Hemophilia is a blood disorder. The blood does not clot normally causing easy bleeding. Clotting factors present in normal blood are either missing or in low levels. Hemophilia usually is inherited and afflicts males. It is extremely rare for a female to be born with hemophilia.
Causes
A defective gene that attaches to the male X chromosome causes hemophilia. The mother carries the defective chromosome and passes the trait in her egg.
Symptoms
Excessive external or internal bleeding is a symptom of hemophilia. Internal bleeding of the joints, causing red, hot swollen joints occurs in hemophiliacs. Bleeding in the brain causes symptoms ranging from headaches to convulsions.
Diagnosis
Someone who is experiencing heavy bleeding will undergo a physical exam. The physician will test the blood to determine how much clotting factor is present.
Treatment
According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, treatment depends on the severity of the hemophilia. Mild hemophilia may only require treatment to stop bleeding after an injury. Moderate to severe hemophilia may require use of man-made or human clotting factors or drugs that the patient can receive through an intravenous drip.
Care Centers
The federal government funds 100 hemophiliac care centers throughout the United States. The centers provide treatment, support and education for hemophiliacs.
Jellyfish stings can be one of the most incredibly painful stings anyone will ever feel. The degree of discomfort depends upon the particular species of jellyfish.
Significance
The sting from a jellyfish can range from being little more than a nuisance to causing death. Although scientists estimate that there may be in excess of 1,000 different species, only 350 species of jellyfish have been identified. The good news is that just 10 percent of the known species actually sting.
Features
The symptoms of a jellyfish sting include the obvious pain that can feel like the sting of several wasps at once. Following the initial pain, there may be such symptoms as itching, the development of a rash and large welts. Depending on the species of jellyfish and the intensity of the sting, symptoms that may develop later can include nausea and vomiting, cramps, numbness, muscle spasms and even diarrhea. If the sting is severe enough, coma may result. The most venomous species can actually bypass most of these symptoms and cause death in just a matter of minutes.
Warning
The severity of a jellyfish sting can be defined by the symptoms. If any of the following symptoms are experienced the victim should immediately contact a physician or be taken to the emergency room. Severe symptoms include having difficulty breathing, chest pain, and a pain that increases rather than lessens. If the victim is very young, elderly, or in generally poor health, consider getting them to a doctor. A physician should probably also be consulted if the sting itself took place on the face.
Prevention/Solution
Preventing a jellyfish sting beats treating it after the fact, so begin by avoiding areas of the water where jellyfish are numerous. If you absolutely must swim in areas infested by jellyfish, find out what species they are and how severe a potential sting might be. When swimming in areas with a high jellyfish population wear as much protective gear as possible, including a wet suit, mask, gloves and flippers. Another valuable piece of advice is to resist touching jellyfish, even dead ones. A dead jellyfish still retains the capacity to sting.
Prevention/Solution
The treatment of jellyfish stings today can come in a prepackaged medical gel. The same principle can be applied using a tried and tested approach that involves rinsing the affected part of the body in vinegar; this has the effect of halting the release of toxins into the body from most species of jellyfish. Rinsing directly in the salt water can also help relieve the pain, but do not apply fresh water to a jellyfish sting as this will facilitate the release of toxins.
Prevention/Solution
If possible try not to touch jellyfish tentacles when attempting to remove it. Ideally, you should wear gloves or use tweezers to remove a jellyfish tentacle, although obviously this is not always practical. If the sting occurs inside the mouth, create a solution of one part vinegar mixed with three parts water and gargle. Do not swallow this mixture, but rather gargle and spit.
Prevention/Solution
The most ideal treatment for jellyfish stings without the use of medicine is to create a paste using baking soda and salt water. Mix it until it gets thick and sticky, and apply it to the area of the skin which the jellyfish stung. Allow the paste to harden and then slowly peel it back. While there may be some discomfort from the peeling ripping out some of your hair, the ultimate effect is that it also peels away the damaged skin cells.
Tags: jellyfish sting, Prevention Solution, species jellyfish, Jellyfish Stings, pain that
An overabundance of ear wax can be uncomfortable, itchy and even make it difficult to hear. When gentle cleaning with a cotton swab doesn't resolve the problem, it's time to try something else. There are a number of commercial remedies available for removing ear wax, but if you want to try something a little more natural, a warm vinegar solution is a mild and relatively easy home remedy.
Instructions
1. Soften the offending ear wax before attempting to remove it. Hard ear wax won't flush easily from your ear canal and you run the risk of impacting it further against your eardrum. Warm 10 to 15 ml of olive or mineral oil to room temperature and fill an eyedropper with the oil. Tilt your head to one side, place a few drops in one ear and stay in that position for 10 minutes. Repeat this with the other ear.
2. Mix a 1:1 solution of Apple cider vinegar and warm water. Apple cider vinegar is less acidic than white vinegar. It also has anti-bacterial and anti-fuingal effects, which can help with any irritation caused by flushing out excess ear wax.
3. Warm the solution to just above body temperature (about 100 degrees F) and fill a bulb syringe with it.
4. Ask a friend or family member for assistance with the next few steps. If you do not have someone assisting you, you may not be able to hold your ear canal open while you flush with the warm vinegar solution. It will still work, but the ear wax removal may not be as thorough.
5. Tilt your head over a sink or a basin. Grasp the earlobe of the upward-facing ear and gently pull it upward and toward the corresponding shoulder. This will straighten the ear canal
6. Point the nozzle of the bulb syringe slightly upward in the very outer edge of your ear canal. You are attempting to have the warm vinegar solution hit the roof of your ear canal first.
7. Squeeze the bulb, steadily but not forcefully, so that the solution is flowing at a steady rate but not fast enough to hurt your eardrum. Repeat until you see ear wax draining into the basin with the warm vinegar solution. It may take 5 or 6 flushes before the ear wax is completely removed.
Tags: warm vinegar, your canal, warm vinegar solution, Apple cider, Apple cider vinegar, bulb syringe, cider vinegar
Hormone therapy and radiation therapy are two of the most commonly used treatments for prostate cancer. Radiation therapy is an option when the cancer is still contained within the prostate area, while hormone therapy is a recommended treatment for advanced prostate cancer. The cancer is considered advanced when it has spread beyond the prostate to other parts of the body.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy---also called external beam radiation therapy---uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells. According to the Mayo Clinic, this method of treatment has been used for decades and produces good long-term results.
Hormone Therapy
Prostate cancer must have male hormones---such as testosterone---in order to grow. Hormone therapy reduces the body's production of these hormones and slows the growth of the cancer.
Types of Hormone Therapy
There are two ways to reduce the body's production of male hormones: surgical removal of the testicles that produce the hormones, and taking drugs specifically designed for that purpose.
Estrogen Therapy
The female hormone estrogen also reduces the body's production of male hormones. Estrogen therapy was once considered the standard treatment for prostate cancer but is rarely used today.
Combined Hormonal Approach
Some men use a combination of hormone therapy and radiation to treat advanced prostate cancer.
Tags: body production, advanced prostate, advanced prostate cancer, body production male, Hormone therapy, male hormones, production male
Fibromyalgia, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome, or CFS, is a disorder that has baffled the medical community. There is no standard treatment or cure, but certain therapies have been effective for some people in relieving symptoms.
Instructions
1. Exercise. It may be the last thing you feel like doing, but it has been shown to help symptoms. Exercises well suited to those with fibromyalgia are cycling or stationary cycling, walking, and swimming.
2. Work out three to four times a week, for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
3. Try acupuncture. Electro-acupuncture in particular has helped many with pain relief.
4. Visit a chiropractor. There is a great deal of anecdotal literature that claims it can help with symptom relief. The types of chiropractic medicine that focus on muscles will probably be the most helpful.
5. Try herbal medicine. A number of herbs and herb combinations may be able to offer symptom relief. For example, echinacea, astragalus and ginseng all help to strengthen the immune system. Find a naturopath who can help you with herbal therapy.
6. Look into homeopathy. One remedy said to help is Rhus Tox 6C. Work with a doctor who practices homeopathy, or a naturopath.
7. Look into hydrotherapy. Some clinical trials have found it to work better than physical therapy in reducing pain and fatigue, and in making patients feel generally better.
8. Limit your consumption of foods from the nightshade family. These include eggplant, green peppers, white potatoes and tomatoes. They contain a substance called solanine, which can interfere with muscle enzymes and cause pain.
9. Consider taking acidophilus according to package directions. Many people with fibromyalgia have yeast overgrowth, and the acidophilus helps to restore normal flora in the intestines. Use a nondairy formula.
10. Use a combination supplement of malic acid and magnesium. Take according to package instructions. One study showed that it helped to significantly reduce pain levels, but it may take several weeks for the effects to be noticed.
11. Have your magnesium levels checked. Many people with fibromyalgia tend to be deficient in this important mineral.
12. Use grape seed extract. It's a powerful antioxidant that helps the immune system and helps protect muscles from damage caused by free radicals.
13. Ask your doctor about low-dose antidepressants. They have been shown to work for some, but they also may have side effects.
Tags: with fibromyalgia, according package, been shown, have been, help with
Patchouli oil offers a number of remarkable benefits. It is used in aromatherapy, massage, perfume and alternative medicine, and is most prized as a mood lifter. As with most aromatherapy, negative side effects are typically limited and mild. However, individuals with sensitive skin or a history of hypersensitivity to aromatherapy should be cautious in their use of Patchouli oil. It can be an extreme relaxant and cause drowsiness, and should therefore not be used when alertness is required.
About Patchouli Oil
Patchouli oil is a peculiarly scented essential oil derived from a bush native to Southeast Asia, particularly India. It peaked in popularity as an incense and a perfume during the sixties and seventies in the United States, but was being used as a moth repellent on Indian fabrics shipped around the world as early as the 1800s. For many, the scent of Patchouli holds a sort of unspoken mystical quality evocative of the mysteries and riches of the Orient. Some find the scent too unusual or pungent.
Medicinal Benefits
Abdominal pain, as well as vomiting, diarrhea and appetite loss, can be eased by Patchouli oil. It can lessen water retention associated with menstruation. Patchouli can be used as a deodorant, antiseptic and healing ointment for dry skin. Some women claim that it has eased cellulite and many have found it to be an effective antidepressant.
Aromatherapy Benefits
Patchouli oil ages well and is easily blended with other oils, making it an oft-used base for aromatherapy blends and perfumes. Aromatherapy enthusiasts praise Patchouli oil for its ability to simultaneously stimulate and relax the body. When inhaled, its scent is believed to release destructive energy from the system, relieving stress and anxiety and replacing negativity with clarity of mind.
Skin Benefits
Patchouli oil makes an excellent massage oil for its aromatherapeutic properties, as well as for its benefits as a topical skin application. Patchouli oil is an effective moisturizer and has been known to ease a number of skin conditions such as eczema, acne and dermatitis. It reduces the appearance of scars and fine wrinkles, and can even be helpful against dandruff and other scalp conditions.
Cautions and Considerations
Apart from its unusual scent, the primary complaint against Patchouli oil is that it can act on the body as a sedative when too much is used. A large dose of the oil will cease to have a stimulating effect on the body, and cause extreme relaxation and drowsiness instead. As with any topical treatment, Patchouli oil should be tested on a small patch of skin for unusual side effects before actual use. Some people are more sensitive than others to the effects of aromatherapy in general, and may require moderation in the use of any aromatherapy oil. Always exercise caution. Serious negative reactions to Patchouli oil are rare, however, and many people have benefited greatly from regular use.
Women losing their hair face more embarrassment and shame than men who are suffering from the same condition. Women will experience a variety of reasons for thinning hair and hair loss. Finding the root cause of the problem is the first step to finding the right natural treatment for the condition.
Determine the Cause
Testosterone is one of the biggest causes of hair loss for men and women. When women reach the age of menopause, the body experiences a hormonal imbalance when estrogen levels drop. Women who are experiencing thinning hair or hair loss during the age of menopause can find natural remedies to restore hormone balance and stop hair from thinning.
Stress and emotional trauma can also be a cause of thinning hair or hair loss. If hair loss is caused by excessive stress, finding natural ways to relax and eliminate stress can stop hair loss, as well.
Nutrition is also an important part of healthy hair. A balanced natural diet is important to maintain the cells that produce healthy hair.
Natural Hormone Treatment
Hormone replacement therapy is often used during menopause to restore the proper amount of estrogen, which will counteract the harmful effect of too much testosterone in the body. Testosterone is responsible for hormonal hair loss and thinning hair in older women and men. Natural supplements and herbs can be taken to restore natural estrogen balance using plant based estrogen. Black cohosh, sage, dong quai and ashwaganda added to the diet can restore hormonal balance and stop hair from thinning.
Saw palmetto is another choice for hormonal hair loss because it blocks dihydrotestosterone, which is thought to be the main cause of hair loss in men and women. An herbalist or naturopath can help determine which herbs to use for your hormonal hair loss.
Nutrition and Stress Relief
Women often lose their hair when going through a difficult period or an excessive amount of stress in their life. Aromatherapy is a natural remedy for excessive stress or trauma that can impact mood and bring about a sense of well being. Essential oils are derived from plants and herbs, and the fragrance is thought to interact with the brain to bring about the desired results.
Omega 3 essential fatty acids are also an important part of healthy hair and skin. Including fish oil or plant-based fatty acids in your diet can improve the quality and health of your hair. Thinning hair can benefit from including these supplements in the diet. Malnutrition will also cause hair to thin and fall out. A well balanced diet is the simplest natural remedy to hair loss and thinning hair in women. Supplement the diet with a multivitamin to ensure that you are getting everything your body needs to function properly.
Natural Shampoos and Hair Products
Many of the shampoos and hair products on the market contain harsh chemicals that can cause damage to your hair. While hair loss and thinning hair occurs when the follicle fails to grow new hair, you can also experience hair loss and thinning hair from breakage and damage. Avoid shampoos that use sodium lauryl sulfate, cocamide DEA and ammonium laureth sulfate because they will dry out the hair and scalp. Instead, look for shampoos that contain natural ingredients such as rosemary, jojoba and chamomile to shampoo your hair.
Tags: hair loss, thinning hair, hair loss thinning, loss thinning, loss thinning hair, hair from, hair hair
Pak Fah Yeow is the Chinese name for White Flower Oil, developed in 1927 by Gan Geog Eng, of Singapore. White Flower Oil is a combination of the essential oils lavender, eucalyptus, wintergreen, and peppermint. Essential oils are concentrated oils extracted from plants or flowers, used for healing or scents. White Flower Oil also contains camphor and menthol and is popular in the Far East as a natural herbal pain reliever.
Basic Application
Apply two to three drops of Chinese White Flower Oil every two hours externally and massage into your skin. Reapply every two hours if necessary. A 1990 skin patch test in Hong Kong revealed Chinese White Flower Oil is safe to use externally on the skin.
Muscle Pain
Massage White Flower Oil gently into your muscles and joints to relieve pain temporarily. Have someone massage this oil on your back if you have a backache. Rub White Flower Oil on your bruises, sprains and arthritis for relief.
Headache and Neck Pain
Relieve your sinus headache quickly by applying one drop of White Flower Oil with a cotton swab under your nose. Hold the bottle of White flower Oil and inhale, or add three drops to a handkerchief and deeply inhale. Apply the oil on your temples, forehead or the top of your head using cotton balls, to help relieve your headache. Massage White Flower Oil into your neck, focusing on the areas with the most pain or strain.
Colds and Flu
Inhale White Flower Oil to clear your stuffy nose and chest from a cold or flu. Put a couple of drops on your hands, cup your hands, and breathe deeply. Place two or three drops onto a tissue, cotton ball or handkerchief and inhale.
Purchasing
Buy Chinese White Flower Oil (also called White Flower Analgesic Balm) inexpensively online or in some health food stores.
Warnings
Keep White Flower Oil away from children. A 2002 toxicology study in Hong Kong showed ingesting this oil, which contains methyl salicylate, can cause "severe, rapid-onset salicylate poisoning." If ingested, seek immediate medical help. Do not make a person throw up unless told to do so by poison control or a health care professional. Most people can recover from ingesting White Flower Oil if the salicylate can be neutralized in time. Methyl salicylate (oil of wintergreen) is the most poisonous (toxic) form of the salicylates.
Always use White Flower Oil externally on the skin.
Do not apply White Flower Oil to mucus areas, such as your mucus membranes, eyes, or cuts and wounds.
Consult with your doctor before applying it on children under the age of two.
Tags: White Flower, Chinese White, Chinese White Flower, White Flower, into your, three drops, every hours
What if you could have a powerful boost of energy, improve cognizance, improve all body functions and burn fat by lying on the floor, sitting in a chair or standing up? What if you are not confined to a gym or investing money in home equipment? Would you be willing to try the art of deep breathing for a few months without any cost to you? The only thing you may lose is unwanted body fat.
History
Deep breathing may have its roots planted in Pranayama Yoga several thousand years ago. The importance of deep breathing has found its way into aerobic-type workouts, and recently as an exercise that stands on its own called Oxercise.
Oxygen
Oxygen is the vital ingredient to life itself, and it is one of the key elements for burning fat. Taking a deep breath down into the lungs fires the mitochondria within the cells. Mitochondria are the furnaces in every cell responsible for energy production. A deep breath can be compared to blowing on red hot coals and seeing them turn white hot. Fat becomes the primary source for the fuel during aerobic activities. Oxygen exercising may very well be the answer for you in your quest for dropping pounds and losing body fat.
Aerobic
Deep breathing encourages our bodies to remain aerobic in nature. Aerobic literally means taking place in the presence of oxygen. During the process of deep breathing exercises, your heart rate remains low and the primary source of fuel is fat. It takes much more oxygen to burn fats than it does carbohydrates. Deep breathing can be 100 percent more effective for burning fat than some exercises.
Proper Technique
Here is one technique to begin your new road to health. You can either perform this technique sitting straight up in a chair or lying down on the floor stretched out straight. Place one hand on your chest and the other hand on the lower section of your stomach. Take in a deep breath and feel the lower portion of your stomach rise. Hold your breath for a two count and slowly release through your nose. Repeat for at least 20 cycles. If you feel the chest rising and not the stomach, then you are shallow breathing and the exercise will not be effective.
Benefits
According to Jill R. Johnson, author of The Oxicise System, "Fat is made up of oxygen, carbon and hydrogen. When the oxygen we breathe reaches these fat molecules, it breaks them down into carbon dioxide and water. The blood then picks up the carbon dioxide--a waste product of our bodies--and returns it to the lungs to be exhaled." Deep breathing energizes the body. Intestinal tract performance improves significantly as nutrients are absorbed. Bringing in larger quantities of oxygen through deep breathing can actually increase your metabolism. Besides burning fat, deep breathing exercise promotes a healthier homeostasis within the body and this means the organs function with a greater degree of efficiency. Waste is quickly and effectively disposed. Nutrients are much more readily absorbed in the intestinal tract. Cortisol is a hormone manufactured within the body with some benefits, but consistent production of this hormone causes the body to store fat over prolonged periods of production. Deep breathing can bring you into a state of relaxation, decreasing cortisol production.
Tags: deep breath, breathing exercise, down into, much more, primary source, primary source fuel
Chronic pain, either from arthritic or rheumatoid conditions, affects many people. Numerous pain treatments are readily available. Some treatment techniques, such as injections or prescription medications, can be obtained only through your doctor, while others, such as over-the-counter NSAIDS or aspirin-based remedies, you can get yourself. Some people, though, would appreciate a natural food-based alternative for pain relief. One such currently popular remedy involves juniper berry derivatives along with raisins.
One Alternative
Juniper berries are the small blue-gray fruit of the juniper plant. They are most commonly used as a primary ingredient in gin. Also, the berries or their extracts have long been used for medicinal purposes, including pain relief. Golden raisins are valued in health food terms for their high sulfide content. These products, especially in combination, may provide pain relief for various ailments.
Many claims have been made about juniper berries. Native Americans reportedly used the berries, their juice, and their oils for illnesses ranging from colds to venereal disease, infections, and both chronic and acute pain. Juniper berries are still popular, and are believed to benefit the digestive tract, the urinary system and the immune system. They have a distinct pine flavor, as noticed in gin, and are sometimes used as a cooking ingredient, more so in Europe than in the U.S.
Raisins, because of their high sulfide content, are thought to have many health benefits, including cardiovascular effects and immune system support. Since raisins are inexpensive, easy to obtain, flavorful and healthy, they are a popular food. Combining juniper berries and raisins may provide an anti-inflammatory benefit and pain relief.
Obtaining and Using the Ingredients
Juniper berries, their extracts, and oils can be purchased at health food stores and at some drug store or grocery store supplement counters.The easiest form to use is gin, originally distilled as a tonic for gout. Some recipes merge these two ingredients. One very popular recipe, variations of which can be found on many websites, is for gin-soaked raisins. Although the recipes may differ slightly from each other, they all call for several days of soaking golden raisins in pure gin, then eating a certain number of them daily.
Precautions & Considerations
Juniper berries are known to have a significant effect on the kidneys and urinary system. Therefore, anyone with kidney/urinary tract problems should avoid using the berries or their extract. Juniper berries also have a blood-thinning effect, and should not be used with blood thinners such as Coumadin. In addition, juniper can cause uterine contractions resulting in spontaneous abortion, so should not be used by pregnant women. Fourth, alcoholics, recovering alcoholics or people with substance abuse issues should not eat gin-soaked raisins but should find another way of combining these substances when seeking pain relief. Finally, juniper products should be used only for limited periods of time as indicated on their packaging. These guidelines should be followed diligently. Do not fall prey to the misconception that "natural = safe."
Tags: pain relief, berries their, Juniper berries, should used, berries their extracts, gin-soaked raisins
Glutamine is an essential amino acid. As a protein, it is a building block of muscle. Glutamine is a nonessential amino acid, which means it is produced naturally in the body and can be put to use without being ingested. Also known as L-glutamine, it can be introduced to the body through the diet.
Types
Glutamine is found in beef, poultry, fish and diary products. It is also found in vegetables high in fiber (wheat, cabbage, beets and beans). Glutamine has many immunity properties and can be a source of energy for the muscles and brain, as well as assist muscle building. These properties are why glutamine is used to treat mental retardation, ADHD, and depression, as well as build muscle for weightlifters.
Features
Glutamine is the most abundant building block of protein in the bloodstream. The body produces it and it is available in common foods. However, when individuals must deal with surgeries, infections and prolonged periods of stress, glutamine supplementation may be necessary.
Benefits
High levels of stress deplete the supply of glutamine in the body. Stress can come from sociological factors, cuts, burns, illness or recovering from a hard workout. Individuals under extreme stress suffer from muscle wasting as well as decreased immunity function. Since glutamine is necessary for proper immune function and muscle building, supplementation may be needed for those under extreme stress. Patients with advanced HIV/AIDS take glutamine supplements regularly.
Considerations
Glutamine supplementation is not necessary for those who exercise at light to medium intensity. It is not necessary because glutamine is sufficiently produced by the body and is abundant in many food sources. Glutamine diets should be taken by those who excessively deplete energy levels during exercise, such as endurance athletes. Glutamine supplements can be taken by athletes involved in strength sports, such as American football and power lifting. However, creatine may be a better choice to cover the needs of power sports. Before deciding on a supplement, remember that a supplement is a complement or addition to an already proper nutritional plan. Take care of the diet first, as proper nutrition catalyzes nutrient absorption and delivery. Taking supplements while eating fast foods and drinking alcohol is like sprinkling flower petals on dung. The flowers may make it smell better, but it is still dung.
Prevention/Solution
Glutamine supplements are available in pill, powder or liquid form. The recommended dosage is 500 mg to 1,500 mg per day, depending on weight. Heat destroys glutamine, so do not take glutamine supplements with hot beverages. Store in a cool, dry place as liquids can contaminate glutamine supplements as well. Consult your physician to be sure glutamine supplementation interacts safely with any current medications you may be taking.
Tags: amino acid, building block, extreme stress, glutamine supplementation, Glutamine supplements, glutamine supplements, muscle building
As one means of helping to lower blood pressure, vitamins can be very effective. This is especially true when combined with other tools that are recommended by the doctor. Here are some of the basic steps in using vitamins to deal with blood pressure that is running a little high.
Instructions
1. Get a checkup. One of the first things you need to do is find out what factors are contributing to the rise in blood pressure. This information will help you to use vitamins to not only address the blood pressure, but also the underlying causes.
2. Ask the doctor for recommendations. There are several vitamins that are helpful in lowering blood pressure. There is a good chance that Vitamin C will be recommended, as well as Vitamins E and K.
3. Obtain recommended levels of dosage. Just like medications, it is possible to ingest too much of a given vitamin and make the issue worse. Work with the doctor to find a safe range that will help with the blood pressure, but not cause other problems.
4. Treat the underlying causes for the high blood pressure. For example, if stress seems to be a factor, discuss adding several of the B vitamins to your daily regimen. Your doctor can advise you which B vitamins are effective for stress, as well as provide guidelines on the daily dosage.
5. Monitor your progress. Your doctor can advise you how long it should take before you begin to notice a change in the high blood pressure. Not everyone responds to vitamins in exactly the same way, so don’t become discouraged if there is no change for several days.
Tags: blood pressure, blood pressure, doctor advise, high blood, high blood pressure, several vitamins
Class rings not only serve as a reminder of good times in high school or college, they may also serve as symbols of something more. Young couples often exchange their class rings as a sign of affection toward one another. The exchange tells others the couple is serious and that both parties are taken. Of course, young women may have a hard time getting their boyfriends' rings to fit. One solution is to wrap the underside of the ring with floss. You can use embroidery floss the same color as the stone to make the ring look more cohesive or simply use dental floss if that's what you have on hand. The process is very similar to wire wrapping rings or making the edges of an embroidery floss button.
Instructions
1. Cut a length of floss as long as your arm. This should be more than enough to make the ring fit.
2. Place about ½ inch of one end of the floss against the inside of the bottom of the ring. The floss should be parallel with the edges of the ring. Hold this piece in place with the thumb of your non-dominant hand and wrap the rest of the floss a few times around the bottom of the ring, making sure the end against the ring stays beneath the wrappings.
3. Continue wrapping, making sure your wrapped section isn't more than about ½ an inch wide on the band. The goal is to make the floss layers thick enough that the ring will stay on your finger.
4. Try the ring on every three or four layers. When you can shake your hand without the ring falling off, the layer is thick enough. Snip the floss and glue the end down with some white glue.
5. Change the floss approximately every two weeks to prevent it from getting dirty and moldy. Simply cut through the strands with the tip of some scissors and wrap it up again as in steps 1 through 4.
Tags: about inch, bottom ring, embroidery floss, make ring, making sure, more than, ring with
Dosha is an Ayurvedic word meaning "bodily humor." Ayurveda is a system of medicine that developed in India an estimated 5,000 years ago. Doshas are categorized into three main groups of mind/body humors: vata, pitta and kapha.
Know Your Dosha
The Hindu believe that your dosha can be tamed and regulated to create a more harmonious life, principally through diet, a balanced lifestyle and exercise. Your dosha is unique to you.
Vata
Vata is the humor governed by wind or air. Vata people generally have thin frames and tire easily due to quick excitability. This dosha controls movement and the nervous system.
Pitta
Pitta people are usually of medium build and may have red hair or short tempers, as this dosha is governed by fire. Pitta can lose its balance when exposed to too much sunlight or heat.
Kapha
Kapha people tend toward stockiness and larger frames. Physically strong and resiliant, kaphas have good digestion, tend to be slow eaters and talk slowly.
Dosha Combinations
Double doshas are people who have their doshas in combination, such as vata-pitta or pitta-kapha. This means that you have equal qualities of both doshas.
A missed period doesn't always mean that you are pregnant.
Missing your menstrual period can be an emotional and stressful time. If you are sexually active, pregnancy may be the the first thing on your mind when your period fails to arrive on its due date. Before panicking, it is important to remember that there are multiple reasons why your period could be late or missing.
Pregnancy
Although pregnancy is not the only cause of a missed period, it is one of the most common. If you have reason to believe you are pregnant, go to the drug store and purchase an over-the-counter pregnancy test. If the test comes back positive, it is important to make a doctor's appointment for firm confirmation. Even if the test comes back negative, it is still possible you are pregnant. Sometimes if you take the test too soon, the hormone that sets off the pregnancy test is not potent enough in your urine yet to produce a positive result. If your period is still missing by your next cycle, make a gynecologist appointment. Your gynecologist can determine if you are pregnant, and if you aren't, she can look into other reasons for your missed period.
Eating Disorders
If you have been engaging in extreme dieting or are suffering from an illness such as anorexia or bulimia, it is possible to miss a period. Losing your period due to lack of nutrition does not happen overnight. Ovulation stops as a result of long-term malnutrition over several months. Your body needs nutritious food to operate the right way. If your period has stopped and you believe it is due to excessive weight loss, it is time to get help. You need to get your ovulation cycle back on track. You may also be damaging several other parts of the body by not eating the correct amount of calories per day.
Travel and Stress
Anytime your routine or hormones are thrown out of whack, you stand the chance of throwing off your menstrual cycle. These causes are usually not responsible for a huge change, however. If you are under a lot of stress at work, you may skip your period once and have it return the next month. When going on a long vacation, you may notice that your period can arrive a week early or a week late. As long as you have no other strange symptoms and you are practicing safe sex, there is typically nothing to worry about in either of these scenarios.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormone-based condition and a common cause of infertility in women. PCOS sufferers usually do not have typical periods every 28 days due to their extreme hormonal imbalances. Some patients may get their period every other month while others may only get a light period once or twice a year. If you are unsure if you have this condition, there are other signs to look out for. Many women with this disease also experience excessive weight gain and a lot of body hair growth before diagnosis. If you are experiencing either of these symptoms in addition to a missed period, make an appointment to see your doctor.
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If you suffer from ulcerative colitis, you may respond well to prescription drugs designed to ease pain, but unfortunately, some people do not respond well, or they cannot continue medication due to adverse side effects. Sadly, if you can no longer tolerate medication, your options may come down to experimenting with alternative herbal supplements or surgical removal of part of the colon.
What is Ulcerative Colitis?
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a disease of the bowel, usually the large intestine, and is characterized by open sores inside the colon. It falls under the heading of the Irritable Bowel Syndrome and has some of the symptoms of Crohn's disease. Yet UC, unlike Crohn's, is oftentimes intermittent, including periods during which you are relatively symptom free.
Conventional Treatment
Medical doctors offer a variety of approaches to treating the symptoms of UC, from a proper diet to prescription medicines. But individual cases vary in severity and the type of treatment should also be tailored to best suit the patient. Medications prescribed for treating UC include sulfasalazine, cortisone, prednisone and dipentum
Many patients, whether due to inability to take these prescription drugs or the low cost alternative, decide to try alternatives in the form of herbal supplements.
Herbal Supplements
Herbs used to treat UC symptoms are generally have anti-inflammatory properties. Some of the more popular herbs are:
--Psyllium seeds (Plantaginis ovatae)
--Boswellia (Boswellia serrata)
--Curcumin or turmeric (Curcuma longa)
--Slippery elm (Ulmus fulva)
--Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis)
--Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
Not a lot is known about herbal supplements used to treat UC, but considering the seriousness of leaving the condition untreated, you may feel experimenting with alternative methods is worth the slight risk of side effects.
Commercial Supplements
Most patients wishing to try alternative supplements want the simplicity of ordering tablets containing the herbs. Almost all of the popular colon cleansing supplements are also recommended for treating UC and are readily available.
If you want to try these supplements, be cautioned, however, as even these herbal companies warn about the possible adverse reaction to mixing supplements.
Herbal Supplement Risk
The Food and Drug Administration has neither tested nor approves any herbal supplement, making quality as well as purity an unknown.
Tags: experimenting with, experimenting with alternative, herbal supplements, prescription drugs, respond well
Optic nerve atrophy is a condition that involves severe damage to the nerves that carry data back and forth between the brain and the eyes. Essentially, the nerves reach a point where there is little to no function, with the ultimate result being death of the tissue that make up the nerves. While there are no proven ways to reverse the effects of optic nerve atrophy, there are a few ongoing treatments that can be employed to preserve what little vision remains.
Instructions
1. Obtain a complete diagnosis from a qualified health professional. Before there is any chance of taking positive steps to preserve any remaining vision, it is imperative to fully understand the current status of the optic nerves. Once this evaluation is complete, it is possible to determine what steps can be taken next.
2. Identify any complicating factors that currently exist. For example, glaucoma may be present, and could threaten to further damage the optic nerves. Certain nervous disorders can also add to the strain on the eyes. By identifying other health issues that can further damage the ocular nerves and then treating those issues, it may be possible to prevent any further atrophy of the optic nerve.
3. Compensate for the lost vision as much as possible. This may mean getting special lenses that help to partially correct the blurring of vision that takes place when some of the optic nerves become atrophied. Magnifying glasses can also sometimes be of assistance, as well as utilizing brighter lighting in the home.
4. Consider alternative health practices if traditional medicine offers no additional hope. Acupuncture has been touted in some quarters as a means of helping to strengthen the remaining nerves that have not undergone a process of atrophy, making it possible to partially compensate for the vision loss. Herbal regimens that focus on supplying vital nutrients to the eyes are also sometimes considered helpful.
5. Never give up hope. While there is no known cure for optic nerve atrophy at the present time, there is every chance that new forms of treatment for various eye conditions will be developed in the years to come.
Tags: nerve atrophy, optic nerve, optic nerves, also sometimes, further damage, nerves that
Garlic has many attributes for use as a natural remedy and herbal supplement. Garlic contains natural blood cleansing and antimicrobial properties. Used independently or combined with other herbs and prescription pharmaceutical remedies, garlic can aid in the treatment of Lyme disease. As with any type of home remedy, consult a physician before beginning treatment.
Symptoms
For people who spend time outdoors or live in wooded areas, contracting Lyme disease is a concern. According to information from the Mayo Clinic, Lyme disease symptoms include rash, aches, joint swelling, chills, and fever.
Causes
Lyme disease is caused by wood ticks that carry bacteria from feeding on animal blood. Lyme disease can be transferred to humans through a wood tick bite. First, remove the wood tick and consult a physician for specific Lyme disease tests. If a reddish bull's-eye mark appears on the skin after a Lyme disease test is given, it is an indication that you may have contracted Lyme disease.
Treatment
Garlic has been used as a repellent for wood ticks, lice, and mosquitoes for years. Many believe that garlic's natural strong odor and taste are unpalatable to the insects. Garlic contains medicinal properties that help cleanse the blood, benefit heart function, and act as natural types of antimicrobial agents, killing unwanted bacteria.
Garlic with Physician Treatment
Garlic used in combination with a physician-prescribed treatment for Lyme disease has been shown to be effective for many people. Some recommend using garlic in combination with other herbs, such as thistle, mountain mint, ginseng, lemon juice, and other herbal blends. Oral antibiotics are usually prescribed for the treatment of Lyme disease by physicians.
Warning
Consult a physician if you are concerned about Lyme disease. Some herbal homeopathic remedies that are recommended can be dangerous or even cause poisoning or other adverse effects if taken without consulting a physician first. Bismacine, also called chromacine, should be avoided as an herbal remedy for Lyme disease, as it can cause heart and kidney failure. Using garlic or any type of herbal blend for treatment of Lyme disease alone or in combination with other prescription medicines can be dangerous if not approved by a licensed doctor.
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If you’ve ever had whiplash, you understand how important it is to protect your neck to prevent it from ever happening again. If you’re one of the lucky ones and have never had whiplash, count your blessings and take the necessary precautions to prevent whiplash from happening to you.
Instructions
Preventing Whiplash
1. Support the neck. If you’re in a situation where the possibility for whiplash increases, such as an amusement park ride, wear a cervical collar. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
2. Wear seat belts when driving or riding in a car. Although the seat belt in and of itself will not prevent whiplash, it does help to prevent your body from lurching completely forward during a car crash. The simple act of buckling up is responsible for approximately a 60 percent reduction in accident fatalities. It makes sense to save your life and protect your neck and prevent whiplash by buckling up.
3. Exercise the neck to increase strength. Whiplash affects the neck muscles. The stronger the muscles the less affected by sudden movement your neck will be. Engage in neck exercises to strengthen the soft tissues of the neck. Exercise won’t prevent whiplash, but it can make you less susceptible to the forcible forward and backward neck jolts.
4. Maintain an awareness of your surroundings. This is especially true for drivers. Dialing a cell phone or fiddling around with the radio is enough of a distraction to lose driving focus and potentially cause an accident. Avoiding car accidents is one way to prevent whiplash.
5. Drive cars with headrests specifically manufactured to prevent whiplash. Car manufacturers understand the importance of preventing whiplash. If you’re on the market for a new car, in addition to checking the gas mileage, be sure to test the headrest to see if it is the right one for you.
Tags: prevent whiplash, prevent whiplash, your neck, neck prevent, protect your, protect your neck, your neck prevent
Your sinuses are always draining, producing up to 1/2 gallon of fluids each day. Every day normal body functions produce saliva and mucus that we don't notice. But when sinus drainage becomes so thick it irritates your throat and causes difficulty swallowing, you want to know stop chronic sinus drainage. Knowing what health conditions cause it helps you to prevent abnormal sinus drainage from your nasal passages or down the back of your throat.
Viruses
Viral infections such as influenza and colds can cause excessive sinus drainage. Though you can't make a cold of the flu go away, you can treat symptoms with decongestants, humidifiers, hot soup and tea.
Environmental Causes
Sinus drainage can be caused by temperature changes. Very hot and very cold temperatures can make your sinuses produce thick mucus. Being exposed to allergens like mold, pollen and dust can also trigger chronic sinus drainage. Drinking plenty of fluids can help thin mucus.
Fumes
Fumes and pollutants can irritate your sinus passages. Avoid smoke, gasoline, exhaust fumes and paint; they can cause excessive sinus drainage.
Dehydration
When you become dehydrated, your body limits the amount of fluid to the glands that produce mucus. Drinking enough of the right kinds of fluids and avoiding fluids with caffeine and alcohol that can dehydrate you more can help.
Acid Reflux Disease
Acid reflux disease is a condition in which the muscle that keeps stomach acid from entering the esophagus doesn't work right. When stomach acid rises into your throat, it can cause chronic sinus drainage. Treating acid reflux can relieve sinus drainage problems.
Tags: sinus drainage, sinus drainage, chronic sinus drainage, your throat, cause excessive, cause excessive sinus
Aromatic essential oils have a long history of use in folk medicine and aromatherapy. Essentials are concentrated oils derived from certain plants believed to have some desired property. Because of the strong concentration, only small amounts of the oil are necessary whether it be for a bath or a scented candle. Aromatherapists will often combine different essential oils to produce different effects such as stress relief or relaxation. Raw materials necessary to make essential oils will vary by plant and upon the concentration of oils. Most essential oils are extracted by either distillation or expression.
Instructions
Extraction Methods
1. Research plants and raw materials needed. Determine what parts of the plant are necessary for harvest. Be aware that some plants such as roses require great quantities of raw materials. Also, some plants may be too fragile for distilling.
2. Gather raw plant materials. If gathering flowers, for example, seasonal growth patterns may determine when harvest can occur. Always research prior to starting the distillation process to obtain the greatest yield.
3. Set up a distillation apparatus, or still. Steam distillation extracts oils by vaporizing them from the raw materials. Small-batch distiller kits are available for essential oil extraction.
4. Add raw materials and begin the distilling process. Water will be heated until boiling, then the steam will be captured. As the steam works its way through the distiller and the coils, oils are condensed and gathered.
5. Collect essential oils. During the distillation process, water is separated from the essential oil. While not as concentrated, the water or hydrosol still has value and captures the plant scent. Common examples include rose water or orange water.
6. Use expression methods rather than distillation for citrus fruits such as oranges. Oils are concentrated in the peels of these fruits. With expression, plant raw materials are mechanically pressed to extract oils.
7. Prepare essential oils for storage. Small, dark-colored bottles are best for long-term storage. Many essential oils may have a short shelf life. Filter the collected oils and hydrosol, if using the distillation method, through cheesecloth to remove any impurities before storing.
8. Dilute essential oils in a carrier oil such as almond oil before use on your skin to prevent allergic reactions that may be caused by high concentrations. Using a carrier oil conserves the essential oils for other uses.
Levaquin is an antibacterial medication used to treat infections. Most infections are caused by bacteria. These microorganisms can grow, replicate and spread throughout the body, causing illness. Levaquin acts by destroying the DNA of the bacteria, preventing them from replicating. There are five common side effects from taking Levaquin: dizziness, diarrhea, anuria, fever and sore throat. You can alleviate these side effects by consuming all-natural herbs.
Instructions
1. Eat a slice of raw ginger. A common side effect from taking Levaquin is dizziness. You can alleviate it by chewing or eating a slice of fresh ginger. You can also eat ginger candy, which has a similar effect.
2. Take 1 tsp. of apple cider vinegar before each meal. Levaquin can irritate the stomach lining and kill all the healthy bacteria living in the intestines, causing diarrhea. This type of vinegar treats that side effect. Apple cider vinegar works by balancing the acidity in the stomach and ensuring the proper growth of normal bacteria living in the intestines.
3. Take Lobelia inflata (Indian tobacco), which treats the condition anuria (inability to urinate), a side effect of Levaquin. Lobelia inflata works by relaxing the bladder muscles to gently force out urine. The herb can comes in tablet or capsule form. Either one is acceptable.
4. Drink peppermint and elder flower tea. Add 4 tbsp. of peppermint leaves and 4 tbsp. of elder flower to three cups of water, and bring the mixture to a boil. This tea relieves the fever associated with taking Levaquin.
5. Gargle with sea saltwater solution. Mix 10 tbsp. of sea salt in one cup of hot water. Gargle for 10 minutes. This will relieve your sore throat quickly. Gargle this solution three to four times a day or when needed.
Tags: side effect, taking Levaquin, bacteria living, bacteria living intestines, cider vinegar, common side, elder flower
Teaching children with autism is a challenging experience. These children often can’t speak, which means they can’t communicate their feelings or tell you when they’re feeling a specific way. You may not know when they’re learning or even if they’re learning. The only thing you can do is to take breaks and limit the number of distractions the person has in the room. These steps will help those teaching one child in a classroom setting or in a home setting.
Instructions
1. Watch for the child to feel frustrated or upset. When you’re teaching, the child probably can’t tell you if they’re upset, but they’ll show you in other ways. They may hit themselves or someone else or try running from the room. When this happens the only thing you can do is take a short break and give the child a chance to rest. You may find it helpful to let them do something they like for a few minutes like play outside or watch television. After a few minutes they’ll feel more relaxed, less frustrated and be able to start working again.
2. Set up the learning environment in the same way every day. These children learn by routine and they need the same stimuli every day. Changing the room around or moving them from room to room every day can result in stress or confusion that they can’t express. Instead keep things simple and use the same desk and chair every day. If the fish tank is on the left and the chalkboard on the right, leave it that way. Avoid switching things around, which can make the child upset or unable to concentrate.
3. Schedule things in the same way so that the child knows what to expect to reduce frustration and stress. Learning by repetition is key for autistic children and this means following the same set routine. If you abruptly change things up, the child may start acting out and be unable to comprehend the changes. If you work on emotions, colors and then letters, keep everything the same. Try not to mix the set routine up too much, but keep things the same everyday.
4. Keep the focus on what you need the child to do instead of what the child wants to do. Autistic children are still children and they’d rather play or watch television than work. You might feel tempted to give in and let the child run loose, but you need to stay focused. Keep the attention on what the routine calls for, but make sure the child knows you aren't angry at them. If you let the child have control of the situation, they'll know what to do the next time they don't want to work.
5. Spend only a set amount of time on each task or activity and try to end early if at all possible. These children have trouble staying focused on one activity for an extended amount of time, which means you need to teach things fast. Try spending only 10-15 minutes on each task or even less to keep their attention. Most teachers do 15 minutes of work, then a short 2-3 minute break, 15 more minutes of work and so on until the session is complete. After the session the child will get a longer break of 15-30 minutes. This gives the child a chance to relax after working hard on one task and gives them something to look forward to at the end of the session.
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Given the amount of electronic data and instant communication in the modern world, it is quite surprising that so many critical medical records exist only as pieces of paper in traditional filing cabinets. Switching to electronic medical records is a proven way to reduce medical errors and increase the accuracy of patient records, but moving from rooms full of paper files to fully electronic patient records has proven to be quite a challenge. Fortunately there are some strategies medical providers can use to move those medical records into the electronic age.
Scanning and OCR
Getting all of those paper records into a usable electronic format is a daunting task, and that is why automation is so important. The data entry required to enter rooms filled with paper records would be overwhelming, and there is always the possibility of human error in such an endeavor. Instead, many medical offices are choosing to have their paper records scanned using high volume scanners. The resulting images are then passed through an optical character recognition engine, or OCR, to put them into a format that can be easily read and easily searched. Many large companies specialize in these types of services, and a number of smaller start-ups as well. As the push for electronic medical records continues, the number of companies offering scanning and OCR of medical records is expected to rise.
Policies Going Forward
Of course getting those paper files into electronic format is only the beginning of the process, and it is important for all medical providers to have a strong policy in place to carry them forward. Keeping electronic records up to date is just as critical as getting them into electronic format in the first place, so it is essential that each office assign a number of staff members to this task. The number of employees who will be responsible for entering new information into existing patient records and creating records for new patients will vary according to the size of the practice, but at a minimum two people should be trained to do the task. Training at least two people will allow them to cover each other during illness and vacations. It is also important to have clear policies and procedures in place for how long it should take to update each patient's records--after all medical practices rely on accurate and up to date information.
Sharing Information
Other than the potential cost savings, one of the chief benefits of electronic medical records is the fact that electronic records make it so much easier for health care providers to share information with one another. The antiquated system of paper records means that new patients must often go through their entire medical histories every time they see a new specialist or enter the hospital. With electronic medical records health care, institutions can instantly exchange information with one another securely and safely. Of course it is important for each medical provider to establish rules and procedures governing the electronic exchange of information. Each entity with whom the firm does business will need to complete the proper paperwork and have the proper security procedures in place to prevent the improper use of such highly personal information.
Tags: medical records, electronic medical, electronic medical records, paper records, electronic format
Detoxification methods are designed to help rid your body of toxins that build up in your cells and organs. We take in toxins through the food we eat, the drugs we take and the pollution we may inhale. Ion cleansing detoxification uses a footbath containing salts and a machine that sends a charged pulse through the water to pull toxins out of your body, leaving it neutrally charged. This method of detoxification still has many skeptics.
The Process
The ionic cleansing process is very simple. Place warm water in the footbath tub along with the machine and plates. Place your feet into the bath. In the course of the 30 minutes with the machine on, water molecules will be separated into the hydrogen and oxygen molecules, and ions with a charge will be made neutral. The change in charge is what allows the toxic ions to be pulled from your body. The process generally takes about 30 minutes; the color of the water should indicate what type of toxin release you had.
Understanding Your Results
Each person will have different results. Though results vary, there is a chart to indicate the possible colors the water can turn and interpret the results. The water may contain flecks. Black flecks suggest heavy metals were released from your body, while red flecks represent blood clot materials. If the water result is yellow-green in color, this suggests purifying the urinary tract and kidneys. Eliminating waste from the joints yields an orange water. Brown suggests you are a heavy tobacco user and that your liver is being cleared. Black water represents more intense liver detoxification, while dark green represents toxins from the gall bladder. White foam in the water means you have helped to clear out the gunk from your lymphatic system.
Controversy
The issue with this method is that there has been no empirical data to suggest it works. There are many "testimonials" that may or may not be true, along with the theory of how ions and molecules work. Many of these products' advertisements come with disclosures that results are subjective to each person and that there is no way for a person to know if it works other than trying it for themselves. This could suggest a placebo affect which those who are feeling a greater well-being are willing to accept. The skeptics are not so accepting since the therapies run $30 to $50 per session, with the machines costing nearly $3,000.
Tags: your body, from your, along with, from your body, that there, with machine
The jujube tree is a fruit tree originally from China. The Li Jujube variety was imported to the continental United States in 1908. Many varieties exist that are specialized for different uses. The Li Jujube is a particularly good cultivar to choose for your garden if you are interested in all-around utility in your jujube fruit.
Description
The Li Jujube tree needs very little water to thrive, which makes it a a good choice for gardeners in areas with little average annual rainfall. The fruit of the Li Jujube has been described as having a sweet flavor that reminds the eater of an apple. It also somewhat resembles an apple, beginning as a green round fruit that turns red as it ripens. It is best to consume the jujube fruit before it wrinkles and softens, which is very shortly after the red color is attained.
Uses
An important use of the Li Jujube lies in its fruit production. Some varieties of the jujube tree were developed to produce fruit that dries well, while others are better suited to producing a fruit to eat fresh. The Li Jujube produces a fruit that tastes good fresh, yet maintains its quality when this fruit is dried. The flavor of the dried Li Jujube fruit is similar to that of a date.
Care
The Li Jujube tree is a plant that exemplifies easy, low-stress care. While the Li Jujube does best in silty, well-drained soil, it will thrive in many environments and will produce fruit well even when planted in soil types considered poor and undesirable. It is frost-, heat- and drought-tolerant, making its recommended range wide. It does not require fertilization and may do better without any applications of fertilizer, although if desired, you may fertilize with nitrogen once every two to three months.
Diseases of the Li Jujube Tree
The Li Jujube does not have disease agents in most parts of the world that cause issues for gardeners. In addition, Li Jujubes are not bothered by any pests or fungi of note native to the United States, and you need not worry about any application of preventative pesticides or fungicides. There is a disease in Korean and Chinese jujube trees, known as witch's broom, but it should not be of concern outside of these areas. It may become an issue in the future if introduced outside these countries.
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The shingles disease, or herpes zoster, is caused by the varicella zoster virus--the same virus that causes chicken pox in children. Unlike bacteria and other pathogens, viruses don't die once they've run their course. Instead, they lie dormant in the body and can flare up when the immune system is compromised. When a person catches chicken pox, the virus runs its course, then lies dormant in the nerve roots. For most healthy people, shingles is not an issue, and the virus usually affects the elderly, people with HIV and others with compromised immune function. While shingles primarily attacks sensory nerves on the body, it can attack other nerves, including those for facial expression and the bladder.
Is Shingles Contagious?
While the varicella zoster virus is transmissible through direct contact, the shingles disease is not considered fully contagious. If a person with a healthy immune system, who has already been exposed to the varicella zoster virus, comes in contact with the virus, his immune system will prevent him from getting sick. However, if someone has never had chicken pox, has never been vaccinated against it or has a compromised immune system, he may develop chicken pox or shingles from contact with open shingles blisters. The most common cause of shingles is a weakened immune system in a body where the varicella zoster virus is already resident.
Prevention and Treatment
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends those at risk get the shingles vaccine (Zostravax), even if they have a prior history of shingles outbreaks. This is because the vaccine can prevent a shingles outbreak, even in those who have already had shingles, and reduce the severity should an outbreak occur. Antiviral medications like valacyclovir, famcyclovir and acyclovir may be used in conjunction with painkillers to provide relief during an outbreak. While there is no cure for shingles, antiviral medications will significantly reduce the severity and length of the outbreak.
Shingles Outbreaks
In a shingles outbreak, the virus awakens and travels along the length of a nerve, causing inflammation. As the virus travels, all the structures associated with that nerve are affected. The virus may travel down one nerve or a bundle of nerves in the same area. The inflammation results in severe pain and a rash or lesions along the path of the infection, and the rash can last one day or several weeks. The most common sites for shingles are the face, abdomen, back and buttocks. The arms and legs may also be affected, but it is rare. Shingles rashes usually occur unilaterally (on one side of the body); however, bilateral outbreaks are possible. Because the virus is always there, it is possible for patients to experience multiple outbreaks. This is why preventative treatment, with the vaccine, is so important.
Complications of Shingles
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 1/3 of shingles patients will develop serious complications--and the risk of complications increases after age 60. If shingles spreads to the face and eyes, it can cause facial paralysis, damage to the eye and even blindness. Shingles infections in the bladder can cause other infections and even kidney damage. Another common complication is postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)--a condition where pain persists for months and even years after the shingles rash has healed.
Shingles on the Face
An outbreak of shingles on the face can lead to a condition known as Ramsey-Hunt syndrome. Ramsey-Hunt has symptoms similar to Bell's palsy, including facial paralysis, pain, dizziness and localized tenderness. But there are other symptoms that are specific to Ramsey-Hunt, which include hearing loss (if the varicella zoster virus affects the auditory nerve), blisters from the shingles rash and swollen lymph nodes. Ramsey-Hunt usually lasts the duration of the shingles outbreak but may last longer if there is residual nerve damage.
Shingles in the Bladder
Most lay people think of shingles as a skin disease. Shingles is actually a neurological disease, because of the way the varicella zoster virus attacks the nerves. This is why it is possible for the virus to spread to areas not commonly associated with the skin. When a nerve is irritated, it becomes inflamed, which causes impaired function of the nerve and the structures associated with the nerve. In the case of the bladder, the nerves may become hyperactive, overstimulating the muscles that contract the bladder--causing urge incontinence and other symptoms of an overactive bladder. The nerves could also shut down, disrupting the signals from the bladder to the brain. When this happens in the bladder, the sphincter muscles may no longer function properly, causing either leakage or urine retention.
Roses have a delicate, sweet smell while rosemary has a stronger floral scent. Rosemary is beneficial to hair and skin, and can be used for mental stimulation or to relieve indigestion, pain and congestion. Rose has many health benefits as well; it contains bactericidal, astringent, antiseptic, antidepressant and antiviral properties. Blending the botanicals together in oil releases their aromas and healing properties.
Instructions
1. Fill a small or medium-sized saucepan half full with water. Place a glass bowl in the pan, making sure that only the bottom half of the bowl fits inside the pot.
2. Heat the saucepan on a stove set to low.
3. Pour between 1 and 3 cups of oil in the glass bowl. Let the oil heat slowly from the hot water in the pot.
4. Remove the petals from a rose and ball them together in your hand. Roll the ball on a table by applying pressure with the palm of your hand. Puncture the rose petals with the meat tenderizer to enhance its infusion with the oil. Place the petals into the oil and stir.
5. Use the meat tenderizer to bruise the fresh rosemary. Only use one sprig of rosemary since it is much stronger than the rose. Add the rosemary to the oil.
6. Heat the oil on low for 2 to 3 hours. Let the oil cool, cover it, and let it stand overnight.
7. Remove the rose petals and rosemary sprig after one day has passed. Strain the materials and squeeze out any excess oil. Discard the old petals and sprig.
8. Repeat the process. Reheat the double boiler and add fresh, newly-bruised rosemary and rose petals. Repeat the process 7 more times. Each time the rose and rosemary scent will be stronger than before.
9. Pour the scented oil in a jar, bottle or container. Consider recycling an olive oil bottle to store your rosemary rose oil.
Tags: rose petals, fresh rosemary, glass bowl, meat tenderizer, Repeat process, rose rosemary, rosemary rose
One of the most common physical ailments that men and women suffer from is poor vision. Glasses and contacts can quickly become an annoyance and a hindrance; most individuals long for the ability to see clearly without any aid. Laser eye surgery is an innovative way to repair vision for a clearer outlook on life. For proper candidates, laser vision correction can help you to obtain perfect vision.
How It Works
Laser eye surgery is actually quite simple. Laser light is utilized to reshape the cornea in order to allow it to focus directly on the retina. Reshaping the cornea can lead to perfect vision. The reason that men and women have impaired vision is because the cornea is unable to properly focus on the retina. Improper focusing leads to blurred vision and depth perception problems. By changing the cornea's focusing power, vision can be dramatically improved.
Before Laser Eye Surgery
Before undergoing laser eye surgery, all patients must first undergo an eye scan. This scan determines if you're a proper candidate for the treatment and also provides your information and requirements, which determine proper calibration of the laser. While this treatment has progressed significantly, there are still some individuals that are not great candidates for treatment. Those who have had eye surgery in the past year, have eye infections or a history of herpes in the eye area, are pregnant or breastfeeding, have dry eye syndrome or have pupils that dilate beyond 7 mm in the dark are not ideal candidates for this surgery. Discussing all requirements with your doctor will determine if this treatment can benefit you. Once accepted as a candidate, patients can undergo the treatment.
During Laser Eye Surgery
The treatment starts with numbing. Your physician puts numbing drops in the eye in order to keep the area free from pain. Once numbed, a device called a lid speculum is placed over both eyes. This device is designed to pull back the eyelids so that the eyes can remain open throughout the treatment. Once in place, the laser is properly calibrated and the treatment begins. Your surgeon starts by cutting a flap in the cornea, which is about ¼ of the overall thickness. Once this flap is pulled back, the laser uses precise pulses of light in order to reshape the cornea.
Each laser pulse consists of a tightly focused beam of light flashed over the surface of the eye. When the light comes into contact with the corneal tissue, it vaporizes a small portion of it. By digitally controlling the size, position and number of laser pulses, your surgeon can control the amount of corneal tissue removed. Once complete, the corneal flap is replaced and quickly conforms to the new shape.
Post-Treatment
In the following days, the corneal flap heals and bonds, and patients start to notice a difference in their vision. Most patients experience improved to perfect vision. Results vary from patient to patient based on individual factors, such as level of impaired vision, eye shape and corneal shape. Patients generally experience a successful result, which is why laser eye surgery is a popular way to correct impaired vision.
A shark's gender can be determined with an inspection.
Identifying the gender of a baby shark requires a delicate examination of the shark pup. Surprisingly, many shark pups, or baby sharks, are small enough to be held in two hands when they are born. According to the Florida Museum of Natural History, sharks can reproduce in different ways. Some sharks give birth by laying eggs, while other sharks engage in live birth. According to Science Daily, some sharks are capable of reproducing asexually as well as sexually. The gender of the shark is determined at conception.
Instructions
Identify Gender
1. Put on the rubber gloves. Wearing gloves is optional, but highly suggested. This will keep the inspector from accidentally scratching the delicate skin of the pup shark as well as prevent the transfer of unnecessary germs.
2. Turn the pup shark carefully so that the bottom half of the body is facing up. Hold the shark firmly with both dorsal fins (located on top of the body) secured firmly. Locate the pelvic fins of the baby shark, which is the first fin on the bottom of the shark's body. The second fin is the anal fin and is located further back.
3. Find the "claspers" located between the pair of pelvic fins on the bottom of the pup shark's body. The claspers are pair of intromittent organs that are located on the external side of the body. If the pup shark has this modification of the pelvic fins, then it is male. The lack of claspers, or a smooth flat surface between the pelvic fins, indicates that the baby shark is a female.
4. Have a qualified individual dissect the animal to inspect its internal organs if the gender of the pup shark is not able to be determined by observation. Female sharks have internal ovaries, while male sharks are equipped with internal testes.
Compact fluorescent light bulbs, also known as CFLs, are an eco-friendly alternative to standard incandescent light bulbs. CFLs can be screwed into the same sockets as other light bulbs and provide very comparable lighting. CFLs are easily recognizable due to their distinct twisting shape. These "green" light bulbs have a host of benefits that can help improve the planet, your home and your finances.
Energy Efficiency
One of the greatest benefits of compact fluorescent light bulbs is their energy efficiency. A CFL uses 50 to 80 percent less energy than other light bulbs. Energy Star reports that if every home in America were to replace a standard light bulb with an Energy Star-qualified compact fluorescent light bulb, the energy saved could power over 3 million homes.
Money Savings
While many consumers are dissuaded by the higher initial cost of a CFL, these light bulbs must be replaced less often than incandescent bulbs. Compact fluorescent lights can have a dramatically extended lifespan, lasting as much as 10 times longer than their incandescent counterparts. While your standard incandescent bulb will last for a year, a CFL can last anywhere from 8 to 10 years. Furthermore, a 75-watt incandescent bulb can be replaced by a 20-watt CFL bulb. You will receive the same amount of light while paying for far less energy.
Pollution
Replacing just one incandescent bulb with a CFL can prevent as much as 450 lb. of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere. If every home in America changed just one incandescent bulb to a CFL, the emissions saved would be equivalent to those produced by more than 800,000 cars annually. To take this one step further, if everyone in America were to convert all of their lighting to CFLs or other energy-efficient means, our country could close 90 standard-sized power plants.
Versatility
Compact fluorescent light bulbs can be used in almost any light fixture that accepts an incandescent bulb. CFLs can be used in everything from table lamps to ceiling fixtures. Specially designed CFLs are also available for more unique types of lighting. A three-way CFL can be used in lighting fixtures with a three-way setting. Though CFLs were initially unsuitable for dimmer switches, dimmable CFLs are now available as well.
Considerations
While compact fluorescent lighting is ideal for many situations, it must be used in the right way to reap the full benefits. CFLs can take longer than an incandescent bulb to turn on and become fully lit. For this reason, turning on a CFL for less than 15 minutes is actually less energy efficient than using an incandescent light. CFLs also need to be disposed of carefully since they contain mercury, which can be harmful to the environment. Lastly, for CFLs to truly keep our planet as green as possible, they should only be used to replace light bulbs that have burnt out. Discarding a new, fully functional incandescent bulb is only creating needless waste, which is counterproductive to creating a greener planet.
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