Health Effects of Childhood Obesity

According to latest statistics, nearly 16 percent of children and teenagers between the ages of 6 and 19 are overweight. Childhood obesity is fast becoming an epidemic and if we do nothing to stop it, children will have many weight-related health problems that are usually present in adults.

Childhood obesity can develop due to different factors. These include genetics where children with obese parents have the tendency to be obese; diet where junk food and greasy food is regularly consumed by children; and finally lack of physical activity is more and more evident among children who prefer sitting and playing video and computer games rather than playing outside. In fact, lack of physical activity is one of the major causes of childhood obesity.

STEATOSIS

Children who are obese suffer from many psychological problems like low self-esteem and inability to make friends. But the health effects of childhood obesity are far greater than the psychological problems.

Here are some common health-related problems that childhood obesity causes:

o Children who are overweight and have a family history of diabetes have a higher risk of developing Type II diabetes.
o Obesity raises the risk of cardiovascular diseases including high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol levels.
o Although it is being debated, many researchers believe that asthma in children is linked to childhood obesity.
o Obese children tend to suffer more frequently from gall bladder diseases including gallstones accompanied with fever, pain in the stomach and jaundice.
o Overweight boys between the ages of 10 and 16 can suffer from slipped capital femoral epiphysis. This causes severe hip pain.
o Obese children can get pancreatitis with severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and fever.
o It has been seen that obese children snore loudly, have labored breathing and sleep poorly. This is known as sleep apnea.
o Childhood obesity can lead to fatty degeneration of the liver, a condition that is medically known as hepatic steatosis.
o Above all, obese children grown up to be obese adults and then have high risk of developing all the diseases caused by being overweight.

Health Effects of Childhood Obesity

STEATOSIS

The Side Effects of Omeprazole

If there is one thing profound about the medicines that we use every single day is that they all have some harmful or not so harmful aftereffects. If there is something even more interesting it is that although all these drugs have harmful effects, not all human beings will get these horrible symptoms. The same thing applies to the Omeprazole side effects. Omeprazole, known most commonly as sodium bicarbonate is normally prescribed to treat ulcers and or infection of the stomach. It normally takes about four to eight weeks to treat the ulcers and ten to twenty eight days to cure infected pylori of the stomach. The Omeprazole side effects in question are therefore aftereffects that arise from its long term use.

The most common Omeprazole side effects that are seen in about one of each five patients using it are diarrhea and or vomiting. There are however rare cases in which there will be more adverse or simply more quantitatively manifesting symptoms. One must bear in mind also that the form, powder, capsule, tablet or suspension, does not in anyway influence the Omeprazole side effects that one is vulnerable to.

HEPATIC

For those rare cases that the Omeprazole effects are much more than just diarrhea and vomiting and seem to persist, the body systems that will be affected are widely varied. One of the most rarely affected of these systems would be the cardiovascular system. Should the cardiovascular system be affected however the Omeprazole side effects would be angina and varied cardiac arrhythmia.

One of the most occurring Omeprazole effects when it comes to the body systems is on the gastrointestinal system. Omeprazole has been seen to change the pH in the stomach by raising the amount of gastrin that is produced. This if kept up for a very long time then rarely, almost one out of ten cases of people being treated with 20-40mg daily would have to deal with its aftereffects. The Omeprazole side effects that would occur would be stomach polyposis. A stomach polyp is a benign growth that protrudes out over the stomach mucosa. Most of these cases of stomach polyposis will even go undetected for a very long time because when they make you feel anything you would probably regard it as a stomach upset. There are some times when these stomach polyposis caused by the Omeprazole side effects would be cancerous but this is a one in a million occurrence.

The Omeprazole side effects on the endocrine system are also not a very common occurrence. When there are aftereffects affecting this system they would lead to breast tenderness and enlargement. If the case is very severe then one might have gynecomastia. This however is very rare too.

If the Omeprazole side effects get to attack the hepatic system then these would be very fatal. Patients have been known to die from fatal fulminate hepatic failure due to the elevations in serum transaminases and bilirubin. As with the rest this will hardly ever occur but if it does it must be countered as soon as possible to avoid the loss of a life.

The rest of the Omeprazole effects that are still left are the rarest and doctors can go whole careers without seeing them occurring in their patients during treatment with this drug. For example the after effects of Omeprazole on the blood system would be hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia. To the psychological system we would have the Omeprazole side effects ranging from depression and nervousness to hallucinations. Others may have insomnia and dream disturbance because they have anxiety.

The Side Effects of Omeprazole

HEPATIC

Elderberry - Uses and Side Effects

Elder flowers and berries have been used in traditional medicine and as flavorings for centuries. In folk medicine, the flowers have been used for their diuretic and laxative properties and as an astringent. Various parts of the elder have been used to treat cancer and a host of other unrelated disorders. Elderberry is available as an aqueous solution, berries, extract, flowers, oil, and wine.

Reported uses

HEPATIC

Elderberry extracts are used to treat asthma, bronchitis, cough, epilepsy, fever, fungal infections, gout, headache, hepatic dysfunction, neuralgia, rheumatic diseases, and toothache. They are also used as diuretics, insect repellents, and laxatives.

Native Americans used tea made from elderberry flowers to treat respiratory infections. They also used the leaves and flowers in poultices applied to wounds, and the bark, suitably aged, as a laxative. The berries are frequently made into beverages, pies, and preserves, but they have also been used to treat arthritis.

Administration

Infusion (add 3 to 4 g of elderberry flowers to 5 oz of simmering water): 1 to 2 cups by mouth several times daily

Elderberry juice-containing syrup: Adults, 4 tablespoons daily for three days; children, 2 tablespoons daily for three days.

Hazards

Adverse reactions associated with elderberry include diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. There are no known interactions with elderberry.

Pregnant and breast-feeding patients should avoid use.

Safety Risk Elderberry has been associated with cyanide-like poisoning. Patients should avoid consumption of berries from the dwarf elder (S.ebulus) because it can contain an especially high content of cyanide-like compounds.

Clinical considerations

Don't confuse elderberry with American elder (Sambucus canadensis).

Leaves and stems shouldn't be crushed when making elderberry juice because of potential for cyanide toxicity.

Elderberry may interfere with the intended therapeutic effect of conventional drugs.

Elderberry (especially S. ebulus) can cause cyanide-like poisoning characterized by diarrhea, vomiting, vertigo, numbness, and stupor-particularly if uncooked portions are consumed. It can also cause toxic reaction in children if they use elderberry stems for peashooters.

Uncooked elderberries are more likely to cause nausea.

Monitor patients for nausea and vomiting.

Warn patient not to treat symptoms of asthma, infection, or hepatic disease with elderberry before seeking appropriate medical evaluation because doing so may delay diagnosis of a potentially serious medical condition.

Inform patient of the toxic potential of certain varieties of elderberry.

Advise patient to keep this and other herbal products out of children's reach.

Tell patient to remind pharmacist of any herbal or dietary supplement that he's taking when obtaining a new prescription.

Advise patient to consult his health care provider before using an herbal preparation because a treatment with proven efficacy may be available.

Research summary

The concepts behind the use of elderberry and the claims made regarding its effects haven't yet been validated scientifically.

Elderberry - Uses and Side Effects

HEPATIC

Gotu Kola - Uses and Side Effects

Gotu kola has been widely used to treat a variety of illnesses, especially in traditional Eastern medicine. It's derived from the leaves, stem, and aerial parts of Centella asiatica. Gotu kola contains madecassol, madecassic acid, asiatic acid, asiaticentoic acid, centellic acid, centoic acid, isothankuniside, flavonoids including quercetin and kaempferol, and various glycosides such as asiaticoside, brahminoside, brahmoside, centelloside, and madecassoid. It also contains fatty acids, amino acids, phytosterols, and tannin.

Asiaticoside promotes wound healing, brahminoside and brahmoside possess sedative properties, and madecassoid exerts anti-inflammatory action. Gotu kola is available as ampules, capsules, ointment, powder, tablets, tinctures, and extract. Common trade names include Centalase, Centasium, Emdecassol, Gotu Kola Gold Extract, Gotu Kola Herb, and Madecassol.

HEPATIC

Reported uses

Gotu kola is used for its anticarcinogenic, antifertility, and antihypertensive effects. It's also used to treat chronic venous in sufficiency, chronic hypertension, and chronic hepatic disorders. Gotu kola is used topically to treat psoriasis and burns and to promote wound healing in patients with chronic lesions such as cutaneous ulcers, leprosy sores, fistulas, and Surgical and gynecologic wounds.

Administration

Capsules: 400 to 500 mg by mouth every day

Creams, ointments: Applied to affected area every day, up to two times a day

Dried leaves: 0.6 g of dried leaves or infusion by mouth three times a day

Standardized extract (40% asiaticoside, 29% to 30% asiatic acid and madecassic acid, respectively, and 1 % to 2% madecassoside): 20 to 40 mg by mouth three times a day.

Hazards

Adverse effects associated with gotu kola include sedation with higher doses, hy­percholesterolemia, hyperglycemia, con­tact dermatitis, burning, and pruritus. The plant extracts appear to have very lit­tle toxicity, although hypersensitivity re­actions may still occur. Large doses of gotu kola may interfere with the effect of hypoglycemics. Large doses of gotu kola may interfere with the effect of choles­terol-lowering drugs.

Pregnant patients, breast-feeding patients, young children, and patients with severe renal or hepatic disease should avoid use. Patients with a history of contact dermatitis should use with caution.

Safety Risk Do not confuse gotu kola with kola or kola plant. They are different plants. The latter species has stimulant activities.

Clinical considerations

Topical asiaticoside may cause cancer.

Monitor patient for CNS depression, including drowsiness and increased sleep time.

Monitor blood glucose and serum cholesterol levels with long-term use.

Warn patient about potential for sedation. Advise him to avoid driving until he knows how the herb affects him.

If patient is using the herb for contra­ception, recommend another method.

Recommend that patient not use the herb for more than 6 weeks at a time.

Tell patient to take capsules with meals.

Advise patient to report planned or suspected pregnancy.

Tell patient to notify pharmacist of any herbal or dietary supplement that he's taking when obtaining a new prescription.

Advise patient to consult his health care provider before using an herbal preparation because a conventional treat­ment with proven efficacy may be avail­able.

Research summary

Studies support claims for gotu kola's ef­ficacy in wound healing, topical uses for psoriasis, antihypertensive effects, effects on varicose veins, and chronic hepatic disorders.

Gotu Kola - Uses and Side Effects

HEPATIC

Heartburn Medication Side Effects

Various Nexium side effects are known to occur. Below is a look at some side effects which have been categorized by body system.

Gastrointestinal - Gastrointestinal side effects that may occur as a result of taking nexium include bowel irregularity, dyspepsia, aggravated constipation, dysplasia, epigastric pain, dysphagia, eructation, anorexia, esophageal disorder, frequent stools, gastroenteritis, GI hemorrhage, rectal disorder, increased appetite, ulcerative stomatitis, vomiting as well as certain reported cases of pancreatitis.

HEPATIC

Nervous System - Nervous system adverse effects occurring as a result of taking nexium include: dizziness, confusion, insomnia, hypoesthesia, migraine aggravation, paresthesia, sleep disorder, tremor, somnolence and vertigo.

Cardiovascular - Cardiovascular adverse effects reported as resulting from Nexium include hypertension, chest pain, angioedema, tachycardia and substernal chest pain.

Musculoskeletal - Musculoskeletal adverse effects as a result of taking Nexium include arthralgia, cramps, aggravation of arthritis, arthropathy, hernia, fibromyalgia syndrome, polymyalgia rheumatica, hypertonia, back pain, as well as some reported incidences of myalgia and hip fracture. Studies have shown an increased risk of hip fracture from taking Nexium - which risk was significantly high among patients who had been prescribed long-term high PPIs.

Hematologic - Hematologic adverse effects that occur from taking Nexium include anemia, hypochromic anemia, epistaxis, cervical lymphadenopathy, leukopenia, leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, as well as certain reported cases of agranulocytosis and pancytopenia.

Hepatic - Hepatic side effects as a result of using Nexium include bilirubinemia, abnormal hepatic function, an increase in SGOT and SGPT, as well as reported cases of hepatitis, with or without jaundice.

Metabolic - Metabolic adverse effects that occur as a result of using Nexium include excessive thirst, glycosuria, hyponatremia, hyperuricemia, increased alkaline phosphatase, vitamin B12 deficiency, as well as weight increase/decrease.

Genitourinary - Genitourinary adverse effects resulting from using Nexium include cystitis, impotence, abnormal urine, hematuria, albuminuria, dysuria, micturition frequency, moniliasis, genital moniliasis, vaginitis, dysmenorrhea, menstrual disorder and polyuria.

Psychiatric - Psychiatric side effects from using Nexium are confusion, apathy, aggravated depression and nervousness, as well as a rare reported case of loss of libido. In this case loss of normal sexual function leading to complete unresponsiveness was reported in a patient taking Nexium.

Respiratory - Respiratory side effects that have been reported as a result of using Nexium include coughing, aggravated asthma, pharyngitis, dyspnea, larynx edema, rhinitis and sinusitis.

General - General side effects that occur as a result of taking Nexium are fatigue, hot flushes, malaise, flu-like disorder, leg edema, pain, earache, fever, tinnitus, otitis, parosmia, loss and perversion of taste and enlarged abdomen.

Ocular - Ocular side effects reported as a result of taking Nexium are conjunctivitis, abnormal vision, and visual field defect, along with cases of blurred vision.

Dermatologic - Dermatologi adverse effects occurring as a result of taking Nexium include skin inflammation, acne, pruritus, dermatitis, erythematous rash, maculopapular rash, increased sweating, as well as reported cases of alopecia and erythema multiforme. There have also been further reported cases of esophagitis, duodenitis, gastric ulcer, esophageal stricture, hernia, esophageal ulceration, esophageal varices, gastritis, benign polyps or nodules, Barrett's esophagus and mucosal discoloration.

Hypersensitivity - Less than 1% of hypersensitivity side effects as a result of taking Nexium have included allergic reactions.

Heartburn Medication Side Effects

HEPATIC

Heartburn Relief Side Effects

Just like most other medications, there are some side effects that may arise due to taking Prilosec. Below is a look at are various Prilosec side effects categorized by body system.

Gastrointestinal - Gastrointestinal symptoms occurring as a result of taking Prilosec include gastric polyposis, as well as hyperplastic and fundic gland polyps which have been reported as having developed in the stomachs of some patients. There have also been some reported cases of hyperplasia of gastric enterochromaffin-like cells, as well as atrophic gastritis. Other gastrointestinal side effects include diarrhea, nausea, anorexia, abdominal pain, vomiting, flatulence, constipation, irritable colon, dry mouth, esophageal candidiasis, along with persistent cases of achlorhydria in patient's with Zollinger-Ellison. Gastric polyps, hyperplasia of gastric enterochromaffin-like cells, atrophic gastritis and campylobacter gastroenteritis have also been reported, as well as rare cases of pancreatitis.

HEPATIC

Endocrine - Endocrine symptoms reported as having occurred due to taking Prilosec include breast enlargement in females, breast tenderness and gynecomastia.

Hepatic - Hepatic disease and other hepatic symptoms have been reported as occurring due to Prilosec. These include elevations in bilirubin, serum transaminases, alkaline phosphatase and rare cases of hepatitis and hepatic encephalopathy, as well as reported cases of fatal fulminant hepatic failure.

Renal - Renal symptoms arising due to Prilosec include renal failure, elevations in serum creatinine, as well as rare reports of interstitial nephritis.

Hematologic - Hematologic symptoms occurring due to Prilosec include rare cases of hemolytic anemia, agranulocytosis, pancytopenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia and leukocytosis.

Respiratory - Respiratory symptoms occurring due to taking Prilosec include chronic, persistent coughing, as well as rare reports of epistaxis and pharyngeal pain.

These are just a few of the many side effects that you could experience when using Prilosec otc. If you experience any adverse side effects when taking Prilosec otc it is always wise to consult a physician immediately. There are several other heartburn medications that are available as over the counter remedies for heart burn. These include Prevacid, Nexium, and other generic brands containing omeprazole. Omeprazole is the active ingredient in most of these heartburn medications. Omeprazole reduces the stomachs ability to produce excessive amounts of acid which is the leading cause of heartburn.

If your thinking about buying a heartburn medication like Prilosec be sure to have a look for coupons available. Prilosec coupons can be used to save you money on your next purchase of Prilosec otc. These coupons can be found online printed off and used the next time you visit the pharmacy.

Heartburn Relief Side Effects

HEPATIC

Germanium - Side Effects, Contraindications and Complications

Germanium, or germanium-132, is a chemical element commonly used to treat cancer of the lung, bladder, breast, uterus or bladder. Proponents of germanium claim it can naturally treat cancer with few side effects. No scientific evidence supports these claims.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, germanium is a potential health hazard that could cause serious physical harm. Severe organ damage, some of which have caused death, have reportedly been caused by germanium. Proponents claim only inorganic germanium can cause serious harm, but recent studies have showed both organic and inorganic germanium can be potentially dangerous for human consumption.

STEATOSIS

Potential Side Effects of Germanium

According to WebMD, germanium can cause serious side effects even with short-term use. Common side effects that occur with short-term use include:

* Lack of healthy red blood cells (anemia)

* Muscle weakness

* Nerve problems, possibly nerve damage

* Loss of appetite (anorexia)

* Unintentional weight loss

* Nausea

* Vomiting

* Fatigue, pronounced exhaustion

* Skin rashes

* Numbness in the hands or feet

* Seizures

These side effects worsen the longer you take it. Eliminating its use may alleviate some, but not all symptoms. The nerve damage caused by its toxic buildup inside the body, for example, can become permanent.

Potential Long Term Effects of Germanium

Numerous health organizations, including the American Cancer Society (ACS), have identified several serious long term effects caused by germanium. These effects include:

* Kidney damage

* Changes in liver function

* Kidney failure, sometimes chronic

* Fatty liver (hepatic steatosis)

According to the FDA, nine deaths have also been reported. As little as 15 grams was administered prior to their deaths.

Possible Contraindications

There is little information available about germanium's contraindications with other drugs, although most researchers agree that it should not be used with other drugs. Feroseminde, sold under the trade name Lasix, may not work as effectively when taken with germanium. Germanium may also amplify the effects of drugs that increase the risk for kidney damage.

Because of germanium's potential side effects, this supplement is rarely recommended. Pregnant women are strongly advised to avoid its use, as fetal damage has been documented.

People who are at risk for kidney failure, fatty liver, or any type of cancer should not take this supplement. People who are on drugs or supplements that increase the risk for carcinogenesis should avoid using this supplement.

The preceding information is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice from a licensed medical doctor. Any medical concerns should be discussed with your local healthcare provider.

Germanium - Side Effects, Contraindications and Complications

STEATOSIS

Squaw Vine Information - Side Effects, Uses and Benefits

Taxonomic Class

Rubiaceae

HEPATIC

Common Trade Names

Mitchella repens, Partridge Berry, Squaw Vine
Source

Squaw vine is the dried plant of Mitchella repens Linne, common to the woodlands of the central and eastern United States. The plant blooms in July and is usually harvested late in summer.

Chemical Components

The leaves of the plant contain resin, wax, mucilage, dextrin, and tannin. The leaves are also thought to contain glycosides and saponins.

Actions

Tannic acid has local astringent properties that act on GI mucosa, which is thought to occur through binding and precipitation of proteins, and forms insoluble complexes with select heavy metal ions, alkaloids, and glycosides. It has also been shown to have antisecretory and antiulcerative effects within the GI tract because of an inhibitory action on the gastric enzyme system. Saponins are usually less toxic to humans after oral ingestion, but when administered I.V., they act as potent hemolytics.

Reported Uses

Squaw vine has been used as an astringent, a diuretic, and a tonic. Because its tonic properties are thought to work primarily on the uterus, squaw vine has been used extensively as an aid in labor and childbirth. Native Americans were the first to use the plant to make parturition safer and easier. It has also been used in cases of abdominal pain associated with menstruation, abnormal menstruation, and heavy bleeding . Other claims include its use as a remedy for amenorrhea, diarrhea, dysentery, dysuria, edema, gonorrhea, hysteria, kidney stones, polyuria, and vaginitis. Crushed squaw vine berries have been mixed with myrrh and used for sore nipples. The use of squaw vine is based on traditional and anecdotal reports, not on controlled human clinical trials.

Dosage

Liquid extract: Yo to 1 tsp P.O. t.i.d.

Squaw vine (dried): 30 to 60 grains (2 to 4 g) P.O.

Tincture: 1 to 2 ml P.O. t.i.d.

Adverse Reactions

GI: heartburn, hepatotoxicity (rare).

Other: irritated mucouS membranes.
Interactions

Alkaloid-related drugs (atropine, scopolamine), iron-containing products:Tannic acid may slow metabolic breakdown. Monitor the patient.

Cardiac glycosides: Risk of increased effect of these drugs. Use together cautiously.

Disulfiram: Disulfiram reaction can occur if herbal form contains alcohol Do not use together.
Contraindications and Precautions

Squaw vine is contraindicated during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy. Use cautiously in patients with preexisting hepatic disease or complications.

Special Considerations

* Saponin glycosides have a bitter taste and are irritating to the mucous membranes.

* Monitor liver function test results. Advise the patient to immediately discontinue use of squaw vine if transaminase levels become elevated.

* Urge women to report planned or suspected pregnancy.

* Advise the patient to immediately report symptoms of hepatic dysfunction (fever, jaundice, right upper quadrant pain).

Caution the patient taking disulfiram not to take an herbal form that contains alcohol.

Commentary

Although there appears to be widespread use of squaw vine as a medicinal herb, none of these claims has been studied or proved in animals or humans.

Squaw Vine Information - Side Effects, Uses and Benefits

HEPATIC