What Are Charcoal Caps

Charcoal caps can help prevent gas and bloating after a large meal.

Charcoal caps are capsules containing activated charcoal, a fine-grained black dust that is made from charred woods or other natural materials like coal and peat. Charcoal capsules contain processed or activated charcoal that is highly absorbent and able to soak up certain substances. This prevents them from being absorbed by the human gastrointestinal tract. As well as being available in capsules, activated charcoal can also be purchased in coated tablet, liquid or granule form.

History

For thousands of years, charcoal has been used for its medicinal properties. As long ago as 1500 BC, it was used in ancient Egypt to suppress odor from festering wounds. Hindu archives catalogue charcoal being used as a water purifier, and in 400 BC it was prescribed by Hippocrates as a treatment for epilepsy, anthrax and chlorosis. Charcoal's ability to absorb gases was discovered in 1773.

Everyday Uses

Under everyday circumstances, charcoal caps have several uses, and are commonly used as a remedy to reduce flatulence and the build up of intestinal gas. It is also taken for other ailments associated with eating, such as heartburn, diarrhea and constipation. However, prolonged use of charcoal caps for diarrhea should be avoided according to Drugs.com. When taken three times daily, over a period of several weeks, charcoal has also been found to be efficient in lowering "bad" LDL cholesterol and increasing "good" HDL levels.

Emergency Usage

Charcoal caps are routinely used as a treatment after the ingestion of toxic substances, due to its ability to prevent the absorption of harmful substances in the gastrointestinal tract. However, the dosage required in cases of acute poisoning is far more than contained in standard charcoal caps, and if you suspect accidental poisoning or that someone may have taken a drug overdose, call emergency medical assistance immediately.

Studies

A 1981 study published by the American Journal of Gastroenterology found that charcoal is effective in treating flatulence and excessive gas caused by a gas-producing meal. However, a small study conducted by Current Opinion in Pediatrics in 2007, found there was no difference in morbidity rates or length of hospital stay when charcoal was used in treating acute poisoning.

Tags: activated charcoal, acute poisoning, charcoal also, Charcoal caps, gastrointestinal tract

Homemade Comfrey Salve

Comfrey has been used for centuries to promote the healing of wounds, either in a salve form or by simply chewing up the leaves and applying it to the wounded area. Although simple to make, homemade comfrey salve does take about two weeks so if you need a quicker remedy, you may want to consider an alternative.

Infusing the Oil

Fill a canning jar full of comfrey leaves and then pour pure olive oil over the leaves. You'll need to let this sit for about two weeks in a warm spot such as a windowsill or on your stove. If the oil isn't infused long enough, it's just oil so give it time.

Making the Salve

The most basic homemade comfrey salve is made by slowly melting 2 to 3 oz. of plain beeswax in a double boiler, and then stirring in the infused oil a little bit at a time. Continue to add infused oil or beeswax until the mixture reaches the desired consistency.

Storing the Salve

Pour the salve into small glass jars and seal them tightly. Keep them in a cool, dark place such as a cabinet or first-aid kit to use as needed.

Tags: about weeks, homemade comfrey

Reading Aids For Blind People

One can find a number of reading aids for the blind and visually impaired. Reading aids are often mechanical devices in some form, such as Braille, or audiocassettes or discs. The sources to obtain such materials can also be described as reading aids for the blind. Finally, sometimes a blind person can acquire a human "reader" to assist her.

Braille

The most traditional reading aid for the blind is Braille. Braille is a system that equates printed matter into a language of raised symbols corresponding to the printed alphabet of the blind person's native language. Blind people can use Braille to read books by feel, and they can write in Braille using a special stylus and punchboard. Although Braille is a useful reading aid for the blind, it is often difficult to manage for intensive reading, such as a college textbook.

Cassette/Audio Books

Another reading aid available to the blind is the increasingly large selection of books on audiocassette tape. For some applications, hearing the book out loud is a more efficient way to learn. For heavy-duty reading, this audio approach is more suitable than Braille.

National Library Service Book Machine Products

The National Library Service offers a variety of recorded materials for the blind, plus a free fact sheet on where to obtain cassette players and player-recorders for those materials.

Regional Libraries for the Blind

In some areas, regional libraries for the blind offer reading aid. In Missouri, for example, a regional library for the blind in St. Louis provides reading material on cassette tape or recorded disc. Local pograms for the blind and visually impaired, and local schools for the blind, have information on what programs are available in their areas.

Human Readers

Sometimes, the local authority or organization that deals with services to the blind makes human readers available, at no cost to the blind person or her family. For example, the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind does this for blind college students. The readers are often recruited among classmates by the commission or the student. The commission pays the reader an hourly fee. The sighted reader reads assigned readings out loud. Because they are enrolled in the same or similar classes, the blind student can ask the reader questions about the material.

Tags: blind person, aids blind, blind visually, blind visually impaired, Library Service, National Library, National Library Service

Drinking Prune Juice To Cleanse The Colon

We've been hearing a lot about the colon lately, namely its need to be cleansed. And one of the most common beliefs is that a particular juice can do wonders to rid the body of waste. Yes, we're talking about the juice of a prune. But, how much is actually needed to cleanse the colon? And is it just an old wives' tale?

Significance

The amount of prune juice to drink to cleanse the colon really depends on a couple of key factors. The first involves the basic state of your colon. A person who is constipated will generally require a bit more prune juice to get those bowels moving than someone who is regular. The second relates to the purpose of the "cleanse" (and pretty much goes hand in hand with the first). If the function behind the "cleanse" is to detoxify your system, you may want to subscribe to a certain course of cleansing. Most of these will have a set schedule, so to speak, of what you should ingest and when you should ingest it. Some actually recommend that you avoid fruit juices entirely, including prune juice, so it really depends on the option you choose.

Features

If you're looking to cleanse your colon for the purposes of constipation, you may want to consider drinking 8 ounces of prune juice prior to breakfast and another 8 ounces in the early evening, probably some time after supper. Many people believe that the second glass should be consumed 12 hours after the first. But, it's entirely up to you. This will usually relieve constipation in a couple of days. Once you've found yourself to be "regular," you should cut the second glass completely, and only drink an 8 ounce glass of prune juice in the morning. From there, cut that glass in half and only drink 4 ounces at breakfast.

Function

That being said, prolonged use of prune juice as a means to "keep yourself regular" isn't necessarily all that healthy. Due to the laxative nature of this liquid, your body may acquire a dependency to it, meaning you'll begin to need it to keep your bowels moving. Eating sensibly and drinking lots of water is really the best approach to colon health. Simply add more fruits, vegetables, nuts and whole-grains to introduce more fiber (both soluble and insoluble) into your diet to promote regularity. It's sort of like a daily colon cleanse, just without the regiment. Plus, it's healthy for the entire body.

Considerations

If you're trying to do an actual colon cleanse, prune juice isn't enough to rid this organ of toxins and waste. It takes more than just that. Before deciding to do a specific cleansing, you should really consult a doctor or dietitian. While colon cleansing may be an alternative approach to health and wellbeing, a medical professional will be able to guide you to the best option of treatment. When you're dealing with your diet, you really need to talk to someone who has studied the body medically or medicinally. It isn't enough to base your food choices on unfounded theories and fads or those people who subscribe to unfounded theories and fads.

Warning

Many medical professionals believe that colon cleansing is unnecessary, and could actually do more harm than good. The reasoning behind this is that our body knows what it's doing. It's basically a machine that, when fueled properly (i.e. a healthy diet), works efficiently. To monkey with the colon is just playing with our natural internal balance. We may end up causing a dependency, damage its efficiency, disrupt its relationship to other organs. Again, you should always consult a physician before starting any sort of "cleanse."

Tags: prune juice, believe that, bowels moving, cleanse colon, colon cleanse, colon cleansing

Disability Benefits For Children

It has been a common misconception for decades that there is no immediate disability program for disabled children. The Social Security Administration has two programs that provide benefits to children who are disabled. As with all disability benefits, payments made to a disabled child will vary based on a number of factors.

Programs

The two disability programs available for disabled children are Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

Income

The Social Security Administration pays benefits to disabled children whose families have little income. Limits vary by state.

Payments

Payments are made to the child monthly and continue as long as the child remains disabled. The payment is variable and depends on family income.

Time Frame

A child is considered disabled if his condition is severe enough to clearly limit functionality. The condition must be expected to last at least 1 year or must be expected to result in death.

Reviews

The child's condition will be reviewed by the Social Security Administration at least once every 3 years if the condition is likely to improve.

Adulthood

The child will undergo a review by the Social Security Administration at age 18. If the condition is still considered disabling, the child will continue to receive adult SSDI benefits.

Tags: Social Security, Security Administration, Social Security Administration, child will, disabled children, must expected

Treat Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia is a genetic condition that affects the adrenal glands. Both males and females suffer from the condition where normal growth is affected. In this disease, the glands don't produce enough cortisol, a hormone necessary for normal growth. Doctors will treat congenital adrenal hyperplasia, but some cases can be fatal for patients.

Instructions

1. Find a specialist to treat congenital adrenal hyperplasia so that access to the latest information and treatment options are available. Most large cities will offer several doctors that specialize in adrenal gland problems, including this one. They will administer tests and work to find the best treatment option for the patient.

2. Medicate children that have congenital adrenal hyperplasia with hormone medications to supplement what their body is or is not producing. In most children, the condition is treated with specific drugs that boost the missing hormone or the hormone not being produced enough, but in some cases, multiple drugs are needed. Monitor for any side effects.

3. Consider reconstructive surgery. This is a common option for patients that have ambiguous external genitalia, especially in girls, which is a result of some forms of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. While it isn't always necessary, this type of reconstructive surgery will improve comfort and self esteem in the child.

4. Work at maintaining the proper doses of medications as the child grows and develops. Some patients who enter adulthood with the most common form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia are able to stop taking medications altogether. Others will need to continue taking the medications as needed.

Tags: adrenal hyperplasia, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, congenital adrenal, adrenal hyperplasia, normal growth, reconstructive surgery, some cases

Chemical Properties Of Menthol

Mint leaves where menthol is naturally occurring

Menthol, or cyclohexanol-5-methyl-2-(1-methylethyl), is an organic compound, technically classified as an alcohol due to the oxygen and hydrogen (OH) grouping. Menthol occurs naturally in peppermint or other mint oils, or it can be synthesized in a laboratory. Menthol's commonly used to relieve skin irritation, sore throats, nasal congestion and muscle aches.

Chemical Formula

Menthol has the chemical formula C10H20O. This is read as "C sub 10, H sub 20, O," or colloquially as "C-10, H-20, O," and means that each menthol compound is comprised of 10 carbon atoms, 20 hydrogen atoms, and a single oxygen atom.

Molecular Mass

Molecular mass is the measurement of how much something weighs per unit. Menthol has a molecular mass of 156.27 grams per mol. This number is calculated by summing up all of the individual weights of each atom that makes up menthol.

Density

Density is a measurement of how much of something there is per unit. The lower the number, the more that can fit in one area. Menthol has a density of 0.89 grams per cubic centimeter. For reference, water has a density of 1000 kilograms per cubic meter. Since menthol has a lower density, this means that an equally sized container can hold more menthol than water, and that menthol will float in relation to water.

Melting Point

The melting point of a substance refers to the temperature at which that substance will change from a solid state to a liquid state. Menthol has a melting point of 35 to 45 degrees Celsius, or 95 to 113 degrees Fahrenheit--a wide range covering eight different types of menthol.

Boiling Point

The boiling point refers to the temperature at which a substance will change from a liquid state to a gas state. Menthol has a boiling point of 212 degrees Celsius, or 413.6 degrees Fahrenheit, regardless of which type of menthol is present.

Tags: Celsius degrees, change from, degrees Celsius, degrees Celsius degrees, liquid state

Colitis Medication

Colitis, also commonly called ulcerative colitis, is a disease that affects the bowels. Colitis results in inflammation of the lining of the large intestine, the colon and the rectum in the majority of cases. Symptoms include abdominal pain from severe cramping, blood in the stool (which can become very loose) and loss of weight. The medications used to treat colitis focus on improving the symptoms, as there is no cure.

Significance

Colitis patients commonly use anti-inflammatory medications to treat their symptoms. However, anti-inflammatory medications come with significant side effects, such as vomiting, heartburn, nausea and headaches. Sulfasalazine, mesalamine and olsalazine can all reduce the inflammation of the colon from colitis, and can be taken in pill form, in enemas and as suppositories. Balsalazide is another colitis medication that aims to stop colon swelling. Anti-inflammatory drugs, like most colitis medications, are often used in conjunction with other treatments.

Effects

Corticosteroids are utilized to battle the symptoms of colitis, but are not effective for everyone. They are an option when the colitis is moderate to severe and has not been contained by other medications and treatments. Corticosteroids will bring inflammations under control, but their side effects include puffiness in the face area, sweating at night, insomnia, raised blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and even bone fractures and cataracts. They are not meant to be used over a long period of time, with a 3- to 4-month window usually the longest they will be employed against colitis.

Considerations

Some colitis medications are used to suppress the immune system, as there is evidence that the inflammation is the result of the immune system's reaction in the digestive tract. Immunosuppressants such as Azathioprine and mercaptopurine are two of the drugs used for this, with side effects such as liver and pancreatic inflammation, and allergic reactions. Cyclosporine is a powerful medication and is reserved for the worst cases of colitis due to its potent side effects. Infliximab is a special immune system suppressor for people who have not been helped by other methods of treatment.

Benefits

Some colitis sufferers that used to smoke find that nicotine patches give them relief from colitis symptoms for short periods of time. The reason for this is not clear, and it by no means suggests that someone with colitis should begin smoking as a treatment for the disease. Drugs designed to reduce or stop diarrhea, a classic colitis symptom, can add mass to a person's stool and help this problem. Metamucil and Citrucel are commonly used for this purpose.

Types

There are other types of medications for some of the symptoms of colitis. Laxatives are needed when colitis causes the colon to narrow to the point that stool has difficulty passing through it. Pain relievers such as Tylenol can be beneficial in treating cramping pain in the abdomen from colitis, but those that contain anti-inflammatory drugs should be avoided since they can make things worse. Supplemental iron can be effective in preventing the anemia that can sometimes result when intestinal bleeding takes place.

Tags: side effects, from colitis, immune system, anti-inflammatory medications, colitis medications, effects such, medications used

Pineapples & Weight Loss

Pineapples & Weight Loss

Delicious, juicy pineapple with its distinctive flavor has a powerful, natural weight loss secret. It contains the enzyme bromelain, which is a great aid to digestion of proteins and fat, and a natural anti-inflammatory agent. Pineapple is low calorie, nonfat, and high in water content. All these factors combined make pineapple a good choice for your diet plan.

Pineapple Is Low Calorie

One serving of pineapple, or approximately 1/2 cup, contains only 41 calories and no fat. Despite its natural sugar content, it contains only 11 grams of carbohydrate. It also contains fiber, which reduces the impact of the carbohydrates, bringing the adjusted carbohydrate value to 10 grams. This is a calorie and carb bargain, especially when you consider its beneficial pectin, vitamin C, and high mineral content.

Pineapple as a Cleansing Agent

Because the enzyme bromelain in pineapple breaks proteins down, it is useful in the digestion process. It is used in the treatment of obesity because of its ability to break down fat as well. Bromelain makes it a good cleansing agent for your digestive system, too.The composition of the bromelain enzyme is destroyed by heat and the body cannot use it. So, no pineapple upside down cake. Just fresh, raw pineapple is best.

Pineapple as a Diuretic

Pineapple is a high water food, consisting of 87 percent water. Not only that, the bromelain enzyme contains potassium, so it actually neutralizes sodium, arginine and some acids. This helps evacuate water, flushing fat out with it. It even drains adipose tissue, thus being a treatment for cellulite. It's a tasty way to add to your water intake.

Versatility of Pineapple

Pineapple is a boon to your eating plan because it is so versatile. It makes a delicious smoothie and combines well with other fruits, or is wonderful by itself. Use it in shish kebabs, adding it after you have grilled the meat and vegetables. Treat yourself to a dessert by mixing it with chocolate protein powder, or sugar free cocoa, only adding enough water to create a smooth consistency. Refrigerate and then have it as a snack or with a meal.

Pineapple Weight Loss Suggestion

Incorporate pineapple in any weight loss plan. Or you can also use pineapple to jump start your cleansing and weight loss. For three days, go on a fruit fast. Stay with apples, pears, berries and pineapple. At dinner, eat an entire raw pineapple, or as much as you desire. At the end of the three days, your system will be cleansed and you will have lost water weight. At that point, go on a low-calorie balanced eating plan.

Tags: bromelain enzyme, contains only, eating plan, enzyme bromelain, high water, Pineapples Weight

Lucid Dream Work

When you sleep, you dream. Most of your dreams will slip away long before you wake, and you won't remember them. You dream during the REM stage of sleep, so named for the rapid eye movement that occurs. On average, REM sleep occurs in 90-minute cycles. It is during this stage that you may experience a lucid dream.

You will recognize that what you are experiencing is a dream. You will be consciously aware that you are asleep, and the visions and sensations seen and felt by you are not real. You may hear yourself say, in the dream, "This is a dream." When you wake, you will remember your dream as vividly as you would a waking memory.

Keep a journal and pen next to your bed. Set your alarm for 5 to 6 hours after you go to bed. As you fall asleep, repeat to yourself, "I will remember my dream." When the alarm goes off, quickly write down any dream sequences that you can recall. Do this until you develop the skill of dream recall any time you awaken.

Once you've trained your mind to recall dreams, you can develop the skill of lucid dreaming. Developed by Dr. Stephen LeBerge in the 1980s, the MILD technique is commonly used to induce lucid dreaming. MILD stands for Mnemonic Induction of Lucid Dreams. Like meditation, this exercise requires you to focus your mental energies.

There are variations on the technique, but the intent is to train your mind on the thought, "Next time I dream, I will remember that I am dreaming. I will be aware that I am dreaming."

During the day, examine your hands every 90 minutes. While you examine your hands, remind yourself to be aware of the dream when you dream. By cuing your mind to see your hands every 90 minutes, it will re-create that event in REM sleep.

This visual cue will remind you, in your sleep, to become aware while in a dream state.

When you go to bed, fix the image of your hands in your mind as you repeat to yourself, just as you would a mantra, "Next time I dream, I will remember that I am dreaming. I will be aware that I am dreaming."

When you see your hands, while asleep, you will become aware that you are asleep and that you are dreaming. Your mind now associates the image of your hands with 90-minute cycles, with dreaming and with awareness of the dream. This awareness is the experience of lucid dreaming.

The sensation of lucid dreaming has been likened to the feeling one has when they are drifting between wakefulness and sleep. But because you are lucid, you can take control of your dream.

The lucid dream is still a dream. Becoming lucid during the dream state, though, gives you power over your destiny within your subconscious mind. This power may carry over into your waking life.

Tags: your hands, that dreaming, aware that, dream will, lucid dreaming

Meditate With Mala Beads

Mala beads are used to help the meditative process for mantra meditation. Mala beads are a long string of 108 beads with one bead at the beginning called the "sumeru," or summit bead. These beads can be made of many different materials. Common mala beads are made with wooden beads but others can be made with crystals, rudraksha seeds, sandalwood or basil wood.

Instructions

1. Find the right mala beads with which to meditate. Each set of mala beads can be made with different materials. Each material that the mala beads are made from have properties that enhance the subconscious mind of the meditation practitioner. Basil wood, also called tulsi wood, is used to clear auras. Crystal beads offer healing properties, sandalwood promotes tranquility and rudraksha mala beads offer stability, open the heart chakra and are also believed to lower blood pressure.

2. Find a quiet area that can be used for meditation. A quiet area of the home, a place in a garden or anywhere that you, the practitioner, feels comfortable is where you should lay out a towel or mat to sit in a meditative posture. It is best not to be disturbed during meditation so it may be necessary to stay away from electronic devices and unplug the phone. A meditation session will not feel complete if it is interrupted mid-flow, so avoid this by doing the meditation in an area not frequented or interrupted with noise.

3. Sit in a meditative posture on the mat or towel. There are several different postures that can be chosen from. This posture should be comfortable. A common posture for meditation with mala beads is in the lotus position with the mala beads in one hand while resting on one knee while the other hand rests on the opposing knee, palm up.

4. Place the mala beads in the right hand by gently squeezing the bead just after the sumeru bead between the middle finger and the ring finger. The sumeru bead is the starting and ending point for the mantra meditation. The beads should slide between the middle finger and ring finger while being guided by the thumb. The index finger on the right hand should remain pointed outward and never touch the mala beads, and the sumeru bead should not be touched to begin the meditation.

Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma & Treatment

Surgery is a common treatment for salivary gland cancer.

Mucoepidermoid carcinomas (MECs) are a cancer of the salivary glands in your mouth and throat that produce saliva. Salivary gland cancers are fairly rare in the general population, although in older age, radiation exposure and workplace exposure to materials like silica dust are factors that potentially increase the risk of this cancer. The type of treatment doctors prescribe for this disease depends on how far it has progressed at the time of diagnosis.

Incidence and Symptoms

Thirty-five percent of salivary gland cancers are MECs. Typical symptoms are similar to those for other salivary gland cancers; these can include difficulty swallowing or opening your mouth, tenderness, fluid draining from your ear and/or a painless lump near your jaw or inside your mouth. The average age at time of diagnosis is over 50, although MECs are the most common kind of salivary gland cancer in children.

Testing

If a doctor thinks you may have MEC, they'll typically perform a physical exam to check for unusual lumps or abnormalities. They may use imaging tests like an MRI or PET scan, or take a tissue biopsy to collect a tissue sample for analysis in a lab.

Classification

MECs are distinguished from other salivary gland cancers on the basis of their appearance under a microscope; MECs typically contain three types of cells. Doctors usually categorize the cancer into one of three different grades. The cells from a low-grade MEC resemble normal salivary gland cells, while high-grade MEC cells appear distinctly abnormal; intermediate grade are in between. Low-grade tumors typically grow more slowly and are thus easier to treat successfully than high-grade tumors.

Survival Rates

Survival rates for this disease depend greatly on the kind of cancer and how well it responds to treatment. A study published in the "Archives of Otolaryngology" in 2004 found a five-year survival rate of 94 percent for patients with low-grade MECs, 82.5 percent for intermediate MECs, and 34.4 percent for high-grade MECs. Generally physicians will adopt more aggressive treatment for a high-grade MEC to try to stop the cancer before it can spread.

Treatment

Surgery is the most common treatment for MECs, although it can be difficult since there are important nerves located in and around the salivary glands. In some cases, removing a tumor can damage a nerve and partially paralyze your face, although surgeons can sometimes repair this damage. Radiation therapy is often used in conjunction with surgery to shrink the tumor beforehand and kill any cancer cells that escape the knife. Chemotherapy is a more uncommon treatment, although doctors will sometimes turn to chemo if the cancer has spread to other organs of your body.

Tags: salivary gland, gland cancers, salivary gland cancers, your mouth, common treatment, gland cancer, MECs percent

Relieving A Cold Sore

Introduction

Cold sores are red, pus-filled blisters caused by the herpes simplex virus. They are infectious skin blemishes that usually appear around the lips, chin and nose. People react differently to the herpes virus. Some people get just one cold sore, while others get frequent outbreaks. There is currently no cure for the herpes simplex virus, though cold sores usually heal in 7 to 10 days. But to shorten the healing time, there are many home remedies and commercial products available to alleviate the symptoms.

Easy Home Remedies

Cold sores are usually painful, so putting an ice pack on the blister can numb it a bit and reduce the pain. Ice packs also help with any swelling. Leave the ice pack on for only 15 minutes at a time. A cold and damp washcloth applied to the cold sore may work just as well.

Medications

There are also over-the-counter creams and lotions to heal cold sores. Abreva is a popular cold sore remedy. If you have numerous cold sores that don't respond well to other types of treatment, see your doctor. Prescription drugs can accelerate the healing time, but these drugs are also more toxic and may cause side effects.

Vitamins and Cold Sores

There are four vitamins that are particularly helpful in relieving cold sore: vitamins A, B, C and E. The best sources of these vitamins is from food, but supplements are an option. Vitamin A is a popular vitamin for the skin. One vitamin A derivative is called retinol, used to help renew and repair skin. Vitamin B complex helps to relieve cold sores by relaxing the body, since stress is a known trigger of cold sores in some people. Vitamin B6 produces antibodies that fight infectious diseases. Vitamins C and E are very useful because they are both antioxidants and remove free radicals from the body. Free radicals are toxins that cause damage at the cellular level. Vitamin C is also known to fight infections of all kinds. In some people, the vitamin reduces the frequency of outbreaks. According to the website Best Herpes Treatments, vitamin C "can activate white blood cells and promote interferon production, a natural antiviral agent." Vitamin E can be taken internally as a supplement or used topically on the cold sores. Vitamin E oil has many curative properties, and reduces the pain and itching of cold sores (see Resources).

Tags: cold sores, cold sore, cold sores, Cold sores, healing time, herpes simplex

Natural Home Remedies For Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are an annoying and sometimes painful condition that is also known as piles. They occur when veins in or around your anus become swollen, inflamed and enlarged. Anyone can develop hemorrhoids, but pregnant women and those who sit for long periods are more susceptible. Many times you can treat hemorrhoids with natural home remedies. But you should consult your doctor if these treatments don't work.

Traditional Sitz Baths

Sitz baths have been a popular home remedy for hemorrhoids for years. They are one of the most common remedies you will hear about. Simply sit in a bath of shallow water for about 15 minutes several times a day. Squat in the water if it's too painful to sit down. To soothe your sphincter muscles, you only need enough warm water in the tub to cover your anal area. About 4 inches is usually enough.

Plain water will do, but you can also add a touch of salt, baking soda or even lavender to help soothe and clean the inflamed area. Using cool water can help if you have extensive swelling. Do not, however, add any kind of soap to the water. There are also products available that you can buy, including sitz bath kits that fit on the toilet. If you're experiencing a lot of pain, they make it easier because you don't have to squat or sit on the hard tub.

Psyllium

Hemorrhoids are often caused by hard stools that are difficult to pass, which can lead to constipation. Many people are constipated because they don't get enough fiber in their diets. You can add psyllium to your diet to ensure you're getting the fiber you need. It will help make your stools softer and easier to pass, lessening the inflammation and your hemorrhoid pain. Mix one teaspoon with a glass of water each morning at breakfast for a week. During the second week you can start taking one with lunch, too. Slowly work up to taking it three times a day. Be sure to drink plenty of water. It's always important to drink water, especially if you're prone to hemorrhoids, but it's even more important when you're taking fiber supplements or eating a fiber-rich diet.

Food for Relief

As with most conditions, there are foods that can help relieve hemorrhoid pain. Try dark green, leafy veggies and sweet potatoes. Lima beans are a good choice if you have bleeding hemorrhoids. Berry juices (blackberries, cherries, and blueberries) strengthen your hemorrhoidal veins, which can help reduce the swelling.

Pregnancy Related Tip

If you're pregnant and are suffering from hemorrhoids, you aren't alone. Dr. Townsend (http://www.mothernature.com/Library/Bookshelf/Books/47/75.cfm) recommends lying on your left side every four to six hours. Do this for about 20 minutes each time, which should relieve pressure on the main vein draining the lower half of your body.

Tags: about minutes, hemorrhoid pain

Shoulder Pendulum Exercises

Rehabilitation is important after shoulder surgery to regain function.

Shoulder injuries such as rotator cuff tears, adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder), labral tears and arthritis often require surgical intervention. After surgery, physical therapy can help you regain use of the injured arm. Shoulder pendulums are typically the first exercise that is allowed after surgery.

Anatomy

The shoulder joint is a ball and socket; the humerus (upper arm bone) forms the ball, and the socket is part of the scapula (shoulder blade). The shoulder joint moves in multiple directions as the ball rotates in the socket. The ball of the humerus is held in the socket of the scapula by the shoulder muscles, ligaments, and capsule. Damage to any of these structures may lead to surgical intervention.

Definition

These exercises are called pendulums because they imitate the motion of a clock pendulum as it swings from side to side. Once a pendulum has started moving, gravity keeps it moving at a steady pace. The same concept is applied to the shoulder. Body weight is used to initiate movement of the humerus, and gravity assists the arm as it continues to move in a particular direction.

Mechanism

Shoulder pendulum exercises increase range of motion without stressing the structures around the shoulder joint. In a standing position, the shoulder muscles must contract against gravity in order to move the arm. After surgery, the shoulder muscles must be protected, however the shoulder joint stiffens quickly when it is immobilized. Shoulder pendulums are performed in a body position that uses gravity to unload the shoulder joint. As a result, these exercises can be initiated early in the rehabilitation process.

Method

To perform a shoulder pendulum exercise, bend forward at a 90-degrees angle at the waist (standing or sitting) and dangle the injured arm toward the floor. Hold the edge of a table with the opposite arm for support. Gently rock your body and allow your arm to swing back and forth 10 times. Repeat the exercise from side to side, clockwise and counterclockwise. Shoulder pendulums are typically performed three times each day. A small weight can be held in your hand to stretch the shoulder joint a little further.

Tags: shoulder joint, shoulder muscles, Shoulder pendulums, After surgery, ball socket

Gain Selfcontrol

Do you find yourself overeating, but you just can't stop? Do you wonder if you'll ever be able to give up smoking? Do you wish that you would exercise more? Follow these simple tips, and you can learn gain self-control and overcome your bad habits.

Instructions

1. Identify your bad habit. The first step to gaining self-control is to know what is controlling your life. You may not even realize you have allowed something else to control you until you truly evaluate your lifestyle. If you have a hard time discovering your bad habit, ask your family or friends if they have noticed anything controlling you.

2. Ask yourself why. Why do you need to have an extra order of fries? Why do you feel the need to take a cigarette break every hour? Why do you bite your nails? You might be surprised at the answers you find to explain your lack of self-control.

3. Make a resolution. It doesn't have to be New Year's Day to make a resolution. Start right now to resolve to stop your bad habit and then work towards that end.

4. Rally support. Ask your friends and family to help you break your bad habit. You will be more certain to find success if you have to report your progress to others. If you feel uncomfortable leaning on your friends and family, check your community for a support group. Many people find they are more successful being able to share their successes and failures with other people who struggle with the same things.

5. Cut yourself some slack. It's OK if you occasionally fall back into your old habits. That doesn't mean you are losing control. Brush yourself off and start over again. Report your failure to someone you trust who can encourage you to get right back on your feet.

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Bladder Cancer Treatments

Cancer of the bladder is usually diagnosed at early stages and has high survival rates. Effective treatments for bladder cancer depend on the stage of cancer and include surgery to remove the tumor and may also include immunotherapy, chemotherapy and radiation. People with symptoms of bladder cancer should see a doctor right away so that diagnosis and treatment can begin as quickly as possible.

Symptoms

The symptoms of bladder cancer include frequent painful urination, blood in the urine, and abdominal and back pain.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for developing bladder cancer include smoking, exposure to chemicals in rubber, paints, textiles and arsenic, as well as chemotherapy and radiation medications. Other factors include

the long-term use of a urinary catheter, age, being male or Caucasian, and a family history of cancer.

Transitional Cell Carcinoma

The most common type of bladder cancer in the United States is transitional cell carcinoma, which is cancer of the cells that line the inside of the bladder, ureter and urethra.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder is caused by irritations and infections of the bladder, particularly by schistosomiasis, which is a parasitic infection.

Adenocarcinoma

Adenocarcinoma is cancer of the cells of the bladder that secrete mucus and according to the Mayo Clinic is rare in the United States.

Features

According to the Mayo Clinic, bladder cancer has a high rate of recurrence and requires survivors to undergo regular follow up testing.

Prevention/Solution

Eating a healthy diet, including foods like fruits and vegetables with antioxidants, avoiding smoking, having your well water tested for arsenic and avoiding exposure to chemicals can lower the risk of developing bladder cancer.

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Holistic Treatment Centers For Lupus

Standard treatment for the symptoms of lupus consists of an intensive regimen of pharmaceutical drugs that often create harmful and lasting side effects. Holistic health centers offer a natural approach, dedicated to relieving symptoms safely while working to heal the disease.

History

The holistic theory is that all of the parts of the body function together and affect one another as a whole. Holistic approaches to health have existed for over 5,000 years. Centers specifically addressing holistic treatments have grown in popularity since the 1970s.

Significance

Victims of lupus often not only must cope with the symptoms of the disease itself, but also with the side effects of modern medicine that well-intentioned physicians prescribe to ease the suffering. Holistic treatment centers provide a natural and more complete approach to get to the root of the health problem.

Warnings

Since lupus can be a life-threatening condition, it is imperative that a victim of this disease keep an open mind regarding all health alternatives. Many holistic health practitioners often advise against relying solely on natural remedies. When seeking a holistic treatment center for lupus, sufferers should not disregard the advice of their medical physician or specialist in the process.

Practitioners

While finding a treatment center near you may be difficult, you may want to consider first looking for a holistic health practitioner in your area. Heartspring.net offers a directory of holistic health practitioners, many of whom practice at treatment centers.

Considerations

Holistic health practice is an age-old alternative approach to the often confusing but standard approaches to disease treatment in modern medicine. However, the complications caused by lupus are also complex and often life-threatening. All options should be carefully weighed and considered when choosing any form of lupus treatment.

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Microgynon Instructions

Taking Microgynon only requires consistency.

Microgynon, a hormone-based oral contraceptive, is a product mainly distributed in the United Kingdom for the purposes of general birth control and menstrual cycle control. Its pills come in packs of twenty one, each containing the same amount of synthetic versions of the naturally occurring female sex hormones that "override" the period cycle. Maintaining a regular regimen of the pill is relatively simple, as Microgynon is taken similarly to American birth control pills, with a few minor differences.

Instructions

1. Take your first Microgynon pill on the first day that you start your period. On the opposite side of the Microgynon pack, there should be days of the week behind each pill. Select a pill on the day of the week of the first day of your period. Take only one pill per day.

2. Take one pill at the exact same time of day, once a day, over the next twenty days.

3. Stop taking the pills, when you reach the end of the pack, for seven days. During this time, you will be experiencing bleeding similar to menstrual bleeding. Seven days after the last pill, begin your next pill, regardless of whether or not you are still experiencing bleeding.

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Old Methods For Treating Bipolar Disorder

Old Methods for Treating Bipolar Disorder

The middle three pictures of the brain in the accompanying picture depicts high brain activity experienced in the manic state of a bipolar episode. The bottom three pictures show lower brain activity that occurs in a bipolar episode during the state of depression. Methods for treating bipolar disorder are documented as far back in history as the 1st century B.C. When learning old methods for treating bipolar disorder, a person might loosen the grip on the negative stigma attached to the manic/depressive condition, and reach a more realistic understanding of a person who is considered to have bipolar disorder.

Aromatherapy History

A dualistic mental phenomenon, diagnosed and labeled by the ancients as manic/depressive (now called bipolar), was also treated by these people 2,000 years ago with natural aromatherapy. According to an essay on SelfGrowth.com written by Johanna Stoppa, a registered aromatherapist, "For years the oils have been available for us to benefit from; in fact, essential oils are known as mankind's first medicine."

Aromatherapy Function

Stoppa continues, "Nature has all that we need to balance any physical or emotional ailment in the body. Without any of the side effects we have come to expect from the pharmaceutical option of treatment. ... Essential oils have a chemical structure that is similar to that found in human cells and tissues. The DNA structure in the plant world works in harmony with the DNA structure of the human body. This in turn, speeds the natural healing processes of the body."

Acupuncture History

Like aromatherapy, acupuncture was developed by the ancients, in China 8,000 years ago. Minute needles pierce strategic points in the skin, producing little pain when inserted. This medicinal art has provided relief for many types of sickness, including depression.

Acupuncture Function

Acupuncture treats body and mind as one. With the energizing of the central nervous system increasing the flow of healing chemicals, depression might subside after acupuncture treatments.

Lobotomy

According to the 1936 edition of the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, a lobotomy is a "surgical severance of nerve fibers connecting the frontal lobes to the thalamus performed especially for the relief of some mental disorders."

Tags: bipolar disorder, bipolar episode, brain activity, manic depressive, Methods Treating, Methods Treating Bipolar, oils have

Private Drug Addiction Treatment

Many recovering drug addicts opt for private treatment facilities.

Drug addiction is a serious obstacle to overcome. Thankfully, drug addiction can be treated in many cases, though addicts rarely kick drug habits on their own. They often need the structure of a detox and rehab facility to get clean. Private drug addiction treatment centers offer programs that help patients make behavioral changes and supply the necessary medications to facilitate the process of rehabilitation. The length and intensity of treatment varies based on each individual case. Though more expensive than public rehab options, private treatment centers often allow patients to recover in a more comfortable setting.

Why Go Private?

Private drug addiction treatment centers hold certain advantages that attract wealthier clientele. First, you do not have to wait for admission. You can just walk in to a private clinic and begin rehab immediately because there is no waiting period. Many state-run programs are overcrowded and require a waiting period for patient admission. Private institutions often have superior facilities as well. The higher costs usually mean top-quality accommodations. In fact, some private drug rehab centers more closely resemble upscale hotels than medical clinics. Patients also receive special attention. Highly trained doctors and nursing staff tailor treatments to each patient's individual needs.

Cost Consideration

Keep in mind that private drug addiction treatment centers are much more expensive than state treatment programs. According to drug-alcohol-rehabs.org, the average cost of a private rehab facility can be anywhere from $10,000 to $40,000 depending on the clinic and the extent of the required therapy.

Medicinal Treatments

Addicts often require medicinal treatment while overcoming their addiction. Private methadone clinics are often the best option for heroin addicts. Methadone is an opiate much like heroin that doctors inject into the patient, helping to reduce withdrawal symptoms during the initial stages of detox. Methadone limits cravings and discomfort, making it possible for doctors and nurses to gradually wean addicts off of drugs. For alcoholics, the FDA has approved medications like naltrexone, acamprosate and disulfiram for treating alcohol dependence. Such drugs help treat withdrawal symptoms and block receptors in the body that cause you to crave alcohol. Other medicinal treatments are also available to reestablish normal brain function and reduce cravings for substances such as cocaine, methamphetamines, nicotine, morphine and marijuana.

Behavioral Therapy

Recovering addicts also need to engage in various forms of behavioral therapy. Counseling, psychoanalysis and support groups aid in the ongoing rehabilitation process. There is always a risk that recovering addicts will relapse into drug abuse. Private treatment centers arrange for patients to attend regular therapy sessions and help set up continuous external sessions with groups such as Narcotics Anonymous once a patient is released from primary care.

Program Length

Program length at private treatment centers varies depending on the case of each patient. The final goal is to enable a patient to stay drug-free and return to a productive life in society. Short-term programs can last as little as three to six weeks of inpatient treatment followed by ongoing outpatient support group therapy. Mid-range programs last for less than six months and generally include residential therapy, medication and drug abstinence outpatient therapy. Long-term therapy can last from six to 12 months, based around ongoing medicinal treatment and residential therapy designed to slowly wean addicts off of drugs and teach them reintegrate into society once they complete their rehab. Heroin and crack addicts tend to need longer rehabilitation programs, but addicts of substances like alcohol and cocaine may also require extended treatment. Extremely volatile patients may live at a private institution for multiple months under the supervision of doctors and staff in order to prevent a relapse. The longer a patient receives private treatment, the higher his chances of beating the addiction.

Tags: treatment centers, drug addiction, private treatment, addiction treatment centers, drug addiction treatment

Amish Herbal Healing

Within the Amish community, religious and cultural values emphasize the use of natural remedies over conventional medicine. The Amish often incorporate herbal medicine into the broad, holistic, folk-based medical practices that remain popular within traditional Amish groups. Most Amish herbal remedies are based in Swiss and German tradition, but Amish herbal healing may also incorporate indigenous American folk medicine, as well as exotic methods like traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Popular Amish herbal remedies include pumpkin seed, corn silk, garlic, echinacea, red clover, St. John's wort and sage.

Fertility

While the Amish religion does not expressly forbid the use of contraceptives, large families are highly valued within Amish culture. For this reason, many Amish herbal remedies are used to enhance sexual health and fertility in both men and women. The Global Annabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online (GAMEO) states that corn silk teas are popular remedies for Amish men with prostate problems. Pumpkin seeds, a popular prostate-remedy throughout the world, are also used frequently by Amish men. Additionally, Amish women may use herbs like red clover and red raspberry leaf, as well as specialized diets, to increase their chances of becoming pregnant.

Pregnancy

For the Amish, the use of herbal medicine does not end with conception. A 2001 study at Northeastern Ohio University demonstrated that folk medicine is popular among pregnant Amish women. Of the women who were interviewed, 36 percent said that they had used a complementary alternative medicine method during pregnancy. The most popular choices included St. John's wort for antenatal depression and garlic, a common remedy for pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). Except in emergencies, the Amish emphasize natural childbirth; Amish pregnancies are usually overseen by midwives rather than physicians.

Pain and Inflammation

GAMEO reports that the Amish have dozens of remedies for pains caused by rheumatoid arthritis and other painful conditions. These may take the form of salves, poultices, teas and oral medicines. Peppermint is a common remedy for stomach pain and gallstones, while willow bark is a popular remedy for headaches, arthritis and muscle spasms. Bitter herbs are commonly used to relieve the pain associated with constipation, gas and indigestion. Additionally, the Amish may use classic immunostimulant herbs like echinacea and garlic to battle painful infections.

Other CAM Practices

While most Amish folk remedies come from European tradition, the Amish may also use alternative medicine practices that are sourced from other cultures. The Amish frequently seek chiropractic care, and they may use TCM methods like acupuncture and acupressure. Additionally, Amish women have reported the use of oriental herbs, like ginseng, for medicinal purposes. The Amish may also practice iridology, hydrotherapy, alternative cancer remedies and specialized diets. Members of the Amish community almost always use prayer and faith healing--alone or in conjunction with other techniques--to treat medical conditions.

Controversy

In 1981, the New York Times published a story about Solomon Wickey, an Amish herbalist who was banned from practice because he was not a licensed physician. Wickey, who used iridology to diagnose his clients, recommended herbal remedies that were based in Amish tradition. He did not charge for his services, only for the sale of medicinal herbs, but many local physicians considered Wickey to be a "fraud" and a "quack." Because the use of herbal medicine is controversial within the mainstream medical community, Amish herbalism is frequently dismissed by mainstream practitioners.

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Low Testosterone In Women

Testosterone in women functions to promote interest in sexual activity and helps to make sexual activity more enjoyable. The causes for low testosterone levels in women include hormonal changes after childbirth and menopause, diseases such as diabetes and medications such as chemotherapy and birth control. Women with low testosterone levels may benefit from the use of medical treatments to reduce problematic symptoms.

Libido

Women with low testosterone levels may have low or no interest in sexual activity (libido), which is common after childbirth and during menopause.

Vaginal dryness

Vaginal dryness is a symptom of low testosterone in women and may cause difficulty with sexual activity, self care and hygiene.

Painful intercourse

Low testosterone levels may cause problems with maintaining sexual arousal and may lead to painful sexual intercourse for women.

Anorgasmia

Inability to have orgasms during sexual activity is a symptom of low testosterone levels in women.

Osteoporosis

According to the Mayo Clinic, low testosterone may be a factor in the development of osteoporosis in women.

Psychological

Women with low testosterone levels may experience depression or dissatisfaction especially if sexual problems related to low testosterone are present.

Prevention/Solution

Treatments for low testosterone levels in women include patches, topical ointments and medications and can resolve symptoms but are not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women or women with liver disease.

Tags: testosterone levels, sexual activity, levels women, testosterone levels women, with testosterone

Symptoms Of A Massive Stroke

Before having a massive stroke, many people will experience warning signs of some sort. These warning signs are referred to as TIA, or Transient Ischemic Attack. This is what causes the symptoms of the stroke rather than the damage. Many times the symptoms will only last for about five minutes, making them easy to ignore; however, a TIA is a red flag that a stroke is coming, so its symptoms shouldn't be ignored.

Speech

Those experiencing a TIA generally have slurred speech, trouble understanding what is being said to them, or difficulty speaking. They may think they are saying something, when in actuality nothing is coming out.

Vision

Loss of vision or double vision is another common symptom of a TIA. This can occur in one or both of the eyes.

Weakness

A TIA may produce a weakness or paralysis in an arm and leg, as well as the face. This generally occurs in only one side of the body.

Balance

Those experiencing a TIA will have a difficult time maintaining their coordination, lose their balance easily and may have a difficult time walking.

Warning

It is possible to experience one or all of these symptoms before having a massive stroke. Although these symptoms may go away after a few minutes, it is imperative to seek immediate medical attention once they have occurred.

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Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Procedures

Abdominal aortic aneurysm is the term used for a bulging and weakening of the body's primary blood vessel, the aorta, in the area of the belly or abdomen. When undetected, misdiagnosed or improperly treated, aneurysms of this sort may rupture, leading to potentially fatal blood loss. Fortunately, doctors have developed effective methods to detect abdominal aneurysms, as well as procedures to properly treat them.

Symptoms and Degrees of Risk

Symptoms of abdominal aortic aneurysm include pain in the abdomen and back, as well as a distinct pulsating in the abdomen that may feel like a second heartbeat. If you develop these symptoms, seek medical attention as soon as possible. In some cases, the onset of abdominal pain can be abrupt and severe, indicating that a breach in the aneurysm might be coming soon. If the aneurysm actually does burst, that pain may be accompanied by sudden dizziness or weakness leading to unconsciousness. These latter symptoms point to an extremely life-threatening situation, and if you experience them you should call 911 immediately.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options

If you present symptoms of an aneurysm that is not immediately life-threatening, your doctor will perform certain tests to determine if an aneurysm is actually present. These may include a computed tomography (CT) scan, an abdominal ultrasound or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.

If an abdominal aneurysm is detected, your doctor may choose one of several treatment options. If you have no serious symptoms and your aneurysm is small (typically less than 2 inches in diameter), risks of surgery may outweigh danger from the aneurysm. In these cases, your doctor may choose simply to observe it at regular intervals, noting its rate of growth. If that rate is too rapid (more than half a centimeter in 6 months), surgery is indicated. When a larger aneurysm (typically 2.2 inches or larger) is present, surgery is the essential option.

In cases where surgery is not immediately indicated, high blood pressure is a potentially serious complicating factor. If you have high blood pressure, your doctor will likely prescribe medication to keep it under control. Smoking is also a serious danger in aneurysm cases, and if you smoke your doctor will almost certainly ask you to stop. If so, make sure to obtain whatever assistance you need to stay away from tobacco. Failure to do so may gravely endanger your health.

Surgery

Surgery options for abdominal aortic aneurysms include open surgical repair and a newer procedure called an endovascular stent graft. In an open aneurysm surgery, doctors will make an incision in your abdomen to expose the aneurysm, then replace the damaged section of aorta with a graft made from a modern plastic material such as Dacron. Recovery from this procedure can last as long as 6 months.

An endovascular stent graft is a much less invasive procedure that accesses the aneurysm through smaller incisions in the groin. Catheters inserted in these incisions are used to help place the graft in position. While initial recovery time from this method is lessened, potential complications from the procedure still make open surgery the superior option in many cases.

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Is Gastric Bypass Worth The Risks

Gastric bypass surgery is done out of necessity when morbid obesity threatens the patient's life and all other methods to reduce weight have failed. Is gastric bypass worth the risk?

Benefits

For a person who is 100 pounds overweight and suffering from dangerous illnesses such as type 2 diabetes, a gastric bypass can be a serious option.

Complications

If the band and staples that close part of the pouch break away, or if there is a leak in the stomach pouch, the patient can be at risk.

Other complications

This surgery could result in further complications such as bleeding, blood clots, bowel problems, gallstones and blood infection.

Nutritional Deficiency

A person who undergoes a gastric bypass will require nutritional supplements all his life. If he has a nutritional deficiency, he can become anemic or have osteoporosis from a low intake of iron and calcium.

Dumping Syndrome

A patient who has undergone a gastric bypass will experience a "dumping syndrome" when food passes down the intestines quickly, causing diarrhea, weakness, nausea and cold sweat.

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