Bariatric Surgery for Severe Obesity – NIDDK
Bariatric Surgery for Severe Obesity
- Bariatric Surgery for Adults
- Bariatric Surgery for Youth
- The Normal Digestive Process
- Types of Bariatric Surgery
- Medical Costs
- Research
- Resources
- References
Bariatric surgery may be the next step for people who remain severely obese after trying approaches other than surgery‚ especially if they have a disease linked to obesity.
Severe obesity is a chronic condition that is hard to treat with diet and exercise alone. Bariatric surgery is an operation on the stomach and/or intestines that helps patients with extreme obesity to lose weight. This surgery is an option for people who cannot lose weight by other means or who suffer from serious health problems related to obesity. The surgery restricts food intake, which promotes weight loss and reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes. Some surgeries also interrupt how food is digested, preventing some calories and nutrients, such as vitamins, from being absorbed. Recent studies suggest that bariatric surgery may even lower death rates for patients with severe obesity. The best results occur when patients follow surgery with healthy eating patterns and regular exercise.
Currently, bariatric surgery may be an option for adults with severe obesity. Body mass index (BMI), a measure of height in relation to weight, is used to define levels of obesity. Clinically severe obesity is a BMI > 40 or a BMI > 35 with a serious health problem linked to obesity. Such health problems could be type 2 diabetes, heart disease, or severe sleep apnea (when breathing stops for short periods during sleep).
Recent Development
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved use of an adjustable gastric band (or AGB) for patients with BMI > 30 who also have at least one condition linked to obesity, such as heart disease or diabetes.
Who is a good adult candidate for surgery?
Having surgery to produce weight loss is a serious decision. Anyone thinking about having this surgery should know what it involves. Answers to the following questions may help patients decide whether weight-loss surgery is right for them.
Is the patient:
- Unlikely to lose weight or keep it off over the long term using other methods?
- Well informed about the surgery and treatment effects?
- Aware of the risks and benefits of surgery?
- Ready to lose weight and improve his or her health?
- Aware of how life may change after the surgery? (For example, patients need to adjust to side effects, such as the need to chew food well and the loss of ability to eat large meals.)
- Aware of the limits on food choices, and occasional failures?
- Committed to lifelong healthy eating and physical activity, medical follow-up, and the need to take extra vitamins and minerals?
There is no sure method, including surgery, to produce and maintain weight loss. Some patients who have bariatric surgery may have weight loss that does not meet their goals. Research also suggests that many patients regain some of the lost weight over time. The amount of weight regain may vary by extent of obesity and type of surgery. Habits such as snacking often on foods high in calories or not exercising can affect the amount of weight loss and weight regain. Problems that may occur with the surgery, like a stretched pouch or separated stitches, may also affect the amount of weight loss.
Success is possible. Patients must commit to changing habits and having medical follow-up for the rest of their lives.
Rates of obesity among youth are high. Bariatric surgery is sometimes used to treat youth with extreme obesity. Although it is becoming clear that teens can lose weight after bariatric surgery, many questions still exist about the long-term effects on teens’ developing bodies and minds.
Who is a good youth candidate for surgery?
Experts in childhood obesity and bariatric surgery suggest that families consider surgery only after youth have tried for at least 6 months to lose weight and have not had success.1 Candidates should meet the following criteria:
- Have extreme obesity (BMI > 40 )
- Be their adult height (usually at age 13 or older for girls and 15 or older for boys)
- Have serious health problems linked to weight, such as type 2 diabetes or sleep apnea, that may improve with bariatric surgery
In addition, health care providers should assess potential patients and their parents to see how emotionally prepared they are for the surgery and the lifestyle changes they will need to make. Health care providers should also refer young patients to special youth bariatric surgery centers that focus on meeting the unique needs of youth.
Mounting evidence suggests that bariatric surgery can favorably change both the weight and health of youth with extreme obesity. Over the years’ gastric bypass surgery has been the main operation used to treat extreme obesity in youth. An estimated 2,700 youth bariatric surgeries were performed between 1996 and 2003.2 A review of short-term data from the largest inpatient database in the United States suggests that these surgeries are at least as safe for youth as adults. As yet, AGB has not been approved for use in the United States for people younger than age 18. However, favorable weight-loss outcomes after AGB for youth have been reported abroad.
Normally, as food moves along the digestive tract, digestive juices and enzymes digest and absorb calories and nutrients. After we chew and swallow our food, it moves down the esophagus to the stomach, where a strong acid continues the digestive process. The stomach can hold about 3 pints of food at one time. When the stomach contents move to the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine), bile and pancreatic juice speed up digestion. Most of the iron and calcium in the food we eat is absorbed there. The other two parts of the nearly 20 feet of small intestine absorb nearly all of the remaining calories and nutrients. The food particles that cannot be digested in the small intestine reside in the large intestine until eliminated.
How does surgery promote weight loss?
Bariatric surgery restricts food intake, which leads to weight loss. Patients who have bariatric surgery must commit to a lifetime of healthy eating and regular exercise. These healthy habits may help patients maintain weight loss after surgery.
The type of surgery that may help an adult or youth depends on a number of factors. Patients should discuss with their health care providers what kind of surgery is suitable for them.
What is the difference between open and laparoscopic surgery?
Bariatric surgery may be performed through “open” approaches, which involve cutting the stomach in the standard manner, or by laparoscopy. With the latter approach, surgeons insert complex instruments through 1/2-inch cuts and guide a small camera that sends images to a monitor. Most bariatric surgery today is laparoscopic because it requires a smaller cut, creates less tissue damage, leads to earlier hospital discharges, and has fewer problems, especially hernias occurring after surgery.
However, not all patients are suitable for laparoscopy. Patients who are considered extremely obese, who have had previous stomach surgery, or who have complex medical problems may require the open approach. Complex medical problems may include having severe heart and lung disease or weighing more than 350 pounds.
What are the surgical options?
There are four types of operations that are commonly offered in the United States: AGB, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), biliopancreatic diversion with a duodenal switch (BPD-DS), and vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG). (See Figure 1.) Each surgery has its own benefits and risks. The patient and provider should work together to select the best option by considering the benefits and risks of each type of surgery. Other factors to consider include the patient’s BMI, eating habits, health conditions related to obesity, and previous stomach surgeries.
Figure 1
Diagram of Surgical Options. Image credit: Walter Pories, M.D. FACS.
Adjustable Gastric Band
AGB works mainly by decreasing food intake. Food intake is reduced by placing a small bracelet-like band around the top of the stomach to restrict the size of the opening from the throat to the stomach. The surgeon can then control the size of the opening with a circular balloon inside the band. This balloon can be inflated or deflated with saline solution to meet the needs of the patient.
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
RYGB restricts food intake. RYGB also decreases how food is absorbed. Food intake is limited by a small pouch that is similar in size to the pouch created with AGB. Also, sending food directly from the pouch into the small intestine affects how the digestive tract absorbs food. The food is absorbed differently because the stomach, duodenum, and upper intestine no longer have contact with food.
Biliopancreatic Diversion with a Duodenal Switch
BPD-DS, usually referred to as a “duodenal switch,” is a complex bariatric surgery that includes three features. One feature is to remove a large part of the stomach. This step makes patients feel full sooner when eating than they did before surgery. Feeling full sooner encourages patients to eat less. Another feature is re-routing food away from much of the small intestine to limit how the body absorbs food. The third feature changes how bile and other digestive juices affect the body’s ability to digest food and absorb calories. This step also helps lead to weight loss.
In removing a large part of the stomach, the surgeon creates a more tubular “gastric sleeve” (also known as a VSG, discussed later). The smaller stomach sleeve remains linked to a very short part of the duodenum, which is then directly linked to a lower part of the small intestine. This surgery leaves a small part of the duodenum available to absorb food and some vitamins and minerals.
However, when the patient eats food, it bypasses most of the duodenum. The distance between the stomach and colon becomes much shorter after this operation, thus limiting how food is absorbed. BPD-DS produces significant weight loss. However, a decrease in the amount of food, vitamins, and minerals absorbed creates chances for long-term problems.
Some of these problems are anemia (lower than normal count for red blood cells) or osteoporosis (loss of bone mass that can make bones brittle).
Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy
VSG surgery restricts food intake and decreases the amount of food used. Most of the stomach is removed during this surgery, which may decrease ghrelin, a hormone that prompts appetite. Lower amounts of ghrelin may reduce hunger more than other purely restrictive surgeries, such as AGB.
VSG has been performed in the past mainly as the first stage of BPD-DS (discussed earlier) in patients who may be at high risk for problems from more extensive types of surgery. These patients’ high risk levels are due to body weight or medical issues. However, more recent research indicates that some patients who have VSG can lose a lot of weight with VSG alone and avoid a second procedure. Researchers do not yet know how many patients who have VSG alone will need a second stage procedure.
What are the side effects of these surgeries?
Some side effects may include bleeding, infection, leaks from the site where the intestines are sewn together, diarrhea, and blood clots in the legs that can move to the lungs and heart.
Examples of side effects that may occur later include nutrients being poorly absorbed, especially in patients who do not take their prescribed vitamins and minerals. In some cases, if patients do not address this problem promptly, diseases may occur along with permanent damage to the nervous system. These diseases include pellagra (caused by lack of vitamin B3—niacin), beri beri (caused by lack of vitamin B1—thiamine) and kwashiorkor (caused by lack of protein).
Other late problems include strictures (narrowing of the sites where the intestine is joined) and hernias (part of an organ bulging through a weak area of muscle).
Two kinds of hernias may occur after a patient has bariatric surgery. An incisional hernia is a weakness that sticks out from the abdominal wall’s connective tissue and may cause a blockage in the bowel. An internal hernia occurs when the small bowel is displaced into pockets in the lining of the abdomen. These pockets occur when the intestines are sewn together. Internal hernias are thought to be more dangerous than incisional ones and need prompt attention to avoid serious problems.
Some patients may also require emotional support to help them through the changes in body image and personal relationships that occur after the surgery.
Bariatric procedures, on average, cost from $20,000 to $25,000. Medical insurance coverage varies by state and insurance provider. In 2004, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reduced barriers to obtaining Medicare coverage for obesity treatments. Bariatric surgery may be covered under these conditions:
- If the patient has at least one health problem linked to obesity
- If the procedure is suitable for the patient’s medical condition
- If approved surgeons and facilities are involved
Patients can contact staff at their regional Medicare, Medicaid, or health insurance office to find out if the procedure is covered and to obtain facts about options.
In 2003, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) of the NIH partnered with researchers to create the Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery, or LABS. LABS researchers are experts in bariatric surgery, obesity research, internal medicine, behavioral science, and related fields. Their mission is to plan and conduct studies that will lead to more knowledge about bariatric surgery and its impact on the health and well-being of patients with extreme obesity. More information about LABS is available at http://www.niddklabs.org .
To help determine if bariatric surgery is appropriate for youth, NIH launched Teen-LABS in 2007. From 2007 to 2012, the multicenter study is collecting data from teens who plan to have surgery. The data will help to evaluate bariatric surgery’s benefits and risks. Researchers are collecting data about medical problems related to obesity, other health risk factors, and quality of life from these patients before they have surgery and 2 years after surgery. Researchers will then compare the teen outcomes to data from adults. These websites offer more information about Teen-LABS: http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/apr2007/niddk-16.htm and http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/teen-LABS.
The following list of publications, websites, and organizations may be of use for patients or health care providers discussing bariatric surgery.
Additional Reading from the Weight-control Information Network
Active at Any Size. This fact sheet provides ideas and tips on how people considered to be overweight or obese can be physically active. It focuses on overcoming common barriers and setting goals. Available at http://www.win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/active.htm.
Binge Eating Disorder. This fact sheet provides information and resources for patients who may have binge eating disorder. Available at http://www.win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/binge.htm.
Dieting and Gallstones. This fact sheet explains what gallstones are, how they form, and the roles obesity and rapid weight loss play in developing gallstones. Available at http://www.win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/gallstones.htm.
Weight Loss for Life. This booklet describes ways to lose weight and encourages healthy eating habits and regular physical activity. Available at http://www.win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/for_life.htm.
Additional Reading for Health Care Providers
Pharmacological and Surgical Treatment of Obesity: Evidence Report/Technology Assessment: Number 103. Shekelle PG, Morton SC, Maglione M, et al. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). AHRQ Publication Number 04–E028–1; 2004. Rockville, MD. This report reviews the scientific evidence on weight-loss drugs and bariatric surgery among children, youth, and adults. Available at http://www.ahrq.gov/downloads/pub/evidence/pdf/obespharm/obespharm.pdf [PDF - 3,450 Kb].
Additional Resource
American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
100 SW 75th Street
Suite 201
Gainesville, FL 32607
Phone: 352-331–4900
Fax: 352-331–4975
Internet: http://www.asmbs.org/
Weight-control Information Network
1 WIN Way
Bethesda, MD 20892–3665
Phone: 202-828–1025
Toll-free number: 1–877–946–4627
Fax: 202–828–1028
Email: win@info.niddk.nih.gov
Internet: http://www.win.niddk.nih.gov
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
National Institutes of Health
NIH Publication No. 08–4006
March 2009
Updated June 2011
1. Inge TH‚ Krebs NF‚ Garcia VF‚ et al. Bariatric surgery for severely overweight adolescents: concerns and recommendations. Pediatrics. 2004 Jul;114(1):217–23.
2. Wilson ST‚ Thomas HI‚ Randall SB. Bariatric surgery in adolescents: recent national trends in use and in-hospital outcome. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine. 2007;161(3):217–221.
Toll free: 1–877–946–4627; Fax: 202–828–1028; Email: win@info.niddk.nih.gov
Weight-control Information Network, 1 WIN Way, Bethesda, MD 20892–3665
Last Modified: July 28, 2011
Source:
Causes of Childhood Obesity and Diabetes
By Max Buddenbrock
Based on childhood obesity statistics, the First Lady has very high concerns for childhood obesity in America. If you read the newspapers, you may have seen the headline “Michelle Obama Says: Childhood Obesity a National Security Threat.” This has led to much concern for childhood obesity prevention.
Childhood obesity causes might surprise you, for there are many reasons that children are in need of weight loss. One of the childhood obesity facts that might not be apparent to many is that it is the number one health crisis among children. The childhood obesity statistics clearly show that a majority of young people weigh 20% or more than normal for their height.
Childhood Obesity Facts
1. Parental neglect is a contributing factor to childhood obesity. Neglect in this case can be in the form of not watching what a child eats or constantly supplying the wrong types of food. Another way that parents neglect their children is by allowing them to sit too much and not exercise.
2. Too many televisions in the house are another contributor to childhood obesity statistics. Every family member seems to have a television so they all can watch exactly what they want every waking hour of the day. Childhood obesity causes stem from inactivity and overeating, and they are both encouraged by watching television.
3. Fast foods should rank at the top of childhood obesity causes. It has long been known that sugars and fats are packed into the chicken, burgers, soft drinks, and fries that are so readily available in fast food restaurants. What Can Be Done Toward Weight Loss in Children?
Childhood obesity facts point directly to the lifestyles all parents not only lead but allow their children to lead, too. If America is to do anything about weight loss in children, it must begin at the parental level.
When babies are fat, no one is concerned about their weight loss because it is considered healthy for babies to be chubby. The problem arises because parents never consider children to be anything but babies until they have already developed bad habits. One childhood obesity fact that is abundantly clear is that parents do not know how to say “no” to many of the things that lead to childhood obesity statistics.
The school system has become a heavy contributor to childhood obesity causes. They may offer some healthy food choices, but children aren’t going to opt for those when they can have pizza, burgers, sugar filled sodas, and fries. Considering the opportunities children have for bad foods, it is no wonder they reach maturity without understanding about proper nutrition.
Promoting Healthier Lifestyle Habits
Eating healthier and exercising more are the prime contributors to weight loss for both children and their parents. Children learn what they live, so the earlier parents start teaching kids about proper nutrition and exercise, the more likely they will be to carry those habits on into adulthood and lead healthier lives.
Max Buddenbrock – About the Author:
Mini Pharmacy is a family-owned-and-operated diabetic testing supplies business providing convenient home delivery prescription services with free shipping within the U.S. Mini Pharmacy is determined to help you easily and effectively manage your diabetes. We serve everyone who requires testing supplies by providing top-quality, brand-name diabetic and medical testing supplies and over-the-counter pharmacy items.
Mini Pharmacy
http://diabetic-supplies-online.com
2425 Porter St.
Los Angeles, CA 90021
Toll-Free: (888) 545-6464
Toll-Free Fax: (800) 280
Source: Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/weight-loss-articles/causes-of-childhood-obesity-and-diabetes-5232467.html#ixzz1ZheSfvFi
Children of the Corn Syrup: lecture by Dr. Stephen W. Ponder
Source: Uploaded by delmarcollege on Jun 24, 2009 to YouTube
Dr. Stephen W. Ponder , MD, FAAP, CDE is the director of the Childrens Diabetes and Endocrine Center of South Texas at Driscoll Children‘s Hospital. Dr. Ponder delivered his presentation on children and obesity, “Children of the Corn Syrup,” as part of the Friday Science Lecture Series at Del Mar College on March 7, 2008
Tips for Teens: Dealing With The Ups and Downs of Diabetes
Tips For Teens: Dealing With The Ups and Downs of Diabetes
Feelings
Many teens like you deal with diabetes everyday. Most of the time, it’s not a problem, you just deal with it. But sometimes, you may just want it to go away.
Do you ever…
- Ask “why me?”
- Think you’re the only one who feels sad, mad, alone, afraid, or different?
- Get tired of others teasing you if you are overweight?
- Blame yourself or your family for your diabetes?
All of these feelings are normal. Lots of teens who have diabetes feel the same way. It’s okay to get angry, feel sad, or think you’re different every now and then. But then you need to take charge and do something to feel better.
Everyone feels down sometimes. You are not alone.
Still down?
Reach out for help. Talk to someone in your family or where you worship, a friend, a school counselor, teacher, or your doctor or diabetes educator. It might help to write down your feelings in a journal. If you still feel down or sad, ask your parents to help you find a counselor.
It is okay to ask for help.
Speak up
There are many people who care about you and want to help you stay healthy and happy. Your health care team (diabetes educator, dietitian, doctor, nurse, psychologist, and social worker) can help you learn how to make healthy food choices, be more active, and feel good about yourself. Stay in touch with them. Let your health care team know how you feel and what you need.
Let your school know what’s up
You or your parents need to give the school nurse, teacher, or other school staff a copy of your diabetes care plan. Let people at your school know you have diabetes and that you need to eat healthy foods, eat your meals, take your medicine on time, and be physically active.
Don’t let diabetes stop you from joining in school activities. You can do all the things your friends do and then some!
Mom, Dad, other family members, get with it!
It’s easier to manage diabetes when the whole family works at it with you. So…
- Ask your family to choose the same healthy foods you eat—fruits and vegetables; whole grain breads; and low-fat meats, milk, and cheese. Ask them to keep healthy foods in the house and not tempt you with cookies, cake, candy, or regular soda.
- Get everyone moving by being more physically active. Play hard. Shoot hoops, throw a ball, ride bikes, or go for a walk — together. Being active can also help you relax and lower stress.
What’s healthy for you is healthy for everyone in your family.
Want to meet other teens who feel like you do?
- Programs and support groups for teens with diabetes can be found in clinics, health centers, or hospitals. Ask your diabetes educator or doctor for help to find one that works for you.
- Head to a diabetes or weight loss summer camp. You will do all the things that other campers do: swim, hike, dance, and more. But the best part is that everyone has diabetes or is there to lose weight, just like you. Some groups may have funds to help pay for teens to attend summer camps.
- Find a pen pal or email buddy. Sometimes it is good to share how you feel about having diabetes with someone else.
- Check out the resources at the end of this tip sheet.
Still my friend?
Ever worry that your friends may have wrong ideas about diabetes?
- Tell them that you have diabetes. You don’t have to keep it to yourself. The more people know about diabetes, the more they will understand. Explain that your body needs help to use the food you eat.
- Be sure everyone knows that no one can catch diabetes from you.
- Good friends help each other out. They understand your needs and offer support. Hang on to friends who help you make healthy food choices when you are eating out.
Ever have kids make fun of you about your diabetes or weight?
Teasing hurts. The best thing is to just walk away.
talk to someone…write down your feelings in a journal…write to a pen pal…email a buddy…stay in touch
Take Action!
It’s time for YOU to do something about your diabetes care.
- Set goals for what you will do. Start small and work your way up. For example: “I will cut down on regular soda and drink water instead.” When that’s going well…take the next step. Add another goal—“I will dance or bike ride a couple of times a week.” Then add a new goal—“I will eat smaller servings of cookies, burgers, and fries.”
- Try to make each new goal just a bit harder. After you shoot hoops twice a week, try adding another activity on three other days. Raise the goal until you reach a level that works for you.
- Avoid goals that will be too hard to meet. For example, rather than saying you’ll never eat a burger or a candy bar again, say you’ll only eat one a week.
- Tell your family or friends about your goals. Maybe they’ll be active with you or help out some other way.
- Reward yourself when you reach each goal. Keep in mind that rewards can be anything—not just food. You do not have to reach all your goals at once. Start with one or two, then add more.
Write down your top three goals—use the chart on the back page!
Write down your Top 3 Goals
Choose goals that you really can meet. Put in the date when you set the goal and when you met it.
Got it.
Take it one step at a time. Make healthy food choices, be more active, and work towards a healthy weight. Soon you’ll see progress and feel great.
Attention visually impaired visitors: To use common screen reading programs with PDF documents, please visit access.adobe.com, which provides a set of free tools that convert PDF documents to simple HTML or ASCII text.
Source:
Source: wmtwtv on YouTube On World Diabetes Day, a Maine teen talks with News 8 about her battle with the disease. News 8′s Keith Baldi reports. Posted on June 25, 2009 By Christine Steendahl The rate of childhood obesity is on the rise. Unhealthy habits have led to overweight children having obesity-related health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes and elevated blood pressure. These diseases were previously seen only in adults. Obesity is a threat to the health of children in many ways. Obesity impacts multiple systems of the body including: * Cardiovascular system * Pulmonary system * Gastrointestinal system * Orthopedic system Over 12 million children in the United States suffer with childhood obesity. This is an alarming statistic and a frightening one for parents. The incidences of childhood obesity increased 100 percent over the last ten years. The reasons for obesity are a societal as well as physical. There are two major forces that have created this phenomenon of overweight children in our society. The first major impact on the weight of our children is the amount of fast food that is eaten on a daily basis. The fast food industry has changed the American diet into a junk food melee that lacks healthful options. Fast food consumption combined with the sedentary lifestyles of kids who play expensive video games rather than playing outside contributes to the high incident of overweight children. These activities contribute directly to the causes of obesity in children and to unhealthy parents. Children need at least 90 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity every day to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Parents need at least 30-45 minutes of exercise. Children need a nutritious diet for adequate growth and development. Unfortunately, fast food does not provide the nutrients that children need. Healthy eating is almost a lost art for the normal family. Take out menus and fast food has become the normal way to get the family fed. These lifestyle choices lead to obesity, high blood pressure and a myriad of other health issues for not only adults but for our children. A summary of the basic problems with the eating habits of a nation are summed up by Eric Schlosser in his book “Fast Food Nation” “A generation ago, three-quarters of the money used to buy food in the United States was spent to prepare meals at home. Today half of the money used to buy food is spent at restaurants — mainly at fast food restaurants”. A hamburger and french fries is the quintessential American meal … thanks to the promotional efforts of the fast food chains. The typical American now consumes approximately three hamburgers and four orders of french fries every week.” These facts reveal the problem. Some ways to correct this problem are in the hands of adults. Some short-terminterim solutions are offered below: * Focus the family’s diet on healthy foods. * Encourage an increase in physical activity. * Have a wide variety of healthy snacks on hand for snacking. * Prepare a nutritious meal plan for the family. Parents can take more proactive steps to prevent childhood obesity by preparing and serving nutritious meals at home. Taking the family on a hike or a bike ride after supper is a fun option for the whole family. Let children decide on some activities. Kids can get involved in their own health improvement by making physical activity an after school priority. The goal is to follow healthy lifestyle suggestions as close as possible. Make baby steps until you can achieve the goal of good eating habits for the whole family. It is hard to change entrenched bad eating habits. The rules will always get broken some of the time – allow for flexibility. The problems that keep us from doing all the right things is usually lack of time. No one has enough of it. For healthy recipes for children check out http://www.kidapprovedmeals.com Source: Christine Steendahl Clearing up Your Acne Wisely By Bryan Halverson In order to get rid of acne permanently, it should be understood first what acne is. It is basically a skin disorder which is originated by the blockage of skin pores. This blockage would result into bumps which would appear as blackheads and whiteheads mostly concentrated on the face and neck part. Acne starts in this fashion and spreads on the body and will lead eventually to scarring. These scars are the worry of mind as they mar our appearance and may even lead into lack of confidence, lower self-esteem and making us lose our sleep. The reasons for this disorder are numerous and wide-ranging. It is linked mainly to genetics. Most of those suffering from acne are found linked to parents or a relative suffering from serious acne problems. A widely suspected reason for this disorder is the hormones which are found in the blood at the puberty age for males and for females at start of menstruation. But this is not all. Acne can flare at any stage of your life even tough it might have been dormant for quite some time. These flare ups can very easily be due to the mounting stress levels. Then acne is also reported to arise from lack of skin care. The teenagers would agree that the acne was noticeably more when their skins were oily. Coming towards the widely pursued topic of clearing up your acne, the main complication arises from the fact that what medication or treatment may be fruitful for one person may not most probably has any effect over the other. The situation does appear disheartening and dismal but following some simple remedies would put you in the position of curbing this skin order without even consulting the cosmetician or a dermatologist. • Try to keep your skin clean and oil free. Normally washing your face at least twice a day is advised. However if your skin is more oily then you should wash it more often. These wash should be gentle to your skin or else your skin will be coarsened and rougher. • Try to minimize touching your face. The reason for this is that our hands are dirty and prone to be bacteria carrier due to constant touching of various surfaces. Remember that touching the face would mean inserting more of these bacteria to the pores on your skin. • However incredulous it may sound but toothpaste is an ever-ready remedy available at home. Toothpaste is an item present already in our homes. By applying a little amount of toothpaste on the affected part of skin at night and washing it off in the morning have resulted into mind-boggling and miraculous results. This treatment has many merits over the others. Following these simple yet effective steps can result in clearer skin that is free from acne. While there are plenty of over the counter solutions that may help your problem, ironically some of the best can be found lying around your home. For more information about acne and acne symptoms, visit symptomsleuth.com today. They offer a wealth of information, including symptoms and treatments for hundreds of ailments and conditions. Source: Bryan Halverson Source: Josephine Andrion, Reprinted from YouTube This was initiated by Josephine Andrion for her school project. We thought it would be a good oppotunity to accept this animated education piece about insulin education for 10 year olds.
Teen Diabetes-Video 2:41 min.
Posted August 8, 2009Daddy Will You Buy Me Some Diabetes?
Holistic Treatments for Your Acne
May 13, 2009Insulin Pump Info for Teens-Video
Subcribe Here
