Lift 5 Gallon Bottles Safely

Lift 5 Gallon Bottles Safely

If you have a bottled water dispenser in your home or office, you occasionally may need to lift a 5 gallon bottle to refill the dispenser. A 5 gallon bottle full of water weighs approximately 45 lbs. If you don't lift it properly, you could strain your back muscles. Be sure to follow proper techniques for safe lifting to avoid injury.

Instructions

1. Use slow and smooth movements as you lift the bottle. If you hurry, or use jerky movements, you could strain the muscles in your back. Avoid sudden movements and weight shifts.

2. Keep your body facing the water bottle while you lift. If you twist to either side, you could hurt your back. Turn with your feet, not your back.

3. Tighten your stomach muscles and take a deep breath before you lift the bottle.

4. Lift the bottle with your legs. This means you should bend your knees, not your back, while picking up the bottle. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart and keep one foot slightly forward while lifting to ensure balance and stability. Allow a slight arch in your lower back, and stand up straight as you lift.

5. Keep the bottle close to your body as you lift. Reaching can strain your muscles. Try to keep it at waist height.

Tags: your back, Bottles Safely, could strain, gallon bottle, Gallon Bottles, Gallon Bottles Safely, Keep your

Poisonous Spiders Of Vermont

Poisonous spiders aren't native to Vermont.

Although all spiders are poisonous, most are harmless to humans. There are no poisonous spiders native to Vermont but poisonings do occur because of spider bites from a black widow or brown recluse spider that have hitched a ride with people or produce arriving from other parts of the country.

The Northern Black Widow (Latrodectus variolus)

This spider lives in the eastern United States. As with all widow spiders, only the female of this species is poisonous to man. She can be identified by her glossy jet-black body, long tapering legs and round abdomen. The northern black widow's markings vary with red stripes across the female's back or diagonally down the sides and a bright-red hourglass shape on her abdomen.

The web of the northern black widow is unorganized, resembling a cobweb, but its silk is very strong. The egg sac is round and tan. This spider is typically not aggressive and will often retreat or hide when confronted but is more protective of its web when an egg sac is present. Bites usually occur when the spider is disturbed. The bite, according to the Vermont Entomological Society, "is usually not fatal but there have been more cases of severe reactions in infants, children, the elderly or ill persons." They are found around woodpiles, meter boxes and other undisturbed places. Be very careful when working around areas where black widow spiders may live. The bite of the black widow is sharp and painful. Go immediately for medical treatment if you suspect that you have been bitten.

Brown Recluse Spider (Loxosceles reclusa)

The recluse may be brown, gray or even yellow. This fragile-looking spider has a leg span not exceeding a 50-cent piece and often has a black marking on its back that resembles a violin, prompting the nicknames fiddleback spider or violin spider.

The easiest way to identify this spider is by its eyes. While most spiders have eight eyes arranged in two rows of four, the recluse has six equal-sized eyes arranged in three pairs.

Like the widow, the recluse builds an irregular web and inhabits woodpiles, sheds, closets, garages and other undisturbed places. If bitten, it is important to seek medical treatment immediately.

Considerations

The fear of spiders is unwarranted. Spiders are far more beneficial than they are dangerous. All spiders are predators preying on insects, mites and other soft-bodied invertebrate animals that plague man. With the exception of the widow and the recluse, spiders are harmless and are beneficial inhabitants of any ecosystem.

Tags: black widow, abdomen northern, abdomen northern black, black widow, eyes arranged

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder Treatments

The temporomandibular, or hinge, joint connects the lower mandible, or lower jaw, to the temporal skull bone. The temporal bone is located in the front of the ears. These joints are flexible and allow the jaw to move so you can chew, talk or yawn. In addition, muscles are attached around and to the jaw to control movement. Temporomandibular disorders, or TMD, can result from whiplash, dislocation of the soft tissue, grinding teeth or stress of the jaw. As a result there can be pain or tenderness in and around the jaw, limited ability to open the mouth and difficulty chewing. Fortunately, there are various treatments for TMD before surgery is considered.

Mouth Guards

Plastic mouthpieces, such as night guards or splints, fit over the upper or lower teeth. Splints can be worn 24 hours a day, but night guards can only be used at night. If you choose this treatment option you'll grind or clench your teeth less. Also, the mouthpieces can correct your bite by repositioning the teeth in the least traumatic position. Contact your dentist to see which type of mouthpiece you'll need.

Dental Visit

If jaw pain is caused by missing teeth, an overbite or underbite, visit the dentist. The dentist can replace missing teeth with bridges or crowns. Also, an orthodontist can apply braces to the teeth. These options will balance the surfaces of the teeth. In addition, your jaw alignment or bite can be corrected. Missing teeth or any incorrect alignments in your jaw or teeth treatment can cause pain and pressure, so making these corrections can eliminate TMD pain.

Pain Relief Techniques

Your dentist can show you simple stretching exercises or techniques that will aid in pain relief. For instance, your dentist can instruct you place an ice pack on the side of your face, including the temple, for 10 minutes. After performing the stretching exercises, place a warm towel on the same side of the face for approximately five minutes. Ask your dentist if physical therapy can also help your TMD condition. A physical therapist can teach techniques to help control the muscle tension in your jaw. Also, stress reduction can relieve pain if you clench or grind your teeth.

Habits to Avoid

To avoid further pain, keep unnecessary chewing such as gum or ice to a minimum. In addition, avoid singing and yawing as much as possible if extreme movements hurt or lock the jaw. Don't hold the telephone between your ear and shoulder. Also, do not rest your chin in the palm of your hand. Since these actions can put more pressure on the jaw, avoiding them can relieve pain.

Keept Teeth Apart

To relieve pressure or pain keep the upper and lower teeth slightly apart. Do this as much as much as you can to control grinding and clenching. If you need help to do this, put your tongue between your upper and lower jaws.

Surgery

When all other treatments fail, there are three types of surgery options for TMD. With an open-joint surgery, the entire area of the jaw is open so the surgeon can have better access to the area. This is done if the jaw joint is deteriorated or there are tumors or severe scarring in the joint. The open surgery option leaves less scarring, is less invasive and has a shorter recovery time. Arthrocentesis is a minor surgery that removes tissue adhesion bands and dislodges a disc that may be stuck in front of the ball portion of the jaw. With arthroscopy surgery, any inflamed tissue will be removed, and your disc or condyle will be realigned.

Tags: upper lower, your teeth, between your, lower teeth, missing teeth

Taking Bioidentical Hormones

Bioidentical hormones are an alternative to taking synthetic hormones for menopause. The main difference is that bioidentical hormones have the same molecular structure as natural hormones, and synthetic hormones are different. One of the main advantages to taking bioidentical hormones is that they metabolize with your body, which minimizes side effects.

Instructions

1. Visit your doctor for a complete check-up. Ask about bioidentical hormones. If your doctor feels they are suitable for you, she should order a hormone panel, which is performed on saliva. This is used to customize the bioidentical hormones to your body.

2. Take the bioidentical hormones exactly as directed. The dosage amount and frequency are determined by your doctor and tailored to your individual needs. If you have any questions, talk to your doctor.

3. Pay attention to your body. Side effects, such as vaginal bleeding, hot flashes, memory and hair loss are possible when you take any hormones. If you notice any of these or any other side effects, contact your doctor immediately.

4. Consult your doctor before taking any medications, including over-the-counter or prescription medications as bioidentical hormones and other medications may interact with each other.

5. Be careful what you eat. Certain foods, such as grapefruit, may affect the way your body absorbs the hormones. When you pick up the bioidentical hormones, the pharmacist should give you a list of foods to avoid.

6. Stay hydrated. Bioidentical hormones can affect your metabolism.

Tags: your doctor, bioidentical hormones, your body, bioidentical hormones, affect your, bioidentical hormones your, hormones your

What Is The Normal Pulse Rate Of An Adult

Oxygenated blood enters the heart through the pulmonary veins. The blood is then pumped out through the aortic valve after passing through the left ventricle of the heart. Your pulse can be felt because of the expansion of the aorta as the ventricle expands to let the blood flow. Your pulse rate can help ascertain how hard your heart is working.

Where to Find Your Pulse

You can best locate your pulse along an artery. You can feel the radial artery located in your wrist. Count every beat for one minute or count beats for 15 seconds, then multiply by 4 to get the total beats per minute.

Normal Range

The normal pulse rate for an adult is between 60 and 100 beats per minute.

Tachycardia

When your pulse rate is above 100 beats per minute, it is called tachycardia. If you are under stress or have just finished exercising, this pulse rate can be considered normal.

Bradycardia

If your pulse rate is below 60 beats per minute, it is called bradycardia. Athletes often maintain resting pulse rates below 60 beats per minute.

Variances

Your pulse rate may go as low as 40 beats per minute while you are asleep, and it can climb as high as 200 beats per minute during strenuous exercise.

Target Pulse Rate

A general rule of thumb is that your target heart rate is about 70 percent of your maximum heart rate. You can figure your maximum heart rate by subtracting 40 from your weight. Multiply this number by 70 percent to get your target pulse rate.

Tags: beats minute, pulse rate, heart rate, pulse rate, beats minute called

Treatment For Finger Warts

Warts are simply growths that form on the skin due to direct exposure to certain strains of the human papillomavirus. Often referred to as common warts, these small, coarse bumps develop as the virus triggers the skin cells to grow at an abnormally increased rate. While warts are never malignant in nature, they can become troublesome, especially when they crop up on your fingers. This can make wart removal an important option.

Self-Care Treatment

For many people, a wart can be removed with an over-the-counter wart remover containing salicylic acid. With this form of treatment, look for products containing a concentration of 17 percent salicylic acid. But prior to application, make sure to soak the finger in warm water to help increase the efficacy. Anywhere between 15 to 20 minutes should be sufficient. When applying the salicylic acid solution, brush it directly onto the wart. This should be done once a day until the wart is removed. Between applications, try removing any dead tissue from the wart by lightly rubbing a pumice stone over the growth.

Medical Treatments

When self-care methods don't help to remove a wart, consider heading to your family physician. Medical professionals have more options available. One of the most common is a procedure called cryotherapy. With this form of treatment, liquid nitrogen is applied directly to the wart to essentially freeze it off. Depending on the wart and person, you may need only one application, but many people require follow-up visits.

Sometimes, your doctor may decide to use a solution containing cantharidin, an organic extract. And much like other forms of treatment, it is applied directly to the wart, causing a blister to form and killing the wart. The blister is then removed and the area is inspected to discern whether or not another application is needed.

Your doctor may also prescribe a solution or even a pill containing retinoid. With the cream, simply apply directly to the wart each day to interrupt the cell growth. Over time, this can eventually shrink the wart until it disappears.

Surgical removal is another fairly common treatment for warts, especially on those that have not responded to other treatments. For most people, the wart is simply cut out of the finger right in the doctor's office. For others, it may entail a more aggressive approach, using either a laser or electrodessication. With any surgical procedure, there is a strong possibility your finger will sustain a scar.

Though not as common as other forms of treatment, some warts require the use of bleomycin. With this form of treatment, the medication actually kills the virus causing the wart to form.

Tags: directly wart, form treatment, salicylic acid, this form, this form treatment

Treatment For Pilocytic Astrocytoma

The brain

Pilocytic astrocytoma is a low-grade, benign brain tumor most commonly found in children ages 5 to 15. It is a slow-growing noninvasive type of tumor arising from astrocytes, but it can become quite large. Astrocytomas arises from astrocytes, which are star-shaped glial cells found throughout the central nervous system. This tumor is often associated with neurofibromatosis type 1, a genetic disorder that results in multiple or recurrent tumors, especially of the optic nerve.

Indications

According to the National Cancer Institute (see References), treatment depends on the size and location of the tumor. The most common tumor site is the cerebellum, the area of the brain that controls coordination and balance, but tumors can also occur in other areas, such as near the optic (vision) nerves, in the cerebrum or in the brain stem. Even though this tumor is not malignant, it can cause severe problems as it grows and presses on brain structures, causing gait disturbances, headaches and vision disturbances, nausea and vomiting. Most pilocytic astrocytomas grow in areas that are easily reached for surgery, and they are often cystic with sharp borders, making it easy to remove the entire tumor.

Surgery

Surgical removal for children and young adults is by open surgery or radiosurgery (GammaKnife or CyberKnife), which can focus high-dose radiation directly on tumor tissue without damage to surrounding brain tissue. Radiosurgery is appropriate only for small tumors. If the complete tumor is removed, usually no further treatment is indicated. The National Cancer Institute reports that up to 95 percent of cerebellar astrocytomas in children can be surgically removed, but removal might be more difficult at other sites. If a pilocytic astrocytoma has grown and spread, then complete surgical removal might be impossible and some residual tumor may remain, indicating a need for radiation therapy, which can include radiosurgery if the remaining tumor is identified.

Radiation and Chemotherapy

According to the National Cancer Institute, some doctors advise radiation therapy shortly after open surgery if a residual tumor is observed or suspected, but often radiation is delayed until there is evidence of recurrence or tumor growth. For a young child, chemotherapy might be used to delay radiation therapy for tumors that cannot be removed. Adults tend to have more recurrence, but are treated similarly with surgery and radiation therapy as needed. In both cases, if there is recurrence after surgery and radiation, chemotherapy may be used. There are ongoing clinical trials to determine the best protocol for treatment. Routine screening, usually done yearly, is done after surgical removal or radiation therapy to determine whether the tumor has returned or spread. Monitoring is especially important if there is residual tumor in the brain or if the tumor could not be surgically removed.

Tags: radiation therapy, Cancer Institute, National Cancer, National Cancer Institute, residual tumor

Express Anger

It can be difficult to express anger in a positive and healthy way. People often find themselves at one extreme or the other--either suppressing anger inside or letting it explode into something dangerous like road rage. These extremes are not good, but when you express anger in a healthy way, you can resolve it more quickly and get back on with your life. Read on to learn express anger.

Instructions

1. Recognize that anger is a valid emotion and is necessary for survival. Anger has the capacity to wake you up to things that need to change and to help you take the first steps towards changing your situation.

2. Identify what is making you angry. Displacement is a common reaction to anger. Rather than expressing anger towards who or what is actually making you angry, you may become irritated with your spouse or children, friends or colleagues, minor inconveniences or even yourself. If you find yourself being generally angry, trace back your anger to it origin.

3. Practice relaxation techniques. Anger can be an overwhelming emotion because it is so physical--your heart and mind may race, your muscles can tense and you may feel sick. Focus on relaxing your body and mind to help look at the situation more objectively.

4. Be assertive as you express anger rather than being aggressive or physical. Clearly and firmly discuss why you are angry with the person who has caused your anger, emphasizing your needs. If she tries to argue, do not engage in the argument. Just come back to your own needs.

5. Express your anger safely if you need to be physical. Sometimes a physical expression of anger can be helpful. If you need to, hit a cushion or throw a pillow rather than lashing out at yourself, another person or an animal.

6. Use anger to fuel constructive or creative activity. If expressing your anger did not diminish it, seek a physical activity to direct it towards. Dance, exercise and drumming are three ways you can work off the extra energy of anger. Projects that you find personally rewarding can also help you deal with anger.

Tags: express anger, your anger, back your, making angry, with your, your needs

Prevent Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a serious dental condition that causes gum recession and alveolar bone loss around the base of the teeth. Left untreated, it can result in tooth loss and jaw problems. It is much easier to prevent preiodontitis than it is to treat it.

Instructions

1. Have a full dental exam completed once a year with X-rays and a full cleaning to remove plaque buildup and to review any erosion at the base of your teeth.

2. Brush your teeth in the morning and at night at the very least. When possible, brush after meals to remove food particles that could accumulate bacteria and plaque on your teeth.

3. Floss your teeth at least once a day to strengthen your gums and to remove plaque from between your teeth and around your gums.

4. Use an alcohol-based mouthwash to kill bacteria after flossing, when the gums are most prone to bleeding or abrasions.

5. Use an oral irrigator to flush food buildup, plaque and bacteria away from the gums and out from between the teeth. This is optional but greatly reduces the likelihood of periodontitis.

Tags: your teeth, from between, remove plaque, your gums

Recovery Time After A Mastectomy

A mastectomy is the surgical removal of one or both cancerous breasts to avoid the spread of cancer to the other parts of the body. Recovery time after a mastectomy depends on a number of factors.

Factors

Recovery after a mastectomy depends on the stage of cancer and the type of mastectomy being performed. The patient's adherence to post-surgery instructions is also a factor.

Time Frame

Patients usually stay in the hospital two to three days after a mastectomy. Full recovery from the procedure occurs, on average, in three to six weeks.

Complications

Following a mastectomy, a patient's recovery may be marred by bruising, infection, arm swelling (near the area where the breast was removed) and limited arm movement.

Considerations

Physically, recovery may be completed in six weeks or less but patients may suffer longer with depression and issues related to body image. Therapy and/or breast reconstruction surgery can help.

Warning

Even after recovering from a mastectomy and receiving appropriate cancer treatment, cancer can come back.

Tags: after mastectomy, after mastectomy depends, mastectomy depends

Properties Of Smokey Quartz

Smoky quartz is a form of quartz crystal.

Smoky quartz is a variety of the mineral quartz and ranges in color from tan-brown to light gray. It is a popular stone, often used in jewelry and ornamental figurines. Smoky quartz is the national gem of Scotland.

Features

Smoky quartz is opaque to translucent and ranks a 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, with 10 being the hardest.

History

Smoky quartz was valued by the Cherokee Indians. It was often used in shamanistic rituals. The Druids considered the stone sacred.

Healing Properties

Smoky quartz is a grounding stone. Metaphysicists believe the stone can calm and help relieve depression. Smoky quartz is also used to protect against the negative energy of others. Crystal healers use smoky quartz to detoxify the body. The crystals are also used in Ayurvedic medicine to aid the adrenal glands, colon and other body areas associated with the root chakra, found at the base of the spine. Chakras are explained by yoga philosophy as spiritual energy centers located in the human body.

Metaphysical Properties

Smoky quartz is used for meditation, channeling and to induce peaceful dreams. It is also used to aid children that suffer from nightmares and/or fear of the dark.

Associations

Smoky quartz is associated with the crown and root chakras, the element of earth, the planet Saturn and the astrological sign of Capricorn.

Fun Fact

According to Controversical.com, a sphere of smoky quartz was given to Dr. Dee, the court diviner of Queen Elizabeth I of England. Dr. Dee claimed the "shew-stone" was given to him by angels. A sphere of smoky quartz, reported to be the famous shew-stone, is on display at the British Museum.

Tags: Smoky quartz, also used, associated with, often used, Properties Smoky, Properties Smoky quartz

Care Of Porcelain Veneers

Good oral hygiene is essential to boost mental and physical well being. Caring for your porcelain veneers should be a conscious act on your part. Part of porcelain veneer care is regular checkups with your dental care professional at least four times a year. Porcelain laminates could last up to 20 years; they are durable, but not indestructible. Take proper care of them as if they are your natural teeth.

Instructions

1. Brush your teeth regularly with a soft bristle toothbrush. While brushing your teeth is a practice learned at a young age, it is advisable to brush your teeth as often as possible or after every major meal. Brushing three times a day is one sure way of keeping your teeth free of plaque.

2. Make it a point to floss after brushing and after snacks. By flossing, you remove small particles of food in between teeth. These are food and plaque buildup a toothbrush can't reach.

3. Wear a mouth guard if you grind your teeth while sleeping. Although porcelain veneers are durable, constant grinding could wear out your porcelain laminates.

Tags: your teeth, your porcelain

Radiation Treatment For Larynx Cancer

Radiation therapy, also called radiotherapy, is one of the most common forms of cancer treatment (including larynx cancer), either administered alone or in combination with chemotherapy and surgical procedures. Larynx cancer is typified by unrestrained multiplication of cells lining the larynx (voice box).

Forms of Radiotherapy

There are two major forms of radiation technique: internal therapy and external therapy. Internal therapy, also referred to as brachytherapy, involves positioning radioactive seeds near the cancer cells present in the larynx. External therapy, meanwhile, involves focusing high-powered radiations such as gamma rays and X-rays in order to damage the cancerous tissues and hence prevent their metastasis.

Time Frame

The duration for administering radiotherapy varies depending on the stage of the cancer, but in most cases you would be exposed to radiation therapy regularly for close to three or four months.

Advantages

Radiotherapy is mostly beneficial to elderly patients and those who cannot undergo resection (surgery) due to heart problems or other chronic disorders.

Side Effects

Skin rashes, loss of hair, appetite loss, fatigue and nausea are some of the side effects of radiotherapy.

Precautions and Warnings

Avoiding exposure to sun rays and other environmental pollutants is often recommended by the doctors of patients undergoing radiotherapy to combat larynx cancer.

Tags: therapy also

Devices To Help Stop Stuttering

Though electronic devices that are designed to help stutterers speak more fluently have been available for several years, researchers are still trying to understand how well they work and how long any helpful effects last. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, about three million Americans of all ages stutter, a speech disorder in which a person repeats or extends a sound so much that it makes communication a struggle.

Types

While stuttering sometimes worsens when speaking in public or talking on the phone, it sometimes improves when the talker sings or speaks in unison. Electronic devices generally use the fluency improvements that are gained from speaking in unison by using interactive computer based programs or separate mobile units. According to the Stuttering Foundation of America, such devices seem to have helped some stutterers to a degree, but have disappointed other users who had sought immediate, permanent solutions. So don't look for a miracle cure.

Find a reputable speech-language therapist to help determine whether or best use the devices. Although some devices are for use at home, many are sold only to therapists and can cost up to around $4,000 without any subsidies.

The technologies these electronic devices employ -- either separately or combined -- include "delayed auditory feedback," which plays back speech into the stutterer's ear a fraction of a second after the stutterer has spoken. Another method is "frequency-altered auditory feedback," which alters the pitch of the speech as it is played back, somehow affecting tension in the stutterer's vocal folds. Yet another method is "masking auditory feedback," which uses a synthesized sound to help pull stutterers out of "sound blocks" or moments when they can't speak.

Brands

Casa Futura Technologies, founded by recovering stutterer Thomas David Kehoe, offers devices that utilize the various auditory feedback techniques that can be used at home, a practitioner's office and over the phone.

CAFET (or Computer Aided Fluency Establishment Trainer) is an interactive computer software program with hardware that helps therapists work with patient's breathing and speaking skills. It comes with a plug-in circuit board, respiratory sensor and tie-clip microphone.

Kay Elementrics, in collaboration with voice pathologist and scientist Dr. Daniel Boone, developed several devices including the Facilitator, which combines an array of auditory feedback technologies in one unit. SpeechEasy Research Group offers devices that are worn like hearing aids and use the delayed feedback and frequency shift technologies. The Hollins Communications Research Institute also has created an iPhone application to help treat speech impediments.

Warnings

In his 2006 open-source book, "No Miracle Cures: A Multifactoral Guide to Stuttering Therapy" Kehoe warns that children under age 6 should not use any such electronic devices. And children ages 6 to 13 should use them only under a practitioner's or parent's supervision, or limited unsupervised use, as needed. He also encourages all stutterers to have hearing tests done before using devices that plug up the ear and pump sound directly into it.

Tags: auditory feedback, devices that, auditory feedback which, feedback which, electronic devices, interactive computer, offers devices

Cold Laser For Pain

In 2002, after decades of successful use of cold laser therapy for pain management in Europe and Asia, the United States Food and Drug Administration approved cold laser therapy as a safe and effective solution for pain and inflammation.

Significance

Chronic pain from musculoskeletal conditions or injury can significantly affect the quality of daily life. Oral pain medications often have risks and side effects. Cold lasers offer an effective way of relieving pain without complications or side effects.

Features

Without the use of heat or high energy (which can burn or damage tissue), cold laser therapy involves the use of low-level energy lasers, delivered in multiple panels from an overhead or hand-held device that targets the affected area. Procedures are brief, painless, and are free of downtime or recovery time.

How It Works

Cold lasers work by penetrating the skin surface to reach the affected cells deep in the soft tissues. The low-energy stimulates the cells' mitochondria and triggers cell functions that reduce cell abnormality (which causes pain and inflammation), and accelerate healing.

Benefits

Healing continues after treatment sessions. Unlike other types of laser treatment, cold lasers do not use heat or high energy, so there is no risk of burning or tissue damage. Patients benefit from pain reduction without side effects or risks, which come with medications and surgical treatments.

Drawbacks

The only significant drawback of cold laser treatment is that it requires multiple, consistent treatments, and may require eight to 30 treatment sessions for full effects, depending on the patient's condition.

Tags: cold laser, cold laser therapy, laser therapy, side effects, Cold lasers, heat high, heat high energy

Ease Wisdom Tooth Pain

Wisdom teeth are the last set of teeth that individuals receive when they are a teenager or in their twenties. Although some wisdom teeth can come in without any problems, the majority of wisdom teeth need to be extracted due to problems with alignment and sufficient space in the mouth. When wisdom teeth come in and aren't properly aligned, it can cause pain. Alleviating the pain caused by wisdom teeth can be done at home with the right products.

Instructions

1. Pour a cup of warm water and mix in two tablespoon of salt. Stir with a spoon. Gargle the water in the mouth. Warm water will relieve pain whereas cold water or hot water can make the pain worse due to the tooth's sensitivity. Saltwater also helps to clean the tooth and reduce swelling.

2. Take a pain reliever. Aspirin is probably the best choice in order to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Ibuprofen may also help to relieve pain if aspirin is not an option.

3. Create an ice pack. Place ice in a plastic zip bag, zip the bag up, and wrap it twice in a thin towel. Place the ice pack on the outside of the mouth where the pain is. Ice will help to numb the nerves in the mouth so that the pain will be relieved temporarily.

4. Purchase benzocaine. Benzocaine will instantly numb the tooth in order to provide relief until you can see a dentist to get the wisdom teeth removed.

5. Breathe deeply and find a quiet area to rest. A relaxed state is extremely important in order to help naturally alleviate pain.

Tags: relieve pain, wisdom teeth, pain will, teeth come, wisdom teeth, wisdom teeth come

Recognize Early Symptoms Of Lung Cancer

Recognize Early Symptoms of Lung Cancer

Early symptoms of lung cancer, when noticed, save lives. Since lung cancer was estimated to kill a quarter of a million people in the United States in 2004 early symptoms of lung cancer are worth being familiar with for the sake of you and your loved ones. Apply these steps regularly to catch lung cancer symptoms early.

Instructions

1. ~ Pay attention to any increased risks for lung cancer ~

Regularly reflect on whether or not any environment you are in causes you to have increased risk of lung cancer. Treatments for lung cancer are also sometimes specific to the perceived environmental stimulus for lung cancer disease. Smoking, second hand smoke in the home or in the place of work, exposure to asbestos in construction/demolition projects, and breathing of chemical vapors are all risk increasers and should be mentioned before lung cancer treatments. Also note if any close family member goes through lung cancer treatment and mention this to your doctor.

2. ~ Have your home checked for radon gas ~

1 out of 15 homes are thought to have high levels of radon gas. Radon gas is the second highest cause of lung cancer in the United states. Since radon gas increases risks of lung cancer and is relatively unknown this is worth noting separately from the above more well-known risk factors. After all, the best treatments for lung cancer are preventative, not reactive.

3. ~ Get full checkups with blood work yearly ~

This can help spot early warning signs of many things, not just lung cancer disease. However, if you are in a high risk category have a full cancer screen done as well on top of the physical and normal blood work. This way treatments for lung cancer can be started immediately at early stages if it occurs.

4. ~ Immediately report any of the following symptoms to your doctor ~

Any abrupt change in coughing, long term cough, spitting up or coughing up blood, change in voice quality especially a gravelly or hoarse voice, shortness of breath, or any level of difficulty in swallowing. Also pay close attention to any consistent drop in energy level, change in your facial expression such as sagging or drooping muscles, or yellowed fingernails.

**See more tips on early detection to increase the success of treatments for lung cancer below.

Tags: lung cancer, treatments lung cancer, blood work, cancer disease, Early Symptoms, Early Symptoms Lung, lung cancer disease

Homemade Foaming Hand Sanitizer

Make your own foaming hand sanitizer. If you choose to use alcohol, make sure the sanitizer contains at least 60% alcohol in order to be effective. Many homemade recipes circulating on the web call for much less alcohol and this makes them ineffective as germ killers, according to an article in the New York Times. One benefit to making your own hand sanitizer is being able to customize it to your needs.

The Facts Behind Sanitizers

Hand sanitizers work effectively because of the alcohol content. The alcohol content needs to be at least 60% to be effective, unless you want to try an all-natural version using vinegar and lemon juice as the active ingredients. Hand sanitizers also need hands free of blood, dirt or other mess in order to be effective. If the hands are visibly dirty, they need to be washed first, then treated with hand sanitizer. Foaming hand sanitizers are convenient. The foaming mechanism is hard to duplicate at home. But by purchasing one bottle of anything in a foaming dispenser, you can use the bottle again and again. You will notice that you use much less sanitizer this way.

The Foam Dispenser

The actual foam dispenser is a great way for soap companies to sell less soap for more money. You will notice that if you are refilling your foaming soap dispenser, you must fill it with about one centimeter of soap and the rest of the bottle with water. Any more soap and the dispenser will not work properly. If you do not use your soap quickly enough, a slime will form, which will make the dispenser stop working. All commercial brands of liquid soap contain ingredients that make it foam.

The Recipe

To make your sanitizer work, you will need a foaming dispenser, a small amount of liquid soap, and alcohol. Fill your bottle with ½ centimeter (about 1/4 inch) liquid hand soap and fill the rest of the bottle with isopropyl alcohol. You may even need less soap. Foaming hand dispensers vary in how much soap is necessary, so experiment a bit.

A Natural Alternative

A study in the International Journal of Food Microbiology showed that lemon and vinegar were nearly as effective at reducing salmonella as alcohol. If you would like a natural alternative hand sanitizer, you could try filling your foam dispenser with a very small amount of liquid soap, with the rest of the bottle filled with a mixture of half lemon juice and half vinegar.

Tags: hand sanitizer, bottle with, liquid soap, rest bottle, alcohol content, amount liquid, amount liquid soap

Natural Acne Skin Care

Before the use of chemical preparations to treat acne, people around the world relied on natural acne skin care. These products were made with items from their own kitchens. Today, natural acne skin care products can be purchased ready-made from shops. However, many people still prefer to make their own.

Function

Natural acne skin care products are used in the same way as traditional products. The primary function is to treat acne breakouts of the face and body. Some are used as acne preventatives and others as a treatment for existing blemishes.

Types

There are many types of natural acne skin care products. Herbs such as dandelion root and burdock leaves can be made into a tea and taken internally. Other herbs such as chamomile and calendula are made into a tea and applied directly to the affected areas. Their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory actions mitigate acne outbreaks.

Essential oils are another type of natural acne skin care. Tea tree essential oil is a powerful antibacterial. It is often diluted and applied directly to blemishes. Lavender essential oil is dabbed onto individual blemishes. Its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and astringent properties work wonders for acne.

Herbal extracts and tinctures are other common natural acne treatments. Vitex, Oregon grape root and goldenseal, for example, can be taken internally in these forms to treat acne naturally.

Features

Natural acne skin care products share several common properties. They typically have antibacterial and/or anti-inflammatory agents. Because acne is an inflammation of the pores caused by bacteria, these properties are a must for acne skin care.

Misconceptions

A common misconception about natural acne skin care is that they are not as effective as mainstream synthetic products. Although many natural products are far gentler, they also work just as well and are sometimes better than dermatological brands. Alpha Hydroxy Acids, for example, are a common ingredient in natural acne skin care products. They are derived from sugar cane and are the most effective AHAs. Their small size allows them to penetrate deeply for glowing, blemish-free skin.

Benefits

Natural acne skin care products are absorbed quickly through the skin when applied topically. They are also hypo-allergenic and can be used by those with sensitive skin or allergies to synthetic products. They contain no preservatives or additives that can irritate skin or contaminate the body. They contain natural ingredients that are easy for the body to recognize, break down and use.

Tags: acne skin care, skin care, acne skin, care products, skin care products

What Pediatricians Do

What Pediatricians Do

A pediatrician is a doctor who specializes in the care of infants and children. A pediatrician can be present to medically advise parents, and to treat a baby at birth and all through their childhood.

Examines Baby at Birth

A pediatrician will examine your baby usually within 48 hours before you leave the hospital to ensure the baby is healthy. If there are any concerns the pediatrician will address them before you leave the hospital.

Specializes in Childhood Illnesses

A pediatrician specializes in keeping babies and children healthy. He studies and understands childhood physical and mental development and illnesses. He is well educated in genetic birth defects and ailments that happen only to infants and children.

Well Child Check-Ups

Your pediatrician will examine your baby at regular checkups to make sure she is growing properly, mentally and physically. A pediatrician can recognize problems in growth or mental development and provide medical attention before it becomes too serious.

Immunizations

At a well-child check up, your pediatrician will physically measure your baby's height, weight and skull circumference. She will check all your baby's vital statistics. She will supervise the administration of any immunizations your baby needs.

Advises on Normal Development

At each doctor appointment, your pediatrician will explain what types of mental and physical development you should be expecting at what age for your child. For example, your baby should start sitting up or crawling at a certain time. He will let you know if your baby is behind schedule and do tests to find out why.

Discuss and Advise

Your pediatrician can advise you on what is normal in child behavior at certain ages. A pediatrician can continue to help advise you and your child into her teens. If you have any concerns in development or behavior you can discuss them with your pediatrician.

Tags: your baby, pediatrician will, your pediatrician, before leave, before leave hospital, check your

Foods That Prevent Iron Deficiency

Iron deficiency is the No. 1 nutritional deficiency in America today. It can lead to anemia and iron deficiency anemia, but is easily treated by eating iron-rich foods.

What Is Iron Deficiency?

Iron deficiency refers to the body's lack of iron in the bloodstream. This deficiency can cause headaches, lingering colds, a swollen tongue, slowed mental functions and an overall feeling of weakness.

Foods With Heme Iron

Heme iron is a type of iron that is easily absorbed by the body. Foods that contain heme iron are lean cuts of beef, chicken, turkey, clams, oysters, shrimp, halibut, tuna, organ meats and eggs.

Foods With Non-Heme Iron

Non-heme iron is a type of iron that the body does not easily absorb. Foods that contain non-heme iron include spinach, beans, peas, nuts, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, wheat bread, soybeans, lentils, blackstrap molasses and chickpeas.

Enriched Foods

Some food manufacturers have added iron to their food products to increase the nutritional value. Foods that have been enriched are certain brands of oatmeal, breakfast cereals, veggie dogs and burgers, yogurt, white bread and snack bars.

Iron Supplements

Iron supplements may be taken in pill form to ensure a full dose of daily iron if you are not able get enough iron through diet alone. These supplements can cause nausea, diarrhea and constipation, so consult your doctor before taking them.

Tags: Foods that, Foods that contain, Foods With, Iron Deficiency, iron that, iron type

Dry Up Breast Milk With Sage Tea

It is best to decrease your breastfeeding slowly rather than suddenly.

Sage is more than a common kitchen spice. It is used in herbal medicine for various conditions including mood enhancement, cognitive improvement, sore throat and upset stomach. Sage is a flowering perennial shrub that grows in many areas worldwide. There are many different species of sage; Salvia Officinalis is the most commonly used medicinally. Sage is most frequently used as a tea or extract, and is widely available in health food stores and from online retailers. When using sage for lactation suppression, it is best used when weaning the child or for extreme cases of oversupply.

Instructions

1. Drink ¼ tsp. of dried sage in vegetable juice three times per day to dry up breast milk. You may also take it in food if you prefer. Continue this dosage for three days. Compounds in sage mimic natural estrogens which decreases your milk supply.

2. Use a commercially prepared sage tea product. Place the tea bag in your cup and pour 4 to 6 oz. of boiling water on top of it. Allow to steep for three to five minutes. After steeping, press the tea bag between your fingers as you remove it from the tea. You need to drink 1 cup two to six times per day to dry up your breast milk production. To create your own tea from dried sage, infuse 1 tbsp. of dried sage in 1 cup of boiling water. Steep for five to 15 minutes before drinking the infusion. Sage has a very bitter flavor; add honey, stevia or another natural sweetener if desired.

3. Take a tincture of sage to promote lactation suppression. Add 30 to 60 drops of the tincture to a small amount of water and drink three to six times daily. A sage extract may also be used. Add 1 ml, approximately 1,000 mg, to a small amount of water and drink three times per day. Tinctures and extracts are more readily absorbed and may be more efficient than tea in suppressing lactation. Extracts are more potent than tinctures, so don't overdo it.

Tags: dried sage, three times, amount water, amount water drink, boiling water, drink three

Dry Shingles Rash

Shingles can be very uncomfortable. Compounding this is the fact that shingles are generally triggered by stress or illness in the patient. Only people who have had chicken pox, a normally benign childhood virus, will have a shingles flare-up. Shingles can occur anywhere on the body and present as water-filled blisters overlying red irritated skin. As the virus continues, the blisters fill with pus and begin to break open, dry out and fade.

Instructions

1. Keep the blisters wet to help dry them out. It may sound counter-intuitive, but it really does work. As the moisture on your skin begins to dry, it evaporates and takes some of the moisture from the blisters along with it. This will pull moisture away and force the blisters to dry out.

2. Use over-the-counter drying agents such as calamine lotion. Calamine naturally dries out skin and the rashes that plague it. Normally used for poison ivy, poison oak and insect bites, calamine lotion is a long-trusted addition to most medicine cabinets. Once the blisters begin to dry out, stop using the calamine lotion and allow the scabbed areas to heal.

3. Make a paste with baking soda and water. This paste has been used to dry rashes and help heal bee stings for ages. Simply put a teaspoon of baking soda in a small bowl or measuring cup and add water until you achieve the texture of paste. It should be moist, but not watery. Apply the paste to the effected area as often as necessary to help calm the itching and dry the blisters.

4. Make an ointment from aloe vera pulp and cayenne pepper. These ingredients together will help soothe the rash while pulling moisture out, causing it to dry out and begin to heal. Aloe vera is a well-known soothing and healing agent.

Tags: calamine lotion, baking soda

Definition Of Vasectomy

"

Vas" in vasectomy refers to the vas deferens, tiny tubes through which the sperm navigate from the testicles to the seminal vesicles. The "ectomy" part of the term means to cut or excise. Therefore, vasectomy is the term used to describe the surgical procedure to block the path between the location where sperm are created and the storage place to which they migrate and later mix with semen. If sperm cannot get to the semen, they cannot be ejaculated, and therefore, the man cannot father a child. A vasectomy, then, is a method of contraception.

Anatomy

The testicles are contained in the scrotum. Inside the testicles, sperm are created. After the sperm are mature, they maneuver through tiny tubes called the vas deferens as they make their way to the seminal vesicles where they are stored. Upon ejaculation, the sperm are mixed with semen made in the prostate gland.

Procedure

The procedure is often done in a doctor's office. The doctor injects a local anesthetic into the scrotum. While waiting for the area to become numb, he may shave the scrotum before applying antiseptic to prevent infection. He makes a small incision in the scrotum under the penis and locates one of the vas deferens leading from the first testicle. He ties the tube in two places with permanent sutures and cuts the tube between the sutures. He may or may not cauterize the cut ends to prevent them from growing back together. The doctor then repeats the procedure on the other vas deferen and finally sutures the incision in the scrotum. A no-incision method has been used in the United States. since 1990, and involves using a small puncture instead of a traditional incision, resulting in less pain and faster healing for the patient.

Recovery

Immediately after the procedure, a patient goes home and rests, often with orders to maintain an ice pack on the wound to reduce bleeding and swelling. The doctor may also advise him to take acetaminophen to relieve any pain. Patients are advised to rest for a day or two, to avoid lifting anything heavy for the first week, and to refrain from sexual intercourse for three to four days. The patient will still have live sperm in his ejaculate for up to six weeks, and he must return to the doctor's office two or three times after the surgery to have his sperm levels checked.

Risks

A patient may experience some bruising and swelling in the affected area, but these problems are minor and easily treatable. Patients have no change in their ability to get or maintain an erection, according to the UCLA Urology Dept. Likewise, ejaculations are also normal but since they may contain live sperm for up to six weeks, patients must use other methods of birth control during that time. Vasectomies are much safer, far less invasive, and cheaper than female tubal ligations. They are also more than 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancies.

Reversals

If a man decides later that he wants to father a child, he may elect to have the procedure reversed (a "vasovasostomy"). A doctor removes the cauterized ends of the vas deferens as well as the permanent sutures and reconnects the ends of the vas deferens. This procedure is successful 40 to 50 percent of the time, so doctors recommend that a vasectomy be considered a permanent procedure.

Tags: doctor office, ends deferens, father child, incision scrotum, live sperm, permanent sutures, seminal vesicles

Alternative Therapy For Ringing In The Ears

Constant ringing in the ears, commonly known as tinnitus, can be effectively treated with holistic and alternative therapy. The severity of tinnitus varies from humming to agitating ringing. There isn't an alternative therapy technique that works for everybody. Pick one and try it out for a week. If it is unsuccessful, try another one or seek medical attention from a doctor.

Acupuncture and Acupressure

Acupressure involves placing deep thumb pressure on pressure points for one minute by a specialist. Acupuncture works a similar way with the insertion of needles into specific points in the body. This ancient Chinese method of pricking the skin or tissues with needles is widely practiced in the West. Seek ongoing acupuncture or acupressure appointments to decrease the level of ringing in the ears.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy uses aromatic plant extracts and essential oils as treatment. The combination of smelling botanical oils and massage has been useful to Tinnitus sufferers. Add essential basil oil to the bath, inhale it directly or diffuse to perfume an entire room. According to Holistic Online, Ttinnitus symptoms can be prevented and kept at bay by inhaling basil oil at least three times a day.

Ayurveda

Ayurveda is the traditional Hindu system of medicine from India. Ayurveda means "The Science of Life" according to Ayurveda College. It is based on the idea of using herbs, diet, color, sound and aromas to heal and balance bodily systems. An Ayurvedic remedy to treat ringing in the ears includes placing 3 drops of garlic oil into the ear before going to bed. Use a cotton ball to keep the garlic from falling out of the ear canal and onto pillows and sheets. Garlic oil can be purchased at health food stores in gel capsules or in a vial with a dropper.

Massage and Chiropractic Treatments

Chiropractic manipulation and jaw massage aids those with ringing in the ears. Gently massage the hollow pockets between the earlobes and the jaw line for a few minutes a day. Chiropractic manipulation is believed to improve blood flow and circulation to the ears. Use massage with deep breathing exercises and mediation to treat tinnitus. Many people experience ringing in the ears when they are stressed out and deep breathing exercises are used for stress management. Practice yoga for an hour a day or other stress reducing activities that are effective in incorporating relaxation.

Supplements and Diet

Nutritional supplements like ginko biloba, rosemary and black cohosh are used to treat tinnitus. Buy these herbs at a health food store or from an herbalist and follow the directions as indicated on the label. A change in diet that increases intake of foods rich in B vitamins, minerals, zinc and magnesium has been helpful with reducing irritable ear ringing.

Tags: ringing ears, alternative therapy, breathing exercises, Chiropractic manipulation, deep breathing

Test The Sciatic Nerve

The sciatic nerve is a collection of nerve roots that exit the spine in the lower back and form the large nerve that supplies the back of the leg. Irritation of the sciatic nerve can lead to symptoms of leg pain, numbness, tingling and weakness in the affected leg. This type of condition typically affects people between the ages of 30 and 50, and is generally caused by wear and tear on the body, not a specific injury or accident. There are several tests that can be performed to determine the cause of sciatica, and some of them can be performed at home by a friend or family member.

Instructions

Straight Leg Raise Test

1. Place the patient on her back on a large flat surface.

2. Keep the patient's asymptomatic (non-painful) leg straight, and slowly raise it off the table.

3. Note the angle of hip flexion (the angle between the flat surface and the raised straight leg) at which the leg will not move any further or pain occurs down the back of the symptomatic leg.

4. Perform the same test on the opposite (symptomatic) leg.

5. Compare the results of both tests. Positive findings are pain down the back of the symptomatic leg at a lesser angle than in the asymptomatic leg.

Braggards Test

6. Perform the straight leg raise test as described above.

7. Lower the symptomatic leg approximately 5 degrees from the point at which pain occurs down the back of the leg.

8. Dorsiflex the foot of the symptomatic leg (point the toes up toward the patient's head).

9. Note any symptoms of pain down the back of the symptomatic leg. Pain with dorsiflexion of the foot indicates sciatic nerve irritation.

Tags: down back, back symptomatic, down back symptomatic, flat surface, occurs down, occurs down back, pain down

Ways To Reduce Bad Cholesterol

High cholesterol limits the flow of the blood to the brain and increases the possibility of a stroke. Cholesterol is found in all body cells and is used to build new hormones and cells. There are two forms of cholesterol, High-density lipoprotein (HDL), which is considered good cholesterol and can help protect against heart attack, and Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which is the bad cholesterol. Lowering LDL levels can improve one's health.

Instructions

1. Reduce your cholesterol up to 15 percent by adding plant stanol spreads to your diet. Introduce approximately 4 grams a day into your diet, by products such as Puritan or Benecol. The benefits of plant stanol to lower cholesterol was praised on Good Morning America.

2. Substitute soy for beef. Soy, which is found in soy beans, soy milk and soy burgers can help to reduce high cholesterol. Limiting beef intake and animal fat will improve cholesterol levels.

3. Take a daily fiber product, such as Metamucil.

4. Loose five to ten pounds of extra weight to lower cholesterol levels, according to the Mayo Clinic.

5. Exercise regularly to reduce high cholesterol levels. The MayoClinic recommends exercising between 30 to 60 minutes a day to reduce cholesterol levels. The exercise regime can be three to six sessions of 10-minute intervals. Before beginning an exercise program, consult your doctor.

6. Do not eat trans fat. Eat healthy fats, such as olive oil, as is advised by the Mayo Clinic.

7. Eat lots of fresh vegetables, whole wheat and whole grains. Diet plays a significant role in controlling cholesterol levels. Choose brown rice, oatmeal and fresh fruits. The American Heart Association recommends eating a healthy diet to control cholesterol levels.

8. Eat heart healthy fish, such as salmon, herring, halibut, cod and mackerel.

Tags: cholesterol levels, high cholesterol, lipoprotein which, lower cholesterol, Mayo Clinic

Calibrating Ph Meters

A pH meter, used in labs the world over, is used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of a substance. Although some meters are now so advanced that you can easily fit them into your pocket, these necessary pieces of equipments are still delicate instruments that require careful calibration before use.

Instructions

1. Prepare your buffer solutions. You will need 3 to 4 clean beakers. One of these beakers should remain empty, and the second should be filled with a calibration buffer of pH 7. Your third beaker should be filled with a solution suited to how you plan to use your meter: pH 4 (if you plan to measure acidic solutions) or pH 10 (if you intend to measure base solutions). If you intend to use the meter for a wide range of solutions, you may need all three buffers.

2. Inspect your pH meter. Your meter should be clear of any algae or salt deposits, cracks, or anything that may interfere with a clear reading. Once you've inspected your meter, you may have to set the meter's temperature. Some meters may do this automatically, whereas others may need the temperature input manually, after you've measured it by way of a thermostat. In that same vein, you should make sure that your buffers are at room temperature (25 degrees C).

3. Use a wash bottle to rinse the meter in distilled water into the first empty beaker. You should always perform this step before you place the meter into a new solution, to minimize contamination. Shake off the excess water, and ready your beaker filled with pH 7 solution.

4. Immerse your meter in a pH 7 solution, taking care to both fully immerse the electrode and not to hit the bottom of the beaker. Allow your meter to calibrate automatically to the solution (on older meters, you may have to manually turn a calibration knob until your meter reads 7). Calibration will take anywhere from several seconds to a minute. If the readings oscillate widely, you try examining the meter's junctions and cables, or try another electrode.

5. Rinse off the electrode with distilled water into the first beaker, and repeat Step 4 for the pH 4 buffer. When calibrating to the second solution with an older meter, you may need to calibrate with a second knob. Repeat this step again with ph 10 buffer if necessary (with a third knob). Meanwhile, remember that high pH buffers quickly absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide. Use pH 10 solution as quickly as possible, and don't leave the bottle open to the air.

6. Re-calibrate your pH meters regularly, as often as every week if you use your meter every day. Keep an eye out for when your meter starts to suffer from low batteries, as diminished battery strength will interfere with the accuracy of your readings. You may also want to clean your meter every month with a custom pH electrode-cleaning solution.

Tags: your meter, filled with, beaker should, distilled water, distilled water into

Is Ear Pain An Ms Symptom

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease in which the body's immune system attacks a person's central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. This can cause crippling effects and numerous other side effects. MS is most commonly diagnosed in people age 20-40, though females are at higher risk than males. MS has many symptoms, including possible ear problems.

Ear Pain

According to various outlets, including the National MS Society, ear pain is not typically a direct side effect of multiple sclerosis. Loss of hearing, however, is a potential symptom of MS, so anyone experiencing this should consult a doctor immediately. While certain people on internet message boards wondered if their ear pain was related to MS, ear pain can often be indicative of other ailments.

Facial and Ear Pain

While ear pain itself is not commonly associated directly with MS, it should be checked out by a doctor. This is because facial pain (or trigeminal neuralgia) is a symptom of MS. Considering the ear's proximity to the face, it's possible ear pain could be associated with face pain or vice versa. Plus, sudden head pain is often a symptom of MS, which would most certainly affect the ears. Again, consult a doctor if you ear pain persists, as it can be related specifically to MS or any other number of ailments--both major and minor.

Common Symptoms

According to the National MS Society, common symptoms of MS include fatigue, numbness, coordination and balance issues, bladder problems, sexual problems, vision problems and dizziness, depression, speech issues, headaches, trouble swallowing, seizures, tremors, and breathing issues. Please consult your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.

Tags: consult doctor, National Society, pain often

Ratio Of Vinegar & Salt Used To Kill Weeds

Control weeds in your lawn and garden with an organic vinegar and salt solution.

Using vinegar to kill weeds goes back generations when chemical herbicide products did not exist or were not widely available. Gardeners and homeowners used this versatile household product, which is a 5 percent solution of acetic acid. This mild acid burns through the protective coating on plants, causing them to die. You can also mix the vinegar with salt. The right ratio of vinegar to salt will help increase the weedkilling power of the vinegar.

Vinegar for Weed Control

Though vinegar will burn the tops of weeds, it doesn't inhibit the root system of the weed. For this reason, spraying the base of plants is the most effective method for killing weeds. Vinegar may not be effective on tougher, larger-leafed weeds, according to Iowa State University weed scientist Mike Owen. Vinegar for weed control is available at garden centers in a variety of concentrations such as 5, 10, 20 and 30 percent solutions. Use vinegar weedkillers on hot, sunny days to increase the burning effect on weeds.

Salt For Weed Control

Salt is another old-fashioned method of weed control. People of previous generations poured the salt onto weeds, which burned the surface cell structures and caused them to dry out and die. Using salt in combination with vinegar was found to kill weeds more effectively, so vinegar-salt mixtures have become the preferred organic method. Unfortunately, salt permeates into the soil, making it an unhealthy growing environment for other plants, so use salt judiciously when applying to weeds. Cover only the weeds and use the minimum amount to prevent salt contamination of the soil.

Vinegar and Salt Ratio

Add 1 lb. of salt to 1 gallon of 5 percent vinegar. Mix the two ingredients thoroughly until the salt dissolves. Add 1 tbsp. of dish detergent, which acts as a surfactant, breaking the surface tension of the water solution to cover the weed completely. Spray this mixture onto the plants or inject into the crown sections. Repeat after a few days for best results.

Vinegar-Salt Precautions

Vinegar is a non-selective weedkiller that will damage any plant in the area surrounding the weeds. Apply the vinegar-salt weedkiller as carefully as possible and only onto the weed foliage you want to eliminate. Use gloves and eye protection when applying vinegar-salt solution to prevent irritation of skin and eyes, according to the website Fine Gardening. Wash your hands carefully after using the solution.

Tags: kill weeds, Vinegar Salt, when applying

Do The Shoulder Stretch In Yoga

Do the Shoulder Stretch in Yoga

The yoga shoulder stretch can be challenging, but as you gain more flexibility, your reach will expand. This posture helps counteract rounded shoulders and removes stiffness from the shoulder area. It's one of those poses you can do in the privacy of your office if you need a quick way to loosen up stiff shoulders. You can use a yoga strap if you cannot attain this posture on your own.

Instructions

1. Standing or sitting, start your yoga breathing as you do when executing any posture.

2. Point your right arm upward, then bend it at the elbow so that the palm of your right hand is touching the back of your right shoulder.

3. Bend your left arm at the elbow toward your back. Situate the back of your left hand against your back.

4. Clasp hands if possible. Reach as far down with your right hand as you can and move your left hand up as far as you can. If you are feeling pain, back off from the posture. Stretching is good; pain and extreme discomfort are not.

5. Consider using a yoga strap if there is a big gap between your hands.

6. Realize that one side of your body will probably be more flexible than the other. You may not be able to clasp hands when your right hand is on top, but it might be possible when your left hand is on the top.

7. Breathe through the posture, standing or sitting with a straight back. Hold the posture as long as you can.

Tags: your right, your left, left hand, right hand, your left hand, your right hand, back your

Do The Master Cleanse

The Master Cleanse is a pretty intense process. But just like exercise, the more intense the training, the shorter the duration. It involves drinking a concoction that has been coined as "lemonade" to give the body energy during the day. There is also a part of it that cleanses the body of backed-up toxins and wastes that takes place in the evening. In order to pull this off, you need great will power and, most of all, discipline.

Instructions

1. Remove the junk. In the first part of the Master Cleanse, you need to eliminate all the bad foods from your diet. This includes deep fried foods, processed foods, refined foods and foods that are high in saturated fat.

2. Ease your way in. You are to do an ease-in phase the first three days before the actual cleanse starts. This is to get your body acclimated to liquid calories. On the first day, you eat nothing but fruits and vegetables. On the second day, you drink the juices of the fruits and vegetables. On the day before you start the fast, you drink 2 liters of fresh squeezed orange juice mixed with water and 2 tbsp. of maple syrup throughout the day.

3. Make your lemonade. First thing in the morning, you need to prepare your daily lemonade. Mix 14 tbsp. of lemon juice, 14 tbsp. of maple syrup, 1/2 tsp. of cayenne pepper and 2 liters of water together. Divide it into two of your 1-liter bottles and fill the other bottle with water.

4. Drink the lemonade. Whenever you feel hungry, take a few shots of the lemonade and chase it down with some water. The 2 liters is your whole daily amount, so make sure to spread it out. You want to end up in the evening with no lemonade, so pay attention to the pace you set for yourself.

5. Do the flush. This part is done in the evening after you have run out of lemonade. Fill one of your liter bottles with room temperature water and a tablespoon of sea salt. Shake it up really well and drink it all down. You don't necessarily have to chug right down in one breath, but drink it down continuously until it is gone.

6. Be ready to evacuate. After about 30 to 60 minutes, you are going to have to take a lot of trips to the bathroom. This is where you will be flushing the digestive tract of backed-up fecal matter. Remain close to the bathroom until your bowel movements have gotten to the point where they are greater than 15 minutes apart. You should then be safe to go about your evening as usual.

7. Repeat the process. Now follow the same process every day for three to seven days. After your last day of the cleanse, do an ease-out phase exactly the same way as the ease-in phase but in reverse order. Do the orange juice the first day, the juices the second day, the fruits and vegetables the third day and then go back to your regular diet.

Tags: fruits vegetables, Master Cleanse, drink down, ease-in phase, maple syrup, orange juice

Tulsi Plants

Tulsi is closely related to sweet basil (pictured).

Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum, formerly Ocimum sanctum) is an aromatic herb also referred to as holy basil or sacred basil. This woody shrub is native to India, where it has been held in high regard as both an herbal medicine and a religious symbol. It is a member of the Ocimum genus, which also includes the better-known culinary spices sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum), Thai basil (Ocimum basilicum thyrsiflora) and lemon basil (Ocimum citriodorum).

Description

Tulsi is a handsome plant frequently grown as an ornamental. It forms a dense, compact, many-branched bush reaching heights of 2 to 3 feet. Its stems are square and deep purple in color. Its green leaves are large, slightly pointed, oval-shaped and shiny, with visible veins. They are somewhat more leathery than the leaves of other basil species. Flowers appear throughout the year on tall, erect stalks. These delicate, double-lipped blooms resemble those of sweet basil. They range in color from light purple to pink, and give way to nutlets enclosed in a dry, papery membrane. These nutlets may be replanted to propagate additional plants.

Growing Conditions

Tulsi plants flourish in full sun.

Heat-loving tulsi is hardy year-round outdoors in United States Department of Agriculture Growing Zones 9 to 11, a region encompassing the southernmost reaches of Florida, Louisiana, Texas, Arizona and California, as well as much of Mexico. In these conditions, it may be grown as a perennial, whereas in colder climates it makes a lovely summer annual. This plant also lends itself to growing in pots that may be brought indoors in the winter. In all seasons, tulsi requires full sun. When brought indoors, it should be placed near a south or southwest-facing window to get maximum sun exposure. Tulsi enjoys being watered thoroughly and drying out completely between waterings. Well-drained sandy loam is its soil of choice.

Historical Use and Religious Significance

In India, tulsi is associated with the god Vishnu.

In its native India, tulsi is considered to be sacred to the god Vishnu. In this context, prayer beads are fashioned from the hollow stems of the hallowed herb. Tulsi is also widely utilized in traditional Indian folk medicine. It has been used for its purported expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties, and to relieve coughs, chest colds and pain in the sides. To relieve catarrh, the juice of tulsi leaves has been mixed with black pepper. In his book "Indian Herbal Remedies", C.P. Khare records the historical use of tulsi in India to cure such afflictions as vomiting, indigestion, bronchial infections, lung infections, chronic skin diseases and conjunctivitis.

Culinary Use

Holy basil is widely used in the cuisine of Thailand.

Tulsi is not as popular as sweet basil, Thai basil and lemon basil as a cooking ingredient in the West. Its leaves bear a complex, spicy flavor similar to that of cloves. When dried, they can be brewed to make a warm, enticing herbal tea. In Thailand, where tulsi is known as Bai Gkaprow, this herb is added along with garlic, fish sauce and chili peppers to simple stir-fries. Bai Gkaprow also typifies the flavor of traditional pad kee mow (meaning "drunken stir fry"), which is a hot and spicy dish meant to be accompanied by beer or rum-based beverages.

Tags: sweet basil, basil Ocimum, basil Ocimum basilicum, brought indoors, India tulsi, lemon basil, native India

Symptoms Of Asthma Exacerbation

Asthma is an inflammatory condition which causes the linings of the airways in an individual to become constricted when exposed to a certain trigger. When this happens the airways fill up with thick mucus and become narrowed to the extent that it makes breathing very difficult. The muscles lining these airways overreact and tighten and an asthma exacerbation, or attack, is the result. The symptoms of an asthma exacerbation can be very scary as the victim struggles for each breath.

Wheezing

A person suffering an asthma exacerbation will wheeze as he tries to breathe. When he inhales and exhales, narrowed airways create a wheezing sound.

Chest pain

He will breathe quite rapidly and there can be chest pain.

Coughing

When an asthma attack occurs the person will start coughing. The coughing will be very harsh and the individual will not be able to cease coughing as the attack goes on.

Panic

As a person fights for air, she may panic. These feelings of anxiousness are natural during an asthma exacerbation as the individual cannot breathe.

Cyanosis

The lack of oxygen to the lungs can cause the fingernails and the lips to turn a bluish color. This is the result of a process called cyanosis. The face of the person may be sweaty and he will have a hard time communicating what is wrong.

Tags: asthma exacerbation, asthma exacerbation

Diseases That Cause High Triglycerides & Cholesterol

Triglycerides and cholesterol in moderate amounts are healthy for most people, but certain diseases are directly linked to high amounts of these heart-troubling fats.

Obesity

The American Heart Association says that obese people are generally at a greater risk of coronary disease. Losing weight, exercising and eating a healthy, balanced diet all contribute to reducing triglycerides and cholesterol. Eating less saturated fats and animal products also helps.

Diabetes

Type 2 diabetics are also at risk of heart disease due to circulation problems. Watching glucose intake is essential for diabetics with high cholesterol.

Hypothyroidism

In hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones for the body to correctly regulate its metabolism. Hypothyroidism has been linked to problems with high cholesterol and triglycerides.

Kidney Disease

The kidneys are an essential part of the body's filtration process.

Heart Disease

Triglycerides and cholesterol affect the heart the most since they cause buildup in the arteries leading to the heart.

Tags: with high cholesterol, high cholesterol, with high

Natural Body Cleansing With Lemon Juice And Maple Syrup

It is easy to do an internal cleanse using natural ingredients such as lemons, maple syrup, and cayenne pepper. All you need are those three ingredients, water, and ten days. You are not to eat any food during the cleanse. You can fast safely for up to forty days, but if you are doing the cleanse for the first time, stick with ten days. Cleansing the body with lemon juice and maple syrup is commonly referred to as the master cleanse.

Find the Correct Ingredients

The goal of the cleanse is to rid your body of harmful toxins built up in your system. The body naturally rids itself of toxins, but if you consume a diet laden with preservatives, alcohol, and saturated fat, it is difficult for the body to keep up.

You can jump-start a healthy lifestyle with a cleanse.