Recognize The Symptoms Of Childhood Depression

Although many cases of clinical depression aren’t diagnosed until adulthood, some doctors believe severe cases of adult depression begin in childhood. Major depression can affect people of all ages. However, childhood depression is often overlooked because most children can’t express or explain their feelings. There are telltale signs of childhood depression. And it’s important for every parent to familiarize themselves with the symptoms and tackle the problem early.

Instructions

1. Notice a change in appetite. Childhood depression can increase or decrease your child’s appetite. From an early age, some depressed children learn rely on food for comfort. In turn, they’ll request sweet treats and carbohydrates. Quite the contrary, your child may stop eating or lose his appetite.

2. Notice your child sleeps longer than eight hours a night. Depression is physically and mentally exhausting, and depressed children often deal with periods of fatigue. Your child may sleep for more than nine hours a night and she may fall asleep throughout the day.

3. Notice your child loses interest in hobbies and friends. Children are characteristically happy and enjoy spending time with friends and family. However, a sudden shift in your child’s attitude toward leisure pursuits can indicate a serious problem.

4. Notice your child overreacts or throws frequent temper tantrums. It’s normal for children to be upset, cry and throw an occasional temper tantrum. If your child begins to react excessively to trivial situations or has recurrent crying spells and anger outbursts, depression may be the underlying cause.

5. Notice your child develop a negative attitude or become aggressive. Because children don’t always know express their feelings, they tend to misbehave. Depressed children may antagonize their peers or siblings, demonstrate a defiant attitude and show signs of irritability.

6. Realize an obsession with death or dying can be a sign of childhood depression. Children are naturally curious about death, and asking questions can help them cope with the death of a loved one. However, a fascination with death is unhealthy, and all thoughts of suicide should be taken seriously.

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Behaviorism Theory

Behaviorism theory and its founders have contributed significant insights in the fields of psychology and animal behavior. Behaviorism is grounded in the learning theories of classical conditioning and operant conditioning. Behaviorism's main champions, Ivan Pavlov and B.F. Skinner, used animal behavior to study and further their theories.

Behaviorism

Behaviorism, unlike other psychological doctrines, takes the position that psychology is the study of human behavior, not the study of the human mind. According to the theory of behaviorism, behavior is not determined by inner cues or complex psychological thought processes. Behavior is determined by outside forces referred to as stimuli.

Classical Conditioning

Classical conditioning is a proven learning technique for animals. Its place in human psychology has always been a matter of debate. In classical conditioning, an unconditioned stimuli (stimuli that naturally creates a certain response) is paired with a neutral stimuli (stimuli that ordinarily would not create a response). The theory is the two stimuli will come to be associated with one another in the subject's mind. The subject will then respond to the neutral stimuli in the same manner as the unconditioned stimuli. This is what is referred to as a conditioned response.

Pavlov's Dogs

Russian scientist Ivan Pavlov developed the theory of classical conditioning while studying the salivation of dogs. Pavlov realized that dogs would salivate when food was placed in their mouths. After careful observation, Pavlov discovered that the sound of the door opening and the sight of staff carrying food bowls also caused the dogs to salivate. The food is the unconditioned stimuli and the sounds of the door as well as the sight of food are the neutral stimuli. The neutral stimuli, due to its pairing with the unconditioned stimuli, provoked a conditioned response.

Operant Conditioning

Operant conditioning was the brain-child of behavioral scientist B.F. Skinner. Skinner believed that many behaviors were too complex to be explained by classical conditioning. Skinner developed the theory of operant conditioning, which reduces the cause of behaviors to a system of reward and punishment. The underlying philosophy is that subjects will continue to perform behaviors that are repeatedly rewarded and discontinue behaviors that are repeatedly punished.

Behaviorism's Drawbacks

One drawback of behaviorism is its inherent simplicity. Behaviorism does not acknowledge other behavioral causes such as genetics and brain abnormalities. By definition, the theory of behaviorism discounts the study of the human mind.

Behaviorism is based mainly on studies (such as with Pavlov's dogs) that were performed on animals. It does not account for the intellectual differences between humankind and the animal kingdom.

Tags: neutral stimuli, unconditioned stimuli, study human, animal behavior, behavior study, behaviors that

Types Of Salt Used In Neti Pots

Types of Salt Used in Neti Pots

Jala Neti, a Sanskrit term for "water cleansing," uses neti pots to clean and irrigate nasal passageways. A Hatha yoga cleansing technique, neti pot mixtures composed of saline water cleanse the nasal passageways to relieve sinusitis, allergies and other nasal conditions. Neti pots have become increasingly popular as a form of alternative medicine for individuals who seek a natural routine to manage their nasal allergies without prescription and/or over-the-counter medications.

Use

Neti pot usage requires pouring a saline water mixture through the nasal passages. As water pours through one nostril it will irrigate the nasal passageways and cleanse them of allergens, dirt and irritants. As a result, people who've used a neti pot state increased comfort in the nasal passageways and reduction of sinus-related issues such as cold, bronchitis and allergy symptoms.

Making Saline Solution

Saline solution mixtures used for neti pots should be warm and body temperature, with a concentration of 0.9% salt. According to Advaita Yoga Ashrama, this concentration is equal to that of human body fluids. Neti pot kits usually include a small measuring spoon that measures about 1/4 tsp. for the convenience of accurate salt measurements. While 0.9% is the recommended concentration level for saline wash, some people add more or less salt to adjust the concentration to their personal preferences.

Salt Water Used in Neti Pot Mixtures

While salt is important for neti pot usage, certain types of salt are more suitable for nasal irrigation. Jalanetipot.com states the ideal salt for neti pot usage is fine sea salt purchased in health shops, but indicates that kosher and macrobiotic salts are also acceptable for neti pot use. Health stores also sell these types of salts, and some stores sell salts in pre-measured packets for added convenience.

Salts to Avoid

Do not use salts with additives that detract from their purity. Unnatural additives can irritate the passageways and weaken positive effects of the cleansing method. Specific salts to avoid include rock and vegetable salts. When possible, avoid using table salt, which contains additives such as iodine, aluminum and silicone.

Tags: nasal passageways, irrigate nasal, irrigate nasal passageways, neti pots, neti usage, saline water

Training & Interactive Exercises For Memorization

There are training exercises that can help improve memorization.

The human brain is a delicate and intricate system with infinite potential. However, most people have a problem with memorization, which can be due to a mental illness or not exercising the cognitive part of the brain. Therapists in the psychology and mental health fields have developed certain training and interactive exercises for memorization.

Book Content

One training exercise to improve memorization is to read content from a book, then memorize a paragraph. You can spend 12 minutes memorizing the words in the paragraph and practice reciting the paragraph at least four times a day. If there is a problem reciting the paragraph, then refer back to the paragraph and read the words aloud. This exercise can not only strengthen your memory muscles but it can also help you build a vast vocabulary.

Geography

Studying a map and memorizing cities, towns and the capital of states is a way to "flex" your memory muscle. For example, you can go to each state and write down the capital of that state, recite it to memory and repeat it throughout the day. To take the exercise further, you can memorize a major interstate or highway that runs through the capital. This method is used in elementary education to assist students with recall.

Name Recognition Training

Name recognition training is the process of memorizing names. This technique is not only used in the cognitive psychology field but also by marketers and advertisers who create campaigns around name brand products. Name recognition exercises include reading through a newspaper or magazine and memorizing certain names. Pick a time to recall all the memorized names from the source of study. This interactive exercise strengthens the cognitive part of the brain.

Computer Programs

Mental health therapists use computers for memory improvement by providing interactive recognition programs that help patients identify objects and commit those objects to memory. This method is used for people with memory loss and is designed to also retrain the motor skills of the brain. For example, the computer will flash an object and through voice recognition will tell the individual what the object is. The computer repeats the process until the individual identifies and recalls the object from memory. The object can be a shape or color.

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Cope With Rotator Cuff Injury

The rotator cuff refers to the network of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulders and allow shoulder movement. People with an active lifestyle, such as athletes, are likely to suffer from rotator cuff tears. There are several ways to cope with this kind of injury.

Instructions

1. Put an ice pack over the affected area to alleviate pain and prevent swelling. If you are suffering a minor rotator cuff injury, the ice pack will be very helpful. In more severe cases, however, see your doctor, who may use steroid injections to limit inflammation and promote regeneration of the torn rotator cuff muscles.

2. To let your body recuperate from the injury, limit overhead activity and put your arm in a sling to let the shoulder muscles rest.

3. Take an anti-inflammatory medication to alleviate pain and help the rotator cuff heal. Follow your doctor's recommendations.

4. Seek physical therapy if your doctor recommends it. A physical therapist will assist you with exercises to strengthen your shoulder muscles and show you alleviate pain and prevent recurring pain.

5. If nonsurgical treatments do not relieve the condition or if you have completely ruptured your rotator cuff muscles, you may need surgery. Arthroscopic repair, mini-open repair and open surgical repair are usually recommended. If the injury is very severe, doctors may need to use the graft method to reattach and reconstruct the ruptured muscles and tendons.

Tags: rotator cuff, alleviate pain, your doctor, alleviate pain prevent, cuff muscles, muscles tendons, pain prevent

What Is Cervical Cancer

Cancer is the rapid growth of cells. The cervix is located between the vagina and the opening of the uterus. The death rate from cervical cancer has greatly declined in recent years due to early screenings. Finding cancer cells early can allow for treatment to prevent cervical cancer.

Cause

Cervical cancer is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is generally spread through sexual contact, and most people will contract it in their lifetime. For most people, HPV will cause no problems and go away on its own.

Pap Test

All women over the age of 21 or those who are sexually active should have a pap test. The pap test looks for changes in cervical cells that could lead to cervical cancer. Your doctor will tell you how often you need one.

Rates

The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that about 3,870 women died of cervical cancer in 2008. ACS also notes that cervical cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer deaths in women.

Treatment

Your course of treatment will be determined by your doctor, but the most common treatments are surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.

Prevention

You can reduce your risk for cervical cancer by preventing HPV. The best ways to prevent getting HPV is to abstain from sex. You can also reduce your risk by reducing your number of sexual partners and/or using condoms every time you have sex. Women ages 9 to 26 can also get a vaccine that protects against the two strains of HPV that cause the majority of cervical cancer in the U.S.

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Signs & Symptoms Of Latestage Diabetes

Many late-stage diabetes complications are preventable.

High blood-sugar levels can damage nerves and blood vessels throughout the body, leading to various health problems and decreasing the body's ability to fight infection. Maintaining proper blood-sugar control and getting regular checkups are vital so diabetics can help prevent these complications.

Gastrointestinal Problems

According to Martha Hope McCool, author of "My Doctor Says I Have a Little Diabetes," the most common cause of gastrointestinal problems in diabetics is the delayed emptying of the stomach after eating, which affects 40 percent of diabetics. Upper gastrointestinal symptoms include feelings of fullness in the stomach after eating, feeling full early, heartburn, abdominal pain and bloating, reflux, vomiting of undigested food and anorexia. Lower gastrointestinal problems can vary from constipation to diarrhea.

Urinary Problems

Diabetic nephrology (kidney disease caused by diabetes), which often is unnoticed, causes the inability to detect when the bladder is full and to empty the bladder completely. This often results in urinary-tract infections, marked by frequent urination, cloudy, bloody urine or foul-smelling urine, back pain, chills and fever.

Sexual Problems

Up to an estimated 35 percent of women and 75 percent of men with diabetes experience sexual problems, which are likely caused by nerve damage and circulation problems. Sexual symptoms for women include difficulty becoming aroused, decreased vaginal lubrication, fewer orgasms and increased frequency of vaginal infections. Men can experience difficulty getting an erection even though sex drive is normal, medically known as impotence or erectile dysfunction.

Cardiovascular Problems

Diabetic neuropathy can cause cardiovascular symptoms, such as fixed heart rate and orthostatic hypotension, which is marked by a drop in blood pressure when changing from a lying-down position to a standing position, causing dizziness, lightheadedness, weakness or vision changes upon rising.

Eye Problems

High blood-sugar levels can damage the eyes without causing changes in vision. Eventually, diabetic retinopathy occurs as a result of damage to the tiny blood vessels that supply the retinas. People with diabetes are twice as likely as non-diabetics to develop glaucoma and cataracts.

Skin Problems

Diabetics are prone to skin infections as a result of poor circulation from nerve damage, which leads to skin ulcers and slow wound-healing. Signs of infection include sores that do not heal, with pus, heat, redness, swelling and tenderness.

Foot and Lower-Leg Problems

Peripheral vascular disease causes loss of sensation in the legs and feet, leg pain from exercise that eases with rest, pain in the legs and feet at night and chronically cold feet. The skin of the lower legs and feet can appear shiny and hairless. Bruises, sores, tendernes and swelling of the feet also can occur.

Other Symptoms

Weight Watchers Diet Tips

Established more than four decades ago, Weight Watchers conducts more than 50,000 weekly meetings for members who are interested in shedding pounds to learn guidelines about healthy eating. The organization also provides a variety of products, publications, and sources to assist members with their weight loss plans. Here are some tips for successfully losing weight on the Weight Watchers plan from a lifetime member.

Attend meetings

Attend weekly meetings. While it may not always be convenient or you might not always feel like it, go to weekly Weight Watchers meetings. According to the Weight Watchers website, those who attend meetings shed three times more weight than those who opt to do the program solo. At meetings, share tips for what is working or not working in your weight loss plan and learn from others. Meetings provide a forum for exchanging ideas, recipes and encouragement.

Track points

Keep track of everything you eat through journaling or logging. Under the Weight Watchers program, foods are assigned a certain point value, and members are allotted a certain number of points for the week. To drop weight, do not exceed your weekly points total. Be honest with yourself and count points. If you "bite it, write it." You are only cheating yourself if you pretend that you did not eat that piece of chocolate cake. Tracking provides accountability.

Find a group for you

Find a group that works for you. Weight Watchers meetings are conducted by group leaders who are Lifetime Members and have gone through the program. Leaders are a credible source for teaching ways to lose weight. Group leaders, like teachers, have different styles of presenting the same material. If you do not like the way a leader runs a meeting, try a different group. Also group dynamics are important. If you are in a male in your thirties, you do not want to be in a meeting with all women who are recently retired. Find a group with which you have commonalities. Nothing is set in stone, so do not be afraid of leaving one group for another. You will have more success if you enjoy coming to meetings.

It's a lifestyle

While Weight Watcher's helps you shed pounds, keep in mind that it is not like a typical diet. Instead, think of the Weight Watchers plan as a lifestyle you want to incorporate by following healthy living guidelines. Under the program, no food is off limits. Use portion control methods and other planning techniques to make healthy choices. Learn from the information and knowledge shared by group leaders and other members and apply it directly to your life. Tracking what you eat and making healthy choices will soon become a habit, not a chore.

Be Persistent

Be persistent and do not give up. Everyone has an ideal weight they would like to achieve, but getting there is not always easy. Set small goals for yourself. Losing weight is a marathon, not a sprint. Celebrate milestones such as losing five pounds by treating yourself to something nonfood related. After achieving a goal, buy the DVD or book you have been wanting. Write down your goal on a piece and paper and refer to it often for motivation. Gaining weight some weeks is bound to happen. Do not let weight gains discourage you. Learn from failures and make needed adjustments.

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Set Up Emergency Department Patient Rooms

Set Up Emergency Department Patient Rooms

Emergency department patient rooms are designed with the needed equipment and supplies to provide urgent care to the sick and injured. Essentially, all rooms include basic patient care supplies. However, specialty rooms, such as surgical suites, may be set up in the emergency department as well. Follow the patient care standards for your emergency department when deciding expand the set up of patient care rooms beyond the basics.

Instructions

1. Place the bed in a center position, ensuring the patient is easily reached from both sides. Do not place the bed against a wall as this will limit access to the patient. Ensure that any ceiling-mounted privacy drapes will easily close between the bed and the door, allowing privacy for the patient from anyone coming in and out of the room.

2. Place portable light stands, intravenous poles and rolling trays against the walls, or in a corner to keep them easily accessible, but out of the way. Ensure that all overhead lighting, outlets, electronic call buttons and medical ports, such as oxygen, are installed and working properly.

3. Stock commonly used medical supplies in drawers, such as tongue depressors, bandages, scissors and gauze. Place commonly used equipment, such as an otoscope and opthalmoscope, blood pressure cuff and stethoscope within easy reach, such as on a counter top or wall mount. Consider dedicating one drawer or cabinet for culture supplies, such as wound and Pap smear cultures, or place them in a portable container.

4. Place an emergency cart in the patient room, which contains non-pharmaceutical emergency medical equipment such as intubation supplies, bag-valve-masks, suction tubing and CPR masks. Consider placing emergency equipment in dedicated drawer space if a cart is not available.

5. Ensure that oxygen supplies, such as nasal cannulas and masks are readily available next to the oxygen port in the room, as well as portable oxygen units. Place suction tubing with both wall mounted and portable suction units, as well.

6. Add a variety of necessities such as patient gowns, drapes, shorts and slippers in a cabinet or drawer, and include both pediatric and adult sizes. Stock a supply of linens such as blankets, sheets and wash cloths, as well as bags for patient belongings, emesis basins, biohazard bags and laboratory transport bags. Include other linens and functional supplies as needed.

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Adolescent Substance Abuse Facts

Nationally, almost one-third of students used illegal drugs in the past year.

Parents, educators and other adults who work with young people need to understand the availability of illegal drugs and the early ages when some kids begin using them. Although the statistics are sobering, understanding the problem can improve communication between adolescents and their parents. Substance abuse remains a huge problem; about 2 million Americans between ages 12 and 17 can be considered drug- or alcohol-dependent.

Treatment

Addiction to a substance involves brain chemistry disorders. Environmental and genetic factors contribute to chemical dependency, including parental use of chemicals. Substance abuse treatment, like treatment for other medical issues, can help the user get better and stop abusing the substance.

Consequences

Substance abuse, especially heavy use, usually affects the young person's emotional and mental development. The consequences can include traffic accidents, behavior problems, truancy, criminal behavior, poor health, risky sexual behavior and relationship issues. School-related problems, such as poor grades, missing class and dropping out will cause future problems.

Prevalence of the Problem

According to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2009 about 24 percent of high school children reported at least occasional heavy drinking. During the same year, about one in five high school students used marijuana, and the same number took prescription drugs illegally.

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Treat Periodontal Disease At Home

Periodontal disease is a disease of the gums. Signs that you may have this condition are loose teeth, bad breath, receding gums and gums that are swollen and red. Periodontal disease is caused by poor dental hygiene habits, poor diet and the buildup of plaque. If you have been diagnosed with this ailment or suspect that you have it, you may want to treat the problem yourself at home. There are a number of solutions you can seek that may improve or reverse periodontal disease.

Instructions

1. Improve your personal dental habits. Floss regularly, a minimum of once a day, preferably after your evening meal. Between meals, sanitize your toothbrush by rinsing it thoroughly and, at bedtime, soak it overnight in mouthwash, such as Listerine, to rid it of bacteria and germs. You can also opt to include your toothbrush when you clean your dishes in the dishwasher. You should, additionally, switch to a new toothbrush every one to two months.

2. Take 50 mg of Coenzyme Q10 daily. It is an antioxidant occurring in your body naturally that may be depleted, as you age. Coenzyme Q10 has been known for its ability to decrease inflammation and may even help reverse some cases of gum disease. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking prescription medications, check with your doctor, before taking Coenzyme Q10.

3. Use herbal mouthwashes and toothpastes to treat your condition. You can usually find dental products in health food stores that contain healing herbs, such as bloodroot, to hinder plaque buildup and reduce bleeding gums.

4. Take more vitamin C. Insufficient amounts of vitamin C may contribute to periodontal disease. Increasing your intake of this antioxidant may reduce your symptoms. You should take at least 250 mg per day of vitamin C and should also eat vitamin C-rich foods, such as oranges, raspberries, strawberries, sweet potatoes, collards, tomatoes, broccoli, spinach and red peppers.

5. Use homeopathic remedies for gum problems. Some commonly used remedies are Carbo vegetabilis, Lachesis, Natrum muriaticum, Mercurius solubilis hahnemanni and Calcarea carbonica. The remedy you select should be based upon your individual set of symptoms and you should consult a homeopathic practitioner to determine the appropriate strength and dosage.

Tags: Periodontal disease, symptoms should, that have, your toothbrush

Weightloss Surgery And Malnutrition

Weight-loss surgery is ideal for anyone who is more than 100 pounds overweight or has a body mass index (BMI) of 35 to 40. After the procedure, it is important that you are getting the proper care and nutrition for your body. With many procedures, the stomach is reduced in size and requires little food to become full. Malnutrition may occur if you are not eating enough foods with essential vitamins and minerals.

Malnutrition

Malabsorptive weight-loss surgeries are most often to blame for malnutrition. This procedure reduces the amount of calories and nutrition that is able to absorbed in the intestinal tract through a bypass of the smaller intestine. Since the small intestine cannot digest eaten food, vitamins and minerals are not absorbed into the body.

According to a journal for the American Family Physician, patients who undergo malabsorptive procedures are more likely to suffer from malnutrition in comparison to other weight loss procedures like laparoscopic banding, which is where a band is placed around the upper part of the stomach to reduce its size to consume less food.

In addition to malnutrition, those who undergo a malabsorptive procedure are also at risk for anemia. Since the intestines are not able to fully absorb vitamins and minerals, it causes the body to become deficient in iron, leading to anemia. After a distal gastric bypass, patients may experience low levels of calcium and protein, as well as deficiencies in vitamins A, E and D, which are fat soluble. The distal gastric-bypass procedure is designed for those 200 pounds or more overweight and is achieved by reducing the size of the stomach through stapling and then attaching the small intestine to the stomach closer to the colon, reducing the amount of food absorbed into the body.

Preventing Malnutrition

Once your procedure is done, follow up regularly with a physician to ensure you are getting proper nutrition and taking vitamin and mineral supplements, if necessary. For a calcium deficiency, taking calcium and vitamin D together will ensure that calcium is being absorbed into the body. Take 1,000 mg of calcium each day with 800 IU of vitamin D.

For iron deficiency, take 100 to 200 milligrams of a ferrous sulfate supplement every day a or generic iron gel supplement. For menstruating women, 300 to 350 milligrams are necessary to replace iron in the body. Protein deficiency may also be caused by gastric-bypass surgery, and protein must be present in the body to maintain muscle mass. Use supplemental protein shakes that contain at least 10 grams of protein in each serving and have no more than 30 grams of sugar.

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Oncology And Leukemia

Leukemia is sometimes discovered during a routine blood test when a patient has no symptoms.

Oncology is the field of medicine devoted to the study and treatment of cancer. Within this field are three primary specialties: medical, surgical or radiation oncology. Cancer patients are usually seen by a health care team that will include oncologists from different disciplines. Some oncologists may choose to further specialize in their field by treating only a small number or even just one type of cancer. One such recognized specialty is leukemia oncology.

Leukemia

Leukemia is cancer that originates in the bone marrow, the spongy material inside the bones that produces all types of blood cells. Leukemia is the abnormal formation of white blood cells, according to the National Cancer Society. Normal white blood cells are part of the body's immune system; they help to fight infection and are integral in the wound healing process. Leukemia cells do not function properly and do not die off as normal blood cells do, meaning that they both interfere with normal functioning and crowd out normal blood cells.

Risk Factors

Currently, the cause of leukemia is unknown; however, there are a number of risk factors that increase a person's chances of developing leukemia. These include: smoking, radiation exposure (including radiation therapy and x-rays), prior chemotherapy, benzene exposure, Down's Syndrome and other inherited diseases. A family history of leukemia may also increase a person's risk slightly, though this is rare, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Symptoms

Because blood travels throughout the body, the symptoms of leukemia are widespread and variable, often depending on how far the disease has progressed. In some instances, a person may not have any symptoms at all, and the leukemia is discovered in a routine blood test. The National Cancer Institute lists the most common symptoms of leukemia as fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, unexplained weight loss, bleeding and bruising easily, and repeated infections.

Treatment Options

Once an individual is diagnosed with leukemia, he will see an oncologist who will set up a team of health care professionals to determine the best treatment options. Treatments may vary depending on the type of leukemia a person has as well as his age and general state of health. Treatment options include watchful waiting (i.e., waiting to see if the leukemia will progress or go into remission on its own), radiation therapy and bone marrow transplant. The National Cancer Institute also lists several different types of drug therapies that may be used, including chemotherapy, which kills leukemia cells, targeted therapy, which uses drugs to block the growth of leukemia cells, and biological therapy drugs, which boost the body's immune system. Often, a combination of treatment options will be used.

Side Effects

With the exception of watchful waiting, all treatment options for leukemia will have side effects, and these are other factors that oncologists must consider when creating a treatment plan. Common side effects of radiation therapy include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and skin irritation. Bone marrow transplants require extended hospitalization as the patient is at increased risk of infection and bleeding following surgery, according to the National Cancer Institute. The most familiar side effects of chemotherapy are nausea, vomiting, hair loss and possible infertility. Targeted therapy may result in swelling, sudden weight gain, anemia, nausea and muscle cramps. Biological therapies can cause fevers, headaches and weakness. Oncologists must treat a patient's cancer while managing the side effects.

Tags: blood cells, National Cancer, Cancer Institute, National Cancer Institute, side effects, according National

What Is A Prostate Exam

A prostate exam is one of the procedures or tests doctors recommend for males, particularly men who are middle aged and older. For many reasons, some men do not get a yearly prostate exam as recommended, and those who never have had the procedure done can be unfamiliar with what happens during the exam and why it is necessary.

Definition

A prostate exam is a physical examination of the prostate gland of a male. The prostate gland is a gland that surrounds the duct that connects the male genitalia to the bladder. The main function of the gland is to produce and store seminal fluid, which is why it is found only in males. The gland is prone to various cancers and the exam thus attempts to detect those conditions.

What Happens

In a standard prostate exam, a doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the patient's anus while the patient is bent over with legs slightly spread. This position helps the doctor access the prostate easily and reduces discomfort for the patient. The physician feels around gently to detect the size, shape, and texture of the prostate gland. The exam takes less than a minute.

Benefits

A prostate exam's most prominent benefit is the detection of prostate cancer. If detected early enough, patients who are found to have cancer can begin treatments that can slow the progression of their disease or send it into remission.

Dangers

There are no dangers associated with a standard prostate exam, although the patient may feel some slight discomfort during the procedure.

Supplemental Procedures

A supplemental procedure that is sometimes done in conjunction with or in place of a prostate exam is a PSA blood test. This test is better at detecting prostate cancers than the exam, but the physical exam can pick up on cancers that don't show up on the PSA test.

Who Should Get One

Any male who has consistent, frequent urination should get a prostate exam, as frequent urination is a sign of a prostate problem. Generally, screening is recommended for males starting at 40 years of age. Annual exams are recommended for men over 50 years old.

Why to Get One

Prostate cancers are common in males, especially those who are middle-aged or older. Getting a prostate exam every year, or when a problem with frequent urination is noticed, can raise the odds of a cancer being detected early enough for treatment.

Tags: prostate exam, frequent urination, prostate gland, detected early, detected early enough, early enough

Colitis Symptoms & Treatment

Colitis is an inflammation of the colon. Symptoms and treatment are dependent upon the causes and type of colitis.

Symptoms

Symptoms of colitis may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloody bowel movements, constant urges for bowel movements, fever and chills.

Self Care

A mild case of colitis can be treated at home with clear fluids for a period of 24 hours, bed rest and Tylenol for pain.

Treatment of Infection

In cases where infection develops, depending upon the type of infection--viral or bacterial, as with Clostridium difficile--medical treatment may include an antibiotic regimen.

Medication

More severe cases of colitis, such as ulcerative colitis, will require medication to reduce inflammation. Faithful adherence to a medication regimen will control and prevent symptoms from reoccurring.

Surgery

Cases of colitis that have progressed to more severe forms of the disease will require surgical intervention to remove the affected area of the colon or the entire colon.

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Make A Moxa Stick

Moxibustion has deep roots in Chinese medicine.

Used in the art of moxibustion, moxa sticks are rolls of dried herbs designed to be burned over various acupressure points on the human body. Moxibustion is part of the traditional Chinese system of medicine and is older than acupuncture, which is the practice of using needles to stimulate acupressure points. Although moxa sticks can be made from a wide variety of herbs, the most commonly used ingredient is mugwort, a woolly and aromatic herb that grows around the world and is relatively convenient to obtain in herb stores.

Instructions

1. Remove the mugwort from its stems. Mugwort has a distinctive quality similar to cotton or wool, and the leaves stick to the stems of the plant. You must separate the leaf from the stem before rolling the moxi sticks. Roll the herb between your thumb and forefinger and let the loose herb collect on a sheet of paper or plate below.

2. Lay out a sheet of mulberry bark or a large cigarette paper. Mulberry bark can be purchased at Chinese herbs shops and online retailers that specialize in supplies for acupuncturists and practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine. Large rolling papers for hand-rolled cigarettes are available at smoke shops and through a wide variety of online vendors.

3. Place the loose herb in the middle of the mulberry bark sheet or large rolling paper. There should be about a one-inch-thick by one-inch-high line of loose herb down the middle of the rolling medium. Roll the herb back and forth between your fingers to pack it tightly before rolling up the herb into a tight stick. Lick the gummy sealant edge of the mulberry bark or cigarette rolling paper to seal it when you have it rolled up very tight and solid.

4. Burn the moxa stick at an acupoint or along a meridian (energy) line on the human body. Hold the stick about an inch away from the point that you want to stimulate. The heat from the burning moxa stick brings blood flow to the point and the herbs -- mugwort and mulberry -- each stimulate the point with their own medicinal powers.

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Improve Epilepsy

About 3 million people in the United States have epilepsy, according to the Epilepsy Foundation. Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes people to have seizures, which are abnormal electrical impulses in the brain that often result in uncontrolled muscle contractions. People can have seizures as a result of health problems, such as a head injury, but individuals who have two or more seizures are often diagnosed with epilepsy, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. It is possible for epilepsy patients to improve their condition by controlling their seizures.

Instructions

1. Go to a doctor for an electroencephalogram, a test that measures electrical activity in the brain. The test is used to find abnormalities in brain activity, which can signal epilepsy, according to the Mayo Clinic. Imaging tests, such as computed tomography or a magnetic resonance imaging scan, can be used to show if certain neurological problems, such as a brain tumor, are causing you to have seizures.

2. Take antiepileptic drugs prescribed by your doctor if you have been diagnosed with epilepsy. These medications often stop or reduce seizures. Doctors often prescribe one anti-epileptic medication, such as carbamazepine, clonazepam or phenobarbital, to control seizures. If one medication is ineffective, your physician may prescribe a combination of two or more drugs, according to the Mayo Clinic.

3. Get surgery if you continue to have seizures despite taking medications, unless the part of your brain that is involved in essential functions (such as language and memory) is responsible for your seizures. According to Epilepsy.com, during epilepsy surgery, your physician will either remove the portion of your brain that is causing seizures or sever connections between nerve pathways to prevent seizures from spreading to other parts of the brain.

4. Undergo vagus nerve stimulation therapy to reduce seizures. For this therapy, a device called a pulse generator, which sends signals to the brain, is surgically placed underneath your skin. Vagus nerve stimulation therapy can help treat symptoms that accompany seizures, such as depression.

5. Go on a ketogenic diet, eating more foods that are high in fat and fewer carbohydrates. When you are on this diet, your body uses fats instead of glucose to produce energy.

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Increase A Toddler'S Appetite

When a toddler doesn't want to eat, it is frustrating to parents. They want their child to be happy and healthy, and lack of appetite can cause a child to have slowed development. By being patient and diligent, parents can help picky or challenged eaters to get back to eating healthy meals daily.

Instructions

1. Start by keeping a journal of the items the toddler does enjoy eating over a couple days. Make notes on what time the toddler seems hungrier than others and the foods the toddler seems to enjoy more than others.

2. Have the toddler help select items at the grocery store that they enjoy eating to help them feel connected to the food they will eat. Make sure to continue offering the toddler three main meals daily along with 2-3 snacks during the day. Try not to pressure the child to eat. Instead, allow them to determine how much they would like to eat at meal times.

3. Integrate natural herbal items into the toddler's diet that will enhance their metabolism and aide in helping boost their appetite. Ginger, Borago officinalis and Emblica officinalis are herbs that can be found in local health food stores and can be added into a toddler's diet to increase healthy metabolism.