Obesity Treatments: July 2011

Friday, July 29, 2011

Use Herbs To Increase Memory

Use Herbs to Increase Memory

Herbs are plants that are grown specially to serve a medicinal or culinary purpose. There have been some promising research studies that seem to suggest that taking herbs like rosemary, gingko biloba, rosemary and ginseng can actually help improve brain function and information retention. Follow these steps to learn more.

Instructions

Increase Your Memory with the Use of Herbs

1. Try the herb blessed thistle. This herb has been known to improve circulation in the body, to purify blood and to eliminate toxins. It can act as an overall brain nourisher.

2. Take gingko biloba to increase blood flow to your brain. You can use gingko biloba capsules, or you can opt for taking 6 drops of an alcohol-free extract twice daily.

3. Use rosemary in capsule or tea form to increase blood circulation to your brain. Improved blood flow to the brain has been shown to increase memory almost immediately.

4. Strengthen your overall body by taking ginseng. Since having a healthy body is important for maintaining proper blood flow and memory, a daily dose of ginseng may be very beneficial.

5. Consider using sage to increase transmission chemicals in your brain. There have been several promising studies showing that people who take sage are less likely to suffer from memory problems.

6. Find out more about increase your memory through the use of herbs by visiting the "Medline Plus" Web site (see Resources below).

Tags: blood flow, gingko biloba, your brain, have been, Herbs Increase, Herbs Increase Memory, increase blood

Liver Cleansing With Natural Food

Good physical health demands that you have a healthy and fully-functioning liver. There are many expensive medical treatments and drugs which purport to keep your liver healthy, but for those without the resources to purchase the necessary drugs, or for those who simply feel that drugs are not and answer to all of life's problems, there are alternative methods for keeping your liver healthy.

Instructions

1. Eat fresh vegetables that are high in vitamin content, such as broccoli, spinach and beets. Not only do these foods contain large amounts of various vitamins thought to be good for liver cleansing, but they also contain antioxidants which are also thought to improve liver function and even repair damaged liver cells. Fresh fruits and vegetables also contain natural fiber and beta carotene, which are also believed to be good for the liver.

2. Eat brown rice as opposed to white (processed) rice. Brown rice contains higher levels of B vitamins than white rice and brown rice also contains the antioxidant selenium, believed to be beneficial for cleansing the liver.

3. Use fresh garlic lavishly. Garlic contains high concentrations of glutathione, an amino acid believed by many to be vital in the cleansing of the liver.

4. Eating nuts such as walnuts is also though to provide a beneficial fat known as Omega-3. Omega-3 is also found in abundance in many fish such as salmon, halibut, tuna and mackerel. Omega-3 is considered by many to be extremely helpful for the cleansing of the liver.

5. Stay away from high-fat foods such as fatty beef, bacon, sausage, salami, hot dogs, cheese, whole milk, french fries, potato chips, and donuts, which cause the liver to work harder and reduce its efficiency.

6. Drink plenty of water and reduce your intake of caffeine.

Tags: cleansing liver, your liver healthy, also contain, good liver, liver healthy, which also

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Identify Risk Factors For Gingivitis

Identify Risk Factors for Gingivitis

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums. It's known as the beginning stages of gum disease. Proper oral hygiene is the best way to prevent developing gingivitis. For some people proper hygiene isn't enough. There are some risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing gingivitis. Knowing the risk factors will help you to be pro active to prevent gingivitis. Here are a few gingivitis risk factors.

Instructions

1. Quit smoking. Although non-smokers are subject to get gingivitis, smokers run a higher risk of developing gingivitis. Chewing tobacco, cigarettes, pipes and cigars all increase the risk of developing gingivitis. They promote bacteria growth and weaken your immune system thus allowing gingivitis to thrive.

2. Keep your diabetes in check. An elevated sugar level increases your risk of developing gingivitis. Keeping a close check on your sugar levels will help to minimize growth of the disease.

3. Watch your diet if you're pregnant. Pregnancy is a time when women should watch what they eat for more than one reason. The utmost importance is nurturing and giving birth to a healthy baby. Secondly, proper diet will help you to prevent the growth of gingivitis. Your growing baby will take what it needs to grow and your body will survive on what's left. Eating a healthy diet will provide enough nutrients for both you and your baby and reduce the chances of developing gingivitis.

4. Visit your dentist regularly. The best way to treat gingivitis is not to get it in the first place. Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing and visiting your dentist regularly will help you to avoid developing gingivitis.

Tags: developing gingivitis, will help, risk developing, risk developing gingivitis, risk factors

Recognize When To Seek Medical Care For Ocd

Recognize When to Seek Medical Care for OCD

If you have obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), you feel embarrassed by your condition. The compulsive acts you feel forced to perform repetitively are something you may go to great lengths to hide. Moderate to severe OCD can even interfere in your life in ways that may become intolerable. If this is the case, you should recognize that it is time to seek medical care.

Instructions

Recognize When to Seek Medical Care for OCD

1. Ask yourself if your OCD is keeping you from completing daily tasks. When your rituals take up so much time each day that you are continually late to school or work (or never make it there at all), it may be time to seek medical treatment.

2. Take stock of how the OCD is affecting your relationships. If your friends and family are expressing frustration, impatience or even anger at having to wait on you while you perform your rituals, your OCD has likely gotten out of hand.

3. Examine how OCD affects your ability to have fun. Rituals that keep you from doing things you enjoy (or from having fun while you're doing them) are a sign of OCD that needs medical treatment.

4. Monitor the amount of stress your obsessions and compulsions bring you. Feeling an extraordinary amount of internal stress over your symptoms is reason enough to seek medical treatment, even if the symptoms don't interfere in your life in other ways.

5. Consider your overall quality of life. If you feel you are getting the most out of life in spite of your symptoms, medical intervention may not be necessary.

6. Follow your personal feelings. Even if your symptoms are mild, they may be more than you are willing to tolerate. If so, you should seek medical attention for your OCD.

Tags: Medical Care, medical treatment, Recognize When, Recognize When Seek, When Seek, When Seek Medical, your symptoms

Decrease Bloating

Bloating can occur various times in the month for people, women especially. Many will experience it right before their menstrual cycle begins, however it can happen any time. Bloating can make a person feel very uncomfortable and unattractive. There are ways to decrease bloating, however.

Instructions

1. Drink lots of water. Double or even triple your water intake during the time of bloating. Bloating happens because of gained water weight, and while drinking water seems to be the opposite of what you want to do, it will help reduce the bloating the most.

2. Use natural diuretics such as carrots, green tea, and lemon. Lemon will especially go good with water if you dislike the taste of plain water.

3. Caffeine is known to help, but it's not for everybody.

4. Avoid anything with salt. Salt will make you retain water and cause you to bloat even more.

5. Consume your food in a slower manner and try to eat smaller, more frequent meals. This will help reduce any gas that may lead to bloating.

6. Question whether or not you are dehydrated. Dehydration actually causes you to bloat so it is a good idea to keep hydrated at all times!

7. Avoid sugar and alcohol.

8. Know that hormones sometimes are a big reason why bloating occurs. You cannot always control these so it is best to keep a monthly schedule and know your body. When you notice that time of the month approaching then it is best to avoid all of the things that can cause you to bloat. It will at least decrease the effects of the bloating.

Tags: cause bloat, help reduce, will help, will help reduce

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Use Hawthorn Herbs

Hawthorn flowers are red, white or pink and packed with antioxidents.

Crataegus laevigata "English hawthorn" is native to northern European regions and is grown throughout the world. A member of the rose family, hawthorn is a spiky flowering bush whose foliage and berries have been used medicinally since the first century to treat heart disease and respiratory disorders. More recently, hawthorn has been used to treat angina and heart failure caused by a weak heart muscle, as well as kidney and digestive problems. Hawthorn leaves and flowers contain antioxidants that destroy free radicals. Always consult a doctor before beginning herbal therapy.

Instructions

Extracts

1. Gather the shiny leaves from a bush to prepare hawthorn extract. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, numerous studies found that hawthorn improved the symptoms of heart failure in doses of 900 mg daily over two months.

2. Allow the leaves to dry thoroughly, then crush to a powder with a spoon or mallet.

3. Dissolve the powdered hawthorn in an organic solvent like water or ethanol, and put the liquid into a cylinder. Allow to steep, stirring occasionally, until the antioxidants have been extracted from the leaves and are concentrated in the liquid.

4. Let the solution evaporate, then package the solid extract into capsules.

Capsules

5. Pick the small red, white or pink flowers when they bloom in mid-spring, along with leaves.

6. Collect blossoms before they go to seed and begin producing berries. Leaves and flowers contain more flavonoids than the berries, and make stronger medicine to dilute blood vessels, improve blood flow and protect vessels from damage by free radicals.

7. Allow flowers to dry naturally by laying them out on a clean surface protected from wind and dust.

8. Capsules are just one way to ingest hawthorn.

Crush the flowers until fine. Fill standard capsules with the powder, or create a solid extract by combining the dried foliage with gelatin.

9. Use dried leaves, flowers or berries to make a medicinal tea from hawthorn. Be aware that it tastes quite bitter.

Tincture

10. Collect the berries, called haws, which sprout after flowers fade in September and October. They have been used to treat heart problems from heart failure, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure and hardening of the arteries for centuries.

11. Select the red berries, which are ripe, as well as the black ones. Discard damaged, diseased or moldy fruit.

12. Make a hawthorn tincture by putting the berries in a jar. Fill it with a spirit of 50 to 60 percent alcohol by volume, such as vodka.

13. Store the mixture for two to four weeks out of direct sunlight. Shake occasionally to maximize the concentration.

14. Strain the mixture and store the tincture in dark bottles with a dropper top for easy measuring.

Tags: been used, have been, heart failure, been used treat, berries make

Prepare Feverfew

Feverfew is a hardy perennial herb that grows on stiff, fibrous stems. It produces small flowers with white petals and yellow centers. The leaves are broad, abundant and multi-lobed--they're the part of the herb people use most often in herbal medicine. Feverfew is an ancient pain-reliever used for migraines, arthritis and menstrual cramps. Its pain-relieving qualities are believed to come from parthenolide, a compound in the plant that reduces muscle spasms. You can purchase feverfew tablets and extract at health food stores, but the safest way to take it is in a tea, which you can prepare at home.

Instructions

1. Powder dried leaves by crushing them on a square of cheesecloth with the back of a spoon. You will need a teaspoon of powdered leaves per cup of tea. If you are using fresh leaves, bruise the leaves with the back of a spoon to release the flavor. Use three teaspoons of fresh leaves. The herb concentrates as it dries, so more of the fresh than dried feverfew is necessary.

2. Bring water to boil in a tea kettle and remove from heat. Tie the cheesecloth into a bundle and steep in the hot water for about 10 minutes. Remove the cheesecloth from the water and either allow the herbs to air-dry for future use or discard in soil or compost.

3. Pour one cup of feverfew tea per dose. Sweeten to taste with honey or sweetener of your choice. Drink one or two cups daily, hot or cold as desired, for relief of chronic pain.

Tags: back spoon, fresh leaves, with back, with back spoon

Replace Pacemaker Leads

A pacemaker is a small, battery-powered device that uses electrical impulses to help the heart maintain a normal heart rhythm. It consists of a pulse generator and thin flexible wires called leads. The leads monitor the heart's rate and rhythm. Your pacemaker must be checked periodically. Leads can break, the insulation around them can crack or they can become infected. Infection is the most common reason a lead is replaced. This surgical procedure is called a lead extraction.

Instructions

1. Arrive at the hospital. You will be admitted and prepped for surgery. You will be given a hospital gown to wear and asked to remove your jewelry, glasses, dentures and hearing aids. A nurse will start an intravenous line.

2. Prior to surgery, you will be wheeled into the operating room. The anesthesiologist will administer general anesthesia.

3. The surgeon will make a small incision in the upper chest over the existing pacemaker. The pacemaker is implanted under the collarbone. The leads are threaded through a vein and attached to specific areas of the heart muscle and are attached to the pulse generator.

4. The surgeon will hook a special wire onto the inside of the lead, or place a snare through the vein and grasp the outside of the lead.

5. The surgeon will thread a plastic tube called a sheath around the lead and insert it through the vein into the heart muscle. The sheath has a laser that helps free the lead from scar tissue and prevents it from tearing the veins or heart.

6. The surgeon will pull the lead out of the heart and implant the new lead. If the old lead isn't infected, it may be left in and the new lead laid next to it.

Tags: surgeon will, through vein, heart muscle, pulse generator, surgery will

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Make A Natural Poison Ivy Soap

When most people physically touch poison ivy, they will develop a painful and irritating skin rash at the point of contact. This is because poison ivy contains an organic allergen called urushiol, which is also found in poison oak and poison sumac. Urushiol is an oily compound that penetrates the top layer of skin and then binds itself to the deeper layers. This bonding can take as little as three minutes or as long as 30, but once it does, a rash is inevitable. Using a natural poison ivy treatment soap as quickly as possible after touching poison ivy may lessen the severity of the rash. If a rash has already developed, the soap will help to soothe its debilitating irritation. A natural treatment soap can be made out of jewelweed, a plant that is very often found near poison ivy.

Instructions

1. Boil the jewelweed and water together.

2. Melt the glycerin soap base in a double boiler or microwave.

3. Add the boiled jewelweed mixture to the glycerin soap base and stir until it is slightly cooled.

4. Add the sweet orange oil and coloring.

5. Pour the mixture into the molds and allow them to sit until completely cooled.

Tags: glycerin soap, glycerin soap base, soap base, treatment soap

Neurological Signs Of A Stroke

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, each year approximately 600,000 Americans suffer a stroke. Stroke is the third leading cause of death and leaves many incapacitated. A stroke occurs when brain cells die from a lack of oxygen after a blood flow to the brain is disrupted. The symptoms of a stroke are:

Impaired Sight

The victim suddenly becomes blind or has trouble seeing.

Severe Headache

A sudden, severe headache may be the result of a stroke.

Impaired Speech

A stroke victim may exhibit difficulty in speaking. The words may be slurred or spoken in a nonsensical manner.

Paralysis

Paralysis or trouble moving on one side of the body may indicate a brain injury such as stroke.

Numbness

If someone suddenly becomes numb on one side of the body, a stroke may be occurring.

Warning

If you suspect that someone is suffering from a stroke, immediately seek medical attention; fast medical intervention can prevent death or major, permanent neurological damage. Someone who receives medical attention within the first hour of a stroke has the best chance for a good outcome.

Tags: medical attention, side body, stroke Impaired, suddenly becomes

Monday, July 25, 2011

Foods That Help With Hypoglycemia

People with hypoglycemia need to be extra careful with the foods they choose, since keeping their blood sugars regulated is imperative. Luckily, there are foods that help to keep the blood sugars normalized.

Meat

Meats are high in protein and can keep your sugars stabilized. Try to eat lean cuts of meat that are lower in fat.

Whole Grains

Whole grains, especially when eaten with a protein, can keep both the energy levels steady and the blood sugar levels even.

Vegetables

Vegetables are wonderful for a person with hypoglycemia. Vegetables such as spinach and celery are particularly helpful. Avoid white potatoes.

Certain Fruits

Certain fruits can be great for hypoglycemia and are high in vitamins, which help give you energy and stamina. The allowable fruits are avocados and tomatoes.

Fish

Fish high in oils, such as salmon, are high in omega fatty acids. Omega fatty acids help to keep the blood sugar regulated in the system.

Tags: blood sugar, blood sugars, fatty acids, help keep, help keep blood, keep blood, protein keep

Where Did Human Papillomavirus Originate

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of more than 100 types of viruses that causes warts and skin legions. High-risk types can lead to cervical and anal cancers. It is a sexually transmitted virus, passed through skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal or oral sex.

History

Research shows HPV infections were recognized as early as ancient Greece and Rome. Medical records described lesions on the genitalia that match HPV-induced genital warts.The authors of these writings recognized the association of the lesions with sexual activity, despite not recognizing the association with the virus. However, it was not until the 1970s that researchers identified HPV and linked it to genital warts and cancers.

The Facts

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates about 5.5 million genital HPV cases occur each year. It is the major risk factor for cervical and anal cancer, yet fewer than 1 percent of women actually are diagnosed with cervical cancer. It takes many years for the virus-infected cells to turn into cancerous ones. By age 50, 75 percent of women will have acquired genital HPV.

Geography

The incidence of cervical cancer in the United States in less than 10 per 100,000, but for each of those cases, there are 50 cases of HPV lesions. However, in underdeveloped countries such as in Africa and Latin America, the risk for cervical cancer is much higher---up to 10,000 per 100,000 women.

Features

A common form of HPV is genital warts, which is usually not cancerous. The warts can be obvious or completely microscopic. They can develop in areas that are hard to see, like the vagina. Some may be itchy, but most warts do not cause symptoms. The Pap smear test will determine changes in the cervix and can determine whether a woman has HPV.

Prevention/Solution

There are various ways to protect against HPV, the main one being the annual Pap screening. Condoms may protect against the virus, but if not used correctly, HPV can still be transferred from a man to a woman. There is also a vaccine, FDA-approved Gardasil, which is used to immunize young women against the virus. Ages 9 to 26 can get the vaccine. It is meant for those not sexually active yet, but can also help women who have multiple partners.

Tags: cervical cancer, genital warts, against virus, cervical anal, percent women, protect against

Friday, July 22, 2011

Weslo Cadence C44 Manual Troubleshooting

The Weslo Cadence C44 is an inexpensive treadmill that is sold by retailers for about $400. As with other pieces of exercise equipment, occasionally you may experience an issue with the C44 treadmill. Most C44 issues can be solved by completing troubleshooting steps based on the symptom the treadmill is showing. If after completing the troubleshooting steps, you are unable to solve the issue, contact the Weslo toll-free customer service number at 1-866-699-3756.

Instructions

Will Not Turn On

1. Unplug and plug back in the C44 power cord into the electrical outlet and try to turn it on. If no power is present, unplug the C44 and plug in a different appliance into the same wall outlet to see whether the issue is with the wall plug.

2. Plug in the treadmill. Pull the safety key out of the C44 and then push it all the way back in. The C44 will not power on if the safety key is not properly inserted.

3. Press the reset/off circuit breaker button on the C44. This is located on the frame near the power cord. Wait five minutes and then press the circuit breaker button again.

Powers Down During Use

4. Flip the reset/off circuit breaker near the power cord at the base of the C44 if it has been tripped. Wait five minutes and then press the breaker button again.

5. Unplug the power cord from the electrical outlet, wait five minutes and then plug the machine back in.

6. Remove the safety key, plug it back in firmly and try to use the C44 again.

Console Display Not Functioniong Properly

7. Remove the safety key from the C44 and unplug the machine from the wall.

8. Unscrew the screws from the hood with a screwdriver and gently pull off the hood. The hood is the plastic piece located at the base of the treadmill under the console.

9. Locate the reed switch and the magnet. The reed switch is connected to a cord that comes out of the side of the treadmill and runs to the console. The magnet sits on the opposite side, across from the reed switch.

10. Turn the pulley until the reed switch and the magnet are aligned and check the distance between them. There should be a 1/8-inch space between the magnet and the reed switch.

11. Loosen the screw for the reed switch and move the reed switch until it is 1/8 inch from the magnet. You may need a screwdriver or an Allen wrench if you can't do this by hand. Retighten the screw, reattach the hood and try the machine again to see whether the console is working.

Treadmill Belt Is Too Slow

12. Remove the safety key and unplug the treadmill from the electrical outlet.

13. Turn both of the rear roller bolts 1/4 of a turn, counterclockwise, with an Allen wrench to loosen the belt.

14. Lift the edge of the belt off the platform. The edge should have about 2 to 3 inches of play to it. Anything less means that the belt is too tight and must be loosened more.

15. Check the walking belt to make sure it is still centered.

16. Plug the treadmill back into the power outlet and insert the safety key. Continue using the treadmill.

Tags: reed switch, power cord, breaker button, circuit breaker, electrical outlet, five minutes

The Causes Of Tinnitus And Its Treatment

Tinnitus is a condition where one experiences ringing in one or both ears when there is no loud noise present. While ringing is the most common symptom, people with tinnitus also complain of sounds ranging from buzzing to clicking to humming. Tinnitus can come and go or be present at all times.

Otologic Causes

Tinnitus is not a disease but a symptom of some other problem. Most commonly, it's caused by some other ontological cause. These causes can include ear infection, allergies, too much wax or hearing damage from loud noises such as music or work-related sounds.

Other Causes

Tinnitus can also be a side effect of medication such as aspirins and antibiotics. Some neurological diseases like multiple sclerosis can cause tinnitus. Head injuries can also be blamed.

Mystery

In many cases, doctors are unable to find an exact cause of tinnitus and the condition just presents itself with no other symptoms.

Medicinal Treatment

Since treatments for tinnitus are based more on the cause than the symptoms, treatment varies from person to person. Many doctors believe that taking supplements such as niacin can help with tinnitus.

Other Treatment

Other treatments include surgery, electrical stimulation and sound and cognitive therapies.

Tags: Causes Tinnitus, cause tinnitus, some other, with tinnitus

Oxygen Therapy Guidelines

Oxygen therapy is rapidly gaining notoriety as a promising alternative therapeutic method used in the cure of some of the terrible and puzzling plagues of our times, like AIDS and cancer. This method has application in so many diseases that its proponents believe to have found a panacea, a cure that goes to the root of all illnesses, which in their belief is the lack of sufficient oxygen in the body.

Justification

Oxygen therapy involves the artificial increase of oxygen levels in our bodies. The human body is more than half water, which contains only two molecules of hydrogen and one of oxygen. Deprivation of oxygen can cause death in a matter of minutes. These arguments are sufficient to prove how important oxygen is for health and life.

Methods

There are different techniques used in oxygen therapy: ozone therapy, oxidative therapy and the hyperbaric chamber. The first two methods entail the introduction in the body of substances that can release oxygen. Ozone therapy involves the use of ozone gas (O3) that is mixed with air or liquids and introduced through the body orifices or injected into the muscle. In contact with the water in the red cells from blood it turns into hydrogen peroxide. Oxidative therapy is performed by injection or ingestion of liquid hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), a substance that occurs naturally in the human body in trace amounts.

Hyperbaric chamber use, also known as hyperbaric oxygen therapy, involves enclosing the patients in a pressurized chamber where they can breathe pure oxygen.

Validity

Although there is no scientific evidence that higher oxygen levels may hurt cancer formations, there is hope for new developments in this area because studies have demonstrated that cancer cells use oxygen differently.

While the hyperbaric chamber is an FDA-approved treatment for decompression sickness, gangrene, brain abscess and healing of tissues that needs more oxygen, it has never been proved to treat cancer. Laboratory tests have found benefits to the use of hydrogen peroxide in combination with chemotherapy, but the results are still inconclusive, according to the American Cancer Society.

Adverse Reactions

While the hyperbolic chamber is a safe treatment method, introduction of oxygen-releasing substances can be a dangerous practice and patient deaths have been reported. Ingestion of food grade hydrogen peroxide can cause vomiting and burns in the throat and stomach. In contact with skin, it also causes blistering and burns.

Injectable hydrogen peroxide can also be dangerous as high levels of the substance in the bloodstream can cause blockages, gangrene and even death. Some people may experience severe allergic reactions.

Precautions

Women who are pregnant should not use the ozone and oxidative therapeutic methods, as they might affect the fetus and infant baby in unknown ways. The hyperbaric chamber can be used in pregnancy only in extreme cases when there is no other alternative.

Tags: hydrogen peroxide, therapy involves, contact with, have found, human body, hyperbaric chamber, oxygen levels

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Induce Labor Naturally

For nine months, you've been waiting for your due date to arrive. But that date has come and gone, and now you're overdue. If so, there are some things you can do to induce labor.

Instructions

1. Take a long walk or march up some stairs. Your goal is to encourage the baby's head to press down harder on your cervix. Walking can also help position your baby for labor.

2. Eat pineapple or spicy foods.

3. Have sex. For a pregnant woman, sex releases the hormone oxytocin, which makes the uterus contract. In addition, semen contains prostaglandins, hormones that help soften your cervix.

4. Stimulate your nipples. If sex is too uncomfortable, nipple stimulation may work better for you. It releases oxytocin in much the same way sex does.

5. Turn to natural medicine. If you feel comfortable with it, you could try acupuncture, or go with massage, teas, herbs or other homeopathic solutions.

6. Relax. Simple relaxation exercises can ease your mind and body, making them comfortable and ready to begin labor.

Tags: your cervix

Symptoms Of A Root Canal Infection

When someone has the unfortunate need for a root canal, he has most likely been dealing with a great deal of pain already. This procedure can bring with it the potential of infection. Usually, the area will be left somewhat exposed until a permanent crown can be adhered. Even when you're fitted with a temporary crown, there is still the possibility of infection, That can result in further pain and other issues.

Toothache

The most frequent symptom of a root canal infection would be the presence of a toothache. It will most likely be an almost unrelenting pain that is fairly severe and often throbbing.

Sensitivity

This particular symptom isn't all that surprising, especially in light of the pain, but a person who is suffering from a root canal infection will typically experience a certain amount of sensitivity to temperature, both cold and hot.

Swelling

Many people will also suffer from some level of swelling to either the nearby gum or cheek. This swelling is usually accompanied by some tenderness.

Bad Breath

Depending on the severity of the infection, a person may begin to suffer from something that can only be described as bad breath. However, this is really from the tooth infection itself. Any abscess that may have formed could break open.

Stiffness

Sometimes, the pain from the root canal infection may be so severe that a person's neck may become stiff. This particular symptom will only be present with other symptoms. Just having a stiff neck doesn't indicate a root canal infection (or any other tooth infection) without any other symptoms.

Tags: root canal, root canal infection, canal infection, from root, from root canal, most likely

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Perform A Twoperson Transfer From A Wheelchair

Two people can help someone from a wheelchair.

Performing a two-person transfer from a wheelchair can be a tricky process. While some wheelchair users can get themselves out of a wheelchair, this can be difficult and dangerous. With two people, however, the process is made much easier, and the element of danger is greatly diminished. Using a few simple tips, the person can be placed in and out of the wheelchair, allowing for a greater freedom within a house or care home. The more people helping, the better, although two is a safe minimum.

Instructions

1. Move the wheelchair so that it faces the area that the person is being transferred to, such as the bed or bathtub. Lock the brakes so that the wheelchair is stable, and flip out the footrests to move them out of the way.

2. Hold the person under her arms while standing next to her. Lift the person using your legs, not your back. When you have transferred the weight from the wheelchair to yourself, move the chair out of the way. If you have someone helping you, they can do this task.

3. Twist round to transfer the person onto or into the object they are being moved to. If they are able, they can take some of the weight on their own legs, although this should only be done to ease the burden on yourself.

4. Place the person onto or into the object, and ensure that he is secure before releasing him. Slowly let him go, and check that he is comfortable and happy. Reverse the process when he is getting back into the chair.

Tags: from wheelchair, into object, onto into, onto into object, person onto

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Relieve A Sore Throat

Relieve a Sore Throat

Sore throats can be caused by bacteria or viruses. Most require no medical intervention, and will go away within 2 to 3 days. Here are a few tips to make a sore throat go away even quicker.

Instructions

1. Consider the cause: a bug that's going around the office, enthusiastic cheering, or perhaps something more serious, such as strep throat. There are instant strep throat test strips that can tell you in less than 30 minutes if you have strep throat. Be aware, though, that these strips sometimes deliver false negatives.

2. Take an analgesic to reduce inflammation; aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen for an adult, or acetaminophen or ibuprofen for children, as recommended by your doctor.

3. Suck on throat lozenges if you are an adult, especially those containing menthol, benzocaine or phenol, which numb the throat. Zinc lozenges may also be helpful. Children should suck on cough drops or hard candy.

4. Gargle with mint mouthwash or salt water.

5. Spray a throat spray containing numbing agents into the back of your throat, if you're an adult.

6. Brush your tongue. Sometimes, removing the buildup on your tongue can lessen the soreness in your throat.

7. Rinse your toothbrush in mouthwash between brushings to kill bacteria.

8. Drink ice-cold beverages. Try filling a glass half-full of crushed ice; then pour fruit juice over the ice. Let it sit for 10 minutes, insert a straw and suck slowly, letting the juice rest a minute on the back of your throat.

9. Add moisture to your environment with a humidifier or vaporizer, or sit in a steamy shower or bath.

10. Eat soft or liquid foods, especially sherbets and chicken broth.

11. Avoid cigarette smoke and other airborne irritants.

Tags: strep throat, your throat, acetaminophen ibuprofen, back your, back your throat

Sleep Medication Side Effects

Insomnia and other sleep disorders are a major concern for many people. While there are numerous techniques for "sleep hygiene," sometimes these measures are not enough. In these cases, certain prescription medications, which are known as sedative-hypnotics, may be useful. On the other hand, these medications carry with them certain side effects.

Sleep Behavior

One side effect of taking sleep medications is the risk of "complex sleep-related behavior." In these conditions, the individual may, while asleep, eat, drive, have conversations or even have sex.

Allergic Reactions

Another side effect of taking sleep medications is the risk of a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. This can occur very quickly with sedative-hypnotic medications (such as Ambien) and may happen the first time the sleep aid is taken.

Angioedema

Another possible side effect of sleep medication is a condition known as angioedema. In this condition, fluid leaks from the blood vessels and causes the face to swell.

Tolerance

Over time, individuals may develop tolerance to sleep medications, which means that more and more of the medication must be taken for it to have the desired effect. In extreme cases, the drug may lose all effectiveness.

Psychological Addiction

While most sleep medications are formulated to be minimally addictive, physically, there is the risk of psychological addiction. You may have trouble "remembering" fall asleep without the drug.

Tags: sleep medications, side effect, effect taking, effect taking sleep, medications risk, medications which

Hypnotists Vs Hypnotherapists

Clock

Performance hypnotists and professional hypnotherapists employ similar means to entirely different ends. While a hypnotist may also use his skills to help people, only a hypnotherapist has graduated from an accredited school.

Training

Graduation

Anyone using hypnosis for any means can call himself a hypnotist. The levels of training in the field of hypnosis are Certified Hypnotist, Certified Master Hypnotist and Hypnotherapist.

Types

Hypnotherapy office

Even a trained and certified hypnotherapist may choose to refer to herself as a hypnotist if she is performing street or stage hypnosis. The hypnotherapist traditionally conducts his sessions in a private, quiet location.

Performance

Stage hypnosis

Stage and street hypnosis are mainly conducted with the objective of amusing an audience by influencing hypnotic subjects to perform ridiculous activities or stunts.

Therapy

Hypnotherapy is for healing.

Clinical hypnosis is a scientifically researched, professional endeavor to provide emotional and physical healing in a therapeutic setting. This highly successful therapy helps people with weight-loss, smoking cessation, emotional trauma and even serious medical issues.

Misconceptions

Fear of hypnosis

The practice of hypnotherapy is often thwarted by public fears associated with the type of behavior and loss of control displayed in more public arenas.

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Monday, July 18, 2011

Chiropractor Definition

A chiropractor treats disorders related to the nervous system by manipulating the musculoskeletal system (made up of the bones and muscles) of the patient. Chiropractors particularly focus on making adjustments to the spine to improve its alignment.

Significance

Chiropractors (chiropractic physician or doctors of chiropractic) do not use drugs or surgical procedures to treat their patients. The treatment depends on the body's own healing powers.

Qualifications

To get a license, chiropractors must acquire an undergraduate degree (two to four years) and a chiropractor college degree (four years). They also need to take state and national chiropractor exams.

Advancement

Chiropractors can start their career by working for an established chiropractor, joining a health care facility or even opening their own business.

Employment

According to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 53,000 licensed chiropractors in 2005, around 52 percent of them self-employed.

Earnings

The Chiropractic Economics magazine conducted a survey in 2005, according to which chiropractors were earning an average income of $104,363 a year. In 2006, the median wage of an employed chiropractor was $65,220 a year.

Tags: degree four, degree four years, four years

Overcome Tiredness

A typical day for you?

We all get tired but for some of us it seems to be a daily battle. Here are a few tips to help you overcome the slumps of an average day.

Instructions

1. Use white noise while you sleep. White noise helps the body go through natural sleep cycles. White noise helps to drown out external noise and sound that may disrupt your sleep. Create white noise by turning a fan on while you sleep or playing classical music on low volume.

2. Talk to someone who's in an upbeat mood. Studies show that moods are contagious, so if you're feeling an afternoon slump, go speak to a perky co-worker.

3. Chill out while sleeping. Sleeping in a cold room helps your body achieve deeper sleep. Getting deeper, more restful sleep will help stave off tiredness during the day. Ample room temperature for sleeping should be between 65 - 68 degrees.

4. Stop and smell the limes. A citrus scent like lime helps overcome a tired feeling by increasing the production of norepinephrine, an energizing compound released in the brain.

5. Eat high fiber snacks. Fiber helps regulate blood sugar because it digests and releases sugar slowly. Controlling blood sugar levels can help keep you on a even kiel during the day.

6. Do puzzles. A quick crossword or word search puzzle helps reduce anxiety by causing you to focus on something fun for a few minutes and therefore breaking the tiredness slump.

7. Exercise. It's a well known fact that moderate exercise done several times a week will help you get more restful sleep and stabalize your energy. Get moving!

8. Stay hydrated. Water is the essence of life. If our body is not properly hydrated it can not function at its optimal level. Drink at least 64 ounces (half gallon) of water each day. The brain is mostly water and needs it the most. Keep your brain healthy and sluggish feelings at bay by staying hydrated.

Tags: blood sugar, more restful, more restful sleep, noise helps, restful sleep, while sleep

Friday, July 15, 2011

Overcome Shyness Simply

social anxiety

You can overcome shyness and social anxiety by changing your thought processes and adding a few social skills to your repertoire. If you have kicked yourself for being shy and feeling awkward in situations when you wanted to get out there and project confidence, read on.

Instructions

1. Learn to Ask Thoughtful Questions in Social Situations

An easy way to get conversations started is to ask questions so you can get to know the people around you. Have questions ready such as "how was your weekend?" or "what tv shows are you looking forward to this week?" or "what is your favorite place to travel to?". Be genuinely interested in the person you are talking to. If you are joining in on a conversation, observe what people are talking about and ask questions based on the topic of conversation. Make sure that you enter the conversation without interrupting. Having questions ready will prevent any awkward silences. If you generally don't like to talk, this will also help because you will be encouraging others to do the talking.

2. Work on Why You Feel Self Conscious

A lot of people are shy and have social anxiety because they feel self conscious about some aspect of themselves. Figure out what you are self conscious about and actively work on it. If you are self conscious in front of groups of people, take a public speaking class. If you are self conscious about the way you look, make an effort to be well dressed so that you feel confident about your appearance. Start becoming aware of your surroundings and realize that everyone has flaws. Focus on the moment and enjoying the people around you.

3. Get Out There and Socialize

This may be completely intuitive but practice really does make perfect. It is easy to get isolated in your own world where you are busy online or watching tv. To overcome shyness and social anxiety, you need to decide to stop being isolated. Go outside, take a walk and talk to your neighbors. Schedule at least 2 events a week where you are getting out and involving yourself in social activities. Join in on group activities where you see the same people repeatedly so that you can gradually start socializing with them more over time. Try to talk a little bit more about yourself each time. It will make you feel vulnerable and maybe a little stressed at first but think of the friendships that you will make and how much richer your social life will be.

4. Develop a Passion or Hobby You Love to Talk About

If you have an interest in something specific like playing an instrument or acting, develop it by taking classes and learning more so that you have something you love to talk about. It is much easier to talk about things that you care about and that you are passionate about. You may even forget to be shy!

5. Get Away From Perfectionism

Not everything you say has to be perfect. Start accepting yourself as you are and make it a point to engage in conversation even if you feel like you have nothing to say. Small talk is just that - small talk about every day life. Don't place deep significance on every word you say. The key to overcoming shyness is to focus outward and away from yourself. Distract yourself from your own anxiety by focusing on everything else around you - the people, the surroundings, the food - everything that is good about the social occasion.

6. Learn to Have a Thicker Skin

If someone doesn't seem to warm up to you, don't take it personally. Learn to smile, gracefully end the conversation ("It was nice talking to you, I need to get going") and then move on. It is hard to click with everyone all the time. Look for other opportunities to join in on conversation or decide that you need to change where you go to meet people. Have a sense of humor about it.

7. Work on Being Assertive

If you speak up for yourself and know create boundaries, people will automatically look at you with respect. Use everyday conflicts to practice standing up for yourself and stating your opinion in a non-confrontational way. Take an assertiveness training class if you feel you need it. As you gain confidence in yourself in different situations, you will be able to overcome shyness, reduce social anxiety and build a social structure of people that support you and look forward to being around you.

Tags: social anxiety, self conscious, conscious about, self conscious about, overcome shyness, overcome shyness social, people around

Foods To Rebuild The Adrenals

Your adrenal glands are the two glands that sit on top of your kidneys. They produce hormones such as cortisol, epinephrine and nor epinephrine. Naturopathic and Chinese medicine practitioners use a diagnosis called adrenal fatigue. Adrenal fatigue can be remedied by eating whole foods and changing your lifestyle.

Adrenal Glands

Rebuilding your adrenal glands can be done by eating mostly whole foods. Certain foods support the adrenal glands and other foods tax the adrenal glands, according to both naturopathic and traditional Chinese medicine. The two sections of the adrenal glands, the cortex and medulla, secrete many important hormones in a complex relationship with the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus. Cortisol, secreted from the cortex, is important to the inflammation response. Inflammation is one of the body's responses to infection. Epinephrine and Norepinephrine are important to the "fight or flight" response in the body. The "fight or flight" response helps your body react to stress.

Adrenal Fatigue

According to naturopathic and traditional Chinese medicine, our bodies still react to stress in a way that doesn't work in a modern lifestyle. This can lead to the body being in a constant state of low-level stress and low-level inflammation. For example, a typical day might include drinking coffee while sitting at your desk at work, while worrying about how you will manage to pick your children up from school and how your boss may react to your latest project. Your body's adrenal glands will secrete epinephrine and nor epinephrine in response to the coffee and the worries. Your body makes no distinction between real and imagined stresses. Allopathic or conventional medicine does not recognize the term adrenal fatigue for lack of proof. Not enough studies have been done yet to prove or disprove the theory of adrenal fatigue according to the National Institutes for Health.

Foods to Rebuild Adrenals

Symptoms of adrenal fatigue include relying on caffeine; craving sugars, refined carbohydrates and salt; depression; insomnia, or general fatigue even though you are getting enough sleep. If you are suffering from these symptoms, you may benefit from eating a whole-foods diet to support your adrenals. Eat at least five times a day to support your adrenal glands, and make sure that you sleep enough. Sleeping for at least 8 hours a night, and definitely between the hours of 10:00 and 2:00, helps support your adrenals.

A diet which supports your adrenals includes a breakfast rich in protein. Naturopathic Doctor Marcy Holmes of the Women-to-Women clinic suggests supplementing your diet with fish oils to support your adrenals. John G. Conner, Master Acupuncturist, suggests a breakdown of about 30 to 40 percent whole grains, 30 to 40 percent vegetables, 10 to 20 percent meat, 10 to 15 percent seeds and nuts, and just 5 to 10 percent fruits. Reducing sugar, even in the form of natural sugar found in fruits, is an important part of supporting your adrenal glands.

Tags: adrenal glands, support your, your adrenals, Chinese medicine, support your adrenals

Know If Someone Is Choking

For the layperson, the signs of choking sometimes mimic those of heart attack, drowning or, in the case of infants, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). With a little education, you can learn to recognize whether someone is choking and even learn perform life-saving measures.

Instructions

Recognize the Symptoms of Choking

1. Ask the person, "Are you choking?" if you suspect someone is having breathing difficulties.

2. Know the international sign for choking: one or two hands clutching the throat.

3. Keep an eye out for signs of embarrassment or panic. These include abruptly leaving the table or room, wide eyes, clutching a surface or nearby person and suddenly looking down or away from nearby people.

4. Listen for labored, noisy breathing or wheezing.

5. Listen for crying if the victim is an infant.

6. Check to see whether the person is able to speak or cough.

7. Note whether the person's cough is forceful, in which case you should encourage him to continue coughing as hard as possible.

8. Look at the person's coloring. If she is very pale, turning blue or sweating heavily, she may be choking.

9. Check an unconscious victim for a medic alert bracelet, which may indicate a problem other than choking.

10. Ask bystanders about the events surrounding someone's loss of consciousness before assuming the problem is choking.

11. Designate someone nearby to call 911 and tell the dispatcher that someone is choking.

12. Begin the Heimlich Maneuver once you know that choking is the problem.

Tags: Know Someone, Know Someone Choking, whether person

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Osteosarcoma Metastatic Disease

Osteosarcoma is a form of bone cancer that typically affects the arms and legs. Metastatic osteosarcoma indicates the cancer has moved beyond the bones and into other areas such as the lungs, according to the Liddy Shriver Sarcoma Initiative. Treatment and prognosis will depend on several factors.

Metastatic Osteosarcoma

The American Cancer Society indicates 85 percent of metastatic osteosarcomas spread to the lungs. Other less common sites include the brain, other bones and other organs.

Stages of Metastatic Osteosarcoma

Certain cancers, such as osteosarcoma, have substages within the four stages of cancer. Stage 4A cancers have spread to the lung. Stage 4B cancers have moved to the lymph nodes and distant sites or have spread to places other than the lung but with no lymph node involvement.

Treatment

Treatments for advanced osteosarcoma might include one or more of the following: surgery for tumors that can be removed from the bone and lung, and chemotherapy for up to one year.

Survival Rate

The survival rate for metastatic osteosarcomas where lung and bone tumors can be removed is 30 to 50 percent. Those with inoperable tumors have a worse prognosis. These numbers represent patients treated many years ago and might not be accurate for recently diagnosed patients.

Considerations for Prognosis

While the ability to remove the tumors is a key prognostic factor for metastatic osteosarcoma, other things can affect it as well. These include the grade of the tumors (how different they are from normal bone cells), patient's age, general health, if bones are still growing and if the patient is suffering metastatic disease as the original diagnosis or if the cancer has come back at Stage 4.

Tags: cancers have, have spread, Metastatic Disease, Metastatic Osteosarcoma, metastatic osteosarcomas

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Medicare Coverage

Medicare covers the majority of the health needs of U.S. citizens who have reached 65 years of age, as well as some people with disabilities who are under 65. The program was created by the federal government over 40 years ago.

History

In the late 1940s, President Harry Truman felt that the U.S. should provide cost-effective medical coverage to senior citizens. Congress debated this issue for almost 20 years before it was made law and became a major part of Lyndon Johnson's Great Society. Since then, the costs of the Medicare program have increased, as have both the rates and the amount of salary one makes that is subject to the tax. Medicare is America's largest health-insurance program, and insures almost 50 million people. When Medicare was made law, it was administered by the Social Security Administration, but in 1977, it was transferred to the Health Care Financing Administration, which is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Features

There are two basic parts to the coverage Medicare provides: Part A and Part B. Part A provides the insured with coverage for stays in hospitals, in post-hospital rehabilitation centers and for home health care, as well as stays in hospices by the terminally ill. Since the person who is covered (or his spouse) paid into the Medicare fund while he was working, he does not have to pay a premium for Part A. Part B is for medical insurance, and covers some of the costs associated with doctor's visits, laboratory tests, medical equipment, supplies, some home health-care services and physical therapy. The person has the option to enroll in Part B of Medicare, which will cost less than $100 per month. Neither Part A nor Part B covers prescription costs, so the insured needs to sign up for Part D to be covered.

Time Frame

In most cases, you will become eligible for Medicare coverage when you are 65 years old. At that point, if you receive Social Security, your monthly checks will be reduced by the premium if you choose to pay it. Currently, that premium is under $100. You also may be eligible for Medicare coverage sooner and under other circumstances. For details, call (800) 772-1213.

Potential

Medicare will cover about 80 percent of most medical care. However, it does not cover prescription drugs. For that reason, you can subscribe to Part D of Medicare, which, for a small premium, will pay part of your prescription costs.

Warning

Medicare will be available to you when you become 65 years of age, as long as the medical services are rendered in the U.S. Medicare benefits will not cover any procedure you receive if you move out of the country or travel overseas. Citizens covered by Medicare are strongly urged to secure private health insurance before leaving. This is especially important for older people, as they are likelier to become ill while traveling overseas.

Tags: Part Part, eligible Medicare, eligible Medicare coverage, Medicare coverage, Medicare which, Medicare will

Optimize A Diet

Recommended daily allowances (RDAs) are guidelines used to set the standard for daily nutritional amounts required by a healthy person. However, the designated amounts only give us the bare minimum nutritional intake which is required to prevent deficiency diseases such as night blindness, rickets and scurvy.They do not account for the amounts need to maintain maximum health efficiency.

Instructions

Optimize Your Diet

1. Maintain a proper balance. Recent studies have shown that these days, our bodies require larger doses of vitamins than was originally thought, in order to allow them to function at an optimum level. To keep the metabolism in tune our bodies need the proper balance of vitamins and minerals. Too much of a single one can result in very similar symptoms as a deficiency of the same vitamin or mineral would cause.

2. Vitamin A is needed to enable the body's adequate immune system response. If you are deficient in this vitamin ten you will be more prone to infectious diseases, particularly viral infections. Vitamin A therapy has also been used to treat a wide variety of skin disorders. It is available in tablet or liquid forms. The usual daily dosage is 5,000 IU for men and 2,500 IU for women.

3. Vitamin B12 deficiency can casue depresion. B12 supplementation has also been shown to be effective in reversing mental impaired mental functioning in elderly people who showed low levels of this vitamin. In men, vitamin B12 supplementation can increase the sperm count. This vitamin is necessary only in a very small quantity and the RDA is 2mcg.

4. Vitamin C is one of the body's most important antioxidants. It works to prevent diseases associated with damage caused by free radicals such as heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Low levels can increase the risk factor for asthma and other allergies. In healthy individuals a daily dose of 100-500mg is recommended, though if you have an illness such as diabetes, asthma or a cold then an increased dosage of 500-2,000mg may be taken.

5. Vitamin D stimulates the absorption of calcium and is important for the development of bones and teeth in growing children. Vitamin D supplementation both alone and combined with calcium can reduce the risk of osteoporosis. The RDA for vitamin D is 200 to 400 IU.

6. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects cell membranes. Like other antioxidants it helps reduce the risk of diseases such as cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer's. RDA for this vitamin is 100-800 IU.

7. Iron is an essential mineral because it helps transport oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and carbon dioxide back to the lungs. Iron deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency in the US. Vitamin C enhances iron absorbtion. RDA for adults is between 12-15mg and 30mg for pregnant women.

8. Potassium is an electrolyte and is important for many body functions such as regulation of water balance, function of the heart, muscle and nerve cells. Deficiency usually occurs through excessive sweating, vomiting or urination. RDA is 1.9 to 5.6g

9. Selenium is a trace mineral which helps vitamin E prevent damage from free radicals. Selenium deficiency can lead to cardiovascular disease, inflammatory disease and higher risk for cancer. There is no specific RDA for selenium but a daily dose of 50-200mcg is most often recommended.

10. Zinc is another trace mineral that is found in all the body's cells. It is vital for proper immune functin, sensory function and wound healing. RDA for adults is 12-19mg.

Tags: this vitamin, also been, daily dose, diseases such, free radicals, proper balance

Pros & Cons Of Cholesterol Medicine

High cholesterol drugs are prescribed for patients with cholesterol levels from 130 to 190 mg/dL. Health history and several other factors also contribute to how much, which type and if a patient is a good candidate for these medicines.

What is Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a fatty substance naturally produced in the body. It can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Types of Medications

There are several types of medicines to treat high cholesterol. The most commonly prescribed are statins and cholesterol absorption inhibitors.

Side Effects

As with any medication, cholesterol drugs should be taken carefully and monitored by a physician. Headaches, muscle soreness and cold-like symptoms are the most common side effects.

Lipitor

The most commonly prescribed statin, Lipitor works to prevent your body from naturally manufacturing cholesterol. It only works on LDL; it does nothing for HDL levels.

Zetia

A cholesterol absorption inhibitor, Zetia works by stopping cholesterol absorption through food and other sources. It can lower LDL and triglyceride levels. It is a lifetime drug, so numbers can increase if the drugs are stopped.

Vytorin

Vytorin combines statin and CAI medications, which means they can help LDL and triglyceride levels. Because of certain risks, patients with kidney trouble or chronic illness should avoid this medication.

Tags: cholesterol absorption, cholesterol drugs, commonly prescribed, most commonly, most commonly prescribed

Identify Garnets

A standard red garnet.

Garnets can be found in every color except blue, but the most commonly known color is red. Garnets are also the traditional birthstone for January and the official gemstone of New York. Many varieties of garnet can be found in the United States and are a popular gemstone for jewelry makers. The easiest way to identify a garnet is by eye.

Instructions

1. Pick up the stone and hold it very close to your eye, so close that when you blink your eyelashes touch the stone. The stone needs to be close enough so that you can actually look through the table. The table is the top part of a faceted stone.

2. Look through the table at a bright light source 6 feet away. This light source could be a window or a bright lamp. The refractive properties of gemstone will cause rainbows and the properties of these rainbows can determine whether or not this stone is a garnet.

3. Roll and twist the garnet in front of your eye and focus on one large rainbow. Garnets display almost every color of the rainbow. You should observe bands of blue, green, yellow, orange and red. Pay particular attention to the green and yellow bands. If you are mistaking a ruby for a red garnet, this is an easy way to distinguish between the two, as rubies will not display green or yellow bands.

4. View the garnet in both natural and artificial light. A real garnets will change colors in both lights.

5. Perform a hardness test. Garnets are a 7-7.5 on the Mohs Scale. Steel has a hardness of 5 of the Mohls Scale, so you should be able to scratch steel with a garnet, but you should not be able to scratch a garnet with something like a steel blade. Quartz is also a 7-7.5 on the Mohs Scale, so if you have a piece handy you can test with quartz. You should not be able to scratch quartz with the garnet or vice versa. If you can scratch the stone with either the quartz or the steel, chances are it is not a garnet.

6. Contact a professional for definitive identification which includes equipment for measuring density, various optical properties and thermal conductance.

Tags: able scratch, green yellow, should able, should able scratch, every color

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Natural Alternative For Healing Lower Back Muscle Strain

A muscle strain in the lower back can be painful and can leave a person bedridden, unable to move without excruciating consequences. Painkillers can only do so much to help. Fortunately, several natural, alternative healing methods exist to treat lower back muscle pain.

Chiropractic

Get chiropractic treatments for your back. According to the Mayo Clinic, clinical trials have proved chiropractic treatment to be an effective method of healing lower back pain. Chiropractic treatment realigns the spine so that the limited movement causing the back pain is released. Practitioners use their hands positioned along the body to apply force to joints and massage the affected areas to help release pain.

Herbs and Food as Medicine

Use antispasmodic and sedative herbs to help strained muscles relax and heal. Chamomile is an herbal sedative good for promoting sleep when pain is excessive. Valerian root and cramp bark work in the same manner. These herbs can be found at health food stores.

Enzymes from fruits can help inflamed muscles heal from a strain. Bromelain is an anti-inflammatory found in pineapples. Grapefruit juice and juice from dark grapes have the same anti-inflammatory properties. Take these daily to help relieve muscle strain.

Yoga

Practice yoga on a regular basis to help heal muscles and provide pain relief. Yoga is an Indian physical and mental discipline that invokes stretches and breathing techniques to heal the body. Yoga has different levels of intensity and can be used to heal and strengthen the back.

Tags: lower back, back pain, muscle strain, pain Chiropractic

Monday, July 11, 2011

Open A Glass Ampule

Many pharmaceuticals are packaged in glass ampules so that their contents will only be touched by solid glass. Open a glass ampule with care by following these steps.

Instructions

1. Prepare your work area. Drugs packaged in glass ampules need to remain in a sterile environment because they are typically injected into the body. Lay a clean towel on your work surface, wash your hands and have plenty of alcohol wipes available.

2. Check to see if your ampule has been pre-scored. A painted band around the narrow neck of the ampule usually means it is ready to open without scoring. If your ampule is not scored, you should draw a finely serrated knife or file around the narrow part of the ampule to weaken the glass so it can be snapped open.

3. Protect your hands from broken glass by wrapping the ampule in a paper towel, light cloth or piece of gauze. If the ampule does not break cleanly, this prevents you from getting cut and helps contain the glass shards.

4. Hold the ampule with both hands, with one thumb against the narrow top section. Pull the bottom of the ampule towards you while pushing the top section away from you with easy, even pressure. A light pressure applied correctly will cleanly snap the ampule open, while using too much force can cause it to shatter.

5. Unwrap the opened ampule and discard the top. Your medication is now ready to be removed from the ampule as directed by your physician.

Tags: ampule with, around narrow, glass ampules, packaged glass, packaged glass ampules, your ampule, your hands

Extract Essential Oils From Fruits

Lemon essential oil is extracted from the zest part of the lemon.

Essential oils belonging to the citrus family -- including lemon, lime, bergamot, grapefruit and sweet orange -- are some of the most commonly used in aromatherapy. While each oil has its own unique aromatic properties, citrus essential oils are generally regarded as revitalizing and uplifting. Citrus essential oils are commercially manufactured by pressing the rinds of citrus fruits to extract the aromatic fluid inside. However, it is relatively easy, although more time-consuming, to extract essential oil from fruits at home using a process called enfleurage.

Instructions

1. Pour the olive oil into the jar.

2. Shave the outer rind of your chosen fruit using a lemon zester or vegetable peeler, until you have 6 tablespoons of thinly pared citrus zest.

3. Add the citrus zest to the olive oil. Stir well using a glass stirrer.

4. Secure the lid of the jar tightly and leave for 48 hours in a sunny windowsill, shaking every 12 hours to ensure the zest is completely covered by the oil.

5. Strain the contents of the jar through a cheesecloth or a piece of unbleached muslin into a glass bowl after 48 hours. Discard the zest.

6. Refill the jar with the citrus-infused oil and add another 6 tablespoons of citrus zest.

7. Repeat steps several times or until the desired potency is reached, adding new citrus zest to the recycled oil each time.

8. Strain the citrus-infused oil for a final time and pour into an airtight dark glass storage bottle.

Tags: citrus zest

Become A Cpr Trainer

Learning CPR can be enjoyable with a good teacher.

Training regular people to prepare for emergencies is a rewarding job. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is a technique taught by the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross and other organizations for breathing and heart emergencies. When seeking CPR instructor certification, decide what your goals are. Do you want to teach through an accredited organization? Do you have a minimum hourly wage in mind? Would you like to teach in schools, hospitals or community centers? Whatever your preference, use the following steps to become a certified CPR instructor.

Instructions

1. Research different organizations that offer certification to find the one that matches best with your goals. Remember that the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association have chapters in most U.S. cities and offer nationally recognized certifications.

2. Call the organization you wish to work for and ask for the schedules and costs of teacher training. Prepare to pay approximately $500-$550 for instructor certification. Ask for the hourly wage for CPR trainers and see how quickly you will make back the money you spent for certification.

3. Clear four to five weekdays from your schedule to attend teacher training; teacher training offered by the American Red Cross lasts from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm and occurs on four consecutive days. Remember that teacher training classes are not offered as often as regular CPR classes.

4. Ask the organization you wish to work for if there are prerequisites for becoming a CPR trainer. Have an up-to-date CPR certification if this is required. Consider working for an organization that offers CPR certification with the teacher training class if you are not already certified.

Tags: American Cross, teacher training, American Heart, American Heart Association, Heart Association, hourly wage, instructor certification

Friday, July 8, 2011

Red Cross Cpr & First Aid Certifications

The American Red Cross is the United States' lead emergency response organization. As part of its mission, the American Red Cross offers various cardiopulmonary resuscitation, first aid and automatic external defibrillator certification programs to promote health and safety. The courses include lecture formats, hands-on training and interactive video demonstrations that illustrate potential emergency situations.

For Individuals, Employees and Schools

First aid, CPR and AED certifications are offered for individuals, employees of various entities and schools. The first aid/CPR/AED course teaches lifesaving skills, basic first aid for treating many types of injuries and skills to react to sudden conditions, such as poisoning or stroke. Participants also learn perform CPR on adults, children and infants and use automatic external defibrillators. The course grants a two-year certification. The Bloodborne Pathogens Training course teaches ways to prevent the transmission of diseases. It is intended for employees who work in environments with the possibility of exposure to blood and bodily fluids. The course results in a one-year certification. The Responding to Emergencies course is intended for high school or college students and covers provide adequate care during emergencies that affect adults, children and infants. The course includes CPR, first aid, prevention of disease transmission and injury management. It culminates in a two-year certification.

For Professional Health Care Personnel

Specialized courses are offered for professional health care personnel, such as health care providers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians. The CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer course is intended for medical workers who respond to cardiac, breathing and other emergencies involving adults, children and infants. Participants learn to use AED on adults and children and optional training on use asthma inhalers and epinephrine auto-injectors. The course results in a two-year certification. The Administering Emergency Oxygen course provides training to professional rescue personnel on how and when to use breathing equipment and administer supplemental oxygen. Participants also develop advanced abilities in airway management. This one-year certification course requires certification in adult, child or infant CPR.

Hands-Only CPR

The Hands-Only CPR course provides basic training to individuals on perform CPR using only the hands-only method. This method does not involve any mouth-to-mouth contact and is intended for use in sudden emergencies. It assists with increasing the survival of cardiac arrest in non-medical settings. The goal of the American Red Cross is to provide hands-only CPR training to 5 million people to increase the survival of various cardiac emergencies.

Additional Training Options

The American Red Cross offers additional training certifications in specialized areas. The Wilderness and Remote First Aid course is intended for individuals who are regularly involved in outdoor situations, such as remote environment workers, scouts and nature enthusiasts. The two-year certification course provides training on respond to emergencies when medical assistance may be delayed. Participants learn about various situations, such as wounds and wound infection, heat-related emergencies, hypothermia, allergies and head injuries. The minimum age requirement is 14 years and participants must have current adult CPR/AED certification. The Sports Safety Training course provides training on first aid and injury related to sports events. It results in a two-year certification and provides training on sudden illness, cardiac and breathing emergencies and skeletal and soft tissue injuries. Voluntary child CPR training is also available with this course.

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Naturally Reduce Kidney Stones

I was recently diagnosed with kidney stones. I did a lot of research to find ways to naturally reduce my kidney stones, and to help them pass easily. I am forwarding this information to you because it has been a great help to me.

Instructions

1. Vitamin A helps to protect the lining of the urinary tract and a lack of Vitamin A can lead to stone formation so make sure and take the daily recommended allowances for this vitamin.

2. Drink at least 64 ounces of distilled water daily. This helps to keep the kidneys clear and functioning at their fullest potential.

3. Watermelon is a great source of additional water, eat it alone and often, but never with a meal.

4. Use the seeds of the watermelon to make tea, steep in hot water for 15 minutes strain, add honey, and drink.

5. More acidity in your urine helps to break down the stones, so drink cranberry juice as this increases acidity.

6. Stop eating meat! Meat based proteins are often to blame for kidney stone production.

7. Take licorice extracts as this reduces the swelling of the ureters, which in turn allows the stone to pass easier.

Tags: kidney stones

Treat Dermatitis & Eczema Caused By Poor Circulation

Dermatitis and eczema are non life-threatening conditions that cause the skin to become inflamed, red, itchy and irritated. Lesions can also appear that can erupt and become crusty. There are several causes for dermatitis to appear on the skin. Allergies, reactions to irritants, stress and heredity are all likely causes. But one particular type of dermatitis called stasis dermatitis can be caused from poor circulation and it generally affects the legs. When this is the case, there are various ways to treat it.

Instructions

1. Apply cream. There are various creams that are used for general dermatitis. One in particular is a hydrocortisone cream. This helps to relive the itch and irritation. Applying it right after a shower will help with absorption.

2. Elevate your legs. Inadequate blood flow back to the heart is the main reason for varicose veins which is also a risk factor for dermatitis. When circulation is compromised, fluid pools up in the feet and legs, which causes the veins to enlarge and can also trigger dermatitis symptoms. A way to treat this is by keeping your legs elevated when sitting down for long periods of time.

3. Wear special socks. There are socks that are specifically designed to put compression on the skin which can help treat dermatitis symptoms. They are called compression socks and they can be worn on the affected areas. You can also use elastic bandage wraps as well.

4. Put on some dressing. Place cool, wet dressing wraps on the affected areas. These can help to keep infections down and also soften the skin. After you take them off, apply some petroleum jelly to further promote softness.

5. Keep it clean. Keep the affected area as clean as possible. Also, wear clothes that are loose fitting. Wearing tight fitting clothes can make the symptoms worse and cause you to be uncomfortable.

6. Get some exercise. Being that poor circulation is the cause of the symptoms, exercise can help. Consider walking, biking, swimming, rowing and elliptical training.

Tags: affected areas, dermatitis symptoms, poor circulation, your legs