Otc Remedy For Ringing In The Ears

OTC Remedy for Ringing in the Ears

To help reduce ringing in your ears (also called tinnitus), you could try some prescription remedies, but several over-the-counter, more natural remedies are available too. Herbs and supplements are naturally occurring and widely available at local health food and supplement stores. These herbs help the body heal itself, and sometimes can fix the cause of the problem rather than simply remove the symptom.

Remedies

Sometimes, using some form of white noise can help suppress the ringing in your ears. Consider an electric device such as a white noise machine. The machines mimic environmental sounds, such as oceans or wind. The Mayo Clinic says these machines may be particularly helpful when you're trying to sleep. If you don't have a white noise machine, or would prefer not to purchase one, try a fan or soft music.

The "Doctors' Book of Home Remedies for Women" suggests trying the herbal supplement ginkgo. This herb has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years for a variety of ailments. Research is mixed, but generally, ginkgo is thought to improve circulation, which can increase blood flow to the brain. This improved blood flow could reduce the ringing. Take 120 mg of ginkgo every day. It may take a few weeks or months for you to notice a difference, though.

Cut back on caffeine. Because caffeine is a stimulant, it could aggravate your tinnitus symptoms. Alcohol could also worsen your symptoms.

Excessive earwax buildup can also cause ringing in the ears. To remove your earwax naturally at home, Chrystle Fielder, author of "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Natural Remedies," says to warm a small amount of olive oil to body temperature. Place a few drops of the warm liquid into your ear canal. Put a few drops in the canal two to three times a day for three or four days. The warm oil will melt your earwax. Don't use a Q-tip to try to get the wax out, though, as it could push the wax farther into the canal and damage your ear.

Fielder also recommends the herbs ginger and feverfew. Take 300 mg of ginger twice a day. Although feverfew is usually indicated for headaches because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it can help tinnitus too. Take feverfew as directed. Essential fatty acids will also help with inflammation associated with ringing in the ears. Take one tbsp. of flaxseed oil a day.

When to See a Doctor

Make an appointment with an audiologist or otolaryngologist if you start hearing excessive ringing, roaring, buzzing or whirring in your ears. She can check for a variety of problems, and send you to an appropriate specialist if needed.

Tags: white noise, your ears, blood flow, noise machine, reduce ringing

What Is Pro Ana Weight Loss

Pro ana weight loss consists of a community of young women who are proud to be anorexic, thinking of their condition as a lifestyle rather than a medical and psychological condition. These young women create online communities of likeminded women who proclaim the virtues of anorexia. Members of these groups sometimes share weight loss and weight maintenance tips. Hundreds of pro ana sites exist that support this extreme weight loss lifestyle.

Basic Terms

Supporters of pro ana weight loss have created their own language. Pro ana is the term used to describe anorexia as a lifestyle, not a disease. Thinspiration, or thinspo, encourages supporters to find inspiration from super thin actresses or models. They post pictures of these women on their websites. Ana is short for anorexia nervosa, and mia, or bella, is the short form of bulimia. Ed is the short form of the term eating disorder.

Ednos is the term used for non-specific eating disorder, and coe is used for compulsive eating disorders. SI describes self injury. MiAna is having both anorexia and bulimia. Other terms include "hw" for highest weight, "cw" for current weight, "gw" for goal weight and "ugw" for ultimate goal weight. Pro-anas use these terms when communicating with one another in chat rooms and forums.

Support Groups

Pro ana weight loss websites use the same methods as weight loss sites like Weight Watchers use to motivate members. Online members provide tips for extreme weight loss, including crash dieting techniques, recipes and fasting. They support members who binge eat and help them to get back to their anorexic way of life. Members learn the about best ways to induce vomiting and use laxatives and enemas. New members learn hide their condition from parents and doctors. Members post their body measurement and weight. Members who have been hospitalized for eating disorders are celebrated.

Self-Loathing

Pro ana websites promote this lifestyle by playing into the negative body images of their members. They use mantras, poetry and songs that inspire members to stay thin. Pictures of women who are overweight or average weight are posted next to a thin person, somewhat like a before and after picture to motivate them. Members can post pictures of themselves as well as to motivate other members.

Health Risks

Pro ana weight loss causes numerous psychological and health problems because of extreme dieting and low calorie consumption. The National Institute of Mental Health website says eating disorders often coexist with depression, substance abuse and anxiety disorders. Health problems include heart problems, kidney failure and death.

Dangers

Pro Ana websites concern universities and eating disorder organizations. A study conducted by Stanford University found that websites that promote eating disorders increase by 470 percent each year and 96 percent of the people who visit these sites learn new techniques and don't seek treatment. The National Eating Disorders Association speaks out against these websites because they encourage unhealthy weight loss and don't encourage treatment.

Tags: weight loss, eating disorders, weight loss, eating disorder, extreme weight, extreme weight loss, goal weight

Tell If Your Breasts Are Growing

Contrary to popular belief, breast size waxes and wanes beyond puberty. For example, when women are pregnant, their breasts may increase a cup or more in size to accommodate breast milk. In addition, weight gain (especially water weight), can cause breasts to swell, as can hormonal imbalances and menstrual cycles. If your breasts feel larger, measure them to tell if your breasts are growing.

Instructions

1. Take off your shirt and your bra. In order to accurately measure breast growth, it is better if you are topless.

2. Find a measuring tape and take out about 30 to 40 inches of tape. Wrap the tape around your back, and make sure that the opposite ends meet in front of you.

3. Adjust the measuring tape so that it lies across your nipples. Pull the ends toward you so that they crisscross (so the tape end is to your right and the measuring end is to your left).

4. Read the measurement on the tape where the two sides meet at the fullest part of your chest. Mark down this measurement for future reference.

5. Repeat the process above after several weeks. Record the measurement and compare it against the first measurement.

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Back Up A Horse Trailer For Parking

Imagine you've hauled your horse to your first show. You're running late and most of the parking spots are taken. There's one spot left way back in the corner. You're going to have to back your horse trailer into it. Don't panic--just follow these steps.

Instructions

Backing a Bumper Hitch Trailer

1. Find a spotter. Hopefully, you have a friend or family member with you, so have them hop out and direct you from behind to keep you from going too far astray or running into something, or ask someone passing by to spot for you.

2. Get as close to and as straight with the parking spot as you can. Don't back any farther than you have to. Try to make it a straight shot backwards into the spot.

3. Use the mirrors on your truck as you back up. Set them so you can see both rear corners of the trailer, if possible. Or turn your head and look back over your left shoulder. Use the driver's side rear corner of the trailer to aim the trailer into the spot.

4. Take your time. Getting in a rush here might cause an accident. Back slowly and make small adjustments as you go. Don't ride the brake, but keep your foot over it while backing.

5. Be aware that, when backing a bumper-hitch horse trailer, the back end of the trailer is going to turn in the opposite direction from the direction you are turning the steering wheel.

6. Pull up and straighten the trailer out if it starts to go too far astray. Try again, slowly.

Backing a Goose-neck Trailer

7. Follow Steps 1 through 4 for backing a bumper hitch trailer.

8. Be aware that, in backing a goose neck or fifth-wheel trailer, the back end of the trailer is going to turn to the same side you are turning the steering wheel. This is opposite of a bumper pull trailer.

9. Back slowly into the parking spot.

Tags: aware that, Back slowly, back trailer, back trailer going, going turn, horse trailer

What Treatments Are Available For Bulging Discs In The Neck

When something goes wrong with the jelly-like disks between each vertebra, even everyday activities can be a chore. Whether it's described as a slipped, compressed, herniated or bulging disk, the resulting pain can radiate up into the neck, shoulders and head. Treatments can be done in an attempt to relieve pressure on the nerves and restore full function to the limbs.

Pain control

A day or two of rest may be enough to ease the pain of a disk problem. You should lie on a firm mattress with a firm pillow to support your neck and avoid any activity that puts a strain on your neck, such as lifting, bending or prolonged sitting. But don't lie in bed more than a couple of days, because extended periods of inactivity can actually make the problem worse.

Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) may be enough to halt minor pain. If these don't work, your doctor may prescribe a prescription pain reliever, muscle relaxant or steroid.

Heat or cold packs offer pain relief for some people. Ice the area several times a day. Or try hot baths, hot packs or heating pads. Use the method that gives you the most relief, or try alternating heat and cold.

Traction alleviates pressure on the disks and may relieve pain. It stretches the neck and decreases muscle spasm. Initial traction should be performed under the supervision of a doctor or physical therapist. Later, your doctor may prescribe home traction.

A transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulations (TENS) unit sends electric impulses to the nerves. These impulses aren't painful and help relieve pain for many people. Your doctor may prescribe a TENS unit to help relieve your back pain.

Exercise

Exercise can help control pain, restore function and prevent further injury. Your doctor may prescribe a course of physical therapy, which may include stretching and strengthening exercises.

A physical therapist may instruct you in McKenzie maneuvers, a series of stretching movements designed for the patient to do at home. According to the Mayo Clinic, these maneuvers may relieve pain for minutes to hours.

If your pain persists or worsens, you may need to consider surgery. Discuss your options with your doctor.

Tags: doctor prescribe, relieve pain, help relieve, physical therapist, TENS unit, your doctor, Your doctor prescribe

Treat Hepatitis B

The hepatitis B virus causes liver inflammation and, in 5 to 10 percent of infected people, chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and possibly liver cancer. Symptoms include nausea, fever, appetite loss, stomach pains, fatigue, jaundice (yellowed eyes and skin) and dark urine.

Instructions

1. Consider a post-exposure antibody injection. This treatment is most effective within three days of exposure.

2. Get ample rest.

3. Eat a diet high in proteins and carbohydrates to help protect your liver and repair damaged cells.

4. Ask your physician about alpha-interferons or nucleoside analogues, which can be used to treat hepatitis B. Not all people respond successfully to the treatments, however.

5. Take annual liver function and cancer screening tests if you are a carrier.

6. Limit or avoid alcohol if you are a carrier, as it can harm your liver.

7. Take drugs only under a physician's direction and supervision if you are a carrier, since drugs can also damage the liver.

Tags: your liver

Test A Calcium Supplement'S Ability To Dissolve

Are you taking a calcium supplement to prevent the onset of osteoporosis? Depending on the quality of the pill, it may not be dissolving fully in your stomach. This means that fewer nutrients are making their way to your system. By dropping two of your tablets into vinegar, you can easily test the quality of your calcium supplement. The vinegar mimics the action of your stomach acid on the tablets, and allows you to see just what happens to them after they are ingested.

Instructions

1. Pour the vinegar into the glass and add the calcium supplements.

2. Soak the tablets in the vinegar for 30 minutes, stirring them once every couple minutes.

3. Monitor the supplements' progress. If they are nearly dissolved or broken up into small fragments after 30 minutes, they are likely doing their job. If they are still whole or in several large chunks, you should try a different brand of calcium supplement.

4. Dispose of the tested supplements and vinegar in a trash can. As with all pills, do not dump the tablets down a drain because they may enter the water supply.

Tags: calcium supplement, your stomach

Pressure Points For Pain

Locate pressure points.

Traditional Eastern medicine focuses on Chi (also spelled Qi) also known as lifeforce or bioenergy, which flows through the body. Chi is in balance internally and externally in healthy people. If you are in pain, then it means that your energy is out of balance. Modern Western medicine defines pressure points as areas of the body with high nerve density. In both of these traditions, energy balance is returned through manipulation or stimulation of pressure points, also known as acupoints or trigger points.

Dos and Don'ts

In order to restore balance, or "inner harmony," focus on eliminating pain. Relax by sitting or lying down in a quiet place. Avoid loud music, exercise, food, drugs or alcohol while stimulating your acupoints. Focus on slow deep breathing, for a minute or two, before applying pressure to pressure points. Don't use acupressure within 20 minutes of bathing. Don't use if you have a heart condition or are pregnant. Don't use in place of a doctor if one is needed. Don't apply pressure to broken skin, a bruise, cut, abrasion, wart, varicose vein or mole.

Acupressure

Deep, probing pressure is applied using the end of your finger or thumb, middle knuckle or by placing a tennis ball between your back and a wall or floor. Apply firm steady pressure, known as acupressure, for 15 to 30 seconds to a pressure point. You will feel an immediate release of tension.

Relief

If the pain is relieved, the flow of energy was restored to balance. In this case, apply pressure to the same point on the other side of the body. If pushing on a point increases pain, don't use that point and try another until you find the one that's blocked. It is normal for the pain to return less intensely after the first application. Continue acupressure three to four times a day or as much as once per hour if needed.

Location

Acupressure is applied to pressure points between or around bones, ligaments and vessels. The locations are approximate and slightly different on everyone. Start at the base of the skull and move down the neck along the spine and across the shoulders until you locate your pressure points. Probe the area with deep pressure to find the spots on you that give you a jolt, sharp twinge, tingling or numbing sensation. Those are the spots on your body where you want to apply the pressure.

Other Pressure Points

Most problems from the waist up are relieved by the pressure point found by pressing your thumb to your index finger's middle knuckle as if you're making a fist. This makes a ridge along the crease formed by your thumb and index finger in the middle of the ridge just above the end of the crease is the pressure point. Pressure points for back pain are on the crease behind the knees between the ligaments. For a tension headache, look on the wrist crease below the palm in line with the little finger. For a migraine or sinus headache place a palm on the back of the other hand with fingers facing the opposite direction, use your index finger to follow a line back from your thumb across your upper wrist to a small depression. If there is no improvement or the pain becomes more intense, you should consult your doctor.

Tags: pressure points, apply pressure, index finger, pressure point, your thumb, also known, energy balance

Air Purifier Tips

Air purifiers are manufactured by several different companies and are designed to help remove particles, pollution and dirt from the air and dispense cleaner air back into the environment. Air purifiers may be particularly helpful for those with allergies, respiratory illnesses or sensitivities, as well as people who live in a high-pollution area or simply want to breathe cleaner air. The units can be purchased online and in many hardware, home retail or garden stores, and are fairly simple to use. However, there are some tips that will assist you in keeping your purifier working well.

Basic Cleaning

While an air purifier can be very useful in cleaning the air and removing particles and dust, it will help to reduce the air purifier's workload and improve overall conditions if the area in which it is placed is cleaned on a regular basis as well. Vacuum the carpet with a HEPA-filter vacuum, sweep the floor regularly and dust hard surfaces to help remove dirt, dust and dander that may otherwise aggravate the situation.

Airflow

For the best performance, set the air purifier on the floor, and make sure the air vents and grilles are not blocked by furniture, toys, draperies or any other items that may reduce the overall effectiveness of the air purifier. Keep doors and windows closed for the best result, as open windows will quickly push out the clean air and bring in more polluted air.

Filter

One of the primary components of an air purifier is the air filter. Most air purifiers have a disposable filter that you replace with a new filter. Purchase replacement filters at a hardware store or through the manufacturer. If the air purifier has a filter indicator light, change the filter any time the light is illuminated. Otherwise, a good rule of thumb is to replace the filter approximately every three months.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance of the air purifier will help it continue to work well. Clean the exterior of the air purifier any time dust or dirt builds up on the unit. Do not run the unit while unattended, and service or troubleshoot the air purifier any time there are problems or concerns.

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Full Body Scan & Safety

Full body scans help detect hidden weapons at airports.

Full body scanners are used by the United States Transportation Security Administration in order to screen passengers for weapons. These scanners are located at security checkpoints at national airports in America. The TSA uses these scanners because they are much more effective than simple metal detectors in discovering potential weapons.

Purpose

After the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, the Department of Homeland Security was created as a government attempt to neutralize future threats from terrorists. Under the supervision of the DHS, the TSA was created to screen passengers in order to prevent future takeovers of American airplanes. The TSA now uses full body scanners to detect hazardous items that passengers are not allowed to carry onto a airplane.

Types

The TSA uses two types of full body scanning technologies on passengers--backscatter technology and millimeter waves. Backscatter technology uses X-rays in order to create a three dimensional projection on a passenger. Millimeter waves use electromagnetic beams, similar to the scans used on hospital patients, to create an image. Both types of scanning technology produce black and white images.

Safety

Millimeter waves are harmless. Televisions, radios and other electronic devices all transmit electromagnetic signals. Backscatter scanning presents an additional risk, because it uses X-rays in order to create a more detailed image. While individual exposure to X-rays may be low for the average passenger, the impact on frequent travelers is debated. The TSA claims that all full body scanning techniques are safe, meeting Food and Drug Administration standards, as well as satisfying the National Institute for Science and Technology.

Privacy

While the health effects of full body scanning technology are of interest to passengers, the safety of the images taken makes for the greatest concern. Both scanning technologies create a three-dimensional nude image of the passenger. With millimeter wave technology, the image is fairly grainy and low resolution. Backscatter technology creates a much more detailed image of the passenger, which has led to privacy concerns over the technology. The TSA claims that safeguards are in place in order to prevent the scans from being abused by employees.

Considerations

The Transport Security Administration has gone to great lengths to make sure that airports that use full body scanning technology meet Federal guidelines for safety. Risks of radiation are relatively low, similar to the cancer risk from talking on a cell phone. Safeguards such as remote viewing of images, as well as the inability of this imaging technology to print or save scans, provide additional privacy protection.

Tags: body scanning, full body scanning, scanning technology, X-rays order create, Backscatter technology, body scanners, body scanning technology

Pregnancy & The South Beach Diet

Dieting and pregnancy work towards seemingly contradictory goals--while pregnancy attempts to feed and nurture the life growing within, dieting attempts to deprive your body of calories to lose weight. Though extreme weight loss is never a desirable course of action while pregnant, there are nevertheless both safe and unsafe ways to balance your desires for a lean physique against the child's desires for proper nutrition. What follows are some suggestions for helping you to follow a South Beach lifestyle while carrying.

The South Beach Diet

The South Beach Diet was invented by Dr. Arthur Agatston, a cardiologist practicing in Miami's South Beach area. The diet revolves around a carb-restricted approach without being as limited as other low-carb diets such as Atkins. Divided into three phases, the diet is designed to help "reprogram" your eating habits to comply with the standards of healthy eating.

Pregnancy and Ketones

Research is unclear on whether a ketogenic state can result in problems during pregnancy, which makes the South Beach Diet a questionable choice for expectant mothers, as the induction phase of the diet can result in your body transitioning into ketosis. Fortunately, the author of the plan preempted these concerns with the following recommendations.

South Beach and Pregnancy

For pregnant women, it is recommended that you begin in phase two of the plan. During phase two, you should base your diet around lean protein sources such as seafood, turkey and chicken, but you may also have some healthier carbohydrates like vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Keeping these carbs in your diet will prevent your body from going into ketosis, guarding against potential risks.

Additional Considerations

The possibility of constipation is a shared complication of both the South Beach Diet and pregnancy, thus you should also work to reduce the likelihood of its occurrence. To minimize your chances of becoming constipated while on the plan, be sure to consume at least 10 to 15 gm of fiber per day along with drinking a minimum of six eight-ounce glasses of water.

Considerations

If the above recommendations are followed, the South Beach Diet can be used safely during pregnancy. However, remember that your goal in following the South Beach Diet during this time should not be "dieting" per se, but an attempt to follow the healthiest possible nutritional plan to ensure the proper development of your child. Thus, do not limit yourself calorically, but strive to maximize healthy food choices while minimizing "cheat" foods during this time.

Tags: South Beach, Beach Diet, South Beach Diet, your body, during pregnancy

Autism Exercise Games For Kids

Autism is defined as a severe developmental disorder that can begin at the moment of birth or develop over the next two years of life. While children who are diagnosed with autism may not show any abnormalities in their appearance, they may experience social difficulties, lack of communication or repetitive behaviors. Engaging autistic children in games and activities will aid in the development of social skills as well as other behaviors that do not come naturally for autistic children.

Sensory Activities

Sensory games will engage children to not only play, but to also utilize their senses. Depending on the child, sensory issues may involve the inability to socialize due to the noise levels of playing with other children or an over-excitement when others are present. By introducing simple sensory activities, autistic children are able to develop healthy responses to objects as well as to situations. Sensory games are fun and beneficial for children who span the entire spectrum of autism.

Sit the child down and explain the rules for the game I Spy. Tell them that you will describe an item in the room based on color, size or texture and encourage the child to walk around the room to find the item that is being described. After each game, allow the child to feel the object and describe the item again while the child is holding it. To work on social skills, allow other children to play in the game and encourage finding the item as a team.

If a playground is easily accessible, place the child on a swing set and stand in front of him or her. Begin pushing the child on the swing and after several pushes stop. Encourage the child to make eye contact with you to ask for further pushes.

Art and Music Activities

Interacting with a child through artistic mediums is not only a fun activity, but it will also help develop certain skills that may not be present, such as extended concentration. Depending on the severity of autism, certain art projects may not be currently possible. Evaluate the abilities of the child to determine the level of artistic capabilities.

Place two objects on a table in front of the child. These objects can range from small balls to a picture frame or the child's favorite toy. Lay out several pieces of paper with coloring pencils and instruct the child to draw the items that are in front of him or her. To start off, describe the items as the child is drawing them. After the picture has been drawn, point out major features of the items on the table. Allow the child to freely draw these items without instruction.

Gather two musical instruments and place them in front of the child. A tambourine and a small snare drum are useful for this activity. Allow the child to freely play the instruments on his or her own for several minutes. Sit down next to the child and clearly instruct them to mimic an easy beat pattern. Use your hands to lay out the beat and clap your hands to the pattern as the child plays. Once the child is able to follow the beat with you, allow them to do it on their own.

Tags: autistic children, Allow child, Allow child freely, child freely, child swing, describe item, front child

Recovery From Surgical Repair Of Rotator Cuff

The rotator cuff is made up of the four muscles surrounding your shoulder joint. These muscles are responsible for lifting the arm overhead and rotating it to the side. The rotator cuff can become injured and tear, pulling the muscles away from the shoulder. Rotator cuffs tear due to injury or overuse. People with this condition often try rest and physical therapy hoping the tear will heal on its own, but often the only option of recovery is surgery.

The Surgery

Rotator cuff surgery can usually be done on an outpatient basis where you will not spend the night in the hospital. If your tear is particularly bad and there are complications, you may need to spend one night. You will be sent home with pain medications and antibiotics to fight off infection. You may be instructed to ice the surgery site for a few days to reduce swelling.

Recovery from rotator cuff surgery can take a long time, sometimes up to a year, and is done in several phases.

First Few Weeks of Recovery

The first phase of recovery is immobilization. Yyou will not be able to move your arm or shoulder for three to four weeks, except with the help of a physical therapist. Your arm will be in a sling and strapped to your body. During this phase you may be going to a physical therapist who will exercise your shoulder for you.

Recovery at Home

During recovery you may not be able to drive for up to three months. You will need assistance with many daily living activities, especially heavy lifting or reaching. You may need to take a leave of absence from work for up to three months depending on the extent of your surgery.

Physical Therapy

After about a month you will start the next phase of recovery and will be able to move your arm and start mild strengthening and stretching exercises. You will most likely still be in your physical therapy sessions, where the physical therapist will teach you exercises to do on your own to strengthen the shoulder and improve range of motion.

Going Back To Work

At three months you are in the third phase and can go back to work. You will be able to continue your strength and flexibility training. You should feel yourself getting stronger every day.

Resuming Your Daily Activities

At six months you can expect to have 80 percent of your strength regained and be able to resume sports and your daily activities.

Tags: physical therapist, three months, will able, your shoulder, able move, able move your, cuff surgery

Avoid Complications After Gastric Bypass Surgery

Gastric bypass surgery can decrease the risk of early death in obese and morbidly obese patients. However, the procedures are not without risks of their own. Although complications are rare compared to other types of surgeries, they can be very serious.

If you are (or will be) recovering from gastric bypass or other bariatric surgery, read below to learn about proper post-op care.

Instructions

1. Immediately after the operation, follow your doctor's instructions for bed rest. For a period of time (usually a few days), you need to stay reclined so that the staples and/or band does not dislodge.

2. Next, when you are allowed out of bed, start walking moderately several times a week. Moderate exercise conditions the body and helps you heal faster.

3. During first week after gastric bypass surgery, stick to the liquid diet that your doctors and nurses prescribe. The liquid diet is to help you avoid vomiting while you heal. The force of vomiting and dry heaves can be enough to break your stitches and staples, and tear the delicate stomach tissue.

4. After you graduate from the liquid diet, follow the next set of dietary instructions to the T. Improper diet is one of the leading causes of post operative complications with gastric bypass surgery. At this point you can eat pureed foods, but only healthy foods. Nothing sugary, starchy, dairy, or fatty.

5. After completing the puree diet stage, begin eating small meals at regular intervals. Since your stomach capacity is greatly reduced, you will feel full much more quickly than before the surgery. Learn what your limit is, and stop eating BEFORE the feeling of fullness comes over you.

Again, you can no longer eat as you ate before having the operation. Discuss the changes with your family so that they can help you stay on track. You must stick to the new diet for the rest of your life.

6. Take sips of water frequently during the day. Since your stomach is smaller, it not only holds less food, but also less liquid. Thus, you may feel thirstier and more dehydrated.

7. Never do strenuous abdominal exercises without first consulting with your doctor or surgeon. It may take up to a year for the stomach to heal to the point where you can lift heavy objects, or hang suspended. The risk of herniation is high for patients who don't take it easy.

8. Don't be alarmed by the development of gall stones. About 30%-40% of patients develop stones in the years following gastric surgery.

9. Make appointments for frequent check-ups in the years following your surgery, at least once every six months. Let your doctor know right away if you develop new pains, or vomiting. Detecting problems early will prevent more serious complications from arising.

Tags: bypass surgery, liquid diet, your doctor, gastric bypass surgery, Since your

Detox Your Blood

Blood detoxification is necessary to make your blood clean so it can better transport vital nutrients and oxygen to every part of your body. When your blood has too many toxins, your vital organs start to deteriorate and you start to feel unhealthy and experience unwanted symptoms such as tiredness, difficulty breathing, headaches, allergies and many other medical conditions.

Instructions

1. Drink 1 to 2 glasses of cranberry juice daily. These berries include a potent ingredient called tannin which helps detoxify your blood of cholesterol and bacteria. Avoid buying concentrated cranberry juices since they are high in sugars.

2. Consume sarsaparilla root in capsule form. This herb is a natural blood purifier, which contains phytochemicals and minerals that helps your blood flush out disease causing toxins. The recommended dosage for this supplement is three 425-milligram capsules taken twice a day.

3. Consume red clover supplements. This herb is rich in isoflavones, an antioxidant which can detoxify your blood by helping it eliminate chemical toxins and environmental pollutants. The recommended dosage for red clover is two 320-milligram capsules taken three times daily.

4. Drink 1 to 2 cups of dandelion flower tea to help detoxify your blood. The active ingredient of this potent flower is inulin. It acts by flushing out pollutants and remnants of medications from your blood. It also strengthens the function of your liver which is the main organ for detoxification. To make dandelion tea, add three cups of dry dandelion flowers (include the stems and the leaves) to a kettle of boiling water. Store any unused tea in a container for future use. Add honey to taste, but don't add sugars or artificial sweeteners.

Tags: your blood, detoxify your, detoxify your blood, capsules taken, cups dandelion, recommended dosage

Assist A Weak Patient To Move Up In Bed

Changing the patient's position in bed is one of the main things to attend to in patient care. For bed ridden individuals, being moved up in bed (long sitting position) is important due to the following reasons: (a) It prevents the development of bed sores, (b) it enhances easy patterns of breathing or increases lung capacity, (c) it promotes good digestion when eating, (d) it relieves pressure from different bony areas of the body, and (e) it is an effective position for hygiene -- making it easy to wash body parts, brush teeth, or change clothes. Assisting a weak patient to move up in bed is a two person job. Individuals who are moving the patient must observe proper body mechanics to ensure an effective, safe, and an injury-free lift.

Instructions

Assist a Weak Patient to Move Up in Bed

1. Inform the patient about the procedure. Explaining the procedure to the patient facilitates cooperation and makes the patient feel that he is being respected instead of being controlled. It also reduces the anxious feeling of the patient from being disturbed.

2. Wash your hands and prepare the draw sheet that you are to use for lifting.

3. Check the stability of the bed before proceeding. If the patient is in a hospital bed, make sure that the bed brake is locked.

4. Adjust the bed to a working height to avoid straining your back when doing the lift.

5. Carefully take the pillow from under the head of the patient and spread the draw sheet at the back of the patient, from the level of the shoulder down to the hips. If patient is too weak to move his head, adjust the level of the draw sheet to head level, so that his head is also lifted when lifting the sheet.

6. Stand on one side of the bed, while your partner stands on the other side, with both of you facing the patient. Facing in the direction of the task (n this case, the patient) will make it easier for you and your partner to maneuver the lift and it will also prevent excessive twisting of the body as you do the lift.

7. Ask the patient to flex his neck by tilting his chin towards the chest. This position will prevent hyper-extension of the patient's neck when he is lifted up in bed.

8. Instruct the patient to hold on to a trapeze bar (if available) or push on the bed surface if he has enough upper extremity strength to do so. Using the patient's upper extremity strength is beneficial to easily elevate the trunk during the lift.

9. Position the arms of the patient across his chest if he has weak upper extremities. This will prevent friction of the arms from dragging on the surface of the bed, thus, protecting the arms from acquiring pressure sores.

10. Ask your patient to flex his knees in order to bring his feet as close to the buttocks as possible. This position will enable the patient to push off to help in elevating his trunk during the lift. But only instruct the patient to do such procedure if he has enough lower extremity strength.

11. Now get you and your partner set for the lift. Widen the distance of your feet, with one foot behind the other, to allow a safe shift of your weight as you lift the patient up in bed.

12. Flex your knees and slightly lean your body, bringing your arms closer to the level of the bed. By bringing your center of gravity closer to the task - which, in this case, is the patient that is to be moved - will increase your balance and strength making it easy for you to execute the lift.

13. Prepare the patient and your lifting partner about the lift. Grasp the draw sheet and carefully lift the patient at the count of three. Giving a clear cue to your patient about the actual move will enable him to be set for it or even provide assistance. And as for your partner, preparing him for the task will enhance good timing of the lift, making it effective and safe.

14. After lifting the patient up from bed, reassess his position, and make sure that his whole body is in proper alignment. Elevate the side rails and place the pillow on the patients back or head to provide cushion and support. Remember to make the safety and comfort of your patient your top priority.

15. Document the patient's new position. It is important to always record procedures that are performed on the patient, especially when this is executed in a hospital setting.

Tags: draw sheet, your partner, extremity strength, lift patient, patient from, your patient, arms from

Recover From A Lobotomy

Recover From a Lobotomy

A lobotomy is a type of psycho-surgical treatment that was first practiced in 1889. It was intended for patients suffering from severe mental illnesses which could not be treated with the options available at the time. This psycho-surgery involved using instruments, in some cases an ice pick, to destroy the pre-frontal lobe of the brain. Early practitioners of lobotomies promoted it as a treatment for patients in an asylum. As you recover from a lobotomy, you will need to follow some basic steps, as well as your doctor's advice, in order to heal properly.

Instructions

Recover from a Lobotomy

1. Fill any prescription your doctor has written for you immediately. You may want to have a friend or relative do this for you since you will be incapacitated. Take your medication as prescribed and on schedule.

2. Spend as much time resting in your bed as possible. Make sure your head is in a comfortable position on comfortable support.

3. Avoid alcohol, illegal drugs and other substances that are not good for you. They may be even more hazardous to your health at this time.

4. Be sure to have proper meals. Healthy food and lots of water will help strengthen the body and help it to obtain what it needs to fight against possible infection.

5. Follow your doctor's orders precisely. Do not skip anything he advises for your recovery. If you have any questions, call for clarification.

6. Move around slowly when you are ready to get up, do not to overdo it. Try walking around for a few minutes at a time at first, then increase gradually each day.

7. Have family members or trusted friends who know you well watch you carefully for any changes. If they notice disturbing behavior they should call your doctor immediately for advice.

8. Avoid strenuous activity while you recover. You may also want to avoid loud activity and crowds.

9. Be sure to follow up with your doctor as advised. Your doctor will want to see how you are healing and if the operation was a success, based on your expectations. Use the opportunity to ask any questions you may have and express any concerns.

Tags: your doctor, Recover From, Recover From Lobotomy

Naturally Alkalize Your Body

Caring for your body naturally prevents illness and disease. One way to do this is to ensure your body is not too acidic. The majority of Americans follow a very acidic diet. Alkalize your body naturally to bring it back into a state of health and well being.

Instructions

1. The Acid Alkaline Test

Before we assume your body needs to be alkalized, we need to mention that there is a test to determine the acid/alkaline state of your body. Litmus paper, which is widely available at health food stores, will tell you your exact pH level. You may remember litmus paper from testing acidity in school.

Tear off a small strip of the paper and place it under your tongue for a few seconds. The normal pH level for saliva is between 7.0 and 7.4. Numbers below this are acidic. Number above this are alkaline. Litmus paper comes with a color coded chart to determine the numeric pH level depending on the color the paper turns. Match up your paper with the color coded chart.

2. Diet to Naturally Alkalize Your Body

As mentioned, most people will find they need to alkalize their body. Changing your diet is the most effective way to do this. There are food charts that explain which foods cause your body to become acidic or alkaline. These charts are widely available online and there are links in the resource section below. If you examine these food charts you will notice a pattern. Cooked and processed food cause your body to become acidic. Fatty foods such as meat and dairy cause your body to become acidic. Most people assume acidic foods such as tomatoes and lemons make your body acidic, but it is quite the opposite. Tomatoes, lemons and other foods considered acidic will alkalize your body. Raw fruits and vegetables are the most effective way to naturally alkalize your body.

Because fresh, raw fruits and vegetables alkalize the body juicing is a common way to alkalize naturally. Juicing also helps you get the enzymes your body needs to alkalize. Eating more nuts and seeds for protein and fewer meats and fats will also help your body to alkalize.

3. Water to Alkalize Your Body Naturally

Drinking enough water will help cleanse your body during your attempt to alkalize naturally. Be sure you are drinking enough filtered water! A natural remedy that works well when trying to alkalize the body is to add lemon juice to your water and drink that throughout the day. Avoiding acidic foods and drinking fresh lemon in water throughout the day will alkalize your body quickly!

4. Herbs and Supplements to Naturally Alkalize Your Body

Burdock, chickweed, potassium and magnesium are herbs and supplements that you may want to consider to alkalize your body.

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Cook Boil And Drain Burdock Root Without Salt

Burdock root helps cleanse your blood.

Burdock, also known botanically as Arctium lappa, is a biennial plant with large leaves and edible roots. Eating burdock root has a wide range of health benefits. It has the ability to cleanse your blood by helping your body release toxins. It is also a diuretic, which means it prompts you to urinate more frequently, helping with urinary tract infections and kidney stones. It is also thought to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Consult your doctor before eating burdock root if you are under medical treatment.

Instructions

1. Wash the dirt from your fresh burdock roots with lukewarm water and a potato brush.

2. Chop the roots using a large sharp knife. When burdock root is fresh, it is soft and easy to cut into small pieces. Make your pieces bite size so they are ready to eat once they are done boiling.

3. Fill a pot with filtered water and place on the stove at high temperature. Do not salt your water. Let the water reach boiling point before putting in your chopped-up burdock roots and then lower the heat to medium-low. The size of your pot will depend on how many roots you are cooking. Ideally the water should cover the roots.

4. Simmer the roots for 25 to 30 minutes or until you can insert a fork into them with ease. Turn the heat off.

5. Place your strainer in the sink and drain the water from your cooked burdock roots. Set your strainer aside with the roots in it, allowing them to cool off at room temperature. You can serve them without cooling them as well if you are adding the roots to a hot dish or stir-fry.

Tags: burdock root, burdock roots, cleanse your, cleanse your blood, from your, your blood, your strainer

Seek Counseling For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is not an easy disorder to live with. After living through a painful and traumatic experience, it's usually best to seek counseling in order to help the healing process. There are many professionals out there who are experts in dealing with patients with PTSD. Here is how you can seek counseling for PTSD.

Instructions

1. Meet with a therapist who can help you overcome your fears and anxieties. A therapist can help you find ways to cope with your feelings and change your reaction to situations that bring on anxiety.

2. Work with a therapist to help confront the memories and situations that trigger the anxiety. In understanding and acknowledging the source of the anxiety, it will be easier to treat the symptoms when they are exposed.

3. Join a support group session to talk with other victims of PTSD. Hearing how other people deal with their disorder can help you to feel more comfortable sharing your own experience.

4. Consider having your family join you in your counseling sessions. Relatives play an important role in your life and having them understand PTSD and how it affects you can help tremendously. Family can then prepare for help you when there is a trigger that sets off your anxieties.

5. If you are a veteran of the armed services and are suffering from PTSD, review the Veteran's Administration website. Veteran Hospitals offer many different services to veterans who suffer from PTSD and their families.

Tags: therapist help, from PTSD, Post Traumatic, Post Traumatic Stress, seek counseling, situations that

The Diet Of The Freshwater Snail

Freshwater snails are omnivorous, eating animal and plant matter.

Freshwater snails are the snails of the genus Gastropoda (mollusks characterized by coiled shells in the adult stage) that live in freshwater sources. Other members of the genus live on land or in the sea. About 4,000 species of freshwater snails exist worldwide. Of those, 650 are found in North America, according to a Virginia Cooperative Extension website article by Paul D. Johnson, research scientist at Tennessee Aquarium Research Institute. Freshwater snails are omnivorous, which means their diet consists of plant and animal matter.

Food

The plant portion of snails' diet includes anything from algae to the leaves of aquatic plants and pondweed. They do not hunt animals but eat the organic debris of deceased animals such as fish, either directly from carcasses or as sedimentary matter.

Eating Method

Freshwater snails have a tonguelike structure called a radula, which they use to eat. The radula is covered with a series of hard, brittlelike projections similar to small teeth. A snail drags its radula across submerged surfaces, and the bristles loosen bits of food that are then transferred to the snail's mouth.

Gathering Technique

Generally, freshwater snails feed on the bottom and sides of water sources, moving over rocks, submerged plants, woody debris and plant roots, scraping off organic matter as they pass. In water sources with a large percentage of suspended organic matter in the water column, however, snails extract matter directly from the water using their sticky underside and transfer the matter to their mouth via a strand of mucus that runs along the underside of their body.

Digestion

As food passes through the mouth to the esophagus, it mixes with mucus from two salivary glands. This enables an easier passage through the digestive system. From the esophagus, food passes into the stomach, where the midgut gland produces digestive enzymes that break down the matter, extracting the nutrients and separating the waste (much like the functions of the human liver and pancreas combined). It then passes through the intestines, where acids further break down nutrients before the remainder is expelled by the rectum.

In Captivity

Freshwater snails are very useful to aquarium owners because they consume the green algae that can form on the inside of an aquarium and reduce visibility. They also help to keep the plant life in check in outside garden ponds as well as dispose of dead fish. Freshwater snails in captivity also are known to eat fruit and vegetable peelings. They produce a lot of water material, however. So aquariums with them need regular water changes about once each week, depending on the number of snails.

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What Is The Purpose Of The Lens In The Eye

The lens is a clear structure located just behind the pupil.

The human eye is a remarkable organ. It automatically adjusts due to changing lighting conditions and adapts its focus for images at differing distances. The images strike the back wall of the organ and are converted into electrical impulses that are transferred to the brain. One of the most important components of this process is the lens.

Function

The lens is a circular, concave, transparent structure located at the front of the eye. A thin, transparent coat called the cornea protects the lens from harm, cushioning the delicate tissue within the fluid-filled anterior chamber. As an image enters the eye in the form of light waves, the lens flips the image and determines where it lands in relation to the back of the eye.

The Necessity of the Iris

The iris will be familiar to you as the colored component of the eye. It is actually a muscle surrounding the lens that contracts and expands to adjust the lens' shape. When a human is looking at a distant object, the iris contracts and compresses the lens, making it thicker. However, when a human is looking at a nearby object, the iris expands and stretches the lens, making it thinner. This is due to the nature of light beams entering the eye from varying distances. The adjustment of the lens ensures that the inverted images will land on the back of the eye.

Lens Development

The human eye begins development two weeks after conception. All major eye structures, including the lens, form over the next four weeks. The eye continues to develop over the course of the next seven months, and the baby can see once the eye is connected to the brain via the optic nerve. This period of development is precarious, as the eye is particularly vulnerable to infection or mutation.

Lens Deterioration

In both humans and animals, the lens deteriorates with age. Before the age of 40, the lens is still flexible and quick to adjust for objects at differing distances. After the age of 40, the lens begins to harden, making the eye take longer to focus. The iris must work harder to stretch and compress the lens, causing the eyes to feel tired and sore with prolonged use. The lens can also gradually cloud over the course of time, making images fuzzy and colors less vivid. A cataract is the clouding of the lenses.

Lens Surgery

Cataracts eventually can rob you of our sight. For those who lived before the 1900s, blindness due to cataracts was common. However, with the advent of advanced eye surgery, cloudy lenses can be replaced with plastic lenses in a few minutes. The procedure requires only local anesthetic, and the patient is able to return home after completion. Some pet owners have this procedure performed on their pets, as well.

Tags: differing distances, human looking, lens making, object iris, over course

Apply For Disability Benefits For Your Child

Sometimes it is necessary to apply for disability benefits for your child.

When your child becomes disabled, there are many worries that come with such an occurrence. Parents often worry about how they will be able to afford the best care and treatment for their disabled child. Fortunately, you can apply for disability benefits for your child through the Social Security Administration to help with the costs associated with raising a disabled child.

Instructions

1. Contact the Social Security Administration to make an appointment to file a disability claim for your child (see Resources below).

2. Gather the necessary information and documents for the interview. You will need proof of income, such as bank statements, check stubs and tax records. You will also need proof of any resources you might have, such as cars or homes that you own. You will also need to gather documents pertaining to your child's medical problems. You will need to know the name, address and phone number of your child's primary care physician, as well as information about how your child is doing in school, such as report cards and letters from their teacher.

3. Obtain a certified copy of your child's birth certificate by visiting the Department of Health in the city where your child was born. You will need to apply for a certified copy of the birth certificate and you will receive it several days later by mail.

4. Meet with a representative from the Social Security Administration. You will be interviewed about your disability claim. Bring all the necessary documents that you have gathered and answer all questions that are asked to the best of your knowledge. You should know within a few days if your child has been approved for disability benefits.

Tags: your child, disability benefits, Security Administration, Social Security, Social Security Administration, will need, your child

Make Tea Tree Oil Shampoo

Make Tea Tree Oil Shampoo

Are you interested in partaking of the benefits of using a natural tea tree oil shampoo, but are reluctant to pay the heavy price for a store bought bottle? By making your own at home, you will be able to use it at a fraction of the price you would pay in the store, and also will have the benefit of being able to control exactly what goes into it. You might even find that tea tree oil shampoo is no longer the unaffordable luxury it once was.

Instructions

1. Purchase or make the tea tree oil itself. It is not cheap, but you will not need a great deal of it to make tea tree oil shampoo. Even a single dram bottle will be enough for several small batches. Try to find the best quality product you can. Since such a small amount is being used, the quality will make a big difference in the final product. It is widely available on the Internet and in many drug stores.

2. Acquire a small bottle, eight ounces if possible, of natural unscented shampoo. There are quite a few natural bases available, both on eBay and in some health stores. Some people prefer a base that is made with cream or goat's milk because it has a smoother feel and contains compounds that nourish the scalp and hair.

3. Add about two drops of oil per fluid ounce of shampoo and gently mix to create a basic, straightforward tea tree oil shampoo. Be careful to not use more than the recommended amount, as it can cause allergic reactions such as rashes if the person is prone to them.

4. Add any accenting notes or additions to your tea tree oil shampoo. Feel free to add a few drops of essential oil to add whatever scent you prefer. Stick with strong aromas such as lime, pine, or cinnamon, as you will not want to use too much in order to avoid skin irritation.

5. Use and enjoy your natural tea tree oil shampoo. Not only does it help control wild hair and leave it clean and nourished, but it also is an effective treatment for lice, dandruff, and dry scalp.

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Lymphatic Breathing Exercises

The lymphatic system works to remove toxins from your body. Lymph fluid surrounds all of your cells and removes wastes and toxins, which the lymph nodes collect and dispose of. Marcella Pick, RNC, MSN, OB/GYN NP, a nurse practitioner with Women to Women, says, "Breathing serves as the pump for the lymphatic system, just as the heart serves the circulatory system." Dr. Andrew Weil says, "Lymph fluid circulates as a result of muscular contraction, including the muscles used in breathing that support normal physical activity." Practicing deep breathing helps to strengthen your lymphatic system.

Simple Deep Breathing

Before you can take a full breath in, you have to fully breathe out. Your lungs need to be empty before you can fill them properly. To practice this, sit in a comfortable position and relax. Breathe out through your nose, pushing with your abdominal muscles to help deflate your lungs. Hold for two counts while your lungs are empty, then slowly inhale through your nose to the count of five. Repeat this process five to ten times.

Tony Robbins Breathing

Motivational speaker Tony Robbins has developed a deep breathing exercise as part of his "keys to unlimited power." This breathing method involves breathing in a particular ratio. You breathe in for one part, hold for four parts, and then breathe out for two parts. The "parts" can be any number of seconds, as long as you maintain the ratio. For example, you might breathe in for three seconds, hold for twelve seconds, and breathe out for six seconds. Robbins recommends practicing this deep breathing exercise in the morning and evening to energize your lymphatic system.

Dr. William T. Jarvis of the National Council Against Health Fraud argues that Robbins's methods are faulty, claiming that "deep breathing (which can't be sustained) has no significant effect on oxygen uptake."

Breathing with Exercise

You can practice certain exercises to improve your breathing and work out at the same time. Yoga, for example, incorporates many breathing exercises with body stretches. Try the yoga "fire breath": Close your mouth and breathe in and out quickly in succession through your nose. Or try the deep breathing exercise in which you stand up, exhale as you bend your body toward your toes and inhale on your way back up.

Tags: deep breathing, lymphatic system, breathing exercise, deep breathing exercise, through your, through your nose, your nose

Alleviate Pms Symptoms With Proper Nutrition

Premenstrual syndrome is a condition that the majority of menstruating women experience each month. Symptoms of PMS affect women physically and emotionally and often include irritability, anxiousness, mood swings, depression, sore breasts, food cravings, bloating, headaches, migraines, back ache, cramping and flu-like symptoms. Although medications are available over the counter and by prescription, a simple change in diet may be all that is necessary to help alleviate the symptoms associated with PMS.

Instructions

Alleviate PMS Symptoms With Proper Nutrition

1. Decrease carbohydrate intake during the morning and increase the amount of carbohydrates toward the end of the day. This can help control food cravings and increase levels of serotonin. Healthy sources of carbohydrates include whole-grain breads, high-fiber cereal, popcorn, beans, peas, granola and wild rice. Additionally, whole grains are full of B vitamins, which can help with headaches, fatigue and irritability.

2. Reduce caffeine intake. Caffeine can take PMS symptoms such as anxiety, depression and irritability to new heights prior to menstruation. Caffeine also increases blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate. Caffeine is commonly found in tea, coffee, soft drinks, energy drinks, energy bars and chocolate.

3. Increase the amount of calcium in the diet. Include calcium-rich foods daily such as milk, yogurt, cheese, broccoli, okra, red kidney beans, green beans, baked beans, pizza, lasagna, apricots and figs. Calcium can diminish pain, help reduce bloating, and improve mood and the ability to concentrate.

4. Increase intake of foods containing magnesium. Low levels of magnesium can be attributed to headaches, migraines and anxiety, all of which are common symptoms of PMS. Foods rich in magnesium include beans, nuts and vegetables.

5. Eat four to six small meals each day as opposed to three large meals. This will help maintain energy levels and blood glucose levels, and reduce food cravings and bloating.

6. Limit consumption of processed foods. Processed foods have preservatives and other known irritants that only exacerbate symptoms associated with PMS.

7. Increase the amount of green leafy vegetables in the diet. Green leafy vegetables contain vitamin E and may help reduce the symptom of breast tenderness associated with PMS.

Tags: associated with, food cravings, Alleviate Symptoms With, cravings bloating, drinks energy

Prevent Bee Stings

Prevent Bee Stings

Summertime means a great deal of time spent outdoors. This also means people will be sharing the outdoors with all sorts of warm-weather insects, particularly bees. Nobody enjoys a bee sting, but with a little bit of caution they can be avoided. Here are some tips on prevent bee stings.

Instructions

1. Avoid wearing overly-fragrant perfumes, lotions or hair products. Especially avoid anything with a strong floral scent. Sweet and floral scents are very attractive to bees.

2. Keep open drinks, like cans of soda, well guarded. Many people have been stung on the lip by drinking out of a can that a bee has crawled into. Drinks with tops are recommended when outdoors.

3. Avoid wearing clothing with bright colors and/or floral patterns. Bright or flowered clothing is attractive to a bee on the hunt for pollen.

4. Stand as still as possible if a bee gets close. Bees only sting defensively, and they will be frightened by sudden movements. Don't wave your arms around or try to swat the bee, as it will only serve to anger the insect.

5. Wear shoes or flip-flops when walking in grassy areas. Lots of stings occur when an unsuspecting person steps on a bee while walking barefoot.

6. Contact someone to remove any bee or wasp nests you find in your yard. Do not try to remove the nests yourself, as serious injury may occur.

7. Wash hands immediately after eating, especially when eating sweet or sticky foods.

8. Keep uneaten food covered to avoid attracting bees (and many other insects as well).

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Food To The Nutrisystem Diet

Add healthy foods to your Nutrisystem meal.

Nutrisystem is a diet plan that delivers prepackaged meals to your door. Nutrisystem is a good choice if are busy, and do not have time to cook or count calories. Although the meals come ready to heat and eat, it is recommend to add fresh vegetables and other low-calorie foods to your Nutrisystem meal for added nutrition. Adding a little bit of extra food to your meal helps you feel full and prevents snacking.

Instructions

1. Order your Nutrisystem meals through the official website or by using the Nutrisystem phone number: 1-800-435-4074.

2. Review the items you have ordered and make a list of healthy items that would complement your entrees. Nutrisystem offers some recommendations. For example, add green beans to its spinach and cheese stuffed shells, or have a glass of soy milk with breakfast. To make your own additions, go for foods that are low in calories, but high in nutritional value, such as grapes or a hard boiled egg.

3. Begin eating the Nutrisystem meals once your package arrives in the mail. Enhance breakfast meals such as the Nutrisystem low fat granola cereal or the apple strudel scone by adding a little plain yogurt for extra calcium.

4. Bring lettuce or fruit to work to accompany your Nutrisystem preplanned lunch. Items that go with a home-made side salad include the turkey hot dog, minestrone soup, and the steak and cheese melt.

5. Get creative at dinner time. Grilled vegetables are an ideal addition to almost any Nutrisystem dinner meal. Add non-fat cottage cheese to pasta and sauce entrees to help expand your serving.

Remedies For Dark Undereye Circles

More prevalent with age, dark under-eye circles are something to be expected from most people. Now whether you choose to cover them up with make up or treat them at the root cause, understanding why they occur and what your options are is the first step.

What Causes Dark Under-Eye Circles?

Dark under-eye circles are, more often than not, hereditary. They are the appearance of superficial capillaries that appear to have a blue-ish tinge to them because the skin under your eyes in much thinner than the rest of your skin. However, sometimes these broken capillaries are caused by the friction from swollen or rubbed eyes due to an allergy. If this is the case, treat the allergy and the byproduct, the dark under-eye circles, will go by the wayside.

Sleep

Before you do anything else, focus on getting a solid 8 hours of sleep every night. The more sleep you get, the more hydrated your skin is, which helps reduce the appearance of the dark under-eye circles.

Hydrate

You should be drinking at least eight 8-oz. glasses of water every day to maintain proper hydration levels. When your body is hydrated, it shows in your skin, helping to maintain healthy skin function and keep collagen, your skin's natural plumper, alive and well. When you are dehydrated, your skin can not combat blemishes and imperfections as well and the appearance of dark circles will seem more severe.

Vitamin K

Vitamin K, a fat soluble vitamin, has blood-clotting properties in it that can help to clot and remove any stray broken capillaries under your eyes. Look for creams with a high vitamin K concentration, between 5 and 8 percent, to get the most bang for your buck.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, found in creams, lotions and good old fashion fruit, helps to fight against free radicals in your body that destroy collagen. You need that collagen to keep your skin, particularly the already thin skin under your eyes, fuller and plumper, thereby reducing the look of dark under-eye circles without the need for cosmetics.

Eye Therapy

There's a reason you get those cucumber slices placed over your eyes at the spa --- they reduce the puffiness in your eye region. Try using a tea bag instead, whose tannins reduce swelling and discoloration around the eyes.

Considerations

Yet another reason to put down those cigarettes: Smoking causes the blood vessels to appear more prominent under your skin, making dark under-eye circles appear darker. Consult your physician before embarking on any new medicine supplement routine. Report any side effects to your doctor and discontinue use if any skin irritation occurs.

Tags: your skin, under-eye circles, dark under-eye, under your, your eyes, dark under-eye circles

Teach Abdominal Breathing

Abdominal breathing is a method of breathing that can be learned and replicated to help produce a state of calm relaxation, slowing the heartbeat and reducing blood pressure. Why is it important to be able to perform and teach abdominal breathing? According to H. David Coulter, author of "Anatomy of Hatha Yoga," "different methods of breathing can affect the automatic nervous system and have an impact on the functions we ordinarily consider to be under unconscious control."

Instructions

Teach Supine Abdominal Breathing

1. Instruct students to lie on their back on an exercise mat. This is the supine position. Have them place a rolled towel under their neck to help with relaxation and support the cervical spine.

2. Have students place an eye pillow over their eyes to induce more relaxation and help them focus on the breathing exercise. These pillows can be scented with lavender.

3. Instruct students to place a hand on the top of the chest, underneath the collarbone.

4. Instruct students to place their other hand on the upper part of their abdomen, above their belly button. As an alternative, they could use an exercise brick or small exercise ball to place on their abdomen.

5. Instruct students to breathe to cause the hand, ball or brick on the abdomen to move toward the ceiling on their inhalation and to move toward their spine, or the floor, on their exhalation. This is an abdominal breath.

6. Have students continue to do abdominal breathing to cause the hand, ball or brick to rise and fall with with each breath. The hand on the chest should not move.

7. Instruct students to inhale and exhale at equal rates, using the same amount of time for each inhalation and exhalation. They can practice for 2 minutes, 5 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes or even an hour if desired.

Tags: Instruct students, minutes minutes, students place, Abdominal Breathing, ball brick

Reinvent Yourself And Your Life

Reinvent Yourself and Your Life

Unhappy with your lot in life? Have you been living a rather dull, depressive, un-fulfilling existence? Do you doubt your ability to change or to break free from the doldrums of your existence? Fear not! Change is right around the corner.

Instructions

1. Live in the Moment - Life is happening today! Forget about where you've been, what you've done, or how many times you've failed. Focus your attention on today and tomorrow, not on what's already happened. No matter how painful or demoralizing, the past and all of its details are behind you!

2. Accept Your Past Mistakes - and Let Go! Realize that you are only human and as a human you are fallible. Nobody is perfect, and we all have chinks in our armor. But the important thing to realize is that your past mistakes and failures do not define your worth as a person. Accept them, learn from them, make adjustments, and start fresh! If you fall 500 times, get up 500 times! Let go of what's behind you!

3. Realize it's Never Too Late - No matter how long you've been spinning your wheels or suffering in some way, shape, or form, you have the right and the ability to implement change and action today! It's never too late to get the ball rolling and to do things that you should have done long ago. Let today be the day of your rebirth!

4. You Write Your Life Script - Ultimately, you are the only one who is going to allow yourself to be successful and happy. Independent of other people's criticisms, doubts, and influences, you are the one who is writing your own script. You fill in the details of your life and actions; you create your own masterpiece and your own happy, fulfilling end! You are in charge!

Tags: Your Life, Yourself Your Life, Reinvent Yourself, Reinvent Yourself Your, Yourself Your

How Sweat Works Through The Body

The Purpose of Sweat