Cholesterol is a type of fat that is part of all animal cells. It is essential for many of the body metabolic processes, including hormone and bile production, and to help the body use vitamin D.
Cholesterol is more abundant in tissues which either synthesize more or have more abundant densely-packed membranes, for example, the liver, spinal cord and brain.

The liver is the main processing center for cholesterol. When we eat animal fats, the liver returns the cholesterol it can not use to our bloodstream and when there is too much cholesterol circulating in our bloodstream, it can build up into fatty deposits. These deposits cause the arteries to narrow and can eventually block the arteries completely, leading to heart disease and stroke.

Cholesterol is produced by the liver and it is also made by most cells in the body. It is carried around in the blood by lipoproteins. We need blood cholesterol because the body uses it to build the structure of cell membranes, to produce hormones like testosterone, adrenaline and estrogen and to aid the metabolism.

Types of Cholesterol
There are two types of cholesterol, good and bad, the difference between them is:
a. Low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol called the bad cholesterol because it goes into the bloodstream and clogs up your arteries.

b. High density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol called the good cholesterol because it helps to take the bad cholesterol out of the bloodstream.

Cholesterol is transported towards peripheral tissues by the lipoproteins chylomicrons, very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL).
Risks associated with high triglycerides

According to the lipid hypothesis, abnormally high cholesterol levels (hypercholesterolemia), or more correctly, higher concentrations of LDL and lower concentrations of functional HDL are strongly associated with cardiovascular disease because these promote atheroma development in arteries (atherosclerosis). High cholesterol has also been linked to diabetes and high blood pressure.

Both heredity and diet have a significant influence on a person’s LDL, HDL and total cholesterol levels. Evidence strongly indicates that high cholesterol levels can cause narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis), heart attacks, and strokes.

Cholesterol in the bile can crystallize to form gall stones that may block the bile ducts. Cholesterol count also rises during pregnancy.

However, in recent years, scientists have come to realise that to decide whether an individual’s cholesterol levels are dangerous, these levels need to be considered in the light of the person’s overall risk of heart disease.The higher the risk of heart disease (for example, a male smoker with high blood pressure and diabetes), the greater the need to get cholesterol levels down.

Cholesterol tests
Cholesterol testing is recommended as a screening test to be done on all adults at least once every five years.

Foods that contain cholesterol
The cholesterol in your diet comes mainly from the saturated fats found in animal products. All foods from animals contain some cholesterol. Foods from plants do not contain cholesterol. Other sources of dietary cholesterol are full fat dairy foods, eggs and some seafood.

Safe blood cholesterol levels
Health authorities recommend that cholesterol levels should be no higher than 5.5mmols per liter. Approximately 50 per cent of adult Australians have a blood cholesterol level above 5mmols per liter. This makes high blood cholesterol a major health concern in Australia.

How to lower high cholesterol
The best way to maintain healthy levels of cholesterol in your diet is to limit foods high in saturated fats. Try to avoid: Fatty meats , full fat dairy products, processed meats like salami and sausages, snack foods like chips, most takeaway foods, especially deep fried foods, cakes, biscuits and pastries.

However the most important thing you can do to reduce your cholesterol level is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. You should try to:
a. Limit the amount of cholesterol-rich foods you eat.
Increase the amount and variety of fresh fruit, vegetables and wholegrain foods you have each day.
b. Choose low or reduced fat milk, yoghurt and other dairy products or have added calcium soy drinks.
c. Choose lean meat (meat trimmed of fat or labeled as heart smart).
d. Limit fatty meats, including sausages and salami, and choose leaner sandwich meats like turkey breast or cooked lean chicken.
e. Have fish (fresh or canned) at least twice a week. Replace butter and dairy blends with polyunsaturated margarines.
f. Include foods in your diet that are rich in soluble fiber and healthy fats, such as nuts, legumes and seeds.
g. Limit cheese and ice cream to twice a week.

Some studies have suggested that eating oats and legumes may lower LDL cholesterol. Food components like saponins (found in chickpeas, alfalfa sprouts and other foods) and sulphur compounds (like allicin found in garlic and onions) may also have a positive effect on cholesterol levels.

Plant sterols can lower cholesterol levels,these are
found naturally in plant foods including sunflower and canola seeds, vegetable oils and (in smaller amounts) in nuts, legumes, cereals, fruit and vegetables. Some margarine has concentrated plant sterols added to it. Plant sterol enriched margarines may help to lower LDL cholesterol.

Treatment for high cholesterol
Treatment of high cholesterol is aimed at lowering the low-density lipoproteins (LDL) or bad cholesterol, lowering triglyceride levels, and increasing the high-density lipoproteins (HDL) or good cholesterol.

Treatment will be most effective if it also includes appropriate diet, weight loss (if necessary) and physical activity.

The first steps in treating high cholesterol levels are: Regular physical activity and healthy eating.

There are also some foods that may help to lower cholesterol levels, particularly garlic, soya, oats, corn and selenium-enriched cereals.

Cholesterol-lowering foods are not suitable for children under five years or for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers.

Medication :Statin drugs work by interfering with the cholesterol-producing mechanisms of the liver and by increasing the capacity of the liver to remove cholesterol from circulating blood. Statins can lower LDL cholesterol by as much as 60 percent, depending on the drug and dosage.

Dick Aronson has a background of over 35 years in various facets of the Healthcare industry. He set up and ran clinical trials in more than 20 countries and he has also founded a number of small private health related businesses. Dick now runs a number of informative health websites Go to Health Innovations Online and Go to Cholesterol Information

You have just found out that you or a family member has a head full of head lice, your primary concern now is how to treat the head lice nits so that they do not infest the rest of the family or other people you may know. The best way of course when you want to treat head lice nits is go to your local pharmacy and purchase some shampoos and conditioners that treat the cause.

Be Aware That Some Shampoos Do Treat Head Lice have Pesticides

Always test the shampoo you purchase on the person that is infested first to ensure that they do not have a reaction to it. Also remember that these shampoos are not your regular shampoos, some have pesticides in them especially designed in treating head lice nits, which means that you don’t want others to use such shampoos unless absolutely necessary, especially if they are not infected already.

In treating head lice nits, look for medicines that will treat your head. The most commonly used medicine contains pediculicide, just be sure to use exactly as directed by the instructions given on the medicine’s label. With long hair you will need to apply a second application. It is recommended that you do not use any shampoo for at least two or three days after the application.

Once you have begun the process in treating head lice nits ensure that you closely examine your scalp on a regular basis. You do not need to reapply the pediculicide. Instead you should try and comb out the dead lice as well as use a special comb to eliminate nits at the same time.

Regularly check your hair every couple of days and to also use a nit comb in order to completely rid yourself of head lice. Medications such as these can take a while to totally remove head lice so in some cases you will still see lice moving about. If this is the case the medication that you used may not be effective and you may need to try another solution. Do this process for a couple of weeks and you will see results in treating head lice.

To completely treat the head lice you may also need to do some research and see the different solutions that are available in most pharmacies and it may also require a certain amount of performing trial and error runs, before a proper solution can be found.

For more articles on how to treat head lice please visit: http://www.lastheadlice.com

Do you have a loved one that is keeping you up all night because of their snoring? If so do you want to know how to help stop their snoring? Well firstly you need to determine the causes for the snoring. It is not hard to find the reasons for the snoring, but you will then need to look at all the different ways you can learn how to help stop snoring to find the right cure for them.

Things to look at

* Look at your loved one life style and daily habits. Are they overweight? People who have excess body fat are more prone to snore that people who don’t. Getting more exercise and watching the food that they are eating and drinking can help. Alcohol, drugs and smoking all contribute to the snoring problem. If they can cut these things from their lives, they may be able to reduce or learn how to stop snoring.

* Another problem could be high blood pressure or trouble breathing while sleeping; this is may be sleep apnea. This is a condition that they need to consult a doctor about.

* Start your investigation on by changing the sleeping area that they are in. Look at how many pillows they use. Try one pillow since more pillows will change the shaped of the nasal passages. If they are congested though, they should still elevate their head to prevent snoring. Get them to try different sleeping positions such as on their stomach, in this position they are less likely to snore. There are also anti-snoring pillows available, although these do not work for everyone.

* Medication can also be another reason for the cause of snoring depending on what the medication is. Many antihistamines and sleeping medications will cause snoring. If allergies are the problem, then a consultation with a doctor will help solve this problem

Possible solutions

Possible solutions on how to help stop snoring are nasal strips are some of the best products they can use to stop snoring and they can be purchased over the counter. By opening up the nasal passages many people are able to reduce the amount of snoring that they do at night.

Snoring may be annoying, but if your loved one has trouble breathing at night or find themselves stop breathing while they are snoring, they will want to consult a doctor who will then refer them to a sleep specialist that will be able to better help with you problem.

Need more information on how to help your loved one to stop snoring then please visit: http://www.kindlystopsnoring.com

The side effects of ovarian cysts include excessive bleeding at the time of menstruation, blood from vagina, pain in the breasts and pelvis and more. Let`s take a closer look at these various side effects:

Heavy bleeding at the time of menstruation

The possibility of more blood flow at the time of menstruation increases after an ovarian cyst surgery. The first period after the surgery may take place after two to three months of the surgery. In other cases, it can take a longer time. There is an increase in menstrual blood flow after a surgery from the pre-surgery state. There have been reports of some women getting post surgery periods after ten days of the first one.

Vaginal Bleeding

Sudden bleeding in women always causes concern and it should always be considered dangerous. Apart from usual menstruation or an occasional heavy period, any other abnormality can spell danger. It is important to understand the precise reason behind any abnormal bleeding. The origin of the blood should also be carefully studied. Blood may originate from the uterus or an organ tissue. It is only after a clear understanding of the origin of bleeding that measures to control and stop it should be decided upon. Vaginal bleeding can be of a fatal nature and needs urgent attention.

Usually, a classic menstrual cycle spans 28 days. One can keep a margin of seven days. The period itself can last between two to seven days. The volume of blood and fluid discharged in a typical period is approximately 5 table spoons. This equates to around 8 or fewer soaked pads per day.

The number of days when heavy discharge is registered should not be more than 2. If bleeding is still noticed from the vagina after a menstrual cycle is over, it may be called an abnormal or dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding. It is when there has to be consideration on whether the ovarian cyst exists or not.

Sometimes, complications in the process of the hormone that begins the process of menstruation and it increases by so much that it results in a complete imbalance in progesterone and oestrogen levels. This causes the body to over produce the uterine flow of blood, which in turn leads to an increase in bleeding from the vagina. Such complications arise due to the presence of ovarian cysts.

Vaginal bleeding has a dual nature: it is one of the side effects of ovarian cysts and also a symptom. Once vaginal bleeding is noticed, it is important to keep track of it as it will help immensely in understanding how serious the ovarian cyst is. If blood is noticed to flow from the vagina at times when the woman is not in the menstrual cycle, urgent medical attention should be sought. It may well indicate the presence of cysts in the ovary.

Early attention will help in diagnosis and treatment, and proper medication can be suggested before the situation gets worse. One should always remember that depending on the holistic system is the finest decision.

Breast pain

Any pain in the breasts should be taken seriously. Tenderness in the breasts should not be ignored, too. These conditions, if ignored, can lead to very serious consequences, such as ovarian cysts. Breast pain that arises from ovarian cysts begins by making them get increasingly tender as each day passes. A prompt diagnosis is strongly recommended under such circumstances. Otherwise, it will lead to further deterioration and complications.

The initial tenderness leads to pain in the breasts. There can also be a severe imbalance in hormone levels in the body. The estrogen secretion correlates breast pain and ovarian cysts. It is important to take corrective measures against ovarian cysts, as they will automatically take care of the breast pain. If left untreated, it may even lead to breast cancer!

Pelvic pain

Ovarian cysts affects copulatory organ in women. Actually, they happen both due to fertilization and its absence. It is therefore natural that ovarian cysts are accompanied by pelvic pain. Pelvis remains the worst affected part of the body. In dealing with ovarian cysts, the pelvis bears the entire pressure and thus, is very severely impacted. It is therefore needless to stress the importance of taking utmost care to cure pelvic pain resulting from ovarian cysts.

The holistic approach

All the side effects of ovarian cysts that have been discussed so far are related and interlinked. The most effective way of combating ovarian cysts is by adopting the holistic system which totally concentrates on overall health development and well-being through the use of spiritualism as well as philosophy. As history has shown us again and again, it is always better to start at the very basic. And this is what holistic system is all about. If one diligently follows the holistic approach in curing cysts, the side-effects can be easily averted.

The holistic approach actually is an approach that borders on divinity. It not only cures ovarian cysts in an individual, but also helps develop a positive attitude for life. With the holistic approach, one will never have to look back again. It will seem like a miracle to realize that none of the side effects of ovarian cyst has really touched you and you are already on you way to complete recovery.

Mary Parker is an author of the best-selling e-book, “Ovarian Cysts No More- The Secrets Of Curing Ovarian Cysts Holistically”. To Learn More About Her Unique 3-Step Holistic Ovarian Cysts Cure System Visit: Ovarian Cysts No More . For further information visit: Ovarian Cysts

Chicken pox has been around forever and parents across the world know that it is normally a reason to panic. It can be very irritating for the person that has it though and it is commonly thought of as a childhood disease. Besides feeling miserable the couple of days during the outbreak, once the bumps have appeared they are very itchy. If they are scratched, however, there is a greater chance of leaving unsightly scars. Here are some natural remedies for chicken pox that you can try before you run out and spend a bunch of cash on over the counter remedies.

Which natural chicken pox remedy you use is a matter of preference as one may work better than another for your particular case. Some people swear by brown vinegar added to a bath of warm water saying that it relieves the skin irritation.

While some may shrug at the thought of a vinegar bath, you might want to try the oatmeal bath instead. The oatmeal bath is sure to stop the itching for a while. All you have to do is cook a couple of cups of oatmeal in water for about 15 minutes. Then what you want to do is put the oatmeal in a sack or a cloth bag and secure it tightly. Then just toss it into the tub and it will allow some of the mixture to bleed through the sack without any clumps. You will know because the water will become murky in the tub. Just swish it around a little bit to get it going. Then soak in it as long as possible being certain to cover all of the areas that have outbreak on them.

Here is another one for you! Cook up some fresh green peas and instead of discarding the water, preserve it instead. Although there will not be enough for a bath, you can use it to apply to the areas that are most uncomfortable and it will help to relieve the irritation and the itch.

Another very popular natural chicken pox remedy is baking soda. Just make a mixture in a bowl or a glass and sponge it on the areas that are affected and allow it to dry. Watch it instantly stop the itching.

This natural remedy is more than a bit messy but honey is said to also stop the itch associated with chicken pox. Smear the skin with honey and it will not only stop the itch but promote faster healing too.

These remedies are just the tip of the iceberg. There are many more natural choices for you. The great part about remedies for chicken pox is the majority of ingredients can all be found without leaving your home.

Shannon Pollock has been teaching people about natural health remedies for many years. She is a specialist with experience in natural remedies for both people and animals.

For more information on natural remedies for chicken pox, as well as other natural health related topics, visit Shannon’s website called Natural Health Remedies and More

Osteoporosis is normally referred to as the Silent thief because of the high prevalence rates of more common diseases like AIDS and Diabetes while on the other hand most people tend to ignore other diseases that are equally important in our lives such as osteoporosis. Since this disease is mostly related to the old age, most people in youthful ages forget the fact that such disease can be prevented early in life by following simple steps.

Commonly known as a silent thief, Osteoporosis is a disease that clinically manifests itself by loss of bone tissue and low bone mass that may lead to weak and fragile bones. Since most people still believe that this is a disease of the old, they should realize that the damage from osteoporosis begins much earlier in life. Because peak bone density is reached at approximately 25 years of age, it is important for us to build strong bones by that age so as to reduce that risk and ensure that the bones remain stronger later in life.

The disease is often known as “a silent thief” because it is asymptomatic and a person will incur a fracture before realizing the presence of the disease. By the time of fracture, the disease is always in and advance stage with serious damage on the body tissues.

Even though latest research on Osteoporosis indicates that it’s largely caused by lack of certain hormones, particularly estrogen in women and androgen in man, I believe it is caused by personal negligence for life. Following a simple four way step is the perfect remedy for the disease. These are:-

Being physically active and this includes weight- bearing exercises.
Having a well balanced diet that is rich in calcium and vitamin D.
Leading a healthy life style devoid of smoking or excessive alcohol intake.
Checking bone density regularly and taking proper action.

Statistics on this disease is very astonishing and it’s important for various governments to initiate various sensitization modalities to curb this disease. In the United States alone, about 10 million people have osteoporosis. Another 18 million people have low bone mass which is an indication of immediate osteoporosis. Eighty percent of osteoporosis victims are women and among people older than 50 years, 1 in 2 women and 1 in 8 men are predicted to have an osteoporosis in their lifetime.

The cost of osteoporosis is enormous and simple precautions will save our economy billions of dollars. According to National Osteoporosis Foundation, in 2004 $ 17 billion was directly spent on osteoporosis while annually, the cost of osteoporosis in $ 14 billion. By initiating a global awareness of this disease and promoting the four basic steps, Osteoporosis in will be written in history books as a disease of the past.

Learn more on how to blog into a better living and voice your opinion, idea or hobby to the rest of the world.

If you are looking for an option on alcohol treatment in Maine, you will certainly have some questions in your mind. Here are some questions people commonly have and their answers.

Q1. How do I make sure that a treatment program in Maine is qualified for alcohol treatment?

Your best bet to find out whether a treatment program in Maine is qualified or not is to visit its website. It will be clearly mentioned on the website if the program is qualified or not. They also have a number on their website where you can call and ask about the qualification of the treatment. Another method is to conduct some research on the federal substance abuse websites such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the National Institute of Drug Abuse and the National Clearinghouse where you can find out which programs are qualified for alcohol treatment in Maine as well as in the entire nation.

Generally, the programs that are approved by the state are qualified treatment programs. These include the outpatient treatment program, the inpatient treatment program (with or without detox), the detox treatment program, the rehab program, the day treatment program, the residential treatment program and the partial hospitalization program. The holistic programs for addiction treatment are not counted as qualified treatment programs because they are not approved by the state for alcohol treatment.

Q2. What are the advantages of a qualified treatment program in Maine?

There are many benefits of going ahead with a qualified treatment program for alcohol treatment in Maine. The first and the most important benefit is that you are using a treatment program that is approved by the state. Automatically, the chances of treatment here are better because of the state approval. Other programs may be purely experimental in nature; they might do nothing for your particular condition.

Another benefit is the reduced cost. Most of these programs are low in cost because of the state benefits that they carry. The state will usually fund the treatment centers where such programs are conducted. Also, the insurance companies will not mind covering for these programs. Hence, it makes both a practical and an economical decision to go ahead with these programs.

Q3. How do I locate a treatment program for alcohol addiction in Maine?

You can directly seek an appointment with a counselor on substance abuse treatment in Maine, who will find at any healthcare center within the state. You can ask them about where the treatment programs are located and which would be the best kind of program for the patient’s condition. They will also provide you details on how the programs are conducted.

Another method is to conduct some research on the Internet. Searching through a search engine itself will provide you several options. But make sure you read their programs well and check up on their licensing information so that you are sure the patient will be comfortable with the treatment. You can call them on the number displayed on their website and they will oblige you with whatever details you wish to know about the program.

The third method is to check out the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website. Here you will find a Facility Locator that has links to all the states of the union. Here you can find the kind of treatment program you are looking for in Maine. The best benefit of locating through the SAMHSA website is that you are sure of finding a qualified treatment program for alcohol treatment in Maine.

Q4. Should I always go for detox when looking for alcohol treatment in Maine?

Advisable, but not necessary. If the patient has been with the addiction for a long period of time, then it becomes imperative to have a detox in order to remove the toxins from the body of the patient. this is also important to prevent any health complications in future, and you must know that unless and until the traces of alcohol are removed from the body of the patient, the alcohol treatment program will not be complete because the patient will keep getting a craving for the substance.

However, there are treatment programs for alcohol addiction in Maine that use simply the counseling technique and do not have a detox in them. You might consider them.

The best advice would be to meet with a counselor on substance abuse treatment and ask them whether a detox treatment would be necessary for the condition the patient is in.

You can read more about alcohol treatment in Maine and other treatment options by clicking on the link.