Turacos Medical Laboratory

Health Nuggets Today

Topic: Massage (Touch Power)

Does the simple power of human touch in the form of massage have the power to heal? We all know a massage feels good, but is there a benefit beyond that?

According to University of Miami researchers, the answer is - yes!

Researchers at the University investigated the effects of massage on AIDS, cancer, addiction, and the relationship between touch and physical and emotional development.
The finding at some point revealed some unique outcomes.

For example, premature "crack babies" who were given 15 minutes massages three times a day for 10 days had fewer postnatal complications, a 28 percent daily weight gain, and markedly more mature motor behaviors at the end of the 10 day period.

AIDS patients who received a 45 minutes massage five times weekly for a month exhibited improved immune function and a significant reduction in anxiety and distress levels.

Abused children living in shelters became more active and sociable when they were massaged. Massaged preschoolers become less fidgety and more concentrated. Office workers that were massaged became less tired and more alert.

Massage, it seems, increases the level of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter which facilitates the release of natural body defense cells.

Researchers point out that something as simple and affordable as a massage demonstrates exciting potential.
Furthermore, the full potential of massage has yet to be explored. For yw the sake of your own health, or for those whom you love, how about trying out a regular, daily massage on each other? At the very least, it will feel great; at best, it will bolster your immune system, help you fight off disease, or make your current good health even better!

Health Nugget Today

Topic: Foot Odor

This might seem like a minor medical issue to you, but the embarrassment of foot odor can have profound social and psychological effects on your life. 8f people move away from you quickly in public, or switch seat in a bus, office common room, your feet may be isolating you from a normal public life.

The shoe-covered foot is a prime site for that odorous combination of sweat and bacteria. Considering the fact that your foot has more than 3,000 sweat glands per square foot! - odds are that foot odor can strike anyone at any time.

Fortunately, there are many good, easy ways to control this common problem, which also can lead to athlete's foot.
The following tips are from the American Orthopedic Foot abk ankle Society:

1. Change shoes as well as socks every day, and avoid nylon socks or plastic shoes.

2. Wear thick, soft cotton socks to draw moisture away from the feet.

3. Use a mild soap and lukewarm (not hot) water to bathe feet daily.

4. Dust your feet frequently with non-medicated baby powder or foot powder.

Health Nuggets for Good Living.

S*x, Or**sm, and Aphrodisiac

A lot of people will tell you that there are no such things as real aphrodisiacs - foods, drugs, herbs, or special preparations that will stimulate s*xual desire or improve s*xual performance.

But many people believe that certain substances are aphrodisiacs. Perhaps the most common is ginseng, which is especially popular in Oriental countries snd cultures like Singapore, China et cetera.
And there may be something to, especially for ladies. A daily dose of ginseng extra, or ginseng tea is known to increase the level of testosterone in males. Testosterone of course is the "male hormone" qnd having a higher level of ot may increase a man's libido and stamina in s*xual activity.

Other more exotic substances are frequently sought for their purported aphrodisiacal properties, notable, powdered rhinoceros horn, can you believe that. In fact, the rhinoceros is being hinted to extinction because the demand for their horns is so high in China that many people are willing to take the great risk of poaching rhinos, mmmmmmm "what men do to or**sm."

Like ginseng, however, powdered rhino horb is probably not an aphrodisiac.

But to say there are no aphrodisiacs is not entirely true either. Several drugs, for example, clearly work with the human body chemistry to stimulate s*xual function. The prescription drug bromocriptine is very effective in reversing male impotency, and has been shown to increase libido by 80 percent in both males and females. Bromocriptine has also been known to return post menopausal women to regular menstrual cycles, even women in their 60s and 70s!

Another prescription drug that increases s*xual function is called Lypressin (Diapid), which is a synthetic version of the hormone vasopressin - a natural human hormone. Diapid prolongs and intensifies or**sms.

Of course, to obtain these drugs you must get a prescription from a doctor, and they are also probably not long-term solutions to s*xual problems, nor will they likely contribute to a healthy s*x life in the long run.

What you can do to improve your s*x life.

There is good news.
Research has shown clearly that certain vitamins play an important role in increasing and enhancing s*xuality. These foods may not be "love potions" or aphrodisiacs per say, but they do help along the chemicals in your brain - called neurotransmitters - which are needed for healthy s*xual functioning.

Vitamin B-5 (also known as calcium pantothenate) may be able to increase your s*xual stamin, if you take it with lecithin and choline, both common items you can buy in food stores.

Another B vitamin, Niacin, or Vitamin B-6 plays an extremely important role in attaining or**sm. A chemical in your body called histamine, which has many functions, is closely associated with or**sm release. An amino acid called histidine in your body is converted into histamine by niacin. Niacin causes the release of histamine - which produces the flushed itching feeling often associated with or**sm.

Taking niacin supplements abou a half hour before or so before having s*x may assist in your ability to have an organism whenever you want.
These foods are high in niacin, and therefore may help s*xual function:
Tuna ( fish), Chicken breast, turkey breast, cod, lamb (rago meat), mackerel, pink salmon, crab meat ( nhoko) 😄, Quaker instant oatmeal and so on.

Turn around your

Health nuggets for your daily living!

Tips On How To Talk To Your Health Care Professionals Final Part.

Tip Seven: Don't let your child describe his/her symptoms.

For obvious reasons, a child may have many reasons to mislead a doctor. Children are easily frightened and confused by medical people and environments, and they may say anything a parent or doctor wants them to say.
Even more than adults, children may use terms they don't understand, which can add to the confusion.

Tip Eight: Let your doctor talk to your spouse

The one person most people will share their most private and personal feelings with is their spouse. Oftentimes a husband or wife can be more objective about you than you can be about yourself. If you are facing a daunting medical problem and have had little success after talking to many doctors, have your spouse talk to a doctor in private. It's amazing how often this can lead to a more honest and accurate assessment of what is going on with a person's health.

Tip Nine: Don't be a doormat!

Traditionally the doctor-patient relationship has been one of "master and slave." It shouldn't be that way. A doctor is not an omnipotent God that knows all. In the not-so-recent past, doctors were never questioned or second-guessed by anyone, including nurses, and some other health care professionals, and least of all, the patient. This approach can be counterproductive for both you and the doctor. Respect a doctor for what they are and what they know, but don't be totally passive to their every statement or suggestion. Take an active part in your own diagnosis and decisions about your treatment. If your doctor doesn't care for your input 😄 fire him! After all it's your body and your life. Ultimately, you are the one who is in control, and you bear the responsibility for your health.

Tip Ten: If your doctor recommends surgery ALWAYS get second opinion!

At times the number of unnecessary surgeries done in Nigeria has exceeded epidemic proportions especially in the private sector. The economic incentive for a surgeon to operate on you is handsome. Surgeries make doctors good monies. Doctors are human beings and they are immune to the lure of bigger profits. Whenever a doctor recommends surgery, you should take the time and trouble to go to another doctor for fresh perspective. Avoiding an unnecessary surgery could save your life and save you thousands of Naira! It's worth the time to get a second opinion.

The end.