Nuclear radiation absorbed by the human body is dangerous, and people who have been exposed to nuclear radiation show definite symptoms.
Amounts
Depending on how much radiation is absorbed within the body certain symptoms will result. Higher doses can show problems immediately or within minutes of contact. Lower doses of exposure produces symptoms that are revealed over time.
Ionizing Radiation
Ionizing radiation alters the atoms and changes the DNA code within a cell. This type of radiation is harmful to organisms because it causes cells to die when it's absorbed.
Acute Radiation Syndrome
Acute radiation syndrome (ARS) occurs when an individual's whole entire body has to of radiation. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are some of the early symptoms for ARS. Other types of symptoms associated with ARS include fevers and seizures.
High Exposure
Absorption of nuclear energy in high doses causes fluid loss and creates problems with the vascular system plus the gastrointestinal tract.
Moderate Doses
Moderate absorption of nuclear radiation can cause loss of bone marrow that results in low blood cell production. This loss of white blood cells could make people more prone to infection, and destruction of platelets creates the condition in which hemorrhaging to death could occur.
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are very common in teen or adult women, especially pregnant women or diabetics. The burning, itching and discharge associated with these infections can cause alarm, especially for a woman experiencing her first yeast infection. However, although yeast infections are very uncomfortable, they are also rarely very serious and are easily treated.
Types
Candida albicans, one of many kinds of yeasts, is usually the culprit behind yeast infection (candidiasis) of the vagina. In addition to vaginal infections, candida can cause skin infections, mouth infections (thrush) and, less commonly, serious systemic infections.
Identification
Vaginal yeast infections usually cause vaginal burning and itching and a pale, usually chalky, discharge. Occasionally, yeast infections do occur without significant itching or discharge.
Similar yeast-related skin infections can occur in men and babies, in the groin area, around the mouth, in the armpits or in folds of skin. Red splotchy rashes are the main symptom of skin yeast infections. Infections of the mouth cause pale "fur" or pale patches on the tongue.
Features
Yeast (Candida) is a fungus and, as such, it thrives in warm, moist areas. Commonly present on the skin and in the vagina, yeast colonies are usually kept in check by beneficial bacteria. When antibiotics, illness or something else disrupts the natural balance between yeast fungus and good bacteria, the yeast grows and causes discomfort. You may use an anti-itch cream to temporarily relieve burning and itching, but if the cause is yeast, the irritation will recur until you cure the infection.
Prevention/Solution
To maintain beneficial bacteria in the vagina, avoid douching, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Because yeast love warmth and moisture, keep yeast-prone areas clean and dry. Always shower after working out and put on dry, clean clothing.
If you've never had a yeast infection before and are exhibiting symptoms, see your doctor. Otherwise, unless you have other medical problems or are taking prescription medications, try a non-prescription yeast remedy.
To reduce irritation and aid healing of infections, wear breathable undergarments and loose-fitting clothing. This will keep the area dryer and prevent chafing. Avoid scratching itchy areas, as scratching will only cause more irritation.
Time Frame
The strongest non-prescription medicine cures a typical yeast infection in as little as 1 to 3 days. Less powerful doses take about 7 days to cure the infection. All symptoms should be completely gone in 1 to 2 weeks.
Considerations
If your symptoms occur with fever or other signs of illness, you should consult with your doctor. Vaginal or skin yeast infections do not cause fever.
If you are taking prescription medicines, check with your doctor before using an over-the-counter yeast infection medicine. Some active ingredients interact with Warfarin.
If you are pregnant or have a yellow, green or brown discharge, see your physician. A different infection could be the culprit. Do likewise if an over-the-counter yeast infection medicine does not cure your problem.
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Water thins mucous, preventing buildup in your throat and nose.
Excess mucous in the sinus cavities leads to post nasal drip. The additional mucous resides in the back of the nose or throat, leading to plenty of unpleasant symptoms, including congestion, sore throat, nausea, breathing difficulty and coughing. Generally, post nasal drip is caused by allergies, a cold, pregnancy or hormonal fluctuations. If you have a cough due to post nasal drip, many treatments can help you get rid of it.
Instructions
1. Determine the cause of your post nasal drip cough. If it is caused by allergies, try various over-the-counter allergy medications that contain antihistamines. If you have a cold, over-the-counter cold medication can eliminate excess mucous. If you suspect your post nasal drip cough is due to hormonal fluctuations or pregnancy, talk to your doctor about medications. If you are pregnant, do not take any medications without your doctor's approval.
2. Use nasal sprays. Many over-the-counter nasal sprays are available to treat post nasal drip. Because the nasal sprays reduce the excess mucous that causes the cough, you'll notice an improvement. Generally, you should use nasal sprays for no longer than three consecutive days. Using them for longer can damage your nasal cavities.
3. Avoid dairy products. Because dairy products can thicken mucous, they generally worsen post nasal drip coughs. To be safe, avoid milk, yogurt, ice cream and cheese until you are better.
4. Drink lots of water. Water helps to thin mucous, preventing buildup in your throat and nose, and lessening the likelihood of coughing. In addition to water, drink other clear liquids such as herbal teas and juices.
5. Mix 1/2 tsp. of salt with warm water. Gargle the mixture. This salt solution can cleanse the back of your throat, helping to dislodge mucous. As the mucous is eliminated from the back of your throat, your cough will improve. Gargle twice daily for best results.
6. Suck on cough drops. The drops will lubricate your throat, alleviating itchiness and irritation that leads to coughing. The sucking motion also helps to get mucous moving, improving your post nasal drip.
Tags: post nasal drip, post nasal, nasal drip, your throat, nasal sprays, your post, your post nasal
AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is a condition where the immune system, damaged by the HIV virus, can no longer protect the body from opportunistic infections and tumors. While HIV and AIDS are related, they are different conditions with very specific sets of signs and symptoms. Most people experience symptoms of HIV infection before the onset of AIDS. Early symptoms of HIV include persistent fevers, rashes, swollen lymph nodes and sore throat. As HIV progresses, it destroys the immune system, paving the way for opportunistic infections. These opportunistic infections are the first signs of full-blown AIDS.
Opportunistic Infections
Opportunistic infections are pathogens that are normally kept at bay when the immune system is healthy. There are several infections common to AIDS: pneumocystis carinii, thrush, toxoplasmosis and Kaposi's sarcoma. While these are not the only infections, these infections occurred in several of the first cases discovered in the United States.
Pneumocystis Carinii
Now called pneumocystis pneumonia, it is one of the many pulmonary infections caused by bacteria that already exists in the lungs. Prior to effective treatment, it was one of the major causes of death in the . In non-Western countries, it is still the first sign of AIDS in untested individuals.
Thrush
Thrush is a candida infection on the mouth, throat and tongue. The candida fungus occurs naturally in the body, but when the immune system is compromised, the fungus grows uncontrollably.
Toxoplasmosis
Caused by a parasite found in cat feces, in people with healthy immune systems it causes flu-like symptoms or no symptoms at all. In people with HIV, toxoplasmosis can be fatal.
Kaposi's Sarcoma
Until the advent of AIDS, Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) was a relatively rare and slow-acting skin cancer found in older men of Mediterranean descent. In most cases, victims of KS usually died of old age before dying of KS. In people with AIDS, the disease is more aggressive with lesions appearing on the skin and in the mouth, digestive and respiratory tracts.
Tags: immune system, people with, , opportunistic infections, United States, when immune, when immune system
A lot of the foods we eat today contain artificial additives and chemicals. Many are stripped of their natural nutrients. We consume foods that are highly refined and processed, and that contain saturated fats. These can contribute to weight gain and poor health. A "cleanse" is a process to help rid the body of accumulated toxins and compacted waste material in the colon.
Benefits of a Sea Salt Cleanse
The colon is the tube through which waste is excreted from the body. Toxins and poisons, however, can form a substance that adheres to colon walls. This condition can cause constipation and fatigue. Energy is needed to exercise and help maintain or reduce weight. A "sea salt cleanse" removes many toxins and poisons from the body, replenishes the body with valuable minerals that may be lacking in the foods that are eaten, and reduces weight. Drinking a sea salt solution acts as a natural laxative, which will clean out the colon. Weight loss is achieved by the removal of built-up material and toxins in the digestive system, and by restoring vitality and health, which makes a person feel more energetic and able to exercise. It has also been reported that a sea salt cleanse relieves joint and muscle pain. This type of pain would also prevent a person from being able to exercise to maintain or lose weight.
Perform a Sea Salt Cleanse
The whole digestive system can be cleansed by combining two level teaspoons of sea salt with a quart of warm water. Drink this solution the first thing in the morning, while your stomach is empty. Optionally, you may squeeze the juice of a fresh lemon into the drink to make it more palatable. Expect an emptying of the bowels within a few hours of drinking the sea salt cleanse. Repeat this flush by drinking the solution every morning for one week. When preparing a sea salt solution for cleansing purposes, use unrefined sea salt. This form of sea salt retains vital minerals that are responsible for the cleansing action. Table salt and refined sea salt are processed and bleached. Essential minerals needed to perform the cleansing process are removed from these products.
An Alternative Sea Salt Cleanse
Warm salt water and sea salt can be dissolved and given as an enema. This procedure directly reaches the colon. However, it does not address the entire digestive system. Still, weight loss will occur, as compacted materials in the colon are excreted.
Other Benefits
In addition to weight loss and detoxifying the digestive system, a sea salt cleanse has been reported to relieve fatigue, irritability, and irritable bowel syndrome. It may also reduce body odor, improve skin quality, and even lower blood pressure. No one knows exactly how a sea salt cleanse works, but it's been used since ancient times.
Warning
If you are on a low-sodium diet or taking prescription medications, or if you're suffering from cancer, digestive track problems, or ulcers, consult with your doctor before trying a sea salt cleanse.
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Shingles is a very painful virus related to chicken pox and herpes. There are traditional Chinese herbal remedies that can alleviate symptoms of shingles.
Pain Relievers
Sufferers of shingles say the pain can be excruciating. When an outbreak occurs, this remedy can help relieve pain.
Use unscented lotion to mix with red pepper. Smooth over the for relief.
Pastes
Realgar powder should be used with caution since the primary ingredient is arsenic disulfide. But mixing the powder with vinegar to create a thin paste, used daily for five to seven days, can help with symptoms.
Herbal Teas and Soups
Lemon balm tea can be used on compresses to cool the affected area. Or mix with mint, oregano, peppermint, rosemary, sage, spearmint and thyme to create a soothing anti-viral tea.
Boil Job's tear for one hour in water. Afterward, drink the soup and eat the remaining grains. Repeat this recipe two times a day for a week to clear up symptoms.
Over-the-Counter Options
A basic tenet of Chinese medicine is to restore balance to the body, including temperatures. Chuan Xin Lian Antiphlogistic Tablets are used for their cooling effect on the parts of the body affected by illness.
Superior Sore Throat Powder is highly regarded as an effective painkiller for shingles.
Both products may be found in Chinese pharmacies and herb shops.
A Miracle Remedy?
Used as a pain reliever, Yunnan Baiyao, or White Medicine of Yunnan, can also be used to stop bleeding. Chinese soldiers often carry vials around their necks.
Death is a natural part of the life cycle, and we all must come to terms with it. Accepting the inevitable doesn't have to be difficult if you adjust your perspective.
Instructions
1. Accept death by being open to feeling vulnerable. People have a false perception of how they should react to death. It is not necessary to be strong and stoic.
2. Grieve properly by going through the entire process. Accept death by allowing yourself the proper amount of grieving and time to deal with the many feelings you experience.
3. Get mad. It is part of the grieving process, and you must go through it before you can accept death. Even if you are dealing with the thought of your own death, it is okay to get angry. You must get past this phase in order to accept death.
4. Discuss death with your loved ones. It is impossible to stave off death by avoiding the topic. Be open and honest and let those close to you know how you wish to have your death handled. Open a dialogue and let people know that it is okay to discuss this touchy subject.
5. List your feelings about death. Whether it is the death of someone close to you, or your feelings about your own death, get your thoughts down. Free write every thought that comes to your mind. Meditate on the results.
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Nux vomica is a popular homeopathic remedy used mainly for colds and flu, especially when the main symptoms are irritability, nausea and vomiting.
Homeopathic Medicine
Homeopathy is a non-habit forming, natural medicine based on the Law of Similars, which states that "like is cured by like." The pill form of small doses called "potencies" are used of the remedy that would cause the same symptoms the patient has, if given in high doses.
Origins
Nux vomica is also called the poison nut. The medicine is made from the seeds of the strychnos tree, the source of strychnine.
Physical Ailments
Besides colds and flu, Nux vomica helps with nausea associated with taking in too much food and drink. For this reason, it is also known as a remedy for hangovers.
Emotional Ailments
It's also used to treat depression, impatience, irritability and sensitivity to light, noise, odors and touch.
Where to Purchase
Nux vomica is sold through health food stores and online from retailers, such as Amazon, or directly through homeopathic remedy manufacturers, such as Boiron and Hyland's Homeopathy. Depending on the bottle size, it will cost anywhere from $6 to $12.
AIDS Dementia Complex, or ADC, is one of the neurological conditions associated with AIDS and is an AIDS-defining illness. According to HIV InSite, there is a high morbidity rate associated with ADC, especially when severe. ADC impacts motor skills, cognition and sometimes behavior and is thought to be caused directly by HIV and not by an opportunistic infection.
HAART
According to HIV InSite, the primary method of treatment for ADC is the treatment of the underlying HIV with highly active antiretroviral therapy, or HAART. HAART is a drug treatment plan that combines medications--called antiretrovirals--that target HIV at different points of its cycle. In all conditions wherein HIV, instead of an infection that is taking advantage of the weakened immune state caused by HIV, is the primary cause of symptoms, treatment of the underlying condition is the best option.
BBB
The difficulty of treating ADC is that antiretrovirals must cross the blood-brain barrier, or BBB, a separation between blood and cerebrospinal fluid. According to HIV InSite, the antiretrovirals that accomplish this best are zidovudine, stavudine, abacavir, lamivudine, nevirapine, and indinavir. However, it has also been reported that sometimes patients improve due to antiretroviral treatments that are not known to cross the BBB well.
Considerations
Dr.Howard Crystal, of SUNY Downstate Medical College, notes that the psychiatric symptoms of ADC may respond to traditional treatments like antipsychotic drugs for delusions and hallucinations and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRI's, for depression and apathy. Crystal also notes that no single course of antiretroviral therapy has been shown to improve the symptoms of ADC.
New Treatments
David M. Simpson of the Clinical Neurophysiology Laboratories and the Neuro-AIDS program at Mount Sinai Medical Center, notes that new research is being engaged to find antiretrovirals that more effectively cross the BBB as well as to target secondary agents that may worsen the impact of ADC.
Prognosis
Crystal observes that HAART has extended life-expectancy for ADC patients far past the initial six-to-seven month morbidity before multidrug treatment. However, HIV InSite reports that six-month morbidity of ADC patients in one study remained at 67 percent and that morbidity increased with stage 2 or greater ADC.
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Breasts often sag, whether due to expanding and retracting breast tissue in pregnancy and nursing or due to aging. To correct this issue, there is the breast lift, or mastoplexy. It is plastic surgery done for solely cosmetic reasons.
Function
The breast lift enhances the appearance of breasts that are sagging by reshaping them and, in some cases, using implants to restore unfilled areas where tissue once was. Others choose to have a reduction and lift, allowing the surgeon to cut away unused skin to minimize future sagging.
Benefits
Many women report an increase in self-esteem from . Cosmetic enhancements such as a breast lift can renew a woman's positive self-image.
Considerations
While the goal of a breast lift is cosmetic enhancement, there is often scarring in order to obtain the perfect shape. In order to create the correct projection and shape, doctors have to cut the skin to restructure the breast.
Warning
Breast lift is a surgery, which means there is risk involved. The main risk with any surgery is complications from the anesthesia, which can result in death in severe instances. Most anesthesia complications are minor, including nausea or vomiting.
Fun Fact
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that while there was less than 8,000 breast lift procedures performed in 1992, there were over 126,000 performed in 2007.
In ancient times, foods were dried in the sun. Refrigeration did not exist back then, so villagers had to learn dry fruits, vegetables and even meats and store them for use in the winter months. Today people dry fruits and vegetables for snacking and cooking. These foods are high in fiber, low in carbs and are a great alternative to sugary snacks. Dried fruits and vegetables are great for adding texture and flavor to recipes, as well.
Instructions
1. Select drying equipment. You can dry fruits and vegetables in the sun if you live in a warm climate, but you'll need at least 5 consecutive days of 95 degree F temperatures. Choose a conventional oven if you don't want to invest in any equipment, or select an electric food dehydrator with a fan and an adjustable temperature control.
2. Choose fruits or vegetables to dry. Popular fruits include apples, peaches, mangoes, pears, bananas and grapes. Pick ripe and healthy-looking vegetables like broccoli spears, peas, tomatoes, carrots or green beans. Toss out overripe or moldy fruits and vegetables, since they taste bad and look worse.
3. Preheat the oven to 140 degrees F and wash the fruits and vegetables. Remove the core or pits from fruits like plums and peaches. Blanch vegetable to remove the skin: place them in hot boiling water for 2 minutes and remove from heat.
4. Cut fruits and vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Dip cut pieces in a diluted mix of one part lemon juice to eight parts water. Dunk and remove quickly--there's no need to soak. This helps to prevent discoloration during the drying process.
5. Pick up some wax paper and line a cookie sheet or the screens from the electric dehydrator with it. Place cut pieces on a single layer, making sure fruits and vegetables have plenty of room to breathe during the . Fill each level with more fruits and vegetables, since you can dry more than one type of fruit or vegetable at one time.
6. Dry vegetables and fruits at roughly 140 degrees F for 6 to 12 hours. Check out the handy drying table on the Virginia Tech website for drying times for specific foods (see Resources below).
7. Let fruits and veggies sit for about an hour before you package them in air-tight containers. Plastic bags that seal and canning jars work best for storing. Expect dried foods to last for anywhere from 6 months to a year at the most before going bad.
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A Japanese philosopher named George Ohsawa founded the macrobiotic diet after curing himself of a major illness. He ate only brown rice, sea vegetables, and soup. From his experience, he saw this diet as a way to cure cancer and other diseases because of its simplicity, as well as being high in fiber, low in fat, and meatless.
Choosing a macrobiotic diet is a lifestyle change, not just another popular diet. It's similar to eating a vegan or vegetarian diet. Among many benefits, the macrobiotic diet enhances your physical beauty, including your skin.
Foods Allowed
About 50 to 60 percent of the macrobiotic diet consists of whole grains, such as brown rice, oats, and , while 20 to 30 percent is made up of fresh vegetables, which are eaten raw, steamed, or sauteed. Additionally, 5 to 10 percent is of soup made with sea vegetables (seaweed), beans, or miso---and another 5 to 10 percent includes nuts, seeds, and fruit.
Drink only pure water and herbal teas.
To sweeten food, use brown rice syrup or stevia, an herb.
Variations of this diet include fish and soy, such as tofu and soy milk.
Foods Not Allowed
Caffeine and alcohol are not allowed on this diet. All meats, eggs, and dairy products are not permitted. Avoid white bread, white flour, white sugar, spices, and processed foods. Refrain from taking vitamins.
Beautify Your Skin
What you eat directly affects the way you look. The macrobiotic diet has no impurities and is a balanced diet. One of the first things you'll notice is how beautiful and youthful your skin looks. Your skin will become smooth, clear, and wrinkles will be diminished.
Vitamin E is an anti-aging supplement, which helps to slow down the aging process of skin cells. In the , vitamin E is found in raw almonds, legumes, avocados, and green leafy vegetables.
Whole grains, such as brown rice, oats, and whole wheat, contain the B vitamins. These vitamins keep the skin moisturized and stimulate collagen to reduce fine lines. Collagen is the connective tissue in the skin, keeping it firm and elastic. Spirulina, a blue-green algae, is a great vitamin B-12 source.
Since you're eating raw or steamed vegetables, the beta carotene (which converts to vitamin A) from carrots, for example, will make your complexion smooth and help it glow. Vitamin A also helps increase collagen.
Vitamin C is found in fruits and some vegetables---and stimulates collagen and rejuvenates your skin.
Zinc helps to prevent wrinkles. You'll get zinc in this diet from eating vegetables such as okra, mushrooms, beans, peanuts, as well as whole grains like brown rice and whole wheat. The highest concentration of zinc for non-meats is in pumpkin seeds.
Drinking pure water throughout the day keeps the skin moisturized from the inside out. Your skin will look bright, clear, and supple.
Cautions
Since vitamins are not allowed in this diet, check with your doctor first before starting the macrobiotic diet. Those who are anemic may need to supplement with iron and/or increased vitamin B-12.
If you need additional protein than found in the vegetables, beans, nuts, and seeds you are eating, consider adding fish and soy products to this diet.
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People that sleep on their side or back might have more trouble adjusting to a contour pillow.
A contour pillow is manufactured from several different materials, including foam, latex and memory foam and comes in a variety of sizes. The "contour" that makes the pillow different is intended to aid people with several issues, from neck and back pain to snoring. Learning sleep on a contour pillow is an adjustment that might take several days or weeks. With a little persistence, the benefits of a contour pillow can be well worth the change.
Instructions
1. Locate a contour pillow that fits your needs and budget. The price of these pillows varies by the materials used, size and manufacturer. Choose a pillow that is either recommended by a doctor or physical therapist, is the correct size for your body and budget.
2. Remove the pillow from the packaging and allow it to remain unused for at least 24 hours. This allows the pillow to reach its full shape and remove any odors collected by the pillow while it was packaged.
3. Cover the contour pillow with a pillowcase. A standard pillowcase is acceptable, although there are cases especially made for contour pillows.
4. Remove all of the standard pillows from your side of the bed and set the contour pillow down, with the contoured side up, onto the bed.
5. Lie down so that your neck and head are resting comfortably in the pillow's contour.
6. Hold your head straight so that you are looking up at the ceiling. Avoid slumping your head so that your chin is being pressed up against your neck. This can constrict your airway, making any snoring issues even worse.
7. Continue to use the contour pillow every night to give you time to adjust. It may take several days or weeks to become used to this posture, especially if you are naturally a side or stomach sleeper.
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Chemotherapy is often used to treat cancer patients. There are different types of chemotherapy drugs available. Discuss all of your options with your doctor. Different chemotherapy drugs may cause different side effects, and different degrees of effects. Be sure to make arrangements to get adequate rest during your chemotherapy treatment. You may to work, take care of your children or pets, and feel unable to maintain your household while dealing with the effects of chemotherapy.
Nausea
Some chemotherapy drugs are more likely to cause nausea and vomiting. Your doctor can prescribe an anti-nausea medication, which you can take either orally or intravenously.
Hair Loss
Chemotherapy can often result in hair loss. You may lose hair all over your body, not just on your head. The degree of hair loss depends on the chemotherapy drug used.
Other Risks
In addition to nausea and hair loss, you may experience some other side effects. These include fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, fever, mouth sores, pain and being easy to bruise.
Neuropathy
There are also risks of long-term problems associated with chemotherapy. Peripheral neuropathy, or damage to the nerves, is one of them.
Long-Term Effects
In addition to neuropathy, other possible long-term side effects from chemotherapy include heart and kidney problems, lung tissue damage, infertility and the risk of getting a second type of cancer.
Tags: chemotherapy drugs, hair loss, side effects, , feel unable
Pronation occurs when you walk or run. It is a medical term referring to the natural process that occurs each time you step on your foot. When you walk, your foot is supposed to hit the ground a specific way. The heel is supposed to touch the ground first, followed by the rest of the foot. As the body weight hits the rest of the foot, the foot flattens a bit in the arch. This flattening process is called pronation. When the flattening process doesn't occur properly, it creates problems called over pronation or under pronation.
Pronation Problems
One common pronation problem is over pronation. This means the arch of the foot flattens too much when you walk. The bones of the feet begin to move inward as a result of this over-flattening. Although pronation is a subconscious problem and the foot should just automatically pronate, this doesn't always happen. Overexertion, running on an incline, or running in bad shoes are some reasons why this might not happen and why this over pronation might occur. Genetics may also contribute to over pronation. If the is left untreated, it can lead to a serious problem called tendinitis. Tendinitis is a medical condition that affects the Achilles heel. Over pronation also causes other problems, such as knee problems and hip pain.
Flat Feet
Flat feet is another pronation problem. Flat feet is common in kids, who are born with flat feet and no arches. However, arches are supposed to develop when kids learn to walk. If the arches don't develop, then the feet can't pronate properly because the feet are not the right shape. This condition usually corrects itself, but if it does not and it is persistent, tibialis posterior tendinitis can develop. Tibialis posterior tendinitis causes the ligaments and tendons in the foot to become inflamed, leading to pain and in some cases permanent disability.
Diagnosis
Usually, doctors diagnose pronation problems by watching you walk and run, and/or by listening to your symptoms. When you do not pronate properly, this occurs all of the time or most of the time when you walk. As a result, your shoes begin to show abnormal wear patterns. A doctor can look at your shoes and identify these abnormal wear patterns, and this may also help him to diagnose pronation problems.
Treatment
Generally, the best treatment for pronation is one that corrects the arch and shape of the foot, and forces the foot to hit the ground properly when you walk. Orthotics are the most common treatment, since they correct the arch and force the foot to arch properly. They are worn inside the shoe, and force the foot to assume a particular shape, which results in the correct pronation.
Prevention
Pronation problems are a chronic condition, which you can't consciously change. Thus, the problem can't be prevented and once you have it, it may be chronic and last a lifetime. Fortunately, the use of orthotics is a no-risk method of treating the condition and relieving the painful symptoms associated with over or under pronation.
Tags: when walk, over pronation, abnormal wear, abnormal wear patterns, condition usually
Rotator cuff injuries are one of the most common types of shoulder injuries, and can sometimes require surgery. Usually, rotator cuff surgery can be performed by an arthroscopic procedure, one of the least invasive types of surgeries. This helps to minimize healing time, and lessens the trauma the body must go through during surgery.
Coping with rotator cuff surgery can be tough, especially if it is a first surgery, or if there are complications. Pain medications may be helpful initially, but exercise and rehabilitation are needed for full recovery.
Instructions
1. Take pain medication as prescribed by the doctor. This will help keep the pain and swelling down while the shoulder complex initially starts to heal. Doctors usually prescribe Tylenol along with a pain killer to help reduce inflammation in the surgical area.
2. Keep the arm stabilized in a sling, and prop the arm up as necessary. Sometimes it helps to sleep upright, rather than laying flat in a bed. This will keep the arm in a neutral position, and allow the shoulder to heal comfortably.
3. Apply an ice pack to the surgical site every two hours for 20 minutes at a time. This also helps reduce swelling and makes the patient more comfortable.
4. Support the arm as much as possible while showering, or performing other tasks when the sling is not on the arm. Keep the arm and shoulder supported until the doctor or physical therapist allows you to regain normal motion without support.
5. Work with a physical therapist within the first week following the , or as your doctor prescribes. The physical therapist will help regain normal motion in the arm in a safe manner, ensuring you don't pull or tear anything in the shoulder.
Tags: physical therapist, rotator , cuff surgery, normal motion, regain normal, regain normal motion
Mercury and mercury containing compounds cause toxic responses and systemic poisoning. The symptoms of mercury poisoning are variable because it is a systemic poison--it affects the entire body. How these symptoms are manifested depends upon the form of mercury encountered, the length of exposure, the age of the exposed person and the manner that the poison enters the body.
The Facts About Mercury
Mercury is an element found naturally in air, water and soil in trace quantities. Mercury is classified as a heavy metal. It exists as elemental mercury, organic mercury compounds and inorganic salts of mercury. Each of these classifications can have a different toxic effect. Mercury is a neurotoxin and can attack other organs, including the liver, heart and kidneys. Elemental mercury can react in the environment to form mercury oxides, and other compounds. Symptoms of mercury poisoning can vary according to concentration, method of exposure, length of exposure and individual sensitivity.
Types of Mercury Exposure
Mercury and mercury compounds can enter the body by ingestion, inhalation, absorption through the skin and injection. Mercury can react in water to form methyl mercury. Methyl mercury becomes incorporated into the flesh of fish and shellfish. This organic mercury will act as a toxin when fish and shellfish are consumed. Mercury is inhaled when vapors enter the air from spills and combustion of mercury containing fuels and wastes. Mercury exposures also occur from medical treatments that include dental amalgam and injection of serums preserved with mercury compounds. Mercury vaporizes readily at ambient temperatures. This allows mercury to be inhaled in workplaces where mercury is used. Mercury also is absorbed through the skin through contact with elemental mercury, the use of topical medications and using cosmetics that contain mercury compounds. Exposure to mercury may be short-term or long-term with varying responses because of the systemic nature of mercury toxicity.
Acute and Chronic Mercury Exposures
An acute exposure is a short-term (generally less than 1 month) exposure to high concentrations of mercury. Acute exposure to mercury vapors can cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, increased heart rate, raised blood pressure, lung damage, eye irritation and skin rashes. Mercury is a neurotoxin that can damage the brain and nervous system. Exposure to high concentrations of mercury vapor can cause brain damage, peripheral nerve damage, kidney damage and damage to the developing fetus. Chronic exposure to mercury can cause psychological disturbances, cardiovascular problems, respiratory problems and digestive tract problems.
Symptoms of Mercury Poisoning
The symptoms of mercury poisoning can vary. As a heavy metal, mercury acts as a depressant nerve poison. Nervous system symptoms include memory problems, loss of hearing, narrowing of the field of vision and tremors. Personality changes can be manifested as shyness and irritability. Peripheral nerve symptoms include tingling and numbness in the feet and hands. Other symptoms of exposure can include headaches, muscle weakness, ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and tremors in the hands, feet or eyelids. Poisoning can result in immunological problems and allergic reaction. Discoloration of the fingernails may occur as with other heavy metals. Young children are more sensitive to the effects of mercury poisoning. Children can exhibit increased shyness, loss of speech, loss of cognitive abilities, irritability and withdrawal. Fetuses exposed to mercury in utero can exhibit brain damage, mental retardation, seizures, inability to speak, lack of coordination, blindness and damage to the nervous system, digestive tract and kidneys.
Sources of Mercury
Mercury is found in many common products. Thermometers, scientific instruments, cosmetics, medicines and fluorescent light bulbs all can contain mercury or mercury compounds. Fish and other wildlife exposed to methyl mercury in aquatic environments can absorb mercury into their flesh. Eating these animals can result in mercury poisoning. The most common exposures to mercury occur from spill cleanup, being in rooms that have had spills, and eating fish and shellfish contaminated with .
Contraceptives are used to prevent an unwanted or unplanned pregnancy. Contraceptives have roots as far back as the time of the Ancient Egyptians. Contraceptives, as they exist today, are a relatively new invention as latex condoms and hormonal birth control were introduced in the 20th century. There are several different types of contraceptives that are usually effective when used properly.
Function
Contraceptives are used to prevent pregnancies and to allow for people to plan ahead for conception. It is used when a woman, man or couple does not wish to have a child. Different forms of contraceptives are available for both men and women. Women generally take hormonal contraceptives that restrict the release of eggs from the ovaries to prevent pregnancy. Men may use condoms during sex to prevent sperm from entering the woman. By disrupting the ability of the sperm and egg to meet, contraceptives prevent pregnancy.
History
Primitive contraceptives were used thousands of years ago. Early forms of condoms were used as early as 1000 B.C. Rubber condoms were invented in the 1800s, and in 1919, latex condoms were introduced. Early forms of birth control for women included the use of herbs or other concoctions believed to prevent pregnancy. The birth control pill as it exists today was invented in the 1950s and received FDA approval in 1960. The birth control patch and ring were introduced in the early 21st century.
Types
The only current contraceptive for men is the condom, though scientists have been experimenting with a male birth control pill in the 21st century. Contraceptives for women include hormonal and barrier types. Hormonal types include birth control pills, birth control patch, insertable ring, hormonal injections and an implantable capsule that releases hormones. Barrier methods include the diaphragm, cervical cap, intrauterine device and contraceptive sponge. Spermicidal foam can also be used to kill sperm as it passes through the vagina.
Effectiveness
Hormonal and barrier methods of birth control are generally effective, but the effectiveness depends on how accurately the contraceptive is used. When used as instructed, condoms and the IUD can be 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy. The birth control pill, injection, patch and ring are also 99 percent effective when used correctly. Spermicidal foam is about 82 percent effective, the diaphragm is about 94 percent effective and the cervical cap is about 91 percent effective. Missing doses of birth control or using contraceptives improperly increases the risk of the contraceptive failing.
Considerations
Many contraceptives do not protect against HIV, AIDS or other sexually transmitted diseases (STD). The only type of contraceptive that does protect against disease is the condom. The pill has also been shown to be effective at reducing acne and regulating menstrual cycles. There are also several side effects associated with some types of birth control. Hormonal birth control can cause weight gain, nausea and headaches. IUDs can cause allergic reactions or infections in some women. In rare cases, this can lead to infertility. The benefits and risks of contraceptives should be considered before beginning a regimen.
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Many skin conditions mimic the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis, including ringworm of the scalp, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. A physician can determine for certain if you have seborrheic dermatitis by examining your scalp and skin and by ordering a skin biopsy or other tests.
Significance
Occurring in both children and adults, is a common disorder affecting the skin and scalp. When present in infants the condition is called cradle cap.
Identification
Although seborrheic dermatitis can occur on other parts of the body, including behind the ears and in the groin area, it mainly affects the scalp. Symptoms include dandruff, itchiness, soreness and thick crusts in the scalp. In addition skin may be red and greasy with white or yellow scales.
Causes
Although physicians do not know the exact cause of , contributing factors to this condition include yeast and other bacterial growth on the skin, stress and fatigue. Seborrheic dermatitis tends to flare up more during the winter and may occur more often in patients with neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease.
Prevention/Solution
do not guarantee that a specific treatment for seborrheic dermatitis will stop the condition permanently, treatments can temporarily alleviate the signs and symptoms of the disorder. These treatments include using medicated shampoos that contain tar, salicylic acid or ketoconazole and using anti-itch or anti-fungal creams to treat the condition on the face and body.
Warning
Consult with a dermatologist if your skin becomes painful or you suspect that you have developed an infection.
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If you have a first aid kit at home, Arnica Montana homeopathic remedy should be in it. Used for minor sprains, muscle soreness and bruising, it is safe for use with young children. Whether you garden or have a child who has fallen off her bicycle and banged up her knee, Arnica Montana is a practical, non-toxic way to help reduce swelling and discomfort.
Homeopathic remedies are microdilutions of extracts from plants, flowers, herbs and some part of animals. Homeopathic remedies are available as alcohol-based tinctures and as sweetened pellets.
Arnica is made from fresh or dried flower heads of the plant which grows one to two feet and has yellow-orange petals similar to daisies. Learn more to see if Arnica Montana is appropriate for you and your family to use.
Instructions
1. Determine if you have only a minor sprain or minor muscle soreness. If you have any sharp pain or limited range of motion in any limbs, see your doctor. works best when immediately applied to the joint or muscles that feel bruised or sprained. This remedy is especially good for tendon injuries and upper back muscle soreness from overexertion.
2. Observe if your child's knee is swelling or has started to show discoloration from bruising. Ice the area and apply Arnica Montana.
If the child is able, give her Arnica Montana in pellet form under her tongue and instruct her to let them dissolve and not chew them. (Read the labels on the pellet forms as different strengths have different dosages.)
3. Apply Arnica Montana gel or ointment as needed, even two or three times a day, such as in the morning, mid-day and at night after a shower and icing the bruise or sprain.
4. Pack the gel and pellet form of Arnica Montana if you are a biker or going camping with your family. It is indispensable as a muscle tonic and can be applied after an insect bite to reduce swelling.
5. Use Arnica also in any event of sudden emotional trauma, such as receiving bad news of financial loss or other, sudden distressing news. When taking the pellet form, do not consume coffee or coffee products or mint (including toothpaste, chewing gum or soap). Coffee and mint will block the effects of any homeopathic remedy.
6. Observe if your sprain or soreness is improving after several days. If you have a sprain and it is not noticeably better in five to seven days, see your doctor.
Tags: Arnica Montana, muscle soreness, pellet form, doctor Arnica, doctor Arnica Montana, Homeopathic remedies
It can be complicated to start a small-business group health insurance plan but not impossible. In fact, depending on the state you live in and the number of employees you have, you may be required to offer health insurance. It is critical to select a plan that best fits your small-business needs. Health insurance can be one of your bigger operating expenses. Follow this step-by-step guide to learn start a small-business group health insurance plan.
Instructions
Insurance for Your Small Business
1. Talk to your employees. If you are just starting a group health insurance plan or considering a new provider, talk to your employees. Try to determine what kind of coverage they expect and what they are willing to contribute. A critical issue is how many dependents each employee may want to cover as well. Your group health insurance plan costs will largely be based on the number of people you want to cover and their general health.
2. Determine your needs. What kind of coverage do you need? Depending on the age and health of your employees this can vary greatly. If you have a younger population in a low-risk group, a small discount plan may suffice. If you have an older population or engage employees in dangerous work like construction, you may need a more comprehensive plan.
3. Review websites that identify and rank group health insurance plans. Health insurance is a high-profile industry and you can use that to your advantage. Many states and non-profit agencies have established websites to help small businesses start group health insurance plans. They may rank insurance carriers by cost and performance as well as provide a search engine that can help match plans to your basic needs.
4. Get three or more bids. Once you have your research done, create a request for proposal (RFP) that outlines exactly what you want in a group health insurance plan. Send the RFP to any insurance carriers that seem to offer the services you desire at a price you're willing to pay.
5. Select the best fit. Once the bids come back, set up meetings with the top three bids to determine who will serve you best as you start a group health insurance plan for your small business. In some cases you may discuss the options with your employees to empower them in the decision-making process. Make sure you include contract stipulations for performance and review key points on a semi-annual basis with your selected provider of your small-business group health insurance.
Tags: group health, group health insurance, health insurance, insurance plan, group health insurance, health insurance, health insurance plan
Peyronie's Disease is a painful disease characterized by lumps and deformities on the penis. As the disease advances, it becomes difficult for the penis to become erect and may also result in impotence. When other options (such as verapamil injections) have failed to alleviate symptoms as a result of the disease, surgery may be necessary.
Surgery
There are various types of surgery, depending on the complexity of the advancement in the disease. However, prior to surgical options, a patient will undergo assessment to see if surgery is even an option.
Nesbit Plication
Tissue may removed from the penis to correct bending as a result of the disease. The penis may be shortened on the side where it is longest, but it may cause for the penis to be shortened in length overall.
Grafting
Growths or lumps that have grown on the penis are removed. Skin from other parts of the body will be used for grafting material to reshape the penis.
Penile Prosthetics
In cases where impotence is extreme, a hollow and inflatable tube is placed within the penis. This type of surgery is only recommended when other options fail.
Vein Grafting
When there is a severe curvature in the penis, small cuts will be made within the penis to straighten it. It will then be grafted over with the patient's skin.
Considerations
Surgery is recommended in men whose conditions never change (i.e., don't get worse) as surgery options will be optimal. If the disease progresses to a point where there may be complications, it is best to consult with your doctor and discuss your options.
Tags: other options, penis shortened, Peyronie Disease, result disease, within penis
Ancient and powerful, mudras are hand and finger gestures that influence the vital energies of your body and emotions. All religions have their own mudras: Buddhists form a teardrop with their thumbs and index fingers while meditating, Christians press their palms together in prayer and Muslims put their hands to their hearts. Mudras have been used to achieve specific states of consciousness and heal physical ailments. According to tradition, mudras unlock certain aspects of your brain and spirit, allowing you to achieve a higher state of consciousness and facilitate healing.
Instructions
1. Form a teardrop shape with the tip of your index finger and thumb for the Gyan mudra. Keep the rest of your fingers straight and touching each other. Most often used by meditators sitting in a lotus position, this mudra helps to sharpen memory, develop intellect, heal mental ailments and promote happiness.
2. Curl your middle and ring finger inward, so that the tips of both join the tip of your thumb to create the Apaan mudra. Keep your index and pinky finger extended straight. This mudra helps to eliminate waste and toxins from your mouth, eyes, ears and nose, and aids constipation.
3. Tuck your thumb tightly against your palm, and fold finger down on top of the back of the thumb to form the Vayu mudra. Keep the other fingers as straight as possible. This mudra helps with diseases like Parkinson's and arthritis.
4. Join the tip of your ring and little finger with the tip of your thumb to form the Prana mudra. Keep and middle finger straight. This mudra increases the life force, or "qi" that your body produces and helps with all ailments. It is also particularly beneficial for the eyes.
5. Interlock the fingers of both your hands and your right thumb together. Keep the left thumb up vertically upright, with your right thumb pressing down on its base. This forms the Ling mudra that helps increase the heat within your body to prevent coughs and colds.
Tags: mudra Keep, your index, mudra helps, with your, your body
Many women suffer from headaches during pregnancy. They can be very painful and stressful. Knowing the causes and treatments can help lessen your pain and make your pregnancy much more enjoyable.
Time Frame
Headaches are more prevalent during the first and third trimesters, but can happen anytime during your pregnancy.
Causes
Some possible headache triggers include changes in hormone levels and blood glucose levels, inadequate sleep, withdrawal from caffeine, changes in posture and vision, or even preeclampsia.
Symptoms
Pregnancy headaches can include mild to moderate pain in any area of the head or face. They aren't usually as severe as migraines.
Treatment
Before taking medications, try natural ways to alleviate pain, such as getting more rest, eating healthier, and getting a massage at the first sign of pain.
Prevention
One way to prevent pregnancy headaches is to avoid foods that trigger them, such as chocolate, yogurt, peanuts, certain cheeses and sour cream. Taking good care of yourself--getting plenty of rest, proper nutrition, and regular exercise--also can help you to prevent these headaches.
Warning
Contact your physician immediately if your headaches become more severe or you also experience swelling of extremities, blurred vision or abdominal pain.
Lyme disease can affect anyone who is exposed to ticks; those who spend a majority of time outside in areas where there is high grass and heavily wooded areas are at an even greater risk. The highest reported incidents of Lyme disease occur with children between the ages of 5 and 14 years old, and adults between the ages of 45 and 54. Ticks are the most prevalent in the Northeastern, Mid-Atlantic and North Central states, with the months of June through August being the high-risk months for infection. If the early symptoms are detected in time, children can be treated before the disease progresses into the the more severe stages. When it comes to Lyme disease, prevention and detection are the key.
Skin Rash
Nearly 90 percent of all patients who have Lyme disease will develop a rash anywhere between a few days to a month after a tick has bitten them. On older children, the rash will appear on their upper body, thigh or buttocks, and on younger children it will appear on their head or neck. Though the bull's-eye rash is thought to be the most common sign of Lyme disease, it can appear differently on everyone. It may begin as a spot that appears as a pimple, then expand over the next few days, turning into a purplish circle that is about 6 inches in diameter, the rim of which is a deep red. Often the center will turn clear, or lighten to a bluish color, and over the course of the next several weeks it may grow to expand up to 20 inches across. Many have described the feeling of the rash as a burning rather than an itching. It may disappear completely after a period of 3 to 4 weeks but reappear during one of the later stages.
Flu-Like Symptoms
These symptoms are actually the most common symptom of Lyme disease and can actually occur without the rash ever appearing. They can actually last anywhere from 5 to 21 days, and the symptoms to watch for in your child include a fever of 100 to 103 degrees F, chills, fatigue, headaches that usually occur in the back of the head, swollen glands that generally occur in the area of the tick bite and a stiff neck. If you live in a geographic region where ticks are prevalent, and your child is at high risk, you should test your child for Lyme disease during the summer months if he is experiencing these common symptoms, whether he is displaying a rash or not.
Arthritis
After the skin rash has appeared, joint pain can occur. In fact, arthritic pain may be the first sign of Lyme's disease once there is no longer a rash. However, this pain can take months before it develops. Some of the symptoms include aches and swelling of larger joints such as elbows, knees, and shoulders and muscle pain that accompanies the joint pain. Rule of thumb is that no more than three joints are affected by the disease, but the symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Once they subside, there will be a long period of relief before the arthritic pain begins again. After 1 or 2 years, the symptoms of the arthritis generally pique, begin to decrease and then resolve themselves, even if your child has not received treatment.
Neurological Symptoms
Only about 15 percent of children who have not been treated for their Lyme disease will go on to develop neurological symptoms. They can, however, develop them during any stages of the disease and these symptoms can affect any part of the nervous system. The most common neurological symptoms include problems sleeping, headache, memory problems and mood changes. These usually improve, even if your child has not been treated. In a smaller percentage of children, 5 to 10 percent, the nerves of the face become damaged, resulting in Bell's Palsy. This is a condition in which a weakness in the face takes place and one side of the facial muscles and eyelid begins to droop. This can also affect the nerves around the facial area, causing dizziness, numbness, changes in hearing and double vision. While observing Lyme disease in children, it was noted that more than half who had Lyme disease also suffered from Bell's Palsy.
Heart and Eye Disease
If left untreated, Lyme disease can also affect the electrical conduction of the heart, causing symptoms that include shortness of breath, palpitations, fainting and dizziness. It can also affect the eyes during any of the stages, generally resulting in pink eye. However as the disease progresses, neurological problems can have an effect on the eyes as well, resulting in pain and a sensitivity to light.
Prevention/Solution
The most obvious way to prevent being bitten by a tick is to avoid the areas ticks congregate; this includes tall grass, woods and bushes. However, if you are going to be in these areas, be sure to use a tick repellent and perform a tick check each night before coming into the house. If you remove a tick within 48 hours of its attachment, it reduces the likelihood of Lyme transmission. You can also reduce transmission by applying an antibiotic cream to the site of the tick bite. In addition, remove an unnecessary brush or leaves around your home to reduce transmission by as much as 50 percent or more.
Tick Removal
Proper tick removal is key to lower your risk of transmission by an even greater amount. First, you want to use a pair of tweezers rather than your hands; handling a tick with bare skin can increase spreading the infection. Next, grasp the tick's mouth as close to the human skin as possible. You will then pull upward using a steady pressure, taking care not to crush the body; this is where the organism of the infection is located. Once the tick has been removed, place it in a jar filled with alcohol, which will kill the tick. After the removal process has been complete, wash the area completely with either soap and water or an antiseptic to kill any microorganism from the tick.
Tags: Lyme disease, your child, also affect, most common, anywhere from
Pressure points are small areas throughout the body that are highly responsive to external pressure. When pressed, these points can either induce pain or relieve it, depending on the location of the point and how it is touched. The utilization of pressure points to heal a patient or harm an enemy has been part of Chinese culture for centuries.
Location
There are hundreds of pressure points in the human body--28 in the face alone. These points, which are found from head to toe, lie along invisible meridians or channels of energy. The Chinese call this energy "ch'i" (pronounced chee), the life force existent in all things. Ch'i consists of both positive, masculine energy (yang) and negative, feminine energy (yin).
Effects
It is the goal of martial arts such as Bak Mei Kung Fu to use pressure points to incapacitate a combatant. According to Wikipedia.org entries on "Bak Mei" and "Strike (attack)," Bak Mei employs techniques such as the extended knuckle strike to inflict pain at various pressure points.
In contrast, traditional Chinese medicine aims to keep the yin and yang in balance as a way to prevent disease and illness. This energy equilibrium is maintained or restored through the pressure points by enlisting therapies such as acupuncture and acupressure.
Acupuncture treatments release blocked energy through the twirling, electrical stimulation and/or heating of very thin needles that have been inserted into pressure points along the body's meridians.
Acupressure also releases blocked energy and increases blood flow, but it does so by using the fingers, palms, feet and even elbows to press down on the pressure points.
Acupressure Types
There are several different styles of acupressure.
Shiatsu is the most widely used. Firm pressure is applied to each point for three to five seconds.
Jin Shin is gentler, applying light pressure on two or more points for at least one minute.
Both Tuina and Thai Massage use pressurized rubbing to release blocked energy at the points.
Considerations
According to WebMD.com, pressure point therapies such as acupressure and acupuncture can relieve nausea, lower back pain, arthritis pain and inflammation, and depression and anxiety.
Warning
WebMD.com cautions that the benefits of pressure point therapies have yet to undergo extensive scientific scrutiny. "Research into the health benefits of acupressure is in its infancy. Many individual (anecdotal) reports support its use for a number of health concerns. More well-designed research is needed, though."
The site also cautions against acupressure if you pregnant or are suffering from cancer in your bones, rheumatoid arthritis or varicose veins.
Tags: pressure points, blocked energy, point therapies, pressure point, pressure point therapies, release blocked
Some women are born with thin hair. Others develop it as they age. However, this can be avoided, or at least dealt with and safeguarded against, if you are aware of the numerous causes of thinning hair. The environment, your lifestyle, your diet and disease all play a part in your hair's health.
Medical Conditions
If your hair has suddenly and mysteriously become thin, and perhaps is even falling out, it could be caused by an underlying condition, such as lupus or arthritis, that you are unaware of. If you are anemic (iron deficient), this prevents your hair from being healthy, according to American Hair Loss. In addition, if you are afflicted with an endocrine disease, such as hypo- or hyperthyroidism, this can do damage to your hair and make it thin and lifeless as well as cause hair loss.
Stress
An unrelenting diet of anxiety and stress can destroy the health of your hair, making it thin and dry, according to Ayurveda-herbal-remedy.
Telogen Effluvium
Hairdiseases.com notes that a condition called telogen effluvium is a disease that causes hair to thin and fall out. If you have this condition, your hair may thin on top but not on the bottom or sides. A receding hairline generally does not occur when an individual is suffering from telogen effluvium but hair loss can happen on other parts of your body including your eyebrows and pubic hair. Telogen effluvium is a temporary condition and your hair follicles will not be permanently destroyed.
Medication
If you are taking birth control pills, antidepressants, blood thinners, anti-seizure medication, undergoing chemotherapy or taking gout medicine, this can cause your hair to become very thin and may cause it to fall out, according to Allhairlosstreatments.com (eee Additional Resources).
Hats
Wearing a hat that is too small or too tight can wreak havoc on your hair, according to Hairfinder.com. Your hair may end up becoming thin, or a bare spot might develop if your hat is cutting off circulation to your hair follicles.
Hormones
Hormonal imbalances can cause to thin, particularly during menopause or shortly after you've given birth, according to Womentowomen.com (see Additional Resources). Estrogen levels dip during menopause and this can cause dry, thinning hair. The diminishing of estrogen along with the escalation of the male hormone testosterone during menopause can cause hair loss. Hair does not fall out as it normally does while you are pregnant. That's why pregnant women tend to have glorious heads of hair. However, about 90 days after giving birth, the hormones shift and your hair may become noticeably thinner and fall out in clumps. This is a temporary condition.
Diet
If you have a poor diet and don't take a multi-vitamin, your hair will pay the price. Take Vitamin B (including Biotin, B5 B6 and B12) Vitamins A, C, E and get adequate amounts of protein into your diet because hair is made up of protein. You also need zinc and magnesium in your system to promote healthy, full hair, according to Surviving-hairloss.com. Vitamin E and C contain antioxidants that can fight free radicals (such as smoke and pollutants) that can damage the health of your hair and cause it to thin and fall out. Vitamin E also works to improve our circulation and expands the oxygen in our system. This is beneficial to the hair and scalp.
Tags: your hair, your hair, during menopause, hair loss, hair thin, Additional Resources
Before braces are put in, the patient's teeth have to be free from cavities, gum disease and other dental issues that could present a problem during the orthodontics. Wisdom teeth sometimes need to be removed. You cannot move teeth around safely if there is a serious dental condition present. So the orthodontist will have the patient referred for a thorough cleaning, filling of cavities and correcting other potential issues.
A dental mold is taken of your teeth with plaster before braces are put in. The orthodontist packs a tray with dental plaster and then tells you to sink your teeth into it. About a week later, a mold of your teeth is created from the imprint. This is done so that the orthodontist can track your progress and make decisions about where to place the brackets.
Placement of Brackets
Once the patient is cleared for orthodontics, the orthodontist will proceed to attach the brackets to your teeth. The teeth may be buffed first and then a small amount of a special dental glue is applied to the surface. The brackets are placed strategically on each tooth to assure the proper straightening. This is a long process because the orthodontist must assure that the placement is just right. When done, the dentist will dry and set each bracket with a plasma light that emits a strong ultraviolet ray.
Insertion of Wire
Once the brackets are set and dried, the orthodontist will insert a thin wire to complete the braces. The wire is specially chosen by the dentist to address your specific dental problem. Wires come in various thicknesses and lengths. The brace wire is lined against the openings of the brackets and held in place. Then the orthodontist snaps each of the brackets shut. Once all of the brackets are securely closed, the process of putting the braces in is finally complete.
Maintenance
Throughout the orthodontic treatment, the brace wires are replaced and adjusted to assure that the teeth move into place correctly. You must visit your orthodontist every month so that he can evaluate the progress of your teeth. Once the treatment is completed and the braces are removed, a mold will again be taken so that the orthodontist can make a retainer to maintain the position of your teeth.
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Care for Someone Who's Had Bone Marrow Transplants
A bone marrow transplant is when healthy bone marrow is transplanted to replace unhealthy bone marrow. Healthy bone marrow can be harvested from the patient or from a marrow donor. A bone marrow transplant may be effective for some types of cancer, hereditary blood diseases and immune deficiency disorders.
Instructions
1. Protect the patient from infection by carefully cleaning the house in which she will be living. Her immune system will be very weak after having bone marrow transplants, and common germs may cause a severe infection. She will be in this weakened state for about a year, so make sure to keep the house clean at all times.
2. Expect the patient who's just had a bone marrow transplant to be irritable and anxious throughout the recovery process. Remember that the patient is having to completely alter her lifestyle, and asking for help may not be easy. Be patient.
3. Care for someone who's had bone marrow transplants by changing the filters in the air conditioning and the heaters regularly. Filters can trap germs and push them back into the home.
4. Ensure that the doors and windows are kept closed so no outdoor germs can be brought inside.
5. Refrain from any major remodeling on the house, as bacteria can be released and may cause an infection.
6. Wash your hands, and have any visitors wash their hands thoroughly when they enter the house. People should also wash their hands any time they use the bathroom, change a diaper and before and after they eat.
7. Limit the number of people who come into the house. If they have a cold or are sick, they absolutely can not come in.
8. Plan to avoid outside childcare. Children can bring in a number of illnesses, so while caring for someone who has had a bone marrow transplant, make sure that the children in the house do not go to daycare or receive live vaccines.
9. Avoid letting pets into the house. If the patient had the pet before the bone marrow transplant, the pet may be allowed to enter the house, though the patient should never handle any of its waste. The pet should not sleep with the patient. If the pet is a bird or reptile, the pet needs to be placed in an alternate home while the patient is in the house.
10. Avoid having the patient do any chores that may stir up bacteria or fungi. These chores may include any yard work, dusting or vacuuming, shopping or anything that requires the patient to be around a lot of people. All of these chores carry the risk for bacteria and infection.
11. Accompany the patient to any follow-up appointments and take notes when the doctor gives instructions.
Tags: bone marrow, bone marrow transplant, marrow transplant, bone marrow, Bone Marrow Transplants, bone marrow transplants, Care Someone
All spiders contain venom. Few species have the potential for being dangerous to humans. Brown recluse bites are quite painful and in rare instances can result in death; but according to the Mayo Clinic, death from brown recluse bites are more common with children. Black widow bites can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as nausea and vomiting and also affect the nervous system, resulting in pain. The identification of a spider bite can help determine the proper treatment.
Instructions
Brown Recluse
1. Notice if you experience any burning or pain associated with the bite site and if the pain is followed by intense itching.
2. Watch for a change in the bite's appearance. The California Poison Action Line indicates a bite begins as a bull's-eye. The center of the bite will be surrounded by a red inner ring and a white outer ring. The center of the bite may appear bluish or gray.
3. Touch the bite to feel for hardness, which occurs eight hours after the bite occurred. The bite may also begin to form an ulcer within the center. Without immediate treatment, the ulcer will spread out.
Black Widow
4. Notice any signs of swelling. Swelling with a black widow bite typically occurs 30 minutes after the bite.
5. Look for puncture spots, which will appear as two red spots.
6. Notice whether you are experiencing any body aches, weakness, sweating, salivation or restlessness. Symptoms from a black widow bite can subside within a day.
Tags: after bite, black widow bite, brown recluse, center bite,
Whether they need reconstructive surgery cancer, or just a self-esteem boost, women often balk at the price of breast implants. While some insurance companies may pay for breast augmentation in certain situations, most women seeking breast implant surgery must pay out of pocket, or find a benefactor. If you are a women with financial constraints, there are several ways that you can get free implants. Read more to see if you are eligible.
Instructions
1. The best way to get a whole suite of cosmetic surgeries, including breast implants, is to apply for a makeover on a reality show. There are several programs on TV that feature everyday people getting transformative makeovers.
You have a good shot at being selected if you are older, have a tragic life story, and are....well....cosmetically challenged. If you don't mind being on TV, give it a shot.
2. Set up a website to solicit donations. This works well if you are very attractive -- except for being flat-chested. To make enough money in a decent time frame, you will need to get lots of traffic to your site, which means posting lots of sexy pictures.
In exchange for chatting and exchanging emails, many men will donate to your plastic surgery fund. It is considered good etiquette to post photos of yourself after you get breast implants, so that your donors can see what they paid for.
3. If you are not tech-savvy, and alternative to Step 2 is to register with a website called My Free Implants. All you have to do is upload photos of yourself and chat with benefactors; the website will take care of collecting donations on your behalf while keeping your personal info safe. When you have acquired enough donated funds to pay for your breast implants, My Free Implants will pay your surgeon directly.
4. If you are a military wife, you may be able to get free surgery if you pay for the actual implants yourself. Check with your physician on base.
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Meditation balls are used for some meditation disciplines and used generally to promote good health. Also called health balls, stress balls, Chinese exercise balls, baoding balls, and many other names, these small metal balls have a variety of purposes.
Description
Meditation balls can range in diameter from 1 ½ in. to 4 inches, typically separated into three sizes: small, medium and large. The balls are available in a variety of styles. They usually come as sets of two in decorative boxes.
History
Meditation balls are also known as baoding balls, because they came out of Baoding, China. They were created at the time of the Ming Dynasty. Originally these balls were made out of solid iron. They were used by all classes of people, from peasants to emperors.
Composition
Meditation balls can be made from a variety of materials: jade, steel, iron, stone, wood, even plastic. Some of them are smooth, while others may have engraving on them. They are also available in different colors. Meditation balls often have chimes inside, so that when they are moved around they make peaceful chime sounds. This is why they are used for meditation; focus on the rhythmic sound brings your mind into a meditative state.
Uses
Besides being used for meditation, these little balls have other helpful uses. They are also used for relieving stress, and for hand and wrist exercise. They can also be helpful in relieving the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. For people who use meditation balls for exercise, the solid balls are preferred to the hollow ones with chimes.
Rolling the balls around in your hand puts pressure on certain acupuncture points. This signals your nervous system to relax. In the practice of alternative medicine, these acupuncture points are believed to be connected to the health of many other parts of the body, including vital organs. Therefore, these balls are thought to have medicinal qualities. Regular use of these meditation balls is thought to eliminate stress, invigorate the brain, and get rid of fatigue.
Techniques
Rotating two balls in one of your palms is the most basic use of meditation balls. The balls should move smoothly, always touching each other without smacking together. Once you have the hang of rotating the balls in the direction that feels most natural, you can try moving the balls in the opposite direction. Another more challenging variation is keeping the balls from touching each other while you rotate them. Once you are able to easily rotate two balls smoothly, you can start using larger balls. You can also add more balls into the mix.
Prurchasing
The price of meditation balls varies, but $5 to $10 is the average. There are a variety of websites that sell meditation balls. You may also want to browse through a store that sells Asian items. If your looking for an inexpensive set, eBay usually has many listed.
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