Your Window to a Healthy World

Are You Following the 10/90 Rule?

Today I’m going to let you in on my little 10/90 rule. If you’re doing the following 10 things, you’re already 90 per cent there. (And by there, I mean on the road to good health for many years to come.)

These are my 10 healthy things, but I’d argue that if you’re doing 10 healthy anythings, you can’t help but come out ahead of the pack. Way ahead!

10. Move Daily

I work out for 45-60 minutes nearly every day. Whether its beach sprints or resistance training, I never skip exercise. To me, the idea of avoiding exercise is like not brushing your teeth. Gross, huh? So is not exercising. The leaner and stronger you get, the better you feel – and the longer you’ll live.

9. Drink to Lighten Up

I’m not talking about beer here – although that’s certainly one way to lighten up. I mean liquids that literally purify and lighten you. Water is an obvious one, but I’m not that strict about it. (I swear, I’m really not that hard core. Although I readily admit to having a hard core.)

I’m also not opposed to caffeine. Coffee and tea are healthy and provide antioxidants. But whatever you do, just avoid the liquids that fatten, depress and numb you (soda, smoothies, juices, milkshakes, cocktails). Drink stuff that’s going to keep you light and refreshed.

8. Eat Green Stuff at Every Meal

I don’t care if it’s broccoli, salad, spinach, brussels sprouts or kale – if you’re eating something green at every single meal, you’re on the right track. Only about 1 in 4 Americans eat anything beside potatoes and ketchup on a daily basis, so if you commit to ruthlessly slaughtering plants as a way of life, you’re going to be healthier than just about everyone.

7. Hey, Meatasaurus: Choose Your Protein Wisely

Clean, lean…cruel? It’s up to you and your personal level of comfort. Everyone has to find their own fit when it comes to clean, lean, cruelty-free protein sources, but one thing that applies to everyone is this: avoid processed protein. The backbone of the American diet – bacon, pepperoni, sausage, ham, hamburger meat, deli meat – is also a very effective nail in the coffin. (Note: soy is also a processed protein.) This is by far one of the most important aspects of health. Processed meat and excellent health don’t go together. Ever.

6. Don’t Eat Processed Foods

I always say (along with every self-help guru) that doing what you’ve always done and expecting a different result is the definition of insanity. People waste their lives waiting to live. They hope to be healthy, they dream of better bodies, wish for greater health, itch for fulfillment. But they don’t make changes. Insanity!

5. Have Fun!

Yesterday I made a quick case for the need to party. It’s vitally important to good health. Go have fun! Cheerful people are healthier. Simply enjoying your life will cover a multitude of forgotten antioxidant smoothies and canceled appointments with the therapist.

4. Love Somebody (you)

Whether it’s a pet, your kids, your spouse, your best friend or your parents, make sure to foster loving, trusting relationships. At the end of your life, what’s more meaningful: knowing you shared love and made the most of life, or sitting around with a big pile of stuff? Take care of your body and your spirit so that you can really make the most of your relationships for years to come. That’s what life is all about, and it’s why we want health to begin with.

If you’re hurting yourself (not loving yourself) by being unhealthy in some way, how can you ever expect to experience love with anyone?

3. Find a Pillow You Can Drool On

I’m not really a big fan of the whole 8 hours of shut-eye rule. What’s more important is the quality of sleep. Invest in a bed and a pillow you look forward to crashing into every night. I’d rather spend 100 bucks on a great pillow than on a pair of jeans!

2. Be the Boss: Let Things Go

You are in charge of your soul – no one else. How are you going to care for it? One of the most important things you can do to ensure longevity and good health is to trust yourself enough to let things go. (Sounds weird at first, but think about it.)

For one thing, studies actually show that moving on makes you live longer. But “moving on” isn’t about repressing emotions (unhealthy) or playing “tough guy” with yourself (denial). Bad things happen and it takes time to grieve them and work through all sorts of negative emotions. By all means, give yourself all the time you need. You’ll know when it’s time to let go (and don’t beat yourself up if you take longer than others). You’re the boss, after all!

1. Bad stuff happens. Rejoice!

What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger – was it Nietzsche who first said this? It’s really true. You all know that I am a big believer in reducing stress. Whether from the inflammatory free radicals in processed foods, the pollution and noise in our environment, or the fast-paced nature of our lives, stress is stress. Aging is essentially stress. That said, a little stress is actually good for you. Think of how we prune rosebushes and trees every year, only to see them grow back fuller and stronger. When you get pruned by life, realize that it’s an opportunity to grow. You’ll be stronger for it.

So there you have it. The “10/90” plan for a healthy long life. It’s not too hard, is it? Move around, eat green stuff, drink liquids, don’t eat processed stuff, have fun, love somebody (start on yourself), spend some quality time with your pillow, be your own boss, and be glad that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.

What do you think?

A vaccine that can train cancer patients' own bodies to seek out and destroy tumor cells has been developed by scientists.

The therapy, which targets a molecule found in 90 per cent of all cancers, could provide a universal injection that allows patients' immune systems to fight off common cancers including breast and prostate cancer.

Preliminary results from early clinical trials have shown the vaccine can trigger an immune response in patients and reduce levels of disease.

The scientists behind the vaccine now hope to conduct larger trials in patients to prove it can be effective against a range of different cancers.

They believe it could be used to combat small tumors if they are detected early enough or to help prevent the return and spread of disease in patients who have undergone other forms of treatment such as surgery.

Cancer cells usually evade patient's immune systems because they are not recognized as being a threat. While the immune system usually attacks foreign cells such as bacteria, tumors are formed of the patient's own cells that have malfunctioned.

Scientists have, however, found that a molecule called MUC1, which is found in high amounts on the surface of cancer cells, can be used to help the immune system detect tumors.

The new vaccine, developed by drug company Vaxil Biotheraputics along with researchers at Tel Aviv University, uses a small section of the molecule to prime the immune system so that it can identify and destroy cancer cells.

A statement from Vaxil Biotheraputics said: "ImMucin generated a robust and specific immune response in all patients which was observed after only 2-4 doses of the vaccine out of a maximum of 12 doses."

"In some of the patients, preliminary signs of clinical efficacy were observed."

The results are still to be formally published but if further trials prove to be successful the vaccine could be available within six years.

As a therapeutic vaccine it is designed to be given to patients who are already suffering from cancer to help their bodies fight off the disease rather than to prevent disease in the first place.

Cancer cells contain high levels of MUC1 as it is thought to be involved helping tumours grow. Healthy human cells also contain MUC1, but have levels that are too low to trigger the immune system after vaccination.

When a vaccinated patient's immune system encounters cancer cells, however, the far larger concentration of MUC1 causes it to attack and kill the tumor.

As MUC1 is found in 90 per cent of all cancers, the researchers believe it could be used to combat the growth and spread of a wide range of cancers.

In a safety trial at the Hadassah Medical Centre in Jerusalem, ten patients suffering from multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer, have now received the vaccine.

Seven of the patients have now finished the treatment and Vaxil reported that all of them had greater immunity against cancer cells compared to before they were given the vaccine.

Vaxil added that three patients are now free of detectable cancer following the treatment.

The findings support research published in the journal Vaccine, which showed the treatment induced "potent" immunity in mice and increased their survival from cancer.

Cancer charities have given the vaccine a cautious welcome, but warned further testing was needed before it could be approved for widespread use.

There are currently a number of other therapeutic vaccines against cancer being tested, but they have met with limited success.

Dr Kat Arney, science information manager at Cancer Research UK, said: "There are several groups around the world investigating treatments that target MUC1, as it's a very interesting target involved in several types of cancer.

"These are very early results that are yet to be fully published, so there's a lot more work to be done to prove that this particular vaccine is safe and effective in cancer patients."

Looking for a miracle diet food? It's time to call off the search — there's no such thing. "If you take in more calories than you expend, you gain weight," says David Katz, M.D., of the Yale Prevention Research Center in Derby, Connecticut. "It's simple biology, and no milkshake or mackerel can save you from that fate."
But before you throw in the towel, there are certain foods that promote satiety (the feeling of fullness that comes after a meal) more than others. While they're not miracle foods, they can help you eat less over the course of the day. "When you're looking for foods that are going to keep you fuller for longer, look for ones high in fiber, healthy fats and protein, or with a high water content," says Barbara Rolls, Ph.D., professor of nutrition at Penn State University and author of The Volumetrics Eating Plan. "The additional benefit is that a lot of these foods are also really good for you and packed with important nutrients, vitamins and minerals."

Apples

An apple a day may keep the fat pants away, too. This portable fruit is the perfect snack, with a high water content and both kinds of weight-busting fiber: soluble, which helps prevent blood sugar spikes that lead to cravings, and insoluble, which helps fill you up. "A medium apple is about 85 percent water with 5 grams of soluble fiber, making it a snacking powerhouse," says Elisa Zied, M.S., same calorie level. To sweeten the pot, apples also contain quercetin, a flavonoid shown to help fight certain cancers, reduce cholesterol damage and promote healthy lungs.

TIP: Organic apples are worth the extra cost because commercial apples retain more pesticide residue than fruits you peel, such as oranges or bananas. And with half the fiber and most of the iron, magnesium and vitamin C, you definitely want to eat that peel to get the full slimming benefits.

Eggs

They're a great source of protein, which may be key to keeping you full. A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that when people ate two eggs for breakfast, they took in more than 400 fewer calories over the next 24 hours than when they ate bagels. "The study proved our hypothesis that eating eggs induces higher satiety and keeps the subject fuller for longer," says lead researcher Nikhil V. Dhurandhar, Ph.D., from Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Although this was only a one-day study, eating eggs regularly may have long-term weight management benefits, says Dr. Dhurandhar.

TIP: For a healthier egg, farmers are improving the hen feed by adding canola oil, alfalfa, rice bran and even sea kelp. Try Eggland's Best eggs, which contain omega-3 fatty acids, along with more vitamin E and less saturated fat than regular eggs.

One study found that eating a breakfast of two eggs can leave you feeling full longer than a bagel.

Cauliflower

"When you are trying to lose weight, non-starchy vegetables such as cauliflower are one of the few foods that can be eaten in unlimited quantities," says Dr. Rolls. It's good for you, too. Cauliflower contains the cancer-fighting phytonutrient sulforaphane, as well as a good amount of folate and vitamin C, which may be helpful for weight loss. In fact, a review from Purdue University pointed to vitamin C status as a key factor in how much fat is burned during physical activity. All that and it's pretty tasty, too. (If you're not a cauliflower fan, try spinach or broccoli.)

TIP: Love the creamy consistency of mashed potatoes? Steam a head of cauliflower and mash it with garlic salt, a sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese and a touch of butter.

Lowfat Yogurt

If the yogurt ads are to be believed, you should be fitting into that itty-bitty bikini before you know it. While yogurt and other dairy products are not weight-loss magic bullets, there is some truth in advertising. A recent study at the University of Tennessee found that dieters eating three servings of yogurt daily lost twice as much weight as their non–dairy– eating counterparts on a 12-week weight-loss program. Why? "Calcium combined with other bioactive compounds found in dairy products slows down the process of making fat and increases fat burning, especially around the belly," says lead researcher Michael B. Zemel, M.D., a professor of nutrition and medicine at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. No word yet on how effective ice cream is at burning fat, but we're not holding our breath.

TIP: Sneak more dairy into your diet by adding plain yogurt to dips, sauces and salad dressings. You get the health benefits without the added sugar of flavored yogurts.

Oatmeal

Mom didn't know how right she was: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day — just eating it can make you slimmer. Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley analyzed a national six-year survey and found that people who ate breakfast had a lower body mass index (BMI) than people who skipped breakfast, and that those who ate cooked cereal had a lower BMI than any other breakfast-eating group. Also, oatmeal was ranked as the most satiating breakfast food on the Satiety Index, developed by Australian researchers a decade ago, and it's the third most satiating food overall. "Oatmeal helps you stay fuller longer, since it's packed with fiber and is a good source of protein," says Dr. Katz.

TIP: If you don't have time for cooked oatmeal every morning, make muesli by mixing old- fashioned oats with plain yogurt, dried fruit and fruit juice and leaving it in the fridge overnight.

Peanuts

Almonds and walnuts have been getting all the glory these days, but don't discredit peanuts, the most commonly eaten nut in America. Researchers at Purdue University found that peanut eaters end up eating less over the course of the whole day and are more likely to maintain weight, even if given as many peanuts as they want. So what is it about peanuts? Is it the protein? The fat? Turns out it's a little bit of everything. "We've tried to isolate different components of the nut to determine what makes it so filling,' says Richard Mattes, Ph.D., a nut researcher at Purdue. "But there is something special about the whole package."

TIP: Calories do count, so look for single-serving sizes at convenience stores and drugstores.

Soup

We all know soup is good food, but who knew it was slimming, too? A recent study published in the journal Obesity Research found that adding two 10-ounce servings of broth-based soup to a weight loss diet each day can almost double the amount of weight lost in a six-month period. Why? Adding water into a food makes it more filling than drinking water separately. "The water in soup adds volume to a meal and helps you feel fuller, without extra calories,' says Dr. Rolls, lead researcher on the study. "As a result, you take in fewer calories over the course of the day."

TIP: Add your own veggies or fiber-rich beans to broth-based canned soup to keep you full longer.

Fish

You might be surprised to learn that fish tops oatmeal and vegetables in the satiety department. The Australian Satiety Index ranks steamed white fish such as halibut or cod as the number-one most filling food out of 38 common foods. Also, a new study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden found that people ate 11 percent less at dinner after having fish for lunch versus those who ate a beef lunch. "This study demonstrated that a protein-rich lunch meal with fish protein reduced calorie intake compared with the same-calorie lunch meal of beef protein," says lead researcher Saeedah Borzoei, Ph.D. Why is it so filling? "We are still learning about the filling properties of fish, but we do know that fish has a strong flavor, which can lead to greater satiety and less of a need to eat," notes Dr. Katz.

TIP: To add some flavor to grilled fish, try a quick marinade of soy sauce, lime and ginger.

Bulgur

High-fiber grains are a great way to round out a meal, and fine-cut bulgur is easy to cook. Bulgur, which is a quick-cooking form of whole wheat, takes about 10 minutes or less to prepare once water is boiled and is a great substitute for white rice and pasta, which are low in fiber and heavily processed. "Fiber helps prolong the insulin response so you don't have the blood sugar spikes you have with low-fiber carbohydrates like white pasta or rice," says Dr. Katz. With all the good fiber comes some other benefits: iron and vitamins E and B6.

TIP: Find bulgur in health-food stores and organic markets. For a quick side dish, combine fine bulgur with chicken broth, diced canned tomatoes and some cooked onions.

Salad

When most people think of dieting, they think of salad. But if that means some sad greens topped with unripe tomatoes, it's no wonder diets don't work. "Salads are a great opportunity to add a lot of filling foods into your diet at one time: fresh vegetables, lean protein, beans and healthy fats," says Dr. Rolls. And research backs it up. A study from Penn State University found that women who ate a salad before a pasta lunch ate fewer calories for the whole meal than those just digging into the pasta.

TIP: Start your salad with mesclun, arugula or spinach. Not only are these greens tastier than iceberg, they also contain more iron, calcium, vitamin C and folate.

Wondering what you can do to nurture healthy, vibrant skin from the inside out? Tackle stress! Here are seven habits, which if you practice regularly can lead to great looking skin.

Then, watch every inch of you and especially your face start to look younger, less stressed, more alive. Each step chips away at the non-stop pressure and tension that can age you by six years or more.

1. Practice deep breathing

Shift your body's balance of oxygen versus carbon dioxide in favour of energizing, stress-squashing oxygen by doing slow, controlled breathing exercises.

How often? Aim for twice a day.

Why do it? When you focus on your breathing, you're not focusing on anything else. That mental shift helps remove stressors, bringing you to a deeper level of consciousness, a place where you can put things into perspective.

2. Get active

Release the repressed anxiety trapped inside you by putting your body in motion for 30 minutes or more.

How often? Do something, anything, every day, because exercise only tames stress for a maximum of 24 hours. So to reap the most benefits, you need to do it daily. If you prefer, tuck 10-minute pockets of activity into your day – at lunch, after dinner, right after you get up and the house is still quiet. Find ways to sneak fitness into your schedule.

Why do it? Staying active boosts circulation, which delivers more nutrients to cells and skin. It also increases lung capacity, so you can take in more oxygen; lifts your spirits and sense of wellbeing; and fights age-related diseases. And, for many, it's the ultimate stress reducer.

3. Beat the foods that beat you

Reduce the allure of sugary, fatty foods, which are as bad for your skin as they are for the rest of you, by eating more lean protein: fish, eggs, poultry, low-fat dairy foods, and even walnuts. Also, try to be more aware of what you reach for - and how much you consume - when you're stressed. Get some pointers on mindful eating.

How often? All day, but especially early on morning protein helps curb afternoon cravings.

Why do it? Protein is key to avoiding mood swings and energy dips. It helps you maintain a healthy blood sugar balance, which in turn keeps certain hormones (including insulin) in check. Bumping up your protein intake also gives you more energy and fights hunger pangs, which can play games with your moods.

4. Focus on the good things

Pick up a notebook you particularly like, and at the end of each day, make a list of things for which you are truly grateful. Or write down three things that went well, and why.

How often? Nightly, as part of your winding-down routine.

Why do it? Keeping a journal that records the good things in life helps shift your focus to what you're doing right, and that can put the brakes on the stressful negative chatter that often goes on in your head.

5. Stretch out your sleep

Make it a goal to sleep as many hours as you need to feel alive and productive the next day - all day.

How often? Every night.

Why do it? Sleep is free cosmetic medicine, pure and simple. It is what beauticians and doctors both agree on. Nothing exacerbates stress and etches in lines like exhaustion.

6. Take a time-out

For most of us, life is so hyperscheduled and speedy that we never do absolutely nothing. It's rare to set aside time to simply be – no agenda, no demands, no plan. Find a comfortable, quiet spot to sit for 10 to 15 minutes every day, stop all your hustling and bustling . . . and simply, by yourself, be still.

How often? Try for once a day.

Why do it? Slowing down for a little while helps create a sense of spaciousness in your life, a break in the non-stop whirl that can open the door to new perceptions, new solutions, new possibilities. It gives your brain, your psyche, your whole being a break. Like one long, peaceful sigh.

7. Cuddle or have sex

Enjoy a little intimacy.

How often? At least once a week.

Why do it? All kinds of age-defying, beauty-promoting events happen during sex as three seductive hormones spill out of the brain: endorphin, a natural opiate, which contributes to that delicious high; prolactin, which gives you that relaxing, tension-zapping ahhhhhhh; and soothing oxytocin, which promotes feelings of affection and triggers a nurturing instinct.

The “secrets” to losing weight, keeping it off and having overall vitality and good health cannot be found in a “magic pill” or in one easy solution. The key is to eat whole grains, vegetable, fruit, lean meat/proteins, reduce caloric intake of high-fat foods, and yes, to move more!

Guidelines for a healthy lifestyle:

Fresh Diet:
Start everyday fresh. Yesterday no longer matters. The 7-8 hours of restorative sleep you just had is your cue to start anew.

Plan what you are eating for the day. Eating on the run often results in poor or lack of good food choices. So as much of your food intake that you can control the better your chances of making the best decision for the right fuel source your body needs.

If you do eat out, start your meal with a large salad with low-calorie dressing or a broth-based soup.This will help fill you up. In fact, you may not need an entree. You can also split an entree or only order appetizers. You’ll save money and calories.

Keep Moving:
It is extremely important to keep moving. If you’re on a conference call and they can’t see you (or if you’re confident and brave even if they can see you) stand. Better yet, do some squats or wall push ups. Free yourself from your seat!

Eat More Vegetables and Fiber:
Put vegetables into every meal possible. Shred vegetables into your pasta sauce, add them into meat or just buy lots of bags of fruits/vegetables for on-the-go eating.

Increase your fiber from natural sources such as fruits and vegetables. You will feel fuller longer and your digestive system will thank you. A word of caution though, don’t increase dramatically but gradually or your digestive system will talk back to you.

Try not to drink you calories. Eat a piece of fruit rather than the juice counterpart. Again, better for digestion and more fiber.

No Junk Food:
Eat real food. Cut back or even eliminate processed or packaged foods. If it comes from a plant it’s better than if it’s made in a plant.

Have Fun:
Reward yourself with non-food related activities. There are plenty of celebrations that include food so we dont’ have to create anymore. Make it more about you. Explore, learn, find out more about yourself. Add some FUN to your life; you deserve it. What did you like to do as a kid? What have you always wanted to try. Maybe you just start out reading about it, maybe that’s good enough.How about a nice long stroll on the beach or a soak in the tub.

No Technology:
Lastly, unplug from technology. After you finish reading this of course. The only way to slow down and breathe and “smell the flowers’ is with real people in real time in the real world. Technology can be our friend but can also be the guest that won’t leave. Don’t let it control you.

Hyperthyroidism, also known as overactive thyroid, is a medical condition caused by an abnormally high level of thyroid hormone in the bloodstream. The thyroid gland produces an excessive amount of thyroid hormones.

The thyroid gland is located in the neck. It produces hormones that are released into the bloodstream to control the body's growth and metabolism. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism may include a rapid heartbeat, hyperactivity, muscle weakness, sudden weight loss or gain, increased appetite and sensitivity to heat. The condition is more common in women than men.

Hyperthyroidism is defined as:

"An abnormality of the thyroid gland in which secretion of thyroid hormone is usually increased and no longer under regulatory control of hypothalamic-pituitary centers; characterized by a hypermetabolic state, usually with weight loss, tremulousness, elevated plasma levels of thyroxin and/or triiodothyronine, and sometimes exophthalmos; may progress to severe weakness, wasting, hyperpyrexia, and other manifestations of thyroid storm; often associated with Graves disease."

There are several causes of hyperthyroidism. Hypertheyroidism can be effectively controlled with drugs that reduce the production of hormones from the thyroid gland. In some cases, radiotherapy and surgery are recommended.

Hyperthyroidism, if not properly treated, can cause other health problems such as irregular heart rhythms and osteoporosis.

What are the signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism?

What is the difference between a symptom and a sign? A symptom is something the patients feels and describes, such as pain or dizziness, while a sign is something others can detect, such as a rash or inflammation.

The incidence and severity of symptoms varies from person to person. Patients with mild disease are often not aware of their hyperthyroidism because they have no symptoms. Usually, the symptoms are related to the increased metabolic rate of the body.

Signs and symptoms linked to hyperthyroidism may include (patients rarely have all those listed below):
a swelling in the neck caused by an enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)

Decreased concentration
Diarrhea
Difficulty breathing
Difficulty sleeping
Excessive sweating
Extreme tiredness
Hyperactivity
Over-sensitivity to heat
Increased appetite
Increased bowel movements
More frequent urination
Infertility
Moodiness, irritability
Itchy skin with raised itchy swellings (urticaria)
Nails become loose
Loss of interest in sex
Menstrual problems in women, especially lighter periods or absence of periods
Muscle weakness
Alopecia - usually, hair is lost in patches
Accelerated heartbeat, sometimes with palpitations
Redness on the palms of hands
Shakiness and muscle weakness
Sudden weight loss or gain
Trembling hands
Warm, damp skin

Patients with diabetes and hyperthyroidism may experience heightened diabetes symptoms, such as fatigue and increased thirst. In the majority of cases, the signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism are not of concern. Patients with heart disease have a higher risk of arrhythmia, heart failure, and other cardiovascular risks, which are of concern.

What are the causes of hyperthyroidism?

Graves' disease:
It is the most common cause. Graves' disease is an autoimmune condition in which the body's immune system mistakenly targets the thyroid gland and causes it to produce too much thyroid hormone. It is unclear what triggers this condition. There is a genetic basis for Graves' disease, meaning that it can run in families. It is most common in women aged 20-40 years and has a higher incidence amongst smokers. Graves' disease may also affect the eyes, causing discomfort and double vision. Patients commonly having eyes that bulge out.

Nodular thyroid disease:
Lumps can develop in the thyroid gland. They are known as nodules. It is unclear why they develop. They are usually benign (non-cancerous). The thyroid is usually enlarged, but there is no pain. Nodules may be felt with the fingertips. The nodules can contain abnormal thyroid tissue, affecting the regular function of the thyroid, causing overactive thyroid. Nodules that contain abnormal thyroid tissue are described as toxic.

Excessive iodine intake:
The thyroid gland removes iodine from the blood which comes mostly from a diet of foods such as seafood, bread, and salt. Then, it uses it to produce thyroid hormones. The two most important thyroid hormones are thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Taking additional iodine in supplements can cause the thyroid gland to produce too much of the hormones.

Intake of thyroid hormones:
Lack of patient follow-up can result in patients taking too many doses of their thyroid medications.

Medications:
Certain medications used in the treatment of heart problems contain a large amount of iodine. They may be associated with thyroid function abnormalities. An example is amiodarone, which is sometimes prescribed for patients with atrial fibrillation; it can cause amiodarone-induced hyperthyroidism.

Thyroiditis:
The inflammation of the thyroid. This can be the result of a viral infection. The signs and symptoms may include fever, sore throat, painful swallowing, generalized aches and pains in the neck.

Follicular thyroid cancer:
In rare cases, overactive thyroid can be caused by thyroid cancer. The malignant cells may themselves start producing thyroxine or triiodothyronine.

How is hyperthyroidism diagnosed?

The doctor will ask the patient questions about symptoms, carry out a physical examination, and order a blood test. Cases of advanced hyperthyroidism are fairly straightforward to diagnose - however, early on in the condition, symptoms are not so obvious and clear-cut, and a significant number of patients are overlooked.

The blood test is known as a thyroid function test. It helps evaluate how well the thyroid gland is working. The thyroid function test checks for levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroxine and triiodothyronine.

In some cases of hyperthyroidism, a special diagnostic scan of the thyroid gland is made using radioactive iodine called radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU).

What are the treatment options for hyperthyroidism?

Some medications treat the consequences of hyperthyroidism, such as heart beat problems, while others target thyroid hormone productions.

Antithyroid Drugs:
This type of medication stops the thyroid gland from producing excess amounts of thyroxine or triiodothyronine.

Radioactive Iodine:
Radioactive iodine is picked up by the active cells in the thyroid and destroys them. The destruction is local, and there are no widespread side effects with this therapy. The dose of radioactivity contained in the radioiodine is very low and is not harmful.

Radioiodine treatment is not suitable for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Following radioiodine treatment, women should avoid getting pregnant for at least six months and men should not father a child for at least four months.

Surgery:
If other treatments are not possible, as may be the case if the patient is pregnant, cannot tolerate other therapies, or has cancer, part of the thyroid gland is removed.

What are the complications related to hyperthyroidism?

Graves' ophthalmopathy: Patients may experience pain or discomfort in the eye, photophobia (light oversensitivity), and have some vision problems. Their eyes may also bulge out. For most people, the symptoms can be relieved using eye drops and wearing sunglasses. In severe cases, treatment with certain drugs such as steroids or immunosuppressive drugs can be used to decrease the swelling behind the eyes.

Complications in pregnancy: Hyperthyroidism may affect a woman's ability to become pregnant. Pregnant women with the condition are more at risk of developing complications during pregnancy and birth, such as miscarriage and eclampsia (seizures during pregnancy), premature labor and low birth weight. In most cases, the pregnancy can be expected to progress normally if properly treated.

Thyroid storm: This is an uncommon reaction that can be set off by an infection, injury or trauma. This condition can also occur in pregnant women with undiagnosed or poorly controlled hyperthyroidism, and can be triggered by childbirth or surgery. The signs and symptoms include rapid heartbeat, high fever, agitation, jaundice, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, hallucinations. This reaction is life threatening and requires immediate emergency medical treatment.

The seriousness of hyperthyroidism depends on the body's capability to react to the changes resulting from excess thyroid hormones. Thyroid disease is common - with proper care it can be easily diagnosed and treated. Patient adherence to treatment guidelines (instructions by the doctor) are crucial for effective results.

Every one of us wants to have beautiful and glowing skin. We spend our valuable time and money in order to have a smooth glowing skin. Even though many dollars are spent and now your skin is glowing, you still need to take care of your beautiful skin or otherwise you have to bid a goodbye to your beautiful charming skin.

Here are few skin bad habits that should be avoided to have good skin.

1. Lack of Sleep:
Lack of sleep causes the body to produce Stress Hormones. These Stress Hormones creates the dark circles under Eyes, makes skin dull and cause puffiness. Sleep provides beautiful and glowing skin and prevents Wrinkles too.

2. Smoking Cigarettes:
Smoking decreases the flow of Oxygen in the skin, it also speedup the aging process and the complexion becomes dull. Smoking creates lines around the mouth. Smokers look 10 years older than their original age.

3. Drinking too much Alcohol:
Drinking too much of Alcohol can be harmful to the skin. Alcohol causes Dehydration, Wrinkles and dryness on the skin. Instead one glass of Red Wine daily provides Antioxidants that are good for skin.

4. Forgetting to Put Sunscreen:
Sunscreen is very important in every season. In summer season sunscreen helps to protect the skin from harmful rays of sun and in winter season the sun rays reflect from the snow and the skin is double exposed to the sun rays. In winters sunscreen helps to protect the skin from double exposure to sun rays. Sun rays can damage the Elastic Fiber of skin which can cause Wrinkles and brown spots.

5. Sleeping with Makeup:
Whenever you put makeup, never forget to put that off before sleeping otherwise it can cause Blocked Pores, breakouts on the skin and makes it dry.

6. Too much Skin Exfoliation:
Skin requires exfoliation once a week. Too much exfoliation like more than one or twice a week is not good for the skin. It wipes away those oils which skin needs to make the skin glow.

7. Eating Food not Good for Skin:
Use of too much salt can dehydrate the skin while too much use of Sugar can cause wrinkles on the skin. Try to increase the use of Vegetables and Fruits in your diet. Well balanced diet will help to make your skin glow.

8. Gaining or Losing Weight too Fast:
Gaining and losing weight too fast is not good for skin because it can weaken the Fiber of your skin. It can cause Premature Aging, creates Stretch Marks and lines on the skin.

9. Compressing Pimples:

Pimples can be caused by Bacteria and Viruses and if you compress the Pimples and then touch somewhere else on the skin, it will create new Pimples so, avoid pressing Pimples as it can lead to Scars and large Pores.

10. Facial Expressions:
Facial movements that are repeated like laughing, frowning cause the contraction and Wrinkles on the Skin muscles. It is best to minimize the excessive facial movements.

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