Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Treatment For Cellulite

Although there is no cure for cellulite, there are several treatments available for reducing its appearance. These treatments redistribute fat on the thighs, hips or buttocks, smoothing the skin and reducing dimples. Pair these treatments with diet and exercise, which reduces the amount of fat that can dimple against the skin. Exercise also strengthens muscles in problem area such as the thighs or buttocks, reducing the cellulite's appearance.


Endermologie


Endermologie, an FDA-approved massage device, temporarily reduces the appearance of cellulite. According to MedicineNet.com, Endermologie uses an electronic massaging device to suction, squeeze and pull on areas affected by cellulite, temporarily redistributing fat on the body. One Endermologie treatment lasts for around 30 to 45 minutes. Ten to 12 treatments are needed before results are visible.








TriActive LaserDermology


TriActive LaserDermology is another type of massage device used to treat cellulite. According to Shape magazine, TriActive LaserDermology uses lasers to heat the skin and break down fat underneath the skin, increasing circulation and reducing the appearance of cellulite. Results are visible within 10 to 15 sessions.








Radio Frequency Systems


Radio frequency systems can also reduce the appearance of cellulite. According to the Mayo Clinic, radio frequency systems massage the tissue affected by cellulite with diode laser energy, reducing cellulite. Radio frequency systems require biweekly treatments, and the results can last up to six months.

Tags: appearance cellulite, cellulite According, TriActive LaserDermology, affected cellulite, appearance cellulite According, frequency systems, massage device

Find Acupressure Points

Finding acupressure points on your body will help you to alleviate a multitude of symptoms and illnesses. After reading this how to, you will be able to locate acupressure points and begin working with your body to free up energy flows.


Instructions


Understanding Acupressure and Energy Meridians


1. Acupressure is an ancient healing technique that dates back to 300 BC. It is also known as reflexology.


2. Acupressure works with energy channels, or meridians, in your body. Acupressure points are located all over your body.


3. When a meridian is blocked, it is easy to find because the corresponding acupressure point will be painful.


4. Freeing up a meridian through acupressure releases toxins and waste.


5. Clear energy channels result in health and vigor.


Finding Acupressure Points


6. Get your reflexology body map.


7. Using your index finger, apply pressure to an acupressure point listed on the map.


8. You will be able to locate the acupressure point because there are little indentations or depressions where the point lies.


9. Acupressure points often are painful if the energy is blocked.


10. A blocked point will have an unusual throbbing or sensation when touched.


Applying Pressure and Treating a Blcoked Meridian


11. Apply pressure gently to the point with the tip of your finger. Less is more with blocked meridians.


12. Sometimes a slight massaging motion will release the point more effectively.


13. Hold for no longer than 30 seconds. Often the point will release before this time is up.


14. You will know when the point is released because there will be no more tension or throbbing.


15. If the point does not release immediately, go on to the next point. Chronic pain and old problems will not release with one treatment.


16. A cleared point is free of pain.

Tags: your body, acupressure point, point will, will release, able locate

Monday, December 30, 2013

What Are The Treatments For Tiredness During Chemo

Fatigue after chemotherapy is a common symptom that can vary in severity based on the type of cancer you have, as well as the type of chemotherapy being used to fight the cancer. According to the Mayo Clinic, the feeling of tiredness during chemotherapy can last anywhere from a few days to well after treatment has ended.








Stress


Stress can easily cause tiredness and exacerbate fatigue while receiving chemotherapy. Lower your stress by reducing the amount of responsibilities you have, if possible, or practice yoga and meditation to lower your stress levels.








Balanced Diet


A balanced diet of non-starchy vegetables, fruits, lean protein and grains can help reduce tiredness by providing your body with vitamin C, fiber and zinc. The Mayo Clinic suggests you ask your doctor if you should increase consumption of specific foods based on the type of cancer you have.


Exercise


Light physical activity can reduce fatigue, according to Dr. Timothy Moynihan, an oncologist at the Mayo Clinic. Focus on exercises that help move and open your limbs, as opposed to strenuous exercise that can worsen fatigue.


Prescription Medication


If your fatigue is caused by a low amount of red blood cells, your doctor will prescribe or inject medication to increase red blood cell production.


Warning


Side effects of taking red-blood-cell-boosting medication include an increased risk of developing heart or circulation problems, sudden weakness, shortness of breath and chest pain.

Tags: Mayo Clinic, based type, based type cancer, cancer have, type cancer, type cancer have

Alternate Learning Methods For Attention Deficit Disorder

Attention deficit disorder (ADD) is a condition that is associated with a short span of attention and is therefore also associated with learning difficulties. Many people who suffer from ADD fall through the educational cracks, lose out on vital learning experiences and have tremendous difficulties accomplishing learning endeavors despite their extremely high levels of intelligence. However, there are a number of learning methods that can vastly improve the learning endeavors of those who suffer from the condition.








Blended Learning


Individuals who suffer from ADD require a blended learning approach to be successful in all learning endeavors. Blended learning techniques involve the use of a variety of teaching methods, which are used in unison to educate the individual with ADD. This method of learning allows for the student with ADD to partake of traditional classroom education via lectures, but it also gives the student access to hands on activities as well. Sometimes, the use of a computer is added to blended teaching styles to allows the ADD student to use visual and kinesthetic (movement-based learning style) methods of learning. This style of learning is excellent because it diversifies the material and presents the material through games, videos, movies, lectures and exercises, thereby expanding the possibility of appealing to the student with ADD.


Discovery Learning








Discovery learning is a method where an ADD student can engage in the joy of self discovery; the learner is offered experiments, projects, creative endeavors and hands-on activities so that he can learn through the process of discovery. An example of discovery learning can be witnessed in a science classroom where the student is asked to create a project on how volcanoes work. The student is provided with a general guideline of criteria that must be met, but the project is given a creative and independent slant where the student can choose how the project is completed and what activities the project will involve. The student might create a working model of the volcano, a computer presentation, a poster or a video documentary. This form of learning allows the student to work at a self-defined paced with independence and encourages the student to want to learn more through discovery.


Spaced Learning


Spaced learning is a learning style that addresses the specific attention span of those with ADD. This method of learning gives the ADD student the opportunity to learn in small, timed intervals, and involves repeating the information again and again in different forms and in different ways. Usually, the teacher teaches a new subject three times in a row with 10 minute breaks during each activity, which will involve some physical activity or short game that is related to the material being learned. This type of learning allows the teacher to offer material in a variety of forms, both visually and kinesthetically, as well as in small increments.


Fun Learning


Making learning fun is one of the fastest methods for gaining the attention of a person with ADD. A person with ADD will be far more interested in what is being taught if the material is offered in an exciting and entertaining way. For example, if you want to help a child learn new material, the best way to do that is to make the learning a game. The computer can be used to offer visual games that can help the ADD student master numbers and new words via interactive websites that are student friendly. Alternatively, the teacher and the student can make up games related to the material. The only prerequisite is that the student enjoys what she is doing while learning. This will promote a willingness to learn, and it will also make the material easier to master.


Conform to the Student's Learning Style


Some students are visual learners, while other students learn more from verbal tasks and lectures. Other students learn better when there is movement involved in a task. ADD students will learn better and will be more appreciative of learning endeavors when the teacher uses methods that specifically cater to the student's learning preferences. If the student has reading retention difficulties, then lectures and visual presentations, verbal lesson plans, and testing will be a better match for the student's learning style. Meanwhile, if a student has difficulty sitting still long enough to really absorb verbally shared lessons, hands-on activities and projects involving motion should be offered to cater to the student's learning.

Tags: learning endeavors, allows student, learning allows, student learning, suffer from, where student

Sunday, December 29, 2013

Yoga Exercises To Improve Posture

According to the Southern California Orthopedic Institute, good posture is vital to keep the body properly aligned to prevent over-stressing the bones and muscles within the back. Improper posture can cause the disks within the vertebrae to compress, which can cause back pain as well as shortening your overall height. Yoga incorporates stretching exercises to keep the vertebrae flexible as well as to train your body to maintain proper posture.


Sitting Positioin - Sukhasana


This yoga exercise strengthens the muscles within the lower back as well as stretching the muscles and joints within the hip/groin region. By opening up the hips, you will relieve pressure from the impact joints within this area of the body. Because this exercise focuses on proper posture, it will train the back muscles to keep the spine in ideal alignment. To begin this exercise, sit on a pillow with your legs crossed. Your hips will be slightly elevated above your knees, which will allow those who are not very flexible to achieve the proper posture within this yoga move. Place your hands on your knees and straighten your spine. Visualize the vertebrae stacking on top of each other to create a straight line from the top of your neck down to your tailbone. As you push your buttocks into the pillow, lower your knees further toward the floor. Deeply inhale and exhale five times and on the sixth inhale raise both of your arms above your head and point your palms toward each other. This movement will further stretch the spine. As you exhale, slowly lower your arms back down and place your hands on your knees. Repeat this movement seven times.


Standing Position- Mountain Pose and Standing Yoga Seal (Dandayamana Yoga Mudrasana)


This yoga movement utilizes two different poses in order to fully stretch the spine and promote proper posture. The first of these movements is Mountain Pose, or Tadasana. To begin this pose, stand with your feet together and place your hands by your sides with your palms touching the outer thighs. Find your balance, lift your toes off of the ground and spread them apart before placing the toes back on the ground. As you tilt the pubic bone forward, slightly raise your chest forward to promote proper spine alignment; however, make sure you do not strain this movement. Lengthen the neck, gently raising the head as high as it can go. Breathe deeply for several seconds and then as you exhale raise your arms above your head so your fingers are pointing toward the ceiling. Hold this position for several seconds, making sure to keep breathing steady and deep.


As you lower your arms back down to your sides, spread the legs so the feet are at least three feet apart. As your inhale, gently bring your arms behind your back and interlace your fingers while bringing your shoulder blades close together and lifting the chest. Bring your eyes up toward the ceiling and breathe deeply for several seconds. As you exhale, keep the legs straight and hinge your upper body toward the floor, leading with your chest. Only bend as far as you comfortably can and with your fingers still interlaced, bring your arms forward to create a straight line from your neck to your hands. Hold this position for five breaths before gently lifting the upper body back into the standing position and releasing the hands to bring your arms back to your sides.

Tags: your arms, with your, proper posture, your hands, your knees, above your, arms back

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Yoga Exercises For Schizophrenia







Yoga is an ancient system of well-being that includes asanas (physical poses), pranayama (breathing exercises), meditation and ethical codes. Yoga classes in the United States and the rest of the Western world usually focus on asana. Yoga exercises can be combined with traditional therapy and medication to help people with schizophrenia. Regular group yoga classes are not recommended for patients with psychotic symptoms, but private yoga sessions with a qualified yoga instructor or yoga therapist can help alleviate symptoms and improve a schizophrenic patient's quality of life.


Research


A 2007 study published in the journal Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica tested the effects of yoga on schizophrenic patients for a period of four months. The study compared the group doing yoga to a control group of schizophrenic patients assigned to a regular physical-exercise regimen. Both groups showed improvement in functioning, but the yoga group showed more significant progress in their overall quality of life, as well as a reduction in schizophrenic symptoms.


Body Awareness


One of the most common benefits of regular yoga practice is increased body awareness. People who suffer from schizophrenia often have trouble distinguishing reality from fantasy, and tend to have distorted perceptions of their own bodies, which can contribute to depression and psychosomatic symptoms. For these reasons, yoga poses may help schizophrenic patients establish a stronger tie to reality.


Standing Poses


According to Ayurveda, sometimes considered a "sister science" to yoga, some schizophrenic symptoms correspond to an imbalance in vata dosha, one of three internal energies. Symptoms of vata imbalance include anxiety, insomnia, memory problems and a lack of focus. An article in Yoga Journal by Dr. Timothy McCall suggests that standing poses provide benefits for vata imbalances by helping "ground" the practitioner. However, though there is ample evidence for the benefits of yoga overall, there is little research to support the benefits of standing poses for schizophrenia compared to other types of poses.


Compression Poses








According to the website Schizophrenia.com, there is a correlation between thyroid disorders and schizophrenia, and psychotic symptoms may be reduced by treating hypothyroidism in schizophrenic patients. Stimulating the thyroid through yoga poses such as shoulder stand (sarvangasana), plough (halasana) and standing head to knee pose (dandayamana janusirasana) may help alleviate some symptoms.


Breathing Exercises


Yoga poses are correlated with the breath, and yoga encourages practitioners to breathe more consciously than they normally would. Deeper, longer breaths soothe the sympathetic nervous system, stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system. This action helps lower cortisol levels, decreases blood pressure and relaxes muscles. A 1999 article published in the International Journal of Psychophysiology confirms that schizophrenics tend to have abnormal parasympathetic functioning. Yoga poses and breathing exercises improve the body's parasympathetic responses and may help reduce stress in schizophrenic patients.

Tags: schizophrenic patients, breathing exercises, help alleviate, nervous system, Poses According, psychotic symptoms, quality life

Exercises That Help You Get A Bigger Butt & Hips

Although the importance of a strong lower body is undeniable, what most people want is a firm, toned and attractive backside. No matter what state of atrophy or development a body is in, the butt and hips can easily be improved with diligence and know-how.


Before Beginning


Before embarking on any new exercise regimen, it is important to first consult a physician. It is also important to remember that strength training alone will not deliver results in their fullest; for maximum impact, regular cardiovascular training must be paired with healthy diet choices. It also helps to have a basic understanding of the muscles you intend to train, instead of just general areas of the body. For instance, in order to increase the overall size of the butt and improve its shape you must engage multiple muscles, such as the gluteus minimus and gluteus maximus. Improving the shape of the hips also involves the glutes, combined with the iliacus and the psoas minor and psoas major. Each of these muscles contributes to the look and strength of the lower body.


Exercises for Butt Enhancement


The butt muscles are some of the largest and strongest in the body, so there are very specific methods of improvement to keep in mind. First, the butt is used to working hard, so make sure to focus on contracting the muscles during exercise, and to choose exercises that use the butt as a primary muscle and not just as a stabilizer. Second, only remember to stretch the entire lower half of the body thoroughly before beginning, and give the muscle group plenty of time to rest. Usually, 48 hours is plenty, which is perfect for the recommended three days a week of exercising these muscles. The five absolute best exercises for the butt, and the muscles that construct it, are lunges, squats, stiff-legged dead lifts, leg presses and cable glute extensions.


Workouts for Butt Enhancement


Sample workout 1:


Squats: 4 sets of 10 reps


Lunges: 3 sets of 10 reps


Cable Glute Extensions: 3 sets of 10 reps


Sample workout 2:


Squats: 4 sets of 10 reps


Leg Press: 3 sets of 10 reps








Cable Glute Extensions: 3 sets of 10 reps


Sample workout 3:


Squats: 4 sets of 10 reps








Lunges: 3 sets of 10 reps


Stiff-Legged Dead Lifts: 3 sets of 10


Exercises for Hip Enhancement


Often, when trying to develop butt muscles, the hips and thighs end up doing most of the work. However, these muscles need just as much attention. Results are usually seen quicker in this area, though, so don't worry. The muscles that create great looking hips and thighs are the quadriceps, the gluteals, the hamstrings, the adductors and the abductors. A few great exercises to target these muscles are the straight leg raise, the back kick, the side kick, standing knee raises, and an abduction exercise (such as abduction press).


Workouts for Hip Enhancement


Sample Workout 1:


Straight leg raise: 4 sets of 10 reps


Back Kick: 3 sets of 10 reps


Side Kick:3 sets of 10


Sample Workout 2:


Straight leg raise: 4 sets of 10 reps


Standing Knee Raises: 3 sets of 10 reps


Abduction Exercise: 3 sets of 15 reps


Sample Workout 3:


Standing Knee Raises: 3 sets of 10 reps


Back Kick: 3 sets of 10 reps


Side Kick 3 sets of 10 reps

Tags: sets reps, Kick sets, these muscles, butt muscles, Kick sets reps

Essential Oils For Dogs

Essential oils for dogs can be a natural and effective method to treating many of the common ailments that affect your canine. Essential oils can be used for many external and internal health problems, as well as having calming properties depending on the type of oil.


Uses


Essential oils for dogs have many uses in treatment and prevention of health problems. You can treat both internal and external irritations, as well as keep your dog safe from common irritants.


Infections


Bergamot and niaouli are both used for ear infections. Bergamot is used for yeast infections, while niaouli aids the treatment of allergies.


Pain Relief


Roman chamomile can be used for muscle pain. Ginger is used to aid in arthritis, sprains and motion sickness.


Skin








Carrot seed, cedarwood, chamomile and helichrysum are good for treating skin irritations. Peppermint, geranium and cedarwood can be used to repel fleas and ticks.


Caution


Make sure the essential oils for dogs you pick is 100 percent pure oil. Oils found in supermarkets are usually lower quality.

Tags: oils dogs, Essential oils, Essential oils dogs, health problems

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Lower Back Pain Vs Kidney Pain

When you experience lower back pain, it's normal to feel worried that you may be suffering from a kidney infection, but the two conditions are actually easier to tell apart than you might think. Kidney problems make themselves known in many ways that back problems don't. By checking for a few telltale signs, you can feel confident in knowing whether you need to be examined for a more serious condition.


Location


Your kidneys are located at the bottom of your back, along your sides and above the hips.


Back Pain


If you have a dull, aching pain that gets worse when you move around, it's probably back pain. This kind of pain usually gets better with a hot pack or a massage.


Pressure


If lightly pressing on the area where you feel the pain makes it worse, the pain may be coming from your kidneys. In this case, you'll want to get checked for a kidney infection.


Symptoms


If you are having a kidney problem, you're very likely to have other symptoms besides back pain. You could have a fever, chills, nausea or painful urination, or you might find blood in your urine.


Kidney Stones


There is no confusing a kidney stone with back pain. Kidney stone pain comes in waves and is very severe. It can be so bad that people have compared passing a kidney stone to childbirth. If your pain is a constant ache, it's probably not a kidney stone.

Tags: back pain, kidney infection, kidney stone

Cope With Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia is a nerve disorder that causes facial pain. It occurs when the trigeminal cranial nerve is irritated, interrupting sensory and motor functions, such as chewing. The pain is sharp, stabbing or burning and can last from seconds to hours. Simple things can initiate an attack, such as brushing teeth or eating. The ability to cope with trigeminal neuralgia depends on controlling pain many describe as "excruciating."








Instructions


1. Purchase a heat pack--the kind containing rice that can be tossed into your microwave and put to use at a moment's notice. This provides the patient with a terrific moist heat compress that many times can stop an attack in its tracks.


2. Relax in a whirlpool or warm swimming pool or just a warm bath. Although there are no scientific studies to back any assertion of benefit, it has been some patients' experience that warm water can loosen up nerves throughout the body, including the face.


3. Try nontraditional healing modalities such as acupuncture, chiropractic adjustment, hypnosis, meditation, massage or Reiki. Make sure the practitioners understand your disorder.


4. Find a compassionate counselor or support group that specializes in patients dealing with pain issues. Being able to talk about the pain and the toll it takes on one's life is in itself empowering. Plus there's always a new coping skill to be learned.


5. Discuss with your doctor the benefits versus risks of using prescription drugs, including anticonvulsants or antidepressants, which have been reported to provide some relief to some patients. If you have addiction issues, this may not be a safe route of pain relief for you.


6. Talk with your physician about procedures where steroids are injected directly into the trigeminal nerve cluster to provide longer-lasting pain relief. And ask your doctor about various surgeries, such as those that involve removal of certain nerves. These options should be considered as a last resort.

Tags: pain relief, some patients, with your, your doctor

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Relaxation Techniques To Help You Sleep

A sleepless night can make the following day a nightmare. According to the National Commission on Sleep Disorders, 20 to 30 million American have occasional sleep-related problems (reference 1). Chronic sleeplessness can cause relationship stress, memory problems, difficulties with performance at work and may contribute to certain chronic diseases (reference 2). Even nonprescription sleep aids have some side effects, so it's a good idea to try these natural relaxation techniques before popping a pill.


Set a Restful Scene


Remove all distractions from your bedroom. Block out street lights with extra curtains if needed. Don't take your laptop computer into bed with you. Avoid caffeine-containing foods and drinks after noon, watching out for hidden caffeine in foods like chocolate bars or coffee-flavored yogurt or ice cream. Adjust the temperature in your bedroom. Cooler is usually better than warmer for sleeping. Take a hot bath or, if the weather is hot, a cold shower. Getting some exercise during the day often improves sleep quality, but don't exercise within three to four hours of going to bed.


Try Progressive Muscle Relaxation


Arrange yourself in your most comfortable sleep position, and starting at your feet, tense an area of your body and then consciously release it. Work your way up your body until each limb and your torso have gone through one tense/relax cycle. Then picture each part of your body becoming very heavy, almost as if it is part of the bed. If you can still feel signs of muscle tension (fidgeting, tightness in your neck or shoulders), repeat the cycle again. This technique also works well for falling back to sleep if you wake and are restless in the middle of the night. You may need to practice this particular technique during the day for best results.


Visualize a Successful Day


If you are having trouble getting to sleep because you're anxious about the next day's activities, use your imagination to visualize the hardest parts of the day being the best parts of the day. For example, if you're worried about a meeting at work, picture the meeting going well. Engage all your senses. What are you doing? What are you saying? What are other people saying? What is the temperature in the room? Can you smell freshly brewed coffee?


Write Away Your Worries


Keep a journal near your bed for times when your mind is racing. Write down all your thoughts and worries as they come to you, without comment or judgment. If going to bed instantly reminds you of all the things you need to accomplish the next day, use the journal to write these things down so you won't be kept awake with the effort of remembering them.

Tags: your body, saying What, your bedroom

Why Health & Safety Are Important In The Workplace

Employees are the most important resources of an organization. An employer has legal responsibilities to ensure the health and safety of its employees and others on the work site. A safe and healthy workplace has low risks of injuries or damage to property and low incidents of illness, injury and disability in its workforce.


Management


Safety is everyone's responsibility. However, management is responsible for the formation and implementation of safety and training programs meant to keep employees safe and well. Employers need to know and understand the safety regulations that pertain to their industry and make sure that their work sites follow recommended guidelines.


Employees


Employees need to understand the procedures and policies of the organization and their responsibilities to themselves and their coworkers. When employees feel an organization is interested in their overall well-being, they are more motivated and have stronger feelings of loyalty to the organization.


Payback


Good health and safety practices can improve an organization's prominence with various stakeholders. The company's perception and standing with customers, the local community and employees can be enhanced by having positive safety and health policies and programs in place.


Safety and Wellness Programs


The American Institute for Preventive Medicine reports that health promotion and wellness programs have proven successful for many companies and employees. Such programs have resulted in reduced absenteeism, increased employee retention, reduced health care costs and employee satisfaction.


Lost Productivity


If a worker is injured on the job, it can cost the company in terms of lost manhours, increased insurance costs, workers' compensation premiums and legal costs. Absenteeism drops when employers take steps to implement effective safety and wellness programs.

Tags: health safety, programs have

What Are Healing Elixirs

Elixirs were originally believed to cure all ills or to give eternal life. Gemstone elixirs are still used for healing purposes today. They are very similar to tonics that are made from herbs and flowers. The vibrations believed to be in gemstones are used to heal the root of various illnesses in the body.


History


Originally, the term 'elixir' came from alchemists. Elixirs were not always in liquid form. Many of the earlier alchemist elixirs are described as powders. One of the first and most famous elixirs is the 'Elixir of Life'. It was believed to be in the possession of Alchemists and Kabbalists in Medieval Europe. Many tales and stories in history center around this belief. There are also some that believe the Elixir of Life is water since it is necessary for life to exist, and all organic matter is largely comprised of water.


Gems


Each gemstone has specific properties it can add to an elixir. They can be used singularly or mixed with other stones. The most common way of making an elixir from gemstones is to let them soak in distilled water in the sunlight for an hour or more. The stone is then removed and a preservative is added to the resulting elixir for storage. In the 13th and 14th century, finely crushed gemstones were mixed with water and taken internally in China and India. They were very expensive, and are not as common today. A few of the energy vibrations derived from stones include using citrine to amplify the mind and amethyst for curing just about any illness.


Dangers


It is dangerous to use stones for elixirs if they contain copper, lead, arsenic, aluminum, cadmium, mercury, barium, zinc or other substances that are poisonous. Stones such as amazonite, azurite, peacock ore and lapis lazuli contain copper. Emerald, garnet, iolite and labradorite all contain aluminum. Amber and quartz may contain toxic dust. Magnetite contains a large amount of iron, and galenite, vanadanite, and angelite all contain lead. All of these stones and others with similar substances in them can be toxic if taken internally. Most green and blue stones are going to be unsafe because they contain copper. Metallic-looking stones should also be avoided. Stones like cinnabar, which contain mercury, are even toxic to touch.


Use








Typically, a few drops of an elixir is used by putting it under the tongue. Drops of the elixir can also be added to beverages such as tea. However, elixirs are used in a variety of ways outside of being used internally. They can be rubbed into the pulse points on the body like a perfume, or sometimes they are rubbed into the chakra points. Chakras are believed to be energy centers located in the body in some Hindu religions. They are also used on the aura, or energy layers that surround the physical body. Elixirs are often added to bath water. They can also be sprayed in the home to change a room's energy. Elixirs are useful for watering and adding energy to plants, as well.


Method


Meditation is often used during both the use and making of elixirs. It is recommended that a calm emotional state be achieved because it is believed strong emotional states can affect the energy of the elixir, which affects its healing power. Clean water that has been distilled or boiled is also used for making elixirs. Once the elixir is done, the stones are removed with a spoon to avoid direct physical contact with either the stones or the water so that they don't absorb other energies. Alcohol or vinegar is used to preserve the elixir. The alcohol used must be at least 40 percent to be considered a preservative. The finished elixir is stored in a dark glass container to prevent it from degrading under light exposure.

Tags: contain copper, also used, Elixir Life, Elixirs were, making elixirs, mixed with

Consumer Education Projects

Consumer education can cover money, career, domestic issues and more.


Consumer education may cover many areas of life, but it is generally aimed at helping young people learn the skills required to make use of their resources and manage their lives successfully. Consumer education typically involves managing money and finances, but there are many other possible topics. Since the goal of consumer education is to equip learners with skills, projects are an excellent format for this subject, as students can act out the tasks they will perform later in life.


Managing a Budget


Domestic money management is one of the key skills a consumer education program can focus on. Projects can involve giving students a total amount of income. Students should add up their home expenses and figure out how much of the funds should be allocated to necessities, such as food. The project could also touch on choosing services for the home, such as energy and telephone suppliers, as well as obligatory costs, such as taxes.


Returning Faulty Goods


Consumer education covers the rights and responsibilities in being a productive consumer, and can therefore explore rights as a buyer. A project could involve creating a role-playing scenario in which a student is returning a faulty product, and perhaps having to discuss it with the retailer. A more extensive approach could include purchasing the product in the first place, with an overview of purchasing rights.


Handling Debt and Savings


Both debt and savings involve similar calculations with interest rates, and these topics can therefore be studied as part of a project. Students may be given an overview of a person's finances, including income, debts and savings. They could then work out how long the debts will take to pay off when a set amount is paid per month.


Travel and Transport


One of the major expenses today relates to travel and transport. Whether people use public transport or run a vehicle, there are typically a number of different costs involved, so this can make a productive project. Exploring how much students know about the various costs involved in running car may be particularly useful.


Product Information


Purchasing projects can include having students find out about products by looking at labeling and other product information such as standards. This area can cover Health and Safety as applied to domestic and other products, as well as household issues, such as having work carried out in the home by skilled tradesmen.


Working Rights








Young people often do not know about their rights as workers, which can put them in difficult situations. Projects can include simulating a situation in which an employee is being harassed, or not having her rights respected in some other way. Topics can include holiday and sick pay entitlement, as well as dismissal and disciplinary procedures.

Tags: Consumer education, consumer education, Consumer education cover, costs involved, education cover, know about, project could

Monday, December 23, 2013

Gallbladder Signs & Symptoms

The gallbladder is a small, functional organ responsible for the creation of bile in the body. It is very important to the proper functioning of our body systems, especially digestion. Unfortunately, the gallbladder can become infected, create painful gallstones or become cancerous. Here are some of the signs & symptoms of problems with your gallbladder:


Pain


Pain is the obvious first sign. The pain will be on the right side of the body, right under the rib cage.


Light Bowel Movements


If the gallbladder is dysfunctional, it will make your bowel movements light in color.


Gas


If the gallbladder is not working properly, it can create excess gas in the system. This includes burping, flatulence or trapped gas in the digestive tract.


Digestive Problems


A dysfunction gallbladder can cause the digestive system to have regulation problems, alternating between diarrhea and constipation.








Nausea








Nausea can happen if your gallbladder is not working properly.

Tags: gallbladder working, gallbladder working properly, working properly, your gallbladder

Who Invented The Toothbrush Holder

The toothbrush holder is found in nearly every home in America and rarely is given a second thought. Today, the toothbrush holder comes in many decorative designs, but they all serve the same purpose. Like so many day-to-day items, few people question where it came from, or which individual first thought of making it. Who was the first to build a toothbrush holder, and just when did he design it?


Time Frame








It is impossible to determine when the first toothbrush holder was actually constructed. What we can determine is when the first patent was filed. According to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the first patent for the toothbrush holder was filed for in December 1922. Another device called a Sterilizing Holder was filed for one year earlier in 1921.


History


Immanuel G. Speidel applied for a U.S. patent on a toothbrush holder on December 16, 1922. The patent was issued in July 1925. Little is known about Speidel, other than he was a graduate of the University of Buffalo Department of Dentistry, class of 1914. Records indicate that Buffalo was also Speidel's hometown. The title on patent number 1544694 was simply "Toothbrush holder".


Features


The drawings for the original design show the device was intended to hold four toothbrushes. Looking much like two side-by-side boxes approximately 2 inches square, the holder mounted on the wall and had two slots in each box. The heads of the toothbrushes were protected inside the boxes and were secured in place by clips. A series of small holes in the bottom of the boxes allowed for drainage as well as air circulation for drying.


Function


The holder was designed with a front cover ,which would enclose the compartments containing the toothbrush heads. In this way, the heads were protected from dust and other elements. The front panels would open when the person retrieved a toothbrush, then would be pulled back into place by a spring.


Benefits


Speidel's purpose in designing the toothbrush holder was twofold. The holder would provide a convenient storage compartment for toothbrushes, and would do so at a low cost. As a dentist, Speidel's second design concept was to allow the toothbrushes to be protected and remain as sanitary as possible. Today's designs seem only interested in convenience and appearance--Speidel was concerned with health issues as well.

Tags: toothbrush holder, December 1922, determine when, determine when first, first patent, patent toothbrush, patent toothbrush holder

Friday, December 20, 2013

Make Easy Shampoo

Keep preservatives out of your hair by making your own shampoo at home.


Whether your hair doesn't react well to bottled shampoos, or you simply want to know exactly what products you're putting on your hair, consider making your own shampoo at home. Your homemade shampoo won't lather up like those from the drugstore: This is because you won't be adding sudsing agents. It also won't be as thick as you're used to. It will be able to clean your hair just as well though. Sodium lauryl sulfate is the synthetic foaming agent that makes commercial shampoo lather, but it has been linked to skin allergies, dandruff and even hair loss.


Instructions


1. Make castile shampoo by mixing four ounces of castile soap flakes with one quart of water. Bring the water to a boil, then turn off the heat and pour the water over the castile flakes. Stir the mixture until the flakes are dissolved. Allow to cool and store in a plastic bottle.


2. Mix one cup of your regular shampoo with a quarter cup of olive oil, avocado oil or almond oil.


3. Make a dry shampoo for when you go camping or other times when you're not able to wash your hair. Combine one tablespoon of cornmeal with one tablespoon of powdered Orris root and one tablespoon of finely ground almonds. Apply this from your scalp to the ends of your hair and rub in with your finger tips. Brush mixture out of your hair.








4. Add essential oils to your shampoos, like calming lavender or invigorating citrus. Combine four to eight drops of the essential oil with a teaspoon of rubbing alcohol and stir into the shampoo.


5. Use herb-infused water in your shampoo instead of plain water. Add a half ounce of dried herbs to every quart of water, allowing the herbs to steep in the hot water for 20 minutes. Purchasing the herbs in bulk will save you money.

Tags: your hair, your shampoo, making your, making your shampoo, quart water, shampoo home, shampoo lather

Who Can Recalibrate A Portable Ultra Sound Machine

Portable ultrasound machines help medical professionals diagnose illnesses.


Observing the internal actions of the human body is an extremely useful way for medical professionals to diagnose a condition or illness. Portable ultrasound machines provide this internal view into the human body.


Identification








A portable ultrasound machine resembles a laptop computer, complete with a screen and control buttons. The ultrasonic pulses projected from the machine to the patient's body results in an image displayed on the screen, such as a picture of a growing human fetus.


Servicing


Typically, the dealer or manufacturer that sold the machine will recalibrate the device. Ohmic Instruments Company recommends a yearly calibration procedure for ensuring accurate images and data flow.








Considerations


Normally, the user can check the calibration accuracy of the portable ultrasound machine. Each manufacturer supplies an owner's manual with each machine. Follow the calibration check instructions to verify the accuracy of a machine. If the calibration value is out of specification, contact the manufacturer or an authorized dealer.

Tags: human body, medical professionals, medical professionals diagnose, Portable ultrasound, portable ultrasound machine, Portable ultrasound machines, professionals diagnose

How Many Calories Do I Burn Everyday

How Many Calories Do I Burn Everyday?








Even during your sleep, you burn calories. A calorie is the common name given to a unit of food energy that creates heat in your body. When you consume more calories than you burn, your weight will increase. Vigorous activity requires more energy, so you will burn calories quicker when you participate in physical exercise.


Function


Everything you do, even drawing a breath, takes energy. Your body is like a car--it requires fuel as food to run efficiently. However, unlike a car, you can overfill your body with food energy and when this happens; your body stores the extra fuel as fat reserves. By monitoring the number of calories you consume and how many you burn daily, you can alter your lifestyle to achieve your desired body weight.


Identification


How much you currently weigh contributes to the rate at which you burn calories. While there are more complicated equations, one easy method for determining how many calories you burn on a daily basis is called your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR). To calculate your BMR, multiply your current weight by 10. If you weigh 125 pounds, your BMR will be 1,250. However, your physical activity also plays a part.


Types


Your activity level indicates how many additional calories you burn. After you determine your BMR, multiply it by 20 percent if you are sedentary, by 37.5 percent if you are slightly active, by 40 percent if you are fairly active or multiply it by 50 percent if you are a very active person. This number tells you how many calories you burn on a daily basis. Now, multiply your BMR by 10 percent to allow for calorie burned during digestion and add the numbers together.


Features


The sum of these numbers is the amount of calories you burn every day. In the example, your BMR is 1,250 and you are slightly active, so you will multiply 1,250 by 40 percent and get 500. Then, multiply 1,250 by 10 percent for your digestive rate and you will get 125. Now, add the three numbers together and you arrive at 1,875. This is the approximate number of calories your body burns daily. You can use a handy online calculator to figure your BMR and calorie-burning rate (see Resources).


Considerations


This equation is only one of many methods of determining how many calories you burn daily. In addition, your body's rate at which it burns calories, increases with a higher percentage of muscle to fat ratio. Also, stress or an illness may alter your metabolic rate (see Resources).


Potential








Once you determine your BMR, you can adjust your weight by increasing or decreasing your activity levels and your caloric intake. One pound of fat is equal to 3,500 calories. Using the above example for a 125-pound woman, she will stay the same weight when she consumes 1,875 calories a day. However, she can lose 1 pound a week by consuming 500 fewer calories a day (3,500 calories, divided by 7) or by using a combination of eating fewer calories and increasing her activity level.

Tags: burn daily, calories burn, multiply percent, burn calories, calories burn daily

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Get Rid Of Low Blood Sugar Problems With Exercise And Diet

While most individuals focus on the potential hazards stemming from high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), there are just as many pitfalls awaiting individuals suffering from low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). According to information from the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of this condition include blurred vision, confusion, and even loss of consciousness of seizures. Fortunately, many cases of hypoglycemia can be dealt with through the use of both diet and exercise.








Instructions


Curbing Hypoglycemia Through Diet and Exercise


1. Normalize your intake of slow-digesting carbohydrates in order to keep your blood sugar stable throughout the day. This means consuming a roughly equal amount of carbs at each meal, along with restricting your intake of carbohydrates to only those items which are fairly low on the glycemic index (a scale that ranks carbs according to their impact on blood sugar). These items include vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.


2. Take rapid preventative measures if you notice that you are exhibiting the aforementioned signs of hypoglycemia, even if you are between meals. Quickly consume a piece or two of fruit to elevate your blood sugar and bring you out of the hypoglycemia danger zone as fast as possible.








3. Avoid foods that contain large amounts of added sugar, even supposed health food products like fresh fruit juices. Always check the label and look for sugars and sugar substitutes like corn syrup, dextrose, sucrose, and high fructose corn syrup. Avoiding these possible bullets is crucial to avoid hypoglycemia, because after rapid elevation in blood sugar (as caused by these types of food) there will be a resultant crash.


4. Perform high intensity exercise like sprinting or resistance training to prevent hypoglycemia while exercising. According to information from DiabetesInControl.com, if you notice symptoms of the condition coming on during a bout of training you should simply ramp up the difficulty of your workout for a bit until the symptoms begin to abate. Note, however, that you will need food immediately following the workout, as increasing your workload in this way will have a negative effect on blood sugar levels following cessation of training.

Tags: blood sugar, According information, According information from, blood sugar, corn syrup

Homemade Eye Salve

The under-eye area features some of the most delicate and easily abused skin on the face. It is dry with very few oil glands, which helps make it one of the first areas to show signs of aging. Homemade eye salves containing moisturizing and soothing ingredients can help this delicate area to look and feel its best.


Natural Ingredients for Eye Salves


Salves typically have a thicker consistency then the average lotion or cream, yet are not as sticky as a gel. One of the best ingredients for all natural salves is beeswax. Though beeswax is used in a wide variety of products, it has been used in beauty products for millennia. It is known for its moisture-attracting and trapping qualities, as well as its soothing abilities.


Olive oil is a source of natural antioxidants and is an effective non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging) moisturizer. It is used in facial products and as a carrier oil for plant essences in natural skin care. Olive oil absorbs into the skin and does not spoil easily.








Herbs like calendula, comfrey and lavender are well-known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Calendula and comfrey contain natural compounds like allantoin that soothe irritated skin. Lavender contains a stimulant that helps to rev up skin circulation. Its scent is also used for relaxation. Other soothing ingredients to use in skin treatments include licorice and chamomile.


Clanedula Salve


You can make a calendula salve by covering chopped dried calendula flowers with olive oil and letting it soak for two weeks. After straining the mixture through muslin cloth, add four parts melted beeswax to every ten parts of calendula oil and mix well. Add a few drops of benzoin oil as a natural preservative. Place into a covered container and allow to cool before capping. Keep tightly closed when not in use. Besides under the eye, the salve makes an effective balm for chapped lips.








Comfrey Salve


Comfrey salve is another simple salve to make that is good for a variety of uses. Take one ounce fresh or one half ounce dried each of comfrey leaves, lavender flowers and calendula flowers and add them to two cups of olive oil. Warm the oil mixture for about 30 minutes in a double boiler while stirring frequently. Let the mixture bubble at the edges, but not throughout. Strain the oil through a strainer; discard the flowers and set the oil aside. Melt one half cup of beeswax in the double boiler and add the oil. Stir and blend thoroughly, then pour into a sealable jar or tin. Keep tightly closed when not in use.

Tags: calendula flowers, closed when, double boiler, Keep tightly, Keep tightly closed

Practice Ocean Breath

Practice Ocean Breath


Wake up with the ocean breath found in yoga exercise. Also called "rib breathing,, this techniques circulates and oxygenates your blood. True to its name, a sound like an ocean breeze is uttered while performing this breathing exercise. Bring yourself into the present moment with these steps.








Instructions


1. Sit or stand with a straightened spine. Cross your arms across your chest, tucking your fingers under your armpit.


2. Stare straight ahead with a relaxed jaw and mouth, opening your windpipe. You can close your eyes if you prefer.


3. Pretend you're sipping through a straw and feel your ribs open as your breath fills your lungs. Do this for a count of ten.


4. Notice the tip of your nose while inhaling. This allows you to feel the sensation of your lungs filling up.








5. Exhale gently but firmly. Steadily breathe out through your nostrils until the exhale is finished.


6. Sense your breath passing across the roof of your mouth from the back of your throat. You'll hear a hissing sound, similar to that of water coming out of a hose. That's where the name of the ocean breath in yoga comes from.


7. Let your abdomen relax and allow your breathing to become normal again.

Tags: Ocean Breath, ocean breath, Practice Ocean, Practice Ocean Breath, your breath, your lungs

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Definition Of Leukotriene Synthesis

Leukotriene is one example of an eicosanoid. "Eicosanoids" is a collective term for prostaglandin and related compounds. They are referred to as the "local hormones" of the body. They have various roles in the regulation of the immune system.


Classification


Leukotrienes are classified into two types: cysteinyl and non-cysteinyl. Cysteinyl leukotrienes include C4, D4 and E4, while the non-cysteinyl leukotriene is B4.


Synthesis


The synthesis of leukotrienes follows a linear pathway initially catalyzed by the action of a specific enzyme, lipoxygenase. The arachidonic acid serves as the raw material and the leukocytes as the primary synthesizer.


Significance








Leukotrienes play an important role in the immune defense of the body. They mediate inflammation in atherosclerosis and aid in blood clotting.


Diseases


Diseases such as asthma and allergy are brought about by the overproduction of leukotrienes, particularly cysteinyl leukotrienes. On the other hand, the non-cysteinyl leukotriene B4 is likely to cause chronic inflammation.


Treatment


The asthma medication, Zyflo, works by inhibiting the synthesis of leukotriene. Medications like Singulair and Accolate interfere with leukotriene-receptor interactions.

Tags: body They, non-cysteinyl leukotriene

Ease Joint Pain Naturally

Joint pain can really get annoying. Sometimes it seems like there is no relief from the agonizing ache that creeps into your joints and sets up camp. Fortunately, I have some tried and true remedies for easing your joint pain...naturally!!!








Instructions








1. If you get joint pain after a workout, then a great remedy is to stretch after your workout for an extended amount of time. Focus on lengthening the hip muscles and make sure that you have adequate space for stretching, such as a mat or floor space. I also massage my hip joints as I stretch, which seems to help ease pain.


2. Alternating hot and cold also helps relieve chronic joint pain. Place a cold pack on the effected joint for about 15 minutes, then alternate it with a hot water bottle for 15 minutes. A few rounds of this will take your pain right away. The cold will reduce swelling, while he heat will ease pain.


3. Finally, giving your joints a good massage always helps with joint pain. Using massage oil, deeply massage the effected joint for about 20 minutes. You can follow this with a hot water bottle for added pain relief.

Tags: joint pain, about minutes, ease pain, effected joint, effected joint about, joint about, joint about minutes

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

When Is Herbology Used







Herbolism (herbology or herbalism) is a major component in all traditional medicine systems.


"Herbal medicine (herbology or herbalism) is a major component in all traditional medicine systems and a common element in Ayurvedic, homeopathic, naturopathic, traditional Chinese medicine and Native American Indian medicine," says Healthy You Naturally. Herbology, which is basically the study of natural herbs and their medicinal properties, has existed for centuries. Unlike herbalism, which is often identified as the actual "practice" of combining and using herbs for medicinal intervention, herbology is relatively education-based. A person interested in becoming an herbalist must first study herbology.


It is not uncommon for persons to pursue alternative means and methods for treatment or healing when faced with economic challenges and ambiguous health care options. Herbology is therefore used to provide medical alternatives as an alternative treatment for various diseases, ailments and conditions.


History


The Egyptians studied herbs and used them in medicinal and religious functions as far back as 3500 B.C. The Chinese began the organized study of herbs in 2500 B.C. Written records in China have survived enumerating the uses of herbs that date from 100 B.C.," informs Plant Care. In addition to food preparation, natural spices and herbs have been a major medical staple as well. Common herbs such as basil, thyme, peppermint, rosemary and mint are a few of the many medicinal herbs used in herbology, when natural health care practices are sought.


Pros and Cons


According to the Article Doctor, "the advantages of herbal medicine are that they can treat the diseases where chemicals and other drugs have failed." Another advantage is its history. The use of herbal medicine can be historically traced to both Native American and Egyptian practices. However, [as of 2010] herbal medicine (herbology) is not yet government-certified as an exclusive cure for disease. Because of a lack of regulation, herbology remains lacking in quality control; thereby making it difficult to track long-term results.


"Various ingredients go into the preparation of herbal medicine. One has to be sure that none of the ingredients would cause allergic reactions. Many herbal remedies have negative side effects. Most of these side effects take months to appear," informs AD. Another potential disadvantage for herbal medicine (herbology) is the timeliness of its effect, as all herbal medicine "takes some time to act."


Bottom Line


Herbology is customarily used as an alternative to biomedicine or synthetic medicine. It is also pursued as a course requirement and prerequisite for those desiring to be certified and practicing herbalists or for personal use or education. According to Breyer State University, who offers herbology courses, " you can use herbs to care for your own health, your family's health, or start an herb consulting health career of your own, earning a living as an herbalist."

Tags: herbal medicine, medicine herbology, component traditional, component traditional medicine, health care

Mole Remover Cream

Mole Remover Cream


Mole removal creams are generally sold over the counter and contain active ingredients that can dissolve moles in just a few weeks. However, the safety and effectiveness of these creams has been hotly contested in the medical community.


Identification


Most mole removal creams are plant-based, with most being made from unknown, less potent plant varieties. However, some, such as Dermatend, are made with the sap of a bloodroot plant and are fairly potent.


Considerations


It is important to ensure that your mole is benign before applying mole removal cream to treat it. If it has ragged edges or changes in color, or you are simply unsure if it is cancerous or not, see a doctor before pursuing over-the-counter removal methods.


Process


The cream must be applied directly onto the mole for the best chance of removal success. Even applying it slightly off or around the mole means the mole may dissolve, but could grow back even bigger.


Warning


Mole remover creams can irritate the skin around the mole, so take great care to apply only as much cream as needed and only directly on the mole, not around it.


Benefits


The benefits of using a mole remover cream are that there is no surgical treatment needed, little chance of scarring and an average success rate of 95 percent for most moles.

Tags: around mole, Mole Remover, Mole Remover Cream, removal creams, Remover Cream

The Effects Of Two Glasses Of Wine A Day

Drinking in moderation may be beneficial to your health.


Cultures have long promoted the consumption of wine as beneficial to the health. Greeks, Italians and French drink wine daily, and these cultures have the longest life spans in Europe. Recently, researchers have debated the benefits of moderate drinking, and whether the health benefits outweigh the risks involved with alcohol.


Recommendations








The American Heart Association recommends drinking in moderation, meaning on average one or two drinks per day that consist of no more than four oz. of wine per serving. The AHA warns that drinking more than two glasses of wine per day can increase health risks such as addiction to alcohol, high blood pressure, obesity, stroke and accidents. Men may benefit from one or two servings of wine, while women should only consume one serving, according to the Yale-New Haven Hospital.


Red Wine


Red wine contains flavonoids.


Red wine contains anti-oxidants called flavonoids that may provide health benefits for the heart and blood vessels, says Healthassist.net. The natural chemical compound flavonoid is higher in red wine than in white wine, making red wine more heart-healthy than white wine. The anti-oxidants in red wine may help to prevent heart disease because they increase the body's "good" cholesterol and may protect against artery damage, according to the Mayoclinic.com.


Flavonoids


Flavonoids are found in the skin and seeds of grapes.


The anti-oxidant flavonoid found in the skin and seeds of red grapes may present a number of health benefits. According to the Yale-New Haven Hospital, flavonoids may decrease the risk of heart disease in three ways: reducing the production of "bad" cholesterol or low density lipoprotein, boosting "good" cholesterol or high density lipoprotein, and reducing blood clotting. The site also suggests that drinking two glasses of wine to accompany a meal may influence lipid or cholesterol profiles.


Weight Loss


Women who drink a glass or two glasses of wine a day may gain less weight than women who consume soft drinks, says the NY Daily News article, "A glass of wine may keep women from gaining weight, study says," published on March 9, 2010. Scientists suggest that women who drink regularly break down calories from alcohol into extra heat, not fat.


French Paradox


Drinking wine may also change the way you eat. The theory of the "French Paradox" suggests that despite the French population's high intake of saturated fats from pork, butter and cheese, they had fewer cases of heart attacks and strokes than people in the U.S. Articles suggest that there may be a correlation to wine consumption. However, wine drinkers tend to eat less processed foods, more vegetables and eat slower.

Tags: glasses wine, health benefits, density lipoprotein, found skin, found skin seeds

Monday, December 16, 2013

What Triggers Childbirth

Many hormonal processes influence when labor begins.


To the dismay of women suffering through the aches and pains of the last month of pregnancy, many aspects of labor remain mysterious. Doctors don't understand exactly what causes labor to begin--or predict when labor will start. However, while science can't completely explain the complicated process of childbirth, research has identified a number of different factors that appear to play a role in triggering labor.


Infections


Viral and bacterial infections play a significant role in triggering labor in preterm--before 37 weeks--births, according to a 2007 survey of research on infectious causes of premature labor in "Seminars In Reproductive Medicine." The number one infectious cause of preterm births is bacterial infection in the uterus. The earlier a premature birth occurs, the higher the likelihood of bacterial infection in the amniotic fluid. Infections in the mother--such as pneumonia, malaria and periodontal disease--also increase the risk of premature delivery. The presence of viruses such as CMV, Epstein-Barr, herpes simplex and parvovirus B19 in the amniotic fluid increase the risk of negative pregnancy outcomes including premature labor and preterm rupture of membranes.


Placental Triggers


Levels of placental corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) increase significantly in a mother's blood before birth. A 2009 study in the "Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism" hypothesized that rising levels of placental CRH trigger labor by increasing the ratio of estriol, a form of estrogen, to progesterone. Their findings that placental CRH levels were significantly higher at 26 weeks in mothers who had preterm deliveries support the role of this placental hormone in starting labor.


Maternal Triggers


Throughout most of a pregnancy, progesterone plays a critical role in preventing uterine activity. As the time for childbirth nears, maternal progesterone receptors become less sensitive to progesterone, which lowers the amount of circulating progesterone and allows the uterus to begin contracting. Maternal behaviors can also trigger labor. A 2005 study in "ACTA Obstetricia et Gynecologica" found that mothers who smoke face an increased risk of very early preterm births. The more they smoked, the greater their risk of giving birth prematurely.


Fetal Triggers


As a fetus's lungs mature, they produce "surfactant," a substance lining the lungs that helps people breathe. A 2004 study on mice in the "Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences" found that as the lungs of fetal mice reached maturity--indicating a readiness to breathe air--they secreted an increasing amount of surfactant protein into the uterus, which helped stimulate the hormonal chain involved in labor. A fetus's adrenal gland may also help trigger labor by increasing the amount of cortisol it produces. Higher levels of cortisol help mature a baby's lungs and stimulate the production of substances, such as prostaglandins, involved in labor.

Tags: trigger labor, amniotic fluid, bacterial infection, found that, increase risk

Chinese Finger Foods







Dim Sum Plate


Finger foods are widely available in China and vary depending greatly upon your location. The most famous finger foods, however, come from Southern Chinese custom dim sum. While dim sum is traditionally served in the late mornings before noon, more and more dim sum foods are finding their way in contemporary Chinese cuisine as stand-alone snacks served at parties or office meetings or as a dinner alternative.


Steamed Snacks


The steamed foods that are traditionally found on a dim sum menu include char siu bao, har gao and siu mai. Char siu bao or steamed pork buns are leaved bread with a semi-sweet barbecue pork meat filling. Har gao are dumplings with a shrimp filling. The har gao dumpling wrapper is traditionally made with wheat and tapioca or sweet potato flour and boiling water, which, when steamed, correctly makes it translucent. Siu mai are open-faced steamed dumplings made with either a pork or shrimp filling topped with vegetable.


Fried Snacks








Fried foods do not make up as large a percentage of dim sum as steamed foods. However, there are several that are usually found on a dim sum menu, including fried spring rolls and fried squid. Deep-fried spring rolls are similar to the egg roll found in many Chinese-American restaurants with a single vegetable or combination of vegetables wrapped in a flour skin that is then deep-fried. Fried squid is much like the popular American pub snack, fried calamari, except that it is not breaded or battered and is generally served either in a sauce or served with a separate sauce or mix on the side.


Sweets


Dim sum also includes a wide range of sweets that are traditionally found on the menu. Some of the more well-known sweets include egg tarts, tang yuan and mango pudding. Egg tarts are bite-sized egg custard pies served in a flaky crust pastry. Egg tarts that combine green tea, chocolate or fruits with the egg custard are also very popular. Tang yuan are small round-shaped snacks of glutinous flour with either a sesame and sugar, peanut and sugar or red bean and sugar filling. In addition to being a mainstay on a dim sum menu, tang yuan are traditionally eaten on the last day of the Chinese lunar new year celebrations. Mango pudding combines evaporated milk, sugar, mangoes and a gelatin that is then chilled and served with fresh mango or other fruit on the side.

Tags: found menu, made with, served with, shrimp filling, spring rolls

Friday, December 13, 2013

Christian Counseling For Eating Disorders

According to the National Eating Disorders Association, nearly 11 million people in the United States alone suffer from eating disorders. Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia are behaviors that not only harm the sufferers' bodies and mental health but also impact the lives of those who love them. For those seeking Christian counsel for their loved one, it's important to find a counselor who will not only address the spiritual needs of the one with the eating disorder but will also address the physical needs.


Definition


Christian counseling usually refers to a counseling method that integrates psychological methods with Christian standards of behavior and the use of prayer as a form of therapy. A Christian counselor might counsel someone struggling with an eating disorder to say a certain prayer when he is tempted to binge or purge while at the same time implement a secular method of behavior modification. The main difference between the Christian counselor and her secular counterpart is the addition of Christian behaviors such as Bible reading and prayer.


Misconceptions


When looking for Christian counseling for eating disorders, know that the term Christian counseling is not to be confused with another form of Christian counseling known as Nouthetic or Biblical Counseling.


Nouthetic Counseling is a term based on the Greek noun, nouthesia (meaning to admonish, correct, or instruct) and was coined by Jay Adams, founder of The Institute of Nouthetic Studies.


According to The Institute for Nouthetic Studies, Christians who support Biblical Counseling hold to the belief that scripture is sufficient for all human struggles and reject the integration of psychology with the Bible. A Biblical Counselor would use the Bible to identify and address the heart or root needs of the individual with an eating disorder and will likely recommend medical care for the physical needs. The Christian doctrine of salvation is essential to the Biblical Counselor as he believes that only a relationship with Christ and adherence to God's Word can change a person from the inside out for a permanent effect.








What to Look For


When looking for a Christian counselor specializing in eating disorders, make a check list of those qualifications that are important to you. While a license is not required of a Christian counselor, adherence to a professional code of ethics is. Be sure to ask prospective counselors about their codes of ethics.


Also consider the counselor's history of working with those with eating disorders and make sure the counselor has daily access to a nutritionist and a physician.








If searching for an organization that offers a special live-in program for patients with eating disorders, be sure to ask for case studies of patients who have been helped by the program. Ask to look at a daily schedule for those who are enrolled in the program and be sure to visit the facilities personally. Again, a doctor and a nutritionist should be available at all times.


Where To Find


When looking for help for eating disorders, you have two choices. You can opt for one-on-one counsel in a church or office setting, or you can opt for a special program conducted in live-in facilities. If in the early stages of the disorder, you may want to go with one-on-one counsel and then move on to a special program if the behavior persists. Each patient is different and may respond to different types of approaches.


If going the one-on-one route, keep in mind that pastors and church staff are often licensed through agencies and have special relationships with them. To find one-on-one counselors through their respective agencies, you can check two main sites. The American Association of Christian Counselors site offers a search feature allowing you to look within your zip code range for a Christian counselor in your area. The National Association of Nouthetic Counselors or NANC also has a search feature if you're looking for a Biblical counselor in your area.


Costs Involved


One of the advantages of one-on-one counsel through a church is the low cost involved. Seen as a church outreach or ministry, often counseling is free.


If you choose to go through a Christian clinic, you can expect rates to be around $80 an hour.


The costs of a live-in-program will be high enough to cover daily living expenses and food for the individual as well as the costs to keep the facilities in operation. Keep in mind that the lasting benefits of a live-in program often far outweigh the cost.

Tags: Christian counselor, with eating, Christian counseling, eating disorder, eating disorders, one-on-one counsel

Organize A Community Watch Program

A well-run community watch program in your neighborhood can be far more effective than any police force in both stopping crime and maintaining privacy. Uniting a community under a common goal can turn neighbors into friends, making the area warmer and safer for everyone. Such a coalition can, however, test the line between healthy vigilance and improper suspicion of neighbors to the point of disregarding a sense of privacy. If you're concerned, organize a neighborhood watch program that protects the neighborhood without encroaching on anyone's privacy.


Instructions








Organize a Community Watch Program


1. Visit the official Neighborhood Watch website (see Resources) to get ideas for organize your own neighborhood's program.


2. Contact local law enforcement to register your community watch program and to set a meeting with a police or sheriff representative.


3. Discuss the concerns specific to your community at your meetings. Select an overall coordinator (and several neighborhood-specific chairs, if applicable) and establish a phone tree, along with a plan of action in case of incident.


4. Remain tenacious. Hold regular meetings and maintain training, focusing on new recruitment whenever possible.


5. Invite your neighbors to a meeting about crime problems and see if there is sufficient interest in organizing a watch.








Maintain Privacy in Your Neighborhood With a Community Watch Program


6. Make your goals of both safety and privacy known as soon as possible. Bring them up in local meetings and discuss them with the police liaison. A community watch program itself can turn into a type of privacy violation. Identify boundaries in clear terms, and explain exactly what you feel would be a violation of your privacy, thereby avoiding misunderstanding.


7. Put forth a concerted effort to incorporate privacy maintenance into your training. Learn to identify and confront suspicious people and behavior.


8. Inform neighbors if you are going to host a party or event so good-natured suspicion does not lead to a visit from the police.

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Determine Cause Of Secondary Hypertension

Hypertension (also called high blood pressure) affects many people in the world today. Hypertension occurs when your blood pressure is constantly elevated at 140/90 mm Hg or higher. There are two types of hypertension (essential and secondary). Essential hypertension is when there is no known cause for your elevated blood pressure. Secondary hypertension is when there is an identifiable reason for your high blood pressure (such as a medical complication, disease or drugs. Luckily, this illness is treatable, but you must first determine the cause of secondary hypertension.


Instructions


1. Schedule an appointment with your medical doctor or healthcare provider. In order to determine the cause of secondary hypertension, your doctor must give you an evaluation and certain tests in order to pinpoint the exact reason for secondary hypertension. Some of the common causes for secondary hypertension include diabetes, kidney disease, sleep apnea, drugs or alcohol, MAOIs, certain birth control methods, cancer and hypothyroidism.


2. Meet with your doctor and talk to him about your hypertension. Your doctor begins by asking you about your symptoms, current medications you’re taking and lifestyle behavior (such as tobacco and alcohol consumption). He also gives you a medical evaluation and physical examination. Be sure to ask your doctor questions and let him know if you have any concerns about the testing procedures.








3. Complete the required laboratory tests. Your doctor must confirm whether or not you have any signs of complications to your kidneys, heart, eyes and other organs in your body. Therefore, she gives you one or more of the following tests in order to better understand your current health status: urinalysis, complete blood count, blood chemistry profile (such as potassium, sodium and glucose levels), lipid profile (cholesterol levels), electrocardiogram and x-rays of the kidneys.


4. Wait for your test results. You should have your test results within a week and your doctor, healthcare provider or a nurse, contacts you when your results are back from the laboratory.








5. Return to the doctor’s office and discuss the test results with him. Your doctor informs you of the results and lets you know the specific reason for your secondary hypertension. He discusses treatment options with you and informs you of what you should do next.

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Thursday, December 12, 2013

Body Cleansing Crystals

Body Cleansing Crystals


Using crystals in conjunction with holistic practices can aid the body in healing. There are body-cleansing crystals that correlate specifically to parts of the body and certain physical and emotional conditions. Cleansing crystals are most often used in healing the chakras, which are the energy pathways of the body.


Benefits


Using crystals to cleanse and heal the body can clear physical and emotional pain from the body. Cleansing crystals balance the energies in the body, allowing for the release of negative and painful energy.


Quartz Crystal


Quartz crystal is one of the most popular body-cleansing crystals. Quartz naturally amplifies all healing energies, such as Reiki healing, chakra healing, meditation or other healing methods.


Flourite Crystal


The purple-and-green crystal flourite corresponds to the brow chakra or third eye chakra. Flourite balances and cleanses the body while allowing for spiritual truth to be bestowed upon the recipient.


Heart Chakra Crystals


When cleansing the heart chakra, the crystals pink calcite and green aventurine can be used for healing and balancing. Pink calcite allows love of others while green Aventurine allows love of self.


Chrysocolla


The crystal chrysocolla is often used on the throat chakra. It aids in communication of feelings and thoughts while balancing the body. Chrysocolla is a brilliant shade of turquoise or blue green.

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Herbal Healing For Leg Swelling

Swollen legs are caused by excess fluid in the legs and can be a symptom of various conditions, such as varicose veins, hormonal imbalances, vitamin deficiencies or kidney disease. Receiving a specific diagnosis concerning swollen legs is ideal, but many herbal treatments can bring relief over time.


Slippery Elm Salve


Make a salve paste out of slippery elm to relieve swollen legs caused by an injury. Slippery elm has natural healing agents that can ease swelling and inflammation. Take 1 tsp. of powdered slippery elm and mix with just enough water to form a thick paste. Apply paste to a clean cloth. Fold the cloth over the paste and apply to the affected area. To avoid snagging hair, apply a thin layer of olive oil to the side of the cloth touching the skin.


Diuretics


Swollen legs can be caused by edema, the swelling of soft tissues from an accumulation of watery blood cells. Diuretics will ease leg swelling caused by edema by ridding the body of excess water. Take dandelion herb tea as a diuretic for its abundant potassium. Diuretics flush potassium out of the body, so taking dandelion will flush your system as well as supplying necessary potassium. Brew 2 tbsp. dandelion herb in 1 cup water. Take 300 mg stinging nettle extract as a diuretic for the same results.


Horse Chestnut


Try horse chestnut as an experimental treatment to decrease leg size, leg pain, swelling and itchiness. Horse chestnut makes blood vessels more elastic and eases the pain of swollen legs. Take 300 mg of horse chestnut capsules every 12 hours for up to 12 days. Do not take these supplements if you have nut allergies or if the horse chestnut is unprocessed.


Gotu Kola








Gotu kola stabilizes the tissues that surround leg veins, bringing more oxygen to the veins. Take gotu kola to increase leg circulation, reduce swelling and ease pain. Take 60 to 120 mgs of gotu kola liposome tablets or capsules daily.

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