Wednesday, February 29, 2012

How Is Stomach Cancer Treated







How Is Stomach Cancer Treated?


Introduction


According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 21,130 people will be diagnosed with stomach cancer in the United States in 2009. Another 10,620 will die from stomach cancer the same year. However, there are methods of treatment. The three most common types of treatment for stomach cancer are surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.


Surgery


Surgery is one of the most common forms of stomach cancer treatment and is usually the first choice for most doctors. Surgery involves the removal of a cancerous area (tumor) by severing the cancerous cells from their blood supply and taking them from the body. In some cases, nearby lymph nodes may also be removed as a precaution against the metastasis (spreading) of the cancer.


Radiation


Radiation is the next most common form of treatment for stomach cancer. In some cases, it may even be used in conjunction with surgery to ensure that all cancerous cells have been neutralized. Radiation involves the use of specialized equipment to direct a stream of radiation at cancer cells. The radiation alters the DNA of the cancer cells, making them unable to reproduce and multiply.


Chemotherapy


Chemotherapy is usually reserved for stomach cancer that has begun to spread through the blood or lymph streams to other areas of the body. Unlike radiation, chemotherapy spreads throughout the entire body and can kill any cells that have an accelerated growth rate. Chemotherapy involves the intravenous or oral consumption of chemotherapy drugs that can target cancer cells and neutralize them. Since chemotherapy cannot distinguish between cancer cells and other healthy cells that multiply at an increased rate (such as hair cells), chemotherapy often comes with side effects such as the loss of hair and damage to other tissue cells throughout the body.

Tags: cancer cells, most common, stomach cancer, Cancer Treated, cancerous cells
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Fight Cramps With A Heating Pad

Fight Cramps with a Heating Pad


That time of the month has rolled around yet again and the cramping has begun. Using a heating pad to fight those monthly cramps will relieve some of your menstrual pain and will help you to function better during this tough week.


Instructions








1. Use an electrical heating pad. They heat up quickly and they often come with at least three heat settings so that you can choose between low, medium or high heat.


2. Apply a microwavable heating pad as an alternative to an electrical heating pad. Microwavable heating pads are more versatile because you can sit or lie anywhere in the house without having to be near a plug.


3. Rest the heating pad on your lower abdominal area or on your lower back, wherever you feel the most discomfort. You can also use two heating pads at the same time, one on your back and one on your stomach.


4. Keep the heating pad on through the night to help you to have a comfortable night's sleep and to prevent cramping in the morning. Some heating pads come with straps to keep the heating pad in place while you're sleeping or resting.


5. Experience relief throughout the day by using stick on, disposable menstrual relief heating pads. They are thin, unnoticeable, air activated pads that you can stick onto your underwear for up to eight hours of heat. You can find them in the drugstore either in the feminine hygiene section or in the heat therapy section.

Tags: heating pads, come with, electrical heating, Fight Cramps, your lower
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Foods That Can'T Be Eaten On The Atkins Diet

A well-known low-carb diet created by Dr. Robert Atkins, the Atkins diet became popular during the low-carb diet craze. Rejecting traditional nutritional diet programs, the Atkins diet promotes eating large amounts of proteins and fats while restricting carbohydrate intake. The diet restricts the intake of carbohydrates because Dr. Atkins believed the tremendous increase of refined carbohydrates in American diets has lead to the obesity epidemic.


Phase 1 - Induction Restrictions


During the induction phase of the Atkins diet, the first 2 weeks, all carbohydrate intake is limited to 20 grams per day. During this phase, all vegetables that are not considered low carbohydrate (basically any vegetable that isn't green), all fruits, all alcoholic beverages and all refined carbohydrates are prohibited. Caffeine is only allowed if it does not lower blood sugar levels or cause cravings.


Forbidden Foods During Induction


Throughout the first 2 weeks of the Atkins diet, grains and anything made from them are to be avoided. These include bread, cake, cookies and anything else made with flour. Foods that include added sugars, meaning most processed foods, which include hydrogenated corn syrup, are not allowed. Also prohibited are fruits and fruit juices, dairy products except cheeses, legumes and nuts.


Phase 2 - Ongoing Weight Loss


During this phase, a few more food items are permitted gradually. For the most part, alcohol, fruits, starchy vegetables and whole grains are still not permitted or are still very restricted.


Refined carbohydrates found in breads, pastas, cookies and chips are still prohibited from the diet. As you progress, some fruits, starchy vegetables and whole grains are permitted in restricted moderation.


Starchy Vegetables








Starchy vegetables are to be avoided when reducing carbs on the Atkins diet. These starchy vegetables include beets, carrots, potatoes (all kinds), winter squashes, peas, parsnips, plantains and corn. During the ongoing weight loss phase, inclusion of these vegetables is permitted in very restricted moderation.


Sugars


Any refined sugar is prohibited while on the Atkins diet. In addition, beverages with sugar such as soda and sweet tea, are also not permitted. All food items which include sugar, mainly processed foods, are not allowed during any point on the diet.


Alcohol & Caffeine


Any type of alcohol is also to be avoided while on the Atkins diet because it is mostly comprised of empty calories, carbohydrates and sugar.


While on the Atkins diet, caffeine is also to be avoided because it can cause blood sugar levels to rise or create food cravings.


Processed Meat


Highly processed meats, such as deli meats, often contain hidden sugars that can sabotage weight loss and induce cravings for sugary foods, so they are to be avoided as much as possible.

Tags: Atkins diet, Atkins diet, also avoided, blood sugar, blood sugar levels, carbohydrate intake
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Tuesday, February 28, 2012

What To Do For A Sprained Wrist

Marked by swelling and a loss of mobility, a wrist sprain is a common and painful injury and the treatment and recovery period will depend on the severity of the sprain. The term sprain refers to a ligament that has either been stretched beyond its normal capacity, or even torn. Ligaments are the tissue that hold joints together. Luckily the majority of sprains can be treated at home. However, some sprains may require surgery.


RICE


Doctors, nurses and other health care professionals use the acronym "RICE" -- Rest, Ice, Compressive Bandage, Elevate -- to remember the steps for treating sprains, and this same acronym can be applied at home.


Rest: Avoid using your wrist until you no longer feel pain.








Ice: Place an ice pack directly on your wrist immediately after you have injured it, to avoid swelling. However, you don't need to continue to ice your wrist for an extended period of time after the initial injury.


Compressive bandages: Buy these at any pharmacy or department store in the first aid department. If you're not sure apply the bandage then choose an elastic or neoprene sleeve that you can slip easily over your wrist.


Elevate: Elevate your wrist to or above chest level to help reduce and prevent the swelling.


Professional treatment


Only try to treat mild sprains at home. If the sprain is severe, visit a doctor, as you may have a more serious injury such as a bone fracture. Your level of pain is an excellent gauge when it comes to figuring out how serious your sprain is. If the pain is mild, then you can treat it at home. However if your pain is severe or even moderate, be sure to visit a doctor.


The doctor will likely x-ray your wrist to ensure that it is not broken. He may also splint the injury.Your doctor may refer you to a hand surgeon for surgery if you have a torn ligament.


Surgery


A surgeon can sew or suture the ligament back together if it tears during a wrist sprain injury. Although traditional open surgery is still used, these days arthroscopic surgery -- done with smaller incisions and a small camera to help the surgeons' vision -- are becoming more common.


Recurring sprains








If you sprain your wrist often, your doctor may suggest reconstructive wrist surgery. These surgeries involve grafting tissue from tendons (tissue that connects muscle to bone) into the injured ligament.


Following this type of surgery your wrist will be immobilized by a cast, and when the cast is removed you'll probably require physical therapy.

Tags: your wrist, home However, tissue that, visit doctor, wrist sprain
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Monday, February 27, 2012

Vitamins In Vegetable Foods

There's a good reason that your parents and teachers told you to eat your vegetables. It turns out that they are rich in micronutrients, or vitamins, that do everything from prevent disease and promote healing to prevent birth defects and keep skin looking younger. However, while a vegetable might have a high vitamin content to start, what happens to it after it's out of the ground can significantly alter its nutritional value. Therefore, eating them in the form closest to how they came out of the ground and eating vegetables that are in season are the best ways to get the most out them.


What are Vitamins?


Vitamins are nutrients that work to assist chemical reactions that take place inside the body's cells. The word vitamin comes from "vital" and "amino acid". Vital means essential for life. Vitamins are necessary for the body to carry out functions needed to sustain life. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. The 13 vitamins are classified as fat-soluble and water-soluble and both types are found in vegetables. The fat-soluble vitamins are A, D, E and K. The water-soluble vitamins are C and the remaining B vitamins.


Benefits


Not only do vitamins assist with cellular functions such as metabolism and reproduction, they also assist the body with fighting off infections from viruses and bacteria. They also help to prevent diseases from developing within the body. For instance, vitamins help to the effects of fight free radicals that lead to the development of deadly cancers. Leafy green vegetables are known for these disease fighting anti-oxidants in the form of phytochemicals. Each vitamin is so important that a deficiency in only one of them can lead to death or disease. Vitamins are also beneficial to beauty and maintaining a youthful look. A vitamin deficiency can cause dry hair, brittle nails and dull skin.


Amount


The body needs a different amount of each vitamin each day. The uniform unit of measurement for these amounts is called the IU or international unit. Vegetable nutrition labels may list vitamin content in milligrams or micrograms. The recommended amount needed varies according to gender, age, medical conditions like pregnancy. The amount of vitamins in each vegetable is affected by storage, handling and preparation. The longer a vegetable is cooked and farther it travels before its eaten, the lower the amount of vitamins it will have available to be absorbed.








Absorption


Just because a vegetable has vitamins in it, doesn't mean you can get them into your body. There are several factors that affect how much of the vitamins you can absorb from a vegetable. Certain medications can limit nutrient absorption. Also, other food and drinks can limit absorption. Caffeine is one example that limits the uptake of vitamin A and some of the B vitamins. Therefore, to get the most vitamins out of your vegetables, wait until between meals to have caffeinated beverages.








Color


A vegetable's color is the best way to predict what vitamins it is rich in. Foods with the same color have very similar nutrient content. Orange foods are rich in vitamin A and improve eyesight. Purple vegetables have anti-aging effects and promote heart and blood vessel health. Red vegetables help prevent cancer and heart disease.

Tags: amount vitamins, disease Vitamins, help prevent, vitamin content, your vegetables
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What Is Brahmi Churna Good For

Herbs have been used for thousands of years as supplements and treatments for various ailments and conditions.


Brahmi is highly revered among ayurvedic practitioners as an herb that increases mental capabilities and eases nervousness. Taken in capsule form, brahmi churna, or powder, is used to treat a variety of ailments.


Ayurvedic Medicine


Originating in India, ayurveda is a traditional form of medicine cited in the historical record as at least 5,000 years old. Tailored to the individual, ayurveda considers the individual's needs above all else, with a focus on spiritual, mental and physical harmony.


Research


The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not recognize the use of brahmi for any medicinal purpose. Most research on brahmi has occurred in the United Kingdom and India, with inconclusive results. There are some stateside clinical trials underway, however, recognized by the U.S. National Institutes of Health.


Uses


According to herbs2000.com, brahmi is used for sleep disorders, skin conditions, nervous disorders, circulatory and respiratory issues, and to enhance mental functioning.


Time Frame


Brahmi churna should supplement a healthy, balanced diet. Individual need, and results, determine the duration of the regimen.


Other Uses


Brahmi's antioxidant properties target free-radical damage, reports herbs2000.com. For thousands of years, brahmi has been recognized for its tranquilizing effects and used for such conditions as insomnia. According to ayurvedic tradition, brahmi's replenishing properties promote hair and nail growth.

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Friday, February 24, 2012

Guide For Hearing Aids

All hearing aids available on the market function in a similar way: they amplify sound to compensate for hearing loss due to age, disease or injury. When choosing a hearing aid, consider your needs, lifestyle, degree of your condition, and which features will benefit you the most.


Different Types of Hearing Aids


Style and size are ways of differentiating hearing aids. Hearing devices can range from large units that are fitted behind your ear to smaller ones that are nearly invisible. You will be able to tell a hearing aid's style through the three initials that indicate how it is worn.


BTE or "behind the ear" hearing aids hook behind your ear and are connected to a molded unit that rests inside your ear canal. This is the best type of hearing aid for those with severe hearing loss. The BTE is the largest type of hearing aid. It requires large batteries that are less expensive and easier to change than the batteries that power smaller devices.


The OTE or "on the ear" hearing aid is a newer version of the BTE. Extremely small in size, it is positioned on top of the outer ear. The unit is hooked just behind the ear in a small plastic encasement and a clear tube then extends over the top of the ear to rest in the ear canal.


ITE or "in the ear" hearing aids are custom-fitted to the contours of your ear, which means they sit right inside the outer part of the ear. In other words, they are not inserted into your ear canal, but remain in the inside part of the ear that you can see. An ITE is smaller than a BTE hearing aid, since it needs to fit within your ear. The smaller size means that the receiver and microphone in an ITE are located close together, which may lend itself to feedback. While ITEs are smaller than BTEs, a major benefit, the fact that they rest inside the ear may cause fitting difficulties. Furthermore, since they are inside your ear, ear wax buildup and moisture can be a problem. You must make sure to clean an ITE regularly.


The ITC or "in the canal" is a very small type of hearing aid. It is made to fit inside your ear canal so that it is almost invisible. HearingLoss.org recommends ITCs for adults suffering from mild to moderate hearing loss, since they are the smallest unit and offer less amplification as a result. The fact that they cannot be seen is considered a benefit by many.


CIC or "completely in the canal" devices are the smallest type of ITEs. These custom units are fitted to your ear canal so that they are almost hidden inside your ear. A CIC allows you to use headsets and headphones comfortably.


Features and Sound Processing


The analog hearing aids that were common until the mid-1990s were relatively simple, consisting of an amplifier, a microphone, a speaker and a volume control mechanism. They tended to boost all sounds by equal amounts, making it difficult to control volume and to hear clearly in noisy places.


As of 2009, digital hearing aids are more common than analog hearing aids. These devices contain computer chips that digitize and analyze sounds. When the hearing aid detects speech, for example, consonants and vowels are boosted in the right proportions, making conversations clear and comfortable.


Choose the Right Hearing Aid








The Mayo Clinic reports that the cost for a hearing aid can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars You and your doctor should decide together which hearing aid is best for your situation and determine whether you need a more expensive model or if you will do well with a more cost-effective option. Before you purchase a hearing aid you must first have your hearing tested. Talk to your doctor about your options and your hearing needs.

Tags: inside your, your canal, hearing aids, hearing loss, that they, type hearing
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Use Baji Chiew Tonic

Baji Chiew tonic is used in traditional Chinese medicine. It is an alcoholic tonic, the main ingredient of which is the Baji herbal root. However, it also contains around 20 other herbs, thought by traditional Chinese physicians to have health inducing properties. It is advisable to use this tonic as a supplement rather than a complete cure for illness as the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine is not subscribed to by modern medicine.








Instructions


Using Baji Chiew Tonic








1. Take Baji Chiew for problems with the kidney and lumbar region. Its health properties are beneficial for this area, making it helpful for backache and frequent urination. It is also useful for treating headaches, indigestion, aging and arthritis as well as general muscle soreness.


2. You can take Baji Chiew tonic as a harmless and possibly helpful solution to more esoteric problems too.


3. Take the dose advised in the instructions that come with your Baji Chiew tonic. Although it is alcoholic and apparently mellow tasting, avoid the temptation to drink too much of it at once. You will derive the most benefit out of it by taking it at the advised dosage.

Tags: Baji Chiew, Baji Chiew tonic, traditional Chinese, Chiew tonic, Chiew Tonic, Chinese medicine, traditional Chinese medicine
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Relieve Sneezing

Whatever the cause, sneezing can be a real issue. In excess it can begin to affect just about every area of you life. There are some things you can do to relieve sneezing. Finding the cause is helpful, but even if you are not sure why you are sneezing there are still some things you can do.


Instructions


1. See if you can find the root of the problem. Most bouts of excessive sneezing come from allergies. You could be allergic to pet dander, mold, pollen, dust, ragweed, etc. To find out if you are allergic to a family pet you should stay a week with a petless friend. If you get better you know that is the answer. Check your house for mold to see if you are allergic to that. As for the pollen it is in the air. Have you been spending a lot of time outdoors? The second most common cause of sneezing is the common cold. In fact sneezing in excess can be the first sign that a cold is coming on. You should know in a day or two if this is the cause. Of course there is always the sneezing that ends up in the "no known cause" section.








2. If you have allergies: The most obvious is to stay away from the thing you are allergic to. During pollen season keep your doors and windows closed. When you get home from being outside take a shower and change your clothes. This will help get rid of the pollen. If this is impossible there are drugs you can take. Use over-the-counter antihistamines such as Claritin. Claritin is a good choice because it comes in the non drowsy formula as well as the rapid release tabs which melt in your mouth. You may also want to go to your doctor's office and get a prescription nasal spray. Flonase and Nasonex are the most common and the most affective.








3. If you have the common cold: You will want to keep your nasal passages open. Steam can help with this. Just boil a pot of water, take it off the stove, lean your face in to the steam with a towel over your head. The towel will trap the steam in so you can breathe it in. If your cold is full blown you can try over-the-counter decongestants. Getting your nose cleared up is the objective. Once that occurs you should be able to stop sneezing.


4. If you have no known cause: Use a saline spray on your nose. It is the closest thing to a natural solution that you can find. It should clear out your nasal passages and hopefully stop the sneezing. If it doesn't work I would go and try the prescription nasal sprays I mentioned earlier. It should only take one squirt per day to keep the sneezing away.

Tags: cause sneezing, common cold, keep your, known cause, most common, nasal passages, prescription nasal
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Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Change Medicare Plans

The Medicare and Medicaid system is massive and comes with thousands of regulations, stipulations and requirements. While the system offers untold benefits to many, it also brings with it frustration and confusion for many consumers who are unsure navigate it. Understanding when and how you can make changes to your Medicare plans will help provide peace of mind and reduce stress. Local and state regulations may differ, as do plan coverages and enrollment eligibility requirements, so always check state and federal government resources to verify your options and enrollment requirements.








Instructions


Changing Your Medicare Health Plan


1. Research your options. In most cases, changes to your Medicare plans can only occur once a year. This process is known in Medicare as a lock-in. However, you may make changes to your Medicare plans and options during the annual coordinated election period that dates between November 15 and December 31 of every year. Because new policy coverages or changes begin on January 1, any changes to your plans must be made before this date or you will have to wait for the next election period. You may also switch some options once during the open enrollment period, lasting from January 1 to March 31 every year, but you cannot make any changes to Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) during this time.


2. Make any desired changes to your Medicare plan during the annual coordinated election period. You may make as many or as few changes to your Medicare plan as you wish. You can add, drop and switch coverage and even add or drop Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage).


3. Check your current coverage. During the open enrollment period, you can switch to a different Medicare private health plan with drug coverages or separate drug coverage with your original Medicare if you are currently covered under Medicare-approved private health plans with drug coverage or have independent drug prescriptions plans in conjunction with an original Medicare plan. You may also make changes if you have private Medicare insurance without drug or prescription benefits.








4. Make any changes to Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) during the annual coordinated election period to ensure new coverage begins on January 1 of the new year. You may only make changes to this portion of the Medicare plan during this period. Research the guidelines for making changes in order to ensure you receive the most benefits from your choice.


5. Join or change to another private Medicare health plan during the enrollment period, but take care not to dis-enroll from your original plan. Your new plan will supersede the old plan automatically. If you cancel or dis-enroll from your original plan before making a change, you'll have a mess on your hands and may have a gap in coverage. For those enrolling in new plans, coverage takes effect the first of the month following enrollment. For example, if you enroll in Medicare private insurance in April, your coverage will begin on the first of the month after enrollment form is received. However, remember that enrollment during the annual coordinated election period (November 15 through December 31), changes become effective January 1.

Tags: changes your, changes your Medicare, drug coverage, election period, annual coordinated
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Sterilize Lancets

Lancets are small stainless steel needles, often used with a spring loaded lancing device, that puncture the skin to obtain a small blood drop used for diabetic blood testing. Lancet manufacturers suggest replacing a lancet with every skin prick. Re-using lancets can cause the needle to become dull, painful and ineffective. Sterilization techniques from the Center for Disease Control can be used on stainless steel needles, such as lancets.


Instructions


1. Remove the lancet from the lancet device after it has been used. New lancets prior to use are sterile and do not need to be sterilized.








2. Grip the plastic end of the lancet with tweezers and run the needle of the lancet under running water to remove any blood or debris.


3. Using the tweezers, place the lancet into a small container and fill the container with enough bleach to cover the lancet entirely.








4. Allow the lancet to remain in the bleach for at least 30 seconds to kill pathogens.


5. Remove the lancet from the bleach using tweezers. Place the lancet under running water to rinse away the bleach.


6. Allow the lancet to air dry without touching any surface that may be contaminated. Replace the lancet into the lancing device.

Tags: Allow lancet, lancet from, lancet into, lancet under, lancet under running, lancet with
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Diagnose A Toothache

Determining whether or not you have a toothache may seem simple and self explanatory, but oftentimes toothaches are misdiagnosed for other conditions such as TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder) or severe migraines where radiating pain may give the impression that it's a toothache. Due to the seriousness and many underlying causes of toothaches, it is important to know when you are experiencing one in order to immediately alleviate it or seek dental assistance.


Instructions








1. Visually check for signs of dental problems such as cavities, swelling and bleeding of the gums, and any scratches or cuts from eating hard foods such as chips. You can hold up a small mirror to view the roof of your mouth and teeth that are hard to reach. If you have braces, check that the metal brackets and wires are securely in place and are not surrounded or covered by gum tissue. Contact your dentist about any pain from your braces.


2. Pinpoint the location of pain and make a note of the sensation and what causes the tooth to hurt. If your teeth only hurt while drinking cold beverages or eating cold foods such as ice cream, you may not see any visual signs of dental problems. Make a note of the sensitivity your teeth experience during these instances and tell your dentist about them. Finding the exact location of the pain will help rule out other problems, such as TMJ.


3. Schedule an appointment with your dentist. If you have suffered from toothaches over a long period of time, your dentist may need to perform an X-ray on your teeth to determine any internal problems such as nerve damage or broken fragments of teeth that are lodged below the gum line. It is important to schedule an appointment as soon as possible to avoid any further damage to your teeth or nerves. If you have tried to alleviate the pain by using over-the-counter medications or special toothpastes, tell your doctor how long you have used these remedies.

Tags: your dentist, your teeth, problems such, dental problems, dentist about, foods such, location pain
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Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Body Symptoms Of Stress

Stress sneaks up on you. It can affect your body in many ways. You may not even know that it is happening. Perhaps you are suffering from constant aches and pains, and maybe you wonder the cause of certain issues going on with your body. Stress symptoms can be brought on by many things, but it is learning to control the way your body reacts to that stress that is important to your health.


Types


Body symptoms of stress may include headaches, stomach upset, fatigue, dizziness, overeating and insomnia. You may have high blood pressure, joint pain, increased sugar levels and irritable bowel syndrome issues. Sometimes focusing may become difficult. Your vision may be impaired, and skin problems can occur.


Significance


Stress is a fact of life however it is important to know the body's symptoms of stress and when it is time to take back control. This may seem harder than it really is, but when your body is telling you that something is wrong, and it is caused by stress, then it is time to do something about it. Stress on your body may be a slow process until one day it takes a toll on your body that may cause permanent damage.


Identification


Visible signs of stress may not be apparent to others. Body symptoms can include behavioral problems, such as depression, anxiety and moodiness. If left untreated, these can cause other issues to arise with those around you, maybe even threaten the possibility of losing a job or hurting someone's feelings when you really do not mean to.


Prevention/Solution


Exercise, yoga, meditation and just getting more sleep may help alleviate stress symptoms on the body. Major changes may need to be made to your lifestyle, such as changing jobs, seeking help through a counselor, and maybe just making more time for yourself. Reducing the amount of stress on your body is important and immediate action to change your lifestyle should be your number one priority.


Warning








Body symptoms of stress may also include chest pain and heart disease. It is very important that you do not ignore these symptoms. Although chest pain and heart disease can be a result of stress, it can also be brought on by other issues and you should seek immediate attention from your attending physician. Do not hesitate telling him any symptoms of stress that you are experiencing.

Tags: your body, Body symptoms, chest pain, chest pain heart, heart disease, other issues, pain heart
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The Best Way To Get Rid Of German Roaches

Roaches plague many homes, both urban and rural. These opportunistic creatures eat nearly anything and can survive almost everywhere, though they often proliferate in sewers and around garbage cans. German cockroaches can carry a wide variety of diseases along with them, causing problems for the people they come in contact with. Getting rid of them can seem next to impossible, but with dedication their numbers can be decimated, and often the roach problem can be eliminated entirely. Limiting their access to things they need -- food, water and safe hiding places -- is key in dealing with roaches.


Instructions


1. Rid your kitchen of clutter. Other areas where cockroaches have been seen to congregate should be cleaned up as well. Give roaches as few places to hide as possible.


2. Keep food in sealed containers and never leave food sitting out on the counter, especially not overnight.


3. Eliminate sources of water, like partially-filled cups and any standing water in sinks and drains. You may wish to seal up the drains at night when not in use.


4. Place traps around the infested area, and change them whenever they are nearly full.


5. Bait areas that seem to have a lot of roach activity. Many types of bait are available. Select the kind that suits your home best.


6. Turn on the oven at a high temperature if you notice many roaches inside it. The heat will kill the roaches, and drive out those that aren't killed.


7. Place boric acid or diatomaceous earth around any cracks in the walls or near the cupboards. Dust the area near windows and doors, too. These efforts won't necessarily eliminate roaches but can help discourage them.


8. Caulk any known cracks, so roaches have fewer places to hide out. Make certain that the caulk is entirely inorganic, with no natural binding agents. Some caulks even include boric acid, which is mildly poisonous to roaches.

Tags: boric acid, places hide
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Monday, February 20, 2012

Know If You Are Improving With Treatment Of Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is typically contracted from a bite from an infected tick. Deer ticks, lone star ticks and American dog ticks can all carry Lyme disease. Once you have been diagnosed with the illness, your physician will often prescribe a series of antibiotics to be taken for 10, 14 or 21 days. For advanced cases of Lyme disease, you may be prescribed intravenous antibiotics. Since it takes a while for the medication to work through your body, it takes time to notice improvements in your condition.


Instructions


1. Examine the circular rash you got from Lyme disease. This is usually around the site of a bite from an infected tick, though the rash can also be found other places on the body in severe cases, according to the CDC. If treatment is going well, you'll notice the rash subsiding.


2. Test your joints. Severe Lyme disease inflames joints, causing symptoms similar to arthritis. Your conditions are improving if you are able to move your knees and elbows easier than at the beginning of treatment.








3. Evaluate your mental state. For severe Lyme disease, memory loss and changes in mood are a common symptom, according to the Mayo Clinic. If you feel more alert and happier than you did in the beginning, you're improving.








4. Judge your improvement from treatment based on serious symptoms such as facial paralysis. An extended bout of Lyme disease can produce paralysis on one or both sides of your face. When this improves, you know your treatment is working.


5. Evaluate how you feel overall. Since Lyme disease can produce flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, headaches and a fever, keep an eye on these symptoms. Also note if other symptoms such as heart problems or eye inflammation has improved.

Tags: Lyme disease, symptoms such, bite from, bite from infected, disease produce, from infected
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Have Dessert On The Atkins Diet

Many people think that a low-carb diet entails going without dessert. But on the Atkins Diet, dessert is easy, with a little planning. Learn fit dessert into your low-carb, high-fat diet plan.


Instructions


1. First, remember that while Atkins is low-carb, it is also high-fat. That means you don't need to be scared of creams, cheeses and other high-fat items in your desserts.


2. A favorite dessert of Atkins diet adherents is whipped cream. Put some heavy (whipping) cream in a blender or mixing bowl, add a tablespoon of Splenda and whip. When it is stiff enough to stand a spoon in, it's ready to eat. It tastes better cold, so don't let it get warm. Add a little powdered cocoa for color.


3. Cheesecake is also a popular Atkins Diet dessert. Mix a package of cream cheese, an egg, a half-cup of Splenda, a pinch of salt and a dollop of heavy cream. Put in a pie dish and bake at 350 degrees until the top browns (about a half-hour).


4. You can also add cottage cheese to the cheesecake recipe to create a little more substance. But remember that cottage cheese is not allowed in the induction phase of Atkins.


5. Another easy Atkins dessert recipe is puffs. Whip egg whites in a bowl until they form stiff peaks. Carefully fold in a tablespoon of cocoa and a quarter cup of Splenda. Place dollops onto a cooking sheet and bake for a half-hour at 200 degrees. Let them dry out thoroughly, and enjoy.


6. Low-carb ice creams and other commercial desserts can be used in Atkins, but beware of sugar alcohols. While they don't increase carb counts, they can cause serious gastric distress, even in small quantities.








7. Ideally, you won't crave dessert on the Atkins Diet, because being in ketosis often takes away cravings for sugar. But a little creativity can go a long way when the craving sneaks up on you.

Tags: Atkins Diet, Atkins Diet dessert, cottage cheese, dessert Atkins, Diet dessert
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Recover From Depression Caused By Rape

If you have been raped, you may be struggling with feelings of depression and wondering what you can do to ease your pain. Being raped can lead to many different emotions, including anger, sadness and anxiety. Many women struggle with thoughts of suicide, an inability to trust and flashbacks. If you are struggling with extreme emotions, it is important to know the symptoms of depression and when you should seek help.


Instructions


Recover from Depression Caused by Rape


1. Understand the symptoms. Depression or periods of sadness that last longer than two weeks can interfere with daily functioning. Feelings of worthlessness, an inability to concentrate, a loss of pleasure in most activities, significant changes in appetite or sleep patterns and thoughts of suicide are all recognizable symptoms of depression and may warrant medical treatment.


2. Talk to someone. Rape is an extreme violation and can leave a woman feeling scared and isolated. The temptation to withdraw from friends and family can be strong. Seek out a friend or family member and tell her how you are feeling. The feelings associated with rape can be overwhelming and may lead to significant depression and even thoughts of suicide, if not addressed. Fighting depression alone can feel impossible. Your loved ones may not know help, so tell them what is helping and what is not. If you are thinking about harming yourself, or you feel like giving up, seek professional help immediately.


3. Get professional help. Many times depression related to rape can become so debilitating, you cannot fight it alone. Finding a counselor who can help you address the feelings you are having and a psychiatrist who can perform a medical evaluation to assess for medications may be necessary, if your depression intensifies and does not seem to be letting up. Don't be afraid or embarrassed to ask for help and utilize resources that are available to help you deal with your feelings. Support groups and rape victim assistance programs are available to provide support and guidance. The Rape Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) is a website designated to help you find assistance in your local area.








4. Stay engaged in treatment. Although you may feel like giving up or avoiding the feelings you are having, it is important to face them in order to take back control of your life. Attending counseling and participating in support groups will help you take control of your situation. Therapeutic activities designed to treat depression related to rape, such as journaling and role play, are useful strategies to begin dealing with the emotions you are having. Many women struggle with feeling they are someblame. There is nothing about rape that is a woman's fault, but therapy can help you understand these emotions and help you find ways to cope.

Tags: thoughts suicide, Caused Rape, control your, Depression Caused, Depression Caused Rape, depression related, depression related rape
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Friday, February 17, 2012

Facelift Complications

Women turn to face lift procedures to help restore a youthful appearance to the face. Face lifts are relatively safe procedures, but as with any surgery complications can arise that tend to be temporary for most patients.








Reaction To Anesthesia


Some patient experience nausea and vomiting due to anesthesia after surgery. This is a short-term complication that goes away within a few hours.


Bleeding


Light bleeding is normal after surgery, however, uncontrolled bleeding is dangerous and can lead to hematomas.


Hematoma


A hematoma develops when bleeding occurs under the skin and is painful. A second surgery is needed to stop blood flow and to remove the hematoma.


Infection


Symptoms of infection after a face lift are swelling, redness, and a feeling of heat that surrounds the incision. Antibiotics are prescribed to clear the infection up.


Numbness


Numbness is a temporary side effect that happens when the nerves are cut during a face lift. Once the nerves heal, feeling should return.

Tags: face lift, after surgery
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Paraplegic Spasms

Paraplegic spasms can be uncomfortable and even scary. This article provides an overview of why spasms occur, what they look like and stay safe during a spasm.


The Facts


Muscle spasms are common after upper motor neuron injuries, which is the technical term for hurting the nerves and nerve cells in your brain and spinal cord. This happens frequently to people with paraplegia, a condition in which the nerves of the spinal cord have been severely damaged and no longer fully control the legs. While the effects of spasms can be controlled or reduced with anti-spasticity medicines, spasms are often present to some degree for the duration of the paraplegic person's life.








Misconceptions


When a paraplegic has a muscle spasm, it can sometimes look like a mini seizure, as the legs twitch and tremble, often causing the entire body to shake. Despite their scary appearance, they are generally not harmful and can usually be resolved with a change in position. Some spasms can send the legs into what is called an extensor pattern, in which the knees partially or completely straighten. While this can appear to a bystander like the person is straightening his legs on his own, it is actually a spontaneous nervous system reaction.


Risk Factors


A spasm might not seem like such a bad thing to deal with, but when you are not able to fully control your legs it can be a safety hazard. When a paraplegic has to move from one surface to another, such as from the bed to wheelchair, he must position his legs in such a way that they remain stable until he reaches his wheelchair. If his legs go into a spasm during the transfer, they may shift so far forward that he actually slides onto the floor. If a caregiver is assisting a paraplegic transfer, a spasm can disrupt the process and create a potential hazard for both individuals as the body position suddenly changes.


Effects


Even though many paraplegics do not have full sensation in their legs, spasms can still be uncomfortable and sometimes even painful. If spasms occur at night, they can make sleeping difficult. Most paraplegics are experienced enough with their own spasm patterns that they are able to control them by positioning their feet. However, newly paralyzed individuals may find the effects of spasms hard to manage for several months.


Time Frame


Most spasms do not last for more than a few moments; however, they can occur frequently during the day and sometimes through the night. Most paraplegics are aware of how often spasms occur and what is normal for them. However, they should take note if spasms are lasting longer than normal or if they are becoming more frequent. This might signify the need to change the dosage or the type of anti-spasticity medication.

Tags: spasms occur, effects spasms, fully control, legs into, look like
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Thursday, February 16, 2012

Treat Mononucleosis With Alternative Remedies







Mononucleosis, caused primarily by the Epstein-Barr virus, is an infectious viral disease that is also known as "mono" or "the kissing disease" It has a negative effect on your lymphatic system, liver and respiratory system. Common symptoms associated with "mono" are headache, sore muscles, swollen lymph glands, liver enlargement, jaundice, fatigue, sore throat, fever, enlarged spleen and depressed appetite. You can catch this disease by means of direct contact, such as sharing utensils or kissing an infected individual. You can also catch mononucleosis when you are around an infected person who sneezes or coughs. Your doctor can diagnose "mono" by administering a mononucleosis spot test. He may then recommend giving you antibiotics or he may prescribe prednisone, a corticosteroid to help ease your symptoms. You may similarly find alternative remedies that may help reduce discomfort and symptoms.


Instructions


1. Switch to a mostly raw food diet over the course of the illness, to help build up your immune system. At least 50% of the foods you eat should be comprised of uncooked, unprocessed plant foods. Eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables, beans, seeds, whole grains and the like. Totally avoid white flour, sugar. fried foods, processed foods, sodas and coffee.








2. Try spirulina, a blue-green algae discovered by ancient Mayans. Spirulina aids in enhancing immunity. It is relatively safe to take and has been found to have no drug interactions. You should, however, speak with your doctor before taking spirulina, if you have phenylketonuria or are pregnant or breastfeeding.


3. Take goldenseal, as it helps to combat infection. Goldenseal, which contains a bacteria-killing compound known berberine, comes from a hairy-stemmed plant that is a member of the buttercup family. You can get goldenseal in capsule or tea form. Take, as directed by the individual product you get, but it should not be taken for more than a week. There are possible side-effects, including digestive problems, light-sensitivity and skin irritation. Should you begin experiencing any of these side-effects, stop taking goldenseal. You should not take goldenseal if you have high blood pressure or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Anyone taking prescription medications should talk to a doctor before using goldenseal, to prevent the danger of drug interactions.


4. Rest. It is imperative to get enough rest to help rebuild your strength when you are suffering from mononucleosis. It can take several weeks for you to recover. You should limit contact with others, as much as it is possible to do so, to keep from passing on your infection. If you must have someone present to assist you, they should remember to wash their hands thoroughly at all times and should avoid kissing you or sharing personal items, such as a toothbrush and utensils.


5. Fight infection with olive leaf extract. It is believed to have antiviral and antioxidant properties. Use as directed by the individual product you have chosen. There are no known interactions with prescription medications. If you are diabetic, pregnant or breastfeeding, however, you should not take olive leaf extract before consulting your doctor.


6. Take milk thistle, which contains the liver-protecting ingredient known as silymarin. You can get it in extract, capsule or tea form and should take it, according to the directions of the individual protect you are using. If you are allergic to plants that come from the Asteraceae family, using the herb milk thistle is inadvisable and you should not take it. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking prescription medications or being treated for a serious medical condition, you should speak to your doctor before taking milk thistle.

Tags: pregnant breastfeeding, should take, doctor before, milk thistle, prescription medications
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Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Health Care Proxies

Health care proxies are not just for those who are sick. Many people have them "just in case" something happens. These legally designated individuals--or agents--become your voice should the time come when you are unable to make an informed, competent decision concerning your medical treatment. The authority bestowed on your health care proxy includes deciding whether or not to provide or continue life-sustaining measures as well as what medical means should be used to diagnose and treat your condition.


Function


Appointing a health care proxy requires filling out a Health Care Proxy form. This form can be found online by searching for "health care proxy" in your particular state. Most hospitals and physicians offices can also provide this form. Ensure that your wishes are followed by including any specific medical treatments or actions you would and would not want implemented on the form. Your health care proxy is the doctor's "go-to" person when it comes to making decisions about your medical care, so the more that person knows about your wishes, the better. Your form's special instructions also should include any restrictions placed on your health care proxy and when your proxy's authority takes effect. Although an attorney is not required to complete the form, you and your health care "agent" must sign the health care proxy form before a notary public and two witnesses.








Identification


A health care proxy must be at least 18 years old, be mentally fit, possess good judgment and be trustworthy. When identifying a health care agent, your first consideration should be a family member or close friend. These candidates are choices, because in most cases they know your stance on issues, such as artificial nutrition, hydration and resuscitation. You also need to designate an alternate agent who can fulfill the responsibility if your primary agent cannot.


Features


Health care proxy forms are slightly different for each state, as are the ready-made forms found online. They all, however, must solicit the same basic information about the prospective designee. That includes the name and legal address of the agent, as well as an alternate agent; the agent's duration; any particular directives that may increase or decrease your health care proxy's responsibilities; your name, signature and the signing date; and any tissue and/or organ donation wishes.


Benefits


The greatest benefit to appointing a health care proxy is peace of mind. This is especially true if your familial relationships are strained or you have no living family members. Having a health care agent also keeps legal battles at bay. Once your wishes regarding your health care and end-of-life issues, such as feeding tubes or other life-sustaining measures, are in writing, it is your health care proxy's job to see that they are carried out.


Warning


Keep your signed and notarized health care proxy form in a safe, easily accessible place. Give a copy of your form to all your health care providers, and ask that a copy be included with your medical records. Your health care proxy, your spouse and other close family members and friends also should get copies. Check with your physicians before signing a health care proxy form to be sure they and your health care facility will respect your wishes.

Tags: care proxy, health care proxy, your health care, health care, health care
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Use An Amethyst Fairy Crystal

Rather than growing inside a stone, the fairy amethyst grows over a preexisting quartz crystal.


An amethyst is a type of purple quartz that comes in shades from lilac to deep violet. An amethyst fairy quartz is a long quartz ranging from white to purple with small crystals growing over the shaft. It forms in South Africa and is also known as spirit amethyst or cactus amethyst.


Instructions








1. Use an amethyst fairy crystal in meditative work to increase healing properties, an aspect for which amethyst is well known. Place the stone in the area that needs healing or for an allover cleansing place the stone at the crown chakra at the top of your head. The crown chakra is associated with healing and spiritual awakening. Close your eyes and feel the cool body of the stone on your skin. Imagine a healing light emanating from the stone and covering the troubling area, or covering your entire being. Feel the healing vibrations of the stone. Lay still in meditation for at least 10 minutes. Once you have finished, stand up and stretch to ground yourself. Place the stone on a windowsill to absorb the healing energies of the sun.


2. Use the amethyst fairy stone to aid in study. Amethyst derives from a Greek word meaning "without drunkenness." It has sobering properties and helps to clear the mind. Hold it in your hand while studying or reflecting on spiritual learnings to find a deeper understanding of what you have read.


3. Protect yourself from bad dreams by placing an amethyst fairy stone under your pillow. Amethyst fairy crystal is also purported to cure insomnia.








4. Use an amethyst fairy stone for protection. An amethyst is a power stone, meaning it has several strong and useful properties including protection. Ancient Egyptians used amethyst to guard against guilty and fearful feelings. The small amethyst clusters over the quartz shaft will amplify the power of all the stones. It is claimed that wearing the stone will help protect your mind from unwanted feelings. Bathe the stone in full moonlight once a month to cleanse it.

Tags: amethyst fairy, amethyst fairy stone, fairy stone, amethyst fairy, crown chakra, Place stone
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Use An Aed Machine

Early defibrillation is critical for the survival of patients in cardiac arrest. Although protocols for the use of an automated electronic defibrillator (AED) vary from facility to facility, there are many standard operating procedures that are held across facilities. To ensure that the patient gets the proper care that she needs, you need training in the proper use of the device (which includes training in CPR as a prerequisite). In addition, you must familiarize yourself with your facility's protocol in use of the device.


Instructions


1. Before an actual emergency occurs, ensure the AED is in proper working order with batteries fully charged.


2. Take body substance isolation precautions (e.g., put on a pair of gloves). Ensure that advanced life support (call 911) is activated. Assess the patient by obtaining a brief synopsis from witnesses of what happened to the patient. If you did not see the arrest, immediately perform CPR for 2 minutes. Stop CPR if it is in progress. Verify that the patient is unresponsive, not breathing and without a pulse








3. Bare the patient's chest and attach the AED to the patient. Place one electrode to the right of the upper portion of the sternum, below the clavicle. The other electrode is placed over the ribs to the left of the nipple, with the center in the midaxillary line. Check for diagrams if you are having difficulty in electrode placement.


4. Turn on the power.


5. Stop CPR and state, "All clear." Make sure that all personnel are clear of the patient. If someone is touching the patient, it will distort the AED's rhythm analysis. Initiate analysis of rhythm.


6. If a shock is advised, deliver the first shock. If a shock is not advised, do 2 minutes of CPR. Then, go back to Step 5.


7. Check the patient's pulse. If the patient has a pulse, then check breathing. If patient is breathing adequately, wait for advanced life support. If patient is breathing inadequately, provide rescue breaths. If the patient is without a pulse and not breathing, resume CPR for 2 minutes. If shock is advised, deliver one more shock and reassess pulse.


8. If the patient does not regain a pulse after the completion of a second shock, follow your local protocol regarding continued use of the AED.

Tags: shock advised, advanced life, advanced life support, advised deliver, life support
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Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Help A Toddler With Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea occurs when a person experiences repetitive episodes of upper airway obstruction during sleep. If your child is experiencing sleep apnea, he may snore, breathe out of his mouth, have restless nights, feel excessively sleepy in the daytime and experience cognitive and behavioral problems in school and other social situations. The range of treatment for sleep apnea, particularly in children, can range from simple to extreme.


Instructions


1. Reassure your child. Sleep apnea can be scary for anyone, especially a child. If surgery is needed or even a face mask to administer air, it's important to help him through this process.


2. Watch your child's weight. Being overweight can play a major role in why a child is experiencing sleep apnea. Helping your child lose excess weight will lessen the symptoms and perhaps solve the problem.


3. Treat allergies. If your child has allergies, any nasal obstruction can contribute to the sleep apnea. Nasal steroids can lessen the symptoms of the allergies as well as the sleep apnea.


4. Change sleeping positions. Encourage your child to sleep on her side instead of her back. If she's not on her back, it's less likely her airway will become blocked.








5. Make sure your child is getting enough sleep. Episodes of apnea will occur more frequently if the child isn't getting enough sleep to begin with.


6. Buy a cervical pillow. This specialized pillow will keep the child's head in the correct position so as to prevent apnea.








7. Look into dental devices. Such devices can be made to keep the airways open during sleep, and are specially designed by dentists with experience in treating sleep apnea. This may be an option for your child. Talk to your dentist to see if your child may be eligible for such a device.


8. For more stubborn cases, have your child wear a breathing mask to bed. Apnea can be helped by providing continuous airway pressure. This pressure is delivered by a nose mask hooked up to a machine that the child wears during sleep.


9. Consider surgery. Often, the only way to cure sleep apnea is through surgery. Anything that obstructs the airway can be taken care of surgically. Such surgeries can repair a deviated septum, repair a face abnormality, reduce the presence of soft tissue in the upper airway, and remove the enlarged tonsil or adenoid causing the problem.

Tags: your child, during sleep, sleep apnea, sleep apnea, child experiencing, child experiencing sleep, child getting
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Monday, February 13, 2012

Treat Cardiogenic Shock

Cardiogenic shock is a very serious situation requiring immediate, professional medical help. In this situation, a diseased heart (such as that of a person suffering from heart disease) is so damaged that it is unable to provide enough blood to the body's organs, causing the sufferer's systems to be unable to work properly. People who show signs of heart disease should know what to look for in cardiogenic shock so they can seek medical attention right away.


Instructions


1. Diagnose the condition correctly. Disorders of the heart that are commonly associated with cardiogenic shock include cardiomyopathy, rupture of the heart, heart attack, heart failure and heart valve or rhythm disorders. Rapid pulse, difficulty breathing, cool skin, weak pulse and pale skin color are some of the symptoms of this condition.


2. Seek immediate medical attention when symptoms are evident. The only treatment for cardiogenic shock requires hospitalization. Treatment will start with diagnostic testing to determine the underlying cause, and doctors will stabilize the current state of the heart to prolong life.








3. Medicate an individual with the most appropriate drugs for the underlying condition and its symptoms. Those drugs may include dopamine, epinephrine, amrinone, norephinephrine, and dobutamine. Medications will improve blood pressure and will enable the heart to function properly.


4. Treat cardiogenic shock with strict bed rest until doctors allow more activity. This reduces the workload of the heart, enabling it to do its job better. Oxygen will be given to reduce the stress on the heart, and fluids will be used as needed to maintain the body.


5. Consider surgery. Inserting a cardiac pacing device, or pacemaker, may regulate the heart's beating abilities. Heart monitors will give doctors more information, and other treatments can repair damage to the heart in some situations. A heart transplant may be necessary for some patients.


6. Monitor for complications from cardiogenic shock. Complications such as kidney damage and failure, brain damage, and liver damage and failure are common. Doctors will work to maintain all body functions throughout treatment.

Tags: cardiogenic shock, damage failure, heart disease, maintain body, medical attention
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Menkes Kinky Hair Syndrome

Menkes kinky hair syndrome is a disorder caused by a genetic defect and is much more prevalent in boys than in girls. This defect prevents effective distribution and absorption of copper in the body. Also called Menkes disease or Menkes syndrome, the disorder is usually fatal within a few years after birth.


Pathology


Menkes syndrome is characterized by low copper levels in most parts of the body, but a build up of copper in the small intestine and kidneys. Low levels of copper affect bone structure, nerves, blood and blood vessels, skin and hair.








Time Frame


Symptoms usually begin appearing after 6 weeks of age. Initial signs are subtle, and because newborn screening for this disease is not available, early diagnosis seldom occurs.


Early Symptoms


A primary sign of Menkes syndrome is colorless or gray kinky hair. The hair is brittle and breaks easily. Other symptoms include feeding difficulties, irritability, lack of muscle tone and low body temperature.


Progressive Symptoms


Progressive symptoms involve mental deterioration, bleeding in the brain, seizures and weakening bones (osteoporosis).








Prognosis


If the disease is diagnosed very early, injections of copper may help decrease some symptoms and prolong life. Early diagnosis is rare, however, and the child usually does not live longer than a few years.

Tags: Menkes syndrome, syndrome disorder
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External Treatment For Cancer







Radiation therapy is the only known external method for treating certain types of cancer. External radiation therapy can be used to treat cancer by itself or in combination with other treatments.


How Does Radiation Therapy Work?


Also called radiotherapy, this treatment beams doses of radiation that are many times more powerful than an x-ray at the affected area. Doctors use extreme precision to target and kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.


Uses


When a cure is impossible, radiotherapy is used to mitigate the effects of cancer. It is used in the treatment of prostate cancer, stomach cancer, early stage breast cancer and early stage lung cancer


Radiotherapy Procedure








Doctors are careful to limit the dosage and damage to healthy cells. Treatments are divided into small sessions called fractions. The typical treatment period lasts five days.


Is Radiotherapy Safe?


Patients who receive radiotherapy emit small amounts of radiation. To prevent spreading the radiation, the patient is admitted into a private room and contact with others is extremely limited.


Side Effects of Radiotherapy


Some common side effects of radiotherapy are vomiting, low blood count, loss of appetite and hair loss.

Tags: cancer early, cancer early stage, early stage
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Bunions

About Bunions


A bunion is an enlargement or bump around the joint of the big toe, often a swollen bursal sac or a bony growth. You may think you have a simple bump on the foot, but bunions are often much more serious than this.


Significance


Bunions affect the structure of the feet and can change the bone alignment. They are a serious medical condition, and you should consult a physician if you believe you have developed one.


Bunions are caused by tendons and ligaments that are not working as they should. Flat feet, structural abnormalities, complications from arthritis and even some neurological disorders can cause bunions.


Types








There are two major types of bunions: the serious, structural bunions and tailor's bunions. Tailor's bunions, sometimes called bunionettes, are small but noticeable bumps on the outside of the foot. These smaller and less serious bumps are often caused by ill-fitting footwear and often happen to those who develop bunions regularly.


Features


Bunions present many painful symptoms, including skin irritation, numbness, burning and swelling of the joint accompanied by redness and pain. When a bunion is present, the big toe often turns inward toward the second toe. Symptoms worsen when shoes are worn that increase pressure across the toes.


Although bunions occur in both men and women, they are seen most frequently in women due to wearing shoes that do not fit correctly or that do not offer proper support. High heels should be avoided if you have a tendency to develop bunions.


Prevention/Solution


Wearing properly fitting shoes can prevent or help treat bunions. Ice, medication and rest can also help treat painful bunions. However, these treatments are geared toward relieving symptoms rather than healing the bunions themselves. If the pain is severe, surgery is an option to correct the abnormality.


There are many orthotic products on the market that are aimed at correcting bunions, including toe separators and bunion splints, slings and cushions. These may be prescribed by a doctor if necessary.


Warning


If bunions are left untreated, they will become larger and increase the misalignment of the bones in the foot. This may eventually result in the big toe lying over or under the second toe or the development of hammertoe. Bunions are a progressive disorder and must be treated. Seek professional medical advice if you develop bunions to prevent them from worsening.

Tags: develop bunions, help treat
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Sunday, February 12, 2012

Filtrate Water







Creating potable water after a disaster or when in the wild is critical to personal survival. Particulates and other matter within standing water can be filtered out with the right materials and knowledge.


Instructions


Filtrating Water


1. Find a standing body of water, such as a pond, lake or swimming pool. The water can have plant life or other floating green organic matter on the surface, but avoid waters that have dead animals or fish along the shoreline or within the water itself.


2. Cut bottom off of one of the one-gallon plastic jugs. Keep as much of the walls of the jug intact, try to just remove the flat bottom. Inverted, this cut container will become the "filter funnel."


3. Remove the lid from the cut jug "filter funnel."


4. Open the activate carbon box and fill the mesh bag with carbon.


5. Place the mesh bag with activated carbon in the inverted jug---the handle and lid being down and the cut-out bottom being up. The mesh bag will be inside the jug above the lid.


6. Open the polyester filter material and place it into the jug on top of the mesh bag. Cover the bag completely, gently packing it down. Do not compress the filter material too much.


7. Mark one or more of the clean plastic jugs with large red "X." Use these containers as "catcher" containers---holding filtered water, but not boiled water. Do not drink from these containers. They hold water in the filter process, but are not ready for drinking.


8. Remove the lids from the containers marked "X."


9. Draw a bucket full of standing water.


10. Select one of the "X" containers and place it directly below the "filter funnel."








11. Anticipate the weight of the water entering the "filter funnel" and draining down into the open "X" container.


12. Pour the water from the bucket into the "filter funnel" slowly. Let the funnel fill, but do not pour quickly. Let the water slowly pass through the polyester material and the activated carbon mesh. Particles and some contaminants will be removed from the water in this process. The water should drain from the bottom opening relatively clear, but not necessarily crystal clear. If the water seems too cloudy, filter a second time.


13. Fill the "X" container with the strained water. Note: at this stage of the process the water is still not ready for drinking.


14. Repeat the process---filling the remaining "X" containers with strained water. Keep the empty containers for future filtering in a safe, clean area.


15. Pour one or more of the "X" containers into the clean cooking pot. Fill about 3/4 full, but do not overfill.


16. Carefully wipe off any of the strained water from edges or sides of pot. Note: avoid having any drops of strained water get back into the cooking pot after it is boiled.


17.Place the cooking pot on the heating source.


18. Bring to a boil and allow to maintain a rolling boil for at least three full minutes.


19. Remove cooking pot from heating source and place in a safe location where it will not be overturned, spilled or contaminated. Cover with a clean cloth or lid, if possible.


20. After allowing the clean boiled water to rest and cool for 30 minutes, pour into a clean one-gallon jug and mark with the green marker "POTABLE" on the container. Note: be certain that this container has not be exposed to any unfiltered water that was not boiled or any other hazardous liquid.


21. Add 1/3 teaspoon (about eight drops) of the unscented chlorine bleach to the water in the "Green Container" and let it sit for a half-hour. Place a clean lid on the container. When cool, this water is ready for drinking.


22. Store "Green Containers" in a shaded place not in direct sunlight.

Tags: filter funnel, strained water, ready drinking, activated carbon, boiled water
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Friday, February 10, 2012

Get Treatment For Chlamydia

Get Treatment for Chlamydia








Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the world. Nearly four million people get chlamydia each year in the United States alone. A bacterial infection, it often causes no symptoms. However, it can cause serious complications if left untreated. Fortunately, it is easy to treat chlamydia.


Instructions








Recognize the Symptoms of Chlamydia


1. Watch out for painful urination, as it is one of the most common symptoms of chlamydia. The pain will most likely be a burning or stinging sensation.


2. Look for unusual discharge from the **** or vagina. Discharge that is unusual in color, especially watery or foul smelling is a typical indicator of a chlamydia infection.


3. Be aware that vaginal bleeding or spotting, not related to a menstrual cycle, is a symptom of chlamydia.


4. Understand that pain in the abdomen and pain during sexual intercourse are also symptoms of chlamydia.


5. Monitor body temperature. A fever is a common symptom of chlamydia, particularly when it presents along with one or more other symptoms.


Treat Chlamydia Immediately


6. Get tested at your physician's office if you suspect you may have chlamydia. The physician will collect either a urine sample or a swab from your vagina or urethra (if you are a man). These tests are very accurate and the results are available quickly.


7. Obtain the appropriate antibiotics. Since chlamydia is a bacterial infection, antibiotics are the most effective way to treat it. Your doctor may prescribe doxycycline, tetracycline, amoxicillin or erythromycin.


8. Make sure you take all of the prescribed antibiotics. Even if you are feeling better, the infection may still be active. Sticking with your medication regimen, for the entire time indicated by your doctor, will greatly reduce the chances of a relapse.


9. Avoid sexual intercourse while you are taking your antibiotics. Not only is sex likely to be painful while you have an active chlamydia infection, but you can also pass this infection on to your partner.


10. Get a second test. This is done once you've taken all of your antibiotics. The second test is to ensure that the chlamydia infection is gone.

Tags: chlamydia infection, bacterial infection, most common, second test, sexual intercourse, symptom chlamydia
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What Are The Treatments For Non Hodgkins Lymphoma With Revlimid

What Are the Treatments for Non Hodgkins Lymphoma With Revlimid?


Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a cancer of the white blood cells (lymphocytes) that is often characterized by lymph nodes that appear larger than normal, fever and weight loss. The National Cancer Institute estimates that there were 65,980 new cases and 19,500 deaths from non-Hodgkin lymphoma in the United States in 2009.


MCL


One type of NHL is relapsed or refractory mantle-cell lymphoma (MCL), a cancer that can spread via the lymph glands to marrow tissues, the liver and the gastrointestinal tract. MCL represents about 6 percent of all NHL cases in the U.S., according to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and is treatable by Revlimid.


Revlimid


Revlimid is an anti-cancer drug containing lenalidomide, an immuno-modulating agent. Revlimid stimulates the activity of your immune system, blocking tumor cell development and growth.


Function


The lenalidomide contained in Revlimid acts to block the growth of blood vessels that allow cancer cells to grow, effectively starving the cancer cell. It also works with your immune system to attack cancer cells.


Dosage








Revlimid is a once-daily capsule in 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg and 25 mg dosages, which must be taken in repeated 28-day cycles: 21 days on the medicine, seven days off.


Side Effects


Side effects include weakness, fatigue, constipation, muscle cramps, low platelet counts, anemia, diarrhea and rashes. Do not take Revlimid during pregnancy, as it can cause birth defects.

Tags: your immune system, cancer cells, Hodgkins Lymphoma, Hodgkins Lymphoma With, immune system, lymphoma cancer, Lymphoma With
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Thursday, February 9, 2012

Use Of Restraints In Nursing Homes

Restraints are any devices used to restrict movement. In nursing homes and hospitals they are used for the patient's safety. However, there is often concern that facilities' staff uses them too often or for the wrong reasons, thus causing harm to the patient.


Types of Restraints


There are many types of restraints available.


Soft belts or safety vests are used to tie a patient to a bed or wheelchair by restricting the torso. A safety bar is a bar placed across the lap of the wheelchair to prevent a patient from falling or sliding out. Wrist or mitt restraints prevent the patient from removing IV tubing or dressings. Bed rails are considered a restraint, and policies vary as to how and when they can be raised.








There are also medications that are considered chemical restraints. These are administered by a nurse or physician, generally as a case of last resort when a patient becomes violent.


Effects of Restraints


Restraints should only be used to protect the patient. Patients may be restrained if they are violent or are in danger of falling, wandering or harming himself or others.


Restricting movement with a restraint may result in:


Loss of personal dignity and self esteem


Increased confusion








Anxiety


Increased Anger


Frustration


Decreased communication


Physically, restraints can result in:


Skin breakdown


Muscle weakness


Blood clots


Pneumonia


Constipation


Alternatives to Restraints


Restraints are generally considered to be a last-resort measure. Before using a restraint try to:


Use bed or door alarms to designate confused patients.


Distract the resident with another activity or television.


Play calming music.


Transport the patient to another area.


Use padding, stuffed animals and other soft items for support.


Speak to the patient in a calm, firm voice.


Restraint Procedure


1. Use the alternative techniques first.


2. Get a doctor's order in writing.


3. Use the least restrictive restraint when possible (that is, use a wrist restraint instead of a vest etc.).


4. Use the correct size restraint.


5. Explain to the resident about the restraint and why it is being applied.


6. Apply the restraint securely and correctly.


7. Allow the patient as much movement as possible; keep the call light within the patient's reach.


8. Check wrist restraints every 15 minutes.


9. Check patient safety every 30 minutes, including checking for skin breakdown, body alignment and toileting needs, and address those needs as needed.


10. Remove the restraints every 2 hours.


11. Exercise the restricted limb.


12. Document the application, checks and removal of the restraints.


Warning


Unnecessary use of restraints is considered false imprisonment. Nursing home staff should never use restraints for their own convenience. State and federal laws, including the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA), covers the use of restraints.


Learn state and local laws and the nursing home's policies on restraints. Document any violations and discuss any discrepancies with the nursing home's administration. If necessary, report your findings to the local health department or police.


Tips


Reassure the restrained patient frequently. Remove the restraint as soon as you feel the patient's safety risk is gone.


Physical restraints can bruise delicate skin, especially in the elderly. Apply the restraint so that it is secure but does not damage skin.


When attempting to restrain a violent patient, do not grab him. This can be considered assault and charges can be filed against you.

Tags: patient safety, Apply restraint, every minutes, nursing home, patient from
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Mouth Breathing Treatments

Mouth breathing can interrupt sleep, cause orthodontic and facial deformities, and weaken lungs. Mouth breathing sometimes results from blocked nasal passages and other times is merely habitual. In both cases, treatments can be used to stop mouth breathing. You can not determent definitely the cause of your mouth breathing on your own, so to find out visit an ears, nose, and throat doctor.


Nasal Obstruction Treatments


If a blocked nasal passage causes your mouth breathing, treatment aims to remove or reduce the obstruction. The treatment will vary depending on the type of obstruction. Often medicated nasal sprays are prescribed. These sprays use steroids or other medicines to widen the nasal passages and allow increased airflow. For more complicated blockages, surgery may be necessary.








Mouth breathing toddlers with blocked nasal passages often do not need any treatments. As their faces develop, the nasal passages will widen, and typically the problem will go away on its own.


Some people continue to breathe through their mouths after nasal passage obstructions are removed, because mouth breathing has become habitual. If you experience continued mouth breathing after nasal obstruction treatment, you must then use habitual mouth breathing treatments to correct the problem.


Habitual Mouth Breathing Treatments


If you mouth breathe habitually, without an exterior cause for the mouth breathing, you can use therapy treatments to correct your breathing. Therapy treatments work to correct mouth breathing through two methods: strengthening the seal of your lips and obstructing your mouth to force you to breathe through your nose.


Therapy exercises designed to strengthen your lip seal involve holding a small item between your lips. In one exercise you keep a pencil held between your lips. This exercise can be done throughout the day, and a pencil can easily be brought with you in your pocket. The more time you spend doing the exercise, the more your lip seal will improve.


In a similar exercise, you keep your lips sealed around a sheet of paper. This allows you to shut your lips tighter than with a pencil, but it is more conspicuous and harder to carry with you throughout the day.


Another exercise uses a button with a piece of string tied to it. Hold the button between your lips while a friend tries to pull the button out using the string. This exercise is more complicated than the other two, but improves your lip seal more quickly.


You will typically use mouth obstruction therapy only at night. With this therapy, you restrain your mouth from opening so that you will be forced to breathe through your nose. You can use a piece of surgical tape to simply tape your mouth closed, or you can get an oral screen from your ear, nose and throat doctor. An oral screen blocks airflow with a thin piece of rubber inside between your lips and teeth.

Tags: your lips, your mouth, between your, between your lips, nasal passages, blocked nasal
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