For those who are suffering from eyelash hypotrichosis, there is a new light of hope in the form of a new drug called Latisse. Though the drug was accidently discovered, it helps promote the growth of eyelashes and will help people avoid using false eyelashes. And like any other drug, there are side effects to this drug as well. Users of this drug may experience eye irritation, promote hair growth where not needed and may cause increased brown pigmentations of the colored part of the eye, that may become permanent. It is not known as of now if the drug should be applied everyday or if discontinued will lead to loss of those hair that were grown because of the drug.

Latisse is expected to available in the market by the end of the first quarter of 2009.

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Bottled water refers to the drinking water that is packed in plastic bottles. It is meant for individual consumption and is available throughout the world. Bottled water has to adhere to international quality standards. But, is it really safe to drink bottled water? Read on.

The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) has set some standards to ensure that there are no impurities in bottled water. But are manufacturers really following these standards.

Recent study and report by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), suggests that some bottled waters have same quality as tap water. In fact, the report found fertilizer residues, pain medications and other chemicals in some samples. The Environmental Working Group suggests that FDA must ensure that bottled water manufacturers release list contaminants that bottled water contains.

Most manufacturers say that the quality of water depends on the area from which it is collected. Though the results of the reports are not that alarming, but it is suggested to check the label of the bottled water. It the label says, ‘drinking water’, it is likely the same as tap water. If the label has ’spring’ or ‘artesian’ on it, they are not supposed to have any contaminants.

Most of us tend to neglect our teeth. Dental care is an essential part of our daily life. Bad teeth are a sign of ill-health or any future diseases. Most of the bacteria form in the mouth and if it is not cleaned properly the amount of bacteria in the body increases daily.

Here are some basic tips for dental care.

1. Brush your teeth twice a day.
We have been drilling this habit to ourselves and our kids. But, often fail to implement. Brush your teeth twice with fluoride toothpaste for good dental care. It prevents tooth decay, gum diseases and of course bad breath. Brushing properly removes the plaque from the surfaces of teeth.

2. Floss your teeth once a day
Flossing is the process of removing the food particles that stuck between the teeth using thin nylon filaments. Flossing removes the food debris that a brush cannot. It cleans the plaque between the teeth. Recent studies show that flossing reduces the risks of a heart disease or stroke. Floss your teeth gently without hurting the gums for good dental care.

3. Meet dentist twice a year
Do not wait for something drastic to happen to meet a dentist. Make sure that you visit your dentist twice in a year. Take suggestions from the doctor and get your teeth professionally cleaned. Report any gum bleeding or other tooth decays and take appropriate medications to ensure dental care.

4. Limit coffee, tea, sweets, alcohol and no smoking please
It is better to avoid coffee, tea, alcohol, soda, sweets and smoking for good dental care. High levels of phosphorous can damage your teeth. They make the teeth appear dull and discolored. Instead take milk which is high in calcium and is good for your teeth. Smoking is not good for your teeth. Smoking stains the teeth and avoids calcium absorption in the body. So, stop smoking and enjoy good dental hygiene and a healthy smile.

5. Increase your calcium intake
Take more calcium rich products like milk, cheese, other dairy products and green leafy vegetables. Take daily doses of vitamin C and D for good dental care.

Osteoporosis is a ’silent killer’ disease. It is most common among Americans. It is a disease in which bones become fragile and are likely to break. If not treated or prevented at an early stage, it can lead to breaking of bones. It is common among men and women, but the latter are at higher risk of getting it.

Who is it at risk of getting Osteoporosis?

• People with thin frame and structure
• People having a family member with broken bone
• Women with early-menopause
• People who have taken high doses of thyroid, glucocorticoids and other immunosuppresive medications
• People having low-calcium diet
• Physically inactive people
• All smokers and alcoholics
• People who are 50 years of age or older

What are the symptoms of Osteoporosis?

• People cannot realise that they have Osteoporosis until they have broken bones
• Easily prone to fractures even from simple fall or simple actions
• Severe back pain, loss of height, stooped posture and so on
• Women tend to lose their one mass up to 20 per cent due to Osteoporosis

How to prevent Osteoporosis?

• Building bone mass during childhood and adolescence can prevent Osteoporosis
• Taking daily recommended amounts of calcium and Vitamin D
• Avoiding smoking and alcohols
• Taking an annual bone density test

Consult your doctor if you notice any symptoms and follow his suggestions. For more information on Osteoporosis, contact the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF).

In its recent key decisions, FDA revealed the list of drugs which are harful to the individuals. FDA was criticised earlier for delaying the list.  It has recently decided to release the list on a quarterly basis.

The list includes 20 medications. However, if a drug is on the list it means that the analysis on the drug has begun. The outcome of the analysis will shared on a regular basis.

Four drugs have been already announced:

• Heparin for allergic reactions
• Definity for cardiopulmonary reactions
• Cymbalta for urniary retention
• Tumor necrosis for cancer in young adults and children

FDA suggests continuing to take the drugs if your doctor has prescribed it. You can stop it when your doctor suggests doing so.

The list will provide as a communication tool for both general public and healthcare providers. Any adverse events must be reported back to FDA.

There are two different types of Sinusitis: acute sinusitis and chronic sinusitis.

Acute sinusitis

Acute sinusitis is temporary sinusitis that follows a common cold or flu. It usually stops within 30 days. Acute sinusitis is often associated with a viral or bacterial infection in the upper respiratory. This infection in turn spreads to the sinuses.

The causes of acute sinusitis are bacteria, virus, fungus, nose blowing, scuba diving, medications, and diseased teeth.

When the mucosa is exposed to viruses and bacteria, the mucosal lining swells. The sinus opening is blocked due to the swelling and causes pain. the symptoms of acute sinusitis include headache, fever and postnasal drip.

It is essential to treat acute sinusitis early to prevent the infection from spreading.

Chronic sinusitis

Chronic sinusitis occurs frequently or lasts for longer period. It is generally due to swelling caused by allergies, fungus, bacteria or virus. It is caused by allergies, asthma, temperature and humidity, narrow sinuses, defective mucous membrane, dehydration, weak immune system, hormones, stress, polyps or tumors. Constant exposure to pollen, smoke and chemicals causes inflammation of the mucosal lining of the nasal cavity.

The symptoms of chronic sinusitis are mild and include less severe headache. Nasal congestion and postnasal drip are some other symptoms. Usually there is no upper respiratory track infection and fever in chronic sinusitis.

Proper diagnosis and treatment can cure both acute and chronic sinusitis.

Most of us have a positive, negative or neutral attitude. The people in the working world fall into these three categories.

1. Neutral attitude: Defining word-Maybe

People with neutral attitudes are generally spectators of life. they watch life happen and observe  others. They are afraid of change and avoid risks. They are often tired, detached and safe players.

2. Negative attitude: Defining word-No

People with negative attitude are critical about life. They always comment and complain about life’s happenings. They always find fault with others and are annoyed about change. They are often frustrated or pessimistic.

3. Positive attitude: Defining word-Yes

People with positive attitude embrace change and opportunities. They are open to risks and challenges and enjoy learning. They are ususally confident and optimistic about life.

Tips for Positive attitude

Here are five tips for acheiving and maintaining a positive attitude.

1. Monitor self talk. Recognize, stop, and restate negative words which come in your conversations. Reward yourself for having done that.
2. Stay in the present tense. Observe your thoughts. Spend most of your thoughts in present rather than past or future. Planning is effective but not worrying.
3. Talk to yourself in a calm way. Sort out the unreasonable and negative thoughts. Reframe your expectations if they are unreasonable.
4. Surround yourself with positive people. Separate from people who are always de-motivating you and disappointing you. Always try to maintain self-confidence, self-worth and energy.
5. If you cannot avoid negative or neutral people, try to change them by sharing your positive experiences. Always try to maintain a positive aura around you so that people will automatically approach you for help and suggestions.

Sinusitis is the disease caused due to the infection of sinuses. Symptoms of sinusitis vary from person to person.

Common symptoms of sinusitis include:

• Stuffy head
• Running nose
• Sneezing or coughing
• Headache which is worse when bending forward
• Itchy nose and eyes
• Bad breath
• Fever, chills and frequent throat clearing
• Face and eye pain
• Pain in the roof of the mouth or teeth
• Stuffy nose
• Postnasal drip from the nose into the throat
• Earache
• Sore throat and hoarse voice
• Swelling of the eye
• Severe headache with vomiting

Sinusitis often occurs with chest congestion. Some people may have all the above symptoms, while some may have only one or two of them.

Sinusitis is a common problem that can be treated with simple treatment. Your physician has to perform diagnosis to determine the causes and appropriate treatment.

Sinusitis is the disease caused due to the infection of sinuses. Sinusitis is the swelling of inner lining of the sinuses.

Sinuses

Sinuses are air-filled cavities inside the bones of the face. These sinuses drain into the nasal cavity and block it. Blocked sinuses do not drain properly which causes pressure and pain.

Sinuses are the spaces between the bones of the face. When air passes into the sinuses, a fluid called mucus drains into the nose. When mucus cannot drain properly, the pressure of the blocked fluid in the sinuses causes pain.

The sinuses are found in the cheekbones, between the eye sockets, in the forehead, above the eyebrows and deep in the head and at the back of the nose. Each of the sinus pairs have channels that lead to the nose. These channels are narrow and get blocked when the lining is swollen. This lining also called as mucous membrane forms the inner lining of the nose.

The symptoms of sinusitis are stuffy head and nose. Sinusitis is a temporary problem that can be cured with simple treatment.

Hungtington is a rare brain disease. It was first described 136 years ago. This disease affects 30,000 people in the USA and is treated as an orphan disease.

The brain cells affected by Hungtington’s disease degenerate because of a genetic miscue. It results in jerky involunary movements known as chorea.

The drug  tetrabenazine treats chorea. Tetrabenazine is produced by Prestwick Pharmaceuticals in Washington, D.C. High doses of tetrabenazine can lead to depression and suicidal thoughts and exacerbate chorea.

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