Wednesday, July 31, 2013

How Does Clomid Work







What is Clomid?


Clomiphene citrate (clomid) is an anti-estrogenic compound, most commonly prescribed to treat female infertility. It competes with estrogen for specialized receptor sites in the endometrium, vagina, and the hypothalamus and pituitary glands. Clomid causes an increased production of gonadotropins, hormones like follicle stimulating hormone and lutenizing hormone, which initiate the growth of one or more eggs in the ovary. Ovulation, or release of the mature egg, can occur on its own or with the addition of another medication to stimulate it. The empty egg follicle produces progesterone, the major hormone of pregnancy, as it does when a woman is not taking clomid.


Using Clomid for Female Infertility


Clomid is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs for female factor infertility. This drug is usually one of the first medications given during the process of treating infertility due to its ease of use. Women who do not ovulate on their own, or irregularly like those with polycystic ovary syndrome or hypothalamic amenorrhea, benefit most from taking clomid.


Polycystic ovary syndrome is a condition that is characterized by the presence of multiple small cysts on the ovaries, high levels of androgens (male hormones which contribute to symptoms like abnormal hair growth, acne and even hair loss) and irregular periods.


Women with hypothalamic amenorrhea have irregularities in their hypothalamus and pituitary glands which prevent ovulation, and thus a menstrual cycle, from happening each month. As with polycystic ovary syndrome, women who have irregular or absent periods are most likely not ovulating, a key step in getting pregnant.


You may need to take other hormones, like estrogen or progesterone supplements, while taking clomid. While each physician has his or her own preference, usually only a few cycles of clomid will be tried before moving on to a different medication.


Take Clomid


Make sure to take Clomid exactly as your doctor prescribes it. It is available in 50mg tablets; dosages of 50mg, 100mg, 150mg or 200mg as a daily single dose are common. Clomid is usually taken in the beginning of the menstrual cycle for five days, usually starting on day three or day five. Your doctor may want to monitor your response through blood testing and ultrasound. You will receive instructions from your doctor on when to have intercourse, though using an ovulation predictor kit is common. Make sure to report any side effects promptly to your doctor.

Tags: ovary syndrome, taking clomid, your doctor, commonly prescribed, hormones like

Make A Drink Mix Using Essential Oils

Fields of lavender


Essential oils are made by pressing or distilling plants. These oils are very potent and should never be used without diluting them in water, oil or alcohol. Many essential oils are harmful if taken internally. Check that an essential oil is safe to use for flavoring food or drinks before using. Purchase essentials oils for flavoring drinks from a registered pharmacist. Essential oils can breakdown harmful chemicals in plastics, so use only glass or metal pitchers and metal or wooden spoons when working with essential oils.


Instructions


Drinks Flavored with Essential Oils


1. Spearmint calms the stomach.


Lemonade is always a refreshing drink. Give it a new twist with lavender essential oil. Pour one quart of prepared lemonade into a pitcher. Add one drop of lavender essential oil and stir. Add the remainder of the prepared lemonade and taste. Add one more drop of oil if the lavender flavor is weak. Stir well. Pour over ice and enjoy.


2. Earl Grey Tea with lemon


Hot chocolate flavored with mint increases the relaxing quality of this warming drink. Prepare hot chocolate in saucepan. Add one drop of spearmint essential oil. Stir well. Taste the hot chocolate. If the spearmint flavor seems weak add one more drop of oil. Stir well. Pour into mugs and enjoy.








3. Earl Grey tea gets its flavor and aroma from the citrus bergamot. Boil 5 cups of water. Rinse teapot with hot water. Measure 5 tsp. of loose black tea into pot. Dip a toothpick into the bergamot essential oil and drop it into the tea pot. Fill the pot with the boiled water and let the tea steep for 4 minutes. Remove the toothpick. Add at least 3 slices of lemon to the pot. Let tea set 1 minute more. Do not put the lemons in the pot until after the tea has steeped for at least 4 minutes as the lemon will inhibit the brewing of the tea. Pour into tea mugs and enjoy.

Tags: Stir well, drop lavender, Earl Grey, enjoy Earl, enjoy Earl Grey, essential oils

The Negative Effects Of Fragrances

Be careful what you spray, as some fragrances cause harmful side effects.


It seems hard to believe that something that smells so good can be so harmful to your and others around you. The sweet smell of your favorite perfume and the soothing scent of your favorite hand lotion can lead to hazardous ailments and diseases. Think twice the next time you shop for soap, shampoo, fabric softener as well as other household and beauty products.


Asthma


According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology, 300 million people globally and 34.1 million Americans suffer from asthma. Asthma, a lung disease, causes difficulty in breathing. A person suffering from asthma that comes into contact with a trigger experiences an asthma attack characterized by shortness of breath, wheezing, tightening of the chest and skin rashes. Fragrances found in common household and beauty items act as triggers rather than causes of asthma as previously believed. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America asthma is genetic so "the question isn't really 'what causes asthma,' but rather 'what causes asthma symptoms to appear?', otherwise known as triggers. The fragrances in deodorant, perfume, cologne, soap, hairspray, food and laundry detergent can lead an asthmatic person into a potentially lethal asthma attack.


Synthetics


According to Organic Consumers Association, hair care and beauty products contain fragrances with potentially harmful effects. A glance at product lists on the back of most shampoo or hairspray bottles results in the term "fragrance" listed. The term fragrance on a product ingredient list can translate to up to 200 additional ingredients. Most of these hundreds of additional ingredients come from synthetic materials that can cause dizziness, skin discoloration, rashes, coughing and vomiting. Prolonged exposure to the synthetic fragrances may also lead to damage to the central nervous system resulting in depression and other behavioral ailments.


Allergies


According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, the susceptibility to allergies comes from your parents as an inherited characteristic. Similar to asthma, if you suffer from allergies, certain scents trigger a reaction. A protein particle ingested, inhaled, absorbed or injected that triggers a reaction is known as an allergen. Once an allergic person becomes exposed to an allergen, the immune system overreacts causing sneezing, nasal itching, chest tightness and wheezing. Common fragrance allergens include pollen odor, mold, animal dander and synthetically scented household products.


Multiple Chemical Sensitivities








Individuals with multiple chemical sensitivities may suffer from negative effects of fragrances in a wide variety of products. MCS sufferers experience extreme reactions similar to that of an allergy sufferer from products such as smoke, gas, perfume, chemicals and pet dander. A reaction to fragrant items includes sensitivity to light and noise, skin rash, loss of memory, migraine, vertigo, fatigue, nausea and burning of the eyes. A minimal amount of a chemical, even one part per million can trigger a reaction in an individual with MCS.

Tags: causes asthma, suffer from, According Asthma, According Asthma Allergy, additional ingredients

Facts Red Yeast Rice

Red yeast rice is a substance used traditionally in Chinese medicine. It is valued for its ability to lower cholesterol. Red yeast rice contains monacolins, which are compounds known to prevent cholesterol synthesis. Also known as fermented rice or red koji rice, red yeast rice is widely available in health food stores and Chinese markets throughout the world.


History


Red yeast rice has been used in Chinese medicine as far back as 800 A.D. The ancient Chinese medical text, Ben Cao Gang Mu-Dan Shi Bu Yi, published during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), details its use and manufacture as a medicinal substance. Today, red yeast rice is a common dietary staple in many Asian countries, and is sold as a dietary supplement in countries around the world.








Production


Red yeast rice is created by fermenting a special type of yeast, known as Monascus purpureus, over polished red rice. The rice is soaked in water until thoroughly saturated, and then inoculated by combining M. purpureus spores with the processed rice. The mixture is then allowed to sit at room temperature for three to six days, during which time fermentation takes place. During fermentation, the rice turns a red color on the inside, with the outside becoming reddish-purple in color. Once the process is complete, the red yeast rice is either dried and sold as powder or dried grains, or cooked and sold as a paste.


Uses


Red yeast rice is most commonly marketed as a cholesterol lowering supplement. A 1997 study published in Current Therapeutic Research found that red yeast rice is effective in lowering elevated serum cholesterol levels and triglycerides. In traditional Chinese medicine, red yeast rice is used as a digestive aid and to improve blood circulation and overall health of the stomach.


In Asia, red yeast rice is commonly eaten similarly to white rice. It is also used as a natural food coloring for a variety of dishes including red rice vinegar, Peking duck and various Chinese pastries. Sake and Korean rice wine are also made using red yeast rice, which imparts its red coloring to the beverages.


Dosage


As a dietary supplement, red yeast rice should not be consumed by individuals younger than 20 years old. For adults aged 21 and older, traditional Chinese medicine suggests a dosage of 6,000 to 9,000 mg per day. However, the exact dosage will vary depending on the type of red yeast rice and the condition being treated. Most scientific studies have used 600 mg of standardized extract taken orally two to four times per day.


Safety and Side Effects


No significant side effects have been reported in clinical trials. However, the safety of taking red yeast rice supplements for longer than 12 weeks is still unknown. Rare but mild side effects have been documented including muscle aches or injury, headaches, dizziness, heartburn and stomach discomfort.








Pregnant or nursing women, children and anyone taking prescription medications should avoid taking red yeast rice. Patients with liver or kidney disease, thyroid disorders, serious infections, musculoskeletal disorders and anyone who has undergone an organ transplant or drinks more than two alcoholic beverages per day should not take red yeast rice. A qualified medical professional should always be consulted prior to taking any new supplement.

Tags: yeast rice, Chinese medicine, dietary supplement, effects have, effects have been, have been, side effects have

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Partial Hysterectomy Work







The second most common surgical procedure performed in the United States is a hysterectomy, which refers to the removal of a woman's uterus. A total hysterectomy is an operation that removes both the uterus and cervix, while a radical hysterectomy refers to procedures that involve removal of the uterus, fallopian tubes,ovaries, oviducts, top portion of the vagina, and lympth nodes. In contrast, a partial hysterectomy refers to a procedure where only the uterus is removed. This type of operation involves a shorter recovery time, and is commonly used in the treatment of fibroids and severe and uncontrollable vaginal bleeding. Before undergoing a partial hysterectomy, you should be familiar with how it works and the effects on your body.


Although partial hysterectomies can be performed vaginally or abdominally, by far the most prevalent method is the abdominal approach. When performing a partial hysterectomy via the abdominal technique, the surgeon will make an incision similar to the one utilized with a C-section, then detach the uterus from its blood supply and ligaments and remove it. One of the advantages to this method is the ability of the surgeon to adequately visualize the reproductive organs and have plenty of space in which to work. However, a few downsides of this procedure involve prolonged recovery time and discomfort due to the size of the incision, as well as leaving a visible scar. The vaginal approach does not leave a scar that can be seen and has a shorter recovery period. However, large fibroids cannot be removed in this manner. Also, it's more difficult for the surgeon to see when taking a vaginal approach, thus often mandating the need for the use of a laparascope, which is available only to those trained in its use. Both procedures are performed with the patient under anesthesia, either local or general.


Although partial hysterectomies are ovary-sparing, after surgery blood flow to the ovaries diminishes and gradually ceases. Therefore, women still can and do experience side effects from hormonal changes. The whole gamut of possible menopausal symptoms and consequences are also possible in hysterectomy patients, including hot flashes, irritability, headaches, osteoperosis, weight gain, urinary problems and decreased sex drive. Women that were menstruating also will stop once having a partial hysterectomy performed. Also, surgical side effects can occur as well, including bowel or bladder injuries and infections, adhesions, infections of the incision, hemorrhaging, and reactions to the anesthesia.

Tags: Although partial, Although partial hysterectomies, hysterectomy refers, partial hysterectomies, partial hysterectomy, partial hysterectomy, recovery time

Monday, July 29, 2013

Colon Detox Home Remedies

Regular colon cleanses promote a healthy digestion system. Undigested food, bad bacteria, toxins and parasites built up in the colon cause health problems including headaches, food allergies and a general sluggish feeling. Ridding the buildup by detoxing the colon will lead to better digestion and an overall feeling of better health.


Herb Cleanse


An effective home colon detox requires using the right herbs. Combining herbs can be dangerous, so using just one herb is the best strategy. One of the best herbs for an at-home detox is psyllium husk, as it can be used alone with great results. Psyllium husk acts like a rough sponge to slough off any impacted feces and toxins that may be stuck on the intestinal walls. Mix the herb into water and drink the mixture.








Salt Flush


One of the fastest ways to cleanse your colon is by inducing a bowel movement by drinking a highly concentrated salt water. Do this by adding four tablespoons of Epsom salts to 24 ounces of filtered water to make six 4-ounce servings. Drink one, then another serving two hours later. Then, add one-half cup of olive oil to the mixture and drink the rest of the mixture at once.


The mixture will be almost unbearably salty, so try sucking on a lemon between sips to lessen the taste. You will begin experiencing a series of bowel movements anytime from the first serving to the last servings. If not, an enema can be used to trigger movements.


You will feel nauseous at first. As your system clears out, the nausea will subside and you will feel cleaned out and refreshed. This should only be done once every three months because of its strong effects on the colon.


Enema


Giving yourself an enema at home is one of the easiest ways to clear out your colon. Enemas force water, or water mixed with sodium bicarbonate, into the rectum and colon, then drain out the impurities. To do an at-home enema, purchase an enema kit and follow the directions. The kits usually include a disposable bottle, a lubricated tip for insertion, and a solution. For the purpose of cleaning out the colon, enemas should be performed, in the beginning, three times the first week, once a week for each of the next two weeks, then once a month thereafter.


Warning


Cleansing your colon removes bad bacteria, but it also removes the good bacteria that is necessary for a healthy and properly functioning digestive and immune system. To replace the bacteria that is lost during the cleansing process, you can take probiotic supplements or kefir, which is like yogurt but contains many more strains of good bacteria than regular yogurt. You can make your own yogurt with friendly bacteria with just live culture strains purchased at a health food store and milk.


Side Benefits


When performing a colon cleanse at home, other parts of the body, such as the liver, will also be involved in the process and receive the cleansing benefits.

Tags: your colon, bacteria that, good bacteria, will feel

How Long Can A Migraine Last

Migraine headaches occur regularly in the lives of millions of sufferers who have learned there is little they can do for relief, regardless to how long a migraine lasts.


Time Frame


Migraine headaches are in a league of their own and are far from your normal headache. They can last anywhere from one to 72 hours.


Considerations


Researchers are unsure of the exact cause of migraine headaches and also are unclear as to why they last as long as they do.


Prevention/Solution


Once a migraine hits, not much can be done to stop it, but avoiding certain food products can save you from an attack. They include milk, chocolate, eggs, wheat, salt, processed meats containing sodium nitrate additives, MSG and alcohol.


Effects


Regardless to how long migraine headache pain lasts, the severity of associated symptoms decreases over time and after an extended period of rest or sleep.


Types








Estrogen- or hormone-related migraine headaches can last longer than other types of headaches and do not respond as well to treatment. These headaches usually occur prior to or during a menstrual cycle.


Fun Fact


Several historical figures were known sufferers of migraine headaches including: John F. Kennedy, Elvis Presley, Napoleon, Julius Caesar, Ulysses Grant and Vincent Van Gogh.

Tags: migraine headaches, Migraine headaches

Signs Of Melanoma Skin Cancer

The National Library of Medicine, in its online publication "MedlinePlus," explains that melanoma is just one form of skin cancer that humans can develop, but it is the most deadly (see Resources). People who have experienced severe sunburns, have several birthmarks or moles, or are fair-skinned have a higher risk than other population groups for developing this serious form of cancer. Recognizing the symptoms of the four types of melanoma early on can help you get medical treatment that can save your life.


ABCs of Melanoma


The nmeumonic device using the first four letters of the alphabet helps explain the basic symptoms of melanoma. A is for an asymmetrical shape of the lesion, B stands for borders that look jagged or irregular, C is for a variation of color throughout the lesion, and D represents the diameter of the abnormal spot. The diameter of melanoma spots tend to be bigger than 6 mm across.


Superficial Spreading Melanoma


Signs of superficial spreading melanoma, the most common form of the disease, include having growths on your skin that are brown, black or a combination of these colors. This type of skin cancer lesion is usually not raised and does not hurt.


Lentigo Maligna Melanoma


Large patches of tan or brown on your skin could be signs of a form of melanoma called lentigo maligna. Older people tend to get this type of melanoma.


Nodular Melanoma


Raised nodules on the skin can indicate nodular melanoma. These lesions vary in color from blue, dark red and black to being colorless.


Acral Lentiginous Melanoma








Acral lentiginous melanoma is rare and is most prevalent among people of color. This form of skin cancer develops on the palms of the hands, the soles of the feet and sometimes under fingernails and toenails.

Tags: skin cancer, form skin, form skin cancer, your skin

Friday, July 26, 2013

Make Breasts Bigger

It’s hard not to want those sexy curves, especially when you see them on a daily basis throughout Hollywood and on the fashion runways. Many women aren’t naturally endowed with large breasts. However, there are ways to make your breasts bigger. All it takes is the desire to have a bigger chest and a little bit of money. These steps will guide you on make your breasts bigger.


Instructions








1. Take vitamins. If you go to your local vitamin store, you will see that there are many different types of vitamins that claim to make your breasts bigger. Many of these vitamins do work and you will end up with bigger breasts. However, do your research and find out about any side effects. Some make you gain weight in your breasts and other places as well.


2. Do exercises. Go to your local gym and make an appointment with a personal trainer. Tell your trainer that you would like to strengthen your pectoral muscles. As these muscles get stronger, your breasts will appear and feel firmer and perkier.


3. Buy a push-up bra. A push-up bra can do wonders for a small chest. Buy giving your breasts a little lift you can give the illusion that your breasts are bigger. However, it’s important to know that a push-up bra will only work to push up breasts that you have so if you have a very small chest, proceed to Step 4.


4. Don’t be afraid of a little padding. If you have very small breasts, a padded bra may be a better option for you as opposed to a push-up bra. A padded bra will make it look like there is more there then there actually may be. Check out your local Victoria’s Secret. They have a large selection of bras.








5. Get a breast augmentation. If you’re not satisfied with the temporary fixes that pills and padded bras give you, consider a more permanent solution. Go to a plastic surgeon and get a breast augmentation. This will permanently increase the size of your breasts and what’s even better is that you have a choice of how big you want to go. Make sure you do your research and that your doctor is board certified.

Tags: your breasts, your breasts bigger, breasts bigger, make your, make your breasts, your local, breast augmentation

Get Rid Of A Neck Cramp

A neck massage can help relieve pain from a cramp.


Neck cramps are common and can be very painful. It may be difficult to determine the cause of a cramp, but it's often a result of poor posture when sitting at the computer or sleeping with the neck improperly supported. Getting rid of a neck cramp may take some time -- occasionally up to several days, and sometimes up to two weeks if the neck has suffered a strain -- but the sooner you treat it, the sooner you'll start relieving the pain.








Instructions


1. Take over-the-counter medicine, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, for pain. These non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines can help, especially if inflammation is partially responsible for the cramp.


2. Place a cold pack on the area for twenty minutes. If the cold pack helps, use it up to four times a day for two days if the pain persists.


3. Place a hot pack on the affected area of the neck for twenty minutes if the cold does not help, or if the cold pack seems to make the pain worse. You can use a microwavable hot pack, a hot water bottle or a heating pad.


4. Take a shower, directing the warm water onto the neck area. While in the shower, gently move your neck naturally from side to side to stretch the muscles.


5. Lie down, or sit in a chair, in a comfortable position with your neck on a massage cushion or pillow. These cushions and pillows are available at many drug stores and other stores that sell home supplies.

Tags: cold pack, minutes cold, neck massage, twenty minutes, twenty minutes cold

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Visual Perception Problems In Children

Growing children can develop less than they are able because their brain does not fully understand what their eye sees. Visual perception problems prevent normal functioning at home and good learning at school. Prospects for development, however, are good. Age or treatment can cure the problem.


Visual Perception Problems


Children have a visual perception problem when their brain does not take what their eyes see and turn it into useful information about the visual world. The perception problems are cognitive, but have daily life effects. Walking becomes unfocused and disorientated without the aid of normal object recognition and depth perception. A child recognizes family and friends slowly, and sometimes can not know a new face. The conditions are caused by either a general disability in learning visual perception or by a traumatic injury incurred during whiplash or a bout with multiple sclerosis. Fortunately, most children grow out of their condition. Others find prism lenses or vision therapy effective for treating the brain's functioning.


Learning Disabilities








Since vision is crucial to learning, visual perception deficiencies are a learning disability for many affected children. Poor comprehension of visual information hinders the important learning experienced during reading and judging graphs and pictures. A child reads the word "was" as "saw." Numbers and math symbols are confused. Even a very smart child gets held back in studies because they can't make sense of what they need to learn with their eyes.


Lazy Eye


One eye becomes a lazy actor when the brain reliably fails to acknowledge the people and things seen by the eye. With one lazy eye, the vision by both eyes becomes unclear. Ambliopia develops during the period before 6 years because of one eye turning out or the child having different glass lens prescriptions for the two eyes.


Crossed Eyes


When a child's brain fails to focus both eyes on the same sight, the eyes send two different messages to the brain. As a result, the brain can't clearly comprehend. Normal visual comprehension involves two good eyes sending the same message to the brain. There are two types of this condition called strabismus. A child has the common type, esotropia, when the eyes turn inward. With exotropia, the eyes turn outward.


Hallucinations








A child might imagine there are dots in a pattern on a white curtain. Fever, or perhaps a psychological depression, could be the reason. Despite an aware state, hallucinations can affect the perception so seriously a child becomes detached from reality. A doctor might have to remedy the problem.

Tags: eyes turn, both eyes, brain does, learning visual, learning visual perception, perception problems, Perception Problems

Treat Obsessive Compulsive Disorder With Meditation

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common anxiety-related condition that causes obsessive thoughts and compulsive actions in the sufferer. Millions of people all over the world have this condition, ranging from mild obsessions only to full-blown compulsions that take hours to perform each day. Modern medical science is showing how obsessive compulsive disorder can be treated with medication. However, medication is expensive and doesn't work for everyone. A proven, effective alternative method that is widely used to treat obsessive compulsive disorder is meditation.


Instructions


1. Set aside a time to practice meditation two times a day for 20 minutes each session. Practicing meditation twice a day is important in the beginning to help you maintain a relaxed frame of mind all day, which is essential to treat OCD. Later, as you get better at mediation and your symptoms begin to subside, you can practice just once a day.








2. Find a quiet, private place to practice your meditation. The ideal location is away from areas of high activity, such as a kitchen, and away from sources of noise, such as outdoor playgrounds. Shut the door to your meditation room when you go in and let it be known that you are not to be disturbed while you are in there.


3. Select a comfortable seat for meditation. It is essential that you not be distracted by straining back muscles, so you need a seat with good lumbar support. The seat should be soft enough to be comfortable, while being firm enough that you don't fall asleep while meditating.


4. Clear your mind of all thoughts except for one word or picture. This word or picture should be simple and soothing to you, and you should focus on this exclusively during your meditation session. If you find your mind wandering, gently bring it back onto your center of focus.


5. Breathe deeply and naturally while meditating. Your abdomen should rise when you inhale and fall when you exhale. Don't force your breathing, just let it come of its own accord.








6. Chant a mantra if you have trouble concentrating in silence. Saying your focus word over and over in a low monotone, or simply chanting random vowel sounds helps some people maintain their focus during meditation. This is not a necessary step in meditation, but is there to be used if you find you need it. Make sure you feel your head vibrating when you chant, for maximum effectiveness.

Tags: your meditation, away from, compulsive disorder, while meditating, word picture, your mind

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Relieve Bedwetting With Acupuncture

Relieve Bed-Wetting With Acupuncture








Bed-wetting, also called enuresis, is an involuntary discharge of urine. It usually does not have an identifiable cause and a variety of treatments are available, ranging from behavioral options to medication. Acupuncture is occasionally used to treat enuresis and views it as a dysfunction of the bladder.


Instructions


1. Consider the most important acupuncture points for enuresis to B23, B28, B32, Gv4, Gv15, Gv20, H7, H9, K3, K5, Sp4, Sp6, Sp12, St36, Ren2, Ren3 and Ren6. The specific points used are determined by the cause of the bed-wetting.


2. Clear away dampness-heat if it is being retained by the liver meridian by using the liver acupoints. This cause of enuresis is marked by scanty and odorous yellow urine.


3. Improve the flow of Qi and preserve fluids in the lungs and spleen with the liver and spleen acupoints. These patients will experience enuresis at night with scant urine during the day accompanied by a poor appetite, pale complexion, fatigue, thready pulse, pale tongue and loose stools.


4. Tonify the yin and clear away the heat for enuresis caused by asthenia-fire syndrome. These cases are marked by the frequent discharge of dark, scant urine accompanied by a hot feeling during urination.


5. Use the kidney acupoints to warm and strengthen the kidneys for cases of asthenia-cold syndrome. These cases are marked by frequent enuresis while asleep with frequent clear urination during the day. Additional symptoms include cold limbs with soreness and weakness in the back and knees.

Tags: cases marked, cases marked frequent, marked frequent, scant urine, syndrome These, syndrome These cases, These cases

Vegan Restaurants Near South Suburban Chicago

Vegetables are an important part of a vegan diet.


A vegan refrains from eating animal products including meat, dairy, eggs and, in some cases, honey. Some vegans may also avoid using or wearing items made from leather, down, fur or wool, as well as products that were tested on laboratory animals, such as cosmetics. Several restaurants near south suburban Chicago cater to vegans.








Soul Vegetarian East


Soul Vegetarian East is in South Chicago and serves vegan soul and southern-style food. The restaurant's owners also own Eternity Juice Bar, which is next door and sells vegan grocery items. Vegan versions of soul food are on the menu, including dishes such as barbecued roast platters or sandwiches made with textured vegetable protein, kale or collard greens and grits. Burgers made with ground lentils and spices are available, as are fries and onion rings. The restaurant offers several stir fry dishes such as stir fried tofu, vegetables and textured vegetable protein made into vegan steak. Dessert options include soy ice cream and vegan cakes and pies. Breakfast is served on weekends and, in addition to grits, includes pancakes, scrambled tofu and hash browns. Soul Vegetarian East opens Monday through Friday at 11 a.m and at 8:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. The restaurant closes at 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and at 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.


Yah's Cuisine


Yah's Cuisine is located in Chicago's South Shore neighborhood, just north of South Chicago, and serves vegan soul food. Each day of the week has a different menu, rotating through vegan versions of classic soul dishes, such as macaroni and cheese, honey-cured ham, black-eyed pea stew and red beans and rice. The restaurant also has vegan pizza, lasagna and burgers made with garbanzo beans, lentils or black-eyed peas. Live food options include couscous salad, hummus and guacamole. Six kinds of pie are on the dessert menu, including apple, blueberry and sweet potato, as well as seven flavors of tarts and cheesecake. Customers can also order shakes in flavors such as mint chip and banana and six kinds of fruit smoothies. Yah's Cuisine is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. and from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Sunday.


Karyn's on Green


Karyn's on Green is in Greektown, a Chicago neighborhood about 10 miles north of South Chicago, and features raw and vegan interpretations of contemporary American cuisine. The restaurant has a full-service bar with an upstairs lounge and serves organic red and white wines, microbrewed beer and cocktails like the Chicago River Run made with gin, orange and elderflower liqueurs, and orange bitters. Entrees include marinated portobello mushroom steak, raw pasta made from zucchini and topped with cashew basil pesto and gumbo with quinoa, okra and collard greens in a tomato broth. Dessert options include bananas foster, peach cobbler with vegan vanilla ice cream and imported dessert wines. The Sunday brunch menu has choices such as French toast, banana pancakes and raw granola with nut milk. Karyn's on the Green is open from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Sunday, 11:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 11:30 a.m. until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Tags: made with, dishes such, Friday Saturday, from until, Karyn Green, options include, Soul Vegetarian

Varicose Vein Pain

Varicose veins can sometimes be unsightly, but even worse, they can cause a tremendous amount of pain for some people. The majority of people with varicose veins do not experience any pain, but for those that do, it can be debilitating.


Features


Varicose veins normally appear in the legs and feet. Pain associated with the condition includes aching, burning, tenderness, itching around the veins and swelling in the ankles.


Treatment


Compression stockings are the first course of treatment and are worn all day in an effort to force more blood flow in the affected veins. When this fails, available are laser treatments that close off the ends of the smaller veins; sclerotherapy that involves injecting some of the veins, so they close; and a surgical option in which the large veins are removed completely.


Significance


According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, varicose veins affect 60 percent of women in America.


Considerations








Women are more likely than men to have varicose veins.








Warning


People who notice a sudden onset of considerable leg swelling should seek medical attention immediately since this could indicate a blood clot.

Tags: varicose veins, Varicose veins

Pick Low Carb Dairy Products

One reason for the popularity of low-carb diets is that once you are used to ingesting a much smaller amount of carbs, you won't feel as deprived as you might on a low-fat and/or calorie-counting diet. When you are snacking on luxuriously creamy cheese instead of empty, crunchy carbs, you almost feel like you're not dieting at all. However, not all dairy products are appropriate for a low-carb diet and it may surprise you to see which ones you need to ration most carefully. Here are some tips to help you.


Instructions


1. For purposes of low-carb diets, it's helpful to divide dairy products into categories and then acquaint yourself with the best and worst choices within each one. You can consume dairy products on their own as beverages or you also enjoy them in combination with other foods, such as cream for coffee or a sour cream dip for fresh veggies. Finally, you eat stand-alone dairy products as a snack or meal, utilizing them as a primary source of protein. It makes sense to consider them in these three groups.


2. Dairy beverages for a low-carb diet. Many low-carb dieters are surprised to find out that there is virtually no difference in the carb count of whole, 2%, 1% and fat-free milk. An 8-oz. cup of each type of milk has approximately 11.5 grams of carbohydrates! This is because of the amount of lactose it contains. So if you regularly drink milk in any quantity, you will need to do without it for at least the first two weeks of your low-carb diet. The best alternative to milk is soy milk, which can have between 2 and 5 carbs per cup, depending on the brand. You'll need to choose carefully, since most soy milk is sweetened. If you can't find a brand that is sweetened with a sugar alternative, you will need to buy unsweetened soy milk and adjust it to the desired level of sweetness with Splenda. Almond milk has 2 or 3 carbs per cup, but the same issue applies, most varieties are sweetened. A popular substitute for milk, Calorie Countdown, has a mere 3 carbs per cup and is virtually indistinguishable from 2% milk. However, it can be hard to find at the grocery. Yogurt drinks are very high in carbs, so it is best to avoid them completely during your diet.


3. Low-carb dairy accompaniments to food. At Starbucks, dedicated low-carb dieters can enjoy skinny lattes made with Splenda and soymilk, but when enjoying a cup of coffee at home, it makes more sense to lighten it with heavy cream. A tablespoon of heavy cream has slightly under half a carb, an important consideration if you drink coffee or tea throughout the day. Under no circumstances should you ever put evaporated milk or sweetened condensed milk in your coffee or tea, as both are extremely high in carbs. If you are having a slice of low-carb toast, by all means enjoy it with real butter. The amount of butter you'll spread on that slice of toast has virtually no carbs, but if you were to use margarine instead, you'd be adding almost as many carbs as the bread. And of course, have all the butter you want with any cooked vegetables. If you have found a breakfast cereal that is relatively low in carbs (Special K qualifies) and want to have cereal and milk for breakfast, use the Calorie Countdown milk. Other dairy products that you typically enjoy with food, such as sour cream on baked potato, or whipped cream on dessert, don't pose much of an issue on a low-carb diet because it's unlikely to include many baked potatoes or desserts. However, a quick, easy and very enjoyable low-carb dessert is to sweeten a cup of Greek yogurt with Spenda and stir in 2 or 3 tablespoons of unsweetened strawberries or raspberries. Berries of various types are the fruits that are lowest in carbs.








4. Low-carb dairy foods on their own. For low-carb diets without a lot of time to cook, yogurt and cheese are the mainstays of many a quick meal. However, both must be chosen with care. The carb count of yogurt varies dramatically from one brand to another and is higher for low-fat yogurt than full-fat yogurt. The best yogurt to choose for your low-carb lunch or snack is Greek-style yogurt, such as that manufactured by FAGE, which is strained and has 6 grams of carb per 7-oz. serving. Most of the carbs in yogurt are actually in the whey, so straining produces a lower-carb version. Of course, you need to stick with plain yogurt and sweeten it with Splenda; fruit-flavored yogurt adds in more carbs. Yogurt that contains live cultures (as opposed to yogurt that is merely made with them) may actually be lower in carbs than the label indicates because the bacteria consume some of the lactose. Cheese is more straightforward. In general, soft and semi-soft cheese is lower in carbs, with camembert and brie averaging 6 grams of carbohydrate per ounce. Medium-firm cheeses, such as cheddar and swiss, are slightly higher, at 7 or 8 grams. Be careful with cottage cheese, however; a half-cup serving has 15 grams of carbs.

Tags: dairy products, low-carb diet, low-carb diets, with Splenda, Calorie Countdown

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

What Are The Causes Of Fatal Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of accidental death in the U.S.


Accidents are the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S., after heart disease, cancer, strokes and lower respiratory diseases. In 2008, 118,000 Americans died from unintentional injuries caused by crashes, according to The National Safety Council's (NSC) latest statistics. This was down two and a half percent from the previous year. Motor vehicle accidents (MVA's) are consistently the leading cause of accidental death. Poisoning, falls, drowning, and deaths caused by a fire are other leading causes of fatal accidents.


MVA's


Motor vehicle accidents consistently rate as the leading cause of accidental death in the U.S, according to the NSC. Latest available statistics, for 2008, indicate 35 percent of all accidental deaths were the result of MVA's. A further two percent were the result of an MVA while at work. Leading causes of MVA deaths are speeding, drunk driving, driver distraction and driver fatigue. Not wearing a seat belt greatly increases the risk of an accident being fatal. Fatalities are particularly common in the 15 to 24 age group.


Poisoning


Deaths from accidental poisoning have been increasing, based on 2010 information from the NSC. Overdoses from over-the-counter, prescription and illicit drugs are the most common type of poisoning death. The group incidents have affected the most is Caucasian women. The NSC warned in a press release in 2007 that poisoning death rates among that group had risen more than 300 percent over a decade.


Falls/Choking/Drowning


Deaths from falls are the third leading cause of accidental death among Americans, followed by choking and drowning. In 2005 16.3 percent of all accidental deaths were caused by falls. The NSC states you have a one-in-184 chance of dying from a fall. That compares to only a 1-in-1,073 chance of drowning and one-in-six chance of dying of heart disease, America's leading cause of death. All together, the top five causes account for approximately 83 percent of all accidental deaths.


Fire Deaths


While death by drowning is the fifth leading cause of death nationally, the NSC statistics indicate most states ranked fire as the fifth leading cause. Approximately 40 percent of all fire victims die while still asleep.








Other Causes


Other causes of accidental death include acts of nature, such as flooding, earthquakes or lightning, accidental firearms discharge, bicycle, motorcycle, pedestrian or air accidents, contact with bees, hornets or wasps, exposure to excessive natural heat, electrocution or dog bites.

Tags: leading cause, accidental death, cause accidental, cause accidental death, leading cause accidental

Fix The Incline On An Epic 400 Treadmill







Fix the Incline on an Epic 400 Treadmill


If you are having difficulty getting your treadmill's incline feature to work, the problem might be a loose wire or faulty component. Here are step-by-step instructions to help you fix the incline on an Epic 400 treadmill.


Instructions


Check that treadmill will adjust


1. Insert the key into the treadmill's console. Stand on the foot rails and press "Start." Press an incline button and wait for the treadmill to adjust position. If the deck fails to move, unplug the treadmill and wait 10 seconds. Plug in the treadmill again and repeat Step 1. If the treadmill still won't incline, proceed to the next step.








2. Remove the key from the console and unplug the power cord. Find the screws securing the console to the uprights underneath the console. Remove the screws and lift the console. Check that the upright wire harness is properly connected to the console wire harness. Replace the screws and secure the console back onto the uprights.


3. Place the key in the console. Stand on the foot rails and press "Start" again. Press one of the incline buttons and wait for the treadmill to adjust. If the deck fails to move, you must replace the motor.


4. Remove the screws securing the upper and lower sections of the motor casing. You might need another person's help to access the lower section. Remove both sections.


5. Remove the stop bracket from the end of the incline motor, then remove the bolt securing the motor to the frame. Disconnect cables from the motor. Remove the motor and install a replacement motor. Connect the stop bracket to the new motor and secure the motor to the frame. Reconnect cables. Replace both motor casings.

Tags: Check that, console Stand, console Stand foot, deck fails, deck fails move

Monday, July 22, 2013

Enter A Trance Meditation

Representation of meditation


There are many forms of meditation, and many ways to achieve a meditative state. Here I will instruct you on one way to achieve a revitalizing trance meditation state.


Instructions


1. Pick some songs or a CD to listen to. Something with a steady beat is best for this method. Nothing too mellow. I suggest trance, dance or techno. Some rock can have a steady enough beat. You'll want a full CD, or about 30-50 minutes of music.


2. Find a spot where you will not be interrupted. A closed bedroom or the back corner of the yard can be good, wherever you feel comfortable. Make sure you will have some time with no distractions like phones, television or children.








3. Relax. Either recline or lie down. Make sure you are very comfortable. You don't want to be shifting around a lot.


4. Turn on your music. During the first track, try to focus on the beat, and remove distracting thoughts from your head. You can use a variety of visualizations to achieve this. You may imagine a volume knob that you can slowly turn down until random thoughts have quieted, or perhaps envision a blackboard from which you can erase thoughts and distractions.








5. During the second track, you will either continue clearing distractions, or move on. If you feel that your mind is clear enough, begin placing images into your mind. Use the beat to inspire your vision. You might picture flowers blooming to the beat, or paints swirling on a canvas, or whatever you like. Pick something that you can allow to shift and flow.


6. As the songs continue, keep these shifting images in your mind. Allow your body to relax, and you mind to create visions as it chooses. Only change the vision if something distracting creeps in, at which point you will repeat step 4 until it has left your mind.


7. If your mind seems to go blank, or your heartbeat changes to match the beat, this is fine. It's a good state of relaxation and mental clarity.


8. With practice, you will be able to achieve a wonderfully meditative state. You body will feel light, you may experience a slight tingling sensation all over, and when you come out of this state, you will feel energized and refreshed. Later on, if you choose, you may use this state to focus on visions of healing your body, gaining wealth, self-improvement, or any goal you desire.

Tags: your mind, Make sure, meditative state, this state, will feel

Colon Cancer Symptoms

Colon cancer affects the large intestine, also known as the colon. This is the lower portion of the digestive tract, and more than 110,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with colon cancer each year. The symptoms of colon cancer mimic other conditions in many cases, and often do not show until the disease has progressed to a more advanced stage. Most colon cancers begin as small polyps in the intestine that produce no symptoms, making regular check-ups for colon cancer a high priority for people over 50.


Significance


The most common symptom of colon cancer is the presence of blood in the stool. As fecal matter passes through the colon, it can come into contact with a growing cancerous tumor, causing it to bleed. This blood will then show up in the stool when it is passed. However, many other medical conditions can cause blood in the stool. Hemorrhoids and anal fissures, which are minute rips in the rectum, will make blood appear when someone goes to the bathroom. It is always important to find out what is causing this bleeding to occur, since it is the best indicator a person will have that they have colon cancer.


Effects


Changes in bowel habits can also be symptoms of colon cancer. These include such things as narrowing of your stool and constipation. The narrowing effect could be due to the presence of a tumor in the colon. This symptom comes about as the tumor makes it harder for waste to pass through the bowel, changing it into a narrower stool over time. The constipation, likewise, is a symptom of colon cancer that occurs when the tumor becomes large enough to block the colon significantly, not allowing stool to pass easily. Unfortunately, these symptoms usually happen when the disease has reached an advanced stage.


Misconceptions


Some colon cancer symptoms are much less ominous and can be mistaken for other medical problems. Stomach cramps can result from the tumor pressuring the walls of the colon, but since they are normally associated with bouts of diarrhea and constipation, they may be overlooked as a warning sign. Weight loss from the actual tumor affecting appetite will be very difficult to pinpoint as a colon cancer symptom, but it is one. Fatigue precipitated by the cancer will not be attributed to a problem developing in the colon unless other signs and symptoms are also present.








Types


Colon cancer can make people feel like they have to have a bowel movement. However, when they try to do so, they are often unable to, especially when the tumor is in the lower end of the colon. The tumor can cause gas to become trapped, which eventually is released in greater amounts than normal. The obstructing tumor will cause nausea and even vomiting, sometimes on a regular basis.


Another type of symptom of colon cancer involves anemia. The tumor that develops in the right side of the colon, where there is more room than on the left, will grow more rapidly. It can then bleed for a long time without being detected, causing the loss of red blood cells that result in anemia.


Identification


There are many tests that can be utilized to identify the presence of colon cancer. Stool can be analyzed by a stool blood test or by a stool DNA test, but these are not 100 percent accurate in all cases. Colonoscopies and a flexible sigmoidoscopy can send narrow lighted tubes with mounted cameras into the colon to search for irregularities. A barium enema is a test that those with colon cancer symptoms will more than likely undergo. It involves a contrast dye of barium being sent into the bowel and air added to the region to allow an X-ray of the colon to show anything that may be wrong within it.

Tags: colon cancer, colon cancer, symptom colon, symptom colon cancer, advanced stage, blood stool

Make Your Braces Hurt Less

Anyone who has ever had to wear braces knows that there is a significant amount of pain and discomfort that comes from wearing them. And while the pain is inevitable after having the braces tightened, there are several things that you can do to help elevate that discomfort. It is also possible to eradicate general everyday brace pain. A proper diet and precautions are your best tools for making your braces hurt less.


Instructions


1. Take acetaminophen or Ibuprofen (according to directions) to ease your discomfort. Take the medicine an hour before you have your braces tightened.


2. Apply Anbesol to the tender areas of your gums and teeth. This will offer short-term pain relief.


3. Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush while using toothpaste for sensitive teeth. This will help with your tender gums and teeth.


4. Add a teaspoon of table salt to a full glass of lukewarm water.








5. Swish the salt-water mixture in your mouth for at least 60 seconds. This will help to heal any sores or cuts due to your braces.


6. Apply dental wax to the brackets of your braces. This will ease the pain of the brackets being cemented to your teeth.

Tags: This will, your braces, braces tightened, gums teeth, teeth This, teeth This will, This will help

Friday, July 19, 2013

Become A Vinyasa Yoga Instructor In Portland Or

Becoming a yoga instructor in Portland can be an enjoyable career.


While some gyms and studios will hire untrained yoga instructors, it is best to secure Yoga Alliance certified training before beginning to teach yoga. By obtaining your certification from the national education and support organization, you will be eligible to earn a higher income, teach in more studios, and secure less expensive insurance. Portland, Oregon, has a variety of Yoga Alliance approved certifications, and you can travel outside of the area if you do not find one you like.








Instructions


1. Find a Yoga Alliance approved training in the ancient vinyasa style. You will find many training opportunities in Portland. You may also consider taking a retreat to get training in another city or in a location such as Hawaii or Costa Rica.


Vinyasa yoga teaches the synchronizing of the breath with a progressive series of postures---a process designed to produce intense internal heat and a profuse sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs, says yoga website ashtanga.com.


2. Contact the teacher training program to learn about costs. Most Yoga Alliance approved programs will cost $2,000 to $3,000, and this is true in Portland as well. Some small US cities may have less expensive programs, but Portland's yoga market is large enough to demand the high prices. You should also ask about required reading materials and expenses associated with these materials. If you want to learn vinyasa yoga instruction, make sure the teacher focuses on vinyasa.


3. Complete your training. Yoga Alliance courses offer two options: 200-hour training and 500-hour training. You will be eligible to teach after completing a 200-hour training, but your pay scale may be higher if you elect the graduate training option.


4. Obtain insurance. All studios in the Portland area will require you to have insurance before teaching a class on your own. Insurance is a business expense, and you can write off the cost when you file your taxes.


5. Contact local studios offering vinyasa classes when you are involved in training. Many studios will offer to allow you to teach a community class or donation-based class before you have your certificate. This can help you earn a small amount of income and gain experience while you are still learning.

Tags: Yoga Alliance, Alliance approved, Yoga Alliance approved, 200-hour training, less expensive, studios will

Uses Of Ipecac Syrup

Syrup of ipecac is prepared from the root of the Brazilian ipecacuanha plant, Psychotria ipecacuanha. Until recently, it was commonly used to induce vomiting in cases of childhood poisoning. However, this practice is no longer recommended, as it has been deemed unsafe.


Effects


Ipecac is an emetic, which means that it causes vomiting. It also causes diarrhea. These effects are due to two powerful chemicals that are present in ipecac, called emetine and cephaeline. Ipecac may also cause sweating.


Historical Uses


Ipecacuanha was discovered by the Western world in the 1600s in Brazil. According to "Ipecacuanha: the South American Vomiting Root" by Min Ro Lee, it was brought back to Paris and used to treat dysentery, a potentially fatal disease that causes severe diarrhea. It continued to be used for this purpose for over 200 years, when safer treatments for dysentery were discovered. In the 1700s, the physician Thomas Dover mixed the dried powdered root with opium and other ingredients to create a medicinal powder that was used to treat fevers and other conditions.


Modern Uses


In 1965, the FDA issued its first regulation of syrup of ipecac, requiring that warnings and directions be included on over-the-counter preparations. Ten years later, the FDA made a panel review of all over-the-counter laxative, anti-diarrheal, emetic and antiemetic drugs. The panel established syrup of ipecac as a safe emetic. In 1982, the FDA classified ipecac syrup as a safe and effective treatment of acute toxic ingestion (poisoning).


Until recently, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended ipecac syrup as an emergency first aid for child poisoning. However, in 2003, a study was published in the Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics that failed to prove that ipecac syrup improved the outcome of children that had been poisoned. No research has been able to back up the assumption that vomiting removes poison from the body. The AAP now recommends that parents remove syrup of ipecac from their homes.


Warning


Ipecac syrup may cause adverse reactions and even interfere with poison treatments. Safely discard any existing syrup of ipecac by flushing it down the toilet.


In Case of Poisoning








If you suspect that your child has ingested a toxic substance, the AAP recommends that you call the universal Poison Control Center number at 1-800-222-1222. If your child is convulsing, loses consciousness, or stops breathing, it recommends that you call 911.

Tags: syrup ipecac, ipecac syrup, recommends that, Academy Pediatrics, American Academy

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Healing Properties Of Semiprecious Stones

Throughout the ages, various magical and healing properties have been associated with all sorts of crystals and rocks, both precious and semi-precious. Most often, the simple wearing of a gemstone provided the wearer with protection--anything from protection against evil or possession, to protection against ailments. Jade was believed to purify blood and cure foot complains. Jet could cure faintness. Bloodstone helped with bladder problems, gall stones and hemorrhoids. Amethyst prevented gout and was used with liver complaints and intoxication; it was believed to cure neuralgia, stomach disorders, toothaches and tumors and was used as an antidote to poison. And moonstone cured sterility and treated epilepsy and fever.


Agate


For 1600 years, beginning in ancient Roman times, agates were used medicinally. A tincture of powdered agate mixed with fruit juice was used to treat insanity, ulcers, boils and diseases affecting the spleen and kidneys. Agates also were used to stop hemorrhaging and combat epidemics of pestilence. Wearing agates was believed to protect the wearer from indigestion, lung problems and combat fears.


Although Arabian physicians of the day did not prescribe taking powdered agate internally, they did believe that a paste of powdered agate stopped gum bleeding.


Over the centuries, agate has been used to treat boils, chest and lung problems, epidemics, falling sickness, hemorrhaging, indigestion, insanity, insomnia, kidney problems, loose teeth, pestilence, sea sickness, tender gums, tired eyes, ulcers and vertigo.


Carnelian


As late as the 1660s, carnelian was considered a remedy for bleeding wounds. Drinking a powdered concoction was believed to generate overall good health. Also, people carried carnelian on their bodies to make them more cheerful and less fearful. The stone was believed to instill courage and defend the body against poison. As was often true, a lot of healing properties were suggested by the appearance of the stone itself. For instance, almost any yellow stone could be prescribed to treat jaundice. Over the centuries, carnelian has been used to treat bad tempers, chest and lung problems, hemorrhaging, loose teeth, loss of voice and tumors.


Garnet


According to William Rowland (a doctor of Physic in the 1600s), medicine prepared from a red garnet could stimulate the heart, reduce palpitations, improve blood circulation, filter out toxins and cure melancholy. The medicine was prepared by first heating the garnets, and then dissolving them in "Spirits of Salts." The solution was then mixed with oil of tartar and incorporated into a cream. Wearing red garnets was also thought to provide the same benefits, for example, heart stimulation, a cure for melancholy and so on. Over the centuries, garnets have been used to prevent drowning and treat fever, hemorrhaging, incontinence, melancholia, plagues, poisons, weak hearts and wounds. Yellow garnet was used to treat jaundice.


Lapis Lazuli


In the Ebers Papyrus, which dates back to about 1600 BC, there is a formula to cure cataracts made from lapis lazuli, milk and slime from the Nile. Ancient Egyptians, along with the Sumerians and Babylonians, credited the stone for relieving head pains and neuralgia. Over the centuries, lapis lazuli has been used as a blood purifier and to treat apoplexy, depression, eye complaints, headache, labor pains, melancholia, neuralgia, skin disorders and timidity.


Malachite


In the 17th century, malachite amulets were worn as a cure-all. The stone was believed to avert fainting spells and prevent hernias. When pulverized and mixed with milk, the stone was taken to reduce the pain of a heart attack and to cure colic. Powdered malachite was mixed with honey and plastered over a wound to stop blood flow. Mixed with wine, the stone was used as a cure for ulcers. Other claims report the stone's benefits include boosting health, especially in the stomach, head and kidneys. It also was said to prevent vertigo.








In ancient Egypt, physicians observed that slaves mining malachite were seemingly immune to the many plagues of cholera. It was from this observation that the practice of wearing a copper band to prevent rheumatism, asthma and colic arose. Over the centuries, malachite has been used to treat cholera, convulsions, insomnia, kidney problems, rheumatism and teething, and was prescribed for a weak heart.


Topaz


Epiphanius of Cyprus (AD 315-403) recommended collecting a milky fluid that he observed to come from the chrysolithos (topaz) as an antidote for rabies. Physicians in the 5th and 10th centuries claimed to have proved the validity of this treatment. Roman physicians treated skin ulcers by touching the ulcerated area with topaz. And in 1587, Jerome Cardan wrote that topaz could cure madness.


Over the centuries, topaz has been used to treat eye complaints, gout, hemorrhaging, hemorrhoids, jaundice (the yellow variety), melancholia, poisons, rabies, tired eyes, ulcers and vertigo.


Turquoise


In the 15th century, physicians used a potion containing powdered turquoise as an antidote to poison and scorpion stings. Placing a turquoise on inflamed or strained eyes was believed to soothe them. Also, wearing turquoise was thought to reveal its wearer's physical state; the stone paled when its wearer was ill, then returned to full color once the wearer recuperated.


Over the centuries, turquoise has been used to treat eye strain, falling sickness, poisons and demon possession.

Tags: been used, Over centuries, used treat, been used treat, lung problems, powdered agate, antidote poison

Is A Chiropractor Safe

Chiropractic treatment involves spinal manipulation


Generally, chiropractic therapy is safe. However, not every chiropractor has the same background, training, or uses the same techniques. You may not feel comfortable having your back "cracked" or being upside down on an inversion table. You need to shop around and do research to find the best chiropractor for your specific needs.


Therapy


According to the Mayo Clinic, studies show chiropractic therapy is as safe as treatments like pain medication or back exercises. Limited spine range of motion, vertebral restriction, and stiffness all cause pain. Chiropractic adjustments can increase mobility, improve function, and provide a better quality of life according to Dr. Daugherty, a chiropractor, in Colorado Springs.


Training


In most states, to be a chiropractor you must have a four-year college degree and another four years of professional training. In order to find an excellent chiropractor, you may check out which schools are recognized by the American Chiropractic Association. Then seek out chiropractor who attended one of them.


Technique


Many chiropractors use their hands to manipulate the spine. Manual adjustments can be high velocity techniques (cracking the spine) according to Dr. Daugherty. But there are also less forceful or invasive methods like the Activator Technique. This method, developed in the 1960s, uses a special instrument to make very specific adjustments.


Considerations


Meet or talk with several chiropractors and pick one that you feel has the training, personality, techniques, and style that you like. Ask for client testimonials or for the names of clients you can talk to before starting treatment. Also ask if your condition usually responds well to chiropractic therapy.


Expected Results and Complications


After an adjustment, a certain degree of soreness or dull ache is normal, according to spine-health.com. Know that certain conditions (rheumatoid arthritis for example) may take longer to respond to chiropractic treatment. In rare cases, neck manipulation can be associated with Vertebrobasilar Artery Stroke (VBA).

Tags: chiropractic therapy, according Daugherty, chiropractic therapy safe, therapy safe

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Uses Of Bacopa Monnieri

Bacopa monnieri is an herb native to India that has a long history of use in the Ayurvedic system of medicine where it is known as Brahmi. Bacopa monnieri is one of the most important herbs in India and is used for a wide variety of ailments and as a general tonic and an anti-aging herb. In the west, Bacopa monnieri is gaining popularity due to recent studies that examine its effect on the brain, cancer and it ability to keep stress at bay. Following is a closer look at some of the uses for the ancient Ayurvedic herb that may be a great ally in the fight against some modern maladies.


History


In the Ayurvedic system of medicine, Bacopa monnieri, or brahmi, is considered the most important herb for the brain and is used to balance the three doshas, or subtle energies of the body. Brahmi is the Hindu name for the Creator God of the Universe, which shows just how much esteem this plant has had over the ages. Bacopa monnieri grows in marshy aquatic areas throughout India and Southeast Asia and is used as a culinary spice in some Vietnamese dishes.


Memory


The number one use of Bacopa monnieri in Ayurvedic medicine is as a brain booster. In a study done on Bacopa monnieri's effect on human memory and published in 2002 in the "Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology," a team of American researchers gave Bacopa monnieri to a group of adults in order to measure its effects. The double blind, controlled study found that Bacopa monnieri seemed to decrease the rate that the subjects forgot newly acquired material, compared to the control group.


Cancer


Another use of Bacopa monnieri has traditionally been as an herb that promotes health and longevity. In 1995, researchers at the University of Madras in Madras, India tested an extract of Bacopa monnieri against sarcoma cancer cell cultures. They found that the rate of growth of the sarcoma cells was significantly inhibited by the Bacopa monnieri extract, leading them to conclude that Bacopa monnieri can be considered an anti-cancer drug.








Stress


Stress is as old as the human condition, and Bacopa monnieri has been used in traditional Ayurveda as a calming and rejuvenating herb for centuries. In a research article published in the journal "Phytotherapy Research" in 2002, a team of scientists in India tested the effects of Bacopa monnieri extract on stress induced changes in the brains of rats. They found that the brains of rats treated with the Bacopa extract showed a higher level of antioxidant activity and a lower rate of stress induced enzymes when exposed to stress.


Potential








As a herbal supplement to help manage and ward off many degenerative ailments, this herbal ally, Bacopa monnieri, could be one of the most beneficial plants on earth.

Tags: Bacopa monnieri, Bacopa monnieri, found that, Ayurvedic system, Ayurvedic system medicine, Bacopa monnieri extract

Lifting During Pregnancy

Most pregnant women, except those who have complications or are on bed rest or pelvic rest, can continue light to moderate lifting throughout pregnancy within safe limits. Pregnant women should avoid doing too much lifting, especially if they already have aches and pains from pregnancy, and take care not to overexert themselves. Women should always see their health care providers, such as obstetricians and midwives, for advice appropriate to their specific situations.


Types


Women may do many kinds of lifting during pregnancy, including picking up small children, hauling groceries, moving boxes and lifting weights for fitness. Many pregnant women find everyday lifting, such as taking care of toddlers, practically unavoidable. Women who have regular lifting routines should use caution when continuing these activities. Women who have restrictions on lifting should consider all the types of lifting they need to avoid, even those that seem natural or routine.


Expert Insight


Although there is no set weight limit for lifting, most experts agree that pregnant women should avoid heavy lifting. Women who were used to lifting weights before pregnancy can often continue lifting at lower weights. Those who are new to weight lifting should be especially careful. Fitness expert Tracey Mallett recommends that pregnant women who are continuing a weight lifting routine during pregnancy use lighter weights, about half of what was previously used, and do a few extra repetitions.


Considerations


Many experts recommend avoiding free weights during pregnancy, since these can cause injury if dropped. Instead, resistance bands can be a safer alternative. By the second trimester, women should avoid lifting weights while lying on their backs, since this can compress major blood vessels. They may want to sit down rather than standing to avoid changes in blood pressure that may cause dizziness.








Benefits


Light to moderate lifting, such as a gentle but regular weight lifting routine, can increase muscle tone and strength. This can ease labor and delivery, and help a women return to her pre-pregnancy weight afterwards. Women who already have fitness routines, such as weight lifting or bowling, often enjoy continuing these activities during pregnancy to help them relax.


Warning


Pregnant women should always check with their health care professional before beginning or continuing any lifting activities. Women who are on bed or pelvic rest, or have signs of bleeding or placenta previa, should not do any lifting except as recommended by a doctor. Pregnancy can cause ligaments to loosen, resulting in decreased joint stability. Weight changes can also make it more difficult for pregnant women to maintain their balance. Pregnant women should take care not to become overheated or exhausted during lifting.

Tags: weight lifting, women should, during pregnancy, lifting weights, pregnant women

Uses For Medicinal Herbs

Medicinal herbs are the heart of many alternative medical therapies. Herbalism, or botanical medicine, uses the flowers, leaves, berries, stems, seeds, plants and roots of herbs to treat illnesses, build immunity, relieve pain and impart energy or relaxation. Although Western medicine may view herbal treatments as experimental, the fact is that medicinal herbs predate and were often the foundation of over-the-counter and prescription medications.


History


The consumption and application of medicinal herbs predates recorded history. It is an ancient form of health care, used in every culture in the world. Anthropologists have surmised that primitive man observed animal behavior around native flora and fauna and, through trial and error, developed a working knowledge of the uses of medicinal herbs. In contemporary U.S. society, one fourth of prescription drugs are derived from plants or plant extracts.


Types


There are countless types of uses of medicinal herbs. Some of the most commonly known applications are echinacea and zinc to build immunity, ginseng to deliver clarity, arnica to relieve pain and chamomile to aid digestion. Herbalists often prescribe medicinal herbs to treat high cholesterol, the symptoms of menopause, weight gain, stress, high blood pressure and chronic pain. An herbal regimen can help the body detoxify, cleanse and heal.


Preparations


There are many types of preparations for medicinal herbs. Herbs can be used as a compress and applied to an injury. The flowers, buds, roots, berries, leaves or seeds can be made into a tea that is brewed and then consumed. Herbal essential oils are useful in massage as well as for cleansing the eyes, ears and mouth. Herbal extracts such as celery, echinacea, hawthorn, fig, nettle, goldenseal, parsley, pau d'arco, suma, red beet crystals, valerian root and red clover can treat severe and chronic illnesses. Medicinal herbs may also be used in infusions, ointments, powders and syrups. A poultice, consisting of herbs and other elements that are spread on a cloth, may be applied to an injured or inflamed part of the body for several hours. A tincture, consisting of powdered herbs and a solution of water and alcohol, is considered a powerful medicine.








Energy-boosting


One of the most common uses of medicinal herbs is to boost energy. Herbalists often recommend bee pollen, bio-strath, kyo-green (or kyolic), floradix, free-form amino acids, octacosanol, spirulina or Siberian ginseng. These medicinal herbs may be taken as a supplement or added to juice. In fact, it is common to find many of these herbs as add-ins at juice bars and smoothie spots.


Warning


People may be tempted to treat medicinal herbs as casually as vitamin supplements, but herbs can be powerful substances. Herbal medicine can function well as a complement to traditional medicine, but not always as a replacement. An herbalist may recommend that you maintain a regimen of prescription medication while also using herbs as a treatment. In general, herbs work more slowly than synthetic medication. Women who are pregnant or nursing should consult an professional to determine the safety of particular medicinal herbs.

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Monday, July 15, 2013

Uses For Iodine Crystals

Iodine is a natural chemical substance that is useful and necessary for a healthy lifestyle. This substance can be found in a solid crystalline form or as a gas--it has no liquid state. The crystals sublimate directly from a solid form to a gaseous form. This useful chemical has applications in the worlds of medicine, science and business.


Tincture of Iodine


For many years tincture of iodine has been used to treat wounds via direct application to the injury. Tincture of iodine is made by mixing crystalline iodine with alcohol and water to form a powerful antiseptic.


Surgical procedure includes prepping the incision site by scrubbing with iodine solution. According to Dr. Donald W. Miller, Jr., M.D., iodine kills 90 percent of bacteria on the skin within 90 seconds of application.


Cleaning Water


Iodine crystals are the best type of disinfectant for drinking water. Hikers and backpackers can carry the crystals to disinfect drinking water. Because the crystalline form of iodine remains potent for a long time, the crystals are also well suited for water treatment in areas of the world lacking in quality water-treatment facilities. These crystals helps prevent thousands of deaths due to contaminated drinking water.


Prevention of Hypothyroidism


Iodine deficiency can cause serious health problems. Hypothyroidism, cretinism and an enlarged thyroid gland all result from iodine deficiency. Cretinism is a now-rare form of mental retardation caused by lack of iodine in the fetus.


Iodine crystals mixed with sodium chloride (table salt) are the best and easiest to obtain source of dietary iodine. The National Institutes of Health states that 1/4 tsp. iodized salt provides nearly a whole day's supply of iodine. Ocean fish is a good source as well.


Money Pen


Store clerks often pull out small markers and make marks on $20 bills or higher denominations. They are using counterfeit money-testing pens, which work by diluting iodine crystals and potassium iodide in ink.








The iodine in the ink reacts with the fiber materials in the paper. Legitimate currency has cotton fiber paper, and the pen will not cause a color change on the money. Counterfeit money is printed on wood fiber paper, and the iodine in the ink reacts with the starches in the paper to leave a dark brown or black mark on the paper.

Tags: drinking water, crystalline form, fiber paper, Iodine crystals, iodine reacts, iodine reacts with

How Soon Can Hepatitis C Be Detected

Hepatitis C


Hepatitis C is a disease that results in inflammation of and damage to your liver. Hepatitis can cause higher blood pressure, and, in the long term, leads to scarring of the liver, also known as cirrhosis. It is most often this liver damage, or liver damage in association with other liver conditions, that makes hepatitis C a killer. However, it is not uncommon for people who have contracted the disorder to be totally unaware that they have it for years, as there are few signs or symptoms other than liver swelling, which is difficult to detect.


Chronic and Acute


Hepatitis C can occur in two forms: acute and chronic. Acute hepatitis refers to a person who has the disease for one to two months, and then her immune system destroys the condition like any other viral infection. In this case, there is a very small amount of liver damage, and little activity at all in the immune system, the main source of information on which diseases are present.








Chronic hepatitis, on the other hand, is a long-term condition, often lasting for the rest of a person's life. It can be progressive, which results in heavy damage to the liver; or nonprogressive, which will do little overall damage. Acute hepatitis can become chronic hepatitis, but it doesn't always.


Testing


Tests target people suspected of having hepatitis, or who may have been exposed to it, such as those being tested for STDs, intravenous drug users, and people who display liver problems, among others. A test can detect hepatitis C as soon as your immune system begins creating antibodies. However, because patients rarely display any symptoms, this condition isn't found in even a fraction of the people who have it.


Generally speaking, it takes anywhere from a week to several months for your body to produce the antibodies. Assuming that your body begins producing hepatitis C antibodies within a week of infection, and you take a blood test, the earliest the disease will be detected is an average of three weeks, including the time taken for the test.


Another method, though more extreme, is to take a small fraction of the patient's liver, called a liver biopsy. The liver--the main area affected by hepatitis C--is more reliable than a blood sample, but the testing time is longer. Including surgery, scheduling and testing, the results may take anywhere from three weeks to more than a month.

Tags: immune system, liver damage, anywhere from, damage liver, people have, three weeks, your body

Friday, July 12, 2013

Different Types Of Walnut Trees

Several types of walnut trees exist and can be identified by the color of their flowers and their fruit. In addition, each has a different growth potential and requires a specific amount of water and sunlight.


Black Walnut Tree


The black walnut tree blooms in late spring and requires a lot of water and sunlight. When fully grown, it stands close to 100 feet; it can be identified by its yellow flowers and brown fruit.








Arizona Walnut Tree








The Arizona walnut tree also blooms in late spring and requires an average amount of water and sunlight; it stands close to 50 feet when fully grown and can be identified by its brown flowers and brown fruit.


Little Walnut Tree


The little walnut tree gets its name from its small size. It requires an average amount of water and sunlight and when fully grown stands only about 20 feet tall; it blooms in mid spring with green flowers and black fruit.


English Walnut Tree


The English walnut tree can grow up to 60 feet tall. It blooms in mid spring and requires a large amount of water and sunlight; it is identified by its white flowers and brown fruit.


Japanese Walnut Tree


The Japanese walnut tree stands at 65 feet when fully grown, but most remain closer to 35 feet. The tree blooms in spring with flowers of yellow-green and requires an average amount of water and sunlight.

Tags: water sunlight, amount water, amount water sunlight, fully grown, average amount