While writing this blog I have learned about various things that contribute to one's health. I didn't learn anything that could really help me with my future and goal to become a pediatrician, but I do think that some of the information is useful to daily life. Another realization I had while writing this blog is that I may not want to become a pediatrician. I still want to become a doctor of some sort, but I thought that maybe I would want to deal with sick patients more than healthy ones. As a pediatrician I would have office hours when I give healthy patients check ups which seem like it could get boring after a while; it would, however, be a fairly low-stress job. An option is to specialize in something and focus on patients who have that issue. For example I could become a neonatologist which is a pediatrician who specializes in taking care of infants who require critical care right after birth. The only problem is that I don't know whether I could deal with the emotional stress that comes with taking care of children who are terminally ill or are in critical condition. Anyway, I still have many years until my 3rd year of medical school which is when I would have to decide what kind of doctor I want to be. Until then, I'll just have to focus on school, do well in college, and make sure I ace that MCAT.
All of that is easier said than done and I would have to accomplish everything without burning myself out but I can do this!
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Thursday, April 4, 2013
The Truth about Vitamins (and other supplements)
When I was younger, my mom would often remind me to eat my vitamins. Back then it was always a pain because they did not taste good and it didn't seem like they helped in my health overall since I still got sick regardless of whether I took my vitamins or not. So do vitamins really improve people's health?
After some research, it turns out that I'm not the only one asking whether vitamins make one healthier or not. Some studies even claim that taking vitamins may actually cause one's health to decline or put one more at risk for certain diseases.
In theory, vitamins are meant to prevent diseases by supplying the body with vitamins or minerals that it may be deficient in such as calcium, Vitamin D, or Vitamin C. Although it is true that it is good to supply your body with these nutrients, taking supplements (vitamins) will not be enough. Supplements, such as for Vitamin D, may also have such a low dosage in them that it is not effective. It is much better to eat food that already contains these nutrients. Also, taking more than the recommended amount of vitamins a day can lead to more health problems rather than supplying your body with more nutrients. An overdose of vitamins can cause nausea, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. Some consequences of overdosing in vitamins are much more sever, for example an overdose in Vitamin A can lead to liver damage, hair loss, blurred vision and headaches. For more information on what happens when you overdose in certain vitamins, click here.
Although it is better to eat food that already contains nutrients that your body needs, supplements can help to a certain extent. For example, for those who do not drink milk or do not drink enough milk, a doctor may advise that they take calcium supplements so that they have an adequate amount of the mineral in their body. However overall, studies have shown that for a healthy person, taking supplements does little to nothing regarding their health. Eating healthy is much more effective.
After some research, it turns out that I'm not the only one asking whether vitamins make one healthier or not. Some studies even claim that taking vitamins may actually cause one's health to decline or put one more at risk for certain diseases.
In theory, vitamins are meant to prevent diseases by supplying the body with vitamins or minerals that it may be deficient in such as calcium, Vitamin D, or Vitamin C. Although it is true that it is good to supply your body with these nutrients, taking supplements (vitamins) will not be enough. Supplements, such as for Vitamin D, may also have such a low dosage in them that it is not effective. It is much better to eat food that already contains these nutrients. Also, taking more than the recommended amount of vitamins a day can lead to more health problems rather than supplying your body with more nutrients. An overdose of vitamins can cause nausea, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. Some consequences of overdosing in vitamins are much more sever, for example an overdose in Vitamin A can lead to liver damage, hair loss, blurred vision and headaches. For more information on what happens when you overdose in certain vitamins, click here.
Although it is better to eat food that already contains nutrients that your body needs, supplements can help to a certain extent. For example, for those who do not drink milk or do not drink enough milk, a doctor may advise that they take calcium supplements so that they have an adequate amount of the mineral in their body. However overall, studies have shown that for a healthy person, taking supplements does little to nothing regarding their health. Eating healthy is much more effective.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Medicine
When one get sick, their first instinct is to take medicine. But how exactly does medicine make one feel better? What in medicine helps cure one's illness? First, medicine can do a certain number of things to make one feel better. They can either, replace a certain substance that is missing from one's body, kill germs/bacteria that are the source of an illness, or suppress the symptoms of an illness. In general, most medicines do this by altering the cells' activity.
The body requires a certain amount of proteins (amino acids), vitamins, and minerals in order to function. If any of these substances are lacking or in overabundance, it can result in medical disorders. For example, for one who has diabetes, the body is lacking in insulin. Insulin is a hormone created by the pancreas and helps the body absorb glucose from the food we eat. For those with diabetes, they can take insulin injections which increase the amount of insulin in the body. Medicine can also be used to reduce the production of certain hormones. For women, medicine can be taken to lower estrogen levels in the body since high estrogen levels could result in endometrial cancer. These kinds of medicine either increase or decrease the activity of the cells by binding to sites found on the cells' surface.
Most of the time, medicine is taken because one is ill. In this case, the medicine is made to destroy the germs or bacteria that caused the illness. When one goes to the doctor, the doctor will try to find the cause of the illness and then prescribe medicine that will specifically kill the germ/bacteria that is causing it. There are many types of these kinds of medicine and taking the wrong one will not be effective. A common type that is taken by children are antibiotics. Antibiotics destroy harmful bacteria by either killing them directly or preventing them from multiplying. Different antibiotics kill different types of bacteria.
Even when one is taking medicine that destroys the bacteria that causes the illness, they may still feel symptoms. And so, there is medicine, pain relievers and symptom soothers, made in order to suppress those symptoms. Pain relievers, such as Advil, do not cure one's illness but only makes one feel better as they are recovering. Symptom soothers, such as cough drops or cold medicine, are meant to do the same thing as pain relievers by making one more comfortable as they recover. Since there is no cure for the cold other than to let it run its course, as explained in a previous post, the next best solution is to take medicine that will suppress the symptoms. Many people who have incurable diseases such as asthma, diabetes, or high blood pressure take medicine to avoid the symptoms associated with their illness so they can enjoy life better. Pain relievers work by stopping the production or chemical substances called mediators that are released by cells in response to damage. The body transmits pain to the brain when the damaged cells release a chemicals so when the medicine keeps the damaged cells from doing so, your brain will not receive the "pain message" from the damaged cells. This is probably why some people say that pain is only in your head.
The body requires a certain amount of proteins (amino acids), vitamins, and minerals in order to function. If any of these substances are lacking or in overabundance, it can result in medical disorders. For example, for one who has diabetes, the body is lacking in insulin. Insulin is a hormone created by the pancreas and helps the body absorb glucose from the food we eat. For those with diabetes, they can take insulin injections which increase the amount of insulin in the body. Medicine can also be used to reduce the production of certain hormones. For women, medicine can be taken to lower estrogen levels in the body since high estrogen levels could result in endometrial cancer. These kinds of medicine either increase or decrease the activity of the cells by binding to sites found on the cells' surface.
Most of the time, medicine is taken because one is ill. In this case, the medicine is made to destroy the germs or bacteria that caused the illness. When one goes to the doctor, the doctor will try to find the cause of the illness and then prescribe medicine that will specifically kill the germ/bacteria that is causing it. There are many types of these kinds of medicine and taking the wrong one will not be effective. A common type that is taken by children are antibiotics. Antibiotics destroy harmful bacteria by either killing them directly or preventing them from multiplying. Different antibiotics kill different types of bacteria.
Even when one is taking medicine that destroys the bacteria that causes the illness, they may still feel symptoms. And so, there is medicine, pain relievers and symptom soothers, made in order to suppress those symptoms. Pain relievers, such as Advil, do not cure one's illness but only makes one feel better as they are recovering. Symptom soothers, such as cough drops or cold medicine, are meant to do the same thing as pain relievers by making one more comfortable as they recover. Since there is no cure for the cold other than to let it run its course, as explained in a previous post, the next best solution is to take medicine that will suppress the symptoms. Many people who have incurable diseases such as asthma, diabetes, or high blood pressure take medicine to avoid the symptoms associated with their illness so they can enjoy life better. Pain relievers work by stopping the production or chemical substances called mediators that are released by cells in response to damage. The body transmits pain to the brain when the damaged cells release a chemicals so when the medicine keeps the damaged cells from doing so, your brain will not receive the "pain message" from the damaged cells. This is probably why some people say that pain is only in your head.
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Colds vs. Allergies
Colds and allergies can be very similar. So how can you tell the difference? Right now I keep sneezing and my mom thinks that it's allergies but what if I'm actually getting sick. To start, colds occur from viruses while allergies are your immune system's reactions to being exposed to an allergen.
Colds and allergies generally have similar symptoms, but there are some important differences. For example, if you have aches/pains or a fever then you definitely do not have allergies. Although it is rare to have aches/pains or a fever during a cold. If so, then it must be a very bad cold. To better show which symptoms are present, here's a table:
Also, although colds and allergies can be seasonal, colds usually occur during fall and winter while allergies are occur during the spring and summer.
There is no cure for colds, so the only solution is to wait till it passes. Colds usually last about 3-14 days, but you don't have to suffer through it. Even if there is no cure, you can still take medicine that suppress the symptoms. To get over the cold more quickly, it is important to get a lot of rest and drink a lot of water. A warm humid environment can also help you fight off the cold more quickly and make you more comfortable. To prevent colds, one should wash their hands often and avoid people who are sick.
Like with colds, there is no cure for allergies either, except to take medicine to suppress the symptoms. To prevent allergies, one should avoid allergens.
Colds and allergies can seem to be closely related due to similar symptoms, and although they are actually quite different, suffering through them is still an uncomfortable experience.
Colds and allergies generally have similar symptoms, but there are some important differences. For example, if you have aches/pains or a fever then you definitely do not have allergies. Although it is rare to have aches/pains or a fever during a cold. If so, then it must be a very bad cold. To better show which symptoms are present, here's a table:
| Symptom | Cold | Allergy |
| Cough | Usually | Sometimes |
| General aches and pains | Sometimes | Never |
| Fatigue | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Itchy eyes | Rarely | Usually |
| Sneezing | Usually | Usually |
| Sore throat | Usually | Sometimes |
| Runny nose | Usually | Usually |
| Stuffy nose | Usually | Usually |
| Fever | Rarely | Never |
Also, although colds and allergies can be seasonal, colds usually occur during fall and winter while allergies are occur during the spring and summer.
There is no cure for colds, so the only solution is to wait till it passes. Colds usually last about 3-14 days, but you don't have to suffer through it. Even if there is no cure, you can still take medicine that suppress the symptoms. To get over the cold more quickly, it is important to get a lot of rest and drink a lot of water. A warm humid environment can also help you fight off the cold more quickly and make you more comfortable. To prevent colds, one should wash their hands often and avoid people who are sick.
Like with colds, there is no cure for allergies either, except to take medicine to suppress the symptoms. To prevent allergies, one should avoid allergens.
Colds and allergies can seem to be closely related due to similar symptoms, and although they are actually quite different, suffering through them is still an uncomfortable experience.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Exercise!
In my last post, I wrote about flu season and how to prevent getting sick. Another preventive is exercise! It's also that time of the year when it seems appropriate to talk about exercise... It's so important that it gets its very own post! Not only is exercise good for your physique, but it also improves your overall health.
Benefits of Regular Exercise:
• Reduces the risk of dying prematurely.
• Reduces the risk of dying prematurely from heart disease.
• Reduces the risk of developing diabetes.
• Reduces the risk of developing high blood pressure.
• Helps reduce blood pressure in people who already have high blood pressure.
• Reduces the risk of developing colon cancer.
• Reduces feelings of depression and anxiety.
• Helps control weight.
• Helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints.
• Helps older adults become stronger and better able to move about without falling.
• Promotes psychological well-being. (This includes having more energy and an improvement in mood)
• Reduces the risk of developing diabetes.
• Reduces the risk of developing high blood pressure.
• Helps reduce blood pressure in people who already have high blood pressure.
• Reduces the risk of developing colon cancer.
• Reduces feelings of depression and anxiety.
• Helps control weight.
• Helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints.
• Helps older adults become stronger and better able to move about without falling.
• Promotes psychological well-being. (This includes having more energy and an improvement in mood)
Experts advise that one should at least exercise moderately for 30 minutes five times a week. Ideally, one should do 20 to 30 minutes of aerobic activity at least three times a week and muscle training and stretching at least twice a week.
Exercise is mainly good for your heart as most people say. But why is exercise so good for you? The reason is simply because people who exercise are generally in better shape than those who do not which results in fewer health issues. For example one who does not exercise and eats unhealthy food will gain unwanted weight which causes strain to the heart and other issues such as high blood pressure and possibly diabetes. Also, those who exercise generally have better balance and build up muscle which make them stronger and less likely to physically harm themselves by falling.
So don't forget to exercise this holiday season!
Monday, November 19, 2012
Flu Season!
It is around that time of the year again when people go get flu shots, flu season. When I was young, I used to hate flu season because of the impending dread of having to get a flu shot. How exactly do shot's help people anyway? Most of the time, I still end up getting sick after getting a flu shot. Now, there is a new way to get vaccinated from the flu, the FluMist® (which is a nasal spray)! The FluMist® was meant for kids who are scared of getting a shot. But it doesn't seem like it would be as effective as a shot, right? Doctors always promote preparing for the flu season by taking preventives such as getting a flu shot or mist, however to better prepare myself and others, it would be nice to know exactly what they do to prevent getting the flu and the differences between them. Hopefully, this will provide all the information people need to know for the flu season!
The nasal mist, FluMist®, is made of weakened instead of dead influenza viruses. Despite that the virus is not dead, it has shown to be more effective in children aged 15-85 months. Children less than two years of age are advised against the nasal spray and are encouraged to get the flu shot. Side effects can include runny nose, headache, wheezing, vomiting, muscle aches, and fever.
What is the Flu?
The flu, also known as influenza, is a contagious, respiratory disease that is caused by influenza viruses depicted above. One might ask, "What is the difference between the cold and the flu"? Both are respiratory diseases and the main difference is that the cold is much more mild than the flu. While symptoms of the flu include fever, body aches, extreme tiredness, and dry cough, colds generally cause only a stuffy or runny nose. Another major difference is that the flu can cause serious health issues that can result in pneumonia, bacterial infections, or hospitalization. The flu is spread from person to person through tiny droplets that are made from coughing, sneezing or talking. The virus can spread to people within six feet of an ill person. It is very easy to get the flu from inhaling the virus or by touching a surface contaminated with the virus. People can spread the flu one day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick. To avoid getting the flu, it is essential to wash your hands often and avoid contact with public surfaces as it may have the flu virus on it.
Prevention
Avoiding contact with sick people or dirty surfaces may help one avoid catching the flu, however it is best to get a flu shot every season. This is because every year, the flu virus may mutate and change. When this happens, the previous flu vaccine may not be effective against the new strain of the flu. Generally, everyone above the age of six months should get a flu shot, however certain people are advised not to. For example, people with severe reactions to eggs, people who have had a severe reaction to a flu shot in the past, and people who are already sick should not get a flu shot. For more information regarding who should or should not get a flu shot, click here!
The flu shot is a vaccine made of dead influenza viruses. Since the flu shot is made from dead influenza viruses, people will not get the flu from the vaccine, however as a side effect, a person who receives a vaccination may become slightly sick. This is because the immune system may be already weak and may be susceptible to other viruses. Also, like all medications, the flu vaccine may cause allergic reactions although it is rare. Other side effects include soreness, a low fever, and aches. Despite these side effects, it is definitely still worth it to get the flu shot.
The nasal mist, FluMist®, is made of weakened instead of dead influenza viruses. Despite that the virus is not dead, it has shown to be more effective in children aged 15-85 months. Children less than two years of age are advised against the nasal spray and are encouraged to get the flu shot. Side effects can include runny nose, headache, wheezing, vomiting, muscle aches, and fever.
Treatment
Prevention didn't work? Not to fear, the flu can be treated with antiviral drugs that fight against the influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are not sold over-the-counter and a doctor's prescription is required in order to obtain it. If one believes that he or she may have the flu, it is best to consult with their doctor to confirm it and so that he or she may be prescribed medicine to help combat the virus.
Have a happy flu season!
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Chocolate is...Healthy?
Chocolate is good for you. However not all chocolates are. There are three main types of chocolate: dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and white chocolate. The difference between the three is the amount of cocoa liquor each of them contains. The more cocoa is in the chocolate, the better it is for you. Based on that, the chocolate with the most cocoa is: dark chocolate! A 2010 German research involving whether chocolate is nutritional or not says that eating 6 grams (0.2 oz) of dark chocolate that is at least 70% cocoa a day is beneficial. In comparison to dark chocolate, milk and white chocolate contain little to no cocoa liquor. Instead, they contain condensed milk or powdered milk, cream, and lots of sugar which is NOT healthy. Surprisingly, adding milk to chocolate does not increase its nutritional benefits. Rather, milk adds to the fat content of the chocolate making it less healthy. In the end, dark chocolate is the only chocolate you should be indulging in.
Dark chocolate has multiple health benefits which are due to that dark chocolate contains flavonoids, phenylethylamine, theobromine, and vitamins and minerals.
Foods that contain antioxidants:
Flavonoids are plant-based compounds with antioxidant properties that are beneficial due to that they repair cellular damage. Antioxidants are beneficial because they prevent oxidation in cells which is caused by free radicals in the body. Other foods that contain flavonoids include blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and legumes. The flavonoids, or rather, the antioxidant properties in dark chocolate are responsible for lowering blood pressure, increasing blood flow to the brain and heart, controlling blood sugar, maintaining cardiovascular health, slows down the signs of aging, and even protecting against illnesses such as dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and some cancers. It is surprising to think that dark chocolate can help control blood sugar as it is a sweet, however the flavonoids in the dark chocolate reduces insulin and helps your body use insulin efficiently. As a "side-effect" this also prevents type 2 diabetes. Speaking of side effects, a side effect of increased blood flow to the brain and heart is the reduced risk of a stroke as well as increased cognitive function and healthier arteries!
Phenylethylamine or PEA is a chemical your brain creates when you feel like you are falling in love. PEA also encourages the brain to release endorphins which causes you to feel happy. In result of containing PEA, dark chocolate in turn has a positive effect on your mood. What a better way to brighten up your mood by indulging in a little chocolate!
Theobromine is an alkaloid or plant-derived organic compound. Similarly to coffee, it is a stimulant which explains why chocolate can wake you up. Aside from acting as a stimulant, theobromine can also lower the risk of cavaties because it hardens tooth enamel. How ironic it is that chocolate, a candy, can improve your oral health!
Lastly, dark chocolate contains vitamins and minerals such as potassium, copper, magnesium, and iron. Like the flavonoids in dark chocolate, pottasium and copper helps prevent against stroke and cardiovascular diseases. Magnesium prevents prevents type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. Meanwhile, the iron restores the body's iron and prevents iron deficiency.
Although dark chocolate seems to have many health benefits, the effects are still quite small compared to other healthy foods. Also, enjoy everything in moderation! Too much of one thing is never too good; chocolate is not excluded. Above, I mentioned the 2010 German research on whether chocolate is nutritional or not, and the suggested amount of chocolate a day is 6 grams (0.2 oz). Although dark chocolate does have nutritional values, the advised amount to eat a day is still quite small. If one consumes too much dark chocolate, the calories consumed will be more than the calories burned resulting in weight gain and more. In conclusion, indulging in a little bit of chocolate is alright, however eating too much will not do you any good.
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