The Activator technique is a specific method that chiropractors use to treat and better stabilize the spine in order to restore proper nerve flow to the body. This technique should only be used by licensed chiropractors or students of chiropractic under proper supervision of a licensed chiropractor. Activator technique focuses on a specific set of protocols that enables the practitioner to identify and treat the appropriate joints which will enable the body to heal itself.
Protocol
The first step in almost any chiropractic physical examination is a detailed analysis of spinal joint dysfunction.This may include an analysis of a patients range of motion such as flexion, extension, rotation and lateral bending exercises done at each vertebral level in order for the chiropractor better understand what level the problem exists at.
Other tests may be done such as X-rays, instrumentation, soft tissue palpation, leg length inequalities, muscle reflex testing and analyzing a patients biomechanics (ways they walk or how they sit in a chair). Not all of these tests are needed in order for the doctor to gain a understanding of which joint or joints need to be adjusted. These are all just helpful tools that chiropractors use regardless of the technique being applied in order to better serve the patients needs.
Adjustment
The activator itself is a small hand held instrument that delivers a high speed low to the patient. It is a painless procedure and is often times utilized on children who have trouble sitting still or elderly may be contraindicated for a manual (hands on) adjustment. The activator enables the doctor to exactly pinpoint the correct site that needs to be adjusted which can be helpful in preventing injury to patients that may have pre-existing conditions such as osteoporosis. These conditions may weaken the bone and this requires a lower force adjustment which the activator delivers.
Tags: Activator technique, force adjustment, patients that, that chiropractors
Bronchial asthma is a pulmonary disorder that affects 15 million Americans each year. It is characterized by an obstruction and inflammation of the bronchial tubes that causes difficulty in breathing and wheezing. Bronchial asthma is usually triggered by an external stimulus such as an allergy, exertion or psychological stress.
Instructions
1. Treat cold by sedation of the lung and elimination of the phlegm. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, asthma is primarily caused by persistent coughing in addition to fluid in the lungs and the retention of phlegm. The Qi passage is blocked, which impairs the functioning of the lungs and produces the symptoms of coughing, rattling and wheezing.
2. Use the following acupoints as the primary locations for the treatment of bronchial asthma with acupuncture: Chize LU 5, Feishu UB 13, Fengmen UB 12, Lieque LU 7 and Tanzhong REN 17.
3. Add Dazhui DU 14 and Shenzhu DU 12 for patients with body aches and headaches. Shangxing DU 23 and Yingxiang LI 20 may be added for a stuffy or runny nose.
4. Sedate the points and leave them in place for half an hour. Stimulate Renzhong REN 17 until the sensation of needling reaches the sides of the chest. Insert a needle into the Chize LU 5 acupoint in the direction opposite the flow of Qi.
5. Keep Feishu UB 13 and Fengmen UB 12 sedated for two minutes. These two points also should be cupped for best results.
Hypertension is caused by high and is traditionally treated with expensive prescription medications that can cause severe side effects. While some people may have a genetic disposition to developing hypertension, high blood pressure is almost always brought on by stress and unhealthy habits. With dedication, lifestyle changes and natural treatments, hypertension can be effectively treated without drugs.
Instructions
1. Eat a healthy diet rich in whole foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, unrefined and unprocessed foods. A healthy diet is the most important ingredient in any natural medicine treatment and is essential to ensure sufficient intake of the vitamins and minerals the body needs to maintain homeostasis. Particularly helpful foods for preventing and reducing hypertension include raw fruits and vegetables, onions, garlic, soy, whole grains, olive oil, nuts, seeds and fish such as halibut, salmon, sardines and tuna.
2. Decrease your intake of sodium (salt) and increase potassium to reduce hypertension. Always read the labels of processed or prepared foods and avoid those with high levels of sodium. In addition to reducing salt in your diet, you should also avoid sugar, fried foods, caffeine and sugar.
3. Drink lots of water, which not only ensures proper bodily function and the elimination of waste products and toxins from your system, it can also greatly reduce hypertension naturally. As a general rule, drink 50 percent of your body weight in ounces daily. That is, if you weigh 200 pounds you should drink 100 oz. of water everyday.
4. Increase exercise, particularly those, which help to reduce stress such as yoga, Tai Chi and Pilates. Exercise can help you lose weight, reduce fat in the bloodstream, decrease stress and prevent or reduce hypertension.
5. Make green tea everyday. Studies have shown that people who drink green tea greatly reduce their risks of stroke, heart disease and cancer. Green tea can help prevent and reduce hypertension by increasing the levels of good cholesterol in the blood which helps to eliminate plaque that forms on the arterial walls. The antioxidant effects of green tea stop the oxidation of cholesterol in the arteries, reducing hypertension.
How do you stay fit and healthy during any season filled with parties, dinners, entertaining and traveling? Going to a party or social dinner, then hitting the slopes or wearing a bikini the next day is daunting. Well, you can have your fun-and figure too-by making sensible choices-without deprivation that causes bingeing and FAT! Here are some ways to do it.
Instructions
Eat Properly and Understand Your Cravings
1. Fill up on low-cal soups. At a Sushi restaurant, for instance, start with miso soup to fill you up on fewer calories. Gazpacho is a perfect FREE food that you can even purchase online at Citarella Gourmet Market (see Resources below). There are many natural-foods markets and cafes that have delicious soups every day.
2. Eat real foods. Eating fat-free yogurt, cookies, candies and energy bars will do nothing for you. They are manufactured foods that our bodies don't recognize and don't digest. If you want ice cream, order real ice cream in a kiddie cup. That is your one treat of the day. You will also be satisfied and not driven to eat more sugar-filled snacks.
3. Satisfy your cravings. There will be moments when you have to have something. Pick your battles and don't deprive! One day I was dying for sweets, so I had the icing from a sugary cupcake. I wanted more, so I took a deep breath, had some real dark chocolate with almonds and was satisfied. Always take a moment, step back and decide if the craving is negotiable. If I want chips and guacamole at a Mexican Restaurant, I have a small handful and push the basket aside or order tortillas and eat them with salsa and guacamole. One time I saw my best friend tearing through the basket. With tough love, I called the server and had them removed. My friend took a deep breath and thanked me. That's what friends are for.
Eat During Any Season
4. Barbecue healthy. When I barbecue, I try to make it healthy and interesting. Surprisingly, my chicken sausage, wasabi tuna burgers and turkey pesto sundried tomato burgers on whole grain buns with assorted sauces are more of a hit than hamburgers and hot dogs. Educate yourself and others. Serve healthy salads and alternatives-and people will love you for it.
5. Eat locally and seasonally. Farm stands have fresh produce grown locally that is ripe and satisfying. Variety, freshness and color makes eating interesting. We eat with our eyes. A colorful, large salad is a beautiful meal.
6. Don't obsess. This is a hard one. Seriously, do the best you can. Try to stick to eating healthy, small meals and snacks to calm hunger, not eating late at night and allowing indulgences from time to time. Never beat yourself up and never think that you have to go on an eating marathon because you had one moment of weakness. If you accept that you are doing the best you can, you won't fret and you'll eat when hungry, eat exactly what you want, eat in smaller portions and be one of those "normal" people that can eat a half of a hamburger and a few fries and is thin.
Eat and Drink Cocktails at Parties and Restaurants
7. Spoil your appetite. Eat before the party. Protein is best: a handful of nuts/nut butter or turkey on whole grain bread. Calories in the snacks? Trust me-the 200 calories in the snack saves 500 calories on two passed hors d'oeuvres that you would have eaten because of voracious hunger.
8. You will drink, so TRY to limit yourself to two drinks. Drink wine or clear liquor with soda and a squeeze of fruit. Flavored vodkas seem like a treat. Drink water between drinks. Eat a healthy snack, or bingeing the next day will occur. Protein/carb snacks such as whole wheat pita with hummus is a great choice! If you must have a mojito, ask for the least sweet version they can make or if you order a margarita, leave off the salt to avoid bloating. Sunset Beach and Almondito are two New York restaurants that are very accommodating with this request. Decide to drink during the day or night. If you have polo in the afternoon, have one drink and have your other in the evening. Two drinks during the day will make you feel terrible, bloated and starving in the evening.
9. Order salad at a restaurant for high volume and high fiber, which is filling. Eat vegetables at every meal which will fill you up with low calories and fat (even if it's not what you crave). Fiber calms hunger, allowing more sensible choices and keeps you from tearing at the bread. Order appetizers as a main course, allowing more decadent foods like crab cakes in smaller portions. If you're eating at The Palm, for instance, order the Gigi salad with no bacon and light dressing and a crab cocktail as a main course. Or have a tomato salad and a small steak (ask that they don't melt butter on it) with sauteed spinach and either a few bites of one of the fattening sides or a few bites of dessert. If you can't control yourself, sip your Stoli Raspberry with lime and move on. Tomorrow is a beach day-so cancel your membership to the clean plate club!
Tags: allowing more, deep breath, have your, Live Your, Live Your Life, main course
Mullein is commonly used as a tea or a tincture in remedies for congestion. The flowers also are steeped in an oil infusion used to relieve earaches and soften blockages caused by a buildup of wax. Making a mullein tincture only requires a few ingredients. Primarily, the recipe for any tincture calls for time. The longer you allow the herb to steep in the tincture solution, the more powerful your remedy will be.
Instructions
Preparing the Herbs
1. Harvest the approximately two quarts of mullein stems and flowers by making an angled cut near the base of the plant. Don't take more than 50 percent of the total plant so as to leave plenty behind for future use. If fresh mullein isn't available, purchase a half-pound of dried herbs from a natural food store or online through a reputable herb company.
2. Shake the leaves free of any dust or insects. You can give the stems a rinse, but this isn't necessary unless the plant was covered in dirt.
3. Break the stems into pieces and place them into the canning jar. If using purchased dried herbs, the herbs will already be processed. Fill the jar halfway with herbs but don't stuff them in. They will need to have room to fully absorb the .
4. Pour one quart of 100-proof alcohol into the jar. Vodka or brandy is commonly used for making tinctures and is easily purchased in liquor stores. If alcohol is not desired, use a quart of plain white vinegar instead.
5. Add two tablespoons of honey to a quart of water and mix this in with the alcohol. Mullein is a mucilaginous plant, which makes it so valuable as an expectorant. The honey will pull out the mucilage compounds to give you a more effective tincture.
6. Put the cap on the jar and shake it a little to allow the herbs to settle into the liquid. It is important that the solution--called the menstruum--completely covers the herbs. Any herbs that are exposed to air during the tincturing process will eventually spoil and destroy the tincture. Add more menstruum if necessary.
7. Tightly cap the jar and label with the date. Place the jar in a cool, dry location for at least three weeks. The tincture will strengthen the longer it sits. Check on the herbs every couple of days and give the jar a turn to prevent settling. Check to see if menstruum needs to be added to the jar.
Making the Tincture
8. Place a colander over a pot and line with cheesecloth. You will be wringing the liquid out of the herbs, so use a piece that is big enough to make a small bundle.
9. Pour the tincture into the cheesecloth. Use a small bit of water to rinse the remaining herb out of the jar-don't worry too much about diluting the tincture as long as you are not excessive with the water.
10. Gather the corners of the cheesecloth and squeeze the liquid from the herbs, wrenching as much liquid out as you can.
11. Discard the mullein to the compost pile and pour the new tincture into a clean glass jar for future use.
Contrary to popular opinion, rattlesnakes are found in nearly every state in the United States, Southern Canada and countries. Although rattlesnake bites are fairly common, only about 12 percent of those bitten actually die from the bite. When encountering one of these nasty critters the best course of action is to keep still since they are not naturally aggressive.
Instructions
1. Study the various species of rattlesnakes. There are sixteen species of rattlesnakes in the United states and twenty-five in Mexico and throughout South American countries. The patterns and colors vary according to species.
2. Listen for the notorious rattle when encountering a snake. This is not a definitive method for identifying them since the rattles are brittle and may break off, leaving you to look for other characteristics when encountering a snake.
3. Examine the face for the pit between the eyes and nostrils characteristic of a pit viper. Rattlesnakes are a member of this family. The pits enable the snake to sense warm-blooded animals and even tell the size of the animal.
4. Look at the eyes. Rattlesnakes have the cat-like vertical pupils common to most venomous snakes unlike the round pupils of most non-poisonous snakes. Rattlesnakes have no eyelids and cannot close their eyes so you cannot tell if they are asleep or not.
5. Identify the shape of the head, which is wider than the neck. The rattlesnake has a triangular head that aids in the dislocation of its jaw when swallowing food.
6. Notice the length and body-type of the snake. Rattlesnakes are normally between 2 and 3 feet long and have a heavy, thick body.
Tags: American countries, encountering snake, Identify Rattlesnake, Rattlesnakes have, South American, South American countries
If you think your fingernail disorder is serious, consult a doctor.
Fingernail disorders can be painful and aesthetically displeasing, or they can be dangerous and have more serious health implications. There are some self-check methods you can conduct to see whether or not your fingernail disorder is serious, and in some cases, some simple ways to prevent nail disorders. Always consult a doctor before taking any medication to treat fingernail disorders.
Instructions
Diagnosing Fingernail Disorders
1. Determine if the disorder is fungal. Fungal infections generally involve discoloration of the fingernail. If your fingernail is pink, you likely do not have a fungal infection. However, if the fingernail is yellow, dark brown or black, you may have onychomycosis, which is a fungal infection of the fingernails. Onychomycosis may also cause your fingernails to become thick to the point of discomfort. Visit the doctor if you think you might , as it may spread to other parts of the body.
2. Check for nail psoriasis, especially if you have skin psoriasis. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, 50 percent of people with skin psoriasis also develop nail psoriasis. Like onychomycosis, nail psoriasis will make your nails appear yellow or yellowish pink. However, psoriatic nails differ because air bubbles may also develop under the fingernail, which will eventually cause the fingernail to fall off if not treated. The nail will not thicken like it will if you have onychomycosis, but will flake off in yellowish patches.
3. Check for brittle and splitting nails. These are generally characterized by nails slitting down the middle or by nails becoming thinner to the point of pain. There are two general causes of brittle and splitting nails. The first is from the nails being constantly exposed to water and dried, and the second is due to a vitamin deficiency. A quick way to diagnose this is to see if your toenails have the same problems as your fingernails. If your toenails are fine, chances are this problem is not due to a vitamin deficiency. To avoid brittle and splitting nails, do household chores involving water with gloves, and use nail polish with nylon fibers as a base before applying other nail products.
Tags: brittle splitting, brittle splitting nails, have onychomycosis, nail psoriasis, splitting nails, your fingernail
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death in U.S. women. It is the leading cause of cancer-related death in Hispanic women and the second most frequent cause of cancer-related death in all other major racial groups. Breast cancer is not always fatal. In some cases, breast cancer can be very mild or "low grade."
Definition
A breast cancer's grade refers to the appearance of its cells upon examination. The more "normal" or ordinary a group of cells appear, the lower the cancer is graded. Breast cancer is based on a numerical scale of 1 to 3, with "low-grade" cancers receiving a score of 1.
In Situ
Often, low-grade cancers are "in situ." This means that the cancer does not spread beyond the location in the breast where it formed to other areas of the breast or the body.
Types
There are two major types of low-grade in situ breast cancers. The types differ based on the region in the breast where they originate. Ductal carcinoma in situ develops in the ducts or tubes that transport milk. Lobular carcinoma in situ begins in the lobules or glands where milk is produced.
Commonness
According to the , about 25 percent of all new cases of breast cancer are low-grade in situ.
Prognosis
With prompt treatment, most low-grade in situ cancers can be cured. According to the American Cancer Society, 98 percent of such cases reach the 5-year survival mark.
Tags: , , According American Cancer, American Cancer, American Cancer Society, breast cancer, breast where
Speech-language pathologists use multiple assessment tools for children and adults.
Speech-language pathologists work with a variety of clientele. They evaluate the speech, language and hearing abilities of children and adults with communications disorders, autism, physical impairments and learning disabilities, among others. A speech-language assessment involves several tests. There are more than 35 types of assessments for speech-language pathology, including the Hodson Assessment of Phonological Patterns, the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals, the Degrees of Reading Power (DRP) and the Test of Adolescent/Adult Word Finding (TAWF).
Hodson Assessment of Phonological Patterns
The Hodson Assessment of Phonological Patterns, also known as the HAPP-3--currently in its third revision--helps speech-language pathologists assess the phonological abilities of children over 2 years of age, who are highly unintelligible. Phonological processes refer to the way children simplify adult words while learning speak. For example, a child might say "wa wa" for "water". The test involves showing the child several objects, for which the child provides names. The HAPP-3 takes around five minutes and is a quick indicator of a child's abilities. It also shows the pathologist which areas need the most focus.
Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals
The Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals, or CELF-4 (fourth edition), is typically administered to children ages 5 to 16, though a preschool version is available. The CELF-4 helps speech-language pathologists evaluate the basic content and foundation of a child's language abilities to diagnose the presence of a language disorder. The assessment evaluates several areas, including word meanings, sentence structures and auditory recall. The CELF takes about 45 minutes to complete.
Degrees of Reading Power
The Degrees of Reading Power, or DRP, is typically administered to all students to gauge reading comprehension abilities. Children fill in the blanks to answer questions about paragraphs they have read. The test also assists teachers and pathologists in identifying special needs groups, like those who are behind peers, along with students who are gifted and advanced beyond their peers.
Test of Adolescent/Adult Word Finding
The Test of Adolescent/Adult Word Finding (TAWF) assessment is used for adults and children, to measure word-finding abilities and semantics, or comprehension of the meaning of language. The test consists of five sections, where students name pictures and try to discern words based on cues from the administrator, such as descriptions or categories. The informal TAWF is a fast way to assess the test subject's speed and accuracy in finding words, while the formal TAWF gives more comprehensive results. The tests are usually given together and take about 50 minutes to complete.
If you see blisters on the rear of your baby, it is likely a symptom of diaper rash. Diaper rash manifests as redness, soreness, pimples and blisters. Two varieties of rashes cause blistering: contact diaper rash and impetigo. Characterized by coin-sized blisters, impetigo occurs when bacteria enter through damaged skin. Contact diaper rash is the typical rash associated with diapers, but in severe cases, it causes blisters. To treat blisters successfully, you will need to identify the cause, remove it and treat the rash with medication recommended by a doctor.
Home Care Treatment
The best treatment for diaper rash is prevention, but the techniques used to prevent the rash also treat the rash. Start by bathing the child daily, clean the baby before changing the diaper and replacing the diaper as soon as possible after the child urinates or defecates. Remove the diaper completely and let the child run around bare to let air reach the skin. The diaper keeps the skin warm and helps create an ideal environment for bacteria. Old-fashioned remedies include applying cornstarch or talcum powder. Do not use them. Talcum powder can cause issues with the child's lungs. Cornstarch backfires by encouraging yeast infections, which can cause another bout of diaper rash.
Blisters
Ordinary diaper rash heals quickly with basic cleaning and over-the-counter creams. Blisters signify a more advanced rash. You should call your medical care provider and follow any recommendations, particularly if combined with a fever, not eating and sickness. In addition, if the rash extends past the diaper areas, it might not be diaper rash. The doctor will probably prescribe antibiotics or ointment.
Skin Irritants
If you have changed cleaning products, diaper brands or formula, try switching products. When using cloth diapers, the detergents can irritate, so switch to disposables. Your child might be having an allergic reaction to the chemicals in the cleaning products you use to clean the .
Increased Risks
Babies often get diaper rash between four and 15 months of age. Causes include not changing the diaper often enough, diapers that are too tight, and allergies to certain soap, materials and cleaning products. Illness manifesting in diarrhea and requiring antibiotics increases the chances of diarrhea. If the child is breastfeeding and the mother takes antibiotics, that increases the child's chances for diaper rash.
Levlen is a prescription brand birth control drug. The generic form of Levlen is levonorgestre ethinyl estradiol. Another brand name for this drug is Alesse. Levlen is used for preventing pregnancy. It is prescribed by a physician for a woman of child-bearing age. As a combination birth control pill, Levlen both prevents ovulation and alters the formation of cervical mucus which causes a change in the lining of the uterus that is inhospitable to an embryo. Levlen does this through synthetic formations of naturally occurring hormones progesterone and estrogen. Learn read the label correctly to make sure you're taking the right medication.
Instructions
1. Pick up the box or pill bottle which you believe contains the prescription drug Levlen. Examine the label on the box or bottle to confirm that it is indeed, Levlen or the generic form of Levlen and not another drug.
2. Locate the pharmacy name and address where you had the prescription filled which appears at the top left corner of the prescription drug label which is either pasted flat on the side of a box of pills or flattened around the outer edge of a bottle of pills. Note the prescription number for your individual prescription just beneath the pharmacy address and just above your name and address.
3. Scroll past the one to two sentence description of take the drug and look for a line that lists the name of the drug followed by the strength of drug contained in each pill, tablet or capsule.
4. Verify that the drug name line reads "Levlen xxmg pills" or "levonorgestre ethinyl estradiol xxmg pills." (The "xx" stands for the milligram amount, such as 50mg.)
5. Confirm that you are reading the correct line by looking for the terms "QTY" and "MRG" beneath the drug name line. If you have any questions about the drug, call the phone number listed at the top right of the label and ask to speak to a pharmacist about your question. If the prescription label has any other drug name other than those mentioned above or has another individual's name printed on it, do not take the medication.
Tags: birth control, drug name, drug name line, ethinyl estradiol, form Levlen, generic form
Fibroid tumors are commonly found in women in their 30s and 40s before menopause. They are caused by an abnormal growth in the uterus. A fibroid tumor can be painless or painful depending on the size and location. There are three types of fibroids which are determined by where the fibroid is located. Subserous are located in the outside of the uterus, intramural fibroids are located in the walls of the uterus and submucous are inside the uterus. There are several natural methods to shrink a fibroid tumor.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon can be used to reduce or eliminate the bleeding that is associated with fibroid tumors. Mix 1 tsp. of cinnamon bark or cinnamon tincture with one cup of hot water and drink daily. You can also take 5 to 10 drops of cinnamon oil every 15 minutes for four hours or until the bleeding stops.
Herbs
To stop pelvic inflammation, mix 1 tbsp. of Reishi tincture with ¼ cup of water. You will take this herbal remedy three times a day until symptoms are relieved. You can take 250 to 500 mg black cohosh in tablet form per day as an herbal supplement to relieve any pain. You can take 25 to 30 drops of Vitex Berry (Chaste Tree) Tincture twice a day to shrink small fibroids. This method will take two months to begin to shrink your fibroid tumor and may be used for a maximum of two years. Hot ginger and warm castor oil can be used as a compress and placed over your fibroid to relieve pain.
You can also combine equal parts of Gromwell herb or seeds (Lithospermum officialis), Lady's Mantle herb (Alchemilla Vulgaris), Black Currant buds or leaves (Ribes nigrum), Yarrow flowers (Achillea Millefolium), Chaste Tree berries (Vitex agnes-castus) and Wild Pansy flowers (Viola tricolor). You should take a teaspoon of this mixture until your fibroid has shrunk. This formula typically takes between two to four months. You can any of the above herbs individually to treat fibroids.
Traditional Chinese Formulas
Although the cause of fibroids tumors is not completely understood, studies have shown that high estrogen levels may contribute to the formation of fibroid tumors. Cinnamon twig and poria pills can work to lower the estrogen levels without hindering your menstrual cycle. This method may help to shrink the size of your fibroid of prevent further growth.
Estrogen levels are also reduced by dong quai and peony powder. This herbal remedy also works to reduce inflammation. You should take no more than 10 drops of dong quai because it can increase the size of your fibroid when used excessively. If you have symptoms such as painful urination, dry mouth or blurry vision, you can use Augmented Rambling Powder as needed. This remedy also lowers estrogen levels to treat fibroid tumors.
Tags: your fibroid, fibroid tumor, also take, Chaste Tree, dong quai, estrogen levels
Household bugs and insects are a major nuisance in many homes. It is therefore important that you know identify them so you can deal with them.
Instructions
1. Research and learn the habits and life cycle of household bugs and insects. Look for information in books, magazines and on the Internet. Pay attention to the details of each class of insects and bugs and note them.
2. Get to know the possible hiding places and feeding habits for different bugs and insects. This information will help you identify them. For example, the feeding habits will help you know whether what you saw in the kitchen was a cockroach and not another household bug. Find out also if a particular insect or bug is a bloodsucker, woodborer, grain eater, etc.
3. Search for signs of household bugs and insects such as fecal stains on the mattresses, walls and curtains. Also be on the lookout for dried skins left behind and bloodstains on bedding. You might physically see the bugs on the bed frames, under furniture, mattresses' seams, windowsills and inside box springs.
4. Categorize the insect or bug into the classes that you have learned. These classes include ants, bees, beetles, butterflies, caterpillars, wasps, true bugs, lice, termites, bedbugs, woodlice, centipedes, millipedes and crickets.
5. Try to match each insect or bug with an image that you might have seen during your research. You can identify an insect or bug by various factors such as the number of legs, whether it has wings or not and its color.
6. Look for ways to get rid of the insects and bugs once you have fully identified them. There are many insecticides and bug sprays. Read the instructions and use labels to identify the particular insect or bug it is likely to get rid of.
The liver and gallbladder are designed to rid the body of toxins, but a gallbladder and liver flush may give these organs an added boost. A liver/gallbladder cleanse is an option for those wishing to remove toxins from the body.
Function
Internal liver and gallbladder cleansing is said to drive harmful chemicals and germs from the body accumulated from diet, environmental pollutants and ingested medications.
Types
Flushing the liver and gallbladder is done by means of juice and water consumption, Epsom salts, oils, and selected herbal and enzymatic supplements. These programs usually take two to three days.
Benefits
Flushing the liver and gallbladder is said to aid in weight loss, cancer treatment and elimination of fat, parasites, and even gallstones.
Considerations
Side effects of a flush include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, and contractions of the gallbladder resulting in gallstones getting lodged in the bile duct. There is no medical evidence supporting the effects of a liver or gallbladder flush.
Warnings
Cleansing the liver and gallbladder is not a cure for any medical condition and medical treatment should be sought for any and all medical conditions. Liver/gallbladder flushes can pose serious health risks when not carefully supervised by a doctor.
Tags: , Flushing liver, Flushing liver gallbladder, from body
Without using any chemicals or artificial substances, you can treat a burn and begin the healing process. All it takes is a few items that can be found around the house.
Instructions
1. Assess the severity of the burn. If you have substantial burns, covering more than a couple square inches on your body, seek immediate medical help. If the burn isn't severe or only affects a small portion of your body, you can proceed to treat the burn naturally.
2. Clean off the . Be sure to remove all dirt and debris on and around the burn. Use cold water to thoroughly, yet gently wash the burned section of skin. If you leave grime on or around , you will run the risk of getting an infection.
3. Dry the area completely. Use a soft piece of cloth to pat the area dry. Don't scrub or use a rough towel as that will only increase the pain and damage the surrounding skin.
4. Apply honey to your burn. Cover the entire burn with a layer of honey. The honey will secure the area and help promote healing. Honey also helps fight off bacteria to help prevent infection.
5. Wrap your burn in gauze. The honey should help the gauze stick. Wrap the affected area completely, and secure with adhesive tape.
6. Change the bandage once a day, applying more honey each time. Check the burned area to make sure that it is healing. If you do see signs of infection or notice that the burn is not healing, make a trip to the doctor.
Tags: your burn, affected area, area completely, your body
Bidet toilet seats offer all the advantages of a freestanding bidet.
Bidet toilet sets enable men and women to wash their private parts just as easily as with a freestanding bidet, yet they are much easier to install and do not require calling a plumber. You will tap into the existing cold water valve that refills your toilet bowl and use the toilet's existing drainage system. Once installed, you'll be able to clean yourself Euro-style.
Instructions
Installation
1. Measure your existing toilet with measuring tape before ordering your bidet kit, sized for your toilet seat. Different bidet seat manufactures require different combinations of measurements, so refer to the manufacturers instruction's before taking measurements. Order a kit with a seat that is small enough and appropriately shaped to fit easily inside your bowl.
2. Remove your existing toilet seat by unscrewing the bolts with a screwdriver. Clean the entire toilet thoroughly with a soft cloth and cleanser.
3. Mount the bidet seat into your toilet using the parts that came with the kit. Screw the mounting bracket into the holes used to secure the old toilet seat. Slide the bidet onto the mounting bracket and you should hear an audible clicking sound.
4. Turn off the water valve that connects to the back of your toilet. Flush the toilet until there is no water left in the tank. Unscrew the hose from the water valve and reattach it to the metal T-connection with your seat. Reconnect the hose going to the toilet to the top of the T-connection. Connect the hose that came with the seat to the bottom of the T-connection on one end and to the bidet on the other. Tighten all connections with a wrench. Turn the water valve back on and check for leaks.
Use
5. Remove your pants and underwear and face the controls of the bidet. Adjust the water to an appropriate level and temperature.
6. Position your genital and anus area so that the water is streaming toward them. With some models, you will be able to sit down, whereas others will require you to squat. You may use soap to wash yourself if you desire, or just let the water do the work.
7. Dry yourself with toilet paper and and rinse the bidet bowl with low pressure water.
8. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.
Tags: water valve, your toilet, came with, that came, that came with, bidet seat
Organic hair loss treatments for women include topical products like shampoos, conditioners and tonics. Supplements are made with herbs, antioxidants and other nutritional products including spirulina. There are several herbs that are beneficial to a woman's health and will aide in hair regrowth. The best suggestion is to stop using chemicals such as perms and straighteners or at least give your hair a rest of a few months in between treatments.
Types
Organic hair loss treatments for women include the use of topical treatments such as shampoos and conditioners, tonics and herbs in capsules. These are used as a complete care kit or separately.
Shampoos and Conditioners
The ingredients used in shampoos and conditioners as an organic hair loss treatment include aloe vera, burdock root, lavender, rosemary and lemon. These are created to thicken hair and stimulate new growth while cleaning the scalp.
Tonics
Tonics created as an organic hair loss treatment for women use herbs that stimulate new growth such as capsicum, rosemary and ginger. Essential oils include a way to keep the hair and scalp from drying out. These include ylang ylang, mint, zinc and Bjring Araj.
Supplements
The most common ingredients in herbal organic treatments for women include saw palmetto, nettles, sage, rosemary, oat straw, cayenne and burdock. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are found in hemp and evening primrose oil. These combined with an antioxidant program will help with hair loss in women.
Considerations
In conjunction with the above treatments, reduce the amount of chemical treatments you apply to your hair. These can undermine the use of any organic hair loss treatment program you use. When taking herbs, use caution in case of allergies.
Tags: hair loss, hair loss treatment, loss treatment, , organic hair
The size of medical needles is based on their intended use. For example, needles that will penetrate the muscle will be longer than needles that are only used to penetrate fat. If you want to determine the size of your medical needles, you can do so with the appropriate tools in just a few seconds.
Instructions
1. Set the plastic part of the medical needle down on a piece of paper. If possible, do not remove the plastic that is protecting the metal part of the needle. Needles need to be clean and sterile prior to use, and by removing the plastic, you run the risk of contaminating the needle. If the plastic is already removed, do not let the tip of the needle touch the paper.
2. Make a mark on the piece of paper where the metal shaft of the needle begins. Make another mark on the paper where the metal shaft of the needle ends. Remove the needle from the paper and place it back in its storage container.
3. Use a tape measure to find the distance between the two marks you made on the piece of paper, in millimeters. This is the total length of the medical needle.
4. Place the mouth of a caliper around the tip of your medical needle. Tighten the caliper around the needle so that both of the points on the caliper are touching the shaft of the needle. Read the millimeter measurement on the caliper to find the distance, in millimeters, of the diameter of the needle. Use a needle gauge size chart to match your measurement up with the gauge of the needle. For example, a measurement of 1.270 millimeters would correspond to a gauge of 18.
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Chronic tension or muscular headaches accompanied by can slow you down and interfere with your life. This type of pain may result from stress or an injury, but regardless of the cause there are methods to relax your muscles and stop the ache.
OTC Medications
Headache medications offer quick treatment for tension or . What's more, you can take these medications to reduce muscles spasms or inflammation in the back. Good choices include acetaminophen, ibuprofen or aspirin.
Heat Therapy
Heat from a hot shower, a heating pad or a warm cloth are effective methods because the temperature helps relax muscle tension and offers a natural remedy for tension headaches and backaches.
Stress Prevention
Mental and physical stress also plays a role in tension headaches and backaches. Muscles become tense when under stress. You can relieve tension by practicing stress management techniques such as deep breathing, listening to soft music or exercising.
Relaxation
Constant movement or a busy schedule can create headaches and back pain due to stress and a lack of relaxation. Take time off to clear your mind and relieve tension. Aim for eight hours of sleep a night to reduce tension in your head and back.
Medical Attention
Chronic, uncontrollable stress may produce persistent tension or muscular headaches and back pain. Seek medical attention if you are unable to manage pain at home, or if you need an anti-anxiety or anti-depressant to help lessen tension headaches.
The endocrine system controls countless functions in the body. The metabolism of energy, reproduction, growth and even responses to stress are controlled by the endocrine system. Most diseases of the or easily treated and controlled by modern medical practices.
Cushing's Syndrome
Cushing's syndrome is a hormone disorder that's caused by high levels of the hormone cortisol for long periods of time. This sometimes occurs when the body produces too much, but cortisol is also present in some steroid hormones that treat asthma, lupus, and other diseases. Though Cushing's is rare, it's diagnosed primarily in adults ages 20 to 50. Symptoms of Cushing's syndrome are weak muscles, fatigue, high blood pressure and high glucose, as well as a fatty hump in the middle of the shoulders. Treatment for Cushing's depends on the reason for the high cortisol levels. High levels due to a tumor on the pituitary gland are treated with surgery. Cortisol-inhibiting drugs are used as well.
Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary disease that affects the secretory glands of the body. The sexual organs, pancreas, liver and lungs are some of the organs most affected by it. Cystic fibrosis is caused by a defect in the CFTR gene, which controls the movement of water and salts in the body. This defect causes mucus to be thick and sticky and sweat to be salty. Symptoms of cystic fibrosis include lung infections and pneumonia due to the thick mucus buildup in the airways of the lungs. As cystic fibrosis gets worse, it can lead to diabetes and gallstones. There is no cure for cystic fibrosis, so most treatment consists of preventing lung infections, dehydration and thinning the mucus.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is caused by a hyperactive thyroid gland, causing sometimes toxic levels of the thyroid hormone in the bloodstream. The thyroid hormone controls metabolism, breathing and brain development. Hyperthyroidism can result from inflammation of the gland, too much iodine or Graves' disease. Intolerance of heat, hand tremors, weight loss and tremors are all some of the indicators of hyperthyroidism. Antithyroid medications are prescribed to prevent the thyroid from using iodine to make more hormones. Radioactive iodine is also used in some cases to destroy parts of the thyroid gland from the inside.
Graves' Disease
Graves' disease occurs when the body's own immune system attaches to the thyroid and causes it to make excessive amounts of the thyroid hormone. In some cases, the immune system can also block the production the thyroid hormone, causing a thyroid hormone deficiency. Symptoms of Graves' include trouble sleeping, muscle weakness and diarrhea. Radioiodine or radioactive iodine is also used to treat Graves' disease as well as complete removal of the thyroid.
Hashimoto's Disease
Hashimoto's disease is an inflammation in the thyroid caused by the immune system that results in reduced hormone production or hypothyroidism. Hashimoto's disease may have no symptoms at first, but as the disease progresses there may be a feeling of fullness in the throat, intolerance to cold and constipation. The goal of treatment for Hashimoto's disease is to restore a normal balance of thyroid hormones using a synthetic hormone.
Skin irritations in dogs can be treated with a variety of medications, both over-the-counter and prescribed, depending on the cause. If your dog has irritated skin, she is uncomfortable and may even lose sleep as a result of the itching. Consult a veterinarian if the problem persists.
Antihistamines such as Atarax or Benadryl, anti-inflammatory corticosteroids such as prednisone, and immunosuppresive medications, such as cyclosporine, are used to treat caused by environmental allergies.
Oral Antibiotics and Cortisone
Oral antibiotics are used for infectious dermatitis caused by bacteria, fungus or yeast. Topical medications such as cortisone can help relieve the itching until the antibiotics fight the infection.
Supplements
Supplements such as omega fatty acids and vitamins can be used if your dog has skin irritations caused by inexpensive dog food that may not be providing the nutrients necessary to maintain healthy skin and coat.
Frontline, Advantix, Flea Shampoo
Frontline, Advantix and flea shampoo can be used to treat parasites such as fleas, ticks and mites. In extreme cases, a dog may need a flea dip.
Considerations
It may be necessary to bandage the area or use an Elizabethan collar to block the dog from licking or chewing it. This will keep him from ingesting the medication and further disturbing the irritation.
Walkers come in many sizes and varieties and are helpful to anyone who has a difficult time getting around. Walkers give support and stability to people with injuries, instability or limited mobility. Use a walker properly to walk safely and maintain regular mobility at any age or condition.
Instructions
1. Adjust the walker to be high enough that you can hold it comfortably with your arms slightly bent at a 45-degree angle. If you have to stoop down or bring your arms up high to reach the walker, adjust it up or down an inch or two until you find a comfortable and safe position.
2. Lock the walker into place so the frame is rigid. Folding walkers usually have a latch or button that needs to be pushed for the walker to be functional. Make sure your walker is completely open before you walk with it.
3. Place your hands at parallel positions on either side of the walker. This will equally distribute your weight on both feet and on both sides of the walker, making it easier for the walker to support you when you move.
4. Lift the walker and move it in front of you a distance equal to one footstep. Move it a small distance if you're limited to taking small steps close together. Mimicking your gait with the movement of the walker will enable you to use the walker comfortably and naturally. You should never feel like you're "catching up" to .
5. Step into the frame of the walker with both feet, keeping both hands firmly on the walker's handgrips. Once you've completed a step this way, begin the next step by moving the walker forward again.
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Because of the high levels of obesity across the United States, bariatric or weight loss surgeries such as the lap band procedure and stomach bypass have become very common. After bariatric surgery, most patients go on a liquid diet for approximately 10 to 14 days. A dietitian can create a specific meal plan for an individual. But, in general, a bariatric liquid diet involves consuming low-calorie liquids, high protein and vitamins.
Daily Fluid Requirements
According to the Penn Bariatric Surgery Program, a patient should drink between 48 to 64 oz. of liquid each day on the liquid diet. Read the labels for any beverage before you drink it. For example, vitamin water may seem like a healthy choice, but it is often full of calories. Recommended beverages include: water, skim or soy milk, 100% fruit juice, decaf tea or coffee and sugar-free beverages. Avoid drinking soda. According to the Obesity Action Coalition, the gas produced by the carbonated beverage can actually cause your stomach pouch to stretch. If you continue to drink carbonated beverages, you could eventually be able to fit larger portions of food in your stomach, which would reverse the effect of your surgery. Also, stay away from alcohol. It has no nutritional value and is full of calories.
Include Protein Supplements
According to the Obesity Action Coalition, protein is the most important nutrient in the bariatric diet. Although you cannot eat solid protein foods on the liquid diet, you can incorporate protein powders with allowed liquids. You can normally find a variety of different brands of protein powder at your local health food store. Some popular brands are GNC 100% Whey Protein and Zero Carb Isopure. Both of these come in a variety of flavors and can be mixed with water. If you are still unsure which brand to chose, consult with a health care professional.
Include Vitamin and Mineral Supplements
To prevent vitamin and mineral deficiencies, include nutritional supplements in your liquid diet. Start by taking a multi-vitamin supplement. For best absorption, buy a vitamin in chewable form. It is also important to include a calcium citrate supplement in your diet. According to the Penn Bariatric Surgery Program, 1,200 to 1,500 milligrams is the recommended daily dose. This supplement can be crushed and easily incorporated with your fluids.
Practice Good Drinking Habits
After you have found healthy fluids and purchased the right supplements, start practicing good drinking habits. For example, when you feel full, stop drinking. Also, always drink your beverage slowly to avoid dumping syndrome. This problem is typical of bariatric patients and occurs when food or liquids enter your small intestines too quickly. Side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness and sweating. In addition, avoid using a straw to drink your beverage. Sipping through a straw could cause your stomach pouch to overfill with air.
Tags: , your stomach, According Obesity, According Obesity Action, According Penn
With 60 million Americans overweight, obesity is reaching epidemic proportions, and many of those considered obese are looking to lose weight. A proper will allow them to set healthy and realistic goals to lose weight.
Instructions
Know how much weight you need to lose
1. Weigh yourself. This is the first step to losing weight. A BMI calculator will tell you based upon your current height what your ideal weight is. Subtract your ideal weight from your current weight and this is your weight loss goal. For example, if you are a male who is 6 feet tall and weighs 215 pounds, your maximum ideal weight is 183 pounds. So, in this instance, you need to lose 32 pounds.
2. Plan for your weight loss goals. Most experts feel that the maximum amount of weight you should lose weekly would be 1 1/2 to 2 pounds. As you use the weight loss calculator, understand the the 2 pounds is maximum amount of weight you should lose weekly. Using the previous example, if you need to lose 32 pounds, then it should take you at least 16 weeks to accomplish this goal in a healthy fashion.
3. Use the weight loss calculator. Weight loss calculators are designed to give the ideal number of calories you should consume to accomplish your weight loss goals. The calculator will tell you based upon your height, current weight, desired weight and amount of time you wish to accomplish your goal the total number of calories you should consume and the amount of exercise you will need to perform.
4. Input your height, gender, weight, age and the amount of weight you wish to lose. Some calculators will also ask you to input the date so that the calculator can give you estimates of how long it will take for you to lose the weight.
5. Follow expert advice. Recommended weight loss strategies include drinking plenty of water instead of soda, juices and alcohol, getting plenty of sleep and making sure to eat a healthy breakfast. People that don't eat breakfast are likely to overeat during the course of the day.
Tags: weight loss, loss calculator, weight loss calculator, your weight, your weight loss, , calculator will
Qigong (Chee-gung) can be interpreted as the life force in all things. Qigong practices are ancient Chinese exercises for physical, mental and spiritual wellness. Qigong incorporates gentle movements that can help reduce stress, strengthen and revitalize the body, and promote a healthy immune systems. Qigong practitioners' health claims include cardiovascular, respiratory and circulatory benefits. A well-known Qigong practice is Taiji (T'ai Chi), a martial art associated with Taoism. While Qigong is a complex system that requires a guide, one can begin with some basic Qigong breathing, back exercises and healing meditations.
Instructions
Qigong Mind & Body Healing Exersices
1. Practice Qigong breathing exercises. Sit or lie down. Breathe in as if filling your belly with air. At the base of the inhalation, pause. Collapse your belly as you exhale slowly. Continue until you achieve a natural rhythm. Eventually, you will breathe fewer times per minute. This is "tortoise breathing."
2. Perform the T'ai Chi Empty Stance. Standing, bend your knees slightly while bending at the groin area. Maintain a straight posture and slightly dip your tailbone. Slightly tuck your chin for vertebrae alignment. Point the toes of one foot at a 45-degree angle from the other foot. Shift most of your weight to the straight-foot leg and balance the other foot on your toes. Practice from 5 to 30 minutes a day for relief from chronic back pain.
3. Relieve eyestrain with Qigong acupressure eye exercises. At points on both sides and nearly to the top of the nose, gently and simultaneously massage the points with circular movements. While there are more in-depth Qigong massages for the eyes, this simple exercise helps to moisten eyes and releases negative chi (energy). Practice throughout the day.
4. Practice the Qigong Rainbow Meditation. In a quiet, dimly lit place, sit in a comfortable chair that allows for straight, but relaxed posture. Sit with feet flat on the floor, back straight and head aligned with the vertebrae. Do not tuck your chin. Rest your tongue against the roof of your mouth just behind your front teeth. Breathe using Qigong breathing. Relax your body from the feet upward. Now visualize a rainbow in the distance. Focus on the colors. The rainbow will begin to turn, moving toward you. When the rainbow is above you, feel the colors radiate downward to your feet into the ground. Then feel the colors moving upward to the top of your head. Cap the light and rest in the healing colors of heaven.
Tags: Body Healing, , Mind Body Healing, Qigong breathing, Qigong Mind, Qigong Mind Body, Body Healing Exercises
Some alternative therapies may help you kick the habit.
Quitting smoking can be one of the most important steps you can take to improve your health. Not only will you reduce your risk of coronary artery disease, lung cancer and even cataracts, you will also improve the health of the people around you by reducing their exposure to second-hand smoke. There are dozens of methods to use to quit smoking, such as medication, nicotine replacement therapies and support groups or hotlines. Try alternative treatments for quitting smoking, as well, such as hypnotherapy, acupuncture, laser therapy and meditation. If one method does not work for you, try another.
Instructions
1. Make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your options for quitting smoking. Many doctors recommend that patients try both conventional and alternative approaches to quitting smoking, rather than just trying alternative methods, according to Nora Isaacs of Health.com (see Reference 1).
2. Visit a certified hypnotherapist who specializes in helping people quit smoking. A typical session will begin with inducing a state of relaxation and exploring your smoking "triggers," or what events usually cause you to light up a cigarette. The hypnotherapist will then try to help you replace your response to these triggers with a nonsmoking activity. Because methods vary widely among different hypnotherapists, if you do not find results with one, try visiting a different hypnotherapist (see Reference 2).
3. Check with the American Board of Medical Acupuncture to find a certified acupuncturist near you. An acupuncturist will stimulate specific points on your body with the goal of alleviating nicotine withdrawal symptoms and reducing cravings.
4. Try having cold laser therapy. This is similar to acupuncture, so if you prefer to avoid needles, it may be an ideal alternative for you. Cold laser therapy aims to provide relaxation and release endorphins to help reduce cravings. Also like acupuncture, cold laser therapy may help some but not all quitters, as "there is no scientific evidence that shows this helps people stop smoking," according to the American Cancer Society (see Reference 2).
5. Meditate when you feel a craving for nicotine. Meditation may help release dopamine, a natural chemical that can help alleviate cravings. It may also help you cope with the stress of quitting.
Dull throbbing neck pain symptoms can occur for several reasons. The discomfort may be a result of an injury, such as whiplash from a car accident, or from poor posture.
It may also be that you slept with the neck in a non-supported position, creating an alignment in your spine and neck that was not appropriate.
Yoga is an excellent way to reduce dull throbbing neck pain. First, be certain that your neck pain is not serious before doing any rehabilitative exercise.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) states that neck pain rarely requires surgery as treatment.
Identification
NIH states that neck pain can be caused by any of the bones or the discs that cushion them: neck pain is often from neck strain. The cervical spine, or neck, is made up of seven bones. When you sit in a chair for an extended time, you easily bring your head forward, forcing to bear the weight of your skull. A human head weighs anywhere from 8 to 12 pounds or more, creating an obvious strain on the neck. This can lead to dull, throbbing neck pain.
Whiplash is a very common injury from minor car accidents. Wearing a seat belt protects you from serious injury but does not prevent whiplash. Whiplash occurs when your head is thrust away from the midline of your body---often creating strain in the muscles of the neck, upper back and resulting in obvious neck pain.
Sleeping with the head supported on a pillow so that the spine is straight and the neck is completely supported may prevent neck pain.
Considerations
If your job requires you to log many hours sitting in front of a computer, make certain your work station is ergonomic.
Make sure your wrists are level while you type; your back straight, your knees bent at 90 degrees and your feet flat.
Adjust your chair so that your eyes strike your monitor at eye level and you are not hyperextending your neck.
If you are small, place your feet on a step.
Wear a headset and under no circumstance place your phone under your ear and hold it there with your shoulder: that aggravates neck pain.
Dull throbbing neck pain can sometimes be referred pain from a headache or migraine. If you sense it's a headache, you can take a pain reliever, such as aspirin, or see a chiropractor to adjust your spine.
Whiplash injuries are best assessed by a doctor, physical therapist or a chiropractor. They can determine if you have a more serious injury and what movements are permissible while you heal from neck strain.
Significance
The National Institutes of Health advises people to seek medical help for any neck pain that lasts longer than a week. A study done by the Annals of Internal Medicine suggests that about 13 percent of all adults experience some kind of neck pain.
Getting your neck pain properly diagnosed is the first step in reducing it.
Theories/Speculation
Neck pain, like any kind of spinal pain, may also have a genetic or physical origin. If you have a family history of degenerative disc disease, arthritis or osteoporosis, see your doctor for an evaluation.
Work- or sports-related injuries can cause pinched nerves or minor car accidents can cause whiplash, which can result in neck pain.
Mental and physical stress can also create tension in the upper back and neck and result in tension headaches or migraines that can result in dull, throbbing neck pain.
Prevention/Solution
Have your dull, throbbing neck pain evaluated by a health professional if it interferes with your ability to sleep, work or comfortably go about your normal daily activities. If the pain level keeps you from concentrating or you are unable to turn your head properly side to side, see a physician.
If your discomfort is at a lower level, enroll in a beginner's yoga class and learn a few postures such as Downward Facing Dog or any standing forward bend such as Prasarita Padottasana C, to extend and traction the neck bones therapeutically.
Take breaks at work so that you do not sit for hours in front of your computer.
A 2002 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that 68 percent of adults who had some neck pain experienced relief after 6 weeks of chiropractor adjustments.
Tags: neck pain, throbbing neck, throbbing neck pain, your neck, dull throbbing, your head
Kapha represents the earth and water elements in Ayurveda medicine of India. Ayurveda means science of life and provides detailed advice for diet, nutrition and treat disease. Kapha individuals tend to have large bones, thick hair, good physical stamina and a calm disposition. Kaphas also have an infamous sweet tooth, and if they overeat frequently, they tend to carry extra weight. If extreme, obesity can increase risk for chronic diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes.Panchakarma is a detoxification that can be done with an Ayurvedic practitioner. There is a simple version that can be done at home for 5 to 7 days. If you have any serious medical conditions or are more than 15 percent over your appropriate body weight, consult your physician or an Ayurvedic specialist.
Instructions
1. Begin by keeping a food diary for a week to see what and when you are eating and how you feel afterwards. This is to determine if you are digesting everything completely or if you might have food allergies. Note if there are times when you are eating out of boredom or emotionally overeating.
2. Follow the advice of Dr. Vasant Lad, an Ayurvedic specialist. He advises Kaphas do a home panchakarma (detoxification) by taking 2 ounces of ghee (sold in Indian grocery or health food stores) daily with equal amounts of black pepper, ginger or Indian long pepper for 3 days.
3. Continue by doing a small oil massage daily: rub about 2 tbsp. of heated corn oil over the head, scalp and entire body before showering in the morning. Every morning before breakfast, consume a drink of hot water and fresh lemon juice squeezed into it to prompt peristalsis. Wait 20 to 30 minutes before eating fresh fruit and tea.
4. Prepare kitchari, a traditional Ayurvedic dish for detoxifying the body. It is comprised of basmati rice and red or yellow split lentils cooked together with turmeric. Eat for lunch and dinner with steamed seasonable vegetables for the first 4 days.
5. Take triphala, a mixture of three dried fruits before bed with water. Consume 1 to 3 tbsp. of flax seed oil to ensure daily bowel movements. Following Dr. Vasant Lad’s expertise once more, take a medicated enema each night to clear the colon. He recommends boiling 1 tbsp. of dahamoola tea in a pint of water (sold in stores specializing in Indian goods). Cool and strain this mixture and use as a nightly enema.
6. Continue this detox diet by eating only kitchari for days 5 to 7. Drink plenty of warm teas appropriate for Kapha (there are Ayurvedic teas labeled as Kapha in specialty stores).
7. Do gentle exercise daily. To lose weight permanently, exercise for 20 to 30 minutes daily. Walking or for 10 minutes after each meal is a gentle way to reintroduce daily exercise. Bring bottled water and enjoy these walks as a way to boost mood and metabolism. Return to your normal eating by gradually adding steamed vegetables, fresh raw salads and easy to digest foods.
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ADD, or Attention Deficit Disorder, is a condition that can interfere with a child's education, socialization and daily activities. Children with ADD exhibit a wide range of symptoms; some are more obvious than others. If a child exhibits symptoms of ADD, it is best to seek the advice of a health care professional.
Impulsivity
A ADD has very poor impulse control. This includes interrupting others and making unsafe choices like running into the road.
Inattention
Inattention is one of the most common and noticeable symptoms of ADD. The child will have difficulty focusing on tasks for extended periods of time, become bored easily or frequently daydream.
Distractibility
The ADD child is easily distracted by outside stimuli or even his own thoughts. This makes it difficult for the child to complete tasks.
Disorganization
A child with ADD will have trouble getting and staying organized. This coincides with the child's inability to stay on task.
Moodiness
A child with ADD can exhibit extreme emotions. They can be overly sensitive, demanding or uncooperative.
Hyperactivity
Hyperactivity can be a symptom of ADD, which is also called ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. These children often talk, move or fidget constantly.
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If you are of medium build, athletic, tend to feel warmer and dislike being in the sun where you feel it becomes irritating, you may be a Pitta in the Ayurveda system from India. Practiced for 5,000 years, Ayurveda is a comprehensive system that include guidelines for diet, exercise, work, sleep and play. Pittas are fiery and when balanced are intelligent, driven, productive, leaders, competent, athletic and have good stamina. Unbalanced, however, can mean being belligerent, overbearing, bossy, competitive, blaming others for their errors, or aggressive.Pranayama is breath work to help cool the fires of Pitta without quenching them.
Instructions
1. Start by taking a brief walk or even doing a few push-ups or any kind of physical activity to release obvious tension. Doing so will make it easier for active Pittas to sit still for pranayama.
2. Sit in a chair where your spine is straight and your lungs easily inflate. If you have no back issues, sitting on the floor cross-legged or on a folded blanket is fine.
3. Begin by learning a variation of lion’s breath. This can be used to blow off steam and help you regain composure. It reduces the heat of Pitta agitation. Inhale through the nose and open the mouth, stick the tongue out, making a “ha” sound. This may be more satisfying than you realize. Repeat 3 to 5 times and then close the mouth, returning to normal breathing.
4. Learn viloma or three-part breath to further harness your considerable fire without allowing it to rage out of control (and burn you or others). Close the eyes and inhale to 1/3 of your capacity to the lower belly, pause.
5. Inhale another third to the level of the chest, pause. Inhale the last third to the sternum, top of the chest, pause. Exhale smoothly all the breath out. Take several recovery breaths. Repeat 3 to 5 more times. Rest.
6. Establishing a regular pranayama practice every morning is the traditional way to invite prana (life force) and direct it (yama) in a way to nourish the nadis (energetic pathways in the body). It is way to self-regulate one’s short fuse and can be a way to literally blow off steam.
7. Continue your pranayama daily for 30 days, practicing at the same time each day and in the same room if possible. Over time, your central nervous system will anticipate your pranayama and you may find it is too valuable to skip.
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Wasps carry an that causes sting sites to feel itchy.
Wasp stings are often accompanied with sharp pain, redness, swelling and itchiness at the site of the sting due to the alkaline venom present in the stinger. While over-the-counter pain medications can take care of a lot of the discomfort, the itchy sensation that accompanies a wasp sting can be somewhat trickier to alleviate. A number of home remedies are available to relieve the itchiness around the site of the sting.
Instructions
1. Do not scratch the site of the sting. Scratching will spread the venom, making the itching worse. Remove the stinger to prevent more venom from irritating the skin. Clean the wound thoroughly with soap and water to prevent infection and wash the venom away.
2. Apply ice cubes or an ice pack to the wound to reduce swelling and temporarily relieve itching.
3. Soak a cotton pad with apple cider vinegar, regular vinegar or lemon juice and press it to the wound. This will sting a little, but the acid will neutralize the venom, helping to alleviate the pain and itching.
4. Use a topical or oral antihistamine to help with the itching. You don't need a prescription; over-the-counter allergy medication will suffice. You can also apply calamine lotion up to five times a day to relieve the itching.
5. Dab aloe vera gel on the sting site if you prefer a more natural remedy.
6. Apply an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection. If the site becomes even mildly infected, the itching will increase.
7. Prevent night-time itching by mixing baking soda and water into a paste. Apply the paste to the site and wrap it in gauze. Leave it on overnight to promote healing.
Tags: site sting, alkaline venom, , relieve itching
Although you may develop chronic hepatitis B if you were infected with the virus at birth, you can also develop a chronic infection if you were first infected as an adult. Chronic hepatitis B does not cause symptoms in all people, and you may not even know you have the virus; however, up to 25 percent of those with chronic infections will experience serious health effects. According to the Centers for Disease Control and the American Liver Foundation, symptoms of B infections include liver damage and cancer.
Time Frame
Although symptoms of acute infection with hepatitis B usually resolve within six months after infection, symptoms of chronic infections may take 20 to 30 years to develop and can last for your entire lifetime.
Pain
You may experience intermittent or persistent pain in your joints that resembles that of arthritis, although you may not be able to take most types of pain killers due to their negative effects on the health of your liver.
Tiredness
Feelings of extreme tiredness and persistent fatigue are symptoms of chronic hepatitis B infection that may make it difficult for you to go about daily activities such as taking care of your home and working at a full-time job.
Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is the medical term for scarring of the tissue of your liver and is a slowly progressing condition that can result in the failure of your liver.
Liver Cancer
Chronic infection with the hepatitis B virus can cause persistent and long-term inflammation, which can damage the genetic material of the cells in your liver and result in liver cancer.
Liver Failure
After several decades of B infection, years of scarring and death of your liver cells can result in liver failure, which is a life-threatening condition that may be treated with liver transplantation.
All people who are on Medicare need a Medigap supplemental health insurance plan to ensure that their health care is completely covered. This insurance pays all the your government health care insurance doesn't cover. The government has set standards on these policies, labeling them A through J, with A being the lowest cost and least amount of coverage. To choose the coverage that's right from you, you need to know what the options are.
Instructions
1. Know that Plan A provides only the most basic supplemental coverage needs. It covers the 20 percent copay for doctor bills and other expenses that Medicare expects the patient to pay for. It also covers big hospital bills. With Plan D, you get the Medicare Part A deductible paid for as well. With the rest of the policies, there's coverage for skilled nursing home care, medical expenses outside the country and prescription drugs in varying degrees.
2. Compare the policies by looking at how much money you will have to spend on your prescription drugs. This is a huge expense for some and not much of an expense for others. If your total drug expenses are under $3,000, for example, you would want Plan H or I, which both offer that amount of payment.
3. Know that Medicare covers only 80 percent of most of your medical tests and procedures. Medigap pays the remaining 20 percent. If you go past the insured limit for that test or procedure, you will be responsible for the remaining balance. Make sure that the coverage you choose provides the best coverage that you can afford.
4. Compare the policies by looking at their "outlines of coverage." You need to know if your premium costs will stay the same or if the insurers can raise them when they want to. Rising premium costs for the elderly usually are a bad idea since health costs generally go up with age.
5. Shop around. Don't be sold on the first thing you look at. Ask about coverage that can be offered at the professional or social organizations you are affiliated with. Many of these offer great coverage for better rates than private insurers do. Ask around, too. Find out if your friends have coverage that they're happy with as far as expense and coverage.
6. Don't let someone push you into signing before you've got all the facts. Salespeople can be brutally pushy. Tell them before you start that you will not make a decision today and you will not change your mind. Say that you have a list of providers to check out and that you will not sign until you've spoken to each one.
7. Sign up for Medigap coverage within 6 months of getting on Medicare Part B because that 6 months is a window of open enrollment when your health concerns will play no part in getting insurance. After that, your health may be considered.
8. Remember, though, that you can upgrade or downgrade your policy if you need to. None of these decisions are written in stone, so don't fret about them. Do your homework, get the advice of friends or one of your children and make a sound coverage decision. Go to the government's website for more detailed information about Medicare and Medigap insurance and coverage. The link is listed below.
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