Saturday, April 23, 2011

Top Causes of Severe Hearing Loss

Ongoing Exposure to Noise on the Job

Long-term exposure to continuous loud noise can cause lasting hearing loss. A common culprit is workplace noise, like machinery. About 30 million Americans face hazardous levels of noise at work. Things like motorcycles and power tools also can damage hearing over time. If you can, avoid or take breaks from noisy activities. Wear earplugs or ear protectors that fit over the ear.

Injury or Pressure Changes

Severe head trauma can dislocate middle-ear bones or cause nerve damage, causing permanent hearing loss. Sudden changes in pressure -- from flying or scuba diving -- can lead to damage to the eardrum, middle ear, or inner ear and hearing loss. Eardrums usually heal in a few weeks. In serious cases of inner ear damage, you may need surgery. Sticking cotton swabs or other objects into your ear is a bad idea. Doing so can rupture your eardrum and cause permanent damage.


Medicine

Some medicines are known to cause hearing loss as a potential side effect. These include certain antibiotics and cancer drugs. Often hearing is monitored during these treatments. However, some hearing loss may be permanent. Regular use of aspirin, NSAIDs, and acetaminophen can increase the risk of hearing loss. But hearing-related side effects go away when you stop taking the medications in some cases.

Chronic Disease

Certain chronic diseases that are not directly related to the ear can cause hearing loss. Some cause harm by interrupting blood flow to the inner ear or the brain. These conditions include heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, also can be linked to some forms of hearing loss.

How You Hear -- Anatomy of the Ear

Sound waves enter your outer ear and travel through the ear canal. This causes the eardrum and tiny bones, called the hammer and anvil, in the middle ear to vibrate. Then vibrations travel to the fluid in the cochlea where microscopic hairs send nerve signals to the brain so sound is understood. If any of these parts are damaged or pathways are blocked, it can cause hearing loss.

Tumors and Growths

Noncancerous growths, including osteomas, exostoses, and benign polyps, can block the ear canal, causing hearing loss. In some cases, removing the growth can restore hearing. Acoustic neuroma (an inner ear tumor shown here), grows on the hearing and balance nerve in the inner ear. Balance issues, facial numbness, and tinnitus can also be a problem.Treatment can sometimes help preserve some hearing.

Explosive Noises

Nearly 17% of U.S. adults have some degree of hearing loss. Sometimes it is caused by very loud and sudden noises. Firecrackers, gunshots, or other explosions create powerful sound waves. These can rupture your eardrum or damage the inner ear. This is called acoustic trauma. The result can be immediate and may result in permanent damage and hearing loss.

Concerts, Loud Noises, and Tinnitus

Loud concert? Ringing in your ears afterward? That’s called tinnitus. The average decibel level at a rock show is 110, loud enough to cause permanent damage after just 15 minutes. Hearing damage can occur with extended exposure of any noise over 85 decibels. Other risky sounds include leaf blowers and chain saws. Normal conversation registers at 60. Tinnitus can last for hours, days, weeks, or permanently. To prevent hearing damage or loss, use earplugs and limit your exposure.

Headphones and Earbuds

Can others hear the music and lyrics you’re listening to through earphones? You may want to turn down the volume. Using headphones or earbuds can cause temporary or permanent hearing changes. The louder the volume and the longer listening time, the greater your risks may be. For safer listening, lower the volume and limit listening time.

Earwax Buildup

Earwax protects the ear canal against dirt and bacteria. But earwax can build up and harden. This blockage can affect your hearing. It also might give you an earache, or make you feel like your ear is clogged. Think you have an earwax blockage? Don’t try removing the wax with a cotton-tipped swab or by inserting anything else into your ear canal. A doctor can do it quickly and safely.

Childhood Illness

Many childhood illnesses can cause hearing loss. Ear infections can cause the middle ear to fill with fluid and cause hearing loss that usually clears when the infection and fluid are gone. Other infections may cause damage to the middle or inner ear and permanent hearing loss. Diseases known to affect hearing in children include chickenpox, encephalitis, influenza, measles, meningitis, and mumps. Vaccines can help protect your child from several of these diseases. Your pediatrician can explain which vaccines your child should get, and when.

Hearing Loss at Birth

Some children are born with hearing loss. This is called congenital hearing loss. Though congenital hearing loss often runs in families, it can occur with maternal diabetes or an infection when pregnant. Hearing loss can also develop if a newborn is premature or from other causes such as trauma during birth resulting in the infant not getting enough oxygen. Neonatal jaundice may also be responsible for some cases of neonatal hearing loss.

Age

Your hearing weakens as you grow older. This can happen even if you protect your ears all your life. Usually, age-related hearing loss is caused by the progressive loss of inner-ear hair cells. There’s no way to prevent this type of hearing loss. But there are many ways to help make up for your hearing loss to help you hear. Talk with an audiologist to see what may work best for you.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Is It a Heart Attack?

Tuesday, April 19, 2011 9:07 AM

By Donna V. Scaglione

It’s not easy to know whether you’re having a heart attack. So-called “movie heart attacks,” in which the pain seems severe and sudden leaving little doubt a person is being stricken, are not typical. According to the American Heart Association, most heart attacks move slowly, causing mild pain that can be puzzling to the patient.
Heart experts advise if you think you might be having a heart attack, don’t try and figure it out for yourself. Call 9-1-1. Time matters, they warn. For every minute a heart attack goes on, precious heart muscle dies because of a lack of blood and oxygen feeding it. Know the warning signs and act.

1. Chest pains
Chest pain is a common symptom for heart attack, and how it presents can vary. It’s been described as a heaviness, tightness, or a squeezing in the chest. It can linger for a few minutes, or come and go, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
"It may be a chest fullness that they don't recognize as pain," Dr. Gordon Tomaselli, chief of cardiology at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, tells AARP.org. "Sometimes it doesn't particularly hurt. It's an uncomfortable sensation."
You might also be hit with sweating or a cold sweat, coughing, a feeling of lightheadedness, and breathing difficulty or shortness of breath.

2. Swelling
Proper circulation throughout the body requires a healthy heart. When the heart isn’t working correctly, blood can’t carry the body waste’s products away and that can lead to swelling from fluid retention, explains Caring.com. This condition, called edema, usually begins in the feet, legs, and ankles and can be accompanied by pain from a lack of blood to the tissue. Always alert your doctor to any pain and swelling you experience.

3. Heartburn
Sometimes it can be difficult to discern whether the chest pain you’re experiencing is heartburn or you’re having a heart attack. Experts say that if you are prone to heartburn and you have pain after a big or spicy meal, taking an antacid and seeing if the pain fades might make sense. However, if you’ve never had such pain before and it’s especially intense and you’re sweating too, play it safe and call 9-1-1, AARP.org advises. The same goes for a panic attack. If the racing heart is familiar to you, then perhaps you’re having another panic attack. But if the sensation feels foreign, act on the assumption it’s your heart that is suffering.

4. How women’s symptoms differ
Many people might be surprised to hear that heart disease is the No. 1 killer of American women, surpassing cancer, writes Newsmax Health Contributor Dr. Chauncey Crandall in his Heart Health Report newsletter. While women experience many of the same classic heart attack symptoms men do such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and sweating, they are more likely to suffer from atypical ones that can be shrugged off as common health problems, he says. According to Crandall and the Cleveland Clinic, those include:
• Pain in the upper back, neck, and shoulder
• Jaw pain
• Burning sensation in the chest
• Anxiety or confusion
• Unusual fatigue lasting for several days
• Indigestion
• Nausea and vomiting

5. Call 9-1-1
If your heart attack symptoms worsen or get no better after five minutes, the American Heart Association recommends calling 9-1-1. Do this whether you’re convinced it’s a heart attack or not. This is the fastest way to get help because emergency medical services staff can begin treatment immediately, which is up to an hour sooner than if you’re driven by car to the hospital, according to the AHA. Also, patients suffering from chest pain who arrive via ambulance are more likely to receive attention faster at the hospital, the AHA says.

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Real Lession Learnt By The Son of a Rich man

One day a father of a very wealthy family took his son on a
trip to the country with the firm purpose of showing his son how
poor people can be.

They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would
be considered a very poor family. On their return from their
trip, the father asked his son, "How was the trip?"

"It was great, Dad."

"Did you see how poor people can be?" the father asked.

"Oh Yeah" said the son.

"So what did you learn from the trip?" asked the father proudly.

The son answered:

I saw that we have one dog and they had four.

We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden
and they have a creek that has no end.

We have imported lanterns in our garden
and they have the stars at night.

Our patio reaches to the front yard
and they have the whole horizon.

We have a small piece of land to live on
and they have fields that go beyond our sight.

We have servants who serve us, but they serve others.

We buy our food, but they grow theirs.

We have walls around our property to protect us,
they have friends to protect them."

With this the boy's father was speechless.

Then his son added,
"Thanks, Dad, for showing me how poor we are."

Too many times we forget what we have
and concentrate on what we don't have.

What is one's persons worthless object
is another's prize possession.

It is all based on one's perspective.

Makes you wonder what would happen if we all gave thanks for all
the bounty we have instead of worrying about wanting more.

Take joy in what you have and see the treasure in it.

~Author Unknown~

Saturday, April 16, 2011

PEARLS OF WISDOM

A day without laughter is a day wasted – Charlie Chaplin
Worrying does not take away tomorrow’s trouble. It takes away today’s peace.
Don’t be afraid of going slowly. Only be afraid of standing still.
If people scrutinize their own faults as they do with the faults of others, mankind will be freed of all evils.
A mind once stretched by a new idea never regains its original dimensions.
The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.
A country should be defended not by arms, but by ethical behavior.
To be successful, the first thing to do is – fall in love with your work.
Fear is negative response to a problem – Napoleon Hill.
Fulfillment calls for sympathy, intelligence, patience and hope
– Phillips Brooks.
But to him who tries and fails and dies, I give great honour and glory and tears – John miller.
Nothing great in the world has been accomplished without passion
– George W. Hegel.
Do not suppose opportunity will knock twice at your door
– Nicholas Chamfort.
For the fighter the fight itself is victory, for he takes delight in it alone – M.K. Gandhi.
No man reaches a high position without daring – Syrus.
Defeat is a school in which truth always grows strong
– Henry W. Beecher.
Only in grammar can you be more than perfect.
Prayer is not a “Spare wheel” that you pull out when in trouble, but it is a “Steering Wheel” that directs the right path throughout.
All things in life are temporary. If going well, enjoy it, they will not last forever. If going wrong, don’t worry, they can not last long either.
Without endeavour, without sacrifice there is no gain _ Henry O. Taylor.
Towering genius disdains a beaten path. It seeks regions hitherto unexplored.
We must admit the fact that our best intentions don’t always succeed.
Nothing is interesting if you are not interested - Helen Macinness.
The glorious fact is, we can always have a new beginning – Norman V. Peale.
Even if you are on the right track, you will get run over if you just sit there
- Will Rogers.
Courage and insight can, in the end , win confidence and power
– Irwing Dillard.
He who endures, conquers.
Man’s greatness is not in what he is, but in what he makes possible
- Sri Aurobindo.
Nothing is so exhausting as indecision and success is a journey, not a destination – Ben Sweetland.
Change your thoughts and you will change your world – Norman V. Peale.
Good management requires relevant and accurate information
– Terry Arthur.
Life reveals its secrets only to those who are ready to experience it
– Moriselle.
Be there a will, and wisdom finds a way – George Crabble.
He who seizes the right moment, is the right man – Goethe.
A human being is no time clock which once it is set, can not change
– William E. Hulme.

Friday, April 15, 2011

A to Z of stress management

Always take time for yourself, at least 30 minutes per day.

Be aware of your own stress meter: Know when to step back and cool down.

Concentrate on controlling your own situation, without controlling everybody else.

Daily exercise will burn off the stress chemicals.

Eat lots of fresh fruit, veggies, bread and water; give your body the best for it to perform at its best.

Forgive others, don't hold grudges and be tolerant -- not everyone is as capable as you.

Gain perspective on things, how important is the issue?

Hugs, kisses and laughter: Have fun and don't be afraid to share your feelings with others.

Identify stressors and plan to deal with them better next time.

Judge your own performance realistically; don't set goals out of your own reach.

Keep a positive attitude, your outlook will influence outcomes and the way others treat you.

Limit alcohol, drugs and other stimulants, they affect your perception and behavior.

Manage money well, seek advice and save at least 10 per cent of what you earn.

No is a word you need to learn to use without feeling guilty.

Outdoor activities by you, or with friends and family, can be a great way to relax.

Play your favorite music rather than watching television.

Quit smoking: It is stressing your body daily, not to mention killing you too.

Relationships: Nurture and enjoy them, learn to listen more and talk less.

Sleep well, with a firm mattress and a supportive pillow; doesn’t overheat you and allow plenty of ventilation.

Treat yourself once a week with a massage, dinner out, and the movies: Moderation is the key.

Understand things from the other person's point of view.

Verify information from the source before exploding.

Worry less; it really does not get things completed better or quicker.

Xpress: Make a regular retreat to your favorite space, make holidays part of your yearly plan and budget.

Yearly goal setting: Plan what you want to achieve based on your priorities in your career, relationships, etc.

Zest for life: Each day is a gift, smile and be thankful that you are a part of the bigger picture.

6 Foods That Control Cholesterol

For many of us, trying to keep our blood-cholesterol levels in check is a daily challenge. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, more than 65 million Americans struggle with high blood cholesterol, which puts them at risk of developing heart disease or having a heart attack.

While many people take medication to lower high cholesterol levels, eating particular foods certainly has a place in the effort. For example, a preliminary study presented at a recent medical conference showed evidence that eating an apple or two a day helps lower “bad” LDL cholesterol and levels of disease markers for artery health.

Experts believe that the apple’s pectin, a soluble fiber that inhibits cholesterol absorption, may account for the fruit’s heart-healthy benefits. So enjoy an apple and some of these other cholesterol-lowering foods.

1. OatmealLike apples, oatmeal also contains soluble fiber, that substance that reduces the absorption of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol into our bloodstream. The evidence for this is so strong that the Food and Drug Administration has given oatmeal “health claim” status for cholesterol management. According to MayoClinic.com, 5 to 10 grams or more a day of soluble fiber cuts total and LDL cholesterol. One-half cup of whole-grain oatmeal contains 4 grams of dietary fiber. For even more fiber, mix in bananas, dried cranberries, or raisins.

2. Pomegranate juice
Pomegranate juice contains a higher level of antioxidants than most fruit juices, and those compounds are believed to be heart healthy, playing a role in the reduction of LDL cholesterol, according to MayoClinic.com. While it’s not certain that drinking pomegranate juice actually lowers cholesterol, it could inhibit its buildup in arteries. Before drinking pomegranate juice regularly, check with your physician. It may interfere with certain medications, including those that lower cholesterol and high blood pressure, the website advises.

3. Avocado
Avocados have beta-sitosterol, a natural plant sterol. Plant sterols and stanols are LDL cholesterol-lowering substances contained in the cell membranes of fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, seeds, and grains. Like soluble fiber, they work by blocking the absorption of LDL cholesterol into the bloodstream.

Avocados also contain heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which also reduce levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood. The American Heart Association recommends that 25 to 35 percent of our daily calories come from fats, most of which should be monounsaturated and polyunsaturated, rather than saturated or trans fats. Olive oil is another good source of monounsaturated fat.

4. Spread for your breadFoods like orange juice, yogurt drinks, and buttery spreads are now fortified with plant sterols and stanols, those LDL cholesterol-lowering substances. Like oatmeal, they’ve been granted “health claim” status for managing cholesterol. Foods with added sterols and stanols help cut LDL cholesterol by more than 10 percent, reports MayoClinic.com. For that you need to consume at least 2 grams a day or the equivalent of two 8-ounce glasses of fortified orange juice.

And while these other foods contain them, health experts say getting them from whole foods is best.

5. Fish With Good Fat

Research has shown that omega-3 fatty acids found in certain types of fish reduce levels of triglycerides (a blood fat) and slow down the growth of plaque in artery walls, according to the American Heart Association. Omega-3 fatty acids also lower the risk of abnormal heartbeats, which can lead to sudden death.

The AHA recommends eating two servings of fish a week. Fish containing the most omega-3s are: salmon, mackerel, albacore tuna (fresh and canned), herring, sardines, halibut, and lake trout. Canola oil and ground flaxseed also contain omega-3s. For a heart-healthy Salmon with Cilantro Pesto recipe from the AHA,

6. Apricot-almond comboSnacking on dried apricots and raw almonds is a tasty way to stop LDL cholesterol from oxidizing and building up on artery walls, which occurs when LDL reacts to free radicals, according to ivillage.com. Researchers reporting in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry said the phytochemicals in almonds reduce LDL oxidation when they are combined with vitamins E and C, which are plentiful in apricots, says ivillage.com.

In addition to almonds, eating other nuts including walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, and peanuts help reduce your risk of heart disease. Eating 1.5 ounces a day — about a handful — offers benefit.

6 Foods That Control Cholesterol

For many of us, trying to keep our blood-cholesterol levels in check is a daily challenge. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, more than 65 million Americans struggle with high blood cholesterol, which puts them at risk of developing heart disease or having a heart attack.

While many people take medication to lower high cholesterol levels, eating particular foods certainly has a place in the effort. For example, a preliminary study presented at a recent medical conference showed evidence that eating an apple or two a day helps lower “bad” LDL cholesterol and levels of disease markers for artery health.

Experts believe that the apple’s pectin, a soluble fiber that inhibits cholesterol absorption, may account for the fruit’s heart-healthy benefits. So enjoy an apple and some of these other cholesterol-lowering foods.

1. OatmealLike apples, oatmeal also contains soluble fiber, that substance that reduces the absorption of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol into our bloodstream. The evidence for this is so strong that the Food and Drug Administration has given oatmeal “health claim” status for cholesterol management. According to MayoClinic.com, 5 to 10 grams or more a day of soluble fiber cuts total and LDL cholesterol. One-half cup of whole-grain oatmeal contains 4 grams of dietary fiber. For even more fiber, mix in bananas, dried cranberries, or raisins.

2. Pomegranate juice
Pomegranate juice contains a higher level of antioxidants than most fruit juices, and those compounds are believed to be heart healthy, playing a role in the reduction of LDL cholesterol, according to MayoClinic.com. While it’s not certain that drinking pomegranate juice actually lowers cholesterol, it could inhibit its buildup in arteries. Before drinking pomegranate juice regularly, check with your physician. It may interfere with certain medications, including those that lower cholesterol and high blood pressure, the website advises.

3. Avocado
Avocados have beta-sitosterol, a natural plant sterol. Plant sterols and stanols are LDL cholesterol-lowering substances contained in the cell membranes of fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, seeds, and grains. Like soluble fiber, they work by blocking the absorption of LDL cholesterol into the bloodstream.

Avocados also contain heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which also reduce levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood. The American Heart Association recommends that 25 to 35 percent of our daily calories come from fats, most of which should be monounsaturated and polyunsaturated, rather than saturated or trans fats. Olive oil is another good source of monounsaturated fat.

4. Spread for your breadFoods like orange juice, yogurt drinks, and buttery spreads are now fortified with plant sterols and stanols, those LDL cholesterol-lowering substances. Like oatmeal, they’ve been granted “health claim” status for managing cholesterol. Foods with added sterols and stanols help cut LDL cholesterol by more than 10 percent, reports MayoClinic.com. For that you need to consume at least 2 grams a day or the equivalent of two 8-ounce glasses of fortified orange juice.

And while these other foods contain them, health experts say getting them from whole foods is best.

5. Fish With Good Fat

Research has shown that omega-3 fatty acids found in certain types of fish reduce levels of triglycerides (a blood fat) and slow down the growth of plaque in artery walls, according to the American Heart Association. Omega-3 fatty acids also lower the risk of abnormal heartbeats, which can lead to sudden death.

The AHA recommends eating two servings of fish a week. Fish containing the most omega-3s are: salmon, mackerel, albacore tuna (fresh and canned), herring, sardines, halibut, and lake trout. Canola oil and ground flaxseed also contain omega-3s. For a heart-healthy Salmon with Cilantro Pesto recipe from the AHA,

6. Apricot-almond comboSnacking on dried apricots and raw almonds is a tasty way to stop LDL cholesterol from oxidizing and building up on artery walls, which occurs when LDL reacts to free radicals, according to ivillage.com. Researchers reporting in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry said the phytochemicals in almonds reduce LDL oxidation when they are combined with vitamins E and C, which are plentiful in apricots, says ivillage.com.

In addition to almonds, eating other nuts including walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, and peanuts help reduce your risk of heart disease. Eating 1.5 ounces a day — about a handful — offers benefit.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Great reading of Lay man's language 10 commandments!

Some has written these beautiful words. You must read & try to understand the deep meaning of it. You must follow in your life all the time -

1] Prayer is not a "spare wheel" that you pull out when in trouble, but it is a "Steering wheel" that directs the right path throughout.

2} So why is a car WINDSHIELD so large and the rear view mirror so small? Becuase our past is not important as our FUTURE. So look ahead and move on.

3] Friendship is like a BOOK. It takes few seconds to burn, but it takes year to write.

4] All things in life are temporary. If going well, enjoy it, they will not last forever. If going wrong, do not worry, they can't last long eithert.

5] Old friends are Gold! New friends are Diamond! If you get a diamond, do n't forget the Gold! Because to hold a diamond, you always need a base of Gold.

6] Often we loose hope and think this is the end, GOD smiles from above and says, " Relax, sweetheart, it is just a bend, not the End.

7] When God solves your problems, you have faith in His abilities, when God does not solve your problems, HE has faith in your abilities.

8] A blind person asked St. Anthony: "Can there be anything worse than loosing eye sight?" He replied : "Yes, loosing your vision".

9] When you prey for others, God listen to you and bless them and some times, when you are safe and happy, remember that some one has prayed for you.

10] WORRYING does not take away tomorrow's TROUBLES, it takes away today's PEACE.

If you really enjoy this, please pass to others. It may brighten someone's day. THANKS 2 ALMIGHTY.




Friday, April 1, 2011

FASCINATING FACTS

Your voice is as distinctive as your fingerprints. No one else in the world has the same voice as yours.

A fat person, as compared to a skinny person, has lesser chance for drowning since the fat cells have tiny pockets of air in them and can therefore help to keep the person afloat.

According to science of body language, if an individual shifts while talking, it means he disagrees or wants to change sides.

As many as 900 pencils can be made with the amount of carbon present in our body.

The nail on your middle finger grows fastest. Your thumb nail is the slowest to grow.

A yawn may be telling you that your body needs more oxygen.

Only one person in 2 billion will live to be 116 years or older.

We lose the equivalent of a pint or more of water every day just breathing.

The thyroid bone in your throat is the only bone in the body that is not attached to another bone.

Children of busmen tribe living in the central parts of South Africa can follow the track of their own mother’s feet without any confusion.

The skin is the largest organ of the body and weighs twice as much as the brain.

It is physically impossible to lick your elbow.