Your source for reliable, practical and actionable health information
Mera started Get Healthy Stay Healthy to connect you with reliable, easy-to-understand, and practical information that can help you take a more active role in your health.
Mera started Get Healthy Stay Healthy to connect you with reliable, easy-to-understand, and practical information that can help you take a more active role in your health.
“What we previously thought of as an older person is changing,” according to Stephen A. Kagan, M.D., F.A.C.P., Regional Medical and Research Specialist in Vaccines and Infectious Diseases at Pfizer. Advances in healthcare have made it possible for people to stay active and productive well into their 70s and beyond. According to Dr. Kagan, who is also the co-lead for the Pfizer Center of Excellence on Active and Healthy Ageing, many Baby Boomers are working longer, going back to school for additional training, obtaining new college degrees, changing professions, acting as caregivers and serving their communities.
Despite all of that, ageism—the prejudice against people based on age and disability—still exists. Some men and women experience ageism when they feel ignored, underestimated or disrespected because of their age. We also practice ageism on ourselves when we think we have no value simply because we’ve reached a certain age. So how can you fight ageism? Here are three steps from Dr. Kagan.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. Defined by a set of symptoms that interfere with brain functions, dementia is a disorder that affects a person’s memory, personality, and reasoning. More than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease and for most people, the symptoms begin to appear after age 65.
Many of us associate Alzheimer’s disease with memory loss. This symptom can be a prominent early warning sign because the disease affects the part of the brain that controls memory. But what are some of the other signs that it may be time to speak with a healthcare provider about Alzheimer’s? The following are seven early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease:
If you recognize several of these signs in a family member or someone you care about, it’s important to talk with a healthcare provider. Although there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, you should work with a healthcare professional who can diagnose the condition and recommend the best ways to manage symptoms and provide support.
Menopause may be a fact of life, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Declining estrogen levels can affect your mood, your quality of sleep, your ability to regulate body temperature, and much more. And when all of these things are added together, it’s no wonder menopausal women often don’t feel like themselves! But there are things you can do to cope. To help you feel a bit more comfortable, try these tips from Canan Esinduy, M.S., M.D., Director, Women’s Health/Urology, Pfizer Field Based Medicine:
1. Reduce stress. As challenging as it can be, try to manage stress levels. Some symptoms of menopause are more difficult to cope with when you’re experiencing stress. Try experimenting with different stress management techniques—like yoga or meditation to see what works for you.
2. Stay active. Regular exercise keeps you in shape and releases endorphins that can help keep your mood in check.
3. Try to get enough sleep. Sleep can help when you’re trying to reduce stress. Plus, feeling rested can also help your mood. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same times every day.
4. Fight hot flashes. Avoid alcohol and spicy foods, which may trigger hot flashes. And don’t forget to dress in layers so you can stay as comfortable as possible.
5. Talk with your doctor. No matter how uncomfortable it may seem, don’t be afraid to discuss any and all menopause symptoms with your doctor. You may be surprised by how many women have symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Your doctor can also tell you about different options for managing menopause, including hormone replacement therapy for the treatment of approved symptoms. Additionally, your physician can recommend age-appropriate preventative tests to help maintain overall health. Taking the initiative and getting the answers to your questions will help you feel empowered.
Have you ever stopped to think that, while your mother might know a great deal about your health, there may be things you don’t know about hers? For example, has she ever broken her hip? Or does she (or anyone in your immediate family) have a history of breast or colon cancer? The fact is, if your mother or other immediate family members has or had any of these or certain other health conditions, you may be more likely to get the same disease (though it doesn’t mean you will definitely get it). By asking your mom the right questions, you can learn what you may need to get screened for and the necessary steps to help maintain or improve your health.
It’s understandable if there are some health topics that may be uncomfortable for you and your mom to talk about. But the more questions you ask, the more you may learn about medical issues that could impact you or your children. And if your mother has passed away or isn’t able to communicate due to a medical condition, talk with other family members—i.e., her brother or sister, her mother or her close friend. Then share what you do know with your doctor. This can help you and your doctor decide what steps to take to manage your health. So if you haven’t made the time to talk with your mother, now is a good time to start the conversation. The information in the table below can help guide you during your conversations with your mom.
Vaccines have helped humankind nearly wipe out some of the most terrible, debilitating diseases we have encountered, including polio, small pox and pertussis (whooping cough). However, it is estimated that more than 40,000 adults in the U.S. still die each year from diseases that can be prevented by a vaccine. Just because you were vaccinated against something years ago doesn’t mean you are still protected.
The vaccines you may need as an adult depend on everything from your age and lifestyle to high-risk medical conditions, travel plans, and which shots you’ve had (or not) in the past. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that throughout your adult life, you need immunizations to get and maintain protection against:
Other vaccinations you may need include those that protect against human papillomavirus (which can cause certain cancers), hepatitis A, meningococcal disease, chickenpox (varicella), and measles, mumps and rubella. Speak with your doctor about which vaccines are recommended for you. And remember, if your immunizations are not up to date, you may be also putting your family at risk. Staying on top of your vaccines and boosters helps you stay healthier and slows the spread of disease to those around you.
For many people in the U.S., adolescence is one of the healthiest times of life. Most parents hope to keep it that way for their young children and teenagers as they progress to young adulthood. The World Health Organization widely defines adolescence as a time that begins at the start of puberty and ends when an adult identity and behavior are accepted. Though this may include a varying range of experience, the changes that typically occur in adolescence happen between the ages of 10 and 19 years.
Teen healthcare has become a hot topic and is being referred to nationally as the “adolescent healthcare platform.”
Along with rapid physical, intellectual and emotional development, there are many social challenges and health concerns during adolescence (diet and exercise, for example). One important component of adolescent wellness is vaccination.
Adolescence Is a Time for Vaccines
Vaccines are sometimes a forgotten part of adolescent health. Many people think of vaccines as protections for babies and young children. Yet, specific vaccines as well as booster doses of some childhood vaccines are recommended during adolescence to continue protection for teens and young adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these vaccines include:
Annual flu vaccination is needed to cover the changes in types of viruses that cause flu from year to year.
Encouraging New Experiences
Adolescents are often in new environments for the first time, trying new things and meeting new people. This can mean that they will come in contact with new germs and experiment in new behaviors that may spread illness. It is important to emphasize general safety guidelines without creating unnecessary fear.
Following general guidelines for good hygiene and general health protection is advised for everyone. For adolescents, these may include:
The best thing parents can do is to help young people understand how to be as healthy and protected as possible. This includes wellness initiatives, which importantly includes getting vaccinated as recommended.
Are you or someone you know suffering from stiffness, pain, and swelling in the joints? Especially in the hands, feet, and knees? What about red and warm joints? If these symptoms sound familiar, it might be time to speak with a doctor about rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
What kind of doctor? You should consider seeing a rheumatologist. If you think you might have RA or have already been diagnosed with this form of autoimmune arthritis, adding a rheumatologist to your healthcare team is a great first step.
Rheumatologists are specialists in diseases that affect the joints and connective tissue. As experts in diseases like RA, rheumatologists can help ensure people are properly diagnosed and receive the correct form of treatment. This is important because when it comes to RA, the earlier you can identify the condition and begin to manage it, the more likely you are to prevent any permanent damage to joints.
So what makes rheumatologists experts when it comes these conditions?
To make the most out of an initial appointment with your rheumatologist, you should be sure to know “your story.” When did the symptoms begin? What makes them better or worse? Does this problem last for 30 minutes or 3 hours? Have you taken any medicine (prescribed, over-the-counter, or herbal/complementary) to treat your symptoms? Being prepared to answer questions such as these can help your rheumatologist evaluate your condition and find the right diagnosis for you.
And if you are diagnosed with RA—or have been in the past—even though there isn’t currently a cure, be sure to talk with your rheumatologist about how you can reduce the pain, swelling and other symptoms associated with the disease.
Osteoporosis is a common bone disease in the United States. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, about 54 million Americans have osteoporosis and low bone mass. The condition occurs when the body makes too little bone or loses too much, leading to low bone density and weak, fragile, or brittle bones. There are no true signs or symptoms of early disease, which is why it is often referred to as a “silent” disease.
Osteoporosis usually does not become evident until a fracture has occurred. Left untreated, osteoporosis can lead to loss of height, back pain, stooped posture, and fractures. In some severe cases, simple actions such as bending or coughing can result in a break. Osteoporosis fractures can compromise quality of life and create other complications, such as hospitalization, immobility, and loss of independence.
While osteoporosis can have serious risks, the good news is that you can take steps to better understand your risk factors and reduce the risk of fractures.
Osteoporosis affects both men and women, but it’s more common in women. About half of all women and a quarter of all men age 50 and up develop osteoporosis. There are numerous risk factors (some of which cannot be changed, and some that can be managed with lifestyle changes), including:
Your health care provider can keep track of your bone health with a special scan—like an X-ray—called a bone density test. It’s a way of seeing how strong and dense your bones are.
A bone density test is a simple scan that takes a measurement of how dense and strong your bones are, and the only test that can diagnose osteoporosis before a broken bone occurs. It is usually done using a central DXA (dual energy x-ray absorptiometry) machine, which scans over the body and measures the density of the hip or spine. The test is non-invasive and painless; patients usually stay dressed and lie down during the scan. Bone density measures can help you and your doctor:
Sometimes, DXA tests will indicate that bone density is low, but not low enough for an osteoporosis diagnosis. This condition of having low bone density is called osteopenia, and it means you have a greater risk of developing osteoporosis in the future. People with osteopenia may need to make lifestyle changes or get other treatments to prevent progression of the disease. See a doctor routinely for regular bone monitoring.
You can reduce the risk of osteoporosis and help treat it with healthy lifestyle choices and medication. Talk to your health care provider to determine your risk for weak bones or to develop a treatment plan that’s right for you.
Be sure to include these healthy lifestyle actions in your life:
If you or someone you know is at risk for osteoporosis, talk to your doctor about creating a plan to keep your bones healthy. No matter how healthy you are, or how young, it’s never too soon to think about bone health.
The fast effective reliever of acid indigestion and acid reflux
Some gastric conditions, such as hyperacidity could damage the mucus protective layer and put the gastric mucosa in direct contact with the gastric juices. This results in irritation, with symptoms of pain, burning sensation, nausea after meals, and bloating.
“Reflux” is a condition frequently associated to hyperacidity. It occurs when the esophageal sphincter does not close spontaneously, and foams containing stomach acid juices can back up, along with food, into esophagus and even in the oral cavity, damaging the mucous membrane and procuring painful symptoms and a particular discomfort in the chest, called “heartburn.” The gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when reflux episodes occur frequently.
The main symptoms of acid reflux are:
These symptoms will probably be worse after eating, when lying down and when bending over.
Men and women of all ages can get indigestion from time to time. Various lifestyle and dietary factors can contribute to heartburn. It’s a common condition, but certain things make some people more prone to it. Causes include:
Some medication:
Certain medical condition:
Life style & dietary habits:
EnoXon Liquid Stick Pack is a medical device (class IIa) for oral route available as ready to use oral suspension. It contains an association of different substances, which act in a synergistic way in the stomach for the prevention and treatment of gastroesophageal reflux, gastric hyperacidity, and the protection of mucosae of stomach and esophagus.
Our aim was to develop an innovative product maintaining a well-defined mechanism on well-known basis.
Carbonate+ bicarbonate directly neutralize stomach acids developing carbon dioxide.
Alginate, a polysaccharide isolated from certain algae, when ingested reaches the stomach and gives promptly a viscous and light gel, which covers and protects the gastric mucosa.
Tamarind seeds are natural sources rich in mucilaginous polysaccharides, naturally providing a mucoadhesive barrier AGAINST ACIDS.
Synergistic association of alginate, with an extract of tamarind seed rich in mucilaginous polysaccharides, and the antacid “buffer” bicarbonate + carbonate can be an effective way to prevent the occurrences due to Hyperacidity and GERD.
Moreover, the extract can significantly reduce
-The total volume of gastric juice
-The pepsin activity
The pack contains 20 stick pack sachets of “ready to use” suspension.
One Sachet contains:
Functional ingredients: Sodium Alginate, Calcium carbonate, Potassium bicarbonate and Tamarindus indica seed extract
Each sachet shall be used once.
Adults and teenagers (12-18 years)
The recommended posology is one stick pack per day, to be taken immediately after the main meal, for at least two weeks, until resolution of the symptoms.
Children under 12 years: not allowed.
The association of carbonate + bicarbonate neutralizes stomach acids. The bubbles of carbon dioxide originated in salts dissolving are trapped by the alginate gel, which in this way is converted into a foam that closes the Esophagus valve, making more difficult the movements of ascent of acidic gastric contents.
When reflux occurs, the foam which enters into the esophagus consists mainly of alginate, which physically protects the mucosa from damage caused by contact with acids and digestive enzymes. The foam resists in the stomach for a sufficient time to end the gastric digestion and pass the bolus in the intestine.
The mucomimetic, mucoadhesive and bio adhesive properties of tamarind seeds in EnoXon Liquid Stick Pack are able to create a barrier in acidic environment of the gastric mucin-depleted mucosa, pertinent in order to create a complete physical isolation.
There’s a lot more to cleansing than just splashing on some water. A facial cleanser essentially removes make-up, dead skin cells, oil, dirt, and other pollutants from the skin, unclogging pores, and preventing skin conditions such as acne. Facial cleansers remove dirt and sebum, but without disturbing the skin’s natural moisture barrier. Cleansers are gentler than soap, soaps will remove natural oils and dry the skin.
We are proud to announce the launch of Mera Mild Cleanser, which is an excellent choice for removing face and eye make-up, sensitive skin, contact dermatitis, eczema and atopic conditions. It may be used for post-cosmetic surgery care in case of dermatitis and intolerance to traditional alkaline soaps and on the genital area of pre-pubescent and post-menopausal women. It thoroughly cleanses, without causing irritation, and improves the skin’s natural protective barriers. Leaves skin soothed and hydrated.
The cornerstone of every good skincare routine, cleansing is essential to removing every last trace of make-up, pollutant or toxic chemicals that prevent skin from regenerating.
But if you thought simply reaching for a face wipe or a splash of water would suffice then you’re wrong, because according to dermatologists doing so could leave your skin looking tired, dull and even more prone to breakouts.
One of the common misconception is that you only need to wash your face at night in order to remove make-up and any residing grime leftover from the day. But, according to dermatologists cleansing in the morning is just as important.
Another big mistake people make is using the wrong formula, as certain foams or scrubs can strip the barrier away from the epidermis leaving your skin dry, inflamed and prone to breakouts.
Cleansing twice a day is the key to a clear complexion and that taking care of your face when you wake up helps prepare your skin for the subsequent application of daily serums and moisturizers. A fan of cleansers that are non-foaming and include ingredients which plump and hydrate the skin, you should avoid those that are made using harsh chemicals.
When it comes to the right formula for your skin type, you have to use products that contains moisturizing and emollient agents to avoid skin irritation and dryness, and you should always be aware of over-cleansing as doing so can in fact make skin problems like acne much worse.
Also its very important to use a skin moisturizer after you using your face cleanser to avoid skin irritation and dryness, Mera HydraMax 24-hour moisturizing cream is an excellent choice to provide long lasting hydration.
Dark spots are also known as age spots or black spots. They are discolored patches of skin that can appear on your face, shoulders, arms, or back and can be in shades of red, brown, or grey. These spots appear due to the over secretion of melanin – the pigment responsible for the color of our skin. Though these spots may vary in shade and size, there is one thing they all have in common – they are a great source of distress for anyone afflicted by them.
Dark spots are mostly caused by melanocyte activity. Melanocytes are melanin-producing cells located in the bottom layer of the skin’s epidermis. Melanin is a naturally occurring substance in the body that is responsible for both its color and the skin’s absorption of UV rays. When the skin has been exposed to UV radiation, melanocytes send more melanin to the skin’s surface to protect the skin from burning. Too much melanin can result in age spots, freckles, and hyperpigmentation.
Dark spots can develop anywhere, but they are most likely to appear on the parts of the body that receive the most sun exposure, including:
Mera’s Whitening line is a complete set for face, neck and Décolleté to take care of your dark spots and achieve a clear complexion.
We are excited to announce the launch of Mera White Plus Night Cream, which suitable for age spots, prevention of chloasma in pregnant women, pigmentation caused by inflammations, scars, acne or discolorations that caused by different reasons. Now we offer a complete whitening system along with Mera White Plus Day Cream and Mera White Plus Correct Cream which helps to:
Following the intensive Mera’s whitening system treatment for three months will result in a reduction in brown spots and a more uniform skin tone.
While it may not be 100% possible to avoid dark spots, one key strategy to preventing them is protecting your skin from ultraviolet rays. Avoid being out in the sun when its rays are at its strongest, which is typically between 10:00am and 4:00pm. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which protects skin against both UVA and UVB rays, and look for a minimum of SPF 15. We recommend choosing sunscreens like Mera Sun Lock SPF 50+ and SPF 30 that contain antioxidants to boost their levels of protection.
Multivitaminic Multimineral Complex
Vitamins and minerals are essential for life.
But very often a big amount of them is “wasted” in non optimized delivery and adsorption sites.
The use of MULTIVITAMIN & MINERALS 3 layer controlled-release tablet ensures a signifi cant and well demonstrated bioavailability in one only dosage form, with improved stability.
The product is useful:
It has been demonstrated that vitamins of B group are better and most quickly absorbed in the mouth than in the intestine. For example, vitamin B12 is quickly and almost entirely (>90%) absorbed through the oral mucosa through a passive mechanism, entering intact to the systemic blood circulation. Conversely, the gastrointestinal bioavailability, after single doses of 0.5-0.05 mg, does not exceed 2-3%, due to the concomitant presence of extensive degradation and complex dose-limiting mechanisms during ileum uptake and the transport in the portal circulation.
Concentrating fat-soluble vitamins and vitamin C in the slow-release inner layer, besides avoiding possible with oral absorption of vitamins B.
Biotin has been inserted in the “core” layer because is a hydro-soluble vitamin, at the doses present in our supplement, it is well absorbed (near to 100%) throughout the intestine.
A slow-release formulation greatly improves the bioavailability of fat-soluble vitamins and of vitamin C, and prevent interactions with vitamins B
The separation between vitamins and minerals prevents any possible interactions of the components.
At the same time, separate absorption has some beneficial synergistic effects.
For example, having already achieved high levels of circulating zinc and iron by the dissolution of the “normal” layer of the tablet can significantly enhance the absorption of the vitamin A contained in the “retard” layer. The food supplement covered in this document contains the following components, in a three-layer formulation:
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