Monday, 8 April 2013

Effects of quitting smoking



 The decision to quit smoking is a very healthy one and welcome but the fact is that it is more easily said than done. The awful effects that nicotine has on our body are so deep rooted that depriving it of nicotine can lead to withdrawal symptoms of the worst kind. Among the most basic such symptoms is the chronic craving which intensifies the urge to smoke and is seen mostly after 2 days to 5 days of quitting smoking which is the most critical period for any quitter. Moreover, one may feel an unexplainable mental fatigue so much that all thought processes seem to be disturbed and one may suffer unnecessary headaches, lack of concentration for several weeks after quitting. Weight gain is another side effect of quitting smoking as people start consuming foods with high sugar content to satisfy cravings and insomnia is another one of the effects of quitting smoking.
Shingles in pregnant women
Shingles is a viral infection caused by Varicella virus and is a complication among pregnant women as it can be transferred from the mother to the unborn child via placental channels.  Though generally the risk of infection transferring to the fetus is not very high, but it is not wise to skip treatment at any cost. The best news is that a lot of antiviral drugs are available today which can be safely administered to pregnant women without any significant risks viz. famciclovir, valacyclovir, and acyclovir. Moreover, pain relief can also be taken to counter the pain associated with shingles infection. However, prompt treatment can minimize the harmful effects of shinglesin pregnant women.
Sleep is the natural form of rest that body requires and it is essential to have a good sound sleep. However if one is feeling sleepy all the time and waiting to doze off whenever you get the chance, it is not a good sign. Excessive sleep is a reminder of the fact that something is wrong with your body or mind. Oversleeping can be the result of conditions like sleep apnea or even depression and it is definitely right to consult your physician.
Every athlete or body builder is concerned about their protein intake as they need proteins the most. Moreover, the type of nutrient requirement is different for the pre workout and post workout time. While glycogen is the primary source of energy during exercise, the proteins are the ones that recover your body after strenuous exercise and workout. However not all types of proteins are suited for intake and it is also critically important to consume the right quantity also as excess protein before and after workout can lead to bulking up in the wrong places.