Recognize Financial & Verbal Abuse Of Elders

The subject makes the newspapers, TV and web broadcasts infrequently, if at all: Serious cases of elder abuse perpetrated by caregivers, nursing home workers and most disturbingly, family members. Every year, between 500,000 and one million cases of elder abuse are reported, and experts say this is just the tip of the iceberg. If you're in a position to do something about a suspected case of elder abuse, investigate your suspicions. You might save someone's life.

Instructions

1. Understand the variety of senior abuse categories that fall under the umbrella of non-physical types. They include bullying, intimidation, financial swindling, intentional neglect, psychological threats and verbal harassment.

2. Look for behavior or personality changes that are not byproducts of of dementia, including signs of threats, humiliation, bullying or ridicule. Question the possibility of verbal abuse if you suspect a senior is being ignored, isolated, menaced or terrorized.

3. Follow your hunch if you suspect that a senior is habitually being abandoned or neglected. Some indicators are: hygiene issues, malnutrition, bedsores, unexplained weight loss, dehydration and unsanitary surroundings.

4. Look for signs of sexual abuse. Showing an unwilling senior pornography, forcing them to watch sexual acts or removing clothing for non-medical reasons, accompanied by verbal assaults, may be hidden, but can be unearthed by looking for bruised sexual organs, STDs and other infections.

5. Double check suspicious credit card bills, peruse bank accounts for questionable withdrawals and look into suspect purchases that may signal duress. If signs point to signature forging or theft, act immediately to prevent potential financial ruin.

6. Investigate Medicare irregularities, the most common of which are billing for services not administered, double billing, overcharging or getting kickbacks from vendors. Watch for charges for drugs not prescribed for the senior.

Tags: elder abuse, cases elder, cases elder abuse

Homeopathic Colon Cleansing

More and more people choose to have a homeopathic colon cleanse with their health and wellness in mind, but does this mean it's actually healthy? Not necessarily. It all depends on how you approach the process. Before you ever venture down this holistic path, you may want to understand exactly what a homeopathic colon cleanse entails, who you should talk to and what may happen if you don't do it safely.

Identification

Homeopathic colon cleansing is basically a means of detoxifying the body through the normalization of the bowels. Usually, a vegetable-based, mineral-based or sometimes animal-based substance is used to encourage the colon to rid itself of excess toxins and waste. The idea behind this sort of "cleansing" is that the colon is sort of the sewage system of the body. When it isn't working properly, the body will back up and manifest illnesses that can affect a person's overall health. Once the colon is cleansed, those problems will theoretically dissipate. These purported effects are still highly debatable.

Features

True homeopathic colon cleansing normally entails an appointment with a homeopathic therapist, for lack of a better title, as any sort of treatment, even holistic in nature, should be monitored by a professional. To embark on a colon cleanse that is considered homeopathic, you'll need to provide a medical history, current dietary regimen, physical routine as well as any other pertinent information. From there, your homeopathic practitioner will be able to prescribe a dietary supplement of some sort that will begin your cleanse. Sometimes, they'll also include suggestions of foods to introduce into your diet to aid with the cleansing. Of course, it wouldn't hurt (and many people will recommend) to consult a physician when starting this sort of treatment.

Types

Most homeopathic colon cleansing will include a dietary supplement typically composed of senna, which is a natural laxative. The rest of the ingredients in the dietary formula will vary, but will usually be herbal in nature, such as dandelion, licorice, slippery elm, fennel, ginger, caraway and other roots, leaves or extracts. After that, your homeopathic therapist may put you on a fasting diet, a reduced-calorie diet, an all-natural diet, a raw foods diet, a nutritional shake diet or other diets that change your eating habits and encourage a colon cleanse.

Function

While the overall methods of homeopathic treatments are fairly similar, the purposes behind them can vary greatly. Today, most people will seek out a homeopathic colon cleanse as a way to aid in weight loss, which can be troubling since most of the "results" are in a reduction of water in the body. It's basically like taking a laxative, just without the chemicals. Some people feel the need to seek out a homeopathic cleanse to boost energy, while others simply want to rid their bodies of toxins. There are even those that feel it is the first step to more organic health and living. There is nothing innately wrong with any of the reasons behind the homeopathic colon cleanse, but the benefits in such a process are still disputable.

Considerations

One of the chief issues in any sort of colon cleanse is the potential effect it has on the body. Though the purposes behind the treatments are well-meaning and founded on better health, there is the potential of damage to the colon and other organs of the body. As you continue into a prolonged "cleanse," your body may find a dependency in a substance used to induce the actual bowel movement or you may find a weakening of the bowels. It could rid the body of healthy bacteria. If you do decide a homeopathic colon cleanse is for you, consult both a homeopathic therapist and medical professional before ever starting a course of treatment.

Tags: colon cleanse, homeopathic colon, homeopathic colon cleanse, colon cleansing, homeopathic therapist

Sinus Pressure Relief Points

Sinus pressure can cause painful headaches

You can relieve the pain of sinus pressure by applying pressure to certain meridian points on your body. Meridians are used in traditional Chinese medicine to represent the paths along which energy flows in the body. The points used in acupuncture and acupressure are the same. Pressure points can be used in addition to any other treatments you may be using. Points are listed here by their names, which can vary from system to system, and by their designations, which are generally consistent across systems.

"Drilling Bamboo"

The first pressure point is B2. You have two of these points, one on each eye socket bone, near the top where your nose joins your eyes. Start at the inner edge of your eyebrow, then come down toward your eye and nose, feeling the indentation with your thumb. Do not press on your eye, but rather on the indentation in the bone. It may be easiest to use one thumb on each side, but some people prefer to use their thumb and index finger to "pinch" the points on each side using one hand. Apply gentle pressure for about one minute.

"Heavenly Pillar"

Pressure to point B10 will help relieve head congestion which may be causing sinus pressure. Again, you have two of these points located on the back of your head, about half an inch below where the skull bones give way to the rope-like muscles of your neck. Apply even pressure for about one minute. You can apply pressure to the B2 and B10 points simultaneously if you wish, with one hand on the front of your head and the other on the back.

"Joining the Valley"

The next point, Li 4, is very useful for any type of headache. It can help relieve pain from sinus pressure and congestion in the head. This point is located in your hand, in the webbing between your thumb and index finger. When you bring your thumb in against the side of your hand, you will notice there is a small domed muscle in the webbed area. The pressure point is at the highest point of that muscle, which will be slightly out from where the junction of the finger and thumb bones form a "V" shape. Open your hand and apply pressure to the top and bottom of this point using the thumb and middle finger of the opposite hand; angle the pressure toward your index finger slightly. Hold for about 30 seconds, then repeat in the opposite hand. It is not unusual to find this point more tender in one hand than the other, and you can spend a little more time pressing the point that is most tender. The Li 4 point should not be used by pregnant women because it can cause uterine contractions.

"Welcoming Perfume"

The point known as Li 20 lies on each side of the face. Place your finger on the base of your cheekbone, just under your eye. (This point can also help with a stuffy nose.) Move your finger along the bottom of your cheekbone about halfway toward your nostril. You will feel a small indentation in the bone at about where your laugh lines are. Using firm but gentle pressure, press up against this point for about one minute.

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Help Seniors Organize Medical Bills

Senior citizens often face a mountain of medical bills. For a senior who is becoming confused or forgetful or perhaps ill, the thought of those bills can be overwhelming. The Medicare maze can be even more frustrating. Yet, it's important to keep the medical accounts organized to avoid overcharges and pay the bills on time. If you're helping an older person with their medical bills, it's necessary to set up a simple system that works.

Instructions

1. Corral all the medical bills in one place, and separate them into categories. All bills from Dr. Smith go in one stack, and all bills from Dr. Jones go into another. Bills from the hospital go in another. Organize them in chronological order. With a highlighter pen, highlight the date of service and the date the bill is due. Then, highlight the charge and the telephone number to call with questions.

2. Match up each Explanation of Benefits (EOBs) with each bill. It will be easy to see what Medicare paid and what is the senior's responsibility. If he has a supplemental policy that picks up where Medicare left off, attach those with the matched date of service.

3. Make folders for each provider or institution. Clearly mark the name on the folder. To make it even easier, color code the documents. Dr. Smith's bills go in the red folder. The green folder holds hospital bills. Put each folder in a separate hanging folder. Purchase a small file cabinet or basket to hold the hanging folders.

4. Advise the older person you're helping to open and file statements as soon as they receive them. Then, at least twice a month he should go through the folders to see what needs to be paid. Tell him to mark bills with a zero balance with a large "paid" sticker.

5. Offer to make calls to billing offices if the senior is unsure about a statement. Medical offices are happy to assist you, but they will appreciate it if you have all the needed information when you call.

6. Make a spreadsheet for the senior's bills. She may feel unsure about using a computer, but you can keep everything together and print out the spreadsheet for her to review.

Tags: bills from, date service, medical bills, older person, unsure about

Facts On Naturopathic Remedies For Gout

Gout is an extremely painful form of arthritis that causes joints to become swollen, red and stiff. It is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the blood and can cause permanent joint damage if left untreated. Gout can be caused by a poor diet containing foods that are high in purines, as purines can create uric acid in the body.

Significance

The buildup of uric acid that causes gout is often the result of a diet high in purines. Purines are found in rich, heavy, fatty foods and alcoholic beverages such as beer and wine. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, gout is more likely to occur in men and those with a family history of the condition.

Detoxification

When the symptoms of gout first appear, a three-day juice fast can be used to cleanse the body of excess uric acid. This technique is recommended by the book "Prescription for Natural Cures" by Dr. James F. Balch. The juice fast should consist of large quantities of cherry juice and wheatgrass juice, as well as clean water and natural herbal teas. Raw fruits and vegetables should be consumed along with the juices and teas after the third day of juice fasting. This diet should continue until the pain subsides. After the pain is gone, a healthy diet will help prevent a recurrence of gout.

Diet

A healthy diet of whole grains, nuts, seeds and other foods high in fiber can help eliminate the symptoms of gout. Cherries of all varieties, such as sweet, sour, black, Royal Anne and bing are believed to reduce the amount of uric acid in the body and should be eaten regularly. Consuming fish, such as salmon, cod and halibut, regularly will supply the body with fish oils, which are believed to reduce joint inflammation. Alternatively, a fish oil supplement can be taken daily for the same anti-inflammatory benefits.

Foods to Avoid

Since purines cause uric acid to build up in the body, foods high in purines should be avoided. These foods include organ meats, red meat, sardines, shellfish, fried foods and rich gravies. Those suffering from gout should also avoid baked goods made with sugar or white flour and refrain from consuming alcoholic beverages until symptoms have subsided.

Pain Relief

The pain and discomfort of gout can be eased by applying hot and cold compresses to the affected area. These should be alternated, with 3 minutes of hot compress followed by 30 seconds of cold compress and repeated as often as necessary to manage pain.

Tags: uric acid, high purines, acid body, alcoholic beverages, believed reduce

Bruises

Bruises are caused by damage to tissue, usually a blunt injury in the area, under the skin that allows blood to leak from the capillaries into the surrounding tissue. Bruises, also called contusions, result in discolorations of the tissue and appear black and blue or purple. Bruises may appear unsightly. They usually are not fatal, however, and resolve on their own.

Significance

Bruises usually have little or no serious effect on your health and require no treatment. The blood that has leaked out of the capillaries will eventually be reabsorbed by the body and disappear. Rarely bruises may become significant if they are infected with bacteria or become large enough in a closed space to exert excessive pressure on surrounding tissue or organs. In these cases, medical treatment may be required.

Time Frame

The time it takes for a bruise to appear after an injury can be immediate or require several hours up to a day. This depends on the location and severity of the injury. Injuries close to the surface will appear much more quickly than deep injuries, which may never appear. The time it will take for a bruise to disappear is much longer. Bruises may require days or months to completely be absorbed by the tissue and disappear.

Features

The main feature of a simple, uncomplicated bruise is its color. Usually blacks and blues are present at the beginning. Bruises may become pink and red as it resolves. The size of a bruise is directly related to the area of injury at the beginning; it and decreases in size as it is absorbed by the body. These bruises are sometimes sore but usually not painful.

Features of complicated bruises that may require medical treatment include redness, which may indicate infection, unusual spreading from the site of injury and pain. Bruises that swell may also indicate that medical attention is needed.

Considerations

Actions to be considered in the event of a bruise range from doing nothing to seeking medical care. Small, uncomplicated bruises will require no medical consideration. Depending on the location, a bruise have social effects because its unsightly nature. Cosmetic makeup to hide or cover up the bruise may be considered. Large, complicated bruises or bruises that are not disappearing normally may require medical treatment.

Prevention/Solution

The only way to prevent bruising of the tissue is to avoid injury. Wearing protective equipment when participating in high impact activities may help to prevent injuries and bruising. Sometimes bruising can be caused by simple bumps that occur in everyday life. Applying ice immediately after an injury may help prevent or decrease the bruising effect. Elevation of the injured part may also help. Major bruises may require antibiotic treatment and/or surgical evacuation of the blood.

Tags: medical treatment, require medical, after injury, bruises that, complicated bruises, help prevent

Dental Assistant Daily Activities

Dental assisting is an excellent career choice if you are a good communicator, enjoy working with people, are skillful with the use your hands, enjoy diversified duties, and are capable of working independently as well as being part of a team. Some dental assistants hold full-time positions, while others prefer working part time, often in more than one office. Dental assistant's duties are regulated by the state in which they are employed, and vary according to state law. The American Dental Association offers a list of daily activities, career opportunities, information on salaries, and educational requirements.

Daily Activities

A dental assistant contributes to the ambiance of the office by being congenial, courteous, caring, compassionate, and helping patients to feel relaxed and comfortable. Your daily activities will include work in several areas. In the treatment rooms, you are responsible for seating patients, and setting up the instruments needed for their visit. Patient history is taken or updated, and, in many offices, your duties will include taking and recording your patient's blood pressure and pulse. You will assist the dentist with each procedure to be performed, taking x-rays and impressions for study models, if required, mixing materials for fillings or to be used in the preparation of prosthetics such as crowns. You may also be required to record entries on patient's treatment records at the direction of the dentist.

Your duties may include giving oral hygiene instructions --- proper brushing and flossing techniques and the care of crowns, bridges, and dentures. Following surgical procedures, you will explain postoperative instructions to the patient. After dismissing your patient, the treatment room and all instruments used must be cleaned and sterilized. Instruments are usually taken to a sterilization area where the procedures for this activity outlined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) must be followed. On their Website, Lab Safety Supply has posted OSHA, Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the American Dental Association (ADA) regulations covering sterilization and other safety precautions and procedures, for example, needle handling and disposal. Sterilization will generally involve scrubbing the instruments to remove debris, followed by ultrasonic cleaning, then bagging of the instruments before heat sterilization in an autoclave. When sterilization is completed, the instruments, still sealed in sterile bags, are returned to the treatment rooms.

In the laboratory, you will mix materials to make casts from impressions previously taken for study models or as part of the process of constructing prosthetics such as crowns and dentures. When prosthetic impressions are set (dried) and ready to be packaged for delivery to a dental laboratory for processing into the finished product, they are sterilized as per OSHA regulations, sealed and bagged.

In addition to your work in the treatment rooms and laboratory, activities may include inventory control to keep track of supplies and facilitate reordering. Your duties in the business office will require you to be proficient in the use of computers and may include answering telephones, confirming appointments, filing and pulling patient records, scheduling appointments, billing, and working on patient recalls --- placing telephone calls to schedule checkup appointments. You will find dental assisting is a rewarding and enjoyable career with opportunities for employment in private offices, group practices, hospitals, schools, and the armed services.

Tags: treatment rooms, American Dental, American Dental Association, Daily Activities, daily activities

Use Cedar Oil As An Insect Repellent

Use Cedar Oil as an Insect Repellent

Cedar oil, which is extracted from the bark of cedar trees, is a safe and natural insect repellent that is particularly effective against fleas. By mixing pure cedar oil with other types of natural oils, such as citronella and lemongrass oil, you can repel mosquitoes as well.

Instructions

1. Purchase pure cedar oil to use as an insect repellent throughout your home. When diluted with rubbing alcohol or distilled water, and poured into a spray bottle, cedar oil can be applied on carpeting, furniture and anywhere you might find flea activity. Cedar oil in spray bottles can usually be found at your local pet store.

2. Mix cedar oil with lemongrass or citronella oil to create an insect repellent that will work equally on mosquitoes and fleas throughout your home. You can use a mixture of these oils to double the duration of the repellent, since each oil used independently can lose its potency after just 1 to 2 hours.

3. Add a few drops of cedar oil to your pet's shampoo for a natural way to combat fleas and other parasites from spreading in your home. Cedar oil, when used in moderation, is a very safe and natural way to keep insects away from your pets, and to hide odors as well. You can also place a few drops of cedar oil underneath the cushions of your pet's bed for extra protection against fleas and mosquitoes.

4. Use your spray bottle of cedar oil to apply the solution on your clothing just before you go outside. While diluted cedar oil is generally safe to use on most fabrics, you may want to test a small area of clothing first to find out whether the cedar oil will cause a stain. Squirting a drop or two into pockets might be effective as well.

5. Ensure that cedar oil doesn't get into your mouth, eyes or nose when you apply it as an insect repellent, and use caution when applying cedar oil on small children, who may be tempted to taste or lick the aromatic substance. While cedar oil is generally safe to use externally, internal consumption could cause illness.

Tags: insect repellent, your home, against fleas, bottle cedar, cedar generally, cedar generally safe

Get Rid Of Or Soften Calluses On The Heel

Proper skincare prevents calluses from forming on the heels.

Calluses leave your skin feeling and looking rough, dry and discolored. These thick patches develop on the heels for a number of reasons including walking in your bare feet or having shoes rub against your skin. Calluses serve to protect the skin, such as calluses on a guitarist's fingertips, but can also cause discomfort. Regardless of the cause, callused heels aren't something you want to showcase in a slinky pair of sandals. You can get rid of calluses on your heels with a persistent skincare regimen that treats the calluses while softening the skin.

Instructions

1. A foot soak soothes feet and softens calluses.

Fill a foot bath with 1 gallon warm water and stir in 1 tsp. of sea bath salts. Soak your feet in the foot bath for at least five minutes to soften the calluses.

2. Pumice is a natural stone that wears away calluses.

Remove your feet from the bath soak and pat them dry with a clean bath towel. Rub a dampened pumice stone back and forth over the calluses on your heels to wear away the thick skin. Use the pumice stone for three or four minutes at each session. Rinse the pumice stone to remove dead skin cells and allow it to air dry.

3. Dampen your skin with warm water. Place a dime-sized amount of exfoliating foot scrub in your hands. Scrub your heels and the rest of your feet with the scrub to remove dead skin cells. Rinse your feet with warm water and pat them dry.

4. Apply a thick coat of petroleum jelly to your heels while the skin is still moist. Put on cotton socks to keep the petroleum jelly on your feet. Wear the socks overnight, if possible.

5. Remove your cotton socks. Rub foot moisturizer into your heels and the rest of your feet in the morning.

Tags: your feet, your heels, pumice stone, warm water, your skin, calluses your

Homemade Kelp Tincture

Kelp is a seaweed rich in iodine, which is necessary for your thyroid gland to produce thyroxine. Without this hormone, your body develops hypothyroidism. You'll experience low energy, slow pulse, decreased appetite and sexual desire, weight gain, depression and severe constipation. Kelp tincture is one natural alternative you can try to normalize your thyroxine production.

Make Your Own Kelp Tincture

You have a few options for preparing your kelp tincture. The most common one is to steep the plant, either fresh or dried, in drinkable alcohol. Ethanol and inexpensive vodka both work well. If you use fresh kelp, put a loose handful in a pint of alcohol. With dried kelp, measure 2 oz. per 1 pint of liquid.

Let the kelp steep for a week, shaking or stirring the mixture from time to time. At the end of the week, strain it and discard the plant. Your tincture is then ready. Store it in a dark, cool place and your concoction will have a shelf life of 20 years.

If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, replace the alcohol with glycerin or vinegar using the same proportions. The glycerin version is a good option if you plan to give your tincture to children. Recovering alcoholics might also prefer this option.

In addition, you can turn your tincture into an herbal vinegar. Steep the kelp in plain vinegar and use it in salads.

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Nonmedical Treatment For Depression Following The Loss Of A Spouse

Losing a spouse can be one of the most traumatic events you can ever experience. There is nothing to prepare you for the onslaught of emotions that follows such a loss and many people find themselves struggling with depression, anger and grief all at once. While some turn to medication to help them through such a difficult time, others try to resolve their depression with non-medical forms of treatment.

Talk Therapy

Talk therapy is one of the best treatments for depression, as talking allows you the opportunity to work through your feeling regarding the loss. Many people find themselves surprised at the sheer range of feelings they have after a death; some are expected---like sadness and disbelief---and others are unexpected---like anger and frustration. Talking with a grief counselor as well as close friends and family about your feelings can go a long way toward resolving your depression. Moreover, not only should you talk about how you feel about your loss and the death, but also about the good memories you shared with your spouse.

Join A Support Group for Grieving Spouses

Support groups are not only helpful to talk about your experience, but to listen to the similar experiences of other people. It helps to be around people who understand what you are going through, which can in turn help to lift the cloud of depression. Moreover, as you become more active in the support group and begin to heal, you can then help to guide others through grief-related depression by sharing your experience and showing them that there can be light at the end of the tunnel.

Take Care Of Yourself

In addition to talking and getting through the grieving process in one piece, taking care of yourself physically is just as important as monitoring your mental well-being. Exercising is a great way to lift depression as is eating right and being active. After all, you don't want to let your health deteriorate as you grieve. Even if you can do nothing else as you focus on treating your depression, get plenty of rest, eliminate stress, eat right and get some exercise every day.

Tags: about your, depression Moreover, find themselves, people find, people find themselves

Use A Storebrand Vaporizer

A vaporizer, usually made of plastic, expels vapor (or a mist of water) into the air. Vaporizers can be used to help moisturize the throat and nasal passages, which is especially helpful in easing discomfort during colds (nasal congestion or a sore throat) and during the winter (when the air is very dry). You can reap the most benefits by finding out use a storebrand vaporizer.

Instructions

1. Purchase a storebrand vaporizer, which can be bought at many drugstores, made by the store that sells it. You can buy storebrand vaporizers at drugstores such as Rite Aid, CVS and Walgreens. Storebrand vaporizers are less expensive than name-brand vaporizers (and humidifiers) but still add moisture to the air effectively.

2. Take the vaporizer out of the box and read the instructions thoroughly, from beginning to end.

3. Rinse out the vaporizer with clean water. Dry the inside.

4. Fill the vaporizer to the recommended water level, according to the instructions. Use distilled water. Tap water or even spring water often contains minerals, which can coat the metal parts inside the vaporizer, causing the vaporizer to work less efficiently or not work at all. Distilled water will keep the vaporizer running smoothly.

5. Put the top portion into the bottom part of the vaporizer and plug it in. The vaporizer does not have an on/off switch. It will automatically begin working once it is plugged in, as long as there is water present.

6. Ensure the vaporizer is in a good location where you can experience the benefits. Keep it on a flat, steady surface away from other objects. Put it in the room where you need it the most.

7. Unplug the vaporizer either when you're done using it or when the water runs very low. Many vaporizers automatically shut off when the water runs out. To be safe, however, check this on the vaporizer instructions and unplug the vaporizer when not in use.

Tags: storebrand vaporizer, water runs, when water, when water runs

Improper Tick Removal

If you and your family love to go camping, you should be aware of the risk of ticks and the diseases involved. Known carriers of bacteria that cause Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ticks represent a danger to everyone bit. Folk tales that have evolved over the years about tick removal also put everyone at risk. There are right and wrong ways for tick removal.

Burn It or Smother It

The idea of lighting a match and burning a tick out will not work. Often times the heat from the hot match will cause the body of the tick to break, leaving the head and mouth portions embedded. Another old folk tale involves smothering the bite with petroleum jelly, cutting off oxygen to the tick and causing it to die. The rubbing action of applying the ointment will break the tick, again leaving the mouth or head embedded.

Either of these methods runs the risk of irritating the tick and stimulating release of the saliva or the stomach contents. This will introduce bacteria directly into the wound.

Jerking or Twisting

When removing a tick with an instrument such as a pair of tweezers, it's important to pull gently upward, using smooth steady pressure. If you grab the tick by the body and twist or jerk it out, you will more than likely break it. This will not only release fluid that might be infectious but it will leave pieces of your tick in the puncture wound. A tick not fully removed, remains a threat of disease. Grasp the tick as close to the surface of the skin as you can, and use one smooth movement to remove it.

Improper Disinfecting

One of the most important steps in tick removal is to disinfect the bite. Removing the full tick alone is not enough. You will need alcohol or iodine to clean the wound and kill any bacteria present.

You must also be aware of your own safety. It's possible that the tick has transferred bacteria to you. Wear gloves or use something to cover you hands as you extract the tick. Wash and disinfect your hands before and after the removal.

Timing

Check for ticks often and when you see one, remove it as soon as possible. Leaving a tick embedded gives it more time to spread disease. Don't panic and pull it out, but stop what you are doing and set up properly. Be prepared when hiking or camping. Have all the equipment and first aid supplies with you.

Check Your Clothes

It's a big mistake to check the skin only. Ticks can attach themselves to clothing or back packs and bite you later. Since a tick bite can be painless, you may not be aware of it. Checking all the clothing and equipment is an important step to keep everyone safe.

Be Aware

Be aware of the symptoms of infection. Things to look for include fever, rash, muscle aches and joint pain. If you or anyone in your party starts to feel ill, get medical help immediately.

Tags: This will, tick removal

Human Attraction Types Of Pheromones

Human pheremones stimulate sexual response in the opposite sex.

Pheromones are chemical signals naturally secreted from multicellular organisms in the body. While hormones, also internally produced, affect a human or animal's behavior, pheromones activate sexual, territorial or alarming responses in another member of the same species. For humans, a female's pheromones sexually attract a male, and a male's hormones sexually attract a female. With the help of hormones, pheromones stimulate a range of impulses and attractions.

Sexual Pheromone Basics

In humans and animals, sex pheromones, in the most literal sense, indicate the availability of the female for breeding. Part of human attraction relies on pheromone secretions to gather sexual information from the opposite sex. In human men, the primary pheromone a male releases is called androstenone. Copulin is the female pheromone.

Homosexual Pheromone Reactions

In a 2005 New York Times article, a report by The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm Sweden found that homosexual men respond to male pheromones like a woman. The homosexual men responded to two chemicals -- a testosterone derivative produced in men's sweat and an estrogen-like compound in women's urine, both of which carry pheromones. The gay men responded sexually to the men's sweat as women did in the test. The primary researcher, Dr. Savic, reported that it was as if the hypothalamus response to the pheromones was not determined by biological sexual chemistry but by the male's sexual preference.

Natural Scents

Natural scents, such as sweat and saliva, carry pheromones with have a role in sexual communication and attraction, according to a Bellarmine College pheromone and human nature report. Pheromones are also secreted in saliva and tears. The aromas in these pheromone secretions inform a woman about the mood, status, drive and health, subconsciously, of the man to whom she is attracted.

Androstenone and Copulin

Androstenone is male's primary pheromone secretion. In women, androstenone is also secreted, but it her secondary pheromone. Her primary pheromone, copulin, causes a increase in testosterone levels in men when it spreads into the air. Hormonal changes, such as birth control medication or decreased estrogen levels, may cause differences in natural levels of copulin. Anti-perspirants and deodorants clog pores in the armpits, which limits or blocks the amount of pheromones released.

Tags: primary pheromone, also secreted, carry pheromones, pheromone secretions, sexually attract

Detox

Detox

What if you could remove impurities from your body, give yourself a renewed sense of energy and improve your overall health by changing the foods you eat for a limited period of time? By going through a detoxification process, you can. Just follow the steps below to detox.

Instructions

1. Prepare yourself mentally before you begin the detoxification process. A detox isn't easy--you have to stop eating foods and drinking beverages that you may love. You must be prepared to resist any temptations and stick to your detox plans.

2. Eliminate or reduce the toxins that you introduce into your body. Stop smoking, drinking alcohol or taking drugs and remove any caffeinated foods or beverages from your diet, including chocolate, coffee and soft drinks. Avoid eating high-fat or highly processed foods and refined flour products, too.

3. Remember to avoid the toxins used outside of your body as well. For example, don't breathe the fumes of harsh household cleansers, lawn and garden fertilizers or other chemicals.

4. Eat a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables and only eat whole grain products. Organic food is an excellent choice. You want your diet to consist of foods with few, if any, additives or preservatives.

Homemade Dog Toothpaste

Dogs are like people--the better you take care of their teeth, the longer they will have them. Just as with your own teeth, if you don't properly take care of your dog's teeth he may get tooth decay, which can cause pain, infection and bad breath. You can buy canine toothpaste at a pet store, but mixing up some homemade dog toothpaste is easy and inexpensive.

Homemade Dog Toothpaste Recipe

Homemade dog toothpaste requires just a few items, including baking soda, salt and glycerin. In a container, mix six teaspoons of baking soda, 1/3 teaspoon of salt and four teaspoons of glycerin. If you like, you can add two teaspoons of low sodium beef broth. Combine until all ingredients are well mixed and the mixture is the consistency of toothpaste.

Brushing Your Dog's Teeth

Your dog does not need to have her teeth brushed every day, but aim to brush them once a week. You'll need a doggy toothbrush, which you can buy at your pet store. Dog toothbrushes come in many different shapes and sizes. Some look very much like the toothbrush you would use; others fit over your finger to give you a bit more control.

Either put the toothpaste on the brush, or smear it on a few teeth at a time and then brush--whatever works best. Your dog may resist a bit at first, which is why the beef broth will help, as most dogs like the flavor. Allow your dog to lick a bit of it off your finger before starting. The more often you brush her teeth, the less resistance you'll meet in the future.

To brush your dog's teeth, start at the molars in the back. In a circling motion carefully brush each tooth from the gum line down. Move these small, gentle circles slowly to the front of the mouth. Make sure you don't skip the backside of the teeth and that you give the upper and lower jaw the same amount of attention. Praise your dog constantly during the process, encouraging him to cooperate with you.

Cleaning Up

Before starting the brushing be sure that you have plenty of paper towels and a wet wash cloth on hand. You'll probably want to wipe up any drool that you encounter along the way, and when you are done you can wipe down your dog's face with the wet wash cloth.

Tags: baking soda, beef broth, take care, wash cloth, your finger, your teeth

Treat A Snakebite

Treat a Snakebite

The vast majority of snakebites in the United States are from nonpoisonous snakes.

Instructions

Treating a Poisonous Bite

1. Determine if the snake may be poisonous. Most poisonous snakes in the United States have certain physical characteristics: a triangular-shaped head, slit-like eyes and an indentation between the nose and eyes.

2. Seek medical help immediately if you know or even suspect a snake may be poisonous.

3. Stay calm and lie as quietly as possible if medical care is on the way.

4. Use a commercial snakebite kit if medical help is more than 30 minutes away.

5. Try to keep your body warm.

6. Keep the area that was bitten below the level of your heart.

7. Wrap a bandage snugly several inches above (not on) the bite if it's on an arm or leg.

8. Keep the wounded area immobile and use a splint if possible.

Treating a Nonpoisonous Bite

9. Wash the area of the bite with soap and water and rinse well.

10. Allow the bleeding to stop by itself unless it is severe.

11. Get a tetanus shot if you have not had one in five or more years, or if your primary vaccine series is incomplete.

12. Watch for increasing redness and swelling, red streaks on the skin, puss, fever or increasing warmth around the wound; these are all signs of a possible infection.

Tags: medical help, snake poisonous, Treat Snakebite, United States

Types Of Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is an extract from the kernel of a coconut. Deriving from the Philippines, the oil is becoming more and more popular in the United States due to its practical and health applications. Depending on its form, the oil can be used for cooking, cosmetic treatments, manufacturing, lubrication, or even fuel in some cases. The varying uses of the oil is largely dependent on the type of oil that is manufactured from coconut extract.

Virgin Oil

Virgin coconut oil is simply unrefined oil. It is extracted directly from the coconut kernel in a process known as "wet milling." There are two methods of wet milling, the first is known as fermentation. The manufacturing process is quiet simple: the kernel of coconut is grated and bagged. The grated kernel is then squeezed until each drop of the coconut milk is extracted. Next, the milk is combined with water and the combination sits for approximately twenty-four hours. This process allows the oil, protein, and water within the mixture to separate. The oil is then filtered, collected, and bottled.

The second wet milling method is heating. This is the more traditional method of extracting the oil from the coconut. Heat and pressure is applied to coconut in such a way that the milk and water within the coconut evaporates, leaving only the oil behind.

A third, less common method of extracting the oil is called a "quick-dry." The coconut kernel is thoroughly dried out. The kernel is then used to press the oil out of the coconut.

Refined Oil

Refined coconut oil is any oil that has been through the "RBD" process, consisting of a thorough refinement, bleaching, and deodorization. This is done by extracting oil from the copra (the dried-out coconut kernel). This oil extract is not safe for human consumption, and therefore must be refined. The RDB process allows the coconut oil to lose all taste, odor, and color. The refined oil is generally used for cooking.

Health Benefits

Virgin coconut oil has been provide increased protection from viruses, bacteria, microbes, and protozoa. Further, as a member of the "whole food" (unprocessed and unrefined) group, it contains many nutrients humans need to remain healthy.

Heart Disease

A study on a number of lab rats revealed that the use of coconut oil greatly decreased risks for heart disease. The oil reduced the rats' cholesterol and triglycerides. It has also been shown to reduce the risk of blood clots, heart attacks, and a number of other cardiovascular diseases.

Common Uses

Coconut oil has many uses, including cooking, cosmetics, and manufacturing. In a culinary environment, virgin coconut oil is a healthy alternative to vegetable oil when frying. Further, the oil can be used to give a specific flavor to certain Asian dishes.

Coconut oil is also used to manufacture products such as body soap and margarine. It is used in many snack foods and coffee creamers, as well as in industrial-use lubricants.

Finally, coconut oil is used in the cosmetic industry as a moisturizer. Further, it is often used to provide oil for oil lamps, massage oils, and scented candles.

Tags: coconut kernel, from coconut, extracting from, kernel coconut, kernel then, method extracting, process allows

Side Effects Of Cytoxan

Cytoxan is a prescription medication used to treat several different types of cancer and kidney disease. This chemotherapy medication prevents or slows down cell growth and lessens immune system response to certain diseases. As with any medication, various side effects could occur from using Cytoxan.

Common Side Effects

Many users of Cytoxan experience these hair loss, loss of appetite, skipped menstrual periods, stomachache or stomach discomfort, nausea, malaise, skin discoloration, skin rash, change in texture of fingernails, diarrhea, vomiting and weakness. If these side effects become particularly bothersome, alert your doctor.

Serious Side Effects

Some potentially harmful side effects of the medication include seizures, extreme stomachache, hallucinations, black, tarry, or bloody stools, lingering cough, lower backache, abdominal ache, urinating more or less frequently, bloody urine, swelling, pain, or redness where the medicine was injected, abnormal weakness or fatigue, jaundice (eyes or skin), infection, sore throat, shortness of breath, fever, chills, chest ache, pneumonia, urination being painful, sores inside of the mouth, the feet or hands swelling up and abnormal bleeding or bruising. If you experience any serious side effects, get immediate emergency medical assistance.

Allergic Reactions

Some signs of allergic reaction include chest tightness, swelling, skin rash, hives, itching, and having a hard time breathing. Seek emergency medical care if you experience any of these reactions.

Bladder Problems

Cytoxan can result in some bladder problems due to toxic byproducts being emitted in the urine. It can lead to bladder infections with fibrosis and bleeding. To decrease the risk of this occurrence, consume between 3 and 4 liters of fluids on a daily basis. This will dilute the urine and cause frequent urination, lessening the toxic contact with the bladder.

Toxic Side Effects

Some people are at a much higher risk of experiencing toxic side effects of Cytoxan. People with the following conditions are at an increased risk: liver disorder, bone marrow tumor, kidney disorder and blood disorder (either low platelet or white blood cell count).

Tags: side effects, Effects Some, emergency medical, experience these, Side Effects, Side Effects Some, skin rash

What Are The Benefits Of Fasting Once A Week

There are a lot of people that do fasts, and they do them various ways. Some people do them to lose weight, some people do them to detox chemicals from their bodies and others do them because they are getting blood work done. Whatever the reason, they come with some benefits.

Types

There are various types of fasts that people go through. Some of these include juice fasts, fruit fasts, raw food fasts and water fasts.

Rest

The digestive system is used to always breaking down food. In some cases, this food is high in fat, like red meat, for example. Fasting takes stress off the digestive system from having to work so hard.

Nutrients

In fruit fasts and juice fasts, nothing is eaten but fruits, vegetables and their juices. During this fast, the body can get a lot of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients.

Fiber

The average American diet is low in dietary fiber. When doing a raw food or fruit fast, you can get a lot of fiber. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, women should get 20 g a day and men should get 30 g.

Cleansing

When you do not eat any toxic foods, the body has a chance to clean itself out. This would especially be the case with a water fast.

Warning

If you have bad eating habits and you do an extreme fast, be on guard for side effects. You can experience weakness, headaches and an upset stomach.

Tags: digestive system, fruit fasts, juice fasts, people them

Muscle Injury

Muscle injuries are generally referred to as muscle strains and have three degrees of severity, similar to burns. Most muscle strains are not severe and do not require medical attention. As with all injuries, it is important to understand how the injury occurs, what methods are needed to heal the injury and prevent the injury from reoccurring. When in doubt about how bad a strain is, seek medical attention.

Defintion

Muscle injuries are muscle strains. Strains are tears in the muscle fibers or the tendons that attach them to the bones. A strain is a result of forcefully stretching the muscle beyond its capacity. When pushed past its limits, the muscle fibers will tear, sometimes a little or completely.

Symptoms

Muscle strains are painful. The pain can be as "normal" as the pain felt after a strenuous weight workout or so severe that the muscle is throbbing in pain even at rest. Strained muscles have a problem bearing weight and decrease the stability of the joints around them, increasing the risk of injury to the joints. Bruising or redness can appear and, in extreme cases, the skin can rupture with cuts.

Severity

The three degrees of strains range from first degree through third degree. First-degree strains are minor tears that occur through the course of a normal strenuous workout as a few muscle fibers are damaged. Second-degree strains have more muscle fibers damaged with a larger localized tear. A third-degree strain is the most severe and involves a complete rupture of the muscle, severing it at the location of the tear.

Treatment

Ice is the first thing to apply to a strain. This should be done immediately to reduce the bleeding of the muscle and keep swelling to a minimum. The muscle should be kept in a stretched position, though not excessive, when applying ice to help lessen swelling. When swelling has subsided, heat can be combined with ice in increments throughout the day. An acronym called PRICE best describes treatment: protection, rest, ice, compression and elevation. Muscles need rest to repair themselves. Anti-inflammatory and pain relievers can be used to reduce swelling and pain. If muscles cannot be used at all or swelling doesn't begin to subside in 24 hours, seek medical attention.

Pevention

The best way to avoid muscle sprains is to regularly stretch. Daily stretching keeps the muscles limber and the fascia sheath surrounding them elastic. Be sure to stretch before you exercise to prepare the muscles for strenuous activity, and warm up the muscles slowly before rigorous exercise routines.

Tags: muscle fibers, medical attention, fibers damaged, muscle fibers damaged, Muscle injuries, muscle strains

Make Twins

Having twins can be a joy and a challenge. Conceiving twins is not a sure science, but there are a few things that you can do to increase your chances of having twins.

Instructions

1. Know that a single, fertilized egg that splits in two will create identical twins. Each egg will develop into an individual, and both will be enclosed within the same placenta. The genetic makeup of the twins will be identical. Identical twins are always either both boys or both girls.

2. Know that fraternal twins are created when the female releases two eggs that both get fertilized and implant. These developing babies will each have a separate placenta. The genetic makeup of these twins will be different, just as if they were born at separate times. Fraternal twins can be of the same sex, or there can be one of each sex.

3. Take dietary supplements such as cassava root (a type of yam), dairy products and folic acid to slightly increase your chance of having twins.

4. Keep breastfeeding while you're trying to conceive the next child. Breastfeeding mothers conceive twins at a greater rate than mothers who have weaned their previous children.

5. Know that older women and women who are slightly overweight also have a greater chance of conceiving twins.

6. Realize that, overall, conceiving twins is largely a matter of luck.

Tags: Know that, genetic makeup, having twins, increase your, placenta genetic

Definition Of Paratransit

One of the provisions of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) is a requirement that public transit be accessible to passengers with disabilities. The solution in several urban areas is a system known as paratransit. Paratransit often works in conjunction with fixed routes to make it easier for all passengers to use an area's public transportation system.

Equipment Provided

Paratransit services often feature modified vans to handle the bulk of their services. These vans are equipped with lifts to accommodate passengers who use wheelchairs. The vans are much smaller than conventional public transit buses and seat fewer passengers. The routes are mapped according to the needs of the passengers as much as possible but are also frequently limited by budget constraints.

Requirements for Qualification

Passengers on paratransit systems must be certified as eligible to use the services. Establishing eligibility often requires filing an application that describes the passenger's disability and explains why he is unable to use regular transit. The application often requires the signature of a health care professional as well. Once a passenger has established his eligibility, he usually receives a special card that allows him to purchase paratransit fares and schedule rides on the system.

Prescheduled Rides

On many paratransit systems, passengers call to schedule rides, usually the day before. The passenger gives the time and date she needs to be picked up, along with her location and destination. If they have an appointment at their destination, passengers are advised to allow time to get on and off lifts and navigate the distance between the vehicle and the building where the appointment is located.

On-Demand Service

With some paratransit services, passengers may schedule rides on demand. The passenger is picked up by a taxicab, which may be equipped with a lift if the passenger needs one. The cab takes the passenger where he needs to go, and the passenger pays with a voucher provided by the paratransit service. The service is usually more expensive than conventional paratransit service but less than a conventional taxicab ride.

Considerations

Once a passenger has been certified as eligible for one paratransit service, she is often able to transfer that certification to another service, either temporarily, such as on a vacation, or for a permanent relocation. Additionally, many transit services have retrofitted at least some of their fixed route train stations and most, if not all, of their fixed route buses with lifts to allow access by passengers who use wheelchairs.

Tags: paratransit service, schedule rides, than conventional, certified eligible, equipped with, fixed route, often requires

Trigger Finger Tips

Trigger finger causes a finger to be stuck in a bent position, making it difficult for a person to straighten the finger. Trigger finger typically affects women more than men and most often occurs in those ages 40 to 60. Those who have diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or whose hobbies or work require repetitive gripping motions are susceptible to trigger finger.

Symptoms and Causes

People who experience trigger finger may experience a catching or popping sensation when straightening or bending the finger. If the condition advances, the finger may become locked in that position and will not straighten. This is due to narrowing of the cavity (called the tenosynovium) that is around the tendons in the finger. As the tenosynovium becomes inflamed and enlarged, the tendons can no longer function properly and begin to catch while attempting to straighten the finger. Over time, the tendon itself can become irritated, meaning the finger can no longer straighten.

First Steps

At the first signs of trigger finger (catching or pain at the base of the finger), a person should make lifestyle modifications. If she performs regular gripping, such as holding a power tool or gardening shovel, taking a break or frequent breaks throughout the course of the day may relieve pain and prevent advancement of the condition. However, if the pain persists or worsens, a doctor should be consulted. Additional options include stretching the finger, applying ice, or taking anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, naproxen or others.

However, if the trigger finger is more than likely caused by a medical condition, seek advice from a physician.

Medical Treatments

A doctor can evaluate the joint and determine the seriousness of the trigger finger. If the finger is hot to the touch or swollen, this may indicate an underlying condition of rheumatoid arthritis.

If the trigger finger causes pain, but is not locked, a physician may use cortisone injections to reduce inflammation. Prescription-strength nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) may also be prescribed to aid in pain and swelling.

In the most severe cases of trigger finger, surgery may be used. There are two types of procedures. Percutaneous trigger finger release is a procedure that involves creating a small incision in the palm or inserting a needle to the finger and widening the inflamed tunnel that is restricting the tendon. The second option is surgical release, which involves making a larger incision to release the tendon, preventing locking of the finger permanently

Tags: trigger finger, trigger finger, finger causes, more than, rheumatoid arthritis

Crystal Cleansing

Crystal cleansing is the act of getting rid of energies that have attached themselves to the stones. It's recommended that crystals be kept in a special container to preserve their properties.

When to Cleanse

Cleaning should be done when you buy a stone since other people handled it before you did. It's also needed after you wear the crystal or use it for healing work.

Methods

Burying the crystal in soil, letting it sit under running tap water for a few minutes or setting a crystal in flower petals for 24 hours are some ways to cleanse crystals.

Bond

It's recommended that crystals be cleansed when you first buy them because it helps strengthen the bond you have with them.

Potency

Cleansing helps preserve the healing properties and vibrations that the crystals contain.

Importance

Crystals must be properly cleansed when first bought and after they are used; otherwise you won't get the results from them you desire.

Charging

Charging is related to cleansing; it's the act of actually replenishing the power in the crystals, such as placing them in the sun for a few hours.

Tags: that crystals, cleansed when, cleansed when first, recommended that, recommended that crystals, when first

Arthritis In The Spine Symptoms

It's not unusual for people to notice increasing stiffness and pain and maybe even swelling in their joints as they age. This results from the natural wear and tear on the joints due to everyday usage and is commonly diagnosed as osteoarthritis. This condition can also affect the spine.

Types

The most common cause of arthritis symptoms in the spine are the degenerative changes associated with osteoarthritis, but the inflammatory process of rheumatoid arthritis, a systemic disease affecting the joint lining, may also have an effect, especially on the neck region. The inflammation and degenerative changes associated with either type of arthritis may lead to spinal stenosis. Another more specific type of arthritis affecting the spine is called ankylosing spondylitis.

Recognizing Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis occurs when the opening in your spine through which the spinal cord passes or the space between the vertebra---the bones that make up the spine---become narrowed. This puts pressure on the roots of the nerves that branch out from the spine. The main symptoms of spinal stenosis are pain, cramping or even numbness in your legs or arms, depending on where the pressure is on the nerves. Talk to your doctor if your leg pain worsens with walking and improves when you sit down or just bend forward. Occasionally, spinal stenosis will make it difficult to control your bowel or bladder functions. This needs to be addressed immediately if it occurs.

Recognizing Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory disease that mainly attacks the joints between the vertebra and the joints between the spine and the pelvis. This type of arthritis is not common; it affects men more than women. Pain and stiffness can occur along the entire length of the backbone. The earliest symptom may be persistent pain and stiffness in the lower back and buttocks for longer than three months. This most often starts when men are in their 20s. As the disease progresses, the bones of the spine may fuse, and the ribs become stiff and inflexible, causing difficulty with breathing. It's usually diagnosed through medical history, x-rays and a lab test.

Considerations

Arthritis in the spine is not curable, but is treatable. Arthritis in the spine may be treated by anti-inflammatory medications and exercise programs. Other possible treatments are injections of corticosteroids, nerve blocks, braces and chiropractic or acupuncture treatments. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

Ankylosing spondylitis is also treatable through medications and exercise. If you have this condition, one of the most important considerations is to maintain as much rib cage expansion as possible in order to help keep your lung function intact. Physical therapists can help you set up a program for this.

Prevention

Keeping your weight down and maintaining good muscle strength and joint range of motion are especially important in preventing or reducing the symptoms of spinal stenosis caused by osteoarthritis. While it's not possible to prevent ankylosing spondylitis, because it is a genetically-based autoimmune disease, the worst effects can be mitigated through an ongoing program of exercise and medications.

Tags: type arthritis, Arthritis spine, associated with, changes associated, changes associated with, degenerative changes

Symptoms And Age Of Menopause

During menopause, the female body prepares for the cessation of the menstrual cycle by altering the levels of hormones associated with reproduction. Fluctuating hormone levels are accompanied by symptoms ranging from mild to severe.

Age of Onset

Symptoms can become evident as early as age 35, but menopause generally occurs between 45 to 55 years of age, with the menopausal cycle ending one year after the last menstrual period.

Cyclical Changes

Fluctuating hormone levels contribute to changes in the duration of the menstrual cycle and the amount of bleeding, and can cause occasional missed periods.

Hot Flashes

The most common symptom of menopause is hot flashes. Warmth spreading downward from the head causes flushing or red, blotchy areas to appear on the face, often accompanied by sweating and changes in heart rate.

Weight Gain

Fat cells produce minimal quantities of estrogen. When estrogen levels start to diminish during menopause, fat begins accumulating around the midsection, buttocks and thighs, to be used for estrogen storage.

Vaginal Dryness

Changes in vaginal tissues can cause itching and dryness. A problem with sexual intercourse may arise because of this symptom, but it is treatable.

Tags: Fluctuating hormone, Fluctuating hormone levels, hormone levels, menstrual cycle

Chelation Dangers

Alternative therapies are often the last hope for people afflicted with incurable illnesses. Assuming that treatments used in alternative medicine are safe opens the door for serious complications and, in some cases, death. Chelation therapy, with EDTA (ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid), is one such treatment that should be approached with extreme caution.

History

Chelation therapy is treatment with substances that remove heavy metals from the body. It was first practiced during World War I to treat exposure to poison gas. After World War II, it was by the U.S. Navy to treat lead poisoning. Chelation therapy, with EDTA as the chelating agent, is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for lead poisoning only. Blood tests must be performed, before treatment begins, verifying that circulating lead levels require medical intervention.

Theories/Speculation

Chelation therapy also removes calcium from the blood stream, prompting speculation that chelation would stop the calcium build up in blood vessels, called arteriosclerosis, associated with strokes and heart attacks.

Chelation therapy has been used to treat children suffering from lead poisoning. In 1985, chelation therapy was promoted as a cure for autism, based on speculation that autistic spectrum disorders were triggered by toxic levels of mercury from childhood vaccinations. According to the Mayo Clinic, studies have shown no link between mercury and autism.

Complications

Headaches, nausea, weakness and cramps are some of the side effects associated with chelation treatments. Chelation therapy can also be quite expensive and usually isn't covered by health insurance companies or Medicare.

Organ Damage

EDTA can cause liver damage and kidney failure while interfering with bone marrow function. Relying on chelation therapy may prevent medically exploration of accepted modes of treatment.

Deaths

Calcium is an electrolyte. With potassium, sodium and magnesium it helps regulate heart rhythm. According to the Mayo Clinic, an imbalance in your electrolytes can cause abnormalities in heart rhythm.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), hypocalcemia or a lack of calcium in the blood stream, brought on by chelation therapy, has been blamed for deaths in Pennsylvania, Texas and Oregon.

Warning

Neither the AMA or the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institutes of Health endorse chelation therapy for use outside of treatments for lead poisoning.

Tags: lead poisoning, Chelation therapy, chelation therapy, According Mayo, According Mayo Clinic, associated with

Treat Bell'S Palsy With Acupuncture

Treat Bell's Palsy with Acupuncture

Bell's Palsy is a type of facial paralysis that causes one side of a person's face to droop, usually around the mouth and eyes. While this paralysis sometimes disappears on its own, it can take months. Some victims suffer permanent paralysis. Conventional treatments range from various medications to surgery. Some doctors treat Bell's Palsy with acupuncture to relieve the symptoms and restore the appearance and self-esteem of the patient.

Instructions

1. Diagnose Bell's Palsy. It is important to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms. This is important, since some of the symptoms of Bell's Palsy can look like stroke symptoms.

2. Talk to your doctor about treatment options, including acupuncture. You may investigate acupuncture when other treatments do not have the desired result or you may pursue acupuncture in combination with other treatments. Acupuncture can relieve pain by limiting swelling and inflammation. The endormorphins, natural painkillers released during acupuncture, may be the cause.

3. Find a qualified acupuncturist. Your doctor may be able to recommend someone nearby. You can also contact the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture.

4. Make an appointment. During the initial appointment, the acupuncturist will talk to you about your symptoms and assess your condition. Ask the acupuncturist to explain the treatment principles and practices to you so that you know what to expect.

5. Go to the treatment sessions. In traditional Chinese medicine, Bell's Palsy is known as "deviated mouth" because it is a type of facial paralysis. This condition was historically associated with an invasion of "wind" that causes an imbalance in the "Qi", which is the essential substance of the body. During the treatment sessions, the acupuncturist inserts small, thin needles into the skin of a few key pulse points and also employs any other helpful approaches, such as pressure points. The treatment should restore the balance of the "Qi" and heal the patient.

6. Follow any dietary and stress reduction recommendations made by your acupuncturist. Be sure to mention any food allergies or sensitivities and any physical conditions of concern. Also list any medications that you are taking for the Bell's Palsy and other conditions.

7. Keep your acupuncturist and doctor informed about how you are feeling as you complete each treatment. Bell's Palsy is characterized by various symptoms, including facial weakness, mildly compromised taste, increased sensitivity to sound and involuntary tearing. Tell your acupuncturist about any discomfort or side effects you experience. It is rare that any are reported, but it is your body and your sensations. As the symptoms diminish and you start feeling better, help your acupuncturist and your doctor help you continue to improve.

Tags: Bell Palsy, your acupuncturist, facial paralysis, other treatments, that causes, Treat Bell, Treat Bell Palsy

What Are The Treatments For A Hyperactive Child

Hyperactive children generally are considered to have a disorder called ADHD, which stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. While most children have a certain degree of high energy and impulsive behavior, hyperactive children do not make enough of a chemical in the brain that manages organizing functions. This leads to unmanageable behavior that interferes with school and home life. Approximately 4 to 12 percent of school-age children are diagnosed with hyperactivity in the form of ADHD, which requires treatment via behavioral therapy, medication or both.

Treatment

The two main methods of treating ADHD are drug therapy and behavior modification. Often, the treatment methods are used in conjunction with each other. While many advocates believe that ADHD children require medication to improve, some physicians and public-interest groups believe that children are being overmedicated and/or that ADHD medication causes dangerous side effects.

Behavior Modification

Children with ADHD often respond well to behavior modification, either alone or in conjunction with drug therapy. Children with ADHD require a clear structure and clear directions. Order and consistency should be stressed and maintained as much as possible. Make and post a schedule so an ADHD child knows what to expect. Clear, simple directions and a strong system of positive reinforcement and rewards also help a child with ADHD to manage and cope with her hyperactivity.

Medications

There are a number of drug therapies used in conjunction with the treatment of hyperactive children. The most common drugs are methylphenidates (Ritalin). Other drugs include pemoline (Cylert), atomoxetine (Strattera), and amphetamine and dextroamphetamine mix (Adderall).

Ritalin

Ritalin is the most commonly prescribed drug for hyperactive children. Ritalin stimulates the central nervous system and alters biochemical pathways in the body that screen out irrelevant stimuli. Generally, the effects of Ritalin begin shortly after the drug is taken and last for approximately 3 hours.

Dangers of Medicating Children

An article at cyc-net.org cautions that children are being overmedicated for ADHD, and that the drugs being used to treat this hyperactive disorder are highly addictive. The article cites the ever-increasing numbers of children being prescribed ADHD medication, and cautions that a recent FDA review found that ADHD drugs could potentially increase the risk of psychosis in children.

Tags: children being, conjunction with, hyperactive children, that ADHD, with ADHD, ADHD medication

What Are The Labia For

The labia play an important role in the female reproductive system.

The labia are folds of skin that form the vulva, the external female genitalia. From the Latin for "lips," they consist of three parts: the labia majora, labia minora and the labial commissure. The labia majora are the thick outer lips. The labia minora are thinner and smaller and located just within the labia majora directly around the opening of the vagina. The anterior and posterior labial commissures mark the corners where the two sets of lips meet. The labia as a whole have several important functions within the female body.

External Barrier

The labia majora protects the internal organs of the female reproductive system by preventing the vagina from opening outside of sex. Its thick, tough lips safely enclose the delicate inner membranes and hide the vaginal opening. The original function of the pubic hair that covers the external labia dates from man's earliest history when bodies were unclothed. The hairs acted as a trap for foreign bodies such as insects. In the same way, the labia minora act as a protective barrier for the urinary tract.

Bacterial Protection

The labia guard the vulva against bacterial attacks. The glands of the inner labia minora produce secretions rich in chemicals designed to kill bacteria. In this way, the labia protects itself from infections.

Calculate The Week Number Of The Year

You probably know the current date and day of the week off the top of your head. With a moment of thought, you can probably figure out the current week of the month-a very useful skill if you live in an area where there is street sweeping on the second and fourth Monday, for example. You probably don't know the week of the year, however, unless the date is in January or early February. Don't worry-you can easily calculate week number no matter what month it is.

Instructions

1. Add up the number of days that have already passed this year before the current month. For example, say today is July 10. January has 31 days, February usually has 28 days, March has 31, April has 30, May has 31 and June has 30. This is a total of 181 days.

2. Add in the 10 days that have already passed in July for a final result of 191 days.

3. Divide the number of days so far by seven-the number of days in a week. In this case, we would divide 191 by seven for a result of 27.286.

4. Unless your result is an exact number, such as 27.00, round your result up to the next whole number. In our example, we would round 27.286 up to 28. The reason for this addition is that our result of 27.286 means that 27 full weeks have passed and we are part of the way through the 28th week. Therefore the current week is the 28th week rather than the 27th.

Tags: number days, 28th week, already passed, current week, days that, days that have

List Of Red Gems

Rubies aren't the only red gemstone available to satisfy the urge for red jewelry.

For fans of the color red, a variety of gemstones in shades ranging from red-orange to deep red exist to satisfy any desire for red-colored jewelry and accessories. Red gemstones appear in many different environments and can be purchased at many price levels. The stones described here are just some of the red gemstones in existence.

Ruby

The ruby is a type of corundum, a typically six-sided stone that comes in a variety of colors. The red color of the ruby comes from chromium, which is substituted for the aluminum commonly found in corundum. The ruby is classified as an oxide. The hardness of a ruby is nine and the specific gravity is four.

Garnet

Garnet stones come in a variety of colors, including red. The red forms of garnet have several classifications, including almandite and pyrope. Garnets are classified as nesosilicates. Garnets have a hardness of 6.5 to 7.5 and a specific gravity of 3.5 to 4.3.

Red Beryl Bixbite

The beryl classification of gemstones includes emerald, aquamarine and bixbite, a rare red form of the stone. This form was discovered in the Wah Mountains, in Utah. Beryls are classified as cyclosilicates, and have a hardness of 7.5 to 8 with a specific gravity of 2.63 to 2.8.

Spinel

Spinel is a stone commonly mistaken for a ruby, due to its similar coloring and appearance. However, this gem is a part of a different gemstone family, even though it is an oxide like a ruby. Spinel also comes in a variety of colors, like other varieties of corundum. Spinel has a hardness of eight and a specific gravity of 3.58.

Cinnabar

Cinnabar is a blood-red stone that is also the only ore of mercury. This stone is very rare and is usually found near hot springs or recently erupted volcanoes. It is classified as a sulfide. Cinnabar has a hardness of 2 to 2.5 and a specific gravity of 8.1.

Cuprite

Cuprite is a red-colored transparent copper ore. The red color in cuprite ranges from carmine red to red-brown. The stone is classified as an oxide and has a hardness of 3.5 to 4. The specific gravity of cuprite is 6.14.

Pyragyrate

Pyragyrate is a gemstone with several variations in color. It may appear in a deep ruby red or as a black with dark red reflections. Pyragyrate is a sulfosalt. It has a hardness of 2.5 and a specific gravity of 5.85.

Proustite

Proustite is commonly found with pyragyrate nearby. It was named for French chemist Joseph Louis Proust. Proustite can have a blood-red color. Some stones has a scarlet streak, while others have a gray streak. Proustite is classified as a sulfosalt with a hardness of 2.5. It has a specific gravity of 5.65.

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