Fitness Club

Overflow Incontinence is a urinary condition wherein the affected person does not feel the urge to urinate. The bladder gets full beyond its capacity and tends to overflow when pressure is applied. The bladder muscles called detrusor is weak and cannot contract strongly to dispel the urine fully from the bladder. For this reason, the bladder is always half full and the overstaying urine is a breeding ground for infection-causing bacteria. Incontinence is a symptom of an underlying medical problem which can be determined by the evaluation of all laboratory test results and physical assessment by a doctor or a continence specialist. This condition is the manifestation of several underlying reasons such as:

* Prostate Problems. Men over 60 are more susceptible to prostate gland enlargement. The inflamed gland constricts the urethra thus limiting the passage of urine. The narrowing of the ducts is caused by scarring of the urinary tracts following a surgery;

* Kidney stones. Sizable kidney stones may block the urinary tracts preventing the urine backflow to the kidneys. As a result, the overfilled bladder spills out the urine;

* Weak bladder muscles caused by flawed neuro-transmitters resulting from spinal cord injuries, debilitating illness like Diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease;

* Narcotics and anti-cholinergic medications also paralyze the bladder resulting to incontinence;

* Obesity

This condition disrupts the affected person's life by limiting activities, social interaction, work performance, self-esteem and self-confidence. Although this is a life-changing situation it is not actually life-threatening. There are many options available before surgery is even considered. More often than not, this is not necessary. Some of the non-surgical interventions may include:

* Lifestyle change. Drinking and smoking destroys nerves and vital organs. Coffee and tea contains caffeine which is known to be a bladder irritant;

* Proper diet. Salt aggravates fluid retention therefore a low-salt diet is recommended. Lessen intake if excessive fluid is the cause and reduce if not eliminate completely consumption of processed juice or carbonated drinks. Lose weight if overweight;

* Exercise. The urethra or opening of the bladder is encircled by muscles called the pelvic floor muscles and Kegel exercise is a good example that helps strengthen this band of muscles;

For the bed-ridden incontinent, bed covers and chair pads are essentials especially during bedtime. To strengthen the pelvic floor muscles there are available internal devices for women incontinent such as the vaginal cones. These are tampon-like cones inserted in the vaginal cavity and attached to weights. The purpose of this device is to re-train the pelvic floor muscles to contract by squeezing the muscles to keep the tampon in place.

At incontinenceproducts.co.uk we understand overflow incontinence very well and working with you to effectively manage your condition is our main concern. For more information and advice you may visit us at http://www.incontinenceproducts.co.uk/info/overflow-incontinence/products-for-overflow-incontinence/

View the original article here

Flat Head Syndrome is a general term applied to infants whose cranial development results in a flat area on the back or side of the head (deformational asymmetry). The deformation may be present at birth, or may become apparent after birth; during the first few months of the infant's life. The two most recognised scientific terms for the most common forms of the syndrome are plagiocephaly and brachycephaly. Most commonly the term plagiocephaly is used to describe a flattening at the side of the head in the parietal region and where the length to width ratio is within normal parameters. Facial asymmetry may be apparent on the forehead and you also may notice a misalignment of the eyes and ears. When the flattening extends across the back of the head and the head is wider than usual, in this event the length to width ratio is outside of the normal, this head shape is known as brachycephaly.

Causes of Flat Head Syndrome

Cranial birth deformities can be the result of intrauterine restriction which can be caused by several different factors. Positional moulding in the uterus (in utero moulding) occurs due to the inhibited position of the baby in the womb. It is more frequently seen in multiple births due to the restricted positioning of the babies and their heads. In other cases deformities of the head present at birth can be the result of birth injury caused by methods of assisted delivery (intrapartum moulding). There is also a greater incidence of plagiocephaly developing in infants born prematurely as their heads are much softer. Fortunately, the majority of these deformities caused both in the uterus or during birth improve naturally without need for treatment during the early months of the infant's life. The exception occurs when for whatever reason when the infant is positioned in a way that exerts more pressure on a certain area(s) of the head. In this case, the syndrome may worsen by simple gravitational force turning an initially minor plagiocephalic deformity into a potential long-term problem requiring treatment.

Besides deformities present at birth, paediatricians have reported increases in the number of children with cranial deformities in recent years, particularly unilateral flattening of the occipital bone at the back of the head. This increase has been, at least statistically, compared with the significant decrease over those years in the numbers of cot deaths or SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). The connection assumes that the increase in flat head syndrome can be attributed to parents following the positioning recommendations aimed at decreasing the risk of SIDS; specifically, the recommendation that healthy young infants should be placed down on their backs for sleep. The back to sleep advice has reduced Sudden Infant Death significantly and parents should continue to be encouraged to always place their babies on their backs when sleeping. However, during the day when the infant is awake and the parents is with them they should spend as little time as possible with pressure on the back of the skull to allow it to reshape naturally.

Treatment of Flat Head Syndrome

Initial treatment usually involves repositioning of the baby onto their tummy to reduce the pressure on the affected area, known as 'Tummy Time'. This should be done for extended time periods during the day. In addition, repositioning cots and other areas in which the infant spends their day will force them to look in different directions to see parents or other areas of interest around them. It should be noted if the infant cries or appears to have discomfort when they are repositioned as this may indicate a problem with neck pain and this possibility should be addressed as tightening of the neck muscles can be common in infants. This treatment should continue until the age of 5-6 months.

If the problem remains unimproved, parents should consider treatment of flat head syndrome with a helmet for a child while still less than 18 months of age. The ideal time to begin treatment is 4 to 7 months but correction can be gained from starting treatment up to 14 months of age. A cranial remoulding helmet (orthosis) can be designed that provides painless contact over the prominent areas of the skull while leaving protected voids to provide a pathway for growth by the affected areas for more symmetrical skull growth.

Find out more about flat head syndrome

View the original article here

For many people the first time they have a test to get a cholesterol reading they may find themselves confused as to what the number mean. There are several things we need to understand in order to learn from one of these tests. Probably the most important part to understand is how the reading is gotten and the differences between the two cholesterol types.

The two types of cholesterol we are worried about are LDL (low density lipoprotein) or bad cholesterol and HDL (high density lipoprotein) or good cholesterol. The reason for this is simple; LDL cholesterol is a significant cause of plaque formation in the arteries. This can lead to blood clots and also clog and block arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease from coronary artery disease. HDL cholesterol on the other hand removes LDL cholesterol from the circulatory system and returns it to the liver where it is then removed from the body.

The first reading to look at is the total figure from both types of cholesterol added together. This will give an idea of the total amount of cholesterol currently in your blood stream. The current guidelines for total cholesterol breakdown like this. Less then 200 mg/dl, or LDL levels at less than 130 mg/dl, is considered healthy with no long term risk.

200-239 mg/dl, with LDL between 130-159 mg/dl, is borderline-high and moderate steps need to be taken to lower it. This is the perfect time to make some lifestyle changes that encompass diet and exercise. Usually by doing this those who are in the borderline range can naturally lower their levels without the use of prescription cholesterol medications.

A reading higher than 240 mg/dl, or LDL over 160 mg/dl, is high and places anyone with this level at a high risk for coronary artery, heart disease, and stroke. Anyone at these levels will need to make not only diet and exercise a priority but will also probably be prescribed one of the many cholesterol lowering medications by their doctor. The longer their cholesterol stays high the greater the chance of irreversible damage being done.

Another school of thought revolves around the ratio between the good cholesterol and bad cholesterol. It is thought by some that this is just as important as total numbers because of the way that HDL cholesterol works in the body. The formula is simple, take the total reading and divide it by the HDL reading. If the answer is 4 or more then your cholesterol is too high and steps need to be taken to lower it.

Having your blood tested and getting a cholesterol reading is the only way to determine if you have high cholesterol or not. If you are concerned about you health and cholesterol levels then make an appointment with your doctor and have it tested today.

To learn more about lowering cholesterol and reducing the risk of hypertension and heart disease please visit the website Lowering Cholesterol by clicking here.

View the original article here