Can A Trauma Cause Bipolar Disorder

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a serious illness. It is characterized by intense mood swings from a euphoric "high," or mania, to deep depression. These mood swings are more extreme than the regular happy and sad moods experienced by most people. The extreme moods of bipolar disorder typically cycle with periods of more moderate moods. In others, the disorder appears as long periods of unstable moods. Bipolar disorder typically occurs in late teens or early adulthood. The diagnosis is difficult and often takes several years because symptoms are missed or ignored.

The symptoms of bipolar disorder vary according to the cycle. During the manic phase, symptoms include excessive euphoria, irritability or agitation, fast talking, restlessness, insomnia and behavioral changes, such as sexual promiscuity, overspending or risk-taking. During a depressive episode, symptoms include long periods of worry, loss of interest in activities, inability to concentrate, irritability and suicidal thoughts. Abuse of alcohol or other substances is common among people with bipolar disorder.

Can Trauma Cause Bipolar Disorder?

The cause of bipolar disorder is unknown. Researchers believe several factors contribute to a chemical imbalance in the brain, resulting in the cyclic mood swings. Trauma may be a factor contributing to bipolar disorder. Researchers have found that people with bipolar disorder tend to have a history of physical or sexual abuse, and many also have post-traumatic stress disorder as well (PTSD). Head trauma or brain injury is not associated with bipolar disorder, although it may cause other types of mood or behavioral disturbances.

Treatment

Bipolar disorder has no cure. It is a lifelong condition, but it can be controlled with a combination of medication and psychotherapy. The treatment goal is to prevent relapses and minimize the extremes of the mood swings. Everyone reacts differently and several different medications may need to be tried before the most effective one is found.

Mood stabilizers are the first choice of treatment. These include lithium, valproic acid (Depakote) and lamotrigine (Lamictal). Atypical antipsychotics may also be used. Examples of drugs in this class include olanzapine (Zyprexia), quetiapine (Seroquel), risperidone (Risperdal), aripiprazole (Abilify) and ziprasidone (Geodon). Antidepressants may also be used, such as fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil) or sertraline (Zoloft). Associated side effects include drowsiness, dizziness and dry mouth. The atypical antipsychotics have been associated with weight gain and heart arrythmias.

The herb St. John's wort is called a natural antidepressant, but its effectiveness has not been proven. When used in bipolar disorder, it may exaggerate the manic episodes.

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Fast And Lose Weight Safely

Fast and Lose Weight Safely

People may fast for various reasons, and methods of successfully losing weight may vary for different people; but fasting has worked for many people in regard to losing weight and / or improving general health. Fasting may range from simply excluding a few foods from your normal diet all the way to eating and drinking nothing but water for a specified amount of time. This article discusses fasting using juice and / or water.

Instructions

1. One of the most important aspects of fasting takes place even before you start your fast. For at least a week before you start fasting, avoid eating fast food, drinking alcohol, or consuming anything else generally unhealthy. This is vital because your body will be basically living off of the nutrients from these foods while you fast.

2. Purchase plenty of water and juices before you start fasting. One suggestion is to buy fresh fruit beforehand and juice them as you go so you have fresh, pure fruit juice whenever you need it. It is preferred that you buy everything you need beforehand so that you do not have to go to the grocery store a day or two into your fast when you are extremely hungry. That way, you eliminate the temptation to prematurely break your fast because you are surrounded by food.

3. Drink plenty of water. (7+ cups a day is recommended.) After the first few hours pass by the hunger will dissipate and come back in waves. Fight hunger by simply drinking a whole glass of water and / or involving yourself in some activity.

4. Drink various juices for nourishment. Carefully select juices that do not contain sugar or high fructose corn syrup. Natural, pure fruit juices are best as other juices high in sugar will most likely make you more hungry.

5. Break the fast gradually. The method you use to break the fast will differ based on how long you have been fasting. If you have been fasting for over three days, on the first day you start eating again start out with light soups and possibly by the end of the day slightly heavier ones, oatmeal, etc.

6. Continually eat light and healthy. A good fast's beneficial effects can quickly be reversed based on your eating habits afterward. Hold off on fast foods, alcohol, etc. for at least a couple of weeks, and at that, eat and drink in moderation. You will find that fasting somewhat regularly will help you to develop better self control, as you do not give in to eating food anymore on a whim or craving.

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Recognize Symptoms Of Adrenal Fatigue

Adrenal fatigue is a common condition that affects people who deal with severe stress. Because the symptoms of adrenal fatigue mimic other conditions, many sufferers are unaware of the problem. Although adrenal fatigue isn’t a life-threatening condition, it can become debilitating. Hence, it’s vital to recognize the symptoms and seek the necessary treatment.

Instructions

1. Notice if you are sleeping longer and taking more naps. People who suffer from adrenal fatigue experience ongoing tiredness. Often, a full night’s rest isn’t enough to regulate the adrenal gland, especially during stressful times. Therefore, people with adrenal fatigue may sleep more than 8 hours and require naps throughout the day.

2. Be on the lookout for periods of insomnia. Although adrenal fatigue causes tiredness, some sufferers have difficulty falling asleep. They may lie awake for several hours, which intensifies fatigue and can lead to other problems, such as irritability and depression.

3. Watch out for a dependency on soda, coffee or tea. Because people with adrenal fatigue are constantly tired, they often rely on stimulants like caffeine to get them through the day. Others have an intense craving for sugary foods, which can also boost energy.

4. Detect an inability to fight colds and infections. Whenever adrenal fatigue occurs, a person’s immune system weakens. You are more likely to develop colds, flu and other infections. In addition, it takes longer to recover from an illness.

5. Monitor weight gain. Because sufferers deal with extreme fatigue and stress, they tend to gain weight. Some eat to comfort themselves. In turn, lack of physical activity contributes to extra pounds.

6. Heed a diagnosis of a related condition. Doctors have discovered that some people diagnosed with adrenal fatigue also have an underlying condition, such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, hypothyroidism or chronic fatigue syndrome.

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Will Moist Heat Help With Gout Pain

Gout occurs when too much uric acid builds up in the blood, either because the body produces too much or can't eliminate it efficiently. The excessive uric acid then forms crystals that embed themselves in joints and cause intense pain. When gout pain hits, the surest way to treat it is through medication but applying moist heat to the area is a quick way to reduce the pain.

Signs and Symptoms

A gout attack is usually marked by sharp pain that can become excruciating within a day. The painful area will feel warm to the touch and will look red and swollen. It will also be very tender. About 90 percent of the attacks are in the joints of the big toes, but other joints, such as the ankle, knee, wrist and fingers, can also experience gout. Attacks last anywhere from three to 10 days with irregular periods between attacks. Over time, the attacks can occur more often and with greater intensity.

Function

Moist heat---warm baths or hot wash cloths---applied to the joint dilate the blood vessels in the area and improve the circulation to speed pain relief. It is also believed that the heat helps make the uric acid crystals more soluble, which can help the body dissolve them and remove them faster. Heat also soothes the pain and reduces stiffness.

Identification

You can use moist heat to treat gout in a number of different ways. Drug stores sell heat patches or heat packs that can be activated and placed on the joint. You could slip into a heated swimming pool, hot tub, warm bath or shower or warm whirlpool. Use water that you can comfortably tolerate without burning yourself. Do not use hot baths or hot tubs if you are pregnant, have diabetes, high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.

Frequency

Moist heat will take at least 15 minutes to take effect. Use it twice a day on areas that continue to be painful. The goal is to warm the deep tissues enough to relax the muscles and dilate the blood vessels. The longer and hotter you can stand the therapy, the more heat will penetrate the affected area.

Considerations

Heat and cold can be used together to reduce inflammation and pain. Cold therapy numbs nerves around the affected joint, which reduces the pain. Cold is also a great anti-inflammatory. You can use cold packs or soak the joint in cold water. Try to keep the cold on the joint for at least 15 minutes at a time.

Acute Gout

Heat therapy works best with chronic gout. The pain of chronic gout attacks is less severe than the pain of an acute attack. Heat therapy may not provide substantial relief for an acute attack, although it can be helpful in conjuction with other treatments.

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Internetbased Bulimia Therapy

Bulimia is a medical condition that causes the sufferer to throw up his food whenever he eats. This is a psychological disease, wherein the person who is vomiting is throwing up to lose weight. However, it can become an uncontrollable behavior that causes tooth rot, malnutrition, heart problems and even death. New online methods are being used to help treat this problem.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Science Daily reports that the most commonly used treatment for bulimia is cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT. In this therapy, you will meet face to face with a therapist. You will discuss the reasons behind your disorder and the therapist will attempt to change the behaviors that lie behind your disorder. Keeping track of your bulimia episodes and changes in your behavior is essential. Decreasing your bulimia incidents by changing your behavior will help cut down on your bulimia incidents and may even cure your disease. You may also wish to participate in group therapy. Your group sessions will consist of meeting with people who suffer from bulimia and discussing your disorder with them. Meeting people who suffer from this disorder may help you understand and treat your disease more efficiently.

Online CBT

Online CBT is essentially a chat-based version of CBT. With online CBT, you go into chat rooms and interact with other bulimia patients. You also talk with your therapist. This therapy tries to emulate real CBT. Chatting weekly or even daily with your group will help you understand the psychology of your condition from the comfort of your own home. In text-based chats you won't see your group members, but with video and voice-based chat systems you will emulate personal interaction more realistically. There may also be a questionnaire to complete. These consist of questions about your condition, the causes of your condition, your emotions, your activities and many other important psychological factors. You will fill these out honestly, and the questionnaire will give you feedback on your progress. Using this feedback, you can help change your behavior and treat your condition one day at a time.

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Tummy Tuck Recovery Tips

Recovering from a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) can take two to six weeks, depending on the general health of the patient, the type of surgery performed and the willingness of the patient to adhere to post-operative instructions. Some tummy tuck recovery tips can help to make abdominoplasty recovery time more pleasant, the physical symptoms of the surgery less painful and the recovery time shorter.

Take All Prescribed Medication

Immediately following abdominoplasty, the patient will be groggy and maybe even a bit nauseous from the anesthesia. There will be tenderness in the abdominal area and sitting up straight might cause some pain. The surgeon will dispense pain medication and antibiotics. The patient should be sure to take the pain medication as prescribed so that the effect does not wear off between doses. The antibiotic medication should be taken until it is gone, even if the patient feels better, because infection can still occur in the abdominal incision.

Get plenty of rest

Expect to lie in bed and rest the first few days after tummy tuck surgery. Plan to miss a full week of work, possibly two weeks. Some patients who are older or who are not in good general health may have to miss up to four weeks of work. Baths, showers or strenuous activity are prohibited.

Record Drainage Daily

Most patients will have a tummy tuck drain to use at home. This silicone tube is place in the abdomen through the surgical incision to drain fluid that may be collecting between the layer of muscle and the skin flap. The patient must measure the drainage each day and then discard the fluid. The tummy tuck drain aids in reducing infection. The drain may be inconvenient, but it provides safety from infection and is usually removed after three to five days in most patients. Patients who are experiencing a lot of drainage can expect to use the drain for as long as three weeks.

Gently Exercise

The surgeon will suggest that the patient begin walking as soon as they can after surgery. After the stitches are removed, the patient will be advised to start performing light non-aerobic exercise and to avoid any strenuous exercise for at least six weeks. Exercise can keep the patient from getting stiff and can speed recovery.

A Final Note

Most tummy tuck patients are eager to view the results of the surgery and become increasingly disappointed by what might seem like a long recovery process. Just remember that abdominoplasty involves removing a large section of skin, tightening loose stomach muscles and, in some instances when used together with liposuction, removing excess fat. The body must be given time to properly recuperate from major plastic surgery.

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Identify Juvenile Diabetes

Juvenile diabetes can occur very rapidly. Symptoms of this potentially life threatening disease can develop within days. Although it’s more common in children and young adults, anyone can develop juvenile (also known as type 1) diabetes. So it’s important to be aware of the warning signs.

Instructions

1. Juvenile diabetes is an autoimmune disorder that robs the body of its ability to produce insulin, a hormone which allows sugar to enter the cells to produce energy. As a result, excess sugar builds up in the blood. This will cause a person’s blood sugar level to rise too high and that’s when the symptoms begin. The symptoms include increased thirst and urination, blurred vision, weight loss, fatigue, flu like symptoms, and confusion.

2. If the above symptoms are left untreated, the body will be forced to use fat and muscle for energy. This causes the production of fatty acids, which enter the bloodstream and cause a chemical imbalance known as diabetic ketoacidosis. Symptoms of this life threatening condition are flushed, hot dry skin, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, vomiting, rapid breathing, drowsiness, restlessness or coma.

3. Discuss your symptoms with your doctor. That way, if a diagnosis of juvenile diabetes is made, you can start treatment right away.

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Earthquake Safety Rules

If you live in an area that has the potential for earthquakes, you should know what to do in case an earthquake strikes. For the safety of your family, you should have a plan in place so you and your children know stay safe. Hopefully, you will never experience an earthquake, but it is wise to be prepared by knowing the safety guidelines in advance.

Before

Prepare your family by having occasional practice drills. Teach your children where the safe locations are in your home. Select a meeting place in case you are separated when the earthquake strikes. Devise a plan for being reunited. Choose an out of state relative to field your calls in case local lines are down. Prepare an emergency survival kit that contains three days worth of food and water for each member of your family, flashlights, radio, batteries, first aid kit, clothing and cash. Have what you will need to be self sufficient for at least 72 hours. Do not count on having electricity or running water. Keep your survival supplies together in a safe place like a large metal trashcan. Replace the batteries and water every few months to keep them fresh. Do not forget to stock special supplies like medications and pet food.

During

If you are inside when an earthquake hits, stay indoors. Get underneath a table or stand against an interior wall in the corner. Crouch down and put your arms over your neck and head. Stay away from windows, mirrors and tall heavy furniture or appliances. Do not use an elevator. If you are outside, go to an open area that is away from power lines, buildings and trees. If you are inside your car, pull to the side of the road far away from power lines and overpasses. Stay in your car until the earthquake is over. Be extremely cautious when driving after an earthquake because bridges and roadways may have suffered structural damage. Do not drive unless you have to.

If you are trapped in rubble or debris, do not light a match or use a lighter. Be careful about moving around and stirring up dust which you might inhale. It is best to make noise by banging on pipes or walls rather than yelling so you do not inhale dust.

After

Check for gas leaks, downed wires and broken sewer lines. Turn your utilities off at the source if there are problems and immediately report a gas leak or downed lines to the utility company. Check your home for cracks and other damage. Be careful when you open closets and cabinets as the contents may spill out and hit your head. Do not use your telephone unless it is an emergency. Listen for instructions from local authorities over the radio. If your home and family are OK, lend help to your neighbors. Stay out of damaged areas unless a police officer or firefighter asks you to enter.

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Nonsurgical Glaucoma Cures

Glaucoma is the culmination of several eye diseases. It destroys your optic nerve and can result in eventual vision loss. Your optic nerve is responsible for conveying images from your eyes to your brain. According to the Mayo Clinic, "glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness." There are many types of glaucoma, such as open-angle glaucoma and closed angle-glaucoma. Eye drops and medications are the primary treatments for glaucoma. However, if the disease isn't properly treated and advances far enough, surgery will be necessary.

The human eye

Types

One category of glaucoma is open-angle glaucoma. According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, this condition affects nearly 3 million Americans.The aqueous humor is a fluid that is produced within your eyes. Also within your eyes are drainage canals that are responsible for consistently keeping the aqueous humor flowing. If you have open angle glaucoma, the drainage canals become clogged. Closed-angle glaucoma occurs when pressure develops in your eye due to blockage or when your iris bulges. In pigmentary glaucoma, eye pigmentation granules develop within your eye, which can then lead to visual disturbances. In low-tension glaucoma, the optic nerve becomes damaged even though the pressure within your eyes stays within the normal range.

Eye Drops

The primary treatment for glaucoma will begin with eye drops. It is important to remember that if your glaucoma is already progressively advanced, treatments cannot work. As with any medication, it is important to follow your physician's instructions, especially with eye care. Many glaucoma eye drops consist of beta blockers. Beta blockers are prescribed to reduce your production of aqueous humor. Other eye drops include alpha-agonists and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. These types of eye drops help to reduce aqueous-humor production and help with drainage. Eye drops can cause many undesirable side effects such as dizziness, fatigue and dry mouth. If you're diabetic, you should not use beta-blocker eye drops, as side effects are worse.

Medications

Medications are used when eye drops cannot reduce your eye pressure. According to the Mayo Clinic, medications such as acetazolamide and methazolamide are prescribed for glaucoma. Both medications are carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors can cause many side effects, and taking the pills with food can help reduce any side effects experienced. However, if side effects become bothersome, such as severe fatigue, rash development, depression and lethargy, speak with your physician about discontinuing carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.

Neuroprotective Drugs

Neuroprotective drugs can help to preserve what vision you may have left as a result of glaucoma. Medications such as brimonidine and memantine are intended to prevent your optic nerves from developing further damage from glaucoma. Combination treatments may also be considered depending on the severity of your disease. It is important to discuss with your physician all potential treatments, as well as side effects, when considering your options.

Warnings

According to the Mayo Clinic, many supplemental forms of bilberry have been advertised as an effective treatment for glaucoma. When it comes to the care of your eyes, it is important to remember that alternative remedies cannot replace proven treatments. Even considering the use of supplements should be discussed with your health care provider.

Prevention/Solution

Protective eyewear for skiing

Receiving regular eye care cannot only catch glaucoma in its early stages, but early damage to your eyes can also be prevented. Eye exams should be conducted every two years until the age of 60. Once you reach 60, eye exams should be conducted every year. Always wear eye protection when engaging in high-contact sports (such as racquetball or skiing) or using power tools that can injure your eyes. Developing a serious eye injury can eventually lead to glaucoma.

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Control & Contain Your Stuttering

Stuttering is one of the most common speech disorders in the world, with approximately 66 million people suffering from it. If you suffer from stuttering, you're aware of the impact it can have on your life, not through the actual disorder but through its psychological and behavioral effects. People who stutter find themselves shying away from parties, crowds and events where they might have to talk to friends and strangers, leading to a very isolated and lonely lifestyle. While there's no way to completely cure stuttering, there are ways by which it can be diminished such as self-therapy, speech language pathology and speech clinics.

Instructions

1. Choose the right stuttering therapy for you. While going to speech clinics and using speech language pathologists can help, it's also an expensive option that must be considered as a last resort. First, opt for self-therapy and see how far it gets you. Remember that stuttering cannot be controlled overnight. It takes dedication and practice over time.

2. Form a habit that induces slow talking. When you talk slow, you reduce the time pressure that most people who stutter face and hence decrease anxiety that can cause your throat muscles to tense more and thus cause you to stutter more. Also, slow talking leads to deliberation of words, which helps control and contain stuttering

3. Stutter without forcing the words to leave your lips. This sounds strange, but is a very effecting way of controlling your stuttering. If your voice is flowing smoothly into the words you mean to say, your stuttering will be quite easy to manage. However, if you get agitated trying to force out the word, the voice takes on a temporary throatiness that will aggravate the stutter. Relax, and begin again.

4. Be open about the fact that you stutter. This will reduce the pressure on you to talk normally, which reduces the psychological and behavioral effects that people who stutter are prone to. This in turn provides an opportunity to contain and control your stuttering at your own pace.

5. Stop all avoidance, postponing and substitution habits. If you've been stuttering for a long time, you've probably been avoiding words you can't pronounce and substituting them for other easier words. To control your stuttering in the long run, you need to use all the words in the language through association with other words and taking the time to get them right.

6. Identify the reactions of your speech muscles to your fluent and stuttering speech. This will help you understand where you're going wrong and also give you the opportunity to work on your stuttering. When are your speech muscles acting improperly and how? What words are you getting stuck on? The more you talk with a vision to exploring your speech muscles, the faster you'll understand how they work, and the closer you'll come to eliminating your stutter.

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Cardiac Asthma Symptoms

Cardiac Asthma is a form of asthma that occurs as a result of congestive heart failure. It is associated with wheezing that happens when fluid builds up in the lungs after heart failure. Knowing the signs and symptoms of cardiac asthma is key when seeking treatment, because treatments for this condition are significantly different than those associated with general forms of asthma. Read on to find out more about cardiac asthma symptoms.

Effects

According to the Mayo Clinic, when fluid builds up in the lungs due to congestive heart failure, symptoms of cardiac asthma such as coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath may occur.

Considerations

While the symptoms of cardiac asthma may be similar to asthma, it is not asthma in its typical form. Because pulmonary circulation becomes blocked, the bronchial tubes start to spasm as a result of the left side of the heart putting too much pressure on the lungs. This causes the valves of the heart to not function properly and prevents the lungs from working normally as well.

Time Frame

According to the American Chronicle, cardiac asthma symptoms tend to occur at night after a person with the condition goes to bed, and during exercise. Cardiac Asthma can be life threatening, and it is advised that people who experience its symptoms, seek medical advice immediately.

Significance

The symptoms of cardiac asthma can also signify an upcoming heart failure, according to The American Chronicle. While main symptoms are shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing, other symptoms can include increased blood pressure and heart rate, feelings of uneasiness, swollen ankles which get worse throughout the day, and increased rapid breathing. People who suffer from cardiac asthma generally wake up breathless after sleeping only a few hours and have to sit upright in order to catch their breath, according to the American Chronicle.

Prevention/Solution

Although cardiac asthma can be life-threatening, there are ways to treat it. Once the condition is diagnosed through analysis of a patient's symptoms, surgery or the use of diuretics to remove excess fluid from the longs may be prescribed. In addition, cardiac asthma patients may also be given oxygen and bronchodilators. While treatment of asthma is geared towards opening up small bronchial tubes, treatment of cardiac asthma is focused on improving the heart's pumping functions.

For children who suffer from congenital heart defects and have symptoms of cardiac asthma, it is important that they seek an evaluation from a congenital heart specialist. In addition to analysis of the symptoms, specialists may use a chest x-ray or echocardiogram to help identify the condition.

Tags: cardiac asthma, cardiac asthma, symptoms cardiac, symptoms cardiac asthma, heart failure

Issues That Deaf People Face

Hearing impaired people face obstacles in daily tasks that hearing people take for granted.

Deaf people face some challenges that the hearing world does not and may find difficult to understand. The day to day tasks that hearing people take for granted can be more difficult for a deaf person. The deaf community and culture is one of the tools that can help deal with these obstacles and provide support from others who can understand best.

Driving

Driving gives everyone a sense of independence, but it may be even stronger for the deaf community. Deaf drivers must focus all of their attention when driving an automobile because they are not able to hear sirens and traffic noises. This means that the driver must rely on the sense of sight to warn them of dangers while on the road.

Feeling Alone

Even if the deaf person has a supportive family and friends, it is likely that they are the only deaf person in the family or group of friends. This can lead some deaf persons to feel alone in the world. Community programs for deaf people can help to overcome the loneliness.

Common Daily Activities

Waking up in the morning can be the first daily activity that presents a problem. Many deaf people can use their internal clock to wake up in the morning if they spend some time learning techniques for waking up. Smoke detectors, timers on the oven and even the telephone present problems for deaf people every day. Technology is helping alleviate some of these difficulties. Alarm clocks can now turn on lights or vibrate to help the deaf person wake up. Telephones are also available to allow the deaf person to communicate on the phone.

Specially trained hearing dogs can help around the house and provide companionship for a deaf person.

Education

Traditional school environments are difficult for a deaf person to navigate without the aid of interpreters. Special schools for the deaf help young people learn communicate with others and the skills necessary to get through the world as a deaf person. The use of interpreters in college helps many deaf people earn degrees and advance in the workplace.

Jobs

Finding a good job as a deaf person can be a challenge. Unfortunately, there are misconceptions about the deaf community and some employers may not hire a deaf person. Job search and employment services for deaf people can help to alleviate some of these concerns.

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Cleanse A Hematite Stone

Hematite has been used for its healing properties and grounding affects for thousands of years. Hematite helps to promote blood functioning, improves circulation, aids in the production of blood cells, and assists with trauma and stress because of its grounding effects. Cleansing crystals and stones before use is important so one doesn't transfer the negative energy that the stone has absorbed into their own bodies. To receive the best benefits of hematite, wear it directly against the skin after it has been cleansed.

Instructions

1. Always cleanse a hematite stone when you first get it, you don't know where it has been or what kind of energy it has picked up. It doesn't matter which modality you use to cleanse it as long as the intention of clearing the negative energy is there.

2. Place hematite in a bowl of tumbled rock crystals. This will release any negative energy that it has absorbed as well as filling it with positive energy from the rock crystals.

3. Smudge hematite as another cleansing option. A smudge stick should be made of sage, cedar, lavender, sweetgrass or mugwart. Light the end of the smudge stick, allowing them to smolder slightly and smoke. Wave your hand by the smudge stick to waft the smoke and hold the crystal in the smoke for a little while, as long as you feel sufficient.

4. Use sound cleansing if you prefer. Bells, tuning forks, and Tibetan bowls can be used to clear negative energy. Place the stone next to the sound source or inside the Tibetan bowls, and then produce the sound until it fades.

Tags: negative energy, smudge stick, energy that, negative energy that, rock crystals, Tibetan bowls

Extract Essential Citrus Oils

You can extract essential oils from the leaves, blossoms and fruit of citrus trees.

Citrus essential oils are found in the flowers, leaves and fruit. You can extract the essential oils by distillation -- or by steeping the flowers, leaves or fruit peelings -- in oil or alcohol. You can also use plant material to make a tea, steeping it in boiling water. Once you have your scented oil, tinctures and teas, you can use them to make a variety of products like lotion and creams, soap, fragrance oil and salves.

Instructions

Tinctures

1. Rinse flower blossoms and shake them as dry as possible. Pick only the petals and discard all the other parts of the flower. Citrus blossoms produce a floral, perfumed essential oil. If you are using the leaves, rinse them and pat them dry. If you are using the peel, use a sharp vegetable peeler or small knife to cut off just the colored portion of the peel. The leaves and the peel will produce the more familiar citrus scent.

2. Pack as many petals, leaves or strips of peel as you can, into a clean, dry glass jar. Pour in enough vodka to completely cover the petals. Screw on the lid and store the jar in a cupboard away from light, for 2 or 3 days.

3. Strain the plant materials out of the vodka. Pack more petals, leaves or strips of peel into the glass jar, pour the scented vodka that you strained, over the new batch of plant material, and top it off with more vodka, if necessary. Screw on the lid, store the jar as before, and strain again after two or three days. You can repeat this again, until the vodka is saturated with the fragrance of the plant material.

4. Strain the final batch of citrus-infused vodka and store it in a glass jar with a screw lid. Use to make perfume, flavoring for food, or a toner for your skin.

Perfumed Oil

5. Prepare your plant materials as you did for the tincture. Make sure the petals, leaves or peels are dry, with no water droplets clinging to them.

6. Fill a glass jar as full as possible with the plant material and pour in enough oil to fill the jar. Screw on the lid, and store the oil for two or three days.

7. Strain the oil, discarding the used plant material. Fill the jar again with petals, leaves or strips of peel, pour back in the oil you strained. Add more oil, if necessary to fill the jar. You can repeat this process two or three times, until the oil is saturated with fragrance and flavor.

8. Store the oil in a closed container in the refrigerator. Use it to make lotions, creams, massage oil or flavoring for food.

Tea

9. Prepare the plant material, as you did for the tincture.

10. Use 1 tbsp. of plant material to 6 oz. of boiling water. Pour the boiling water over the blossoms, leaves or strips of peel, and allow it to steep for 5 minutes.

11. Use the tea immediately as a tisane, or as an ingredient in lotion, cream or soap.

Tags: plant material, leaves strips, leaves strips peel, petals leaves, strips peel

How Does Skin Color Help Prevent Skin Cancer

Role of Melanocytes in Skin Color

Melanocytes are pigment-producing cells located in the epidermal layer of the skin. These cells are also found in the eyes, hair and intestines. Melanocyte cells are responsible for skin color and the degree to which it reacts to the sun. Everyone has roughly the same number of melanocytes. Skin color is determined by the amount of pigment, called melanin, that these cells produce.

People with darker skin tones have melanocytes that produce an increased amount of melanin, while those with lighter skin tones produce less melanin. Melanin production and skin color is influenced by genetics, although some diseases can affect the activity of melanocytes in the skin.

Link Between Melanin and Skin Cancer

Chronic skin exposure can lead to skin cancer. This is true even if you do not burn, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. When the skin is exposed to the ultraviolet rays of the sun, the melanocytes in the skin increase production of the pigment melanin. Increased melanin production is what causes the browning of the skin known as a tan.

While all three primary types of skin cancer have been linked to sun exposure, the most dangerous type, melanoma, is directly linked to melanin. According to the American Cancer Society, melanoma develops in pigmented tissues of the body, mainly in moles or in the eyes. Darker skin has a greater natural protection against UV radiation from the sun, resulting in less cell damage and a decreased risk of developing melanoma and other skin cancers.

Reduced Skin Cancer Rates in Darker-Skinned People

After Care For Gastric Bypass

Obesity is one of the most dangerous health problems adults and children can face. Having gastric bypass surgery is a step in the right direction to getting healthy again. However, having the surgery is not the end to remaining healthy for the rest of your life. You must maintain your weight and health through a proper diet, exercise and regular follow-up appointments with a physician.

Diet

After having gastric bypass surgery, you will not be able to eat the same foods you once ate. You will need to eat a lot healthier in order to keep your weight down. It will be recommended that you eat according to a four-stage meal plan. For the first two days, you will drink clear liquids and eat no solids. If you have no problems with the first stage, you will begin to consume high-protein liquids such as breakfast and energy shakes, which you will need to drink for a week or two. The next stage is the soft food/puree diet. During this stage, you will eat high-protein foods like scrambled eggs, or low-fat or cottage cheese. You may also eat tuna fish, ground chicken or pork. Once you are ready to move on from this stage, you will begin your regular diet, which begins 8 weeks after surgery. The regular diet will integrate all five food groups, but will intially focus mostly on high-protein. Meals and snacks will be much smaller than you are used to. If you stick to the diet your doctor or nutritionist has provided you, you should able to maintain a healthy weight.

Exercise

Exercising is a necessity when it comes to being healthy. After surgery, the best thing you can do is start walking. Start slow, perhaps 15 minutes a day. You may then increase by five to 10 minutes each day. With the surgery, and incorporating exercise into your daily routine, you will lose a significant amount of weight. Once you lose weight, you will become more mobile and able to do more. Walking is a great way to exercise, but you may find other activities and sports more interesting and more appealing to you. Whether you enjoy walking, playing tennis, or even tango dancing, stick with this activity and make sure it is a regular part of your life by scheduling it into your day.

Doctor's Appointment

You will need to go to your doctor several times following your surgery in order to ensure that you are not suffering from any other physical or mental. You will also need to have your blood drawn and your blood pressure checked on a regular basis.

Tags: stage will, will need, bypass surgery, gastric bypass, gastric bypass surgery, into your, regular diet

Can A Trigger Point Be A Cyst

Trigger points can occur in arm muscles.

Anyone feeling a trigger point in his muscle or a cyst under his skin will wonder exactly what he is dealing with. When a lump and bump appears in your own body, knowing whether you are feeling a cyst or a trigger point will determine how you will deal with it. A trigger point will be in a specific type of tissue and will trigger pain when pressed on, which is one of the things that makes it different than a cyst.

Cysts

According to Princeton's Wordnet Search, a cyst is a closed sac in the body, especially one containing fluid, that has developed abnormally. Cysts can develop anywhere in the body and have different names according to where they develop. For example, a baker's cyst forms behind a knee and an ovarian cyst forms in an ovary.

One common cyst that could be confused with a trigger point is a ganglion cyst, because it is often located over a muscle and can cause pain in the muscle.

Trigger Points

According to "The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook," a trigger point is a knot or lump within a muscle fiber that hurts when pushed. Trigger points do not contain fluid; they are composed only of muscle fiber that has contracted and stayed contracted.

Definitions

A trigger point can be located in a muscle that is next to a cyst, but a trigger point is not a cyst, by definition. A trigger point area can contain metabolic waste that is trapped there by the contraction of the muscle fiber, but that waste is not contained within a sac, as with a cyst.

Cyst Treatment

A doctor will need to determine the appropriate course of action for any cyst. Some cysts are left alone, some are drained, and some are surgically removed. Treatment will depend on where the cysts is, if it is bothersome to you, if it interferes with any of your body's systems, or if it might rupture.

Trigger Point Treatment

Trigger point treatments include injection with a local anesthetic, stretching and repeated deep stroking massage, all of which have the ultimate goal of getting the contracted muscle fibers to release. These can be done by a doctor, physical therapist, chiropractor or massage therapist. A person with the trigger point can stretch and massage it himself, if the trigger point is in a location where he can apply pressure.

Tags: trigger point, fiber that, muscle fiber, muscle fiber that, trigger point

Projects For The Elderly In Longterm Care

Elderly people in long-term care need something to keep them occupied, otherwise it can be long day. Just because these people are in a facility does not mean they are not capable of doing anything without supervision. Many of these people are still able-bodied but need help with various aspects of life; they may have little family to help or their family is unable to assist them. There are a lot of fun activities that these folks can do to keep themselves occupied.

Classes and Lessons

Classes and lessons don't only have to refer to school, they can refer to any kind of session that teaches something. There are many things that the elderly can still learn, in fact, some still have perfect minds when they are in the 90s. These are good projects because they are run on a schedule, which means consistency for the participants.

Classes where they can be taught simple baking or cooking help keep the mind working. Craft lessons are good as well. Having them work with their hands is psychologically good for them. These classes, of course, should have an educated person supervising, and there should be a low patient to caregiver ratio.

Socializing

Sometimes long-term care facilities have ongoing gatherings for certain hobbies. These are socializing events that happen every week and sometimes every day. This can either be knitting, painting or other activities. These can also include reading hours where someone comes in to read to the elderly. It doesn't have to be reading, it can even be singing.

Making greeting cards and foam magnets are good projects to do in large groups as well. They take less supervision than other crafts. The materials are fairly cheap and are found anywhere. The crafts can also be given or used at a later time.

Group Projects

The Best Way To Come Off Nicotine Patches

Nicotine patches are a form of nicotine replacement therapy. They are self-adhesive patches that release small doses of nicotine into the blood stream. They can be applied between the waist and neck. Most users prefer to apply the patch to shoulders or arms. The urge to smoke and withdrawal symptoms are reduced by their use.

Wean Yourself

The patch is normally used for eight weeks. If symptoms of withdrawal are persistent, the patch can be used longer. Most smokers begin therapy using the 15mgs patches. You can begin weaning off the nicotine patch after being smoke-free at least eight weeks. The next dosage strength is 10mgs, which should be used for two weeks. Using this strength will begin to reduce the nicotine levels in your body. For the final two weeks, begin using the 5mgs patches. The nicotine being absorbed now is minimal. At this point you should be able to discontinue using the nicotine patch. Reducing the nicotine levels gradually, by reducing patch dosages, will lessen your overall need to smoke. Allowing your body adequate time to wean itself from nicotine increases overall smoking cessation success rates.

Helpful Information

You have to stop smoking cigarettes before using the patch, and continue not smoking while on the medication. Nicotine patches are designed to help with the physical urge to smoke. You will need to alter daily routines, and cease activities associated with smoking. Being aware of smoking triggers is helpful when trying to quit. Don't suddenly stop using the patch without doctor's approval. If after therapy the need to smoke is still overwhelming, professional counseling might be another option.

Tags: eight weeks, need smoke, nicotine levels, nicotine patch, Nicotine patches, urge smoke

Longterm Effects Of Rabies

Rabies

Rabies is a highly infectious virus that is spread from animals to humans usually through the saliva of the infected animal. A typical route of transmission is through a bite or other contact with the saliva of the host animal.

Rabies Survival

It is difficult to use the words "long term" when discussing rabies, since as soon as symptoms appear in a human, death is almost certain within 7 to 10 days. The Center for Disease Control has only documented six cases in history of humans who demonstrated clinical signs and symptoms of rabies and survived.

Rabies Cause Of Death

Death from rabies is typically caused by encephalitis, which is an inflammation of the brain; or myelitis, which is an inflammation of the spinal cord.

Phobias

Many patients with rabies infections experience hydrophobia, which is the fear of water or swallowing; and aerophobia, which is fear of flying or of fresh air.

Hallucinations and Agitation

Since rabies causes swelling or inflammation of the brain, hallucinations and agitation often occurs in the patient. Also, slurred speech and disorientation can occur.

Paresthesia

Many patients with rabies infections experience paresthesia, or a tingling sensation in the arms and scalp.

Tags: infections experience, inflammation brain, Many patients, Many patients with, patients with, patients with rabies

Eat To Prevent Kidney Stones

Kidney stones at their best are uncomfortable and a potentially severe annoyance. At their worst, kidney stones can lead to complete kidney failure. Treating them is not particularly difficult, but you can prevent them entirely. Eating the right foods in the right amounts will help to prevent kidney stones, while simultaneously avoiding high medical bills hospitals ask for their treatment.

Instructions

1. Take a fiber supplement. Diets that are complete with insoluble fibers help prevent kidney stones, by not allowing the intestines to soak up as much calcium as well as flushing out excess calcium through the stool as opposed to the urinary tract.

2. Eat foods with calcium. These help keep oxalates out of kidneys by causing them to perform a function instead of being disregarded by the body as waste.

3. Try eating more cold-water fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring and sardines. Eating them twice a week may help prevent kidney stones.

4. Find foods that are high in potassium such bananas. Potassium attaches itself to calcium in the urine and prevents the formation of kidney stones.

5. Sit down to a meal of a small amount of meat and large amount of vegetables, fruits and grain. A healthy diet rich in these foods is the best prevention for kidney stones.

6. Drink plenty of water. Doctors recommend 8 to 10 ounces an hour during the waking hours.

Tags: kidney stones, help prevent, help prevent kidney, prevent kidney, prevent kidney stones

Arthritis Symptoms In The Wrist

Arthritis is the catch-all term for the damage done to joints either through the daily wear and tear we put on them---called osteoarthritis---or through systemic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. The wrist and hand are particularly prone to arthritis, because they are composed of so many small bones and are in almost constant use throughout the day.

Onset of Symptoms

Osteoarthritis tends to occur mostly in older people. It may be the result of a traumatic injury to the wrist, or it could just be from normal wear and tear. Initially, you may notice a dull or burning pain in your wrist following use.

For those with rheumatoid arthritis, the wrist will experience longer periods of morning stiffness, have more pronounced swelling and warmth and may appear reddened.

Later symptoms

In osteoarthritis, as the cartilage wears away, the symptoms become more noticeable, and may wake you up at night. You may find your wrist to be stiff in the morning, or notice increasing swelling and warmth.

Joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis may actually begin to feel looser and your hand may become too weak to perform some tasks, such as opening a door or turning on a faucet. The inflammation associated with this disease is also responsible for the small nodules that appear over the finger and wrist joints.

Diagnosing Arthritis

Symptoms for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis may overlap, so if you have ongoing or significant swelling in your wrist, you should see an orthopedist or other joint specialist. Rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed by symptoms, physical examination of the joint, lab testing of blood, urine or joint fluid and x-rays or magnetic resonance imaging.

Lab tests won't tell you if you have osteoarthritis, but your doctor will likely order x-rays or an MRI scan and possibly even do an arthroscopic examination to look inside the joint.

Treatment

Rheumatoid arthritis is treated through medications, including anti-inflammatory drugs or even steroids as needed to stop the inflammation and thus stop the damage to the body's soft tissues. Osteoarthritis is generally manageable using solely non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), such as ibuprofen and naproxen.

Arthritis in the wrist may also be managed by wearing a splint to hold the wrist in a comfortable position while you're engaged in activities. It should be removed periodically to maintain range of motion.

An exercise program of gentle stretching and strengthening to help you maintain as much range of motion and strength as possible can be designed by a physical or occupational therapist.

When other treatments fail, surgery may be the answer. Surgical treatments include joint replacement, joint fusion, tendon repair or synovectomy, in which the lining of the joint that's causing the swelling and inflammation is removed.

Prevention/Solution

It may not be possible to prevent arthritic changes from occurring in your wrist, but there are some things that can be done to reduce your risk, as well as keep you functional if arthritis starts to develop. These include wrist rests for proper hand positioning while using the computer, wrist splints when you have to do repetitive activities and other devices that help you carry out tasks that would otherwise stress your wrist. A physical or occupational therapist can help you determine which devices will best serve your needs.

Tags: your wrist, rheumatoid arthritis, anti-inflammatory drugs, Arthritis Symptoms, arthritis wrist, occupational therapist

Make Tea From Ginkgo Leaves

Make a tasty tea from ginkgo leaves.

In traditional medicine, the ginkgo biloba plant has been touted to aid in memory function and circulation. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, ginkgo remains an accepted medicine in Europe today with current studies under way for its benefits in treating Alzheimer's. The medical center notes that ginkgo leaves contain more than 40 compounds, two of which have shown antioxidant benefits: flavonoids and terpenoids. The former protect blood vessels and nerves from damage, while the latter help dilate the blood vessels and improve blood flow. Making your own tea from the leaves can help you capture these brain benefits in a warm, soothing drink.

Instructions

1. Place five whole, fresh ginkgo leaves (or 1 tsp. of crushed, dried leaves) into the bottom of a tea cup.

2. Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a tea kettle.

3. Pour the water into the cup over the ginkgo leaves.

4. Cover the tea cup with a saucer and allow the leaves to steep for 10 minutes.

5. Uncover, pull the leaves out of the cup with a spoon and enjoy.

Tags: ginkgo leaves, blood vessels

What Are The Eligibility Requirements For A Virginia Medicaid Dd Waiver

A DD Waiver is an Individual and Family Developmental Disabilities Support Wavier that is given to eligible recipients by the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services. This wavier program helps people with disabilities or their families afford care services that are either home or community-based. The basic Medicaid requirements apply--the recipient must be a U.S. citizen, have a Social Security number and disclose any third-party liability--and the recipient must be a Virginia resident.

Disability

This wavier is available for people who have been diagnosed with a developmental disability but who have not been diagnosed as mentally retarded. The disability must be severe enough that the individual is eligible for placement in an Intermediate Care Facility for the Mentally Retarded.

Age

This wavier is available to disabled individuals who are at least 6 years old. There is no maximum age limit.

Income

In order to be eligible for this wavier program, disabled individuals need to have an income that is less than 300 percent of the of the maximum Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, payment amount allotted to them. Only the applicant's income is considered; additional income from household members or caregivers is not taken into account.

Assets

In order to be eligible for this waiver program, disabled individuals must have no more than $2,000 in assets. This includes investment and savings vehicles such as stocks and bonds. Only the applicant's assets are considered; additional assets from household members or caregivers are not taken into account.

Tags: disabled individuals, been diagnosed, caregivers taken, caregivers taken into, considered additional, eligible this

Conscious Breathing Exercises

From the time you are born to the time you die, you breathe. You began life by breathing and you will end life with your last breath. Many people know that breath is an integral part of life, but they do not know consciously integrate breath into their daily life. Conscious breathing exercises allow you to connect to the breathing process.

Basic Exercises

Stop what you are doing and just notice your breath. Do not try to manipulate your breath in any way. Just notice that you are breathing in and out. Now, notice the inhalation; feel the breath come into your body. Notice the slight pause and then the exhalation. Practice noticing your breath in this way for 10 minutes every morning when you wake up and 10 minutes every evening when you go to sleep.

Notice after doing this for a few days that you begin to feel differently. You begin to notice little things that you took for granted. You smell smells, see colors, hear sounds, all with more vibrancy and more attention to detail.

Take the next step in your conscious breathing exercise program. Now begin your breathing exercise by noticing the breath but also noticing the space the breath occupies. Notice the space right before your nostril. The space where the air is before it comes inside. Notice how your nostril draws the air in---how the air goes through your nostril, down to your lungs and then pauses for a moment. Then the exhale begins, down in your lungs and up through the nostril, following the same path in reverse, then out to the space right past your nostril. Take time to follow the breath on this journey repeatedly. Increase your conscious breathing time to 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes in the evening.

More Exercises

While you are doing your conscious breathing exercises, try some variations to see how they feel to you. As you breath in think, calm and peaceful; as you breath out think, peaceful and calm. Provide your own words if you like or use these. The idea is to combine thoughts with your breathing until breathing becomes an integral part of your thoughts. Eventually, you will reach the area where you will think as you breathe during your regular duties of the day.

Get up while you are doing your conscious breathing exercises. Add movement to your breathing by inhaling and raising your arms up over your head at the same time. Start with your arms hanging loosely at your sides, palms turned in. As you breathe in, raise your arms slowly from your sides, until they are over your head. Hold for a moment until the exhalation begins. Lower your arms slowly back to the starting position while you exhale.

Use visualization with your conscious breathing. In this exercise, as you breathe in, picture a warm healing light entering and filling your body. As you breathe out, feel all of your tension leave your body with the breath. Breathe in warm healing light, breath out tension and stress.

Tags: your conscious, your conscious breathing, with your, your arms, your nostril, conscious breathing, your body

Foods For Diabetes

Choosing food for a diabetic diet can seem daunting. Is fruit off-limits due to its sugar content? Do you have to avoid carbohydrates altogether? Here are some ideas on explore your food choices and make the best ones for your health.

Vegetables

Aim for three servings of non-starchy vegetables a day to get array of disease-fighting vitamins, nutrients, antioxidants, phytonutrients such as carotenoids and flavonoids as well as fiber to create a feeling of satiety. This include all greens, broccoli, spinach, lettuce, chilies, peppers and tomatoes. Prepare them with as little fat as possible when cooking.

Avoid starchy vegetables that are high in carbohydrates and raise blood glucose. These vegetables include: a variety of potatoes such as Idaho, russet and sweet; yams; corn; beans and peas; and all types of squash such as butternut, acorn and the like.Try to limit starchy vegetables to 1/2 cup serving per meal, at the most.

Fruits

Do not avoid fruit under the common misconception that fruit raises blood glucose levels more than other foods. Any food that contains carbohydrates, whether a grain, a vegetable or a fruit, will increase blood glucose about the same.

Like vegetables, fruit contains a wealth of nutrients. While you should eat around two to four servings a day, there are a few things to keep in mind. Choose whole fruit over fruit juice. If you must have juice, avoid sipping it on an empty stomach. Fruit, and which kind you have, affects everyone differently. You should keep track with a blood glucose monitor of how a given type affects your blood sugar, and when you ate it: after a big meal? At night or in the morning? Aim for nutrient-rich fruits such as all berries, cantaloupe, apples, pears, peaches and apricots.

Grains and Breads

Go whole-grain when choosing cereals, crackers, breads and pastas. For instance, choose 100 percent whole wheat bread over white bread, which spikes your blood sugar. Also, check nutrition labels. In many bread, even whole grain, there might be added sweeteners such high fructose corn syrup, which will has an impact on how the carbohydrates affect your blood glucose.

Dairy

Stick to lowfat dairy products such as milk, cottage cheese and yogurt so you'll reap the calcium without the saturated fat. Plan to get around two to three servings a day. Each serving of dairy's carbohydrate count is on par with a serving of a starch or a fruit. Avoid fruit-on-the-bottom yogurts as they contain added sugars; make your own quick breakfast with plain yogurt, a little high fiber cereal and some fresh fruit

Meat & Proteins

It might seem that since meat has few if any carbohydrates, it is perfect for diabetics. However, since quite a few cuts of meat are high in saturated fat, it is important to remember that diabetics are more prone to heart disease. Try lower-fat cuts (very lean ground beef is readily available) or sausage and bacon made from turkey or chicken. Load up your sandwiches with a 3 to 1 ratio of vegetables like lettuce, peppers, tomatoes and mushrooms to cold cuts to balance out nutrients and fats.

Sweet and Savory Treats and Alcohol

The following are best to limit: fried foods, cakes, cookies, candy and chips. These items usually contain a lot of sugar and fat with little nutritional value. It's best to save them for special occasions.

Tags: blood glucose, your blood, blood sugar, peppers tomatoes, starchy vegetables, three servings, with little

Eat And Drink During Labor

It is important that you eat and drink properly during labor. You need energy from food to cope with labor pain. However, there are some restrictions on what you can eat and drink during labor.

Instructions

1. Find out about the policy regarding food at the hospital where you'll deliver your baby. Some hospitals do not permit any food or drink during labor, especially if you're on pain medication.

2. Bring a lot of your favorite snacks and drinks to the hospital. Eat a small meal, and snack as often as you can to keep you energized.

3. Don't force yourself to eat. It is natural that you have nausea during labor and don't feel like eating.

4. Eat food that is easy to digest--mashed potatoes, gelatin, yogurt, apple sauce, cooked eggs, plain pasta.

5. Do not drink sweetened juice. Drink clear broth and tea with honey. At later stages of labor, you are recommended to only drink ice chips.

6. Avoid dairy products, spicy foods or foods that contain plenty of protein.

Tags: during labor

Does Milk Help You Sleep

There's no scientific proof that milk helps you sleep, according to Timothy Morgenthaler, M.D., of MayoClinic.com. While milk contains amounts of certain ingredients that promote sleep, it doesn't have enough to create the desired effect.

GABA

Milk has gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which has effects similar to Valium or benzodiazepine, but its levels are not high enough to produce a sedative effect, according to the July 29, 2010, Washington Post article "More Foods Hinder Than Help Sleep" by Jennifer LaRue Huget.

Placebo

Although drinking milk or herbal tea may have calming effects, there is also the possibility that the placebo effect might play a part. Science has not yet found a food that you can rely on to make you sleep.

Foods to Avoid

There is more evidence that points to substances in food that keep you awake. Such foods include fat, caffeine and heavy spices. Also, too much fluid and alcohol can keep you from sleeping through the night.

Tags: food that, Help Sleep

What Is The Scientific Name For Rabies

Rabies, a zoonotic viral infection, can affect most warm-blooded mammals. Unlike with many viruses, the medical name of the rabies virus is identical to its common name.

Common Name

The common name rabies comes from an identical Latin word meaning "rage" or "madness." Medical practitioners also use this term.

Taxonomical Name

Scientists refer to rabies using binomial nomenclature (genus and species). Its taxonomical name is Lyssavirus rabies or L. rabies.

Lyssavirus

The rabies virus is the type species of the Lyssavirus genus. The word "lyssa" means "frenzy" in Greek.

History

The word rabies probably evolved in the English language during the 17th century. It is a conjugation of the Latin verb rabere ("to rage"), itself a derivative of the Sanskrit "rabhas."

Other Names

In antiquity, people referred to rabies as hydrophobia; however, this term describes a symptom of the disease (irrational fear of water) rather than the disease itself.

Fun Fact

The complete taxonomical name for rabies literally means "mad frenzy" and refers to the unpredictable, violent behavior of animals affected by the virus.

Tags: name rabies, common name, Lyssavirus rabies, means frenzy, rabies virus

Exercises For Restless Legs

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) makes you feel like getting up and moving around while you are sitting or lying down. Walking around temporarily can sometimes relieve the symptoms. This condition can affect both genders and can start at any time and become progressively worse. People affected by this condition have disrupted sleep patterns and often feel extremely drowsy. Medications, along with exercise and lifestyle changes, can help you manage RLS.

Yoga

Take a yoga class. This type of exercise offers physical and mental ways to help settle your body down. The strenuous asana, or poses, will stretch your muscles, calming and relaxing your body and restless legs. Practice the breathing exercises and stretches at home to help relieve RLS symptoms. For example, place your feet flat on the ground and bend forward with your palms on the ground. This pose will stretch your legs and hamstrings. Reverse the position by bending backwards, facing toward the ceiling. Place your feet flat on the ground and your palms on the ground behind you. This position will also stretch the back and legs.

Running and Deep Stretching

Run in the morning or evening to help alleviate those RLS urges. Try a jog lasting as little as 15 minutes before your shower in the morning or after you return home from work in the evening. Experiment with different paces such as sprinting hard then slowing down. Stretch your legs before and after each run. Stand straight and bend over to touch your toes with your fingers. Place one leg in front of the other, slightly bent with the other straight behind you. Push on your knee with your hands to stretch the muscles. Take a warm bath after running to relax the muscles you just worked.

Walking Stairs/Deep Tissue Massage

Walk the stairs while at work, or complete a few repetitions at home. Walk several flights of stairs a day to calm those restless legs. Complete the day with a deep-tissue massage, which you can perform yourself by purchasing tubes specifically designed to massage leg muscles. Place the tubes beneath your legs, and roll the tubes with the weight of your legs by moving back and forth.

Tags: your legs, with your, feet flat, feet flat ground, flat ground, palms ground, relieve symptoms

What Are The Characteristics Of Parkinson'S Disease

Parkinson's disease most commonly affects older adults (above 50), though it can appear at a younger age. Causes of the disease are uncertain, though genetics are thought to influence the occurrence. There are currently no cures for Parkinson's disease; however, treatments like drugs and therapy may help to relieve some symptoms and improve the quality of life for sufferers. The level of decline is different with each individual, and is progressive. (For further information and treatment options, see Resources).

Tremors

Tremors are shaking and uncontrolled movements that occur in the arms, legs and hands. Tremors may affect one side of the body, then progress to both sides.

Weakness

Parkinson's disease may weaken the muscles, causing aching and fatigue.

Speech

Difficulty with speech may occur due to muscular changes in the face, neck and throat.

Mobility

It may become difficult for a person suffering with Parkinson's disease to move, walk and reposition himself freely. He may shuffle when he walks, taking small, careful steps.

Balance

As Parkinson's disease progresses, frequent falls may occur due to a lack of balance and coordination.

Tags: Parkinson disease

How Is A Heart Valve Made

Surgeons can replace a defective heart valve with a mechanical valve.

Heart valves act as small gateways that regulate blood flow within your heart. When a person has a defective heart valve, doctors can replace the valve with one made of animal tissue or a mechanical valve made of synthetic material.

Types of Mechanical Valves

Mechanical heart valves usually fall into one of two categories. The first kind manufactured is a ball-and-cage mechanism, in which blood flow is controlled by a rubber ball that oscillates within a metal cage. The second, and now more common, type is a tilting disc that move on a hinge or wires.

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