Author Archive for Robert Billings

Acid Reflux: What Obesity has to do with it.

Published
by
Robert Billings
on November 11, 2008
in Health & Fitness
. 0 Comments
by Frank Robson

Eight studies from the researchers from the Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, US, indicated that the symptoms of Acid Reflux Disease are increased by having a high BMI or body mass index. Acid Reflux symptoms can increase by as much as 50 percent in overweight people compared to people with normal weight. Obesity is not good news at all.

In 2006, a Dr. B Jacobson, from Boston University School of Medicine, USA, showed that any excess weight might have a negative effect on digestive health. A person of normal weight who gained just a bit of weight , still looked fine , and was not obese could still become more prone to Acid Reflux Disease. Conversely, if a person suddenly noticed his/her Acid Reflux symptoms become more severe, losing a few pounds could help alleviate the symptoms

So why does obesity matter?

Imagine layers and layers of excess body fat compressing the stomach, pushing it in, localizing and trapping stomach acids in little natural enclosures in the stomach folds so formed. Then the effects of indiscriminately imbibed food, and resultant hernias. And we are still not considering the hormonal modifications going on in the body that cause your obesity, and possibly, some problems in most of your body functions, like digestion.

Today, 20 percent of Americans suffer from recurring Acid Reflux disease, or GERD. This Acid Reflux then interferes with eating, sleeping, and daily living. Obesity, being almost an epidemic in America today further adds to this percentage, and consequently it has been found to put people at risk for complication and certain cancers including cancer of the esophagus.

Overweight people are prone to weaker esophageal sphincters and tend to develop a condition related to Acid Reflux called a hiatus hernia. This is when the upper part of the stomach bulges out above the diaphragm. There is so much to fit in such a limited space, that folds can become permanent hernias.

Another concern for people suffering from Acid Reflux is that research shows that even when undergoing a surgery for weight loss, Acid Reflux can still worsen. Opinions conflict over whether to treat an overweight person through surgery.

What seems to be very clear is that obesity increases pressure in the abdomen, and causes the contents of the stomach to swish back into the food pipe. Obesity, indirectly leads to slowing of movement and less exercise, and basically loss of various muscle tones. The Esophageal Sphincter could possibly be among those affected.

About the Author:
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A Line of Credit - What is It?

Published
by
Robert Billings
on November 10, 2008
in Mortgage
. 0 Comments
by William Blake

Many people do not have a good understanding of what a line of credit is, but it is a very important thing to understand. When you are doing any type of financial planning, contemplating a loan or have any major financial decision to make, an understanding of a line of credit is very helpful.

Let’s discuss when it is wise to use a line of credit versus when it is better to get a loan.

A loan is when you receive a lump sum of money under set terms and conditions for repayment, with a set interest rate and monthly payment. For example, your mortgage is a loan. The terms of the loan are fully disclosed to you when you receive the money so you know exactly when you are expected to have the loan paid in full.

When purchasing a car you obtain a loan. You can discuss with the car dealer or your banker the terms that best fit you and what you want the life of the loan to be. Of course the shorter the life of the loan is the less you will pay back in interest.

When you think about your monthly payment, there is a certain amount which goes towards principal and a certain amount goes towards interest.

At the outset, the majority of the monthly payment you will be applied to interest. As time goes by this changes and you begin to pay more towards the principle each month.

A line of credit is for any purpose which you may not know at the time. You may use a line of credit check to pay off a monthly bill. The interest that you pay will be variable and is based upon the prime rate. The prime rate is an interest-rate set by the Federal Reserve.

Knowing the difference between a line of credit and a loan is helpful in your financial planning. It will help you to make good decisions as to which is best to choose to handle your financial needs.

About the Author:
Are you looking for information about how to pay off credit cards faster? You’ll find lots of helpful tips & advice on the Debtopedia website. Visit http://www.debtopedia.com for your free copy of my special report “Secrets Of Credit Card Debt”

How To Treat Your Acne Part 3 - Physical Treatments

Published
by
Robert Billings
on July 17, 2008
in Health & Fitness
. 0 Comments
by Nathan James

Mild cases of acne can usually be treated by topical creams or ointments. Treatments for more severe cases can include oral antibiotics, ointments and physical treatments like drainage or chemical peels.

Physical treatments must be done by a dermatologist. While popping your pimples does qualify as a physical treatments, it certainly isn’t recommended. It can cause the bacteria that causes acne to spread and could lead to scarring. Physical treatments administered by a professional under controlled conditions will be less risky and more effective.

Exfoliation

Exfoliation is basically the removal of the top layer of skin either by using chemicals or through abrasion. Chemical peels generally use salicylic or glycolic acid. They destroy a microscopic layer of skin cells which helps to unclog pores and get rid of dead cells.

Glycolic acid treatments are generally done over the course of several months, with a treatment every 2 to 4 weeks. Salicylic acid treatments are not as strong and can be used daily. They are often found in common over-the-counter treatments.

Comedo Extraction

Comedones - aka whiteheads and blackheads - can be removed by a dermatologist. An anesthetic cream is applied to the immediate area and the comedones are removed with an instrument that opens the top, letting the sebum and dead skin cells be removed. This is normally followed by applying an antibiotic cream.

Drainage

Serious cases of acne can lead to cysts forming under the skin, which can be both painful and cause disfiguring. Small cysts are often treated by cortisone injections, flattening them in a couple of days.

Larger cysts be require drainage and surgery to remove them. Drainage often relieves some of the pain that comes with cysts and can also help to minimize scarring.

It is handled by a dermatologist, with sterile instruments. It is important that you don’t try to drain cysts yourself because of the potential infection and scarring that could result.

Light Therapy

Light therapy is another method that is sometimes used to fight the bacteria that causes acne. It can be especially helpful in hard-to-reach spots, but the effects won’t last as long because it doesn’t address the production of sebum and dead skin cells.

Laser therapy is often effective for dealing with acne scarring. It can be used for both surface and deep tissues scarring.

About the Author:
If you’re looking for a pimple remedy that actually works, check out the Acne Squad website. You’ll find lots of helpful information for dealing with acne problems, such as jawline acne, adult acne and natural treatments.