Malaysia pushing for WHO to adopt exit screening

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia is pushing for the World Health Organisation (WHO) to adopt a requirement for affected countries to implement exit screening to stop the spread of the new Influenza A disease, following concerns that a second wave of the H1N1 disease can be more deadly.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said currently WHO did not make exit screening mandatory to contain the spread of the disease and this had created tremendous pressure on other countries that were not affected by the outbreak to remain so.

WHO is not recommending travel restrictions following the outbreak, but has advised individuals who are ill to delay their travel plans and returning travellers who fall ill, to seek appropriate medical care.

The issue of exit screening was first brought up during the Asean Plus Three Health Ministers Meeting in Bangkok last week, but some countries were against making it mandatory as it would have an impact on travel and trade, especially at a time when many countries are facing an economic downturn, with huge costs involved.

"If we can have travellers from affected countries screened before they are allowed to travel out, this will help us to contain the spread of such virus to other places," he told Bernama here before leaving for the 62nd WHO General Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland.

However, while on transit in London, Liow confirmed Malaysia's first confirmed case of influenza A(H1N1) case involving a 21-year-old student who returned to Malaysia two days ago and is now quarantined at the Sungai Buloh Hospital.

The WHO general assembly, scheduled for May 18-22, will discuss a number of public health issues, including pandemic influenza preparedness, sharing of information on the influenza virus and access to vaccines and other benefits.

Liow said Malaysia and some other countries would push for WHO to adopt exit screening as a compulsory measure in the case of any outbreak in any country.

"We are pushing for this during the WHO general assembly in Geneva this weekend. Even at the Asean Plus Three Health Ministers Meeting in Bangkok (last week), not all countries agreed to it. But we hope WHO will pay attention to this," he said.

Apart from that, Liow said Malaysia would get the latest information on the H1N1 virus from WHO, as well as on the development of new vaccines while looking into stockpiling more anti-viral drugs for the country.

"We would like to bring to WHO's attention on the need for equal distribution of anti-viral drugs as well as other stockpiles as we are worried about the second wave of attack," he said.

Experts have said that the Influenza A(H1NI) outbreak is similar to the 1918 influenza pandemic as the viruses are similar and mutated. The 1918 influenza pandemic, which killed tens of millions of people, began mild and returned within six months in a much more lethal form.

"We've got to be prepared for this second, or even possible third wave while the government has decided to take all the precautionary measures as a long-term or permanent solution to the influenza outbreak," Liow said.

WHO said the new H1N1 flu virus could still mutate into a more virulent form and spark an influenza pandemic that could be expected to circle the globe up to three times.

The world health body has warned that the impact of any pandemic would vary, as a virus that causes only mild illness in countries with a strong healthcare system can become "devastating" in those with a weak healthcare system, shortage of drugs and poorly equipped hospitals.

According to WHO, the H1N1 viral infection, commonly referred to as swine flu, "appears to be more contagious than seasonal influenza and nearly the world's whole population lacks immunity to the new disease."

So far, the virus shows no signs of sustained person-to-person spread outside North America.

Some 6,497 people have been infected in 33 countries, according to WHO's tally on Friday with the hardest hit being Mexico with 60 deaths so far. (By ALAN TING/Bernama)

Influenza A (H1N1) FAQ

Foreign tourists wearing protective masks stand in the main Zocalo plaza in downtown Mexico City, Monday. (AP Photo/Enric Marti)

What is the A (H1N1) influenza?

It is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A strains of the influenza virus. It regularly causes high flu outbreaks in pigs but with low death rates. There are four main sub-types of the virus, but the most recent isolated influenza viruses from pigs have been H1N1 viruses.

How does it spread?

Influenza A (H1N1) viruses do not typically infect humans though they do occur through close proximity or contact with infected pigs or contaminated areas. Cases of human-to-human spread have been documented.

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What are the symptoms?

The symptoms are similar to those of regular flu:
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Lack of appetite
- Vomiting and diarrhoea in some cases.

How common is the A (H1N1) flu infection in humans?

In the past reports of about one human A(H1N1) flu virus infection had been received every one to two years in the United States. From December 2005 till February 2009, 12 cases have been reported.

Has this strain of flu been seen before?

No. Flu mutates constantly, so it is common for new strains to emerge. Pigs can also be infected with both human and avian influenza, and the current circulating A (H1N1) flu strain appears to contain genetic elements from all three.

Can the A (H1N1) flu be treated with antiviral drugs and flu vaccine?

The A (H1N1) flu is resistant to two common drugs – Amantadine and Rimantadine. The A (H1N1) flu viruses are very different from human H1N1 viruses. Therefore, vaccines for human seasonal flu would not provide protection. However, a “seed vaccine” has been specifically tailored to this swine flu and will be manufactured if officials deem it necessary.

Can people catch A (H1N1) flu by eating pork?

No. The A (H1N1) influenza viruses are not transmitted by food. Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products is safe. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 70ºC and above kills the swine flu virus.

How long is someone with the A (H1N1) flu considered contagious?

People with the A (H1N1) influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic; possibly for up to seven days following the onset of the illness. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

What can I do to protect myself from the A (H1N1) flu?

There is no vaccine available right now to protect against the A (H1N1) flu.

However, you can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza by:

- Covering your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue or handkerchief when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the waste basket after you use it.

- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also helpful

- Try to avoid close contact with sick people. - If you get sick with influenza, stay at home and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

- Consult your nearest healthcare facility if you think you have any of the symptoms.

Which countries have had cases of the A (H1N1) flu?

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed human cases of the A (H1N1) flu in Mexico, the United States, Canada and Spain. Only Mexico has reported deaths from the new strain.

Are there any travel restrictions or advisories for Malaysians?

The Health Ministry on April 27 advised Malaysians against travelling to certain places in the United States, Mexico and Canada which have been affected by the swine flu.

What precautions are in place in Malaysia?

- The Health Ministry’s operations room in Putrajaya has started a 24-hour monitoring of the situation. The public can call 03-8881 0200/300 for enquiries.

- Those returning from Latin American countries and found to have flu-like symptoms will be quarantined.

- Health Ministry officials are conducting health screenings on passengers arriving from the United States.

- Thermal scanners will be placed at international airports to speed up the screening process for A (H1N1) flu.

- Public and private medical practitioners have been instructed to report to the district health office any patient with influenza-like illnesses or severe pneumonia symptoms and who had travelled to the affected countries after April 17.

- Owners of the 797 pig farms nationwide have been ordered to immediately contact the nearest Veterinary Services Department office or the Animal Disease Control Centre if their workers or animals show symptoms linked to the A (H1N1) flu.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SWINE FLU

Recently, swine influenza or "swine flu" has been in the headlines every time we read the news. World Health Organization (WHO) has raised the influenza pandemic warning to Phase 5. It means that there is human-to-human transmission at least two countries in one WHO region. "Swine flu viruses are NOT transmitted by food" How it started? Pigs can get influenza (flu), but usually resulting in low death rates. However, swine flu viruses are different from human flu viruses. Swine flu does not often infect humans but this recent outbreak is caused by a new swine flu virus that has spread from person to person, who has no direct contact with pigs. How do people catch the swine flu? Swine flu viruses can be spread via contact with infected pigs or contaminated areas. Cases of human-to-human spread have been documented. Apparently, the new swine flu virus spreads like regular flu from an infected person. It can also become airborne if an infected person cough or sneeze without covering his / her nose and mouth. What are the symptoms of swine flu? They are same as those of regular flu: - Fever - Lethargy - Runny nose - Cough - Sore throat - Lack of appetite - Vomiting and diarrhoea in some cases. Can swine flu be treated with antiviral drugs and flu vaccine? Since the H1N1 swine flu viruses aren't the same as human H1N1 viruses, vaccines for human seasonal flu would not provide any protection. The swine flu is resistant to two common drugs – Amantadine and Rimantadine. In that case, how is swine flu treated? Currently in Malaysia, there is no case reported yet. However in the U.S., tests show that the Tamiflu and Relenza is effective in preventing or treating swine flu, as recommended by their Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, many of the first people in the U.S. with lab-confirmed swine flu has recovered without treatment. Can people be affected by eating pork? Swine flu viruses are NOT transmitted by food. It is safe to consume properly handled and cooked pork and pork products. The swine flu virus will be killed when pork is cooked to an internal temperature of 70ºC and above. What can I do to protect myself from the swine flu? - Make sure you cover your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue or handkerchief when you cough or sneeze. - Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner, especially after you cough or sneeze. - Avoid close contact with sick people. - Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. - Go to the nearest hospital / clinic if you have any of the symptoms. Should I avoid overseas travel? The Health Ministry on April 27 advised Malaysians against traveling to certain places in the United States, Mexico and Canada which have been affected by the swine flu. What are the precautions being done currently in Malaysia? - The Health Ministry’s operations room in Putrajaya has started a 24-hour monitoring of the situation. The public can call 03-8881 0200/300 for enquiries. - Those returning from Latin American countries and found to have flu-like symptoms will be quarantined. - Health Ministry officials are conducting health screenings on passengers arriving from the United States. - Thermal scanners will be placed at international airports to speed up the screening process for swine flu. - Public and private medical practitioners have been instructed to report to the district health office any patient with influenza-like illnesses or severe pneumonia symptoms and who had traveled to the affected countries after April 17. - Owners of the 797 pig farms nationwide have been ordered to immediately contact the nearest Veterinary Services Department office or the Animal Disease Control Centre if their workers or animals show symptoms linked to the swine flu. Where can I get more information? For more information, please visit Health Ministry (www.moh.gov.my) or call the Ministry's hotline at (03) 8881-0200/300. Useful Links: World Health Organization Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Homeland Security Department WHO swine flu page Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of facts, the articles and information above must never be construed as giving professional health advice and as such Kurnia does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in the above article. Kurnia cannot be held responsible for any losses, injury or death resulting from the use of the above information.

HEALTH TIPS FOR SENIORS

Aging is a natural process and doesn't have to leave you feeling overwhelmed. A positive approach is very important to the aging process. Practicing good health can make you feel more comfortable as you greet the changes that come with aging. "You dehydrate faster now than when you were younger" Getting the proper nutrition and staying active are some ways to enhance your potential for successful aging and ensure you enjoy your golden years. Nutrition Proper nutrition and good eating habits are some of the key components for healthy aging. Good nutrition can prevent or delay the onset of many chronic illnesses such as osteoporosis, diabetes and heart disease. Nutritional needs of older people differ from those who are younger. As you age, your body's metabolism may be less efficient or slower. Also, there may be less absorption and greater excretion of nutrients. Hence, you need to eat more nutrient-dense food. Nutrient-dense food are those that provide substantial amounts of vitamins and minerals and relatively few calories such as whole-grains, vegetables and fruits. Another important part of good nutrition is getting adequate hydration. You dehydrate faster now than when you were younger and as you get older, you have lower levels of saliva and digestive juices. Water makes swallowing food easier, aids digestion and prevents constipation. Aging bodies also hold less water and some medications may cause water loss. Drink six to eight glasses of fluid daily, depending on your height and weight as bigger people require more fluid. Water can come from drinking water, fruit juices, milk and soups. Try to limit the amount of caffeinated drinks such as coffee and tea as they can cause you to lose body water. Have a drink available around mealtimes and take water breaks throughout the day. People often wonder whether it is necessary to take vitamin and mineral supplements. Unless directed by your doctor, vitamin and mineral supplements are rarely necessary if you eat enough food to meet your energy needs. It is also important that you do not use supplements in place of food or in extremely high amounts. Be sure to check with your doctor or dietitian before starting any dietary supplements or when you have specific health problems or changes. Physical Activity Exercise is important for all age groups, particularly for the elderly. Many older people do not exercise as they think of it as a chore, boring or disappointed by the lack of immediate results. Regular physical activity not only make you look and feel better, it can help your body function more effectively in many ways, protect you from chronic illnesses and lower your chances of injury. There are many types or exercise that you can do to enhance your level of physical activity. Choosing a type of exercise that is fun and enjoyable will enrich all aspects of your life and easily maintained over the long term. Walking is a great way to exercise. If you find it boring, walk together with a partner and carry on a conversation while you're walking. You can also try different exercise programs such as joining swimming or tai chi classes and taking up a hobby like gardening. Try to work on making exercise a regular part of your day and build on your daily routine. However, before starting an unfamiliar activity or new exercise program, you should always get help from your doctor to decide which type of exercise suits you best and discuss on any special conditions you might have. It is also important that if you feel pain or discomfort, you should stop the activity, take a break and consult your doctor. Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of facts, the articles and information above must never be construed as giving professional health advice and as such Kurnia does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in the above article. Kurnia cannot be held responsible for any losses, injury or death resulting from the use of the above information.

GETTING A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP

Going to sleep is one of the most wonderful sensation a person can have. However, it is estimated that millions of people around the world suffer from insomnia and have trouble getting quality night sleep. This is the beginning of sleep-anxiety where the mere worrying about getting enough sleep will keep you awake all night. Left untreated, these sleep disorders can turn into long-term problems that will adversely affect the quality of your life. "You should have your dinner at least 3 hours before bedtime because a digesting stomach will not let you sleep." Why do we need sleep? It is yet to be discovered the full benefits of sleep. It is generally thought however, that sleep is a regenerating process that restores the body's energy supplies. Most repair work is also done during sleep where damages or torn body tissues are rebuilt. Mental energy is also restored, hence the saying that if you sleep on a problem, you will find a solution when you wake up. When deprived of sleep, you become moody and less coordinated, make more mistakes and is more prone to illnesses. What is Insomnia? Insomnia is inadequate or poor quality sleep due to one or more of the following: Difficulty in falling asleep Waking up frequently during the night with difficulty returning to sleep Waking up too early in the morning Unrefreshing sleep It may cause problems during the day, such as tiredness, lack of energy, difficulty concentrating and irritability. Types of Insomnia Transient - lasts from one night to a few days Intermittent - lasts a few days to a few weeks Chronic - lasts a few weeks to a few months What causes Insomnia? Transient and intermittent insomnia generally occur in people who are temporarily experiencing one or more of the following: stress, environmental noise, extreme temperatures, varying bedtimes, changing work shifts, and the side effects of medication. Chronic insomnia is more complex and may be due to a combination of factors including underlying physical or mental disorders. One of the most common causes of chronic insomnia is depression. Other underlying causes include heart problems, breathing disorders, kidney disease, asthma, Parkinson's disease and arthritis. Chronic insomnia may also be due to behavioral factors including the misuse of caffeine, cigarettes, alcohol or other substances, disrupted sleep/wake cycles, excessive napping in the daytime, and chronic stress. Some behaviors may prolong existing insomnia, and may be responsible for causing the sleep problem in the first place: expecting and worrying about difficulty sleeping, taking excessive amounts of caffeine, consuming alcohol or smoking before bedtime, excessive napping in the daytime, and irregular or continually disrupted sleep/wake schedules. Stopping these behaviors may eliminate the insomnia altogether. What is the treatment? Transient and intermittent insomnia may not require treatment since they last only a few days at a time. However, for some people who experience daytime sleepiness and impaired performance as a result of transient insomnia, the use of short-acting sleeping pills may improve sleep and alertness the following day. As with any medication, there are potential side effects. Treatment for diagnosed chronic insomnia includes identifying behaviors that may worsen insomnia. by stopping or reducing them. Sleeping pills may be used (although the long-term use of sleeping pills for chronic insomnia is controversial) with behavioral techniques such as relaxation therapy, sleep restriction therapy and reconditioning to improve sleep. Contact your family doctor for further advice. Food A diet that promotes health naturally promotes good sleep. Replace instant foods such as canned foods and preserved items with fresh wholesome foods. Instant foods additives such as sugar, salt, coloring and flavorings stimulate the body into hyperactivity. Insomnia sufferers should take more Vitamin B found in whole meal breads and brown rice because it is known to alleviate symptoms. You should also have your dinner at least 3 hours before bedtime because a digesting stomach will not let you sleep. Exercise Sleep is a body's natural response to tiredness. By building exercise into your daily routine, you help yourself sleep better because it releases tension in the muscles and nerves. Avoid exercising late in the evening or at night however, because raised adrenaline will keep you awake throughout the night. If it is the only time you can exercise, choose deep relaxation exercises such as yoga or t'ai chi. Environment If you live in a city and you find the environment too noisy, opt to move to a quieter area or sleep in a room with less exposure to noise. Use curtains to block out the noise or light from windows and close your room door if it helps. Sleeping Habits Modern living plays a big part in meddling with our sleeping schedules. Due to work and our need for entertainment, most people have irregular sleeping habits. Sleep researchers suggest waking up at the same time each day regardless of how many hours you got to sleep the night before. Replacing sleep debts on weekends also do not work- you just end up more tired than before! Emotional Distress When your mind is not in peace, it is next to impossible to sleep. Anxiety, resentment, jealousy, guilt and grief are negative feelings that can ruin sleep. If you suffer from depression, you are likely to suffer from insomnia. Advising an insomniac to leave all their troubles before going to bed is easier said than done. Learning how to do this takes practice and a commitment to improve one's waking life. Re-orientate your long-term plans and always reassure yourself that things are never as bad as they seem. Substance Abuse Relying on quick fixes to banish stress can be another sleep hazard. It is ironic how we load ourselves up with cigarettes and coffee in the daytime to keep us awake and turning to alcohol and sedatives to go to sleep at night. Notorious sleep- thieves such as caffeine and smoking keeps you awake, edgy and anxious by triggering adrenaline and stimulating the nervous system. Illness and Medication Having illnesses such as breathing problems and pain can affect the quality of your sleep. Medications such as those used for arthritis can actually cause insomnia in some people. Find out the side effects of the medication or drug that you are using and whether there are alternative medication that you can take for your condition. When to seek help? It's important to ask for help if you are having sleep problems. You should consider getting medical advice if your sleep has been disturbed at least several times over the past month, or if sleep problems interfere with the way you feel or function during the day. Your doctor will evaluate your general health and ask about your usual sleep habits. Sometimes all that is needed is helpful advice.

What Do You Know About Hair Transplants

When you suffer from hair loss, you may want a permanent solution. One of the modern technique in solving this problem is hair transplant. Celebrities also seek this treatment which have made this cosmetic surgery so well accepted by the today's society. In addition, the techniques have improved over the last decades and are suitable for women as well.

The process of hair replacement is a matter of moving some grafts from a donor site to the area that is suffering from baldness. It can help to reverse the symptoms of hair loss or poor hair density. Medical conditions such as androgenetic alopecia, scarring alopecia and other types of permanent alopecia can be corrected through this surgical procedure.

When you decide to undergo hair transplant surgery, the doctor will administer local anaesthetic. Depending on how many hair grafts you need, each session can take from two to eight hours. A ordinary treatment may require an implant of between 1,000 and 2,000 hair follicles. However, some areas may need up to 4,000 grafting.

The advanced hair restoration uses Follicular Unit Transplantation. It is internationally accepted as the gold standard in hair treatment. It uses a strip of hair that is taken from your body. The strip has approximately 1 millimeter of hair that projects from the surface. Each unit will have one to four hairs which resembles the natural growth of hair on the scalp. Then the surgeon will transplant the follicular unit transplants on the balding areas.

Before you can choose this option, you need to make sure that you have enough think and healthy hairs on the back or the sides of your scalp. Otherwise, the restoration cannot be performed.

The cost of surgery can be high. It depends on the amount of grafts required and the size of area that needs treatment. Moreover, the graft comes in various sizes and shapes. It is best that you consult the surgeon first to ascertain the expenses that you need to prepare. Now, financial companies are offering loans for cosmetic surgeries which include hair restoration. If you want to opt for this option but you can't bear the cost, you can approach the firms for loans.

If you are going weigh the cost of the surgery against hair loss products, you may save money in the long run. You will realize that it becomes affordable although it looks expensive initially.

Hair loss may affect your physiological health. Once you have the hair transplanted, you will notice an improvement in self-confidence and self-esteem.

You can't find "plugs and corn rows" anymore that were the common feature during the early stage of hair transplant. Now this new transplantation is focused on micro or mini grafting. This treatment provides a natural looking hair. Unlike the plugs, people will not notice any changes on your hair. Author Resource:- Do you want to solve your baldness or have higher density of hair? Hair transplants are becoming a choice in treating this disorder. Discover how this cosmetic surgery can restore your self-esteem at FumeWall Hair Transplants 101. It contains a number of topics on hair restoration that you need to know before you opt for this surgical option.

Home Remedies for Hair Loss - Regrow your Hair Tips

Hair loss as it is commonly understood is losing the hairs from the head. Medically, the hair loss refers to the baldness or alopecia. This is losing the hairs from the scalp in abundant quantity. Generally, losing 50-100 hairs per day can be considered as a normal physiological procedure as all those hairs can be replaced with new growing hairs. Hair loss becomes significant when one starts losing more than that figure of hairs a day.

Hair loss could be due to many reasons, hereditary, being number one. Other causes include certain drugs, hormonal changes, pregnancy, therapies (like chemotherapy), salty water (for bathing and for drinking), makeup and dandruff. Men are more suffering from hair loss as compared to females. Baldness will be in men and not in female due to genetic reasons.

Home remedies for hair loss

1. The Indian gooseberry has been showing great results. For this, oil containing Indian gooseberry will be great to use.

2. Lettuce is another great home remedy for treating hair loss. A mixture of lettuce and spinach juice is considered to help the growth of hair if taken up to half liter a day.

3. Another is Amaranth. Its fresh leaves juice should be applied to the hair and this can help growing new hairs.

4. An application of coconut milk over the scalp will be helpful treating hair loss. You can take coconut milk and then massage it into the hair roots. It nourishes the hair and promotes the hair growth.

5. The most valuable home remedy is using seeds of lime and black pepper. Ground it together and then make it into fine paste. Use this paste as an application on the patches. This might irritate but simultaneously it stimulates the hair growth and promotes the hair follicles to grow firm hairs.

6. The leaves of the tree margosa will be useful. It should be used as a decoction. This will stop hair from falling and will stabilize them into their roots. It also kills the hair lice.

7. Another remedy for hair loss is using the paste of liquorice. It can be made by grinding the liquorice pieces in the milk with a pinch of saffron. The paste should be applied over the bald patches at night before retiring to the bed. This works wonderfully for treating alopecia condition.

8. Onions have also been found beneficial patchy baldness along with hair falling condition. The affected part must be rubbed with onions in the morning and evening. The juice of onion is stimulant to the hair follicles and hence will prevent falling too.

9. A fine paste made form pigeon pea or red gram is also considered good. Use this for longer period for maximum benefit.

10. One of the proven ones is rubbing olive oil onto the scalp and affected area. Author Resource:- You can find more information on Home Remedies for Hair Loss at Herbal Remedies. For most effective Home Remedies visit

The Most Common Causes Of Hair Loss

For centuries people have been frustrated by hair loss. It is a common problem.

Hair loss affects both men and women, although it is more common in men. Hair loss generally has a negative effect on one's sense of self-image. Frequently hair loss will cause a loss in self-confidence. In order to get the best kind of treatment for hair loss, it is important to separate the myths from the truth and understand the various kinds of hair loss.

There are many causes of hair loss. The most common cause of hair loss in men is believed to be genetics and DHT. A genetic predisposition to hair loss can be inherited from either one parent or from both parents. A popular belief states that hair loss is inherited through the maternal side, but this is not correct since the trait can come from either side.

This genetic theory of what causes hair loss also involves DHT or dihydrotestosterone. Many scientists believe that DHT is a key factor in male pattern baldness. DHT is a male hormone found in the body that can shrink the hair loss follicle until it ceases to produce visible hair. Many scientists are of the opinion that your genetic predisposition, combined with DHT, are the key factors in hair loss, especially in men.

Male pattern baldness is characterized by a receding hairline and thinning in the temple, crown or vertex area of the head. So Male Pattern Baldness, or MPB, which is the most common type of hair loss in men, is believed to be primarily caused mostly by a combination of two factors, a genetic predisposition to hair loss and Dihydrotestosterone or DHT.

DHT is a byproduct of the hormone testosterone and is present in every male. Scientists have shown that if DHT can be suppressed, the hair follicles will continue to thrive and the hair will grow.

DHT deprives the hair follicles of food and oxygen. As the hair follicle weakens, the hair it produces will get thinner and thinner. Eventually, the hair follicle dies and stops producing hair altogether. When enough hair follicles die off, people begin to notice the thinning of the hair and eventually balding occurs.
While we all produce DHT, there is an inherited genetic trait that comes from either side of the family which make many of us much more susceptible to the negative effects of DHT on hair.

In 1949 an experiment was performed to help understand the causes of Male Pattern Baldness or MPB. A group of castrated prison inmates, males who were therefore not producing testosterone since they were castrated, were divided into two groups. The first group had a family history of male pattern baldness while the second group had no family history of baldness. Both groups were then injected with testosterone. The group with a family history of baldness began losing their hair within weeks. The group with no family history did not lose hair. When the injections of testosterone were halted , the progression of thinning hair stopped.

This experiment helped show that male pattern baldness was an inherited trait that is triggered with the addition of testosterone.

Since that early experiment, we have learned that it is not actually testosterone but the testosterone by-product DHT that causes the hair loss.

There are still many factors about the inheritance of baldness that are not understood and more research to be done.

Many hair loss treatments and products attempt to fight hair loss by fighting the effects of DHT on our hair.

Keep in mind that hair loss can also be caused by other factors. These factors include disease, stress, some prescription medicines, exposure to certain chemicals and other factors including improper nutrition and diet.

Information in this article is provided for informational purposes only, and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional. You should NOT use the information contained herein for diagnosing, preventing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication.
When shopping for nutritional supplements or herbal formulas you should carefully read all product packaging and information on the product label or product web site. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are NOT intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease

How to Stop Hair Loss Naturally

It appears that, like wrinkles and belly fat, baldness is largely inherited. However, the theory that baldness is inherited from the mother's side may have been debunked.

Newer studies have concluded that male pattern baldness may come from either parent; though the mother's side may be slightly more influential. What this means to the average male is this: look to your family.

Pay particular attention to your father, grandfathers and uncles. If the grass is thick everywhere, breathe a
fairly confident sigh of relief. If there are more shiny skulls than not, you may be at risk for baldness.

The good news is that hair follicles do not die. Instead, they simply become unproductive. The trick to preventing hair loss is figuring out how to keep those hair follicles from becoming dormant. It may even be possible to re-awaken unproductive hair follicles and re-grow hair.

If family history suggests that hair loss is a likely scenario for you, there are some things that decrease your risk.

Using natural products to help prevent baldness is cheaper than trying to replace lost hair once it's already gone. Consider the power of these natural ingredients to stave off thinning hair:

* Saw Palmetto: This herb is sometimes used to treat enlargement of the prostate. This is because Saw Palmetto blocks the production of DHT (a metabolite of testosterone), a contributing factor to enlarging of the prostate. Because DHT production also causes hair loss, Saw Palmetto has been shown to be effective for preventing hair loss in some men.

* Nettle root: Those little plants with the big sting are good for something after all. Nettle root is another treatment which blocks the production of chemicals which enlarge the prostrate.

They are the same ones that can cause hair loss. Evidence suggests that nettle root may not only stave off baldness, but may actually regenerate hair growth.

* Vitamins: Your mother told you they were good for you, but you may not know they're good for your hair too. Vitamin A is an anti-oxidant which promotes healthy production of sebum in the scalp.

Vitamin E stimulates circulation. Good blood circulation in the scalp is important in keeping hair follicles productive. The 'B' vitamins contribute to melanin, which gives hair its healthy color and also stimulates blood circulation.

In addition to these ingredients, which help stop hair loss naturally, massage is also beneficial. Massage stimulates circulation. As already noted, good circulation in the scalp keeps hair follicles active. Experts suggest a few minutes of daily head massage by hand. Circulation through massage may be improved by using a few drops of lavender or bay essential oil in an almond or sesame oil base with massage.

Don't panic when your next family reunion nets a sea of bald heads. There's hope for you. Since all of these natural remedies also have other health benefits on the body besides stimulating the scalp, there's little reason not to try them.

What to Do When You Start to Lose Hair Fast

Hair loss affects more than 35 million men just in the United States alone, and more than 10 million men in Europe. And let's not forget the many more increasing millions who experience symptoms of hair loss every day.

Some Major Signs of Hair Loss Include:
- Fallen hair on your pillow every morning.

- You see random strands of hair around your room or house.

- You notice clumps of hair falling out every now and then.

What Not To Do:

Most people will try to look for "home remedies for hair loss" on the internet, because we all try to solve our problems our own way. Some people do nothing and wait for the hair falling to stop. Not doing anything about hair loss will cause you to:

- Start losing hair on the front hairline and forehead and on top of the head

- And eventually only hair around the ears, the sides and back of the head will remain.

Don't feel frustrated about your hair situation, and believe that you can easily solve the problem by taking the most efficient steps. Many men give up on stopping their hair thinning and stay bald for years, and some during their lifetimes. Don't be that person who gives up easily, because you will regret it.

You'll start to see your hair again the earlier you start taking action.

What to Do:

Having said that, here are a few suggestions for solving your hair problem and regenerating lost hair:

- Try to drink at least a gallon or 8 cups of water every day.

- Eat a balanced diet, and a diet especially high in protein.

- Try to look for hair loss cures that have been proven to work. They may be products recommended by friends who successfully used them and experienced positive results, or they may be products recommended by experts.

- Watch out for scam or faulty products that claim to "stop hair loss in 3 days" because that sort of result is impossible.

You are fully aware that bodybuilding supplements boost the muscle growth in bodybuilders, and that is why supplements are so popular among bodybuilders looking to accelerate their muscular growth as fast as possible without spending thousands of dollars.

You can look at regenerating hair the same way. Most men think they'll need to pay thousands of dollars over a lifetime to have their natural looking, fully-controllable hair back, but they don't know that there are supplements out there that can help them accomplish what they want without wasting time and lots of money. Author Resource:- Be sure to watch out for products that don't live up to what they claim to do, by thinking and shopping smart. You can start here.

3 Reasons to Try Natural Hair Loss Cures

Men suffering from male pattern baldness easily give up on regenerating their hair mainly due to the long time taken to stop their hair from thinning. Below are 3 reasons why they should consider going natural instead of taking chemical drugs.

1. Natural hair loss cures are cheaper.

Prescription drugs for hair loss, namely Propecia (Finasteride) and Rogaine (Minoxidil), can cost you a lot of money in the long-run. Expect to spend at least $300 for the full hair restoration cycle you'll go through.

You can spend half that amount and still have your hair back in a few months time with natural alternatives.
You need to keep taking hair loss drugs or you'll lose your hair again. That's not the case with hair loss supplements. Some hair loss supplements have given permanent results to some men.

2. Natural cures have no side effects.

What's astonishing about natural hair growing supplements is that they have absolutely no side effects, unlike the chemical prescription drugs for hair loss. The main reason behind this is because these supplements are made from natural ingredients that cannot by any chance cause any side effects. It's a comfortable feeling to know that the hair loss pills you're taking aren't causing any harm to your body.

There was a clinical study once that involved a number of males taking 1mg of Propecia (Finasteride) every day, until they experienced side effects such as erectile dysfunction, and lower sex drives.

There have been documented cases of gynecomastia (the growth of breasts in men) after the use of Propecia.

Itchy scalp, acne, headaches, extremely low blood pressure, fast heart beat, chest pain and blurred vision are the reported side effects for Rogaine (Minoxidil).

Although these side effects may sound not so dangerous, they can be truly painful and harmful to your body, in the long term.

And remember, you can have none of these side effects if you use natural alternatives to stop hair loss. Be aware that some natural products contain contaminated ingredients which you don't want.

3. Natural alternatives work just as well, if not better

While many people believe hair loss drugs are the best solutions to restoring their lost hair, this is not true. The natural alternative products work can deliver the same or better results in stopping the thinning and falling of hair.

Most alternatives contain effective ingredients that work to block DHT (Dihydrotestosterone), the hormone mainly responsible for the loss of hair. This stops the hair from thinning and eventually falling; and helps your body to restore the nutrients in your hair follicle.

You can regrow your hair within a matter of months, without any unwanted side effects, and save some cash that could have been wasted. Author Resource:- And you can also find out which hair loss product is worth the "bang for the buck" by going to

What Causes Female Hair Loss?

For a female, hair loss can feel incredibly shameful. Our hair speaks volumes about our personality and is a big factor in the way we evaluate our looks. A healthy head of hair indicates vitality, youthfulness, and health. When women begin to lose their hair, it can be a huge blow to their self esteem, but there are ways to restore it. Before seeking treatment, it's important to understand it's causes.

Hair Style

For some women, hair loss may be attributed to hairstyle! Wearing your hair in styles that pull tightly such as pigtails, braids, and cornrows can pull hair out at a faster rate than normal. At any given time, about 90 percent of your hair is in a growth state and 10 percent is in a relaxed state where it will eventually fall out naturally. If your hairstyle causes the growing hair to become pulled out, this can severely reduce the amount of hair on your scalp.

A hair follicle will grow for approximately 2 to 6 years. If you suspect that hair style may be at the root of your female hair-loss condition, change your hairstyle right away, but expect that it will take several years to grow back to it's natural fullness.

Hormones

Hormones are perhaps the most common cause of female hair loss. Women tend to experience loss after having a baby, after surgery, during menopause, or at other times in their lives when hormones change. The onset of female hair loss may be an indicator of an over or under-active thyroid gland. If you are experiencing hair-loss at a time in your life where your hormones should otherwise be stable, you may want to have your doctor run some tests to check your thyroid.

Medications

Some types of medications such as blood thinners, vitamin A, anti-depressants, birth control pills, and medications used to treat cancer or gout can cause female hair loss. One way to determine if medication is the cause of your condition is to see if the condition improves when you stop taking the medication. However, many of these medications cannot just be stopped, and because hair growth is such a slow process, it may be quite some time before you can tell if the condition has improved. Ask your doctor if any of the medications you are taking cause female hair loss and look for alternatives.

Diseases and Infections

Female hair loss may be an indicator of an underlying disease such as lupus, diabetes, or a fungal infection of the scalp. If your hair loss symptoms don't seem to have other causes, it's a good idea to check with your doctor about possible diseases or infections that could be the core of the problem.

Unfortunately, in many cases losing hair is not something that can be reversed by changing hairstyle or stopping a medication. For many women, hair loss is a fact of life. However, this doesn't mean that women have to live with thin hair and bald patches. Today's hair restoration technology has improved dramatically in recent years and can quickly and painlessly give women back a full head of hair and their sense of self-esteem.

3 Reasons to Try Natural Hair Loss Cures

Men suffering from male pattern baldness easily give up on regenerating their hair mainly due to the long time taken to stop their hair from thinning. Below are 3 reasons why they should consider going natural instead of taking chemical drugs.

1. Natural hair loss cures are cheaper.

Prescription drugs for hair loss, namely Propecia (Finasteride) and Rogaine (Minoxidil), can cost you a lot of money in the long-run. Expect to spend at least $300 for the full hair restoration cycle you'll go through.

You can spend half that amount and still have your hair back in a few months time with natural alternatives.
You need to keep taking hair loss drugs or you'll lose your hair again. That's not the case with hair loss supplements. Some hair loss supplements have given permanent results to some men.

2. Natural cures have no side effects.

What's astonishing about natural hair growing supplements is that they have absolutely no side effects, unlike the chemical prescription drugs for hair loss. The main reason behind this is because these supplements are made from natural ingredients that cannot by any chance cause any side effects. It's a comfortable feeling to know that the hair loss pills you're taking aren't causing any harm to your body.

There was a clinical study once that involved a number of males taking 1mg of Propecia (Finasteride) every day, until they experienced side effects such as erectile dysfunction, and lower sex drives.

There have been documented cases of gynecomastia (the growth of breasts in men) after the use of Propecia.

Itchy scalp, acne, headaches, extremely low blood pressure, fast heart beat, chest pain and blurred vision are the reported side effects for Rogaine (Minoxidil).

Although these side effects may sound not so dangerous, they can be truly painful and harmful to your body, in the long term.

And remember, you can have none of these side effects if you use natural alternatives to stop hair loss. Be aware that some natural products contain contaminated ingredients which you don't want.

3. Natural alternatives work just as well, if not better

While many people believe hair loss drugs are the best solutions to restoring their lost hair, this is not true. The natural alternative products work can deliver the same or better results in stopping the thinning and falling of hair.

Most alternatives contain effective ingredients that work to block DHT (Dihydrotestosterone), the hormone mainly responsible for the loss of hair. This stops the hair from thinning and eventually falling; and helps your body to restore the nutrients in your hair follicle.

You can regrow your hair within a matter of months, without any unwanted side effects, and save some cash that could have been wasted. Author Resource:- And you can also find out which hair loss product is worth the "bang for the buck" by going to

What Causes Female Hair Loss?

For a female, hair loss can feel incredibly shameful. Our hair speaks volumes about our personality and is a big factor in the way we evaluate our looks. A healthy head of hair indicates vitality, youthfulness, and health. When women begin to lose their hair, it can be a huge blow to their self esteem, but there are ways to restore it. Before seeking treatment, it's important to understand it's causes.

Hair Style

For some women, hair loss may be attributed to hairstyle! Wearing your hair in styles that pull tightly such as pigtails, braids, and cornrows can pull hair out at a faster rate than normal. At any given time, about 90 percent of your hair is in a growth state and 10 percent is in a relaxed state where it will eventually fall out naturally. If your hairstyle causes the growing hair to become pulled out, this can severely reduce the amount of hair on your scalp.

A hair follicle will grow for approximately 2 to 6 years. If you suspect that hair style may be at the root of your female hair-loss condition, change your hairstyle right away, but expect that it will take several years to grow back to it's natural fullness.

Hormones

Hormones are perhaps the most common cause of female hair loss. Women tend to experience loss after having a baby, after surgery, during menopause, or at other times in their lives when hormones change. The onset of female hair loss may be an indicator of an over or under-active thyroid gland. If you are experiencing hair-loss at a time in your life where your hormones should otherwise be stable, you may want to have your doctor run some tests to check your thyroid.

Medications

Some types of medications such as blood thinners, vitamin A, anti-depressants, birth control pills, and medications used to treat cancer or gout can cause female hair loss. One way to determine if medication is the cause of your condition is to see if the condition improves when you stop taking the medication. However, many of these medications cannot just be stopped, and because hair growth is such a slow process, it may be quite some time before you can tell if the condition has improved. Ask your doctor if any of the medications you are taking cause female hair loss and look for alternatives.

Diseases and Infections

Female hair loss may be an indicator of an underlying disease such as lupus, diabetes, or a fungal infection of the scalp. If your hair loss symptoms don't seem to have other causes, it's a good idea to check with your doctor about possible diseases or infections that could be the core of the problem.

Unfortunately, in many cases losing hair is not something that can be reversed by changing hairstyle or stopping a medication. For many women, hair loss is a fact of life. However, this doesn't mean that women have to live with thin hair and bald patches. Today's hair restoration technology has improved dramatically in recent years and can quickly and painlessly give women back a full head of hair and their sense of self-esteem.