According to todaysseniors.com, the average cost for nursing home care is between $168 and $192 per day. Nursing home care is a substantial financial burden for many families, couples and individuals. Fortunately, through the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), those needing long-term care in a nursing facility can apply for Medicaid Institutional Care Program, or Medicaid ICP. According to medicaidresource.com, this program "provides qualified people with financial assistance to pay the cost of their nursing home care." This particular Medicaid program doesn't pay the entire cost of nursing home care, but it pays a substantial portion.
Instructions
1. Determine if you or the person in your care qualifies for Medicaid. There are a few ways to do this. If you already know of a facility you would like to use, get in touch with its representative and ask for help to determine if you qualify. Visit the Florida DCF ACCESS (Automated Community Connection to Economic Self-Sufficiency) website and click on "Prescreening." This will help you determine if you qualify. Those who are married or have several sources of income or assets, may wish to consult an attorney that specializes in Medicaid.
2. Complete an application online at myflorida.com/accessflorida/, or obtain a paper application at a DCF ACCESS Florida Customer Service Center or by phone (1-866-762-2232). You must meet both the asset requirement and the income requirement to qualify.
3. Determine how much your contribution will be. This is also known as "patient responsibility" and is calculated by subtracting $35 from your total gross income for personal expenses and any health insurance premiums.
4. Check the status of your application. You can do this through the ACCESS website.
5. Educate yourself on affordable assisted living in Florida while you wait for your application to process. Visit the Florida Affordable Assisted Living website run by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs (floridaaffordableassistedliving.org) to read up on long-term and assisted living facilities in Florida.
6. Report any changes in income or assets, insurance coverage or anything that affects your stay in a nursing home to the Florida DCF.
Tags: home care, nursing home, assisted living, cost nursing, cost nursing home
Chi is believed by many to be the cosmic force that animates us and makes us individuals. We are all driven by this force, but sometimes we lose our connection to it. In ancient times, many people believed we were made of the same cosmic force that drives the universe. Later, the Chinese named this force chi, or air, because of the relationship between breath and life. Ki, qi and kei are different spellings of the same word. You can try to connect with your chi through simple breathing exercises.
Instructions
1. Find a quiet area where you will not be disturbed and set a timer for five minutes. Sit on the edge of a cushion or folded towel on the floor and fold your feet toward the body. If this position is uncomfortable, you can sit upright in a chair. Cup the fingers of your left hand, and place your hand, with your palm facing up, in your lap. Cup the fingers of your right hand, with your palm up, and rest it on top of your left hand.
2. Relax your entire body, but keep your back straight and your chin up. Close your eyes slightly and breathe softly through your nose. Pay close attention to each breath.
3. Recognize that you are feeling your chi at work. Remain calm and continue focusing on your breathing pattern. Acknowledge any discomfort you may be feeling, but do not dwell on it. Do not think about breathing or allow your mind to drift -- concentrate on each breath until the timer buzzes.
4. Practice this form of meditation every day until it seems natural, extending the time of each sitting. Slowly, begin to control you chi by extending the lengths of your breath. Recognize that this is different than controlling the breath with your mind. If thoughts enter your mind, notice the distraction and return to your breathing exercise. Do not follow your thoughts.
5. Practice this technique while performing daily tasks or relaxing at night. Continue practicing even after you feel like you've found your chi. You should feel one with your body's natural energy.
Tags: with your, your mind, breath Recognize, breath Recognize that, cosmic force, cosmic force that
Sugilite is known as a love stone. It stands for spiritual love, emotional love and self love, and is believed to help in healing these areas. It is more rare than some crystals and can only be found in shops specializing in crystals.
Features
Not only is this a love stone, it is the answer stone. Sugilite can help you answer major life questions, like "who am I?" and "why am I here?". Use it in meditation to get your answers.
Fun Fact
Sugilite has manganese in it. Manganese is a metal element found in minerals. This added element is believed to help sugilite be a great reliever of headaches, just by placing the crystal on the forehead while laying down.
Benefits
This crystal also is thought to aid psychologically, mentally, physically and soulfully. Use it for forgiveness, for autism, for positive thinking and for cancer.
Potential
The potentials of this crystal are limitless. Use it for channeling your desires, hopes and dreams into your mind, body and soul.
Function
The best place on the body to place sugilite for healing is over the heart, which will spread the vibrations throughout the bloodstream and all over the body.
When your tooth is in agony, it may seem the only thing to do is get the tooth pulled. You want to avoid tooth-pulling as much as possible, because that changes your bite and the way you chew, and is unsightly. Root canals have improved dramatically in the last 20 years, becoming a far less painful way to fix your tooth with a crown.
Main Reasons Why
Getting a root canal in order to receive a crown is the only way to save an infected or rotten tooth without having to go through pulling the entire tooth. Only the rotten or infected parts are removed, and then a false tooth (the crown) is screwed onto the healthy part of the tooth. If the entire tooth is rotten, then the tooth must be removed. Root canals are sometimes done in order to fit in a dental implant or a needed prosthetic, but those cases are rare.
Function
Root canals serve two functions. First, they stop the spread of painful infection and they provide a safe and comfortable base for the crown to anchor onto. The infected pulp and nerve are removed and then the outer part of the tooth is whittled down to a narrow line. The temporary is hooked onto this by means of a screw and then, when the crown is ready, the temporary is removed and the crown fitted. The crown acts as a tooth, but lacks a nerve or pulp.
Tooth Pulp Infection Symptoms
You may need a root canal if you get these symptoms: if you feel a lightning bolt of pain from one specific area of your mouth when you chew or when you eat something hot or cold, or if one side of your face begins to swell up. Other symptoms include the infected tooth changing color, a persistent soreness of the gums or the development of a pimple on the gums above the infected tooth.
Warning
Infected tooth pulp will not get better on its own. This is something that gets worse as time as goes on. Your dentist or doctor may put you on a prescription of antibiotics and painkillers, but the root canal still needs to be done. Remember, tooth pulp has direct contact with the nerve. If the pulp is in trouble, the nerve will give you a lot of pain.
Misconceptions
Pregnant women can get root canals, but please check with your doctor first as to what painkiller you are allowed to take. Contrary to popular belief, root canals do not make a person sick. Also, if the tooth pain is not constant, you still may need a root canal. Although called a root canal, the root of your tooth is still left in your gums. It's just the soft pulp and the nerve that's been removed.
Tags: root canal, your tooth, entire tooth, infected tooth, need root
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a serious challenge that many individuals in this country face. By psychological and psychiatric standards, it is considered an “anxiety disorder.” People who suffer from PTSD have been exposed to a traumatic and terrifying event. Physical harm may have occurred, been threatened or witnessed. Events such as accidents; personal assaults; military combat and duty; natural disasters or a national attack can trigger PTSD. Symptoms of PTSD include anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, sleeping problems and difficulty being around or close to other people.
Instructions
See a Psychologist or a Psychiatrist to Confirm a Diagnosis
1. Select a psychologist or therapist, preferably one who specializes in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. It is customary for either a psychiatrist or a psychologist to officially diagnose a patient with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. You can use the Internet to search for psychiatrists and psychotherapists. Some websites also indicate what particular specialty a health care provider possesses. If you do not have insurance, you may also want to search for a provider who works with individuals on a sliding scale.
2. Call Your Insurance Company to Verify Your Mental Health Benefits. Many health insurance companies offer excellent coverage; others do not. Some companies limit your number of visits with a mental health care practitioner; others cap your benefits at a certain dollar amount. Call ahead of time to verify your coverage so that you know what to expect. If you do not have insurance, you have likely already selected a practitioner or group of practitioners who will work with you on a sliding scale basis.
3. Agree on a regular schedule of appointments with both your psychologist and psychiatrist. If you are seeing a psychiatrist as part of your treatment and recovery, he or she will probably want to see you on a regular basis to regulate your medication. A psychologist or therapist will also want to have consistent visits with you to delve into your PTSD symptoms, the traumatic experience(s) which prompted it as well as alleviation methods.
Follow the Treatment Plan of Your Health Care Providers
4. Attend all of your regularly scheduled appointments with your psychiatrist or primary health care physician, if you have one or both involved. You may need medical care, checkups and prescriptions to treat your particular case of PTSD. Even if you have flashbacks and nightmares the day before your appointment and do not feel like going to a health care practitioner's office as scheduled, go anyways. Do not let PTSD itself interfere with your recovery.
5. Take any medication that you have been prescribed as part of your treatment for PTSD, after you have researched it, jointly determined with your doctor that you accept the potential side effects and decided that these effects will outweigh the benefits. If you have issues or challenges with your medication after you start to take it, talk to your health care provider.
6. Attend all of your regularly scheduled appointments with your psychologist or therapist. Again, there will be times that you do not feel you need or want to go to your appointment. You may also be afraid to go to the office of your psychologist. Many people who suffer from PTSD live in constant fear of attack. Take it from someone who sought treatment and went through recovery for PTSD: You must have faith that your psychologist or therapist is there to help you, will not attack you and that you must go to your appointments, so that he or she can help you.
Enlist the Help of Your Family, Friends, and Support Groups
7. Inform your Family about your PTSD challenges. Discuss your treatment plan with them, if you feel comfortable doing so and if you have a good relationship with your family. If your family caused the traumatic event(s) which triggered your PTSD, do not enlist their help. You may want to consider terminating communication with them. Your psychologist or therapist can help you decide that. Otherwise, if you have good familial relationships, ask for help and support.
8. to your close friends about your PTSD experiences and treatment. Discuss your treatment plan with them, if you so desire. Again, people want to help; they often just do not know how. If people ask what they can do for you; try to think of a few errands they could run for you or an appointment or two to which they could accompany you.
9. Consider whether or not you would like to search for and join a PTSD recovery group. You can use the phone book or Internet to search for groups in your local community. If it feels to stressful to go out and meet new people and participate in a support group, do not do so unless one of your health care providers insists that it would benefit you. Be aware that support groups do exist, though, and use them if you deem it helpful.
Tags: with your, health care, psychologist therapist, Post Traumatic, Post Traumatic Stress, Stress Disorder
Both feverfew and the painted daisy Tanacetum coccineum "Brenda" are herbaceous perennials with daisy-like flowers and attractive foliage. They both grow in full sun to partial shade. Feverfew has white flowers, and Brenda has bright pink flowers. Feverfew thrives in USDA Hardiness Zone 4 and up, while Brenda is hardy between zones 3 and 7, reports the Kansas State University Extension. Plant both flowers from seed in mid-spring to have flowers by summer.
Instructions
1. Select a site in your garden with full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Work 4 to 5 inches of compost into the soil to the depth of 8 to 10 inches.
2. Sprinkle the Brenda and feverfew seeds into the seedbed about a month before the last spring frost.
3. Cover the seeds with a dusting of one-quarter inch of soil.
4. Dampen the seedbed with water so it's moist but not soaking. The feverfew seeds will germinate in two weeks, and Brenda will germinate in about 10 days.
Tags: feverfew seeds, full partial, full partial shade, partial shade, will germinate
Gout is a condition that causes joint pain, redness and inflammation. Gout affects men more than women, but women going through menopause are more prone to getting the condition. When urate crystals begin to accumulate around your joints, gout occurs and the pain associated with the condition follows. Ayurvedic remedies for gout can help alleviate the condition.
How Urate Crystals Form
Urate crystals occur in the body when there is a high level of uric acid in the bloodstream. Foods that create uric acid after being broken down include asparagus, mushrooms, meats, herring and anchovies. Normal levels of uric acid in your body are managed by the kidneys, but excessive production of uric acid accumulates and creates needle sharp crystals that form around joints and aggravate nearby tissues. The result is pain, swelling, redness and inflammation. Commonly affected areas include the big toe, knees, feet, ankles, wrists and hands.
Guggul Extract
Guggul extract is an ayurvedic remedy for gout that alleviates pain and swelling. Guggul comes from a tree that is native to regions of India, where the traditional Hindu system of medicine began, and is commonly used for detoxifying the body and for promoting healing and pain relief. Consume 500 milligrams of the extract two times daily for 60 days for gout relief. If you have liver problems, talk to your physician about using guggul because it can increase liver enzymes.
Milk and Black Sesame Seed Poultice
Create a poultice from milk and black sesame seeds, which can be applied to affected joints two to three times daily for pain relief. Grind the black sesame seeds in a small bowl until they are a powdery consistency. Add a few drops of milk to form a paste. Place the mixture on a bandage or cloth. Hold the cloth on the affected areas for pain relief or wrap the bandage around the affected area and wear the poultice for 30 minutes. Repeat two times daily for gout pain relief.
Ashwaganda
Use ashwaganda to diminish the inflammation of muscular tissues. Ashwaganda is an herb with anti-inflammatory agents that is derived from a shrub native to India. It is used to improve the immune system, diminish stress, improve cognitive processes, diminish anxiety and balance blood sugar levels. Take 600 to 1,000 milligrams two times a day to alleviate issues with gout.
Tags: pain relief, uric acid, times daily, affected areas, black sesame, black sesame seeds, pain swelling
Sphenoid Sinuses begin developing in your body at the age of three and are usually fully developed by the age of twelve. They are located behind your eyes and almost are never infected by themselves. It is important to identify the Sphenoid Sinus symptoms so you can get the proper treatment before your infection or inflammation gets worse.
Instructions
1. See if you are suffering from a headache. This headache is not your normal headache. It is deeper and causes pain in the back and top of the head, across the forehead, and behind the eye. This is the first clue that your are suffering from Sphenoid Sinus issues.
2. Have you noticed a fever? Fever often accompanies an infection in this sinus cavity.
3. Do you have any nasal discharge? This does not always occur, but it is a frequent symptom along with post nasal drip.
4. Do you feel worse when lying on your back or when you bend over? This is a symptom of Sphenoid Sinus problems.
5. Are your headaches getting worse, are you having trouble with your vision, or have you experienced any mood swings? These symptoms are an indication that the Sphenoid Sinus infection has spread to the brain. You should see a physician right away.
An integral part in having a massage room is the decor. You want the room to have a soothing, calming effect on those in the room. Giving a room that feeling is a pretty simple task. Here is decorate a massage room.
Instructions
1. Paint the room in a dull color to give it a relaxed mood. Bright red, yellow and orange are all colors you should avoid when painting your massage room. Robin's egg blue or even shades of gray are some good ideas for the walls of your massage room. What may be “boring” colors for other rooms are actually quite suitable for a massage room.
2. Place colored lights in the room. These lights can both add more color and brightness to the room while keeping the soothing feeling that the room needs. Pink or blue lights could be considered while decorating your massage room. Which colors you choose will be dependent on the colors of the walls of the massage room. Don't forget to place shades over these lights, though, as you don't want a massage room to be overly bright.
3. Put plant, flowers or potpourri in the room. It is a well known fact that different scents can be calming to people. If you choose flowers or plants, remember that they shouldn't be too big. In reality, these items should stand as nothing more than background objects in your massage room. Depending on the size of the room, a bowl of potpourri may be a better option.
4. Burn candles in your massage room. This may be the most cliché decorating tip for a massage. There's a reason why that is the case. Candles just make people feel more relaxed. Whether your burn scented candles in your room or not can be determined by the mood you're trying to set in the room. Also, if you have flowers or potpourri in the room, unscented candles will probably be the way to go.
5. Place a running fountain in your massage room. There are many different kinds of indoor fountains to choose from based upon the overall theme of your massage room. It's also important to consider the size of the massage room when choosing an indoor fountain. Go to your local craft store to see a variety of indoor fountains.
6. Put a small stereo or music player in the room. You don't want to have large speakers in a massage room. A simple two-stereo music player will be perfect for a massage room. Remember to play soothing music such as smooth jazz in the massage room.
Tags: massage room, your massage, your massage room, massage room, candles your
PET and CT scans work together to detect illnesses such as cancer and heart disease. Learning the difference between them will help you understand which scan you need and how they work together to diagnose illness.
Differences
A positron emission tomography (PET) scan detects where in your body radioactive material is gathering to discern the diseased areas. Meanwhile, a computerized tomography, or CT, scan is a more detailed version of the X-ray that allows doctors to see the details of a particular area or organ.
Functions
A PET scan can be used to direct a doctor's attention to the location of a disease in the patient's body, while the more detailed CT scan focuses on the structure of the area to assess the damage.
Example
An initial PET scan may reveal the location of cancer cells in a patient's body. The CT scan then reveals the size, shape, and other details of the diseased area or organ in an elaborate image.
Significance
PET and CT scans can detect tumors, cardiovascular disease and neurological problems.
Considerations
PET and CT scans work together to locate and assess disease, and many new PET scanners combine the two machines to provide the most comprehensive images possible of the body.
Tags: work together, area organ, more detailed, patient body, scans work
Eat high-fiber foods to encourage smooth bowel movements and prevent hemorrhoidal pain.
If the time that you spend in the toilet causes more grief than relief due to the anal pain and bleeding that accompanies your bowel movements, you may have hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids occur when the veins in your anal canal swell because of additional pressure on them. This can be brought on by numerous factors, including constipation, poor diet, pregnancy and obesity. You can get relief from the pain and discomfort that accompany this condition by making lifestyle and dietary changes, using home remedies and receiving medical treatments.
Lifestyle Changes
If chronic constipation is causing your hemorrhoids, perform moderate exercise or walk briskly for around 20 minutes daily to encourage bowel movements. Visit the toilet as soon as you feel the urge, as delaying your bowel movements can lead to constipation. Avoid straining while passing stools, as it can bring on hemorrhoidal pain. Wear cotton underwear to prevent moisture from forming, which can irritate your hemorrhoids, and wear loose clothing to alleviate the pressure on your anal area.
Dietary Modifications
Increase your fiber intake so that you pass soft, painless stools rather than hard ones that cause you to strain and aggravate internal hemorrhoids. Consume foods that contain insoluble fiber such as fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains and cereal, which encourage a smooth elimination of waste from your body. Take care to increase your fiber intake gradually to avoid bloating and gas. Drink at least six glasses of water daily to encourage bowel movements.
Home Treatments
Get relief from hemorrhoidal pain, itching and irritation by taking a sitz bath after every bowel movement. Half-fill your bathtub with warm water and sit in it for 15 minutes. Once done, gently pat the anal area dry with a soft towel. If you have external hemorrhoids, you can dissolve painful blood clots by alternately placing ice packs and warm packs on them. Other home treatments that will reduce inflammation, pain and bleeding include fiber supplements, topical hydrocortisone creams and suppositories, and nonprescription pain relievers such as ibuprofen and naproxen.
Noninvasive and Surgical Procedures
Speak to your doctor about using non-invasive procedures to get relief from persistent and painful hemorrhoids. Noninvasive treatments such as rubber band ligation, electric current, heat and lasers eliminate your hemorrhoids by reducing the supply of blood to them. If you have large, protruding and persistent external hemorrhoids or recurring internal ones that cause excessive bleeding and pain, your doctor will remove them through surgical procedures such as hemorrhoidectomy or stapling.
In recent years so-called superfoods have become increasingly popular, both to target specific illnesses and for overall health. Seaweed and sea vegetables are regularly cited as belonging to the group of superfoods, and are rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other essential nutrients not found in land vegetables. Both kelp and red marine algae have distinct nutritive properties that may help with specific complaints as well as general well-being.
Kelp
Kelp is a large seaweed that is actually a species of brown algae. Although green in color, kelp is differentiated from the blue-green algae such as chlorella and spirulina, which also have proven health benefits. All are rich in chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is found in all plants, and is said to have a range of beneficial effects, such as anti-inflammatory. Chlorophyll is very similar in structure to the hemoglobin in blood, but carries magnesium rather than iron. Kelp is also rich in other minerals, such as selenium. Alternative heath practitioners such as Linda Page and Paul Pitchford strongly endorse the use of sea vegetables for their health-giving properties.
Iodine
Kelp is known particularly for its high iodine content. Iodine is known to be a potent antifungal agent, and according to the author Paul Pitchford, has shown some effectiveness against yeast infections (candida). Iodine also affects the metabolism, having a direct action on the thyroid gland. An excess of kelp can lead to the potentially serious conditions of either hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), and patients with thyroid disorders are warned against kelp consumption.
Red Marine Algae
Red marine algae is not so well known as kelp, but is increasingly sold as a health supplement. The red pigment in the algae are xanthophylls, of which some (e.g. lutein) have been shown to have certain health benefits. Certain varieties of red marine algae have been shown to be effective against asthma and cancer, as well as being valuable sources of dietary proteins, amino acids and essential fatty acids. Certain types of red marine algae have been shown to be effective against the herpes virus.
Antiviral
However, while kelp is just one of about 1,500 species of brown marine algae, there are around 4,000 species of red algae. The many different types of red marine algae contain different micro-nutrients, and although they are all sold in health stores as "Red Marine Algae," they do not all produce identical effects. The species Gigartina skottsbergii is one variety of red algae that has been shown to have antiviral effects against the herpes virus.
Caution
Marine algae are a valuable source of nutrients and may help cure many illnesses as well as improve overall health. However, there is a lack of clarity in the types of red marine algae on sale, and some species of algae such as kelp are known to have potential side effects (i.e. thyrotoxicosis). While judicious users can safely incorporate marine algae into their diet, there may be grounds for caution if taking mega-supplements.
Tags: marine algae, been shown, algae have, have been, have been shown, marine algae have, types marine
Sciatica pain can be bothersome since it radiates through the back of your leg. There are a number of sciatic pain causes, including degenerative discs, poor posture or even overuse. No matter what the cause is, however, sciatica pain is very treatable. Acupuncture, stretching at home and injections are just a few ways to help relieve sciatica pain.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture can help heal sciatica pain. An acupuncturist would start by finding out what the source of the sciatica pain is. For example, it could be from Piriformis muscle pressure, degenerative disc diseases or simply from sitting on your wallet too often. After a diagnosis, the acupuncturist would find the relative pressure points and insert sterilized needles into them, keeping them there for at least 30 minutes in order to promote healing fluids. Acupuncturists would also recommend additional self-maintenance such as stretching techniques and, in some cases, dietary changes.
Home Stretch
A few home stretches may cure or at least provide temporary relief for sciatica pain. Making use of floor space and an empty wall can provide a stretch of the Piriformis muscle, which sits on top of the sciatic nerve root. Star by lying on your back relatively close to a wall. Raise the unaffected leg up and place your foot on the wall. Your upper and lower legs should form a 90-degree angle with the wall. Put your "sciatic" leg's ankle on the raised leg's knee, forming a triangle shape. Now place your hands behind your sciatic leg's knee, gently pull it forward, and lift your shoulders off the floor. You should feel a deep stretch radiating from your lower back to your sciatic leg's hip and through your thigh. Hold this position for 30 seconds, breathing deeply. Rest for 30 seconds and then repeat. Do this three times a day.
Botox
A Botox shot can do more than prevent facial wrinkles. It can be helpful for treating sciatic pain as well. A physician would inject Botox to the Piriformis muscle and sciatic area via the affected leg's buttock. A Botox shot would essentially paralyze or relax the muscle, making it easier to manipulate for stretching. Pain relief is temporary, though, and shots would have to be repeated every few months.
Tags: sciatica pain, Piriformis muscle, your sciatic, acupuncturist would, back your
Ionic foot baths have become a popular method to detoxify the entire body and re-balance the bio-energy field as well. The foot baths are based on the idea that by soaking your feet in a gentle (1.5 volt) galvanic (battery) current, all the toxins in your body will leave through your feet. Many people have proven this is a hoax, although the foot baths can make you feel better due to the electric current running through your body.
History
In the Victorian era, as electricity became more mainstream, many people tried to harness its power and use it for all manner of things. According to Elizabeth de la Pena in an article in the "Journal of Design History," electric belts were popular up until the 1920s as a way of adding vitality and strength to the body. This is the era when electroconvulsive therapy was used to treat depression. Though it is restricted now, ECT is actually a success story. Many people have and can be safely treated for depression through electric currents being run through their bodies.
Features
The bath is a small, white foot bath. This is filled with salt water, and your feet are placed in it. A metal "array" is placed in the bath, which is attached to a machine that acts like a transformer, taking the electric current from the wall and converting it to a lower charge. The array is attached with a plastic-coated wire. Another wire comes from the transformer and is attached with a strap to the patient's wrist. This completes the electric circuit. Now the feet are soaked for about 30 minutes while a 1.5-volt battery charge courses through your body.
Benefits
There is evidence the electric current can make changes in your body chemistry by a process called ionization. This theory suggests the ions in the water create the same energizing effect as standing near a waterfall or taking a walk on a beach at the ocean side. There is also the claim the foot bath balances the Chi in the body. The idea is that the electric current running through your body subtly balances the bio-energy field in the body, resulting in the feeling of calmness many people experience after the foot bath.
Detoxifying
We live in a world of polluted food, air and water. The Center for Disease Control has shown more than 60 toxic compounds in the 2000 people it tested in 2005, according to a news report on WPXI in Pittsburgh. According to the same news report, in 2004, the Environmental Working Group found an average of 200 industrial chemicals in the umbilical cord blood of 10 infants born in U.S. hospitals in August and September of that year. We do excrete toxins from our skin, via sweating, but not from soaking our feet in a warm bath of ionized water. The small amount of toxins eliminated through this method would not amount to much, if any at all, according to a well-researched report in "Spa Index."
Misconceptions
As your feet soak in the warm salty bath, the water begins to turn a gunky brown-orange color. Many people selling this device tell their clients this is due to toxins leaving their bodies. What is actually turning the water these colors is a process called electrolysis. The metal begins to rust in the salty water, letting off more and more gunky looking material into the water. This material, interestingly enough, according to a video on YouTube, does not change if left at room temperature for more than 10 days. If this material were organic---in other words, if it were bacteria---yeast and other toxins from your body, it would begin to decompose. It would stink, and the bacteria, for example, would flourish. Instead, since the substance is almost entirely iron oxide, it remains the same as when it came out of the bath. A simple proof has been done many times: place anything in the foot bath (a Barbie doll, a carrot, a piece of celery), and the same gunk comes out.
Tags: your body, electric current, foot bath, through your, your feet, foot baths, Many people
Medicaid is a health insurance plan provided by the government. In general, uninsured individuals with low incomes are eligible for Medicaid. However, specific Medicaid requirements vary from state to state. Payments of health-care costs for those who are uninsured are either made in full or in part. However, no money is issued directly to the patient. Medical providers are reimbursed for the services they provide to Medicaid recipients at a specified rate.
Income
Medicaid coverage is available to U.S. citizens and immigrants who are legally admitted to the United States. The income of eligible Medicaid recipients must be below the poverty line, which is updated each year by the federal government. For example, children under age 6 and pregnant women with a family income that is at or below 133% of the federal poverty level are eligible for Medicaid. When determining if one's income meets the criteria for Medicaid, the number of members in the household is considered.
Disability
Disabled and blind individuals with limited resources and income can apply for Medicaid. Individuals who reside in a nursing home or who are terminally ill and live in a hospice may also be eligible. Although individuals aged 65 and over may be covered under Medicare, this does not preclude them from receiving Medicaid as well if their income meets the criteria set forth by the state.
Age
Individuals with a limited income who have one or more children that are 18 years of age or younger can apply for Medicaid. Although a parent may not be eligible for Medicaid, a child's eligibility does not depend on his or her parent's eligibility. However, newborns are provided coverage for at least the first year of life if they continue to reside with their mother and if their mother was receiving Medicaid before they were born. Coverage is provided by many states up to the age of 21.
Supplemental Security Insurance
Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI) is a governmental program that provides benefits to individuals who have a limited income due to their inability to engage in substantial gainful activities. Individuals receiving SSI must meet certain criteria, which are similar to what is required for Medicaid. Specifically, disabled, blind and individuals over 65 may be eligible. Therefore, Medicaid recipients also receive SSI benefits in most states.
Residency
Individuals who reside in a medical facility, such as a nursing home, can still receive Medicaid even if they still own their former residence. However, the county Department of Social Services notifies such individuals that a lien may be placed on the property. According to the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) of 1993, states are permitted to seek reimbursement for the cost of medical services covered by Medicaid upon the death of a Medicaid recipient. This process is referred to as estate recovery.
Tags: eligible Medicaid, Medicaid recipients, apply Medicaid, blind individuals, income meets, income meets criteria, Individuals reside
A person's breathing rate is the number of breaths taken per minute. Over a lifetime, a person's respiration rate goes from rapid as a newborn to slow and steady as she ages. Knowing what is a normal respiration rate is a good touch stone for personal health. If respiration is too high or too low, something is off kilter in the body. A person's breath rate reveals much about the health of his heart, his blood pressure and his overall well-being.
Infant [birth through 1]
An infant's normal breathing rate is 30 to 60 breaths per minute. For the first six months of life, a baby's breathing is extremely rapid as he adapts to the environment and goes through massive growth spurts. By six months, the breath rate usually slows to 24 to 30 breaths per minute.
Toddler [ages 1 to 3]
In children age one to three, the respiration rate holds at about 24 to 40 beats per minute. This is the resting breath rate. A child can breath much faster while playing, expressing emotion, or suffering from a fever.
Preschooler [ages 3 to 6]
By the time a child is in preschool, his respiration has slowed again to 22 to 34 beats per minute. Little lungs work hard, removing carbon dioxide and pushing pure oxygen through the body to provide the energy a child a this age needs.
Elementary and Middle School [ages 6 to 12]
A school-age child has a normal respiration rate of 18 to 30 breaths per minute. Illness can cause that rate to rise an addition 10 breaths per minute and still be considered normal. Medications, especially those for asthma and allergies, can increase breath rates. Knowing a child's normal respiration rate can alert a parent to possible health issues, as respiration deviations is an early cue that something is amiss in the body.
Teenager [ages 12 to 16]
Teenagers have an average respiration of 12 to 16 breaths per minute. The teenager has the lowest resting respiratory rate of any group. This may be due to the fact that many people are at their physical peak during their teenage years. A strong, healthy heart is reflected in a respiratory rate of 12 to 16 breaths throughout one's lifetime.
Adult [17 and upward]
The average adult has a respiration rate of 12 to 20 breaths per minute. There is a connection between our normal resting respiration rate, the health of our heart and our blood pressure. Taking the time to control and steady your breath can have a positive affect on your general well-being. Respiration rates under 12 and over 25 in a resting person is considered abnormal and would lead to a series of tests. These might include testing for thyroid issues, as metabolism can affect breathing; measuring blood pH for acidity, as acidity indicates a possible problem at the brain stem that can lead to an increase or decrease in respiration rates; and testing blood for the presence of drugs, which can slow or increase breath rates.
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Medicinal cinnamon bark is cultivated from Chinese cinnamon trees, that are cultivated in many parts of Asia. The beneficial parts of the evergreen trees from which Chinese cinnamon is derived are the inner bark, twigs and oil. Used as remedies in holistic medicine in Asia and in the West, Chinese cinnamon has a number of health benefits.
Instructions
1. Use Chinese cinnamon bark internally to aid digestion. You also can make your own tea by pouring 1 cup of boiling distilled water over 1 tsp. cinnamon bark. Steep for 10 minutes and strain. Volatile oils help overall digestion, according to Nutri Craze. See the Resources section below for a link.
2. Use Chinese cinnamon to relieve flatulence, bloating and nausea. Take 15 to 30 drops of liquid Chinese cinnamon extract in 8 oz. glass of distilled water or drink a cup of cinnamon bark tea as needed.
3. Stimulate the appetite. Again, 15 to 30 drops of liquid extract in water or cinnamon bark tea stimulates the appetite to promote health issues or therapies in which appetite is suppressed.
4. Promote Ch'i (energy) flow to the brain with an herbal Chinese formula that includes Chinese cinnamon. According to Holistic Online, chronically weak Qi (energy) to the brain creates an environmental risk for stroke. Ren Shen Zai Zao Wan is a Chinese herbal compound that promotes blood flow, and rectifies the effects of stagnant blood leading to the brain. See the Resources section below for a link.
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It is very easy to become tired---stress, hard work, heavy diets and lack of exercise---all contribute to feelings of exhaustion. Yet, it is sometimes difficult to proactively switch to a more energetic lifestyle. Increase your energy with water, fresh vegetables, fruits and whole foods, and then add vitamins and herbs to help increase your energy.
B Vitamins
The B vitamins---B1, B2, B6 and B12, and also biotin, folic acid, niacin, and pantothenic acid---increase the body's energy. Natural food sources include leafy green vegetables, whole grains and sweet potatoes.
Iron, Potassium and Iodine
Increase your body's energy with iron, potassium and iodine, because low levels lead to fatigue. Food sources of iron, potassium and iodine include leafy green vegetables, celery and seaweed, respectively.
Green Tea
Green tea (Camellia sinesis) helps the body burn its fat stores, which boosts its energy. It also contains moderate levels of caffeine, which will give an immediate energy boost.
Ginseng
Ginseng (Panax ginseng, L. or Panax quinquefolius, L.) increases energy levels when taken in moderation. It supports insulin's conversion of blood sugar into fuel for energy.
Schisandra
Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis) is a Traditional Chinese herb that boosts the body's energy levels. According to the Iowa State University's Food and Nutrition website, Schisandra helps to strengthen the immune system and has positive effects on the brain, liver and kidneys.
Tags: body energy, energy levels, energy with, green vegetables, Herbs Energy
Movements that support proper alignment in the neck and shoulders can alleviate neck and shoulder pain. Any severe or persistent pain needs professional consultation. As a person experiences pain, he tends to alter his movements to compensate. Long-term compensation affects muscles and eventually the tendons and joints of the skeletal system. Neck and shoulder pain can be apparent in healthy individuals with habitual movements, as well as those who have sustained a traumatic injury. Both necessitate using small, gentle movements to increase circulation and promote joint stabilization. Other methods to decrease pain in the neck and shoulders include manipulating the tissues with massage.
Instructions
1. Take an account of the types of movements that occur throughout the day. Make a list of times and actions that increase pain. Make a log of the frequency you take medications. If the following exercises do not provide relief, this list will be helpful for your health care provider in determining the next course of action.
2. After identifying which activities might be contributing to your body's compensating (or holding to alleviate pain), adjust your body's alignment while performing these activities. For the neck and shoulders, simply roll both shoulders up and back so that the scapulae are moving down toward your hips. Shoulders move away from the ears to help support the best alignment. Extending the neck back as though reaching with the crown of the head toward the sky will provide the proper neck alignment.
3. Use isometric energy to strengthen weak muscles in the neck and upper back. Begin by lying prone on a hard floor. With your spine completely supported, roll the shoulders back and down toward the hips, drawing the scapulae toward the heart center. Tuck the chin and extend the back of the neck. With the palms facing upward, press the back of the skull into the floor, lifting the heart upward, bracing with the backs of the forearms and hands against the floor. Hold for as long as the pose is comfortable. A good measure is five full, deep breaths. This exercise also strengthens the muscles of the neck to counteract the forward movements from gravity that naturally occur with age.
4. Use your cloth strap to align the shoulders and provide stabilization. If nothing else is available, the belt of a bathrobe might substitute. Take the strap behind the ribs and under the armpits. Wrap the ends of the strap around the shoulders, so they fall onto the back. Crisscross the straps and take them in opposite hands, such that when you tug on one end with the right hand, your left trapezoid muscle feels pressure and vice versa. Pull both ends down while you breathe in; exhale, releasing the tension on the strap. Practice this exercise daily for 10 to 15 minutes. Record any new sensations or relief as you notice changes in the neck and shoulder pain. This exercise is passive. Use it to assist in opening the shoulders. You can even tie off the strap under the breast and wear it for up to an hour while doing other activities.
5. Stand facing a wall with arms outstretched in a T shape. Choose a side and place the inside of the shoulder pressing into the wall, with the arm outstretched in a comfortable position. Turn your torso in the opposite direction from the arm. Do not continue if the pain increases. Come to a place where it is easy to breathe naturally and hold. Experiment with pressing lightly against the wall to increase stability within the shoulder joints. Switch sides and repeat to compare the different sensations on the left and right.
There are two main types of cures for diabetes that have been successfully applied in Japan: the natural or nonsurgical cure, which dates back 2,000 years and focuses on the use of exercise and nutrition control associated with specific natural herbal supplements, and the surgical cure, through the transplant of pancreatic cells.
Natural Cure
Exercise keeps blood glucose levels (BGL) in the healthy range; prevents diabetic complications by improving the tissues, muscles and fat absorption of insulin; and helps the immune system stay strong and healthy. It is important to find the type of exercise that you like and suits your schedule so that it can be preferably done every day. A brisk 20- or 30-minute walk has great benefits. Practices such as tai chi, which combine physical exercise and meditation/stress reduction, are also highly beneficial.
Nutrition is the other essential element to cure diabetes. Specific to Japan and different from the western world is the emphasis on natural whole foods and their combinations to keep BGL in the healthy range as well as help the pancreas produce the necessary amounts of insulin. In Japan healthy whole nutrition and exercise have stopped and reversed innumerable cases of diabetes, at times even type I diabetes. Healthy nutrition is based on the concept of balance.
Be in balance with nature and do not use processed/highly processed foods. Use natural, whole foods as close as they are found in nature. For example brown rice is as it is from the harvest. White rice is brown rice processed to take out all the fiber. Avoid highly processed foods (such as fast food and junk food), white sugar, white flower, farm raised hormone/chemical-heavy meat and chemical-heavy produce. Choose whole grains and starches, brown rice (short, medium and long grain), millet, buckwheat, leafy greens in season, natural fruits in season, beans, nuts, seeds and seaweeds. A combination of brown rice, millet and buckwheat is very advantageous for curing diabetes.
Choose produce that is grown locally and in season and therefore in balance with the environment. This provides a variety in your nutrition and strengthens your immune system and your metabolism.
Each meal should be a balance of grains, vegetables, salad, seaweed and protein. If there is an imbalance of salty nutrients over sweet nutrients then you will crave sweets and vice versa.
Your nutrition has to be in balance with your lifestyle. If your days are primarily sedentary, your immune system and metabolism will benefit from frequent, light, whole, small meals and snacks throughout the day and daily workout. If your daily routine is more physical and burns several calories then you'll benefit from complex grains and carbohydrates that will sustain your energy over time.
Finally the use of natural herbal supplements has been part of the Japanese cure for diabetes. Many studies have shown that a combination of rehmannia, atractylodes, scrophularia, polygonatum, phellodendron, coptis, lycium bark, ho-shou-wu, yu-chu, lonicera, ginseng, and alisma lower blood sugar levels. These supplements have to be taken several times during the day according to your specific needs.
Surgical cure
In Japan diabetes has been cured with the transplant of pancreatic cells from a living donor. The procedure has shown to be more successful than the American alternative, which uses cells from cadavers.
This cure makes the pancreas of the diabetic person capable of functioning normally and produce the required insulin. The person is freed from the need to receive insulin injections but has to be monitored over time to makes sure the pancreas remains in good health.
Tags: brown rice, balance with, immune system, benefit from, cells from, cure diabetes, healthy range
The maple syrup, lemon juice and cayenne pepper cleanse, otherwise known as The Master Cleanse, has been used for years by celebrities looking to drop a quick few pounds or those who want to clean their systems to keep them working at peak performance. There is a lot of information floating around about The Master Cleanse, so if you are thinking about completing it, know all of the facts before you try it.
What Is It?
The maple syrup, lemon juice and cayenne pepper cleanse is a strict dieting program that allows its users to only consume one thing while on it: a drink formulated of maple syrup, lemon juice and cayenne pepper. This drink claims to clean out your body from unnatural toxins that cause you to feel sluggish, sick and fat. While The Master Cleanse isn't touted as a weight loss program, it does boast weight loss as one of its benefits. Notably, the singer and actress Beyonce completed the maple syrup, lemon juice and cayenne pepper cleanse in preparation for her role in the Academy Award-nominated movie "Dreamgirls." The maple syrup provides your body with complex sugars that it needs for energy, while the lemon juice is acidic to rid the body of toxins, and the cayenne pepper supresses your eppetite so that you can complete the cleanse.
How Do You Do It?
You begin The Master Cleanse by preparing your maple syrup, lemon juice and cayenne pepper cleansing drink. This consists of 2 tbsp. lemon or lime juice, 2 tbsp. of maple syrup (note that this is not maple-flavored syrup, but actual, genuine maple syrup.) 1/10 of a tsp. of cayenne pepper and water. You can make the drink warm or hot, depending on your preference. Mix the first three ingredients, and then add your water in a 10 oz. glass. This mixture is to be drunk anytime you feel hungry, or at any regular meal times. The Master Cleanse is usually done for 10 days, but you can do it for up to 40 if need be.
Side Effects
Some of The Master Cleanse users report a better feeling of health and vitality, more energy and rapid weight loss. However, you may also notice some side effects as well. After all, you're effectively not eating any food for as long as the cleanse is happening. Some users report tiredness. You may also experience hot bowel movements, nausea and vomiting and severe irritability. If you want to try the maple syrup, lemon juice and cayenne pepper cleanse, always talk to your health care provider to ensure that you are healthy enough to do so.
Tags: maple syrup, cayenne pepper, juice cayenne pepper, Master Cleanse, syrup lemon
Home health aides play an important role in the health care industry. They are the equivalent to a certified nursing assistant who works in a hospital or long-term care facility; their job duties are the same, but their training and requirements vary slightly, due to their work environment.
Education
The general requirement before being hired by an agency is a high school diploma or equivalent.
Training
Many home health aides receive on-the-job training through the agency that hires them. In some cases, they may need to pass a competency exam to receive a certification before being allowed to work alone; this is usually handled by their agency.
Physical
Home health aides must undergo a physical exam before being hired, as well as a tuberculosis test. In addition, they may also have to undergo a criminal background check.
Transportation
It is essential for home health aides to have a reliable form of transportation, because they will be required to travel from one patient's home to another. They may be required to furnish proof of vehicle registration, current insurance and a copy of their driver's license.
Ethical
Because home health aides work in patients' homes, they must be honest and discreet at all times. They may be required to sign an agreement of sorts with the agency stating that a breech of either these will result in immediate dismissal and/or criminal charges.
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About 30 percent of American adults do not receive dental care because they are anxious about visiting the dentist, according to Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation. Sedation dentistry is a useful option for such people.
Identification
Sedation dentistry uses medication to relax patients or put them to sleep before dental work.
Types
The use of oral sedatives are the most common method of sedation dentistry in the U.S. and Canada, according to the Consumer Guide to Dentistry. Gas such as nitrous oxide and intravenous medications can also be used to cause sedation for dental procedures.
Misconceptions
Some people call sedation dentistry sleep dentistry, but patients do not actually sleep during the procedure.
Risks
The American Dental Association reports the risks of sedation dentistry are similar to those associated with general anesthesia. Risks of anesthesia include nausea, vomiting, lung infections, stroke, heart attack and sudden death, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Considerations
The serious risks of sedation dentistry are rare, according to the Sedation Dentistry Info Center. To minimize the likelihood of experiencing a complication from sedation dentistry, be sure to tell your dentist about any medication you are taking or any health conditions from which you suffer.
Duke University graduate student Kelli Mineard assessed studies of the neem tree and concluded that it is a promising resource for agriculture and medicine. All the neem tree's parts---bark, wood, leaves, flower, fruit, seed kernel, seed oil and extracts---may confer benefits. Neem tree parts act as natural pesticides and can improve soil quality. They have anticancer effects and can help prevent malaria, as well as being useful in many other ways.
Neem Tree Leaves
Some chew neem leaves for dental health and diabetes prevention.
Some people chew neem tree leaves to prevent diabetes and hypertension, according to Hasan, and juices of the neem tree are used to reduce inflammation. Ash of dried neem leaves is used to expel urinary stones. Neem leaves are used to improve soil nutrient content and can make soil less acidic.
Neem leaves are used in curries and dried leaves are used to repel insects in the home. Poultices of neem tree leaves are used to heal wounds, according to website Top Tropicals, and neem leaves are used to help digestion, stimulate the liver, treat lung conditions and reduce blood glucose levels. Neem leaves are thought to be good for the eyes, ears and blood. Juice of neem leaves is also used in snake-bite remedies, according to Himanshu Gupta of website Pharmainfo.
Neem leaf extracts show promise as antiviral and antimalarial treatments, writes Gupta, as well as having antifungal and anticancer properties.
Neem Bark and Wood
Neem wood resembles mahogany and is termite-resistant.
Millions of Indians use neem twigs as antiseptic toothbrushes, reports Sara Hasan of American University. Neem trees are often planted as shade trees, writes Mineard. Neem tree wood is naturally termite-resistant and is used for firewood and for making charcoal, according to agricultural organization HDRA.
Neem wood is hard and heavy and is a valuable timber. Bark and twig extracts are used to treat fever, malaria and vomiting, according to Top Tropicals. Neem tree bark is used to treat anorexia, diarrhea, jaundice and worms.
Neem bark is used to treat cough and ulcers, reports Gupta and is also used as an anti-inflammatory and as treatment for asthma, hemorrhoids and tumors.
Neem Tree Oil and Seeds
Neem extract is used to make antiseptic soaps and toothpastes.
Neem tree oil is extracted from the seeds within its fruit, as well as from all other neem tree parts. This oil is used to make antiseptic soaps and toothpastes; it can be used as a spermicide and lamp fuel. Hasan writes that neem cake, the seed residue left over after oil extraction, is used to improve soil quality and is fed to livestock.
Neem seed oil is used to treat leprosy and other skin conditions. It is a treatment for rheumatism and an antiseptic. Neem oil can be used to treat ringworm and scabies, reports Gupta, and can control malarial fever. Neem seed extracts may prove effective against fungal infections and as a contraceptive. Neem seed oil can combat antibiotic-resistant salmonella, staphylococcus and E. coli. Neem oil extracts are used as antibacterials in fabrics.
Neem Tree Flowers and Fruit
Neem fruit resembles an olive and its insecticidal compound isn't harmful to humans.
Neem flowers are bitter stimulants, according to Gupta. They are used to treat stomachache, decreased muscle tone in intestinal walls and parasitical infections.
Neem fruit is purple or yellow and resembles an olive. Neem fruit is used as a purgative and its oil is a leprosy treatment. Neem fruit is used to treat coughs, eye disease, hemorrhoids, urinary problems and toothaches. It also has anti-parasitical qualities, reports Gupta.
One of the most important qualities of neem fruit is that it contains a natural pesticide that is not poisonous to bats, birds, ladybugs, spiders or humans reports Batplants.co. uk.
Azadirachtin
Neem is an important natural pesticide.
All neem tree parts contain azadirachtin, but this compound is concentrated in the fruit and seeds of the neem tree. Azadirachtin slowly disables plant-eating creatures and is less likely to contribute to insecticide resistance than commonly used insecticides. Azadiractin doesn't kill bats that eat the fruit, so neem trees can double insecticidal protection of crops, as bats eat common pests.
Some people use neem leaves in their grain storage containers to repel pests or dry neem leaves, crush them into powder, and mix the powder directly with grain or combine it with clay to line storage containers.
Dried neem seeds are added to storage containers, or the seeds are ground and mixed with clay or sawdust. This is sprinkled over plants to protect them from insects, reports HDRA. The oil from pressed seeds can be mixed with stored beans and legumes. The leftover hulls can deter nematodes in agricultural soil. Crushed seeds mixed with water can be sprayed onto vegetables and some plants will take this water up into their parts.
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Nasal congestion is a nuisance that crops up in everyone's life, especially during times of stress. According to Dr. Mikio Sankey, author of "Support the Mountain: Nutrition for Expanded Consciousness," sinus issues may arise from many sources, including bacteria, viruses, fungus, pollens, molds and dust. Nasal congestion can sap energy and, if left untreated, lead to more serious issues such as sinusitis or asthma attacks. Many people may reflexively reach for antihistamines, decongestants or other pharmaceutical remedies. But these treatments may result in drowsiness or nervousness. Congestion relief can be achieved using a variety of natural methods.
Clearing Sinuses and Reducing Inflammation
Since swollen sinus tissue strains breathing, reducing inflammation should alleviate sinus pressure and allow for more comfortable breathing.
Celtic Sea Salt: Spoon a teaspoon of sea salt into a glass or neti pot (small teapot shaped pot made to flush sinuses). If using a glass, bend over the sink and splash water into your nostrils. One at a time, gently blow air out. If using a neti pot, tilt your head and allow water to flush out the nostrils, one at a time. This should give instant relief and reduce toxins. This procedure can be performed many times throughout the day as needed.
Humidifier: Air that is too dry can irritate congested sinuses and make breathing more difficult. Add moisture to the air with a cool or hot air humidifier, depending on your preference. The hot steam or cool mist acts as an expectorant, loosening phlegm and easing breathing.
Hot towel compress: Heat a washcloth or small towel by soaking it in a bowl of hot water or by holding the cloth under hot running water. Wring the cloth, then apply to the affected area until the cloth cools. This method helps reduce sinus swelling and increases breathing ability.
Dietary Solutions to Promote Immune System Function
Often, poor eating habits contribute to stress, feeling run down and a lowered immunity to illness. Paying special attention to proper nutrition may alleviate symptoms of congestion and restore health more quickly.
Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE): GSE as a dietary supplement boosts the immune system and can be used for many purposes, both external and internal. Follow the directions on the bottle, which advise starting the day off with 15 drops mixed in with liquid, such as juice or water, gradually decreasing the number of drops throughout the day. Due to GSEs very strong tang, it typically tastes best in juice.
Increase fluids, especially water. If eating is uncomfortable because of strained breathing, also drink juices to keep up energy. Hydration is important to promote sinus drainage. Beverages containing caffeine (such as coffee, tea and cola) dehydrate the body. Drink decaffeinated teas instead.
Drink echinacea tea. Daily consumption of this tea may boost overall immune system health, acting as a preventative measure against congestion.
Make your own congestion-relieving honey eucalyptus tea. Add one drop of eucalyptus essential oil and a teaspoon of honey to warm water, stir and drink. This beverage helps reduces sinus inflammation.
Eat organic foods and raw greens, such as broccoli, which are also rich in vitamin C. Dr. Sankey advises that such foods increase oxygen in the blood; lack of oxygen in the blood may manifest as sinus problems.
Increase vitamin C intake. Eat the fruit or drink the juices of oranges, cantaloupes, grapefruit or apples.These powerful antioxidants are known to help strengthen the immune system.
Crystal Remedies
The healing energies of crystals may help activate the entire immune system and heal physical ailments.
Place azurite or Blue Lace Agate, either alone or in pairs, directly on the affected area. According to The Illustrated Guide to Crystals, amethyst, Black Tourmaline, Lapiz Lazuli, Maachite and Turquiose can restore immune system balance.
Tips and Warnings
The information in this article is for general information only and is not intended for the diagnosis and treatment of serious medical conditions. Avoid self diagnosing an illness and seek the advice of a medical doctor if health worsens. People who are pregnant, have allergies or have other special medical conditions should always discuss medical care with a medical doctor.
Discuss the use of crystals with a certified practitioner. Many crystals have multiple energies. If not used properly, these energies may cancel each other out or worsen symptoms.
Give yourself a break. Get plenty of rest. Often, illness results from doing too much and not allowing proper rest and relaxation. Sleep reduces stress and allows the body to heal.
Avoid alcoholic beverages. These dehydrate and put unneeded stress on your body and interrupt health restoring sleep.
Tags: immune system, affected area, drink juices, medical conditions, medical doctor, Nasal congestion
Reflexology is the act of applying pressure and massaging certain areas of the hands and the feet that affect different parts of a person's body. Using reflexology to massage specific areas of your body relieves stress on certain organs and muscles. Locating the bladder zone in reflexology is fairly simple. Use reflexology to stimulate your bladder to make it work more efficiently.
Instructions
1. Ask the patient to make herself more comfortable by sitting or lying down. You want the patient to be relaxed during the process. This increases the effects of the reflexology.
2. Hold one of the patient's hands in your hand. Rub the palm of her hand with your other thumb.
3. Rub your thumb down the patients thumb line along the edge of her hand to just above the wrist. This is a reflexology bladder zone. Massage the area until the patient feels relieved or until all tenderness and soreness is gone. Repeat the process on the patient's other hand.
4. Take the patient's foot into your hands. Place your thumbs on the sole of her foot. Apply pressure down the inside ridge of the foot. Massage and apply pressure to the area on the ridge just below the arch of the foot just above her heel. This is another reflexology bladder zone. Repeat the process on the other foot and massage the area until the pain and tenderness subsides.
Tags: area until, bladder zone, just above, Locate Reflexology, Locate Reflexology Bladder, reflexology bladder zone
One way to help prevent and reduce migraines without medication is to keep a detailed journal of migraine attacks, triggers and symptoms. Keeping track of this information may help you naturally reduce migraine episodes. For anyone suffering from severe or frequent migraines, keeping a migraine journal can also be a useful tool to take to the doctor's office. Helping your doctor understand your migraine symptoms, triggers, and the severity of your migraines can help determine a course of treatment.
Instructions
Keep Track
1. Track any and all symptoms related to the migraine, even if it does not seem important. Write down or type up any bouts of mild nausea or actual vomiting. Was this caused by eating certain foods or certain combinations of foods? Did you eat at a new restaurant or try a new type of condiment? Or perhaps you went too long without eating a nutritious meal.
2. Note your anxiety level, whether it was a trigger of the migraine, or a result. Do your migraines occur when you are feeling stressed? Or do you get stressed out because of your migraines? Also note if the anxiety exacerbated the level of the migraine pain.
3. Store a calendar in the journal and mark severe episodes with a red marker. Look for patterns that may emerge. For women, also note where you are in your monthly cycle, if you are also experiencing PMS or if you're menstruating. When the migraines can be linked to the menstrual cycle, your OB/GYN will be more likely to treat the migraines. If there is no clear connection, she may refer you to a general practitioner.
4. Record how many hours you slept during the past two nights. Note if you had a solid eight hours sleep or not. Also note if you got up too early or if you slept in. Any changes to the sleeping cycle, including oversleeping, can be a trigger.
5. Write down what you were doing when you first noticed the migraine symptoms. What were you doing when the migraine struck? Were you working at a computer, driving, or stressing out about a situation?
6. Record any strange sights, sounds or scents. Also note if you experienced sensitivity to environmental elements. Did you become sensitive to light, sound or scent? Did you see colored spots?
7. Measure how long the migraines last by recording their duration in the migraine journal. Migraines can last an hour or a day. Sometimes one migraine can spawn a series of migraine headaches.
8. Score each migraine on a pain level of one to 10. Were you still able to go about your day? Or were you incapacitated to the point that you could not move out of bed? The severity of each headache can help you and your doctor determine if you need migraine medication. If you could not function at all that is a 10. A 10 may require medication.
9. Evaluate the migraine over time. Be sure to write down any natural remedies or over-the-counter remedies that worked. Did you eat or drink something? Did you use a cold ice pack or cover your eyes? Did you go to bed and sleep it off? Knowing what works, even if it is just enough to take the edge off a painful migraine, can help you the next time you suffer a migraine headache.
Tags: your migraines, Also note, doing when, migraine journal, migraine pain
Yeast infections don't necessarily need synthetic medication; they can often be cured through dietary changes.
Ever feel like your mouth has a coating on it, or that you can't seem to stop the itch between your toes? Chances are you could have candidiasis, the name given to the condition that occurs in the body when the good bacteria in your body don't keep Candida albicans in check. Candidiasis, more commonly known as a yeast infection, can take a variety of forms, from jock itch and vaginitis, to weak nails, diaper rash and fatigue.
Instructions
Change Your Diet
1. Replace carbohydrates and other sugary foods with proteins such as meat and fish. Yeast grows by fermenting sugar, so the more sugar you eat, the more there is to feed the yeast. If you already are experiencing a yeast overgrowth, the effects of sugar in the diet will be more pronounced.
2. Eat fresh vegetables that do not contain starch.
Avoid starchy vegetables such as potatoes and carrots; instead, eat green leafy vegetables. Starch contains sugar, and sugar feeds yeast. Green leafy vegetables do not. Also avoid sugary fruits such as melon and grapes; instead choose apples, but keep all fruit intake to a maximum of two pieces a day.
3. Garlic and ginger naturally fight the bacteria that causes candidiasis.
Use lots of garlic in your cooking. Garlic has long been used to treat candida. Visit the natural section of your pharmacy to see other ways to include garlic in your diet such as oil, infusion and tablets.
4. Herbs such as lemon balm have anti-fungal properties.
Cook with lemon balm, rosemary, marjoram and thyme. These herbs help create a natural environment in which yeast will not thrive.
5. Plain yogurt with no added sugar can help fight the yeast bacteria.
Eat lots of plain yogurt. The kind with added probiotics is best. Probiotics are a dietary supplement that is made of beneficial micro-organisms. The best ones to fight yeast are those that contain one of the following three bacteria: lactobacillus, bifidobacterium and acidophilus. These will fight off the yeast-generating bacteria. Be sure to buy plain unsweetened yogurt, though.
6. Use ginger in your cooking; ginger has natural anti-fungal properties, and will fight the yeast. You also can drink ginger tea to help promote healing.
7. Drink as much water as you can. Water is a natural way of flushing out the body. The more water you can drink, the more it will clean out the nooks and crannies where nasty bugs can take root.
Curing a Mouth Yeast Infection at Home
8. Gargling and rinsing your mouth with a saltwater mixture will help cure thrush.
Use a mouth rinse made of 8 oz. of warm water and 1/2 tsp. salt. Spit out the rinse. Salt makes your mouth an inhospitable place for yeast to live. Use this rinse twice or three times a day.
9. Drink cool liquids and lots of water; these will soothe the mouth and discourage growth of the yeast. Yeast thrives in warm moist places. Cooling the mouth not only feels good, but makes it more uncomfortable for the yeast. Drinking lots of water flushes toxins from your mouth.
10. Avoid anything sugary or starchy. Sugar feeds yeast, and starch contains sugar. Starve the yeast of its favorite food.
At-home Medical Treatments
11. Ask your pharmacist about medications that do not require a doctor's prescription. There are many types of remedies that pharmacists can offer without a doctor's referral. Many pharmacists, for example, will be happy to discuss dietary options with you, as well as over-the-counter medicines.
12. Anti-fungal creams can be an effective way of curing candidiasis.
Apply topical creams such as miconazole, clotrimazole or butoconazole. Your pharmacist can help you choose the right one. These creams contain anti-fungal agents that search out the culprits and destroy them. Once you have chosen the cream, follow the package directions exactly, and never stop the treatment early because your symptoms have gone away. You may need the full course to restore the proper balance of good bacteria and prevent a recurrence.
13. Use pure tea tree oil. Moisten a tampon with a mixture of 1 part tea tree oil to 20 parts water. Insert and leave overnight. Alternatively, use a cotton ball and gently dab the area; this is especially effective for athlete's foot or jock itch. You also can gargle with a few drops of tea tree oil mixed in 2 tbsp. of water if the yeast has settled in your mouth.
There are certain points in our muscles that are extremely receptive to touch and pressure. Although sensitive, these spots, known as trigger or pressure points, can supposedly help people better understand body energy and get blood flowing in the right direction for rapid healing after injury. Trigger points are essential to the concept of Oriental bodyworks, which states the majority of physical and mental illnesses in the world are caused by energy imbalances within the body. Applying pressure on these trigger points, which is known as acupressure, has been reported to help eliminate a variety of ailments, such as fatigue, constipation, back aches and even headaches.
Instructions
Understand Use an Oriental Bodyworks Trigger Point Chart
1. Obtain an Oriental bodyworks trigger point chart. You may have better luck looking for an Oriental bodyworks pressure point chart.
2. Familiarize yourself with the pressure points indicated on the chart.
3. Identify the areas you want to work on. Most trigger point charts will have associated areas next to each pressure point which you can use as a reference.
4. Place your fingers on the first pressure point you identified on the chart.
5. Press firmly into the pressure point and rub in a circular motion for 1 to 2 minutes. Most trained acupressurists use their thumbs, but you can use your index finger if it is more convenient.
6. Move to the next pressure point on the chart and repeat.
7. Continue this short procedure several times a day for the best results. As you get more confident in your abilities to analyze a trigger point chart, you can begin to hold longer acupressure sessions.
8. Learn more about advanced acupressure techniques by visiting the Acupressure Institute Web site (see Resources below).
Tags: pressure point, point chart, Bodyworks Trigger, Bodyworks Trigger Point, Oriental bodyworks, Oriental Bodyworks