Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Reduce Bruising With Herbs

If you seem to get a lot of bruises, and if they take forever to clear up, you might be suffering from poor circulation to and from your heart and brain. Bruises are sometimes called contusions, and they can result from bumping into something, falling or dropping something heavy on a body part. Bruises can be colorful: from blue to green to purple to a darker gray or brown, then to yellow as they begin to heal. Herbs can help to soften the pain and heal your bruise quickly.








Instructions


1. There are two ways to prepare the herbs in this recipe: either as a tea or as a tincture. A tea will be ready for you to start drinking within minutes, while a tincture requires about one month to “brew.”


2. For tea, combine 2 teaspoonfuls of the following herbs in 1 quart of boiling water: ginkgo leaves, hawthorn leaves, flowers and berries, orange slices and rose hips.


3. Add 1 teaspoonful of rose hips and allow your tea to sit, or steep, for 15 to 20 minutes. Add honey, lemon or sugar before you drink it, if you wish. Strain it and drink one or two cups each day.


4. To make a tincture using the same herbs, simply grind the herbs and place them in a quart canning jar. Add one handful of raspberries and then fill the jar with brandy. Shake it every day for 1 month, and then strain it and add 2 tbsp. of honey. Take 1/2 teaspoonful once or twice every day.

Tags: rose hips

Hormones & Acne In Menopause

Even as an adult one cannot always escape acne. There are many factors that contribute to the embarrassing skin disease, including menopause.


Hormones


No matter what age an individual is, when hormones change acne appears. During menopause, hormones are changing, which causes a sudden outbreak.


Perimenopause


When the levels of estrogen in a woman's body starts to drop it is known as perimenopause. This is the beginning stage of menopause, when acne flares up the most.


Hormone Therapy








One way to treat symptoms of menopause such as acne is with hormone therapy. This type of medication increases the amount of estrogen in the body, resulting in less acne.


Over the Counter


There are a number of products that can be purchased at a drugstore to help treat acne. These topical creams and face washes should include benzoyl peroxide as an active ingredient to fight acne.


Medication


If an individual is not interested in hormone therapy, a dermatologist can prescribe a medication that can cure or control acne breakouts, either in the form of a cream or pill.

Tags: hormone therapy

Make Cucumber And Lime Body Soap

Make your own soap.


Cucumber and lime body soap is a very easy-to-make alternative to the expensive soaps sold in retail stores. Making your own soaps also allows you to tailor the soap to your specific skin care needs. Cucumber and lime body soap is best used by those with oily, irritated skin, as the cucumber will help to reduce redness while the lime reduces excessive sebum buildup on your skin's surface. This recipe makes 2 lbs of soap, which can easily be sliced into smaller bars.


Instructions








1. Slice the glycerin soap bar into small pieces using a sharp knife and place them in a heat-proof measuring cup.








2. Fill a large saucepan halfway with distilled water. Place the heat-proof measuring cup in the large saucepan and heat on low for 14 to 16 minutes.


3. Remove the saucepan from heat and add the essential oils, vegetable glycerin and vitamin E cream. Stir the mixture with a glass stirrer for 45 to 60 seconds or until the mixture begins to thicken.


4. Pour the liquid soap into the soap bar mold you have picked out. Leave the soap to set for 6 to 8 hours in a cool, dark and dry place.


5. Remove the soap from the soap bar mold and store in a cool, dry place until ready to use.

Tags: body soap, heat-proof measuring, large saucepan, lime body, lime body soap

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Lemon Detox Work







Introduction








Detoxification is a process of cleaning the body and removing toxins, impurities and other harmful substances. A lemon detox is a natural remedy that uses lemon juice as a main ingredient in cleaning the inside of the body. There is now a popular detox program called the lemon detox that is used around the world to improve health. The underlying idea is that lemon juice has beneficial properties that aid in cleansing, detoxifying and healing the body.


Detox Defined


Detoxification is the internal cleaning of the body. Most people use detoxification as a method to naturally improve their overall health. For others, detoxification is a way to remove harmful chemicals from the body such as prescription drugs, alcohol and illegal drugs. By getting these addictive toxins out of the system, a person can end his dependency. Whatever the reason for the detox, it is beneficial to the health of a person.


Every day people are subjected to a wide range of toxins, chemicals and other impurities from the water we drink, the air we breathe and the food we eat. Once these harmful substances are in the body, they are stored in the fat deposits. The less body fat you have, the fewer toxins are in your body. Fat is necessary for the proper functioning of the body so trying to eliminate all the fat in the body is not possible, nor is it safe. Fortunately, there are other ways to clean out the toxins.


How the Lemon Detox Works


There are many ways to detoxify the body and fasting is one method frequently used. The lemon detox is liquid food. When on a fast, the lemon detox provides the nourishment needed for keeping the body functioning.


Human beings have a limited amount of energy to use for carrying out the various processes of the body. Fasting allows the body to rest from the complicated function of digesting food and removing wastes. With less energy used for the digestive system, the body has more energy for self-cleaning and self-healing.


The lemon detox contains lemon juice, Madal Bal natural tree syrup and cayenne pepper. The lemon juice is acidic, and this helps to clean the tissues and organs of the body. The Madal Bal tree syrup is made from the sap of maple trees and palm trees. Together these two saps contain all the minerals a body needs to run efficiently. The syrup also provides the sugar or glucose needed for the body to function. The cayenne pepper can be added just for taste.


Do the Lemon Detox


To make the lemon detox drink, you have to buy the Madal Bal natural tree syrup which is available in health food stores. The drink is made with two tablespoons of lemon juice and two tablespoons of the natural tree syrup mixed with one-half pint of hot or cold water. You can add a tiny bit of cayenne pepper or ginger to improve the taste.


The lemon detox drink can be used for a 5 to 7 day detox. During this time, no solid food is eaten. This liquid drink is the only thing you should have, besides an occasional glass of peppermint or chamomile tea. If you are new to fasting, start out doing the detox for just 3 to 5 days.


Drink 7 to 10 glasses of the lemon detox drink each day of the fast. Many benefits are attributed to the lemon detox including better digestion, weight loss, clearer skin, shinier hair, and more energy.

Tags: lemon detox, lemon juice, tree syrup, cayenne pepper, detox drink, lemon detox drink, natural tree

Final Stages Of Aml In The Elderly







Symptoms


Acute Myeloid Leukemia, or AML, is a rapidly progressing disease specific to elderly people. AML attacks the DNA of red blood cells while they are forming in the bone marrow. The body is then unable to produce enough red blood cells and platelets to sustain life. Early symptoms of AML are also symptoms of aging. Early symptoms include lethargy, bruising easily and shortness of breath. A person with later stage AML will experience unexplained internal and external bleeding. A bone marrow biopsy will confirm the diagnosis of AML.


Treatment


Elderly people often choose to forgo traditional treatments and let nature take its course. Treatment options for AML include chemotherapy and bone marrow stem-cell transplant. Elderly people are more likely to experience chemotherapy toxicity, which is harder to live with than AML. Chemotherapy toxicity can be fatal in and of itself. Elderly patients are more likely to experience chemo-related neutropenia, a condition that causes the body to attack neutrophils. An AML patient who also has neutropenia has no real ability to fight infection. AML patients must receive intensive chemotherapy before a bone marrow stem-cell transplant can be performed.








Prognosis


The final stage of AML is, unfortunately, death. The Merck Manual online states that most patients die within a few weeks to a few months after diagnosis. Elderly AML patients often die suddenly from internal bleeding. Other patients survive for a while with frequent blood transfusions. When the patient does not have an advanced directive, the family needs to determine which measures the doctors should take to sustain life. Some patients and families choose to treat just the pain, so the patient may be comfortable during the final moments of life. Hospice volunteers and nurses can help the dying patient maintain dignity during the process of death.


Dying Process


Signs that death is imminent are the same as with any other disease. Loss of appetite is the first signal that the AML patient may be dying. A person who is dying will sleep more often than not. AML patients in their final stages experience labored breathing. Each breath may be quite audible. At this point, bone pain will be severe. Doctors may suggest sedating the patient with narcotics such as morphine to ease the pain. Bleeding through the gums or around the gum-line can suggest the patient is at risk for internal bleeding. Internal bleeding in late-stage AML patients cannot be treated without causing a new bleed. Symptoms of a lethal, internal bleeding include shivers, confusion, loss of consciousness and death.


Alternate Names


The Mayo Clinic website states that acute myeloid leukemia is also called acute myeloblastic leukemia, acute myelogenous leukemia, acute granulocytic leukemia and acute nonlymphocytic leukemia.

Tags: bone marrow, internal bleeding, leukemia acute, blood cells, bone marrow stem-cell

Have A Duck Cover And Hold Earthquake Drill At Home







If you live in an area prone to earthquakes, it's important to be prepared to protect yourself and your family should an earthquake occur. One of the most important ways to do this is to have a duck, cover and hold earthquake drill at your home periodically. A drill like this teaches you and your family where to go and what to do in the event of an earthquake while at home. Actually practicing this drill will make it second nature to do the right thing without panicking if you ever have to face a serious earthquake.


Instructions


1. Walk your family through the motions of the drill before practicing in real time. Point out places that are acceptable to hide and wait out an earthquake.


2. Set the scene by talking to your kids about what an earthquake sounds like and feels like. If your kids have never experienced an earthquake they may not immediately know what is happening when one occurs. Tell them that when an earthquake begins it sounds like a low rumbling that grows louder and the floor starts to move.








3. Shout that there's an earthquake to start the drill. "Earthquake! Duck and cover!" is a good phrase to use because it tells exactly what to do.


4. Drop to the floor. Getting down on the floor is safer because it prevents you from falling when trying to move.


5. Crawl under a sturdy desk or piece of furniture like a table. If there is nowhere to crawl under, put your back up against an interior wall, pull your knees into your chest and cover your head with your arms.


6. Narrate what's happening during the earthquake so everyone stays in the moment and has an idea of what to expect during a real earthquake. For example, you can say "The whole room is shaking! Dishes are crashing to the floor. Furniture is sliding on the floor. You hear loud noises everywhere!


7. Hold onto the furniture until the shaking stops. If you are not under a piece of furniture, just hold your protecting position. An earthquake can last for a minute or more, so a drill should be at least that long.


8. Indicate that the earthquake has ended.


9. Slowly come out from your hiding place and survey the damage to determine whether and how you should get out of your home.

Tags: your family, piece furniture, sounds like, what happening, your home, your kids

Monday, March 29, 2010

Use Geranium Oil For Pain Relief

No one wants to suffer needlessly, but many medications used to alleviate pain have potentially harmful side effects, particularly when they are part of an ongoing treatment plan for chronic pain. Aside from the potential for addiction that tends to accompany regular use of pain killers, analgesic medications can be harmful to the liver and can have a negative impact on other medications. For these reasons, many people seek alternative pain remedies, such as geranium oil.


Instructions








1. Select a reliable source for geranium oil. Pure geranium oil can be found in health food stores or in the vitamin section of supermarkets. It can also be ordered online.








2. Purchase pure essential oil, not fragrance oil. This is oil that has been extracted from geranium flowers. Undiluted, it can be used for topical pain relief and to reduce external swelling and inflammation. As such, it has been incorporated into a number of self-care treatments, primarily dealing with injuries and ulcers of the skin. It has been used to treat burns, acne, lice, ringworm, shingles and chickenpox. As part of an aromatherapy regime, the oil is said to help alleviate stress and reduce anxiety.


3. To alleviate discomfort associated with skin conditions, apply a small amount of oil with a cotton swab to the affected area. Rub gently until the oil has been absorbed.


4. Allow the treated area to dry completely. Pain should subside within 15 minutes of application and relief can last from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the severity of the condition.


5. Reapply as needed. Geranium oil is nontoxic and nonnarcotic, so you can use it without restrictions.

Tags:

Physical Signs Of High Blood Sugar







High blood sugar, more commonly referred to as hyperglycemia, is a heightened level of glucose in the blood. This level is ultimately affected by the amount of food you eat and the insulin in your body. When you eat something, the food is broken down and insulin is released to transport sugar from the blood into the cells where it is used as energy or stored as fat in the body. In a person whose body can't make insulin or use insulin as it should--as is the case in types I and II diabetes--the sugar level in the blood can become elevated (or lowered) and certain signs will begin to manifest.


Thirst and Urination


One of the main signs of high blood sugar will basically revolve around the intake and expulsion of water (or a liquid of some sort). The reason this happens in the body senses the elevation in blood sugar. This initiates the kidneys to compensate the only way it knows how--by ridding the body of this extra sugar through urination. Since the body is now sending out so much more fluid, it needs to counteract this, which translates into an intensified thirst.


Weight Loss


Another sign that someone is suffering from high blood sugar is weight loss. The lack of insulin or inability to use insulin essentially deprives the body of glucose (its main fuel source). While the food we've just eaten may break down, the glucose from this food will not be delivered to our cells. Since the body isn't getting the fuel it needs, it will begin to use fat and muscle for energy, which will result in weight loss.


Fatigue


It shouldn't come as a surprise that many people suffering from high blood sugar will become tired, sometimes excessively so. This, much like weight loss, has everything to do with the way insulin is used (or not used) in the body. When your body isn't getting the appropriate amount of fuel it needs, even when it is using stored fat or muscle to feed itself, you will inevitably grow tired, and this fatigue will most likely increase as the days go by. If the elevation in blood sugar is left long enough, it will actually turn into a weakness.


Digestive Problems


Since the body is having a difficult time in relation to the creation of energy, many people, especially in more prolonged cases of high blood sugar, will begin to have issues involving their digestive systems. This will usually manifest as nausea and/or vomiting, but some will begin to suffer from abdominal pains and cramping. And, much like the increase in thirst, people have been known to experience an increased hunger. This has a lot to do with the body not getting the fuel it needs even when you've been eating. On occasion, a person may also undergo bouts of diarrhea. This works a lot like the increase in urination, as the body is trying to regulate itself.


Other Signs


As the body reacts to the elevation in blood sugar, it may manifest in different ways, including a change in vision (blurred), headaches, a change in breathing (rapid), confusion, numbness in the outer extremities (hand and feet) and even impotence.

Tags: blood sugar, blood sugar, will begin, blood sugar will, body getting, elevation blood, elevation blood sugar

Friday, March 26, 2010

Rehabilitate An Injured Knee







The pain of an injured knee can do more than hurt. It can sideline you from doing many daily duties. While immediately consulting your doctor about any knee injury is best, there are some exercises that can help your knee.


Instructions








1. Move the knee gently to improve flexibility. Place your hands on either side of the knee. With your thumbs, slowly and gently move the joint.


2. Stretch your quadriceps muscles to help your knee. Place one leg behind the other with your hands on your hips. Then gently bend to the left and right. Knee injuries involving the iliotibial band can occur from repeated motion and overuse so it's also best to temporarily avoid jumping and sprinting activities.


3. Rest on the side that doesn't hurt to strengthen your injured knee. With your legs apart and bent, hold your ankle and pull it and your leg back. Keep your hip straight and knee bent. Hold for 20 seconds then slowly move your injured knee toward the ground and repeat three times.


4. Slide your back against the wall. Start with your feet about 2 feet from the wall with your knees straight and then bend your knees about 30 degrees. Hold for 20 seconds then straighten your knees and repeat for three sets of 20 repetitions.


5. Use a ball and limited movement to rehabilitate your knee. Put a ball under your injured knee to lift it off the floor then lay back and rest on your elbows. Slowly, and with limited amount of movement, lift your ankle from a 30-degree angle to a full extension. This exercise is particularly useful to people with damaged cartilage.

Tags: injured knee, your injured, your injured knee, your knee, your knees

Care For Elderly Cardiac Bypass Patients

While open-heart surgery can improve the quality of life for elderly individuals, survival rates, possible complications and return of symptoms must be carefully evaluated before making the decision to operate. Yet more elderly patients today are undergoing cardiac surgery. Although not every older person is a candidate for this type of surgery, routine follow-up care after bypass surgery can affect an elderly patient's overall recovery. With proper postoperative care, older individuals are now recovering from cardiac bypass surgery just as well as younger patients.


Instructions


1. Schedule a comprehensive preoperative assessment to gather the information needed to adequately plan for the patient's care following surgery. This is especially important for those individuals who have multiple medical problems and run a greater risk of complications from surgery. A preoperative assessment allows the doctor and other members of the patient's health care team to identify potential problems beforehand.


2. Plan for what mobility aides a patient may need throughout the recovery process. Knowing in advance what assistive devices a patient will need during hospital admission can speed recovery by helping him to regain his normal level of functioning sooner.


3. Note the patient's medical history. Other medical conditions such as diabetes or hypertension can delay postoperative recovery. Being prepared can lead to early interventions to avoid more serious complications.


4. Take the steps necessary to minimize the risk of skin breakdown. According to an article published in the American Journal of Critical Care, pressure sores are a major problem for elderly patients after cardiac surgery. The goal of the nursing team is to intervene and prevent ulcers from forming or from progressing to a more serious stage. The condition of the patient's skin should be assessed at the time of admission, and thereafter, at least every 12 hours from the first until the fifth day of postoperative care. Examples of interventions include keeping skin clean, dry and moisturized, turning patients in bed at least every 2 hours and making sure the patient is eating properly.


5. Perform the mini-mental state exam to assess the elderly patient's cognitive abilities prior to surgery. Unfortuntely, depression is common in patients following bypass surgery. A study published in the April 2009 issue of Archives of General Psychiatry shows that approximately 20 percent of individuals who undergo coronary artery bypass surgery experience severe depression afterward. If a patient is already depressed before the surgery, researchers say that recovery usually takes longer in addition to a higher risk of complications following surgery.








6. Educate the patient and her family about what to expect after surgery, as this can help to reduce the patient's anxiety about the surgery. Older patients need to be informed that postoperative confusion can occur along with other potential risk factors and complications such as disrupted sleep, hospital infections and pulmonary embolisms caused by being in bed after surgery.

Tags: bypass surgery, after surgery, cardiac surgery, elderly patient, elderly patients, every hours, following surgery

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Predriving Inspection Checklist

Because you drive so frequently, it's easy to take your driving safety for granted. Conducting a pre-driving inspection before you get in your car is a good idea. Before you dismiss a daily pre-driving car inspection, consider this: on highways, your closing speed with other motorists is over 100 mph and they sometimes pass within 15 feet or your car. At very least, check your tires to make sure they're not underinflated. And do a low-speed brake check on every trip. Other safety checks can be conducted once per season with a tuneup to make sure major systems are in working order.


Tires


Tire pressure may be the most overlooked driving hazard. Low tire pressure can cause a variety of problems. You are more likely to get a flat. Your car will not steer properly. And if you have to make an evasive maneuver, you are far more likely to lose control of your car. Low tire pressure can cause serious auto accidents. The first step is simply looking at your tires. If they look low, they are. Know the recommended tire pressure. If you don't have it, don't drive on your tires.


Brakes


It's easy to assume that if your brakes worked last time you used your car, they will work this time. Most brakes are hydraulic and it's likely that your brakes will become "soft" before completely failing. But if your brake fluid leaks out of the hydraulic system, they will not work. Conduct a low speed brake test (under 10 mph) before you get up to speed.








Windshield Wipers


Windshield wipers are another item you may take for granted as a safety feature -- especially in sunny environments. But, windshield wipers are not a convenience; they are absolutely a critical safety feature. If you are driving at highway speeds and it begins to rain, or you get splashed with muddy water from another motorist, you will may not be able to see. If you turn your windshield wipers on only to smear mud or water across your windshield, due to worn out wiper blades, it may even make it worse. Check your blades and your wiper fluid level before you leave.


Lights


Like wiper blades, lights are critical for your vision. Unlike wiper blades, your lights are also critical for other motorists to see you. While headlights are easy to spot when they burn out, turn signals, brake lights and running lights are not. Without them, other motorists might hit you, especially if your turn signals or brake lights are out.

Tags: other motorists, wiper blades, your tires, blades your, brake lights

Treatment For Killing Bed Bugs

Bed bugs can pop up in any home.


Bed bugs are a nuisance not only to individual home owners, but to hospitals, hotels and dormitories. Killing bed bugs takes some effort, but it is more than worth it to rid the pests. It is important to remember that bed bugs can live for months without feeding, so it can be difficult to get rid of them quickly.


Identification


Check for bed bug bites.


Identifying bed bugs is easy. If you have red welts on your skin, especially noticeable after you have been sleeping, it is a good chance you have bed bugs. Look for the bugs inside mattress crevices. They usually try to hide and only come out at night to feed, but they are visible to the naked eye. Bed bugs are about 1/4 inch in length, have a flat body with six legs and are a reddish brown color. Another sign of bed bugs is blood stains appearing on your mattress, either because you rolled over on bed bugs and crushed them or because you are continuing to bleed after they are done feeding on you. Also, dark stains can appear from bug fecal matter.


Infestation


Once an infestation starts, bed bugs can hide just about anywhere.


As you check your mattress, look in all folds and seams. You will be able to see the bugs, as well as bed bug eggs. It is necessary to check areas other than the mattress. Bed bugs can hide just about anywhere, including bed frames, clothing, stuffed animals, blankets and other furniture.


Sanitation


Wash items in hot water.


The sanitation process needs to be thorough. Vacuuming can remove some of the bugs and eggs, but because some of the eggs are intertwined with fabrics, they may not come out. Wash all blankets, bed spreads and pillow cases in hot water. It is also suggested that you put items that can't be washed into extreme heat or cold to kill the bugs and eggs. During hot weather, items can be placed in a secured bag and then in a vehicle with the windows rolled up for several hours. Although freezing temperatures can also help, the temperature has to remain constant for more than two weeks to be effective.








Prevention


Check hotel rooms so bugs aren't brought home.


Prevention is key for completely ridding bed bugs. Check hotel rooms for infestation before any bed bugs have a chance to latch onto your clothes or belongings. Also, use the luggage racks in hotel rooms, so bed bugs have less of a chance to get into your clothes. Airtight pillow cases and mattress covers can be used to kill the bugs and eggs that were not removed with vacuuming and also keep other bugs out. They will not die overnight, but by keeping the covers on, it will prevent the bugs from being able to feed and they will die.


Professional


Exterminator


If all else fails, professional extermination may be required. A bad bed bug infestation may be too much to handle, and it may be worth it to go ahead and pay someone else to take care of the problem.

Tags: bugs eggs, hotel rooms, about anywhere, bugs have, bugs hide

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Signs & Symptoms Of A Mouse Spider Bite

The mouse spider is found in most parts of Australia.


Although not normally fatal, the bite from a mouse spider can be extremely painful and can cause a number of signs and symptoms. Mouse spiders are found throughout Australia, excluding the rain forest areas in the south. Mouse spiders are often compared to the Australasian funnel-web spider because their venom is comparable and bite symptoms are very similar. However, the mouse spider is more docile and will at times bite without releasing venom.


Severe Pain


Most times the initial indication that you have been bitten by a spider is the pain, and a bite from a mouse spider is deep and particularly painful. According to the Australian Venom Research Unit, Pharmacology Department at the University of Melbourne, there are two phases that represent a bite from a mouse spider. "Phase 1" begins within minutes of a bite and is marked by pain at the bite area and the characteristic fang marks are noticeable. The mouse spider injects a neurotoxin into its victim similar to the funnel-web spider, called robustotoxin. Robustotoxin immediately begins to change the cell structure of the skin, causing immense pain.








Systemic Envenoming


According to the University of Adelaide's Clinical Toxicology Resources, systemic envenoming is one key diagnostic feature of a mouse spider bite. After a mouse spider bite, venom spreads throughout the body's circulatory system causing systemic envenoming. Once the toxin is in every part of the body, known as systemic, it can lead to other signs and symptoms.


Tongue Fasciculation


One such symptom of a marked sign of a mouse spider bite is that the tongue of the victim swells and twitches or contracts involuntary, called tongue fasciculation. This symptom is caused by the venom infiltrating the nervous system of the body.


Hypertension and Hypotension


According to the University of Melbourne Australian Venom Research Unit, hypertension is a key symptom in Phase 1 after a mouse spider bite. Hypertension is when the blood pressure of the body becomes too high, which, depending on the victim, can lead to a stroke or a heart attack. "Phase 2" is characterized by hypotension, whereby the victim experiences a loss of blood pressure and, eventually, blood pressure in the body becomes too low. When the blood pressure becomes lower than normal, the brain, heart and other vital organs do not get an adequate blood supply, which can then lead to severe dizziness and loss of consciousness.


Dyspnea and Hypoventilation


Dyspnea is when a victim of a mouse spider bite experiences sudden shortness of breath without physical exertion. After the venom has infiltrated the body, it can penetrate the respiratory system and breathing can become extremely labored and shallow. This symptom can lead to hypoventilation, whereby the bite victim is unable to exchange adequate amounts of air and carbon dioxide in the pulmonary system. Hypoventilation creates a buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood, which then causes the victim to pass out if not treated with oxygen.

Tags: mouse spider, mouse spider, blood pressure, mouse spider bite, spider bite

Pack For An Evacuation

Wildfires, flooding, hurricanes, earthquakes and volcano eruptions send population masses scurrying for safer ground. Preparation is the key to success and sometimes survival. Emergency management officials and disaster preparedness agencies do their best, yet evacuation orders often leave little time to prepare. Those who hesitate end up hitting the road without the necessities. Some forethought and preparation will have you ready to act promptly when it’s time to pack for evacuation.


Instructions








pack for an evacuation


1. List necessities beforehand. In the anxiety of approaching disaster, it’s difficult to think clearly. Draw up a list now for reference in times of emergency, to be sure nothing gets overlooked. Your family and pets may be living out of your car for several days so consider every possible need. The items listed under "What you’ll need" provide a basic outline for starting your own list.


2. Do advance preparations. Important documents like birth certificates, marriage license, deeds, titles and degrees can be kept in a single folder and ready to pack. Have a first aid kit updated with all special needs. Keep a backpack loaded with camping supplies. If possible, keep a few hundred dollars in cash handy. If the condition of evacuation is seasonal, never let your car’s gas get below a half a tank during that time. When electricity goes off, so do gas pumps and ATMs.


3. Act quickly. During an emergency, everyone for miles around will flock to stores for gas, food, water and ice and it’s surprising how fast these items run out at such times. The ice in coolers will keep perishable items for less than 48 hours. Depending on the condition you’re escaping, you may need enough dry and canned goods to last for a week afterwards. You must buy everything you lack as soon as evacuation orders are given.








4. Account for medication doses. For anyone in your household taking a prescription, call the prescribing doctor immediately and ask for enough doses to cover at least ten days. In the face of emergencies warranting evacuation, any responsible physician will surely comply. Fill the prescriptions before leaving. If you cross state lines, it may be a problem to use insurance or fill prescriptions.


5. Pick a destination and go. The sooner you get on the road, the less traffic you’ll have ahead of you. A passenger can use a directory and a cell phone to attempt lodging reservations while you drive. Highways reach gridlock quickly as hotels are filling, when you have entire counties on the move. A campsite may offer the only possible alternative to sleeping in the car.

Tags: evacuation orders

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Give A Reflexology Massage

Give a Reflexology Massage


Reflexology is not exactly massage, but is similar in that it is used to promote healing in all parts of the body by stimulating specific areas of the body, specifically the hands and feet. Reflexology is purported to relieve stress and to bring the body to a state of homeostasis, or equilibrium. Reflexology is used to help sufferers of conditions like arthritis, insomnia and muscle strain.


Instructions


Learn Give a Reflexology Massage








1. Get a reflexology chart. Reflexology charts can be found online and in books on reflexology (see Resources below). You can also purchase books specifically on giving reflexology treatment to others.


2. Visit the Reflexology Association of America Web site and look at their nationwide events calendar (see Resources below). Get some hands-on experience while being guided by well-informed instructors.


3. Call your local reflexology association or local reflexology practitioner. They may have their own courses and seminars that are not listed online. You can find a listing of associations and reflexologists on the Reflexology Association of America Web site.


Give a Reflexology Massage


4. Target the areas of the body you would like to treat with a reflexology massage.


5. Use the reflexology chart to find the areas of the hands and feet that correspond to the target body parts. Mark the hands and feet with a marker or pen that is safe for skin. You can also order reflexology socks, which are socks with the reflexology chart printed on the sole.


6. Apply firm and constant pressure to the reflex zones for at least 20 seconds at a time. One should be able to feel the pressure throughout the entire reflex zone.


7. Use reflexology instruments in place of your hands. There are probes, balls and rollers you can use to really stimulate the reflex zones. The cost of such materials is fairly inexpensive.


8. Repeat the reflexology massage as many times as you see fit. Some people use reflexology as preventative medicine and use it throughout their lifetime.

Tags: Give Reflexology, Give Reflexology Massage, hands feet, reflexology chart, Reflexology Massage, America site, areas body

Natural Homeopathic Ways To Fight Liver Cancer With Herbs

Mangosteen may help fight liver cancer.








Liver cancer may be dealt with using a variety of conventional treatments. These typically include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Several natural, homeopathic remedies also exist to combat liver cancer, including a number of herbal solutions. These include the Chinese herb Bie Jia, extracts of the Southeast Asian fruit mangosteen and an increase in the intake of omega-3 fatty acids.


Bie Jia


Bie Jia, or Chinese soft turtle shell, has been used for centuries as a traditional remedy to treat cancer. According to Chinese herbalists, Bie Jia nourishes a cancer patient's yin while anchoring his yang---all the while invigorating the blood and strengthening the individual's immune system. The herb is used particularly when it comes to liver cancer. Bie Jia is additionally used to treat malaria, chest pain, liver and spleen swelling and hot flashes.


Mangosteen


Though laboratory work on human subjects has yet to be conclusively performed, mangosteen is said to be a natural liver cancer combatant. The fruit, native to Thailand and Burma, contains compounds that fight fungi, bacteria and, most importantly, tumors. So far, lab results indicate that mangosteen acts against cancer cells, in particular leukemia cells, breast cancer cells and liver cancer cells. The fruit also has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties.


Omega-3 Fatty Acids








Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to inhibit all kinds of cancer, including liver cancer. Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation throughout the body. They are generally known not only for their cancer-inhibiting abilities but also for their cancer-preventive qualities. One of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids is flaxseed oil. Other sources include walnuts, salmon, soybeans, halibut, shrimp, tofu, snapper, scallops and winter squash.

Tags: liver cancer, cancer cells, cancer including, fatty acids, fatty acids, Omega-3 fatty acids

Apply A Pressure Bandage

You never know when an injury will occur. You must know apply a pressure bandage, for that very reason. A fall, cut, snakebite or other injury may cause bleeding that requires a pressure bandage. You must be able to react quickly to such a situation. Read on to learn apply a pressure bandage.


Instructions


1. Place a loose clump of gauze over the injured area. Apply direct pressure with your hand over the injury to stop the bleeding.








2. Maintain pressure for five to 10 minutes before applying further bandaging. Have the patient hold the bandage and apply pressure themselves, if possible.


3. Determine if a fracture has occurred. If there is a fracture, you must put a splint on a fractured limb.








4. Elevate the injured limb above the patient's heart, while applying pressure. The elevation must be 8 to 12 inches.


5. Wrap more of the gauze around the lump of dressing used as a pressure bandage. Start on the side further away and wrap toward you. Continue to wrap the gauze about 6 inches above and below the wound. Apply tape to hold each end of the wrap.


6. Ensure that the area above and below the dressing is warm, feels OK to the patient and has a pulse. Continue to keep track of these things until you are sure the patient is out of danger.


7. Strengthen the wrapping by adding more gauze, if you note more blood seeping through. Do not remove the original dressing. Get medical attention immediately if the wound continues to bleed profusely.

Tags: pressure bandage, above below, apply pressure, apply pressure bandage, more gauze

Monday, March 22, 2010

Constipation And Parkinson'S Disease

Parkinson's disease is a progressive degenerative central nervous system disorder. Its main symptoms include tremors, muscle rigidity, slowness of movement and problems with balance. Constipation also is associated with Parkinson's disease.


Parkinson's and Constipation


Parkinson's disease patients develop constipation when the intestine is affected and moves its contents more slowly. A complicating factor may occur if Parkinson's symptoms and medication side effects result in an inactive lifestyle, which worsens constipation.


Medication Side Effect








Some patients report constipation as a side effect of levodopa, the primary drug used to treat Parkinson's disease. This effect is not common, according to the Mayo Clinic.


Additional Association


Middle-aged men with constipation are more likely to eventually develop Parkinson's disease, according to a study published in the August 14, 2001 issue of "Neurology," as cited by the University of Virginia Health System. Constipation may be a very early sign of Parkinson's disease or an indication that someone is more susceptible to the disorder.


Diet Considerations


Eating a high-fiber diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help relieve constipation in people with Parkinson's disease, as in other people, according to the Mayo Clinic. Parkinson's patients should also drink plenty of fluids.


Treatment


Fiber supplements can improve constipation in Parkinson's patients, according to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library, and stool softeners and stimulant laxatives can be used when necessary.

Tags: Parkinson disease, Parkinson disease, according Mayo, according Mayo Clinic, Constipation Parkinson, Mayo Clinic

Stop Hives & Itchy Skin On Dogs

Small changes to your dog's environment can put a stop to itchiness and hives.


Our canine friends can be affected by itchy skin and hives that result from allergies or parasites. Constant itchiness makes life uncomfortable for dogs, and excessive scratching can lead to skin infections and hair loss. As a caring owner, it is distressing to see your pet in this condition, but there are helpful changes you can make to your dog's environment and daily care to reduce allergens and stop the itching.


Instructions


1. Bathe your dog using a hypoallergenic dog shampoo and warm water to remove any allergens or debris from its fur and skin.


2. Give appropriate flea-control medication to your dog to kill fleas. Many dogs are allergic to fleas and fleabites, which cause itching and hives. Flea medication is available in pill and topical forms from your veterinarian.


3. Apply an anti-itch cream such as hydrocortisone or aloe to your dog's skin to soothe irritation or dry patches.


4. Take your dog to the veterinarian for prescription antihistamines or other allergy medication, if appropriate.


5. Wipe your dog's paws and fur with hypoallergenic wet wipes after going outside. Many dogs are allergic to grass or pollen found outside, which can cling to the skin or fur after a trip outside.


6. Supplement your dog's diet with fish oil, which provides essential fatty acids for your dog's skin cells. This helps keep skin healthy and less prone to dryness and itchiness.


7. Change your dog's food to a grain-free recipe. Many dogs are allergic to grains such as corn, wheat and soy, which are found in some dog foods. A grain-free food will provide proper nutrition without added allergens.


8. Treat your yard and home for insects such as ants, which can bite your dog and cause hives and itchy skin.








9. Wash your dog's bedding weekly to remove any dust or pollen on it. This will keep your dog from re-exposing itself to these allergens.

Tags: dogs allergic, Many dogs, Many dogs allergic, itchy skin, your environment, your skin

Friday, March 19, 2010

Home Remedies For The Stomach Flu

The flu, also known as gastroenteritis, is caused by a virus. There is not just one flu. The viruses differ and mutate from year to year. Although a traditional precaution is to get an annual flu shot, the virus the flu shot covers each year is a guess as to which one will actually be the most predominant for the season. It is no guarantee against catching the flu caused by an alternate virus. There are some home remedies that can help make you more comfortable and maybe even shorten the length of your illness.


Vitamin C


Boosting the immune system may be the one, most important, defense against the flu. Vitamin C supplements are a quick and easy home remedy that strengthens your immune system.


Toothbrush


By using the same toothbrush over and over, the flu virus has an opportunity to re-infect you. Sterilize your toothbrush after each time you use it, and change toothbrushes every two months.


Liquids


Drink a minimum of a quart of water per day as well as grape juice, apple juice, orange juice, carrot and beet juice. These will fill your body with needed antioxidants.


Honey


Honey with lemon juice (or apple cider vinegar) in a cup of hot water will help subside any cough and sore throat symptoms of the flu.


Ginger Tea








As an antiviral, ginger tea helps break up congestion. Boiling a cup of water with 2-tablespoons grated ginger makes an simple ginger tea.

Tags: immune system, juice apple, virus There

Can Cases Of Water Bottles Sit In The Sun







It is not advisable to drink from water bottles that sit in the sun for an extended period of time.


It doesn't seem like leaving a water bottle out in the sun for any extended period of time--say a week or more--would bring any harm to the water. After all, it's sterilized and in a sealed environment--the bottle. The bottle, however, proves to be the problem when it comes to sun exposure.


Bisphenol-A


Many disposable plastic water bottles contain a chemical known as bisphenol-A or BPA for short. This chemical has been proven to reduce sperm count and increase the risk of breast cancer. When plastic is heated, it releases its chemical composition into the immediate environment. Such is the problem with water bottles left out in the sun for an extended period of time. The heated plastic leaches its BPA into the water, increasing the consumer's exposure to significantly higher levels of BPA.


Effects


Research shows that clear water bottles made of polycarbonate plastic can leach, which in turns acts as a hormonal or endocrine-disrupting chemical that tricks the body into thinking that it is processing estrogen. According to Washington State University Researcher Patricia Hunt, any polycarbonate material--including mice cages used in laboratories--can leach BPA. She discovered this issue when mice housed in some of the BPA-laced cages in the laboratory began to experience infertility. The mice had elevated levels of BPA.


Considerations


Many environmental specialists recommend if you are going to consume bottled water, do not store it in direct sunlight or in a heated environment. If at all possible, it is best to forgo bottled water all together, and use a BPA-free container such as stainless steel. Tap water, insists researchers, is by far the better alternative because it contains no BPAs nor does it have the extended environmental impact that a water bottle does, many of which take more than 1,000 years to break down in a landfill.

Tags: water bottles, extended period, bottled water, extended period time, period time

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Tips On Deep Breaths For Stuttering







The trick is drawing attention away from the stutter by slowing down.


Learning to control stuttering helps you keep calm in social situations. Stuttering can be embarrassing and frustrating for those who have no control over it. People who stutter will get hung up on certain vowels or consonants that will not allow them to move onto their next word. With certain breathing techniques you can be in control of your stuttering.


Breath While Speaking


Often people who stutter will hold their breath while they speak causing their breathing to cease or to become erratic. Be conscious of breathing normally while speaking. If you focus on your breathing instead of on you words you will be less likely to stutter. Inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Thinking about the breaths takes the pressure off of your mind. Also try to limit the number of stress or anxiety-causing factors during speech: don't worry about eye contact, quick articulation or words you commonly get stuck on. Take your time and concentrate on breathing.


Meditation


Meditation techniques can help you learning to remain calm in all situations. Sit in a quiet spot for 5 to 20 minutes each day. Regulate your breathing to a comfortable pace. Focus on your breathing rather than the words in your head. You can also breath with you muscles. Suck in your stomach. It will puff up your chest and then take in a breath. Stick out your stomach and release the breath. This also allows you to concentrate your thoughts away from speaking and back on breathing.


Vowels and Consonants


Make a list, written or mental, of the words or sounds that constantly cause you to stutter. On your own, or with someone with whom you feel comfortable, regulate your breathing and speak these words, sounds, vowels and consonants while you breath. Work on the vowels and consonants with with you have difficulties especially. Repeat the vowels or consonants until you can say them confidently. Never forget to think about your breathing while you do this. Speech is so closely connected with breathing that half the battle is learning to breathe with each sound or word you speak.

Tags: your breathing, vowels consonants, away from, stutter will, through your

Metaphysical Properties Of Stones & Crystals

Every crystal has metaphysical properties that can be used to benefit your life.


Metaphysical crystal users look at the properties of crystals and determine which specific stones will enable them to achieve their goal. Crystal properties affect specific physical, mental, spiritual, emotional and environmental conditions, from a metaphysical perspective. The user chooses which stone to employ based on which crystal or group of crystals most fully meets those conditions.


Physical


Crystal lore teaches that certain crystals assist the body to heal specific types of conditions and prevent others. For example, ancient Egyptians used moonstones to balance female hormones and ease the discomforts of pregnancy and birth, according to Dr. Flora Peschek-Bohmer. A crystal healer could choose an amethyst if a miscarriage threatens or if migraines accompany the pregnancy, according to Robyn Harton. She might choose a moss agate, known as a midwife's stone, if she wants to improve a pregnancy troubled by gestational diabetes.


Choosing crystals to affect the pregnancy does not mean she would ignore the advice of her midwife or obstetrician. Crystal therapy works cooperatively with medical and alternative medical therapies.


Mental


A crystal user employs the same type of discretion when choosing which stone to use for a mental concern. For example, moss agates improve concentration, ease issues with addictive behavior and reduce stress, according to Dr. Peschek-Bohmer. Amethysts ease compulsive and addictive behaviors, according to Harton, easing the person through the process of withdrawal. The 12 Step Sobriety Stones recommends azurite for dealing with addictive behaviors, because it helps the person turn loose of old patterns and habits and embrace healthier ones. An addict could use crystals to supplement drug and alcohol rehabilitation.


Spiritual


Metaphysically, malachite promotes understanding and spirituality, which could aid recovery from addiction, according to Dr. Peschek-Bohmer, and amethyst brings clarity to the mind. Green calcite brings knowledge of divine love, according to healingcrystals.com, and supports the user through transitions. It soothes the heart and aids in learning new lessons, including spiritual ones.


Dr. Peschek-Bohmer reports that Native Americans consider calcite a holy stone and believe it connects them to the gods.


Emotional


Amethyst promotes forgiveness and brings freedom from fear, according to 12 Step Sobriety Stones, and malachite releases guilt. They report that sodalite is particularly effective for releasing fear, shame and guilt that can improve emotional health and recovery. Adding moonstone to balance and master the emotions as you process feelings shifts your emotional health in a positive direction, according to Gemstone Gifts.








Environmental


Malachite improves the energy of a room and draws out negative energy, according to crystalvibrations.org. It may protect you from the environmental chaos caused by excessive electromagnetic energy. There are claims that it can protect you against unhealthy business associations and lead you to those that will benefit you economically, according to Dr. Peschek-Bohmer.

Tags: according Peschek-Bohmer, addictive behaviors, emotional health, Sobriety Stones, Step Sobriety, Step Sobriety Stones

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Spot Massage Trigger Points In Ligaments

Trigger points are found in lax, stretched-out ligaments. Various factors including trauma, sports injuries, aging and poor posture put excess strain on the body, which in turn creates tension and trigger points. Ligaments are especially vulnerable to stressful positions and sudden extreme movements. Perpetuating factors must be identified and treated by a physician or physical therapist who practices prolotherapy.


Instructions








1. Create a medical history of injuries and illnesses. List any recurring pains or complaints. Review this with your primary therapist or physician.


2. Warm up the muscles with a relaxing massage. Ligament pain referral patterns are similar to muscular trigger points. They are found through palpation of the site, stimulating the pain response without the presence of muscle knots.


3. Trace the muscle pain back to the associated joint or ligament following a pain referral chart.








4. Confirm the diagnosis of ligament origin with an injection of anesthetic combined with a proliferant into the ligament. The anesthetic disrupts the cell memory of pain and the proliferant instigates inflammation, forcing the ligament to heal itself.

Tags: pain referral

Oatmeal Bath And Shingles

Oatmeal baths can help alleviate the symptoms of shingles.


Shingles, or herpes zoster, occurs when the virus that caused chickenpox "reawakens" again in a person's body, triggered by disease, stress or a weakened immune system. It's a rash-causing infection that can be treated with oatmeal baths to help soothe the skin.


Colloidal Oatmeal


Colloidal oatmeal (whole oats that are finely ground) creates a milky, gelatinous texture (resulting from its cellulose and fiber) when added to bath water . It coats the skin, moisturizing and relieving itching.


Oatmeal Bath


An oatmeal bath can be made by grinding whole, unflavored oats in a coffee grinder or food processor until they're extremely fine in texture. A few cups of the homemade colloidal oatmeal can then be added to warm bath water.


Shingles Symptoms


According to WebMD, individuals can experience "pain, burning, tickling, tingling, and/or numbness ... in the area around the affected nerves several days or weeks before a rash appears." Flu-like symptoms often occur, such as chills, nausea, diarrhea and body aches. A rash usually follows on just one side of the body and blisters will form. WebMD indicates that the blisters "may break open, ooze and crust over in about five days," with the rash healing in about two to four weeks.


Contagion and Vaccines


Someone can catch shingles if they've never had chickenpox before. The fluid inside the rash blisters is contagious. There is a vaccine available for chickenpox (varicella) as well as for shingles (Zostavax).


At-Risk Groups for Shingles


Someone who has never had chickenpox, pregnant women, infants, children and those with compromised immune systems have a higher risk of developing shingles.


Other Remedies for Shingles








Someone suffering from shingles should keep the skin clean and not scratch the rash blisters. Over-the-counter medicines, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, can help reduce pain. A common home remedy for chickenpox and shingles rashes is mixing a paste of cornstarch and water to help alleviate itching.

Tags: bath water, baths help, help alleviate, itching Oatmeal, itching Oatmeal Bath

Minimize Under Eye Circles

Minimize Under Eye Circles








You don't need to spend hundreds of dollars at your local beauty store or spa to reduce those much-hated under eye circles. In fact, there are lots of ways to treat them with products you have right at home. Just follow these easy steps to minimize under eye circles.


Instructions








1. Get plenty of sleep and treat allergies or skin conditions such as eczema. Though an obvious solution, most under eye circles are caused by lack of rest and skin damage from illness.


2. Place cool cucumber slices or black tea bags over your eyes for 20 to 30 minutes each day. These natural remedies minimize the swelling and redness associated with dark under eye circles and bags.


3. Cover your eyes with thin potato slices for 10 to 20 minutes each day. Potatoes contain the skin lightening enzyme catecholase which is used in many retail cosmetic products and aids in restoring discolored skin areas.


4. Apply Vitamin E or olive oil directly to under eye circles and dark spots. Break open a capsule (or purchase a cream if desired) and lightly dab the contents on your under eye circles. Vitamin E and olive oil contain hydrating ingredients that reduce the appearance of circles.


5. Drink plenty of water (8 to 10 eight-ounce glasses a day) and take a multi-vitamin regularly. Under eye circles are sometimes caused by a lack of hydration or balance of nutrients in the body and are easily treated by restoring these levels.

Tags: under circles, caused lack, Minimize Under, Minimize Under Circles, minutes each, Vitamin olive, your eyes

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Home Remedies For Enlarged Pores

There doesn't seem to be a consensus on what causes large pores. The debate ranges from aging to genetics to oily skin. Most doctors believe that an over production of sebum (the oil secreted by the pores) is most likely the reason for large pores. The sebum hardens in the pores and enlarges them. Keeping the pores clean is the best way to reduce pore size. Home remedies and natural treatments can help reduce large pores.


Sauna or Steam


Using a sauna is a good way to open the pores, soften the hardened oil and clean out the pores. If you don't have a sauna at home, you can create one. Turn on the shower, and use the stream as a make-shift sauna. For the facial steam, boil a pot of water. Once the water has cooled a bit, bend over, and let the stream flow over your face.


Salt and Buttermilk


A paste of table salt and buttermilk makes a good scrub for the pores. The salt scrubs away the excess oil, dirt and dead skin cells in the pores. The lactic acid in the buttermilk also helps treat large pores by mildly sloughing off the dead skin cells. Leave the paste on the skin for 20 minutes, and wash with lukewarm water.


Sugar Scrub


Many holistic healers recommend a sugar scrub. Make a paste of sugar and water. Apply and massage over the area. After 15 minutes, wash it off. Like salt, sugar has an abrasive action that can get into the pores and clean them out. This scrub also removes dead skin cells and other debris that may be clogging pores.


Egg Whites








A mask of egg whites can temporarily tighten large pores. Crack an egg, and remove the yolk. Apply the egg white to the skin, and allow it to dry and harden. Leave it on for 15 minutes, and then wash off with cool water. The egg white not only exfoliates the skin, but it also can make pores look smaller. The cool water helps keep pores closed.

Tags: large pores, dead skin, dead skin cells, skin cells, cool water, minutes wash, pores clean

Bitters For Weight Loss

It wasn't too long ago that bitters were taken before every meal. This is because they mix with our digestive juices and keep things moving, so that the resulting waste will be quickly eliminated. It also helps the digestive juices (like hydrochloric acid) do their job. The regular use of bitters increases metabolism in addition to enhancing elimination. This plays a crucial role in weight loss.


Bitter Greens and Herbal Bitters


According to herbalist Christopher Hobbs, wild greens are a great source of bitters. Dandelion greens, plantain, mallow, sow thistle or dock all work with digestion. However, not all people are able to harvest their own green vegetables. In that case, purchasing greens such as kale, collards, endive or even mustard greens is a good choice.








In Chinese medicine, bitter foods are also known to move toxins along the path of elimination. This is considered cleansing and energizing. Eating leafy greens, for example, helps reduce phlegm, fat and water retention and is said to lower the risk of serious health problems. Bitter greens are considered laxative, stimulant, cooling and cleansing. In the book Asian Health Secrets, acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist Letha Haddady writes, "...dandelion leaves in a salad, or roasted dandelion root as a coffee substitute, cleanses the liver. Other bitter salad greens, including chicory and endive, are rich in vitamins, yet slimming."


Although there are bitter pills available on the market, these are generally ineffective. According to herbalist David Hoffman, if bitter herbs are given in a capsule form and cannot be tasted, their digestive properties do not come into play. It is the bitterness, through the taste buds and a reflex action in the brain, that stimulates a complex response aiding digestion. Herbal medicine in the form of tea or tincture, however, is a good supplement to bitter greens in the diet. Barberry, centaury, gentian root and dandelion root are all options.


In Ayurvedic (practices of the Indian subcontinent) medicine, bitter herbs are said to enhance digestive fire, leading to better digestion and weight loss. In addition to foods and herbs already listed, bitter melon is often employed along with a variety of bitter spices, such as mustard seed and ginger. Indeed, ginger is even used raw, chewed before meals or grated and mixed with salt and lemon juice. Ginger tea is also widely employed.

Tags: According herbalist, bitter herbs, dandelion root, digestive juices, elimination This

Help Adhd Children Gain Weight

ADHD medications such as Adderall, Ritalin, and Vyvanse are used to treat ADHD and ADD symptoms (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder/attention deficit disorder) in children, such as impulsive behavior, lack of concentration, and hyperactivity. But although these medications works, one of the major side effects of stimulants is a lack of appetite. Many ADHD/ADD children lose weight once they begin taking stimulants, and some children may even lose more than 10% of their body weight due to suppressed appetite. Parents of ADHD/ADD children, take heart: there are ways to help your ADHD/ADD children gain weight - or at least prevent weight loss.








Instructions








1. *Focus on breakfast and dinner. Help ADHD/ADD children gain weight by serving a large breakfast, preferably one that includes protein-rich foods, such as milk, cheese, lean meats, yogurt, or cottage cheese. Delay giving your child his or her ADHD/ADD medication until after he or she has eaten a hearty breakfast - these medications can make it difficult to eat and cause some children to complain of abdominal pain when they try to eat. Appetites in ADHD/ADD children tend to pick up by dinnertime, so be sure to serve an extra-large portion - and a bedtime snack, too.


2. *Serve small snacks. My son with ADHD/ADD could forego food from breakfast until mid-afternoon, but he'll tolerate small protein- and carb-rich snack combos, such as cheese and crackers or lean deli meats and an apple. If possible, ask your child's teacher if he or she can carry a small snack to munch between breakfast and lunch. If your child is hungrier in the afternoon, offer a denser snack then.


3. *Keep lunch in perspective. Pediatricians say that lunch is the hardest meal for kids with ADHD/ADD who take medications - they just don't feel hungry. If the cafeteria meal is going untouched, pack your child a small sandwich, pudding, crackers, or other easy-on-the-stomach foods - and encourage your ADHD/ADD children to gain weight by at least trying to eat something at the noon hour.


4. *Swap low-fat for full-fat. To help ADHD/ADD children gain weight, doctors often suggest switching to full-fat dairy products for the extra calories. Even if your family is accustomed to low-fat products, keep a quart or so of full-fat products in the fridge for your ADHD/ADD child.


5. *Don't overlook supplements. Pediatric nutrition supplements, such as Boost Kid Essentials, may help ADHD/ADD children gain weight by adding an extra dose of calories to their diets. Before using these types of supplements, check with your child's doctor.

Tags: ADHD children, gain weight, your child, ADHD children gain, children gain, children gain weight, your ADHD

Monday, March 15, 2010

Have A Gynecological Exam







Gynecological exams are an essential component of maintaining a woman's wellness. Sometimes the exams are uncomfortable and awkward for women. If your annual gynecological exam is quickly approaching, take proper steps to ensure that the exam goes as smoothly as possible.


Instructions


1. Find a gynecologist you trust to make the annual exam more comfortable for you. Decide whether you feel more at ease with a male or female physician. Ask a friend for a referral. Meet the doctor before the appointment for a consultation to establish familiarity.


2. Know what to expect to eliminate any undue stress caused by surprises. Every annual gynecological exam consists of the same basic components: a pelvic exam, a breast exam and a Pap smear. Ask your doctor what to expect during your pre-exam consultation.


3. Keep your medical information handy. Every annual gynecological exam requires you to update paperwork. Know the date of your most recent menstrual cycle, how long it lasted and the degree of your bleeding. Be able to list all medications you currently take.








4. Address any of your health concerns with the doctor. Write down any concerns or questions you have before the annual gynecological exam so all of your issues are adequately addressed.


5. Relax and breathe deeply. Sometimes this is easier said than done. Take deep breaths while on the exam table. Staying relaxed alleviates discomfort during the pelvic exam and Pap smear. Take comfort in the fact that the exam is a very quick process and only happens once a year.

Tags: annual gynecological, annual gynecological exam, gynecological exam, Every annual, Every annual gynecological

Friday, March 12, 2010

Promote An Assisted Living Community

As the baby boomer generation grows older, more adults will be moving from independent living to assisted living communities. Promote your assisted living community using a variety of unique marketing and promotional techniques. Create awareness in the local community about your assisted living community so families know where to turn when help is needed.


Instructions


1. Invite potential future residents and family members to activities being held in the community. Introduce visitors to residents and staff at the community. Events don't have to be large---inviting a family to visit during tea time, or for a game of cards allows residents to understand how the community runs on a daily basis. Give visitors a copy of the monthly activity calendar and invite them to visit again.


2. Invite medical professionals to give speeches or seminars at your community on topics concerning the elderly. Have the event open to the public. Make announcements on the radio and in the newspaper. Ask attendees to take a quick tour before or after the event. Have appetizers and beverages available for attending guests.


3. Allow local community support groups such as The Alzheimer's Association to use empty community areas for monthly meetings to create awareness of the facility. Call local groups associated with elder care, and explain that your community is available for their use.


4. Give free blood pressure readings at local senior centers. Set up blood pressure readings several times a year. Write down blood pressure results on marketing collateral with community contact information. Give interested seniors a coupon for a free lunch at the community to encourage a tour.








5. Participate in events geared towards the senior population. Attend trade shows, seminars and other events open to the public. Inquire at local hospitals and organizations devoted to senior care for lists of annual shows.


6. Visit with nurse case managers who are in charge of discharge planning at local hospitals. Introduce yourself and bring a variety of marketing collateral. Ask how often they discharge patients with recommendations for assisted living. Continue to follow up with case managers on a monthly basis to continue to build the relationship.


7. Get to know other assisted living communities in the area. Understand that many communities may be full to capacity and may not always be able to accept new residents on a short notice. Build rapport with several communities so referrals can be exchanged.

Tags: assisted living, blood pressure, assisted living communities, assisted living community, blood pressure readings, case managers, living communities

Treat Bunions With Alternative Medicine







Treat Bunions With Alternative Medicine








In an effort to deal with the discomfort and pain bunions can cause, some patients turn to alternative medicine when orthopedics and pain killers fail them. As surgery remains the only way to completely remove a bunion, alternative medicine remains an attractive option for people looking to manage a bunion using natural means. Read on to learn treat bunions with alternative medicine.


Instructions


1. See a physical therapist about the possibility of using ultrasound techniques to slow, stop or even reverse the growth of the bunion. If your bunion makes a poor candidate for ultrasound treatment, a physical therapist can, at the very least, demonstrate exercises you can use to manage the pain and slow the growth of the bunion.


2. Learn proper taping and bandaging techniques from your physical therapist. These can help hold the toe in an alignment that will reduce the complication of the bunion as well as ease the uncomfortable friction that is frequently caused when shoes are worn.


3. Book an appointment with a massage therapist to get a deep-friction massage performed on the foot affected by the bunion. A deep-friction massage can alleviate soft-tissue buildup that worsens bunions. It can also treat inflammation and improve blood circulation.


4. Ask a homeopathic medicine specialist about "Calcarea phosphorica." It is a solution that can help in the treatment and rebalancing of abnormal bone formations that cause irritation to bunion sufferers.


5. Treat the pain caused by your bunion by exploring acupuncture techniques that are thought to open the energy pathways that promote your body's natural-healing powers. Some patients have reported positive results from a continued regimen of acupuncture therapy, though it doesn't work for all people.


6. Choose proper shoes. The importance of suitable footwear cannot be underestimated when it comes to treating bunion pain. Wear shoes with lots of room in the toes and across the width and length of your foot.


7. Consider going with standard medical treatments, including surgery, if alternative approaches fail to yield the results you want. While surgery can require up to two months for recovery, it remains the most effective means of permanently alleviating a bunion.

Tags: physical therapist, alternative medicine, Alternative Medicine, Bunions With Alternative, deep-friction massage, growth bunion

Alzheimer'S & Rheumatoid Arthritis Drugs







Alzheimer's disease is a neural disorder that results in short and long-term memory loss along with severely handicapped reasoning abilities over time. At present, there is no known cure for this disorder. However, some preliminary studies have shown that there may be a significant link between alleviation in Alzheimer's symptoms and the administration of drugs traditionally used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.


History


Alzheimer's disease was first officially diagnosed in 1906 by Alois Alzheimer. However, only in the last 15 years has significant progress been made in discovering what causes this disease and treat it.


Types


There is only one type of Alzheimer's disease, but it has several stages. Mild Alzheimer's patients can usually live normal lives and compensate for their weaknesses in memory and cognition. Moderate Alzheimer's patients tend to need more help and medication but still can live on their own or with loved ones. Severe or advanced Alzheimer's patients tend to be violent and easily agitated because they have trouble figuring out what is going on around them or who they and the people around them are. People who develop Alzheimer's symptoms before they turn 65 are termed "early-onset" patients, which means that they have developed the disease far earlier than most. There is only one type of rheumatoid arthritis, and that is chronic rheumatoid arthritis. It occurs when the tissues around joints and other organs in the body becomes inflamed. This can cause severe pain and even immobility over time.


Time Frame


Alzheimer's disease is a side effect of the formation of plaques on brain cells. Over time, these plaques cause the brain cells to have trouble communicating with each other and finally kill them. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease that can also last many years. It is an autoimmune disorder, which means that the patient's immune system is actually targeting his own body, causing the inflammation. Eventually, rheumatoid arthritis tends to cause severe functional immobility.


Identification


On the surface, the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and rheumatoid arthritis are not at all that dissimilar. Alzheimer's symptoms are typified by a marked difficulty completing routine tasks much as are the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. However, the reasons for the difficulties are different. Alzheimer's patients tend to have trouble stringing actions together, while rheumatoid arthritis patients simply have physical difficulty doing the tasks. Alzheimer's is also marked by serious memory loss, general confusion and increasing volatility. Rheumatoid arthritis tends to manifest itself in achy joints and muscles, lethargy and swelling in affected areas.


Prevention/Solution


While there is no cure for either disorder currently, there are some ways to treat both of these disorders. Early detection is key to living with Alzheimer's or rheumatoid arthritis effectively. Medications and accommodations for the disorders can add years and years to your productive life--and give science more time to find you a cure! Many medicines for both disorders are based around anti-inflammatory drugs that can prevent infections and inhibit the formation of problematic growths like plaques. This is why researchers believe that rheumatoid arthritis drugs might help treat Alzheimer's as well.


Theories/Speculation


Recently, a late-stage Alzheimer's patient showed marked improvement literally minutes after receiving an injection usually given to rheumatoid arthritis patients. The Australian drug, called Etanercept, was injected in the patient's spine. The improvement was largely cognitive, meaning that the patient was able to think, reason and interact more clearly with those around her. This is particularly exciting since most medicines used to treat advanced Alzheimer's patients often accomplish little more than making them more docile. Of course, this trial is far too limited to be conclusive. However, some doctors have admitted prescribing the drug "off-label" to Alzheimer's patients, and more research and trials are pending.


Warning


If you have Alzheimer's disease or know someone who does, make sure that you never change your medications without a doctor's approval. Alzheimer's is highly specific and individualized, so what works for one person can actually make another worse. Always work closely with a physician when dealing with any type of drug or treatment.

Tags: Alzheimer disease, Alzheimer patients, Alzheimer patients tend, Alzheimer symptoms, have trouble

Thursday, March 11, 2010

What Are Contraindicated Exercises For Rotator Cuff Tears

The rotator cuff is an area of small muscles that are located on the back of the shoulder. When they get torn, there are many exercises that are contraindicated, as they can exacerbate the tear.








Military Press


The military press is an exercise that involves pushing dumbbells or barbells overhead to work the shoulders. These should not be done because they put too much stress on the rotator cuff.


Pullups


Pullups are done by hanging from a bar and using the whole weight of the body as resistance, which can put pressure on the rotator cuff.


Pulldowns


Lat pulldowns are done by pulling a bar from an overhead position down towards the body. They should not be done when there is a rotator cuff tear.


Inclines


Incline bench presses should not be done if the arms come down past parallel with the ground, as this can put too much force on the shoulder.








Bench Presses


When doing bench presses, reaching back and lifting the bar off the safety pins can exacerbate rotator cuff pain.

Tags: rotator cuff, should done