Homemade Waterless Hand Sanitizer

Think you know where his hands have been?

Hand washing is a key combatant in the ongoing battle we wage against illness. Washing your hands can be taken a step further by using waterless hand sanitizers. You can quickly and easily make your own at home. You won't believe how soft and silky your hands will feel after you use this simple cleanser.

Advantages of Waterless Hand Sanitizers

Most people are familiar with the fact that hand washing is important. But often it's something they do only out of habit, not because they understand the health benefits. It's been well-proven that most infectious illnesses and food-borne diseases are spread by hand-to-hand contact.

Even though almost everyone knows that hand washing is beneficial to our health, lots of people don't do it very often. Believe it or not, there are many who don't even wash their hands before they eat, or after they've used the restroom. This is particularly true of most children.

If they're in too much of a hurry to properly wash their hands, or if they're just downright lazy, these folks are potential transmitters of disease to all of us. Maybe they should carry a little bottle of alcohol-based waterless hand sanitizer with them. Maybe everybody should.

Not only is waterless hand sanitizer portable, it actually kills viruses and bacteria far more effectively than simple soap and water hand washing, as long as it contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Another plus for waterless sanitizers is that they don't produce as much dryness and skin irritation as soap and water hand washing does.

Make Your Own

The only necessary ingredients for making your homemade waterless hand sanitizer are available in any pharmacy. Rubbing alcohol and aloe vera gel or liquid are always well-stocked on store shelves. You may have to ask the druggist for the glycerin, which is sometimes kept behind the counter.

Pour 4 oz. of rubbing alcohol into a clean empty plastic bottle. Add 1 tsp. of glycerin and shake it up a little to blend. Add 3 oz. of aloe vera gel or liquid, and shake vigorously. The glycerin is a wonderful emollient, and the aloe vera has excellent moisturizing properties. So don't worry that your sanitizer may seem to have a great deal of alcohol in it.

If you'd like to make your waterless sanitizer even more effective for moisturizing, break open a vitamin E gel capsule and add the liquid to it. You can also add 12 to 16 drops of lavender or tea tree essential oil for fragrance and added antiviral properties.

Keep in mind that although it's a little thin compared with commercial preparations, a very tiny bit of this waterless hand sanitizer goes a long, long way. For the average-sized woman, a little puddle slightly smaller than a dime is more than sufficient for a total hand cleansing.

Purchase some empty plastic bottles with tight-fitting lids that are so perfect for airline travel. These are great for storing your waterless hand sanitizer so that you can take it with you wherever you go.

Tags: waterless hand, waterless hand sanitizer, aloe vera, hand sanitizer, aloe vera liquid, empty plastic, hand sanitizer

Fast Remedy For An Asthma Attack

Asthma is a chronic condition characterized by tightness of the chest, coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing. Caused by a puzzling combination of hereditary and environmental factors, the asthmatic's bronchial tubes are hypersensitive to triggers and become inflammed and narrow, making it difficult for air to travel into the lungs. Because an attack can come on suddenly, the asthmatic must know a few simple facts about survive a life-threatening, sudden onset of asthma symptoms.

Environmental Triggers

The asthmatic must be aware of his environment at all times and accept that what is okay for non-asthma sufferers may not be okay for him. We've all been there: Aunt Gertrude invites you over for a Sunday meal (but neglects to tell you she has fourteen cats) and halfway through you realize you're having an asthma attack. The important thing is not to feel guilty; just excuse yourself and go outside for some fresh air. When your asthma starts acting up, you're probably being exposed to an external factor (smoke, pet hair, humidity, heat, paint, fragrances or cleansers) that you should get away from immediately--the sooner the better.

Rescue Inhaler

All asthmatics should keep a rescue inhaler with them at all times. That's often a bronchodilator such as albuterol, which is fast acting and works to open the airways within minutes so you can breathe. It comes in a handy plastic dispenser, is inexpensive and, depending on the severity of your asthma, can last a month or two. Rescue inhalers are a staple for preventing an oncoming attack and are readily available by prescription from your doctor.

Breathe Easier

Many times a rescue inhaler and eliminating environmental factors can cause the attack to dissipate, but sometimes further help is needed. If you're having trouble talking in complete sentences and your inhaler doesn't seem to be making you feel better, then it's time to take a trip to see your pulmonary specialist or the emergency room, where you will receive a breathing treatment, IV medication or some oxygen. On your way, practice breathing techniques: sit up straight, breathe slowly in through the nose (which offers a filter for dust and other environmental triggers) and out through the mouth. Above all, remain calm and know that you are on your way to receiving the best possible care for your asthma.

Tags: your asthma, asthmatic must, environmental factors, rescue inhaler

Recognize Symptoms Of A Brain Tumor

Recognize Symptoms of a Brain Tumor

A tumor is an abnormal growth of mass that don't possess any relevant physiological functions and comes from a rapid proliferation of cells. Brain tumors can develop directly on brain tissues (primary brain tumors), or it can begin somewhere else in the body and metastasize into the brain (secondary brain tumors). Tumors of the brain can be classified as benign or malignant. Benign tumors do not contain any cancer cells and do not affect surroundings tissues. The tumors can easily be removed and rarely grow back. But, sometimes the tumors invade sensitive areas and cause problems. Malignant tumors on the other hand, contain cancer cells and usually metastasize or spread on other tissues. These tumors grow rapidly and generally impose serious complications.

Instructions

1. Notice how often you experience headaches. A generalized type of headache is the most common sign of brain tumor. As the tumor progresses, headaches occur more often than usual and are more intense. The pattern or time frame may change every now and then; but it is usually worse in the morning when waking up and gradually improves later in the day. A brain tumor headache often persists and is aggravated when bending, kneeling, coughing, changing positions, or when doing any strenuous activities.

2. Try to recall if you ever encountered any episodes of seizure. This is the second most prominent sign of a brain tumor. As the tumor presses on certain areas of the brain, it can cause disturbance in normal electrical flow. The brains' electrical current will become irregular and sudden causing convulsions (series of involuntary muscle contractions), tingling sensations and numbness, speech problems, altered vision and loss of consciousness.

3. Take note of how many times you feel sick and want to throw up. Nausea and vomiting may be due to other causes, but this is often a part of brain tumor symptoms that come with headaches. An individual with a brain tumor typically feels nauseated as the course of his headache takes place. Usual type of pain killers or headache remedies do not have any effect on this type of headache--but relief often occurs after the person vomits.

4. Monitor any changes in your mental state and behavior. Depending on the location of the tumor, symptoms such as speech problems, impaired concentration, short-term memory loss, disorientation and confusion may occur. You may also be lethargic. Cognitive functions are often reduced especially if the tumor metastasized and is pressing on the frontal area of the brain. Changes in personality and behavior are also noticeable if the tumor invades the area that controls emotions. You may often become irritable and impatient.

5. Observe your sight and hearing functions. You may experience vision and hearing problems when the brain tumor invades an area around the brain stem or meninges. Ptosis or abnormal drooping of the affected eye may occur. Sometimes the patient may become cross-eyed (strabismus) or may sometimes experience vision loss. Hearing problems can also be encountered by the patient, including a buzzing or a ringing sound in the ears, which can eventually lead to hearing loss.

6. Note any unusual sensations on certain parts of your body or a decrease in strength of your limbs or facial muscles. Individuals with brain tumors often feel abnormal sensations on arms, head, or any part of their bodies. Tingling sensations and numbness around these areas are the usual complaints. Facial muscle weakness is possible where you will have difficulty in performing certain types of facial expressions. Weakness of the upper and lower extremities can also be encountered which will then hinder your balance, coordination, gait and posture. You may also have difficulty in doing any functional activities that involve the use of legs, feet, arms and hands. In severe cases, muscle weakness can sometimes progress to muscle paralysis.

7. Check for other possible symptoms. Individuals with a tumor in the brain can suffer from other types of sensory problems such as an impaired sense of smell, lack of tongue control, and difficulty in swallowing or dysphagia. Hormonal or endocrine disorders may arise and, for some women, the menstruation period may become irregular or absent.

Tags: brain tumor, brain tumors, also encountered, become irregular, brain tumor tumor, cancer cells

Build A Home Distillery

An industrial pot still for brandy-making.

Anyone who has seen "M.A.S.H." or a good moonshine and bootlegging movie like "Thunder Road", has seen a home distillery, or simply a "still." The simplest version of still to build at home is the pot still, which is actually still used to make most scotch and virtually all Irish whiskey today. The design is very simple, and the principle has changed very little over the last several decades.

Instructions

1. Purchase or convert a sealed copper boiling pot. Remember that this pot is where your substance to be distilled goes. In the case of whiskey, this would be a grain mash.The size of it will determine how much you can distill at once. If you are making your own pot, you will find that the simplest design involves a clamp-and-seal lid, much like that of a kitchen pressure cooker. Either way, you will need to closely monitor the temperature of the heat source, to make sure it is boiling the alcohol and not the water.

2. Consider how you intend to heat your pot. The simplest version of a copper pot still involves putting the boiling pot on stone blocks or metal stilts, and burning a fire underneath it to provide heat. This is still common practice for moonshiners. Industrial stills involve circulating steam through the bottom of the copper pot in pipes. You might need to do this if you plan to run your still indoors, but overall your heating system need only be as complicated as you make it.

3. Run a condensation coil from from the boiling pot to the collecting pot. This is a tube is typically made of either copper or glass. These tubes are where the alcohol will condense and collect, and it should slope downwards to the collecting pot, so that gravity will do the work of drawing it into the collecting pot.

4. Purchase or convert a collecting pot. This also needs to be sealed, and will fit into the other end of the condensation coil. The only added consideration for the collecting pot is how big you want to make it. These are usually smaller than the boiling pot, but if you want to put multiple distillations into the same pot without having to disconnect and empty it, it ought to be as big or bigger. However, a big pot may be too big to move when full, and will need a faucet installed on the bottom.

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Kapha Spices

Black pepper is an important kapha spice.

Ayurvedic medicine treats imbalances in systems in the human body. One of these systems has to do with the stomach and is called kapha. Unbalanced kapha can be too strong, weak or restless and irritated. The proper spicing of foods, according to Ayurvedic medicine, helps control digestion and salivation and relieve diarrhea and nausea. There are kapha spices that decrease kapha, those that increase it and those that relieve or pacify it.

Kapha-increasing Spices

Most spices are good for kapha because they are hot and dry, like chillies, black pepper and dry ginger. However, some are used specifically to increase kapha health.

Ayurvedic medicine identifies slow digestion as one form of kapha imbalance. Excess mucous and phlegm usually accompanies this condition. Spices which have a warming effect on the stomach are thought to increase slow and heavy kapha in these individuals until it becomes balanced and healthy.

Cinnamon is one of these spices. It stimulates kapha by increasing salivation and warming the digestive system. Coriander seed has an additional effect. It is a cooling spice which stops burning sensations in the urine. At the same time it also steps up the kapha digestive system so that it works efficiently.

Sesame seed is a heavy, oily spice which heats the digestive system and heightens kapha. Tamari, seaweed and wakame used as spices also increase kapha, perking up the digestive system and exciting gastric secretion.

Kapha-decreasing Spices

According to Ayurvedic theory, some individuals have too much kapha. They have an overabundance of acid in their stomachs which can lead to illness and disease. They need to ingest spices that reduce the acid and kapha.

Celery seed is thought to help relieve nausea in high kapha individuals and reduce kapha. Fenugreek seed also decreases kapha and is said to relieve arthritis and fever. Cumin, mustard seed and anise seeds also reduce kapha.

Kapha-relieving Spices

There are kapha spices which do not specifically increase or decrease kapha but relieve or pacify it. They are among the most prized of all kapha spices.

Black pepper, according to Ayurvedic thought, plays an excellent role in pacifying kapha. In India it is often added to curries for this reason.

Other curry spices are also kapha-pacifying ones. Cardamom not only promotes digestion but is also thought to be good for the heart and breath odor. Ginger is considered to have the added attribute of detoxifying the digestive system. Turmeric not only pacifies kapha but helps in diabetes.

Tags: digestive system, Ayurvedic medicine, kapha spices, decrease kapha, increase kapha, reduce kapha

Diagnose Peritonitis

Stomach Massage

The inner abdominal wall and the organs within the abdomen are lined by a silk-like membrane. When this membrane becomes infected it is known as peritonitis. There are two forms of peritonitis which are known as primary and secondary. Primary peritonitis is caused from an infection entering the blood stream. Secondary, which is more common, is when bacteria enter the peritoneum from the gastrointestinal tract. Either case needs immediate medical attention as this is typically the result of more serious underlying conditions.

Instructions

1. Perform a physical examination to determine if underlying problems exist.

2. Determine whether surgery is needed to fix the underlying problem.

3. Feel and press the abdomen to detect any swelling and tenderness in the area as this may demonstrate whether fluids are collecting.

4. Listen to bowel sounds.

5. Check for signs of dehydration, difficulty breathing, and low blood pressure.

6. Perform procedures as needed: Blood tests, Samples of fluid from the abdomen, CT scan, Chest x-rays, or Peritoneal Lavage.

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Reducing High Fever

A fever can be caused by a variety of different conditions, ranging from the flu to strep throat. When you have a fever, it is evidence that your body is fighting infection. If your fever gets too high, it can be a cause for serious condition so it’s important to monitor your temperature. Since your body’s immune system is working hard to combat infection, it’s imperative that you rest. You can also employ a wide array of methods in order to cool the body and reduce a high fever.

Instructions

1. Soak in a lukewarm bath for 10 to 15 minutes. The water should be tepid and not cold. If you start to shiver, warm up the water as shivering will cause your temperature to actually rise.

2. Apply cool compresses to your forehead and armpits. Do not use ice packs as they can lead to chills.

3. Wear a thin layer of cotton clothing. Avoid layers and warm blankets as they can exacerbate the fever.

4. Take an over-the-counter medication to reduce your fever. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen and aspirin are all commonly used to lower fevers.

5. Drink lots of cool liquids such as water and juices. They will help to gradually cool the body from the inside, and also keep you hydrated. Since dehydration is a common side effect of a high fever, it's imperative to stay hydrated.

6. Cool the room you are in to about 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The room's temperature should not be higher than 75 degrees or it will contribute to your high fever.

7. Remove socks and hats. Heat escapes your body through your feet and head so it's important to keep these body parts free of coverings.

Tags: high fever, your body, cool body, your fever, your temperature

Homeopathic Medicine In China

The people of China have been known around the globe for their homeopathic secrets to good health and longevity.

Accupuncture

Many claim that acupuncture has been practiced in China for over 4,000 years and has evolved from the use of sharpened stones to the use of sharp needles to relieve pain and alleviate other symptoms.

Accupressure

Acupressure is much like acupuncture, only instead of the use of needles, the Chinese incorporated the use of their hands to apply pressure to certain points of the body.

Aromatherapy

The Chinese have used fragrant herbal concoctions to stimulate the senses and promote healing of the body, mind and soul for centuries.

Tea Infusions

China is not only popular for its tea but also for its variety of healing herbal and green tea infusions that have been used for allegedly 4,000 years.

Herbs

Herbs like ylang ylang, jasmine and others are native to China and have been part of the country's homeopathic treatments for centuries.

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Natural Acne Hormone Treatment Recommendations

Acne is a condition characterized by the onset of pimples, blackheads, papules, nodules, pustules, cysts, whiteheads, skin irritation, redness, swelling and inflammation. The acne eruptions can basically appear anywhere on your body--your face, back, neck, arms, legs, shoulders and torso. Certain natural hormone treatments may help alleviate the condition, because acne is sometimes caused by hormonal fluctuations in your body.

Saw Palmetto

In "Prescription for Herbal Healing," Phyllis A. Balch recommends the use of saw palmetto in men treating acne conditions that are not receiving testosterone therapy. Saw palmetto is an herb that contains plant sterols, fatty acids, flavonoids and polysaccharides, which offer you anti-inflammatory properties and help to improve immune system functioning. Take one 320 mg capsule of saw palmetto a day. Occasional side effects are reported with the use of saw palmetto, including stomach irritation and headache onset. Do not use saw palmetto to treat acne conditions if you are planning surgery soon; saw palmetto consumption can increase bleeding during surgical procedures.

Milk Thistle

Balch also explains that milk thistle helps to rid the body of excessive hormones by promoting the increased production of bile in the liver. The increase in bile production forces excessive hormones to flush out of a person's system via the bowels and passage of stools. Milk Thistle contains silymarin, which helps protect your liver and repair cell tissues. This herb also reduces inflammation, and has antioxidants that help to destroy free radicals in your body that can damage cell structures. Take two 120 mg milk thistle gel capsules twice a day for acne relief and for rebalancing your hormones.

Vitex

Balch explains how the use of Vitex is beneficial in treating acne formation caused by hormonal conditions. Vitex, also called chaste berry, normalizes hormones in females, and is commonly used to treat hormonal imbalances. It has also been used in teenagers, both male and female, to treat and diminish acne conditions. This herbal treatment contains two forms of testosterone as well as progesterone and androstenedione, but it does not have any plant estrogens. The author recommends that for long-term benefits, the herb must be taken for six months until symptoms disappear. You may see immediate results within a 10-day period, but it can take several months for the benefits of vitex consumption to become apparent. Consume Vitex for six months after all acne symptoms have passed for long-term benefits. Take one 450 mg capsule of vitex two to three times a day for eight to 12 weeks to balance out hormonal issues responsible for acne onset.

Black Cohosh

In "Is It Hot in Here? Or Is It Me?: The Complete Guide to Menopause," authors Barbara Kantrowitz and Pat Wingert Kelly explain that when woman go through menopause their estrogen levels drop. Such a drop can result in acne rosacea: a condition that is accompanied by facial redness, facial burning, stinging and pimples. The condition can also affect your back, eyes and nose. The authors recommend black cohosh as an herbal remedy for acne rosacea. Take 40 to 80 mg of black cohosh in tablet form per day to treat hormonal imbalances causing acne. If you experience dizziness, headache or nausea with higher doses, use lower doses of the herb to treat acne. Nursing and pregnant women should avoid using black cohosh, and those individuals with a history of breast cancer should also avoid its use.

Tags: acne conditions, acne rosacea, black cohosh, caused hormonal, excessive hormones, hormonal imbalances

Natural Herbs For Extremely High Blood Pressure

Natural Herbs for Extremely High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a dangerous health condition. This condition forces the heart to pump harder while putting pressure on the blood vessels to increase blood flow. Several things can cause high blood pressure such as stress, anxiety, high cholesterol, tension and any heart condition. Knowing the cause of your high blood pressure can help determined which natural herb will work best to treat it.

Garlic

Garlic operates similar to a blood thinner. It's touted as an effective herbal treatment for lowering systolic blood pressure. Overall, garlic is an herb with properties that promote cardiovascular health. In addition to lowering blood pressure, it prevents plague from building in the arteries. For garlic to work best at lowering blood pressure, eat it raw. It loses its medicinal properties when its cooked. Once you've eaten garlic it will lower your blood pressure within two to three hours.

Hawthorn

This natural herb is well know for its ability to treat high blood pressure. Hawthorn strengthens the heart and prevents plague build up in the arteries. Use Hawthorn as a tea. Drink one to two cups of Hawthorn each day to treat high blood pressure.

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo Biloba is from the ancient tree species. It's leaves are best used in the form of herbal tea, pills and capsules. Gingko Biloba have properties that eliminate blood and heart disorders including high blood pressure, blood clots, congestive heart failure, and coronary heart disease. The herb behaves like a thinner in the arteries and improves blood circulation.

Dandelion

Dandelion is an edible flower that you can eat or drink. To lower high blood pressure use dandelion on a leafy green salad, or use the roots and leaves to create dandelion tea. If you use it as tea, drink it three or four times each day. Dandelion is a great choice for lower high blood pressure because it acts as a diuretic. However, don't use dandelion, if your bile duct is blocked because of gall stones. Instead seek medical attention.

Lime Blossom

Lime blossom calms the body and that makes it perfect for lower high blood pressure. The relaxing properties also work on the heart slowing palpitations and preventing coronary artery disease. Use lime blossom as a tea. Drink one cup of lime blossom tea for one to two weeks to lower blood pressure.

Saffron

Using saffron each day will make a dramatic difference in lowering high blood pressure. You can cook with saffron each day using it as seasoning for food, or use the herb in your tea.

Tags: blood pressure, high blood, blood pressure, high blood pressure, high blood pressure

Avoid Msg

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavor enhancer that can cause adverse effects, including migraine headaches, nausea and certain forms of glaucoma. Read labels carefully to check for ingredients that may contain MSG.

Instructions

1. Ask the servers at your favorite restaurants to have the chef omit MSG from your meal.

2. Avoid these food additives, which always contain MSG: hydrolyzed vegetable protein, hydrolyzed protein, hydrolyzed plant protein, plant protein extract, sodium caseinate, calcium caseinate, yeast extract, textured protein, autolyzed yeast and hydrolyzed oat flour.

3. Look for the following additives, which frequently contain MSG: malt extract, malt flavoring, bouillon, broth stock, flavoring, natural flavoring, natural beef or chicken flavoring, seasoning and spices.

4. Be wary of these additives, which may contain MSG: carrageenan, enzymes, soy protein concentrate, soy protein isolate and whey protein isolate.

5. Contact the distributors of foods containing the above additives to see whether they contain MSG.

Tags: additives which, flavoring natural, plant protein, protein hydrolyzed, protein isolate

Distill Rose Oil At Home

While you'll never get rich distilling your own rose oil---it can take up to 10,000 pounds of rose petals to produce an ounce of pure essential oil---making small quantities is a charming way to preserve your rose garden. The process of making rose oil begins with distilling the petals into a product called rosewater, also known as rose hydrosol, and removing the essential oils that form on top. You can buy a professional still, but for the beginning fragrance maker a homemade version can be put together with minimal difficulty.

Instructions

1. Pick enough roses to fill your kettle loosely. Gently cut or pluck the petals from the roses.

2. Put smooth river stones at the bottom of the kettle; this keeps the botanicals from scorching on the bottom of the kettle. Fill, but do not pack, the kettle full of rose petals, and gently crush them.

Use Fluoride To Prevent Root Canal

Fluoride is a substance that strengthens the teeth and enamel (hard outer coating on teeth), fights tooth decay and helps to repair early damage to teeth. Many people use fluoride products in order to ensure their teeth remain healthy and strong. Since fluoride is safe to use in the comfort of your home, most dental health professionals recommend using toothpaste and mouth rinses that contain this substance. It is rather easy to care for your teeth and prevent tooth decay, and there are a few things that you can do to use fluoride to prevent root canal.

Instructions

1. Visit your dentist at least twice a year for a regular check-up. The dentist or dental hygienist can clean your teeth with a fluoride paste. He may also apply other professional fluoride products to your teeth, such as high-concentration fluoride compounds, fluoride gels and foams and fluoride varnish (painted directly onto the teeth). All of these products are proven to be effective in preventing tooth decay and root canal.

2. Use a fluoride toothpaste daily. Many name brand toothpastes contain fluoride and you should utilize this product on a daily basis. Be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day (once in the morning and once before going to bed). Always gently brush your teeth in a circular motion (for at least two minutes) and be sure to brush all of your teeth.

3. Rinse your mouth daily with a fluoride mouth rinse. You should use a mouth rinse every day and make sure that you rinse for at least 30 seconds before spitting out the mouth rinse. Higher strength mouth rinses are available for those who are at a high risk for developing tooth decay. However, these particular mouth rinses must be prescribed by a dentist or physician.

4. Drink products that contain fluoride. Many stores carry fluoridated drinking water and processed beverages (with fluoride). Be sure to carefully read the label to ensure that you are purchasing a product with fluoride.

5. Take a dietary fluoride supplement. Fluoride supplements come in the form of tablets, lozenges and liquids and they must be prescribed by a dentist or physician. The tablets and lozenges can be chewed or sucked and the liquid is used with a dropper. Make sure that you chew or suck the tablets/lozenges for 1 to 2 minutes before swallowing.

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Facts Hepatitis C

Hepatitis, inflammation of the liver, can be caused by several viruses. One specific cause is the hepatitis C virus. There are many people who are unaware that they are infected with the hepatitis C virus because they suffer no immediate symptoms. In America, there are approximately 17,000 people infected with hepatitis C every year (as of 2007).

Types and Symptoms

Hepatitis C can occur as a short-term illness, acute hepatitis C, or a long-term illness, chronic hepatitis C.

Although acute hepatitis C can last only a few weeks, chronic hepatitis C will lead to more-severe liver diseases such as liver cancer, cirrhosis (liver scarring), liver damage or liver failure. According to the CDC, out of every 100 people infected with the hepatitis C virus, nearly 75 to 85 will also develop chronic hepatitis C.

Symptoms rarely emerge for both acute and chronic hepatitis C, but if developed, the symptoms can include fatigue, abdominal pain, joint pain, loss of appetite, jaundice, vomiting, clay-colored bowel movements, dark urine, fever and nausea.

The development of symptoms in acute hepatitis C can occur two weeks to six months after a person is exposed to the virus; however, symptoms in chronic hepatitis C may not surface for several years.

Diagnosis

Both acute and chronic hepatitis C can be diagnosed by an initial blood screening (HCV Ab, anti-HCV), to observe hepatitis C antibodies, or release of chemicals, in the bloodstream. If the result is positive, it only confirms exposure to the virus. More extensive tests, such as Hepatitis C RNA, are needed to determine if the infection is acute or chronic.

Causes

One of the most common causes of infection with hepatitis C is sharing needles or other items used for injections. Some causes that are less common include unprotected sexual exposure with multiple partners, sharing personal items (nail clipper, razor, etc.) with someone who is infected, unclean instruments used for body-piercing and tattooing, and long-term hemodialysis.

Prior to 1992, organ transplants and blood transfusions were feared to be a means of contracting hepatitis C. But today, blood supply is screened and the chances of getting infected through these sources are rare. It is also rarely transferred to a baby during childbirth by a mother who is infected.

Treatment/Vaccine

Although no vaccine is currently available, ongoing research is being done to develop one for hepatitis C.

There are, however, two standard medications available for people with hepatitis C: peginterferons and interferons. Even though these drugs are commonly used together, they can cause serious side effects, including the inability to control blood sugar levels, which can cause diabetes.

Prevention

Hepatitis C virus infection can be prevented by avoiding practices that may lead to exposure to the virus. Use precautionary safety measures if your job requires that you be exposed to blood. Also take extra precautions to protect yourself when participating in sexual practices.

Warning

Hepatitis C is a serious disease which, over time, can progress into more-serious conditions. According to the CDC, in the U.S. alone, chronic hepatitis C has been diagnosed in nearly 3.2 million people and roughly 8,000 to 10,000 people per year die from hepatitis-C-related liver disease.

Tags: chronic hepatitis, with hepatitis, acute chronic, acute hepatitis, hepatitis virus

Correct Hormone Imbalances

There are many more types of hormones in the body than people realize. The hormonal system is one of the more delicate in the body. Slight changes such as a weaken immune system, a change in dose hormonal birth control or the onset of certain diseases or conditions can all cause imbalances. Hormone producing glands like the thyroid or pituitary glands can become sluggish or can begin to overproduce hormones. Even the foods you eat and the amount of sleep you get can affect this system. Working with your doctor, you should be able to identify the source and relieve your symptoms.

Instructions

1. Rule out the obvious. Menopause is a major cause of hormone irregularities. So is pregnancy. Your doctor will probably want to rule these things out first to be on the safe side.

2. Get tested. Malfunctioning adrenal glands and thyroid glands are common sources of hormonal imbalances. Hormone imbalances can also be caused by other medical conditions like poly cystic ovarian disorder. Your doctor will know what disorders to test for based on your symptoms and her exam. Locating the cause of your hormonal imbalance is key to correcting it. Even diabetes is a form of hormonal imbalance, as insulin is a hormone.

3. Examine your routines. A weakened immune system can throw off your hormonal imbalance. So can not getting enough sleep. Poor diet, lack of exercise and fatigue are all things that can weaken your immune system and sabotage your fragile hormone system. Be sure to get enough rest and exercise.