August 12, 2010

Risks of Ear Piercings

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: piercings — drwatson @ 4:34 pm

Piercings aren’t scarce; nearly 73% of women have had their ears pierced. Even simple ear piercings come with risks. When skin is punctured, infections are quite common. In order to avoid an infection you should always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your piercing.

Allergic reactions are another concern. You can be allergic to the type of metal the earring is made from, or you can be allergic to the cleaning solution. Usually, if people are allergic to anything ear-piercing related, they are allergic to nickel earrings. Stainless steel is the safest choice with the least amount of people allergic to it. After an ear piercing you shouldn’t swim for about a month. Chorine is used to keep bacteria out of pools, but both bacteria and chlorine affect piercings and can easily cause an infection. Natural bodies of water carry protozoa in them which can also cause an infection.

Scaring is also a risk that comes with piercings. Keloids are thick scars which are much more noticeable than the typical scar. The people who are at a highest risk for getting keloids are those with a dark skin complexion who had their ears pierced after turning 11 years old.

Cartilage piercings in the ear are much more painful, dangerous, and take longer to heal. The healing process can take between four months to a year. Quite often cartilage piercings end up in inflamed skin with swelling and a burning sensation.

Ear piercing guns are not recommended. I got my ears pierced at 7 with a piercing gun and I suffered a painful infection for 3 months. These guns work similarly to a staple or nail gun. Ear piercing guns are unsanitary and risky and it is recommended that you use the needle procedure rather than a piercing gun.

April 21, 2010

What is Celiac Disease?

Filed under: Celiac disease,gluten free diet,multivitamins,Uncategorized — drwatson @ 9:57 am


Celiac Disease involves damage to the digestive tract, specifically the small intestine. Damage to the small intestine results in a lack of absorption of nutrients from the food consumed. Celiac Disease has much more of an impact if it occurs in a child because children need these nutrients for growth and development. If your child is short for his age, not growing, and has not faced puberty when he/ she should have, they may be at risk of developing Celiac disease as because of a lack of nutrients that often causes these symptoms.

The inability of the small intestine to absorb nutrients is a result of the damaged Villi. Villi are hair like structures that line the inside of the small intestine. Villi increase the surface area of the small intestine so that more nutrients can be absorbed. These villi are damaged or even destroyed
when a person with Celiac Disease eats food containing gluten – a protein found in wheat.

In order for a person with Celiac Disease to stop damage to the small intestine, they have to establish and maintain a gluten free diet. A gluten free diet basically consists of foods that do not contain any wheat,barley, and rye. Even a tiny bit of contamination could cause damage. This diet does take a lot of getting used to because there is so much that one has to give up.

Unfortunately there is no real cure for Celiac disease. A gluten free diet for life is necessary. It may also help to take daily multivitamins.

March 18, 2010

Everything You Need to Know About Muscle Cramps

Filed under: conditioning,jogging,muscle cramps,quinine,running,stretch,stretching,Uncategorized — drwatson @ 10:07 am

Muscle cramps are extremely painful and unfortunately, they are also extremely common. It is estimated that almost everyone will experience a muscle cramp at some time on their life. So if you haven’t had one yet, don’t worry, because your time is likely coming.

A muscle cramp is an involuntary contraction of a group of muscles that can be extremely painful. Most muscle cramps occur in the legs, often in the quadriceps, hamstrings, calves or foot areas. The cause of muscle cramping is unknown; however, many medical professionals agree that muscle cramping is associated with electrolyte loss, dehydration, mineral deficiencies, muscle fatigue and/or poor conditioning habits. If you experience muscle cramps on a regular basis, you may want to look into each of these causes for a solution. Do you stretch before doing any physical activity? Do you take water with you to yoga class or on your morning jog? Although muscle cramps are generally associated with these causes, starting a new activity can also induce later muscle cramps, usually because your muscles aren’t used to moving in the way that you’ve asked them to.

If you’re having a muscle cramp, you’ll know it immediately. Whether a muscle cramp has awoken you in the middle of the night, or just happened as you stretched out your foot toward the television during your favorite soap; the sudden contraction of muscles will cause enough pain to draw your attention. Mild muscle cramps will often relax within a few seconds, however more severe muscle cramps can last up to fifteen minutes. To speed up the process of relaxing your muscles again, there are a few things that you can do. If your muscle cramp has occurred while you’re doing physical activity, take a break for a few minutes. Gently stretching and massaging the inflicted area will additionally help to ease the pain of the cramp and relax your contracted muscles. If the cramp occurs in a muscle that contracts and relaxes with a joint (i.e. your calf), putting your joint in a position that will stretch out the muscle will help to speed up your recovery time.

Muscle cramps can be prevented, and if you experience muscle cramps frequently, you should consider incorporating these tips into your lifestyle:

  • Exercise Good Conditioning Habits: When exercising, it’s important to warm up your muscles by using proper static and dynamic stretching methods to prevent muscle cramps.
  • Maintain Hydration: Make sure that you are hydrated before, during and after doing any physical activities.
  • Stretch: If you experience frequent muscle cramps during the night, stretching before bed may be the solution your body needs for a good night sleep.
  • Avoid Fatigue: You know your body’s limits better than anyone else does. If you think you’ve done too much, take a break.

Everyone experience muscle cramping at some point in their lives, however, if you experience severe muscle cramps on a regular basis, speak to your health-care provider as they may be able to provide you with a medication to prevent future muscle cramps.

March 5, 2010

BPA Exposure Links To Asthma in Children

Filed under: allergy asthma,asthma,asthma in children,Bisphenol A,BPA,safe plastics,safe water bottles,Uncategorized — drwatson @ 4:50 pm

The increasing rate of children with asthma may be attributed to exposure to BPA, or Bisphenol A, which is an industrial chemical used in making common household plastics. A recent study that was conducted in mice demonstrated that children are more likely to have had asthma if their mothers experienced exposure to BPA during pregnancy. The study compared the severity of allergic reactions within the mice whose mothers received BPA in their drinking water before, after and during pregnancy to those whose mothers did not.

These findings illustrate the importance of prenatal environments and create concern for those who plan to embark into parenthood as this chemical is primarily used in the manufacturing of CDs, DVDs, automobiles, food cans and reusable drink containers. Although in Canada BPA has been banned from use in baby bottles, you may wish to phase out the BPA products you use daily to a healthier alternative for your future children.

Ways to Reduce BPA exposure:

  • Eat Fresh or Frozen Foods – The BPA chemical is often used in the lining of food cans, and permeates into canned goods. Avoid the BPA involved with canned foods altogether by choosing a healthier choice of fresh or frozen fruit, vegetables and other foods.
  • Stay Away From Canned Pasta – The tomato sauce used in many canned pastas is highly acidic, and more likely to absorb more BPA from can linings. If you must buy canned pasta, choosing a brand that comes in a glass or cardboard container is the safest choice.
  • Don’t Heat Food in Plastic Containers – At high temperatures, certain plastics may break down and release BPA into your food. By simply heating your food in glass, porcelain or ceramic containers, you can avoid any possibilities of exposing yourself to BPA.
  • Water Bottles – In general, staying away from cheap plastic bottles is the way to go, so avoid buying flats of spring mineral water bottles. When choosing a personal water bottle, check to make sure that it doesn’t contain BPA, because BPA may be laced in the inner lining of different metal bottles.

Asthma is a serious condition which can have a large effect on your child’s everyday life, but can be managed through taking asthma medications. Reducing your exposure to BPA will not only improve your future children’s health, it can vastly improve your own quality of life as well.

February 27, 2010

5 Alternative Methods for Coping with Depression

Filed under: acupuncture,benefits of video games,coping with depression,depressed,Depression,Depression Medication,Uncategorized — drwatson @ 12:09 pm
Depression is primarily treated by a series of prescription antidepressant drugs, including Celexa, Bupropion and Zoloft. However, with these drugs come side effects, causing anything from slight inco-ordination to hallucinations. Because depression can be caused by several different factors, including lack of vitamins and minerals in the body and exercise habits, there are several other methods, apart from taking antidepressant medications that can help with coping with depression.

5 Alternative Methods for Coping with Depression:

  • Eat Healthy – Incorporating foods like brown rice, fish, whole grain oats and cabbage into your diet will improve depression symptoms. Fish, for example, contains omega 3 fatty acids, which are proven to help reduce symptoms of depression, while brown rice and whole grain oats contain folic acid, a crucial component in reducing the stress and anxiety associated with depression. Although cabbage exhibits an extremely distinguishing taste, it too contains folic acid as well as vitamin C, which will additionally help to reduce symptoms of depression and also reduces the risk of cancers, heart disease and infection.
  • Exercise – If you aren’t currently active, start slow with exercise, by setting simple exercise goals and finding an activity that you enjoy that promotes physical exercise. You can talk to your doctor about incorporating exercise into your treatment plan, in a way that fits into your personal lifestyle. Exercise is an important component in combating symptoms of depression because it not only provides a distraction from your worries, but also is clinically proven to increase your energy and self-esteem.
  • Dietary Supplements – If you can’t possibly stand the sight of fish or cabbage, or are unable to incorporate them into your lifestyle, taking dietary supplements of folic acid and or omega 3 fatty acids can help to treat any symptoms of depression. Be sure to talk to your doctor before including any dietary supplements into your treatment plan, as they may interfere with other medications.
  • Acupuncture – Acupuncture is a form of treatment that involves inserting needles into specific parts of the body to relieve pain or in this case, depression. A recent study demonstrated that acupuncture is an effect form of treating symptoms of depression, especially in pregnant women.
  • Video Games – It may seem a little hard to believe, but video games can be beneficial to one’s health. Video games that involve exercise, such as those played on the Nintendo Wii console, are clinically proven to decrease symptoms of depression.
Depression can be difficult to cope with, however, these methods all provide an alternative to taking medication for your depression, and may just be what you need to get back on track.

February 25, 2010

The High Carbohydrate Diet: What It Can Do For You and Your Cholesterol

Filed under: balanced diet,carbohydrates,cholesterol,high cholesterol,lose weight,lower cholesterol,Uncategorized — drwatson @ 4:44 pm

A recent study demonstrated that certain low-carbohydrate diets, while effective in weight loss, tend to raise cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is a naturally occurring component within both animal and human cells, and is essential for the human body’s production of vitamin D as well as various hormones. An excess of cholesterol in the blood will increase risks of heart attack, stroke and vascular conditions, making it imperative to find a dietary solution that will not only help you lose weight, but additionally keep cholesterol levels low.

The Dietary Solution – The High Carbohydrate Diet

  • Eat Lots of Fruits and Veggies – Adjusting to a high carbohydrate diet is easy; simply incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your meals. Fruits and Vegetables are high in vitamin and mineral content, and won’t have adverse affects on your cholesterol.
  • Eat Whole Grains – Switching to a whole grain bread or pasta will help to decrease both your weight and cholesterol levels, as the minerals and vitamins that are found in whole grain products are excellent sources of beneficial carbohydrates.

The key to losing weight with a high carbohydrate diet is differentiating between the good and bad sources of carbohydrates. Good carbohydrate sources will often be low in sugar and added fats, and includes most fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

Finding a method of weight loss that supports healthy cholesterol levels, may seem difficult, however, a few lifestyle changes can help you to not only becoming your desired weight, but also to lead a more healthy lifestyle. If you find that making dietary changes is not beneficial to your cholesterol levels, talk to your health care provider about other lifestyle changes or medications that might influence your cholesterol levels.

February 18, 2010

Links Between Accutane and Severe Skin Conditions

Filed under: Accutane,acne medication,birth defects,Depression,miscarraige,side effects,Stevens-Johnson syndrome,Uncategorized — drwatson @ 4:06 pm


Acne medication Accutane may be dangerous to some users. Although Accutane has been helping many people deal with severe acne problems, the medication has also been linked to a series of extreme skin reactions. These are rare, but they can result in hospitalization, disability, or death.

Officials are warning those using Accutane to discontinue their use if they experience a rash, often accompanied by a fever, malaise, or irritated eyes, blisters or sores on the legs, arms or face, sores in the mouth, throat, nose or eyes, or skin peeling. Contact your doctor immediately after you notice any of these signs.

Some that have reported severe side effects have experienced rather gruesome skin conditions. Stevens-Johnson syndrome has been caused by Accutane, which results in the outer layer of skin separating from the dermis.

This isn’t the first time Accutane has been criticized for its side effects. In the early 80′s, women were reported to be having miscarriages or having children with birth defects as a result of the medication. Additionally, the medication has also been linked to causing depression and suicide; however there is no completely proven link.

January 28, 2010

Ways to boost your Metabolism

Filed under: balanced diet,carbohydrates,diabetes,exercise,metabolic rate,metabolism,sleep,stress,sugars,Uncategorized,water — drwatson @ 2:16 pm


Your metabolism can help you burn more fat while you’re working out and will help you meet your weight loss goals. However, many people don’t understand that certain activities can help increase your body’s metabolic rate while others can actually hurt your metabolism.

Top Ways to Boost Your Metabolism

Exercise – Cardiovascular training is one of the most effective ways of increasing your metabolism. Make sure you incorporate weightlifting into your regular routine. Weightlifting will help build muscle which increases your body’s metabolic rate significantly more than fat.

Balanced diet – Eating a balanced diet is a great way to boost your metabolic rate and stay healthy. Food is also the fuel for your body. If you want to run like a top, high end vehicle, only put the best food in you.

Sleep – Sleep is just as important as exercising and maintaining a healthy diet. Your body uses sleep as a time to repair itself. Without proper sleep, your body won’t have the time to fix itself and your metabolism will suffer. 8 hours of sleep every night is recommended.

Things That Will Harm Your Metabolism

Not drinking enough water – Water is the most important thing that many of us forget to drink. These days it’s all about soft drinks and coffee (even I can’t resist the great taste of coffee). However, the sugars and caffeine in these drinks are not good for your body if you drink too much. On average we should be drinking 8-10 cups of water a day.

Aging – Aging is one thing none of us can really stop. Your metabolic rate will decrease naturally as you age starting around the 40′s.

Too many sugars and other simple or refined carbs – Eating too many refined sugars and carbohydrates can really do some damage to your metabolism. Along with doing major damage to your metabolic rate, too many sugars and carbs can lead to severe health problems like diabetes.

No exercise or inadequate recovery time – Try to make sure you can always get in some sort of exercise on a regular basis. Even using a resistance band in the kitchen while you’re waiting for dinner to finish cooking is better than sitting and watching television. However, make sure you don’t over train yourself. If you don’t take the time to rest and recover you can injure your body and you will actually decrease your exercising effectiveness due to the inability to train at the highest level possible.

Stress – Stress is the biggest factor that affects your metabolism. Stress can damage everything you have worked so hard to build up, from strong bones to muscle mass. Additionally stress also promotes many habits that are damaging to your metabolism, such as overeating.

January 14, 2010

A Simple Urine Test for Dangerous Snoring

Filed under: dangerous snoring,lack of sleep,sleep,sleep apnea,sleep deprivation,sleep disorder,Uncategorized — drwatson @ 5:52 pm

Approximately 12 percent of all children snore. In a recent study, 90 children who were previously referred to a clinic for assessment in their breathing problems during slumber were observed and tested. The children who were eventually diagnosed with dangerous snoring had increased amounts of specific proteins in their urine. Although the research team who conducted the study thinks it would be more accurate if the study were repeated, diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea may lead to a simple test.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea or OSA is caused by obstruction of the airway. Apnea literally means “without breath”, which is what happens during sleep, for those who suffer from the illness. Apneas are short occurrences during sleep when at least one breath is missed. This happens various times during the night. With OSA, the breathing is being blocked by a physical obstruction to the airflow. The sufferer of OSA rarely realizes they have any episodes of apnea, even when waking during an episode. Normally sleep apnea is discovered by others who witness the sufferer during episodes of apnea. OSA can lead to mental, cardiovascular, metabolic and behavioral problems in children. OSA is most common for children who are obese, or have larger than normal tonsils.

After the first night of the study, researchers collected a urine sample and used florescent dyes to distinguish and separate the proteins in the urine. Children who had OSA had 3 proteins with a higher concentration than children who did not have OSA. All the children diagnosed with OSA had a lower than usual level of another protein, kallikrien 1.

Although more research is needed to perfect the study, it is likely possible to develop a simple and reliable test (similar to a pregnancy test) to diagnose children with OSA.

January 13, 2010

Online Pharmacies Canada Has A New Look

Filed under: canadian online pharmacy prices,online pharmacies canada,Uncategorized — drwatson @ 5:40 pm

That’s right; Online Pharmacies Canada has undergone a significant remodel over the past few weeks, with several new changes to help you navigate our website better.

New Sections

From the homepage it is as easy to navigate throughout the website as possible.In anticipation of all of your regular questions, we have moved our Frequently Asked Questions section to the red banner (which also includes other important sectors) at the top of each page for accessibility. We’ve also added an account segment, designed to make your prescription drug orders simpler and more personal, which can be accessed through the gray buttons above the red banner on the right.

Finding Your Way Around

You can find all of our website sections located at the top of your page in the red banner for your convenience. Clicking on any of these sub sections will take you straight to its content, which is now in a format specially designed to be easily read. You may also note that our price check search shortcut is at the very top of each page, to promote straightforward access to our online medication database.

If you’re wondering where the list of most common prescription drugs went; it hasn’t disappeared, and can be found at the bottom of each page for easy reference. Also, like before, all customer service icons, including our shipping information, privacy statement, contact us form and site map, can be found at the bottom of every page.

Patience Please

We realize that this is a big change of reference for our website, and that there also may be a few errors, as with any momentous transfer of information from one format to another, items tend to get misplaced and reorganized. If you can’t find the information you’re looking for, please do not hesitate to use our contact us form and we will get back to you as soon as possible with clarification.

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Information provided on this website is for general purposes only. It is not intended to take the place of advice from your practitioner.

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