Lower back pain caused by sciatica fades away on its own for most patients who experience it. If time does not help you, your doctor can offer other forms of treatment, including surgery and shots of medication.
Sciatica
Sciatica occurs when a in your back puts pressure on your sciatic nerve, causing lower back pain that radiates down your buttock and continues down the back of your leg.
Significance
About one in 50 people will experience a herniated disk at some point. Sciatica usually occurs in adults aged 30 to 50 years.
Shots
Shots of steroid medication into your back near the herniated disk can reduce the inflammation and pain sciatica. Your doctor can perform the injections.
Complications
Sciatica treatment shots can cause complications, including decreased bone density and thinning of the skin near the injection site. To reduce your risk, receive a shot only every few months.
Considerations
Because of the risks associated with shots, your doctor will usually begin your sciatica treatment with over-the-counter pain medication, rest for your back and physical exercise. If these do not help, then shots could be the next step in your treatment.
Tags: , your back, associated with, back pain, your doctor
An individual with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder engages in rituals as a result of obsessive thoughts. OCD usually becomes evident during childhood, and most individuals receive a diagnosis by the age of 19. Obsessions and compulsions can be severe enough to severely disrupt a person's life.
Obsessive Thoughts
OCD sufferers repeatedly have images and thoughts about such things as sexual acts, violence, neatness, intruders and, most commonly, a fear of dirt and germs.
Compulsive Rituals
Rituals are used to combat such thoughts and include repeatedly washing hands and other body parts, counting things over and over, checking locks and storing unnecessary items.
Uncontrollable Behaviors
Such repetitive thoughts and rituals may seem strange to some, but are uncontrollable to an individual suffering from OCD. Sufferers are aware of these behaviors, and are usually ashamed of them.
Anxiety
Although OCD sufferers may be aware of these behaviors, they get no pleasure from them. Their obsessions and compulsions cause severe anxiety that is obvious to others. Those with OCD must constantly engage in rituals to provide relief from anxiety.
Time Consumption
Non-obsessive compulsive individuals may engage in these behaviors occasionally, which should not cause any alarm. Those who suffer from OCD will spend hours out of every day on these behaviors, severely disrupting their lives.
Tags: , aware these, aware these behaviors, Obsessive Compulsive
Each month's assignation to an astrological sign ties in prominently to the birthstone selected for that month. Because November is the month for Scorpios, a "sun sign" (Sagittarius does not enter the picture until November 22), topaz is a fitting stone being that it is associated with the sun and topaz is typically portrayed as having a vibrant orange color.
History
Originally, the word for topaz was "tapas," a word that means "fire" in Indian Sanskrit, an entomological acknowledgment of the Scorpio in sun. Topaz came to be allied with the Scorpio sign because it is a gem that represents strength and a firm balance of emotions. Scorpios are known for being individualistic and sagacious, also qualities that trace back to the symbolism of yellow/orange topaz.
Geography
Topaz is available in its organic state mainly in South America and Europe. Citrine is the type of topaz being referred to in this instance, since it is considered the birthstone for November. Other types of this particular gemstone, such as green and blue topaz, are more easily attainable because of their multi-continent presence.
Fun Fact
During medieval times, many people believed that topaz had healing powers capable of curing mental illness. In Roman culture, it was touted as a stone that could improve one's eyesight.
Features
The cleavage of a topaz stone is parallel to the basal plane of the stone. Topaz, when cut in jewel form, can be broken if dropped or jostled because of its symmetry. In crystallized form, topaz is inconsistent in color, often streaked in varying tones.
Famous Ties
Truman Capote, Ezra Pound, and Katherine Hepburn are all Scorpios with topaz as their birthstone. They would be classified as Sun Scorpios. Most Scorpios are attributed with the characteristics of being competitive, strong and of an impermeable will, which applies to the aforementioned people. Topaz is viewed as an apropos stone for these personality traits because of the fiery, brazen color of citrine topaz.
Today people are becoming more and more aware of the benefits and necessities of exercise. No matter what your schedule, you can find ways to fit exercise into your schedule. Read on to learn fit in exercise in any schedule.
Instructions
1. Create a schedule. If you're a busy person, don't forget to add some time that is devoted to exercise.
2. Join a gym. Find one close to your work or home. If you spend a lot of time at work, find a gym close to your work. By joining a gym, you will feel the need to go simply so that you don't waste your money.
3. Find an exercise routine that you enjoy. If you like what you're going, you will go out of your way to do it. It can be sports, weightlifting, running or yoga. It's up to you.
4. Arrange your lunch schedule. Try to take break before or after a gym's busy time, normally around 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
5. Walk up the stairs instead of taking the elevator. This small change will help out a lot. It may take a little longer, but don't let that stop you.
6. Bike to work if it is a reasonable distance.
Tags: close your, close your work, your lunch, your schedule, your work
Crown work on toddlers' teeth may be necessary without proper care.
As soon as they appear, children's teeth are subject to decay. Without following simple precautions, crown work--to varying degrees--may become a necessity.
Causes
Toddlers' teeth can be destroyed when they are coated with sweet liquids for lengthy time periods. This condition is known as nursing mouth syndrome, early childhood caries or baby bottle tooth decay, according to the American Dental Association.
Reasons for Crowning
Why crown work since toddlers' teeth are temporary anyway? Among the reasons are prevention from infection and maintenance of the dental arches, according to Dr. John E. Nathan, a pediatric dentist and a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Pediatric Dentistry. Normal use of the teeth can be maintained with crown work that would be hampered by pain and infection. Appearance and self-esteem are also factors to consider.
Types of Crown Work
The most aggressive therapy involves the use of stainless steel crowns to reduce the number of tooth surfaces subject to new or secondary infection. Before this step, several other treatments can be considered first, including rinses with chlorhexidine, topical fluoride or varnishes or fluoride-release filling materials. When these steps fail to work, the next step would be tooth-colored restorations, then the stainless steel crowns.
Prevention/Solution
Even allowing your child to fall asleep with his bottle of milk or formula can aggravate the problem, according to the American Dental Association. Do not give him a pacifier soaked in sugar or honey. After each feeding, wipe your child's gums with a wet washcloth or gauze pad. When the first tooth appears, begin brushing with a soft toothbrush but only use water until the age of 2. After 2, a pea-sized drop of flouride toothpaste should be used. Your child should be taught to spit out the remaining toothpaste and rinse his mouth with water.
Tags: according American, according American Dental, American Dental, American Dental Association, crown work, Dental Association,
There are various natural remedies that make it so easy and affordable to take care of ourselves. Vinegar is one of them. Not only are vinegars, like apple cider vinegar, known for supporting good health and a strong immune system when taken internally, they are also a solution for many skin problems.
The skin is our largest organ, so taking care of its protective acid mantle is essential for good health. Vinegar for skin problems works as a remedy for many situations.
Gentle Facial Treatment
Add apple cider vinegar to a basin of warm water to rinse your skin each night. You can also add vinegar to a bowl of steaming hot water and hold your head over the bowl with a towel for a deep cleansing facial treatment. The steam opens your pores drawing out the impurities. Finish the treatment by wiping your skin with a cotton ball soaked in apple cider vinegar, which acts as a refreshing, gentle toner.
Sunburn
To reduce swelling, pain and blistering, take a clean, sterile cloth soaked in apple cider vinegar and gently blot the affected area. Soaking in a bath containing apple cider vinegar will also provide instant relief, removing the pain and heat of the burn. It also helps keep the skin sanitized to prevent infection from occurring. Keep in mind that some sunburns are more serious. You should consult with a doctor if you have a second or third degree burn rather than treating it yourself.
Insect Bites
Mix vinegar with cornstarch to create a paste. Apply the paste directly to insect bites. It takes away the pain and/or itching and helps draw out the insect venom.
Soothing Skin Spritz
Vinegar is an ideal treatment for dry, flaky, irritated skin. Mix half a bottle of warm water with half a bottle of apple cider vinegar. After your shower, spritz the solution all over your body. Massage and rub the solution into your skin. Wait about 5 minutes and then step back into the shower to rinse it off. This should be done at least twice a week. Your skin will be invigorated and refreshed. This ritual is ideal for reducing the appearance of varicose veins in legs. Make sure to massage the affected areas deeply in the direction of your heart.
First Aid for Common Skin Problems
Diaper rash, eczema, psoriasis, chicken pox, poison ivy, poison oak and other skin irritations can all be effectively treated by soaking in a vinegar bath.
Tags: apple cider, apple cider vinegar, cider vinegar, your skin, good health, half bottle,
Jaw tooth pain is usually not a specific pain but a generalized pain. When a tooth hurts, the pain usually radiates from the tooth to the jaw, but there are also other causes of jaw pain besides teeth.
Causes in the Mouth
The most common reasons for jaw pain are cavities, tooth abscesses, inflamed teeth, gum disease with receding gums, impacted back teeth, grinding teeth and fractured teeth. If you experience these pains, see a dentist.
Causes Outside the Mouth
Some other causes of jaw pain from outside the mouth are TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder), angina (heart pain) and sinus problems. If you have any type of jaw pain, see a doctor.
Effects
Jaw tooth pain occurs when there are infections with abscesses and sinus problems, spasms of the jaw with TMJ, exposure of tooth root with receding gums, and broken teeth with fractures. Angina, which is often a sign of heart disease, often causes pain in the jaw.
Predicating Symptoms
Some symptoms that are felt prior to jaw involvement with teeth are sensitivity to cold and hot, pain while eating, bleeding around the teeth and swelling to teeth and jaw area.
Treatment and Prevention
Treatment will depend on the exact cause of the pain. However, preventing teeth problems by regular brushing, flossing and routine checkups are the keys to stopping jaw pain.
Tags: causes pain, other causes, other causes pain, , receding gums
Milk thistle seed extract helps treat liver health problems such as cirrhosis. After harvesting, the seeds are crushed or cracked to release the potent medicine that is absorbed into an alcohol mixture. This extract, commonly known as a tincture, is administered directly into the body. People often mask the alcohol taste by mixing it into a strong herbal tea. While scientists continue to study the plant, many hospitals use the herbal extract as a treatment.
Instructions
1. Place 3/4-cup full of milk thistle seeds in a blender or an herb grinder and process.
2. Pour the blended thistle seeds to a sterilized, pint-sized canning jar.
3. Pour 1 cup of 100 proof alcohol into the jar. Add 1 cup of water and stir to mix the ingredients.
4. Sit the canning jar lid on the jar with a canning ring and screw it on tightly. Place the jar in a cool and dark environment and leave it to set for three to five weeks. Shake the jar every day to make sure the thistle seeds stay saturated with liquid.
5. Combine 1 cup of 100 proof alcohol with 1 cup of water. Place this in a covered container and reserve it to pour into the jar if the liquid level drops or the seeds become exposed.
6. After three to five weeks, pour the mixture into a sieve or mesh strainer. Place small containers under the strainer to catch the thistle seed extract. Store the extract in the sealed containers.
Tags: thistle seeds, five weeks, proof alcohol, thistle seed, three five, three five weeks
White boards are popular chalkboard-like devices used for communication in offices, hospitals, classrooms and other areas where information needs to be relayed. White boards use dry-erase markers and they are cleaner than chalkboards. There are many uses for a white board in hospitals from displaying staffing information to providing patients basic information like their doctor's name and room number.
Patient Information
One use of white boards in hospitals is to relay doctor information to patients --- doctors and nurses provide their names on individual boards posted in patients' rooms. This helps patients remember names. Other information posted on white boards in patients' rooms include room numbers, exams scheduled for the same or next day and basic advice (like when the nurse will return to the room) to help patients remember.
Nurse and Staff Scheduling
Another use of white boards in hospitals is to display nurse and staff scheduling. Nurse/staff member names, shift hours and floor or area can all be displayed quickly and changed easily if needed. By using a set of magnets, one can easily move the magnets to represent a nurse or staff member's status --- off duty, coming in at a set time or a change in area/station. Hospitals use various sizes of white boards that can accommodate any number of nurses and staff.
Meeting Points and Notes
Hospitals also use white boards to relay information during staff meetings. Meeting attendees can view the information quickly and the person conducting the meeting can make changes within seconds. By using two or more white boards, notes from staff members can be recorded on one board while the person conducting the meeting can write points on the other white board. Other notes posted on white boards may include upcoming meetings, the outcome of the current meeting and concerns.
Patients' Symptoms and Diagnosis
Doctors use white boards as a way to chart patients' symptoms in an attempt to diagnosis the disease or problem. By using a white board, doctors and their teams can quickly write out symptoms and see a connection. The white board can be erased quickly and the next patient's diagnosis can be charted.
Tags: white board, white boards, white boards, boards hospitals, ,
Extreme heat, sufficient to cause heat stroke, places a great strain upon the heart. The pulse rate of someone experiencing heat stroke is likely to be elevated dramatically as the heart attempts to cool the body.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is a serious condition that occurs when the body's temperature climbs to 104 degrees F or higher. If heat stroke is not immediately treated, it can cause organ failure, brain damage or death.
Symptoms
Symptoms of heat stroke may include elevated pulse rate, rapid breathing and shortness of breath, flushing of the skin, weakness and headache. may also cause a person to hallucinate or become comatose.
Pulse Rate
may increase as a result of heat stroke because the heart begins pumping very hard to cool the body. Blood rushes to the muscles and skin to deliver oxygen, and as a result, the pulse rate increases yet the heart has less blood to move.
Warning
According to Merck.com, the likelihood that heat stroke will cause death is increased in those who have a pre-existing heart condition.
Treatment
Treatment of heat stroke involves cooling the body as quickly as possible. The body may be packed in ice, wrapped in a cooling blanket or submerged in cold water.
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) combine to set the standards for high-visibility apparel for those working near dangerous areas. The standards, which were updated in 2007, include recommendations for minimum reflective material, where the reflective material can be located and where special features can be located.
Who Wears the Vests
These high visibility vests are meant for people who work close to moving traffic and construction equipment, including policemen and firemen working accidents, construction workers on roadway projects or construction workers on buildings close to busy roads and urban areas.
What Makes These Vests High Visibility?
It's the material they're made out of. The background material is typically made from a fluorescent color that allows the vest to be visible in all conditions. The retroflective material sends light back to drivers to let them know there's someone near the roadway. Then there's combined performance material, which combines the background and retroflective materials. Manufacturers use the CPM to help meet the minimum standards for reflective material, and that material helps divide these materials into several classes.
Performance Class 1
These are the least visible types of these vests and are not considered acceptable for those working in roadway conditions because they use only the minimum amounts of material (217 square inches of background material, 155 square inches of retroflective or CPM with background material, or 310 square inches of CPM without background material).
Performance Class 2
Performance Class 2 vests require 755 square inches of the background material or retroflective or CPM with background material equaling 201 square inches. These higher standards make this vest more visible in daylight, and offer the wearer more coverage in the torso area. This is the minimum needed to work on federal highway projects. These vests are also worn by those performing mowing, inspection, surveying, toll collection or incident response duties.
Performance Class 3
The Class 3 vests are required to have 1,240 square inches of background material or retroflective or CPM with background material equal to 310 square inches. Reflective material is also added to the arms and the legs. These vests are best for work in highly congested areas, when there are no barriers between workers and the roadway, and for roadwork at night. Flaggers, emergency crews that work at night and emergency responders wear these vests.
Performance Class E
Performance Class E is considered either pants or shorts that are made with the same reflective materials as the vests. These garments can be used in conjunction with a Class 2 or 3 vest for working during busy roadway conditions. Class E apparel is required to have 465 square inches of background material, or retroflective or CPM combined with background material equal to 108 square inches.
An earache can be treated at home with oils such as garlic oil, almond oil, olive oil and tea tree oil. Almond oil is one of the most frequently used oils to ease earaches and it generally produces prompt results.
Treatment Method
A quarter teaspoon of warm almond oil is poured right down the affected ear and the ear is plugged with cotton wool to keep the oil warm and prevent the oil from seeping out. The oil can be warmed by placing the container of almond oil in warm water. Check the temperature of the oil before using it in a person's ear.
With Other Oils
Almond oil is used in combination with essential oils such as anise oil, olbas oil, juniper oil, peppermint oil, chamomile oil and lavender oil to treat earaches.
Antibacterial Helper
One of the ways in which ear infections can be caused is by a sealed eustachian tube, which is a tube going from the ear to the nose. Bacterial infections also can occur in the eustachian tube, making the ear infection worse. Almond oil can be mixed with a few drops of an essential oil that is safe for the ears that has antibacterial properties powerful enough to kill bacterial infections. Oregano oil and garlic oil are both suitable.
Carrier Oil
Almond oil, being a carrier oil by nature, offers enough lubrication to get past the thick ear wax and can even soften hardened wax, according to HealthPoint Technologies. This lets the almond oil reach the cavity of the ear that is infected and ease the pain promptly.
Other Prescriptions
Almond oil is also included in treatment recipes without essential oils such as onion juice, pepper juice and garlic juice. Almond oil helps the ingredients reach the infected area and also aids in the healing process.
The causes of abdominal pain can be caused by many factors and conditions some are easily treated, like bloating from gas retention, and others are more serious and can become a medical emergency like acute appendicitis. Other medical conditions can cause abdominal pain. For example, gastroenteritis which is when there is inflammation of the stomach and intestinal lining, Crohns Disease, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and some female related specific conditions, eg,, prementrual symptoms. Sometimes, the causes can be secondary to infections, such as urinary tract infections or cancer of the intestine or colon.
This article will show you look for common signs and symptoms of abdominal pain and what you should or should not do to help the person who is experiencing the pain. By knowing some basic facts about the history and location of the abdominal pain it will help you to make a quick assessment as to whether the person will require immediate medical attention.
Instructions
1. Always check the ABC's of any person who is experiencing some medical related condition, like, difficulty in breathing, shock, pain, extensive bleeding, serious injuries. The A,B, C, represents the airway, breathing and circulation , respectively. After checking ABC and the victim appears stable then the next thing to do is to look for specific and common signs and symptoms which will help you make an assessment as to whether the person will require professional medical attention.
2. For abdominal pain first look to see the location of the pain. In medical assessment the abdominal region of the body is divided into four quadrants by two imaginary lines crossing perpendicular to each other with the center point crossing at the belly button. The reason for dividing the abdomen into the four quadrants, ie, upper left quadrant, lower left quadrant, upper right quadrant, and lower right quadrant, is to assist in the quick assessment of the causes of the pain. Since the anatomy and location of the internal organs and major structures of the human body is very much similar in each person and commonly falls into one of these quadrants then locating any pain or signs and symptoms will help to rule out or rule in differential diagnosis of possibilities for the etiology of the .
3. Look for radiation or referred pain from the abdomen. Does the pain travel to other regions of the body, for example, the arm , the leg, neck, jaw, shoulder.
4. iI is also important to look for certain signs which will be clues to helping in the assessment of the abdominal pain. Does the person have nausea, or signs of vomiting, fever, or diarrhea. Another important clue to look for is blood. Does there appear to be blood in the vomit, bruising on the abdomen, or blood in the stools. When there is black, tarry looking stools this could be a strong indication of some internal bleeding occurring inside the body. This could be an immediate medical emergency and the person will have to be taken straight away to the ER to be assessed and treated quickly
5. Finding out and asking questions about the history of the person who is experiencing abdominal pain will give additional clues to help in assessing the cause for the pain. Does the person have any heart problems, bleeding disorder, cardiovascular disease, or is the person currently pregnant.
6. Other questions to ask is where is the pain? How did it start? Describe the pain? Is the pain intermittent, stabbing, sharp or "comes and goes"?. Does the pain feel better if you pass gas or belch? Is it crampy, bloaty. is pain constant, dull, burning?.
7. Next to prevent the person from falling if he/she should lose consciousness it is advisable to lie the person down in a comfortable position. Have a container or bucket near by in case the person vomits.
8. One way to help reduce the abdominal pain is to apply heat to the area. Use warm flannel towel or cloth and place onto the abdomen or if you have a hot water bottle that would also work.
Tags: abdominal pain, abdominal pain, person experiencing, person will, signs symptoms, will help
Thousands of people in the United States have bariatric surgery each year. Whether you are an ideal candidate for weight loss surgery should be discussed with your doctor. In general, bariatric surgery patients should have tried and failed to lose weight by traditional means such as diet and exercise before considering an operation. Here are some more characteristics bariatric surgeons look for in patients.
Age and Body Mass Index
for weight loss surgery are typically between the ages of 18 and 65, although, in special cases, some surgeons may agree to operate on teens. In general, the National Institutes of Health requires that most bariatric patients have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater. For men, this works out to being about 100 or more pounds overweight. For women, this is about 80 or more pounds overweight.
Overall Health
If prospective patients are at high risk for disease, have life-threatening conditions due to their obesity or are genetically predisposed to obesity, this could also make them good candidates for surgery. Additionally, ideal patients have been obese for at least five years and have no history of alcohol or drug abuse. However, bariatric surgeons may refuse to operate on people with untreated mental health disorders.
Risks
Good candidates for weight loss surgery understand that there are many risks with any surgery, and bariatric operations are no different. Death or stroke are possible during any surgery, but weight loss operations carry some additional risks. These risks include infection, loosened staples and stomach leaks. Dumping syndrome, when food moves through the body too quickly, can also occur. Possible side effects to weight loss surgery include vomiting, weakness, nausea, diarrhea and ulcers. Gastric bypass patients, specifically, may develop nutritional deficiencies.
Gastric Banding
In addition, bariatric candidates have to meet specific requirements depending on the surgery they would like to have. For example, people interested in gastric band surgery (either the Lap-Band System or the Realize Band) may be likely candidates for the operation if they have existing obesity-related disease or illnesses. This can be true even if their BMIs are only between 35 and 39. These illnesses include high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Gastric Sleeve
Because gastric sleeve surgery is still new, there is no data that says about how many of these operations have been performed. In general, this type of bariatric surgery is for severely obese patients. Ideal candidates have a BMI of 60 or greater. People who cannot physically withstand the more invasive gastric bypass or cannot return for follow-up adjustments required with gastric banding operations may also be candidates for a gastric sleeve operation.
Duodenal Switch
Ideal candidates for duodenal switch surgeries have a BMI of 40 or greater. This operation may also be right for people with lower BMIs but with obesity-related diseases such as diabetes. However, with this complicated surgery come additional risks. Duodenal switch surgery may not be right for people with existing conditions such as heart problems.
Tags: weight loss, loss surgery, weight loss surgery, bariatric surgery, Ideal candidates, , about more
Calcium hydroxide is a white powder or colorless crystal that is formed when calcium oxide (lime) is mixed with water. The compound is referred to by many different names including slaked lime, slack lime, hydrated lime, pickling lime, calcium hydrate, caustic lime, keimkal, lime water and calcium dihydroxide. There are so many different names for calcium hydroxide because it has so many uses in technology and industry, including use in dentistry and hair care.
Effects from Temperature
The melting point of calcium hydroxide is 580 degrees Celsius, at which point it decomposes, which is why there is no boiling point. This decomposition turns calcium hydroxide into calcium oxide and water.
Compound Formation
Calcium hydroxide is formed when is combined with water. It can also be formed by adding an alkali to an aqueous solution of any calcium salt. When calcium hydroxide is suspended in water, it is referred to as milk of lime or lime water. When carbon dioxide is passed through the water, it begins to convert some of the compound into calcium carbonate. The chemical formula of calcium hydroxide is Ca(OH)2.
Reactability
The compound is relatively stable in most conditions, although it becomes violent when combined with compounds such as nitromethane, nitroethane, maleic anhydride, nitroparaffins, nitropropane and phosphorous. Inhalation of the gas can cause coughing and respiratory irritation.
It may become necessary to visit a psychologist for a variety of reasons. Whatever your personal reasons are for seeking a psychologist's services, it is important to take the time to find your best treatment option. Although finding a psychologist can be challenging, the benefits of a successful search can have a positive impact on your .
Instructions
1. Develop criteria. Make a list of important characteristics and services you would like the psychologist to offer. For example, would you prefer to see a psychologist fresh from college or one with many years of experience? Defining what you desire will help you narrow down your options.
2. Consult with your doctor. Inform your doctor of your psychologist selection criteria to receive his recommendations or referrals. This may be especially important depending on your health insurance carrier. For example, some insurance plans require a referral from your primary physician before allowing you to see a specialist.
3. Ask trusted friends colleagues for their recommendations. Choose people that will provide honest feedback regarding their interactions. Be sure to inquire about issues such as appointment waiting time to gain a more complete picture of the practice. You may also take the search online to receive more options.
4. Make a consultation appointment. Contact the psychologist's office to arrange an in person meeting. Take notice of office etiquette, cleanliness, and overall responsiveness. Ask the physiologist questions about her board certifications, licensing, and education. Discuss office policies and billing issues to gain knowledge of the internal workings of the practice.
5. Make your selection. Use all of the information you have collected to assess each psychologist. Choose the best fit for your personality and mental health needs. Be sure to choose someone that you trust.
Tags: mental health, selection criteria, your doctor, your selection
Millions of people live with chronic back pain. To avoid this, prevention is the key. While certain diseases and injuries cannot be prevented, you can take steps to minimize your risk of having chronic back pain. This is especially true in cases of back pain due to muscular imbalances. In this case, back pain is often caused by weak abdominal muscles and tight hamstring and hip muscles. When the abdominal muscles are weak, the back muscles must work extra hard during everyday activities. When the muscles in the backs of the legs and hips are tight, they can pull on the muscles in the back and cause pain. Below are some simple exercises you can do to help prevent back pain.
Instructions
Core Exercises and Stretches to Prevent Back Pain
1. Do basic crunches. Lie on the floor on your back with the knees bent and the feet flat on the floor. Bring your fingertips behind your head, but do not clasp the hands. Press your lower back flat into the floor. Lift your head and shoulders just a couple of inches off the floor. To better isolate the abdominal muscles, lift your chin toward the ceiling and avoid rounding forward. If you feel pain in your neck, focus on pressing the low back into the floor and keeping it there throughout this exercise. If you let your lower back arch, you will pull on your neck. Keep the movement small enough that you feel the upper section of the abs contract, but not so high that you pull on the neck. If your abdominal muscles are weak, you may not be able to lift very high at first. However, you will get stronger with time. Do 12 to 15 repetitions. Do this movement slowly and with control. Take a 2-second count to lift up and a 4-second count to lower down. See the picture from changingshape.com.
2. Incorporate oblique lifts. Lie on the floor on your back with the knees bent and the feet flat on the floor. Bring your fingertips behind your head, but do not clasp the hands. Press your lower back flat into the floor. Place your right ankle on top of your left knee. Tighten your abdominal muscles. Start to twist and lift the left shoulder off the floor a few inches. Keep your right elbow on the floor and your left elbow back and open. As you lift up, think about bringing your left shoulder toward your right knee and not your left elbow. Touching your left elbow to your knee can make you pull on your neck. Keeping your elbow back and open will help you to work deeper into the waist muscles. Do 12 to 15 repetitions. Then switch sides. Do this movement slowly and with control. Take a 2-second count to lift up and a 4-second count to lower down. See the picture here from sixpacknow.com.
3. Try a reverse crunch. Lie on the floor on your back and bring your legs up. Flex your feet so the soles of the feet face the ceiling. Tighten your abdominal muscles and lift your feet straight up so your hips come a few inches off the floor. Then come slowly down. The common mistake made is to swing the legs. Try to just lift the hips up and then lower back down. Do 12 to 15 repetitions. Do this movement slowly and with control. Take a 2-second count to lift up and a 4-second count to lower down. See the picture here from sparkpeople.com.
4. Add in a hamstring stretch. Lie on the floor on your back with the knees bent and the feet flat on the floor. Bring your right knee into your chest and then straighten the leg up. You can hold onto to your leg if you are able to do so and still keep your head on the floor. If not, you can use a yoga strap wrapped around the bottom of your foot. See the picture here from orthoinfo.aaos.org. If you do not have a yoga strap, you can use a towel as well. Hold for a slow 30-second count and take deep breaths. With each exhale, try to relax the muscles in the lower back and the backs of the legs. Release out slowly and repeat with the other leg.
5. Try the piriformis stretch. Lie on the floor on your back with the knees bent and the feet flat on the floor. Press your lower back flat into the floor. Place your right ankle on top of your left knee. Tighten your abdominal muscles. Lift your left foot up off the floor. You can either hold on behind the left knee with your hands or wrap a yoga strap or towel around your left knee and hold the ends. To help protect your neck, make sure you keep your head on the floor while stretching. Hold for a slow 30-second count and take deep breaths. With each exhale, try to relax the muscles in the lower back and the hips. Release out slowly and repeat with the other leg. See the picture here from halhigdon.com
6. Be consistent. You need to do these exercises on a regular basis to help prevent back pain. Try for at least five days per week. This routine should only take 15 to 20 minutes per day, and you will feel stronger and more flexible and take pressure off your back.
Tags: your left, abdominal muscles, lower back, floor your, your back, back pain,
A is a common condition wherein muscles, joints, tendons, or cartilage place excess pressure on the nerve, disrupting its primary function and causing pain, numbness, and a tingling sensation. Though there are a variety of cures, ranging from surgical to medicinal, natural and at-home remedies are quite effective in the treatment of a .
Natural Remedies
Natural remedies have shown to be rather effective in the treatment of a number of ailments, and pinched nerves are no exception. Magnesium phosphate and potassium phosphate are two such methods of treatment. The consumption of fish oil capsules can aid in the relief of inflammation that is putting pressure on the affected nerve. Hypericum, known more colloquially as St. John's Wort, is a traditional herbal treatment for nerve pain; however, those currently taking antidepressants or HIV and AIDS medication should not take hypericum.
Splints and Braces
A physician may recommend the use of a splint or brace to provide support and reinforce the affected area. Limited mobility will prevent aggravation of the pinched nerve and is perhaps one of the most effective--and cheapest--ways to treat a pinched nerve.
At-Home Remedies
A hot water or a cold ice pack can relieve pain and help prevent inflammation. Massaging the area with oils or receiving a shiatsu massage has been shown to loosen the pinch; however, one must be careful to avoid a vigorous massage, as this could aggravate the nerve and cause more pain.
Prevention
Following preventative measures at home is perhaps the best way to avoid getting a pinched nerve in the first place. By following these simple rules, no only are your chances of getting one decreased, but they also serve as a way to minimize the pain associated with a . These include practicing good posture, picking objects up with your knees and not your back (this is especially useful for those with sciatica), exercise and maintaining a healthy weight, and investing in an ergonomic chair if you sit for long periods of time.
Neurologists are physicians who treat the conditions and disorders of the central nervous system. Doctors must complete an extensive education before obtaining a state license to practice medicine. In addition to undergraduate education and medical school, neurologists must complete an internship and residency program to qualify for certification in the field. The average salary of a neurologist is between $124,480 and $223,225, according to PayScale, as of December 2010.
Location
The average salary for a neurologist can vary according to geographic location. The salary for a neurologist practicing in New York is $154,000, while those practicing in Florida earn an average salary of $125,000, according to Indeed. The cost of living is 47 percent higher in New York City than in Tampa. One of the factors contributing to the cost of living is the price of housing. The housing cost in New York is 74 percent higher than it is in Tampa.
Type of Employer
Neurologists can work in private practice, hospitals, nonprofit organizations or be self-employed. Self-employed physicians with a salary range of $176,594 to $256,021 earn the highest salaries in neurology. State government employers pay salaries to neurologists of $74,705 to $163,696, according to PayScale. Hospital neurologists earn a salary range between $102,113 and $203,510.
Experience
Through years of experience, a neurologist builds his skills and his reputation, resulting in a higher salary range. According to PayScale, those physicians with 20 years or more in practice earn salaries of $158,141 to $247,686 while those with less than a year earn between $96,662 and $193,817.
Benefits
Employers offer benefits to employees to attract skilled workers. Hospitals and other employers of neurologists offer benefits, which add to the value of the annual salary. Popular benefits for a neurologist include malpractice insurance, paid holidays, paid sick time, 401(k) plans, insurance and education assistance. These benefits increase the value of the compensation package the neurologist earns.
Tags: average salary, salary neurologist, salary range, according PayScale, average salary neurologist, cost living
There are two types of hemophilia, types A and B. This is a genetic disorder that almost always effects newborn males. There are different versions of hemophilia, categorized from mild to severe. It is possible on rare occasions to acquire hemophilia. All versions of hemophilia involve the body's inability to clot blood normally.
Pain or Swelling
Hemophilia can cause bleeding into muscle or joint areas that can then cause swelling and possible pain. This can also cause muscles to harden.
Nosebleeds
You may experience frequent nosebleeds if you have hemophilia.
Blood in Urine
Hematuria, known as blood in the urine, is a symptom that may happen with hemophilia.
Deep Bruising
You may experience deep bruising with slight injuries or shots.
Weakness
You my feel fatigued and/or have paleness.
Paralysis
Paralysis may be experienced from muscle, and you may not be able to move that limb.
Tags: bleeding into, bleeding into muscle, into muscle, versions hemophilia
Metabolife is a weight-loss diet pill that contains a variety of nutrients and vitamins that blend together that will help you lose weight. The main ingredients that make Metabolife work are caffeine and ephedra. According to the Mayo Clinic, when ephedra is combined with caffeine; it acts as an effective weight loss supplement. Ephedra will speed up your metabolism, allowing you to process your food more quickly. The way caffeine in Metabolife works is that it decreases your fatty-acid levels and provides your body with another fuel source so your body doesn't use up the muscles in your body for energy. The caffeine that Metabolife uses is called guarana seed extract and comes from the Amazon rain forest. There isn't much acid in guarana seed extract, and that prevents your stomach from becoming less irritated.
Function
Metabolife is supposed to work in two different ways. Because it involves the combination of ephedra and caffeine, it produces thermogenesis, causing your body to become hotter and thus speeding up your metabolism and burning calories. Metabolife is also supposed to suppress your appetite by forcing the body to use the caffeine in its product as an energy source. Metabolife recommends taking two or three pills a day on an empty stomach, one hour before eating. You should never exceed eight pills a day.
Warning
There are potential side effects in taking Metabolife. Because it works by using an ephedra and caffeine combination, it can also cause problems in other areas of your body. Thermogenesis in Metabolife, while great for weight loss, can cause you to have an increase in your pulse rate and an elevation of your blood pressure. The FDA actually banned ephedra in 2003, a ruling that has since been rescinded, for being too dangerous to individuals. The FDA reversed its ruling because it was able to establish guidelines and restrictions on ephedra to make it less dangerous to the public. Ephedra is not recommended if you have heart problems, high blood pressure, are pregnant or suffer from panic attacks.
Anorexia is an eating disorder or psychological condition in which sufferers control their caloric intakes, limit or skip meals and display an obsession with weight. Sufferers may even take exercise to the extreme. Knowing recognize the physical symptoms of anorexia is not enough. You should also be aware of the factors that lead to anorexia.
Instructions
Recognize the Risk Factors for Anorexia
1. Know your family history. Anorexia does have a genetic component, meaning that parents may pass the disease on to their children.
2. Monitor peer groups. Anorexic behavior can be learned from friends, roommates and even parents or other family members.
3. Assess personality. Irritability, low self-image, perfectionism, obsession, withdrawal and approval-seeking personalities are often found in anorexia victims.
4. Study a person's ability to cope. People who cannot adjust to major life transitions or emotional upsets often display anorexic symptoms. Additionally, sexually or physically abused people have a greater likelihood of having the disease.
5. Beware of relationship conflicts. Many anorexics are able to trace the origins of their condition to a breakup, divorce or other uncontrollable situation.
6. Keep an eye on adolescents. This is the peak time for the development of anorexia because teens are thought to be frustrated by a lack of control over their own bodies, making them turn to anorexia for weight control.
7. Know the types of conditions that are already present. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), depression, anxiety and addiction can all pave the way for anorexia.
Know Recognize the Physical Signs of Anorexia
8. Beware of baggy or over-sized clothing. Many anorexia sufferers hide physical signs by burying their bodies beneath layers of clothing.
9. Note any dramatic weight loss. Many people experience weight fluctuations, but anorexics have drastic and sudden changes in their weights.
10. Monitor dietary habits. Anorexics often choose low-calorie or fat-free foods while eating very little or skipping entire meals.
11. Pay attention to menstrual and sexual changes. Anorexic females may miss three or more menstrual cycles. Anorexic males may experience decreased sex drives.
12. Gauge the proper level of exercise. Many anorexics have an unhealthy fixation on fitness or exercise. Often, they work out until the point of exhaustion, without proper caloric intake.
13. Check the surface of the body. Yellow skin, dry nails, hair loss and bruising are some of the more evident physical signs of anorexia.
Childbirth is a beautiful and exciting thing, but can also be long, painful, and exhausting. Right after your baby is born, you have a burst of adrenaline and excitement when you hear your baby cry. You are so focused on looking at and admiring your baby that you may feel like you are on top of the world. Once the epidural wears off and things start slowing down, your feeling of being on top of the world is replaced with tiredness and some pain. Here are some ideas for ways to recover after childbirth.
Instructions
1. Get all the rest you can while in the hospital. If you had the baby in the hospital, enjoy all the help and rest you can get before you have to go home again. Many people are ready to go home the next day so they can recover in a familiar and more comfortable environment. They usually feel more comfortable being in their own home than in a hospital. Have your spouse stay with you overnight. He can accompany the baby when the nurses take him out to have tests done, if they even take him or her out of your room. While they take the baby out, you can be resting.
2. Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen. After having the baby, you’ll probably feel some cramping. If it is not your first child, the cramping will probably be stronger and make you feel very uncomfortable. The nurses can give you either acetaminophen or ibuprofen, but usually give you the latter. If the ibuprofen isn’t helping very much, they can give you something a little stronger. Nursing causes your uterus to contract, causing it to go back to its normal size. Make sure you empty your bladder before nursing. If your bladder is full, your uterus will have to contract even harder, causing more pain. It won’t contract as hard if is empty because it has more room and isn’t pushing against anything.
3. Take a shower. After childbirth and after your epidural wears off, if you had one, take a nice long, warm shower. Nothing helps speed the recovery along like relaxation. Take some time to yourself and have your spouse or a nurse look after your little one. Enjoy the peace and quiet and your warm shower!
4. Help from family and friends. If possible, have family (i.e. mom, stepmom, sisters, aunts, etc) or friends help you out after the baby comes. It’s very helpful to have someone help you cook and clean while you are recovering and trying to figure your new baby out and adjust to a new lifestyle. If you go to church, you can request to have meals provided for a couple of days after the baby comes. Sometimes the women at your child’s preschool or play group will volunteer to bring you meals. Remember, if women from church, preschool, or play group bring you meals, be sure to return the favor in the future!
5. Use tucks pads. After all the pushing, stretching, and pressure from childbirth, you will be sore and probably swollen. You will use pads for the bleeding that comes after childbirth. Bleeding usually lasts anywhere from two to four weeks. You can help the soreness or swelling by placing two or three Tucks pads on the pad. The witch hazel helps to relieve some of the comfort.
6. Cleansing after using the bathroom. When you urinate, do not wipe with toilet paper for the first day or so. You will be given a small squirt bottle at the hospital. Fill it with warm (not cold or scalding hot) water. After you’ve urinated, squeeze the water on that region. If you use toilet paper, don’t wipe – pat the area instead. It will be very tender and you don’t want to snag toilet paper on any stitches.
7. Take baths. Baths can help you to relax and also help with the soreness and swelling created by the childbirth process. Avoid hot tubs because they are not drained after each usage and you are more susceptible to infections. You can enjoy the hot tub after six weeks or according to your doctor or midwife’s advice.
8. Drink lots of water. If you had swelling in your pregnancy, it’s not going to go away if your body is dehydrated. Be sure you drink a glass of water every time you nurse or feed your baby. Your body holds in water, causing the swelling, whenever it thinks it’s dehydrated. If you drink lots of water, your body won’t think it’s dehydrated and the swelling will go away.
9. Ward off the baby blues. Learn about postpartum depression and the baby blues. Be sure to open up the blinds and windows in your house. Let the light in! Play soft uplifting music if you start feeling down. Talk to your spouse, family, or friends about how you are feeling. Often times, it helps to just talk about it. Your spouse, family, and friends will be there to support you. If you are feeling down, you can also talk to your doctor or midwife.
10. Enjoy your new baby. You have a new little life to take care of. Hold him or her often and strengthen the mother child bond. Remember to rest whenever baby is sleeping. You can’t take care of your baby if you are exhausted. Rest, rest, rest!
Tags: your baby, after your, family friends, toilet paper, your bladder, , after baby comes
Cervical cancer is typified by an unrestrained growth of cells lining the cervix. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), doctors diagnose close to 12,000 cervical cancer patients annually in the United States. Despite the fact that no cure is yet available, doctors administer numerous treatments, such as brachytherapy, chemotherapy and surgery, to restrain the metastasis of the malignant cells.
Brachytherapy
Brachytherapy, also called internal radiation therapy, involves positioning radioactive seeds close to the cervix cancer cells to destroy them, thus preventing the spreading of throughout the body.
Duration
Internal radiation sessions are generally held two to three times a week for nearly two months. However, the duration may vary based on the stage of the cancer upon diagnosis and the internal spreading of the cancer cells.
Advantages
Brachytherapy is especially beneficial to elderly , as well as those who can't undergo surgical removal of cancer cells because of heart problems or other medical disorders.
Side Effects
Bleeding through the vagina, soreness of the vulva and diarrhea are some of the side effects of internal radiation therapy in cervical cancer patients.
Precautions
Doctors might advise against overexposure to sun radiation and environmental pollutants while undergoing brachytherapy.
Tags: cancer cells, cancer patients, cervical cancer, cervical cancer patients, internal radiation, internal radiation therapy
While in a hospital, patients retain a number of rights that pertain specifically to medical situations and aren't necessarily covered under more traditional laws. These rights are outlined in the Consumer Bill of Rights and Responsibilities as commissioned by then-President Bill Clinton in 1997.
Information Disclosure
Patients have the right to accurate information presented in a way they can understand. This information must include information about their health care plans, providers and facilities.
Confidentiality of Health Information
Customers have the right to keep all personally identifiable health information confidential. They also have the right to view their medical records, copy them and make amendments.
Access to Emergency Services
This right makes sure that you can access emergency care should the need arise without having to worry about payment or any sort of financial penalty.
Participation in Treatment Decisions
Patients have the right to be included in any decision-making process about their . This includes the ability to allow their family, guardians or others to make treatment decisions on their behalf if they become incapable of making them on their own.
Respect and Non-Discrimination
Patients have a right to be treated in a respectful manner by everyone in the health care system at all times. An individual's race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, age, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, genetic information or means of payment should have no bearing on the quality of treatment.
Tags: have right, health care, Patients have, Patients have right, about their
Natural crystals can be found in many U.S. locations.
As children, humans tend to have eyes like those of a crow: the sparkly things in nature tend to draw our attention and avarice. Adults retain the childlike wonder they experience when viewing crystals, even after seeing them a thousand times. A crystal is unique in and of itself, like snowflakes. No two seem to be clones of one another. While many precious gemstones are mined thousands of miles away, several common crystals can be found in the United States, in states such as North Carolina, Arkansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah.
Quartz
The various forms of quartz are the second most abundant mineral on earth. Quartz is a semi-precious crystal in any of its forms. The many different quartz types found in the U.S. include rock crystal (or clear quartz), citrine, amethyst, rose quartz, smoky and milky quartz, tiger's eye, carnelian, jasper, onyx, and agate. All of these gemstones can be found in one or more states in the U.S., such as South Dakota for agate or North Carolina for citrine. Some have even become state gemstones officially or unofficially over the years, such as star blue quartz in Alabama and agate in Louisiana.
Hematite
Found mostly in the wide swaths of iron ore that cover the planet, hematite is the principal component found in iron-work. Like quartz, hematite comes in several notable forms that range in color from silver, to black, to brown, to red. The latter is where it gets its name, as "hematite" has the root word for blood in it. Some forms of hematite include bloodstone, tiger iron, kidney ore, olithic hematite, specularite, and the beautiful hematite rose. The biggest mine for this crystal is at the border of the U.S. and Canada near Lake Superior.
Beryls
The beryl family of crystals includes the precious emerald, the lovely aquamarine, clear goshenite, rare red bixbite, pink morganite and yellow heliodore. Beryls are found in granitic pegmatites, mica schists, and limestone depending on where it is in the world. Beryls are colorless naturally; however, because they can soak up things such as iron, they often procure different hues. Goshenite is named after where it was found, in Goshen, Massachusetts. Rarest of all is the red beryl, bixbite, which is only found in the U.S. in Utah. According to the Utah Geological Survey, bixbite is rarer than diamonds, and worth more than 1,000 times gold. The most common forms are the golden beryls, and they are mined in many places worldwide.
Turquoise
Though found in more than just the United States, turquoise has been associated with the Native American cultures of the Southwest for centuries. The U.S. is the leader in turquoise production even today. States where mining continues include Arizona, California, Colorado and Nevada. New Mexico once led the way in turquoise production, but has since stopped. The stones still exist, but commercial mining has ceased in that state. Turquoise is so common because it is literally a by-product of copper veins in the semi-arid, arid and desert parts of the earth, and copper is a prolific metal.
Tags: , found more, more than, North Carolina, states such, turquoise production
Inorganic crystals can be found in a variety of colors and form intriguing shapes as they grow.
Crystals are solids made up of atoms, ions or molecules in a fixed, three-dimensional, geometrical arrangement. Inorganic crystals are not derived from any type of living organism and are composed of some type of mineral. The great variety of naturally occurring, colorful mineral crystals has led them to be called the flowers of the mineral kingdom.
Growth of Crystals
Although crystals can seem to take an endless variety of shapes, they can be categorized into six basic geometric systems based on their molecular structure. As crystals grow, they form a series of structures that result in a fascinating overall shape.
Geometric Crystal Systems
In the cubic, also referred to as the isometric, system, each crystal forms at 90-degree angles, with axes of equal length. This system does not always result in a six-sided crystal. Some cubic systems result in crystals with eight (octahedrons) or ten (dodecahedrons) sides.
Tetragonal crystals are similar to cubic crystals but form with one side longer on one axis. Tetragonal crystals form prisms and double pyramids.
Orthorhombic crystals are similar to tetragonal crystals; however, they form rhombic prisms or double pyramids. The three axes are of different lengths, at right angles to each other.
Hexagonal crystals are six-sided prisms. This system also includes subdivisions called rhombohedral or trigonal. The differences occur in the type of rotation. The system has four axes, three in one plane and equal in length, with the fourth perpendicular to the other three.
Monoclinic crystals look like slanted tetragonal crystals. Like orthorhombic crystals, monoclinic crystals form prisms and double pyramids. Three axes are unequal in length, with two oblique to each other but perpendicular to the third.
The triclinic system forms crystals with asymmetric sides. The result is unusually shaped, often one-of-a-kind crystals. The three axes are of unequal length and oblique to each other.
Crystal Colors
Crystals get their colors from the types of minerals present, which can result in some dazzling hues. For example, quartz is the compound silicon dioxide (SiO2). It forms one of the most common crystals, but it is seen in a variety of shapes and colors. In its pure form, quartz is clear. However, many quartz crystals also include small amounts of other minerals, which impart colors . Rose quartz contains varying amounts of titanium to provide the distinctive pink color that gives this quartz its name. The presence of iron in quartz results in a deep purple color. This can be seen in the gemstone amethyst.
Fluorite is calcium fluoride (CaF2), which is transparent in its pure state. The presence of different hydrocarbons, though, can give fluorite crystals a range of colors, including yellow, green, purple, blue and brown. The choice of colors is virtually limitless among the thousands of different mineral crystals.
Uses of Crystals
Along with being attractive to look at as jewelry or just as decorative items, crystals are used in a number of different ways, including as abrasives, pigments and electronics components.
For example, quartz is one of the most popular crystals for commercial applications. It is used in making glass and as an abrasive for sanding. Quartz watches are synchronized to the vibration of synthetic quartz. Garnet is another crystal commonly used as a sandpaper abrasive. Hematite, a black metallic mineral crystal, is ground and used as a pigment.
Lemongrass essential oil is derived from the lemongrass plant and has a strong, sweet, lemony aroma. Lemongrass is believed to have antiseptic and astringent properties. In India, it has been used to fight fever, depression and digestive difficulties. It can be used during aromatherapy, blended into lotions, mixed into soaps, used to scent candles or in pest control sprays.
Aromatherapy & Massage Oils
Lemongrass essential oils can be put in bath water or in oil burners for aromatherapy. One teaspoon of lemongrass oil can also be mixed in a bottle with ¼ cup of almond oil and used as a massage oil.
Lotions
When making homemade lotions, lemongrass oil can be added to give it a lemony fragrance. A simple body lotion can be made with lemongrass oil. In a double boiler, slowly melt 1 tbsp. of grated beeswax with ¼ cup of almond oil. Stir the beeswax in the oil until it is melted, then add ¼ cup of witch hazel and 2 tsp. of lemongrass essential oil. Let the mixture cool a bit, and then squeeze the contents of about two vitamin E capsules and stir until cool but still pourable. Pour the mixture into a container, and seal with a tight lid.
Soaps
The antiseptic and astringent properties of lemongrass oil make it a natural choice for soaps. A soap with lemongrass and eucalyptus oil can work wonders for inflamed or irritated skin. In a double boiler, melt 4 ounces of glycerin soap base. Once the glycerin is melted, add 1 tbsp. of grated beeswax and stir until it is melted. Stir in 1 tsp. each of lemongrass and eucalyptus essential oils. Soap dye can be added at this point. Continue stirring the mixture, and pour into soap molds. Allow it to dry, and then remove from the molds.
Candles
A homemade lemongrass-scented candle can produce a nice, strong fragrance. In a double boiler, melt about half a block of paraffin or beeswax over low heat. Once it has melted, stir in 1 tsp. of lemongrass essential oil (more can be added for a stronger scent). A lemony yellow candle dye can be used to color the melted wax. Use a small amount of wax to glue the aluminum bottom of a wick to a tempered glass or plastic container. Once the wick is stable, pour melted wax into the container and allow to harden.
Pest Control
Lemongrass and citronella belong to the same family of plants and can repel pests. A simple mosquito spray with lemongrass and citronella can be made at home. In a spray bottle, combine ¼ cup of water with ¼ cup of witch hazel. Put the lid on the spray bottle and shake to combine. Once combined, add 2 tbsp. each of citronella and lemongrass essential oils. Shake well to blend.
Psoriasis is a persistent and mysterious inflammatory skin condition. It is a disease of the autoimmune system that results in itchy, scaly and sometimes painful areas on the skin. Those who are afflicted with it experience discomfort and embarrassment. The exact cause of psoriasis is still unknown.
Indian Remedies for Psoriasis
More than 7 million people in the United States have psoriasis, according to the National Institutes of Health. While there are many remedies and medications to relieve the symptoms, there is not a standard protocol that works for everyone. Some psoriasis sufferers have turned to Indian ayurvedic remedies for relief.
What is Ayurvedic Medicine?
The most popular type of alternative medicine in India is ayurvedic medicine. Indian remedies have been based on ayurvedic principles for 5,000 years. Ayurveda is based on the concept that the mind, body and spirit are connected. Cures and remedies include herbs, cleansing, life-style changes, meditation and exercise. An initial and detailed consultation is necessary for an ayurvedic practitioner to assess your health issues and create a healing plan.
Panchakarma
Some patients find relief from their psoriasis after undergoing the ayurvedic process known as panchakarma. The word "panchakarma" translates into the words "" in English. The of panchakarma are vamana, virechan, basti, nasya and rakta mokshana. These actions are a process of cleansing the body, mind and spirit to enhance overall health and facilitate self-healing. Ayurvedic practitioners claim that panchakarma repairs damage done by stress and everyday living.
Vamana, Virechan, Basti, Nasya and Rakta Mokshana
The first step of panchakarma is done using emetics. Emetics are substances that make you vomit. In ayurveda, natural but strong teas consisting of licorice and salt are used for this purpose. The second step in this Indian remedy for psoriasis is virechan. This step uses natural laxatives to cleanse the intestinal tract of old waste products that are stuck in your body. The third step involves the administration of enemas. These enemas are medicated with ayurvedic herbs and serve to further cleanse the toxins from your digestive system. The fourth step is nasya. Nasya is the cleaning of the nose and the sinuses. Liquid in the form of a medicinal oil or an herbal tea is taken through the nose to cleans and stimulate the nasal cavities. Rakta mokshana, or bloodletting, is the fifth and final step of the panchakarma. Bloodletting is not practiced anymore as it has not been proven to help cure disease.
Tags: five actions, , Remedies Psoriasis, step panchakarma
CPT stands for Current Procedural Terminology. In other words, these are medical procedure codes. They're used to indicate what types of procedures have been performed so insurance companies can pay bills correctly, and statistics can easily be tracked. These codes are managed by the AMA, or American Medical Association, on a yearly basis. They have a set of guidelines for each of the six main categories of CPT codes that help instruct how they're to be used, as well as clarifying guidelines for the subcategories of each level.
CPT entails coding approved by the AMA
Evaluation and Management
Evaluation and management codes are also known as E&M codes. These codes are used to indicate who is seeing the patient and what level of care the patient is getting. The codes in this category cover physician's offices, clinics, inpatient visits and emergency room visit charges. The AMA guidelines in this category address things such as definitions between new and existing patients, levels of complaints and services, a patient's history with that physician and examination times.
Anesthesia
The anesthesia guidelines are short because there aren't a lot of anesthesia charges. These CPT codes address either which part of the body required anesthesia or services that might have required a different level of anesthesia, such as treating burns. The guidelines concern reporting how long anesthesia was given, the types of anesthesia and the types of procedures.
Surgery
Surgery has the most number of CPT codes for any category. The guidelines cover topics that can be complicated. One guideline tells users combine some of these codes with E&M codes when necessary. Another says determine which charges can and cannot be billed together. A third explains the differences between diagnostic and therapeutic services.
Radiology
Radiology encompasses scanning services, including obstetrical scanning, nuclear medicine and arteriograms. The guidelines show when these services are charged as separate procedures or as part of a more complicated procedure.
Laboratory
The laboratory has one page of guidelines as a whole, and not many guidelines for specific groups of lab tests, either. The main guideline is for determining which tests must be bundled, which means billed under one CPT number instead of multiple numbers for multiple tests. The secondary guideline is lab test is primary when certain groups of tests are performed.
Medicine
The medicine area of the CPT manual is the most diverse as far as services are concerned, but the guidelines for the department are sparse. The main guideline is determining which service is actually being performed, as many of the CPT groups can seem similar based on wording, but are totally separate items. Most of the guidelines are contained within each subsection since this category contains so many different types of services.
Tags: determining which, guideline determining, guideline determining which, this category, groups tests, main guideline, main guideline determining
Children with social anxiety disorder struggle with social interactions and situations where they are expected to perform, as in school. Social anxiety causes affected children to avoid school, birthday parties, playdates and other settings that require them to initiate conversations or participate in normal activities. When treated, social anxiety can be well-managed, but if left untreated, this disorder can have a powerfully negative impact on an individual's life.
Instructions
1. Observe your child for signs of social anxiety disorder. A child with this disorder is excessively fearful of social interaction, may avoid eye contact, struggles in situations where public speaking is required and may refuse to attend school, claiming symptoms like headache and stomachache.
2. Have him evaluated by a professional who has experience with socially anxious children, if you suspect this is an issue for your child.
3. Seek professional treatment for her, once she has been diagnosed. Treatment might involve medication, cognitive behavioral therapy and/or other psychological interventions, as well as school and home accommodations, so look for a counselor or therapist who can address the disorder on all fronts.
4. Locate a counselor or therapist by talking to your child's pediatrician, contacting a local mental health clinic or checking PsychologyToday.com's online directory of mental health care providers.
5. Find three or four therapists in your area who treat children with . Call each one and ask about his educational background, experience with social anxiety disorder in children, availability and cost. Consider your phone conversation with each one a kind of job interview.
6. Decide which of the therapists you'd like to work with your child, and make an appointment. Take your child to the appointment, and be prepared to talk to the therapist about your child's difficulties and symptoms and what you hope to gain from treatment.
7. Keep the lines of communication open with the therapist. Report any new symptoms your child may experience. Ask about medication if your child seems not to be improving with psychological interventions alone.
Tags: your child, mental health, social anxiety, social anxiety disorder, anxiety disorder
Breast cancer is the most common cancer of all women, regardless of race or ethnic background. In 2004, over 180,000 women were diagnosed with it, and over 40,000 women died from it. The numbers continue to rise. (U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services / CDC) The emotional and mental effects of this disease can be just as devastating as the physical aspects. Breast cancer can strike to the core of your soul and paralyze your mind, if you let it.
Getting the "Bad News"
To be told "You have breast cancer" is a frightening thing. To the one receiving the diagnosis, it's not just physical, but profoundly emotional as well. Immediately, thoughts and fears race through the woman's head. Fear of the unknown, disbelief at the words coming out of the doctor's mouth, anger, confusion; and the big question, "Am I going to die"? So many questions and no answers. These are the words that women dread.
Being "Scared" is an Understatement
Once a woman has learned she has breast cancer, even before she knows the exact type, the feeling of fear can be overwhelming. She is about to embark on a journey and she doesn't know where it will take her, or what the outcomes will be. The fear of dying is also present even in the beginning.
What Did I Do to Deserve This?
Often times a feeling of responsibility can inch its way into your mind and cause you to feel as if somehow you did something for which you're now being punished. There are many reasons why this could have happened, and genetics is a big player. Many times, after being diagnosed, women will find out there is more of a family history of than was ever thought.
Mastectomy: I'm "Different" Now
One of the feelings you may first encounter can include the feeling of being abnormal or different, because of something growing deep inside your body. The term "cancer" of any type carries very bad connotations. This feeling can lead to severe depression and a feeling of isolation from the human race. Shame is a powerful emotion at this stage, after surgery--ashamed to be seen, of how your body looks or that somehow you are less of a person.
What Do I Do Now?
Diagnosis, biopsy, surgery and initial chemotherapy or radiation therapy--it isn't the end, rather, the beginning of the journey. The feeling of helplessness can be overwhelming. It is imperative to get in with a solid support group, in addition to family support, to weather the storm.
Tags: breast cancer, Breast cancer, over women, your body,
Vaginal infection is an infection that is the result of fungus or yeast. These substances normally live on the skin's surface, but when there is an abnormal wet and moist condition they can cause infection. A yeast infection usually causes burning, itching and discharge. Antibiotic use is the most common reason for yeast infection, but a yeast infection can be a sign of something more serious, such as diabetes, leukemia or AIDS. Most yeast infections can be cleared up quickly with treatment.
Over-the-counter Treatments
Most yeast infections can be treated easily with over-the-counter treatments. Monistat-Derm, Monistat Vaginal, Vagistat, Femstat, Femizole-7 and Gyne-Lotrimin are all over-the-counter creams that can be found at most drug stores and department stores. These creams are rubbed directly on the vagina and the surrounding tissues, two to three times a day for one to seven days depending on how long the symptoms last. If the creams cause irritation, they should be discontinued. They should also never be used if you are pregnant. If symptoms last for more than one week, you should contact your physician.
Home Remedies
There are a few home remedies that you can try for mild cases of yeast infection. Dilute apple cider vinegar with water in a two-to-one solution. Add a little bit of garlic in the mixture to help with itch and dab on the area that is prone to yeast infections. Yogurt is said to get rid of yeast infections. Soak a tampon in yogurt and insert it into the vagina for approximately one hour. The culture in the yogurt is said to neutralize the infection. Drinking buttermilk daily is also said to prevent and cure yeast infections by restoring the pH within your system.
Medical Treatments
If your symptoms have not gone away with self-treatment, your physician may need to call in a prescription strength medication. Your physician may call in an anti-fungal medication that will block the production of the yeast. These medications will end with the suffix azole. Amphotericin B can also be called in for serious infections that do not respond well to other treatments. Amphotericin B is very strong and can make treating another outbreak more difficult as your body develops immunity.