Why » Health

Why is the endocrine system important?

Hari — Sat, 05 May 2012 18:35:23 +0000

When people speak of the endocrine system, it simply refers to the body’s system involved in the secretion of hormones which perform a specific function or regulate the body. These secretions play a vital role in maintaining normal chemical levels and promote good health making the whole endocrine system an important part of the body.

The body is composed of several endocrine glands that secrete or form special hormones and substances that perform a vital and specific function. In the case of the anterior pituitary gland, it is responsible for producing enough growth hormones in the body. And from the term itself, these types of hormones play an important role in growth and development. Specifically, these hormones are involved in cell production. When the body undergoes growth and development, for example, it will need new cells for this purpose. And to provide the needed cells, the anterior pituitary gland will secrete growth hormones to start or stimulate cell production. With this particular gland healthy and functioning, a baby, for example, will eventually grow newer cells which are needed for the proper development of its body.

Other glands that are part of the endocrine system, meanwhile, may be involved in different bodily functions. The pineal gland secretes melatonin which helps the body have a regulated cycle of sleep. Without this particular hormone, for example, the body’s natural sleep cycle will not be normal. Other glands produce hormones for a variety of purposes like the stimulation of the ovulation process, regulation of the body’s oxygen and/or energy consumption, and bone construction among many other processes.

Without the proper functioning of the body’s endocrine system, there will be an imbalance of hormones and chemicals which may lead to serious medical conditions. As with other bodily systems, the endocrine system plays a very important part for the body’s health and development.

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Why is glucose important?

Hari — Tue, 01 May 2012 18:43:09 +0000

Glucose is a simple sugar that is considered to be the body’s main source of energy. The various cells in the body need glucose for their energy needs to perform their own functions. Being the body’s primary energy source, glucose is considered the most important carbohydrate.

Also known as dextrose, glucose can be found circulating in one’s bloodstream. Much of the body’s cellular activities depend on glucose for their energy requirements. What happens is that glucose, or the sugar from the food people eat, is metabolized to produce energy for various cellular functions such as reproduction, development, and growth. Without glucose in the bloodstream, these processes won’t be able to take place and will hinder the body from proper functioning. In order for the body to be at its optimum health, the right amount of glucose must be present in the blood.

With glucose as the main source of fuel for the body’s activities, its level in the bloodstream must be maintained just enough for proper cellular function. Levels below or above normal are considered unhealthy and should be avoided. Low glucose circulating in the bloodstream points to low sugar or carbohydrate consumption in terms of food. To address this concern, one must be able to reach the right amount of carbohydrates from his/her diet. Carbohydrate-rich foods include: rice, bread, pasta, and fruits. And in the case of excess glucose in the bloodstream, the person may be prone to acquire a condition called diabetes mellitus. This condition should be avoided as it may cause one’s health to deteriorate. Too much sugar in the blood may be due to too much sugar in one’s diet, so people should try to avoid eating large quantities of sugary foods like sweets. Instead, most doctors and dietitians recommend fiber-rich foods for those who have excess glucose in their bloodstream.

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Why do doctors say “stat”?

Hari — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 18:45:36 +0000

The word “stat” is often spoken by doctors as a means of telling someone that an action is to be done promptly or immediately. Instead of instructing somebody to perform a task “now” or “immediately,” doctors may say the action requires “stat surgery” or “stat treatment,” for example. And aside from being spoken, “stat” may also be used by doctors in filling out management or treatment orders and medical charts for patients. In its written form, the term “stat” may be used using small letters or capital letters. Some doctors capitalize the term “STAT” to put emphasis that the given order is for immediate attention and action.

“Stat” is said to be derived from “statim,” the Latin word for “immediately.” It has been used traditionally by doctors to use this term instead of the casual “now” or “rush,” for example. If there is anything that involves prompt action like a medical treatment or a procedure, for example, doctors may describe it as “stat.” The use of the word “stat” is not required in the medical community, but many doctors today use it.

Doctors have been known to use many medical terminologies for a variety of reasons. Some medical terms function as shortcuts or shortened abbreviations to common words. These shortened words or phrases play an important role in terms of giving quick and immediate care to patients. Like in the case of doctors who give orders on a patient’s chart, for example, they may opt to use shortened medical terms like “stat” to expedite the process of medical charting. Other medical terms are also used as some form of traditional word which is passed on from one generation to the next. Being able to talk, read, and understand medical jargon somewhat helps newbies in the medical field in terms of being accepted and feeling part of the medical team.

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Why do toxicology results take so long?

Hari — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 18:47:37 +0000

Toxicology deals with the study of poisons or toxic substances. These substances are examined in terms of their harmful effects, their nature, and possible detection. Tests in toxicology may involve those who are still alive and those who are already dead. Either way, test results are usually completed from a period of several days up to several months depending on the case involved. This is what frustrates people because results do not come out immediately. Instead, toxicology testing may take as long as several months to complete.

Toxicology done on live subjects is termed as clinical toxicology, and this usually involves some kind of drug testing. This kind of testing is commonly done for individuals involved in possible drug abuse. Clinical toxicology may also be carried out to find out the nature and effect of a poison on an individual. Forensic toxicology, meanwhile, involves a longer process involving dead people. The process of getting samples from a dead body is time consuming which explains why results aren’t available immediately.

Forensic toxicology testing may involve getting samples through the urine and blood of a dead person. There are also cases that tissue samples are removed from various parts of the body including major organs such as the brain, liver, and the kidneys. The process of testing involves multiple body parts, and so it will take time just to take samples from each part. These samples will also go through a series of lab tests and analysis which further prolongs the process.

Other people also point out that backlogs are common when talking about toxicology results. There aren’t that many experts in this particular field, and so only a few people are able to handle cases for toxicology testing. Delays may also result from the fact that some toxicology experts are summoned to legal courts to testify on specific cases. When these experts are in the courts, it simply means that their testing will also take the back seat leading to a further delay in producing the results. Toxicology is an important science that needs to be processed properly for accurate results no matter how long it takes.

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Why is tuna good for you?

Hari — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 20:02:21 +0000

When it comes to fish and seafood, tuna is a favorite around the world. It is loved by many not only because of its delectable taste but also because of its various health benefits. As many dietitians and health experts would advocate, tuna is one of many food items that is considered healthy and good for people.

Tuna is good for people’s health because it contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Fatty acids are known to be helpful substances for the body, and these can be acquired through food. As for tuna, its levels of omega-3 fatty acids are high enough for it to have a beneficial effect on the heart. These fatty acids are specifically helpful in maintaining good cholesterol levels. And, as the experts would say, good cholesterol levels will mean a healthier heart. These omega-3 fatty acids are also known to help reduce the incidence of blood coagulation and heart rhythm problems.

Those with hypertension are also said to benefit from tuna’s omega-3 fatty acid content. Blood pressure may be lowered by regular consumption of this food item making people healthier. Studies have shown that a person’s health is significantly better off if tuna consumption is combined with a healthy lifestyle. Aside from lowering blood pressure, other benefits of the omega-3 fatty acids from tuna are improved eye health in terms of protection against macular degeneration, improved mental function by preventing cognition problems, and even stress reduction. Again attributed to its omega-3 fatty acid content, hormones in the body are said to be stabilized leading to a healthier immune system. With these effects, one is said to achieve a better mood. Another great health value for eating tuna regularly is its possible connection to cancer prevention. Various cancers in many organs in the body may be prevented if the body has enough of the omega-3 fatty acids that tuna has. Because of all these health benefits, tuna is considered a good food choice.

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Why is birth control good?

Hari — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 18:51:40 +0000

Birth control involves different ways and methods of preventing a possible pregnancy. In a strict sense, the meeting of the male sperm cell and the female egg cell is prevented through a variety of ways like contraceptive pills, rhythm method, and surgical sterilization among many other ways.

On the surface, the most obvious benefit of any birth control method is the prevention of pregnancy which may be unwanted at times. Pregnancy is such a huge responsibility for both the male and female person involved, and so many couples want to have a choice in terms of committing to have a baby or not at a specific time in their lives. Through a chosen birth control method, couples can have sex without worrying too much about a possible pregnancy later. Although this issue remains controversial in various societies across the globe, many people would like to exercise their right to choose in terms of birth control.

But besides preventing unwanted pregnancies, some birth control methods are known to have other benefits. The most common birth control method is through the use of contraceptive pills, and these are known to help women who have serious stomach cramping or dysmenorrhea during their menstrual periods. It is said that symptoms of this condition are lessened or relieved by taking birth control pills. Those who have skin problems like acne are also said to benefit from contraceptive pills. Some ingredients of these pills are known effective treatments against skin problems resulting in healing acne and smoother skin. Pain from conditions like endometriosis, for example, is also alleviated by regular intake of birth control pills. Females who have excessive bleeding during their menstrual periods have also found relief through these birth control pills. With the contraceptive pills active in the body, there is improved control of the woman’s bleeding cycle leading to normal bleeding patterns. Birth control pills are a very effective method of preventing pregnancy for most women.

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Why is pineapple good for you?

Hari — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 20:05:29 +0000

Pineapple is one of many fruits that is very rich in vitamin C. Because of this content alone, health experts and dietitians worldwide consider pineapples as good for the body. Vitamin C is considered a wonder vitamin and a great antioxidant since it helps prevent various ailments in the body. When a person regularly gets vitamin C from pineapple, for example, he/she is said to have an improved immunity over the common cold and cough. It is said that even if a person already has a cold or a cough, a person can still benefit from having the vitamin C from pineapple. In its fresh fruit form or in a juice variant, one can still get lots of vitamin C from this healthy fruit.

And for those who have mucus and secretions, pineapple is also said to contain bromelain which is a good aid in terms of cough suppression and the loosening of mucus. This is especially good news for people who have sinusitis and sore throats. Bromelain is also known to be a good anti-inflammatory agent, and so people with some kinds of arthritis like gout are said to benefit from eating pineapple regularly.

Being a master anti-oxidant, the vitamin C in pineapples can help a person reach optimum health levels by means of protecting the body’s cells from the accumulation of free radicals. These free radicals are the ones responsible for making a person sick and unhealthy. And with lots of vitamin C in the bloodstream, the body is healthier and protected. Because of this kind of protection from vitamin C coming from pineapples, certain conditions like asthma attacks, atherosclerosis, and colon cancer may be prevented.

But in order for people to get the full benefits of eating pineapple, like in terms of aiding proper digestion, pineapples should be eaten between meals and without other food items.

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Why is vinegar good for you?

Hari — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 19:59:12 +0000

Vinegar can be obtained from so many food items and has been used for centuries for its mildly acidic flavor. Most households today have some form of vinegar in their kitchens and pantries as it is a popular option for food flavoring purposes. But aside from vinegar’s use in food preparation, many people also use it for its medicinal and/or health benefits.

In the past, vinegar has been reported across different cultures to have healing properties for some body ailments. And although many are just claims without scientific findings, people still believe some of vinegar’s health benefits. Like in the case of people who get a sunburn, the application of vinegar to a piece of tissue applied on the skin is said to give a cooling effect. For the sunburned skin, this basic remedy gives a soothing relief.

As a food item, some types of vinegar contain valuable vitamins that help in the overall health of the individual. Essential vitamins such as Vitamins A, B, C, and E are said to be found in vinegars made from apple cider. Some vinegar varieties also contain other nutrients like beta carotene, calcium, sodium, iron, magnesium, and potassium among others. These minerals are considered good for the body’s cellular functioning.

People who have problems with their cholesterol and body fat levels are said to benefit from vinegar consumption. Studies have shown in the past that vinegar is able to lower cholesterol levels in rat subjects. And with an improved cholesterol level in the body, other diseases may also be avoided like those involving the heart. People with diabetes can also benefit from vinegar in terms of its lowering the glycemic index of food items. This is very important in terms of maintaining healthy sugar levels in the bloodstream.

With all the associated benefits of vinegar, many people use it and have it in their homes. And since vinegar is obtained from plants and fruits, people usually consider it as good for the body.

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Why is wastewater treated?

Hari — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 20:09:00 +0000

The treatment of wastewater may be done for a variety of reasons. Although not many people are familiar with the process, all the water that people use up may not actually go to waste permanently. To be able to recycle or re-use wastewater, it must go through several stages of treatment. Some wastewater is treated so it will be safe for the environment when finally dumped into the rivers, for example. Other wastewater treatment plants are also able to re-convert wastewater back into potable and drinking water. Some wastewater may also be treated so it can be used as fertilizer later.

The process of wastewater treatment actually starts at homes, in offices, and other buildings. All water from sinks and toilets, for example, may go through a sewage system for treatment purposes. Basically, all the water that has been used up by a city, for example, is collected into a facility for it to undergo a cleanup process. The initial stages involve removing solids, oil, and other particles from the water. After this process is complete, the next step involves removal of dissolved substances in the water. At this stage, microorganisms that have settled in the water may also be removed. Afterwards, the final stages of cleaning are done, and this may be by chemical disinfection or other means.

Depending on the levels of processing, treated wastewater may be dumped safely into rivers and streams. Some is also good enough to help irrigation systems and as a water supply for golf courses. But aside from its various re-use and applications in a variety of industries, the treatment of wastewater is done to literally save water for future generations. There are actually many parts of the world that don’t have enough of a supply of potable water, and so it is an obvious and responsible choice for a city or country to implement wastewater treatment.

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Why is cinnamon hot?

Hari — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 20:53:43 +0000

Cinnamon is a spice that was identified a long time ago. The bark of this plant is taken and dried for further use. It is also made into a stick form which is called a quill. The cinnamon can also be ground into a powder form. The smell that is characteristic to the cinnamon originates from the essential oil that exists in the bark and leaves known as cinnamon aldehyde.

The cinnamon is a spice that is known to generate heat when it hits the nerve endings present in the taste buds. The nerve channels that help in sensing hot and cold temperatures are connected to the nerves. The actual increase in temperature is seen to be very little by the triggering from cinnamon. Apart from the cinnamon, the other triggers of the nerve endings to increase the temperature are capsaicin and piperine. These substances are found to be the cause of the burning sensation in the eyes as well as on the skin that is sensitive. The ground cinnamon is prepared from the bark of the cinnamon tree while the cinnamon oil is prepared from the leaves of the cinnamon plant. This oil is also utilized in aromatherapy. The cinnamon oil is that is golden yellow in color has a hot, aromatic taste.

The cinnamon oil is also obtained in a concentrated form from the tree bark as well. This oil cannot be consumed but can be used for aromatherapy. An overdose of this oil can destimulate the central nervous system. But treatment using this oil has to be done under the guidance and suggestion of a healthcare professional. The essential oil comprises about 0.5 per cent to 1 per cent in its composition. The oil smell is very characteristic to that of cinnamon. The cinnamon oil or powder is known to have a hot, aromatic taste. Fresh cinnamon oil and sticks will smell and taste hot. As the bark ages, it might taste pungent, and the scent produced by the compound present is called cinnamic aldehyde. Therefore, cinnamon is hot as it has a hot, aromatic taste and is a strong spice.

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