Prepare Yourself Before Meditation

Prepare Yourself Before Meditation

Quotidian stresses often leave our minds swimming in mazes of thought. It is important to calm your mind down and prepare yourself in body and spirit before beginning to meditate. Practicing proper "meditation hygiene" is important if you want to maximize its calming, spiritual and stress-reducing benefits. Meditation, an ancient practice that often relaxes the body while focusing the mind, is thought to be ideal by many for battling stress and stabilizing positive moods.

Instructions

Prepare Yourself for Meditation

1. Engage in a simple task that allows your thoughts to drift around with no particular structure. Take a shower, clean the kitchen, do some dusting or sweep the stoop. Whatever you choose to do, remember that the point is for you to begin to unwind mentally.

2. Enter the physical place you have set aside for meditation. Make sure it is clean, quiet and dark. This will aid your concentration when you begin your meditation session.

3. Light a candle or incense. Your local New Age store will have a selection of scented candles and incense helpful for meditation. Candles and incense are often used because, according to ancient Eastern tradition, the presence of the element of fire during your meditation session will aid you in concentrating more deeply.

4. Put some fresh flowers in a vase in the room where you meditate, if recommended by the specific type of meditation you practice. In such schools of thought, flowers are considered a friendly offering to the higher powers you will invoke as you meditate.

5. Pray before you meditate, if the purpose of your meditation session is religious or spiritual.

6. Read some spiritual teachings or other materials that will turn your mind towards matters of the soul before you begin to meditate. It's a good idea to spend 5 or 10 minutes just reading and absorbing the lessons of what you've read.

7. Breathe deeply before you begin. Experts recommend you draw 7 long breaths to calm your heart rate and soothe your mind before you begin your rhythmic meditation breathing.

8. Learn more about prepare for meditation at the Tharpa Publications Web site (see Resources below).

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Use Chelating Agents

A ligand is an atom or molecule that can form a bond with a central metal ion. A substance that can form more than one bond with a metal ion may be called a polydentate ligand, also known as a chelating agent. A commercially useful chelating agent most often uses oxygen or nitrogen to bind to the metal ion, although organisms also use chelating agents that bind through sulfur. Common applications for chelating agents include water softeners and treatments for heavy metal poisoning.

Instructions

1. Add chelating agents, such as citric acid, to soaps. Laundry detergents, shampoos and other soaps frequently contain chelators as a lathering agent. These chelating agents capture the metal ions in "hard water" that hinders the ability to lather effectively.

2. Treat hard water with chelating agents. The minerals that are dissolved in water can settle out as hard deposits, causing clogging and corrosion to pipes and other plumbing fixtures. Water softeners such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) reduce the mineral content in hard water.

3. Perform root canals treatments with chelating agents. A chelating agent, such as EDTA, is also commonly used to soften dentin, which makes it easier to access the root canal. EDTA is also used to clean the teeth after this procedure.

4. Use chelating agents in additional medical applications. Chelating agents are frequently used to provide contrast in an MRI scan. The tetracycline family of antibiotics is also a chelating agent for calcium and magnesium.

5. Treat metal poisoning with chelating agents. These medications can combine with metals, such as arsenic, lead and mercury, to form compounds that are much less reactive than the metal ions. The resulting compounds can then be safely excreted from the body.

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Prepare Homemade Soup For Dieting People

Homemade cabbage soup is a fantastic dish to serve dieting friends and family.

Instead of serving your dieting family or friends canned soup that is full of calories, prepare a batch of homemade cabbage soup using ingredients found at your local grocery store or farm market. Cabbage soup is delicious, offers many healthy benefits such as high fiber and antioxidants and is low in calories.

Instructions

1. Spray the inside of a large pot generously with cooking spray. Use 2 tablespoons of margarine in place of cooking spray if it is unavailable.

2. Add sliced onions and chopped green peppers to the pot and saute on medium heat.

3. Place the sliced carrots, mushrooms, celery and cabbage into the pot and continue cooking for 5 to 10 minutes or until all of the vegetables are soft.

4. Mix the water, canned tomatoes and dry soup mix in a separate bowl. Pour the liquid mixture over the sauteed vegetables.

5. Add your choice of seasonings to the soup and stir to combine the broth and vegetables. Cook the soup on low heat for two to three hours. Serve homemade cabbage soup with whole wheat breadsticks or crackers.

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Use Psychotherapy To Treat Overeating

Use Psychotherapy to Treat Overeating

Psychotherapy can be an extremely effective way to treat compulsive overeating, since the causes of most eating disorders are emotional or psychological in nature. Talking therapies such as psychotherapy can uncover the beliefs and attitudes that cause eating disorders, and help the patient develop healthy attitudes about food, interpersonal relationships and perceptions about their bodies.

Instructions

1. Find the right mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or a licensed clinical psychologist, to schedule psychotherapy sessions concerning your compulsive overeating behaviors. Beware of individuals who merely call themselves therapists or psychotherapists, and may not be subject to the licensing and certifications of the state in which you live. Obtain a referral from your family physician so that you can locate the most qualified individual to help you.

2. Interview mental health professionals in the same way you would interview prospective job applicants before you agree to begin psychotherapy sessions. Ask important questions about their education, experience, licensing and whether they specialize in helping individuals with eating disorders. Don't worry about offending them, since they are trained to expect such questions from patients.

3. Use the first few psychotherapy sessions to establish a rapport with your therapist, and to commit to the course of treatment. Usually, the therapist will use the first few meetings to get a general idea about the interpersonal relationships in your life, and how they might affect your behavior. The subsequent treatment will usually be outlined at that time, with clear and agreed-upon goals stated by both you and the therapist.

4. Consider the possibility of using prescription medication, such as appetite suppressants or antidepressants, to complement your psychotherapy. The front-line therapy for eating disorders usually involves psychotherapy or behavioral therapy, coupled with antidepressants to treat the depression that may aggravate the compulsive overeating behaviors.

5. Find a support group for people with eating disorders, specifically compulsive overeaters, and attend regularly. Support groups may be an excellent option for individuals who cannot afford lengthy and potentially expensive psychotherapy sessions.

Tags: eating disorders, psychotherapy sessions, compulsive overeating, about their, compulsive overeating behaviors

Long Term Side Effects Of Radiation

Radiation therapy is a cancer treatment technique. Most of its long-term side effects are incurable and do not surface until long after therapy is done. Factors such as dose, length of treatment, and type of therapy or cancer, directly influence the probability of long-term adverse reactions developing. The exact symptoms a patient experiences vary based on those factors as well.

Brain Function

Using radiation to treat tumors in the head could result in a decrease or loss of certain brain functions. Serious long-term side effects include incontinence, memory loss, movement struggles and personality changes. Less dramatic possibilities include difficulty solving mathematical equations and trouble thinking. According to the National Cancer Institute, radiation therapy to the brain can cause problems months or years after treatment ends.

Infertility

Women receiving treatment to the abdomen risk permanent infertility and early menopause if both ovaries collect radiation exposure. Men often lose the ability to create sperm after receiving radiation to the testicles, also resulting in infertility. However, if the cancer is not in the testicles, a "clam shell" device could shield them, and protect his fertility. In comparison, if only one of a woman's ovaries endures treatment, her fertility may remain intact as well. Complications during pregnancy could result due to scarring and fibrosis if a woman's uterus gathers radiation.

Impotence

By crippling the nerves or arteries that lead to the penis, achieving or maintaining an erection can become impossible for men. Chances of impotence increase with higher doses of radiation and larger areas of treatment. Typically, this repercussion begins to occur about one year or more after radiation therapy ends. According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 in 3 men who get radiation in the pelvic area will notice a change in his ability to have erections.

Joint Problems

In the area where treatment occurred, such as the shoulders, hips or jaw, some patients experience limited joint mobility or complete loss of motion. Induced by radiation, this painful long-term side effect is the result of scar tissue and weakness. These symptoms may appear months or years following completion of treatment. Exercise may help alleviate some pain while strengthening the body and resulting in increased mobility.

Lymphedema

When radiation impairs lymph nodes, lymphedema could result. Patients inflicted with this condition will have a build up of lymph fluids causing swelling in a leg or arm, possibly accompanied by pain or weakness in the limb. According to the Mayo Clinic, it may affect just one arm or leg, but sometimes, lymphedema can involve both arms or both legs. Prevention and management of this incurable side effect is feasible with doctor recommended exercises.

New Cancer

Even though radiation proves to destroy cancerous cells, exposure to it also poses a risk of causing cancer to form. In as little as 5 years after receiving therapy, it is capable of creating leukemia. Other cancers could take as long as 15 years to develop. Overall, the likeliness of radiation therapy generating a new cancer is slim. Nonetheless, the potential does exist.

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Relaxation Breathing Exercises

All meditative traditions use breath to create a state of relaxation, so there are many relaxation breathing exercises. One thing that they all have in common, however, is focusing intently on taking deep, slow breaths. As you become more aware of your own breathing and develop greater control over it, it will become easier and easier for you to use it to create a state of calm. Just the fact that you are taking the time to sit down and calm yourself for a few minutes also has a powerful effect.

Full Breath

The first step toward using breathing for relaxation is learning take a full, deep breath. Begin by lying on a flat surface, such as a firm mattress or an exercise mat on the floor. Breath through your nose and observe your breathing for a couple of breaths. Both your chest and your abdomen should rise and fall as you breathe. Begin moving your breathing into your abdomen so that your belly moves in and out when you breathe but your chest stays relatively still. Try to breathe deeply without straining your muscles or forcing your breath in any way. Once you are breathing deeply into your abdomen, add your chest. On an in-breath, first fill up your abdomen and then breathe into your chest. Exhale in the opposite order, letting your chest lower first and then your abdomen. Take several full breaths, breathing a little bit slower with each one. Just doing full breaths should relax you.

Basic Counting

Many meditation and relaxation techniques use counting to control and extend the breath. One simple way to use this technique is to count four beats as you inhale, four beats as you hold your breath in and four more beats as you exhale. Once you have fully exhaled, you should inhale again without holding your breath out. You can use any number you want, as long as the inhale, holding in and exhale are the same length. As your body becomes more relaxed, you can slow down your counting or add more beats to get longer, deeper breaths.

The 4-7-8 Breath

Dr. Andrew Weil advocates a slightly different technique using counting for relaxation. To use his technique, first place the tip of your tongue on the ridge right behind the top front teeth. Breathe in for four beats through your nose, hold your breath for seven beats and then exhale for eight beats through your mouth without moving your tongue. He recommends only doing this for four breaths per practice for the first month, then extending to eight breaths. According to Weil, you can practice as many times a day as you wish.

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Cleanse A Damaged Liver

Although many pre-fabricated liver cleanses exist on the market, the gentlest, most effective and most affordable liver cleanse can be found in your own kitchen. Learn cleanse your liver in a safe and gentle way.

Instructions

The Cleansing Diet: Rice Porridge and Vegetables

1. Prepare brown rice porridge. Known as "congee" in China, this porridge is easy to digest and will allow your liver to heal itself naturally. To make the congee, boil one cup of brown rice in three cups of filtered or spring water for one to two hours. Stir frequently. You will know the congee is fully cooked when all of the water has been absorbed and the rice is creamy.

2. Add steamed vegetables. Eating a variety of colorful vegetables is necessary for liver cleansing. Bitter greens like kale and collard greens have highly cleansing properties. Place harder root vegetables in the steamer basket first, and leafy greens last. Eat steamed sweet potatoes, carrots, red cabbage, kale or collard greens together with rice porridge as a meal. Eat whatever vegetables appeal to you, but avoid nightshades like potatoes, tomatoes, peppers and eggplant. Steam vegetables until they are tender but their color is still bright. Reserve the water left in the pot as it is full of nutrients. Steep a green tea bag in the vegetable water and drink with the meal.

3. Eat fruit whenever you crave sugar. It is best to eat harder, temperate climate fruit. If you are really craving sweets, a small amount of tropical fruit or dried fruit will do the trick.

4. Chew your food well. Chew your rice and vegetables 50 to 100 times before swallowing. Mixing your food with saliva activates the healing enzymes in the food, makes it easier to digest, and prevents you from overeating. Overeating even healthy food causes liver damage, so eat slowly and stop when your stomach is three-quarters full.

Liver Cleansing Herbs

5. Squeeze half of a fresh lemon into a cup of hot water every morning and drink it upon arising. Fresh lemon juice is a strong liver cleanser.

6. Drink a cup of herbal tea three times a day, before each meal. To brew the tea, first fill a 4-quart stainless steel sauce pan (not aluminum) with filtered or spring water. Boil the following herb mixture: 1/2 part fenugreek,1/4 part fresh ginger, one-inch square of kombu seaweed, 1/4 part dandelion root, 1/4 part licorice root, 1/8 part fennel, 1/8 part red clover. The tea should be bitter but drinkable.

7. Strain tea from herbs before drinking and store in a glass jar in the refrigerator. Make fresh tea every two days.

Easy Enemas

8. Do a series of enemas after 2 weeks of cleansing. Use an enema bag or empty fleet enema bottle. If you use the fleet enema bottle, be sure to empty out the solution that comes in the bottle and rinse the bottle well before using.

9. Start with a warm water and lemon juice enema. Fill the bottle with warm, but not hot, water and fresh lemon juice. Insert solution into rectum. Lie down on a towel on the floor. Rest on your right side for five minutes. Rest on your left side for 5 minutes. Expel solution.

10. Immediately follow with an herbal tea enema. Fill bottle with half warm water and half the herbal tea recipe listed above. Insert solution into rectum. Rest in a modified dog position for 5 minutes (on your hands and knees, resting your head and arms on the ground, rear end in the air). Rest on your right side for 5 minutes. Rest on your left side for 5 minutes, then expel solution.

Gentle Exercise

11. Take a daily, half-hour walk to activate your lymph system and increase blood flow to your liver. Gentle exercise is key to cleansing effectively.

12. Do yoga or tai-chi, as they are excellent aids to a liver cleanse. Your cleansing period is a good time to try a yoga class or tai-chi class.

13. Refrain from heavy or strenuous exercise while cleaning. Your body is repairing itself and you need to let it rest. This is not a good time for weight lifting or manual labor.

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Prepare For A Radical Mastectomy

Prepare for a Radical Mastectomy

A radical mastectomy is a surgical procedure to remove all of the lymph nodes under the arm, the chest muscles and the entire breast. While this procedure was standard for years, it is only used today in cases where the cancer has already metastasized (spread) to the chest muscles, and no other treatment option is advisable. It may require removal of additional skin and fat in the chest area in order to remove all involved tissue. Read on to learn prepare for a radical mastectomy.

Instructions

1. Recognize the importance of taking drastic measures to remove all traces of metastasized cancer. In a radical mastectomy, all possible cancerous tissue is removed, including the extension into and around the chest wall. A doctor will typically not recommend this procedure without thorough consideration and elimination of all other less invasive options.

2. Prepare to have chemotherapy or some type of hormone therapy prior to a radical mastectomy to shrink the tumor. This may make it possible to have a less dramatic procedure than a radical mastectomy.

3. Prepare for a radical mastectomy to require a longer surgical time than any other type of mastectomy. It is a more complex surgery because of the amount of tissue involved.

4. Expect all lymph nodes in the breast area and under the armpits to be removed during a radical mastectomy. The lymph nodes are part of the lymphatic system which circulates lymph (a fluid that helps fight disease and infection).

5. Anticipate an adjustment to activities following a radical mastectomy. Protection of the surgical side (especially the arm and hand) may be necessary for months. It is important to understand the extent of nerve involvement in removal of massive amounts of tissue.

6. Discuss with your oncologist the possibilities of chemotherapy and radiation following a radical mastectomy. Prepare in advance for the lengthy recovery and continuing treatment that may be required to recover from surgery.

7. Learn the difference between a radical mastectomy and a modified radical mastectomy. In a modified radical mastectomy, as much of the chest wall and muscles as possible will be left.

8. Know that the stage of cancer involvement will determine if a radical or modified radical mastectomy is most likely to give the best opportunity for cancer control. Patients with Stage I and II cancer may be offered the option of a modified radical mastectomy. Stage III breast cancer is better controlled with a radical procedure.

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Prepare For A Mammogram

Many women feel anxious about having a mammogram simply because they are unsure of what to expect. However, it's important to prepare for your first mammogram sometime after age 40, or sooner if you have certain risk factors. Leave some of the anxiety behind by learning prepare for a mammogram.

Instructions

1. Consult your physician to discuss the best time to prepare for a mammogram. Your doctor will need to be informed of your medical history (including previous surgeries and hormone therapy, if applicable), any changes in your breasts and if there is any history of breast cancer in your family.

2. Prepare to schedule your mammogram appointment for the week following your period. This will reduce the likelihood of inflammation and breast tenderness.

3. Be prepared to bring any mammogram films previously done to your appointment, especially if they were performed at a different facility.

4. Reduce your risk of experiencing pain before you have your mammogram, especially if breast tenderness is an issue for you. Simply take 1 or 2 tablets of ibuprofen or acetaminophen about an hour before your mammogram appointment.

5. Plan to wear a 2-piece outfit to your mammogram. That way you'll only have to remove your top (note that you'll be given a robe or hospital gown to wear).

6. Avoid wearing deodorant, powder or skin lotion of any kind on the day of your mammogram. Certain metallic constituents of these products can appear on the screening results as spots and cause undue alarm.

7. Be aware that you may eat and drink before having a mammogram, but you should reduce your intake of caffeinated beverages and chocolate 3 to 4 days before your scheduled appointment. While science has yet to prove a correlation between caffeine and breast cysts conclusively, there does seem to be evidence to suggest that caffeine may increase benign breast lumps and lead to more discomfort during compression of the breasts while a mammogram is performed.

8. Continue to take any prescribed medications on the day of your mammogram, unless your physician instructs you otherwise. However, prepare to inform the technician conducting the mammogram of any medications you are taking, including the dosage.

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Risks Of Red Yeast Rice

Red yeast rice is a popular nutritional supplement used to reduce cholesterol, fight diabetes and prevent coronary heart disease. It is associated with some risks and negative side effects.

FDA Regulation

After an FDA ban of red yeast rice products containing lovastatin, the primary active compound in the supplement, most of the theoretical risks associated with red yeast rice were eliminated.

Statin-Like Side Effects

Although commercial red yeast rice products no longer legally contain lovastatin, some may have trace amounts. Isolated lovastatin is associated with kidney damage and muscle pain.

Contaminants

Red yeast rice may contain trace amounts citrinin, a toxic byproduct of the fermentation process.

Liver Damage

Many of the active compounds in red yeast rice are metabolized by the liver, so people with liver disease should avoid it and other products that contain red yeast.

Bleeding Risk

There is a theoretical risk of increased bleeding for people taking red yeast rice, so people with bleeding disorders are advised to consult a physician prior to use.

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Infrared Light Therapy Treatment

Your body is a temple, and if there is anything you can do to keep it looking and feeling healthy, you should take advantage of that. Infrared light therapy is a well known and respected treatment for numerous skin problems, as well as for damage done inside the body. Since there are many reasons why infrared light therapy can help and not harm you, considering the treatments could be extremely beneficial for you.

What is Infrared Light and What Does it Do?

Infrared light is used as an energy source for photo rejuvenation of the skin. The light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, allow the healing process to begin. The infrared light can reach below your skin's surface into tissue and muscles to help heal other areas of the body besides the skin. It increases your white blood cell count, which improves and increases cell growth and rejuvenation. It has the ability to reduce and reverse visible signs of aging such as blemishes and spotting damage caused by the sun.

You can also think of this as slowing down the aging process. The infrared light stimulates fibroblasts in your skin cells, and those in turn produce collagen and elastin. Both collagen and elastin are responsible for your natural skin tone and the tightness of your skin.

In addition to skin treatment, the infrared light therapy can be used to treat injuries to muscles and joints without surgical procedures.

Infrared Light Fixes These Things

Wrinkles, blemishes, sun spots, redness, and pore size can all be effectively treated by infrared light therapy. If you skin appears to be aged, the infrared light will soften wrinkles and fine lines, increase your blood circulation and oxygen to the skin cells in your face, and enhance your natural oils to smooth out and moisten your skin.

For any pigmentation such as sun damage and red blotches, infrared light evens out your skin tone and helps heal and repair skin at the surface as well as underneath.

Along with that, the infrared light therapy can repair damage caused by severe acne.

Infrared light therapy can also boost your metabolism since it has the ability to rid your body of toxins that build up in your cells and slow your metabolism.

The Naturale Clinic in Brazil has concluded after tests that this infrared light technology does in fact help treat and heal the skin after many different types of damage.

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Benefit From A Macrobiotic Diet

A macrobiotic diet can help you improve the quality of your life tremendously. The important aspect of this type of diet is that you should be able to integrate seamlessly macrobiotics into your daily routine and diet. Initially, you might find it difficult to do so since you need to locate the right food and follow the appropriate exercise regime, but once you get things rolling and you see the results, you will be able to enjoy and welcome your macrobiotic lifestyle. This is a diet was introduced in USA by a man called George Ohsawa and refined further to what you know it today by Michio Kushi.

Instructions

1. You need to educate yourself thoroughly on what exactly does a macrobiotic lifestyle mean and find out how it is applicable to you. The basic point here is to get back to nature as much as possible and avoid things that are synthetic. You need to consult your doctor or a nutritionist before you adopt this lifestyle, because it is very important you follow a balanced diet. Initially, you would need the guidance of a professional.

2. Do not plunge into a macrobiotic lifestyle suddenly. Try it out. This type of diet has implications on your budget and lifestyle. Try it out for one month to see whether it suits you. The macrobiotic lifestyle is meant to improve your life. If you find that you are tired, hungry, stressed, and generally worse off than before, maybe you are not doing it right or it does not suit you. You also need to pay attention to the budgetary demands this would entail.

3. he recommended foods under the macrobiotic diet are always organically grown (which would be costly as well). Among the grains that are recommended are millet, corn, brown rice, barley, wheat, rye and buckwheat. Among the vegetables, you need to choose those which are cultivated locally such as pumpkin, onions, cauliflower, green cabbage, scallions, carrots, mustard greens, lettuce, chives, cucumbers, celery and turnips among others. Your diet should exclude potatoes, eggplants, and tomatoes since these are particular to warmer (tropical) climates and therefore would interfere negatively with your body.

4. The food needs to be fresh when you consume it. Therefore, the best would be to buy your supplies daily if possible. If not, you could do so twice a week. Make a comprehensive list of he foods you need every week and their immediate substitutes for those times when one item might not be available.

5. You would need to initially experiment with the taste and the method of cooking. Consult your nutritionist every time you have a doubt. It is very important that you consume all that is required by the body. Identify a central protein source and then build your diet around it.

6. You need to exercise daily. Learn something new if that suits you, such as yoga or Pilates. Otherwise, even walking in the park or doing exercise outdoors would do. It is important that you send some quality time outdoors.

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Prepare A Care Plan For The Elderly

Preparing a care plan for an elderly person should encompass all facets of life. In the past, care plans were written to address only the deficits. For better quality of life results, caregivers now write universal care plans incorporating needed care into the adult's life. These care plans are intended to provide assistance in a person's natural environment. If the elderly person resides in a nursing home or care facility, the care plans address the need to provide home-like routines and suggest ways to provide healthy lifestyles that fits their beliefs and personal preferences.

Instructions

1. Review the patient's current assessments. A current assessment will be no older than one year unless there has been a significant change in the targeted person's ability or living situation. In these cases the assessment should be administered again to reflect current needs.

2. Observe the person going about his daily routine. Determine if there are tasks hes avoid, such as picking up clutter, cooking a meal or bathing. Consider if these things are avoided due to the task being too difficult for him.

3. Provide a questionnaire for the patient and/or the family to complete. The questionnaire should focus on the patient's daily living needs and lifestyle choices. Her interest and hobbies should be included. Ask if there are hobbies or interests she would pursue if she were not constrained by her current physical or mental condition.

4. Consider the findings of your current assessment review, observations and family/patient questionnaire. Determine if there are assistive technology devices that can help the patient perform any deficits in daily living skills. Consider ways to help the patient become engaged in a hobby.

5. Write short-term goals for your patient to work toward. The patient should have the ultimate vote as to whether he is interested in working toward the goal or not. Goals should be co-written by the patient. The goals should be written with the patient's strengths and needs in mind. For example, if the patient can walk with or without assistance he should be encouraged to walk rather than sit in a wheelchair simply to prevent a fall. The identified care needs should be administered in a way that preserves the dignity of the patient and promotes independence to the degree possible for the individual.

6. Modify or remove any barriers that are found to be counterproductive to the patient's lifestyle choices and goals.

Tags: care plans, current assessment, daily living, Determine there, elderly person

Prepare Ayurveda Meals

Prepare Ayurveda Meals

Ayurveda meals harmonize to help create balance in the person's body and spirit. Comprised of delicious foods that are themselves balanced by color, taste and aroma, which all combine to aid digestion and control craving.

Instructions

Preparing Ayurveda Meals

1. Determine your Ayurveda type. The three body types or doshas are Vata (space and air), Pitta (fire and water), and Kapha (water and earth). Although you can find ways to know what your dosha is, you should consult an Ayurveda expert.

2. Explore Ayurveda's wellness potential in your diet. Try a refreshing and healthy Rosehips Lassi, a blended yogurt, rosehips and cardamom drink. Recipe link below.

3. Balance Vata's airy, dryness with cooked foods such as soups or puddings. If you are Vata and feel worried or have dry skin, cook in ghee or drizzle olive oil over your food. These will weigh you down from the ill effects of Vata.

4. Enjoy cooling foods to balance Pitta, which when extreme, includes symptoms of irritability and insomnia. Juicy fruits, milk shakes and rice cakes are some of the foods that help restore balance to the Pitta dosha.

5. Harmonize Kapha's heaviness and lack of motivation with steamed foods and very little oils. Warming, pungent foods bring relief to Kapha extremes. Eat carrots, bitter greens, apples and other similar foods for balance.

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Korean Ginseng Side Effects

Korean ginseng is native to China, Russia and Korea. The part of the plant that is used is the root, which is sold as a powder, extract or as dried roots.

Considerations

Korean ginseng contains ginsenosides or phytochemicals that stimulate mental function, steroids such as panaxtriol and can exhibit estrogen-mimicking behavior. Serious side effects are more likely with long-term use.

Minor Side Effects

Some people who take Korean ginseng have reported feeling nervous, moody and dizzy and have experienced loss of appetite, breast pain, blood pressure changes, diarrhea, headache, insomnia, itching and heart rate changes.

Major Concerns

In infants, ginseng produces an intoxicated state. In rare cases, ginseng has been linked to non-infectious hepatitis and inflammation of blood vessels in the brain.

Ginseng Allergy

If you are allergic to ginseng, you may experience itchy rashes, fever and skin blisters. A severe reaction can produce life-threatening anaphylaxis.

Warning

Diabetics should avoid Korean ginseng because it can trigger a drop in blood sugar.

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Make Dog Toothpaste At Home

For some dogs, proper care necessitates brushing their teeth.

Many dogs with a healthy varied diet will never suffer from teeth problems. Other dogs seem to have endless troubles with their teeth and gums. Dogs suffer from periodontal disease as humans do and veterinarians advise dog owners, especially owners of dogs who seem susceptible to these difficulties, to brush their dog's teeth regularly. Veterinarians sell special toothpaste for dogs but a pet owner can easily prepare a homemade toothpaste solution at home with a few widely-available ingredients.

Instructions

1. Place 6 teaspoons of baking soda, 1/3 of a teaspoon of salt and 4 teaspoons of glycerin (available at a pharmacy) in a container.

2. Add about 2 teaspoons flavor that will interest the dog, such as a bit of chicken or beef broth.

3. Mix the ingredients together.

4. Place some toothpaste on a finger and let the dog sniff it. Start rubbing the toothpaste on the dog's teeth with a finger. When the dog becomes used to the toothpaste on her teeth, start using a brush on just the dog's front teeth. Gradually, on subsequent days, begin brushing those teeth toward the back of the dog's mouth.

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Find The Right Obgyn

You'll see a lot of your gynecologist during your life--and vice versa. Whether you're planning on getting pregnant or just looking for quality care, finding an OB-GYN you can trust to respect your views is absolutely critical.

Instructions

1. Ask a trustworthy medical professional to recommend a board-certified doctor. You can also search for doctors by ZIP code on the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' Web site (acog.org). Ask friends and family for a recommendation.

2. Consult your insurance company. You'll likely want a doctor who is on your health care plan's network of providers.

3. Ask your physician how often you need to schedule pap smears, breast exams and other procedures. You can also discuss birth control options (see Choose Birth Control).

4. Schedule an appointment to discuss prenatal care if you're pregnant or plan to become pregnant soon.

5. Write down any specific concerns you have about your pregnancy. Talk about your views on the labor process including natural childbirth, epidurals, fetal monitoring, circumcision and episiotomies. Get specific. Find out under what circumstances labor would be induced, or when a cesarean section would be advised.

6. Discuss your birth plan, particularly if it includes a home birth. Some doctors or groups will not take a patient who wants a home birth.

7. Find out if your doctor will be at your labor. Often another doctor from the group is on call; if so, you'll want to meet the other physicians.

8. Ask where your doctor delivers babies. Make sure that you are comfortable with the facility and it is covered by your insurance.

9. Chat with the physician's office manager and find out what the policies are on emergency phone calls and appointments. Talk about the doctor's fees and find out what your insurance covers.

Tags: your insurance, about your, find what, home birth, Talk about, your doctor, your views

Position An Infant For Sleep

Position an Infant for Sleep

To lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests the following guidelines when laying your baby down to go to sleep.

Instructions

1. Provide proper bedding: a firm infant mattress free of pillows, stuffed animals or comforters that could block your baby's airway. Crib bumpers should be securely fastened to the bars.

2. Lay your newborn down on his back, not his stomach. Research suggests that this position may lower the risk of SIDS.

3. Ask your pediatrician about alternate sleeping positions if your baby was a preemie who experienced respiratory distress or if your baby has a gastroesophageal reflux.

4. Consider purchasing a newborn sleep pillow to keep your baby from rolling from his back or side to his stomach. Discuss this idea with your doctor.

5. Avoid covering your baby with a blanket. Instead, put him in a sleeper suit that will keep him warm without blankets.

Tags: your baby, Infant Sleep, lower risk, Position Infant, Position Infant Sleep

Deal With Neurotic Twitching

Neurotic twitching is involuntary muscles spasms. They can occur in any part of the body including the face. The twitching may be brief or repetitive. They often occur with certain psychiatric problems such as Tourette's syndrome or anxiety disorders. Neurotic twitching can be embarrassing and difficult to treat. However there are steps to take to help you cope with the condition.

Instructions

1. Be aware of situations that cause an increase in twitching. Certain situations may increase your anxiety level and increase twitching. Although all situations may not be avoidable, you may be able to develop better coping strategies to deal with them.

2. Do relaxing activities. Staying calm and reducing stress may reduce neurotic twitches. Try different relaxation techniques until you find something that works for you. Some ideas are meditation, deep breathing and exercise.

3. Treat underlying psychiatric conditions. Certain mental illnesses which may cause neurotic twitching can be treated with medication. As the underlying condition is treated the twitching may be reduced or stop completely.

4. Consider counseling. Psychotherapy may help treat an anxiety disorder if that is contributing to the twitching. Counseling or behavior modification may also help you develop ways to cope with stress which may make twitching worse.

Colon Cancer Nausea Symptoms

Colon (colorectal) cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States, claiming about 50,000 lives each year. One of the many symptoms associated with colon cancer is nausea. Vomiting also usually accompanies nausea symptoms. Not all nausea symptoms are affiliated with colon cancer, and only a medical doctor can run proper tests to determine if a patient has colon cancer.

Bowel Blockage

Nausea symptoms happen as a result of bowel blockage from a tumor. Depending on the size of the tumor, solids and liquids are blocked and cannot pass through the colon.

Other Symptoms

Nausea is just one symptom affiliated with colon cancer. Other symptoms may include vomiting, frequent diarrhea, stomach cramps, bloating, gas, headache and dehydration.

Treatment for Nausea

Doctors can treat patients with certain anti-nausea medication or IV treatments (to replace fluid loss). Colon cancer patients should seek medical attention if nausea persists for more than 24 hours.

Delayed Nausea

Not all patients suffer nausea when first diagnosed with colon cancer. Sometimes nausea is delayed and can occur during chemotherapy drug treatments.

Early Detection

Nausea can indicate early stages of colon cancer.

Tags: colon cancer, with colon, with colon cancer, affiliated with, affiliated with colon

Pick Atkins Diet Appetizers

Choosing appetizers on the Atkins Diet is easier than you think. You just need to learn what carbohydrate count most appetizers have and then you can decide what to order!

Instructions

Pick Atkins Diet Appetizers

1. The first thing you want to do is look for appetizers with low carbohydrate ingredients. Anything with bread, potatoes or starchy ingredients should be avoided. Ingredients like vegetables, cheese and meat are fine! Go for a shrimp cocktail, but avoid the cheese fries!

2. The next step is to avoid high fat and high calorie appetizers. Most people feel that while they're on the Atkins diet, as long as they eat low carb meals, they can eat anything. If you want to lose weight and be healthy, you will look for appetizer items that are lower in fat and calorie content if possible. A shrimp cocktail is low in fat, low in carbs and generally low in calories. Stuffed mushrooms may be okay if they are stuffed with seafood or other low carb ingredients. Unfortunately, many times they are stuffed with buttery toasted bread, which increases the carb count, calorie and fat content as well. Always read ingredients and you will be able to find the best appetizer for your low carb diet!

3. When dining out you should always ask about the ingredients used in appetizers. The server should know the ingredients and this will help you make a good choice that fits with your low carb diet. When you prepare appetizers yourself, it will be much easier to monitor the carb count, because you can easily read labels. You can also make appetizers from the Atkins cookbook and have all the math done for you!

4. Finally, make life easier on yourself by checking out virtual menus before visiting a restaurant. You can read the nutritional information and find out what appetizers will work on your Atkins diet and eliminate the appetizers that won't. You will save yourself some unnecessary carbs and you'll feel healthy and in control of your diet!

Tags: Atkins Diet, Atkins Diet Appetizers, calorie content, carb count, carb diet, carb diet When, Diet Appetizers

Problems With Creatine

When athletes want to get bigger, faster and stronger they often turn to supplements to help enhance their performance. Creatine is one such supplement used by athletes to increase muscle mass. Creatine, as a supplement, is most often taken in powder form. Creatine, which is made naturally in the body by aerobic and anaerobic metabolism, is broken down to create creatine phosphate. Creatine phosphate then helps the body make a substance called adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which provides energy for muscle contractions. Creatine has been proven to have many benefits. However, if not managed properly, creatine can also have negative effects.

Bloating

Creatine's main function is helping muscles retain water. For this reason, creatine will make users look fuller, but they can also feel bloated. The abdominal area is especially affected by this bloating sensation.

After Effects

Studies have shown that using more than 5 grams of creatine per day may increase the bloating that occurs when muscles store extra water. Most athletes will "take breaks" from creatine use as to not overuse the supplement. If creatine has been used for four months or longer and then use is stopped, muscle mass often decreases due to the loss of water retention.

Kidneys Problems

One side effect of supplemental creatine use is the increase of creatine levels in the urine. High creatine levels in urine is often a red flag for kindney problems. The kidneys must also work harder to rid the body of the extra creatine levels. To do so, water is expelled, often leading to kidney stones.

Nausea and Diarrhea

Creatine supplements can lead users to experience nausea and diarrhea. These effects come from the creatine powders not being fully dissolved. Nausea and diarrhea can often times be fixed by adjusting the dosage or switching to a micronized powder or capsule form.

Cramps and Dehydration

As creatine draws water into the muscles, especially during intense workouts, it draws water from other parts of the body. This absence of water from other parts of the body may cause cramping and dehydration.

Tags: creatine levels, creatine increase, creatine levels urine, draws water, from creatine, from other, from other parts

Use Kelp In Homemade Beauty Treatments

Use Kelp in Homemade Beauty Treatments

You may think of kelp as that odd-looking green plant that grows in the ocean, but actually, it is full of beneficial antioxidants and antibacterial qualities. When you include it in beauty treatments, it works as a moisturizer and gentle exfoliant. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Use kelp in a rejuvenating facial mask. Mix 6 tbsp. of dried kelp powder with 3/4 cup of aloe vera gel, and stir in enough filtered or distilled water to create a thick paste. Smooth the kelp facial on your face, and leave it for about 20 minutes. Rinse your face with lukewarm water and pat it dry with a soft towel.

2. Make a kelp firming mask. Combine 1 tsp. of dried kelp powder in a small bowl with 3 tbsp. of plain, organic yogurt and 1 tsp. of pure honey. Stir them until they're smooth, and massage them lightly into your face. Leave the kelp firming mask on for about 5 to 10 minutes, and remove it with a damp washcloth.

3. Treat your hair to the benefits of kelp. Put 4 tbsp. of sweet almond oil in a small spray bottle and add 1/2 cup of coconut oil and 1 tsp. of dried kelp powder. Shake the bottle to mix, and apply it to the hair. Work it through the hair with your fingers, and leave it for a few hours before rinsing.

4. Moisturize dry hands with an easy kelp hand mask. Mix 1 tbsp. of dried kelp powder with 1 tsp. of honey and 1/2 cup of cottage cheese. Massage it gently into the tops for 2 to 3 minutes. Rinse your hands and apply a moisturizer.

Tags: dried kelp, dried kelp powder, kelp powder, your face, about minutes, Beauty Treatments, firming mask

Perform Cpr In Limited Space

In an emergency situation when a victim is not breathing and has no pulse, performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, could be the difference between life and death. The purpose of CPR is to keep oxygenated blood pumping to the brain, keeping the victim alive until medical assistance arrives. In confined spaces, a technique known as over-the-head CPR may be required to adequately compress the chest. Alternatively, if two rescuers are present, straddle CPR may be employed if lateral CPR is not possible.

Instructions

Over-the-Head CPR (Single Rescuer)

1. Check to see if the victim is conscious by patting him on the shoulder and asking loudly, "Are you okay?" If he doesn't respond, call 911 or send someone for help before beginning CPR. Turn the victim on his back and position yourself at the head of the victim, with a knee touching each shoulder. Tilt his head back to open the airway. Feel for breaths with your cheek while looking to see if the chest rises.

2. Place the mask over the nose and mouth, creating a seal by holding it firmly against the skin with your thumb and index finger on the mask and your remaining three fingers hooking the side of the jaw. Pull up on the jaw to open the airway and squeeze the bag with your free hand to deliver a breath lasting approximately one second. If the chest rises, give another breath; if not, repeat the chin-lift maneuver and try again.

3. Place the heel of one hand in the center of the victim's chest between the nipples. Place your other hand on top of the first hand. Lean forward, positioning your shoulders directly above your hands with your elbows locked.

4. Use your upper-body weight to compress the chest approximately two inches with each compression. Compressions should be done fairly rapidly, at a rate of about 100 per minute.

5. Stop after 30 compressions and repeat steps 2 through 4 until there are signs of life, an AED becomes available or medical personnel arrives.

Straddle CPR (Two Rescuers)

6. Straddle CPR uses the same principles as over-the-head CPR, only with two rescuers. Position the first rescuer in the same position as in over-the-head CPR and the second rescuer straddled across the victim's abdomen, facing his head.

7. The first rescuer checks for signs of breathing and, in the absence of any signs, performs the chin-lift and gives two breaths. The second rescuer then delivers 30 compressions and pauses, allowing the first rescuer to deliver two more breaths before continuing.

8. Repeat for five cycles and then consider switching positions to give the second rescuer a rest. Continue performing CPR until the victim shows signs of life, an AED becomes available or medical personnel arrive.

Tags: with your, first rescuer, second rescuer, available medical, available medical personnel, becomes available, becomes available medical

Perform Compression Only Cpr

Perform Compression Only CPR

CPR or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is best known as a process of mouth to mouth ventilation. However, compression only CPR is very appropriate in certain circumstances.The unconscious victim who is not breathing--regardless of what caused that condition-- needs a bystander to perform CPR if they are to have any hope of recovering from sure death.However, the fear of disease exchange, and of the intimacy associated with mouth to mouth contact, causes a growing number of bystanders to look on uninvolved, rather than perform CPR.

Instructions

1. Compression only CPR is a recent supplement to the skill sets and does not yet appear in printed curriculum. Although the CPR curriculum is revised if needed every 5 years, the results for compression only CPR was convincing enough for the American Heart Association to begin endorsing in since April 1, 2008. Compression only CPR is only appropriate in specific circumstances.

2. If CPR response is a job obligation, then failure to respond could result in charges of negligence. However, if you are responding to an accident as a Good Samaritan, then most states give you the option to assist the victim. Check your state for obligations, if any - to perform CPR to strangers if you are trained and present.

3. CPR trained responders are being taught a combination of compressions and breaths as the method of performing CPR. Compression only CPR is CPR without the pause for breaths. Basically, after assessing the victim and calling 911, push hard, push fast at about the speed of 100 compressions per minute. Continue to give compressions without any pause for breaths.

4. Not all victims meet the criteria set for compression only CPR. Children and infants for example, still require CPR including breaths as most often their issue is triggered by respiratory (breathing) failure. Compression only CPR is for adults only, and more specifically, for adults whose collapse you witnessed. So if you are called to a scene where CPR is an appropriate response and you did not observe the victim collapse, then according to Dr. Gordon A. Ewy of the Sarver Heart Center at the UA College of Medicine, conventional CPR with breaths is still recommended. Observing the victim collapse rules out respiratory complications that triggered the collapse, such as smoke inhalation drowning, and other non-cardiac related complications.

5. If possible, have someone else call 911 while CPR is performed by the trained person. If there is no one else, call 911, then start CPR. Remember, the purpose of this article is not to teach you perform CPR, but to supplement your training with the update for compression only CPR.

Tags: Compression only, else call, mouth mouth, pause breaths, Perform Compression, Perform Compression Only

Treat Myositis

Myositis is a generic term that refers to any inflammation of skeletal muscle tissue. Infectious myositis usually results from a tropical disease, but it is becoming more common in temperate climates because of the spread of HIV. Myositis generally affects proximal muscles rather than distal ones, and trichinosis specifically affects the orbital muscles.

Instructions

1. Administer thiabendazole within 24 hours of a trichinosis infection. The optimal dosage is not established, but it can be combined with 40 to 60 mg/day of prednisone in patients who experience severe pain and weakness.

2. Treat trypanosomiasis with benznidazole. This drug is effective even in the acute stage of infection and reduces the rate of cardiac complications in the early chronic phase. A negative serological test at least one year later indicates a successful treatment.

3. Use supportive care for cases of viral myositis. This consists primarily of bed rest and intravenous fluids. Manage the symptoms with analgesics and antipyretics and consider the use of antiviral agents such as amantadine in adults.

4. Identify the causative organism in cases of pyomyositis. Administer the proper antibiotics promptly to eliminate the need for surgical drainage, if possible. Use intravenous antibiotics until the patient's clinical condition improves and follow up with oral antibiotics for three weeks.

5. Provide treatments for other forms of myositis. Polymyositis is primarily the result of an HIV infection and requires corticosteroid injections. Specific types of myositis--such as cysticercosis, toxoplasmal myositis and tuberculous myositis--require separate treatments.

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Take An Ayurveda Dosha Quiz

Take an Ayurveda Dosha Quiz

An ancient Hindu medicine, the goals of Ayurveda are to heal the body, maintain good health and reverse the aging process. Practitioners can heal asthma, depression and diabetes among other ailments. This holistic medicine centers on each person's doshas, or mind-body types. Follow these steps to take a quiz to determine your dosha.

Instructions

Prepare for a Dosha Quiz

1. Know what a dosha is. "Vata," "Pitta" and "Kapha" are the 3 doshas that represent the body-mind type of each person.

2. Understand what to expect. The Ayurveda dosha quiz focuses on your body and mind characteristics as well as your reaction in stressful situations. The quiz questions vary from Web site to Web site; but the goal is the same.

3. Visit the "Jiva Ayurveda" Web site to take a dosha quiz (see Resources below). The quiz is free.

4. Take the quiz to figure out what your dosha is. The quizzes could have as few as 8 questions or as many as 30 questions. No matter how many questions there are, they go fast. They usually offer 3 answer options, 1 for each dosha.

5. Select the answer that applies most to you even though you may identify with more than one.

Understand Your Score

6. Understand the 3 scores given. The dosha with the highest score is your most dominant dosha and therefore your mind-body type.

7. Know that it's possible to have a combination dosha. If two of the doshas have the same score then they're equally prominent. You have a combination mind-body type. Very few people have the same score for all 3 doshas.

Use Your Dosha Knowledge

8. Learn more about your dosha. Learning about the dosha personalities can show you balance yourself mentally, physically and spiritually. Other uses for your new dosha knowledge range from learning deal with other personalities to dating.

9. Enjoy serene moments around Kapha individuals. They're usually calm and caring. Sometimes they can be greedy and possessive. Everything about them is usually thick, including their body build, skin and hair.

10. Expect Pitta individuals to be of average build with light eyes and red hair. They are intellectuals and high achievers but usually fiery.

11. Learn about the Vata dosha. Vata individuals are either petite or tall and thin. They usually have cold extremities due to poor blood circulation. They're mostly creative people. They're often anxious and fearful.

12. Learn more about Ayurveda and the 3 doshas at the AyurBalance Web site (see Resources below).

Tags: They usually, your dosha, Ayurveda Dosha, Ayurveda Dosha Quiz, Dosha Quiz

1500 Calorie Low Carb Diet

Dieters struggled to lose weight on a "fat free" diet for decades but never saw results and even gained weight. The reason is that most fat free diets are loaded with carbohydrates, now known as the dieter's worst enemy. Today, dieters know that if you cut the carbs you'll lose the weight. Kick weight loss into high gear with a 1,500 calorie, daily low carb plan. Eliminate starchy, sugary foods such as white bread, pasta and baked items and replace with fresh vegetables, lean meats, nuts and low-fat dairy for a one way ticket to weight loss.

Stocking Your Kitchen

Start your 1,500-calorie low carb plan by kicking the bad and ugly food to the curb. Rid your cupboard of sugary snacks and cereals, candy and cookies. Banish the tortilla chips, microwave popcorn and white bread, and introduce good, low-carb food, which includes fresh vegetables, dairy, eggs, lean meat and fish.

Purchase low-carb items such as eggs, fish, low-fat dairy, chicken, steak, pork and oils such as olive, canola and flaxseed to kick-start initial weight loss. Select nearly any fresh vegetables but avoid starchy items such as corn and potatoes.

During the first few weeks of a low-carb diet you'll want to snack on foods such as almonds, sugar-free gum, no sugar added fudgesicles or icepops.

Although no calorie sugar substitutes are fine on low carb diets, you'll want to phase them out in a few weeks and begin sweetening foods with low-carb fruit juices to avoid any sugar cravings in the future.

Meal Planning

Create a 1,500-calorie, low-carb daily meal plan by mixing and matching your basic low-carb ingredients to create delicious meals and snacks. For example, have a two-egg omelette with a piece of low-fat cheese for breakfast. For lunch try a wrap sandwich. Pile turkey, tomatoes, ham, arugula and sugar-free ranch dressing on a large piece of green lettuce and wrap. Secure with a wooden toothpick.

Your dinner could include 3 oz. of grilled chicken, two cups of steamed or grilled vegetables, a small salad with sugar-free dressing and a cup of low-fat cottage cheese. Don't forget to have three snacks a day. Choose low-fat, sugar-free yogurt, almonds, raw vegetables with sugar-free dressing, and natural peanut butter with celery.

Maintaining a Low Carb Lifestyle

Eventually you'll want to incorporate good carb foods into your life such as fruits and whole wheat breads and pastas. After a few weeks on a 1,500-calorie, low-carb diet your body will reject sugary, processed foods and crave natural sugars and whole grain foods.

Remain on a 1,500-calorie diet but begin to include good carb foods. Slowly work fruit back into your diet by introducing one item every few weeks. When you have your morning omelette, add a piece of whole wheat toast and a teaspoon of low-calorie butter.

As with any healthy meal plan, flush your body with plenty of water every day, avoid alcohol and caffeine, and begin a daily exercise regimen to build lean, strong muscles.

Tags: fresh vegetables, weight loss, 500-calorie low-carb, butter with, carb foods

Good Workouts For Inversion Tables

An inversion table (also known as a gravity table) is a piece of fitness equipment that allows the user to suspend his body either partially or completely inverted, providing resistance to the muscles and tendons along a line of force with which he is unaccustomed to dealing. When using an inversion table, you will want to start slowly and progress gradually toward your goals to avoid overloading the body while in an unusual position, lest you experience side effects such as dizziness and feelings of disorientation.

Simple Hanging

Begin your work on an inversion table with nothing more than simple hanging, beginning with a slight level of inversion and progressing to a larger inversion angle as your body becomes used to operating under a reversed pull of gravity. Although it might seem too simple, begin with a low inversion rate of just 20 degrees, allowing your body to simply hang there for five to 10 minutes at a time, practicing at least three non-consecutive days of the week. Each week, increase the degree of inversion by five to 10 degrees until you are completely upside down. Likewise, increase the time spent hanging by five minutes or so each week. Before long, you will be able to hang fully inverted for 30 minutes or more without difficulty, signaling that you are ready to begin the next phase of training.

Inverted Squats

Perform inverted squats to increase your leg strength and flexibility. To perform squats while inverted, simply set the table to maximal inversion (completely upside down). Initiate the movement by bending at the knees and hips, using the muscles of your legs to pull your body toward the ceiling as you descend into a semi-crouch. Due to the mechanism of the inversion table you will not be able to descend as low as you would during a conventional squat. Just go as low as you possibly can, repeating for three or four sets of eight to 12 reps.

Inverted Situp

Perform inverted sit-ups following inverted squats to challenge your abdominal region. To perform inverted sit-ups, tilt the table to the desired level of inversion (start with a slight angle if you have not performed these before). Initiate the movement by tensing up your abdominal column as though bracing to receive a punch, then flex forward at the waist, pulling your torso up until you are parallel to the floor. Lower yourself slowly and under control--do not let your body "fall" back down, as you want to stress the muscles through the entire range of motion. Repeat the drill for three or four sets of 10 to 20 reps, increasing the number of reps and the angle of inversion as your abs increase in strength.

Tags: inversion table, your body, completely upside, completely upside down, five minutes, four sets, Initiate movement

Self Acupressure Techniques

Acupressure is a technique that applies manual pressure to specific pressure points located on the body. Both acupressure and acupuncture techniques were developed by the ancient Chinese more than 5,000 years ago. Practitioners believe that life energy---known as chi---flows through specific points and that "blocked" chi results in illness or health disorders. Acupressure can be used to eliminate headaches, menstrual cramps, tension, nausea and other issues---and the best part is that you can learn to apply these techniques yourself, which is not only convenient but also inexpensive.

Techniques for Headache Pain

According to Aurora Health Care, there are various pressure-point techniques you can use to relieve mild to moderate headache pain. These techniques involve using your fingers to rub specific points on the body in a semicircular motion. Apply this to the occipital bone---which is found on the back of your head, approximately 1/5 inches inward from below your ears, or to the dorsum, which is on the skin of your hand between your pointer finger and thumb. Once you locate these spots, rub the pressure point in a semicircular motion for about five minutes. If you can't find someone to do this in tandem with you, can do one hand or one side at a time and then switch to the other.

Specific Pressure-Point Techniques

According to Acupressure Online.org, there are specific pressure points on the head/scalp, neck/shoulder, chest/stomach and legs/feet that correspond to major organs and areas of the body. For example, using the pressure points for the leg and feet can include running four fingers up the bottom part of your leg toward the knee and then stopping once your fingers reach your knee. This technique increases energy and is said to reduce depression and leg pain. To reach the pressure points of your head or scalp, draw a imaginary line between the middle of your ears to the top part of your head. This technique reduces headaches and dizziness. To stimulate the pressure points in your arms and/or hands, run your fingers along your elbow joint to the inside of your biceps. This is said to reduce anxiety and stomach and chest problems.

Tags: pressure points, your fingers, your head, head scalp, part your, points your, pressure points your

Determine If You Are Ready To Move To A Continuing Care Retirement Community

Determine if You Are Ready to Move to a Continuing Care Retirement Community

A continuing care retirement community provides a continuum of care for seniors who live independently or who require various levels of assistance. Seniors may buy their own apartment or house and enter at the independent level of care.

Instructions

1. Think about buying into a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) if you and your spouse will soon need more help with daily living. In a CCRC you can remain as independent as you like, pulling in assistance as you need it.

2. Consider moving into a continuing care retirement community if you are feeling alone and depressed. They offer activities such as golf and tennis, and provide on-site entertainment, classes and discussions.

3. Look at your daily activities. Are you able to get out and visit friends or do your shopping? If not, you may want to consider moving into a CCRC, where social activities are close by and transportation is available when you wish to go out.

4. Do you need help today? Do you feel safe in your home, or are there stairs and other areas that make it unsafe for you? Can you do your own cooking, cleaning and laundry? If not, opt for the assisted living quarters of a CCRC.

5. Do you have family close by with whom you regularly interact? While a CCRC is not a substitute for family, it is a community of seniors you can engage with daily.

6. Note that when you enter a CCRC at the independent level, you may later make a transition into the skilled nursing or assisted living wings within the community should your needs change.

Tags: care retirement community, continuing care retirement, assisted living, continuing care, Continuing Care Retirement, Determine Ready, Determine Ready Move

Make Goldenseal Salve

Make Goldenseal Salve

Goldenseal salve is an ointment used to heal minor skin problems. It will also act as an antiseptic, and will help to prevent scarring. Mix up a batch your kitchen from all-natural ingredients, and keep in on hand for the next minor emergency.

Instructions

1. Clean any freshly harvested herbs thoroughly. Shake them to remove any loose dirt from the leaves and lay them in the sun to dry. If the salve is made with damp herbs, it can quickly mold.

2. Place the herbs in a slow cooker or a stainless steel pot and add enough olive oil to cover them, plus approximately an extra inch.

3. Heat the mixture slowly over medium-low heat for 5 to 5? hours. If you don't use roots in the goldenseal salve, subtract two hours from the cooking time. Allow the salve to cool.

4. Line a colander with a thick layer of folded cheesecloth or muslin and pour the warm mixture through it to strain. Squeeze the cloth after most of the oil has strained though, in order to extract as much salve as possible.

5. Stir in the beeswax and re-heat the mixture slowly over low heat until the beeswax melts. Add the essential oils and the vitamin E.

6. Put a small amount of goldenseal salve on a teaspoon and let it cool to check for consistency. If the salve needs to be thicker, add more beeswax.

7. Pour the goldenseal salve into containers and store them in a cool, dark place, or in the refrigerator.

Tags: goldenseal salve, Make Goldenseal, Make Goldenseal Salve, mixture slowly, mixture slowly over, slowly over

Holistic Treatment Of Rosacea

The actual cause of rosacea remains unknown, and yet approximately 14 million Americans suffer from this chronic skin condition. Rosacea is typically characterized by facial redness and swelling, frequent blushing, visible blood vessels and bumpiness. It can also create a red bulbous nose known as telangiectasia. It can sometimes affect other parts of the head and torso, including the scalp and eyes.

Avoiding Triggers

For many people, rosacea flare-ups are caused by various triggers. Each individual can have very different triggers from other individuals with the same condition, but anything that causes a flare up is considered a trigger. Common ones include extreme cold and heat, food allergies, alcohol, exercising, sun exposure and stress. The key is to identify the triggers that cause your flare-ups and do your best to avoid them.

Exercise during the coolest part of the day, drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks to cool down. Also wear loose-fitting cotton exercise clothing.

Wear sunscreen daily and a hat to reduce sun exposure.

Topical Treatments

Chrysanthellum indicum cream, made from golden chamomile extract, has been shown to strengthen capillaries, resulting in reduced facial redness after 12 weeks of treatment (Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, Sep 2005, http://rosacea-support.org/focus-on-golden-chamomile.html). One such cream called Calming-1 is available from Purified Skincare. It also contains licorice extract.

A form of vitamin B-3 called niamicide has been shown in trials to reduce symptoms of rosacea when applied topically in a cream twice a day (Draelos ZD, Ertel K, Berge C. Niacinamide-containing facial moisturizer improves skin barrier and benefits subjects with rosacea. Cutis. 76.2 (2005): 135-141).

Licorice applied topically has also been studied as a treatment for rosacea and was successful due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Improvement was noted at both four and eight weeks of use (Supplement to Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology, March 2005, Volume 52, Number 3).

Green tea cream was shown in a small study to reduce the appearance of rosacea. Women who applied the cream twice a day for 4 weeks experienced a 70% improvement over women who applied a placebo (63rd Annual Meeting American Academy of Dermatology. Presented Feb. 20, 2005. Tanweer Syed, MD, PhD, associate professor of dermatology, University of San Francisco, Calif.). Look for a cream containing 2% polyphenone.

Azelaic acid cream has antimicrobial properties that reduce redness and pustules. A University of British Columbia study showed it to be as effective as topical metronidazole (an antibiotic commonly prescribed for rosacea in traditional medicine) in reducing pustules and more effective in reducing redness (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10365928). Azelaic acid cream must also be prescribed by a doctor.

Oral Treatments

B vitamins have been shown to improve rosacea. While further studies are needed, you may want to try taking a vitamin B supplement that contains riboflavin to see if it improves your symptoms.

Apple cider vinegar is another common home remedy for rosacea, as it improves digestive function, which is linked to rosacea flare-ups in some people. Digestive enzymes can be taken for the same reason.

Tags: Academy Dermatology, been shown, acid cream, American Academy, American Academy Dermatology, applied topically

What Are The Benefits Of Using Acupuncture

Acupuncture is used for a wide variety of health reasons.

Based on traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture has been used for thousands of years around the world. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), the practice became widely known in the United States in the early 1970's. Proponents of acupuncture believe it positively impacts energy pathways that Chinese medicine contends are key to good health. Scientific evidence exists that acupuncture effectively deals with several health-related issues.

Back Pain

In the U.S., acupuncture may be best known for treating back pain. J. D. Bartleson, M.D., of Mayo Clinic, reports that several studies confirm acupuncture can relieve chronic back pain and help sufferers better cope on a daily basis. Bartleson notes that scientists are unsure exactly how acupuncture helps back pain. He points out that, in numerous research studies, acupuncture produced the same results as "sham acupuncture." Sham acupuncture occurs when a practitioner merely taps a toothpick at the same points where an acupuncture needle is stuck. Both methods have shown efficacy in treating back pain, suggesting that acupuncture might work with just minimal insertion of needles.

Other Types of Pain

Mayo Clinic says that acupuncture is used to treat several other types of pain, including headaches, migraines, labor pain and menstrual cramps. After a review of a large body of acupuncture research, the World Health Organization (WHO) concluded that the ancient practice effectively treats migraines and tension headaches, relative to sham acupuncture and other types of treatments.

Neurological Disorders

WHO's review revealed that acupuncture effectively treats the aftereffects of stroke. The WHO does question how much of the impact you can attribute to acupuncture and how much is attributable to the natural healing that tends to take place after a stroke. Acupuncture also shows promise in enhancing neurological recovery after a coma and treating insomnia.

Respiratory Disorders

Acupuncture, states the WHO, has been shown to be more effective in treating allergic rhinitis than antihistamine drugs. It also produces fewer side effects. Though the WHO contends that it should not replace antibiotic therapy, acupuncture helps deal with the symptoms of tonsillitis. A strong body of evidence proves the efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of bronchial asthma. While acupuncture does not cure the ailment, it has a high success rate in relieving symptoms, at least for short time periods.

Digestive Disorders

Acupuncture performs significantly better than injections of anisodamine or morphine plus atropine in the treatment of the pain associated with diseases of the stomach, including peptic ulcers. A large body of evidence, claims the WTO, touts the positive impact of acupuncture for relating various types of nausea and vomiting, including morning sickness and chemotherapy-related illness.

Mental Health

The WHO states that mental health practitioners are making increased use of acupuncture. Acupuncture has a track record of documented success in treating depression. The WHO reports that it actually trumps psychotherapy when it comes to addressing competition stress syndrome. Mixed evidence exists regarding the impact of acupuncture on attempts to get people to stop smoking or drinking excessively.

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Apraxia In Children

Apraxia in children is called "developmental apraxia of speech." It is a type of speech disorder that results in a child's inability to say what he wants to correctly or consistently. Children with apraxia have great difficulty with syllables, sounds, and forming words. Childhood apraxia is considered to be developmental as opposed to acquired, which can occur at any age from such events as stroke or head injury. Apraxia in children, though, seems to be present from birth, with more boys affected than girls.

Theories/Speculation

While some theories associate the disorder with a child's language skills development, others point to a neurological problem that prevents the brain from transmitting signals that allow the muscle movement necessary for correct speech. No evidence indicates that children with apraxia have anything different in their brains than normally speaking children, but children with this ailment usually have family members with similar troubles, suggesting a genetic link.

Symptoms in Young Children

In a young child, signs of apraxia include the ability to make only a few vowel or consonant sounds, and difficulty combining sounds to make words. As an infant, the child with apraxia probably didn't produce cooing sounds or babble like a normal baby does; her first words probably came much later than for most infants. A young child with apraxia often will not even try to make a difficult sound when speaking, or he will replace a hard-to-say sound with a much easier one. She also may have problems with eating.

Signs in Older Children

The older child with apraxia has a far easier time understanding the spoken word than talking. He has difficulty imitating speech and has an even harder time trying to speak spontaneously. Longer words and phrases are more problematic than short ones; when he becomes anxious, he will have many problems speaking. Stressing the wrong word or syllable during a conversation is common for older children with apraxia, and people who are not used to hearing them will understand their speech barely, if at all.

Diagnosis

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, speech-language pathologists have no single test that can determine if childhood apraxia is responsible for a child's speech problems. Doctors arrive at a diagnosis of apraxia by looking for a cluster of symptoms. They first must rule out other conditions, such as weakness in the muscles that guide speech and comprehension troubles. They must observe the child's speech over a span of time, and evaluate the child's speech through tests such as repetition of a certain word or series of words.

Treatment

While those with acquired apraxia sometimes recover their ability to speak again all by themselves, a child with developmental apraxia needs treatment to speak coherently. Speech-language therapy is very useful. Treatments and responses differ from child to child. Exhaustive one-on-one therapy along with support from family and friends has proven to be effective. Children with apraxia must practice their speech and undergo therapy as often as five times a week. Sign language, portable communication computers or a language book full of words and pictures may be necessary in extreme cases.

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