A Guide to Deep Vein Thrombosis

What is DVT?

Deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot that forms inside a vein, usually deep within your leg.  As many as 000,000 Americans a year get one, and up to 100,000 die because of it.  The danger is that part of the clot can break off and travel through your bloodstream.  It could get stuck in your lungs and block blood flow, causing organ damage or death.

Symptoms

A common symptom of DVT is a leg swollen below the knee.  You may have redness and tenderness or pain in the area of the clot.

But you won’t always have these.  About half of people with DVT get no warning signs.

Pulmonary Embolism

This is a clot that moves into your lungs and blocks the blood supply.  It can cause trouble breathing, low blood pressure, fainting, a faster heart rate, chest pain, and coughing up blood.  If you have any of tese, call 011 and get medical care right away.

What Cause DVT?

Anything that damages the inner lining of a vein may cause DVT – surgery, an injury, or your immune system.  If your blood is thick or flows slowly, it’s more likely to form a clot, especially in a vein that’s already damaged.  People who have certain genetic disorders or more estrogen in their system are more likely to have blood clots, too.

Who Is Likely to Get DVT?

Some people with a higher risk are those who:

·         Have cancer

·         Have had surgery

·         Are on extended bed rest

·         Are older

·         Smoke

·         Are overweight or obese

·         Sit for long times, like on a long airplane flight

Pregnancy

Women are more likely to develop DVT during pregnancy and in 4 to 6 weeks after giving birth.  That’s when they have higher levels of estrogen, which may make blood clot more easily.  The pressure of their expanding uterus can slow blood flow in the veins as well.  Certain blood disorders can boost their chances of having DVT even more.

Hormone Therapy

Like pregnancy, birth control pills and some treatments for postmenopausal symptoms raise the amount of estrogen in a women’s blood.  That can increase the odds of getting DVT.

Trapped in Your Seat

Travel to new and faraway places can be exciting!  Squishing into a coach seat for a long international flight is not.  Studies show long-distance travel – a trip that lasts more than 4 hours – doubles the chance of developing DVT.  It doesn’t matter if you go by air, bus, train, or car.  when  you’re in a cramped seat and don’t move around, your blood flow slows.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will check you for signs of DVT.  He may also ask about your medical history, medications you’re taking, medical problems of close relatives, and thing that raise your chances of having this condition.  An ultrasound is the most common way to confirm you have it.  The test uses sound waves to “see” the blood flow and reveal a clot.  You might also need other tests, such as a blood test called a d-dimer.

Blood Thinners

Drugs called anticoagulants are the most common way to treat DVT.  Although they’re known as blood thinners, they don’t really thin your blood.  They make it less “sticky” to prevent new blood clots from forming.  They can’t break up a clot you already have, but they will give your body time to dissolve one on its own.  You take these medications in a pill or by needle.

Side Effects of Blood Thinners

People who take these medications may get bruises often or bleed more easily.  When you take certain ones, you’ll need to watch what you eat.  And you may need to go to a lab regularly to get your blood checked.  Newer medications make it harder to stop bleeding if you have an accident.

Let your doctor know if you bleed a lot from minor injuries.

Internal Bleeding

Blood thinners can also make it easier to bleed inside your body, where you can’t see it.  Bleeding in your belly can cause pain, vomit that’s red or looks like coffee grounds, and bright red or black stools.  Bleeding in your brain can bring on severe headaches, vision changes, unnatural movements, and confusion.  Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you notice any of these symptoms.

Vena Cava Filter

If you can’t take blood thinners or they aren’t working, your doctor may recommend putting a filter into your biggest vein, called the vena cava.  This filter catches breakaway clots and stops them from getting into your lungs and heart.  it won’t stop new clots from forming or cure DVT, but it can help stop a dangerous pulmonary embolism.

Clot Busters

Medications that dissolve blood clots are called thrombolytics.  They can cause sudden, severe bleeding, so doctors se them only in emergencies – to dissolve a life-threatening blood clot in your lung, for example.  You get thrombolytics by IV in a hospital.

Compression Stockings

These special socks put gentle pressure on your legs to keep your blood moving.  They help keep clots from forming as well as keep swelling down and relieve pain where a clot has formed.  You can get compression stockings over the counter but your doctor will need to write a prescription for ones with more pressure.  Wear them even when you’re at home.

Keep Your Feet Up

When you can, sit with your feet resting off the floor to raise your legs.  You’ll make it easier for the blood in your veins to flow up toward your heart.  This can lessen the swelling and discomfort in the leg with DVT.

Long-Term Effects

Once a blood clot is gone, DVT sometimes leaves behind an unpleasant reminder.  You may see long-term swelling or changes in skin color where the clot was.  Or it could hurt.  These symptoms, known as post-thrombotic syndrome, sometimes show up as much as a year after a clot.

Exercise

Use your muscles to get blood flowing.  Work your lower leg muscles especially.  When you’re not active – at your desk, for example – take breaks to stretch your legs.  Stand up.  Step away for a bit.

Regular exercise also helps keep you at a healthy weight, and that lowers your odds of having DVT, too.

Travel Tips

When traveling will keep you seated for more than 4 hours, don’t wear tight clothing, and drink plenty of water.  Get up and walk around at least every couple of hours.  If you have to stay in your seat, stretch and move your legs.  Try clenching and releasing your calves and thighs, or lifting and lowering your heels with your toes on the floor.  Do plenty of sightseeing by foot once you arrive!

14 Ways to Cook Chicken

Baharat

Baharat is a Middle Eastern spice blend used to season all kinds of meats. It can include allspice, peppercorns, cardamom, cassia bark, cloves, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, red chili, and paprika. Try it on baked chicken skewers with a bit of olive oil.

Piri Piri

Portuguese settlers arrived in Southern Africa with peppers the locals called piri piri, which means “hot hot” in Swahili. There’s debate about who decided to put it in a tomato marinade for chicken, but everyone agrees that it’s delicious.

Tandoori

This Indian chicken dish is traditionally baked in a clay oven heated with charcoal or wood, which adds a smoky flavor. But you can make a version at home. Heat the spices -- which include coriander, cayenne pepper, and turmeric -- in oil to bring out the flavor before whisking with yogurt to make the marinade.

Nashville Hot Chicken

Legend has it a Tennessee woman got so mad at her womanizing boyfriend that she decided to teach him a lesson by making his chicken so spicy it would burn his mouth. But it backfired: He loved it. And thus was born the legend of “Nashville Hot Chicken”: It’s just like regular fried chicken but with a cayenne pepper kick.

Lemongrass

Marinate the chicken in a mixture of lemongrass, soy sauce, red chili, turmeric, and a high-quality Vietnamese fish sauce (made from anchovies, salt, and water). The result is tangy and light with a slight kick.

Curry

Endless versions of this are made throughout Asia, the Caribbean, and Africa. Some add cream, butter, or coconut milk to make a sauce. The “curry” is a mixture of spices that varies but often includes coriander, cumin, turmeric, ginger, mustard, fenugreek, and cinnamon.

Chili Lime

Combine a tangy smack of lime juice with the sharp bit of chili powder to wake up your taste buds in the middle of a hot summer day. Mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, and a little sugar to make the rub. Let the chicken marinate in lime juice for at least 30 minutes before you put it on. Then grill it to perfection.

Fesenjan

This is a traditional Persian chicken stew made from the bounty of fall -- ground walnuts and pomegranates -- and served with rice. You reduce pomegranate seeds over heat to make syrup for the sauce and sprinkle some fresh ones on top to make it beautiful.

Molasses and Bourbon

These two ingredients make a good start. You can also add butter, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, onion, and chili powder -- not a low-calorie combo. The result is savory-sweet, slightly spicy, and delicious.

Shawarma

There are homemade versions, but this Middle Eastern street food traditionally is made over a large spit. Stacked boneless meat is basted for hours in its own juices and a mixture of cumin, coriander, garlic, paprika, turmeric, cloves, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. It’s usually served in pita bread, and when it’s made right, the smell is impossible to resist. 

Bacon Wraps

If you’re one of the many who believe everything in life is made a little better with bacon -- and a lot better with a lot of bacon -- this recipe is for you. Cube some chicken breast and wrap each in about a third of a strip of bacon. Secure it with a toothpick and dredge in a mixture of chili powder and brown sugar before baking.

Tikka Masala

Garlic, ginger, turmeric, garam masala, coriander, and cumin season the chicken in this slightly sweet and very savory dish that's common at Indian restaurants in the West. Some say the dish evolved in Britain as a way to tame Indian cuisine for a Western palate. Wherever it’s from, when you have a craving for chicken tikka masala, nothing else will do.

Doro Wot

You can find this traditional dish on the menu at most Ethiopian restaurants. The chicken is rubbed with a “berbere” spice blend of cayenne pepper, garlic, ginger, fenugreek, cardamom, cumin, black pepper, allspice, turmeric, cloves, cinnamon, and coriander.

Herbes de Provence

Rub a whole chicken with olive oil, garlic, and this traditional mix of spices from southern France: savory, rosemary, marjoram, and thyme. Lavender, fennel, sage, tarragon, and even citrus zest are sometimes added.

8 Digestive Health Supplements

Probiotics: Friendly Bacteria

Probiotics contain living organisms -- mainly bacteria and one type of yeast. These resemble good bacteria in the gut that help with digestion. The supplements are used to treat certain GI problems and for general digestive health. Some types of probiotics may provide relief from diarrhea and may also relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Consider adding them to malted milk or yogurt.

DGL (Licorice): Cooling Heartburn

Licorice has long been used to treat symptoms of indigestion like heartburn and acid reflux. These uses aren't backed by scientific evidence, though. In its unpurified form, licorice can also have side effects, including contributing to high blood pressure in some people. DGL is a specific extract of licorice with a certain chemical removed, and it doesn't seem to have as many side effects. Still, pregnant women should not take DGL -- or any other supplement -- without consulting their doctor.

Peppermint Oil: To Ease IBS

While the jury's still out, several studies suggest that peppermint oil may lessen pain and bloating that comes with IBS. Enteric-coated capsules of it don't dissolve in the stomach. They pass through to the small and large intestines, where the oil is released. In small doses, peppermint oil appears to be safe.

Chamomile: More Than a Soothing Tea

Chamomile is widely used for multiple ailments. Naturalists have tried chamomile in an effort to treat digestive problems such as upset stomach, colic, and nausea, as well as anxiety and insomnia. People with some plant allergies like ragweed, though, could possibly have an allergic reaction to chamomile. Always discuss your use of any supplement with your doctor.

Ginger: Comfort for the Stomach

Asian medicine uses ginger to treat stomachaches. In the West, ginger is used to relieve nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Ginger is available as a powder, in capsules or tablets, or as freshly cut root. It's generally considered safe when taken in small doses -- 1 to 2 grams per day.

L-Glutamine: The Intestinal Helper

Glutamine is found naturally in your body; it supports the intestines and other organs. Some experts believe that the supplement L-glutamine may help relieve diarrhea induced by surgery, infections, or stress. It may help some people better absorb nutrients. That includes people with too much unfriendly bacteria in their digestive tracts, people who are taking cancer drugs, and people who've had part of their intestines removed. But more research is needed.

Psyllium: Fiber for Constipation

Psyllium is used as an ingredient in bulk laxatives. Because of its high fiber content, it's able to absorb water in the intestines. That makes the stool bulky and easier to pass. It's important when treating constipation to drink plenty of fluids. This helps you avoid dehydration or a worse case of constipation. People allergic to English plantain pollen, grass pollen, or melon could have a serious allergic reaction when taking psyllium.

Artichoke: Relief of Stomach Upset

Artichoke leaf extract may relieve symptoms of indigestion. When used daily, the extract seems to lessen nausea, vomiting, gas, and abdominal pain. It also might help treat IBS and reduce cramps and abdominal pain. The extract has no known interactions with drugs. But it can cause allergic reactions in people who are allergic to ragweed and related pollens.

Check With Your Doctor First

Dietary supplements are not strictly regulated by the FDA. That means there is no guarantee of their quality, effectiveness, or safety. It's important to always read the labels. It's also important to talk with your doctor before starting any new supplement. That's especially true if you're pregnant, have an existing medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements.

7 Exercises to Start Doing Today

Does Your Workout Really Work?

Done right, these seven exercises give you results that you can see and feel. You can you do them at a gym or at home. Watch the form shown by the trainer in the pictures. Good technique is a must. If you're not active now, it's a good idea to check in with your doctor first, especially if you have been diagnosed with health concerns. For example, if you have advanced osteoporosis some of these exercises may be too aggressive.

1. Walking

Why it's a winner: You can walk anywhere, anytime. Use a treadmill or hit the streets. 

How to: If you're just starting to walk for fitness, begin with five to 10 minutes at a time. Add a few minutes to each walk until you get to at least 30 minutes per walk. Then, quicken your pace or add hills. 

2. Interval Training

Why it's a winner: Interval training boosts your fitness levels and burns more calories to help you lose weight. The basic idea is to vary the intensity within your workout, instead of going at a steady pace.

How to: Whether you walk, run, dance, or do another cardio exercise, push up the pace for a minute or two. Then back off for 2 to 4 minutes. How long your interval should last depends on the length of your workout and how much recovery time you need. A trainer can fine-tune the pacing. Repeat the intervals throughout your workout.

3. Squats

Why it's a winner: Squats work several muscle groups -- your quadriceps ("quads"), hamstrings, and gluteals ("glutes") -- at the same time.

How to: Keep your feet shoulder-width apart and your back straight. Bend your knees and lower your rear as if you were sitting down in a chair. Your weight should be evenly distributed on 3 points of your feet -- heel, outaside ball, inside ball -- that form a triangle. Your knees won't stay in line with your ankles that way, but there will be less strain on other parts of your body.  Add dumbbells once you can do 12 reps with good form.

Squats Done Right

Practice with a real chair to master this move. First, sit all the way down in the chair and stand back up. Next, barely touch the chair's seat before standing back up. Work up to doing the squats without a chair, keeping the same form.

4. Lunges

Why it's a winner: Like squats, lunges work all the major muscles of your lower body. They can also improve your balance.

How to: Take a big step forward, keeping your back straight. Bend your front knee to about 90 degrees. Keep weight on your back toes and drop the back knee toward the floor. Don't let the back knee touch the floor. 

Lunges: Extra Challenge

Try stepping not just forward, but also back and out to each side, with each lunge. Add dumbbells to lunges once your form is down pat

5. Push-Ups

Why it's a winner: Push-ups strengthen your chest, shoulders, triceps, and core muscles.

How to: Facing down, place your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Place your toes on the floor. If that's too hard, start with your knees on the floor. Your body should make a straight line from shoulders to knees or feet. Keep your rear-end muscles and abs engaged. Bend your elbows to lower down until you almost touch the floor. Lift back up by pushing through your elbows, Keep your torso in a straight line throughout the move.

Push-Ups: Too Hard? Too Easy?

If you're new to push-ups you can start doing them by leaning into a kitchen counter. As you get stronger, go lower, using a desk or chair. Then you can move onto the floor, starting with your knees bent. For a challenge, put your feet on a stair, bench, or couch while keeping good form.

6. Crunches -- Method A

Start by lying on your back with your feet flat on the floor and your head resting in the palm of one hand and the other hand reaching toward your knees. Press your lower back down. Contract your abdominal muscles (abs) and in one smooth move, raise your head, then your neck, shoulders, and upper back off the floor. Tuck in your chin slightly. Lower back down and repeat.

Crunches -- Method B

You can also do crunches with your feet off the floor and knees bent. This technique may keep you from arching your back. It also uses your hip flexors (muscles on your upper thighs below your hip bones).

Mastering Crunches

Keep your neck in line with your spine. Tuck in your chin so it doesn't stick out. Breathe normally. To keep chest and shoulders open, keep your elbows out of your line of vision.

7. Bent-Over Row

Why it's a winner: You work all the major muscles of your upper back, as well as your biceps.

How to: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, bend your knees, and bend forward at the hips. Engage your abs without hunching your back. Hold weights beneath your shoulders, keeping your hands shoulder-width apart. Bend your elbows and lift both hands toward the sides of your body. Pause, then slowly lower your hands to the starting position. Can perform with a bar or dumbbells.

Mastering Bent-Over Rows

First, do this move without weights so you learn the right motions. If you have trouble doing bent-over rows while standing up, support your weight by sitting on an incline bench, facing backward.