Hepatitis C is an ailment that affects and damages the liver. In most cases there is no cure for Hepatitis C. However, there are some cases in which the body's immune system is strong enough to cure the illness on its own. Nevertheless, people who have Hepatitis C will suffer chronic liver infection. Medications will help kill the Hepatitis C virus but there are no guarantees that it can fully cure the disease. Below are some ways to treat Hepatitis C or prevent it from recurring or getting worse.
Instructions
1. Early detection plays a big part in the cure of Hepatitis C. However, this is more easily said than done as some affected people don't show any symptoms. If they do exhibit symptoms it could be years later and by then the damage may be serious. So if you begin to exhibit nausea, loss of appetite, pain over the liver (just under the ribcage, on the right side), fatigue, jaundice or clay-color or grayish stool, visit the doctor for a check-up.
2. Go on a diet that requires that you drink about eight to 10 glasses of water a day and avoid caffeine and alcoholic drinks, which will dehydrate you. Have your fill of vegetable juices as well as servings of healthy fats, such as flax seed oil, olive oil and soybean oil. These oils contain essential fatty acids, which serve multiple functions to keep your brain, heart and immune system healthy.
3. Consider undergoing body-cleansing methods such as bowel cleansing, dental check-up (amalgams or nickel crowns can be a factor for having Hepatitis C), kidney cleansing and liver cleansing. For bowel cleansing you can drink supplements like Ultimate Colon Cleanse, Colonix or PoopDoc. For kidney cleansing you can take in watermelon seed tea or corn silk tea, or go on a natural-lemon-juice diet. For liver cleansing you can take in coffee, vinegar or yogurt enemas to flush out the toxins in your liver. You can also drink a combination of olive oil and lemon juice daily.
4. Sweat it out. Sweating releases a lot of toxins in your body and keeps your organs functioning smoothly. You can achieve this by doing regular exercise.
5. Ask your doctor about trying a newly developed cure for Hepatitis C: a daily shot of a longer acting form of interferon, also known as pegylated interferon, plus the antiviral pills ribavirin.
Tags: bowel cleansing, cleansing take, cure Hepatitis, cure Hepatitis However, Hepatitis However, immune system
Allowing yourself to become addicted to drugs or alcohol can be very costly. In addition to possible legal troubles, addiction to these substances can cost you your job, friends and family. If not prevented, addiction to these substances can even lead to death.
Instructions
Prevent Alcohol Addiction
1. Analyze why you are drinking. Alcohol should never be used to relieve stress or for other emotional reasons. Never drink in order to "cope" with a situation. Drinking for emotional reasons can lead to a psychological dependence on alcohol.
2. Drink in moderation. Over-consumption of alcohol on a daily basis can lead to physical dependence. This is a state where your body literally needs alcohol to function. Physical dependence is especially dangerous, because your body can experience severe and life-threatening withdrawal symptoms when your consumption decreases.
3. Pay attention to your drinking habits. Decide on when and where you will allow yourself to consume alcohol. For example, you may decide to only drink on Saturdays. Additionally, you should set predetermined limits on how much you will allow yourself to drink.
4. Do not bring alcohol home. If you have alcohol readily available, you may be tempted to over-indulge. If you must leave home to drink, you will be less likely to over-indulge and become dependent on alcohol.
5. Seek help. If you feel that you are becoming dependent on alcohol, do not try to deal with it yourself. Talk to a friend or family member about the situation; also, seek the advice of your physician. It is important that you do not try to handle the situation alone.
Prevent Drug Addiction
6. Say no to illegal drugs. Many illegal drugs are so powerful that you can become addicted or even die after trying them just once. Never take an illegal drug under any circumstances.
7. Do not take more than you are directed to. In regards to pain medicine and other prescription drugs that have a propensity for addiction, it is important to follow your provider's directions. Do not increase your dose or frequency unless instructed to by your physician.
8. Communicate with your doctor. If you are experiencing what you feel may be symptoms of addiction to a particular medication, speak to your physician immediately. Many commonly prescribed pain medications contain opioids, which can be physically addictive. If you are beginning to experience symptoms of addiction, your doctor can adjust your dose or change your medication entirely.
9. Do not "finish" pain medications. If you are prescribed a narcotic for pain, only take it when and while you are experiencing pain. Once your symptoms have subsided, notify your physician and discontinue the medication. Continuing to take pain medications unnecessarily can cause you to become addicted to them.
10. Never take pills for fun. If you do not have a prescription, it is illegal to take non over-the-counter medications. Taking prescription pills recreationally, either yours or someone else's, can lead to addiction.
Tags: your physician, become addicted, pain medications, addiction these, addiction these substances
Caring for a newborn infant's navel is usually simple. The remnant of the umbilical cord usually dries up and falls off with no problem. But in some cases the navel area can become infected. When this happens there may be a discharge of pus from the belly button area as well as an offensive odor. It is best to contact your pediatrician if this occurs since an antibiotic may be necessary. But there are also a few things you can do to properly care for the navel area at home.
Instructions
Care for an Infant's Infected Navel Area
1. Keep the area clean and dry. Fold the diaper down to expose the area to air and prevent the diaper from causing irritation to the area.
2. Do not immerse the infant in water until the umbilical cord has completely dried up and fallen off. Give the baby sponge baths instead.
3. Clean the infected navel area 3 to 4 times daily with alcohol to aid healing and dry up the cord remnant.
Certain areas of Georgia (such as Cleveland in the northwest or Wilkes County in the northeast) are known for their mines that feature quartz, amethyst and other natural gemstones. Rockhounds can pay to dig in these mines and satisfy their quest to find amethyst crystals. Because many of these locations are isolated, be sure to bring plenty of water, snacks and sunscreen. Most mines are open to the public only on certain days or will announce public "dig days" on their websites. You will be required to bring your own small hand tools with you.
Instructions
1. Choose an amethyst mining location from the many Georgia mines offered through online websites. Most amethyst mines in northern Georgia require that you make a reservation ahead of time to be able to dig. Different mines are known for different quality amethyst crystals.
2. Schedule a digging trip to Wilkes County, Ga., for some of Georgia's finest quality amethyst crystals. The Jackson's Crossroads Amethyst Mine is located between Tignali and Rayle streets. Amethyst crystals from this mine range in color from purple to royal purple.
3. Look at the dump piles carefully for anything glittering or poking up out of the dirt.
4. Look in the mine dump piles for clumps of dark red clay as these are the natural harbors of amethyst crystals. While Georgia is known for its red clay, amethyst crystals can also be found in dump piles with white clay.
5. Squeeze any clumps of red or white clay in your hands to find amethyst crystals hidden inside the clay. Watch for heavier clumps of dirt as these usually have an amethyst crystal inside.
6. Carefully sift through the dump piles using small hand tools to rake through the dirt.
7. Use a sledgehammer to break open larger rocks to look for amethyst crystals hiding inside.
Both olive oil and rosemary are prevalent ingredients in Italian cooking. What could be better than creating a tasty marriage of the two? Olive oil is considered a healthy oil because it is full of monounsaturated fat, which can lower your risk of heart disease and reduce your bad cholesterol levels. The aroma of rosemary is spicy and warm, and its needle-like leaves add a zing to any dish. Infusing olive oil with herbs is a simple process that almost anyone can do with a little practice.
Instructions
1. Clean and dry your rosemary. Wash the herbs with a slightly damp washcloth and set them aside to dry. You don't want any water on the rosemary because the salts in the water will break down the herbs.
2. Warm your olive oil. Pour your olive oil into a small sauce pan and heat it over a low flame until it is warm. The warming process should take just a few minutes. Remember, you want the olive oil to be warm--not hot. High temperatures destroy the healthy properties in olive oil.
3. Put your rosemary into a bottle or jar that holds 1 pint. Remember that a little bit of rosemary goes a long way, so there is no need to stuff the bottle full of this herb.
4. Pour the warm olive oil into the bottle. Put the bottle aside to cool. Seal the bottle with a lid or a cork. Set the bottle in a dry, cool place with no direct sunlight for at least one week.
5. Decide whether you want to strain the rosemary out of the oil. Many people leave the rosemary leaves in the oil for a decorative touch. If you prefer to strain the olive oil, however, simply pour the oil through a strainer into a clean jar or bottle. You now have finished infusing olive oil with rosemary.
6. Enjoy your rosemary-infused olive oil. This oil is perfect for drizzling on salads and fresh bread. You can use the oil to flavor potatoes and pasta dishes. You can also try marinating chicken and fish in the oil for a little extra flavor.
Tags: into bottle, olive into, with rosemary, your olive, your rosemary
Relieving stress is as simple as combining some of your favorite essential oils and using them for massage, bathing and simmering. Sometimes all it takes to relieve stress is inhaling the vapors of a calming essential oil. The art of aromatherapy, which uses essential oils, harnesses the pure essences of various flowers and plants to work on the nervous system and restore harmony.
Instructions
1. Vaporize two drops of cinnamon leaf essential oil with four drops of orange essential oil in a vaporizer or potpourri simmering pot to lift depression.
2. Place one drop of cinnamon leaf onto a tissue and inhale to relieve mental exhaustion.
3. Mix two drops of damiana essential oil with four drops of neroli essential oil and four drops of sandalwood. Massage into neck and shoulders to soothe chronic stress and hypersensitivity.
4. Take a bath with two drops of damiana essential oil added, along with four drops of orange essential oil to calm nerves.
5. Dilute two drops of damiana essential oil, six drops of rose geranium essential and two drops of vetiver essential oil in four teaspoons of a carrier oil like sweet almond oil. Massage gently into the abdomen to relieve stress and soothe anxiety.
6. Mix two drops of valerian essential oil with four drops of sandalwood essential oil and four drops of laurel leaf essential oil. Combine with four teaspoons of sweet almond oil and massage into the body to soothe emotional stress.
7. Mix two drops of valerian essential oil with four drops of neroli essential oil and four drops of may chang essential oil. Combine with four teaspoons of sweet almond oil. Massage gently into the neck and shoulders to overcome panic and stress.
Tags: four drops, with four, with four drops, essential four, essential with, essential with four, damiana essential
It is well known that increasing one's consumption of a wide range of vegetables has a fountain of youth effect on health. Each of these veggies has a strong point, and the humble onion's special power lies in cardiovascular support. As well as being a rich source of anti-inflammatory sulfur compounds, insulin-controlling chromium, and osteoporosis-preventing GPCS, the onion has been scientifically shown to significantly lower cholesterol.
Significance
A component of onion breaks down fibrin, a clotting factor in the blood.
Considerations
A1975 study found that the portion of the onion directly responsible for the reduction of cholesterol in the body is in the vegetable's essential oil.
Misconceptions
Cooked onion, habitually consumed, is just as effective as raw onion at lowering cholesterol--perhaps because it's much easier to stick to.
Warning
Some studies conducted used amounts of fresh onion that could be considered unacceptably high in a person's everyday diet.
Fun Fact
One study showed that the consumption of one half of a raw onion raised "good" cholesterol (high density lipoproteins, or HDL) by 30 percent.
If your health is at the top of your list to improve this year, then look into the health benefits of colon cleansing. While diet and exercise are very important, so is the way you take care of your digestive tract. After all, your digestive tract is vital to making sure you get the nutrition you need and also for keeping your body clean of toxins.
History
Throughout history, people have used natural laxatives to relieve constipation and other digestive discomforts. Enemas have been traced back as early as 1500 B.C.
Significance
Not only can you count on a more reliable digestive tract, but you can potentially reap a longer life as well. The interest in organic colon cleansing has opened entirely new studies in human biology and diet.
Function
The way natural colon cleansing works, depending on your method, is to introduce something into the digestive system that allows you to flush away the build up of toxins in the body. Because the digestive tract is the sewer system of the body, it is important to keep it cleared of toxins. While the body can naturally do this to a great degree, there is nothing wrong with helping it along for a healthier future.
Types
There are two basic types of natural colon cleansing methods. The first way is to purchase any number of natural products on the market--including bentonite clay and psyllium husk power--and mix it into a drink. There are many programs that can be followed to do this over a few days or a week.
Another, more invasive, way to cleanse the colon is through a home enema. This is where you inject water or sometimes coffee into the rectum, holding the fluids inside for a brief amount of time before releasing them.
Considerations and Warnings
Ask your doctor to recommend a type of colon cleanse treatment and which ones are the best for you. Your digestive system can be sensitive, so you need to be careful what you put into it!
Misconceptions
It is a common misconception that colon cleansing is bad for you. Many doctors recommend a simple combination of fiber and water to help cleanse your digestive tract. While that is certainly good advice, more evidence each year makes clear the benefits of natural colon cleansing.
Tags: digestive tract, colon cleansing, colon cleansing, natural colon, natural colon cleansing, your digestive tract, digestive system
Colors affect our memories, whether we realize it or not.
Colors affect our memories every day and throughout our lives, and are used both intentionally and subliminally by educators and even marketing companies. Scientific testing has found that certain colors are more stimulating, which enhances memory. This stimulation can be both negative and positive, affecting how you're distracted, what you can recall and what initially attracts your attention.
White
White paper has been found to negatively affect the reading ability for those diagnosed with dyslexia, a learning disability that makes it difficult to read text, regardless of intelligence levels. This, in turn, affects your ability to remember what you read. White paper tends to "glare" and make printed text appear as if it's moving. This is remedied by wearing glasses that are tinted a different color or by using a colored plastic, transparent slip over the paper.
Cool Colors
Cool colors, such as blue and green, are less stimulating and more relaxing. Flash cards or study notes provided on paper in these colors have been found to be less effective because of their calming effects. However, cool colors have been found to stimulate creativity.
Warm Colors
Putting information on color paper tends to enhance subjects' retention of it.
Warm colors, such as red and yellow, are more stimulating and therefore, more memorable. Our minds automatically respond to these colors because they are more noticeable, and even help improve the ability to recall facts, if presented in vivid warm colors.
Black and White vs. Color
Black and white images are harder to recall than naturally colored images.
Many scientific studies have been conducted to test if black and white images are more memorable than color images. It was determined that people responded greater to naturally colored images -- such as a snapshot photo -- than to an image artificially colored or to a black and white image.
Tags: been found, have been, affect memories, colored images, Colors affect
The U.S. is a developed nation with a developing health care crisis. Antibiotic resistance is growing and remarkably little is being done to combat the threat. While physicians and hospitals try alternate courses of treatment for infections, a significant culprit in the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria goes unchallenged, livestock conditions. Roughly 25 million pounds of antibiotics are fed to livestock each year, a number that amounts to nearly eight times the total consumed by humans annually. A significant majority of these medicines are dispensed before the animals get sick, as a prophylactic measure necessary to combat the living conditions in which disease thrives and about a third of the classes of antibiotics used in livestock are also used in the human population.
Instructions
1. Give up conventionally raised meats. Switch to certified organic or antibiotic-free meat. To prevent sticker shock, switch one type of meat at a time. For example, first switch out all beef products, then all chicken, then all turkey, etc.
2. Try to patronize dining establishments that promise to use antibiotic-free products.
3. Write letters. Write to the heads of major meat packagers, national restaurant chains, schools and grocers. Ask them to do their part to combat antibiotic resistance by purchasing meat that was never treated with antibiotics. Encourage them to use their buying power to effect change in the way livestock is raised.
4. Write Congress. Request laws that require all meat treated with antibiotics to carry a label and a warning about antibiotic resistance. Write grocers and ask them to voluntarily label meats treated with antibiotics until Congress passes a comprehensive law.
5. Be an advocate. Share your concerns about antibiotic resistance with friends and family. Encourage those who share your concerns to make similar dietary changes and begin letter writing campaigns.
Tags: treated with, treated with antibiotics, with antibiotics, about antibiotic, about antibiotic resistance, antibiotic resistance, grocers them
While chemotherapy technically refers to any type of medication, its commonly accepted use is to describe cancer drugs. There are over 100 different types of chemotherapy which are used to treat varying types of cancer. Chemotherapy can be administered in a number of different ways in the treatment of cancers, and has been an accepted method of treating tumors since the 1940's.
How Does It Work
Chemotherapy works by interrupting the process of cell reproduction. As cells reproduce, they go through five stages. At the end of the five stages, the original cell has reproduced or created an identical cell. Chemotherapy drugs work by interrupting this process at one of the stages and/or by preventing the cells access to things they need to grow. In other words, the purpose of the drugs is to prevent the reproduction of cells, since cancer cells reproduce rapidly. Unfortunately, this effect causes many of the negative side effects of chemotherapy, since the cell-destroying chemicals also prevent other frequently-reproducing cells from replicating, such as hair follicle cells and cells lining the digestive track.
How is it given
Chemotherapy can be administered in a number of different ways to treat tumors, depending on the site of the tumor, the size of the tumor, and the health and age of the patient. Some chemotherapy medications can be injected directly into a tumor. Others are infused into the abdominen, bladder, or central nervous system. Other chemotherapy must be given intravenously (injected into the blood through a vein). Finally, some chemotherapy can be given orally in pill form, or applied topically in cream form. Regardless of how it is administered, the purpose of chemotherapy is to slow or prevent the growth of tumors by stopping cancer cells from dividing and reproducing.
Dosage
Making a decision regarding the appropriate dosage of chemotherapy is very important in successfully treating tumors. High doses of chemotherapy can be very toxic. This may mean they kill a number of cancer cells and/or prevent tumor growth. However, the toxic nature of the treatments means the body needs time to recover in between treatments. Thus, high doses of chemotherapy can't be administered too frequently, and the tumor may begin to grow during periods when the body is recovering sufficiently to be healthy enough to withstand the next treatment. Lower doses of chemotherapy have fewer adverse side effects and can be given more frequently. However, these lower doses may not be as effective at killing cancer cells or preventing tumors from forming or growing.
Possible Side Effects
There are a number of long-term and short-term side effects of using chemotherapy as a treatment for cancer. The short term side effects are related to the chemotherapy's effect on other cells that reproduce often, as discussed above. Long term effects may include heart disease, an interference with the central nervous system which causes delayed reaction time and fuzzy thinking, (often referred to as "chemo brain") liver damage, and other types of cancer. Although the side effects may be severe, chemotherapy is often the most effective treatment for tumors and cancer, and the benefits are often found to outweigh the risks.
New Developments
Many new developments are available in chemotherapy, as doctors continue to research and understand how the chemotherapy drugs can be combined to effectively destroy cancer cells. The American Cancer Society suggests that the best treatment for tumors usually involves mixing different chemotherapy agents, and suggests that doctors look at past cases and clinical trials to determine the best and most effective combinations of chemotherapy medications for treating particular types of cancer.
Tags: cancer cells, side effects, doses chemotherapy, types cancer, administered number, administered number different
Ayurvedic medicine, also known as Ayurveda, is a complete, integrated medical system that has been used in India for more than 2,000 years and encompasses the concepts of holistic health. As a complementary alternative medicine (CAM), it may be covered by private health insurance companies. Using Ayurveda combined with conventional Western medicine can help you live a longer and healthier life.
Facts
Ayurveda is Sanskrit for "science of life." Ayurvedic medicine is considered India's primary health care system and is the world's oldest system. Ayurveda focuses on the holistic health of its patients, encompassing the mind-body-spirit connection of wholeness in ensuring physical, mental, and spiritual health. It is a complementary alternative medicine in the United States and includes various techniques such as herbs, massage and specialized diets.
History
Originally, Ayurveda was an oral tradition that was eventually recorded over 5,000 years ago, according to the University of Minnesota Center for Spirituality and Healing. The four basic texts of historic Ayurveda are called Vedas. Another set of texts that are part of the "great triad," also referred to as the Brhattrayi, are the Caraka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita. These are texts that were recorded more than 2,000 years ago and are the main tenants of modern Ayurvedic medicine that still exist in their entirety and explain the eight branches of Ayurvedic medicine.
Benefits
You will not have the exact same treatment of another Ayurveda patient, as Ayurveda is tailored to the individual. You can expect changes to be made to your nutrition, exercise, personal hygiene and social interaction and other lifestyle changes, according to the University of Minnesota Center for Spirituality and Healing. You can also expect to receive robust physical health and mental and spiritual harmony in order to ensure your long and healthy life. Any illnesses and conditions will also be treated.
Geography
Ayurvedic medicine is practiced as the primary medical system in India, as well as in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Pakistan. More than 200,000 adults in the U.S. used Ayurveda in 2006, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. The Indian government has been conducting research on Ayurveda since 1969, and most major cities of India have an Ayurvedic-medicine college and hospital, reports the NCCAM.
Warnings
Talk to your health care provider if you take any prescription medications and are considering using herbs, in order to avoid drug interactions. Ensure you are seeing a qualified practitioner and do not treat yourself since many Ayurvedic techniques can cause harm when used improperly. Check the ingredient list of Ayurvedic medications carefully. In 2004, a NCCAM research study found 70 Ayurvedic medicines purchased in South Asia contained toxic ingredients. If you are pregnant, nursing or planning to use Ayurveda to treat children, consult your health care provider to ensure safety.
Tags: Ayurvedic medicine, health care, according University, according University Minnesota, alternative medicine
By wearing this gemstone of pink calcite around the neck, rhodochrosite has the ability to heal the heart and the head. Learn what healing properties the rhodochrosite possesses.
Effects
By changing the magnetic charges associated with negative emotions, the rhodochrosite calms negative emotional patterns.
Considerations
Without the negative charges, negative emotions cannot collect and build. Rhodochrosite cleans outs the emotional baggage of the mind and keeps it clean.
Potential
With less emotional garbage collected and nothing interfering with the development of healthy emotions, rhodochrosite has the potential to create a solid foundation for healthy emotional development.
Benefits
By healing the damage caused by negative emotional patterns, rhodochrosite benefits the user through positive emotional experiences and an increase in self-confidence.
Theories/Speculation
With this new emotional freedom, rhodochrosite has physical effects on the body as well, such as stable blood pressure, reduced heart rates, less intestinal disorders and fewer stress-related syndromes.
Time Frame
It takes a rhodochrosite wearer anywhere from two to six months before experiencing the healing properties associated with this precious gemstone.
Sage offers many wide-ranging health benefits. Its fresh leaves may strengthen gums and freshen or eliminate bad breath, while a strong infusion of the leaves---either fresh or dried---may be useful in various ways from healing external injuries to darkening the hair. Sage tea, when consumed, may offer relief from a sore throat, reduce excessive perspiration, soothe sore gums and even lower a fever. If you wish to try a natural remedy for one of these conditions, or if you just enjoy the flavor of sage, try making your own fresh sage tea at home.
Instructions
1. Put the sage leaves into one of the mugs.
2. Pour all of the hot (almost boiling) water into the mug containing the sage leaves.
3. Taste the tea after about 10 minutes. If it is not strong enough, wait five minutes and taste it again. It may take up to 30 minutes for the tea to reach its full strength, but you may stop the brewing process whenever the flavor suits you.
4. Pour the tea through the strainer into the other mug. Discard the used sage leaves.
5. Add sugar or honey and lemon juice to taste, if desired.
Tags: sage leaves, your fresh sage, fresh sage, fresh sage home, sage home, your fresh
Lyme disease, a tick-born infection that affects more than 27,000 people in the United States each year, can cause the disorder arthritis. Lyme disease occurs most often in people living in the northeastern and midwestern United States. Children and adolescents, especially boys between five and 19-years-old, have some of the highest rates of Lyme disease infection.
Knee Pain, Swelling and Stiffness
Arthritis is a later sign of infection with Lyme disease, which often occurs months and years after the child's initial deer tick bite. Lyme arthritis often causes pain and swelling in one joint of the body, frequently the knee, which lasts for days or weeks.
Fever
When a child with Lyme disease has an attack of arthritis, he may also develop a fever, in addition to joint pain symptoms.
Increased Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rates
Children who have Lyme arthritis may also have increased erythrocyte sedimentation rates. Erythrocyte sedimentation is a test that doctors use to measure inflammation in the body. An increased rate typically means the child has a condition that is causing the inflammation.
Recurrence
Children with Lyme arthritis can have recurring attacks of arthritis if they do not receive treatment. One to two people out of 10 with Lyme disease develop chronic arthritis.
Treatment
Symptoms of Lyme arthritis in children can be relieved with antibiotics and pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or naproxen. Children whose symptoms don't go away after treatment should visit a rheumatologist, a doctor who specializes in arthritis and rheumatic diseases.
Tags: Lyme disease, with Lyme, Lyme arthritis, with Lyme disease, arthritis also, United States
Nicotine is an addictive drug that can cause adverse physical symptoms when the body withdraws from it. You can chew Nicotine gum to help alleviate the physical effects that result from nicotine withdrawal, but there are side effects that can occur.
Function
Nicotine gum is used to deliver nicotine to the blood stream. As the gum is chewed, nicotine is excreted into the mouth and is absorbed by the buccal mucosa. It can act as both a stimulant and depressant to the peripheral nervous system and the central nervous system.
Common Side Effects
• Increased heart rate
• Headaches
• Belching
• Sore mouth or throat
• Increased appetite
• Peripheral vasoconstriction
Less Common Side Effects
• Lightheadedness
• Dizziness
• Coughing
• Indigestion
• Insomnia
• Constipation
• Sore mouth or throat
• Hiccups
• Irritability
• Damage to mouth or teeth from chewing
Warning
Before you start using nicotine gum consult with a physician. A cardiovascular baseline status needs to be established. Report any history of chewing problems, heart disease, heart attacks, chest pains or irregular heart rhythms. Notify you doctor immediately if you become pregnant.
Considerations
Use nicotine gum in conjunction with a behavior modification program for smoking cessation.
Tags: Common Side, Common Side Effects, effects that, mouth throat, nervous system
Fabric blankets make great additions to home decor.
A weighted blanket is a type of blanket that includes pellets or materials to make the blanket much heavier than a traditional blanket. These blankets are used to treat the symptoms of ailments such as depression, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, autism and mood disorders. It is believed that the blankets can offer a calming effect to the patient. Weighted blankets can be purchased from a variety of vendors, or they can be made from quilting a blanket and then filling it with polyester pellets (polypropylene) that weigh it down. If making the blanket yourself, consider various choices for fabric to increase its overall quality and effectiveness.
Fabric Weight
Vendors recommend that the fabric of weighted blankets be medium-weight and sturdy enough to hold the pellet beads that will be stored inside of the blanket. The fabric should be sturdy but not too thick so it is easy to sew. Many times, lightweight fabrics such as fleece, satin and polyester are combined with heavier-weight fabrics such as cotton.
Fabric Touch
The fabric touch or hand refers to how the fabric feels to the touch. The softer the fabric is, the better it will feel to the skin. Some blankets are wrapped around the patient and so must feel comfortable and not irritate the skin. For patients such as autistic children, who are particularly agitated and have an increased tactility toward their environment, the blankets must feel soft and nonthreatening. Vendors often recommend cotton, fleece and satin combinations as opposed to polyester, which does not have the softer feel.
Fabric Stretch
Cotton and fleece are fabrics that stretch and "breathe" to allow for air to flow between the blanket and the patient. Although polyester is also stretchy, it doesn't allow for air flow and will actually hold in more heat. Any fabric used for the blanket should be prewashed before using to prevent shrinking when washed again.
Fabric Combinations
When making your own weighted blanket, consider using different fabric combinations for the top and bottom. The blanket is essentially a traditional quilt sandwich with a top and bottom made of fabric, and the middle made of batting and pellets. Using cotton fabric as the top is a choice that gives many design options, as more designs are available for cotton fabric than any other type of fabric. Using fleece, satin or polyester for the bottom side (closest to the patient) is a good choice because it is softer to the touch and more comfortable for someone who is more tactile sensitive.
A stye is an inflammation of the ocular oil gland that results in a red and inflamed bump on your lower eyelid. While not life threatening, it can be somewhat painful and embarrassing. Most people think that a stye is the sort of ailment that just goes away with time, but with a little know how, you can help your eye heal quicker and get back to life, stye-free.
Instructions
1. Wash the area around the eye. With a warm, damp washcloth and a mild soap, clean the area around the eye gently. Be careful not to get any soap in the eye itself. Once done, rinse with warm water. Now, with a very clean cup and lukewarm water, rinse your eyeball. This will be messy, so do it in the bathroom, in the tub, if you can. Be sure to give it two or three rinses so your eye is clear of any mucous or small debris. Now that it's clean, you're ready to start treating the stye.
2. Draw out the infection with a tea bag. Take a normal tea bag and dampen it with lukewarm water. Place the bag on the affected eye (while closed, of course). Keep it in place by either holding it, or strapping it to your head with an eye patch. Wetting the tea bag activates the tannin in the tea. Tannin is a chemical that dries out anything it comes in contact with. The tannin in the tea bag will begin to draw out the infection in your eye. Leave the tea bag there for fifteen minutes. When you remove it, there may be some puss, so be sure to repeat step one, each time after you use the tea bag. Repeat the tea bag application two or three times a day, or as needed.
3. Treat the stye with medication. You can find plenty of over the counter ointments washes for the treatment of a stye. The ointment to by for a stye is polysporin. Between tea bag applications, apply the polysporin as directed. Bausch and Lomb makes a medicated wash that is very effective, as well.
4. Maintain regular warm, wet compresses on your eye. When not using the ointment or tea bag, it is a good idea to keep a constant warm, wet compress on your eye. What this does, is unblock the pore that became infected in the first place. Make sure the compress is hot enough to be effective, but not so hot that it will damage your eye, or the thin skin surrounding your eye.
5. Use preventative measures to keep the stye from returning. Once it is gone, it is relatively easy to keep a stye from returning. Throw out any eye make up that you've had for a long period of time. This was most likely the culprit. Also, if you tend to touch your eyes a lot, be more vigilant about washing your hands on a regular basis. General cleanliness of your hands and eyes will ensure that your stye will not return.
Tags: area around, from returning, keep stye, keep stye from, lukewarm water, stye from
Shingles, also known as Herpes zoster, is a disease of the skin. Both shingles and chicken pox are caused by the Varicella zoster virus, a herpes virus that is distinctly different from the genital herpes virus. Shingles is an inflammatory skin rash that breaks out in people who have previously suffered from chicken pox. Though this virus provides immunity to more chicken pox outbreaks, immune system compromise can cause the Varicella zoster virus to regain its virility. This is how shingles develops in a person. A natural treatment for shingles provides relief without debilitating side effects, and it promotes healing from within your body's immune system.
Considerations
Shingles is a very virulent and contagious skin disease. It causes chicken pox in people who have not had chicken pox, and this lingering infection can cause a shingles outbreak at a later time. It is not possible, however, to catch shingles directly as shingles, and the disease is only spreadable when the rash has fresh or moist blisters that have not yet healed.
Significance
Treating shingles with natural cures starts with the well-being of the whole body. Drink fresh fruit and vegetable juices, and eat a lot of fresh produce to naturally detoxify the body to give it rejuvenation and healing abilities. The increased quantities of nutrients and enzymes available in fresh produce have the medicinal properties that will help your body regain its natural internal balance that provides an unfavorable environment to foreign pathogens. It is also important to keep your mind and environment in a clean and happy state. Stay away from the sun and too much heat, and do not wear irritating fabrics.
Topical Applications
Calamine lotion is well-known for its cooling relief from itching, as well as its drying qualities. It contains zinc oxide and iron oxide. Alternative drying agents include moistened clay and cooked oatmeal. All of these choices soak up the moisture of the rash and promote its drying out.
Apple cider vinegar can be topically applied as a natural shingle treatment, as well. It can be applied every three to four hours to provide relief and promote the healing of the infected skin.
Besides applying oatmeal directly to the skin, you can take an oatmeal bath to provide soothing relief while reducing inflammation. Oatmeal has antihistamine properties, which will calm the inflammation caused by the shingles outbreak. After the bath, you can apply coconut oil, cocoa butter, vitamin E oil or fresh aloe vera. You should continue to apply the natural topical agent of your choice at every sign of the previous application wearing away.
Another topical recipe that provides a natural treatment for shingles is to combine fresh aloe vera pulp with cayenne pepper. Both have anti-viral, anti-infection properties, and they act in unison to both attack the infection, absorb its moisture, and dry out its location. Simply applying avocado mixed with golden seal powder and myrrh is another recipe for a topical natural treatment.
Take by Mouth
Increasing your fluid intake will increase your blood circulation. This will help your body send its natural defenses to fight off the shingles rash and rid your body of the infection. Increased fluid intake, combined with eating fresh foods, will further promote your body's self-healing abilities.
The types of fruits that are beneficial in the natural treatment of shingles are those that provide vitamins E, C and B12, provided that you are not allergic to them. These include fresh peaches, melons, strawberries, lemons, berries, avocado, mangoes, tomatoes and apricots. Other beneficial vitamins and supplements include vitamins A and D, L-lysine, calcium, magnesium, zinc, selenium and acidophilus.
Coconut oil, taken three times a day, also gives relief to shingles outbreaks. Drinking a small amount of sea salt and water gives your body an internal antiseptic wash. Eating fresh garlic also has beneficial antiseptic qualities as a natural treatment for shingles.
Herbs
Some of the common herbs used as a natural treatment for shingles include elderberry, Echinacea, propolis and golden seal. Herbs can be taken as teas, to also account for your fluid intake, or they may be available in syrup, powder, capsule or tablet form. Honey, which you can use to sweeten your tea, also has anti-infection and healing properties, and it can be applied topically, as well.
Prevention/Solution
Avoid eating certain foods to prevent further aggravation of your shingles rash. The arginine in nuts and seeds acts against the L-lysine you may be taking. Chocolate, though delicious, is highly irritating to shingles outbreaks. Too much sunlight and heat will slow down the healing, as well.
Observe sanitary habits to avoid spreading your rash during its most virulent stages, both on your own body and to others. Use the drying agents, such as calamine lotion or oatmeal, to prevent the rash from oozing and spreading beyond its site.
Warning
Discuss with your doctor or a natural health care provider the choices that you decide to use as a natural treatment for shingles. The experts will be able to assess your current health condition, as well as what works well for your body's needs. With a knowledgeable approach, consistency and patience, you will soon have relief using your chosen natural treatment for shingles.
Tags: your body, natural treatment, treatment shingles, natural treatment shingles, fluid intake, aloe vera
Anal fissures are tears in the rectal area. They make the elimination of waste difficult, they hurt and are embarrassing to discuss, but ignoring them won't make them go away. You need immediate relief, followed by long-term healing and you'll want to prevent recurrence. Start with some simple ointments to ease the discomfort and keep the problem from worsening while you begin to make diet and lifestyle changes.
Instructions
1. Comfort yourself with vitamins A&D ointment, which can be found over the counter in any drug store, often in the baby care section. This ointment, aside from soothing and lubricating the area, also promotes healing and keeps skin healthy. Instead of toilet paper, try wiping with facial tissue that contains aloe; it's softer on your sore spots.
2. See your doctor, who may initially prescribe topical anesthetic sprays to relax the skin and allow you to eliminate more comfortably.
3. Get your prescriptions filled. Your doctor may order an ointment containing a small dose of nitroglycerine, which increases blood flow and relaxes muscles in the anal area, easing your pain and promoting healing. Otherwise, your doctor may prescribe calcium channel blocking ointment, which contains drugs that work similarly to the nitroglycerin, but may produce fewer and less severe side effects.
4. Change your diet. Increase fiber with foods such as oatmeal, fruits and vegetables, and drink at least 48 ounces of water or clear fluids daily.
Tags: Comforting Fissures, Find Ointments, Find Ointments Comforting, ointment which, Ointments Comforting, Ointments Comforting Fissures, your doctor
Turmeric is a spice related to ginger that's used in curry dishes. It contains an ingredient called curcumin, which is responsible for giving foods a golden hue. A tincture of turmeric combines the spice with an alcohol base, such as ethanol, for topical applications, or vinegar, for oral consumption. Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine have long used turmeric tinctures for their wide range of health benefits.
Heart
Turmeric has qualities that boost cardiovascular health. The National Institute of Health notes that early studies show that turmeric can lower the levels of low-density lipoprotein, better known as bad cholesterol, as well as total cholesterol, in the blood. High cholesterol is often a contributing factor in cardiac disease. Turmeric has also been found to lower levels of fibrinogen, a protein that has been linked to a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Bones
A study conducted at the University of Arizona in 2006 by Janet L. Funk, M.D., and Barbara N. Timmermann suggests that a turmeric tincture may also be effective in treating osteoporosis. In the study, turmeric was shown to block bone reabsorption, which is the main cause of osteoporosis.
Inflammation
Turmeric has long been used to treat inflammation, and the University of Arizona study proves the spice's effectiveness in the prevention and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, an inflammatory disorder. In the animals tested, the use of turmeric completely inhibited the onset of rheumatoid arthritis. The spice worked by inhibiting the production of proteins responsible for inflammation. The study also suggests possible applications of turmeric to treat other inflammatory disorders.
Anti-Cancer Agent
Tests conducted at the University of Texas found that turmeric may prevent and block the growth of some types of cancer cells, including melanoma, breast and colon cancer. In addition, the NIH notes that several earlier studies have demonstrated that turmeric can block the growth of certain tumors. Advocates of turmeric as an anti-cancer agent also note that countries where higher amounts of turmeric is consumed report reduced rates of colon cancer.
Antioxidant
Turmeric's antioxidant powers are so strong that the spice preserves the shelf life of foods to which it's added. Antioxidants boost immune function by preventing cell tissue damage and have been proven to play an important role in protecting the brain, kidneys and liver from damage.
Antiseptic
The spice has long been used topically to treat skin injuries such as cuts and burns. The volatile oils in turmeric have anti-bacterial properties.
Tags: that turmeric, been used, Benefits Turmeric, Benefits Turmeric Tincture, block growth
Bypass surgery requires a lengthy recovery period. During that time, your loved one will need help and TLC. Providing care requires a basic understanding of what he or she needs after major surgery.
Instructions
1. Visit the patient as much as you can unless she or her doctor advise you not to.
2. Help her with meals. The nurses will set the patient's tray up and get her started. Don't hover or fuss, but give her a hand if she needs it.
3. Help her walk. It's comforting for a patient to have a loving arm to lean against when she's strolling up and down the hall, gaining strength in her legs.
4. Encourage her to walk, cough and breathe deeply, and avoid stress, but be relaxed about it.
5. Avoid having lots of people in to visit unless the patient asks for them. Remember she's still in the midst of a major recovery. Limit visitors to only the most immediate family members. Leave the children at home if possible.
6. Encourage the patient to follow the instructions of her doctors and nurses. Let the patient complain, but don't take her side and tell her it's OK to skip her post-op activities when she feels like it.
7. Ask the doctors and nurses questions when there's something you don't understand. Have faith in the medical staff.
Tags: After Bypass, After Bypass Surgery, Bypass Surgery Hospital, doctors nurses, Help Someone
Hepatitis B is a communicable viral disease which causes inflammation of the liver. The chief concern for this illness is in detection. It can go without symptoms for years and lead to extensive liver damage before a victim realizes it.
Causes
Hepatitis B is a virus that is transmitted through the blood stream. Anyone with open sores or wounds that become exposed to the bodily fluids of another run the risk of becoming infected. Hepatitis B cannot be transmitted through normal contact like shaking hands or hugging.
Symptoms
It has been estimated that approximately half of all hepatitis victims experience no symptoms at all. For those that do, hepatitis B signs can often mimic the symptoms of the flu such as nausea, headaches, fatigue and abdominal pain.
Treatment
Acute hepatitis B will normally filter its way out of the patients system in much the same was as any other normal virus. There is no cure for chronic hepatitis and carriers should see their physician on a regular basis for treatment of symptoms.
Prevention
Prevention of hepatitis B can accomplished by means of vaccination. It is highly recommended for anyone under the age of 18. Other preventive measures include practicing safe sex, avoiding drug use involving needles, and not using someone else's personal hygiene items such as razors or toothbrushes.
Statistics
More than 5,000 people die each year in the United States from the problems associated with hepatitis B. Health care workers are extremely vulnerable to this disease.
Smoking affects your whole body in a negative way. No cell is unaffected by the toxins that you put in your body when you smoke. Manufacturers of cigarettes have to put warnings on the labels informing smokers of the dangerous effect they have on your health. Because of the addictive qualities of tobacco, it's hard to quit once you've started, but knowing the benefits of stopping smoking can help you succeed.
Longer Life
About 90 percent of lung cancer cases are caused by smoking. When you quit, your chance of death decreases by up to 50 percent in 5 years. You cut the risk of coronary heart disease, reduce stroke risk, and are less likely to have mouth, throat and esophagus cancer.
Look Better
Most people are concerned about looking young. Few things make you look as old as dry, wrinkled skin and stained, yellow teeth. Smoking narrows blood vessels in your skin's outer layers so it doesn't get enough oxygen and nutrients. Smoking also damages collagen and elasticity that gives skin its strength and flexibility. If you stop smoking, blood vessels widen so your skin receives the nutrients it needs. You will develop fewer wrinkles, especially around the mouth and eyes. Tobacco stains can be removed, and discolored teeth can be cleaned and whitened to help restore a young looking smile. If you quit smoking, your teeth will remain white for a long time.
Feel Better
Your blood pressure and pulse rate drop. It's easier to breathe as your oxygen level rises and carbon monoxide levels fall. Your circulation improves, helping to warm your cold hands and feet. It's easier to walk, your energy level increases, and you're less likely to cough and be congested. You won't be as tired, and you'll be able to taste and smell again.
Mental Benefits
Stopping smoking can Improve mental sharpness. Your ability to be strong enough to quit can lift depression, give you confidence, and give you more time to pursue interests.
Savings
By stopping smoking, you can save your central vision. You can save a lot of money, especially with the price of tobacco and the taxes you pay on it increasing regularly. You'll save money on medication you take for smoking related illnesses such as infections, sore throat, diabetes, gum disease, ulcers, asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema. You can save your own life and the lives of those around you. Second hand smoke kills around 40,000 people a year, according to the American Heart Association.
Tags: Benefits Stopping, blood vessels, less likely, save money, save your, stopping smoking, your skin
Assessment is the first step in the nursing process. A nurse uses every tool available to gather the information required to write a patient's diagnoses and care plan.
Charts
A patient's chart provides information about his health status. It includes details about the current medical condition, treatment plan, related past medical history and other important data required to create a care plan.
Vital Signs
Regular monitoring of a patient's heart rate, blood pressure, temperature and respiratory rate allows the nurse to help prevent life-threatening complications and evaluate a patient's overall condition. Abnormalities can indicate a variety of problems ranging from anxiety to heart failure.
Patient Interview
One of the most important assessment tools in nursing is the patient herself. A nurse performs an initial detailed interview to get a full picture of the patient's physical and mental status. A nurse also does shorter interviews throughout the day by asking the patient how she is feeling and other questions about her well-being.
Observation
Nurses use every interaction with patients as a way to gather information by observing patients' responses to stimuli. This helps a nurse recognize pain, emotional disturbances and reaction to treatment. It is an especially important tool for patients who are unable to communicate.
Other Health Care Professionals
Communicating with other health care professionals involved in a patient's care is vital to assessment, especially when a patient is transferred from another location. In a hospital setting, a patient may be seen by a doctor, nurse, respiratory therapist, physical therapist or other specialists. Gathering information from all these sources helps the nurse create a well-rounded care plan.
There are potentially thousands of grants available yearly to fund programs and resources needed by children who are learning disabled. Most grants are available to organizations that provide these services, but a few are given directly to families. Finding and applying for grants takes time and careful attention to detail but can pay off and help to better the care of learning disabled children.
Finding Grants
The Internet is the easiest and fastest way to do a comprehensive search for these types of grants. Start by making your search general by inputting broad search terms such as "grant learning disabled children" or "grant learning disabled kids." After reviewing the search results you can then try looking for grants more specific to your needs. If you are a family looking for private grants for a specific treatment, for example, try "grant autistic children" or "grant speech therapy children." If you are part of an organization seeking funding grants, make your search specific to what you need the grant money for.
Reviewing the Grant
Take the time to very carefully review the grant. This means reading all of the information the organization provides about the grant, even the fine print. Grants are often very specific as to who may receive them and for what purpose. Determine if the grant is appropriate for you or your organization by finding out exactly what the terms of the grant are and if you can meet those terms when applying and using the grant money. Only apply to grants for which this is possible. Applying to grants whose qualifications you don't meet will only waste time. If after reading all the information you're unsure whether to apply, call the organization for clarification.
Application
When filling out the grant application, set aside enough time to do a good job--this should not be a rushed process. Many grant applications are very detailed, and leaving out any detail may get your application rejected. Most applications will require a packet of information to be sent with the application. If you are part of an organization serving learning disabled children you may need to send in your non-profit paperwork, budget for the use of the grant money, and supporting documents from professionals in the field stating that the therapy or other project is necessary for the learning disabled children your organization serves. If you are seeking a private grant to fund care or treatment of a learning disabled family member, you will likely have to include the child's medical records and prove the necessity of the treatment you are seeking. Before sending in the application, review and proofread it carefully.
Tags: learning disabled, disabled children, learning disabled children, grant money, children grant, grant learning, grant learning disabled
There are many causes, yet few definitive reasons, for numbness in the fingers. Fingers, like feet and arms, often fall asleep from lack of circulation and create an abnormal sensation described as tingling. The lack of blood supply to the numb finger can be created from a movement as simple as putting pressure on the area to a more serious medical condition such as diabetes.
Time
Remaining in the same position for long periods of time reduces the flow of blood and can cause numbness.
Injury
Injury to related nerve pathways in the neck or arm can block blood flow to the fingers. A herniated disk in the spine also may create subsequent problems in the fingers.
Nutrition
A lack of vitamin B12 can cause various problems, including blood flow, reports the National Institutes of Health. Deficiencies or abnormal levels of salt, calcium and potassium can cause finger numbness.
Plaque
Arteriolosclerosis, or plaque buildup in the arteries slows the flow of blood. Numbness associated with plaque typically is felt while moving.
Stroke
Numbness in the fingers may indicate the beginnings of a stroke or seizure.
Disease
Finger numbness is a common symptom of diseases such as Raynaud's phenomenon, multiple sclerosis and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Ticks have a lifespan of approximately two years, so it is not uncommon to find dead ones if you have a pet and/or live in a wooded area where ticks are common. Pets are a prime candidate to carry ticks, so it is important to give them an anti-tick medication to prevent them from contracting Lyme disease from a tick. Ticks can range in size, but are often only a few millimeters in size. Their small stature can make them difficult to spot at times.
Keep in mind that even if the ticks are dead, they can still be dangerous to you or your pet's health. When a tick dies, it typically becomes detached from its host. However, they can stay attached even when dead, still exposing the host to the possibility of Lyme disease or other blood-borne illnesses.
Instructions
1. Look up what the different types of ticks are and which ones are common in your area. There are approximately 18 different types of ticks, and they all vary based on region. Learn which ones are the most prominent in your region and what they generally look like.
2. Check common areas in your home where you, your children or pets come in and out of the house for dead and living ticks. Scan the rugs, floors and any carpets with a magnifying glass so they can be spotted. These are the locations that ticks will most likely be spotted.
Ticks cannot fly or jump, so they must attach themselves to carriers--generally animals such as cats, dogs or humans. When they attach themselves to carriers, they "feed" off of them for about a week. When "feeding," they suck blood off the host, and oftentimes the host animal does not know they are there.
3. Visually check shoes, clothing and jackets that are worn outside regularly. Ticks can easily attach themselves to these items and be brought indoors. Dead ticks may be located in cuffs, gaps in shoes and/or in pockets. If they cannot find a food source and get stuck in these areas, they can and will die.
4. Visually check your animals for ticks, and check yourself and children as well. Shake your hair and the hair of pets to get dead and loose ticks off.
With pets and human hair, try using a magnifying glass to be sure the ticks can be spotted in case they get stuck. If your pet has a tick collar or receives anti-tick medication, ticks still can attach themselves. Once they attach however, they are killed by the medicine. In most cases, when they die they fall off; however, they can stay attached even after death.
5. Rub down the exterior of the skin of yourself and your children, as well as your pets to feel for ticks. Locate ticks, dead or alive, still attached to a host.
Using tweezers carefully remove the ones still attached by grabbing the head as close to the skin as possible and pulling straight out. Do not twist or turn the tweezers when pulling because the tick can break and become even more stuck in the process. After removing the tick(s), wipe the area down with a a cotton ball swabbed with rubbing alcohol to disinfect the area.
Tags: attach themselves, anti-tick medication, attached even, children well, different types, different types ticks, however they
Woman with an hourglass shape are a small percent of the population.
Losing and gaining weight can be more difficult depending on a woman's body type. Diet and exercise can influence weight loss, but for some women, body type may play a bigger role. There are three main body types, although not all women fit perfectly in any single category. It's common for a woman to have characteristics that fall into one, two or all three categories of body types.
Ectomorph
Examples of an ectomorphic body type can be seen in supermodel Kate Moss or the actress Gwyneth Paltrow. This is the "model type" body: lean, long and lanky with a small bone structure. The ectomorphic body will have narrow hips and a small waist. While envied for their thin bodies, women with ectomorphic body types often struggle to gain weight and muscle.
Mesomorph
A woman who easily gains weight near her hips and thighs can fall into the mesomorph category. These women will have a more athletic-looking frame with broad shoulders, narrow waists and broad hips---a body type otherwise known as the hourglass figure. The actress Halle Berry is one example. Mesomorphs tend to gain both muscle and fat easier than ectomorphs.
Endomorph
Women with endomorphic body types tend to be overweight and are predisposed to gain weight, often in the stomach area. Women with endomorphic body types, such as Roseanne Barr, will generally have ample breasts, shorter legs, a high waist and rounder physique. While muscle gain is easier for the endomorph body type, these muscles can be underdeveloped.
Mixed
It is common for a woman to have body characteristics that fall into each category. While some may have characteristics limited to one body type, this is rare and oftentimes body types will be mixed. Ecto-mesomorphs and endo-mesomorphs mainly have mesomorphic traits but share similar characteristics with the other two types such as a tendency to gain fat easily (endomorph) or trim waists (ectomorph).
Tags: body type, body types, ectomorphic body, fall into, Women with endomorphic, characteristics that
It has been estimated that sudden cardiac arrest claims the lives of about 200,000 Americans each year. Some 50,000 of these deaths could be prevented with the use of an automated external defibrillator. This is an easy-to-use device available in many public places. Read on to learn use an automated external defibrillator.
Instructions
1. Know that automated external defibrillators are now part of the first-aid equipment in many public places such as shopping malls, restaurants, airports and churches. Because it is simple to use and even has a computerized voice that talks you through the steps to use in a cardiac emergency, most anyone can use one. Most cardiac arrests are caused by ventricular fibrillation, where the electrical impulses in the heart suddenly become erratic and cause the heat to stop pumping blood in the way it should. A person suffering from this condition usually loses consciousness without warning. Normal heart rhythm must be restored quickly or death can occur within minutes.
2. Look for the green "On" button when you start to use an automated external defibrillator. Simply press the button and the computerized machine starts to instruct you in what to do next.
3. Grab the two large pads that you see when you open the case of the automated external defibrillator. Look at the picture of the human body. You'll see two circles that show you exactly where to place the two pads onto the patient's body. An EKG tracing will start automatically to monitor the electricity in the heart of the patient.
4. Listen to the automated computer voice. The voice will give you exact, step-by-step directions of what to do next. If there is no activity in the EKG, the voice will instruct you to push a button for defibrillation. The voice instructs you to clear away from the patient as a shock is delivered. Then, the machine will reanalyze the heart rhythm to see if it has returned to normal. If not, the voice will instruct you again in the process of sending another electrical shock to the heart muscle.
Traumatic brain injury occurs when a person receives a blow to the head or a jolt that disrupts brain function. Brain injuries ranges from mild, brief mental changes to severe, long-term brain damage. The Brain Injury Association of America website says 1.4 million people in the United States suffer from TBI, and 50,000 of those people die. The primary causes of brain injuries include falls, automobile accidents, strokes and assaults and affect cognitive and motor skills in many patients. Therapy for a brain injury helps sufferers regain independence.
Get Acute Rehab
Get acute rehabilitation therapy when a brain injury stabilizes. According to the BIAA, acute rehabilitation includes a team of health professionals who help a patient with brain injuries regain skills such as dressing themselves, eating, going to the bathroom, walking and speaking. A physiatrist leads the acute rehab team and develops a customized therapy program.
Physical therapists help patients regain mobility and balance. Occupational therapists help brain injury sufferers overcome physical and emotional challenges. They improve skills such as swallowing, bathing and grooming, motor skills, driving and cognition. Speech and language pathologists help patients with writing and speaking skills. Case managers or social workers check on patients to make sure they are getting cost-effective, efficient treatment. These are the basic members of the acute rehabilitation who help brain injury sufferers regain independence.
Receive Sub-acute Rehabilitation
Sub-acute rehabilitation is less aggressive than acute rehab for brain injuries, but it occurs for a long time. This therapy program is for brain injury sufferers who've made improvements after acute rehab but progress is still slow and they need further therapy. This therapy can take place at a nursing home or some other rehabilitation facility. Day rehab facilities provide structured therapy and rehabilitation during the day, and the brain injury sufferer returns home afterward.
Obtain Outpatient Therapy
Get outpatient therapy for brain injury once acute and sub-acute rehab has been completed. Outpatient therapy works for patients who are able to live independent lives but need to fine tune certain skills. This therapy focuses on one area that has not responded readily to treatment. A person who has regained motor skills may still require speech therapy, or it could be the other way around. Outpatients get therapy a few times a week to work on these skills. Some patient with brain injuries can have therapy at home.
Children have two sets of teeth. Their baby teeth -- or milk teeth -- erupt between six months and two years of age. There are 20 baby teeth in total. As the milk teeth fall out, they are replaced by a set of permanent teeth. This process usually begins happening at age 6 and continues to age 14. Wisdom teeth generally erupt between ages 17 and 25. It is important that parents care for their children's teeth and teach them brush both baby and adult teeth.
Instructions
1. Remember the 7+4 rule. By 7 months, a baby should have experienced his first tooth eruption. Four months later, at age 11 months, he should have four teeth. Every four months after that, he gets four new teeth. So, at age 15 months, babies have 12 teeth, at 19 months they have 16 teeth and finally, at 22 months they have their full set of 20 primary teeth.
2. Visualize the order of arrival. Unlike eating utensils which start on the outside, teeth arrive from the center of the mouth and move outwards. Teeth are like steps moving from down to up; the bottom teeth arrive first and then the top. This process repeats until all 20 teeth have arrived.
3. Print and post a chart showing the order and timing of teeth eruptions (see Resources). Note your baby's progress on the chart to see how she compares.
4. All children should practice good dental hygiene.
Pay attention to abonormalities and decay. Milk teeth still need good dental care. No two children's teeth will arrive at exactly the same time but if your child has no teeth by 12 months, talk to your dentist or doctor.
Tags: teeth arrive, teeth months, baby teeth, children teeth, erupt between, four teeth, good dental
Transformed migraines cause great discomfort to those who experience them. These throbbing headaches occur on a daily basis and combine a migraine with a tension headache. Some patients choose over-the-counter medications to treat the pain, but this could have negative side effects and often don't provide necessary relief. Others find that natural remedies offer pain relief more effectively. One of these remedies is chiropractic care. This holistic approach relieves tension that causes pain in patients through spinal manipulation, massage and periodic adjustment of soft tissue and joints.
Find a Chiropractor
A patient looking for a good chiropractor to help relieve transformed migraines should ask others, including a personal physician, for their opinions. Since chiropractic care is an approach to pain relief rather than a cure, it's important to find a chiropractor who relates well to patients. Look for one who listens to patients and discusses and explains treatment options. Some chiropractors believe in taking x-rays to ascertain bone alignment. Find a chiropractor who is willing to work in your comfort zone.
Working With Your Chiropractor
It's important to treat transformed migraines through a team approach. Consult with your personal physician about chiropractic treatments and follow up with this physician after treatments. According to Dr. Greg C Molis, chiropractic treatment shouldn't be used on its own since this might leave out other issues that need treatment. A patient should also keep a journal before going to the chiropractor. This journal should document headache occurrences, food eaten and environmental factors surrounding the onset of headaches. Continue journaling after getting chiropractic treatment so the chiropractor and personal physician can analyze which treatments are most effective.
What to Expect From Chiropractors
When a chiropractor works to alleviate transformed migraine pain, they adjust the body to remove tension. A common treatment is upper cervical adjustment. In this procedure the chiropractor corrects the alignment of the top spine vertebrae. The patient generally feels a light tap, a soft massage or a brisk thrust at the top of their neck. In studies such as the one Dr. Peter Tuchin completed for his doctoral thesis at Macquarie University, patients showed migraine relief after two months of chiropractic treatment.
Chiropractic Care and Strokes
Some patients avoid chiropractors because they are concerned that spine manipulation might cause a stroke. However, chiropractic treatment for transformed migraines might actually prevent strokes. According to research (see resource one), patients with migraine headaches are 2.3 times more likely to suffer an ischemic stroke. Chiropractic care opens blood flow to the brain and decreases severity and incidences of transformed migraines, which might lead to a decrease in ischemic stroke incidences.
Tags: chiropractic treatment, personal physician, ischemic stroke, pain relief, Some patients, transformed migraines
Peripheral vascular disease, or poor circulation, is caused by a number of disorders. Poor circulation means that blood flow is compromised in various parts of the body, such as the arms or legs. If you suffer from poor circulation, have tests done to determine the cause and start the cycle of treatment immediately.
Symptoms
Problems with circulation can lead to changes in body temperature, such as feeling cold, and changes in skin color. If you have poor circulation, it can also lead to blueness in the face and extremities. Many sufferers with circulatory problems have difficulty healing from injuries. Pain can occur and you might feel incredible pressure, or even swelling, in the area of the blockage.
Ankle Brachial Index
A diagnosis of poor circulation can be made by administering an ankle brachial index test. This test consists of a cuff being placed around the ankle instead of the upper arm. If there is a gross variation in the blood pressure between the ankle and the arm, it may be determined that poor circulation is to blame.
Blood Tests
Blood tests and glucose tests are administered to determine if cholesterol levels or diabetes are sources of poor circulation. Diabetes can cause symptoms similar to poor circulation and the two health problems are often intertwined.
Ultrasound
An ultrasound may be ordered to produce an image of blood flow in your body. It can help determine the source of poor circulation. Ultrasounds measure the speed of blood flow in different parts of the body. Sound waves produce images of the body that can be studied by a technician and your physician.
Arteriography
Arteriography is a test in which a physician injects dye into the artery to determine the location and extent of the blockage. An arteriography is often used to examine the arms, hands and legs, if a doctor thinks that circulatory problems necessitate surgery. A numbing medication is applied before the needle is inserted, while X-rays are taken to determine if structures are normal.
Imaging
An MRI or CT scan may be used to provide images of a part or the entire body to test for peripheral artery disease. These tools eliminate other health problems or determine if a blockage or narrowing of blood vessels is present. They also look at other parts of the body, such as the brain, abdomen, heart, and other organs, to determine if an aneurysm is present.
Treatment
Patients with poor circulation can reduce symptoms by making changes in lifestyle patterns, such as following an exercise regime under clinical advice. If you participate in mild exercise, pain problems and circulation can improve.
If you smoke, it is important to stop as it can cause arteries to tighten and decrease blood flow. Smoking also hinders the body's ability to process oxygen and causes blood clots.
Medication may be necessary to control poor circulation. Apsirin or Plavix might be prescribed to prevent blood clots. Cilostazol can help dilate arteries in some cases, if surgery is not an option. Pain relievers can reduce symptoms and some medications can treat problems, like high cholesterol, to reduce the problems caused by poor circulation.
If exercise and medication do not reduce the pain, surgery helps to reduce the pain by removing blockages or putting a stent inside.