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Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)

Written by Bryan on February 2nd, 2010 in Health.

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is an inherited abnormality that occurs about 1 in 5000 births worldwide. It equally affect across the genders and races. Most commonly occurring type is the hyper mobility type. It can be diagnosed early in life through DNA testing such as skin biopsy.

Mutations in the following can cause Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: (from Wikipedia)

There is currently no cure for EDS and usually the doctors can prescribe various orthopedic devices to help support the hyper mobile joints. Also, one diagnosed with EDS may need to reduce or eliminate the activities that cause joints to over extend or lock in occasions.

There are several different classifications to EDS (from Wikipedia)

Name Number Description OMIM Gene(s)
Hypermobility type 3 Affects 1 in 10,000 to 15,000 and is caused by an autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive mechanism. Mutations in either of two separate genes (which are also involved in Vascular EDS and Tenascin-X deficiency EDS, respectively) may lead to this variant. Extreme flexibility is the hallmark of this type. 130020 COL3A1, TNXB
Classical types 1 & 2 Affects approximately 2 to 5 in 100,000 people. It is caused by autosomal dominant mechanism and affects type-V collagen, as well as type I. Type 1 typically presents with severe skin involvement, and type 2 presents with mild to moderate skin involvement. 130000, 130010 COL5A1, COL5A2, COL1A1
Vascular type 4 Is an autosomal dominant defect in the type-III collagen synthesis; affecting approximately 1 in 100,000 to 250,000 people. The vascular type is considered one of the more serious forms of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome because blood vessels and organs are more prone to tearing (rupture). Patients with EDS type 4 often express a characteristic facial appearance (large eyes, small chin, thin nose and lips, lobeless ears), have a small stature with a slim build, and typically have thin, pale, translucent skin (veins can usually be seen on the chest and abdomen). About one in four people with vascular type EDS develop a significant health problem by age 20 and more than 80 percent develop life-threatening complications by age 40. 130050 COL3A1
Kyphoscoliosis type 6 Is an autosomal dominant defect due to deficiency of an enzyme called lysyl hydroxylase; it is very rare, with fewer than 60 cases reported. The kyphoscoliosis type is characterised by progressive curvature of the spine (scoliosis), fragile eyes, and severe muscle weakness. 225400, 229200 PLOD1
Arthrochalasis types 7A & B Is also very rare, with about 30 cases reported. It affects type-I collagen. The arthrochalasia type is characterised by very loose joints and dislocations involving both hips. 130060 COL1A1, COL1A2
Dermatosparaxis type 7C Also very rare, with about 10 cases reported. The dermatosparaxis type is characterised by extremely fragile and sagging skin. 225410 ADAMTS2

Decibel Level

Written by Bryan on January 25th, 2010 in Health, Health Advisory.

For some reason, people are requesting information on decibel levels all over the place.
So here is some information on what it really is.

According to the all-knowing Wikipedia decibel level is

The decibel (dB) is a logarithmic unit of measurement that expresses the magnitude of a physical quantity (usually power or intensity) relative to a specified or implied reference level. Since it expresses a ratio of two quantities with the same unit, it is a dimensionless unit. A decibel is one tenth of a bel, a seldom-used unit.

The decibel is widely known as a measure of sound pressure level, but is also used for a wide variety of other measurements in science and engineering (particularly acoustics, electronics, and control theory) and other disciplines. It confers a number of advantages, such as the ability to conveniently represent very large or small numbers, a logarithmic scaling that roughly corresponds to the human perception of sound and light, and the ability to carry out multiplication of ratios by simple addition and subtraction.

And here is a common decibel chart

Environmental Noise
Weakest sound heard 0dB
Whisper Quiet Library 30dB
Normal conversation (3-5′) 60-70dB
Telephone dial tone 80dB
City Traffic (inside car) 85dB
Train whistle at 500′, Truck Traffic 90dB
Subway train at 200′ 95dB
Level at which sustained exposure may result in hearing loss 90 – 95dB
Power mower at 3′ 107dB
Snowmobile, Motorcycle 100dB
Power saw at 3′ 110dB
Sandblasting, Loud Rock Concert 115dB
Pain begins 125dB
Pneumatic riveter at 4′ 125dB
Even short term exposure can cause permanent damage – Loudest recommended exposure WITH hearing protection 140dB
Jet engine at 100′, Gun Blast 140dB
Death of hearing tissue 180dB
Loudest sound possible 194dB
OSHA Daily Permissible Noise Level Exposure
Hours per day Sound level
8 90dB
6 92dB
4 95dB
3 97dB
2 100dB
1.5 102dB
1 105dB
.5 110dB
.25 or less 115dB
Perceptions of Increases in Decibel Level
Imperceptible Change 1dB
Barely Perceptible Change 3dB
Clearly Noticeable Change 5dB
About Twice as Loud 10dB
About Four Times as Loud 20dB
Sound Levels of Music
Normal piano practice 60 -70dB
Fortissimo Singer, 3′ 70dB
Chamber music, small auditorium 75 – 85dB
Piano Fortissimo 84 – 103dB
Violin 82 – 92dB
Cello 85 -111dB
Oboe 95-112dB
Flute 92 -103dB
Piccolo 90 -106dB
Clarinet 85 – 114dB
French horn 90 – 106dB
Trombone 85 – 114dB
Tympani & bass drum 106dB
Walkman on 5/10 94dB
Symphonic music peak 120 – 137dB
Amplifier rock, 4-6′ 120dB
Rock music peak 150dB

Dieter’s Challenge: Sample Meal Plan

Written by Bryan on January 25th, 2010 in Health, Weight Management.

Hey all, I was just curious of how many can actually follow this routine for a month.
I am going to post up a sample meal plan for a dieter which is around 1200 calories.
If you can follow this for a month, you should be able to lose weight.
The only catch is that you can’t eat anything that goes out of the calorie limit for each meal.
Other than that you are free to substitute it with any food that you choose.
Just make sure that you keep it around the same calorie per meal/snack.

Click here to download sample meal plan

Try it for a month, and let me know how it goes.

What to take for diarrhea?

Written by Bryan on January 25th, 2010 in Health, Health Advisory, Medicine.

Here are some pointers for in case you have diarrhea

  • At least 75% of all diarrhea are caused by viruses and are “self-regulating”, meaning that your body will take care of the infection. This can take 3 to 9 days and the only thing to do is to take enough fluids to avoid dehydration. Be aware of the signs of dehydration (dry mouth, sunken eyes, and in small babies; a sunken fontanelle at the top of the head where the skull bones have not yet joined). If dehydration does occur, take Oral Rehydration Salt preparation. If fever occurs or there is blood in the stool, consult a doctor immediately.
  • Pepto-Bismol and Immodium can be dangerous for children (and adults) when taken for diarrhea that is caused by viral infections (such as Rotavirus or the flu). By stopping the diarrhea, you may actually be trapping the virus inside your body and causing prolonged illness. Consult your doctor before taking over the counter medicines!

Causes

  • Bacteria in food or protozoa in water are often the cause, but other causes can also include viruses and parasites.
  • Gasteroenteritis is commonly caused by a virus that has entered the digestive tract through contaminated water or food and can cause inflammation, cramping, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Diarrhea can cause dehydration so make sure to hydrate yourself by taking Pedialyte for children and sport drinks for adults.
  • Eating an excessive amounts of fatty foods or fruit can also cause diarrhea, as well as extreme fatigue, stress, or anxiety.
  • One may also have underlying causes such as IBS (irritable bowl syndrome), or lactose intolerance.

What to do

  • Avoid caffeinated drinks, carbonated drinks, alcohol, cold drinks, and dairy products. Diarrhea can sometime produce temporary lactose intolerance.
  • There are various homeopathic cures available, however, consult a physician prior to trying them out!
  • Some tips from health911.com

Apple cider vinegar Try 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water with each meal and at mid-morning, mid-afternoon, and at bedtime. Another variation is to give children 2 teaspoons every two hours. This remedy can be used for children as young as three years of age. The vinegar acts as a natural antiseptic and helps cleanse the intestines and entire digestive tract. It also contains pectin which will add bulk to the stools. The pectin also is effective against certain types of bacteria that cause diarrhea.

Apples For some people apples cause stomach problems. For others they can be a cure. Grate an apple and let it stand at room temperature for several hours until well darkened. The oxidized pectin will help stop the diarrhea. Give children, especially babies, finely grated apples, followed by oatmeal porridge. Older children and adults can take oat flakes (or rolled oats) raw, chewing thoroughly, with nothing else to eat for a few hours.

Bee pollen Take bee pollen several times a day. It contains nearly all the minerals and trace elements needed in the diet.

Blackberry Put 1 teaspoon of allspice in a cheesecloth bag and simmer it in unsweetened blackberry juice for a few minutes. For children give them a teaspoonful every four hours. Larger doses for adults. Several tablespoons of fresh or frozen blackberries work well, too, as does blackberry juice or wine.

Black pepper and kelp This is a good remedy for diarrhea caused by unpurified water. Boil water and cool. Add 3 teaspoons of black pepper and 11/2 teaspoon of kelp to 2 cups of water. Repeat as often as necessary.

Blueberries A compound found in blueberries effectively fights the bacteria that causes most cases of diarrhea. Eating one cup of fresh blueberries should do the trick.

Bran Add one tablespoon of unprocessed bran daily to your diet. Don’t use the kind sold as breakfast cereal, as it has been processed. It can be taken with liquids or mixed with a variety of foods, depending on taste. It works because it absorbs eight times its own weight and will soak up the excess fluids in the intestines. Your stools should soon return to normal.

Carob flour/powder Carob flour is very rich in pectin, a binding substance, and tannins, which have an anti-viral effect, and is very helpful in normalizing bowels. Carob flour/powder is very beneficial for babies’ diarrhea. Mix with formula or food.

Carrots Boil carrots, then puree. Take 1 teaspoon every 15 minutes.

Carrot juice The essential oils in carrot juice have an effect on the mucous membranes in the stomach. Take juice several times daily to help regain proper digestion. The juice is good for children, too, and should stop diarrhea attacks quickly.

Tween 60, Tween 20, Tween 80, Span 80This may being a revolution to diet (unless it gets banned of course…remember hydroxycut?)

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