Can Zetia Cause Depression

Zetia is used to treat high cholesterol by blocking the absorption of cholesterol from food in the digestive system. Depression is one of the less common side effects, although suicidal thoughts and severe depression don't accompany Zetia as it does many other medications. Other side effects include diarrhea, joint pain and drowsiness.

Depression and Other Side Effects

Depression is a known side effect of Zetia. The most likely side effects are diarrhea, joint pain, and drowsiness. Less likely effects are depression, difficulty breathing, rashes and hives, muscle pain, stomach pain, headache and gallstones.

Incidence and Severity of Depression

While depression is not one of the more common side effects, doctors sometimes fail to determine if patients have a history of depression in their lives or in their families. These risk factors greatly increase the likelihood of Zetia triggering depression in a particular patient. Zetia does not list suicidal thoughts, hallucinations or mania as side effects. These side effects can accompany any bout of depression if the depression becomes severe enough and is left untreated.

Addition of Depression Warning

When Zetia was initially put on the market, its marketing materials and patient information did not list depression as a potential side effect. However, patient reports of depression led to further studies that revealed that depression was a side effect of Zetia. Zetia manufacturers received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval in February 2008 to add depression warnings to their list of potential side effects in marketing and patient materials.

Related Medication and Risk of Depression

Vytorin, a medication that combines Zetia and simvastatin, had the depression warning added to its label at the same time that Zetia changed its marketing and label information to include depression as a potential side effect.

Effect of Label Change on Market

Both Zetia and Vytorin received heavy criticism surrounding the news that Zetia can cause depression. This news came out around the time that a study was released showing that Zetia, when combined with simvastatin, doesn't slow artery clogging better than simvastatin by itself. Stocks for both companies dipped for several months after the release of this news and then returned to their former levels.

Tags: side effects, side effect, potential side, that Zetia, common side, common side effects, depression potential

Mix Jojoba Oil With Geranium Essential Oil

"Geranium brings a radiant glow when used in skin care," writes Worwood.

Jojoba oil is a natural source of vitamin E and it doesn't clog pores. These qualities make jojoba a highly suitable carrier oil for blending with geranium essential oil.

Essential Oils and Carrier Oils

Organic cosmetics often utilize jojoba and geranium oils in products.

Miriam E. Adkins, editor of 30-Day Revitalization Plan, writes, "Essential oils are highly concentrated substances and should be diluted before applied to the skin. Common carrier oils are almond...kukui nut, jojoba, sesame, sunflower, and walnut."

Effects of Geranium Essential Oil

Geranium calms in small amounts and stimulates in larger amounts, according to its use in aromatherapy. It can be used to uplift mood and reduce stress. Applied topically, it can ease eczema and acne. It is believed to boost circulation, balance oil production and improve skin elasticity.

Blending Massage Oil

In her book, "The Complete Book of Essential Oils," Valerie Ann Worwood, suggests using five drops of essential oil per 1 tsp. of carrier oil A brown glass bottle is used to mix and store the oils.

Blending Body Mist

A body mist can be made by adding 3 drops of geranium oil and 6 drops of jojoba oil into a 4 oz. spray bottle, topped up with bottled water and shaken. This mist can be applied to the face, hair and body.

Products Using Jojoba and Geranium Oils

Aubrey's Sea Buckthorn Nourishing Moisturizing Lotion and Rosa Mosqueta® Luxurious Moisturizing Lotion, Jurlique's Aromatherapy line and several of TARA Spa Therapy's massage oils utilize jojoba and geranium oils.

Tags: Essential Oils, Geranium Essential, geranium oils, jojoba geranium, jojoba geranium oils

Side Effects Of Palliative Chemotherapy

Palliative chemotherapy focuses on treating the symptoms of the cancer rather than curing it, which is true of regular chemotherapy. The idea is that if a patient has fewer symptoms, he might lead a longer life. However, the treatment still has some specific side effects.

Pain

Patients who undergo palliative chemotherapy often experience pain in the joints and muscles. Pain can also be centralized around the area associated with the cancer.

Digestive Problems

Some patients experience bouts of constipation or diarrhea.

Sores

Small sores in the mouth are another side effect of palliative chemotherapy. These sores are usually small, red bumps inside the mouth and on the tongue.

Hair Loss

Hair loss is the most common side effect of any type of chemotherapy. Hair may fall out in large clumps or fall out slowly over time.

Stomach Problems

Vomiting and nausea are the two most common side effects of chemotherapy. They are usually the worst right after the procedure.

Tags: common side, most common, most common side, side effect, side effects

Medicines That Stop Menstrual Bleeding

Medicines That Stop Menstrual Bleeding

Women take pills, injections and suppositories to stop their menstrual cycles for a number of different reasons. Some chose to use menstrual suppression for vacations, or special occasions such as weddings and honeymoons. They are also used to correct medical problems such as iron-deficiency from heavy menstrual periods, painful premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or to even sustain a pregnancy. There are many FDA-approved medications to stop menstruation.

Lybrel

In May of 2007, the Food and Drug Administration approved Lybrel as the first birth control pill used to suppress menstruation. Lybrel is a hormonal medication designed to be taken daily to eliminate menstrual periods. According to Wyeth spokeswoman Amy Marren, this pill is the only one designed to be used 365 days a year in order to completely suppress menstruation. In a study conducted involving 2,400 women, Lybrel showed it's just as effective in this as it is as a form of birth control, although the FDA adds that some women experience breakthrough bleeding. Also, with Lybrel there are no placebo pills as there are with traditional birth control pills, the pill is taken seven days a week, delivering the same hormones daily.

Depo-Provera

Depo-Provera injections are used once every three months to prevent pregnancy. The injections release a steady stream of testosterone without estrogen. Although this injection is used solely for birth control, side effects include absence of the menstrual cycle. According to familydoctor.org, women who use Depo-Provera may notice a change in their menses, either being lighter or heavier, but after a year of use 50 percent of users will experience a total lack of menses while still using it. Depo-Provera must be administered by a physician and maintained every 12 weeks with a routine appointment.

Yaz

Yaz is a 28-pill monthly birth control pack that is FDA approved to prevent pregnancy and PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder). The benefit to the Yaz pill aside from the above listed is the convenience of having a shorter and lighter period. According to Yaz's website, this lighter, shorter period can help to not only reduce the amount of menstrual blood loss, but also to decrease the occurrence of iron-deficient anemia as a result of it. One pill is taken per day for 24 days (these are called active pills), and then an additional pill is taken for the remaining four days (these pills are inactive).

Seasonique

Seasonique is a three-month pack of oral contraceptives that allow you to only have four periods a year. This is what Seasonique calls a "pill period." During a regular monthly period an egg is formed and released from the ovaries to await conception. Simultaneously, the uterine wall builds up in anticipation of cushioning the fertilized egg. When conception is not achieved, the egg breaks down along with the uterine wall and is shed as a period. With Seasonique, you have no menstrual period, but after each three-month supply is taken, you must take the remaining week of low-dose estrogen pills. This low dose of synthetic estrogen sparks a "pill period."

Progesterone

Progesterone is taken as an oil-based injection, vaginal suppository or as a pill. Progesterone is mostly prescribed as part of a fertility regiment to stop bleeding or to sustain a pregnancy in its early stages. For the later, the woman is prescribed the physician's preferred form of progesterone and given a specific dosage to keep the walls of the uterus from contracting and breaking apart since the estrogen levels may start to return to normal after the course of prescribed fertility medications have been discontinued. The usage of progesterone to prevent miscarriage however is still controversial.

Tags: birth control, pill taken, days these, Medicines That, Medicines That Stop

Kundalini Syndrome

Kundalini refers to a life-force energy situated at the base of the spine. Once released, this energy produces a set of symptoms referred to as Kundalini Syndrome.

Effects

Kundalini lies predominately dormant. Once activated, this energy pulsates up the spine, journeying through the seven chakras, or vortexes of energy. If blocked, this energy begins a cleansing process that can produce symptoms such as a sudden unexplained illness, erratic behavior, tension, disorientation, chills or hot flashes, extreme mood swings, visions and depression.

Function

Ancient Eastern texts teach that the uncoiling of this innate power leads toward psycho-spiritual expansion. However, the proper release of this energy requires physical and spiritual preparation.

Considerations

Yoga, meditation and other spiritual practices provide the necessary preparation for releasing this energy. Involuntary releases can occur due to drug use, a personal crises or trauma.

Warning

Professionals warn of the difficulty in interpreting Kundalini symptoms from unrelated medical conditions. If you experience troubling symptoms associated with your spiritual well-being, seek medical and spiritual advice.

Fun Fact

Many experts, such as Richard Gerber, M.D., suggest that the medical symbol of the caduceus represented by twin serpents coiled around a winged staff possibly depicts the ancient symbol of Kundalini energy moving up the spine.

Tags: this energy, Kundalini Syndrome

Signs & Symptoms Of Bone Cancer In Legs

Signs & Symptoms of Bone Cancer in Legs

Several types of bone cancer exist, including Ewing sarcoma, osteaosarcoma and chondrosarcoma. Bone cancer can develop in any bone, but some locations are more common. For example, bone cancer in the legs can develop in the knee with osteosarcoma and the upper leg and pelvis with chondrosarcoma. Primary bone cancer, in which the cancer begins in the bone, is rare and accounts for less than one percent of all cancer cases, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Pain

When bone cancer develops, pain is often felt in the affected bones. If you have bone cancer in a leg bone, you will likely feel pain in and around that bone. You may also notice that the area appears swollen and is tender to the touch.

Bone pain is the most common sign of a bone cancer, but not all bone cancers cause pain, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Fractures

Tumors in the bones destroy the healthy tissue and can make the affected bones much weaker than normal. If you have bone cancer in your legs, you may be more prone to fractures doing activities that wouldn't normally produce a fracture, since healthy bone tissue is damaged.

Weight Loss

Weight loss is another common sign of bone cancer. However, weight loss is a sign of many forms of cancer and is also a sign of many other, less severe medical conditions. If you experience unexplained weight loss, visit your doctor to determine a cause.

Tags: bone cancer, according National, according National Cancer, affected bones, Bone Cancer

Alternative Cures For A Bulging Disk In The Lumbar Region

Alternative Cures for a Bulging Disk in the Lumbar Region

According to the Mayo Clinic, "alternative medicine" refers to treatment that may replace conventional medicine and therapies. These treatments have typically not been tested extensively in clinical studies. However, those suffering from a bulging disk in the back may be willing to try any treatment to find relief. Disk pain can be debilitating and chronic. Some alternative treatments that do not involve surgery or prescription medicine are showing promise in managing the symptoms of a bulging disk.

Bulging Disk Disease

A bulging disk in the lumbar region is usually due to a change in the structure of the disk, which causes it to protrude. This type of degeneration is due to aging and the wear and tear of everyday living. Initial symptoms of a bulging disk are pain and tingling. If left untreated, it can develop into severe pain and swelling. Eventually, the pain may make it difficult to sit or stand for long periods and almost impossible to engage in strenuous activity. Additional trauma, such as that caused by lifting or engaging in sports, can lead to herniation.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture-an alternative treatment in which several thin needles are inserted into the skin-does not actually cure a herniated or bulging disk. But the rise in endorphins that results from needle treatment may relieve pain. Endorphins are our body's natural feel-good chemicals. They are usually released after vigorous exercise or sex, but they can also be stimulated through acupuncture. According to the Mayo clinic, when endorphins are released, they may act as a natural painkiller. Since acupuncture is considered "alternative," its effect on the treatment of the back is not widely understood. However, some sufferers of bulging disk pain may find relief through this ancient form of healing. Most good acupuncturists will meet with you for at least two hours in the first appointment to do a full evaluation. Next they will discuss the treatment and assess its duration. Acupuncture usually requires ongoing visits. The acupuncturist may also prescribe herbal mud treatments for your back to complement the needle regimen.

Navigate Your Pain

Biofeedback is used to treat many pain issues. Again, this will not cure the bulging disk, but it can act as an effective pain intervention. Biofeedback-"feedback" from the body which is analyzed to decide a course of pain treatment-usually relies on an electronic amplifier device. Sensors connected to the device are attached to your skin in the pain region. For back pain, electromyography-a type of biofeedback-is used to measure muscle tension by attaching little electrodes to the skin in the pain region. The EMG feedback is then analyzed to plan a course of training for the patient. First, the patients learn sensory awareness of their pain level, after which they learn techniques to gain control over such things as muscle tension, heart rate and blood flow. The patient utilizes relaxation and breathing techniques and other methods to gain back a sense of control on the road to recovery. Biofeedback is typically used in conjunction with conventional treatments and is most often used in the treatment of back pain and migraines.

All TENS

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is the use of an electrical device that, when activated and attached to small electrodes which are placed on the back near the pain region, sends mild electrical pulses to the nerves. The levels can be adjusted depending on the person's current state of pain. The idea of this treatment once again is not to change the bulging disk but to block pain signals. It may also stimulate endorphins release, which is a natural pain blocker. As always, consult with a medical doctor before starting any treatment program.

Tags: bulging disk, pain region, According Mayo, Alternative Cures, Alternative Cures Bulging, back pain, Bulging Disk

Grow Black Snake Root From Seed

Black snake root, botanically known as Actaea racemosa and more commonly called black cohosh, is a medicinal plant indigenous to shaded woodland areas in North America. An herbaceous perennial, black snake root features large, toothed leaves and plumes of whitish flowers on stalks; the thick, knobby black rhizomes -- or roots -- are used in herbal medicine as a natural alternative to hormone replacement for treatment of menopause symptoms. Black snake root, which can reach heights of 4 feet, is also gaining in popularity as an ornamental plant in landscapes and gardens. It is not difficult to grow black snake root from seed, but it takes several years for the roots to become ready for harvest.

Instructions

1. Harvest mature black snake root seeds in the fall after the seed capsules have dried and begun to split open. Seeds will make a rattling sound when the pod is shaken. Open the pods and remove the seeds. Harvested black snake root seeds germinate more reliably than those purchased commercially, according to horticulturists at North Carolina State University.

2. Select a site for the seed bed, keeping in mind that the area must offer moist, well-drained soil and ample shade to mimic black snake root's woodland habitat. A site shaded by large hardwood trees is ideal, but artificial shade is acceptable. If the soil contains large amounts of clay or doesn't drain well, use raised planting beds.

3. Use a spading fork to prepare the seed bed, turning the soil over to a depth of about 6 inches. Break up the clumps with a rake and level the surface.

4. Test the soil's pH level to verify it is between 5.0 and 6.0. If the pH level is incorrect, amend the soil as indicated by the directions.

5. Plant the seeds 1/4 inch deep in the prepared soil, spacing them 1 1/2 to two inches apart, and cover them with a 1-inch layer of hardwood bark or leaf mulch. By planting in the fall immediately after harvest, you allow nature to do the work of providing the warm/cold/warm cycle the seeds need for germination.

6. Keep the young seedlings moist and shaded, and observe them in the spring for emergence. When the second set of true leaves appears, transplant into regular planting beds. The roots will be ready for harvest four to six years after seeding.

Tags: snake root, black snake, black snake root, Black snake, planting beds

Get Rid Of The Hpv Virus

The launch of Gardasil and other vaccinations against the human papillomavirus has raised awareness of the virus. Strains of HPV can cause genital warts, and some strains are believed to cause cervical cancer. But vaccinations don't work after you already have the virus. In fact, once you have the virus, there is no way to get rid of it on any specific timetable. You will have to wait for your immune system to clear the virus, and even then not every person will ultimately clear it. In the meantime, there are things you can do to reduce your risk of serious complications.

Instructions

1. Women should get regular pap smears. If you have had genital warts, you will be at increased risk of cervical cancer, and a pap smear can provide early detection, making treatment easier. If you don't have genital warts, note that only 1 percent of people with HPV have warts--so not having warts does not mean you don't have HPV.

2. Wait it out. For most people, HPV infections tend to disappear within three years. Even women who show precancerous cervical lesions due to HPV sometimes have them resolve when the body figures out handle HPV.

3. Use an over-the-counter wart treatment if you have genital warts. These will not get rid of the virus itself but can treat the symptoms. If over-the-counter treatments do not work, see a physician for guidance.

4. Don't smoke, or quit if you currently smoke. Studies have shown that smoking will increase your risk of developing cancer due to the way smoking affects the immune system.

5. Limit use of oral contraceptives. Some evidence indicates that using birth control pills for more than five years might increase the risk that HPV will develop into cervical cancer. Try using an IUD or a diaphragm instead, or choose another method, if you are concerned about longterm effects from HPV.

6. Eat a healthy diet with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Fresh produce contains antioxidants, which many people believe helps the immune system to fight off infections and clear chronic infections.

Tags: genital warts, cervical cancer, have genital, have genital warts, immune system, have virus

Natural Ways To Gain Weight Fast

A good workout routine is key to gaining weight in a healthy manner.

Gaining weight is a regular routine for amateur and professional athletes alike. Wrestlers, bodybuilders and mixed martial arts fighters often engage in a "bulking" phase during which they try and pack on as many pounds as possible. Whether you are a thin person looking to gain muscle, or an athlete looking to bulk up, there are a few key strategies to help you gain weight fast.

Eat More Meals

Instead of eating three large meals per day, eat six smaller meals. Eat when you are hungry, and avoid skipping meals. Eating when you are hungry keeps your energy levels consistent and speeds up metabolism. "When you put too many hours between meals, your metabolism actually slows down to compensate," says Molly Kimball, RD, sports and lifestyle nutritionist at the Oscher's Clinic's Elmwood Fitness Center.

Eat More Calories Per Day

For a rough calculation of how many calories you should eat per day to gain weight, take your body weight and multiply it by 20. You should be eating roughly 50 percent carbohydrates, 30 percent protein and 20 percent fat. Start by eating healthy snacks every few hours, such as protein-rich nuts or dried fruit. As your appetite grows, turn those snacks into small meals. Remember to eat foods that are dense with calories, rich in protein and contain healthy fats.

Drink Weight Gainer Protein Shakes

Weight gainer protein shakes contain a significant amount of carbohydrates and protein and are formulated specifically for hard-gainers (thin men or women). Weight gainers generally have between 50 and 60 grams of protein per serving and up to 1500 calories. If you have never taken a weight gainer shake before, to avoid any unpleasant gastric disturbances, start out by consuming a half serving. After a week, try drinking a full serving.

Lift Weights

Go to the gym three to four times per week. Focus on multi-jointed, free weight exercises. Lift a weight that is challenging for you. Aim for eight to 12 repetitions per set, for three sets. Muscle fibers that are responsible for the most growth are stimulated by heavy weights.

Tags: when hungry

Test For Herpes Outbreaks During Labor

In some instances, a mother with herpes can transmit the virus to her baby via the delivery process. Newborn herpes is not common, however, it can be incredibly devastating to babies. Herpes can affect babies' eyes, skin or mouths if received via the delivery process. If you have active herpes sores or legions when you go into labor, your doctor will likely choose to perform a cesarean section to decrease the likelihood of your baby getting herpes. Fortunately, it's relatively simple to test for herpes outbreaks during labor.

Instructions

1. Talk to your doctor about your herpes early in your pregnancy. If you have ever had a herpes outbreak, the virus will always be in your body. Most women with herpes can deliver their babies vaginally as long as they are not having herpes outbreaks when they go into labor. It's imperative that your doctor is well-advised on your condition.

2. Inspect your genital area for sores, blisters, lesions or bumps. As you near the end of your pregnancy, conduct regular inspections. If you have any sign of an outbreak when you go into labor, you should not deliver your baby vaginally.

3. Use a mirror to examine your anal area. While herpes sores are common on and around the vagina, they also regularly appear on and around the anus. Examine all angles of the area to ensure there are no outbreaks.

4. Know the signs of an impending outbreak. Oftentimes, you'll experience various symptoms right before a herpes outbreak. These symptoms include itchiness, pain or discomfort in your buttocks, inner thighs or genital area. If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately.

5. Ask your doctor to inspect you for active herpes once you go into labor. Your doctor will carefully examine you, ensuring there are no signs of an outbreak. Since herpes sores sometimes occur on the inside of the vagina or the cervix, your doctor will need to examine these areas. If you have a herpes outbreak, your doctor will perform a cesarean section to lower the risk of transmitting the virus to your baby.

Tags: your doctor, doctor will, into labor, herpes outbreak, herpes sores, your baby, active herpes

Sleep With A Broken Rib

If you break a rib, you quickly understand how often you use these bones. They play an important role in breathing, allowing the chest to expand and contract.Getting the right amount of sleep when you have a broken rib is important. Sleep gives your body a chance to heal, and lack of sleep can slow down your recovery. To do this, you need to ease your pain as much as possible.

Instructions

1. The most important consideration for sleeping with a broken rib is making sure your rib cage can fully expand and contract. Doctors once believed that broken ribs needed to be wrapped tightly and kept immobilized. We now know that even though this eases some pain, it can lead to a collapsed lung, pneumonia, or other upper respiratory infection.

2. You will need some sort of pain medication to ease the pain of the broken rib. Check with your doctor about what will be best for you. Most people are able to take over-the-counter ibuprofen or aspirin, but you doctor can also prescribe something stronger for you if the pain is interfering with your sleep.

3. Many people prefer sleeping in the position that brings the least pain. For some people, this means lying on the back. However, this may interfere with your rib cage’s ability to open fully. For this reason, if you choose to sleep on your back, do not use pillows to prop yourself up.

4. As strange as it sounds, most doctors suggest lying on the side with the broken rib. This lets the uninjured side expand as much as it can for deeper breathing. You should be able to still use a pillow to prop your head.

5. A broken rib is certainly not fun, but it’s not an injury that usually leads to permanent damage. You can find a way to sleep with a broken rib that works for your lifestyle. When in doubt, always ask your doctor about which method is best for you.

Tags: with your, doctor about, expand contract, with broken, your cage

Cures For Muscle Aches

Muscle aches occur when the muscles have been overly strained and exerted. Swelling occurs, muscles feel sore and the physical movement of the muscle will feel limited. Muscle aches can generally be treated and cured at home and rest is essential. If the pain in the muscle occurs for longer than three days there may be a strain present, but, in general, muscle aches last for approximately two days.

Cause

When the muscles are overly strained, little tears occur in the muscle fibers. The muscle tends to swell due to fluids building in the tear and pain is felt as the muscle is stretched. This pain usually lasts for approximately two days and during this time the muscle feels tender and sore to touch. It may feel painful to move and use the muscles during this time.

Solution

By increasing the circulation and blood flow through the muscle, you can help to break down and remove the buildup of fluids and acids which are causing the pain. Therefore any activity that involves increasing warmth and blood flow through the area will help to both ease the pain of muscle aches as well as encourage the muscle to heal faster.

Treatment

The pain of muscle aches can be treated using any over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen. There are a variety of medicated creams that you can rub on the aching muscles. These creams feel like heat when applied and are available over the counter from any drugstore. Massage is an extremely popular treatment for muscle aches. Massage stretches the muscle, increases blood flow and encourages lymphatic drainage.

Cures

To ease the muscle aches and assist the healing process, you can soak the muscle in a warm bath, apply a heat pack or sit in a sauna. This will help to relax the muscle and increase the blood flow. Stretching is an extremely effective way of increasing blood flow and warmth through the muscle, but care must be taken to not overdo it. Light exercises such as walking also assists in repairing the muscle. Essential oils such as rosemary and black pepper will also help to reduce pain when applied to the muscle.

Prevention

To prevent straining and muscle aches, warm and stretch the muscles prior to exercise. Take five to 10 minutes to stretch and warm the muscle gradually, building the intensity of exercise slowly. Avoid the sudden impact of high-intensity physical activity. Avoid overexerting the muscles for long periods of time. Be sure to cool down after exercise gradually decreasing the intensity and stretching for five to 10 minutes again.

Tags: blood flow, muscle aches, pain muscle, approximately days, blood flow through, during this, during this time

End World Hunger

Those who study food and distribution issues understand that hunger

is not related to a shortfall in food production, but in the ability to pay

for it. What can be done to ensure that all people around the globe can

enjoy a suitable diet?

Instructions

1. Share existing food, production technology, and water and land resources with developing countries. Pressure your political leaders to pursue policies that promote global cooperation.

2. Promote economic development of developing nations to allow its residents to earn more money and afford more food.

3. Support equal rights for all people. Promoting access to health care, education and jobs for women and minorities encourages economic development for the country as a whole. Birth rates are reduced with even basic education, further reducing the strain on the food supply. See 404 Build a School in a Third World Country.

4. Lobby the U.S. government to remove agriculture subsidies. Designed to help U.S. farmers with globally traded crops like wheat and corn, subsidies depress global prices, holding down the incomes of farmers in developing countries or even driving them out of business. Poor countries can make a strong argument that the developed world is intentionally preventing the creation of a level playing field.

5. Support increased funding of global-assistance programs. The United States uses only a tiny fraction of its money (less than one-half of one percent of the gross domestic product) for overseas food assistance. The nation could easily double or triple this figure without suffering economic harm.

6. Understand the impact that meat consumption has on the world food supply. Meat production is a biologically inefficient process; the amount of meat produced is infinitely smaller than the amount of feed grain the animals consume. Eating meat elevates consumption of scarce resources and increases pressure on the world food supply. The majority of meat is consumed by developed nations.

7. Contribute to private global assistance programs such as CARE (care.org) and the International Red Cross (icrc.org). Many churches and civic organizations also conduct hunger relief programs.

Tags: food supply, developing countries, economic development, food production, world food

Repair A Hernia Without Surgery

Repair a Hernia Without Surgery

When a part of the abdominal wall is weak or tears, a part of the intestine can push through the opening, resulting in a hernia. Inguinal hernias cause a bulge in the abdomen or groin and are often painful and uncomfortable. Inguinal hernias can lead to potentially fatal complications, so most of the time doctors recommend surgery to repair them, according to Mayo Clinic. Some inguinal hernias can be repaired without surgical intervention, although this is usually reserved for minor hernias that do not cause much pain. Hiatal hernias are hernias that push up toward the chest, and they do not usually require surgery, according to FAQs.org. Do not attempt to repair your hernia without consulting with your doctor first.

Instructions

1. Use gentle pressure on the abdomen to try to push your inguinal hernia back into place. It is best to do this while in a relaxed, reclined position. A very small inguinal hernia may disappear by itself when when you lie down, according the FAQs.org.

2. Wear a truss to place gentle pressure on the hernia and hold it in place. A truss consists of a belt with a pad that goes over the hernia to hold it in and prevent more of the intestine from leaking through the weak spot in the abdomen.

3. Avoid lying down after eating if you have a hiatal hernia. Symptoms of hiatal hernias, such as heartburn, belching and middle chest pain, can get worse if you recline after a meal. Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and spicy and highly acidic foods and drinks, such as tomato-based products and citrus juices, to help relieve hiatal hernia symptoms, according to FAQs.org.

4. Take antacids to help eliminate excess stomach acid from causing heartburn if you are treating a hiatal hernia. Use over-the-counter H2 blockers to reduce the amount of acid your stomach produces if antacids fail to control your symptoms adequately.

5. Ask your doctor about prescription-strength H2 blockers and other medications, such as Prilosec, that can help alleviate hiatal hernia symptoms while you heal. Metoclopramide can cause the stomach to empty faster and can strengthen the muscle around the esophagus, eliminating some of the pain and discomfort associated with your hiatal hernia, according to FAQs.org.

Tags: hiatal hernia, according FAQs, gentle pressure, hernia hold, hernia symptoms, Hernia Without

The Human Embryo Development Of Twins

Fertilization

Fetal development of twins, as with singletons, begins with fertilization. In non-fraternal twins, two separate eggs are fertilized with two separate sperm. In fraternal twins, only one egg is fertilized but later divides into two embryos. A lesser known type of twin, called a polar-body twin, occurs when one egg splits into two and is fertilized by two separate sperm.

Zygote Division

After conception, for fraternal twins, the zygote (the fertilized egg) divides into two. In non-fraternal twins, there is no splitting of the zygote. Usually this division occurs within the first week of pregnancy.

Implantation

Implantation for any baby usually occurs 6 to 14 days after ovulation, which is roughly just after the zygote for fraternal twins would split. During this time, the zygote(s) divide(s) rapidly. Once this occurs, the zygote is termed an embryo. Some of these dividing cells become the placenta, while others will continue to divide and form the fetus. The embryos burrow into the lining of the uterine wall, and from that point, they develop similarly to singletons.

After Implantation

During the first few weeks of development, the embryos of twins grow rapidly. As with singletons, the heart begins to beat as early as only three weeks post conception, and the embryos develop distinct "insides" and "outsides." Within a few weeks, arm buds and the tail appear, as do major organs such as the liver and spleen. The brain divides into separate vesicles, leg buds form, the lungs begin to develop, and by the end of the embryonic period, all major organs have at least started to form and an ultrasound can detect spontaneous movement. It is at this point that little tiny fingers elbow joints just barely become visible and hair follicles start to form.

Tags: divides into, fraternal twins, major organs, non-fraternal twins, separate sperm

The History Of Mastectomy

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, breast cancer currently ranks seventh in the top ten of causes for women's fatality rates. Luckily, research has helped increase understanding of the disease, thus resulting in more effective treatments. In some cases, when chemotherapy and radiation treatments fail, surgical removal of the breast is in order to further prevent the spread of the disease. Known as a mastectomy, the surgery has been performed for centuries.

Pioneers of the Practice

Although some historians argue that the removal of a breast was a known practice over 3,000 years ago in ancient Egypt, it did not come into play by the medical community until the early 1800s. One Parisian woman became the first patient to undergo a removal of several tumors in 1811. She survived to live another thirty years, and often wrote about her constant pain from the procedure. It wasn't until years later that the surgery became more refined in technique.

Taking Shape

William S. Halsted had been studying the disease for some time, and in 1882 introduced his self named "radical" method of surgically removing not only the affected breast but the remaining one as well. Related structures like lymph nodes and a majority of the pectoral muscles were also removed. The procedure was effective but often left patients disfigured to varying degrees. Halsted's method became widely accepted though, and the mastectomy was born.

New Ideas

Halsted's radical mastectomy was the preferred surgery of choice for decades following its inception, until 1955 when several doctors began to favor other less tried and true methods. Doctors Hazard and Crile felt Halsted's mastectomy left much to be desired in the field of patient comfort, and believed the thyroid needed to be addressed as the possible culprit. This and other ideas came to light by the late 1970s.

New Surgeries

By 1977, most doctors advocated new radical methods of mastectomy, which included removal of only the affected breast, followed by aggressive drug and radioactive treatments. This method was carried out largely throughout the 1980s, although some doctors still saw validity in Halsted's original method. The 1990s saw some women opting for mastectomies after only one or two tumors developed, out of fear of escalating rates of breast cancer rates.

Today

Often a lumpectomy (tumor removal) is advised prior to a complete mastectomy, although following the lumpectomy a series of chemo/radiation sessions are pursued in an effort to reduce the incident of any further tumor development. This also is preferred in order to save as much breast tissue as possible.

Tags: affected breast, breast cancer, only affected, only affected breast, removal breast

Psychological Symbolism Of Colors

White light separates its multicolored components when shone through a triangular prism.

Although the symbolism of colors has been examined since ancient times, it wasn't until Sir Isaac Newton's demonstration of light as energy waves that the properties of color began to be studied scientifically. Today the psychological effects of colors are considered in a variety of applications, ranging from health care to product marketing.

Landmark Research

Robert Gerard's 1957 doctoral thesis titled "Differential Effects of Colored Lights on Psychophysiological Functions" measured the physical effects that color has on the human body, as well as the study participants' emotions associated with color. As explained in the book "Color Psychology and Color Therapy" by Faber Birren, Gerard found that blood pressure increases when a person is under red light and decreases when under blue light. Correspondingly, participants reported feeling disturbed in red light and relaxed in blue light.

Physiological Effects

White light is actually a combination of a spectrum of colors, and each color vibrates at a different wavelength of energy. Warmer colors such as red, orange and yellow vibrate faster than cooler colors such as green, blue and violet. The human eye processes color through electrical impulses that pass through the part of the brain that controls the autonomic nervous system, which governs unconscious functions such as breathing and heartbeat. This energy connection between color vibrations and the nervous system can explain why, for example, exposure to red before taking a test impairs performance and why exposure to greenery promotes recovery of hospital patients.

Psychological Effects

Although scientific studies have concentrated mostly on the psychological effects of red, blue and green, over the years, popular psychology has expanded on the concept of color symbolism by assigning universal interpretations for other colors as well, based on the degree of warmth or coolness. For example, yellow allegedly inspires confidence and optimism; orange is associated with physical comfort and security; pink represents love; violet reportedly enhances spiritual awareness; and brown is a symbol of earthiness. But not all people react universally. For example, researchers April S. Odom and Shannon S. Sholtz, of Missouri Western State University note that in one study examining children's emotional responses to color, one girl reported that yellow made her feel sad, not happy, because her mother had told her that she did not look good in yellow clothing.

Applications

Color psychology is applied in health care settings with the intention of calming people. In commercial settings, the intention is to stimulate people. The Pantone Color Think Tank reports that casino patrons take higher risks when gambling under red light than under blue light. And in retail stores, red and other warm colors attract attention and encourage impulse purchasing. A study led by Joseph A. Bellizzi found that customers even judged merchandise in a red environment to be more up to date than merchandise in a cool color environment. To help marketers use color in profitable ways, professional organizations such as the Color Marketing Group disseminate information and resources to their members worldwide.

Tags: blue light, associated with, colors such, found that, health care, nervous system

Bulgarian Tribulus Facts

Bulgarian tribulus has been used by some who claim it improves sexual function.

Tribulus terrestris, or Bulgarian tribulus, is used in medicine and as a supplement. The plant's variety of uses include energy enhancement, libido and erectile function improvement, muscular growth and for treatment of cardiovascular disease.

Hormones

Tribulus stimulates spermatogenesis, or sperm developement, through increasing secretion of the luteinizing hormone. This causes an increase in male testosterone that results in the quantity and quality of sperm produced. In females, the plant stimulates secretion of estrogen.

Muscle Growth

The body can build more mass and muscle because the extra secretion of testosterone boosted by Tribulus. Natural testosterone promotes muscle growth, strength and recovery from muscle stress through exercise.

Treatment of Cardiac Disease

A compound within Tribulus called soponin is acknowledged to improve cardiac health. The Department of Phytomedicines in Amity University noted in a clinical trial that the herb dilated coronary arteries and improved circulation.

Tags: Bulgarian tribulus

Organisms That Cause Food Poisoning

Most cases of food poisoning come from bacteria that survives in improperly cooked or prepared food. Symptoms can range from a mild discomfort to being violently ill. Anyone who has had a severe case of food poisoning would most certainly want to avoid ever getting it again and there are several culprits that cause the majority of cases.

Salmonella

One of the most common causes of food poisoning, Salmonella is a rod-shaped bacteria most commonly found in poultry and pigs. Everyone is susceptible, but children and the elderly are most at risk. Salmonella can survive in water and on surfaces, which is why restaurants take care to thoroughly clean everything used to prepare raw chicken and pork. Most cases of Salmonella are contracted through ingestion of undercooked chicken, pork, eggs or unpasteurized milk. Symptoms can include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and headache and usually last for one or two days.

Campylobacter

While cases of Salmonella have stayed relatively consistent over the years, for some reason Campylobacter has seen a heavy increase. Campylobacter is actual a group of spiral-shaped bacteria that can infect animals and humans alike. Most humans are affected by Campylobacter Jejuni. This bacteria is most often transported through birds, who can carry it without becoming sick themselves. Bird feces can also harbor this bacteria. However, Campylobacter is fragile and can not survive in oxygen, or on dry surfaces. It is also is completely destroyed with heat or freezing. Like Salmonella, it is most often spread through undercooked chicken or unpasteurized milk but symptoms normally do not surface for a few days. The symptoms include nausea, cramps, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fever and can last for as long as several weeks. This bacteria can also be life-threatening to people with compromised immune systems as it can spread to the blood stream.

E. Coli

Escherichia Coli is another common bacteria found in the stool of animals. It is a natural inhabitant of the human intestines that helps suppress the growth of other harmful bacteria. Certain strains however can be harmful and even fatal. The harmful strains of E. Coli are spread through improperly handled and cooked beef. Also, unwashed fruits and vegetables can spread the bacteria as well, especially if they were grown using manure as a fertilizer. The elderly and infants can suffer damage to the intestinal lining and anemia and get kidney failure because of this bacteria. The illness associated with E. coli can have a 50 percent mortality rate in the elderly.

Botulism

Botulism is most commonly found in improperly canned foods such as corn, green beans and peas. Dented cans are a red flag as well when attempting to avoid food poisoning. It can also be found in heated foods that have been stored improperly. Infants can catch the bacteria through spores in honey. Symptoms include abdominal pain, cramps and nausea.

Staph

Staphylococcus Aureus, most commonly called "staph" is a bacteria that creates a toxin while within food. It is salt and heat resistant and actually survives best in warm foods. The only way to kill this bacteria is through cooling. Staph is most often found in dairy products or foods with dairy added to them like creams, pies, tuna salad, egg salad and milk. However, this bacteria has also been known to inhabit potatoes and salads. Staph infections can cause pimples, boils, abdominal pain, vomiting, and a drop in body temperature. Serious cases can cause blood infections and pneumonia. The staph bacteria lives naturally on the skin and in the nose of healthy humans and is most often spread through mishandled food, sneezing around food, and allowing dairy to sit at room temperature.

Tags: food poisoning, most often, abdominal pain, bacteria that, cases Salmonella

Care For Someone With Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes a person's muscles and tissues to ache. This, in turn, causes other problems both physically and mentally in the person. When a family member or loved one gets fibromyalgia, it's hard for people to understand exactly what they're going through, since fibromyalgia doesn't leave visible signs of pain. It's important that anyone living with someone who has fibromyalgia knows care for them and react to this condition.

Instructions

1. Listen to the person who has fibromyalgia explain how it makes them feel. Since this condition can make it hard to walk or even get out of bed, knowing how it’s affecting a person you care about makes it easier to understand.

2. Ask them what things you can do for them when the fibromyalgia is at its worst. Fibromyalgia contributes to problems such as exhaustion, stomachaches, depression, chronic pain and mood swings. A person with fibromyalgia may need help cooking, cleaning, getting to the bathroom, driving places and caring for children.

3. Offer to help them change their diet and start exercising together. Fibromyalgia sufferers should avoid sugar, heavy fats and caffeine. By doing the grocery shopping and planning meals, you can help lessen their pain, without burdening them with another task. Offering to walk with them is helpful, because weight loss and consistent activity help reduce the frequency of fibromyalgia.

4. Go to the doctor with them and discuss any concerns you have about their care. This also helps you understand what types of medications they need, and the doctor can give you advice on dealing with bad episodes of fibromyalgia.

5. Buy a hot tub and encourage them to soak in it when they’re fibromyalgia is bothersome. Heat helps reduce some of the discomfort caused by this condition, and a hot tub is an instant heat source available all year round.

6. Understand that fibromyalgia sufferers don’t act moody or depressed because they want to be that way. The chronic pain is hard to deal with, and they may take it out on you. Showing compassion when they’re suffering is one way to quench any outward hostility or depression they may take out on you.

Tags: this condition, chronic pain, they take, when they, with them

Pyloric Ulcer Symptoms

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a common cause of peptic ulcers, or sores in the lining of the stomach and small intestines. The bacteria lives in the digestive tract of about 20 percent of people under age 40 and 50 percent of those over age 60 but does not cause ulcers in everyone.

Abdominal Symptoms

Abdominal discomfort including a dull ache that comes and goes over a period of several days or weeks is the most common symptom. This pain may occur 2 to 3 hours after a meal and be relieved by antacids or eating. Symptoms can be felt anywhere from your navel to your sternum.

Other Symptoms

Other less-common symptoms include nausea and vomiting, weight loss, poor appetite, bloating and belching.

Emergency Symptoms

Symptoms that require immediate medical attention are sudden sharp pain in the stomach, bloody or tar-black stools and vomit that contains blood or has a consistency of coffee grounds.

Complications

The emergency symptoms may be a sign of perforation through the stomach or intestinal wall, a burst blood vessel or food obstruction due to scar tissue. Infection can also occur.

Treatment

Antibiotics are used to kill the bacteria. Acid blockers and antacids both treat the symptoms and protect the lining of the stomach and intestines.

Tags: lining stomach

How Are Dental Veneers Applied

A bright, white smile is one of our society's most coveted physical attributes. The process of applying dental veneers was created to achieve such a smile in those with imperfect teeth. Although it may seem like a complicated procedure, the process of applying dental veneers is very common and has resulted in many happy dental customers.

In order to begin the process of dental veneer application, a patient meets with a cosmetic dentist for a consultation to discuss the procedure. At this point, the dentist may be able to use computer technology to show the patient the outcome of veneer application on their teeth.

After this initial meeting, the outer enamel on the patient's teeth must be removed. This is completed through roughening the teeth and then shaping them. Roughening and shaping the teeth allow them to eventually bond more effectively with the veneer, which is applied in a thin layer over the teeth. Due to nerve endings in the teeth, local anesthesia may be used to numb the area being worked on to prevent pain.

Before the veneers are applied, the dentist must make a wax impression of the teeth. These impressions result in veneers that are custom fitted for each patient's mouth. They are made in a dental lab. Since each set of veneers is made especially for the individual, it may take some time for them to be produced. A patient may elect to have temporary veneers placed on their teeth while they are waiting for their permanent veneers in order to protect them from being damaged.

Once the personalized veneers are complete, the dentist will ensure that the veneers fit on the teeth properly and are the right shade. It is possible to further customize the veneers during this period through additional shaping and trimming. Veneers are attached to the tooth using special cement formulated for this process. This cement is hardened by a beam of light, activating the bond between the veneer and the tooth. Once applied, veneers can no longer be adjusted for size or color, so it is important for patients to work with their dentist to ensure they are happy with their veneers before this step. Although they do require periodic maintenance by a dentist, veneers can last for many years.

Tags: applying dental, applying dental veneers, dental veneers, process applying, process applying dental

Use Niacin To Clean Thc Out Of Your System

Niacin and water in the correct amounts are helpful in removing pollutants from the body.

Super high doses of niacin have been used for 15 years as a means of cleansing the bloodstream of THC. THC is stored in adipose tissue, making a cleanse ineffective for more than four to six hours. High doses of niacin also reliably produce unpleasant side effects ranging from skin flushing to nausea and vomiting. Flush-free niacin, while free of the unpleasant effects of standard niacin, is ineffective as a THC cleanse. Despite it long history of safety and efficacy, niacin has become controversial due to its use in excess. Although doses greater than 500 milligrams are no more effective, they produce more severe side effects. Niacin only aids the body in clearing THC through the urinary tract; it is critically important that it be combined with adequate amounts of water.

Instructions

1. Prevent THC from entering your body from all possible vectors. Niacin cannot aid in the removal of THC from the body if it has not been removed from the environment.

2. Four to six hours before your desired cleanse, take 500mg of niacin orally. Anticipate unpleasant side effects, particularly skin flushing.

3. Drink 4 liters of water over a period of four to six hours. This is an essential part of the THC cleansing process.

4. Eat a light meal. This will prevent your body from burning fat for blood sugar, releasing more THC into your bloodstream

5. Urinate at least two or three times before your final elimination. It is acceptable for the first urine of the day to be colored, but all subsequent urine should be clear.

Tags: side effects, before your, body from, doses niacin, four hours, from body

Xray Technician Training

X-Ray Technician Training

Becoming an X-ray technician can be done a few ways. Around the country, training programs range from basic certifications that last about nine months to university degrees up to four years long. While all graduates will be able to perform the basic duties of a technician, more involved training will also address other forms of diagnosis and prepare graduates for advancement and specialization.

Types

The training of an X-ray technician involves two major fields: interaction with patients and the operation of equipment. When it comes to patient communication, technicians are expected to learn prepare schedules, follow doctor's guidelines, maintain patient records and protect patients from radiation. Equipment training includes the handling of different equipment, including machines used to perform fluoroscopies, CT scanners and MRI tests.

Features

The easiest way to train as an X-ray technician is to enroll in a hands-on training program, which leads to a certification. Graduates are qualified to operate X-ray machines, as well as having knowledge of radiobiology, medical ethics and physiology. Many training programs allow you to learn not only X-ray techniques but also qualify you to perform some routine laboratory tests, including electrocardiograms and electrocardiography.

Potential

Those who are looking for advancement opportunities and want to eventually move into management positions would do better with an associate or bachelor's degree in radiology. Aside from the basic techniques learned in the training programs, college courses usually explore other, more sophisticated use of equipment, including angiography and CT scans. College degrees also provide more opportunities for clinical training, often in large hospitals and specialized units.

Considerations

Aside from actually taking the X-rays, students are also taught develop them, which in some schools earns them a second certification as a Darkroom Technician. Students also learn about radiation protection, medical terminology, pathology and anatomy and physiology.

Expert Insight

Graduates can choose to take a certification offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). While certification is voluntary, more employers are now requiring it as a basis for hiring new graduates, as the certification requires continuing education courses and ensures that professionals are up to date in new techniques and advancements in the field.

Tags: training programs, Aside from, equipment including, from basic, Technician Training

The Effects Of Osteoporosis

The precise cause of osteoporosis is unknown, according to the Cleveland Clinic; however, the manner in which the disease develops and progresses is understood.

The Cleveland Clinic explains that bones are growing, living tissue. The bone is encased by an outer shell of dense or cortical bone. The inside of the bone is sponge-like with holes. When the bone is compromised by osteoporosis, the holes in the sponge of the bone get bigger and multiply. This weakens the structure of the bone.

Kyphosis

Possibly the worst outcome of advanced osteoporosis is a dowager's hump (kyphosis). A dowager's hump can result from vertebral-compression fractures. If a woman or man has porous, brittle and fragile bones, a fracture can be caused by something as simple as stooping over. If the vertebrae persist on breaking, this will eventually transform the vertebrae into a curved shape and the individual ends up being stooped over, with a pronounced hump on her back. The front of the vertebrae can collapse due to a wedge fracture, although the vertebrae in the back can remain intact, which causes the vertebrae to tilt forward. When the vertebrae are in this tipped-forward position this can result in more wedge fractures because there is tremendous stress put on the vertebrae. Eventually, the spine is horribly misaligned, according to Osteopenia3.com.

Other Types of Fractures

In addition to the wedge fracture, which occurs when the front of the vertebra collapses, two other fractures can occur when a person has advanced osteoporosis, including a bioncave fracture. This type of fracture results when the midsection of the vertebra collapses. The third type of fracture is a crush fracture. When this happens, the entire vertebra collapses.

Permanent Disability

Fractures can occur in any part of a person's body if she is afflicted with osteoporosis. These breaks often occur in the hip area, the spine and the wrists. The National Osteoporosis Foundation in Washington, D.C., notes that an advanced case of osteoporosis can limit a person's mobility. In fact, permanent disability can occur. Osteoporosis can cause a person to have bad back pain and lose inches in height.

The Silent Disease

These spinal fractures, although sometimes occurring silently and unknown to the individual, can cause pain. If you have osteoporosis and feel pain that is radiating to the front and in the direction of your abdomen, this may be an indication that you have incurred a fracture. Sometimes the pain gets worse when you sneeze or cough. You may find relief from lying down. Another symptom of a vertebral fracture is a loss of appetite or the sensation of feeling full although you haven't eaten.

Menopause and Lack of Estrogen

When a woman enters menopause, her estrogen levels become minimal. Estrogen serves to protect the strength and health of our bones when we are younger. When we no longer have that protection from estrogen, osteoporosis can develop. The incidence of bone-density loss soars during menopause. Some women opt for hormone-replacement therapy (HRT) to prevent osteoporosis; however, HRT has associated risks, such as an increased risk of breast cancer and heart disease so you have to take into consideration both the benefits and the negative aspects of HRT. To help safeguard your bones, the Mayo Clinic suggests that 1,200-to-1,500 mg of calcium, as well as 800 IU of vitamin D, be taken daily.

Tags: vertebra collapses, advanced osteoporosis, Cleveland Clinic, dowager hump, type fracture, wedge fracture

Health Effects Of Soldering Copper

Copper wire is nice to look at but dangerous to solder.

Copper is listed as a hazardous material and for good reasons. Whether it is soldering parts to circuit boards or removing them, copper will need to be melted in order to do the job. Copper is a reddish-brown metal that melts at low heat. It easily turns into a vapor that can do severe damage to our bodies. Copper in our devices has made our lives easy, while putting its manufacturers at risk.

Dust and Fumes

Copper dust from surface preparation can be breathed into the lungs as well as clog skin pores. Vapor produced as the copper is melted during the soldering process is much more harmful. Its molecular size is smaller and lighter than dust. While dust clogs the pores and lungs, the vapor penetrates both, causing greater damage. Dust and vapors can cause conditions from dermatitis to cumulative lung damage.

Short-Term Effects

Copper fumes -- finely divided black strands of particulate dispersed in air -- may cause numerous effects. The effects usually show up a few hours after first inhalation and last a day or two. Most common health issues arise from irritated eyes, nose and throats. Effects can be mild coughing or wheezing or nosebleeds. Fumes may also cause "metal fume fever" which gives you flu-like symptoms along with a metallic taste in the mouth.

Long-Term Effects

Repeated exposure to copper fumes may cause a chronic irritation of the nose. It can cause ulcers or a hole in the bone in the nose. Over time it can cause the skin to thicken. Your teeth, hair and skin can take on a greenish color. High levels of copper in the body can decrease fertility. Breathing in copper fumes puts a strain on the liver, causing damage as it tries to remove the copper.

Arsenic Trioxide

Arsenic trioxide is a part of copper, and it is considered toxic. Skin lesions and nasal septum perforations along with dermatological troubles are just the start of troubles. It can affect the gastrointestinal and central nervous systems. It also increases the incidence of lung and lymphatic cancers over prolonged periods. Although arsenic trioxide is not technically copper, you ingest arsenic trioxide along with the copper.

Tags: along with, copper fumes

Use Herbs For Bulimia

Use Herbs for Bulimia

While there are no herbs that you can use to treat bulimia directly, there are a few that can provide some relief and help people suffering from bulimia feel healthier. Some homeopathic doctors and herbalists do recommend a few herbs that may have an effect on the causes of bulimia, but this hasn't been confirmed by any scientific study so far.

Instructions

1. Consider taking licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra). Licorice helps to stabilize blood sugar and to reduce cravings and overeating. People whose blood sugars are stable are less likely to indulge in the high-calorie, high-carbohydrate food that often precedes bulimic behaviors. Licorice can be made into teas, chewed as gum or candy and sold as preparations mixed with other herbs.

2. Take herbs that support the immune system. Garlic, barley grass, Echinacea and goldenseal have all been used to strengthen the immune system and to protect against infections, fatigue and dizziness. In people suffering from bulimia, these herbs can help counteract some of the effects caused by the malabsorption of food and the abuse of laxatives.

3. Buy Tahitian Noni, a drink or concentrate made from the noni shrub. While not technically an herb, noni is considered one of the most powerful plant-based remedies, as it contains a number of vitamins and minerals that make it a great choice for those starving or purging their bodies. Both the flowers and the fruits of noni can be used.

4. Look for herbs that facilitate digestion in order to reduce the effects of gastric juices and to help your body make the most of the food you do maintain. Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) and Oatstraw (Avena sativa) are two good examples of herbs that can help digestion, are easy to obtain and have no secondary effects.

5. Add flaxseed and evening primrose oil to the herbs you use to enhance their strength. Both oils have been shown to have a favorable impact on the health of the immune system. This is especially true when they are consumed with fresh herbs instead of being used in cooking or meal preparation.

Tags: herbs that, immune system, from bulimia, have been, Herbs Bulimia

Treat Eye Infection

Eye infections are usually caused by viruses or bacteria. Common causes may be trauma, eye surgery, wearing contact lenses, or diseases that leave the body vulnerable to bacteria or viral infection. One of the most widespread types of eye infections is conjunctivitis (pink eye), which can easily be spread by contact. Blepharitis and styes are also common and tend to result in swollen, infected eyelids. While such infections may, if severe, require a trip to the doctor, there are a number of methods you can use at home to treat the symptoms.

Instructions

1. Apply a warm compress several times a day. You can use this by running hot water over a clean, folded washcloth, then squeezing the water out (at which point it should have cooled enough down from hot to just warm) and applying it with gentle pressure to the infected eye. Warm, moist teabags are also very good, as they make perfect, eye-sized compresses (and you can use them after you've already made tea from them).

2. Wash your eyelid gently with baby shampoo. Make sure you get a tear-free formula (as most baby shampoos should be) with no added perfumes or dyes.

3. Avoid rubbing your eyes as this can spread infection. Wash your hands regularly throughout the day.

4. Do not wear any type of eye makeup or contact lenses while the infection lasts as these can aggravate the irritation. Throw away any eye makeup you may have used just before the infection began, as it may be contaminated and you do not want to re-infect yourself later by using contaminated mascara. If you have disposable lenses, be sure to use a new pair once the infection clears up. If yours are not disposable, be sure to clean them thoroughly (using both heat and enzymatic methods).

5. Try over-the-counter eyedrops to see if they help soothe the itching and discomfort. If they do not work, you can see your eye doctor for a topical ointment or prescription eyedrops.

Tags: contact lenses, Wash your

Which Foods Are Rich In Iodine

Which Foods Are Rich in Iodine?

Iodine is a nutrient that keeps the thyroid healthy and helps this important gland produce the correct amount of thyroid hormones. Because several commercial food products are enriched with this mineral, most people get enough iodine in their daily diets. However, if you're concerned about your iodine intake, you can choose from a number foods that are rich in iodine.

Salt and Salty Foods

Today, most people get plenty of iodine in their diets because the mineral is added to salt. This is why most commercial table salt is labeled as "iodized." Before the practice of adding iodine to salt was adopted in the 1920s, however, people in parts of the United States developed goiters and thyroid problems due to lack of iodine in the diet. Since the late 20th century, however, sea salt has become more widely available as a culinary alternative to table salt. While sea salt has many advantages, it contains much lower concentrations of iodine than traditionally manufactured table salt.

Kelp

Kelp, a type of algae that grows in saltwater oceans, is high in iodine. A serving of kelp contains just nine calories but provides more than twice the recommended daily allowance, or RDA, of iodine. Kelp is used in some Asian cuisines and can be processed to produce thickeners used in packaged food.

Dairy Products

Dairy products, particularly yogurt, are rich in iodine. A serving of low-fat yogurt contains more than 50 percent of your RDA of iodine, while a serving of 2 percent milk contains almost 40 percent of your RDA of this mineral. Cheese can also be a significant source of the nutrient, providing 7 or 8 percent of the RDA.

Saltwater Fish

Saltwater fish tends to be high in iodine because its habitat contains this nutrient, and many fish concentrate iodine in their bodies' tissues. Seafood varieties that are particularly rich in iodine include sea bass, haddock, cod and perch. A three-ounce serving of cod has about 66 percent of the RDA for iodine.

Fruits and Vegetables Grown in Iodine-Rich Soil

Some parts of the country have very low concentrations of iodine in the soil, which could lead to iodine deficiency in the absences of nutritional supplements. This is particularly true of soil at high elevations or soil in parts of the country far from seacoasts. Other parts of the country, however, have iodine-rich soil, and fruits and vegetables grown in this soil will have higher concentrations of iodine. Strawberries, in particular, are a good source of iodine, containing about 7 or 8 percent of the RDA in each serving.

Other Sources

Other dietary sources of iodine include eggs, shrimp, navy beans and baked potatoes. (See Resources.) Bread can also be a good source of iodine, because some bakers add iodine to dough as a conditioner.

Tags: concentrations iodine, iodine their, parts country, table salt, about percent

Use Pheromones To Attract A Mate

Human pheromones are detected by a special organ in the nose and are responsible for a wide variety of effects from the synchronization of menstrual cycles to finding Mr. or Mrs. Right. Whether a person can use pheromones to make themselves more attractive is still being studied, but it can't hurt to give it a try.

Instructions

1. Try going scentless. It's possible that fragrances added to everything from laundry detergent to shampoo bury our pheromones under layers of scents. Replace everything in your home with unscented versions.

2. Let yourself sweat a little. Pheromones are made in the armpits, so if you let them get a little damp, you have a better chance of having pheromones to detect. Don't let yourself get stinky, however, or you'll turn off potential mates before the pheromones take effect.

3. Buy pheromones. A few fragrance lines purport to include human pheromones. They even have products that are odorless if you don't want to wear a fragrance but still want the pheromones. Be aware, though, that because these pheromones aren't yours, you won't necessarily attract Mr. or Mrs. Right.

4. Find a crowd. Your natural pheromones should attract someone who's physically compatible with you, so don't worry if there are a lot of "competitors" around. Mingle, circulating through the room so everyone can be exposed to your pheromones.

5. Keep your end up. Don't expect pheromones to do all the work. You still should be well-groomed and interesting to talk to.

Tags:

Oil Pull For Health

Sesame Oil and Sunflower Oil

Oil pulling is still a very new healing concept in the U.S. but has been practiced for a very long time in other countries, such as Europe, India and China. Oil pulling is an alternative health practice of swishing edible oil (such as sunflower oil) around in your mouth (without swallowing it), for about 20 minutes, then spitting it out. Sounds simple, doesn't it? Actually, not only is it very easy to do, it's a very powerful healing practice, offering many health benefits. Oil pulling detoxifies the body in a highly effective way.Yet another wonderful bonus of oil pulling is an increased metabolism. Eventually, you may notice you will lose weight, if your body needs to. Oil pulling will help restore your body to its normal weight.

Instructions

Your Daily Oil Pulling Procedure

1. The first thing in the morning on an empty stomach and before drinking any liquids (including water), pour exactly one tablespoon of sunflower or sesame oil (or whatever oil you have chosen) into your mouth.

2. Set a timer for exactly 20 minutes.

3. Swish the oil around in your mouth without swallowing it. Move it around in your mouth and through your teeth, as if it was mouthwash (don't tilt your head back to gargle though). You'll find that the oil will start to get watery as your saliva mixes with it. Keep swishing.If your jaw muscles get sore while swishing, you're putting too much into it. Relax your jaw muscles and use your tongue to help move the liquid around the inside of your mouth. When you do this correctly, you'll feel very comfortable. Pretty soon, it will become second nature.

4. As the end of the oil pulling session approaches, you may notice the oil/saliva mixture in your mouth has become thicker. This is quite normal, since it is pulling out toxins from your body.When 20 minutes is up, spit out the oil into the toilet. Don't be alarmed if it looks yellowish--this is also normal.

5. Rinse out your mouth a couple of times with warm water and spit into the toilet. Rinse and spit with a good mouthwash. I prefer to dilute with water (or use full strength), regular hydrogen peroxide and I rinse and spit with that. The hydrogen peroxide is very effective in rinsing out any toxins which may be left in the mouth.

6. Brush your teeth as usual with your toothpaste of choice. Baking soda is also a good option for brushing. Now you can drink liquids, eat and go throughout your day as usual. Enjoy a more healthier you with fresher breath, and clean, brighter and whiter teeth.

Tags: your mouth, around your, around your mouth, your body, hydrogen peroxide

Types Of Awareness Ribbons

Awareness ribbons adorn clothes and products to draw attention and support to causes. They have been used so frequently to represent such a wide variety of topics, that many colors and styles now represent more than one. Awareness ribbons symbolize issues related to all kinds of aspects of health, politics and society.

Physical Illnesses

Awareness ribbons are frequently used in campaigns to increase public awareness of diseases. For example, the pink ribbon associated with breast cancer can be seen everywhere as a personal accessory and as a logo on informational materials and commercial goods. Other colors of ribbons are also used for AIDS (red), cystic fibrosis (purple), multiple sclerosis (orange), asthma (gray) and other kinds of cancer (a variety of colors).

Mental Disorders

While ribbons for physical illnesses are more common, ribbons are used for mental disorders as well. Green ribbons have been used as a symbol for childhood depression awareness, while purple and orange have been used for attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, respectively. A ribbon with a jigsaw puzzle piece pattern has been used for autism spectrum disorder awareness. Silver has also been used for a number of mental illnesses, including anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

Political Messages

Although both these types of ribbons relate to health, ribbons are used in other areas as well. Awareness ribbons originate from yellow ribbons used first as a sign of solidarity with a woman whose husband had been taken hostage overseas and then during the Gulf War as an expression of the wish for soldiers' safe return. Red, white and blue ribbons and ribbons decorated like the flag have been used as a symbol of patriotism, particular after the September 11th attacks. The heroes and the victims of this event have also been commemorated by purple ribbons. Ribbons have carried other kinds of political messages as well, like blue ribbons used to support the protection of free speech online and rainbow ribbons used to support gay rights.

Social Causes

Social causes have been another subject of ribbons. Ribbons that are half pink and half blue have been used as a symbol of support for pro-life ideas. White ribbons have been used as a symbol in a campaign to end gender violence, while purple ribbons have been used as a sign to end domestic violence, to promote religious tolerance and for Worker's Memorial Day. Green ribbons have been associated with environmental concerns.

Other Messages

Awareness ribbons are also worn for other reasons, such as personal signs of mourning and to support awareness of medical issues and conditions that don't fit into other categories of disease, like suicide awareness (yellow) and organ transplantation and donation awareness (green).

Tags: been used, have been, have been used, Awareness ribbons, ribbons used

Freshen Up A Room With Your Favorite Essential Oil

Use essential oil to give your room a lift.

Using your favorite essential oil to freshen up a room can have some positive effects. For instance, scents have the power to affect a person's mood and uplift the spirit. When used properly, natural scents can affect a person both physically and emotionally. Spread the aroma throughout the room in various ways to reap the benefits.

Instructions

1. Put a few drops of your favorite essential oil in a bowl of crumbled flowers and leaves. Gently toss the leaves and petals with your hands to release the fragrance into the air.

2. Add a few drops of the oil to a piece of tissue paper, and rub it on a lamp's light bulb. Heat from the light bulb will release the fragrance when you turn on the lamp.

3. Take the same tissue paper and wipe the doors and baseboards in the room. If you do this often, the fragrance will penetrate the wood and you'll have your favorite fragrance in the room all the time.

4. Pour a few drops of oil on tissue paper and put it into the vacuum cleaner's bag prior to vacuuming.

Tags: tissue paper, affect person, favorite essential, light bulb, release fragrance, your favorite, your favorite essential

Mlb Rules On Steroids

Prior to 2002, there was no policy by Major League Baseball regarding the treatment of players who tested positive for steroids. Although there was speculation about its use for decades, it was not until suspicions heightened and allegations were made that the issue was given any significant attention. The rules set forth have become more stringent over the years; however, the implications of steroid use in MLB still are unknown.

History

After the 1998 baseball season the prevalence of steroid use became a real concern. That year Sammy Sosa of the Chicago Cubs and Mark McGwire of the St. Louis Cardinals hit home run after home run until finally, McGwire ended the season with more homers than Sosa. McGwire hit 70 home runs, topping Roger Maris as the player with the most home runs during a baseball season. After 40 years, not one, but two players in one year exceeded the 61 home run record and suspicions heightened.

2004 Policy

Under the steroid policy MLB adopted in 2002, players caught using steroids would be required to seek treatment. There were no fines or suspensions involved. The need for a more stringent policy was realized as a result of the BALCO scandal. Bay Area Laboratory Cooperative (BALCO), distributed nutritional supplements to athletes. The government found that banned substances were being provided to athletes and allegations were made that MLB players were purchasing these substances. As a result, in 2004 each player was tested one a year during the regular season. A first positive test continued to result in treatment. However, players would be suspended for 15 days for a second positive test.

2005 Policy

The 2005 policy stated that all baseball players would be subject to an unannounced mandatory test at least once during the season and random testing would be done during the off-season. Also, selected players could be tested randomly throughout the season at any time. Players who tested positive would be suspended without pay. First-time offenders would be suspended for 10 days. If caught twice, there would be a 30-day suspension. The third offense would result in a 60-day suspension and a fourth offense was punishable by a one-year suspension.

2008 Policy

The rampant use of steroids among Major League Baseball players resulted in a federal investigation which was led by Sen. George Mitchell. The findings of this investigation and recommendations for a revised steroid policy are included in a report, referred to as the Mitchell Report. As of 2008, the suspension for testing positive for steroids was 50 games. Players will be suspended for 100 games if they test positive for steroids a second time. A third positive test, like a third strike, means the player will be out, suspended from Major League Baseball forever.

Significance

Steroids increase muscle and reduce time needed to recover from an injury, giving players an unfair advantage. With the help of these performance enhancement drugs, balls were thrown harder and hit farther. Records were even broken. This has created an interesting dilemma for the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA), the individuals responsible for voting players into the Hall of Fame. Other than having played for 10 years and be retired for five, the other qualifications to be elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame are subjective and include standards like integrity, sportsmanship and character. For some players, the use of steroids may actually prevent them from being elected into the Hall.

Tags: League Baseball, Major League, Major League Baseball, positive steroids, positive test