov.

Oil Spill Off the Coast of Florida

Most of us are familiar with the oil spill off the coast of Louisiana.  There's now a web site to track the spill's dimensions.   Developed by NOAA with the EPA, U.S. Coast Guard, and the Department of Interior, the site, http://www.geoplatform.gov/gulfresponse/,  offers you a “one-stop shop” for spill response information.  The site integrates the latest data the federal responders have about the oil spill’s trajectory with fishery area closures, wildlife data and place-based Gulf Coast resources — such as pinpointed locations of oiled shoreline and current positions of deployed research ships — into one customizable interactive map.

The Center for Disease Control also has a page dedicated to the potential effects of the oil spill should it appear on your local coast line, here. The CDC mentions four possible categories that you may be exposed to hazardous substances related to the spill:

• Air
• Water
• Food
• Dispersants