When someone's safety is in danger, it takes quick thinking to make the situation better. Knowing CPR (cariopulminary resuscitation) means you are able to help someone who has endured some sort of trauma and needs help breathing. There are ABC's of CPR that give key clues to remember whenever performing the process.
Features
The ABC's of CPR are airway, breathing and circulation. Airway prompts the person giving aid to check for anything that hinders breathing. It may be necessary to lift the chin or place the person in danger on their side so that obstructions like vomit or the tongue are not nlocking anything. Breathing is the second portion of the ABC's. This includes getting air to the lungs by artificially breathing for the patient. Finally, circulation means getting airflow throughout the rest of the body. Chest compressions are necessary if it appears the patient has no pulse.
History
The ABC's go back to the late 1950s, when Paul Safar wrote a book about CPR. He later presented the book findings at a medical convention. This is where the term ABC's of CPR gained momentum. Safar created a presentation with colleagues that garnered widespread use. Eventually, the American Heart Association adopted the process along with the entire medical society.
Theories/Speculation
Since the creation of the ABC's, there have been several modifications to the original theory. Newer protocols added "D" to the mnemonic. The "D" could stand for defibrillation, disability or deadly bleeding. An "E" has also been added in some cases to include environment, escaping air or expose and examine. In both cases, additional protocols were added to teach the ABC's to varying level of health providers. The rationale is that ambulance workers needed to have a different focus than a nurse.
Benefits
The ABC's make CPR a theory that is doable for a layman. Health providers are not available in every emergency situation. The ABC's provide for basic information until more specialized help can arrive. Many people owe their lives to someone who attended a weekend CPR training certification.
Warning
The inability to triage a dangerous situation can often make them worse. Basic components like airway constriction, breathing and airflow can get a patient in a stable position. The few minutes that the ABC's give a person in danger can allow an ambulance to make it to the scene and treat health issues.
Whether you're coming home after a long day of work or school don't just head straight to bed. You might think that just one night of sleeping in my makeup is no big deal, but the drawbacks are worse than the few extra minutes it takes to wash your face. Otherwise, overnight pores can be get clogged; also your skin repairs itself at night and makeup (plus the pollution and other matter stuck to your face after a long day) can make this difficult. Here are some suggestions:
Instructions
1. Start with your eyes. Taking a clean cotton ball, saturate the ball with eye makeup remover (avoid using regular cleanser as the eye area is delicate). Without tugging too hard on the skin, wipe away any shadow or mascara and then rinse immediately with cool water. There are a variety of eye cleansers out there, such as Lancome's Bi-Facial product. It's expensive but lasts for a while (see Resources).
2. Next select the cleanser of your choice. If you have oily skin, use gel. If you have drier skin, use a cream. Most people have skin that varies from season to season so have a couple on hand. Wash in circular movements with light pressure, avoiding the eye area. Rinse with tepid, clean water.
3. Traditionally, most women have then used toners or astringents to complete the process. However, most cleansers are so advanced today, you don't need this step. However, if you feel like your skin could benefit, use one without alcohol.
4. If you have the energy, I would add another step for some deep cleaning: a mask. Depending on your skin type, a clay or moisturizing mask would help rejuvenate your skin. This step should come after you wash your face but before you tone and/or moisturize or use another treatment product.Try Origins Mask Clear Improvement because although it looks like black tar, it gets skin really clean and is also great for all skin types (see Resources).
5. If you are really beat, and can barely keep your eyes open, at least use a face wipe. While it is tempting to do this every night, you should really save them for last-resort situations. One choice is the Sephora Brand Face 25 Makeup Removing Wipes. It cleans not only your face, but eyes and lips as well.
Tags: your face, your skin, after long, wash your, wash your face
Schizophrenia causes delusions and difficulty thinking. This common psychological disorder can be the result of both environmental and genetic causes. Researchers have conducted several large-scale studies on genetics and schizophrenia to target what types or kinds of genes are known to cause the disease.
For many years, researchers believed that people had just two genes for each trait, one from each parent. However, researchers at the University of North Carolina found that some genes can have several copies of a gene, sometimes reaching the double digits in some spots.
Chromosome Mutations
A study that measured the genetic makeup of almost 3,400 schizophrenia patients found that there were several, not just one, places on the human genome that were associated with schizophrenia, according to researchers at the University of North Carolina, which contributed to a study conducted at the International Schizophrenia Consortium. They found that errors in certain chromosomes could equal a risk prediction factor for schizophrenia. For example, mutations on chromosome 22 increased the risk for schizophrenia 21-fold. Other pinpointed areas included chromosome 15, which increased the risk 18-fold and chromosome 1, which increased risk six-fold.
Another study from the University of Copenhagen, in which 50,000 schizophrenia patients were studied noted similar genetic mutations for the three chromosomes, according to MedicalNewsToday.com. The findings concluded that just as schizophrenia is a complicated disease, so too is the genetic makeup of a schizophrenia patient.
Conclusions
This and other research that corroborates the genetic link to schizophrenia adds to the theory that schizophrenia is caused not by one genetic mutation, but by many. This explains the varied symptoms that can occur with a schizophrenia diagnosis.
These genetic mutations also are known to affect the immune system, which can cause further health problems, according to MedicalNewsToday.com.
Researchers are exploring these genetic markers as a means to seek out treatments that can prevent the gene mutations from presenting or even occurring. Also, the knowledge that several different combinations of mutations can contribute to schizophrenia further helps physicians to evaluate patients based on their individual causes.
Tags: found that, increased risk, according MedicalNewsToday, chromosome which, chromosome which increased
Polycystic ovarian disorder or Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that is caused by hormonal imbalances in a female of child bearing age. The female's ovaries can become enlarged, and they will often contain a number of tiny cysts along the outer edge of one or both ovaries. Symptoms include irregular menstrual bleeding, acne, abdominal pain, excessive growth of hair, obesity and infertility. While the causes of the condition are not known, there are Ayurvedic treatments that can be used to treat the condition.
Gymnema Sylvestre
In "What to Do When the Doctor Says it's PCOS," Milton Hammerl, the medical director of Complementary and Alternative Medicine for the Catholic Health Initiatives, and Cheryl Kimball assert that Gymnema Sylvestre is an Ayurvedic treatment for Polycystic Ovarian disorder. The recommended dosage of Gymnema Sylvestre is 400 to 500 mg per day.
Shilajit
In "Natural Healing Wisdom & Know How: Useful Practices, Recipes, and Formulas for a Lifetime of Health," author Amy Rost explains that Shilajit is an Ayurvedic treatment for sterility and for helping to improve the condition of the sexual organs, including the ovaries. Shilajit can be consumed at a dosage of 1 tsp. twice a day in order to help improve ovarian functioning and to help a female become more fertile.
Shatawari
In "The PCOS Diet Book: How You Can Use the Nutritional Approach to Deal with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome," author Colette Harris explains that Shatawari is another Ayurvedic treatment for polycystic ovarian syndrome. This treatment has phytosterols which help to restore hormonal balances to normal and further helps to improve the functioning of the sexual organs and to restore irregular periods to normal. This treatment can be consumed by adding one to two teaspoons to a cup of milk; the concoction can be consumed just before going to bed as an effective and powerful ovarian tonic.
Yasti Madhu
In "A Treatise on Home Remedies," author S. Suresh Babu asserts that Yasti Madhu is a natural source of estrogen; this can help to rebalance hormones and to help to restore functioning of the ovaries back to normal. Yasti Madhu can be consumed at a dosage of a single teaspoon added to a cup of warm milk to times a day as an ovarian tonic and as a defense against polycystic ovarian disorder.
Ashokarishtha
Sometimes women that have PCOS suffer from irregular menstrual periods and extensive bleeding. Ashokarishtha is an appropriate Indian treatment for such a condition. You can consume Ashokarishtha at a dosage of 20 mL mixed with 20 mL of water two times a day just before a meal for ease of digestion.
There are downsides to being a nurse practitioner.
A career as a nurse practitioner can have advantages and disadvantages. Caring for the sick in hospitals, clinics and physicians' offices can be a fulfilling task but there are also downsides that nurse practitioners have to deal with. Nurse Practitioners are nursing board certified and hold either a master's or a doctorate in a specific specialty such as family practice, pediatrics, or women's health . There are a few things to consider before starting advanced training and officially becoming a nurse practitioner.
Training Required
Training to eventually become a nurse practitioner is a long and arduous task. Nurse Practitioners complete intense training and schooling in order to have a role that is much wider than that of a traditional nurse. Prospective students admitted to nursing school are expected to have already graduated with a bachelor's degree in nursing. This knowledge is backed up with a year or two of nursing experience.
TIme and Pressure
Managing health care is a stressful occupation. A nurse practitioner, like a doctor, is expected to care for patients, write prescriptions for patients, and care for patients beyond the scope of a general nurse. Prospective nurse practitioners are warned ahead of time that they will have to deal with a lot of pressure. There is a constant need to deal with patients and their families. Patience is another virtue that nurse practitioners should have. It is also important that nurses know keep their emotions stable in facing stressful situations like abuse and death.
Scope and Limitations
The law regarding nurse practitioners can be confusing, as its scope and limitations tend to vary from state to state. For example, in some states a nurse practitioner can practice individually as a family practice or specialty physician while in other states they must work in partnership with a certified doctor. Nurse midwives, although certified, are not even legally allowed to deliver babies in certain places.
Changes To Lifestyle
Those who work in the health care field often have irregular work schedules. A nurse practitioner can not predict when a patient needs care and attention. Nurse practitioners need to be ready to drop everything and go to work during on-call duties. This does not include the daily, regular schedule a nurse practitioner works. Before deciding to go to nursing or graduate school to be a nurse practitioner, be prepared for the changes this chosen career can bring to your family and lifestyle.
Tags: nurse practitioner, deal with, nurse practitioners, care patients, family practice, have deal
In the United States, 20,000 people are diagnosed with thyroid cancer each year. The thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland located in the neck. Thyroid cancer is more common in older adults, women and Caucasians. Exposure to radiation and a family history of thyroid cancer are risk factors for thyroid cancer.
Problems Swallowing
Due to the increased size of the thyroid, patients may have problems swallowing. Patients sometimes feel as though something is stuck in their throat.
Hoarseness
Voice changes, including hoarseness, are common signs of thyroid cancer.
Pain
Thyroid cancer can cause pain in the throat and neck. This pain can be made worse through simple acts like swallowing or talking.
Swollen Lymph Nodes
Thyroid cancer can cause the lymph nodes to swell. Swollen lymph nodes may be visible to the naked eye or felt on the side of a patient's neck.
Warning
Thyroid cancer needs to be diagnosed by a doctor. Many other conditions could be responsible for the common symptoms of thyroid cancer evident.
Tags: Thyroid cancer, thyroid cancer, cancer cause, lymph nodes, thyroid cancer, Thyroid cancer cause
Finding a veterinarian is an important part of a pet owner's responsibilities.
Finding a skilled veterinarian is as critical as finding a competent physician. A veterinarian is a central part of a pet's life, and it is important to choose a caring, experienced and knowledgeable doctor. Finding a veterinarian who meets the needs of both you and your pet can be done through referrals and research.
Instructions
1. Ask other pet owners for recommendations. An easy way to gather honest information about a veterinarian is from fellow pet owners. Pet owners can provide personal experiences, whether positive or negative, about a particular veterinarian.
2. Conduct background research online. As suggested by Healthy Pet, verify that the hospital is a member of both the American Animal Hospital Association, which indicates the clinic has met quality care, diagnostic services and equipment requirements, and the American Veterinary Medical Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancements in animal health and professional improvement. Look at the operating hours and services of clinics, as well as specific areas of expertise for particular doctors. Reviews and opinions written by other pet owners can also be found online.
3. Visit animal hospitals and take note of the cleanliness of the facilities, staff professionalism and helpfulness, office policies and pricing for different services. Inquire about office hours and emergency services offered during off hours. Ask for a tour of the entire center, including exam rooms, operating rooms, recovery rooms, kennels and recreational areas.
4. Verify that the veterinarian is licensed in your state. The American Association of Veterinary State Boards provides online license verification of veterinarians and veterinary technicians in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. Check whether the veterinarian's license has any pending or completed disciplinary charges against it. License verification, as well as disciplinary actions, can also be found online at the Department of Consumer Affairs Veterinary Medical Boards.
5. Interview the veterinarian. As suggested by The Humane Society, ask questions about treatment style for particular ailments applying to your pet, basic animal care philosophy and specific areas of specialty. Take note of the veterinarian's overall knowledge, willingness to answer questions or concerns and general demeanor.
6. Introduce your pet to the veterinarian, and observe the interaction between your pet and the doctor. Note the comfort level of both the doctor and your pet, as well as their overall rapport with one another.
Tags: also found, also found online, Finding veterinarian, found online, other owners, specific areas, Veterinary Medical
Rheumatoid arthritis can affect many joints in the body. In the feet, the ball of the foot (metatarso-phalangeal joints) and the sub-talor joint below the ankle joint are often affected. The pain, stiffness and deformity associated with rheumatoid arthritis can be managed. Usually, if you have rheumatoid arthritis, you are under the care of a rheumatologist to manage the drug therapy. A podiatrist and physical therapist will also help you manage rheumatoid arthritis in the feet.
Instructions
1. Move your feet and ankles before standing up after resting for long periods, especially first thing in the morning. You should rotate your feet and ankles for a few minutes before weight-bearing. This will ease the stiffness that occurs with rest and may ease the pain that occurs with the first few steps.
2. Choose shoes that provide both support and cushioning. The more cushioned the sole, the less likely you will feel the pain in the ball of the foot. Try not to walk barefoot as you are more likely to fell like you are "walking on pebbles" as the ball of your foot touches the ground. Choose a shoe or with lots of ankle support to prevent you foot from rolling in. Speak to your podiatrist for footwear advice.
3. Do not struggle with laces. Velcro straps are a good option if you also have rheumatoid arthritis in your hands. Do not wear slip-on shoes on a regular basis.
4. Visit your physician or rheumatologist on a regular basis to monitor the medication that you are taking. They will advise you on the frequency of consultations needed.
5. Seek the help of a physical therapist to keep the painful joints moving. They may suggest hydrotherapy, which involves carrying out various exercises in a heated pool (hydro-pool). This will also prevent your muscles from wasting from disuse and prevent the affected joints from becoming stiff.
6. Make an appointment with your podiatrist. They will assess you to see what type of orthotics and footwear need to be prescribed. This may reduce the deformity that can occur as a result of rheumatoid arthritis in the feet.
7. Prevent other problems occurring in your feet, such as corns, calluses, blisters and infections. Follow footwear advice from your podiatrist. They may also prescribe specific shoes for you that support your feet and fit well.
Tags: rheumatoid arthritis, your feet, your podiatrist, your podiatrist They, arthritis feet, ball foot
Ramps are not always available, so people in wheelchairs must develop a technique to be able to get up and down stairs in order to maintain freedom of movement and access to all locations. There are general tips that can be used to maneuver stairs in a wheelchair, some easier than others.
Instructions
With Helpers is Better
1. Ask two people to help. While requiring assistance is not the ideal situation for a person seeking independence, utilizing the help of two strong people to get down the stairs is the safest mode of travel.
2. Point the front of the chair toward the stairs and position one person in front and one in back. Lean the chair back slightly toward the person in the rear who can hold onto the handles of the back of the chair. The assistant in the front of the chair should grab on to a stable piece of the chair, such as the rods to the footrests.
3. Move down the stairs one at a time, when both people are in place. The wheels should do most of the work. The person in the chair can help to ease the movement of the wheels by sliding his hands on the large side wheels and holding on to make sure the chair doesn't move too quickly and throw the helpers off balance.
Independently If You Must
4. Take the chair down stairs independently only if you are strong enough to hold on to the wheels and keep them in place while leaning backwards, without falling backwards. Ideally, you should try going down stairs alone only when there are sturdy rails, one on each side.
5. Grab the rails with gloved hands and tip the chair backwards slightly. Allow the wheels to move down each step as you reposition your hands to hold yourself upright. Wheelchair users typically have strong arms and should be able to handle a couple of steps in this manner.
6. Ride close to one sturdy rail if the stairs are too wide to hold onto both sides. Hold the outside wheel with one hand, while using the rail with the other arm. Twist your body slightly to the rail if your single arm is not strong enough to hold you on each step. Move down the stairs by moving your hands one over the other and using your body weight to lean slightly back in the chair.
Tags: down stairs, back chair, each step, enough hold, front chair, hold onto, Move down
The Feldenkrais Method is designed to make you aware of the way your body moves. When your body moves properly the muscular tension is eliminated and posture is improved by standing straight without straining. Use Feldenkrais techniques to improve your posture and overall health.
Instructions
1. Relax. Feldenkrais is not like any other form of exercise. It is non-aerobic and requires deep relaxation to get in tune with each specific movement. For example, to attain proper posture achieve self-awareness and align with gravity.
2. Find a practitioner. Feldenkrais is becoming increasingly more popular but it could still be challenging to find an instructor. Search the Internet and ask around for referrals.
3. Learn your lesson. Group lessons are taught from an ATM technique, Awareness Through Movement. The instructor will give soft verbal commands to do specific movements. ATM focuses on motor function skills, self-awareness and self-image.
4. Take individual lessons with the functional integration technique. This method of Feldenkrais can help improve posture as the instructor gently manipulates the body positions with their hands on the client to guide the process.
5. Move efficiently without causing pain in order to increase motor movements. Exercise will incorporate the proper alignment of the head with the hips, ankles and feet which will in turn correct your posture.
6. Stabilize to keep center of gravity. Don't let emotions drag your body down into a slump. Body positions often demonstrate the inner feelings of a person. Keep a positive attitude to influence the body, mind and spirit. Be aware of feelings.
7. Nourish the soul. Improve confidence and self esteem to stand tall. Discover the parts of the body in a sensitive way to nurture what has been lost in personal identity and contact with the world. Rejuvenate.
Tags: your body, body moves, your body moves, your posture
Ringworm is a common fungal infection that can appear on the skin, scalp, groin, feet or nails. This ailment is caused by the dermatophyte fungus and is not actually a worm. It shows up as itchy, flaky patches of red rings that have white, flaky clusters in the center. Using homeopathic treatments will help to get rid of the fungus and bring balance back to the body.
Transmission
This fungus is spread easily through direct contact with humans, animals and even soil. It can also be transmitted indirectly by someone using other people's infected personal items, such as a towel or a hair brush. Like most other fungi, ringworm thrives in warm, moist and dirty conditions.
Treatment Overview
You can treat ringworm with over-the-counter topical anti-fungal products. These come in many forms and are useful, but they may take some time to do their work. Oral medications can also be used for this purpose, but like many other medications, there is a risk of side effects. Natural remedies are usually safer and gentler, as they address the condition, as well as the cause. Natural treatments, such as homeopathic approaches, help to bring balance and harmony back to the body.
Homeopathic Treatments
There are a few different homeopathic ringworm treatments that you can try, all of which have proven to be effective with few or no side effects. Natrum muriaticum, kalium muriaticum and kalium sulphate have been used for this purpose. These ingredients boost the body's natural healing processes, which help to get rid of the fungus that causes ringworm. Cleavers and red clover are therapeutic herbs that are also used for this. Tea tree oil is a widely used essential oil for skin issues and has proven effective in getting rid of ringworm. Lavender and thuja oils also work well. An oral homeopathic remedy that has been tried with great success is garlic. Garlic has numerous health benefits, including tackling this fungus. Eating two to three garlic cloves with your food daily or ingesting garlic tablets are suggested. Add the garlic right before the food is done cooking, so you don't kill the healing properties with heat. Boost the immune system with echinacea and astragalus to fight the infection from within.
Tags: used this, also used, also used this, back body, bring balance, help fungus
Smart people use sunscreens to protect their skin from the harmful exposure of the sun’s rays. Yet getting some sun is an important way of providing the body with Vitamin D, the “sunshine vitamin.”Sesame massage oil can serve as a sunscreen and, when combined with other essential oils, can do double duty in repelling insects. It also is wonderful for making your skin look and feel soft and supple.Here’s select and prepare sesame oil to use as a sunscreen.
Instructions
Using Essential and Massage Oil as a Sunscreen
1. Buy only sesame oil that is specifically designed to be used for massage. This oil has been specially refined and prepared for use on the skin. You can get it at health food stores and online. Don’t use cooking sesame oil, as this is a different grade of oil and often has a strong odor.
2. Measure a portion of the sesame oil into an easy-carry plastic bottle with a cap. The oil usually comes in larger sizes, such as 1-quart bottles and 1-gallon jugs, so using the smaller bottle makes it easier to carry and use.
3. Blend in one or two of the following essential oils to add insect-repellant qualities to your sesame sunscreen oil, if desired: cedarwood, clove, lavender, peppermint, rosemary and thyme. Use only 100 percent pure essential oils, as only these offer healthful benefits. The label will state "100 percent pure." Add three drops of essential oil per teaspoon of sesame oil. Shake well.
4. Gently massage and spread the oil all over the exposed parts of your body -- including your neck, face and ears -- just as you would with suntan lotion. Avoid getting the oil into your eyes or mouth.
5. Reapply sesame-oil sunscreen after contact with water or after perspiring heavily.
A diastema is a term used to describe the existence of a space (or spaces) between the upper front teeth (called the incisors). Diastemas are common in children and can exist in adults as well. Diastemas are primarily caused by an imbalance in the relationship between the jaw and the size of the teeth. If the labiel frenulum (lip tissue) pulls, it can also push the teeth apart and cause a diastema between the center of the two front teeth.
Diastema in Children
Diastema is very common in children. It has been estimated that up to 97% of all 5-year-old children have diastema, and as many as 50 percent of kids between ages 6 and 8. There are many causes for these diastemas, and typically the spaces close naturally as children age. However, the diastemas can cause aesthetic concerns, as well as affect speech and facial balance in some cases.
Causes of Diastema in Children
Diastemas are a natural part of dental development. At around age 8, the unerupted lateral incisors begin to develop and push against the roots of the erupted incisors. When the central incisors are pushed, spaces can appear between them. These spaces exist until the upper eye teeth grow, and force the teeth together to close the diastema. This generally happens around age 12.
Diastemas may also occur in children with small lateral incisor teeth (because the small teeth allow the central incisors to separate, creating a space or diastema) or an overbite that causes the upper teeth to jut out instead of remaining straight. When the teeth jut out instead of pushing against each other, spaces begin to form. If the tongue is too large, (caused by a genetic condition called macroglossia), it may push the incisors forward, causing this jutting effect.
A hormonal imbalance in the endocrine gland can cause the jaw to be abnormally large while the teeth remain normal in size, causing spaces to appear between the teeth. Finally, excessive distal crown angulation can occur when the teeth angle too much to the side, creating a small diastema between the central front incisors.
Habits That Create Diastemas
Certain habits can lead to the creation of a diastema and/or exacerbate conditions that are likely to cause a diastema. Biting your lower lip or having flaccid lips may cause the upper tooth to jut out, causing a diastema when the teeth no longer press against each other. Holding the tongue improperly, and/or forcing the tongue forward between the teeth, can also adversely affect the position of the incisors.
Adults
Diastemas can occur in adults as well, when spaces occur between the central incisors. Generally, maxillary spaces occur between the incisors as a result of movement caused by the loss of alveolor bone. This is a periodontal condition.
Abnormally small incisors are another cause of adult diastema. Adults with diastema were found to have incisors that were approximately 77.2% of the size of their maxillary teeth.
Treatment
The normal treatment for a diastema consists of orthodontic techniques that close the space. The incisors may be moved closer together, and the jutting or the protrusion of the teeth may be corrected. An aesthetic solution without the use of orthodontia may involve using artificial material to close the gap between the teeth, and/or making the front teeth appear larger than they are.
Tags: between teeth, central incisors, front teeth, adults well, against each
Trigeminal neuralgia has been considered one of mankind's most painful disorders and has even been known to lead to suicide. This disorder of the fifth cranial nerve is characterized by extreme pain of the face without an obvious underlying cause. Although the upper teeth and midface regions are the most commonly affected areas, trigeminal neuralgia can trigger pain in the eyes, jaw, teeth, neck, nose and ears.
History
Trigeminal neuralgia was first reported in 1672, but this disorder has no doubt plagued mankind for millennia. The disorder was formerly referred to as tic douloureux, an unbearably painful twitch.
Identification
Symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia include intense and recurring pain attacks. The pain typically radiates from a single point on the face and may last from a few seconds to several minutes. In atypical trigeminal neuralgia the pain is constant, only fluctuating in intensity. Points of origin are typically the mid-portion of the face, primarily the lips, upper teeth and nose, but may also include the jaw, cheeks, ears.
Features
Symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia may be triggered by seemingly innocuous occurrences such a kiss or a breeze blowing across the skin. No one really knows what causes trigeminal neuralgia, but several theories have been put forth involving the interaction of redundant blood vessels with the nervous system.
Types
While any type of unexplained facial pain is frequently, and inadequately, diagnosed as trigeminal neuralgia, unexplained ear pain may also result from a number of other disorders. Glossopharyngeal neuralgia exhibits symptoms that are quite similar to trigeminal neuralgia but originates from the glossopharyngeal nerve--the primary nerve cluster that serves the ears, throat, tongue and jaw. Occipital neuralgia is characterized by pain radiating from the back of the skull through the ear to the top of the head. It typically presents only on one side of the head.
Prevention/Solution
A correct diagnosis of the underlying cause of ear pain is important because the originating systems respond to different treatments. Glossopharyngeal neuralgia may response to anticonvulsant medication or microvascular decompression, while occipital neuralgia responds better to certain antidepressants or local anesthetics. Trigeminal neuralgia is typically treated with carbamazepine which has proven effective in 70 to 90 percent of patients. When relief cannot be obtained through medication, surgery may be required.
Elevators are an important part of high rise and apartment construction, giving us the ability to transverse small buildings in a single bound. With their amazing abilities, we would also wish for 100 percent safety and optimal performance from the elevators we are riding in. Proper elevator maintenance is important to the safety of apartment residents and work colleagues alike, and knowing how elevator maintenance works is important for everyone.
Who Does the Service
Elevator maintenance is not a do-it-yourself service; maintenance of an elevator must be performed by a licensed elevator repair technician, or by a person authorized by the property owner. If you are a resident of a building where the owner is allowing maintenance personnel with no experience work on the elevators, report this to your local housing authority. Cutting corners with elevator maintenance is dangerous, and violations can be prosecuted. Elevators should have a regular repair schedule, maintained by a person with technical and practical knowledge of how a lift works. This can be determined by the owner of the building, or through a certification process. It is recommended, and law in some areas, that the person that does the regular repair maintenance not be the same person who does regular safety checks of the lift, as their opinion is not impartial, and they are assessing their own work.
Examination
Elevator examinations should be performed every six months if it is used to carry people or animals, and every 12 months if it carries nothing but loads, such as industrial materials or other inanimate objects. If there have been any significant changes in the structure or use of the elevator, it should be inspected by a professional. Other circumstances require an inspections, such as a after major repair, cosmetics do not count, or if there has been damage to, or failure of the lift in any way. There has to be an examination if a lift has just been installed in a building or industrial area, or if a pre-existing lift has been replaced with a new one. All of these examinations and repairs must be documented, with the serial numbers of the parts noted, the date when the maintenance was undertaken, the reason behind the examination or maintenance, and detail all actions performed. These records should be retained for record-keeping purposes.
What to maintain
Elevators are complex machines, so there are several parts that need to be regularly maintained to keep it up to code. All the gearing should be checked for wear and tear, as well as all the doors. The main drive system should have its components checked for wear and lubrication, and the safety gear should also be checked. It is incredibly important to check the ropes that suspend the elevator for wear, or signs of breaking, as well as the backup safety ropes and the emergency braking system. The hydraulics should also be checked and oiled regularly so that the elevator runs smoothly. A comprehensive list of all the items that need to be maintained in your elevator will be included with the owner's manual, and can be checked against local regulations.
Tags: also checked, checked wear, does regular, elevator maintenance, every months, regular repair, should also
Your self-esteem determines how you treat yourself physically, mentally and emotionally: it may be with love and honor or with self hate and disrespect. If your self-esteem and self-talk are negative, then it is time to reverse them into the appropriate positive talk. Only you can make them change.
Instructions
1. Write down on a daily basis any negative self-talk that you do and try to identify the situation, person or event that triggered it.You must identify and listen to your self-talk before you can make any changes.
2. Identify from your past the origin of your negative talk. Was it from a parent, an older sibling, a relative, or maybe a teacher or someone at church? You may actually be able to hear in your head the negative message in the person's own voice. Can you identify a reason why this person wanted to hurt you--maybe because of jealousy or anger?
3. Write down all of the messages you got about yourself during your childhood, both positive and negative. Make sure to include messages about how you looked, how you performed in school, or how well you played sports or a musical instrument. People often keep repeating the negative messages and totally forget about all of the positive ones that they received.
4. Challenge your self-talk. Ask yourself if your statements have any truth to them. Ask a friend if they think you are selfish, lazy or worthless. You will realize how others see the true you and not your warped image that was distorted by unquestioned negative messages.
5. Write down positive messages that you want to form in your mind to replace the negative ones. Stick them on your mirror, on the refrigerator and on your computer so that you see them and repeat them daily.
Tags: Write down, messages about, negative messages, your self-talk
Regardless of how much experience and educational background you have, you still need to make a positive impression in your interview. This is where the human resources department and your potential employer make their decision on whether or not you would make a good fit with the organization. The interviewers are looking for posed, well-dressed and well-spoken individuals who show the maturity and responsibility for the job. Preparation is key for presenting oneself well in an interview.
Instructions
1. Practice your nonverbal skills in front of the mirror before going to the job interview. It is important how you communicate with the interviewers on both a verbal and nonverbal level. Give the interviewer a strong hand shake when first being introduced. Always look the interviewers in the eye when you listen and talk to them. Sit up straight in your chair and keep your legs and arms uncrossed. When the interviewer says something that interests you, lean forward and demonstrate your interest. Always keep a pleasant expression on your face. Keep the tone of your voice in the middle range, without showing extremes of volume or expression.
2. Do your homework. Learn all that you can about the company, its products or services, and employees before being interviewed. You will show your interest as well as ask more astute questions. Make a list of questions and points you want to make and bring along a notebook to take notes. Talk in clear and easy-to-understand sentences without slang or jargon. Watch the interviewer's face to make sure that your comments have been understood. Repeat what you said in a different way if you feel there is some communication difficulty. Request feedback. Ask the interviewer if he has any questions after discussing some project in depth, for example. Similarly, If you do not understand what the interviewer has said, paraphrase it and say it back to them: "Oh, do you mean...." Even if the interviewer makes jokes, do not respond with another joke. You can laugh and make a positive comment to show your sense of humor, but be careful of telling stories. Don't know the answer to a question? Just say you have not considered that yet and you would like to get back to them with an answer after thinking about it.
3. Prepare for a telephone interview as much if not more than one in person. Nonverbal language cannot be seen over the phone, so everything relies on your tone of voice and quality of questions and responses. Do not interrupt when someone is talking. When asked a question, pause a couple of seconds before answering. Dress well for this interview, as well. It gets you in the right frame of mind. Try not to answer with a one word "yes" or "no." When someone is saying something, say "I see" or "I understand," since no one can see you shaking your head. Be sure that you make all your points. At the end of the discussion, review some of the points that were made about the job and your qualifications to meet them. End on a positive note regarding the next steps to take and thank the interviewer for their time.
4. Send an email to the interviewer as soon as you can after the interview. Explain why you are the right person for the job and why you would like to work for the company. Repeat some of your strong points and even include some new information if you have additional thoughts since the interview. If you are not interested, say that you appreciate their time, but this is not the right fit for you. When other positions are open, you hope that you will be considered. If you are asked back for a second interview, do not return empty handed. Bring in some new ideas or examples of your work that pertain specifically to what you would be doing. You need to be remembered and stand out from all the other candidates.
5. If you receive a letter or call saying that you did not receive the job, follow up with a thank you note, or call yourself. You never want to burn bridges. When you like the company and people you meet, be sure to ask to be put on the list for future jobs.
Tags: back them, expression your, make positive, show your, sure that
Lavender is grown on a large commercial scale in Provence, France.
The region surrounding Provence, France, is a major lavender producing area. The Mediterranean climate provides fairly mild winters and hot summers, conditions in which lavender thrives.
About Lavender
Lavender is a fragrant herb in the genus Lavandula. Several varieties exist, including Munstead and English lavender. This multi-branched small shrub prefers full sun and rocky soil. Flowers ranging from white to dark purple grow on stalks of 1 to 2 feet in length in summer.
Dried Bouquets and Wreaths
You may make a simple bouquet with just a few dried lavenderflower spikes or you may use more and add other dried flowers. Wreaths made with lavender flower spikes give a long-lasting fragrance. Bee balm, statice and baby's breath blend well with lavender in wreaths.
Teas and Culinary Dishes
Tea made from fresh or dried lavender flowers is an approved remedy for insomnia and restlessness in Germany, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. An article on the website of Herb Companion magazine provides eight recipes containing lavender, including strawberry-lavender spritzer and lavender bread pudding.
Tags: dried lavender, flower spikes, lavender flower, lavender flower spikes, Provence France, with lavender
Color therapy, or chromotherapy, is meant to balance an individual who lacks energy due to an emotional, spiritual, physical or mental problem. According to Missouri Western University, studies on color therapy for depression have had mixed results, so it may or may not work for you. If you do decide to try color therapy, you should receive treatment from a qualified practitioner because too much exposure to a certain color could cause adverse side effects.
Effects of Colors
Different colors are said to have different effects on people. When color therapy was being developed, the Russian scientist S.V. Krakov found that exposure to pure red light had a stimulating effect, while exposure to pure blue light has a sedative effect. Red light tends to speed up heart rate and respiration while increasing blood pressure, and blue light tends to slow heart rate and respiration and lower blood pressure.
The different colors you might be exposed to in color therapy are red, which promotes energy; orange, which promotes pleasure and enthusiasm; yellow, which promotes mental clarity; green, which promotes balance and calm; blue, which promotes good communication and knowledge; indigo, which is a sedative; and violet, which promotes enlightenment or spiritual awakening.
Depression and Color
If you begin color therapy for depression, you will probably primarily be exposed to blue light. According to Vanderbilt University's Health Psychology page, the success of blue light in treating depression was first acknowledged by the scientific community in 1990 at the annual conference of the American Association for the Advancement of Science .
If you have depression symptoms due to SAD (seasonal affective disorder), you will probably be exposed to white light or full spectrum light. This treatment is similar to color therapy, but is called light therapy, because the main goal for people with SAD is to simulate sunlight.
Tags: which promotes, blue light, color therapy, blood pressure, color therapy, exposure pure, heart rate
AIDS, also known as Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, is a condition that attacks the body's immune system. Over the years, there has been a lot of hype about how AIDS can be spread, such as from mosquitoes and toilet seats, but that's entirely not true. When it does get contracted, there are ways to treat it and when it doesn't get contracted, there are ways to prevent it.
Anti-retroviral
Anti-retroviral drugs are prescribed as a treatment to stop the growth of HIV, which is the virus that causes aids.
Protease
Protease inhibitors are used as a treatment to disorganize HIV protease cells, which causes them to no longer be infectious.
Resistance
Over time, some drugs can no longer work as the body builds up a resistance to their effects. To stop this from happening, integrase inhibitors are prescribed.
Sex
A way to prevent AIDS is to practice safe sex. Using condoms and not sleeping around with many partners can help prevent it.
Take Caution
When you share implements with other people who might be infected with AIDS, then you are exposing yourself as well. Some of these include razor blades, toothbrushes and needles.
Tags: contracted there, contracted there ways, there ways
According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer, excluding skin cancers, and third leading cause of cancer death in the United States. More than 100,000 cases were diagnosed in 2008. There is a lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer occurring in one in 19 people. By understanding some colorectal cancer facts, you may be able to determine whether or not you are at risk.
Contributing Factors
Although no direct cause has been discovered as of yet, there are some important contributing factors associated with colorectal cancer. Adenomatous polyps that grow in the colon have been found to become cancerous over time. Other associated risk factors are a history of cancer in the family, alcoholism and an age above 50.
Symptoms
Early signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer involve the digestive system. Loss of appetite and general weakness can be initial predictors. Constant diarrhea or constipation that isn't associated with an obvious cause is also early symptoms. Trouble with bowel movements and stool that appears to be ribbon-like could indicate a tumor or swollen tissue blocking the digestive tract. As the cancer progresses, symptoms such as blood in the stool, pale skin or rapid weight loss may be of concern.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis can be done using a number of methods. A digital rectal exam is a common method that uses a lubricated, gloved finger inserted into the rectum. A doctor would then feel for obvious tumors. If none are felt, a doctor might perform an endoscopy where a flexible camera is inserted into the entire colon. The camera then sends back a live feed to a monitor so that the doctor and identify any polyps or smaller tumors. The sigmoidoscopy focuses on the rectum and lower colon.
Treatment
If caught early, surgical treatment is the most common for colorectal cancer. Surgeons would perform a resection, which consists of removing the cancerous part of the colon and fusing together the remaining sections. This is sometimes followed up with chemotherapy to kill of any remaining cancer cells, helping keep the cancer in remission. If tumors are too large for surgical removal, radiation can be applied to the tumor in order to shrink it.
Prognosis
Colon cancer deaths rank third among all cancer deaths. However, the American Cancer Society reports that the number of those deaths has steadily declined over the last two decades. This is most likely because people are having an early screening and removal of adenomatous polyps before they become cancerous. As of 2008, there are nearly one million colorectal cancer survivors.
Tags: colorectal cancer, colorectal cancer, American Cancer, American Cancer Society, associated with
A nutritionally balanced meal is one that contains all the macronutrients: protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and water.
A person's age, gender and any health conditions and food preferences will all be factors that affect what constitutes a healthy diet.
The US RDA has revised the Food Pyramid so that it has been adapted into many different versions: for infants, children, adults and those who are vegetarian or prefer a Mediterranean Diet. Learn what your many options are to eat well and stay on track for healthy eating.
Identification
The basic food pyramid designed by the USRDA provides broad guidelines for healthy adults as to what is a healthy diet. They recommend adults eat 30 to 35 percent protein, 30 to 35 percent complex carbohydrates and to consume no more than 30 to 35 percent fat. They recommend people eat unsaturated fats to protect the heart from disease and to increase risk for developing diabetes or obesity.
For a person who eats meat, a nutritionally balanced meal according to the food pyramid guidelines for adults might the following. A balanced breakfast could be scrambled eggs cooked with vegetable oil, whole grain toast slathered with fruit spread and turkey sausage, fruit juice and coffee.
A balanced lunch for a vegetarian might be a burrito made with brown rice, pinto beans, shredded cabbage and carrots and fresh fruit for dessert.
A balanced dinner for a vegan might be lasagna made with quinoa pasta, soy cheese, tempeh (high-protein wheat gluten) and tomatoes. Adding a small fresh green salad dressed with olive oil or flax seed oil and toasted sunflower seeds would round out this meal.
In each case, there is protein, complex carbohydrates, unsaturated oils, vegetables and/or fruits.
Significance
Eating a nutritionally balanced diet helps control weight and reduce risk for developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity or kidney disorders.
These chronic diseases result from an over-consumption of fatty meats that increase unhealthy cholesterol levels. Eating too much salt and foods made from refined white flour and white sugar can increase weight gain to unhealthy levels. Eating too few fresh vegetables, fresh fruits and whole grains and low-fat proteins, can result in being malnourished and overweight. Overeating can result and weight gain continue to unhealthy levels.
Features
A nutritionally balanced meal will provide adequate protein so that the body does not go into fasting mode and reduce its metabolism.
That occurs on fad or crash diets that may eliminate entire groups of foods, such as carbohydrates, or that emphasize another group, such as protein.
The American Cancer Society and the US RDA both recommend eating from a wide variety of foods to best obtain the appropriate protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins and minerals from fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, and whole grains.
Every meal should include protein to help increase satiety and head off non-stop snacking or binging. Eating a nutritionally balanced meal at every meal will provide optional nutrition and help an individual maintain a healthy weight.
The Food Pyramid recommends people eat at least three ounces of whole grain food items such as whole grain cereals, brown rice, quinoa or millet. The Food Pyramid also advises people eat more dark green and orange fruits and vegetables and to eat more dried beans and peas. They recommend adults eat more fruits and vegetables and less fruit juice. Last, they encourage the consumption of lean proteins and to bake, broil or grill meats to avoid unhealthy saturated or trans fats.
Misconceptions
Many dieters believe that by severely restricting their daily caloric intake or by eliminating a certain food group, such as carbohydrates, that they will lose weight quickly.
In fact, doing so is more likely to set up yo-yo dieting wherein there is weight loss followed by weight gain resulting in disordered eating.
Instead of resorting to extreme crash or fad diets, work with your doctor or a nutritionist to create a realistic diet that can help you lose weight slowly and permanently.
Eating a nutritionally balanced meal is not boring. Once you learn the fundamentals of nutrition and cooking, there are many ways to vary your meals so that you do not become bored.
Warning
Eating in extreme ways such as fasting to lose weight quickly can result in illness or set up for more weight gain. Rapid weight loss is generally from loss of water weight that returns as soon as you are properly hydrated again.
If you are not certain of what diet is best for you to maintain your health or to help you lose weight, see your doctor or a nutritionist.
The food pyramid does offer practical information that may serve as a starting point.
If you have any serious health conditions, do not self-diagnose. See your doctor or a nutritionist for guidance.
Tags: balanced meal, lose weight, weight gain, doctor nutritionist, Eating nutritionally
A brain hemorrhage is a very serious and possibly deadly medical condition. It requires emergency medical attention. Brain hemorrhages can have many different causes, including arteriovenous malformation, head injury, stroke and aneurysm. The condition may go unnoticed at first. However, when bleeding occurs, it can become severe quickly and the person can become incapacitated.
Headaches
During a brain hemorrhage, headaches can appear suddenly and become quite severe. According to The National Brain Aneurysm Center, if there is bleeding around the brain, it can cause a sudden headache, often referred to as a thunderclap headache because of how quickly it comes on. The headache may become worse with movement or any change in position. The person may even describe the headache as the worst one of his life. The headache can become so bad that it will immobilize the sufferer and he may be unable to get up.
Movement Changes
The frontal lobe is also responsible for movement. A bleed in this area can cause problems with walking and picking up items. The person's coordination may be off, and she may be unable to do simple things such as brush her hair or teeth. This may worsen into an inability to move at all.
Speech
Speech is controlled by the frontal lobe of the brain. If an injury or bleeding occurs in this part of the brain, it can cause problems with a person's speech. The National Library of Medicine reports that the person's speech may become garbled. Pronunciation of words may become unclear. The person may be unable to form his words or choose words that do not make sense. This is a profound and noticeable symptom.
Swallowing
The act of swallowing is controlled in the brainstem. If an injury causes a brain hemorrhage, or the bleeding puts pressure on the brainstem, then it can affect a person's swallowing. A person may be unable to swallow at all or she may choke easily. A person with swallowing problems may also drool because of the lack of ability to swallow his saliva. This is commonly found in stroke patients.
Change in Conciousness
When a brain hemorrhage occurs, there may be a change in consciousness. The person may become unresponsive and not respond to painful stimuli. According to The National Library of Medicine, a person may become confused or withdrawn. A person with bleeding in the brain can also become sleepy and lethargic. Any change that is abnormal for the person should be taken seriously, and medical help should be sought.
Tags: person become, According National, bleeding occurs, brain cause, brain hemorrhage
Ulcerative colitis (UC) falls under the umbrella of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This gastrointestinal disease affects the colon and rectum, where ulcers and inflammation cause abdominal discomfort and bloody diarrhea. Medication can help manage the disease and dietary changes can make a significant impact on managing symptoms.
Identify Your Problem Foods
Controlling symptoms and extending the time between flareups of the disease can be possible with dietary changes. While there's no exact link between specific foods causing IBD, certain foods tend to exacerbate your symptoms. This may vary from patient to patient. Keeping a food journal and tracking your symptoms and any link to specific food items can help you to identify what to eliminate from your diet.
Adding Soluble Fiber to Your Diet
UC affects the large intestine where watery food residues are normally reabsorbed. Because your large intestine does not function correctly, this "recycling" of liquids does not take place, resulting in diarrhea, which is often severe. It may seem unwise to add fiber to your diet when you are already experiencing loose stools; however, adding certain high-fiber foods can help to absorb the excess liquids in your large intestine. Soluble fiber is often found in starchy foods, as opposed to raw leafy vegetables and or whole grains, and can help to soothe and regulate your GI (gastrointestinal) tract. Soluble fiber works in the colon by absorbing excess liquids and bulking up the stool. Foods rich in soluble fiber include flour tortillas, rice, pasta, white breads, oatmeal, barley, quinoa, corn meal, soy, rice cereal, potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams, carrots, rutabagas, squash, papaya, mango and bananas.
Following a "Low Residue" Diet
Soluble fiber and foods that stimulate the intestinal tract can increase gas and irritate your GI tract, making your symptoms more severe. Foods like beans, raw broccoli, raw cauliflower, popcorn, raw fruits, cabbage and Brussels sprouts should be minimized or avoided. A "low residue" diet means minimizing foods, like raw veggies, seeds, corn and nuts. This adds residue to the stool and has a "scraping" quality in the colon. Avoiding substances which stimulate and irritate your GI tract, like alcohol, caffeine or sodas, can be helpful in symptom management.
Eat More Frequently
Eating smaller, more frequent meals is often helpful in regulating bowel movements and soothing the entire intestinal tract. This helps to alleviate the pain and cramping often experienced after eating. Five to six small meals--as opposed to three large meals--can ease digestion. Minimizing your fat intake and reducing the amount of fried or greasy foods can also help to reduce and manage your symptoms because fat stimulates the GI system and often causes gas and diarrhea.
Nutritional Therapy
The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America herald the growing movement of eating to help your gut heal itself as a promising frontier in the treatment of IBD. Supplementing your diet with flaxseed or fish oil can be useful in lessening inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids are being researched as nutritional therapy because they have anti-inflammatory properties and help to promote healing and assist in symptom management. Probiotics (like lactobacillus or acidophilus) work within your intestine to help restore balance and help promote intestinal healing.
Tags: your symptoms, large intestine, dietary changes, excess liquids, help promote, intestinal tract
With obesity on the rise in the United States, many are seeking that quick fix for weight loss. Some chose diets like low carb and Atkins to weight loss surgery like gastric bypass or the lap band. Others are turning to diet pills as a way to lose weight, seeking supplements over the counter or via prescriptions by doctors.
Requirements
There are certain requirements that a person must meet to be prescribed diet pills. If you are just looking to shed a few pounds, then this isn't for you. Diet pills are normally prescribed for obese people. Obese describes a person who has a body mass index, or BMI, of 30 or more. People who have a history of high blood pressure or diabetes and are overweight are also candidates for diet pills. A doctor will examine and perform tests on individuals to see if they meet the criteria for diet pills.
Meridia
Meridia is a prescription diet pill that works as an appetite suppressant. It affects chemicals in the body that help in the aid of weight loss. = It is a pill usually taken once a day. Meridia inhibits reabsorption of serotonin. Serotonin is chemical that is released in the brain after you eat. By inhibiting the reabsorption of serotonin, Meridia, makes a person fill full longer. This reduces calorie intake, causing a person to lose weight. Side effects associated with Meridia are high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms and fast heart rate. Most of the side effects were noticed in people who took larger dosages of the medication.
Adipex
Adipex is another prescription diet pill that works the same way as Meridia. It raises neurotransmitters like serotonin and noradrenaline. When Adipex raises both of these neurotransmitters, a person will experience a decrease in appetite. It also stimulates the hypothalumus. By doing this, the heart rate increases and in return decreases appetite. Side effects of Adipex are impaired thinking, dry mouth, hyperactivity and constipation. Some serious side effects may be high blood pressure, hallucinations and rapid heart rate. Your doctor should be notified if any of these serious reactions occur. Adipex is a replacement of the diet pill Fastin.
Over-the-Counter Supplements
There have been two popular over-the-counter diet supplements -- ephedrine, which no longer is on the market, and hoodia. Ephedrine was among the over-the-counter pills like Stackers and Stacker 2. It suppressed appetite but at the same time raised heart rates. Ephedrine was banned because of health concerns.
Hoodia is a newer form of diet pill derived from a cactus-like plant in Africa. Hoodia is supposed to suppress appetites. It has grown in popularity over the past three years. Unlike ephedrine products, Hoodia does not raise blood pressure or makes the heart race. There are studies that have shown Hoodia affects liver functions. Because of this possibility, it may interact with other drugs.
Conclusion
Diet pills are a temporary means to weight loss. There is never a quick answer or way for losing weight. Diet and exercising is the most affective way in losing and maintaining weight. Many of these pills often have side effects and run the risk of causing serious health problems.
The Anxiety Disorders Association of America reports that anxiety disorders affect 40 million American adults aged 18 and over. The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance states that depression affects 14.8 million Americans aged 18 and over. To treat anxiety and depression, therapists often use cognitive therapy---a psychological treatment approach.
Purpose
Cognitive therapy focuses on the client's problems using specific psychological strategies to improve the patient's emotional and overall well-being, emphasizing the patient's thoughts (cognition). When Dr. Aaron Beck developed cognitive therapy at the University of Pennsylvania, the goal was to treat depression. Since then, the treatment approach has also been effective in treating anxiety and other stress-related illnesses.
The Premise
Cognitive therapy is based on the premise that your thoughts and beliefs have the most impact on your emotions and behaviors. Anxiety and depression are the result of impaired thought patterns, which determine how individuals view occurrences in their lives---the reality of the situation may not be as perilous as perceived.
The Process
Through cognitive therapy, the individual gains thought awareness; patients must be aware of what they are telling themselves before they can change it. Patients also learn the validity (accuracy) of their thoughts and challenge their negative thoughts so their thinking fits the reality of the situation.
Advantage
The strategies and coping skills learned in cognitive therapy can be used in everyday life even after therapy has concluded.
Issues Addressed
Cognitive therapy helps depressive patients handle the sad moods, low self-esteem, hopelessness, suicidal thoughts, sleep problems, tiredness and loss of energy associated with depression. It also addresses the fear and nervousness related to anxiety.
Acne takes the form of pimples and unsightly lumps on the face, neck and other areas of the body. Nearly everyone has experienced the bumps associated with acne, leading many to try the typical topical drug treatments for acne. Those creams and lotions aren't the only options. Herbs can offer relief from acne.
Statistics
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, acne is the most common skin condition. Between 40 million and 50 million Americans suffer from acne.
Tea Tree Oil
When applied to acne lesions, tea tree oil may control bacteria and reduce the inflammation associated with acne. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests a applying a gel containing 5 percent tea tree oil.
Guggul
Guggul is a resin from a tree native to India. It has long been used in ayurvedic medicine. When taken orally, guggul capsules may be just as or more effective than tetracycline for the treatment of acne. It may be more effective for people with oily skin.
Calendula
Calendula, when used as an external wash, can be used to treat acne. Steep dried calendula in boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes. Allow it to cool, then use it externally.
Echinacea
Echinacea can be used externally, as well, to treat acne and other skin disorders, according to The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). Steep dried echinecea in boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes. Allow it to cool, then use it externally.
Tags: Allow cool, Allow cool then, associated with, associated with acne, boiling water, boiling water minutes
Clostridium botulinum is a bacterium that produces a powerful neurotoxin. Botulinum toxin causes an illness known as botulism, which can cause paralysis and is fatal in severe cases. Food borne botulism is most often caused by improper canning, especially home canning. The foods at highest risk for botulism are meat and low-acid vegetables.
Onset
Botulism usually affects the cranial nerves first, causing an initial paralysis in the muscles that control the face and mouth. This results in difficulty with eye movements, facial expressions, chewing and swallowing.
Progression
Paralysis due to botulism may spread to the shoulders followed by the forearms. It can also reach the legs and proceed down to the feet.
Severe Cases
Botulism can become extremely serious if it spreads to the muscles used in respiration. This begins with breathing difficulty and can lead to an accumulation of carbon dioxide in the lungs, causing a depressant effect on the patient.
Respiratory Failure
Botulism can also cause respiratory failure, which can lead to a coma and eventual death if left untreated. Patients with this severity of botulism may need to be on a ventilator for weeks while they recover.
Additional Symptoms
Botulism can also affect the autonomic nervous system, causing a variety of apparently unrelated symptoms. These may include dry mouth, decreased blood pressure while standing and eventually constipation.
An HMO, or Health Maintenance Organization, is a managed health care insurance option that focuses on reducing health care costs for members. HMOs include insurance companies, physicians and hospitals working together to provide economical medical care. As the name implies, this health care option is intended to encourage people to seek care early to prevent the need for more intensive care later.
Purpose
HMOs give members access to health care professionals while limiting out-of-pocket costs that are usually associated with medical attention. By reducing these costs, HMOs look to encourage preventive health care to avoid future emergency medical needs.
Facts
Members of an HMO plan select a primary care physician, or a PCP. The PCP is the first contact for all medical attention, including basic care and illnesses. The ease and comfort of visiting the same physician for all medical needs encourages the use of early, preventive medical care.
Medical Care
An HMO member must receive the primary care physician's referral before seeing a specialist within the HMO network of providers. The HMO's network of primary doctors, specialists and hospitals depends on the specific plan and can vary quite a bit. A drawback of HMO plans is that medical expenses incurred outside the network of providers will not be covered by the HMO plan.
Costs
Controlled out-of-pocket expenses is the main reason HMOs attract people in need of health care coverage. An HMO plan member pays a flat fee no matter how many doctor visits are necessary. Members may be required to pay a co-payment for each visit to their PCP. Some managed health care options require members to pay a deductible before insurance coverage will pay the rest of the medical bill. Most HMOs do not require deductibles, reducing costs further for members. HMOs are required to cover all medical expenses within the network without limiting lifetime benefit payouts.
Types
There are three main types of HMOs: staff model, group model and network model. In the staff model, physicians are paid by salary and are direct employees of the HMO. Contracted physicians work in the HMO building and serve only HMO members. In the group model, individual physicians are not direct employees of the HMO; rather, the HMO contracts with a group of physicians and the group distributes payments to individual physicians. In the network model, the most common option, HMOs contract with a diverse combination of physician groups and individual physicians.
Tags: health care, individual physicians, care physician, direct employees, group model, managed health
The recovery period for a root canal depends on how many visits it takes to complete the job. Once the tooth is treated and permanently sealed, you should feel only mild discomfort, if any, for the next few days. It's nothing like having your wisdom teeth pulled. Here is what to expect after a root canal.
Pain
You may feel some discomfort after the anesthetic has worn off, but you should be able to resume normal activities within a day. Your doctor may prescribe a pain medication or suggest you take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen. Your doctor may also prescribe an antibiotic to clear up any remaining infection.The tooth and surrounding gum area could remain sensitive for two to three days.
Chewing Precautions
In some cases, root canal treatment requires several visits. In that case, the dentist will likely install a temporary cap to protect the tooth. Avoid chewing anything tough or hard on that tooth until after your final visit. Unless your dentist advises further precautions, you then should be able to resume normal eating.
Restoring the Tooth
After completing the root canal surgery, the dentist may try to restore the tooth with a filling. However, teeth that have undergone root canals tend to be more brittle than others. That makes the tooth more vulnerable to cracking when you bite down on something hard. If you suddenly feel pain, it may indicate that you need to have a cap (or crown) installed on the tooth.
Possible Complications
According to WebMD, 95 percent of root canals are successful. However, a tooth may contain more than the expected number of canals, resulting in one left untreated. Other problems include the dentist missing a crack in the root of the tooth or failing to completely seal the treated area, allowing for bacteria to again penetrate. Similarly, if the crown or filling is defective, bacteria could reinfect the tooth. One sign that the root canal failed is if the tooth is sensitive to cold.
Nagging Pain
You may find that after four or five days, you still feel pain when you clench your teeth. If you had a crown installed, the dentist may need to file it down to adjust your bite.
Tags: root canal, able resume, able resume normal, crown installed, feel pain
Gout is a painful form of arthritis occurring in the lower parts of the body, usually in the feet or toes. It is the result of too much uric acid in the bloodstream and causes swelling, redness and extreme pain. Uric acid is created when the body breaks down substances called purines, found in many meats and meat products. Treatment includes a combination of medication and dietary changes.
A Balanced Diet
According to the American Medical Association, a balanced diet is key to minimizing the effects of gout. The diet should be high in complex carbohydrates, low in protein and should contain no more than 30 percent of calories from fat.
Avoid Purines
Foods very high in purines trigger gout symptoms and should be avoided. They include sweetbreads, sardines, yeast, mussels and herring. Foods moderately high in purines should be eaten in very small amounts, including anchovies, veal, bacon, salmon, turkey and trout.
Beneficial Foods
Foods that may be helpful to people with gout include dark berries such as cherries and blueberries, which lower uric acid and reduce inflammation, and tofu as a substitute for meats.
Nutritional Supplements
Quercetin, an antioxidant also found in skins of apples and in red onions, and bromelain, a mixture of enzymes found in pineapple juices, provide the same nutritional benefits of cherries. These supplements can be found in tablet form.
Supplements to Avoid
High doses of vitamin C will increase the production of uric acid and should therefore be avoided. Iron supplements should also be avoided as too much iron in the bloodsteam causes uric acids to form in the joints, increasing gout symptoms.
Due to a programming bug, the MBlock skill determines how well a character in Final Fantasy 6 can evade any kind of attack, whether magical or physical. If a character can raise his MBlock statistic to 128 percent or higher, he will dodge every single attack, no matter how powerful.
Instructions
1. Beat the first half of the game and proceed to the World of Ruin. Find the characters Locke and Setzer and convince them to join the group again, and then get your hands on the new airship.
2. Travel to the town Narshe with Locke in tow and have him unlock the doors to the various building until you locate the weapons' store. Enter the shop and walk down the stairs, then have the party speak with the store owner who is sitting next to the bed.
3. Ask the store owner to forge the Ragnarok Esper into a weapon. He will then give you the Ragnarok sword, which will raise the MBlock of any character wielding it by 50 percentage points.
4. Head off to the mines to the north of the houses in Narshe until you see a bridge. At the front of the bridge, the party will be attacked by an ice dragon. After the battle the group will receive a Force Shield, which will raise the MBlock of any character who equips it by 70 percentage points.
5. Fly the airship to the triangle-shaped island and fight the Zone Eater monster. It will swallow the party and transport them to a new area. A treasure chest in this area has the Genji Armor. Equip this armor on a character to raise the character's MBlock by 80 percentage points.
Tags: percentage points, raise MBlock, character raise, Final Fantasy, MBlock character, raise MBlock character
Liver damage can occur as a result of many factors, including alcohol, fatty foods, your environment and liver diseases such as hepatitis. Though western medicine offers many options to fight the liver damage and toxins accumulated over time, herbal cures are showing promising effects. For maximum absorption of the healing properties, herbalists recommend that you take liver treatment supplements in the form of a liquid tincture.
Function
Herbal cures have been used for centuries by cultures wishing to cure the liver ills caused by the rich fats and alcohol in the diets of the very wealthy. Herbal treatments have a anti-inflammatory, healing and detoxifying effects on the liver. Western medicine has recently begun to test these herbs, and scientists have found that many ancient herbal remedies are effective in treating and healing liver damage. Though it is cheap and easy to acquire herbal supplements in capsule form at most grocery and health food stores, herbal treatments are best taken in the form of a tincture, which is a liquid form of herbal supplementation made by combining the extract of the herb with alcohol. Herbalists prefer tinctures because they allow for easier and faster absorption of the herb's beneficial elements.
Composition
A tincture is made by soaking dried leaves in 100-proof rum, vodka or other drinkable spirit. A tincture should not be made out of rubbing alcohol or any other alcohol which is not meant for drinking. Herbalists prepare a tincture by soaking dried herbal leaves in the alcohol in a sealed jar for 2 weeks. Each day, the herbalist will shake the jar to mix the leaves with the alcohol. After 2 weeks, the herbalist filters the mixture through cheesecloth to remove the leaf debris.
Administration
Take liquid herbal tinctures orally by droplet. The number of droplets in a dose depends on the potency and type of herb in the tincture. The more leaves soaked in the alcohol, the higher the concentration of extract in the tincture.
Milk Thistle
According to "The One Earth Herbal Sourcebook" by Tillotson et al., milk thistle has had powerful effects in clinical studies, which have shown that milk thistle--particularly in liquid extract form--has undeniable healing and detoxification effects on the liver, with some patients showing recovery even in cases of serious damage or disease. Tillotson suggests a liquid herbal supplement of 1:5 tincture of milk thistle administered in doses of 20 to 40 droplets two to three times per day.
Turmeric
According to "One Earth," turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and cholesterol-fighting agents. These healing components can reduce the inflammation and cholesterol built up in the liver, increasing blood flow and helping it to clear out toxins that have built up from alcohol, fatty foods and the environment. Liquid turmeric is fast-absorbing, and a recommended dose for a starting tincture is 1 to 1.5 tsp. per day of 1:5 tincture of turmeric.