Everyone breathes, from the time people emerge into the world until they die. Most do not give much or any thought to their breathing, but its rate can help determine how aerobically fit you are or can indicate signs of illness. According to the University of Virginia Health Center, breathing rate increases with illness, fever or exercise. To see if you have a higher or lower level than normal, record your respiration level and compare it with the normal level of 15 to 20 breaths per minute at rest.
Instructions
1. Sit quietly and start the stopwatch.
2. Count the number of breaths you take in one full minute. Consider each set of one inhalation and exhalation a single breath.
3. Stop the stopwatch after one minute and write down the number of breaths you took in that minute.
4. Repeat counting your breaths for another minute.
5. Add together the number of breaths you took from each trial and divide by two to find your average breathing rate. For instance, if you took 18 breaths the first minute and 16 the second minute, your breathing rate would be 18 + 16 = 34/2 = 17 breaths per minute.
6. Compare your average breathing rate to the normal level of 15 to 20 breaths per minute. According to the University of Virginia Health Center, anything higher than 25 or lower than 12 is considered abnormal.
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Gliomas are the most commonly diagnosed of both benign and malignant primary brain tumors, accounting for approximately 45 to 50 percent of all primary brain tumors, according to the International RadioSurgery Association. Tumors originate from the glial cells, which support the central nervous system. When traditional treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation fail to destroy high grade malignant gliomas, alternative treatment is often a last resort.
Treatment Problems
Gliomas don't respond well to traditional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation and the brain can suffer damage in the process. Capillaries filled with tightly-packed endothelial cells provide a blood brain barrier, and while trying to protect the brain, may inhibit life-saving chemicals from reaching the tumor.
Budwig Diet and Protocol
Dr. Johanna Budwig was a German research scientist in Europe and a seven-time nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize. She was considered to be an expert authority on fats and oils. Dr. Budwig's research uncovered a link between commercially-processed fats and oils, and their effect on our mind and body. The chemical treatment of unsaturated fats and oils destroys our cell membranes and the electrons that keep the cell membranes working properly, leading to chronic and terminal diseases.
Dr. Budwig discovered when she combined electron-rich flaxseed oil with cottage cheese and its rich supply of sulphur protein, the oil became water soluble, and absorbed easily into cell membranes. Terminally ill patients with cancer should be consuming 6 to 8 tablespoons of oil a day. Once the cancer is under control, a maintenance dose of 1 tablespoon per 100 pounds needed to be continued. Results may take three to six months.
Flax seed oil should be refrigerated when purchased. The ratio is 2 tablespoons of cottage cheese to 1 tablespoon of oil. Blend with an immersion blender until all oil is absorbed. Mix fresh as needed, and slowly work your way up to a higher dosage.
In addition, hydrogenated fats, sugar, white flour, preservatives, chemicals, and processed foods should be avoided, and warm drinks such as green or herbal teas, should be consumed at least three times a day.
Testimonials emerged from patients who had run out of treatment options, and were now living a healthy, cancer-free life.
Gliadel Wafer
The Gliadel wafer is the first FDA approved brain cancer treatment, which delivers chemotherapy directly to the tumor. This biodegradable wafer is placed by the brain surgeon into the area where the tumor was taken out. As the implant slowly dissolves, it releases medication to the surrounding areas. If the tumor area is large, up to eight implants may be placed at each surgery.
Warning
If you experience swelling, or pressure inside the skull, notify your oncologist immediately. Alternative treatments may not work quickly enough to prevent sudden death.
Your first menstrual period is called "menarche," and it usually happens around age 12, although it can begin as early as age 9. This is a normal sign of growing up and reaching puberty.
Symptoms
When you begin your menstrual period, you may notice a bit of blood when going to the restroom. You will have this discharge for about three to seven days; this is a normal part of your period. Other symptoms that you may have at this time are cramping pain in your abdomen, aching in your legs or thighs, acne and tenderness in your breasts.
Treatments
For menstrual cramping, you may have to take pain relief medications or use a heating pad for comfort. During this time you may be more tired than usual, so taking short naps may also help with the pain. To treat acne, you can use anti-acne medicated face washes and creams.
Protection
During this time you will have to use products designed to keep the period blood from getting on your clothes. One such product is called a tampon. This is inserted into your vagina, in order to absorb the blood or you may use a pad. Pads have adhesive strips that help them to stick to your underwear.
The Menstrual Cycle
The average menstrual cycle is about 21 to 30 days in length. The first week you will bleed. This is called the menstrual flow. Around the second week your ovaries will produce an egg (ovulation). The last two weeks will be spent preparing your body to begin the cycle again. You may start to notice symptoms of an impending period about a week in advance.
Changes in the Menstrual Cycle
As you get older, your period will change in frequency, length and volume. This is perfectly normal, and it will continue this way until menopause, which happens around the age of 45 to 55.
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The nerves in the body are all connected, like a system of rivers that all meet at some point. Acupressure is the method of applying pressure to certain pressure points where stress often gathers, which will promote circulation to other nerve endings and reduce pain and discomfort in these areas. Acupressure is a safe remedy for sciatica, which is pain that runs down the sciatic nerve, located in your lower back and the back of your leg. If you learn the proper techniques, you can use acupressure to relieve sciatica safely and easy.
Pressure Points
The sciatic nerve is located under the spine, and runs through the buttocks down both legs. The best place to treat sciatica is to place pressure at the root of the pain, on the root of the nerve itself. To perform the acupressure yourself, place your thumbs in both depressions right above the buttocks and apply pressure. You will need to press hard, because the pressure points lie deep within the skin. Hold this pressure consistently and count to 15. You may feel jabs of pain down the nerve as you are doing this; try not to release the pressure as this happens. If you are having a partner do this, he can use the palms of his hands or elbows to apply a little more pressure. Lie on your stomach with your arms at your side, and have your partner apply pressure to the same points. Be sure you are in a quiet place where he can hear you well, so that you can tell him if he is pressing too hard or too gently.
Exercise
Exercises that stretch the sciatic nerve and strengthen your back muscles are a great combination with acupressure techniques. The knee to chest exercise is one of the best exercises for this purpose. To do this exercise, lie on your back on the floor or another hard surface and bring your knees slowly up to your chest, wrapping your arms around them to hold for a few counts. If you are experiencing pain in a particular leg or side of your back, bring just that knee towards the chest to stretch it more thoroughly.
Timing
Sciatica varies from person to person. Some people find that their pain is worse in the morning after a full night of sleep. Others find it to be worse in the evening, and notice is worsening as they become more tired. Some have problems after sitting in one spot for a long time, after a day at the office or a long car ride. You can do acupressure at any time to help your sciatic nerve pain. You can't do it too often, and there is no prescription for how many times you need to do it to feel less pain. You may find that a good time to apply pressure and stretch may be after a shower, when your muscles are already relaxed and loosened from the heat and steam.
Chemical compounds can cause metal earrings to change color.
Metal earrings are a common fashion accessory in society. They are available in thousands of styles and work to tone up or tone down any outfit. Unfortunately, interactions with some common substances in our environment can turn a pair of beautiful earrings from gold or silver to black or green. If this happens to your earrings, there are several common culprits that may be responsible for the discoloration.
Make-Up
Contact with make-up on the wearer's skin or clothing is one of the most common causes of earrings changing color. Cosmetics contain chemical compounds including zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, ferric oxide and calamine that are harder that the chemical compounds that make up your jewelry. A phenomenon known as metallic abrasion takes place when these hard chemical compounds rub or wear off tiny particles of the metal that makes up the earrings, causing a black dust to form and often smudge the wearer's skin. To prevent metallic abrasion, avoid make-up that contains the chemical compounds mentioned above and wash your ears with soap and water prior to putting on earrings.
Perspiration
Contact with moisture can cause the metals that make up your earrings to corrode and subsequently change color. Because humans possess thousands of sweat glands on their skin, the fat and fatty acids present in perspiration can cause corrosion in metal earrings. While some people think this will only happen to silver jewelry, it can happen to gold as well, with the exception of 24 karat, pure gold. This is because earrings that are made of less than 24 karat gold are composed of part pure gold and part alloys; the alloys in the earrings are what will corrode, while the pure gold will remain unscathed. To prevent corrosion due to your own perspiration, place a small amount of zinc oxide-free absorbent powder onto your skin before you put on your earrings.
Hydrogen Sulfide
Earrings made up of sterling silver, and sometimes gold, may tarnish when they come into contact with hydrogen sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide may be present in smoke from raw fuels, such as oil or coal, or in polluted air. It may also be found inside of some foods with strong smells such as eggs, onions, pickles and some fish. When the earrings begin to tarnish, they will begin to lose their color and take on a yellowish tint that will later transform into a gray or black color. You can remove tarnish due to contact with hydrogen sulfide from your earrings with a cleaning polish often available for purchase at sterling silver jewelry manufacturers.
Medications
Certain medications can alter the acidity of your skin, causing earrings to change color. Antibiotics are one of the most likely medications to cause earrings to tarnish. To avoid ruining your earrings, try to wear only earrings made of 18 karat gold or higher while taking medicine.
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Hemorrhoids are a pain in the "you know what." Those swollen, tender and often itchy, inflamed veins in your anus can make even the most focused person totally distracted. Anyone can get hemorrhoids, in fact, it's estimated that eight out of ten people have this common complaint. Heredity plays a role, but so does diet and personal care, in who gets this condition. Here are some helpful ways to help avoid hemorrhoids and help relieve the discomfort when they strike.
Instructions
1. Stop sitting around doing nothing. Most hemorrhoids are caused by the straining during a bowel movement. This straining is what causes those veins to swell, and the logical remedy is to stop the strain. Add more bran, green beans, apples, carrots and leafy greens to your diet, along with plenty of water. The fiber should help make stools softer and easier to pass.
2. Keep your bottom as clean as a baby's. Wipe gently with a super-soft toilet paper, or utilize the new adult wipes. Baby wipes are also a good choice, many contain aloe which can heal abrasions and can soothe tender areas.
3. Sit on it. Make a sitz bath with some epson salts and soak the offended area for several minutes a day. You can also soak a cotton ball with witch hazel and apply that to the hemorrhoids. Witch hazel is a good choice because it causes the blood vessels to shrink, which can reduce the size and discomfort of hemorrhoids.
4. Resist the itch. Don't scratch itchy hemorrhoids. Scratching can spread infection. Try the witch hazel, or try to limit what you eat. Diet can play a part in how much hemorrhoids itch. Certain foods like coffee, beer, cola and some strong spices can irritate bowels as they pass through.
5. Go natural. A salve made of Horse Chestnut is a soothing tonic to inflamed hemorrhoids. It is widely used in Europe to sooth and shrink varicose veins along with hemorrhoids.
Depression is a serious illness that can affect your mind, body, mood and behavior. Depression can last a short while or a very long time. It is an illness that may have the same symptoms, but it is never the same experience for two people. There is evidence that connects high and low levels of the male hormone testosterone to depression in women.
Physical Signs of High Levels of Testosterone in Women
Women with high levels of the male hormone testosterone often have excess hair on their faces and bodies, acne and a lot of fat in their bellies. They might experience thinning hair on their heads and cysts on their ovaries.
Symptoms of Depression
The symptoms of depression can include a persistent sad or empty feeling, a loss of interest in activities that previously gave you pleasure, crying, sleeping too much or too little, weight loss or weight gain, thoughts of death or suicide, and headaches.
Reasons
Testosterone, the male hormone known as an androgen, is always present in females, but sometimes due to various factors including menstrual cycles and pregnancy, the hormone levels can change. The body is not used to this new level of testosterone and can find itself becoming depressed.
Treatment
There are antidepressants available and other medications that will treat your depression, but they must be prescribed by a licensed doctor. To change your level of testosterone naturally, you can make some lifestyle changes including incorporating foods that are estrogenically rich into your diet. These include potatoes, rice, wheat and cherries. Psychologists and psychiatrists will also offer invaluable help with this disease.
Results of Treatment
According to the APHA (American Public Health Association), 80% of people treated for depression feel better.
Fact
At the beginning of 2009, over 18 million Americans suffered from some sort of depression, and over half of them were women. This made depression the most common form of mental illness in the country.
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Indigestion occurs when digested food from your stomach, which contains acid, is pushed up toward your esophagus.
Having indigestion is not fun. It is a common condition, which is also called "Heartburn." It is a painful condition, which can really ruin your day. There are ways to avoid suffering from it. You can avoid indigestion, by watching what you eat, and making a few lifestyle changes.
Instructions
1. Be selective of the types of food that you eat. Eating fatty foods and spicy foods, can trigger indigestion.
2. After eating your meal. Sit for a while, so that your meal can digest properly. Laying down too soon, will cause indigestion.
3. Eating your meal too fast can cause you to swallow too much air, which results in indigestion. Take the time to chew your food.
4. Smoking is one of the causes of indigestion. Smoking weaken the lining of the stomach, and produce excess acid. You can avoid indigestion by quitting.
5. Drinking caffeinated drink and even chocolate, causes you to produce too much acid.
6. Pregnancy can cause indigestion. During pregnancy, the hormones that are produced, causes the muscles to relax in your digestive tract. Try sleeping with your head elevated.
7. Stress is another thing that can cause you to have indigestion. Find ways to reduce stress, also get rid of things that are not beneficial to you and is causing your stress levels to elevate.
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Massage has been practiced as an alternative medicine in India and the Far East for centuries. The popularity of massage is increasing in the United States and many massage therapists study and practice Asian massage methods. Holistic forms of exercise such as yoga and pilates combined with regular massage is a fitness regimen that many people practice. Know the differences in the various types of Asian massage before you choose the best type for your needs.
Thai Massage
The focus of Thai massage is the working of various pressure points throughout the body. During the massage you will asked to stretch and breathe at certain times. In most cases, a Thai-inspired massage ends with a traditional ritual meant to inspire relaxation.
Chinese Massage
Chinese massage, or "tui na," focuses on acupressure to move the client's qi (pronounced "chee") to help in the activation of the body's unique healing mechanisms that are different for every person. Chinese massage is meant to help the mind in addition to the body by healing both at the same time and getting them to work as one.
Japanese Massage
Japanese massage, or "Shiatsu," is designed to promote and balance energy in the body. You may experience pain at first while the therapist uses his thumbs, palms and fingers to apply pressure to the body but that should subside as you get used to the experience. Convey any pain to the massage therapist so he can tailor the massage to your body. Japanese massage is meant to focus on the circulatory system and nervous system while training muscles to be more flexible.
Indonesian Massage
Indonesian massage finds the therapist using all the parts of the hand with a focus on the knuckles to knead and massage the muscles. Indonesian massage is meant to stimulate the muscles and enhance and awaken the nerves. The goal is to reduce any tension or pain that the client is dealing with. Expect initial pain but keep in mind that healing will occur over time.
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Kidney stones form when calcium oxalate or other chemicals in the urine form crystals that stick together. Most kidney stones are small and pass out through the urinary tract without any intervention by a doctor. Some people compare the pain of kidney stones to childbirth. Home is the best place to cope with the pain and other symptoms of kidneys stones.
Instructions
1. Prepare for severe pain when a kidney stone moves into the urinary tract. The pain may come in waves and last minutes or hours. You may experience nausea and even vomiting.
2. Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, to help cope with the pain.
3. Drink at least 2 qt. of water a day to help the stone pass more quickly. Your urine should look clear if you are drinking enough water.
4. Expect a burning sensation or even blood in the urine during urination. You may also feel the urge to urinate more frequently. These are normal symptoms that do not require a visit to the doctor.
5. Catch the stone in a strainer and take it to your doctor for analysis. Knowing the type and cause of kidney stones makes it easier to prevent new stones from forming.
6. Adjust your daily diet to reduce the chance of another kidney stone forming. See related eHow titled "Lessen Risk of Kidney Stones." Taking a daily supplement of citrate also is effective in kidney stone prevention.
Roseola (Roseola Infantum) is a common childhood virus that affects primarily babies and children under the age of three. If your child has Roseola, make them as comfortable as possible during the course of the disease. Here's treat Roseola.
Instructions
1. Know that there is no specific treatment or cure for Roseola. Some children require no treatment at all while they have Roseola.
2. Treat your child's fever with ibuprofen or acetaminophen. A lukewarm bath is also helpful. You also can place a wet, lukewarm cloth on your child's head to reduce the fever and comfort her.
3. Allow your child to rest as much as possible. Make sure that she drinks plenty of fluids. Clear liquids such as water will prevent dehydration from the fever associated with Roseola. Let her chew on ice chips to stay hydrated.
4. Contact your physician if symptoms do not improve. If your child has a seizure or if you can't get him to drink any fluids, call your child's doctor immediately.
The vaccine that immunizes against pertussis, or whooping cough, also immunizes against diphtheria and tetanus. Called the DTaP vaccine, it is given via injection to infants and children from 6 weeks to 7 years of age. Several side effects are possible.
Fever
About one child in four who receives the vaccine develops a fever of 99.5 degrees F or higher. Parents can prevent or reduce the fever by giving the child an aspirin-free pain reliever when the injection is administered, and for the next 24 hours according to directions.
Injection Site Discomfort
Another DTaP side effect experienced by about one child in four is redness, swelling, soreness, bruising or irritation at the injection site. This side effect may last for several days. Again, an aspirin-free pain reliever can reduce these problems.
Swelling
About one child in 30 experiences swelling of the entire arm or leg that was injected. This occurs more often after the fourth and fifth doses of the DTaP. The swelling can last up to a week.
Other Common Effects
Other common side effects include fussiness, restlessness, tiredness, lack of appetite and vomiting. These effects occur within one to three days after receiving the vaccine.
Serious Reactions
Serious reactions also can occur, although they are much less likely. These include crying for three hours or more, a fever of over 102 degrees F, and seizures.
Allergic Reactions
Severe allergic reactions have been reported in fewer than one in 1 million doses, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that they may not actually be related to the vaccine. These reactions result in long-term seizures, collapse, coma and permanent brain damage.
After your 20-minute run, you feel your heart pounding loudly. Your heart starts racing when you think "calculus exam tomorrow." These are heart palpitations, a common symptom and not always attributed to conditions that lead to death.
Definition
Having heart palpitations is the unusual awareness and feeling of your heart beating irregularly or too strongly.
Occurrence
Heart palpitations can occur any time of day or night and last from a few seconds to hours.
Cause
Common causes of heart palpitations include arrhythmia, exercise, anxiety or stress, fever, caffeine, overactive thyroid, anemia, hyperventilation, lack of oxygen in blood, medications or recreational drugs, heart disease, pregnancy, and mitral valve prolapse.
Health Effects
Irregular heartbeats do not impose damage on the heart. Possible but rare implications of a rapid heart rate over an extended period of time can lead to heart enlargement or heart failure.
Treatment
If you are concerned about your heart palpitations, talk to your medical doctor. Your doctor can run tests and determine the cause while formulating possible treatments if any.
Self-Treatment
Avoid palpitations by avoiding caffeinated drinks including coffee and soda. Eat a balanced diet to supplement possible lacks of nutrients and electrolytes. To treat stress-induced palpitations, learn breathing techniques and take up yoga or tai chi to calm you and reduce stress.
If you have fond memories of moon shoes, or would like to find some for your kids, it's easier than you think. Moon shoes, introduced in the 1990's, are supposed to create the sensation of zero gravity. Really, they are trampoline shoes that create the experience of jumping really high with the safety of being close to the ground.
Instructions
1. Find a retailer who carries them. Most chain toy store retailers carry moon shoes. They are also called anti-gravity boots and are very safe. They strap on over a child's shoes and are adjustable. They will also fit most teenagers and smaller adults.
2. Buy online. If for some reason you can't track down a pair of moon shoes locally, order them online. Moon shoes provide excellent balance and coordination benefits and burn plenty of energy. Consider picking up some elbow and knee pads if your child is accident prone.
3. Order from the manufacturer. There are several toy manufacturers around that sell directly to the public via catalog and the Internet. You can buy a pair and have them shipped directly to your home.
4. Test out the new moon shoes under adult supervision. While your kids get used to the new moon shoes, make sure that they are in a grassy area and away from anything they could fall into or knockover. While in reality they're just jumping up and down in place, your child may be disoriented at first by the feeling that they are jumping really high into the air which may interfere with their depth perception.
Colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that affects the innermost part of the large intestine and rectum. No cure is available, but you can manage it and even achieve long-term remission. Some natural treatments might be beneficial; consulting with a practitioner experienced in alternative medicine is advised.
Easing Inflammation
Several supplements might ease inflammation that triggers flare-ups and worsens symptoms like diarrhea. They include fish oil (2.7g daily), boswellia (500mg three times a day), and curcumin (1,000mg to 2,000mg daily). Fish oil might not be appropriate if you are taking blood-thinning medication.
Healing the Digestive Tract
Several natural supplements can soothe the digestive tract specifically and have a long history of use for this purpose. They include slippery elm (60mg to 320mg daily), marshmallow tea (one cup three times a day) and chamomile tea (one cup three times a day). Marshmallow is not appropriate if you have diabetes.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Colitis can inhibit proper absorption of nutrients, which can lead to various problems. Certain medications can also lower nutrient levels. Folic acid (800mcg daily), vitamin D (1,000 IU daily) and calcium (1,000mg to 1,200mg daily) can address this issue.
Promoting General Intestinal Health
Certain supplements are good for overall intestinal health, which can ease symptoms and reduce the incidence of flare-ups. They include probiotics and prebiotics (take chosen supplement as directed), psyllium seeds (20g daily) and N-acetyl glucosamine (ask doctor about appropriate dosage).
Acupuncture
According to the Mayo Clinic, several studies have shown acupuncture to be beneficial for treating colitis.
Heat stroke is a very real medical condition and should be taken seriously by athletes, parents and coaches. If not treated immediately, heat stroke can be fatal. Football players are often the most at-risk for heat stroke because of the amount of equipment they're required to wear, their exertion and the hours and frequency of their practices.
Instructions
1. Prepare yourself when heading to practice or a game. Always bring water with you and wear the lightest clothing possible.
2. Drink up. Water is the best thing to drink to avoid heat stroke. Sports drinks also work, but water is usually more accessible. Drink even if you're not thirsty.
3. Know that sweating is a good thing. It's your body's way of getting rid of the extra heat. You have a problem if you're not sweating, not the other way around.
4. Be sensible about how much you exert yourself while playing sports in extreme temperatures. If your sports uniform is heavy, like a football uniform, it'll be very difficult for your body to cool itself down. If you over-exert yourself, you could suffer from heat stroke.
5. Make sure to drink even more water when it's humid outside. In humid weather, it's harder for your sweat to evaporate and your body doesn't cool itself down as well.
6. Try to limit your outside sports to either before noon or after 6 p.m. It's cooler outside during the morning and evening hours and you'll be less likely to suffer from heat stroke.
7. Find a shady place or go indoors if you start to feel overheated.
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A hip replacement is a surgery in which the hip joint is replaced by a prosthetic or artificial joint. This operation is usually performed in older patients to assuage arthritis pain or fix the hip after a fall. This complex procedure rose to the forefront of the medical world in the first half of the twentieth century, and the technology has improved vastly over the years.
Early Attempts
John Rhea Bartonii is an important figure in the history of hip replacement; he was the first person to perform a bone surgery on a fused hip joint in 1826. The operation was a success for the first 3 months, but several years after the surgery the patient lost all motion in the joint. Several decades later the Czech surgeon Vitezlav Chlumsky experimented with different types of material for the hip replacement prosthetic. He used a variety of materials such as celluloid, rubber, zince, decalcifed bones and wax.
Turn of the Century Germany
The earliest record of a hip replacement surgery was conducted in 1891 by the German Professor Themistocles Glück. Glück crafted an ivory hip ball joint with nickel plated hardware. His work is noted for its artistic beauty.
Mid 20th Century Innovations
Dr. Austin T. Moore is credited with performing the first hip replacement using a metal prosthetic made from the metal Vitalliumin in 1942. Another major advance was made in 1962 by Englishman Sir John Charnley. Charnley was able to successfully replace an arthritis patient's hip socket with a plastic concave replacement. He also replaced the femoral head joint on the same patient with a metal prosthetic. This was the world's first total hip replacement and his patients had an 85% chance of living for 20 or more years after the surgery.
The Burmese Connection
Meanwhile, a Burmese surgeon was working to further the field of hip replacement. In 1960, Dr. San Baw used ivory hip pieces to refuse hip bones that had fractured. This ground breaking surgery was first completed by Dr. Baw at the Mandalay General Hospital in Manadalay, Burma. He went on to do hundreds more of these procedures and later presented a landmark paper on his technique before a conference of the British Orthopeadic Association in 1969. Dr. Baw found that ivory worked better in the human body than metal pieces.
Contemporary Trends
There have been many advances since the groundbreaking work of the 20th century. Computer assisted orthopedic surgery (CAOS) is developing rapidly and its proponents say that this technology can help surgeons better navigate the surgical process. An alternative to traditional total hip replacement surgery is hip surface replacement (HSR). In HSR the hip is not amputated, but replaced with a metal cap. This technique allows doctors to preserve the bone is case the hip replacement needs to be adjusted in the future.
Tags: replacement surgery, after surgery, metal prosthetic, total replacement, with metal
An EIS scanner works via placing a series of electrodes on a patient's body. These electrodes send an electrical direct current through a patient's interstitial, or tissue fluid, to detect abnormalities. The information received via these electrodes are then transmitted back to the EIS scanner. This information is then integrated back into the scanner's software and included into its various mathematical formulas to help generate an accurate 3-D image.
Applying Bio-Impedance Science to Modern Medicine
The science behind organ bio-impedance has been understood for almost 200 years, but the research could not be practically applied because the numerous calculations had to be performed by hand. Because the EIS is backed by the power of a computer with sophisticated hardware and highly technical software, the EIS software can apply the knowledge of organ bio-impedance and is able to analyze a patient's organs and tissues with little effort.
Cold laser therapy, also known as low level laser therapy (LLLT) and soft therapy, is used to treat a wide variety of conditions, although it was initially approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to temporarily relieve pain caused by arthritis. Cold laser therapy can be used to treat torn leg muscles.
Consider the Contraindications of Cold Laser Therapy
Before undergoing cold laser therapy, the patient must be certain through a diagnosis that the condition of the leg is indeed a torn muscle and that there are no other conditions that are contraindications of cold laser treatment. If the area has lesions on the skin that have not yet been identified or diagnosed properly, cold laser therapy would not yet be an option for treatment, since effects on cancerous lesions are unknown. It is also not an option for pregnant women, since effects on unborn babies are also unknown. Although the laser treatment uses low-energy light beams and involves low absorption rates, the lasers' ability to penetrate the cells and skin tissues means it could have adverse effects on patients with certain conditions. It's crucial that the patient is excluded from these contraindications prior to seeking laser treatment.
Identify the Entire Area of Injury and Cause of Injury
Cold laser therapy involves different protocols for different conditions. So, it's crucial that the laser treatment provider know the exact location and cause of the injury in order to adjust the laser therapy protocol for optimum performance. The low-energy laser beams used must be able to target and penetrate the entire tissue of the injured area to deliver the benefits of reduced inflammation and pain, stimulation of repair and new cell growth, minimization of scar tissue and increased blood flow to the torn leg muscle. Treatment lengths, wavelengths and target points are subject to protocol change. Multiple panels of light are able to do work simultaneously with larger, overhead laser devices, or handheld devices can address small injured areas on the leg.
Be Persistent and Consistent with Treatment
Although cold laser therapy is effective for healing and relieving the pain and inflammation of torn leg muscles, it can take from eight to 30 treatments to be effective, according to Spine-Health.com. Patients with moderate to severe conditions have sessions two to four times per week. Fortunately, cold laser procedures are absolutely painless, and often patients simply relax or read during treatment. There are no side effects, and there is no recovery time. Patients can return to their regularly scheduled activities directly following treatment. According to Synergy Therapeutic Group in Illinois, approximately 75 to 80 percent of treated patients notice an improvement in their condition immediately after treatment.
Bidets are not as popular in the U.S. as they are in other countries.
Most American bathrooms contain three main fixtures: a sink, toilet and bathtub or bathtub/shower combination. In other regions of the world such as Asia, Latin America and Europe, many hotel, restaurant and home bathrooms also feature an appliance known as a bidet. A bidet can be used by both men and women for personal cleansing after using the toilet.
History
Bidets originated in France in the18th century. The word "bidet" actually means "small horse." French soldiers spent many hours straddling their "bidets" at a time when baths were taken once a week or less and toilet facilities could be more or less described as a hole in the ground that users had to straddle over to use. Eventually the Japanese improved on the concept, and bidets became common in Asian countries and throughout Europe. Traditionally installed in the bedroom, over time the bidet was adopted by other countries and moved to the bathroom.
Use
Bidets generally work in one of two ways. When the faucets are turned on, a directional stream of water flows out of a nozzle, or the bidet bowl fills up with water allowing the user to clean herself manually. After using the toilet, straddle or sit on the bidet facing the wall, in other words, in the opposite direction you would face when using the toilet. Turn on the faucets, adjust the water temperature, clean yourself up, and then dry yourself with a paper towel or soft cloth. Modern bidets also feature amenities like heated seats, automatic air-drying and hands-free operation.
Benefits
In Western culture, showering at least once a day is common. However, most people use the bathroom more than once daily. Cleaning up with a bidet allows the user to maintain a feeling of freshness that toilet paper cannot completely provide. People with health issues, such as incontinence or limited mobility, may be more comfortable using a bidet for personal cleansing instead of toilet paper. In addition, some people may be sensitive to the dyes and perfumes used in the manufacture of toilet paper.
Installation
Most bidets are still installed as an adjunct appliance to a toilet; however, a standard toilet can become dual purpose with the installation of a bidet attachment. This type of installation may be favored by homeowners who have limited floor space in the bathroom. Installing a bidet may increase your water bill slightly, but the cost is offset by not having to purchase toilet paper.
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Breast implants are saline or silicone implants that are surgically placed underneath breast tissue to increase the size of a woman's breasts. Although many women who get breast augmentation surgery do not have problems, certain risks are associated with breast implants.
Ruptures
Breast implants can rupture due to trauma or surgery. Ruptures can also occur when an implant starts to age or fold or if it condenses during a mammogram, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. When breast implants rupture, they sometimes have a deflated appearance. The breasts can also change shape or start to hurt or feel numb because of ruptured implants.
Breast and Nipple Changes
Women who receive breast implants sometimes lose sensations in their nipples and/or breasts because of an injury to the nerve endings in the breasts, according to an article by plastic surgeon Michael Olding for the Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery.
Health Problems
Breast implants sometimes cause capsular contracture, which occurs when the breast tissue around the implant becomes hard or misshapen. Some women experience scarring, bleeding or pain as a result of breast implants. Implants can also sometimes interfere with mammograms because some lesions or tumors are hidden by implants, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Breastfeeding
Some women are not able to breastfeed their baby if they have breast implants because the implants affect their breasts' ability to produce milk, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Removal
If women decide to have their breast implants surgically removed later, their breasts may have a wrinkled, dimpled, deflated or puckered appearance.
Tags: breast implants, according Food, according Food Drug, breast tissue, Drug Administration
Vicks VapoRub is a mentholated salve used to relieve coughs and chest congestion. While it is safe and effective in adults and older children, it can be dangerous for children under the age of 2. According to CBC News, doctors at Wake Forest University found that Vicks can increase mucus production and airway inflammation in toddlers, possibly leading to respiratory distress. Thus, it is strongly recommended that parents should never apply Vicks (or any similar generic brand) to toddlers under age 2. However, if your toddler is older than 2, here is how you should apply the salve.
Instructions
1. Rub a generous layer of Vicks on the toddler's chest, throat or feet. Although applying the ointment to the feet is not officially recommended on the product label, many parents of toddlers have high praise for its effectiveness in reducing cough symptoms when applied this way.
2. Cover the medicated area with a warm, dry cloth. This can help prevent clothing from sticking to the ointment and can feel soothing to sick child. If you have applied Vicks to your toddler's feet, put socks on the child.
3. Make sure the toddler's clothing is loose. This is important if you have applied Vicks to the chest or throat. Loose clothing allows the mentholated vapors to waft upward to the mouth and nose.
4. Reapply no more than three times in 24 hours. This is indicated on the product label. If you wish to apply it more frequently, be certain first to ask your child's pediatrician.
Tags: applied Vicks, chest throat, have applied, have applied Vicks, product label, your toddler
Hernias occur when tears in a particular body tissue allow another organ to partially push through, causing pain and discomfort, as well as serious health risks. There are two main types of hernias: hiatal and inguinal. Hiatal hernias occur when the stomach pushes through the diaphragm, and inguinal hernias occur when part of the intestine pushes through the lower abdominal wall.
Instructions
Relieving Hernia Pain
1. Go to the doctor. If your physician agrees that your hernia is small enough to take a wait-and-see approach, then continue to diligently monitor your symptoms. Any changes in the size of the hernia or intensity of the pain may require an additional medical evaluation.
2. Relax and find a comfortable position. For the watch-and-wait types of hernias, you can choose to take an over the counter pain medication for five to seven days. This may help dull the initial pain of the hernia.
3. Brew and drink chamomile tea. According to Home Remedies, this herb has been known to help to soothe some of the pain associated with hernias. It also has been known to aid in relaxation, and is used as a pain reliever for many different types of pain.
4. Apply ice to the affected area. Allow the ice to stay in position for 20 minutes. Take the ice off for 20 minutes, and reapply for another 20 minutes. Repeat this cycle two to three times per day.
5. Swallow the recommended dose of rupturewort with water. Pay attention to the package instructions. Rupturewort is an optional home remedy often recommended to relieve hernia pain. You may also add a dash of cayenne pepper to your food or to four to eight ounces of water, as cayenne has also been noted for hernia relief. All herbal remedies should be taken with caution and under the supervision of a physician or experienced herbalist. Herbs are not regulated by the FDA.
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Carbohydrates are an important part of a healthy diet, but eating too many carbs can cause your blood sugar to rise and your body to gain weight. If you are interested in restricting the amount of carbohydrates that you eat, then you need to learn which vegetables are naturally low in carbs.
Instructions
1. Learn which vegetables are high in carbohydrates. Generally, if the vegetable grows underground, it will be high in carbohydrates. For example, potatoes and carrots are both high in carbs and should be avoided when you are on a low carb diet.
2. Add some sprouts to your diet. All sprouts are low in carbs. Sprouts make a great topper for salads and a great addition to wraps. Some of the easiest sprouts to find in a supermarket are radish sprouts, alfalfa sprouts and bean sprouts.
3. Create a salad of greens. Greens are both low in carbs and high in nutrients. The best way to eat them is fresh. If you are interested in adding greens to your diet, mix things up by sampling a variety of greens, including lettuce, chard, kale, spinach and collard greens.
4. Spice things up with fresh herbs. Herbs are naturally low in carbs so use them liberally when creating low carb dishes. Try a variety of herbs, including chives, parsley, thyme, rosemary and sage. If you want to explore new tastes, try using ethnic herbs and herb mixes.
5. Eat from the relish plate. Most of the vegetables found on a relish plate are low in carbs. For example, radishes, celery sticks, broccoli and cauliflower are all low in carbs.
Tags: high carbohydrates, naturally carbs, relish plate, which vegetables, your diet
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in and around the anus. They can appear as red lumps. Hemorrhoids are very painful and can even cause some rectal bleeding. It is best to begin treating them as soon as possible so that you are no longer in pain. Treatment will also make the hemorrhoids go away faster.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is well known for its healing abilities. It comes in the form of a juice you can drink, and a gel you can use topically anywhere on your body. Aloe will not only work to heal your hemorrhoid, it will also soothe the hemorrhoid and relieve the pain. Just purchase a bottle of the gel at any pharmacy or department store and set the gel directly on the hemorrhoid. Do this several times per day, or whenever you feel uncomfortable or in pain.
Zinc Oxide
Zinc oxide comes in a cream available at pharmacies and drugstores. Zinc oxide does two things. It works to heal your hemorrhoid by reducing the inflammation and relieves pain. Wash and dry the anus and then squirt some zinc oxide on a cotton ball. Then wipe the cotton ball on your hemorrhoid. Do this several times per day.
Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is very inexpensive and usually can be found in the aisle with rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide. You can even get it in little round pads. Pour the witch hazel on a cotton ball, or use one of the pads. Wipe it generously on your hemorrhoid. Witch hazel is very cool and soothes the hemorrhoid. It also reduced inflammation, which will get rid of some of the pain. It is safe to use as often as necessary.
Tags: your hemorrhoid, cotton ball, hazel very, heal your, heal your hemorrhoid, hemorrhoid this
A stomach virus can be caused by a number of different viruses. Although the virus affects infants and seniors most often, anyone can be affected. Flu seasons vary from country to country, and in the United States the most common time is between October and April. According to the Centers for Disease Control, there is only a preventative vaccine for one of them, the rotavirus. Though the virus will usually pass with time, there are steps that can be taken to recover quickly and minimize the negative effects of the stomach virus.
Drinking
Though vomiting and diarrhea can be quite painful, the worst heath effect is the loss of hydration and nutrients. Drink very small amounts, sometimes as little as a small sip at a time if that is all your stomach can hold. It is okay to start with just water if that is all you can keep down because water will rehydrate the body, but minerals are also lost and need to be replenished. Clear liquids like apple juice and weak tea are good drinks to start with. Liquids to avoid include orange juice because of the acidity, soda unless it has been allowed to go flat and coffee because of the caffeine.
Medication
In extreme cases of vomiting or dehydration, drugs may be necessary. These drugs will treat the symptoms not the virus, but can aid in the recovery process by reducing vomiting or diarrhea. For example, Kaopectate will limit diarrhea but will not affect the virus. Some doctors discourage these medications because by limiting diarrhea, they can slow the time it takes for the virus to leave the body.
Eating
The stomach needs time to rest and fight the virus, so do not eat until the diarrhea and vomiting have subsided for several hours. Even then, softer foods like bananas, crackers and toast should be the starting point. For a day or two, avoid foods that are high in fat, acidic and spicy. After two or three days of feeling better, you can start eating regular foods again.
Prevention
The stomach flu is transmitted through bodily fluids like saliva, vomit and stool. Anything that may be contaminated should be washed with bleach to kill the virus. Foods like fruits and vegetables can be contaminated by workers who have not washed their hands, so these foods need to be washed before eating. Oysters are particularly vulnerable to carrying a flu virus because of their exposure to sewage. If you suspect a food is contaminated, don't eat it.
Body mechanics is the correct use of muscles to complete a physical task such as carrying, lifting, pulling or pushing, so that no undue strain is placed on any muscle or joint.
Lifting
Lifting of a patient by a nurse should be performed using mainly the strong leg muscles. The back should be kept straight and any bending should take place at the knees and the hips. Lifting should be performed in a single, smooth action.
Turning or Pivoting
If you need to turn or pivot when carrying an object, the correct body mechanics technique is to maintain a solid center of gravity, by placing one foot slightly ahead of the other. Turning should be performed on the heel of one foot and the toe of the other.
Reaching
If you need to reach for an object, you should make sure that it is not too heavy to be lifted comfortably. Again, you should maintain good balance and avoid twisting or stretching unduly to prevent musculoskeletal strains.
The pain of a toothache can be excruciating and if you cannot see your dentist right away, there are a few things you can do to ease the pain. There are medical conditions that can cause tooth pain such as sinusitis and even pain from the heart, called angina. If you are certain that the toothache is from a tooth, any one of the tooth sensitive tooth pastes may offer some relief. However, the most effective temporary remedy is clove oil. It is a natural pain killer and antibacterial.
Follow the suggested steps below for temporary relief.
Instructions
1. Gently rinse out your mouth with warm salt water or a glass of warm water with a squirt of lemon or lime juice. This will get rid of any food residue and sugar. Brush any other teeth that are not painful. Repeat this rinse once or twice more.
2. Mix 2 to 4 drops of clove oil with 1/4 teaspoon olive oil. Soak a clean cotton ball with the mixture and place this compress against or on top of the aching tooth. If the affected tooth is in the back of your mouth, place the compress on the top of the tooth and bite down gently to hold it in place. Leave this compress in place for as long as possible until the throbbing pain is gone, or you have achieved a level of pain that you can tolerate.
3. You can also take aspirin to help alleviate the pain. Since aspirin is an anti-inflammatory, it will help reduce the swelling and therefore pressure on the nerves of the tooth. Other natural remedies include garlic juice, or chewing on a garlic clove. Garlic is one of nature's best antibiotics and may help forestall a more serious infection until you can see you dentist. Vitamin C is also one of nature's antibiotics and is helpful if there is also a component of sinusitis.
4. If you are able to stop the pain, do not cancel the appointment with your dentist, since the toothache pain may signal an abscessed tooth that requires treatment and a possible short course of antibiotics.
Borderline personality disorder is a personality disorder characterized by an unstable self-image, self-harming activities, difficulty in interpersonal relationships and inconsistent behavior.
Medications, along with therapy and such treatments as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), can go a long way in helping the borderline sufferer to cope with the illness. While medication alone is not the answer, meds can be the key to helping the sufferer manage other treatment options and be successful at them.
However, it is often difficult for those with mental illnesses to comply with medication regimes for a variety of reasons.
Instructions
Encouraging Compliance With Medications
1. The first step in encouraging compliance with medication lies in education. Patients must learn and understand the value of medication in treatment. This can be achieved by educating the patients as to how the medications work and what kind of results they can expect by using the meds.
2. Secondly, patients must be aware that the medications are not the cure-all answer to their illness. They must know and understand that meds are part of an overall treatment plan that can help them control their illness. Medications can allow them to function more effectively in other therapies and get to the bottom of the psychosocial issues involved in a borderline diagnosis. Thus, the patient must understand that the meds are an important tool of their recovery, without which they will impede their progress.
3. Patients need to honestly be informed of side effects associated with the medications so they are not taken by surprise when some of the more unpleasant side effects manifest themselves. These side effects often cause a patient to dispense with medication protocols. While the side effects may be unpleasant, the benefit often outweighs the risks and discomforts that come from side effects and patients need to understand this and be willing to deal with these effects. When and if these side effects become overwhelming, patients must be encouraged to speak openly to their psychiatrists so alternatives can be explored.
4. Family support can go a long way in encouraging loved ones to stay on medications. Families can point out to the patient how the meds seem to make a difference in everyday behavior and thus help the patient see that the meds are often key to helping with the impulsive and difficult behaviors associated with the illness. Once again this involves education for both the patient and the family.
5. When patients have difficulty being consistent with their meds, it should be pointed out to them that there is no shame in getting assistance from professionals or family members in monitoring medications and taking of them on a regular basis. Sometimes patients honestly have difficulty remembering the meds and outside support in the form of family, friends and pill organizers can make all the difference to ensure that meds are properly used.
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The human circadian rhythm system is genetically designed to respond to morning light. People who don't get enough morning light, like overnight shift workers, airplane pilots, people with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and certain sleep problems, can experience troubling symptoms like weight gain, fatigue and depression. Light therapy can help.
Light and Melatonin
Morning light controls the body's melatonin production, which affects the body's circadian rhythm or sleep/wake cycle.
Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Twenty-five percent of people living at 38 degrees north latitude and higher, which includes the northernmost parts of California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia and Maryland (and all U.S. states north of them), have symptoms in fall and winter related to the later sunrise. Symptoms can include weight gain, fatigue, intense carbohydrate craving, difficulty waking on time and depression. These symptoms are collectively known as seasonal affective disorder or SAD.
Light Treatment Retrains the Brain
SAD light treatment early in the morning provides the signal the circadian system is seeking. It alters the body's secretion of melatonin. The result is a more normal sleep-wake cycle and abatement of symptoms.
Light Treatment is Effective
In 2005 an American Psychiatric Association work group agreed that light is a first-line treatment of choice for both seasonal and nonseasonal depression. Fifty to 80 percent of people with SAD get relief from light treatment.
Light Treatment Scenarios
Shift workers and those with jet lag also benefit from light therapy. It trains your brain and internal clock to get in sync with local time. People who fall asleep and wake too early or too late can also benefit.
Tags: also benefit, circadian rhythm, from light, gain fatigue, Light Treatment, people with, percent people
Fever blisters are also known as cold sores. They appear around the mouth and lips and are caused by the herpes simplex virus. While there is no cure for a fever blister, there are ways to help relieve the symptoms and to delay new outbreaks.
Available Treatments
Currently, there are only medications and treatments that provide relief for a fever blister once it has occurred. Medicines are being developed and tested that may one day treat and help prevent cold sores from developing. Right now only topical treatments are available.
Home Remedies
To help decrease pain and help keep the cold sore moist, apply a washcloth dampened with cool water or ice to the blister. Apply a moist tea bag to the cold sore when it is developing to minimize the size of it.
Nonprescription Medication
Most over-the-counter medicines for fever blisters are designed to relieve the symptoms, not make the blister heal. The active ingredients in the nonprescription medicines contain products such as lidocaine or benzocaine. These medications help with pain, itching and burning.
Abreva
Abreva is the only over-the-counter medicine that is made to help to promote healing. It initially soothes the cold sore and decreases discomfort. It also changes the cell membranes of the healthy cells surrounding fever blister. The healthy cells help prevent the spread of the virus.
Prescription Medications
Antiviral cream medications may be prescribed by a doctor to help decrease healing time and the reduce pain of the fever blister. The prescription cream works to inhibit the duplication of the virus and allow the skin to begin healing. Currently, Zovirax and Denavir creams are available.
Moisturizers
Petroleum jelly and lip balms keep the fever blister moist. This prevents the cold sore from cracking open and bleeding. Keeping the blister moist also helps to decrease the pain associated with the scabbing process.
Many physicians promote hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a worthwhile tool for holding back symptoms of multiple sclerosis. But some prominent researchers and organizations disagree.
Identification
Hyperbaric oxygen treatment for MS involves entering a sealed chamber and breathing 100 percent pure oxygen at a pressurized rate far greater than normal.
Benefits
Many physicians and organizations believe HBOT provides some MS relief. "HBO(t) is not a cure for MS--but it seems to offer effective help with such critical symptoms as fatigue, poor balance and mobility, sensory perception difficulties, incontinence and, in some cases, speech problems," according to The Multiple Sclerosis Resource Center in the United Kingdom.
Time Frame
Individuals recently diagnosed with MS may be in the best position to realize results. "Patients with multiple sclerosis respond well with an initial series of 20 sessions," said Dr. Harold J. Grams of the Advanced Chiropractic Center in Maine. Treatment is typically then scaled back to one to two times per month.
Warning
Many physicians and researchers doubt the efficacy of HBOT for MS. In 2009, the Complementary and Alternative Medicine program at the Rocky Mountain Multiple Sclerosis Center in Colorado wrote, "Practices that should be avoided because they are ineffective or unsafe include hyperbaric oxygen."
Considerations
MS is not one of the 13 conditions approved for HBOT treatment by The Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society, the governing body of hyperbaric medicine.
Tags: Many physicians, multiple sclerosis, Multiple Sclerosis
According to the Cerebral Palsy Source, 1 child out of every 500 children has cerebral palsy. Cerebral Palsy is a condition which causes an individual to have difficulty moving her muscles. This is referred to as spasticity. Spasticity can affect different muscles in the body. such as legs and arm muscles. Exercise is important for individuals with Cerebral Palsy because it helps reduce spasticity. These steps will give you guidance on stretch and exercise with Cerebral Palsy.
Instructions
Exercise and Stretch With Cerebral Palsy
1. Make sure you have everything you need. What you need depends on what you use in your daily life. For example, if you use braces, it is likely that you will want to use them when you are exercising. However, if you are in a wheelchair, you may want to try to exercise and stretch without your wheelchair. Consult with your doctor or physical therapist to find out what she thinks you should use while exercising.
2. Stay hydrated. When you do any kind of exercise, it’s important to drink lots of water and stay hydrated. Do what you can to avoid dehydration.
3. Take it slow. Whenever you are exercising, it is important that you take things slow. Many individuals with Cerebral Palsy suffer from weak muscles. In order to build up muscle strength, you must take things slowly. Moving too fast or attempting to lift too much can cause severe damage.
4. Know when to stop. If you feel tired or your muscles are fatigued, take a break. It is important that you get to know your body and understand when to stop exercising. Overexertion can cause many problems.
5. Consider water activities. Many individuals with CP find water activities very effective and enjoyable. Take a class at your local YMCA or work out with a friend. It is important to know what water temperature is best for you. Warm water will soothe muscles, while cold water may make muscles feel tighter. Use a heated pool.
6. Once you’ve got a program started, keep it up. When you’ve figured out a program that works for you, stick with it. As you work out more, you will see flexibility improve and spasticity reduced.
Tags: Cerebral Palsy, individuals with, Exercise Stretch With, important that, individuals with Cerebral
You should obtain a dentist's diagnosis for the cause of receding gums. However, invasive and expensive dental work is not always necessary in order to remedy them. Several herbal remedies for receding gums not only can halt gum disease in its tracks, but also can strengthen and protect gums with continued use.
Dangers of Receding Gums
Initially, receding gums might not seem like a big problem. However, when your gums begin to pull away from your teeth, it is often the sign of an extensive bacterial infection that has been going on for some time. Bleeding, inflamed or tender gums and chronic bad breath are early signs of gum disease that often go unnoticed. However, most people do not address the problem until their gums begin to recede. By this time, the bacterial infection has begun to erode bone and gum tissue. And if left untreated, tooth loss is almost certain to occur. In fact, gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss in the United States.
The Importance of a Diagnosis
Herbal remedies offer effective, inexpensive home treatment for receding gums. However, before you begin treatment for your receding gums, it is important to visit your dentist to identify the cause. Gum disease has many causes including excess plaque, poor diet, smoking, brushing too hard, genetics, illness or gingivitis. And if the cause of your gum disease is not properly identified, the problem is likely to recur. Furthermore, those with advanced gum disease, or pyorrhea, might have bone and gum loss that is so extensive that it can be remedied only by surgery.
Herbal Remedies for Receding Gums
Many herbal remedies might help receding gums. However, a combination of tea tree oil and mineral rinses has proved to be safe, effective and easily accessible.
Tea tree oil works wonders as an herbal remedy for receding gums. It halts the bacterial infection at the root of the disease in its tracks, an essential first step on the road to healthy gums. And furthermore, application of tea tree oil will also eliminate tooth pain and sensitivity to heat and cold.
Apply the tea tree oil after your regular brushing. Rinse your toothbrush, apply a few drops of tea tree oil and brush normally. Next, take your finger or a cotton swab and rub the oil into your gums. To reach deep pockets of infection that your toothbrush may not reach, apply the tea tree oil to your dental floss.
Continue to apply the tea tree oil after every brushing until the infection is gone and your gums return to normal.
Another effective herbal remedy for receding gums is an herbal mouthwash before bed. While tea tree oil stops the infection, herbal mouthwashes strengthen and firm the gums, which will help them readhere to your teeth and return to their normal state.
Apply five to 10 drops of myrrh or propolis tincture to a glass of water. Gargle with the mixture for at least 30 seconds three times daily until your gums return to their normal state.
If you cannot find either tincture online or at your local health food store, a spoonful of sea salt in a glass of water also works wonders to improve gum strength.
Nutritional Supplements
Often, a nutritionally poor diet is at the root cause of receding gums. In this case, daily supplements are essential for regaining and maintaining gum health. However, even if your dentist has identified another root cause of your gum disease, nutritional supplements can still play an important role in preventing further infection and repairing. The vitamins and minerals that contribute the most to oral health are calcium, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, and vitamin C and B complex. These vitamins and minerals can be found together in vitamin supplements and should be taken daily.
Maintenance
If your gum disease occurred as the result of risky behavior (such as smoking or poor diet) or physical illness, it is important to apply these herbal remedies at least twice a month. Occasionally, the early stages of gum disease show no symptoms at all, so it is important to maintain your gum health whether you see signs of a problem or not.
Additionally, a daily cup of green tea will help to keep the amount of bacteria in your mouth to a minimum.
Tags: receding gums, your gums, bacterial infection, gums However, poor diet
Yellow jackets may strike at any time, injecting venom into the skin with their stingers. Yellow jackets do not leave their stingers, so they are able to sting multiple times. Their stings cause redness, swelling, pain and itching. The stings can cause a life-threatening allergic reaction, or anaphylactic shock, in certain cases. There are several symptoms to watch for when deciding whether a sting needs emergency medical attention. Most stings can be treated at home with basic first aid.
Instructions
1. Wash the sting area with warm, soapy water. Apply ice or a cold pack directly to the sting to reduce swelling. Rub an ice cube over the sting for 10 minutes for persistent pain.
2. Reduce the stinging with an aluminum-based deodorant, meat tenderizer and water solution or thick baking soda paste. Apply them using a cotton ball. These solutions may reduce swelling and neutralize venom. Using Epsom salts, sting treatments with swabs, or ammonia also eases the itch. When nothing else is available, use mud to help with the itching from the sting and help draw out the venom.
3. Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce the pain. Follow the instructions on the package for dosage information.
4. Take an oral antihistamine to reduce itching. Apply hydrocortisone cream to the sting site up to three times per day.
5. Monitor the sting for 24 hours. Continue administering basic first aid if symptoms do not worsen. Check for difficulty breathing or swallowing for two hours after the sting occurs. Watch for excessive swelling in the arms and legs, and dizziness or fainting. Call 911 if any of these severe symptoms appear. This could be the onset of anaphylactic shock.
The acupressure points that are located behind the ear have influence along the gall bladder and triple warmer meridians. They can be a bit difficult to find if you don't know what you're looking for. However, with a little study and a good diagram, anyone can find them.
Instructions
1. Place a finger directly behind the ear, just below the curve of the top of the outer ear. You will feel a ridge of bone on the skull. The pressure point is directly above this line, on the temporal bone. The points gall bladder 10 and triple warmer 19 are very close to one another. The triple warmer point is located directly on the mastoid bone, and the gall bladder point is in the temporal region just above the mastoid bone. The mastoid bone can be located by feeling for a bony protrusion just behind the ear. These pressure points help to relieve problems including anxiety, headache, hearing loss, tinnitus and neck tension.
2. Run your finger down behind the ear. Stop at a point just above the earlobe. The points GB 11 and TW 18 are here. GB 11 is located in the temporal region, and the TW 18 point is directly on the mastoid bone. Place gentle pressure on these points and feel for knots, or a sensation of tension release. These acupressure points help to relieve headache, deafness, tinnitus, pain in the ear and eye, and tension in the neck.
3. Consult a text like Gray's Anatomy if you encounter any difficulty in telling the temporal area apart from the mastoid bone. Excellent scans of the illustrations from Gray's Anatomy are available for free online viewing.
4. Consult a reference book on acupuncture or acupressure to get a clearer idea of the location of the pressure points. An excellent reference is "A Manual of Acupuncture" by Peter Deadman and Kevin Baker. Most books and charts on acupressure omit these particular points; however, you may wish to purchase one anyway, to find instructions on apply acupressure properly.
The pulse is the number of times a heart beats in a minute. This measurement is considered vital because it gives so much information about heart function. There is a range of beats per minute that is considered normal, and it differs depending on age.
Measuring the Pulse
The pulse rate is usually the same as the heart rate. It is easy to measure and can be felt at various points on the body. Two of the most common areas are the side of the neck and the wrist. Put pressure on the point where the pulse is felt and count for a minute. If you count for less than a minute, multiply to make a minute. For example, if you count for 10 seconds, multiply the number you obtain by six to find the result for 60 seconds.
What the Pulse Tells Us
A fast heart rate (tachycardia) can signify an infection, dehydration or even heart attack. Bradycardia, or slow pulse, might signify the heart is having trouble pumping. If there is no pulse, the heart has stopped working--and this signifies the need for emergency measures.
Other Types of Pulses
The pulse, if abnormal, should be noted. For instance, a bounding pulse is one that is very firm and continues for more than a few moments. An irregular pulse is one that does not maintain a consistent beat. These findings should be shared with your physician immediately. If a pulse is hard to find, this should also be discussed with a physician.
Normal Heart Rate in 13-year-olds
A 13-year-old should have a heart rate between 60 to 100 beats per minute when resting. To take a resting pulse, there should be no physical activity for at least 10 minutes before taking the measurement. If it is lower or higher than this, you should discuss this with his physician.
Warnings
If your 13-year-old's pulse falls outside of the normal range and all other signs are that she is healthy, it simply might be situational. For example, she might be thirsty, tired or anxious. Take the pulse more than one time and in different settings to determine more accurately if there is cause for concern. Always schedule regular check-ups with the teen's health-care provider to maintain a record of heart rate. This will help to determine if the pulse rate is a significant change from normal functioning.
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