Talk to your doctor or health-care practitioner to see which method of birth control is right for you.
For thousands of years, women have used various forms of contraception, also known as birth control. In 2011, women have many forms of female contraceptive methods available, from pills to shots to patches and intrauterine devices. Education about each method will ensure that you choose the form of female contraception that is right for your body.
Basics
It might take several tries before you find the method of birth control that is right for your body and lifestyle. Although the pill is still one of the most popular forms of female contraception, there are many others to choose from.
Female contraception falls into two basic categories: barrier methods, which rely on devices; and hormonal methods, which rely on hormones to prevent pregnancy.
However, there are also natural methods that rely on neither. Female contraception is not 100 percent effective, although forms such as the pill come very close. Note that not all forms of female contraception prevent sexually transmitted diseases.
Barriers
Barrier methods are devices that are inserted into the vagina before intercourse to prevent or block sperm from entering a woman's uterus. There are female condoms, spermicides, diaphragms, cervical caps and contraceptive sponges. Spermicides are chemicals designed to kill sperm on contact. They come in foam, jelly and cream forms, but they are also available as foaming tablets and vaginal suppositories. Diaphragms and cervical caps, sponges and female condoms are soft barriers made of rubber, latex or polyurethane that block or line the vagina and cervix to prevent sperm from entering. Many barrier methods are used in conjunction with spermicides for added effectiveness.
Hormonal
Hormonal methods of female contraception contain manufactured hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. They prevent pregnancy by preventing the ovaries from releasing an egg, causing the cervical mucus to thicken or thinning the uterine lining.
Hormonal contraceptives include the birth control pill, which is prescribed by a doctor and taken daily to prevent pregnancy. There are also contraceptive shots such as Lunelle and Depo-Provera, which are administered by a doctor, preventing pregnancy for one to three months.
The vaginal ring is a flexible ring that is inserted into the vagina, and the patch is a placed on the buttocks, thigh or arm, where they release hormones.
Conversely an intrauterine device, or IUD, is inserted into the uterus by a health-care professional. IUDs contain copper or hormones that thin the lining of the uterus to reduce the chances of a fertilized egg attaching to the uterine wall.
Natural Methods
Some women do not like the idea of chemicals or manufactured hormones entering their bodies. In this case, there are natural methods of female contraception that rely on the observation of the body as well as calculating ovulation. Women who prefer natural contraception record their body temperature and note changes in cervical mucus daily to determine when they are ovulating. Natural family planning requires seven to 10 days of abstinence each month or the use of barrier methods during ovulation to prevent pregnancy.
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Ticks are extremely common in certain areas, such as forests and tall grass. If you live near a tick-infested area, you'll likely end up with a tick burrowed into your skin at some point in your life. Even if you don't live near a tick-infested area, you still may need to remove a tick from your body. Ticks burrow into your skin and become engorged with your blood. You need to exercise caution when removing a tick from your skin, otherwise you could cause an infection.
Instructions
1. Gently pinch the tick with tweezers as close to the tick's mouth as possible. The tick's mouth is the part buried into your skin. Do not grab the bloated sac; you could push infected fluid into your body.
2. Pull the tick out of your skin by gently lifting up in a vertical motion. Do not yank the tick out of your skin or twist the tick as if you were trying to remove a screw.
3. Place the tick in a jar or sealable bag. Place the bag in the freezer. Call your doctor if you exhibit any signs of Lyme disease, such as a bulls-eye red mark around the mark of the bite, confusion, arthritis-like pain in your joints, flu-like symptoms, and weakened muscle movement. Take the tick to the doctor's office for identification and to find out if the tick had Lyme disease.
Tags: your skin, into your, into your skin, from your, live near, live near tick-infested
Aromatherapy compresses are simple and effective ways to treat sprains, bruises, headaches and many other conditions. Simply gather a few items and be sure to use the proper essential oils for the condition you wish to treat.
Instructions
Making Aromatherapy Compresses
1. Select an essential oil that will treat the injury or ailment. Eucalyptus gives relief for sunburn, headaches, muscle aches and sprains. Ginger gives warm relief to muscle aches and stiffness, and helps prevent winter colds. Use chamomile for rashes, headaches and menstrual cramps. Lavender helps relieve migraines and cystitis pain.
2. Apply hot or cold compresses appropriately. Hot compresses increase circulation and relieve muscle aches. You can also use hot compresses for arthritis, boils, cystitis, rheumatism and menstrual cramps. Cold compresses reduce swelling and are applied for fever, headaches, sprains ans swollen areas. Some conditions such as sprains and arthritis call for alternating cold and hot compresses.
3. Prepare a cold compress with two drops each of lavender oil and tea tree oil, two tablespoons of witch hazel and one pint of cold water. Tea tree and lavender speed up healing and witch hazel is an old remedy for swelling.
4. Prepare a compress after a sports injury. Alternate hot and cold compression over the injured area. Three to four drops each of ginger and lavender in one half cup of water stimulates circulation, repels toxins and helps to reduce swelling. You can add three drops each of either cypress or eucalyptus to cool and stimulate.
5. Ease a headache with a cold compress. Add two drops chamomile and one drop lemon, which are soothing painkillers. This blend works well on summer headaches from over-exposure to sunlight. Apply to forehead in a quiet, darkened room for thirty minutes.
6. Make your compress. Use a clean, cotton cloth that fits the area you need to treat.. A wash cloth or cotton dish towel may work. Cut to size, if you need to do so. Soak the cloth in one pint of water and the oils you need to use. The process is the same for hot or cold compresses. Heat with care in a microwave. Cool in freezer.
7. Wring out excess liquid and place over affected area. Use plastic wrap and a bandage to keep the compress in place. Leave on until the compress warms or cools to body temperature. Redo as needed.
Most electric wheelchairs have top speeds of approximately 6 to 8 miles per hour. That's not because they are not technically capable of going faster than this; it's because that is the safest maximum speed for riders. Wheelchairs have a high center of gravity and faster speeds may cause them to topple over. In fact, many wheelchair-sports leagues will not allow any chair that runs at faster than 6 miles per hour. If you have an electric wheelchair and you suspect it's not running at its maximum speed, however, you may be able to fix it.
Instructions
1. Confirm that your chair is in the upright driving position. If your chair has a seat that tilts, reclines or elevates, you need to return it to the upright position for maximum speed. Your chair will not be safe in any other position. Even if you feel like you are sitting upright, make sure that your chair is not slightly tilted.
2. Do not run your chair at maximum speed under stressful conditions, such as extreme weather, rough terrain or steep inclines. Any of these conditions could cause the power chair to overheat and enter thermal foldback. Thermal foldback is a safety device that prevents you from burning up your wheelchair motor. If you suspect you are in thermal foldback, allow the chair to cool. Move to cooler, less stressful terrain as soon as possible. Your full power should be restored.
3. Charge your battery. If you have not done this in a long time, your chair could be flagging. If you charge your battery and you still are not moving at normal speed, replace the battery.
4. Change the wheels on your chair. Most sport electric wheelchairs use tubeless tires. These tires may be a bit expensive, but they last a long time and never run out of air. If your tires have tubes, they may be low on air. Fill them or replace them with sportier models.
5. Contact your wheelchair provider and place a service call. Tinkering with your wheelchair yourself could void your warranty. Having to place a service call and get your chair repaired may be inconvenient, but this is the only way you are guaranteed to restore your chair to its top speed. If you have reason to believe that your chair has a serious problem, do not wait until it is completely broken to make this call.
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Ulcers are sores that develop on the lining of your stomach and can cause an intense amount of discomfort. Ulcers can be caused by a wide range of things, including poor diet, stress, bacterial infections, overuse of pain medications, smoking and drinking. If you suspect you have an ulcer, you can look for certain warning signs.
History
Although poor diet and stress were considered the cause of ulcers, research has now shown that H. pylori bacteria infection is the most common reason a person will develop an ulcer.
Types
There are three main types of ulcers and they develop in different parts of your digestive system: gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer and esophageal ulcer. A gastric ulcer occurs in the stomach, a duodenal ulcer develops in the small intestine, and an esophageal ulcer affects the lower esophagus.
Effects
Pain is the most common warning sign of an ulcer and will likely flare up at night and radiate from the navel to the breastbone. The pain can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.
Considerations
Other warning signs of ulcers include vomiting blood, dark stools, nausea, vomiting and an unexpected weight loss.
Warning
If an ulcer is left untreated, the symptoms will worsen and can lead to internal bleeding, infection or scar tissue.
Tags: diet stress, duodenal ulcer, esophageal ulcer, gastric ulcer, most common
Tongue cancer is diagnosed when a malignant tumor forms in or on the tongue, according to the University of Michigan. Symptoms of this cancer include white or red patches on the tongue, pain or difficulty chewing and swallowing, voice changes, ear pain, mouth pain or numbness, unusual bleeding, and a persistent sore throat. According to the National Cancer Institute, nearly 11,000 people will be diagnosed with tongue cancer in 2009. One in five will die of the disease. Early detection is essential to survival, as treatment of tongue cancer is more effective when started before the cancer spreads.
Instructions
Treat Tongue Cancer
1. Visit your doctor if you have any symptoms of tongue cancer. When detected early, treatment is easier and your prognosis will be better.
2. Treat your tongue cancer using laser cautery if the tumor is small and does not penetrate into underlying muscle. Laser cautery is generally performed as an outpatient procedure, according to the Mayo Clinic.
3. Have the tumor and any nearby lymph nodes removed surgically if your tumor is large or your doctor believes your cancer may have spread. Sometimes, numerous lymph nodes and all or part of the tongue may need to be removed.
4. Undergo radiation therapy to kill any remaining cancer cells following surgery. Radiation therapy uses radioactive isotopes, high-energy X-rays, or electron beams to target cancer cells with minimal damage to surrounding tissue and glands.
5. Agree to chemotherapy if your tongue cancer has spread to your lymph system or has metastasized to other organs. Chemotherapy involves the use of medications administered orally or intravenously to kill cancer cells throughout the body.
6. Speak with a plastic surgeon about reconstructive surgery. In addition to restoring some or all oral function, reconstructive surgery can improve your facial appearance following treatment for tongue cancer.
7. Attend rehabilitative therapy to improve your ability to swallow and speak. The Mayo Clinic states that occupational therapy and physical therapy can help you regain abilities lost due to the cancer or its treatment.
8. Get fitted for an oral prosthesis to assist with eating and talking, if necessary. Your oncologist or speech therapist can refer you to a prosthodontist who will fit you for the device.
9. Remember to eat nutritiously both during and after your tongue cancer treatment. Eating well ensures you take in an adequate amount of protein and calories to prevent weight loss and loss of strength. Unless you are using a feeding tube, or have received contradictory instructions from your doctor, you should be able to handle soft, moist foods soon after treatment.
10. Avoid eating crunchy, sharp foods or items that are spicy or acidic until your tongue is completely healed. Alcohol and sweets also should be avoided as they may irritate the mouth, warns the National Cancer Institute.
11. Follow up with your doctors as scheduled, even if your cancer appears to be completely healed. Even with the best treatment, cancer cells may remain in the body. Inspect your mouth monthly and report to your doctor any changes in appearance, texture or sensation immediately.
Tags: cancer cells, tongue cancer, your doctor, your tongue, your tongue cancer, Cancer Institute
Aneurysms are a dangerous swelling or bulge of blood vessels. Aneurysms can occur in any part of the vascular system, but aortic aneurysms occur in the area of the chest and heart. The main cause is a weakness in the arterial wall, causing a bulge of blood that eventually creates enough pressure to burst. Mortality of aneurysms depends on the size of the rupture. Large arterial bursts will be fatal if not treated and minimized. Unfortunately, most aneurysms provide few clues to their existence.
Causes
The most common cause of aortic aneurysms is arteriosclerosis. Arteriosclerosis is a heart disease condition that creates plaque buildup in the arteries. This plaque accumulation causes the arterial walls to weaken. There are other causes for aortic aneurysms, such as hereditary disorders or a condition of the connection tissue called Marfan syndrome. Additionally, high blood pressure and cigarette smoking increase the risk of aortic aneurysms.
Anatomic Locations
Most aortic aneurysms happen in the abdomen. Only one-fourth of aortic aneurysms occur in the thoracic area. For older people, aneurysms are most likely to occur in areas of the arterial system that branch. As main arteries branch out, they become smaller arteries until they branch to even smaller capillary vessels. As these arteries branch, the walls become thinner, leaving them more susceptible to aneurysms.
Abdominal Symptoms
Abdominal aortic aneurysms are usually asymptomatic. Some patients might experience a pulsing sensation in the abdomen, which is a sign of a potential rupture. Because this feeling is not severe, most patients ignore the warning signs. When the aneurysm ruptures, severe pain occurs. The pain might radiate into the back, and this is a sign of blood leaking. When the vessels completely burst, pain is excruciating. If not treated immediately, the rupture leads to shock and ultimately death.
Thoracic Symptoms
Thoracic aneurysms occur between the heart and the aorta. The bursts that happen in thoracic aneurysms usually occur from Marfan syndrome. These aneurysms cause a malfunction in the valves of the heart and blood rushes back into the heart after being pumped. Just like other aortic aneurysms, thoracic symptoms are usually asymptomatic. When the vessels burst, extreme pain in the chest and back occur and coughing and wheezing persist. Occasionally, a cough is accompanied by blood in the sputum.
Diagnosis
Most aortic aneurysms are diagnosed by symptoms, but a CT scan can also be ordered by the doctor for confirmation. The tests can be used to determine the size of the aneurysm. If one is detected, normal surgical procedures follow.
Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) uses a combination of antiretroviral drugs that are used as medications to control retroviruses, such as HIV. HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus and is the virus that leads to the acquired immunodeficiency disorder (AIDS). AIDS is a condition that causes your immune system to fail; when your immune system fails, it opens your body up to life-threatening infections, and you eventually die. According to the FDA, the medications that HAART has to offer caused AIDS to fall out of the top ten causes of death in the United States, and decreased the cases of death related to AIDS from almost 42,000 in 1994 to less than 17,000 in 1997. HAART uses several different medications, usually about three or four, to combat HIV. There are different phases of HAART, and the stage of your retrovirus will determine the phase of medications you will take. These are the different types of medications that allow HAART to work and fight against HIV. Nucleoside and nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor (nRTI) incorporate themselves into your viral DNA and prevent the virus from further elongation. Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) binds to your enzyme and interferes with the virus's ability to function. Protease inhibitors (PIs) inhibit the activity of protease, which is an enzyme used by HIV to cleave proteins and create new virons. Integrase inhibitors inhibit integrase, which causes the integration of your viral DNA into an infected cell's DNA. Entry inhibitors interfere with the entry of HIV in your cells by blocking the virus. Maturation inhibitor blocks the conversion of the polyprotein into the capsid protein.
Treatment
HAART works against HIV by using these drugs in combination to suppress HIV replication as many times as possible. The combination of these HAART drugs creates problems for HIV replication, keeps the HIV offspring low, and reduces the possibility of HIV mutating. The HAART drugs must be used in combination to suppress HIV for long periods of time, but eventually your body will reject the drugs, and a new combination of HAART drugs will be recommended.
Considerations
While HAART does work to control HIV, HAART is not a cure for this virus. It is imperative for you to stick to the HAART regimen, and this includes multiple pills a day. These drugs need to be taken at their prescribed times, and you must adhere to the guidelines from your doctor for HAART to work and be effective. If you don't stick to the schedule and regimen of your drugs, they will stop working. Over the long term, HAART does have its own side effects, and a doctor may wait to prescribe HAART until HIV is about to start damaging your immune system.
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A 2010 survey by the Conference Research Group revealed that as many as 55 percent of Americans are dissatisfied with their jobs. Job dissatisfaction can lead to high employee turnover, non-attendance and losses in productivity. There are a wide variety of strategies and methods people who are dissatisfied with their jobs can take to both deal with their current professional situation and keep a positive future outlook.
Be Grateful
As difficult as a current job situation might be, consider the alternatives. In April 2010, 9.7 percent of American workers were unemployed. So while a miserable job may be the pits, it is almost certainly better than not having one at all. Gratitude doesn't mean complacency in the face of the status quo but rather recognition that all work is valuable. Avoid complaining to coworkers and friends as that can only exacerbate the situation and foster further negativity. Instead, try to refocus on aspects of your career you used to regard positively.
Go On the Hunt
While dissatisfied workers often find it difficult to get through the day or week, they do still have the luxury of collecting a regular paycheck and enjoying a standard of living they've become accustomed to. Those who are unemployed do not have that luxury. This is why the best time to hunt for a new job is while you're gainfully employed. Employees, however, must refrain from using the equipment or resources of their current employers in their job search and conduct the search on their own time. Utilizing company resources to research job vacancies is considered highly unethical and could result in premature termination.
Stay Positive
Disgruntled and dissatisfied workers need to pay extra attention to their physical and mental health. A sound diet, regular exercise and enough quality sleep can contribute tremendously to one's positive well-being. Dedicating ample time to enjoy activities outside of the workplace can go a long way in bolstering attitude as well. Life is made up of a patchwork of relationships and responsibilities that occur outside professional realms. What a person does for a living is only one facet of an individual.
Tags: with their, dissatisfied with, dissatisfied with their, dissatisfied workers, their current, their jobs, with their jobs
The affect theory of emotions is a psychoanalytic theory originated by Silvan S. Tomkins (1911 -- 1991). Tomkins' theory provided an alternative to the dominant psychological paradigms of Freudian drive-psychology and B.F. Skinner's behaviorism by claiming that affective states are the primary motivators of human experience.
Theory
In psychology, an affect is the subjective experience of a feeling or an emotion. In affect theory, affects are hard-wired biological features of the mind and can be organized into categories identifiable by the expressions they produce.
Types
Tomkins' affect theory posits three main categories of affects: positive, neutral and negative. Positive affects are joy, enjoyment, interest and excitement, which manifest themselves in expressions such as smiling. The only neutral affect identified by Tomkin was surprise. Negative affects include anger, rage, disgust, distress, terror and humiliation.
Function
The affect theory of emotions stresses the maximization of positive affects and the minimization of negative affects as a means of attaining mental health.
History
Silvan S. Tomkins published the first two volumes of "Affect Imagery Consciousness" in 1962 and 1963, which articulated his affect theory of emotions. Since then, other notable intellectuals such as Eve Sedgwick and Donald Nathanson have been influenced by Tomkin's theories. Tomkin published the last volume of "Affect Imagery Consciousness" just prior to his death in 1991.
Potential
The affect theory of emotion is sometimes criticized for having little value for practical or clinical application in the field of psychotherapy. However, it is partially credited with helping to displace the dominance of behaviorism and Freudian psychology in the later half of the 20th century, and has been utilized by theorists in fields such as queer theory and feminist theory.
Long-term health care helps people with medical and personal needs that are expected to last for a long time. Long-term health care can be provided at home, in the community, or in various types of facilities. When you consider different long-term health care options, remember that quality varies from one caregiver or place to another. Long-term health care is expensive, and Medicare.gov advises planning for long-term health care before a crisis occurs.
Definition
Long-term health care involves different services that include both medical and non-medical assistance to those who have chronic illnesses or disabilities. Long-term health care helps a disabled person to meet his personal and health needs. Most long-term health care provides support services that assist people with daily living needs. People usually need long-term health care as they age, but people of any age can need long-term health care.
According Medicare.gov, by 2020, 12 million older Americans will need long-term health care. Family members may be able to help with some of the needs of a disabled loved one, but some care--such as nursing care or therapy--must be given by licensed health care workers.
Advance Planning
Many people will need long term health care at sometime during their lives. Planning for it is important so you can decide which facility you would like to live at and prepare you and your family for the transition. Discussing your long-term health care wishes in advance will help you and your family if the time comes when you can no longer take care of yourself.
In-Home Care
You can get long-term health care in your own home as long as caregivers or loved ones can manage your needs safely. Care can be given by paid professionals, volunteers, family members or friends, or a combination of several of these groups This type of care can include help with housework, shopping, cooking, daily care needs, nursing care or several of these services. Hospice care is available for those with a terminal illness. People being cared for in-home can participate in community care programs including adult daycare, meal delivery programs, or senior center activities.
Other Options
If you cannot stay in your home if you become disabled, there are other long-term care options. Adult foster care is a long-term health care option that can be provided for a single person or for small groups of people who need help with their daily living needs or who cannot live safely by themselves.
Residential care facilities or group homes are small private places, typically with fewer than 20 residents, that provide long--term health care. Residents get their meals and personal care, including things like dressing, help using the bathroom, bathing and medication management. Staff is available 24 hours a day for these needs.
Assisted living facilities provide personal care 24 hours a day on a limited basis. They also provide three meals a day. Residents usually live in their own apartment within a building or group of buildings. Social and recreational activities are usually provided but residents are not usually escorted to them.
Nursing homes or skilled nursing facilities provide care to people who cannot live safely at home or in the community. Nursing homes provide a wide range of personal care and health services 24 hours a day. Nurses are on staff at all times. Activities are provided and the residents are escorted to them if they choose to go.
Paying For Care
Medicare, supplemental policies or standard health insurance policies do not pay for the cost of long-term health care. Long-term care insurance can protect your personal assets and money you want to pass on to your family. Such insurance provides long-term health care options, but the cost of long-term care insurance increases as you age, with premiums going up substantially as you reach retirment age, according to the American Health Care Association.
Tags: health care, long-term health, long-term health care, long-term health care, care options
A colonic is a method used to cleanse the colon and digestive tract. Most colonics, otherwise known as enemas, involve the insertion of fluid into the colon through the rectum. The fluids are allowed to sit inside the digestive tract for a short period of time, after which they are flushed back out of the body, bringing excess wastes and toxins with them.
Castile Soap Enema
Castile soap is commonly used as a colonic additive. Mix .3 oz. of soap with water to make the solution. For optimal results, and for the most comfortable enema, the temperature of the water you use should be around 102 degrees Fahrenheit, varying up or down by only a degree or two.
Epsom Salt Enema
Epsom salts are often used to soothe sore muscles but they are known to have a soothing effect on the internal organs as well. Mix two tbs. of Epsom salt into a quart of water to create a soothing enema. The water should be around 102 degrees Fahrenheit for this recipe as well.
Candida Relief Enema
If you suffer from Candida, an infection that causes an overgrowth of yeast throughout the entire body, you may want to try this special enema recipe. Mix one part peroxide with 4 parts of warm, distilled water. The extra oxygen from the peroxide will help to create an oxygen-rich environment within your colon, making it difficult for the Candida organisms to survive.
Garlic Enema
Another good enema, also effective if you have Candida, is the garlic enema. Take 3 cloves of chopped garlic and boil them in two qts. of water. Once the water comes to a boil, lower it to a simmer and leave it to steep for 5 minutes. Remove the water from the heat and add 2 tbs. of Epsom salt to the mixture. Allow the water to cool to 102 degrees Fahrenheit, before using the enema.
The Coffee Enema
Many people tout coffee as an effective additive to an enema not only because of its cleansing effects but because of its ability to detoxify the liver as well. The coffee will stimulate the liver's activity, causing it to produce more bile, which will in turn draw more toxins out of your body.
Add 1 cup (8 oz.) of organic coffee to 24 oz. of warm, filtered water. Heat the mixture to 103 degrees Fahrenheit before adding it to your enema bag.
Tags: degrees Fahrenheit, around degrees, around degrees Fahrenheit, degrees Fahrenheit before, digestive tract, Fahrenheit before, should around
It is estimated that about 28 million Americans suffer from migraine headaches every year. Most people will seek conventional Western medicine to treat their ailment. But there are viable alternatives, including acupuncture.
There are studies that back acupuncture's effectiveness for treating migraines. An Italian study published in a 2001 issue of the "Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine" found that those who were treated with acupuncture missed less work and did not suffer side effects as compared to patients on conventional drug therapy. It was ultimately more economical as well, since patients didn't have to buy costly drugs.
Find an Acupuncturist
Acupuncture is a field of medicine like any other, in that it also requires formal training and certification. Your acupuncturist should have completed at least a three-year program of study.
Ask the acupuncturist where they got their certification. Look for a practitioner who is certified by a known organization, like the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncturists.
There are acupuncturists who specialize in treating headaches and migraines. You can make your choice by perusing web-based referral sites, such as Acufinder.com
Acupuncture Procedure for Migraines
Acupuncture stimulates specific points located near or on the surface of the skin that have the ability to alter various biochemical and physiological conditions, according to Acufinder.com.
The points that are stimulated to heal migraines are found all over the body. The tiny needles will be placed along the legs, arms, shoulders and toes. Discomfort is fairly rare, so patients may even relax to the point of sleep after the needles are inserted.
The treatments will vary from patient to patient. Some people will require longer sessions with more visits than others. Individual sessions range from five to 30 minutes.
Once you have your first session, there is a chance that you may see immediate results. However, more severe migraines may require multiple treatments before the symptoms are relieved.
After Acupuncture Treatments
After treatment, you will normally feel perfectly fine. But sometimes problems arise, such as skin infections. This highlights the importance of being treated by a quality acupuncturist.
Be prepared for potential symptoms, such as deep relaxation or mild disorientation immediately after your first couple of treatments. If this occurs, avoid strenuous tasks or things that require concentration for safety, such as driving.
These side effects usually subside after a day or two. Try to have someone available to pick you up from your appointment in the unlikely chance that you feel any disorienting side effects immediately after your treatment.
Scheduling your follow-up visits will depend on the severity of your condition. In more severe cases, you may need a couple appointments a week for several weeks. Then your treatment is adjusted based on your progress.
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Musical technique forms the basis for a complete program of musical development.
Musical techniques are the building blocks of any basic music training. These techniques allow performers to improve their coordination and develop accuracy through repetitive daily exercises. Musical techniques progressively build upon previously learned techniques.
Scales
Scales form the basis for other musical techniques. Student may study major and minor scales as well as modern scales, such as the whole-tone and octatonic scales. A scale consists of patterns of half steps and whole steps. These whole steps and half-step arrangements will be different for each scale. Scales are musical techniques that can help a performer to play faster and more accurately, and make learning new pieces easier.
Chords
Chords require knowledge of major and minor scales. Chords come in several different forms that affect the sound. Triads consist of three notes spaced a third apart and classified as major, minor, augmented and diminished chords. Seventh chords build on triads and have an additional note a third away from the top note of the triad. To classify as a chord, all members of the triad or seventh chord sound at the same time. Musicians practice chords to improve their ability to play complex chord progressions in music.
Arpeggios
Arpeggios are chords not played simultaneously. Musicians play arpeggios in quick succession to increase dexterity and the ability to move quickly around the instrument. Musicians practice this musical technique after scales and chords. These finger exercises help performers develop nimbleness and increase finger independence.
Etudes
Etudes are short technical pieces designed to improve specific techniques. B la Bartók wrote "Mikrokosmos," a series of 153 piano pieces designed to teach the technique in a musical way. Fr d ric Chopin and Muzio Clementi also wrote several etudes towards the same goal. Etudes have been used throughout history to help students learn about music.
Tags: major minor, improve their, major minor scales, minor scales, musical techniques, Musicians practice, pieces designed
Athletes look to energy drinks to refuel after a workout.
After working out or during practice, you might feel drained. Instead of grabbing a sports drink, there are healthy options that can give you an energy boost without harmful ingredients like sugar and sodium. There are alternatives to sports drinks that can give you exactly what you need, and throw in a few extra health benefits as a bonus.
Water
This may surprise you, but water can give you more energy than sports drinks. Sometimes, when you are tired and craving energy, your body is actually asking for water; you may be dehydrated. The next time you're feeling drained, reach for your water bottle; this drink has no calories, no sodium, and no sugar.
Juice
You may feel tired if your blood sugar levels are down. Juice, which has natural sugar, can give you a boost of energy, and you'll get vitamins too. Try orange or pineapple juices; they'll go down easily because of their yummy flavors.
Tea
Both green and black teas are heavily caffeinated, but still have less caffeine than most energy drinks. These teas are also full of antioxidants, and jump-start your metabolism, aiding in weight loss. You can brew the tea at home, refrigerate it, carry it in a water bottle, and drink it when you need a pick-me-up.
Milk
Chocolate milk can refuel your exhausted muscles after exercise. Since milk contains calcium, you'll build your bones too. This is a useful drink if you need energy to begin a second workout.
Snack
High-fiber crackers can give you a lift.
If you're tired, your body may be asking for a snack. While our first inclination may be to grab something liquid, packing a small snack---something whole grain with protein---may get the job done. Try peanut butter on whole grain bread or crackers with hummus.
Tags: energy drinks, sports drinks, that give, tired your, water bottle
Hypertensive heart disease is a complication of hypertension that affects an estimated 7 out of every 1,000 people. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, increases the workload of the heart, leading to thickening of the heart muscles, ischematic heart disease, heart failure, and hypertensive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Without early diagnosis and treatment, hypertensive heart disease is often fatal. If you suspect you may be at risk of developing this condition, you should speak with your doctor as soon as possible. Treatment can prolong or save your life.
Instructions
1. If you suffer from high blood pressure, or have other risk factors for hypertensive heart disease, it is important to visit your doctor for evaluation and testing. Your doctor will physically examine you for signs of the disease, including elevated blood pressure, fluid in your lungs, enlargement of your heart, and unusual heart sounds. Your doctor may also perform tests, such as an electrocardiogram, cardiac stress test, coronary angiogram, or echocardiogram, in order to diagnose you.
2. If your doctor believes you are suffering from, or at an increased risk of developing, hypertensive heart disease, he will start by treating the underlying hypertension. Together, you will need to discuss a treatment plan, such as possible medications, lifestyle changes, or surgery.
3. Typically, the first line of treatment for high blood pressure and hypertensive heart disease is the use of medications. Drugs such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, vasodilators, and angitensin II receptor blockers are all used to reduce blood pressure and manage hypertensive heart disease. Medication may be used alone, or your doctor may prescribe a combination of medications to be taken daily.
4. In addition to medications, changes in diet and lifestyle are important when treating hypertensive heart disease. Your weight should be closely monitored, both at home and by your doctor, and you will need to avoid the use of tobacco, alcohol, saturated fats, and foods high in sodium. Dietary changes include increasing your intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. You will need to keep track of your blood pressure, and bring any changes to the immediate attention of your doctor. Regular exercise can also be beneficial, but you must discuss any new program with your doctor before beginning.
5. When medications and lifestyle changes are not sufficient, surgery may be necessary. Depending on the exact cause of your hypertensive heart disease, surgery may be your best or only treatment option. Coronary bypass grafting, mitral valve repair, and vascular surgeries to repair blood vessel defects may dramatically improve your condition and long-term prognosis.
Tags: heart disease, blood pressure, hypertensive heart, hypertensive heart disease, your doctor, high blood
When you hear the word "diet," it probably conjures up ways to reduce food intake and calories to lose weight. The Mediterranean Diet isn't a weight-loss diet. It's actually a heart-healthy eating plan. It's based on the conventional diets of some of the countries of the Mediterranean Basin. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, limiting red meat, eating fish, substituting herbs for salt, and eating whole grains are some of the ways the Mediterranean Diet improves your health. Eating in accordance with the diet can also lower your cholesterol.
Instructions
1. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables every day, especially the ones that contain soluble fiber. According to www.optimal-heart-health.com, if you eat 5 to 10 g of soluble fiber daily, it can reduce bad cholesterol by 5%. Broccoli, carrots, apples, bananas and peaches are a few examples.
2. Use olive oil, which is a main component of the Mediterranean Diet, to lower cholesterol. According to www.healingdaily.com, olive oil controls bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol levels. "Extra-virgin" and "virgin" olive oils are best choices.
3. Eat fish or shellfish at least twice a week, according to the Mediterranean Diet. Eating fatty fish such as mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna and salmon, according to www.mayoclinic.com, lowers cholesterol because of the Omega-3 fatty acids they contain.
4. Get plenty of exercise, as directed by the Mediterranean Diet. According to http://health.msn.com, exercise raises the good cholesterol level and lowers the bad cholesterol level.
5. Choose whole grains over refined grains. Whole grains "substantially lower total cholesterol" according to www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/health-gains-from-whole-grains/index.html. The diet discourages eating butter and margarines that contain saturated or trans fats.
Zolpidem, sold in tablet form under the name-brand Ambien CR, is a prescription medication used to treat chronic insomnia. Zolpidem is slightly more specific in its method of action than barbiturates and other sleep-assisting agents.
Zolpidem Chemistry
Zolpidem tartrate is an imidazopyridine hypnotic drug which is used to treat insomnia. More general hypnotic drugs are usually benzodiazepenes, whereas zolpidem is more specific.
Method of Action
Like benzodiazepenes, zolpidem acts on the alpha subunit of the GABA receptor, which is a chloride channel. However, while benzodiazepenes act on all types of alpha subunits (three have been found so far), zolpidem specifically acts on a single type, known as the omega-1 receptor.
Insomnia
Insomnia is a psychological condition in which mental stress interferes with the normal sleep cycle, which consists of four distinct stages followed by REM sleep. Anxiety and depression are common factors which cause sleep disturbance.
FDA Dosage Recommendations
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has noted that the daily dosage should not be higher than 10 mg, taken at night right before going to sleep. Elderly users, and those with liver problems, should only take 5 mg per day.
FDA Warning
According to a notice filed by the FDA in 2007, the use of hypnotic drugs such as zolpidem increases the risk of sleep-related disorders, the most serious of which is sleep-driving (see Resources below).
Gout is a very debilitating form of arthritis that is caused by a build-up of uric acid around the joints. When a flare up occurs, a joint can be victimized by extreme pain. Although gout can be treated with medication, there are also some other ways of slowing it down and even stopping it altogether.
Significance
According to the Mayo Clinic, there are approximately 2 million people in the United States who suffer from gout. Gout can also cause further complications, such as kidney damage, acute gout attacks and urinary stones.
Types
Cleaning up the diet is a major contributor to gout pain. There are several foods that can be beneficial. Eat foods that are high in essential fatty acids, such as salmon and nuts, tofu and dark berries.
Identification
Being that gout is caused form a build up of uric acid, eating alkaline foods can help reduce acid levels in the body. Some of these foods include baby spinach, broccoli, kale, collards, celery, sprouts, lemons, limes and avocados. Eating alkaline foods helps to raise the body's pH level.
Considerations
Something to take into consideration is avoiding foods that are high in a substance called purines which is what causes uric acid to develop. It is important to avoid alcohol, caffeine, organ meats, mushrooms, legumes and yeast.
Prevention/Solution
Exercise can help to reduce and control uric acid levels and also increase weight loss. If you are overweight and have gout, this excess weight can put extra stress on the joints which will exacerbate the symptoms.
Expert Insight
Along with eating the right foods, drinking a lot of fluids will also help to further flush toxins and acid from the body. The Institute of Medicine recommends that men get about 3 liters of fluids a day and women get about 2.2 liters of fluids a day. Just make sure that they are not acid forming. Water is always the best choice.
Tags: uric acid, foods that, about liters, about liters fluids, acid levels, alkaline foods
Prevident 5000 is available as a fluoride mouth rinse and as toothpaste. Dentists mainly prescribe it for patients whose water does not have enough fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel and help prevent cavities. A few side effects are possible.
Teeth Discoloration
The most likely side effect of Prevident 5000 will only happen if the person uses too much of it, or uses it while drinking fluoridated water. This side effect is discolored teeth or mottling of the enamel, which can be caused by too much fluoride.
Mouth Irritation
Prevident 5000 also can cause side effects of mouth or gum irritation. If this occurs, the patient should ask the dentist if discontinuing use is advised.
Avoid Swallowing Prevident
People should avoid swallowing Prevident 5000, as this can cause side effects of stomach upset, headache and weakness.
Overdose
People who swallow too much Prevident 5000 can experience overdose reactions such as abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, muscle stiffness and pain, and skin numbness or tingling. Large overdoses can cause seizures and even death.
Allergic Reaction
Rarely, some people may have an allergic reaction to Prevident 5000. Signs are rash or hives, difficulty breathing, throat closing and swelling of the face, lips and tongue.
Tags: Prevident 5000, side effects, cause side, cause side effects, side effect
If you would like a lean body, you will need to reduce the amount of body fat that you are carrying. Not only will this reduction help you to look and feel better, you will be taking great strides in helping your heart's condition. Studies have shown that Americans are not only gaining body fat at record levels, but actually losing muscle mass along the way. This is a recipe for destruction when it comes to overall health. Reducing your body fat can be a challenge, but once you begin to notice the results you will want to continue. The following steps can get you started on your way to reducing fat and building a healthier you.
Instructions
1. Drink lots of water. Studies have shown that keeping your body well hydrated aids in fat loss and helps flush away toxins. Drinking water, and plenty of it, is the most important step in reducing fat.
2. Reduce your carbohydrates, but do not eliminate them altogether. The body needs some carbohydrates to run properly, but it can help to replace simple sugars with complex carbohydrates. Cutting back on breads and cakes, and replacing them with fruits and vegetables is a great start.
3. Eat smaller portions. It is less appealing to place a small amount of food on a large plate, so reduce your plate size! Taking a smaller plate and filling it will trick your brain into thinking that you are eating more.
4. Add resistance training to your workout. Adding just a few minutes of light weights and resistance, will help to build lean body mass, and fight fat. You can add this to the beginning of your cardio workout for optimum results.
5. Add whole grains to your diet. Eating whole grains helps to increase your cardiovascular health, and helps to combat fat. Switching to whole grains, as opposed to white flour products, can help with your battle of the bulge. Adding a bowl of whole grain cereal to your morning routine is a great start.
Tags: whole grains, great start, have shown, have shown that, lean body, shown that, Studies have
Alcohol can provoke sexual behavior at the cost of weakening performance.
Alcohol lowers personal inhibitions when it comes to sexuality, which creates the misconception that alcohol is an aphrodisiac. However, just because drinkers feel less inhibited about sex doesn't mean that alcohol enhances sexual experience. In fact, alcohol can reduce physical arousal and negatively impacts sexuality in both males and females.
Men
The sexual effects of alcohol depend on the level and frequency of consumption and gender. According to sexualdysfunction.com, one of the most common effects of alcohol on male sexuality is the reduction of erection size. In fact, frequent binge drinking can eventually lead to serious erectile dysfunction. Other common sexual effects in males include an increased difficulty to reach ejaculation and a reduction in sexual desire. Chronic alcohol abuse causes major hormonal imbalances. Alcohol reduces the production of testosterone and prohibits the metabolism of female hormones. Less testosterone and more female hormones can lead to "feminization." Symptoms of "feminization" include larger breasts, thinner body hair, testicular atrophy and sterility.
Women
Common sexual effects of alcohol in women cause a decreased level of sexual sensation and less intense orgasms. Chronic alcohol abuse in women has adverse effects on the reproductive system that can lead to ovarian cancer. Excessive drinking can also cause menstrual irregularities and early menopause. Drinking while pregnant can lead to fetal alcohol syndrome amidst other serious developmental issues. Alcohol abuse weakens chances of pregnancy and leads to permanent infertility.
Other Effects
In both genders excessive and frequent alcohol abuse reduces sexual desire even when not drunk. By slowing body functions and neural activity, alcohol causes depression. It also leads to weight gain and self-esteem issues. The combination of these effects makes it difficult to find a date and stay in a relationship, limiting the possibility of meaningful sexual experiences. Sexual encounters under the influence of alcohol are more likely to result in unsafe sex that can lead to unwanted pregnancy or the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.
Knowing Your Limit
There are few positive sexual effects of alcohol and only if it's consumed in moderation. A few drinks spread out over the duration of a dinner could give a shy person a boost of confidence required to speak to someone they find attractive. A small dose of alcohol can also relax a nervous couple when having sex for the first time together. It can also prolong sex if a man is prone to premature or early ejaculation when nervous. Overall the sexual effects of alcohol are quite negative, many of which can have severe permanent consequences. To avoid those consequences it's essential to know your limit and drink in moderation.
Tags: alcohol abuse, effects alcohol, sexual effects, sexual effects alcohol, Chronic alcohol
Dr. William Sears is a world-renowned author of child care and parent education. He and his wife Martha have eight children and ran a successful pediatric practice for many years. Sears' "The Baby Book" (Little, Brown, 1993) has been called the "Baby Bible" by hundreds of thousands of readers and fans worldwide. In this book Sears discusses the challenges of getting your baby to sleep, getting him into a sleep routine, and many other great nighttime tips that will help you and your baby get a good night's rest.
Nighttime Parenting
Dr. Sears understands that parents are tired and need to sleep and also need their baby to sleep at night, however, he also respects and points out that babies have unique nighttime needs. Babies also enter in to sleep differently than adults do, so there are many tips that should be considered when using the Sears method to getting your baby to sleep. Nighttime parenting, says Sears, is about developing an approach to "create a sleep-inducing environment that allows sleep to overtake the baby--both in going to sleep and in staying asleep" (see Resources).
Facts of Infant Sleep
Dr. Sears wants parents to understand the way an infant sleeps so that they can relate to their child and have more patience while they are working on encouraging a healthy sleep habit for their baby. Babies enter into a light sleep before they go into a deep sleep, whereas adults can go directly from being awake to being in a deep state of sleep. When parents put the sleeping baby down too soon, he wakes up because he wasn't actually in that deep state of sleep yet. From here Dr. Sears suggests repeating your method, whether that is rocking, or pacing or whatever your nightly ritual is that works. Wait until your baby's "hands unfold, and the arms and limbs dangle weightlessly"-- this is when he is in deep sleep and you can put the baby down in his crib and walk away. Remember that the light sleep period lasts about 20 minutes. This is when it is crucial to be patient and not rush putting the baby down too soon, for he will most likely awaken, says Sears.
Babies reenter the phase of light sleep many times throughout the night. Sears suggests that parents do not let the baby cry it out but instead enter their room and "lay a comforting hand on your baby's back, sing a soothing lullaby," or talk lightly to her. Sears says babies have shorter sleep cycles and more arousal periods. He believes that babies are "wired with sleep patterns to awaken easily in the early months when their nighttime needs are the most intense but their ability to communicate them is most limited."
Sears says the medical definition for sleeping through the night in infant stage is only five hours. He also says that babies need 14 to 18 hours a day of sleep from birth to six months and 12 to 14 hours from six months to two years of age.
Conditioning Your Baby to Sleep
Dr. Sears says that sleep is not a state you can force your baby into, it must happen naturally. The role of the parent is to make sleep an attractive experience, and one that is expected by the baby. Dr. Sears also says that for at least the first six months of your baby's life, letting her cry herself to sleep is not a wise choice because you are risking your chance at losing your baby's trust. Here are the steps Sears suggests to help your baby get ready for sleep:
1) Make the daytime as peaceful as possible. Holding and soothing the baby frequently during the day keeps your baby mellow and more ready for an easier sleep at night. If your baby is having frequent fussy nights, start taking notes about the day and see if there are consistencies that may be affecting the peacefulness of the day.
2) Nap routines are important, and should be designed around times of the day when the parent is the most worn out. Sears suggests lying down with baby to get them used to these times, and even further suggests napping with your baby.
3) Just like the above step, consistent bedtime routines are also important. Parents should be realistic about bedtimes, considering what time parents get home from work and have dinner on the table. It is acceptable for baby to have a later bedtime--Sears suggests just giving the baby a later afternoon nap so he goes down easier at bedtime.
4) Set up fun bedtime rituals that both you and your baby can enjoy. Give the baby a nice warm bath, rock her to sleep, sing her songs, read her a book. The baby will recognize the pattern of these rituals and know after a while that these are the things that she does before bedtime.
5) Calm your baby before bedtime. Sears says "a soothing massage or warm bath is a solution for relaxing tense muscles and busy minds."
6) Keep your baby busy and wear him down before bed. The term "wear" to Sears is a literal one, where you would snuggle close to your baby or sling the baby to your body, then walk around the house with the baby. The closeness and warmth along with your movement and heartbeat can help your baby fall asleep.
7) Feed your baby right before bedtime. The routine of "warm bath to warm arms to warm breast to warm bed usually leads to sleep." Sears also says that nursing can be done by fathers in their own unique male ways. This helps the baby be comfortable in either mother's or father's arms.
8) Keep your baby close and warm until he is asleep so when you put him down, he doesn't feel like he's going to sleep alone.
9) Rocking your baby to sleep is a treasured and timeless method for helping the baby fall asleep, again because they are at a constant movement and close to your body.
10) "Create a bed on wheels." Dr. Sears recommends putting your baby in her car seat and going for a drive, that the nonstop motion "is the quickest sleep inducer," and also is a big help for mom--dads can take the babies for a drive so moms can have a moment to themselves. When arriving home, if the baby is in a deep sleep, consider keeping the baby strapped in the car seat and placing the car seat in her bed. Otherwise, if all the signs are there, transfer her to her crib gently.
Getting Your Baby to Stay Asleep
1) Sears recommends teaching your baby that daytime is for eating and nighttime is for sleeping. Babies can play so much during the day they forget to eat and then want a lot to eat right before bed. This can take a lot of time away from the parent at bedtime. Encourage a full feeding at bedtime so the baby doesn't have little "nibbles" all throughout the night.
2) Sears recommends your baby sleep on his back for the first nine months, unless your pediatrician has recommended another method.
3) Experiment with different types of infant pajamas and see which ones your baby is most comfortable in.
4) A rocking cradle versus a crib for the first few months after the baby is born is helpful. Once you've stopped rocking your baby in your arms, you can transfer the baby to the cradle and keep her rocking.
5) After you have put your baby in his bed, pat his back or bottom in a rhythmic motion and remove your hands slowly so as not to awaken the baby.
6) Make sure to even out the bedtime routine between mother and father.
7) Sears says "if you get to your baby quickly before he completely wakes up, you may be able to settle him back to sleep with a quick laying on of the hands, a cozy cuddle, or a warm nurse."
Tags: your baby, your baby, Sears says, says that, Sears suggests, also says
People recovering from alcohol and drug addiction have to live in the real world. This part of the recovery process challenges sobriety because people have to face some of the same temptations that lead them down a path of addiction in the first place. In order not to fall back on bad habits and live an addiction-free life, drug and alcohol recovery programs provide various tips on staying sober.
Avoid Former Friends
The primary way to stay sober during recovery from addiction is to avoid former friends who continue to use drugs or alcohol. These friends will not take sobriety seriously and expect the same kind of behavior. This is a hard process, especially with long-time associates, family members or colleagues. Replace these friends with people who support sobriety and are encouraging when temptations arise. Maintaining sobriety means being willing to start over. Find a work buddy who will be supportive during office parties or after-work cocktails.
Join Support Groups
Even when friends and family are supportive, they may not understand the difficulties associated with staying sober. Joining supportive groups like AA and Al-Anon connects people with others who understand their struggle. Groups like AA team a recent recovering addict with someone who has remained sober for a long time. Community organizations have support groups made up of people in the community who are recovering from addiction. Mentors in these organizations are available 24 hours a day. Psychological counseling is available for recovering addicts. Therapists teach recovering addicts techniques that help people remain sober when pressured to drink.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
People recoveringfrom addiction should take care of their physical health along with their mental health to stay sober. They should eat healthy, get enough sleep, and exercise. Try exercises like kickboxing, which releases a lot of tension, and breathing exercises to relieve stress. Eating right, exercising and managing stress helps when events and situations occur that trigger the desire for alcohol. Develop a healthy lifestyle with the help of friends.
Find Hobbies and Volunteer
Boredom causes people to relapse. Finding hobbies and volunteering helps people stay sober because they are doing things that keep them occupied. Many people enjoy music, arts and crafts or a physical activity like dancing. They can find these activities at local community centers or community colleges or universities. Volunteering with community organizations or working as tutors or mentors to children and teenagers keeps a person's mind off their addiction by helping others. Some people volunteer at the drug rehabilitation facility that helped them recover from addiction.
Tags: from addiction, recovering from, stay sober, People recovering, People recovering from, recovering addicts
Ephedrine is a bronchodilator and decongestant with stimulant properties. It is available in both prescription and over-the-counter formulations for the treatment of bronchial asthma, colds, flu and bronchitis. Because of health risks and concerns about the use of ephedrine to manufacture methamphetamine, products containing ephedrine are subject to additional regulation.
Function
Ephedrine works by opening bronchioles in the lungs. This eases breathing and helps to clear mucus from your lungs. All over-the-counter and some prescription preparations that contain ephedrine are combined with an expectorant, guaifenesin. Guaifenesin thins mucus in the respiratory tract and makes it easier to cough up. Ephedrine is indicated for short-term use only. It should not be taken daily for longer than a few days, except on the advice of your doctor.
Effects
Most people who take ephedrine experience noticeable side effects. Sometimes, the side effects are severe enough to make discontinuing the drug necessary, but they are usually only a nuisance. The most common side effects experienced while taking ephedrine include headache, dizziness, anxiety, restlessness, insomnia and stomach upset. Report any disturbing or unusual side effects to your doctor.
Considerations
Ephedrine is associated with some risks, which are more pronounced in people who have pre-existing health conditions or who take other medications. If you have diabetes, glaucoma, heart disease, high blood pressure, prostate enlargement, seizures or an overactive thyroid, consult your doctor before taking this medication. Many drugs can interact with ephedrine, so if you are taking a prescription medication, ask your doctor before using ephedrine. Do not take ephedrine with over-the-counter drugs that contain pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine or caffeine.
Misconceptions
Ephedrine is often confused with other drugs and supplements that have similar names but that have important differences. Ephedra is an herbal preparation that contains ephedrine. It was banned in 2004 because of the risk of health problems associated with its use. The reason that ephedra was banned, but ephedrine was not, is that the amount of ephedrine contained in ephedra preparations was highly variable, and these products were being used for conditions other than those ephedrine is indicated for. Pseudoephedrine is chemically related to ephedrine, but is generally safer and has milder side effects. Pseudoephedrine is not particularly useful in the treatment of asthma, but it is an effective decongestant. Both pseudoephedrine and ephedrine are kept behind the counter in pharmacies, and regulations limit how much of these products you can purchase. This is because both products can be used to produce methamphetamine.
Warning
Ephedrine should not be used for purposes other than the short-term, occasional treatment of asthma, colds, flu or bronchitis, unless your doctor specifically tells you to do so. Ephedrine, especially if used for long periods of time or in higher-than-prescribed dosages, can cause strokes, heart attacks, heart arrhythmias, psychiatric problems and stomach ulcers. Although some people use ephedrine to lose weight, the effective dosage for this purpose can be very dangerous. If you feel you need medication to help you lose weight, ask your doctor about safer alternatives to ephedrine.
Tags: your doctor, side effects, associated with, asthma colds, asthma colds bronchitis
Tinctures can be made by percolation or maceration.
A tincture is a solution of a substance in alcohol, typically herbs and plant parts. Tinctures are made by either soaking (macerating) herbs in an alcohol solvent for 2 to 6 weeks or by percolating the alcohol through the herbs to extract the herbal compounds from the plant. Making a percolated herbal tincture can only be done with dried herbs, but is much faster than macerating.
Instructions
1. Read through the tincture recipe carefully. Each plant typically requires a specific ratio of alcohol to water to herb, so ensure you are familiar with the ratios required for your chosen herb.
2. Measure out the correct amount of dried herb on the kitchen scales and place in a spice grinder and grind to a coarse powder. Empty the powder into a glass bowl and moisten with a little water. Leave overnight.
3. Cut the bottom of a 2 liter plastic bottle. Invert the bottle and place a coffee filter inside, right up against the cap. Loosen the cap so that it is almost off.
4. Pack the moistened herbs into the bottle on top of the coffee filter, then place another coffee filter on top of them to stop them from rushing up into the alcohol when it is poured over.
5. Measure out the alcohol required by the tincture recipe into a measuring cup. Hold the cap of the bottle in one hand, over a glass jar, then pour the alcohol into the bottle. The almost-open cap will allow the air to get out the bottom, but once the alcohol comes through, tighten the cap so that it drips at about 1 drop per second.
6. Settle the bottle over the glass jar and wait until the all the liquid has percolated through the herbs and into the glass jar. Leave overnight to drip through if necessary.
7. Transfer the tincture to glass dropper jars and label it with the date, the name of the herb, and the ratio of herb to alcohol.
Tags: coffee filter, herbs into, into bottle, into glass, Leave overnight
Even when a Microsoft Windows XP installation goes smoothly, it can be tedious as you wait for the operating system to finally complete the process. But when you run into the notorious "looping" problem that can occur during the Windows XP setup process, that tedium can turn into pure frustration as the OS prevents the setup from continuing. This problem typically is accompanied by errors that indicate that Windows setup cannot continue because certain Windows components cannot be installed or that there are errors with certain devices. With some basic troubleshooting, you can usually solve the looping problem.
Instructions
1. Remove the Windows XP setup disc from your optical drive. Shut down your PC. You may need to perform a hard shutdown by holding PC's power button until the system turns off.
2. Inspect the disc for dust or smudges. If you find dust or smudges, use a soft, lint-free cloth and wipe from the middle of the disc outward to clean it. If the disc is scratched or gouged, skip to Step 4.
3. Turn on the PC and insert the setup disc. If the setup loop occurs again, go to Step 4.
4. Contact Microsoft to obtain a new setup disc. Alternately, borrow a Windows XP setup disc from someone else, but be sure to use the registration number that is printed on your disc's case.
5. Complete the Windows XP setup using the new (or borrowed) setup disc.
Tags: setup disc, Windows setup, disc from, dust smudges, looping problem, setup disc from
Hepatitis B, or HBV, is a viral infection of the liver by the Hepatitis Virus. Hepatitis B is a sexually transmitted disease that is spread through contaminated blood, semen or vaginal secretions. Even so, it is possible for an infant to contract HBV through contact with the infected mother's blood, or contaminated breast milk. Infants do exhibit signs and symptoms of Hepatitis B infection.
Fatigue
Infants may appear fatigued. However, symptoms of Hepatitis B usually appear 12 weeks after initial infection. After 10 to 12 weeks of age, a healthy infant will experience an increase in wakefulness and start to require less sleep. A baby who is infected with HBV will just begin to feel symptoms at this age, and will remain listless and fatigued.
Lack of Appetite
Unlike a healthy baby, an HBV infected infant will not want to eat. The baby infected with Hepatitis B will show more interest in sleeping than in eating. If the baby will not eat, it is important to have the infant hospitalized to prevent dehydration.
Jaundice
Jaundice due to low bilirubin levels in non-infected infants clears up within a week. A baby infected with Hepatitis B will develop jaundice suddenly at the age of two to four months of age. Jaundice presents as a yellow tint to the skin and whites of the eyes.
Dark Urine
The urine of a newborn is usually clear since the baby's diet is only formula or breast milk and water. Dark urine is a sign of impaired liver function that can be caused by HBV.
Treatment and Prevention
Infants born to HBV infected mothers are immediately given an HBV vaccination along with a shot of HBV immune globulin in hopes that the disease will not develop at all. This is followed by three more injections over three months to complete the HBV vaccination series.
Medications used to treat an active case of acute Hepatitis B include: interferon, a chemical produced by the human body to combat certain diseases including HBV; and antivirals, such as Tryzeka, Beraclude and Hepsera that all prevent the Hepatitis virus from replicating in the infants body. A liver transplant is a last resort operation reserved for livers that are severely damaged by HBV. Luckily, most infants are diagnosed early enough that this is rarely necessary.
All members of the family should wash their hands frequently to prevent spreading the virus. Diapers should be thrown away in a red hazmat bag to protect the community.
Prognosis
An unfortunate result of untreated HBV is cirrhosis of the liver. However, according to an Italian study performed by the University of Padua, most infants who are treated immediately will go into full HBV remission within five years. The virus will remain dormant, and may resurface later, so medical follow up is a must.
Tags: baby infected, baby infected with, infected with, breast milk, Hepatitis will, infant will, infected with Hepatitis
Light therapy has been often used for the depression of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It is now being proven useful for other problems, including muscle pain. Its healing properties have been shown to be effective in alleviating pain associated with chronic conditions like fibromyalgia, as well as injuries.
How It Works
The user sits or stands in front of the light therapy box for at least 30 minutes a day. The light emits energy much in the way a laser does, but at lower frequencies.
Uses
For chronic conditions, daily light therapy can provide immediate and continuous relief of pain. For injuries, light therapy can promote healing.
Portability
Light therapy machines come in various sizes. Many are lightweight and easily portable for travel.
Types
The type of light therapy machine needed will depend on the ailment being treated. Some even come with straps and panels so they can be used on areas like the knees and elbows.
Cost
A light therapy unit for home use costs around $150 to $400. Although a doctor's prescription is not necessary for purchase, it may be covered by medical insurance.
Disodium EDTA is frequently found in ingredients lists of personal care products, manufactured foods and beverages, cleaning supplies, cosmetics, and skin care products. Disodium EDTA also has extensive industrial, medical and engineering applications and is one of the most important and widely used chemical compounds in modern human society.
The Chemistry of Disodium EDTA
Disodium EDTA has the chemical formula of [CH2N(CH2CO2H)2]2, the molecular formula of C10H16N2O8, and is a major chelating agent from which all of its applications extend from. It has high affinity to free metal ions, a common pollutant and impurity in many chemical environments. As an example, when we clean something with soap or wash our laundry, there is a chemical reaction between the detergent, the organic dirt, and the water that provides an aqueous solution environment for the chemical reaction of "cleaning" to occur. However, many impurities and free metal ions and minerals in tap water makes the performance of detergents less effective and inconsistent across geographies with varying water quality. Disodium EDTA as a chelating agent helps bind the free radicals and impurities, allowing the major ingredients in detergents to work effectively and consistently without excessive "chemical disturbance."
What Common Products Contain Disodium EDTA?
Disodium EDTA is commonly found in a wide range of personal care products, including contact solution, eye drops, shower and bath products, skin care preparations and cosmetics. It is also used as a preservative and stabilizer in many processed foods and beverages.
What Medical Practices Involve Disodium EDTA?
Medical and laboratory uses for disodium EDTA include chelating therapy, where EDTA cleanses bodies of excess iron, mercury and other heavy metals; in blood testing and blood transfusions as anticoagulant; in cell proliferation analysis to keep cells separate from each other; in dental and ophthalmology practices to prime sites for surgery. Disodium EDTA is an important agent in many medical uses and thus it isn't surprising to expect exposure to this chemical compound if you frequent clinics and medical laboratories for tests and treatments listed such as these.
What Other Arenas of Human Productivity Utilizes Disodium EDTA?
Other than products that come into direct human contact, disodium EDTA is also found in cleaning supplies, such as laundry detergent, as a water softener and detergent enhancer and in industrial supplies for the maintenance, cleaning and priming of equipment and machinery. Disodium EDTA is essential in the textiles and paper pulp industry in bleaching and maintaining colors and dyes.
Health Hazards Related to Disodium EDTA
Disodium EDTA has become a topic of interest because of many pro-natural organizations claims that it causes toxicity in mammals. However, in products regulated by the FDA, levels of disodium EDTA is too low to cause direct harm when products are used as directed. The only time to be ultra aware of disodium EDTA content is in processed foods and beverages, where disodium EDTA in reaction with active and unstable ingredients like Vitamin C and sodium Bicarbonate (baking soda) forms benzenes, a potent carcinogen. Also, EDTA is becoming an environmental pollutant due to large quantities used in industrial applications, medical applications and manufacturing.
Identify Disodium EDTA
Disodium EDTA should always be listed in the ingredients disclaimer of products that come into direct contact with skin or for oral ingestion. Thought it does not need to be approved to be added to food, it may be listed in several ways, including EDTA, EDTA disodium, disodium; Disodium EDTA Violet 2, Disodium EDTE, and Disodiume EDTA.
Scoliosis is curvature of the spine or abnormal side-to-side curves on the spine. It affects 2 percent of women and 1/2 percent of men, but mostly young children are prone to scoliosis. Schools screen for scoliosis in the fifth and sixth grade. The examiner will look for a hump in the back, a crooked back, uneven shoulders or shoulder blades that protrude, one hip higher than the other hip and a slight forward leaning position. The rib cage may stick out more on one side than the other side and there may be noticeable skin folds around the waist.
Causes of Scoliosis
Causes of scoliosis include congenital spine deformities, spinal muscular atrophy, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, genetics and tumors. According to iScoliosis.com, over 80 percent of cases have no known cause (idiopathic). The most common age group affected by scoliosis is young adults entering puberty, called adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, or AIS. At this age, the body is changing rapidly, which may affect the spine. Deformities in the body may cause curvature of the spine. Unequal leg length and muscle spasms may cause the spine to curve. If the bones in the spine do not form completely or fuse together, it can result in scoliosis.
Adults may develop scoliosis as they age. Changes in the spine because of arthritis may cause a curvature. Pain from a spine tumor called osteoid osteoma can cause the patient to lean in another position to alleviate the pain, and the result may be scoliosis. Anyone with a family history of scoliosis is at a greater risk of developing curvature of the spine (see Resources below).
Treatment for Scoliosis
There are three common treatments for scoliosis: observation, bracing and surgery. For functional scoliosis where the curvature is the result of another problem, the treatment focuses on the original issue. Neuromuscular scoliosis is abnormal development of the bones in the spine. The treatment is surgery. Doctors usually observe infantile idiopathic scoliosis because the infant may grow out of the condition. Juvenile idiopathic scoliosis is treated with either braces or surgery depending upon the severity. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is treated with observation, bracing or surgery depending upon the severity. For adults who have degenerative scoliosis, the treatment is physical therapy and exercise.
There is no known cure for scoliosis and there is no prevention. People live normal lives with curvature of the spine. Early screening for children can prevent more curvature.
Tags: curvature spine, idiopathic scoliosis, bones spine, bracing surgery, cause curvature, Causes Scoliosis, depending upon