Probiotics are live micro-organisms, which are thought to be beneficial to the stomach. However, a new study out of Spain finds they are also good for your teeth.

Researchers at International University in Barcelona, Spain, looked at the effects of probiotics on gingivitis, bad breath and cavity development.

Researchers found that some of the probiotics showed promise – either alone or as part of a formula – for improving oral health.

Denise Cole, a registered dietitian at the Cleveland Clinic, who did not take part in the study, said people who took probiotic milk over a seven month period showed a decrease in cavities.

“We have also seen when probiotics were administered straight to the gum, that we did see a decrease in periodontal disease as well,” she said.

Probiotics can increase resistance to infectious diseases, help balance upset stomach and improve allergy symptoms.

“Probiotic milks and yogurts are a good source of those probiotics for you, and there are also over-the-counter pills (you can take),” Cole said.

The complete findings of this study are published in the Archives of Oral Biology Journal.

Diseases have their own incubation period when it comes to infectious types.

The answer is nope, however, there is no assurance you will never have the disease because it is only transmission that is done. Disease progression depends on several factors: your body's resistance, the actual potency of the disease causing agent that you got, and the balanced of the two.

Signs of herpes tend to develop within 3-7 days of skin-to-skin contact with an infected person.

Herpes infections look like small blisters or ulcers (round areas of broken skin) on the genitals. each blister or ulcer is typically only 1-3 millimeters in size, and the blisters or ulcers tend to be grouped into "crops." usually the blisters form first then soon open to form ulcers. Herpes infections may be painless or slightly tender. In some people, however, the blisters or ulcers can be very tender and painful.

no you cannot

I have never had an STD but it is likely that you could! but Highly UNLIKELY

NO….. for all STD's there is an incubation period. mostly days. it takes time for your body to react to the "bugs"

It is not a death-threatening ailment but it is a big source of discomfort caused by headache, fever and fatigue

Common cold, a viral infection involving the nose and throat is the most frequent illness in the world. It is estimated that children in preschool and elementary school could have six to 12 colds per year while adolescents and adults have two to four colds per year.

The disease otherwise known as catarrh and medically referred to as a viral upper respiratory tract infection is a very contagious disease that could be caused by a number of different types of viruses. more than 200 different types of viruses are known to cause common cold, with rhinovirus causing approximately 30 to 35 percent of all adult colds. Other commonly implicated viruses include coronavirus, adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, and parainfluenza virus. due to so many different viruses that could cause a cold and because new cold viruses constantly develop, the body never builds up resistance against all of them and it becomes a frequent and recurring problem.

Osas Omorogieva, a medical doctor with Ola Iya Specialist Hospital, Ojuelegba, Lagos, said the symptoms of the common cold typically begin two to three days after acquiring the infection. he explained that the symptoms  vary depending on the virus responsible for the infection and might include: nasal stuffiness or drainage, sore or scratchy throat, sneezing, hoarseness, cough, watery eyes, low-grade fever, headache, body aches, and fatigue. “The signs and symptoms of the aliment in infants and children are similar to those seen in adults. The cold may begin with a runny nose with clear nasal discharge, which later may become yellowish or greenish in color. Infants and children may also become more fussy and have decreased appetite. The symptoms of the common cold will typically last anywhere from four to 14 days, with most individuals improving in one week,” he said.

Infection is either by direct contact with infected secretions from contaminated surfaces or by inhaling the airborne virus after individuals sneeze or cough. Person-to-person transmission often occurs when an individual who has a cold blows or touches his nose and then touches someone or something else. “A healthy individual who then makes direct contact with these secretions could subsequently become infected, often after his contaminated hands make contact with their own eyes or nose. A cold virus could live on objects such as pens, books, telephones, computer keyboards, and coffee cups for several hours and can thus be acquired from contact with these objects,” he said.

Common cold which occurs most frequently during the rainy season and harmattan period could occasionally lead to bacterial infections of the middle ear or sinuses, requiring treatment with antibiotics. The cases of swollen glands, severe sinus pain, and a cough that produces mucus might indicate a complication or more serious illness requiring a visit to the doctor.

Though some medical experts are of the opinion that one could get a cold from exposure to cold or overheated weather, studies have shown that there is no connection between common cold and cold temperatures. rather, it is thought that during cold weather people spend more time indoors in close proximity to each other, thus facilitating the spread of the virus. for this same reason, children in day care and school are particularly prone to acquiring the common cold.

However, there are several ways to prevent cold or passing it on to others. Omorogieva said because cold germs on the hands could easily enter the eyes and nose, hands should be kept away from those areas of the body and that if possible, avoid being close to people who have colds. “if you have a cold, avoid being close to people. Whenever you sneeze or cough, cover your nose or mouth, and sneeze or cough into your elbow rather than your hand. Hand washing with soap and water is the simplest and one of the most effective ways to keep from getting cold or giving it to others.

Medical experts claim that there is no cure for the common cold, but one could get relieved from cold symptoms by resting in bed, drinking plenty of fluids, gargling with warm salt water or using throat sprays for a scratchy or sore throat, using petroleum jelly for a raw nose and taking aspirin or acetaminophen.

According to Ayodele Falase, a cardiologist, and former vice chancellor, University of Ibadan, several things, including lack of rest during the period when one has cold symptoms, can disrupt the workings of the heart muscles and subsequently lead to heart problems. “Individuals may not be able to do much about infection of the heart, but if you have cold or cold symptoms, go and rest. if you have cold and you want to jog it out, it could destroy the heart muscles. You need to rest during cold symptoms. when you rest, the heart gets better, the body gets better and then you can go on. these are some of the things that could ensure a healthy heart. Eating a good diet with low cholesterol content, controlling blood pressure, not overeating, weight control and exercising could also help to maintain a healthy heart,” he said.

BY STEVEN ROSENTHAL, M.D.

Special to the Times

The average age in the U.S. is 36.7 years. in terms of physical strength, speed and stamina, we reach our prime in our early 20s. in other words, most of us are past our prime. But that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy life. far from it!

With an average life expectancy in the U.S. of more than 78 years, most of us will be “past our prime” for more than two-thirds of our lives. And, while our bodies may not be as quick or strong as a 20-something’s, our wisdom and experience mean we are better able to overcome challenges and enjoy life. of course, we still need to take care of our bodies.

The 50s and 60s: By the time we reach 50, our bodies have been slowly losing strength and stamina for 25 years or more. to maintain good physical health, it is important to keep a regular exercise routine consisting of strength resistance and cardiovascular exercise, such as walking, and eat a healthy diet. It is also time to begin several routine medical screenings.

Both women and men should also begin regular screenings for colon cancer by age 50, and all women should be receiving regular breast cancer screenings. Bone density screenings are also important.

The screenings are important even for people in great physical health and with no symptoms because identifying problems and treating them early leads to much better outcomes.

The 70s: In our 70s, exercise and diet remain important, but exercise routines may have to be modified to adjust to an aging body. your physician can help you determine what changes, if any, are appropriate.

Our 70s also carries increased risks for dementia, but regular exercise earlier in life has been shown to decrease our risk for developing Alzheimer’s. Beginning new hobbies such as learning to play an instrument or painting may also help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s.

Despite what some may think, the aging brain is very functional. It is perhaps a bit slower — specific nouns and fact retrieval are sometimes more difficult — but aging adults are perfectly capable of learning new things. in fact, the aging brain may even be superior to a younger brain in seeing the “big picture.”

Healthy tips for all ages

Today, we are living a long, long time. So it is important to take good care of our bodies throughout our lifetimes. Don’t smoke, don’t drink in excess, and maintain a healthy weight — obesity dramatically increases your risk of several diseases.

Steven Rosenthal, M.D., is a board-certified internal medicine and geriatric medicine specialist affiliated with Eden Medical Center.

General News of Wednesday, 22 December 2010

Source: GNA

Sunyani (B/A), Dec. 22 GNA – Mr Kwame Dzudzorli Gakpey, Communicatio= n Officer of the National Malaria Control Programme of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), has warned that the national ban on chloroquine for the treatment of malaria is still in force. he said the GHS in collaboration with the Food and Drugs Board, the Pharmacy Council and the Police would next year visit pharmacy shops and other drug stores, especially those in rural areas, to arrest dealers still selling the drug.Mr Gakpey gave the warning when he addressed media practitioners at a day’s workshop organised by the GHS with support from Promoting Malaria Prevention and Treatment (Prompt Ghana) in Sunyani on Monday. The workshop was aimed at updating the knowledge of over 50 participants drawn from the electronic and print media on effective reportage on malaria. Mr Gakpey noted with regret that even though the ban on chloroquine came into force in 2004 some pharmacy shops still sold the drug to 93ignor= ant malaria patients”.”The efficacy and potency of chloroquine is no more since the parasi= te that causes malaria has developed resistance to the banned medicine”, he added.Mr Gakpey reminded the public that artesunate amodiaqiune (AA) is the best drug recommended by the GHS for the treatment of malaria and advised patients of the ailment 93to take AA in the full course as prescribed by t= he medical specialist for the rapid treatment of malaria. Giving a national overview of malaria, the Communication Officer said the disease was the number one cause of morbidity, accounting for about 32.= 5 per cent of all outpatients’ illnesses, 35.9 per cent of all admissions a= nd 30.3 of all deaths in children aged less than five years. he said between 3.1 and 3.5 million cases of clinical malaria were reported in public health facilities each year of which 900,000 cases were of children under five years.Mr Gakpey mentioned fever, headache, chills and vomiting as some of th= e common symptoms of malaria and advised the general public to access prompt medical attention if they experience such signs. “The use of lasting insecticide mosquito treated nets is also one of the best methods to control the spread and prevention of malaria”, he advised.Ms Rosemary Ardayfio, a media consultant for Prompt Ghana and a facilitator at the workshop, noted that malaria places a huge burden on Ghana’s economic development. She urged the participants especially those from the electronic media to help to change the behaviour of the public on malaria. Ms Ardayfio said the media plays a critical role in the fight against malaria.

I think I might have fractured my left sesamoid, but I'm not quite sure.
If anyone has ever had this injury could they tell me what the pain was like.

(I have high pain resistance so I don't feel much pain ever but I can tell something is wrong.)

Hello,
Let's see, A few years ago, I had just gotten off work my feet were killing me, nothing abnormal, just achy feet. I took a shower, then proceeded to give my feet a message with lotion. My left foot I began paying xtra attention to. I kept rubbing, then (w/my hand) starting bending my toes forward then back. I did this for about 10 min. everything seemed fine. then when I awoken in the early morning, cause the top of my toes brushed across the blanket, that sent a wave of pain through my foot. It progressed very quickly, within a few hours I could not walk on my foot and any flinching or movement in lower big toe area I let out a shrill. went to the Dr's, they said there was nothing that they could do, had to let it heal on it's own, stay off feet. because I was shuffling around and compensating one side for the other, the whole calf area on left side swelled up, and bruised.
Some people are actually born with this fragile bone already (split), but you will experience lots of pain and swelling.

Hope this helps
Sonny