The Causes Of Helicobacter Pylori

Helicobacter pylori infection, most often referred to as H. pylori infection, involves a type of bacterium that embeds itself in the stomach as well as the small intestine. According to the Mayo Clinic, it is estimated that H. pylori is present in half the population. This is because H. pylori can easily be spread between individuals and contaminated objects.

Causes

One way in which you can be infected with H. pylori is through direct contact with infected saliva or stools. Untreated water that contains H. pylori can also cause infection. Once an H. pylori bacterium gets into your mouth, it will pass into the stomach and reside there.

Potential Risks

Children are at a much higher risk of being exposed to H. pylori than adults. You are also at more of a risk if you live in the same residence as a person that has Helicobacter pylori infection. Crowded residences can also increase a person's risk. People in developing countries are more often exposed to H. pylori due to crowded conditions as well as a lack of clean water or a lack of a reliable hot water supply for cleaning.

Symptoms and Testing

In some cases, a person that has been infected with H. pylori may not have any signs or symptoms. In other patients, H. pylori can lead to stomach upset that causes diarrhea, vomiting, burping, bloated feeling and sudden weight loss. If you have any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor. He can give you a stool, blood or breath test to check for the presence of H. pylori bacteria.

Considerations

H. pylori infection can lead to complications, such as the development of peptic ulcers. Peptic ulcers are sores that appear on the lining of the stomach; symptoms include dull pain in the abdomen, poor appetite and weight loss.

Warning

Even if you know the causes of H. pylori infection, it does not necessarily mean you can prevent transmission. However, you can practice good hygiene practices, such as hand washing and steering clear of untreated drinking water, to reduce your risk. Early research has been done on potential vaccinations as a way to prevent H. pylori infection.

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Home Remedies For Hair Fall

The problem of hair loss troubles both men and women. Most sufferers feel that hair loss ages their appearance. Numerous thinning hair remedies have flooded the market for decades. Thankfully, there are some proven remedies for hair loss that can be made at home that are often less expensive than store-bought or prescription remedies.

Diet and Oral Remedies

Having a healthy diet encourages hair growth. Calcium is important for hair growth. According to the American Dairy Association, getting three servings of dairy products a day is essential. Eat a balanced diet, including fruits and vegetables, to ensure that your body gets the nutrition necessary to prevent hair loss. Also, consider taking a multi-vitamin and a supplement of fish oil. Hairloss-reversible.com reports that high-fat diets tend to increase hair loss.

BeautyFeast.com suggests a remedy to be consumed every night at bedtime. Take four parts of the Bhringaraj, three parts of Jatamamsi and five parts of Dashamoola and mix them with a cup of goat milk. Boil this mixture and drink. These herbs may be found at Indian food stores and health food stores.

Topical Remedies

PioneerThinking.com discusses natural methods of dealing with thinning hair that can be done at home and that are very economical. For example, coupling massage with aromatherapy has proven successful for many people. It is believed that this method stimulates hair growth by improving blood and oxygen circulation to the scalp, which encourages hair to grow.

A formula consisting of several drops of lavender oil with four ounces of soybean or sesame oil should be massaged into the scalp and left for twenty minutes. Home-remedies-for-you.com suggests that you might also try coconut or olive oil. Next the hair should be washed normally with your normal shampoo mixed with three drops of bay essential oil. Massage the scalp gently while shampooing. The ingredients for this mixture can be found at natural health supply stores.

Natural ingredients that can help promote hair loss by massaging them into the scalp can be found at any local grocery store, such as lemon, grapefruit, coconut milk or rosemary. Henna leaves mixed with mustard oil has also been used to combat hair fall out.

Saw Palmetto extract is another home remedy that has shown promise in preventing hair fall out. Saw Palmetto encourages blood flow and it is believed that helps prevent hair loss. Women who are on the birth control pill or hormone therapy should not take Saw Palmetto.

Other tips for avoiding hair loss include never brushing your hair when it is wet and never over combing your hair.

Emotional Remedies

Naturalmedicine.suite101.com points out that reducing your stress levels can reduce hair loss. For people with stress-related hair loss, meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises can be helpful tools to relieve the stress causing the problem. For example, close your eyes, inhale slowly on a count of three, hold the breath for a count of three then exhale for a count of three.

Tags: hair loss, count three, hair growth, believed that, encourages hair, fall Palmetto

Patient Transfer Techniques From Bed To Chair

The technique for transferring a patient from a bed to a chair depends upon the patient's condition and his ability to bear weight and assist in the transfer. Special consideration must be given for patients who are paralyzed or have injuries to extremities. At times the use of a hoist or other machinery will be preferable.

Basic Method

Patients should only be moved with the OK of their physician. Because of the risk of injury to both patient and caregiver, some organizations have instituted a "No Lift" policy, whereby patients may not be transferred manually, but rather only by means of mechanical lift chairs or hoists.

If you have determined it's OK to transfer the patient manually, explain to the patient what you plan to do. Place the chair facing the bed or at a 45-degree angle to the bed. If the patient is in a wheelchair, lock the wheels of the chair. Make sure the wheelchair's footrests are moved out of the way.

Make sure the bed is in its lowest position and any side rails are lowered. Raise the head of the bed to the highest position the patient will tolerate.

Help the patient roll onto his side, facing the chair. Position one arm under the patient's shoulders and the other over his thighs. Swing his legs over the side of the bed and help him into a sitting position.

Put your arms around the patient's torso and help him to move to the edge of the bed. If possible, have him place both feet flat on the floor. Position one foot in front of the patient's toes and brace your knee in front of his leg. If he is able, ask him to put one hand over your shoulder.

Ask the patient to put his hands on the edge of the bed and push off. Keep your knees slightly bent. As he pushes, straighten your knees and hips, lifting the patient. Pivot toward the chair. Keep your back as straight as possible.

Ask the patient to grasp the arms of the wheelchair when he feels the chair against the back of his legs. Keep your back straight and flex your knees as you lower him into the chair.

Help position the patient comfortably in the chair. In a wheelchair, properly position the footrests.

Alternate Methods

You may use a transfer belt (also called a gait belt) around the patient's torso to assist with the transfer. For larger patients or for added stability, two people may assist with the transfer. In this case, one person helps the patient swing his legs over the side of the bed while the other helps raise him into a sitting position. The two caregivers support the patient between them as they lift and pivot him until his back is to the chair, then both help him to lower into the chair.

Tags: Keep your, your knees, around patient, around patient torso, assist with, assist with transfer, back straight

Nutrition & Spinal Alignment Problems

Nutrition & Spinal Alignment Problems

Nutrition is a very important factor in regards to spinal alignment problems. When the body receives proper nutrients it is able to heal muscles and tissues that hold the spine in proper alignment. Improper nutrition will increase the chances of further spinal problems due to the lack of nutrition.

Minerals

Minerals are an essential nutrient of the spine; without them the spine would be soft and weak. The strength and hardness of the bones comes from the minerals that are deposited in them by what you eat and drink. Also, when the proper amount of minerals is present in the spine, chiropractic adjustments will hold and no longer be necessary. Calcium and magnesium are required not only for proper nutrition but also for building strong bones and muscles.

Water

A huge risk factor for spinal alignment problems is dehydration. Dehydration is a condition where the body is in need of water. Bones are made up partially of water, which contributes to bone density. Water is vitally important to the body and is used for many things, including lubrication of the joints, shock absorption for the spinal cord and carrying nutrition throughout the body. It is recommended that a person drink eight to 10 glasses of water a day for optimum health and pain relief.

Vitamins

To build strong bones, Vitamin D is very important as it is used by the body to help create new bone cells and Vitamin K is needed for bone growth. To help prevent bone loss, vitamin C is recommended. Vitamin B-12 is also important when treating spinal alignment problems, as it supports the proper function of the nervous system.

Fasting

Where other methods have fallen short, fasting has achieved significant results. Fasting helps the body rid itself of toxins and speed up the healing process, which in turn helps improve organ function. When the body does not have to focus its energy on digestion, the body is able to recover a lot quicker. Spinal alignment problems respond to fasting, as do headaches and chronic back and neck pain.

Effects

When the body doesn't get proper nutrition imbalances can occur and the spine is more likely to go out of alignment, causing other health problems to occur. When nutritional imbalances are corrected, spinal alignment problems are alleviated and health is restored throughout the body.

Tags: alignment problems, spinal alignment, spinal alignment problems, When body, alignment problems, Nutrition Spinal, Nutrition Spinal Alignment

Bed Bugs & Itching

A bed bug infestation can cause problems with skin irritation and itchiness.

Almost everyone has heard of bed bugs at one time or another. However, experiencing the wrath of bed bugs in your home or living space is another thing. Bed bugs are small bugs that feed off human blood. Although common misconceptions suggest that bed bugs only occupy spaces in mattresses, bed bugs live anywhere that humans have contact, including couches, chairs and even carpet. Although it may seem that such a small creature is easy to treat and get rid of, there are some things that you should know regarding bed bugs and their bite.

Origin

Bed bugs are quite common and do not have a direct relation to cleanliness. Bed bugs are just like any other insect. They reside in areas where food is available to them. Since humans are food, they seem to always have places to hide until feeding time. Bed bugs can be found in small crevices in walls, furniture, closets and in carpet. Moreover, they are usually spread when traveling from one place to another. Nonetheless, bed bugs have been commonly found in used items like clothing, mattresses and furniture, which is why it is pertinent to take caution when purchasing items of this sort.

Signs

Since bed bugs are incredibly small and spend the majority of their time hiding, it is almost impossible to tell if you have a bed bug infestation. Therefore, it is important to look for signs of bed bugs instead of the actual insect. Bed bug waste is the most sure sign of bed bugs. Their waste is brown or black in color and is easily visible on mattresses and furniture. Also, bed bug skin cells are also telling signs of an infestation. Skin cells are brown in color and resemble crushed peanut hulls.

Bites

Bed bugs bites are one of the most misdiagnosed skin conditions and are usually mistaken for a rash. Bed bug bites are extremely red, raised areas of skin and can be accompanied by bumps and welts on the body.

Skin Irritation

Skin Irritation is an extremely difficult symptom to deal with as a result of bed bug bites. At best, the reaction to bed bug bites are an allergy in which irritation and itchiness are exuded. Most people compare bed bug bites to an extreme case of poison ivy with an incessant need to scratch the skin. While this is how the vast majority of people react to bed bug bites, some people do not experience the same reaction.

Treatment

In order to heal bed bug bites, it is important to first rid your home of the infestation. Most bed bug cases require immediate remediation through a pest control service. These individuals are qualified and equipped with the proper materials and or chemicals to remedy a bed bug infestation. In the meantime, vacuum to rid your home of any remaining bed bugs that may be living in the carpet. If you notice that you are getting bitten at night, more than likely bed bugs are using your mattress as a hiding place and it should be thrown out immediately. Next, refrain from scratching and apply cortisone or corticool. These products relieve the itchiness associated with bed bugs bites; corticool also employs a cooling sensation to the skin to help with irritation. Since the reaction from bed bug bites are like an allergy, benadryl is also an effective solution to aid in the itchiness and irritation. The itchiness and skin welts should subside in a few days. If any other complications, including puss or bleeding, accompany your bites, you should consult your physician or dermatologist to prevent an infection or permanent skin damage.

Tags: irritation itchiness, your home, bugs bites, bugs that, mattresses furniture

Can Acupuncture Cure Infertility

"One out of seven couples has difficulty conceiving," according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, or ASRM. The ASRM further explains that "problems with ovulation are common causes of infertility, accounting for approximately 25% of all infertility cases." If you suffer from infertility issues, you are certainly not alone, and there are remedies available. Acupuncture may help resolve your infertility issues.

Facts

As of 2002, there were approximately 11,000 acupuncturists in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. Acupuncturists are required to be licensed in 40 states. Many medical doctors and dentists are learning the skill of acupuncture to complement conventional healing techniques. Acupuncture treatments are typically less expensive than infertility treatments, complement other conventional methods of treatment and are often covered by many private health insurance companies.

Function

Acupuncture corrects energy imbalances that exist in your body by stimulating various anatomical points, or acupoints, through the insertion of thin, sterile needles into the top layers of your skin. Acupuncture is virtually painless. You can be treated for a variety of illnesses and conditions including infertility, depression, addictions and chronic pain. "A review of seven clinical trials of acupuncture given with embryo transfer in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) suggests that acupuncture may improve rates of pregnancy," according to a study at the National Center for Complementary Alternative Medicine, or NCAAM.

Theories

According to research conducted by Raymond Chang, M.D., et. al., "it is logical to hypothesize that acupuncture may influence ovulation and fertility." The study concludes that "because acupuncture is nontoxic and relatively affordable, its indications as an adjunct in assisted reproduction or as an alternative for women who are intolerant, ineligible or contraindicated for conventional hormone induction of ovulation deserves serious research and exploration."

History

Acupuncture is an ancient traditional Chinese medicine that has been practiced in Asian countries for about 2,000 years. According to the NCCAM, "acupuncture became better known in the United States in 1971, when New York Times reporter James Reston wrote about how doctors in China used needles to ease his pain after surgery."

Types

You are most likely to receive one of two medically researched acupuncture treatments for use with infertility issues. These are traditional acupuncture and electroacupuncture. Traditional acupuncture uses thin, sterile needles that are inserted into your skin and manipulated by your practitioner's hands in order to release any energy blockages. Electroacupuncture uses thin needles that are inserted into various strategic points of your body, or acupoints, which are then stimulated with tiny electrical pulses.

Warnings

Get treatments from a certified acupuncturist to avoid possible side effects, including hepatitis B. You may also suffer short-term effects including mild headaches or dizziness after treatment, according to the American Cancer Society. Do not use electroacupuncture if you have a pacemaker or other electronic device as this type of acupuncture may interfere with the electrical impulses. Talk to your health care provider if you have serious medical conditions before undergoing any acupuncture treatments.

Tags: according American, infertility issues, according American Cancer, American Cancer, American Cancer Society, Cancer Society

Color Therapy With Blue Lights

Color therapy, also known as chromotherapy, is a centuries-old method of treating both physical and mental illnesses. It remains a popular therapy among some proponents of alternative/complementary medicine, and there are even studies that have lent credence to some of the claims made for this method of treatment. At its heart, chromotherapy is based on the belief that certain colors can be used to treat specific illnesses.

Scientific Basis

If your first reaction to the notion that color therapy can cure your ills is one of amused disbelief, rest assured that you are not alone. But take a minute to consider more closely the scientific basis for chromotherapy. In their "critical analysis" of chromotherapy, which was published in the December 2005 issue of Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Pakistani physicists Samina T. Yousuf Azeemi and S. Mohsin Raza looked at the science behind chromotherapy. They observe that "colors generate electrical impulses and magnetic currents or fields of energy that are prime activators of the biochemical and hormonal processes in the human body...."

Colors and Their Properties

In its overview of color therapy, the Natures Energies website offers a brief profile of the colors used in chromotherapy and the properties for which each is best known. Red, it's observed, can be used to energize and stimulate your body and its component parts, while yellow increases neuromuscular tone. Turn to white if you're seeking a color to promote regeneration or green to regulate the pituitary gland. Blue is valued, according to the Natures Energies website, for its calming effect. The visible spectrum of light for humans ranges from roughly 380 nanometers to 750 nanometers. While various shades of red fall between 625 and 740 nm at the high end of the visible spectrum, blue falls between 440 and 490 nm, closer to the low end of the spectrum.

Practical Applications for Blue Light

Because of its calmative effect, blue light is said to combat mental and physical tension and induce relaxation. You can practice color therapy in a variety of ways, including exposure of your body--or portions thereof--to lights of varied colors; dressing predominantly in the colors prescribed for your specific ills; and changing the color scheme in rooms where you spend a great deal of time. Although you can tackle some of these forms of color therapy on your own, others, such as light box or colored light therapy, might best be practiced with the guidance of a chromotherapist.

The Color Therapy page of the Spiritual.com.au website says that blue light therapy is among the most potent antiseptics available and is useful in the treatment of more illnesses than any other color. It says that blue light can bring down fever, soothe sore throats, reduce skin and gum inflammations and stop bleeding in the lungs. It's also a good color to use to reduce an infant's teething pains, according to Spiritual.com.au. Other illnesses and injuries that can benefit from blue light therapy include goiter, hypertension, measles, chicken pox, cuts, bruises and burns.

Tags: blue light, color therapy, light therapy, blue light therapy, Color Therapy, colors used

Breathe When Exercising

Breathe When Exercising

Whenever I start with a new client, I tell them that there are three things of utmost importance:

honesty, grace (presence) and breathing.

With honesty I ask that they let me know when something feels wrong on their body and to be honest with themselves by pushing to their limit.

With grace I tell them to move as efficiently as possible and to make transitions from one position to another as easily as possible.

With breathing I tell them that the general rule of thumb when exercising is to exhale on exertion (the hard part of the movement) and inhale during the easier part of a movement. On a push up, for example, you inhale on the way down and exhale when you are pushing up away from the floor.

It is a known fact that you can live without food for up to a few weeks and without water for up to a few days, but without oxygen, your life is over in a few minutes. I guess what I mean to say here is that breathing properly during exercise is important. Let's take a look at a few things to do that might help you.

Instructions

1. Figure out which is the easiest part of the movement (inhale) and which is the hardest (exhale).

Generally, the harder part of an exercise or movement involves fighting against gravity, as in the push up example.

2. Let your breath dictate your pace or the speed at which you perform any given part of a movement. If you are doing reps of an exercise and start hyperventilating, chances are your breath is too shallow and you are doing the reps too quickly. Slow down.

3. For steady, sustained cardiovascular-type exercise such as running, stair climbing or hiking, try to use your normal breathing pattern or do your best to increase the length of your inhales and exhales. Also, if you are having trouble catching your breath--slow down.

Tags: part movement, tell them, Breathe When, Breathe When Exercising, doing reps, movement inhale, part movement inhale

Atkins Low Carb Diet Information

The Atkins low carb diet, named for its founder Dr. Robert Atkins, is designed for weight loss. It is also helpful for individuals who have blood sugar issues, including diabetes, pre-diabetes or insulin resistance. Properly followed, the Atkins low carb diet is an appropriate diet for anyone committed to making healthy food choices with lean proteins, dairy, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and whole grains.

Features

When you eat carbohydrates, your body converts them to energy. If you have a surplus of this food energy, your body produces insulin to store it as fat. If you reduce your carbohydrate intake, then your body will burn stored fat for energy, causing you to lose weight. This is the science behind the Atkins diet.

Time Frame

The diet has four phases. The first phase of the diet is known as Induction. It is the most restrictive in terms of food choices and carbohydrate intake, and lasts two weeks. Some people choose to remain on Induction longer especially if they have a significant amount of weight to lose. Following Induction, you enter a period of Ongoing Weight Loss (OWL), during which you have more food choices and gradually increase your carbohydrate intake to find the maximum level you can consume while still losing weight. As you near your goal weight, you enter Pre-Maintenance, at which point your food choices are broader still and you prepare for the final phase of the diet, Lifetime Maintenance.

Misconceptions

There are three common misconceptions about the Atkins diet. First, because the Atkins diet is a low carb diet, many people mistakenly think it is a no carbohydrate diet. Even in the Induction phase, which is the most strict, dieters choose from a variety of low carbohydrate vegetables. As you progress through the phases of the diet, you include more vegetables and fruits in your diet, along with nuts, seeds, and eventually whole grains. A second misconception is that you can "do the Atkins diet" just by counting and limiting your carb intake. Choosing appropriate carbs is just as important because all carbs are not equal for the purposes of this diet. Foods made with white flour and white sugar, for example, are never appropriate choices. A third misconception is that portion control is unimportant. Portion control is not usually an issue, but overall calorie intake can make a difference, particularly for those who are especially resistant to weight loss or nearing their goal weight.

Considerations

The best source of information about the Atkins Diet remains Dr. Atkins' book, "Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution." While there is an abundance of information available on the Internet, those who are most successful on the diet take the time to read the book and understand it fully.

Expert Insight

The Induction phase of the Atkins Diet is very challenging. Many people consider it worth the challenge and discomfort because it "jump starts" your weight loss and reduces your cravings for carbohydrates. If you are not an experienced low carb dieter, or if you have health issues, you may prefer to lower your carbohydrate intake to 50 or 60 effective grams of carbohydrate per day before attempting Induction. Make sure to choose your carbohydrates from those on the approved list for OWL. If you are taking medications for diabetes, they may need to be adjusted. Do not begin any diet or make changes in your medication without consulting your health care provider.

Tags: carbohydrate intake, food choices, your body, your carbohydrate, your carbohydrate intake, about Atkins, Atkins carb

Recognize The Symptoms Of A Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

Recognize the Symptoms of a Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

Sometimes a person can bleed in between the white of the eye and the eye's outer membrane. This is a subconjunctival hemorrhage. It can be a very frightening thing to see, but usually there is nothing to be alarmed about. However, it's important to recognize the symptoms of a subconjunctival hemorrhage to avoid confusing it with something more sinister. Read on to learn diagnose a subconjunctival hemorrhage.

Instructions

1. Look in the mirror and examine your eyes closely. If part of the white of your eye is bright red, you may have a subconjunctival hemorrhage. There may only be one little dot in one corner or the entire eye may be red.

2. Feel around the eye to determine if there is any significant pain. With a subconjunctival hemorrhage, there shouldn't be any pain. Slight irritation or discomfort can be normal, but if there is any pain, seek medical attention.

3. Test your vision. This is just in case the condition is more serious than it appears. Your eyesight should remain unchanged. However, if your vision is affected, there is probably another cause besides the subconjunctival hemorrhage.

4. Check up on the eye over time. The hemorrhage should clear up in two weeks without any treatment. The color of the hemorrhage may change from red to yellow, which is normal. However, should your eye remain bright red after two weeks, you should consult with your doctor.

5. Administer eye drops or artificial tears. This may not make the hemorrhage go away, but it does not hurt and it can relieve irritation.

Tags: Recognize Symptoms, Recognize Symptoms Subconjunctival, subconjunctival hemorrhage, subconjunctival hemorrhage, subconjunctival hemorrhage, Symptoms Subconjunctival

Get Rid Of Roosting Vultures

Although they may be mistaken for hawks or eagles, turkey vultures are actually related to storks.

Turkey vultures are not hard to spot. They have a red featherless head -- resembling that of a turkey -- and soar a bit unevenly at lower levels than hawks, their V-shape easy to recognize in the sky. Contrary to popular belief, turkey vultures are actually clean and useful animals. Because of their extremely efficient digestive system, they eat what would otherwise be germ-ridden carcasses, and their feces contain acids that kill harmful bacteria. However, if they are disturbed or feel threatened, they may regurgitate. They roost, often in large groups, on high perches like trees to avoid potential predators. If you have turkey vultures that have invaded your property, you may already know that they are very difficult to get rid of.

Instructions

1. Hang large, shiny metal objects, like pots and pans, closely together on the tree or other object where the vultures are roosting, recommends the Vultures Homestead website. The noise should scare the vultures away. However, once the vultures get accustomed to the noise and they see no threat, they may return.

2. Spray the vultures with strong streams of water from a garden house. Do this in conjunction with hanging the shiny objects, as the two methods combined may prove a more efficient deterrent.

3. Blast sounds from a loud instrument, such as a trumpet, just underneath the vultures' roost.

4. Make other loud noises, such as yelling or blowing your car horn.

5. Shake the trees, if this is where the vultures are roosting, several times a day.

6. Purchase a motion sensor sprinkler system that can be mounted on a rooftop near the places where vultures are roosting, suggests the Vulture Society. Every time the vultures approach to roost, they will be sprayed by water, and will most likely leave.

7. Obtain a permit from the USDA to kill or otherwise harm the vultures. In rare instances, when the vultures have done severe damage to your property or hurt or killed livestock or pets, and you have taken nonlethal methods to disperse them, the USDA may grant you a permit to kill the vultures. Vultures are federally protected birds, and may not be injured or killed without a permit. USDA officials are permitted to kill the vultures until the flock leaves, according to the "Washington Examiner."

Tags: vultures roosting, where vultures, where vultures roosting, kill vultures, turkey vultures

Common Allergies And Symptoms

Allergies cause sneezing, wheezing, pain, congestion, rashes, and itching, at the very least. At worst, allergies can lead to anaphylaxis, a systemic overreaction to allergens, which can be fatal. Whether an allergy is caused by plants, chemicals or foods, it is helpful to know the symptoms of each type of allergy in order to know what substances to avoid. When allergens cannot be avoided, as occurs with pollen and insect allergies, determining the allergen means you will more easily find the correct treatment.

Types

Allergies to airborne irritants, such as pollen, pet dander, or mold are among the most common allergies. Skin allergies to plants, soaps, dyes or other chemicals are also fairly common, as are food allergies. According to the FDA, food allergy is most commonly caused by eggs, fish, milk, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, crabs, shrimp (and other crustaceans), and soybeans.

Symptoms

Pollen allergies cause respiratory symptoms similar to colds. Sneezing, coughing and irritated eyes are all common symptoms of allergy to pollen. These allergies, although uncomfortable, are not usually life-threatening; however, asthmatics may experience dangerous asthma attacks.

Food allergy symptoms range from digestive problems (stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting) and skin rashes (hives) to full-blown anaphylaxis, a dangerous reaction that causes swelling of tissues and constriction of the airways. Anaphylaxis can quickly lead to circulatory collapse and death.

Skin allergies appear as red itchy rashes in areas that have contacted the allergen. Contrary to this, rashes all over the body usually indicate an internal, full-body allergic reaction, such as occurs with food allergies. Dyes and perfumes in soaps and detergents are common causes of skin allergies, though some people are more sensitive to plants.

Prevention/Solution

The first step in preventing allergy symptoms is to find out what to avoid. Food allergies, if not severe, may go undiscovered for years if the symptoms are mild and no connection between the food and the symptom is readily seen. A scratch test (or prick test) helps determine specific substances you may be allergic to. In these tests skin is scratched and a small amount of the common allergen is placed on the skin. Localized redness, itching and rash indicates you are allergic.

Treatment

Respiratory allergies and skin allergies often respond well to non-prescription antihistamines. Topical antihistamine creams are sometimes all that is necessary for some skin allergy rashes.

Allergy shots bring some relief to those with chronic or severe allergies to pollen, dust, mold, and insect stings. The more serious allergic reaction, anaphylaxis, is first treated with an epinephrine injection, followed by supportive care. In severe cases, an emergency tracheotomy may be required to open the airway. Hospitalization is necessary until symptoms have completely passed.

Considerations

Severe allergic reactions can occur suddenly, without warning. You may develop an allergy to bee stings over time, for example, and suddenly experience a dangerous reaction after being stung again. Get prompt care for anyone showing anaphylaxis symptoms. These include swelling, difficulty breathing, and rash.

Tags: allergic reaction, allergy symptoms, dangerous reaction, experience dangerous, occurs with, Skin allergies, skin allergies

Count Carbs On The Atkins Diet

The Atkins Diet is a regimen that asks you to regulate the number of carbohydrates you consume each day to lose weight. Dr. Robert C. Atkins believes that you can lose weight, keep it off, and set the stage for a healthier lifestyle if you reduce your intake of carbohydrates. If you have been on any other kind of “counting” diet, however, you know it isn’t always easy to keep track of the number or amount of anything over the course of a day, especially if you live on the go.

Instructions

1. Make yourself familiar with the fundamentals of the Atkins Diet. Read books, pick up a “Carbohydrate Gram Counter,” and get to know your foods. Be aware that fiber content reduces the total carb count and you are interested in net carbohydrates.

2. Accept that “white foods” (rice, white bread, treats made with regular flour, much pasta) are high in carbohydrates and you must avoid them in restaurants and the office coffee room. Don’t even bother to count, just say “no,” especially in the initial phase of the diet.

3. Select dark green, leafy vegetables. Asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, lettuce and spinach are low in net carbs. So is zucchini. Carry your carbohydrate counter with you to the grocery store and use it to answer questions on the fly. Read product labels for carbohydrate counts.

4. Find low-carbohydrate recipes on the web or invest in a low-carbohydrate cookbook. Many cookbooks and recipes today identify a meal’s nutritional value, which makes it easy for you to know how many carbohydrates are in a dish before you cook it.

5. There are plenty of ways to satisfy a sweet tooth on a low-carbohydrate diet; again, look at the packaging information. Don’t assume that something is low-carb simply because it is low-calorie or low-fat.

Tags: Atkins Diet, lose weight

Pain Relief For Catfish Stings

Catfish are large, bottom-dwelling fish that can be found all over the world in freshwater or marine habitats. Catfish are known for their trademark large mouths and whiskers. In addition to these features, catfish also have dorsal and pectoral spines on either side of their bodies which pack nasty, venomous stings if the catfish is picked up or handled improperly. Although catfish stings are not life-threatening, they must be treated right away because of the potential for infection and increased pain.

Catfish Sting Symptoms

Most catfish stings happen during fishing trips. A catfish is caught and then picked up incorrectly or with a weak grip, resulting in a sting. To properly handle a catfish, pick up the catfish with the palm of your hand on the catfish's ventral side, making sure your fingers are on each side of the pectoral spines and far away from the dorsal spine.

Other injuries might occur when the family dog tries to pick the catfish up in its mouths and is rewarded with a painful sting.

Catfish sting symptoms include irritation and pain around the stung area. There is also the potential for the spines to break off and become buried in the skin. If not treated right away, the pain might last for days while the wound becomes infected. In more advanced stages, the patient might experience severe tissue necrosis or even gangrene. In the most extreme cases, finger amputations have occurred because of infections from a catfish sting.

Catfish Sting Treatments

If stung by a catfish, remove any spines that are stuck in the skin with a pair of sterile tweezers. Once the spines are removed, irrigate the area with warm water (as hot as you can tolerate) to disperse the venom and ease the pain. Wash the sting area thoroughly three to five times per day, and do not put a Band-Aid or patch over the sting area to keep it protected, as this might provoke an infection.

General pain relief medication for catfish sting treatments---such as Tylenol or Advil---is effective in relieving most of the pain, although your skin will continue to be sore to the touch around the sting area.

See a doctor if the pain continues or increases around the sting area for more than four or five days, if you see ascending red marks from the spot of the sting or if you experience soreness in the joint areas around the sting. Infections might come from staphylococcus and streptococcus on your skin, as well as bacteria from the waterway where the fish was caught.

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What Is Hydroxyzine Pam Used For

Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine that is chemically related to the chemical compound piperazine. It was first made in the 1950s and has a variety of medical uses, primarily those based on its ability to block the effects of histamine. Hydroxyzine can be packaged with hydrochloride or with pamoate, which allows it to be made as a solid powder that can be packaged into pills.

For Allergies

Hydroxyzine pam is a strong antihistamine, which means it can be used to treat allergies. During allergic reactions, the immune system releases a chemical called histamine, which leads to much of the sneezing, congestion and runny nose that is associated with allergies. By blocking the effects of histamine, hydroxyzine pam can be used to treat the symptoms of allergies.

For Anxiety

Hydroxyzine pam has also been approved as a way of treating anxiety or for symptomatic relief of diseases that have anxiety as a symptom. It does not appear to depress activity in the cortical area (the part of the brain where anxiety usually manifests), but it instead lowers activity in certain parts of the brain that help regulate the cortex. Because anxiety is often caused by excessive activity in the cortex, hydroxyzine pam is able to relieve symptoms of anxiety.

Sedative

Antihistamines also have a mild hypnotic and sedative effect, which is why so many over-the-counter antihistamines can cause drowsiness. As a strong prescription-strength antihistamine, hydroxyzine pam can sometimes be used as a sedative. Its strong sedative effects can make it dangerous when mixed with alcohol.

Anesthesia

Hydroxyzine pam has been shown to potentiate the effects of certain anesthetics, which means that it heightens their effect. As a result, it can be given before surgery to lower the amount of anesthesia needed to render the patient unconscious. This can help minimize the side effects of administering anesthesia.

Medical Research

Hydroxyzine pam is also used for some types of psychiatric research. In rodents, it can be used to counteract a condition known as learned helplessness, in which the subject (the rodent) finds itself unable to escape an unpleasant sensation and, as a result becomes unresponsive and unwilling to move. Hydroxyzine pam has been shown to relieve this behavior.

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Heat Rash

Heat rash is often referred to as prickly heat or miliaria. It is a common skin condition that often occurs during the summer or in climates where the weather is typically hot and humid. Heat rash can affect people of all ages. It is a mild skin condition and usually causing only slight discomfort.

Features

Heat rash occurs when a person sweats excessively. When the pores get clogged due to excess sweat, a heat rash develops. Heat rashes develop more easily in the summer season not only due to the hot weather but also because people spend more time outdoors and are actively engaged in a variety of activities.

Identification

Heat rash appears as tiny dots that resemble pimples. The skin has a reddish appearance. The fine rash may be itchy and/or have a burning sensation. There may also be a prickly or tingling sensation to the skin.

Features

Heat rash can develop on any area of the body. But it appears mostly on the face, neck, forehead and in folds of the skin such as under the breasts where the area is covered with clothing and perspiration does not evaporate as quickly.

Risk Factors

Although anyone may develop a heat rash at any age, infants may tend to get heat rash because parents overdress them. Parents often do this in an attempt to prevent the child from getting sick and to protect the child from the heat of the sun. Parents do not realize that the child may be too warm. Infants also tend to develop heat rash in the folds of their skin such as the area under the chin and the folds of the thighs where they tend to sweat quite a bit. Those areas of the body receive little exposure to air.

Effects

Heat rash normally clears up on its own within a few days. It can be treated with calamine lotion to ease the itching and burning sensation. Cornstarch powder can also alleviate the discomfort and help dry the rash up more quickly. Place a cool compress on the affected area for relief of itching and burning. Allow the area to be exposed to air if possible. For example, if the heat rash is on the neck and you have long hair pull the hair up to allow air flow to the skin.

Significance

There are a few steps you can take during hot, humid weather to help prevent heat rash. Keep the environment cool with air conditioning and fans. Avoid going outdoors during the hottest part of the day if possible. Wear light, loose fitting clothing in fabrics such as cotton that allow perspiration to evaporate. Take frequent cool showers or baths. Use a powder that contains cornstarch after bathing.

Tags: Heat rash, heat rash, burning sensation, child from, develop heat, develop heat rash

Uses Of Rose Oil

Red rose

The rose has a delicate beauty that adorns gardens, and a scent that attracts many admirers. But the rose is also in demand because of the essential oil extracted from its petals. The ancient practice of using essential oils from plants, such as rose oil, is again becoming accepted as people experience the health benefits of essential oils. Rose oil is recognized for its ability to relieve stress and improve skin care. It's the most coveted and expensive among essential oils.

Massage

In addition to relaxing the body and mind, a massage also clears the body of toxins. When using rose oil for a massage, it's recommended that a carrier oil accompany it. The carrier oil dilutes the rose oil before it's placed on the skin. To combine the oils, use an empty container such as a small bottle, pour into it 1 oz. of carrier oil and add between 12 and 15 drops of rose oil; shake the container to be certain the oils are mixed well. Carrier oils that can be used include jojoba, almond, sunflower and olive oils.

Stress Reliever

Rose oil is good for relieving stress, depression and grief. The best and most soothing way of using rose oil for this purpose is in a warm bath. It's important to keep the steam from escaping, so make certain all the windows and doors in the bathroom are closed. Add 2 to 4 drops of rose oil to the bath water. If a shower is preferred, add 2 drops to a wash cloth and apply to the skin.

Skin Care

Rose oil is effective for most skin types, including oily, normal, dry and sensitive. It can keep the skin soft, smooth and firm. It's suggested that rose oil be used with any brand of cleanser, cream and lotion that has natural ingredients. Just add 2 drops of rose oil to your cleanser, cream and lotion and apply the mixture to your skin.

For a deep cleaning your pores, fill your bathroom sink 1/2 full with warm water and add 5 to 7 drops of rose oil. Soak a small wash cloth or towel in the warm water. Wring the water out of the cloth and place the cloth on your face and relax. Perform this skin regimen once a week.

Warnings

Because rose oil has the ability to relax the body's muscles, it's strongly suggested that it not be used during pregnancy.

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Handle Insomnia Or Sleeplessness

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handle Insomnia or sleeplessness

Insomnia or sleeplessness is one of the common problems in present day's world. It's a symptom, rather than a disease. Insomnia may be of various types. You may have difficulty falling asleep, difficulty maintaining or staying asleep or frequent awakenings, especially, early morning awakening. Life can get messed up if one does not get enough sleep. Quality of sleep is important. It is the feeling when you wakeup in the morning that is more important than the number of hours that you spend in the bed. Normal sleep should make you feel refreshed in the morning. While the average amount of sleep that an adult requires is 8 hours some people may need as little as 3-4 hours, whereas some need up to 12 hours. The purpose of this article is to identify and fix many small things that may result in insomnia. So what can you do first to improve your sleep prior to calling for help from your healthcare provider? Here are the tips:

Instructions

1. Learn the concepts of 'sleep hygiene'. 'Early to bed and early to rise', but, not only on weekdays but also on weekends. Let this become your habit. Avoid late night shows, partying etc.

2. Peek in to your medication list to see if any of them could give you sleepless nights. Some medicines are notorious for causing insomnia, some even cause nightmares. For instance: theophylline, beta blockers (metoprolol, Atenolol etc), steroids, thyroxin, and bronchodilators (for asthma), cocaine, methamphetamine etc. The best way to know if any of your medications may cause insomnia is to check the drug information that the pharmacist gave you when you filled your prescription, or even the internet.

3. Do you drink coffee? If yes, how much? Did you know a 7 oz cup of regular brewed coffee has between 80 to 135 mg of caffeine in it? Cut down on your coffee or switch to decaffeinated one. Tea has theophylline in it so it may also cause insomnia if consumed in large quantities. Remember, something that charges you during day will also keep you up all night.

4. Try hot shower before going to bed. Hot shower helps to relax your tense muscles.

5. A cup of warm milk or a banana before going to bed may also do the trick. They both are rich in serotonin. Serotonin is a naturally occurring chemical in brain that plays major role in sleep mechanisms.

6. Ask your spouse to gently massage your pressure points: shoulders, palms, soles, heels etc.

7. Sex is also known to induce sleep by activating some intrinsic mechanisms in the brain.

8. Reading a book helps fall asleep sometimes.

9. Make your bedroom cozy and inviting for sleep.

10. Vigorous exercise during day is followed by a good night sleep. The more physically tired you get during the day better sleep you will get at night.

Tags: before going, cause insomnia, Insomnia sleeplessness

Chinese Cures For Diabetics

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, regardless of the specific type, it means you have an excess of glucose (sugar) in your blood. That can result in an assortment of serious health conditions. Diabetes is often treated with traditional oral or injected medications, and sometimes insulin pumps are used. Alternative therapies that may be worth a try include Chinese treatments and herbs.

History of Chinese Herbs

Diabetes has been treated with Chinese herbs for more than 2,000 years. Since ancient times, Chinese physicians have been quite knowledgeable about the condition. The Chinese have a long list of herbs that may help treat diabetes. Among the most recognizable and perhaps most easily accessed are asparagus root, ginseng and cinnamon.

In order to be effective, the dosage of herbs used to treat diabetes is usually very high. A highly condensed extract may require 12-24 grams per day, while 40-80 grams of crude herbs is often necessary.

Mixing Herbs and Medications

While there is no clear evidence that Chinese herbs and standard diabetes drugs should not be taken simultaneously, there is some concern that blood-sugar levels may drop too low when the two therapies are combined.

This problem may be avoided if the herbs are integrated into your system slowly over a period of days. Make sure to consult with your physician if you are considering adding any herbal supplements to your current diabetes medicine.

Acupuncture

The use of acupuncture as a treatment for diabetes appears to be most effective for younger patients and those who are in the early stages of the disease.

The clinician chooses acupuncture points based on the medical history of the patient and the stage of the diabetes. Treatment plans and selected acupuncture points are highly individualized.

Diabetics who have received acupuncture also tend to experience a drop in cholesterol levels and report a smaller number of medical problems.

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Precautions For Hip Resurfacing

Hip resurfacing is a type of hip replacement that removes less bone than a standard total hip replacement. Younger patients who may need additional hip surgeries later in life are excellent candidates for hip resurfacing. The procedure does carry some risks and complications, and there are several precautions that patients should take before and after surgery to help ensure a successful outcome.

Preparing for Surgery

You should take several precautions prior to surgery to minimize the potential for serious complications and recovery barriers. Prior to surgery, you should undergo a thorough physical assessment by your doctor to determine your overall level of health and readiness for surgery. Many hip resurfacing patients also see a physical therapist prior to surgery. The physical therapist will document current range of motion and strength to help develop a post-operative treatment plan. Seeing a physical therapist prior to the procedure also enables you to practice rehabilitation exercises that you will need to do after surgery and learn use crutches or a walker. Donating blood three to five weeks prior to surgery enables your blood to be stored in case you need a blood transfusion during the surgical procedure.

After Surgery

You will take several precautions to minimize complications following your surgery. Immediately after surgery, your hip will be wrapped in a sterile dressing to prevent infection. You will wear surgical stockings to prevent blood clots and will lay with a cushion to prevent your hip from rolling. A respiratory therapist will help you with breathing exercises after the anesthesia wears off to prevent breathing issues and pneumonia. Follow-up checkups with your surgeon help ensure that your recovery is going well and help identify any problems or complications as quickly as possible.

A physical therapist will help you move from the bed to a chair and help you begin to walk with crutches or a walker. Your therapist will also go over what hip positions to avoid for six to 12 weeks while your hip strengthens to prevent dislocation. These include not bending forward to reach your feet past a 90-degree angle, not crossing your legs, not lifting your knee higher than your hip, not twisting while standing or lying down and not allowing your legs to rotate inward.

During the rehabilitation process, you will see a physical therapist regularly to regain strength and range of motion in your hip. Once physical therapy is complete, you will continue with at-home exercises to keep your hip strong and healthy. Most surgeons recommend that their patients refrain from high-impact activities as much as possible even after the rehabilitation process as a precaution to prevent dislocation or other injury to the resurfaced hip.

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Sciatica Problems Treatment

Sciatica is a medical condition involving numbness, weakness or tingling in the leg. It is caused by injury to or compression of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica affects people in different ways. Some people have mild symptoms which go away quickly others suffer for days to weeks at a time. If you suffer from sciatica, you have probably tried several options to relieve your pain.

Treatment Options

Options include joining your local gym for optimal stretching of the back, which helps alleviate pain for many people. Working with a trainer where techniques are utilized to work certain muscles may provide a holistic remedy to helping pain management associated with sciatica. Both working out at the gym and spinal decompression treatments help to reduce symptoms without the use of prescription medications. Other treatment options include steroid injections and back surgery. However, many people who elect for back surgery have to have a second surgery within five years.

Physical Therapy and Physical Symptoms

Doctors will likely suggest a form a physical therapy, ranging from walking to a physical exercise program. You may find that one option or a combination of treatment options work to help your pain.

The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back down the back of each leg. It controls muscles in the back of your knee and lower leg and in addition to giving feeling to the back of your thigh, sole of your foot and part of your lower leg. Any of the above mentioned body parts can be affected with an episode sometimes isolated and other times all at once.

Charting Your Course

Keeping a diary of sciatic episodes can help in choosing treatment. Sciatica is treatable and a person can learn to reduce the pain and discomfort associated with episodes. You know your body best and when it is operating at the optimal level.

Pain Management

You may recall exactly what you did to develop sciatic nerve damage. If so, you want to avoid repeating whatever gave you initial distress. For example, bending may be difficult as well as sitting and or standing for long periods of time.

The easiest thing to do is ask your doctor for medication. A muscle relaxer has side effects of drowsiness, lethargy and can become addictive. While there are other methods to help with pain management, you may do well in the long run to incorporate them over medication. Steroids while helpful can cause weight gain and you can only get so many per year.

Back surgery will have you out of work for several weeks to months and many people find they have to have repeat surgery. This is worth researching because you don't know when you will experience an episode that knocks you down.

Considerations

Worth noting is the fact that people who incorporate exercise experience a greater length of time without symptoms and for some symptoms simply go away after time. Self-care is important and includes learning what you can about sciatica and how your body will respond to a treatment.

Tags: many people, sciatic nerve, associated with, back your, have have

The Advantages Of Dental Implants

Benefits of dental implants

Hesitancy to smile because of a cracked or missing tooth may diminish self-esteem. For years, the best solutions for missing teeth were full dentures, bridges or removable partials. Now dental implants create a more natural replacement for missing teeth. Dental implants are artificial tooth replacements that resemble a tooth or group of teeth. They provide distinct advantages over conventional methods.

Versatility

Oral surgeons can use dental implants in conjunction with other restorative procedures. For example, a single implant can support a dental crown used to replace a single tooth. The surgeon bonds a cap to the dental implant that is embedded in the bone beneath the gums. Implants can also support a dental bridge, which replaces a missing tooth by joining permanently to adjoining teeth, or can be used with dentures to increase strength and reduce irritation to the gums.

Naturalness

The untrained eye may find it nearly impossible to distinguish dental implants from natural teeth. The connection of the implant to living bone creates structure and functionality that looks and feels natural. Your surgeon will design the teeth to be the same size as your natural teeth. Eating with implants feels just like eating with your natural teeth, so you won't need to exclude certain foods from your diet.

A denture wearer experiences premature aging, loss of bone structure and facial collapse from the lack of teeth, but dental implants prevent this process.

Self-Confidence

People who wear dentures may experience a clicking sound when chewing that they find embarrassing. A denture wearer may find that her prosthesis limits her ability to speak normally. The use of denture adhesives is uncomfortable, and having to remove the dentures several times daily serves as a constant reminder that she doesn't have teeth. Dental implants create a permanent remedy to these problems and may boost self-esteem.

Success Rate

According to the website Consumer Guide to Dentistry, dental implants are among the most successful procedures in dentistry. Though there is no guarantee of success for implants, the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons says the overall success rate is 95 percent. Patients with dental implants feel more comfortable and secure than those who have bridges or dentures.

Even patients who have experienced bone loss can successfully have implants placed, because oral surgeons can graft the bone to securely anchor them.

Hygiene

Your implants are just like your teeth, so you don't need to give them special treatment. You will maintain your oral hygiene by brushing your teeth with regular toothpaste and flossing regularly. Regular dental visits ensure that your implants stay in good condition

Tags: natural teeth, dental implants, dental implants, dental implants, denture wearer

Signs Of Urinary Tract Infections

A urinary tract infection, or UTI, originates from the bladder, kidneys, uterus or urethra. Most often, a UTI involves the part of the urinary tract nearest to the urethra, since UTIs are often caused by bacteria such as fecal matter coming in contact with the urethra and traveling up the urinary tract.

Frequent Urination

Urinating often in small quantities is a common sign of a UTI. The feeling of being in a constant state of having to urinate is also common. Having to wake up several times during the night to urinate is perhaps the most telling sign that one may have a UTI, since most people's need to urinate is suppressed during sleep. It is usually not normal to have to urinate more than once during a night.

Discomfort

Another common sign of a UTI is experiencing discomfort while urinating. Sometimes this discomfort is barely perceptible, but other times it might be a sharp, burning sensation. The consistency of the urine can also tip one off to a UTI. The presence of blood in the urine or an unusually strong smell can also mean that you have a UTI.

Bladder Infection

If the infection moves up to the bladder, several other symptoms are likely, including fever and a general feeling of malaise. The lower part of the belly may feel strangely uncomfortable or painful, like someone is pushing down on it slightly.

Kidney Infection

If the UTI advances to the kidneys, more serious symptoms may begin to manifest. High fevers are likely, as is pain higher in the back or along the sides where the kidneys are located. Becoming nauseous and throwing up is also likely. Sometimes the skin begins to flush, becoming warm to the touch, while chills and shaking are also possible. Fatigue, confusion and extreme abdominal pain are also potential symptoms.

Complications

Since UTIs take time to advance through the urinary system, it is usually possible to identify them and receive the proper treatment before they become severe. Sometimes the infection will clear up without medical treatment or by using home remedies, such as drinking lots of water or cranberry juice, or eating blueberries. If a UTI spreads to the kidneys and is not treated, it can potentially cause permanent kidney damage.

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Use A Waterpik Without Getting Soaked

The Waterpik allows us to bring a little bit of the dentist's office home with us. This device shoots concentrated jets of water onto our teeth to act as a liquid dental floss. Here are some steps you can take to use a Waterpik without getting soaked.

Instructions

1. Select a top accessory that is appropriate for the job you want to do. Waterpik has several different fittings. One is simply a jet that shoots water; another is a toothbrush that also jets water; another features an orthodontic attachment. The brush is your best bet for keeping dry.

2. Fill your Waterpik’s water tank. The sinktop model will have a detachable tank that can be filled and then snapped into place on the unit. The cordless model has a small hole at the base that can be exposed and filled with water.

3. Choose an appropriate speed for your water jets. Be aware that the highest settings (five on some models and 10 on others) come out with a great amount of velocity and can cause your gums to bleed if you are not used to the pressure. Start with a low pressure setting, as this will save your gums and prevent a lot of water from splashing out of your mouth and drenching your clothes.

4. Hang your head over a sink before turning on the device. Do not tilt the Waterpik as you would a toothbrush. Instead, keep it straight up and down to keep the device from soaking you. Flip the "On" switch.

5. Keep the Waterpik close to your teeth to avoid getting soaked. Holding the device far away from your mouth could lead to getting wet due to the amount of water that a Waterpik uses.

Tags: jets water, water another, your gums, your mouth

Breathing Exercises With Pursed Lips

The Pursed Lip Breathing technique is used to facilitate the total expulsion of air from the lungs so that a greater quantity of fresh air may then enter. Sufferers of COPD (Chronic Obstruction Pulmonary Disease) and other lung diseases in which the airway is given to collapse during exhalation are advised to employ this technique to help manage the condition. Pursed Lip Breathing keeps the airways open longer, allowing for the release of trapped air from the lungs. It may be used independently to relieve shortness of breath, or it can be used in concert with other breathing exercises.

The Basic Method

Straighten your torso, relax the tension in your body and take a deep breath in through your nose. Then purse your lips as if preparing to blow out a flame and drive the air in your lungs out through the small opening formed by your lips. Don't try to force this expulsion, just allow it to happen. This has the effect of naturally drawing out your exhalation, keeping the airway open, as waste air is prevented from rapidly discharging due to the narrow escape hole you've directed it to move through. Notice how your cheeks blow out when you perform this exercise. This is a result of the pressure produced by this elongated release of air through the restricted opening of your pursed lips.

The Best Treatment For Cervical Abnormalities

Cervical abnormalities found on a pap smear test are called cervical dysplasia. Cervical dysplasia is not cancer but rather an indication that abnormal cells are present. Dysplasia can be either mild or severe and the most serious cases can potentially lead to cancer. Mild dysplasia may go away on its own but several treatments are available.

Cryotherapy

Have cryotherapy performed to remove the abnormal cells from the cervix without a large expense. During this procedure a probe is inserted into the body and held against the cervix. This probe releases a low temperature that freezes the cells of the cervix. These cells are damaged by the freezing process and are shed from the cervix once they thaw out. This method is cheap but does have some tendency to fail. Abnormal cells may lie under the ones that were damaged, causing the condition to emerge again. In addition, future cervical diagnosis may be impaired due to this process, which can cause abnormal closing of the cervix when healing.

Laser Treatment

Have laser treatment performed for quicker recovery time and a more efficient result. A carbon dioxide laser is used to destroy the abnormal cells in the cervix. The depth of the laser can be controlled, making it more efficient in killing off abnormal cells that may be buried deep. The cervix will heal faster because the dead cells are immediately removed from the body and do not need to be expelled once unfrozen. Laser treatment requires specific equipment and may be very expensive.

Electrocauterization

Use electrocauterization for the quickest and most reliable of treatment methods. Electrocauterization, also known as loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP), uses a small wire loop to pass an electrical current through the cervix to destroy the abnormal cells. This method can be done in 10 to 30 minutes and can be used at the same time as diagnosis.

Tags: abnormal cells, abnormal cells, cells cervix, destroy abnormal, destroy abnormal cells, from cervix

Goats Milk Benefits

Although it is still relatively rare in the United States, where cow's milk is king, worldwide, the consumption of goat's milk is actually higher than that of cow's milk. As the interest in sustainability and finding healthier alternatives to common foods grows, even more people are looking into goat's milk and products made from it, such as cheese and butter, as an alternative to consuming cow's milk. While cow and goat milk are similar in their basic composition, goat's milk does provide some significant benefits over that of cows.

A Greener Milk Altenative

Goats take up less space, use less resources and require less medical treatment than their bovine cousins in the production of their milk. According to the website Goat World, "Most of the upsurge in goat popularity (in the U.S.) has been the result of a growing trend toward attaining some measure of self sufficiency on the part of many people, for both economic and aesthetic purposes." A suburban family could even keep a goat to meet their daily milk needs, decreasing the need for millions of hormone-treated, methane-producing cows.

A Potential Alternative for Lactose Intolerant People

Lactose is a sugar that occurs naturally in milk. People with lactose intolerance can not metabolize this sugar. Sufferers may experience flatulence, bloating, cramping and diarrhea. While goat's milk and cow's milk contain similar levels of lactose, some people actually find goat's milk easier to digest, thereby avoiding the unpleasant symptoms of lactose intolerance.

Excellent Source of Calcium

The body needs calcium to grow and maintain bone density, and to maintain dental health. One cup of goat's milk contains 33 percent of the RDA of calcium and only 168 calories. A cup of goat's milk also contains a higher amount of vitamin A, riboflavin and niacin than the same amount of cow's milk.

A Good Source of Protein

One cup of goat's milk provides 8.7 grams of protein, about 18 percent of the RDA for protein. Protein is made up of amino acids that are used by our bodies for tissue repair and muscle growth. Goat's milk is a cost-effective source of high-quality protein.

Potassium

Potassium is used by the body to regulate blood pressure and heart function. One cup of goat's milk provides just under 500 mg of this cardiovascular-protecting nutrient.

Healthier for Children

Because goat's milk does not contain agglutinin, the fat globules don't cluster together like they do in cow's milk, making goat's milk easier for the body to digest. Because it doesn't contain agglutinin, goat's milk does not need to be homogenized. Homogenization alters the chemical structure of the fat in milk. There is some debate as to the effects on heath of drinking milk that has been homogenized.

Tags: goat milk, goat milk, goat milk does, milk does, contain agglutinin

Cheilitis In Humans

Cheilitis is any medical condition involving an inflammation of the lips. A variety of maladies can induce cheilitis in humans. It can be a side effect or an indicator of a deeper problem.

Nutrition

Malnutrition can cause cheilitis. The most common form is lip inflammation caused by a lack of vitamin B12.

Chronic Issues

One of the most common causes of repetitious cheilitis is a chronic condition such as anemia or Plummer-Vinson syndrome. A drop in red blood cells can cause discomfort in the entire mouth.

Infection

Bacterial and fungal infections of the mouth can often produce cheilitis as a side effect. Thrush and other yeast infections of the tongue are especially likely to cause cheilitis.

Drug Interactions

Certain medications can cause lip inflammation. Most notable is the isotretinoin class of medication, the most widely used of which is Accutane.

Seek Help

If you are unsure of the cause of your cheilitis, seek help. Cheilitis can often be a side effect of mouth and skin cancers.

Tags: side effect, cause cheilitis, most common

Position Your Computer

Position Your Computer

Positioning your computer and keyboard is a good first step toward creating a relaxed and healthy work environment. With a few minor adjustments, you can lessen the chances of strain to your upper body.

Instructions

1. Arrange your work area so that when you set up your computer and keyboard, you will be directly facing both. This avoids unnecessary twisting and turning.

2. Place the computer on an adjustable table or desk so that the top line of the monitor is at or below eye level when you are sitting. This lessens the chance of stressing your neck muscles.

3. Place monitor at arm's length away from you to reduce visual fatigue.

4. Adjust the height of your monitor by placing it on top of or removing it from the system case (computer).

5. Position monitor so that it is at a right angle to the glare of windows in your work area.

6. Tilt your screen if you are still experiencing glare.

7. Use an adjustable keyboard tray that attaches to your desk.

8. Place keyboard at elbow level. Your forearms, wrists and hands should be in a straight line parallel to the floor as you type.

9. Provide enough work space for the keyboard, mouse and other attachments so you are able to move about freely without bumping into things.

Tags: your work area, computer keyboard, Position Your, Position Your Computer, work area, Your Computer

What Is The Human Genome Project

The Human Genome Project was a world-wide effort to identify, categorize and study the genes in human DNA, the chemical base pairs that are our genetic building blocks. It was a large-scale project with sweeping medical and research implications--the Human Genome Project is like a map of human genes that will speed up scientific discoveries.

History

The U.S. Department of Energy and the National Institutes of Health coordinated the Human Genome Project with scientists all over the world. It started in 1990 and was projected to take 15 years. It was completed early in 2003 thanks to advances in technology.

Features

The Human Genome Project identified and cataloged all the genes contained in the DNA of human beings. This is about 25,000 genes. It also figured out the sequences of 3.2 billion chemical base pairs in human DNA. The Human Genome Project gathered a massive database and made it available to the private sector for research. Even though the genes are all now identified, scientists still do not know what half of them do.

Identification

In order to identify human genes, researchers looked at genes from many organisms that were not human. Among these were lab mice, fruit flies and bacteria found in human abdomens. They all have similar characteristics to people. This helped scientists figure out which genes performed specific functions. Examples are genes that give a person a specific physical feature, genes that fight disease and genes that influence behavioral traits. The Human Genome Project also broke down the way the four DNA chemicals--"A", "T," "C" and "G"--are paired up. The different base pairs determine an animal's species and all the individual traits.

Effects

The Human Genome Project promises to revolutionize the way scientists research human genetic disorders. This is expected to lead to exciting new ways to diagnose, treat and prevent diseases. Information was made available to the private sector. Private companies were allowed to license technology and grants were awarded for promising research. The mission of the Human Genome Project is to share knowledge to encourage medical innovations.

Considerations

The Human Genome Project went to great lengths to consider the ethical, legal and social ramifications of its research. It was the first significant scientific study to do this. About $1 million was spent examining these issues. They include fairness in sharing genetic information, psychological impact, reproductive issues and confidentiality of genetic information. Project leaders do not claim to solve any of these problems, only to examine them and open a dialog.

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Pros & Cons Of The Lap Band Procedure

LAP-BAND surgery is a recent development in surgical weight loss methods for those who cannot successfully get to a healthy weight on their own. There are a number of pros and cons for this surgical procedure, which is offered by a number of doctors across the globe.

Function

LAP-BAND is it is considered minimally invasive surgery and does not reroute or cut into digestive organs like the duodenal switch or gastric bypass procedures. A band is placed around the upper part of the stomach to create a quicker feeling of fullness and promote weight loss.

Risks

Any surgery, including the LAP-BAND, carries the risk of death from anesthesia or another complication. The manufacturer, Allergan, states no deaths have occurred in the United States due to this procedure. Other possible risks of LAP-BAND surgery include the band slipping, gastric perforation, nausea, and vomiting.

Maintenance

Patients may need to regularly visit their surgeon to have air injected or removed from the band, as this is what controls the feeling of fullness.

Costs

The costs of LAP-BAND surgery range from $12,000 to $25,000. Many insurance companies will cover a LAP-BAND, and many physicians offer surgical financing plans.

Reversibility

LAP-BAND surgery can be easily reversed if complications arise or the patient later changes his mind. Once the band is removed, the stomach returns to its normal functioning.

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Treat Liver Cancer

Liver cancer is defined by the Mayo Clinic as a disease of the cells in the liver. In many cases this type of cancer spreads from other parts of the body in a process called metastasizing, from a primary or original location to the liver. Cancer that originates in the liver is a rare condition, and treatment may be possible if diagnosed early. Treatments and prognosis will be based on individual case management, the primary source of the cancer, the stage the cancer is in and the overall health and condition of the individual.

Instructions

1. Schedule a visit with your physician if you notices signs of liver cancer in yourself or a loved one. Some of the early signs of cancer may include but are not limited to increasing fatigue or weakness, nausea and vomiting, abdominal swelling and an enlarged liver (which may be felt by your physician just below the right side of the rib cage).

2. Ask about treatment options. Options will depend on the type of cancer that is diagnosed. The most common type of liver cancer is called hepatocellular carcinoma. However, children diagnosed with hepatoblastoma are successfully treated upon early diagnosis.

3. Decide whether or not surgery is an option for you. Surgery is often the best choice for a localized cancer. Resection (removal) of damaged liver tissue often results in a good prognosis when accompanied by chemotherapy or radiation treatments or drug therapies by your oncologist (cancer doctor).

4. Undergo an injection of alcohol into small tumors if recommended by your oncologist. Individuals may need only one injection, though some need multiple treatments depending on the size and location of the cancer tumor.

5. Agree to radiation or chemotherapy if suggested by your physician in conjunction with surgery or other liver cancer treatment options for optimal results and prognosis. Addition treatments for liver cancer may include chemoemobolization, which is similar to chemotherapy except that anti-cancer drugs are injected into the liver organ rather than through the bloodstream. Other treatment options include a liver transplant, or a new drug called sorafenib, designed for use in those with inoperable or advanced liver cancer. Some treatments are not designed as a cure for liver cancer, but may slow down cancer growth and add years to the life of a cancer patient.

6. Take prescribed drugs suggested by your oncologist. The most common drugs for the treatment of cancer of the liver used in chemotherapy include 5 - Fluorouracil (5 FU) and Leucovorin. Other drugs used to fight liver cancer include systemic drug regimens such as FU, Tomudex and Mitomycin C, which are given intravenously.

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