Natural Ways To Help With Depression

Depression

Depression is a serious health condition that affects people of all ages. Clinically depressed people suffer from symptoms such as anxiety, mood swings, low self esteem, loss of interest in formerly enjoyable activities and emotional despair. Depression is harmful to the person suffering from these symptoms as well as those around him or her. It is important to take active steps to treat this condition. While prescription pills can help, there are many associated risks and side effects. It is generally a good idea to start with some risk-free natural treatments while consulting a medical professional for further advice.

Herbal Supplements

Herbal remedies are often effective in treating minor symptoms of depression. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, most studies have shown that herbs like St. John's Wort and Valerian help in reducing mild to moderate depression if taken regularly. St. John's Wort has long been recognized as a useful herbal supplement for improving mood, and Valerian root extract is also known to reduce anxiety. Both these herbs can be taken in pill form and are available for purchase without a prescription at most drug stores and supermarkets.

Exercise

Exercise is not the ultimate cure for depression, but it can go a long way toward decreasing the negative symptoms associated with this condition. Dr. Vickers-Douglas of the Mayo Clinic states that exercise can improve one's mood by stimulating neurotransmitters in the brain. Endorphins are also released, creating a sense of well-being. Exercise has also been shown to lower levels of cortisol, a stress hormone in the body. Not only will exercise help you get into shape, but it will also give you an increased sense of confidence and a healthy distraction from other problems. In terms of dealing with depression, staying physically active with an exercise routine is an excellent coping strategy.

Diet

You are what you eat, and certain foods can have a positive or negative impact on people suffering from depression. Processed foods with artificial ingredients should be avoided. The toxins and chemical compounds in such foods can make you feel sluggish and further deteriorate your mood. Natural foods like vegetables, fruits, nuts and seafood are all good choices when dieting for depression. Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants and vitamins that help your body and brain function better. Nuts have protein, which can help boost your energy level. Seafood such as salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids. This nutrient plays a role in regulating mood and helping to neutralize anxiety and hostility over time if consumed regularly.

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Genetic Foot Disorders

There are several disorders or complications associated with the feet, including plantar fasciitis, gout, bunions, corns, athlete's foot and Achilles tendinitis. However, those considered hereditary result from genetic predisposition and may not be caused by external factors (such as improper footwear). Symptoms of genetic foot disorders may be mild or chronic depending on the type of the disorder.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis affects the joints. While it typically affects the hands, knees and lower back, osteoarthritis can affect any joint on the body, including those of the feet. It results in a loss of cartilage, a tissue that acts as a cushion between joints. As cartilage breaks down, bones on either side of a joint begin to rub together, resulting in friction and pain. Common symptoms of osteoarthritis include bone spurs, swelling, loss of flexibility, tenderness, stiffness and a sensation of grating whenever the joint is used.

Gout

Like osteoarthritis, gout also affects the joints (most commonly those in the big toe). Aside from genetic predisposition, it is speculated that gout may be linked to one's dietary intake. It occurs when there is a buildup of uric acid (a waste product eliminated by the kidneys) in the body. As uric acid builds, it accumulates in the joints in the form of sharp, crystalline substances. Once in the joints, these deposits result in bouts of acute pain and swelling.

Polydactyly

Polydactyly can be caused by diseases such as carpenter syndrome and trisomy 13, but it is often inherited through familial genetics. Polydactyly is simply the growth of a sixth digit. In regard to the foot, polydactyly manifests as the growth of a sixth toe. The sixth digit may be poorly developed, resting at an odd angle on the side of the foot. It may also be fully developed and fully functional.

Flatfoot

Flatfoot is a complication where the arch of the foot has collapsed. As a result, feet lack the natural curve or contour. Flatfoot is typically bilateral (occurs in both feet). It is frequently congenital or occurs at a very young age. Flatfoot is sometimes devoid of symptoms but may cause pain in the legs, knees, hips or lower back on account of poor support provided by flat feet.

Bunions

Bunions are largely speculated to be hereditary because of their prevalence in families. They are caused by a deformity of the hallux valgus, an area on the inner edge of the big toe. Their appearance suggests an inflammation of the toe joint. Symptoms of bunions include pain associated with sensations of pressure or force around the affected area.

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Complete Stops At Stop Signs

Complete Stops at Stop Signs

Stops signs are found at intersections where there is quite a bit of traffic. You may find the stop signs on both sides of one street or at all four corners of the intersection. The signs are there for the protection of the public and to keep order. Both bicycles and motor vehicles are required to obey the signs posted on the roads. Stop signs are universal in design and color, bright red octagons, with the word STOP written in large letters.

Instructions

1. Slow down as you approach the stop sign.

2. Come to a complete stop at the intersection. There may be lines in the road to indicate where you should stop. Make sure you are completely stopped and not still rolling forward. You can check your speedometer to see if it reads 0 miles per hour, if you're not sure. You may also feel the car rock back a bit once you have completely stopped.

3. Check the traffic and look for pedestrians in both directions while you are stopped. Do not allow the car to roll forward yet.

4. Check to the right if you are at a four way stop. The rule is, the first to stop is the first to go. However, if two have stopped at the same time, the person to the right has the right of way.

5. Pull out of the intersection slowly and look both ways again. This is very important if the intersecting street does not have a stop sign. When the way is clear, proceed.

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What Is Damiana Herb

What Is Damiana Herb?

In the southwest region of the United States, an herbal shrub called damiana is grown. Damiana reportedly works wonders when it comes to sexual pleasure. Damiana is believed to have an impact on the reproductive and hormonal systems in our body.

Euphoria

Gain From Biofeedback

Gain From Biofeedback

Biofeedback, a medical practice that teaches participants relax, has helped patients with chronic pain, migraines and other conditions. Monitors are hooked up to various parts of the body to monitor heart rates, respiration, skin temperature and perspiration. Participants are then asked to change their physiology (lower their heart rate, for example) and receive instant feedback from the machines to track their success.

Instructions

1. See a certified biofeedback technician for the best results. A biofeedback technician may also be a physical therapist, a physician, a psychologist, a counselor or may work in another field. Certified biofeedback technicians know read the machines and can recommend physical and mental exercises so you can gain from biofeedback.

2. Do the exercises, relaxation techniques or change your lifestyle according to what your technician recommends, or you will not see results. In addition, you must plan on continuing appointments with your biofeedback technician so you can see if biofeedback is actually working for you.

3. Accept responsibility for your health. Understand that biofeedback can help you change your health, but only if you're willing to do what your technician recommends and take responsibility for past health mistakes you might have made.

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Treat Calluses

Calluses are a hardened area of skin, often on the feet, that develop for a variety of reasons. Typically they are just unattractive, but sometimes they can be painful and uncomfortable. At times like these, you really need to do something so they don't become even worse. Read on to learn treat calluses.

Instructions

1. Soak your feet in a warm foot bath for 15 to 20 minutes. Pat dry with a towel. Rub a moisturizer into the calluses. Allow to set for five minutes. Put your feet back into the foot bath for another five minutes. Pat dry once more.

2. Scrub your calluses with a pumice stone. Wipe with a wet cloth and continue scrubbing. Continue this until your calluses are smooth.

3. Lather your feet in moisturizer at night. Put on moisturizing socks, these are specialty socks that trap the lotion/moisturizer in and keep your feet soft and smooth. Sleep in these for a few nights.

4. Put corn or callus pads on your calluses during the day. Secure the pads with medical tape. Avoid going barefoot or wearing shoes with heel straps that wrap around your heels and can irritate the skin causing more calluses.

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Get Rid Of Scabies In Your House

Scabies is the medical term for annoying little parasites that burrow tunnels underneath the skin and lay eggs. Scabies causes intense and nearly painful itching that lasts until the scabies is treated. Treatment for the human body is usually done through an insecticide called Permethrin. It is just as important to get rid of scabies in your home as it is to treat your body. Scabies can live for up to 48 hours without a human host. This means scabies can still be on your linens, towels and bed sheets even after you have gone through treatment for scabies which, means you will contract it again.

Instructions

1. Put the Permethrin cream all over your body as this kills scabies as it comes across them. Your doctor will prescribe a medication to rid your body of scabies. Most likely this will be Permethrin. Anyone else is the household need also be treated for scabies. Apply the Permethrin before beginning the cleanup of your home to protect yourself and protect the items you are cleaning from further contamination of scabies.

2. Strip all beds of bed sheets and all couches or chairs with seat covers. Wash everything in hot water and dry on the hot cycle of the dryer.

3. Wash all clothes that have been worn and all towels that have been used in hot water and dry on the hot cycle of the dryer.

4. Disinfect any upholstery such as car seats, couches and stools you may have used in the past 48 hours.

5. Treat your pets as well. Your veterinarian will prescribe an injection or medication for the pets. Dogs can get scabies but it is referred to as Sarcoptic mange. It is very difficult to pass back to humans yet will be miserable for the dog until it is treated.

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The Role Of A Nurse In Smokingcessation Programs

Freedom from Smoking, a smoking-cessation program from the American Lung Association, outlines seven educational modules designed to help people kick the nicotine habit. The organization emphasizes the importance of a well-rounded approach that promotes understanding of nicotine addiction as well as guidelines for a smoke-free lifestyle. A registered nurse (RN) has the perfect background to educate, coach, guide and support patients who are trying to quit smoking.

Nursing Expertise

The nursing process of assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation provides a solid framework to develop individualized quit plans that really work. Tobacco Free Nurses is a grassroots movement that provides nurses with the specific information and tools needed for smoking-cessation efforts.

Settings

Nurses play a key role in formal smoking-cessation programs offered by hospitals, health systems, insurance companies and HMOs. A nurse may lead a smoking-cessation class with group participation, or she may meet with a patient individually. Other nurses provide telephone counseling and education to help people quit smoking.

Education

All nursing programs in the United States include theoretical content and clinical practice in the principles of adult education. Nurses have extensive expertise in assessing the knowledge base and learning needs of patients. A nurse in a smoking-cessation program will provide his patient with tailored information about the physical and psychosocial aspects of his smoking habit. He can help him identify triggers that lead to nicotine craving, giving him more insight into the issue.

Assessment

Nurses are a natural fit for smoking-cessation programs because they are well-versed in assessing patients to identify recovery symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. The RN can also monitor any medications prescribed to help the person quit smoking and watch for side effects of those drugs. For example, the nurse may establish a nursing diagnosis of "anxiety secondary to nicotine withdrawal" and collaborate with her patient to develop effective strategies to reduce that anxiety.

Coaching

By the time an RN specializes in smoking cessation, she typically has years of experience caring for adults with other health issues. He has honed his skills as a coach and learned to work hand-in-hand with patients and families to achieve a common goal. These coaching skills are key to successful quit plans.

Significance

As healthcare costs steadily climb and consumers learn the value of health promotion and illness prevention services, nurses have contributed greatly to programs such as smoking cessation. Once the patient has stopped smoking, his nurse may encourage him to pursue other classes to maintain a healthy lifestyle through dietary modification and physical activity. (See Reference 1)

Tags: quit smoking, help people, nicotine withdrawal, quit plans, smoking cessation, smoking-cessation program

Surgical Problems With Borderline Ovarian Tumors

Borderline ovarian tumors, also called epithelial tumors of low malignant potential, have abnormal cells that may turn into cancer. This diagnosis makes up approximately 10 to 15 percent of all epithelial ovarian tumors, and the tumors are not invasive (Govindan, 2008). There are surgical treatments for these tumors as well as problems associated with the treatment.

General Information

Borderline ovarian tumors are usually found at an early stage, so treatment is highly successful. Even for those patients who are diagnosed at a later stage, treatment can be just as successful. It is rare for a woman to die from this tumor; rather, deaths are due to complications, such as a bowel obstruction or treatment side effects.

Surgery

Surgery and chemotherapy are the two standard treatments for borderline ovarian tumors. Women who want to preserve their fertility may have concerns about the extent of the surgery chosen. In order to avoid any potential problems, patients and doctors should discuss future childbearing plans and weigh the risks and benefits of different surgeries. Commonly, a unilateral or bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (one or both ovaries and fallopian tubes, respectively, are removed) is performed. A total hysterectomy along with the bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy may be done, and this removes both ovaries and fallopian tubes along with the uterus and cervix. A partial oophorectomy removes part of one ovary or of both ovaries, and an omentectomy removes the omentum, which is a piece of tissue that is found on the abdominal wall lining.

Fertility

A question that patients need to think about when planning treatment for this tumor is whether they are done having children. For women who want to preserve their fertility, surgery consists of a unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy or partial oophorectomy. The other surgeries do not preserve fertility. To help prevent recurrence, it is recommended that the remaining ovarian tissue be removed when a woman does not plan on having any more children.

Considerations

A controversial topic in treating borderline ovarian tumors has been the surgically aggressive way they are treated. Many women who present with borderline ovarian tumors are young and want to preserve their fertility, but because these tumors are still treated like a subset of ovarian cancer, treatment tends to be aggressive moreso than often necessary.

Future Directions

Different types of borderline tumors should be treated according to how they behave at a cellular level, and new research is being published that distinguishes between the types. The categorization of borderline ovarian tumors is an old one and one that needs to be updated and revised. The surgical problems with these tumors lay in the ambiguity of the category itself, but with new research and treatments, these may be alleviated.

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Heal With White Sage

White sage (artemesia ludoviciana) has been used for centuries by various Native American tribes for both medicine and ceremonies and is still used extensively today. Here is an overview how it is used in a healing ritual by Cecelia Garcia, a healer from the Chumash tribe of the Santa Barbara area of California.

Instructions

1. Cecelia's white sage healing ritual starts with praying over fresh white sage cultivated in a special garden, then picking one branch.

2. One sage leaf is placed in a one liter bottle of purified water for 30 minutes to permeate the water before the patient drinks it. The same leaf can be re-used for four bottles of water for the course of one day. After that, the leaf deteriorates and is not usable.

3. Another way it is used is to place a small leaf in the mouth and suck on it to soothe the throat..

4. White sage is also used as a hot tea. Place one fresh leaf in one cup of water at room temperature into a stainless steel or glass pan. Heat the water only until it just starts to boil. It must not come to a full boil, or the effect is lost. Drink the tea.

5. The healer can also use white sage in a prayer ceremony for one person or a group of family and friends gathered with the patient. Small branches of freshly dried branches unbound by yarn, string or twine are placed in an abalone shell or fireproof bowl and set on fire. Everyone prays in unison and the smoke sends the prayers to God to invite Him into the healing process.

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Build An Eca Weight Loss Stack

An ECA stack is a popular combination of ephedrine, caffeine and aspirin that can make an energy booster to aid in weight loss. Making your own stack is a cheaper way to use supplements to lose weight. It also ensures that you know exactly what you are putting in your body, whereas most commercial weight loss supplements add other ingredients to make their products seem more effective. To make your own ECA stack, follow these steps.

Instructions

1. Buy ephedrine online or at your local gas station. It is easier to buy online, because its sale is regulated. In gas stations, ephedrine is in the glass cases on the counter, sold as an energy booster. In some stores you can find ephedrine marketed as a bronchitis medication; if you buy it in this form, you will have to show ID and purchase limited amounts. Ephedrin on its own has strong energizing affects.

2. Find caffeine at your local grocery store or Wal-Mart. Caffeine comes in yellow pills, and is usually kept in the medication aisle. A pack of 24 tablets will usually run about $5. Caffeine can make you jittery. In this stack, it makes the energizing affects of the ephedrine more powerful.

3. Purchase coated aspirin. Aspirin can be tough on your stomach when used every day. Coated aspirin tends to lessen these effects. Aspirin is also optional in this stack. It's in it to help balance the energizing affects of the caffeine and the ephedrine.

4. Take one of each pill at the same time, usually in the morning and usually prior to a workout. Start with one dose a day for a week to test your tolerance. Move up to two doses and three if you feel your body can take it. This should be done in a cycle. It should be cycled off every six weeks so your body doesn't get used to it and it maintains its effect.

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Is It Safe To Play Outside In 100 Degree Heat

The heat of summer should be treated with respect.

Summer weather brings a host of outdoor activities for the enjoyment of all. The hot temperature, however, is something to take into consideration when planning your summer fun. As the mercury rises the list of suitable activities becomes shorter. Temperatures from 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit are still comfortable, but once weather climbs into triple digits your time outside can become hazardous. Use common sense when engaging in physical activities.

Contributing Factors

When determining if it is safe to play outside, take into account factors in addition to temperature.The thermometer alone is not what determines what it actually feels like outside. It may be 100 degrees, but if you are playing on blacktop in the open sun it could feel much hotter. Humidity also contributes to the heat index. The type of activity and the level of exertion should also be considered. In addition the age, general health and fitness level of each individual will affect how much heat their bodies can tolerate. Local warnings should be headed, especially if experts have decided excess physical activity should be avoided on certain days.

The Role of Hydration

Staying hydrated is important at all times regardless of the weather; but it becomes crucial if you are over-stressing your body in a hot climate. In order to sweat and maintain proper body functions the body must have enough fluids. Carry water with you when you go out and sip frequently. Do not wait until you are thirsty. Sport drinks, often designed to replace electrolytes lost with sweat, are also appropriate for more rigorous activities.

Recognizing Heat Emergencies

If you start feeling weak and tired, dizzy or start getting a headache or rash--these are all signs of heat exhaustion. Move to a shady, cooler area immediately. Sip water, remove excess clothing and avoid exertion. Heat exhaustion should be treated as a medical emergency. It is not something to ignore. If untreated, it could lead to heat stroke which can be fatal.

Heat stroke is signified by an altered mental state, chest and stomach pains, difficulty breathing and vomiting. A loss of consciousness is also possible. The person's internal body temperature will be 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, and will continue to rise despite efforts to control it. A person suffering from heat stroke needs immediate medial attention.

What to Avoid

Using stimulants such as energy drinks and supplements can make you more susceptible to heat issues. Alcohol and drugs can impair your judgment and cause you to ignore early warning signs. Never force a friend to stay out a few more minutes if they want to go inside. People react to heat differently. If you are taking prescription medications for certain conditions be especially wary of the sun and heat. Different medications can inhibit perspiration, affect the fluid balance in the body, and cause the skin to be overly sensitive to sunlight.

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What Is Kyanite Feldspar

High pressure changes aluminum-rich minerals into Kyanite.

High pressure causes the chemical composition of aluminum silicate to change, forming kyanite. Classified as a polymorph (sharing the same chemistry but different crystal structure with another substance), kyanite forms translucent to transparent blue to blue-gray bladed quartz crystals (feldspar), appearing to have an almost pearly luster. Kyanite feldspar occurs in Brazil, the USA (North Carolina and Georgia), Switzerland, Russia, Serbia, India and Kenya.

Formation

Kyanite forms when elevated temperature and pressure exist, causing the mineral to undergo metamorphism. This pronounced change alters the characteristics of clay-rich sedimentary rocks, forming kyanite feldspar, which is often associated with other minerals such as garnet, staurolite and corundum.

Kyanite's typical habit includes embedded prismatic bladed crystals, although radiating masses of crystals commonly form.

Characteristics

The hardness of kyanite varies; the hardness of its long crystals measures about 4.5 if tested parallel to the length of the crystal, and 6.5 to 7 if tested across the crystal. Kyanite minerals were originally called "disthene," which means "two strengths." The crystals splinter when fractured.

Kyanite feldspar, although commonly blue, also displays white, gray or green colors. The color is not consistent throughout the mineral and often appears blotchy or with white streaks.

Heat Resistance

Unlike other minerals, kyanite expands significantly when heated--up to twice its original size, depending on particle size, temperature and heating conditions. The expansion of kyanite is predictable. During manufacturing of refractory products, the specified amounts of kyanite added to raw material shrink after heating, allowing the finished product to maintain its original volume.

Kyanite's heat resistance makes it exceptional for use as a binding agent in products such as high-refractory-strength porcelain; an example is the white porcelain insulators on spark plugs. Kyanite has a high-melting point, is a low thermal conductor and maintains its strength up to 1100°C.

Products

Kyanite is used in the manufacturing process for a variety of products, including bricks, mortars and high-temperature furnaces. In foundries, many of the molds used for high temperature metal castings are made of kyanite

Gemstone

Kyanite is classified as an exotic gemstone, although it is not often used in jewelry. Clear and colorful kyanite, although rare, is highly sought after by those who cut and facet gemstones for jewelry, beads or pendants.

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Do Colors Really Change Some People'S Moods

The body has a different physical reaction to different colors.

Color therapy has been used throughout the centuries to heal the human body and ease the human mind. Believers in color therapy believe that color impacts humans on every fundamental level: physical, spiritual and emotional. How the body responds to the energy of light, and how color affects that light, has been attributed to how moods change, both in positive ways and negative.

Red

Red physically stimulates the body, which causes your heartbeat and breath to quicken and your blood temperature to rise. Additionally it can stimulate your metabolism. This intense color is used as a contrast color in dining rooms or restaurants since it stimulates your appetite. In color therapy, red is typically associated with the base chakra in the sacral region, and can combat such ailments as lack of energy and impotence by making you feel more vibrant, sexual and powerful.

Orange

Orange also works as a stimulant, and works to combine your mental quality with your physical energy. This color makes you feel happier and more joyous, and promotes a general feeling of health in regards to stimulating your digestive system and strengthening the immune system. It also stimulates your sex organs.

Yellow

A bright color like yellow can improve your mood and make you feel happier. It also stimulates the brain and makes you more alert, which gives you clarity and improves your memory. It also builds confidence and optimism, provided it is the correct shade. A duller yellow can make you feel fearful.

Green

In color therapy, green is the color of the heart chakra, and its predominance in nature represents harmony with all of the earth. It relaxes your muscles, causing you to breathe deeper and slower, which make you feel calmer. Darker or gray-toned shades like olive have the opposite effect, however, because it can remind you of death or decay.

Blue

Conversely, blue has a calming effect because it slows the metabolism. Deep blue affects the pituitary gland, and in turn, regulates sleep patterns. This is why blue is used in bedrooms, or any rooms where color is needed to promote relaxation. In color therapy it is actually used to cure insomnia. Blue can make you feel clearer and mentally in control, but prolonged exposure to dark blue can actually make you feel depressed.

Purple

Purple is a color rarely found in nature; it therefore has a regal quality. The combination of red and blue helps detoxify the body. It suppresses the appetite and regulates metabolism, and also has a purifying and antiseptic effect. Violet can bring you peace when you feel fearful, and it stimulates creativity, spirituality and even compassion. Indigo can have a narcotic effect, and is used in certain medical facilities for its numbing qualities.

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Make Flannel Rice Packs

Take away your aches and pains with a soft flannel rice pack.

Whether you suffer from arthritis, a pinched nerve or an aching back, a heat pack often gives you welcome relief from the pain. While commercial heating pads are good for large body areas, they are often awkward to use on small areas like necks or wrists. Rice bags are a convenient alternative that give all the comfort of a heating pad, with added flexibility. The soft flannel covering feels nicer than the plastic coating on a heating pad and the lack of a cord means that you can use a rice pack anywhere. They're safe to fall asleep with and fine for use with children.

Instructions

1. Cut your flannel square.

Cut a piece of cotton flannel 13 inches square. Fold the square in half with the right sides, or more colorful sides, together and pin the edges to keep them in place.

2. Sew your rectangle, leaving a 3-inch space open at the top.

Sew one short edge, the longer edge and halfway down the second short edge, using a 1/2 inch seam allowance. You now have a rectangle sewn together with a 3-inch space open at the top.

3. Turn the rectangle right side out by pushing the bottom corners up through the hole in the top edge. Push your fingers into the corners to push all the fabric out and to make the corners sharp. You now have a cotton flannel bag.

4. Use a funnel to add rice to the bag.

Place the spout of a kitchen funnel into the bag opening. Pour rice into the bag until it is filled to the halfway point. Don't overfill the bag. Use plain, uncooked rice, and not the precooked variety.

5. Stitch the opening closed.

Remove the funnel and hold the opening in the bag closed. Pin the two edges together to create a neat seam. Stitch this opening closed with a needle and matching thread.

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Home Remedy To Hide Blemishes

Blemishes such as pimples, pock marks and acne scars can be embarrassing and difficult to hide. Layering heavy makeup on your skin to hide blemishes can result in clogged pores, dry skin and irritation. There are ways to fade and treat blemishes on the skin naturally using organic ingredients mixed in your own kitchen.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is a great way to help blemishes such as acne scars on your face. If you have very greasy skin, you may want to avoid an olive oil treatment. Rubbing 100 percent pure extra virgin olive oil on your acne scars three times a day for two to four weeks will produce noticeable results.

Lemon Juice

Applying pure lemon juice to acne scars, age spots or other discolored areas helps improve the appearance of skin. Lemon juice is a natural skin lightener that "bleaches" the skin gently, producing results in only a few days.

Another way to hide blemishes is to make a lemon juice paste with 1 teaspoon of milk powder, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of honey. Mix until completely blended. Add 1/2 teaspoon of almond oil. Apply the paste to your skin and leave it on for 15 minutes, then rinse clean. This not only improves the appearance of your skin, but also prevents blemishes.

Another helpful paste consists of 2 teaspoons of turmeric powder and the juice of a freshly squeezed lemon. Apply this mixture directly onto the blemishes, and it will help lighten your skin.Turmeric is a yellow powder that has many other health benefits including keeping you heart, liver and lungs healthy. Turmeric powder is also used in traditional Indian medicine, which is called Ayurveda.

Masoor Dal

Another Ayurvedic method of hiding skin blemishes is masoor dal, which are red or orange lentils. Recipes with masoor dal are a little more complicated, and may require a bit more time. Create an overnight mask using equal quantities of yellow mustard (all-natural), chirauli (an Indian nut that is pounded into a powder) and masoor dal powder. before bed, wash and dry your face. Apply the paste. In the morning, wash the dried mask off with warm water.

You can also roast red lentils and ghee, a type of clarified Indian butter, to make a blemish-hiding mask. Once the lentils and ghee are thoroughly roasted, mix it together with a little bit of milk to create a paste. Massage the paste into your skin for a few minutes, then rinse it off.

Manuka Honey

Originating in New Zealand, Manuka honey has many skin-improving qualities. Because of the amino acids and sugars contained in Manuka honey, it helps reduce the appearance of scars and blemishes. It also helps prevent scarring by repairing wounds. The easiest way to use Manuka honey to hide blemishes is to squeeze a small amount onto some sterile gauze and apply it directly to the scar or blemish. Change the gauze at least every 12 hours.

Tags: your skin, acne scars, hide blemishes, lemon juice, Manuka honey

Use A Cane

Use a Cane

Using a cane can be beneficial to anyone that finds their mobility or stability limited. Canes allow senior citizens and individuals recovering from leg and foot injuries or surgeries to move with the same freedom they have always had. Proper use of a cane is important. Follow these steps to correctly use a cane.

Instructions

1. Ensure the integrity of your cane. Prior to using your newly purchased cane, check that the handle and foot grips are securely fastened to the cane's body. If any of these parts are loose or insecure, return it to its place of purchase.

2. Adjust the cane if necessary. A cane that is the right height for you will allow you to walk with it without reaching farther than 6 inches out past your midsection to comfortably walk with it and will allow your arm to be at a 45-degree angle when you are holding the handle. Using a cane that is the incorrect height for you may exacerbate an injury or strain other parts of your body.

3. Bear weight on the proper side. You should hold your cane on the same side of your body that your injury is on. If you are using the cane for general mobility rather than an injury, hold the cane using your dominant hand and bear weight on this side of your body. This will make the cane bear the majority of your weight, as well as the impact caused by your motion when walking.

4. Walk with the cane. You should not feel like you are stretching to catch up to the cane or stepping ahead of it. Place the cane about 6 inches ahead of you, then step forward so that the cane is parallel to the arch of your foot. Remember that since the cane is helping you to walk, it should not be placed farther in front of you than the distance of one average step forward.

5. Hold the cane straight and steady. Keep the cane perpendicular to the ground with the foot at the base of the cane flat in order to ensure that it will bear all of your weight. Maintain a steady grip on the cane's handle. If you are unable to do this due to an injury or pre-existing condition, consult your physician about other options to aid your mobility.

6. Use caution when maneuvering. Obstacles like area rugs and floor lamps can obstruct your path and could be dangerous, so be careful when first learning to use your cane until you are comfortable walking with it. Also, walk slowly on stairs until you are sure you are stable with your cane.

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Fire Safety Facts

Every 3 hours, someone in the United States dies in a house fire. Every 32 minutes, someone is injured in one. Studies show that those most at risk of dying in a fire are our most fragile: children under 5 and elderly Americans over 85. Fire deaths and injuries are one of the biggest causes of loss in our country, and they're also one of the most preventable. By following some basic rules, you can make sure your family doesn't become a statistic.

Install Smoke Detectors

Government studies show that two-thirds of fire-related deaths occur in homes without smoke detectors. And, in those deaths, fire isn't usually the cause; smoke is.

Without smoke detectors, a fire's toxic gases can kill sleeping victims before they ever have a chance to wake up. Smoke detectors should be installed at ceiling level in every bedroom, as well as outside every sleeping area and on every level of the house.

Remember, smoke detectors don't work if the batteries are dead. Use daylight saving time changes to remind you to change the batteries.

Practice Your Escape

Every room in your house should have two escape routes. Teach your family to never open doors that are hot to the touch, and show each member open or break windows in case of an emergency.

Establish a safe spot for everyone to meet if there is a fire. It should be close to the house, but not so close that it can be in danger of catching fire, too. And once you're out, never go back in to a burning building.

Cook Carefully

Cooking fires are the top cause of residential fires. Keep pot handles turned inward and avoid wearing long, loose sleeves when cooking. Keep children away from the stove, and keep a close eye on your stove top. Unattended food on a hot stove is the biggest fire culprit in the kitchen.

Just in case, keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen. Remember not to put water on grease fires; instead, remove the pan from the heat source and cover it with a towel to smolder the fire.

Check Heating and Cooling Appliances

The second leading cause of house fires is faulty heating and cooling appliances. These should be checked annually to make sure heating elements are free of dust and obstruction, and to ensure they are operating properly.

Never purchase a portable heater that has not been certified by a nationally-recognized testing laboratory. Space heaters should be turned off when you are sleeping or not at home. They are designed to provide auxiliary heat and should not be a primary heating source.

Check Out Plugs

Improperly used or faulty electrical appliances and cords are the third most common cause of residential fires, so check your electrical cords and plugs regularly.

Stiff or frayed cords should not be used. Most light bulb receptacles are labeled with maximum safe wattage allowable, so don't use bulbs with higher wattage than this maximum. Also monitor extension cords or outlet add-ons, as those without built-in safety triggers cause hundreds of fires each year.

Watch Your Ashes

Smoking is consistently a top cause of house fires in the United States. Never smoke when you are laying down or are sleepy, and always use an ash tray when smoking indoors.

Dispose of fireplace ashes in metal buckets away from anything flammable, and never leave candles unattended or placed near fabric or flammable materials of any kind.

Play It Safe

Fire is a serious matter. If you have questions about fire safety in your house, contact your local fire department. Smoke detectors are frequently available through your fire department or other agencies if you can't afford them.

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Appearance Of Skin Cancer

There are several types of cancer that afflict the skin. When they are identified and treated early, most outcomes are good. The signs and symptoms of skin cancer vary somewhat, but if you have any unusual skin growths, contact your doctor.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

This is the most common type of skin cancer and the least serious. Often the result of excess sun, it appears as raised, pearly, firm nodules.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinomas appear as crusty, scaly and ulcerated bumps. Unlike basal cell carcinoma, this form of skin cancer can metastasize. If it is treated quickly, prognosis is excellent.

Melanoma

Melanoma is a serious and potentially fatal skin cancer. Look for pigmented lesions that are bigger than a pencil eraser. They will have an irregular shape and an asymmetrical border.

Kaposi's Sarcoma

Kaposi's sarcoma is a tumor caused by the human herpes virus. Raised nodules or blotches will be red, purple, brown or black.

Merkel Cell Carcinoma

Merkel cell carcinoma forms on or under the epidermis. Merkel cell carcinomas resemble a firm, painless cyst but cannot be moved.

Cutaneous Lymphoma

Cutaneous lymphoma appears as rough, scaly and red patches that resemble eczema or psoriasis. This type of cancer can suppress the immune system and cause serious infections.

Tags: skin cancer, Cell Carcinoma, cell carcinomas, Merkel cell

Hair Loss Due To Ra In Women

Women who are fighting rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are sometimes forced to make a difficult decision. Some of the medications proven most successful in treating RA symptoms are also associated with hair loss, an indignity that most women will go to great lengths to avoid. Making matters even worse, RA and other autoimmune disorders can sometimes trigger hair loss regardless of the drugs that patients are taking.

Alopecia Areata

The most common form of women's hair loss due to RA itself is alopecia areata, which is also classified as a disorder of the autoimmune system. Alopecia areata frequently strikes women who are suffering from an autoimmune disease or have a family history of such disorders. Among the diseases of this type are RA, Addison's disease, lupus erythematosus, pernicious anemia, vitiligo, thyroid disease and early-onset diabetes.

Medication-Induced Hair Loss

Medications prescribed to treat RA symptoms may carry with them a substantial risk of temporary hair loss, which is nevertheless very distressing despite the fact that it is a short-term side effect. This type of hair loss is known as telogen effluvium and happens when an increased number of hair follicles go into a temporary state of dormancy. Medications that may trigger this type of hair loss include those used to treat RA, gout, depression and high blood pressure. Also implicated as possible causes of telogen effluvium are birth control pills, blood thinners and high doses of vitamin A.

RA Medications

RA patients take a wide variety of medications, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), a branch of the National Institutes of Medicine. The general categories of such medications include analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologic response modifiers and tumor necrosis factor inhibitors. While some of these drugs are used to treat the pain and inflammation of RA, DMARDs are used not only to treat symptoms but also to slow the course of the disease.

DMARDs and Hair Loss

The RA medications most often associated with hair loss are the DMARDs. Specific medications in this category include azathioprine, gold sodium thiomalate, leflunomide, methotrexate, and sulfasalazine. DMARDs are essentially immunosuppressant medications and carry with them the side effects of drugs that compromise---if only temporarily---the immune system. One of those side effects is temporary hair loss.

Mitigating the Effects of Drugs

Some women being treated with DMARDs and suffering the side effect of hair loss have reported success in slowing or halting the hair loss by supplementing their diet with folic acid, zinc, the amino acid L-lysine and vitamins B-6 and B-12. However, you must consult your doctor before you begin to take any such dietary supplement, as other factors in your medical history may make taking one or more of these supplements unwise.

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Homeopathic Remedies Using Passion Flower

Passion flower is an herb known for its sleep-inducing, pain-relieving, muscle-relaxing and sedative effects. As of today, more than 400 passion flower species exist. Passion flower has been used as a homeopathic remedy for hundreds of years throughout the world. In ancient times, users had to hunt down and dissect the plant to obtain the correct parts for medicinal use. Today, passion flower can be found in liquid and capsule form, or the dried herb can be steeped in a tea for consumption.

Insomnia and Restlessness

Passion flower's ability to induce sleep and relax muscles has made it a popular homeopathic remedy for insomnia and restlessness. Passion flower is not known to cause any morning grogginess or to be addictive. Those who are already taking sedatives or muscle relaxers should consult their physician for advice before using passion flower to alleviate insomnia.

Pain and Muscle Spasms

Passion flower's ability to decrease pain and relax muscles may make it a beneficial homeopathic remedy for those who suffer from chronic pain or muscle spasms. Many chronic-pain patients may turn to passion flower because it is natural and it is not known to cause addiction unlike some conventional pain medications. People who are taking over-the-counter or prescription pain medication should consult their physician for advice before using passion flower to alleviate pain and muscle spasms.

Anxiety and Depression

Passion flower's ability to lower blood pressure, relieve tension and calm the nerves makes it a popular homeopathic remedy for anxiety and depression. Many anxiety and depression sufferers may turn to passion flower because it is natural and not known to cause addiction like some conventional anti-anxiety and depression medications can. Those who are taking sedatives or other types of anti-anxiety or depression medication should consult their physician for advice before using passion flower to calm their anxiety. Those taking MAO inhibitors cannot use passion flower because serious adverse reactions are known to occur.

Menopause

Passion flower's ability to alleviate headaches, hot flashes and mood swings makes it a beneficial remedy for menopause. Those undergoing hormone replacement therapy or taking any other menopause medications should consult their physician for advice before using passion flower to alleviate their menopause symptoms.

Other Uses

Passion flower is said to be a beneficial remedy for other ailments and conditions as well. Such ailments and conditions include nerve pain, agitation, asthma, colic and low sex drive. Passion flower is also said to be useful in alleviating the symptoms of opiate and cocaine withdrawal. Those taking any other medications for these conditions and ailments should consult their physician before using passion flower.

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Food To Avoid With Irritable Bowel Syndrome

According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, an estimated 20 percent of Americans suffer from IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) symptoms. Specific foods affect everyone differently but having a general guideline of foods to avoid can help you to manage your symptoms.

High Fat Foods

Foods with a high fat content tend to increase the frequency of bowel movements since they speed up peristalsis (part of the digestion process). Limit your intake of red meat (ground beef, steak, hot dogs, luncheon meats and bacon), dark meat poultry, poultry skin, full-fat dairy products, egg yolks, fried foods, store-bought banana chips, oils, mayonnaise, coconut milk, shortening, chocolate, salad dressing, Cool Whip, tartar sauce, olives, nut butters, pastries, pie crust, solid carob, coconut and chips (with the exception of baked chips).

Artificial Fats and Sweeteners

Artificial fats (like olestra) may result in gas, diarrhea and indigestion even in healthy consumers. Consumers with IBS are more susceptible to these side effects. Some products are being made with olestra (like corn chips, snack foods and potato chips). Artificial sweeteners (like sorbitol, aspartame, mannitol, saccharin and sucralose) can result in diarrhea and gas even in healthy consumers. Consumers with IBS are even more susceptible to adverse effects like abdominal cramping, bloating, diarrhea and pain. Many products are made with artificial sweeteners including soda, gum, baked goods, snack items and candy.

Dairy Products

This is a category which differs for many people and will be dependent on how your body reacts to specific product. Eliminate your exposure to dairy products for approximately seven days. Afterward, slowly experiment (one product at a time) to determine what works and what doesn't. Dairy products may trigger your IBS symptoms regardless of whether or not you are lactose intolerant. Proteins like casein and whey, which are found in dairy products, can stimulate the GI (gastrointestinal tract) and cause symptoms of bloating, abdominal pain and increased gas.

Gassy Vegetables

Green, leafy vegetables are chock-full of vitamins and antioxidants. They can also cause abdominal discomfort and gas in IBS sufferers. Similarly to dairy, you should eliminate all gassy vegetables for approximately one week (like garlic, onions, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, beans, asparagus and broccoli) and slowly add them back one at a time to determine which foods work for your body and which ones trigger symptoms.

Fiber

Fiber is invaluable for digestive health. Insoluble fiber contained in raw veggies, fruits, nuts and seeds can stimulate and irritate your GI tract, causing increased gas, abdominal discomfort and diarrhea. Foods with soluble fiber (like oatmeal, pasta, rice, sweet potatoes and baked potatoes) can soothe the GI tract. Experiment with different foods to see what may trigger your IBS symptoms and what you can tolerate.

Other GI Stimulants

Certain foods are well-known irritants to the GI tract including:

Coffee: It's not the caffeine, but an enzyme in the brew that irritates the GI tract.

Caffeine: This is a stimulant that causes GI contraction. This, in turn, increases the frequency and urgency of bowel movements. The diuretic effect of caffeine can exacerbate dehydration and can trigger IBS symptoms.

Carbonated Beverages: The carbonation creates gas (from the gas bubbles) and can result in painful cramping and bloating.

Alcohol: This irritates the GI tract, dehydrates your entire body and poses an increased risk of triggering symptoms.

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Establish A Sensory Diet

More children today than ever before are being diagnosed with Sensory Integration Disorder, which basically means their bodies are having trouble intergrating a range of experiences and as a result, can cause distress in many ways. If your child has been diagnosed with this problem, you can take inventory of the types of activities you do on a typical day and create a sensory diet or mix of busy and calming activities that help your child regulate to feel his or her best.

Instructions

1. Write down your child's schedule and list everything. Include meals, playgrounds, exercise and time spent walking, sitting, sleeping and engaging into other activities.

2. Read about the types of things that can help a child with sensory issues to feel better. For some children, spinning, jumping, climbing, hitting a ball, pushing a vaccum or other heavy item, playing with playdough, sand, coloring, reading and other busy and calm things can be important parts of the day.

3. Determine when your child needs more down time doing seated, calming activities, and when running, jumping and swinging might be needed.

4. Think about creating a balance of busy and soothing activities. If your child spends 15 minutes reading, then try spending another 15 minutes swinging at the playground.

5. Realize that every child is different, so be flexible and change the sensory diet or list of actitivities as needed.

6. Vary the activities day to day, but always try to find the same type of balance of busy and calming things so your child will feel his or her very best.

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Cure Asthma With Natural Remedies

A simple way to cure Asthma is with natural remedies. Natural remedies have been used for many years to help control Asthma and treat its symptoms. Below are some of the most effective natural remedies that can help with the treatment of Asthma and its symptoms.

Instructions

1. Mix 1/4 teaspoon of Ginger Powder and 1/4 teaspoon of Pepper into 1 teaspoon of Molasses. Stir the mixture into herbal tea and drink. Use this treatment once a day to help relieve Asthma and its symptoms.

2. Take Butterbur in supplemental form daily. Butterbur is an herb that has been shown to decrease both the severity and frequency of Asthma attacks in those that suffer from Asthma.

3. Take 1 teaspoon of Spiegel seeds mixed into warm water, twice a day. This treatment has been shown to help improve Asthma and its symptoms over time. It's best to swallow the Spiegel seeds with the water, but some opt to steep the seeds for a few minutes then strain them out.

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Food Combining That Prevents Constipation

Constipation is not a disease, it is a symptom that your diet does not include enough fiber, omega-3 fatty acids or fresh fruits and vegetables. The best way to prevent constipation is to drink plenty of water and have a diet that is healthy and rich in foods containing the suggested amounts of fiber and omega-3 fats. In addition to preventing constipation, healthy bowel movements can decrease your risk of colon cancer.

Fiber

Dietary fiber in carbohydrates is the part that is edible but cannot be digested. Some of the fiber found in carbohydrates is soluble in water, while other fibers are insoluble. To have a healthy digestive system, you need both soluble and insoluble fiber from carbohydrates in your diet. Soluble fiber slows down your digestion, giving nutrients in your diet a chance to absorb into your body. Insoluble carbohydrate fibers, on the other hand, add bulk to your stool, which helps the stool to pass through your body faster. Foods that contain high levels of soluble carbohydrate fiber include dried beans, oats, oat bran, rice bran and barley. Foods containing high levels of insoluble carbohydrate fiber include wheat bran, whole grains, cereals and seeds. The best way to prevent constipation is to have a diet that includes whole-grain breads, cereals and pastas. In addition, wheat bran is a natural laxative. The daily recommendation of fiber is 21 to 25 grams for women and 30 to 38 grams for men. The average American, however, eats only approximately 11 grams of fiber a day. If you are not getting enough fiber, change your diet to include more carbohydrate-based fibers gradually and drink more fluids to alleviate any discomfort.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 is a type of essential fatty acid your body cannot synthesize but needs to expel harmful waste products. Omega-3 fats are the healthy fats your body needs. In addition, foods rich in omega-3 fats also prevent constipation. According to a workshop sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, your diet needs to include at least 4 grams of omega-3 fats if you follow a 2,000-calorie diet. To reach the recommended daily omega-3 amount, you can eat 2 tablespoons of flax seed oil or an 8-ounce piece of a salmon. Other foods containing omega-3 fats include mackerel, herring, sardines, lake trout, tuna, tofu, soybeans and walnuts. In addition, you can use canola oil to prepare your food or eat bread and butter with omega-3 fats in them.

Fresh Fruit and Vegetables

You might not know that fruits and vegetables are not only part of a healthy diet but also full of fiber. Therefore, fruits and vegetables are a source of non-carbohydrate fiber that can prevent constipation as part of your diet. The fiber found in fruits and vegetables is plant based and can be either soluble or insoluble. Citrus fruits, apples, strawberries, peas and potatoes have high levels of soluble fiber, while fruits with skin and many vegetables are sources of insoluble fiber. The fiber in citrus fruits especially increases the stool weight and the amount of bacteria in the stool. In addition, plant-based fiber helps you to have a soft stool. Vegetables with high fiber content include broccoli, cabbage, carrot, cauliflower and cucumber. Include any of these fruits or berries to your diet to prevent constipation: peaches, apricots, blueberries, pears and bananas.

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Edible Body Oils Recipes

Most edible body oils contain glycerin, making them safe for human consumption. While glycerin is not technically an oil, it works well in many handmade body lotion and oil recipes because it glides easily over the skin and is well absorbed. More traditional body oils use sweet almond oil as a base. Either way, use edible body oil during a massage to soothe your skin ...and something sweet to taste.

Process

You can find the ingredients for edible body oil in your local drug or grocery stores. Glycerin is available in liquid form at drug stores; look for the unscented type. Combine 1/4 cup of unscented glycerin with 1/4 teaspoon of honey, 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and optional 1/4 teaspoon of flavoring. Safe flavoring includes peppermint, cinnamon, or cosmetically approved flavorings such as those used in lip balms. These can be purchased through soap making supply companies, many of which are online. Mix the first three ingredients and add flavoring to taste. This makes a water soluble oil that warms when air touches it. This recipe makes about 2 ounces of edible oil. This oil, and the others discussed here, can be used immediately or stored in a dark glass bottle for later use.

Alternative

A variation on the above basic recipe is to use 2 ounces of glycerin and 1/2 ounce of corn syrup instead of the honey. Flavor according to your individual taste.

Chocolate Warming Body Oil

This purely decadent oil is a great Valentine's Day gift or anniversary surprise. Mix 2 tablespoons of glycerin with 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder and 1 tablespoon of melted cocoa butter. Mix together thoroughly. This recipe makes about 2 ounces of chocolate body oil. Apply as you would any edible massage oil.

Sweet Almond Oil Massage Oil

Sweet almond oil is commonly used in many bath and body recipes. It can be found at most health food stores along with the other oils needed in this recipe. Combine 1.5 ounces of sweet almond oil with 1 ounce of grape seed oil, 1 ounce of apricot kernel oil, and 1/2 ounce of sunflower oil. Mix together well. All of these oils are safe to ingest. Add 1/2 teaspoon of flavoring oil of your choice; maple, vanilla, orange or chocolate will produce a wonderful taste and aroma. This makes about 4 ounces of product.

Sweet Almond with Glycerin

Sweet almond oil can also be combined with glycerin for an edible body oil with a warming factor. Mix 4 ounces of sweet almond oil with 2 ounces of glycerin; add your choice of flavoring oils and colorings. Please stick with FDC approved colorings for edible oils.

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Foods With Low Carbs

Low carb diets are quite popular today. They seem to be a way to diet for weight loss without feeling hungry, plus it takes all of the simple carbohydrates out of the equation, which is much better for your health. A low carb diet is also excellent for anyone with a diabetic condition, as it is the simple carbs that cause high blood sugar.

Protein

Any type of meat, fish or fowl would be listed under the heading of low carb; but, don't forget eggs which are versatile and low carb.

Vegetables

Except for starchy vegetables such as corn, beets and potatoes, almost all vegetables are allowed on a low carb diet.

Fruit

Many fruits are high in sugar and cannot be considered low carb. However, there are plenty to choose from that are: melon, pear, lemon, lime, kiwi, plum, grapefruit, berries, apples, oranges and tangerines.

Dairy

Purchase low carb yogurt; most yogurts in the grocery dairy section are high in carbohydrates due to the amount of sugar in them. Certain cheeses are also acceptable, such as Swiss, gouda and mozzarella. Sour cream is another dairy product low in carbs.

Fats

Extra virgin olive oil is healthful and low in carbohydrates, as is butter. Almost all oils are low carb, but not all are healthful choices.

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Is Lifestyle Lift Safe

Since its inception in 2001, the Lifestyle Lift has become an increasingly popular alternative to the conventional facelift. Proponents tout the Lifestyle Lift as safer, faster, cheaper and with a shorter recovery time than a full facelift. A Lifestyle Lift is not, however, without risks and can result in ongoing complications.

Definition

Devised by Dr. David M. Kent, the Lifestyle Lift addresses aging of the jowls, jawline and neck. Bags under the eyes, droopy eyelids and wrinkled, saggy skin may also be visibly improved by a Lifestyle Lift.

Qualifications

Lifestyle Lift is a trademarked operation and must be performed in a Lifestyle Lift Center. Doctors performing the surgery must be board-certified or board-eligible specialists in plastic surgery. The surgeons must also undergo specific Lifestyle Lift training.

Candidates

A Lifestyle Lift is best suited to persons over 40 seeking a refreshed, more youthful appearance. Most Lifestyle Lift patients report shedding five to 15 years off of their appearance. The operation does not correct facial abnormalities or significantly change the way a person looks.

Safety

General anesthesia presents one of the most dangerous aspects of any surgical procedure. A Lifestyle Lift is done under local anesthesia in a Lifestyle Lift Center, and patients return home the day of the surgery. Still, some Lifestyle Lift patients report serious post-operative infections. Severe ongoing pain and/or facial numbness may also follow a Lifestyle Lift.

Considerations

People who suffer from ongoing medical conditions may be candidates for a Lifestyle LIft. However, it is important to have an honest and detailed preoperative consultation with the doctor doing the Lifestyle Lift. Candidates should also discuss the procedure beforehand with their personal physicians.

Warning

SomeLifestyle Lift patients will experience atypical facial bruises and swelling. In addition, recovery time and overall success of the procedure depends on the individual patient. All surgery carries the risk of life-threatening infection.

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Why Does A Mosquito Bite Itch

Mosquitoes are equipped with special tools that can penetrate flesh and draw out blood. The blood is removed from the bite victim via a proboscis that is capable of injecting saliva, sipping blood and leaving behind an itchy bite--all at the same time. What many people may not realize is that it is only the female mosquitos that bite. Rutgers University of New Jersey explains that the female mosquito needs the blood for egg production. But why do her bites itch so much?

It's All About the Saliva

When you get bitten by a mosquito, your body reacts with what is known as an "allergic response." This happens because the saliva of a mosquito contains an anti-coagulant that prevents clotting. According to Discovery Health, the anti-coagulant is a type of protein that triggers a histamine response, which is what causes the small, itchy bump on the skin.

Tolerance

In his book "Uticaria and Angioedema: Second Edition," author Allen Kaplan reveals that as we age, we tend to build up a tolerance for things that we are allergic to, including mosquito bites. Children usually develop a more severe reaction to mosquito bites than adults and their bites can appear bigger, redder and be more itchy. However, this theory holds true only for adults that have sustained a steady amount of mosquito bites over their lifetime. If an adult has not been bitten in several years, the tolerance can begin to dissipate and new mosquito bites can become just as itchy as when he or she was a kid.

More Than Just Itch

Mosquito bites can cause more than just itching in people that are oversensitive to the protein agent. In fact, some individuals have even gone into anaphylactic shock as a result. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, anaphylactic shock is an allergic response that is carried out by the entire body resulting in hives, wheezing, coughing, nausea and abdominal pain. The allergic responses can become life threatening and require immediate attention. It is believed that a mosquito's saliva can even cause a toxic reaction in some people, which can lead to respiratory or cardiac arrest.

Treating the Itch

Oral antihistamines help to fight the itch and severe reactions that occur after a mosquito bite. Antihistamines work by lowering the body's response to the protein in the mosquito saliva. The Mayo Clinic also recommends topical treatments for less severe reactions, which may include baking soda mixed with water to form a paste, calamine lotion and ice packs.

Prevention

The best way to prevent the itchy bite of the female mosquito is to avoid her as best as you can. This means taking extra precautions if you will be outside a couple hours before dusk or dawn, or if you will be around water sources that are harboring these biting pests. The Department of Health and Human Services of North Carolina recommends wearing light-colored clothes with long sleeves and using a mosquito repellent that contains DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide) if you must be outside during the height of mosquito activity.

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Use Lime Juice To Treat Animal Bites

Use Lime Juice to Treat Animal Bites

Lime juice can be a natural health aid both at home and in the wilderness. This juice is especially effective if it is taken directly from a lime at the time of application. However, processed, bottled juice is a fine substitute as long as the juice is 100-percent natural, undiluted and free of added chemicals.

Instructions

1. Use pure lime juice to soften the pain of insect bites. To cover a large area or multiple animal bites, use lime juice mixed with honey to create a paste thick enough to stay in place over the wound.

2. Mix lime juice with castor oil and use the concoction to treat the area affected by animal bites. Massage the mixture slowly and as deeply as you can stand. Lime juice kills the burn of the bite, while castor oil acts as a natural antibiotic, flushing out toxins and helping the body to fight infections and inflammation.

3. Drink lime juice to help your body get a quick-absorption dose of vitamin C. This is especially useful in the first days following animal bites, when the risk of infection is high. Lime juice acts as an antibiotic, fighting toxins from the inside and preventing germs from getting into the bloodstream.

4. Mix lime juice with mashed curry leaves to treat the bites of poisonous animals, especially spiders. While not a perfect treatment, the mix can help delay the effects of the poison until you are able to seek proper medical attention. Curry leaves can be bought dehydrated at specialty stores and can be kept for years at home.

5. Treat insect bites and small wounds with a cream that contains lime juice. Natural health food stores and homeopathic medicine shops sell a variety of gels made with natural ingredients, such as lime juice. They can be used safely in both kids and adults.

Tags: animal bites, insect bites, Juice Treat, Juice Treat Animal, juice with, Lime juice

Foods To Avoid On A High Potassium Diet

If you are on a high-potassium diet then there are certain foods that should be avoided. People who suffer from high blood pressure, or are at risk for heart disease or stroke, should avoid foods and substances that interfere with Potassium absorption.

Licorice

Licorice can sap potassium from the body and should be avoided. This includes licorice candies and licorice teas.

High Sodium Foods

Foods high in sodium can elevate blood pressure levels and can nullify any benefits one can gain from following a high-potassium diet.

Low-Potassium Foods

People following a high-potassium diet should avoid filling their plates with low-potassium content foods. It is better to eat foods that are high in potassium to receive the maximum benefits,

Foods That are Diurectics

Foods that act like diuretics should be avoided because they can flush Potassium out of the body. These include foods like celery, asparagus and melons.

Check with Your Doctor

Before taking a food out of your diet it is always a good idea to check with your doctor first.

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How Do Oral Contraceptives Lead To Thrombosis

Blood Clots in the Leg

A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that occurs in the veins of the lower leg or thigh, usually in the popliteal or femoral vein. Not only can the clot block blood flow, if it breaks off, the clot can travel to the heart, lungs or brain. This condition has the potential to be life threatening. Although most times these clots disappear on their own without complications, some people continue to experience chronic pain and swelling in the affected leg for a long time afterward. Common symptoms of venous thrombosis may include redness and swelling in one leg, pain in the calf when walking or tenderness and increased warmth in the leg. Sometimes a clot can occur without symptoms. Maintaining a healthy weight and getting regular exercise can help to reduce the risk of a blood clot forming in the legs. If you have a history of clotting problems, your doctor may prescribe an anticoagulation drug, more commonly known as a blood thinner.

Estrogen Increases the Risk

Research shows that women who take oral contraceptives over a long period of time can develop blood-clotting disorders. While the hormone estrogen itself does not cause blood clots to form, for women who have a history of thrombosis, the risk rises significantly. Most oral contraceptives contain an estrogen and synthetic progesterone. Even though estrogen increases the levels of clotting factor causing blood to coagulate in the veins, for most women the risk of getting a blood clot is minimal. However, estrogen has the potential to disrupt normal blood flow, causing blood in the veins of the legs to coagulate. This can lead to a blockage that then prevents blood and oxygen from getting to other areas of the body.

Risk Factors

According to reports issued by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, women who use oral contraceptives have a higher risk of venous thrombosis, particularly if they already show signs of abnormal blood clotting factors. Recent studies show that coagulation problems frequently become apparent during the first year that a woman uses oral contraceptives. Research also suggests that when combined with the use of oral contraceptives, certain protein and antithrombin deficiencies place a woman at increased risk for developing a blood clot in the deep vein of a leg. Despite congenital risk factors such as protein C and protein S deficiency, or prothrombin mutation, the degree of risk varies among women depending on heredity and the number of other risk factors. Naturally, the more risk factors involved, the greater the chance of thrombosis. When there are acquired risk factors at play in addition to the use of oral contraceptives (which contain estrogens absorbed into the bloodstream), the risk increases more.

Deficiencies in Natural Blood Thinners

While a mutation in the prothrombin gene is a hereditary factor found in about 15 percent of those individuals with venous thrombosis, use of oral contraceptives particularly increases the risk for women. Deficiencies in protein C and protein S, or antithrombin affect blood coagulation increasing the risks of both venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Antithrombin is another protein in the blood that acts as a natural blood thinner. Low levels of any of these proteins can cause blood clots to form. Antithrombin deficiency can either be inherited or caused by another disease process in the body.

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What Is Jojoba Seed

Jojoba seeds are from the jojoba plant that are cultivated by the thousands in the southwestern U.S. Jojoba oil is extracted from jojoba seeds and are found in as many as 300 health and beauty products.

Centuries ago, Native Americans pressed the yellow waxy substance from jojoba seeds to apply to cuts to speed healing. Today, jojoba seeds are also being studied by researchers to see if jojoba meal can be used to reduce obesity in people.

Identification

Jojoba seeds grow in clusters of three in the fruit of the jojoba plant (Simmondsia chinensis) and grows wild in western Mexico, Arizona and southern California.

Jojoba seeds have 50 to 60 percent of the liquid plant wax that has been used heavily in skincare and other beauty products. In 1971, the use of spermaceti oil from sperm whales was banned and jojoba oil from jojoba seeds was in large demand.

Features

Jojoba seeds are found in the green fruit on the evergreen shrub, jojoba plant that can grow to 10 or 15 feet in height. Oval-shaped leaves are green gray and have a waxy coating to keep the moisture locked in.

It takes three months for the fruit to ripen before it bursts open to reveal small brown jojoba seeds that resemble small olives. A one-pound cup might hold from 300 to 1,000 jojoba seeds.

Benefits

Strictly speaking, jojoba seeds are generally not sought out by consumers. It is the liquid golden jojoba oil that is. Jojoba oil can be purchased in bottles and used to moisturize skin and hair or as a makeup remover.

Jojoba oil is found in many skin creams, liquid soaps, bath gels and also in pots of lip moisturizer.

Jojoba seeds are sought by cosmetic manufacturers as this crop is able to thrive in arid dessert where other crops would fail.

Misconceptions

Jojoba seeds are not easy to find but if you do find them, do not eat them: they are toxic! Currently there are studies that are defatting the jojoba seed meal to see if rats will eat less food and lose weight. Early studies show that defatted jojoba seed meal may reduce appetites in rats by 20 percent. The hope is to see if this may be applied to diabetic or obese people who are at risk for death. More research must be completed before you will see jojoba seeds for consumption by humans, however.

Warning

As jojoba oil is easily found in health food stores and on-line, many people believe it will provide adequate sun protection as a "natural sunscreen."

It does not. The American Cancer Society recommends using a full-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15. Jojoba oil from crushed jojoba seeds do not provide this level of sun protection.

Use jojoba oil to clean makeup from your face and eyelids and to moisturize, but also use a sunscreen to prevent burning.

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