Geriatrics

Health and wellness in geriatrics

Geriatrics is that branch of medicine which dedicates itself to the care of older people. It is a specialized field wherein a set of specialized physicians seek to provide health care to the elderly. Aging is a natural process which involves the gradual reduction of the body's organs and their functions. Even as children are growing up, their bodies are aging. At a later time in life, the aging process intensifies especially between 60 to 75 years. The social and biological characteristics of every age group differ as does each individual's body make-up. The social and biological characteristics of these three groups differ so much from each other that this categorization appears meaningful. It is not to be overlooked however, that some humans look old well before they are even fifty.

What is the weakest force in the universe and has the most profound effect on the human body? Gravity.
As we age, the relentless pull of gravity causes our body to sag in a southerly direction.
We develop wrinkles, flabby forearms, portly midriffs, varicosities, and edema
Feet and ankles, stooped shoulders, turkey necks, and compressed spines, to
Name a few multifarious insults to our body shape.

To compensate for this "G-force" we must continually work against it
Through body movement. Regular exercise is essential to maintain optimal
Health. Apiarian Roy den Brown noted, "It has been scientifically
Documented that exercising regularly increases longevity and enhanced
quality of life."1 The proverbial expression "either use it or lose it" applies
to the body's need for daily exercise as well as to maintain musculoskeletal
strength, immunity, and psychobiological balance. The best nutrition in the
world cannot sustain us if our circulation is stagnant and we do not receive
oxygen-rich blood to our body's three trillion cells.

Age-related Conditions
Urinary incontinence
Urinary incontinence is not just a female problem. It is common in both women and men of all age groups. Generally age is not the only cause. It can occur for many reasons such as constipation, certain medicines, urinary tract infections, vaginal infection or irritation. Incontinence can last for different length of time due to the following causes: An overactive or weak bladder muscles. An enlarged prostate that can cause a blockageDiseases such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, or arthritis that damage nerves which control the bladder. The body stores urine in the bladder. During urination, muscles in the bladder contract or tighten. This forces urine out of the bladder and into a tube called the urethra that carries urine out of the body. At the same time, muscles surrounding the urethra relax and let the urine pass through. Spinal nerves control how these muscles move. Incontinence occurs if the bladder muscles contract or the muscles surrounding the urethra relax without warning.
Eye Problems in the Aged
Vision problems
There are many older people even those into their 80s who have no problem at all with their eyes. But, natural physical changes often cause some problems such as cataracts and glaucoma with age. The older you get you need brighter light for everyday tasks such as reading, cooking, mending. Driving a car can become a difficult task at night.
Some of the common problems are:
PresbyopiaThis usually occurs after the age of 40/45 years due to a change in the eye muscles and lens caused by loss of elasticity making reading more difficult. You can read only if you hold the material at arm's length. The problem is with focusing, which is easily rectified by having reading glasses with a convex lens. Every few years you will require slightly stronger lens to allow for the decreasing ability to focus
FloatersA common complaint is of seeing tiny spots or specks that float across the eye, especially in bright light. They are normal and usually harmless but may be a warning of impending eye problems. If they become more noticeable or cause flashes of light, see your doctor.

Excessive tears
Excessive tears are usually a sign of increased sensitivity of the eyes towind, light or temperature changes. This complaint is very common in acold wind. It can be minimized by wearing glasses, especially sunglasses. It could indicate blocked tear ducts (lachrymal ducts) or an eye infection.
Dry eyes
This is caused by a reduced production of tears by the tear glands. It cancause problems such as blurred vision, itching or burning. It iseasily corrected by using artificial tears.
Common eye diseases.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is caused by too much fluid pressure in the eye, this can lead to blindness The rarer acute form (which causes sudden pain and visual problems) and the common chronic form (which slowly develops without early symptoms). All elderly patients should have eye tests on a regular basis, maybe every 2 years, but it is more important to have any unusual eye symptoms checked, if detected, it can be treated and blindness prevented.
Cataractnormally the lens within the eye is clear and allows light to pass through it. A cataract is when the clear lens becomes cloudy or opaque and cuts down the light entering the back of the eye. Apart from deterioration of vision, there are no other symptoms. Though this can occur at any age, it is more common in diabetics and those taking cortisone tablets. It is also hereditary. A modern lens implant (an artificial lens) can give excellent results.
Retinal disorders
Disorders of the retina (the photosensitive area of the eye) can lead to varying degrees of blindness. Diabetes and other diseases can cause retinal problems. Sometimes the retina can become detached and seriously affect the eyesight. Retinal detachment can be treated successfully if detected early.
Tips for improved sight
· Light bulbs are better than fluorescent lights.
· Regular blood pressure and diabetes check ups.
· Eye examination every 2 years

Alzheimer's disease
Dementia is a general term for brain disorders that seriously affects a person's ability to carry out daily activities. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia among older people. It involves the parts of the brain that controls thought, memory, and language. Causes of Alzheimer's disease are still unknown, and there is no cure.This disease usually begins after age 60, and risk goes up with age.Scientists have also found other brain changes in people with Alzheimer's disease. There is loss of nerve cells in areas of the brain that are vital to memory and other mental abilities and lower levels of chemicals in the brain that carry complex messages back and forth between nerve cells.Alzheimer's disease may disrupt normal thinking and memory by blocking these messages between nerve cells.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Alzheimer's is a progressive disease; the symptoms grow worse over time. Yet, it is also a variable disease. Symptoms progress at different rates and in different patterns. The appearance and progression of symptoms will vary from one person to the next.Some of the common symptoms are:

Anxiety, paranoia, suspiciousness, agitation
Changes in personality and judgment confusion and memory loss
Difficulty with activities of daily living, such as feeding and bathing
Difficulty recognizing family and friends
Disorientation
Getting lost in familiar surroundings
Hallucinations and delusions
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Loss of bladder and bowel control
Loss of speech
Problems with routine tasks
Repetitive speaking or action
Sleep disturbances
Total dependence on caregiver
Wandering, pacing.

Loss of hearing
The gradual loss of hearing that occurs as you age is a common condition. Over time, the wear and tear from noise contributes to hearing loss by damaging the cochlea, a part of your inner ear. Doctors believe that heredity and chronic exposure to loud noises are the main factors that contribute to hearing loss. At times earwax blockage can prevent your ears from conducting sounds as well as they should.Damage to the inner ear can't be reversed though you and your doctor or hearing specialist (audiologist) can take steps to improve what you hear.
Signs and symptoms of hearing loss may include:

· Muffled quality of speech and other sound
· Difficulty understanding words, in a noisy crow
· Asking others to speak more slowly, clearly and loudly
· Needing to turn up the volume of the television or radio
· Withdrawal from conversations
· Avoidance of some social settings
Treatment If your hearing loss is due to damage to your inner ear, a hearing aid may be helpful. Getting used to a hearing aid takes time. The sound you hear is different because it's amplified. You may need to try more than one device to find one that works well for you. Hearing aids come in a variety of sizes, shapes and styles. Some hearing aids rest behind your ear with a small tube delivering the amplified sound to the ear canal. Other styles fit in the outer ear or within the ear canal. If you can't hear as well as you used to because of earwax blockage, your doctor can remove the wax and improve your hearing. This is a very simple painless procedure.If you have severe hearing loss, a cochlear implant may be an option. Unlike a hearing aid, a cochlear implant takes the place of the damaged or nonworking parts of the inner ear.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis, or porous bone, is a disease characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to bone fragility and an increased susceptibility to fractures of the hip, spine, and wrist. Men as well as women suffer from osteoporosis, a disease that can be prevented and treated. Throughout our lifetime, old bone is removed and new bone is added to the skeleton. During childhood and teenage years, new bone is added faster than old bone is removed. As a result, bones become larger, heavier, and denser. Bone formation continues at a faster pace until peak bone mass (maximum bone density and strength) is reached around age 30. After age 30, wear and tear of bones begins to exceed bone formation. Bone loss is most rapid in the first few years after menopause but persists into the postmenopausal years. Osteoporosis is more likely to develop if you did not reach optimal bone mass during your bone building years.

Dr Gopika Gupta: Tips Reducing Sugar in your Diet

Dr Gopika Gupta: Tips Reducing Sugar in your Diet

Tips Reducing Sugar in your Diet

Using Less Sugar and Sweeteners

Here are some tips for reducing sugar in your diet to make room for more nutritious foods.

• Read ingredient labels. If sugar is listed as the first, second or third ingredient, the product probably contains a large amount of sugar as a sweetener. Identify all the sugars in a product (sucrose, honey, glucose, molasses, dextrose, corn sweetener, fructose, high-fructose corn syrup, lactose, maltose, sorghum syrup, mannitol, fruit juice concentrate, sorbitol). Select items lower in added sugars when possible.
• Buy fresh fruits or fruits packed in water, juice, or light syrup rather than those in heavy syrup.
• Buy fewer foods that are high in sugars such as soft drinks, fruit-flavored punches and sweet desserts. Be aware that some low-fat desserts may be very high in sugar.
  Add less sugar to coffee, tea, cereal or fruit. Get used to half as much, then see if you can cut back even more.
• Use less sugar in the foods you prepare at home. Try new recipes or adjust your own. Start by reducing sugars gradually until you've decreased them by one third or more.
  As you reduce the sugar in your baked goods, try adding spices like cinnamon, cardamom, coriander, nutmeg, ginger and mace to enhance the sweet flavor of foods. Spiced foods will taste sweeter if warmed.
  Don't worry - sugar isn't your enemy. But reducing your sugar intake will help you cut calories and will allow you more room for more nutritious foods.
  

Carbohydrate Counting for People With Diabetes

Carbohydrate Counting for People With Diabetes

The three main nutrients--protein, carbohydrate and fat--affect blood sugar differently. Because carbohydrates contain both sugar and starch, they have the biggest impact on blood sugar. All of the carbohydrate you eat gets changed into blood glucose within five minutes to three hours after the food is eaten. For people with diabetes, knowing carbohydrates' effect on blood sugar is important for good health.
How much carbohydrate you eat (whether it's sugar or starch) will determine your blood sugar level after a meal or a snack, so keeping track of your carbohydrate intake is important. Many people with diabetes have maintained good blood sugar control with a technique called carbohydrate counting. Carbohydrate counting not only contributes to better blood sugar control, it also provides more variety in food choices.
There are two ways to count carbs: the simple way and the more advanced method. With the simple method, you work with a certified diabetes educator/registered dietitian to figure out how many grams of carbohydrate to eat at your meals and snacks. For example, if your nutritionist estimates that you need 75 grams of carbohydrates for breakfast each day you have the information you need to vary your food choices. A breakfast of cereal, milk, yogurt and blueberries will add up to 72 grams. But you might choose a breakfast of bagel, low-sugar jelly and non-fat milk for a total of 78 grams.
The advanced method of carbohydrate counting involves matching your insulin dose to the amount of carbohydrate you eat. You will need to work with professional diabetes educators to determine your ratio of carbohydrate to insulin. In both types of carbohydrate counting, however, knowing serving sizes and reading food labels are both necessary in order to count carbohydrates.

Nutrition

VITAMINS

Vitamins are organic compounds that help maintain normal body functions, such as reproduction, growth and cell repair. Vitamins work with other vitamins and other substances like enzymes to help your cells function correctly, and an adequate consumption of vitamins is necessary for your body to work well. Your body can't manufacture vitamins, so you need to obtain them from other sources.
Most of the vitamins you need come from the food you eat, except for vitamin D, which your body makes when exposed to sunlight, and K, which is made by the bacteria in your intestines. In addition to their presence in natural foods, vitamins can also be manufactured synthetically.

Some people who feel that they aren't getting enough vitamins in the foods they eat or who have a health condition such as pregnancy will take a synthetic vitamin to ensure adequate vitamin intake. Vitamin supplements may be available in tablet, caplet or liquid form. Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates vitamin supplements, they do not have established standards for quality. However, the United States Pharmacopeia recently established standards for vitamin supplements, so look for supplements that say "USP" on the product label.
Nutritionists categorize vitamins by the materials that a vitamin will dissolve in. There are two categories: water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins. Water-soluble vitamins, which include the B-complex group and vitamin C, travel through the bloodstream. Whatever water-soluble vitamins are not used by the body are eliminated in urine, which means you need a continuous supply of them in your food.
Fat-soluble vitamins—vitamins A, D, E and K—are stored in the fat tissues of the body for a few days to up to 6 months. If you get too much of a fat-soluble vitamin, it can be stored in your liver and may sometimes cause health problems.



Vitamin
Dietary Source
Major Functions
Signs of Prolonged Deficiency
Toxic Effects Of Major Doses

Vitamin A
Liver, milk, butter, cheese, carrots, spinach.
Maintenance of vision, skin, linings of nose, mouth, digestive and urinary tracts.
Night blindness; dry, scaling skin; loss of appetite; anemia; kidney stones.
Headache, vomiting and diarrhea, vertigo, double vision, liver damage, bone defects.

Vitamin D
Milk, fish oils, butter, egg yolks, sunlight.
Maintenance of bones and teeth; promotion of calcium absorption.
Bone softening, loss, and fractures in adults.
Kidney damage; calcium deposits in soft tissues, depression, and death.

Vitamin E
Vegetable oils, whole grains, nuts & seeds, green leafy vegetables, asparagus, peaches.
Protection and maintenance of cellular membranes.
Red blood cell breakage and anemia, weakness, neurological problems, muscle cramps.
Relatively non-toxic, but may cause excess bleeding or formation of blood clots.

Vitamin C
Peppers, broccoli, spinach, brussel sprouts, citrus fruits, berries, tomatoes, potatoes, cabbage
Maintenance and repair of connective tissue, bones, teeth, and cartilage; promotion of healing and iron absorption
Scurvy, anemia, loose teeth, joint pain, poor healing, hair loss
Urinary stones, acid stomach, nausea, diarrhea, headache, fatigue
Thiamin
Whole-grain and enriched breads and cereals, organ meats, lean pork, nuts, legumes
Conversion of carbohydrates into usable forms of energy; maintenance of nervous system function
Beriberi (symptoms include muscle wasting, mental illness, anorexia, enlarged heart, nerve changes, abnormal heart rhythm)
None
Riboflavin
Dairy products, enriched breads and cereals, lean meats, poultry, fish, green vegetables
Energy metabolism; maintenance of skin and nervous system
Cracks at corners of mouth; sore throat; skin rash; hypersensitivity to light; purple tongue
None
Niacin
Conversion of carbohydrates, fats and proteins into usable energy
Pellagra (symptoms include diarrhea, dermatitis, inflammation of mucus membranes, dementia)
Flushing of skin, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, liver dysfunction, glucose intolerance
Headache, vomiting and diarrhea, vertigo, double vision, liver damage, bone defects
Vitamin B6
Eggs, poultry, fish, whole grains, nuts, soybeans, liver, kidney, pork
Protein and neurotransmitter metabolism; red blood cell synthesis
Anemia, convulsions, cracks at corners of mouth, dermatitis, nausea, confusion
Neurological abnormalities and damage
Foliate
Green leafy vegetables, yeast, oranges, whole grains, and legumes, liver
Amino acid metabolism, synthesis of RNA and DNA, new cell synthesis
Anemia, weakness, fatigue, irritability, shortness of breath, swollen tongue
Masking of vitamin B12 deficiency
Vitamin B12
Eggs, milk, meats, other animal foods
Metabolic reactions; synthesis of red and white blood cells
Anemia, fatigue, nervous system damage, sore tongue
None
Biotin
Cereals, yeast, egg yolks, soy flour, liver; widespread in foods
Metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins
Rash, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, depression, fatigue, hair loss
None
Pantothenic Acid
Animal foods, whole grains, legumes; widespread in foods
Metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins
Fatigue, numbness of hands and feet, gastrointestinal disturbances
None

What Is Homoeopathy ?

What is Homoeopathy ?

Homoeopathy (=homeopathy) is an method of treatment, based on the nature's Law of Cure, namely 'Like Cures Like'. The truth of this law was discovered by a German scientist Dr.Samuel Hahnemann in 1796, and has been verified experimentally and clinically for 200 years. Homoeopathy is the revolutionary, natural medical science.

Homoeopathy is gentle and effective system of medicine. The remedies are prepared from various natural substances to precise standards and work by stimulating the body's own healing power.


HOLISTIC CONCEPT OF HEALTH

Holistic Health is actually an approach to life. Rather than focusing on illness or specific parts of the body, this ancient approach to health considers the whole person and how he or she interacts with his or here environment. It emphasizes the connection of mind, body, and spirit. The goal is to achieve maximum well-being, where everything is functioning the very best that is possible. With Holistic Health people accept responsibility for their own level of well-being, and everyday choices are used to take charge of one's own health. Holistic Health is based on the law of nature that a whole is made up of interdependent parts. The earth is made up of systems, such as air, land, water, plants and animals. If life is to be sustained, they cannot be separated, for what is happening to one is also felt by all of the other systems. In the same way, an individual is a whole made up of interdependent parts, which are the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. When one part is not working at its best, it impacts all of the other parts of that person. Furthermore, this whole person, including all of the parts, is constantly interacting with everything in the surrounding environment. For example, when an individual is anxious about a history exam or a job interview, his or her nervousness may result in a physical reaction--such as a headache or a stomach ache. When people suppress anger at a parent or a boss over a long period of time, they often develop a serious illness--such as migraine headaches, emphysema, or even arthritis.
The principles of Holistic Health state that health is more than just not being sick. A common explanation is to view wellness as a continuum along a line. The line represents all possible degrees of health. The far left end of the line represents premature death. On the far right end is the highest possible level of wellness or maximum well-being. The center point of the line represents a lack of apparent disease. This places all levels of illness on the left half of the wellness continuum- good
Holistic Health is an ongoing process. As a lifestyle, it includes a personal commitment to be moving toward the right end of the wellness continuum. No matter what their current status of health, people can improve their level of well-being. Even when there are temporary setbacks, movement is always headed toward wellness. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that the key factors influencing an individual's state of health have not changed significantly over the past 20 years.
· Quality of medical care is only 10%.
· Heredity accounts for 18% and environment is 19%.
· Everyday lifestyle choices are 53%.

The decisions people make about their life and habits are, therefore, by far the largest factor in determining their state of wellness·The most obvious choices people make each day is what they "consume"--both physically and mentally .The majority of illnesses and premature death can be traced back to lifestyle choices. There are the well-known dangers connected with drugs, alcohol, nicotine, and unprotected sexual activity. Less recognized is the impact of excesses in things like sugar, caffeine, and negative attitudes. Combined with deficiencies in exercise, nutritious foods, and self-esteem, these gradually accumulate harmful effects. With time they diminish the quality of the "environment" within that human being, and can set the stage for illness to take hold. Quality of life, now and in the future, is actually being determined by a multitude of seemingly unimportant choices made everyday.

Homoeopathy: The Holistic medicine

The concept of disease in homoeopathy is that disease is a total affection of mind and body, the disturbance of the whole organism, Individual organs are not the cause of illness but disturbance at the inner level (disturbance of the life force, the vital energy of the body) is the cause of illness. Therefore homoeopathy does not believe in giving different medicines for different afflicted parts of body but rather give one single constitutional remedy which will cover the disturbance of the whole person. Homoeopathy treats the patient as a whole and not just the disease. Medical philosophy is coming more and more to the conclusion that the mere treatment of symptoms and organs can only help temporarily and that it is the healing power of the body as whole that has to be enhanced. Homoeopathy believes in holistic, totalistic and individualistic approach.
'Health' is an elusive word. Most people who consider themselves healthy are not. And many people, who are suffering from some known disease, may be relatively healthy. Health is a concept which does not merely relate to the absence of disease, of healthy working of organs, or having good thoughts. Health is a holistic concept. It relates to a person as a whole. Not just the person you see, but also the person you 'feel'. Components of health
- Emotional Health
- Mental Health
- Physical Health
Emotional health, mental health, and physical health are not separate entities. You cannot have a healthy mind without a healthy body or healthy emotions and vice-versa. The degree to which one of these components is affected can vary from person to person, but ultimately it is the person as a whole that is affected.
This is the reason why Homeopathy is so different from every other system of medicine. The dominant medical school still has to realize that just as the parts of a human body can not work in isolation, they also can not fall ill in isolation. There can not be a disturbed liver or a damaged lung unless and until there is a primary disturbance which affects the person as a whole. We can not forget that every part in our body and every cell in those parts have come from a single cell. A cell which had a life force of its own. How can any one dissociate the body parts which have all come from one single cell?

HOMOEOPATHIC PERSPECTIVE OF WHOLENESS:-
Life's wholeness can be equated with the DYNAMIS or VITAL FORCE or VITAL PRINCIPLE of Homeopathy;
"In the state of health the spirit-like vital force (dynamic) animating the material human organism reigns in supreme sovereignty. It maintains the sensations and activities of all the parts of the living organism in a harmony that obliges wonderment. The reasoning spirit who inhabits the organism can thus freely use this healthy living instrument to reach the lofty goal
of human existence."
Hahnemann- Organon of Medicine Aphorism #9
"Without the vital force the material organism is unable to feel, or act, or maintain itself. Only because of the immaterial being (Vital principle, Vital force) that animates it in health and in disease can it feel and maintain its vital functions."
* "Without the vital force the body dies; and then, delivered exclusively to the forces of the outer material world, it decomposes, reverting to its chemical constituents."
Hahnemann Organon of Medicine Aphorism #10
"In the invisible interior of the body, the suffering of the pathologically unturned spirit-like dynamic animating the organism and the totality of perceptible symptoms that result and that represent the disease are one.
Aphorism #15
"...we summarize the definition of health of the whole being as follows:
health is freedom from pain in the physical body, having attained a state of well being; freedom from passion on the emotional level, having as a result a dynamic state of serenity and calm; and freedom from selfishness in the mental sphere, having as a result total unification with Truth.

MENTAL ASPECT & HOMOEOPATHY:
Although Hahnemann, in the Organon, and most homeopaths since, do consider the mental symptoms - the "always predominating state of the mind and disposition" [Aph. 217] - as being very important and significant in defining the disease or selecting a remedy, yet nowhere in homeopathy is there any coherent theory of mind or mental illness in the same sense that is found in allopathic. Indeed, mind is merely regarded as another part of the whole person: "the almost spiritual, mental and emotional organs, which the anatomist has never yet and never will reach with his scalpel" [Aph. 216]. In other words, all homeopaths since Hahnemann have predominantly ignored mind as a separate field of disease causation, except insofar as it is merely a field wherein symptoms make themselves manifest either as a product of the drug or of a disease and always when viewed holistically - in the round.
Hahnemann does however acknowledge that such mental disorders do give an impression, an apparition of being a separate class of disease: "as though it were a local disease in the invisible subtle organ of the mind or disposition," [Aph. 215], but because homeopathy fails to take cognizance of mental illness as a separate entity, apart from any other holistic disease entity, then it seems to ignore all theories of mental disease in exactly the same way that it ignores all allopathically construed theories of physical disease, as being largely irrelevant to its 'modus operandi' or worldview. It adopts this position because all disease is construed as a "dynamic aberration of our spirit like life," [Close, 67]; "a perverted vital action," [Close, 70]; "disease is the suffering of the dynamic," [Close, 72]; "disease is primarily a morbid disturbance or disorderly action of the vital force," [Close, 74]. Close is most emphatic in insisting that disease is "not a thing, but only the condition of a thing," [Close, 70]. Because homeopathic drugs correct the vital force, so, after which, by domino effect [so to say], the entire organism automatically becomes corrected - including mind. We might therefore ask where the concept of mental illness in homeopathy is. There is NO such concept - there is no concept of mental illness per se in homeopathy.
Clearly, the Organon's conception of 'mental illness' does not dovetail too easily with the conventional definition of mental illness or, the way it is applied by modern practitioners. In this sense, homeopathy clearly has no separate category of 'mental illness'. Even though, the symptom of the one-sided illness may involve mental illness [in the conventional sense] an obsession, illusion, delusion, hallucination, fear [phobia?], suicidal impulses, depression, etc., to homeopathy it is only an illness of a deeply deranged vital force, deranged at the most fundamental level, never of the mind itself in isolation from the whole person.
The essence of this view is peppered throughout the Organon and in Kent and Close and Boger - it states simply that mind and body comprise one holistic unit [conventionally regarded as two arenas] in which symptoms make themselves manifest. It depicts a "functional unity of the psychic state…and somatic state," [Verspoor, 103]. Boenninghausen also repeats this dual unity of Aphorisms 224-226 [Verspoor, 118]. However, Hahnemann is clear that the ultimate source of all symptoms is derangements in the "life force." A view incidentally he shared with Paracelsus, Stahl, and van Helmont. Remedies remove these derangements and so the flow of symptoms - to whichever arena - is slowed and then ceases. These views are stated repeatedly by Close and Kent, for example, and obtain ample repetition by all ‘the greats’.Hahnemann leaves no doubt that the fundamentally holistic nature of homeopathic philosophy, rails repeatedly against materialistic and allopathic constructs, which seek to slice the person up into organs or systems and he condemns any ‘treatment of parts’ that always flows from such a reductions perspective. Kent likewise condemns this approach in his own emotional manner. The only option therefore is to regard all ‘disease’ so-called as an expression of an internal disorder resident in the life force, which remedies reach and eliminate, and then the flow of symptoms ceases. Clearly, the remedies must be chosen based on their totality and similarity to the entire person, rather than upon the disease as an entity

FACTORS INFLUENCING THE HEALTH
There is hardly any cause which affects one plane without affecting the others. Our mind and body are so closely integrated that when one is affected there are bound to be repercussions on the other. Let me give some examples to elaborate this. Even a small cut in your hand (physical plane) can make you worry (mental plane) about the bleeding or injury in general and can make you angry (emotional plane) with yourself that you were not careful enough. Again, mental anxiety (which often results from emotional problems) is a well known cause for peptic ulcers and hypertension. Nearly every known disease, be it physical or psychological, can be associated with signs and symptoms on the other planes. Some of the most common factors affecting our health
1. Genes - children inherit the physical and mental makeup from their parents, they also inherit the tendencies and susceptibilities to acquire diseases. For example - it is a well known fact that conditions like obesity, hypertension, peptic ulcers, crohn's disease, diabetes, depression etc often run in families.
Defective genes sometimes directly result in diseases. What we commonly call as genetic disorders. But even the emotional instability ‘,’ tendency to worry a lot or the 'tendency to catch a cold frequently' can be attributed to our genetic inheritance.
2. Life-style and Social factors - Our contemporary life style is the second biggest factor for failing health of people. Increasing sedentary habits, long working hours, reduced rest hours; diet containing highly processed food, poor in fiber content and with loads of artificial colors and flavors; increased anxiety and tensions related to education, career, job, performance, etc are some of the factors that are responsible for decreasing the health status of our society at large. Coupled with environmental factors and allopathic drugs, these factors are playing havoc with our health.
3. Allopathic Drugs - Even allopath say that allopathic drugs are one of the biggest causes of health problems today. Allopathic drugs not only have their side-effects, but their excessive use is decreasing the immunity level of our society at large. The pill-popping culture is an open invitation to chronic ailments. People keep suppressing their ailments and keep working until their body finally gives up.
4. Environmental factors - Increasing pollution of our air, water, and earth is a well known factor in the increasing level of many diseases. There is a high level of asthma and other allergic complaints in urban areas. Depleting ozone layer is a known factor in increasing rate of skin cancers. Noise pollution is a recognized factor in increasing anxiety and stress levels in our society.

CASE TAKING an extensive patient history is taken and the patient's physical and psychological symptoms are observed, then an initial prescription is made. The case-taking is very important since it is the actual leader to a perfect diagnosis. The details with respect to mental and physical make-up of the patient are assessed by the physician by asking and enquiring into the intimate details of the patients. If the medication does not have the desired effect or if the symptoms persist, a second analysis is done and a second prescription is given. This process continues until the correct medication for the underlying ailment is found. Constitutional treatment is generally used for chronic problems; acute, or short-term, ailments are usually treated with remedies specific to the illness. Physical and emotional makeup — may need to be treated along with any specific ailments.



Individuality / Constitutions
As we are aware that no two individuals are alike so the treatment varies from individual to individual. The majority of homeopaths practice "constitutional" homeopathy, based on the idea that each person's constitution — or mental, physical.
Individuals also come with definite temperaments under which they can be classified. There are five known temperaments viz; Sanguine, Bilious, Lymphatic, Leuco-phlegmatic and Nervous.
Each individual can be classified by the physician in the category to which he belongs. And accordingly the prescriptions are made after a detail study of the physical and mental make-up of the patient which is assessed by various questions that enquire in to the various details especially into the mental state of mind.
Mind
This is the most important aspect of Homeopathic case-taking which is directly related to the treatment. The Mind is studied at different levels viz; the Will, Emotion/Understanding and the Intellect.
Will
This includes the wants of an individual. The cravings, aversions, desire come under this heading.
Emotion / Understanding
The emotional level of the mind is exhibited at this level. The individual emotional level can be assessed by analyzing the level of his anger, irritation, nervousness and his capacity to tackle emotional situations.
Intellect
This gives an assessment of the intelligence of the person. It evaluates the level of perception of the individual especially with respect to situations he faces.
SUPRESSION in homeopathic case-taking
What is Suppression?

Suppression is the opposite of DIRECTION OF CURESuppression occurs whenever the patients symptoms go against the DIRECTION OF CURE, that is, the medicine (or any other circumstances) works against the body's vital energy, causing the disease state to go deeper into the constitution, resulting in greater ill health and a more chronic disease.
Suppression is not always immediately apparent but can develop insidiously Suppression is not (generally) recognized by allopathic as a problem, rather as a solution, whereas in homeopathy it is considered as dangerous and something to be avoided at all costs.
Suppression is often the AETIOLOGY (causation) of another ailment
The consequences of suppression are widespread and homeopathic literature is bedecked with cases illustrating how a patient's suffering has been increased as a result of allopathic suppression
Suppression should be differentiated from side effects of allopathic treatments - suppression only occurs when the direction of cure is thwarted
Summary
Homoeopathy treats the patient as a whole and not just the disease. Medical philosophy is coming more and more to the conclusion that the mere treatment of symptoms and organs can only help temporarily and that it is the healing power of the body as whole that has to be enhanced. Homoeopathy believes in holistic, totalistic and individualistic approach.

Gossip!!!!! - Good for your Health

GOSSIP FOR YOUR HEALTH

GOSSIP “an exchange of personal information about absent third parties that can be either evaluatively positive or negative.”

Most people love a good chinwag and research has now shown what we already suspected: that a regular dose of gossip can be beneficial for your mental health.
We humans will gossip about anything, from friends and neighbors to Hollywood stars and politicians. Estimates of our gossiping prowess show that we spend anywhere from 20 to 60 % of our daily conversations talking about the lives of other people. That's a lot of time around the water cooler. And despite rumors to the contrary, men gossip just as much as women, but teenagers have been shown statistically to be the queens (and kings) of gossip. Gossip forms a huge part of adolescent peer group behaviors and assists with in-group participation. What that means is that teens will share gossip with identified members of their group; hence gossip is a powerful way of cementing bonds between individual adolescents.
But even out there in the adult world, social psychologists report that gossip is also beneficial in creating lasting bonds.
Gossip has been shown to:
1. Strengthen relationships between friends and work colleagues
2. Reinforce shared values community spirit
4. Assist in controlling the poor behavior of others, particularly in an office situation
5. Offers a sense of status by being included in the "gossip circle"
3. Offer increased feelings of "connectedness" and

Gossip can even help ward off depression. Half an hour over coffee listening to the dilemmas of a third party can be enough to make you realize that things aren't quite so bad in your own backyard after all. Gossip also gives us a feeling of belonging which boosts our self esteem and increases our sense of wellbeing. Gossiping about the lives of people who seem to have it all, like Hollywood celebrities, also reinforces the idea that fate can deal a bad hand to anyone, despite beauty, money, and fame. The weight problems of Kirsty Alley, the love woes of Jennifer Aniston, and the fall from grace of Martha Stewart are all grist for the rumor mill, reassuring us that we are all very much human.
But before you go racing off to spread the latest tidbit, it pays to differentiate between "good" gossip and "bad" gossip. Gossip that exchanges information about our community, and brings a sense of "togetherness" can be regarded as beneficial to the individual. But spreading malicious lies does not fall under the category of "good" gossip. Bad gossip also includes talking to a person about the behaviors of a third party, while trying to drag the listener into a vicious, bitching match. This is not helpful either psychologically or on a community basis. Should this happen, it is best to extricate yourself quickly from the conversation. Simply state to the aggrieved person that they should take up the issue with the party involved. Reprisals from this sort of negative gossip are definitely not good for your mental health!