Get Sinus Relief Through Self Massage

get Sinus Relief Through Self Massage

When it comes to having a cold or flu, one of the most painful parts is the aching that occurs in your sinuses due to nasal congestion. Your head pounds, your eyes squint and it seems as if the pain will never subside. Here are some tips on how you can get sinus relief through self-massage.

Instructions

1. Place a pot of water on the stove and heat it until it steams. Keep a watchful eye on the pot of water because you do not want it to boil. If it does boil, then allow it to cool for several moments.

2. Drape a towel over your head and lean over the pot of water. The towel should help form a barrier so that steam does not escape around you.

3. Inhale and exhale through your nose, allowing the steam to penetrate your sinus cavity. Before you can begin the massage process, you want the mucus to be as loose as possible. Ingest the steam for a few minutes.

4. Start from the outer regions of the sinus cavity and massage inward toward your nose. The sinus cavity extends from your forehead down to each cheek. Your whole goal to provide sinus relief is to move the mucus toward the nasal passage. Use small circular motions with your finger tips first in the forehead region and then in the cheek regions.

5. Blow your nose gently into a wash cloth or tissue to remove some of the mucus you have loosened through massage.

6. Repeat the steaming, massage and blowing process repeatedly until a significant amount of mucus has been removed from the sinus region. This will provide some relief.

Tags: sinus cavity, your nose, Relief Through Self, Self Massage, Sinus Relief, sinus relief, Through Self

Diet To Improve Healing Of Bone Fractures

Recovering from a bone fracture can be an arduous experience. You may require physical therapy, medication and a cast. One way to speed up the process, as well as ensure healthy and complete bone recovery, is to follow a careful diet full of vitamin D and calcium.

Calcium

Calcium is crucial for healthy bones. Calcium promotes healthy bone growth and speedy recovery from fractures. This mineral fortifies our bones and increases their durability. To increase the calcium in your diet, include milk, tofu, almonds, salmon and beans. You can also find calcium supplements at a health or grocery store.

Vitamin D

Without vitamin D, the body can't properly absorb calcium. Eating food with lots of vitamin D will help you make the most out of your calcium intake. Look for sardines, fresh tuna, eggs, butter, cheese and cod liver oil. Sunlight activates vitamin D, so make sure to spend some time outdoors each day.

Avoid Phosphate

Phosphate binds with calcium, creating a new compound and preventing calcium absorption by the bones. Avoiding excess phosphate can improve the healing of bone fractures. Minimize your intake of soda, hot dogs, frozen pizza, mayonnaise and processed meats.

Drink Fluids

Nutrients are not properly absorbed without enough fluid intake. To maximize the efficiency of your bone-healthy diet, drink six to eight cups of water each day.

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Diet Plan Six Weeks After Gastric Bypass Surgery

According to the National Institutes of Health, roughly 133.6 million Americans are overweight or obese. Most people seek to lose weight through a combination of increased physical activity and by eating a healthy diet. For some, however, bariatric surgery--gastric bypass--may be the best choice for weight loss. Gastric bypass surgeries are very common. Most procedures make the patient's stomach smaller to limit food intake. The patient's diet changes several times, starting right after the surgery, before he or she settles into a long-term eating plan.

Time to Heal

Immediately after surgery, and for up to several weeks, you will follow a very restricted eating plan. You need time to heal, and to get used to living on less food. It takes several days to weeks to recover, and there will be many foods you are not allowed to eat. The first two phases of the gastric bypass diet provide optimum support for weight loss and to begin to improve your overall health.

Phase 3

Roughly six weeks after gastric bypass surgery, you will begin Phase 3 of the diet plan. This final phase is the last before reintroduction of solid foods. You will eat a variety of soft foods that can be easily digested. Examples include soft fruits, cooked vegetables, and diced meats. It's important to mash the food before you eat it. If you can do that easily, it is soft enough to consume. This particular phase lasts only two weeks, according the Mayo Clinic website. Go slowly when starting to eat solid foods, so your body can become used to eating regularly again. Among foods to be wary of are nuts, seeds, tough meats, and bread. Wait before eating these foods for several weeks into your reintroduction process.

Results

The Mayo Clinic reports that within the first two years after surgery you can expect to lose at least 50 percent of your excess weight if you follow your diet strictly and exercise as directed. It is important to eat a healthy and small amount of food, according to the Temple University website. You need checkups to make sure no complications have developed and that your weight loss is on track. Remember that to achieve maximum weight loss, you need to be consistent with your diet and eating habits.

Tags: weight loss, after surgery, eating plan, Mayo Clinic, several weeks, solid foods

Is The Sperm Donor The Father Of The Baby

Artificial insemination has allowed single women and women married to men with fertility issues to have their eggs fertilized in vitro and give birth to their own children. There are many ethical issues raised with such a procedure, one of which concerns the degree to which the sperm donor can be considered the child's father.

History

In 1978, the first test tube baby was born in Bristol, England. As a result of her parents' 9-year battle with infertility, doctors retrieved an egg from her mother and fertilized it with sperm from her father. When Louise Joy Brown was born healthy and perfectly normal, millions of infertile couples around the world were given hope.

Significance

Under normal circumstances, eggs are fertilized within the fallopian tubes when they encounter sperm. Then the embryo travels into the uterus where it implants and begins to develop. Regardless of whether the sperm was placed there naturally through the process of intercourse or through medical intervention, a fertilized egg is the result and the woman becomes pregnant.

Types

The words "father" and "donor" may or may not be used interchangeably. Under ideal circumstances, these two are one and the same. Many times, a woman who undergoes artificial insemination using donated sperm has a man in her life who is willing and able to help her raise the baby. This may be a husband, partner or boyfriend. Regardless of his relationship to the mother of the baby, he wishes to be considered the baby's father. The term "biological father" may be used to distinguish between the sperm donor and the person who raised the child as his own. Often, the biological father is unknown.

Identification

Babies that are the result of artificial insemination using a sperm donor are no different than babies conceived in a more conventional manner, the issue of paternity notwithstanding.

Benefits

The process of artificial insemination using a sperm donor has made it possible for infertile couples to have children of their own. Couples choosing to go this route to start a family have usually determined before conception how they will view the sperm donor with regard to paternity.

Considerations

Before becoming a pregnant with sperm from a sperm donor it is important to explore the legal rights of the sperm donor. If the donor is a friend, then questions can be worked out and legal documents drawn up before proceeding. If the sperm donor is unknown, become familiar with his legal rights before becoming pregnant, as they vary widely from state to state. If the sperm donor is unknown, the identity of the donor may or may not be anonymous. While sperm banks will collect information on donors to provide to families, donors may choose to remain completely anonymous. If the parents wish to know the identity of the donor, or think the child may wish to know at some point later in life (which many do), a non-anonymous donor may be selected.

Tags: sperm donor, artificial insemination using, insemination using, artificial insemination, becoming pregnant

Diets For Adhd Adults

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) adults and children feel distracted and unable to focus on their daily activities. People with ADHD can't concentrate on tasks at home, work or school. This condition negatively affects interpersonal relationships and their overall self-esteem because of their difficulty in controlling impulsive behavior. Although doctors primarily diagnose ADHD in children, many people receive their diagnosis as adults. Doctors prescribe medications that help ADHD; however, diets for ADHD adults manage the behavioral symptoms related to this condition.

Avoid Foods with Additives

Diets for ADHD adults require elimination of foods containing additives such as artificial colorings and flavorings, artificial sweeteners and artificial preservatives. The study of how diet affects ADHD date back to the 1960s, when Dr. Ben F. Feingold, a pediatrician, created a dietary program to treat people with ADHD. Dr. Feingold found that ADHD increases people's sensitivity to food additives and affects behavior and learning ability. The Feingold Program has critics, but the Center for Science in the Public Interest states that behavior improved with a modified version of Dr. Feingold's dietary plan. However, scientists continue studying the effects of food additives on children and adults with ADHD.

Reduce Sugar Consumption

Eating diets containing excess sugar increases behavioral symptoms of ADHD. While most of the information presented on diet and ADHD focus on children, diets for ADHD adults, too, should include small amounts of sugar. Adult ADHD sufferers should be cautious about sugar content in foods, alcohol, refined grains and caffeine. Adults with ADHD should learn to read food labels for various types of sugars such as high fructose corn syrup, sucrose, dextrose and maltose.

Eat Healthy Foods

Because diets for ADHD adults remove packaged foods containing additives, sugars and other unnatural ingredients, adults must replace these items with healthier choices.The diet should consist of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans. This health resource says that adults can carry carrot sticks with them. Carrying healthy foods helps working adults avoid junk food present in vending machines.

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What Are The Treatments For Menstrual Cramps

Menstral Cramps

The medical term for menstrual cramps is primary dysmenorrhea. Menstrual cramps can occur in teenagers as well as older women. These cramps can often be extremely painful, and at the least very uncomfortable. There is no way to eliminate menstrual cramps, but there are some treatments women can use to reduce the discomfort.

Heat

Heat works well to provide some relief from menstrual cramps. Place a heating pad over your abdomen for 15 to 20 minutes. If you don't have a heating pad, you can use washcloth soaked in hot water. The problem is that the washcloth will quickly cool off and you will need to reheat it every few minutes. A third option is a product such as Heat Treat personal heating pads, portable pads that you can wear anywhere. Remove the adhesive strip and stick the heating pad to your abdomen. Each pad works for eight hours and is not visible. It is perfect if you cannot stay at home and wait to feel better.

Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that works to reduce the amount of prostaglandin produced in the body, lessening the amount of cramps you experience. It is also a pain reliever and can diminish the pain from your cramps within 20 minutes. Some name brands of ibuprofen are Advil, Motrin and Nuprin.

Warning: Ibuprofen can thin the blood a bit and cause your bleeding to seem a little heavier.

Birth Control Pills

Women who consistently have painful menstrual cramps each month should consider a regiment of birth control pills, even if not sexually active. Birth control pills can lessen the length and the intensity of a period. After two or three months on the pill, some women will no longer experience any cramps at all. The same is true of birth control patches if you are not thrilled at the idea of taking pills.

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Diamondback Rattlesnake Venom Effects On Humans

The western and eastern diamondbacks of the U.S. Southwest/Mexico and Southeast, respectively, are the largest rattlesnakes in the world: the eastern may reach nearly eight feet. While they tend to avoid humans and bite only in self-defense, they can deliver a serious--sometimes fatal--quantity of venom.

Venom Composition

Most U.S. rattlesnakes have primarily proteolytic, hemotoxic venom, which means it damages tissues and destroys red blood cells. Enzymatic proteins in the venom sabotage clotting mechanisms; enzymes called hemorrhagins promote uncontrolled bleeding. For the snake, the venom has digestive as well as toxic properties.

Other Effects

While the major effects in humans of diamondback venom involve blood and blood vessels, it may also induce neurotoxic effects, which impair the nervous system.

External Symptoms

Along with severe pain, rattlesnake bites often induce blistering, nausea, headaches, tingling of the head and extremities, skin discoloration and swelling. Blood may appear at the gums, lips, and nails and in urine and stool.

Long-term Consequences

Bite victims may suffer prolonged, even lifelong effects. A woman severely bitten by an eastern diamondback still experienced pain, memory loss and other issues for six years afterward.

Mortality Rate

Antivenin is an effective treatment for diamondback bites. However, if medical aid is delayed, death is possible: While their venom is not as potent as that of some smaller species, diamondbacks' size and their long fangs mean they can inject large quantities. Western diamondbacks may kill more people in the U.S. than any other snake, and the mortality rate from eastern diamondback bites may be as high as 40 percent.

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Protect Eczema During A Shower

Water is one of the worst things to use on skin that is currently in an active eczema breakout. Water and eczema will simply lead to a worse breakout. In order to keep the body clean and prevent the eczema from worsening, you must keep the water away.

Instructions

1. Apply Vaseline to the affected area. the areas of the body that are currently broken out with eczema need to be lathered with Vaseline.

2. Have a partner cover the wounds. Your partner will then be able to add a second layer of protection by placing the plastic wrap over the affected area and securing with the waterproof tape on all sides.

3. Shower the body. A shower is the perfect choice for the person suffering from eczema. Soaking in water can lead to further breakouts.

4. Remove plastic wrap and large clumps of Vaseline. While the skin will not be hurt by the remaining Vaseline, the clumps may fall off or stain certain fabrics. Using the old soft towel, remove the larger clumps of oil.

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Create Meals For The South Beach Diet

Creating meals is the most important factor in following a diet plan. If you've been putting off starting on the South Beach Diet, now is the time. You can learn to create meals by keeping a few pointers in mind.

Instructions

1. Familiarize yourself with the diet's outline. You'll need to create three meals and two snacks. If you eat dessert, then you'll have six daily meals. Think in terms of eating smaller meals throughout the day instead of a few large ones.

2. Plan your breakfast to include a serving of protein, such as meat, eggs, cottage cheese or tofu. You also need at least one serving of vegetables. Tomato juice or vegetable cocktail juice are good alternatives. You may also include black coffee or unsweetened tea.

3. Include a serving of protein with lunch along with several servings of vegetables or a salad. You may have 1 to 2 Tbsp. of salad dressing (olive oil and lemon juice with garlic makes a good dressing) if you like. You may also include a serving of dairy such as cheese.

4. Prepare a serving of protein and several servings of vegetables and legumes for dinner. You may include a calorie-free beverage (black coffee or unsweetened tea).

5. Consider having a protein and a vegetable for each of your snacks. Snacks are mini meals. Protein and vegetables are the two main food categories in all low-carb diets. If you like dessert, you may have one 75-calorie sugar-free treat (a sugar-free fruit ice, gelatin or fudge pop) per day.

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Heat Lamp Instructions

Learn use a heat lamp.

Heat lamps offer assistance for aching and painful body parts. Each lamp contains an infrared light bulb. When this light is shined on specific areas of the body, infrared wavelengths penetrate deep into the body. Some heat lamps contain mineral coatings on the bulb or contain minerals on a metal disc surrounding the bulb. As the lamp heats up, these minerals enter the body along with the infrared wavelengths.

Instructions

1. Plug the electric cord from your heat lamp into a wall electrical outlet.

2. Turn the power switch located on the stem of the lamp to the "on" position. You can set the timer by turning the timer button to the right (if your unit has a timer). If you want the unit to stay on until you manually press the power button, then make sure that the timer button is turned completely to the left.

3. Wait 15 minutes for the heat lamp to completely warm up. If you use it sooner, you may not reap the full benefits from your heat-lamp session.

4. Position a chair next to the lamp. You can adjust the distance of the chair according to which part of your body needs to be treated.

5. Adjust the head of the heat lamp so it's 12 to 18 inches from the area on your body that you're treating. This will ensure that the infrared heat will enter deep into the problem area on your body.

6. Keep the heat lamp shining on your body for 20 to 40 minutes. This is the optimal range of time for a heat-lamp treatment.

7. Press the power button to shut off the heat lamp and unplug it from the wall.

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Red Marine Algae For Viral Infections

Red algae has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries and is currently sold as an anti-viral in tablet form.

The Chinese culture has known the nutritional and medicinal benefits of red algae for thousands of years. Red algae is commonly used as a natural immune system booster and is available at most health-food stores. Modern medicine is just now discovering how red algae can be used to treat and prevent many types of illnesses, including several types of viral infections.

History

Since 600 B.C., the Chinese have incorporated marine red algae into their diet for its nutritional and medicinal benefits. The Chinese believe that red algae improves the flow of qi energy in the body resulting in a sense of well being and improved energy levels. Qi (pronounced "chi") is defined as breath or air.

Modern Knowledge

Modern scientists and researchers have known the medicinal benefits of red algae and recently discovered its anti-viral potential. Currently, scientists are aware that with regular intake red algae can boost the immune system against viral infections and treat a multitude of other illnesses such as boils, urinary tract infections, asthma, goiters, and stomach problems.

Scientific Findings

Recent scientific studies on the effects of red algae as an anti-viral are revealing. Clinical studies conducted by the University of British Columbia reports the anti-viral activity of red algae against the herpes simplex virus as positive, meaning it is effective in the treatment of the virus. The American Society for Microbiology states that two species of red algae have inhibited the replication of the herpes simplex virus.

Additionl Antiviral Potential

There are many other viruses harmful to humans that red algae has been successful in fighting in addition to herpes simplex I (cold sores) and II (genital herpes). Red algae is effective against sexually transmitted diseases such as Human Immune Deficiency (HIV) and the Human Papillovirus (HPV) that causes genital warts. Additionally, scientists are discovering how effective red algae is against the viral infection Candida, which is associated with chronic yeast infections in women.

How Red Algae Works

Red algae has been reported to rival the effectiveness of modern synthetic anti-virals such as Acyclovir. The benefits from red algae come from its natural active agent of carrageenans, which are members of the family of sulfated polysaccharides. Polysaccharides stimulate the production of interferons that work as a natural anti-viral agent and improves the activity of T-Cells and B-Cells that destroy virus-infected cells within the body.

Warnings

Red algae can be purchased without a doctor's prescription and can be used as a natural viral preventative and immune system booster. However, homeopathic remedies to treat existing viruses should only be used once you have consulted a doctor and have full knowledge of what type of virus you intend to treat with red algae therapy.

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Imuran

Imuran is a drug most commonly used to suppress the immune response following a kidney transplant. Patients taking Imuran should be aware of its actions and potential serious side effects.

Function

Following any type of organ transplant, the immune system must be suppressed in order for the transplanted organ to remain viable in the body. If the immune system is not suppressed, the body will reject the organ and cause it to die. Imuran is one of the drugs most commonly used to facilitate acceptance of the new kidney in transplant patients.

Features

In addition to its use in transplant patients, Imuran is also used to reduce the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis such as swollen and painful joints. Imuran may be used in conjunction with other drugs such as aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) and steroids such as Prednisone.

Considerations

Patients who begin treatment on Imuran must have regular blood work done to confirm that their white blood cell and platelet counts remain within normal limits. As Imuran is an immunosuppressant, risk for infection is high. Patients should also report any unusual bleeding or bruising, as Imuran also decreases thrombin, which is used to form clots such as those produced when you receive a cut.

Warning

The most serious side effects of Imuran are targeted toward the gastrointestinal (digestive) and hematologic (blood) systems. A gastrointestinal hypersensitivity may occur when taking Imuran and is characterized by severe nausea and vomiting, which may also be accompanied by a rash, general feeling of malaise, increased liver enzymes and fever. Severe bone marrow suppression may also occur, which may result in brittle bones. Women who are pregnant should not use Imuran, as severe fetal harm may occur. The risks versus benefits to the pregnant patient and the fetus should be weighed when making any decision about using Imuran while pregnant.

Expert Insight

For kidney transplant patients, Imuran is usually initiated with a 3 to 5 mg/kg daily dose, with the first dose being given on the day of the transplant through intravenous administration. Dose reduction to 1 to 3 mg/kg daily is usually possible within a few days following the transplant. Imuran should not be increased to near toxic levels if rejection of the organ becomes a threat.

For rheumatoid arthritis patients, Imuran is most commonly prescribed for daily consumption. The initial dose is approximately 1.0 mg/kg (50 to 100 mg) once daily or twice daily in divided doses. The dose may be increased at 6 to 8 weeks and thereafter at 4-week intervals, up to a maximum dose of 2.5 mg/kg per day.

Maintenance therapy should be at the lowest effective dose, and the dose may be lowered in 0.5 mg/kg increments. Imuran can be discontinued abruptly, but delayed effects are possible.

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Find Obsidian Rocks

Silica-rich lava becomes obsidian when cooled immediately through direct contact with water.

Obsidian, or volcanic glass, is not only a beautiful ornamental rock, it was once used by Native Americans to craft arrowheads and cutting tools because of its strength and sharp edges. There are many localities that contain obsidian deposits in the United States, and knowing how and where it originally formed will provide significant information on locating these outcrops for collecting. It is also important to understand the variations in color, which will assist in identifying deposits of volcanic glass.

Instructions

1. Individual crystals can be seen plainly in granite and other igneous rocks.

Learn about obsidian's origins and how it is formed. Volcanic glass is an igneous rock created when silica-rich lava is extruded directly into water. The instant cooling does not allow time for crystals to grow as in other igneous rocks. This creates a glassy characteristic because the minerals are too small to see individual crystals, as in granite or other igneous rocks.

2. Use field guides to gain a general knowledge of what obsidian looks like, especially its color and mineral variations. Despite its silicate composition, which typically produces white or clear minerals, obsidian is dark because the minerals remained mixed like a soup. Certain mineral inclusions can give obsidian different colors. For instance, iron and magnesium can give the rock a green appearance, while hematite will produce reddish-brown hues.

3. Obtain a geologic map of obsidian localities. The mountainous regions of the western United States have a lengthy geologic history of volcanism which created a mass of obsidian deposits. Mines, claims and other known locations are found in abundance in Arizona, California, Colorado, Oregon and Utah, among others. To locate these regions, contact the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) or the Association of American State Geologists (AASG) for maps and information. A list of known mining sites can be obtained from mindat.org, which can provide a basis for searching the right areas.

4. Wear a hardhat and other gear if collecting from sites overhead.

Get permission to go rock collecting. No matter where the deposits of obsidian are located, always check with the property owner before attempting to collect on the land. Rock collecting in general is prohibited in many national and state parks, as well as mines or other commercially owned areas. Collecting from road outcrops and cliff faces is not only illegal, but also very dangerous. Be sure to wear proper gear and always get permission to be on that site.

5. Go collect! Because obsidian is easy to break (like glass), collecting samples from an outcrop is relatively simple. A good rock hammer will easily break large chunks of volcanic glass into small, usable pieces. However, make sure to bring a good collection bag because obsidian tends to be quite heavy.

Tags: igneous rocks, other igneous, other igneous rocks, because minerals, granite other, granite other igneous, obsidian deposits

Detox Body Wrap

Detox Body Wrap

Body wraps are a simple and easy way to combat and remedy multiple skin problems, or provide multiple skin enhancements at one time. Full of minerals and vitamins, a body wrap detoxifies by infusing the skin with healthy nutrients, removing toxins and even slimming down the figure temporarily. Although no body wrap is a miracle cure, it can be a wonderful addition to your skin-care regimen.

Ingredients

Body wraps work because of their ingredients; the best detoxifying wraps include the most powerful and effective ingredients. When selecting or making a body wrap, look for seaweed, algae, natural clays, aloe vera and various other minerals. Many of the most intense materials have a strong smell, such as sea clay or seaweed and algae. Do not be put off by a strange smell, as these materials are often quite effective.

Most masks are also blended with a natural oil or water, to counteract some of the more powerful smells and to blend the ingredients together. Look for rose and orange blossom waters, as well as lavender, rose or even olive oils. These ingredients balance the body wrap's consistency but are also great for the skin.

For exfoliation during application, your body wrap could include a grainy substance. A variety of these can be used, and many professional spas get creative with these substances. Thinly ground coffee, sea salts and brown sugar are three of these such ingredients. These help to remove dead skin during the application of your mask, and during removal, when you are rubbing the mask against your skin.

Procedure

When you get a body mask treatment at a spa, you should be prepared to go in the buff or make use of disposable undergarments, since mud can infiltrate swimming suits and leave unpleasant smells. Your technician can suggest the best garment for you if you are not comfortable being nude. During the procedure they will smooth your body with the mask, using special hand movements to massage and exfoliate the skin (as massaging helps to release toxins). After allowing the mask to sit, your technician will assist in washing you or show you to a shower, where you can rinse off the mask. You will then most likely be massaged with a moisturizer.

To perform this at home, you can also make your own mask. Check out the recipes in the references section to combine your own ingredients. For cleanliness, try applying your mask in the bath tub. Bring a book or music and sit on a towel if the ground is uncomfortable for you. Apply your mask in small circular motions while massaging the muscles. Allow your mask to sit for 30 to 45 minutes before rinsing off in the shower. Apply a heavy moisturizer afterwards.

With all body wraps you should be sure to consume plenty of water before and after your treatment. Water helps to flush toxins from the body and will assist the effectiveness of the wrap. Tips include taking a warm shower before your wrap to open pores, and covering yourself with a space blanket while in the mask to keep in body heat. You should try to avoid caffeinated beverages, alcohol, fried and unhealthy foods, and high-sugar foods for two days after your wrap.

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Causes Of Chronic Or Severe Back Pain

Pain can be experienced anywhere on the back, with the lower area being the most common. According to the American Chiropractic Association, there are some interesting facts revolving around back pain. It is the second most common reason for visits to the doctor; second only to upper-respiratory infections. One half of the population is affected by back problems each year, and Americans spend approximately $50 billion a year on trying to alleviate back pain. Being that the back is such a complex structure that involves a lot of muscles, bones and ligaments, pain is fairly common. Whether the pain is chronic or acute, it can be caused by many different things.

Inflammation

Arthritis is a condition that causes the joints to become inflamed, swollen and painful. Although it is more common in other joints of the body, it can also take place in the spine. There are several different types that can cause pain. The lower back can suffer pain from osteoarthritis. A type called cervical spondylosis takes place in the cervical area, which is the upper back. Another type that can cause pain in the lower back is called lumbosacral arthritis.

Pulled Muscle

Oftentimes, the muscles and ligaments in the back get strained, sprained or pulled from lifting objects that are too heavy or from twisting too quickly past a given range of motion. This can cause sharp, severe pain. It can also be seen in contact sports like football when players get hit at a bad angle.

Degeneration

Pain in the back can also occur from another condition called degenerative disc disease. This is when the cartilage in between the joints wears away and the bones start rubbing against each other. The pain is usually mild and constant, but there are flareups that can also occur that would be more severe.

Organ Disease

The organs in the body can also cause pain in the back, generally the lower area. The kidneys are among those organs that can do this. They are located at the bottom of the ribcage toward the back of the body. Kidney stones, which are deposits of calcium, phosphate and oxalate that have clumped together, can develop. When they move, severe pain can be felt on the side of the body that radiates to the back area.

Bowel Obstruction

Constipation is a condition where the colon gets backed up with fecal matterl. Not only can this have an adverse affect on the digestive tract, but it can also cause the lower back to be sore. This can be either acute or chronic depending on how long the constipation lasts.

Identification

People who are sedentary and overweight often develop chronic lower back pain. There are a couple reasons why this happens. When you sit down for long periods of time, the muscles and ligaments in the back do not get moved, which can lead to poor flexibility and soreness. To impound the problem, having extra weight on the stomach overloads the muscles in the lower back, which leads to pain. Pregnant women can also suffer back pain for this reason.

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What Causes Fatigue & Tiredness

Fatigue and Tiredness

When you find yourself too worn out to perform basic tasks, it may mean that tiredness has stopped you in your tracks. Fatigue is another term for tiredness, used sometimes to describe intense tiredness of such duration and intensity that it interferes with normal life. There are many reasons why someone experience tiredness or fatigue. In some cases, fatigue may be caused by an underlying medical condition. Generally speaking, however, fatigue is often a result of a patient's habits and routines. By working to incrementally change lifestyle choices, many find relief from tiredness and fatigue.

Lifestyle and Psychological Issues

Sleep deprivation is obviously one of the main causes of fatigue; however, temporary fatigue may be caused by a wide variety of lifestyle issues such as overwork, stress, anxiety, caffeine use, inactivity, obesity, and even mineral or vitamin deficiencies. Boredom can sometimes lead to fatigue-like symptoms as well. In addition, temporary fatigue may appear as a result of the immune system fighting an infection. Besides lifestyle problems, other mental or psychological problems can be the cause of fatigue. Commonly, these mental conditions include grief and depression.

Underlying Medical Conditions

While temporary fatigue can be caused by a wide range of factors, persistent (chronic) fatigue can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Chronic fatigue is defined as feelings of tiredness and fatigue for at least three to six months. Some causes of chronic fatigue might include acute liver failure, anemia, some cancers, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), major depression, emphysema, heart disease, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, kidney failure, pregnancy, RLS (restless leg syndrome) and diabetes. Fatigue can also be caused by some medications, such as antihistamines, cough and cold medications, pain medications, antidepressants and some heart medications.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If fatigue persists for more than two weeks despite your best efforts towards basic lifestyle changes such as more sleep, healthier diet and stress reduction, the Mayo Clinic recommends that you schedule an appointment with your doctor.

In some cases, fatigue can be a sign of a major health problem that requires immediate attention, especially when it occurs with other symptoms. Seek emergency care if you experience fatigue in conjunction with chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular or quickened heartbeat, or the feeling that you are going to lose consciousness. Urgent care is also required if fatigue is accompanied by abnormal bleeding (including in stool or vomit), weight loss or gain, intense headache, or severe pain in the abdominal, back or pelvic areas. Also, seek immediate medical care if fatigue is related to underlying mental health problems such as thoughts of harming yourself and/or others.

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Carpal Tunnel Relief Techniques

The carpal tunnel is a passageway on the palm side of the wrist. Its job is to protect the main nerve, also known as the median nerve, and the tendons that control the bending of the fingers. Once the carpal tunnel becomes damaged, pressure is placed on the nerves and tendons, resulting in numbness and tingling in the hand and fingers, pain and weakness in the hand and wrist. There are a variety of techniques and treatment options to help relieve these symptoms.

Goal of Treatment

A doctor's goal is to reduce any swelling or pressure on the main nerve, which will relieve the pain. For many who develop carpal tunnel syndrome, the following techniques help to completely relieve their symptoms and restore normal hand and wrist function.

Wear a Splint

Wearing a hand splint or brace on the affected hand helps keeps the hand and wrist in a neutral position, reducing the amount of pressure placed on the main nerve. When worn at night, it helps relieve typical nighttime symptoms such as tingling and numbness, though it is effective when worn during the day as well. For some patients, wearing the splint can completely relieve their symptoms. This is generally the first technique used upon diagnosis.

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Medications like aspirin and ibuprofen help relive pain caused by the swelling of carpal tunnel syndrome. They may even help in reducing the swelling. These are generally used in combination with other non-surgical relief techniques, but they are not effective for those who do not experience pain or for those who suffer from tingling and numbness.

Cortisone Injections

Injections of a steroid such as cortisone may help provide pain relief for some patients who have not had success with a splint and NSAIDs. It is possible for relief to last for six months or more. However, if the symptoms return, another injection may be received but it cannot be any sooner than six weeks from the date of the last injection.

Tags: carpal tunnel, hand wrist, main nerve, carpal tunnel syndrome, completely relieve, completely relieve their, pressure placed

Deployment Failure In Airbags

When an airbag deploys too late, the driver and occupant are not protected from injury resulting from contact with the steering wheel or windshield. Signs that an airbag has deployed in a tardy fashion include occupant marks on the steering wheel, a bent steering wheel or a deformed air bag module covering. An airbag should deploy when a forward-moving vehicle decelerates rapidly. That corresponds to a front collision at speeds of about 20 to 25 mph.

Black Box Contents

Determining why an airbag has failed to deploy or is late in deployment can be discovered by downloading the black box that is contained in the vehicle. This will reveal critical data regarding the problems with the air bag and the severity of the wreck, according to Butlerwooten.com.

Failure to Perform

Airbags consist of a complex system that includes a microchip-embedded accelerometer as well as a sensor that informs the airbag to inflate. If the sensor or accelerometer aren't working correctly, the airbag may fail to deploy or deploy when it shouldn't.

Replacement Airbags

If your airbag has deployed successfully and you want a replacement, there is a risk that the replacement airbag modules won't be connected or installed properly, making them nonfunctional. In the event of a second crash, the new yet incorrectly installed airbags may not deploy.

Specifics of an Accident

The airbag may not deploy depending on the specifics of the accident. These include speed, angle of collision, the type of object that is hit and the specifics of your particular vehicle, explains Avvo.com, a legal referral service.

Tags: steering wheel, airbag deployed, deploy when

Graph A Biorythym Curve

Biorhythm curves are based on the premise that, at any given point in your life, you have a certain level of emotional, physical and intellectual fitness. Biorhythm curves break these levels down into cycles, shaped like sine curves. On each cycle, you will hit a point at which you are most neutral, a point at which you have the greatest fitness, and the point at which you have the least fitness. The physical cycle is 23 days, the emotional cycle is 28 days and the intellectual cycle is 33 days. Construct your own biorhythm curves by mapping out your fitness levels at different points throughout the month.

Instructions

1. Write down, throughout the month, your perceived intellectual, emotional and physical fitness levels. Rank them each on a scale of 1-15, positive or negative, every day of the month, and do not give any rating twice. A -15 would be the lowest, 0 would be average and 15 would be the highest.

2. Identify when the highest, lowest and average point of fitness happens.

3. Draw a set of x and y axes on Cartesian graph paper. Label the x axis for days of the month (1-30 or 1-31) and label the y-axis for fitness levels (0 through 15 and 0 through -15).

4. Graph the highest, lowest and average points of your fitness levels. For each of the cycles, draw a curve, approximating a sine curve, through these three points.

Tags: fitness levels, cycle days, point which, Biorhythm curves, emotional physical

Dentist Tips

Some people have an intense fear of dentists. This is an actual condition called "dental phobia," where a person is terrified of the experience of going to the dentist due to the possibility of pain or the need for extensive work. If you get squeamish about even just getting your teeth cleaned, you can overcome this fear and make the visits a little less intense by keeping a few useful tips in mind for your next visit.

Use Your Tongue on Sensitive Teeth

You may have a couple of teeth that are more sensitive than others. When the dentist is spraying cold water on your teeth, hold your tongue against the inside base of the tooth that is sensitive to the cold. The pressure and touch of your tongue helps to ease the paint. This also works for cold air.

Set all Appointments for the Year

According to Aetna and the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, you should go to the dentist at least once or twice a year. If you have problems with gum disease, go four times. Set your appointments for the next year or two in advance with your dentist so that you won't have an excuse for missing appointments.

Come Clean

The day of your dentist appointment, your teeth should be clean and flossed. Avoid eating food and drinking coffee right before you see the dentist.

Petroleum Jelly

When you're in the dentist's chair, your mouth will have to stay wide open, which could cause your lips and face to become dry. Take a small container of petroleum jelly with you to the dentist and keep it in your lap so that you can moisturize. You can also just ask your dentist for some.

Go to a Dental School

Call every local college in your area and ask if the school has a dental program. Dental students take patients from the community at discounted rates in order to practice various dental procedures.

Dental students are usually more understanding, gentle and optimistic about their approach to dentistry due to the fact that they are getting the latest training. Established dentists may have trained five, 10 or 20 years earlier, and do not always study up on the latest methods, so you may have a better, more comfortable experience with a dental student as compared to going to an older dentist at a private practice. And don't worry--dental students are carefully monitored by experienced instructors when they perform procedures.

Tags: your dentist, your teeth, Dental students, When dentist, your tongue

What Is The Proper Way To Breathe

What Is the Proper Way to Breathe?

The act of breathing is an unconscious process carried out continually by the body. The oxygen supplied provided by this process is essential for healthy tissue and cell function. Incorporating proper breathing habits is a way to ensure that the body receives the level of oxygen it needs for normal function.

Benefits

Proper breathing habits can go a long way towards improving a person's quality of health. The process of delivering adequate amounts of oxygen throughout the body requires air exchange to take place in a full and complete cycle. A fully oxygenated system allows as much as 70 percent of waste by-products to be eliminated through the skin. In addition, heavily oxygenated blood creates a type of sterile environment within the body, making it difficult for bacteria and viruses to grow.

Function

Healthy air exchange for the body begins with proper breathing habits. When inhaling, air travels down into the lungs, from which oxygen is transferred to bloodstream. The bloodstream then delivers needed oxygen supplies to the tissues and cells of the body. Full deep breaths work to assist this delivery system by allowing the body to take in what it needs in a coordinated rhythm. In the case of short, truncated breathing patterns, less oxygen is made available to the body with each breath.

Morning Sickness Treatment

The first signs of pregnancy are nausea and vomiting, also known as morning sickness. Morning sickness typically begins 2 to 8 weeks after conception. As every woman experiences pregnancy differently, morning sickness does not happen with every pregnancy.

Why it Happens

Morning sickness is a pregnant woman's reaction to changing hormone levels. It can happen at any time.

Diet

Eating smaller meals throughout the day is one way to deal with morning sickness. Some women keep crackers next to their beds to eat upon awakening to stop nausea.

Natural Remedies

Ginger, in the form of crystallized candy or supplements, can aid with the nausea. Peppermint, either candy or tea, is another natural remedy.

Anti-nausea Medications

Medications for nausea are available over the counter. Discuss with your doctor the safety of these products before using.

Time Frame

For many women, morning sickness subsides by the second trimester. All pregnancies are different and some women experience morning sickness throughout their pregnancy.

Warning

Severe vomiting should be brought to your doctor's attention. There are prescription medications she can prescribe to help with this problem.

Tags: morning sickness, morning sickness, your doctor

Grow Mushrooms For Export

There are many varieties of exotic mushrooms. Oyster, pom pom blanc, shiitake, maitake, reishi and enoki are just some of the varieties that mushroom growers cultivate, both for personal use and as a commercial venture. As consumers worldwide become increasingly interested in fine dining, the demand for exotic mushrooms grows. Researchers throughout the world are examining exotic mushrooms for their seeming anti-cancer properties, as well. This increases demand for exotic mushrooms even further. The techniques and species of exotic mushrooms that growers cultivate vary, but many mushroom farmers find that growing exotic mushrooms is a satisfying challenge.

Instructions

1. Decide which species of mushrooms to cultivate. Growing mushrooms for export involves researching the needs and supply and demand in various countries. For instance, shitake mushrooms are plentiful in Japan because they form the basis of many Japanese foods. Portabello mushrooms do not grow in Japan and therefore may be a good mushroom to export to Japan.

2. Prepare a shady growing area. Most exotic mushrooms are cultivated inside oak logs. Insert plugs with mycelium cells into pre-drilled holes in the logs. Watering these logs bi-weekly produces the first mushroom crop after about a year. Resoaking the logs in freezing water once every two months shocks the logs into ongoing refruiting for several years.

3. Prepare enough logs for a good-sized crop when growing exotic mushrooms. On a mushroom farm, these logs stack in a log-house type of structure--two logs lay horizontally, two more lay vertically on the horizontal logs, then more logs are laid horizontally, etc. Growing mushrooms for export demands an area which is large enough to allow a large mushroom crop to grow. The University of Nebraska/Lincoln's National Agroforestry Center (UNL/NAC) suggests that a 500-log operation is a good size for a beginning mushroom cultivation farm.

4. Plan free afternoon hours during the weeks when the logs fruit. Mushrooms should be harvested in the cooler afternoon hours.

5. After harvest, place the exotic mushrooms into cardboard boxes and refrigerate them. Refrigeration will help preserve them as they are shipped to their destination.

6. Consider drying the mushrooms to reduce the danger of spoilage during shipment. Drying mushrooms involves placing the mushrooms over warm dry air, preferably in sunlight. Drying mushrooms increases their vitamin D content. Seven pounds of fresh exotic mushrooms will yield about one pound of dried mushrooms.

Tags: exotic mushrooms, afternoon hours, demand exotic, demand exotic mushrooms, Drying mushrooms, growers cultivate

Alexander Piano Method

The Alexander Piano Method is essentially the Alexander Technique as it applies to teaching and playing the piano. The Alexander Technique is used by many performing arts professionals and people who engage in repetitive acts such as playing keyboards and certain sports. Piano teachers find the Alexander Technique is best taught to be a preventative and educational tool for students. Primarily, the Alexander Technique remains a supplement to a regular piano-learning method.

History

F.M. Alexander (1869-1955) invented the Alexander Technique during the late 1800s. He was an orator and actor who experienced vocal problems. Traditional care did not give him a long-term solution, so he set out to find one himself. He noticed how he tensed up during his performances and taught himself to stop interfering with his body's natural rhythms and posture.

He invented the theory of Primary Control, which concentrates on the relationship of the neck and head with respect to the rest of the body. He stressed being conscious of the patterns that the body does automatically and learning to change them if they are detrimental.

This technique is quite popular with performers and teachers alike and is used at famous schools such as the Julliard School of Performing Arts in New York and the New England Conservatory of Music and many others. Over the past century, the Alexander Technique has gained in popularity throughout the whole world.

Improved Piano Techniques

Learning the Alexander Technique does more than overcome bad piano habits in playing. A piano teacher who uses the Alexander Technique guides the student in a hands-on awareness of his body and habits that affect his playing. An example of areas of playing that are improved by learning the Alexander Technique are pedaling and tone. Problems with rhythms and note accuracy can be examined at the root to determine ways to avoid making the same mistakes over and over.

Injury Rehabilitation

Many performers turn to the Alexander Technique after a performance-based injury has already occurred. Carpel tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, backaches, and many other injuries result from being unaware of bad habits. Followers of the Alexander Technique focus on relearning how their body best performs and reacts to stress. Often, students feel a sense of confidence by learning the Alexander Technique.

Tags: Alexander Technique, Alexander Piano, Alexander Piano Method, learning Alexander, learning Alexander Technique, Piano Method

The History Of Radium

In the early 1900s, "...most people thought radium was some kind of miracle elixir that could cure cancer and many other medical problems," states Mark Neuzil. This misinformation was endorsed and spread by companies in the early 20th century. Due to many lawsuits, strong social advocates within the journalism community and many unnecessary deaths, we now know how deadly radium can be.