Flu, fever in pregnancy tied to autism risk - study

Flu, fever in pregnancy tied to autism risk - study

WASHINGTON,   (AFP) - Women who had the flu or ran a fever for more than a week during their pregnancy face a greater risk of having a child with an autism spectrum disorder, Danish researchers said Monday.

The study was based on a survey of mothers of nearly 97,000 children aged eight to 14 and born between 1997 and 2003 in Denmark. Only one percent (976) of the children were diagnosed with autism.

Researchers said that mild and common respiratory, sinus, urinary tract or genital infections, as well as feverish episodes or use of antibiotics in mothers during pregnancy were not a strong risk factor for autism.

But children whose mothers reported experiencing a bout of influenza during pregnancy had twice the risk of being diagnosed with autism, while those whose mothers had a fever lasting more than seven days before gestational week 32 were three times more likely to be diagnosed with the disorder.
    

Pregnant women have a weakened immune system during the nine months of gestation.

The study, published in the US journal Pediatrics, also noted a small increase in the risk of autism after the mother used different antibiotics during the pregnancy.

However, the researchers stressed that "we do not know whether the antibiotic treatment itself caused the observed association or whether the antibiotic use functioned as a proxy variable for an underlying disease."

They also stressed that the link between fever during pregnancy and autism could be a "coincidental finding," and required further study.

Given the link found between autism and fever or the flu during pregnancy, the study's authors recommended that pregnant women get a flu shot.

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Toxic cough syrup kills 13 in Pakistan: officials

 
Toxic cough syrup kills 13 in Pakistan: officials

LAHORE, Pakistan,   (AFP) - At least 13 people have died after drinking a toxic cough syrup in the Pakistani city of Lahore, forcing authorities to close pharmacies and a medicine factory, officials said Monday.

The deaths occurred in the low-income Shahdra Town neighbourhood between Friday and Sunday with the victims mostly drug addicts who took the syrup to get high, said local police station chief Atif Zulfiqar.

The scandal comes after around 100 heart patients died in January in Lahore, Pakistan's second largest city, after taking faulty medicine made locally.

"At least 13 people, mostly drug addicts, have died after taking the toxic syrup," Zulfiqar told AFP.

"Some of the victims were found dead in a graveyard where addicts used to take different kind of drugs," he said. Six others died in hospital.

Three pharmacies have been shut down and their owners arrested, he added.
    

The health adviser for Punjab province, Khawaja Salman Rafiq, said the syrup would be confiscated from all pharmacies.

He confirmed the deaths and said inspectors had shut down a drugs factory and sent samples to a laboratory for detailed analysis.

"Punjab chief minister Shahbaz Sharif has ordered an inquiry and a report will be submitted to him within 72 hours," Rafiq said.

Doctor Tahir Khalil at Lahore's main Mayo Hospital said 20 victims aged 15 to 45 had been admitted after drinking the syrup and most had a history of addiction.

"Six people died and six survived and were discharged after treatment. Eight others affected by cough syrup are getting treatment at the hospital. Two of the victims were in critical condition," Khalil told AFP.

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Juicing with Aloe Vera

All of us know the benefits of juicing at home and all the natural invigorating nutrient rich goodness that raw fruits and vegetables can bring to our bodies, but did you know that there is way to make juicing even healthier. By simple adding some fresh Aloe Vera Gel to your daily dose of fresh juice, you will find yourself bursting with energy all day long and feeling as if you just took some miraculous health tonic in the guise as some tasty morning treat. Making your own juice is as easy as going to a department and buying a decent juicer and supplementing it with aloe is as easy as going to your home and garden center and picking out a healthy Aloe Vera plant.

Aside from vitamins and minerals, raw fruits and vegetables are extremely rich in enzymes and phytonutrients that act as cleansing agents for your body helping to push toxins and other wastes out of your body. Juicing is a great way to quickly absorb beneficial nutrients of raw fruits and vegetables into the body especially if you suffer from nausea, poor appetite or other digestive issues. A juicing regimen has proven to be effective against a host of ailments including Liver, Heart, and Kidney disease, Obesity, Fibromyalgia, and even the common cold and flu. On top of all that, juicing will also simply make you feel better as your bloodstream assimilates the vital nutrients causing you to feel more vibrant and alert than any energy drink can accomplish. Adding the power of Aloe Vera Gel, turns your raw juice into a super healer and detoxifier. Aloe Vera has great alkalinizing properties that helps impede the growth of harmful bacteria and viruses in the body. It also has adaptogenic properties that help your elimination and detoxification organs work better.

How to Make Aloe Vera Gel

What you need to get started is a good juicer from a reputable department store, some fresh organic vegetable and an Aloe Vera plant in which you can use to harvest your own Aloe Vera Gel. Aloe Vera plants can be found in almost any Home and Garden Center. Since there are several varieties of this plant, it is important to make sure that the plant you are buying is the Aloe Barbadesis. To harvest the gel:  simply cut off one (or two) of the lancelets from the plant at the base near the stem and then peel off the outer layer of the thick green skin. Next, rinse the gel in order to remove any of the latex residue that has strong laxative effect on the body.  Blend the gel with a bit of citric acid powder to stabilize it and refrigerate it where it will keep for a few weeks.

Aloe Vera Juice Recipes

1: Super Duper Carrot

This is a super tasty sweet treat  that will have you feeling upbeat.

2 Carrots or a cup of baby carrots

2 Apples (preferably green)

1 Peeled Orange

Put the fruit through the Juicer then add one tablespoon of Aloe Vera Gel. Stir and then drink immediately

2: Tropical Elixir

This Pineapple Concoction will help eliminate pain and fight off the cold and flu.

2 Cups of Fresh Pineapple

1 Carrot

1 Green Apple

Juice the fruit and then add one tablespoon of Aloe Vera Gel. Drink immediately to fully benefit from the living nutrients of the juice.

3. Zippity Zipper

This tropical delight is both tasty and easy on the stomach.

A small chunk of fresh ginger

2 Carrots

2 Pears

One Half of a Papaya.

Juice the ingredients and then add 1 tablespoon of ginger. Drink immediately.

4. Beetroot pick me upper

Being rich and earthy, beetroot takes a little getting used to, but makes for a great energizing tonic that will have you zipping throughout the day.

A Piece of small beetroot (to taste)

2 Large carrots

1 Stalk of Celery

Juice the vegetables then add  one tablespoon of Aloe Vera Gel. Drink up.

5. Super Cranberry

Packed with Vitamin C, astringents, and antioxidants, fresh cranberries are little red powerhouses if you can manage to get your hands on them. It will help fight off the cold and flu and is the perfect tonic for your kidneys.

1 to 2 cups of cranberries

2 sweet apples to help counteract the tartness

Juice the berries and apples, add one tablespoon of aloe vera  gel and drink up.

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11 habits help you lose weight naturally

You may have not known to have a slower operation, not to pay too much to help lose weight naturally, you may want to try it?

Fitness, swimming, running is actually a good way to lose weight fast, but you may not know how it works with the slower, not to pay too much to help lose weight naturally, you may want to try it? The following 11 habits can be maintained if you will give you a good health.

1. Static Yoga

 

No matter what you're waiting in the front row. You can put two square feet parallel, hands clasped behind his back, tight shoulders, chest. The principle of using yoga moves to help stimulate the nervous system, full of energy. Hold for 10 to 20 seconds while slowly breathing out, breathing in slowly. This action can reduce 5 calories.

2. Chat

 

Today we often use e-mail, even in the same office, we still use e-mail, chat to chat makes us increasingly stagnant. Instead of that, run to say a few direct the message to colleagues verbally. If conditions up and down stairs to do it is also very encouraging. You can burn 100 calories.

3. Normal clothing is also effective

Wear jeans or khaki shirts and sports shoes with soft soles ... as long as wear comfortable clothing that will work better than tight clothes, dresses and shoes to work so help to burn more calories . Why? That's because you will go more, you can burn 25 calories.

4. Reduce the amount of milk or sugar to coffee

 

Reduce sugar, milk or cream 5g dilution (equivalent to 105 calories) can reduce 60 calories.

5. Eat plenty of cereals

Eat more whole grains instead of cakes can reduce 100 calories.

6. The first soup

Enjoy the first soup can reduce absorption of calories down twice. Besides farming also makes you feel fuller and eat less. This small action can reduce 100 calories.

7. Eating ice cream

To enjoy regular cream instead of chocolate ice cream. May reduce the absorption of 125 calories.

8. Reject large popcorn

 

When people prefer watching movies eating popcorn. A big bag small bag more than 45%. So if possible you should only buy a small tank, it is best not butter will help greatly reduce the absorption of calories.

9. Exercise hip　

Before bed, lying on the floor, his legs resting on the edge of a chair or bed. Slowly bend knees, lift hips off the ground. Hold this position for 5 seconds, relax and repeat 10-12 times. This could strengthen hamstring and core muscles help burn 10 calories.

10. Sexual activity

Sexual activity can consume 300 calories of all, is worth right?

11. Strengthening the balance　

When brushing teeth, or rather stood balance, you move on to the foot constantly, keeping each side about 30 seconds, when converted to type the rest is your mouth again converted. Exercises not only help balance the body core, but also very beneficial to the brain helps burn 10 calories.

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What Foods And Exercise Slow Down The Aging Process

Can you go on a day without eating anything? Some people claim they can, but very often not without consequences. Foods are important parts of our daily lives. They feed the cells of our body so all our organ systems can function normally. Foods, as well as exercise, are important factors in the aging process, too. They can either delay it or accelerate it.
So if your goal is to live a higher quality of life for a much longer period of time, here are some of the best food choices and exercise programs to help you get to your ultimate goal.
Foods That Slow Down The Aging Process
Berries. Berries, especially blackberries, strawberries and blueberries have high levels of flavonoids, one of the most powerful types of antioxidants which assist the body fight the health-damaging free radicals that cause cancer and premature aging, among others. These also help improve memory which tends to diminish as you progress in years.

Cruciferous vegetables. Eating cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, kale, cabbage, radish, watercress, turnip, and Brussels sprouts, gives you extra protection from toxins and other foreign objects that accelerate aging, weaken the immune system and cause a range of disease.

To benefit from their health benefits, you need to eat around 115 g of cruciferous vegetables of any kind every day and most preferably in their raw form.
Spinach. Spinach is another important vegetable to consume everyday. Spinach is rich in Vitamin K, which besides being essential in blood clotting, also helps reduce the impact of aging on bone density. There are also zeazanthin and lutein in spinach, nutrients that lower the risk of macular degeneration in aging individuals.
Tomatoes. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant which besides being responsible for the red color of fruits and vegetables, also protects the skin from sun damage and cancer. Eating tomatoes or drinking tomato juice every day will not only give your skin a pinkish glow but will help you stay young and healthy longer.
Dark Chocolate. Many consider chocolates as comfort foods without really understanding how is it that they feel a lot better after eating, say, a bar of dark chocolates. Well, dark chocolates have flavanol, a chemical naturally occurring in plant that relaxes the blood vessels, reduces stress, and lowers blood pressure.
Almonds. Almonds are rich in Vitamin E, also a powerful antioxidant that works to protect the muscles as well as the nervous system. Regular consumption of almonds can prevent problems with speed, balance, and coordination.
Avocado. Avocado is good for the heart as it has the good fat which helps to lower bad cholesterol levels. It also contains Vitamin E, so it’s great for the skin as well.
Curry Powder. The antioxidant curcumin in curry powder reduces the incidence of Alzheimer’s, a condition common to the aging population.
Watermelon. Watermelon, including the seeds, is very nutritious with Vitamins A, B, c, and E, plus selenium, zinc, and the good fats. All these nutrients come into play to protect the skin as well as the body from premature aging.
Water. Well, you probably do not think of water as food, but it is something that you consume or need to consume in great amounts everyday, anyway, so I decided to put it on the list just the same. Maybe the most people know about water is that it has hydrating properties which help to keep the skin supple, smooth, and young-looking, but more than that, water improves metabolism, cleanses the system, and flushes out toxins which make help to make one beautiful inside and out.

Types of Exercises That Slow Down The Aging Process

Cardio exercises. Walking, swimming, biking, dancing, doing aerobics exercises or some other forms of cardiovascular exercises, when done for a quarter of an hour to an hour 3 to 4 times a week, improve heart function which tends to diminish with age. If you are unable to do these exercises outdoors, you may consider investing on a few sets of exercise equipment to be able to workout at home.
Resistance exercises. Resistance exercises increase or regain lost bone density, improve strength and balance.
Exercises that relax the mind. Yoga and Pilates exercises can help slow down the aging process by creating a healthy balance among the systems of the body.

Sticking on a healthy dietary plan and exercise regimen is not an easy thing to do. There are many stumbling blocks along the way, and it is really easy to lose motivation when you do not have clear-cut goals of what you want to do with your life. And so before you begin attempting to slow down the aging process, make a list of what you want to achieve, how much you want to achieve, and how soon you expect to achieve it.

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Breastfeeding children 'cuts risk of obesity and diabetes in later life'

22 Dec,2011-Breastfeeding could help to prevent children developing diabetes and becoming obese later in life, scientists believe.
New research shows that breastfed babies follow a different growth pattern to those who drink formula milk, which is likely to have future health benefits.
Breast milk lowers levels of the growth hormone IGF-1 and insulin in the blood, which slows the rate of growth even after the child has started on solid foods. Slower weight gain is known to encourage healthier eating patterns.
By contrast, formula milk may increase the production of fat cells, which encourages weight gain throughout childhood.
The findings from LIFE – the Faculty of Life Sciences at Copenhagen University in Denmark – also suggest that the longer the period of breastfeeding, the lower a child’s weight at the age of 18 months.
The results come from analysis of a wider study of diet and wellbeing following 330 children at nine, 18 and 36 months. Anja Lykke Madsen, a member of the research team, said: ‘We can see that breastfeeding has a significant, measurable effect on the important growth regulators in the blood, IGF-I and insulin. The more times the child was breastfed, the lower the hormone levels.
‘This suggests that the child has a slightly lower risk of becoming overweight later in childhood.’ Research shows that breast milk protects babies against stomach bugs, chest infections, asthma, eczema, and allergies, and appears to bring general health advantages in later life.
'The longer the children were breastfed, the lower their weight at 18 months. It’s as simple as that'It can also reduce the risk of pre-menopausal breast and ovarian cancer and osteoporosis in the mother.
And breastfeeding can help new mothers to regain their shape, by burning an extra 500 calories a day. The Department of Health recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life.

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Tea bags are 'wonder drug' for the eyes

Overwork or live in hazardous environments is the cause of eye puffiness. One of the natural therapies are most effective use of the tea bag filter.

Tea contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, so will reduce the signs of strain on fragile skin, helps dispel the shade. Typically, eye puffiness is a sign of aging, when tissues and muscles around the eye began to wane. This fat will not work to support his eyes that put on the bottom, making the eyes become puffy. Also, you may encounter problems if not enough sleep sleep, sleep posture error , or by hormones, dietary salt. Women during pregnancy are also swelling the shade, but only briefly.Treatment of eye shadow is not too difficult, just you getting enough sleep, are knee high, reducing salt and increasing food take care of the skin around the eyes after a while it will be remarkably effective.Use the tea bag helps improve blood circulation so it is good for reducing eye puffiness. There are many different kinds of white tea, green, black. According to recent studies, the oolong tea and black tea contains higher levels of oxidation so well suited to your puffy eyes. In addition, the amount of tannin in tea also helps blood vessels, helps skin is tight, smooth. You can use two tea bags soaked in a cup of hot water, then in the refrigerator overnight. The next morning you can put tea bags on eyes for 10 minutes and relax. Tea bags will help reduce swelling and pain around the eyes, the eyes helps reduce swelling and even reduce the dark circles. According to the Vietnam Post Office

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Don't Drink Coffee after You're Eating

After lunch or a delicious dinner was more complete when the end with a cup of delicious coffee. However, researchers from the University of Guelph in Canada warns that drinking coffee after eating fatty foods can increase blood sugar levels up to two-fold.

Apparently, fat affects the body's ability to produce insulin and distribute it to the muscles that trigger blood sugar rises to the level of potentially dangerous.
"Finally we found that fatty and caffeinated coffee could damage the communication between the intestine and pancreas, which can cause we can not clean the sugar from the body easily," said study author, Marie-Soleil Beaudoin.
The research team found that those who drank two cups of caffeinated coffee drinks five hours after digesting fatty foods will find that his blood sugar levels 32 percent higher than those who do not eat fatty foods or beverages. In subsequent testing, showed that blood sugar levels increased by 65 percent compared to when the respondent does not digest fat and caffeinated coffee.
"We have known for years that people with type two diabetes risk should limit their caffeine intake. However, when limiting the intake of saturated fats found in red meat, processed meat, and fast food, and to select the non-caffeine coffee, it can improve glucose tolerance, "said Marie-Soleil.

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Alcohol Have More Dangerous Impact on Women

Alcoholic drinks long as it's synonymous with drink man but today more and more women who start addict on drinking alcohol. In fact, the excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages is bad for women. In addition to faster women get drunk, the doctors warned that diseases related to alcohol more quickly appear in women. According Dr.Marsha Morgan of University College London Medical School, the composition of water in abody of a woman less than men . In a man's body there were 65 percent water, while only 55 percent of women so that women are more easily drunk.

"Alcohol is absorbed into the blood and then carried by water into the cells. Well because the water in the female body a little more, then the blood alcohol concentrations higher even though they drank the same amount as men," said Morgan.
Although the hearts of the female organs are not sensitive to alcohol, but the concentration of alcohol in the body of the tall woman who will make women more rapid liver damage than men.
"If women and men whose weight is the same given the same amount of alcohol, blood alcohol levels three times higher than women," he said.

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Herbal Help for Acne

If you have acne you’ve probably tried all the over the counter products and maybe even the prescription products on the market. Perhaps they don’t work for you or they irritate your skin and dry it out. There are other options. Herbal treatments and nutritional supplements can also help with acne, either applied directly to the skin or taken orally.

Zinc supplements worked wonders for me. I take 50 milligrams a day, twice daily and it helps keep my skin clearer than any prescription I’ve ever tried. You can find Zinc at a grocery store or drug store in the aisle with vitamin and mineral supplements. At Wal-Mart it’s only $2.13 a bottle. You can also order from catalogs and online websites.

Herbs that work wonders at clearing up acne are: Echinacea taken orally and applied externally to the skin, Oregon grape root applied as a cream, tea tree oil applied to the skin, oregano and basil oil applied to the skin or taken orally.

Be careful using any new product because you may be sensitive to it and if you are using any prescriptions or other topical acne treatments you might have to watch out for reactions. Check with your dermatologist to make sure it is alright to use any herbal treatments with the medicine you are already using.
By Wenona Napolitano

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Healthy Eating Habits

With skimpy swimsuits and trips to the beach in mind, toning various body parts and dropping a few pounds in time for summer has become a priority for many. Coupled with regular cardiovascular exercise, healthy eating habits can severely impact one’s weight as well as one’s overall body image.

When it comes to shaping up and slimming down, several factors impact a person’s body and general healthiness. Different diets and eating routines work for different people. The following dos should put a positive spin on helping those who wish to revamp their eating habits in the hopes of transforming their bodies for the better.

Do eat well-balanced meals throughout the day, kick starting your metabolism with breakfast as often as possible.

Do eat several helpings of salad, fruits and vegetables throughout the day. Recommended amount is five servings of fruit and vegetables each day.

Do drink lots of water. Strive for at least eight glasses a day, but drink as much as you are able. Your body will eventually crave the water, which often makes you less hungry for snacks throughout the day while also flushing toxins from your body.

Do avoid eating simply because you are bored. Popping candy, cookies and other sweets into your mouth merely to pass the time is not conducive to modifying and maintaining a healthy body image.

Do sit down; enjoy your food and CHEW! Avoid scarfing down your lunch in the car as you drive. Rushing meals and trying to get too many other things done while eating may prevent the food from digesting properly. Take the time to enjoy a leisurely meal without constantly trying to do something else.

Do reduce your intake of sugars and fats if you find yourself eating junk food all day.

Do avoid grocery shopping on an empty stomach. Almost inevitably, those shopping with hunger pangs pushing them along may be apt to throw a few more goodies in the cart than if shopping after a meal.

Do eat when you are hungry. Try to substitute healthier snacks, like vegetable sticks, for salty or sweet snacks like chips and cookies.

Do eat foods that are high in fiber. This will help to keep the snacking urges from breaking through as often.

Do be realistic about your body image goals. Do not expect overnight results. Work to achieve your goals but do treat yourself every once in a while!

Do stop eating when you are full. Many people try to force themselves to clean their plates completely in order to be polite or to get their money’s worth.

Do exercise at least twice a week, whether by jogging, walking or doing a cardio workout. Combining healthier eating habits with cardiovascular exercise is a surefire way to lead a healthier life.

To improve your body image and the way you feel about yourself, monitor your snacking and do your best to follow a disciplined eating routine. Eat balanced meals, exercise and maintain a positive outlook and you’ll be well on your way to a healthier body, mind and soul.


By Kate M. D. Imperio

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