A YAG eye surgery is corrective type of laser eye surgery performed to remove obstructions that may cause vision problems. This surgery is often necessary following cataract surgeries and is considered common.
Tissue
Following cataract surgery, many patients develop a secondary scar tissue behind their lens implant. This tissue is what is removed during YAG eye surgery.
Method
YAG eye surgeries are performed by first inserting dilating drops. Then, a small incision is created in the eye's cloudy capsule to alleviate post-surgical blurriness.
Details
YAG eye surgery procedures are of the outpatient variety and take only minutes to perform. Some patients will notice an immediate improvement in vision, while others may possibly need to wait days before observing the results.
Examination
To ensure that the surgery was successful, medical professionals examine the YAG eye surgery recipient following the procedure prior to releasing him.
Risks
The risks involved with YAG eye surgery are much less than that of a traditional cataract surgery. It is possible for the retina to become detached from the back of the eye during the procedure, but this is an extremely rare occurrence.
Treatment for burns varies depending on the layers of skin involved and the size of the affected area. Minor burns can generally by treated at home, but major burns require medical treatment. Individuals who have experienced a second-degree burn or worse should seek emergency medical care.
First-Degree Burns
A first-degree burn affects the outer layer of skin. First-degree burns are characterized by red-colored skin, swelling and pain. When the first-degree burn affects only a small area, treat it as a minor burn. Treatment can be more aggressive if a large area of skin on the face, groin, buttocks, hands or feet are burned. Large areas of burned skin should be treated as a major burn.
Second-Degree Burns
A second-degree burn affects the top layer and second layer of skin. This burn usually produces blisters, and the skin will become red and splotchy. Pain and swelling will be severe. A small second-degree burn no larger than 3 inches in diameter can be treated as a minor burn. Second-degree burns that cover a large area of skin on the face, groin, buttocks, hands and feet should be treated as major burn.
Minor Burn Treatment
Cool the burn by holding it under a faucet with running cold water or immerse the burn in cold water. A cold compress can be used. It could take five minutes for cold water to alleviate the pain. Aloe vera can be applied to alleviate some discomfort. Cover the burned area with a gauze bandage without putting pressure on the area. Take Ibuprofen, acetaminophen (Tylenol) or naproxen to reduce pain.
Major Burn Treatment
Major burns require medical treatment. While waiting for treatment, do not remove clothing touching the area. Also, do not treat a large area with cold water because it could trigger shock. Elevate the burned area, and cover it with a cool, moist bandage or cloth. Antibiotic ointments can be prescribed to prevent infection.
Warnings
Do not put ice directly on a burn.
Do not use medicated ointments, butter or oil to treat a burn.
Do not break open any blisters that might form. Resist the urge to scratch skin as it heals.
Tags: cold water, burn affects, large area, second-degree burn, area skin, area skin face, area with
Varicose veins are enlarged, coiled veins. Any vein can become varicose, but they usually occur in the leg because standing puts added pressure on the veins in the leg. Ablation is one of many varicose vein treatment options.
Identification
Ablation means the removal of material from the surface by vaporization, heat or some other process. Endovenous ablation is used to treat varicose veins.
Function
Endovenous ablation is a procedure that uses heat generated by radiofrequency or laser to seal off the faulty vein that has become varicose. The blood is then diverted to another, working vein.
Considerations
Varicose veins are usually a cosmetic problem, but people who get endovenous ablation treatment usually do so to relieve themselves from symptoms produced by varicose veins. These symptoms can include pain, swelling, skin irritation, discoloration and inflammation.
Features
Ablation treatment consists of an ultrasound machine, a catheter and a laser or radiofrequency electrode. The ultrasound machine allows the doctor to see the vein while he or she inserts the catheter into the vein that has become varicose. The laser or radiofrequency electrode is then inserted in the catheter. Heat is then applied which causes the vein to collapse and then shrink after the procedure.
Warning
Any procedure where the skin is punctured carries the risk of infection, so it is important to follow the doctor's instructions. Postoperative bruising or swelling may occur which requires that the patient wear compression stockings. While it is very rare, the heat produced during the operation can damage nerve endings.
Tags: become varicose, Endovenous ablation, laser radiofrequency, laser radiofrequency electrode, radiofrequency electrode, that become
Amber has been revered as a healing stone dating at least as far back as the ancient Greeks and Romans. It's believed that its power to heal lies in its capability to act as an ionizer that purifies its surroundings.
Teething
Amber teething rings are available for babies to chew on to soothe their gums. The stone is said to be a natural pain reliever.
Balance
The stone is credited with restoring balance to practically any part of the body by absorbing any negative energies that are weighing you down.
Energy
Since amber is believed by some to carry the force of life, people who feel lethargic can wear it to restore their energy.
Emotion
Amber is attributed to comforting people who are dealing with anxiety and severe depression.
Chakras
The stone can support chakras (energy centers) in the body, such as the fifth or throat chakra, to enhance communication and creativity.
Joints
People can limber up their joints that are stiff from problems like arthritis by wearing amber bracelets.
Paranoid schizophrenia is a mental disorder where the victim loses touch with reality. He will hallucinate, see things that aren't there, and have delusions, notions about things that don't exist in reality. Paranoid schizophrenia can occur from teenagers to people in their mid-30s.
Delusions
People with paranoid schizophrenia tend to believe that people are "after them." For example, a common symptom is that they tend to believe the government or someone wants to kill them. Also, people with paranoid schizophrenia tend to have delusions of grandeur.
Hallucinations
Hearing sounds, such as voices, is common in people with paranoid schizophrenia. Usually these voices will say denigrating things about the person or command them to do things they don't want to do.
Suicidal Thoughts
Thinking about or attempting suicide is a common symptom in people with paranoid schizophrenia.
Other Symptoms
Flashes of anger, anxiety, social distancing and confrontational behavior all are symptoms that accompany the more drastic ones in people with paranoid schizophrenia.
Causes
Though there is no known cause for the condition, people with it in their families tend to have more than one case. Paranoid schizophrenia is usually treated with an array of medication and therapy.
Tags: with paranoid, with paranoid schizophrenia, people with, people with paranoid, paranoid schizophrenia, Paranoid schizophrenia, common symptom
Crystal flutes are a good gift for friends who enjoy entertaining.
In 1935, the U.S. began dedicating a day in honor of friendship, and the idea soon spread to several nations across the world. Friendship Day is celebrated each year on the first Sunday of August, and gifts are appropriate on that day, or on any other day when friends want to show their appreciation for each other. Crystal is one material from which beautiful gift items, both simple and elaborate, are crafted.
Keepsakes/Mementos
What better way to let someone know you value their friendship than to commemorate it with a crystal keepsake? Crystal plates and plaques engraved with friendship poems or sayings are classic choices that often can be personalized with names, significant dates, and even special messages. Smaller tokens with a personal touch might include crystal candlesticks, figurines, or key chains engraved with a friend's name or initials.
Jewelry
A couple of decades ago, handmade friendship bracelets were a big trend among kids, teenagers and even young adults. These days, the style is making a comeback, and designers such as Henri Bendel are adding an upscale twist. Bendel offers crystal friendship bracelets on cotton linen cords, and other jewelers have combined Swarovski crystals with birthstone jewelry to make friendship bracelets and necklaces.
Vases
For a friend who loves flowers, a beautiful crystal vase can be a thoughtful gift that will make your friend think of you every time it is used. Crystal vases can be small bud vases or larger vessels for bigger bouquets. They can be relatively inexpensive, or if your budget allows, Waterford, Baccarat or Lalique crystal vases can also be found. Often, crystal vases can be engraved to make them an even more personal gift.
Goblets/Flutes
Crystal is a type of glass, so it is only natural that many drinking vessels are made from it. Crystal goblets, flutes and other drinking glasses are good gifts for friends, especially if those friends enjoy entertaining. For instance, Claddagh Lane's Galway Crystal "Claddagh Friendship" goblet is engraved with the Irish claddagh, a symbol of friendship and love, and comes in pairs or sets of four.
The adrenal glands affect the functioning of every tissue, organ, gland and cell in the human body. They also have important effects on the way a person thinks and feels. The body could not survive without the adrenals. Likewise, the proper functioning of the adrenal glands depends upon the nourishment provided to them. Whether nourishing, deficient or downright toxic---the adrenals are intensely affected by the food a person eats.
Purpose
The adrenal glands are vital to many important functions in the human body, including the production of cortisol, sex (estrogen and testosterone) and steroid hormones (for strength and endurance) as well as the utilization of carbohydrates and fats and the conversion of fats and proteins into energy. The adrenals also oversee the distribution of stored fat (especially around the waist and at the sides of the face), help regulate blood sugar levels, maintain proper cardiovascular and gastrointestinal functions, and are responsible for the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant hormone secretions that are involved in allergic reactions.
Food Allergies
When an allergic reaction takes place, histamine is released. Cortisol is an adrenal hormone that counters these symptoms in an attempt to return things to normal. The more histamine that is released, the more cortisol it takes to control the inflammatory response and the harder the adrenals must work to produce the needed cortisol. If the adrenals are constantly working to meet the cortisol demand, they will eventually become fatigued and produce less cortisol.
It is important that one identifies food allergy sources if they are an underlying cause of adrenal fatigue. Otherwise, adrenal function will burn out altogether, and it will be much harder to overcome the problem once that has happened. The most common food allergens are milk, wheat, soy, corn, chocolate, tomatoes and beef.
Caffeine and Chocolate
Caffeine beverages, such as soda or coffee, can drive the adrenal glands constantly, keeping the vicious burnout cycle alive. Hot cocoa and other chocolate beverages may be even more harmful to the adrenals due to the combined effect of caffeine and sugar.
Sugar and White Flour
Foods containing sugar and white flour are the foods many people suffering from adrenal fatigue crave most. This is because hypoglycemia and adrenal fatigue often go hand in hand, and so the body craves foods that quickly raise the blood sugar. The problem is that they raise blood sugar too high, causing excessive insulin release. The excess insulin then causes blood sugar levels to crash, often leading to hypoglycemic symptoms and more cravings. This creates a dangerous cycle.
Harmful Oils
Commonly used types of hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils are vegetable shortening, margarine and the hydrogenated oil used in commercial peanut butters. Foods containing hydrogenated fats disrupt normal fatty-acid metabolism in the body. Digestion of these oils uses up the enzymes that normally would be used by healthy oils to create cell membranes and nerve sheaths. Most deep-fried foods are fried in hydrogenated oils and as a result contain free radicals that can cause oxidative tissue damage throughout the body. The adrenal glands work harder in response to this damage. If they are already overworked, then the burden takes an even greater toll.
The uses of aloe vera gel are plentiful. From centuries long past to the modern day, aloe retains its reputation as a versatile skin remedy. Because the most benefit of aloe vera gel comes directly from the plant itself, it is wise to have one or two aloe plants growing in your home.
The Plant
The aloe plant is a succulent containing a cool yellowish gel within its thick leaves. When using aloe from the plant, it's as simple as cutting a leaf and slicing it open to expose the gel within. A spoon or knife will suffice to scrape out the gel.
Availability
Plants may be obtained from nurseries and plant stores. The gel may be purchased in most natural living or natural food stores in bottled form. Many commercial products contain aloe gel.
Sunburns
Aloe gel is a time-tested soother for burns of all kinds. Sunburns are commonly treated with aloe for its cooling, healing attributes.
Skin Softener
The gel is often added to commercial beauty products due to its softening properties. It is beneficial in treating acne and can be used straight from the plant or the bottle for basic skin care.
Hemorrhoid Relief
Because aloe vera is astringent, it may be effective in reducing the swelling of hemorrhoidal tissue with external application.
Natural Hand Sanitizer
Aloe vera gel can be found in many natural hand sanitizer products. It is a thickening agent and counteracts the irritation of an alcohol-based sanitizer.
Tap into what the ancient Chinese Taoists believed was the eternal power that moved the universe ' Chi. When we're stressed we often block our Chi flow, becoming tired and tense. Now you can relax and harness your internal power.
Instructions
1. Begin with meditation to become aware of your own chi.
2. Sit comfortably in a quiet place. Be sure you won't be interrupted for at least 20 minutes.
3. Inhale and exhale deeply, breathing from your diaphragm. Imagine fatigue and tension escaping as you exhale. Imagine fresh air and energy entering your body as you inhale.
4. Isolate muscle groups. Tense a group, such as your neck muscles, for several seconds and then relax. Move on to another area until your body is fully relaxed.
5. Empty your mind of stressful thoughts and concentrate on the rhythm of your body. Sense the blood flow, your breathing and so on until you can feel the body's natural rhythm.
6. Bring up your awareness (spirit) to the top of your head by imagining a string pulling you up.
7. Push your breathing lower until you reach an area about three inches below the navel and two inches inward (the tan t'ien, known as the center of your chi).
8. Meditate every day. After several weeks or months you will begin to sense the rhythm of internal energy without the assistance of deep breathing.
9. Use your mind to guide your chi's path inside your body. You'll gain increased awareness and natural energy.
Mucous colitis is another name for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), a condition of the large intestine which is often triggered by stress. It can be a debilitating condition, affecting a person's lifestyle in a variety of ways.
Mucous colitis symptoms mimic those of other conditions and diseases, and can be challenging to diagnose. Mucous colitis symptoms can include diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain and fatigue.
Mucous Colitis
Mucous colitis is often confused with inflammatory bowel disease, but the main difference is that mucous colitis is a psychosomatic condition brought on by emotional upset which results in bodily difficulties.
Lifestyle Impact
Although technically not a disease, mucous colitis can be detrimental to physical and emotional health. Anxieties fueled by the symptoms can bring on further stress, and in turn, further symptoms, creating a vicious cycle.
Physically, mucous colitis causes the sufferer a lot of excruciating pain through its symptoms.
Diagnosis
Mucous colitis diagnosis can occur after a battery of tests done by a gastroenterologist. This can include blood tests and more invasive tests, such as a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, which explore issues in the large intestine (a colonoscopy goes deeper and requires sedation). Once these tests are performed and if other conditions are ruled out, mucous colitis may be the diagnosis.
Treatment Options
Limiting stress may alleviate some symptoms. Dietary changes can also help. Lactose intolerance may cause diarrhea, and limiting dairy may help. Elimination of cruciferous vegetables, which can cause gas and pain, may be another remedy.
Medications
Antispasmodic and antidiarrheal medications can help to control symptoms and alleviate pain.
Knee replacement surgery is used to treat chronic knee pain, inflammation, deformity and stiffness that cannot be relieved with pain medications. Most of the time, surgeons perform knee replacement surgery on adults between the ages of 60 and 80, and complications are uncommon. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, fewer than 2 percent of patients who undergo knee replacement surgery experience complications.
Blood Clots
People who have undergone knee replacement surgery are at increased risk for blood clots in the legs (also known as thrombophlebitis) or lungs (known as pulmonary embolism). To avoid this complications, surgeons recommend that patients keep the legs elevated, do exercises to improve circulation and wear support hose. People who have knee replacement surgery also need to take blood-thinning medications to reduce the risk of this complication.
Infection
Infection is another common complication after knee replacement surgery. Patients who undergo dental work or develop urinary tract or skin infections may have bacteria enter the bloodstream and infect the area surrounding the newly replaced joint, says the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. To prevent this complication, doctors will prescribe antibiotics after surgery.
Wear and Loosening
It's rare, but the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases notes that patients may find that the components of the knee joint wear out more quickly than expected or become loose (especially if a person falls unexpectedly). This complication may require additional surgery.
Scar Tissue
Sometimes scar tissue may build up around the knee after surgery, which can restrict a patient's range of motion.
Injury to Nerves and Blood Vessels
Surgical techniques for knee replacement surgery have improved over the years, but a patient's nerves and blood vessels may be damaged during the course of surgery. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons notes that this complication is very rare.
Tags: replacement surgery, knee replacement, knee replacement surgery, Academy Orthopaedic, Academy Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Academy, American Academy Orthopaedic
Lung cancer is quite painless until it's at an advanced stage. Once symptoms begin, it is usually too late for treatment. Lung cancer is usually not diagnosed until it is quite advanced due to the fact that the victim may simply think they are suffering from a common respiratory infection and decide not to seek medical attention. Smokers especially may ignore their worsening "smoker's cough," disregarding the signs that are happening to them. Unfortunately, this may prove to be a fatal mistake. When signs and symptoms of lung cancer appear, it is usually due to the fact that it has spread to other organs.
Signs
Pain may be present when breathing or laughing, and the victim may believe he has pneumonia or pleurisy when, in fact, he has advanced lung cancer that has most likely spread elsewhere in the body. Signs include: coughing up blood or rust-colored phlegm; a loss of appetite and weight loss along with fatigue; hoarseness of the voice and the onset of wheezing; shortness of breath (SOB); and frequent bouts of pneumonia, bronchitis and fevers.
Risk Factors
Smokers are at risk for getting lung cancer, although quitting smoking now reduces the risks. Other risk factors include: second-hand cigarette smoke; exposure to asbestos; breathing unhealthy levels of particulates over a period of time such as when you are living in a smog-filled city; and exposure to carcinogenic materials at work or where you live.
Advanced Symptoms
Yellowing of the whites of the eyes and the skin may be apparent; this is called jaundice. Other advanced symptoms include: pain in the bones; weakness or numbness of the limbs together with dizziness; masses appearing under the skin (epidermis) due to the spread of cancer through the lymph nodes in the neck above the collarbone; swelling of the face and neck; and rapid weight loss.
Initial Tests
At your appointment you will undergo a number of tests used to determine whether, in fact, you have lung cancer or if it is some other complaint. Chest x-rays, CT scans, sputum cytology (spit or phlegm testing) are the initial tests. On positive initial testing, the victim will undergo more accurate tests to establish how large the tumor (single or multiple) is and how far it has spread.
When lung cancer has advanced, it often affects other organs. Unfortunately the victim, unaware of the actual root cause being lung cancer, seeks help for that complaint instead. Thorough testing often reveals the real cause too late for effective treatment.
Expert Insight
According to Health-Alliance, "Only about 15 percent of the lung cancer cases are found in the early stages, before the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or elsewhere. The 5-year survival rate for people with lung cancer is 60 percent if there is no evidence of cancer in lymph nodes at the time of surgery" (see Resources).
Tags: lung cancer, lung cancer, lymph nodes, fact that, other organs, weight loss
Anxiety, or panic disorder, can be present from birth, or may present at any point in a person's life. Symptoms of anxiety often are physically harmless and highly preventable. Numerous treatments exist for anxiety attacks, from exercises you can perform on your own, to intensive treatments that involve a combination of behavioral therapy and medication.
Types
Generally, three types of treatment categories exist for anxiety attacks: cognitive behavioral therapy (or talk therapy), medications, and a combination of both therapy and medication. While it is best to be evaluated by a professional to determine the most effective type of treatment, you can try a variety of "self-help" techniques for relief first.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy helps anxiety suffers identify the negative thoughts or "triggers" that typically bring on their uncomfortable and frightening physical symptoms of anxiety. By learning identify, acknowledge and rationalize these thoughts, you can reduce or eliminate symptoms over time.
Medications
People with anxiety issues can use medication intermittently or regularly to treat and diminish symptoms. These medications, classified as either antidepressants or benzodiazepines, are often combined with behavioral therapy.
Self-Help Techniques
Certain techniques such as timing breath (breathing once every five seconds), meditation and systematic muscle relaxation can lessen and eventually prevent anxiety symptoms once you identify symptom triggers.
Warnings
While anxiety medications can and do help many patients, they sometimes unfortunately can bring on the very symptoms many patients are trying to eliminate. Common side effects associated with benzodiazepines include dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, depression and nausea.
Famous Ties
Many famous people--such as Oprah Winfrey, Nicole Kidman, Michael Jackson, Donny Osmond and even Sigmund Freud--reported dealing with various forms of anxiety or panic disorder. Even outgoing Food Network star Paula Deen once suffered from agoraphobia.
Stuttering can worsen when you're excited, tired or stressed.
Stuttering is a disorder affecting the fluency of speech. People who stutter involuntary hesitate when speaking and repeat and draw out parts of words or phrases. According to The New York Times, about 5 percent of children aged 2 to 5 experience stuttering, but it is usually a short phase. For less than 1 percent of children, the stuttering progresses. Speech therapy may be helpful in persistent cases, but drug therapy has not proven to be effective.
Difficulty Starting a Word
A major symptom of stuttering is difficulty starting a word, sentence or phrase. You may notice prolonged pauses and long, drawn-out sounds while the person is trying to say a word.
Repetition and Prolongation
Repetition of words or phrases and prolongation of speech sounds are common symptoms of stuttering. A person's speech may also be "blocked" -- the mouth is positioned to say a sound but no sound is produced for several seconds. The person may also interject "um" or "like" into speech.
Other Symptoms
Other physical symptoms often accompany speech difficulty. Rapid eye blinks, lip or jaw tremors, and tension or movement of the face or upper body can also take place with stuttering. A person who stutters might also seem out of breath or tense while talking.
Neurogenic Stuttering
Fragmented or halting sounds or interruptions in producing words characterize neurogenic stuttering. People with this type of stuttering have suffered an injury or disease affecting the central nervous system, such as a stroke, head trauma, ischemic attacks, and tumors or other neoplasms; degenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis; or other diseases, such as meningitis, Guillain-Barr syndrome and AIDS.
Causes
The causes of stuttering are unknown, but factors that may cause stuttering include genetics, language development and signal difficulties. Young children may stutter when their speech abilities can't yet keep up with what they want to say; they usually outgrow developmental stuttering within four years. Stuttering can also occur when the signals between the brain and the nerves and muscles that control speech do not work properly.
Tags: diseases such, percent children, stuttering person, words phrases
Babies start teething very early in life, at around four to six months. A teething ring makes an excellent way to help them cope with it. There's no risk of the baby swallowing too much material (as with medicines or teething foods) and it fulfills the baby's natural urge to put things into her mouth. When you shop for a teething ring, you should keep certain specific qualities in mind.
Instructions
1. Check the teething ring to make sure it is free of harmful elements. Most teething rings these days are considered safe, but older rings were often made with lead or similar chemicals. Above all, a teething ring needs to be safe and nontoxic for your baby to use it.
2. Decide if you want the teething ring to be fun or simply practical. You can shop for teething rings which double as toys, containing all manner of bells and whistles to occupy the baby or look for teething rings that serve a very direct purpose and stick to the point. Which one you select is purely a matter of taste.
3. Choose the material the teething ring is composed of. A teething ring made of metal (including sterling silver, if you can afford it) is easier to chill in the refrigerator, while one made of rubber tends to be softer and easier on the gums. Plastic rings are inexpensive and generally safe. Your baby may have a particular preference, which you'll need to determine through a certain amount of trial and error.
4. Determine if you want the ring to hold water or not. Water helps the ring stay cold when you place it in the refrigerator and gives it a pleasing consistency when the baby chews on it, but it can mean problems if it develops leaks.
5. Examine the surface of the ring. Some of them (like those offered at One Step Ahead) contain bumps and protrusions to help the baby chew, while others are smooth and featureless (see Resources below). Like other aspects of a teething ring, which one you shop for is purely a mater of taste and the proclivities of your particular baby.
Tags: teething ring, teething rings, Shop Teething Ring
Almost all common ailments can be treated easily with over-the-counter or prescription medicines, available at the pharmacy. Allopathic drugs may contain certain chemical ingredients due to which you might run the risk of side effects. But, traditional folk remedies are constituted mainly of naturally occurring substances. Honey, turmeric, cloves, ginger, garlic and pepper are some of the most common ingredients used for conventional natural remedies.
Arthritis
For arthritis treatment, blend 2 tsps. lemon juice and 1 tsp. of honey in a cup of warm water. Have this concoction at least a couple of times each day.
Or, bake, smash and fry an eggplant with a couple tablespoons of castor oil and season with turmeric, coriander, garlic and salt. Eat this at least once daily for two months for effective arthritis treatment.
Another option is to mix 1/2 tsp. turmeric powder in a cup of tepid water and drink it two times daily, or consume 1 clove of fresh raw garlic once daily for respite from arthritis aches.
Blood Pressure
Blend honey and onion juice in equal parts and take 2 tsps. of the concoction daily for at least a month for relief of high blood pressure. Adding ripe papaya to breakfast, along with the onion-honey remedy, can effectively treat blood pressure problems. According to Indian folk medicine practices, carrot juice, Indian gooseberry and coconut water can help lower blood pressure.
Common Cold
According to traditional folk cures, crush seven corns of black pepper, mix the powder with 1 Tbsp. honey and eat it before breakfast. Follow this by swallowing whole a fresh clove of raw garlic with water. Alternatively, prepare a tea with a couple of cups of boiling water and 1 Tbsp. each of ginger, honey and fennel seeds. Allow half of the water to evaporate during boiling. Drink this throughout the day.
Obesity
Honey helps stimulate accumulated body fat to be broken down for energy release. Mix 1 Tbsp. honey with tepid water and 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice daily and drink it prior to breakfast to flush the body of unwanted fat. Both raw and cooked cabbage curb the rate of transformation of sugars and carbohydrates into fat. Reduce your weight by consuming plenty of cabbage in soups and salads.
Low Libido
A traditional folk remedy for treating low sexual urges is to fry wheat, black gram, rice and long pepper in equal portions and make a powder mixture. Prepare a soup of this powder with sugar and milk and eat after dinner every night.
Or, soak 1 Tbsp. triphala powder (available in Indian specialty stores) in 1 cup water and let it sit undisturbed for half an hour. Later, blend it with 1 Tbsp. honey and drink every morning before breakfast. Another remedy for curing low libido is to have a mixture of a glass of milk and 1 tsp. of honey.
Tags: Tbsp honey, traditional folk, arthritis treatment, before breakfast, blood pressure
The seven day detox is a weight loss plan aimed at reducing toxic poisons in the body while nourishing the body with essential vitamins and nutrients. Although a variety of manufacturers offer a seven day detox plan, most programs require patients to consume vitamins and supplements daily in lieu of solid food, and patients must also reduce physical activity and refrain from using drugs and alcohol. If you hope to reduce the amount of toxins and chemicals in your body, consider a seven day detox plan and follow the instructions carefully for optimal results.
Consume Daily Supplements
Most seven-day detox plans stipulate that patients refrain from eating solid food and instead consume two or three herbal supplements daily. These supplements contain essential vitamins and minerals that nourish the body and help cleanse the blood and urinary tract. Ingredients commonly included in these supplements include green tea extract, licorice root, milk thistle seed, echinacea purpurea extract, peppermint, turmeric, pomegranate and dandelion leaf. Many of these ingredients have a long history of medicinal use, and are considered highly effective and rejuvenating for the skin, hair and vital tissues.
Reduce Toxins in the Body
In addition to consuming daily herbal supplements, most seven-day detox plans encourage patients to refrain from negative activity, including drinking alcohol and smoking. Additionally, illegal drug use is strongly discouraged, as the body is attempting to flush existing toxins in the system. To aid in the excretion of toxins, patients are advised to drink eight glasses or more of water daily. Drinking tea, including green and white teas, will also assist in increasing antioxidants in the body during the detox process.
Rest and Relax
For optimal results, patients completing a seven-day detox plan are advised to rest and refrain from any unnecessary physical activity. Because patients are consuming only herbal supplements, and not solid food, patients will likely feel weak and tired. Patients should also aim to receive between seven and eight hours of sleep each night to allow the body to rest and recover. Performing the detox during a period of low activity, including a summer or holiday break, is preferred, as patients may feel too weak to work or concentrate.
Constipation affects nearly all people at least occasionally. There are nearly as many causes for constipation as there are remedies. Some remedies are more gentle and natural than others. Which you choose depends on your symptoms and whether your issues are chronic or occasional.
Definition
Constipation is defined as having less than three bowel movements per week. It is not necessary to have one every day, but at least every other day is a good rule of thumb.
Dietary remedies
Fiber is probably the most important thing you can introduce into your diet to alleviate and avoid constipation. Fiber is not digested and remains in the intestines. This fiber holds onto water, and by the time it reaches the large intestine it helps to make the stool easier to pass.
Eating fruits and vegetables that are high in fiber (things such as prunes, apples, and avocados) will help with constipation, while foods low in fiber (like bread and rice) may worsen constipation. People that lack fiber in their diet can take supplements, such as psyllium powder. Increasing fiber intake is not a quick fix for constipation, as it takes a while to work.
Drinking water will help assure there is enough water in the digestive system to help absorb all the food that is broken down.
Medicinal remedies
Taking laxatives is a medicinal way to relieve constipation. Stimulant laxatives work to increase the action of the intestine as well as help it retain water to make the stool softer. These can be harsh and cause cramping and excess gas and are generally only used when constipation symptoms are acute and severe.
Lubricant laxatives contain oils that coat the stool and make it easier to pass.
Stool softeners help the body retain more water in the stool, which makes it softer and easier to pass.
Physical remedies
Suppositories are placed into the rectum to physically stimulate a bowel movement.
Enemas are generally only used as a last resort and when nothing else has worked. An enema introduces water into the rectum and stretches it, which stimulates it to contract and results in a bowel movement. Some enemas may have medicine in them to increase the likelihood of a bowel movement.
Warning
If you have chronic constipation that cannot be easily explained by poor dietary habits, it is a good idea to speak with your doctor. Constipation can be a side effect of medications or a symptom of a more serious underlying problem.
Tags: bowel movement, easier pass, generally only, generally only used, into rectum, make stool
The majority of tick bites are not medically significant, but a number of conditions could develop. Often the symptoms of a tick bite are the best indicators for diagnosis. This leads to the best course of treatment for each patient.
General Tick Bite Symptoms
Tick bites can cause a wide array of symptoms that appear within three weeks of the bite. These include fever, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, stomach ache, headaches and rashes.
Lock Jaw
Lock jaw can develop from tick bites and often is avoided by having a tetanus shot.
Lyme Disease
While Lyme disease is one of the more serious tick bite conditions, it is hard to diagnose. It mirrors many other sicknesses and is treated with antibiotics. Lyme disease will sometimes cause a rash that resembles a bull's-eye.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Rocky Mountain spotted fever is characterized by a petechial rash. This rash will show up on the hands and feet and then spread to the rest of the body if not treated.
Ehrlichiosis
Ehrlichiosis is passed via tick bites to humans. This disease is difficult to diagnose due to the similarities to other conditions. Ehrlichiosis is characterized by a rash and extreme fevers and headaches.
Anaphylaxis
While allergic reactions to tick bites are common, they are generally mild in nature. Occasionally, one might experience an extreme form of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. This is a medical emergency and can lead to shock or even death.
Unhealthy gums account for more cases of tooth loss than tooth decay. Maintaining healthy gums is essential to warding off the corrosive effects of periodontal disease, associated with receding gums, bone loss and eventual loss of teeth. When plaque caused by bacteria in the mouth is not cleaned away, it hardens into tartar. Tartar on the gumline can cause spongy, sore and inflamed gums (or gingivitis), the beginning of periodontal disease. Lack of oral hygiene and poor nutrition can put you at higher risk for gum disease. Certain vitamins can promote gum health.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is essential for building strong bones and teeth. Vitamin A-rich foods include beef, eggs, liver, salmon, shrimp and cheese. The body also converts beta carotene (a nutrient found in brightly pigmented fruits and vegetables) into vitamin A. Orange-colored vegetables such as carrots, yams, pumpkins or orange fruits and dark green leafy vegetables (think spinach, chard) are full of beta-carotene.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C nurtures healthy gums. A study in the Journal of Periodontology reported that people who consumed less than the recommended dietary allowance of at least 60 milligrams of vitamin C daily have one-and-a-half times the risk of developing periodontal disease. Why? Vitamin C is essential in the formation of connective tissue, bones and teeth. In addition, its antioxidant properties help to neutralize tissue-destructive free radicals, preventing tissue damage.
Indulge in rich natural sources of vitamin C: all kinds of citrus fruits, apples, strawberries, kiwis, papaya, mango, melons, peppers, broccoli, collards, onions, radishes and watercress.
Vitamin D
The body manufactures vitamin D with the help of sunlight. Vitamin D is necessary for the proper utilization of calcium (another important nutrient for bone health) by the body. Together, they work to benefit bones and teeth. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, vitamin D and calcium deficiencies can result in bone loss and increased inflammation. As noted, inflammation of the gums is recognized symptom of periodontal disease. It follows that vitamin D and calcium are important in maintaining gum health.
To get adequate vitamin D, you should get at least 10 to 15 minutes of sunshine at least 2 times a week. If you live in an area with limited sunlight exposure, look for foods fortified with vitamin D such as milk, eggs, sardines, tuna and anchovies.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is fat soluble and rich in antioxidants. Not only is it good for the skin, Consumer Labs also listed vitamin E as one of the most popular ingredients for treating oral problems. It is often used as a topical application to inflamed or bleeding gums. An easy way to get it is to break open a capsule of vitamin E and rub it on affected area to promote speedier healing and recovery in gums.
Rose Quartz is used to encourage self-love, love of others and compassion. It is a wonderful choice for opening the heart to love. Rose Quartz has to do with wisdom and faith. Great dedication, inner strength and a sense of purpose are a few attributes of this stone.
It aids healing of depression, blood circulation, heart fortification, sexual problems and encourages fertility. It is believed to prevent wrinkles and encourage a beautiful complexion.
Instructions
1. Rose Quartz aids in healing or controlling the circulatory systems, particularly blood pressure problems. Carry or wear it near your heart.
2. Put a piece of Rose Quartz in a bowl of water and use it to rinse your face twice a day. It will increase circulation to the skin and give you a beautiful complexion.
3. Rose Quartz is said to encourage fertility. Wear Rose Quartz if you are trying to become pregnant, and keep a piece of it in your drinking glass.
4. Rose Quartz will accomplish the dual purposes of encouraging both humility and self love. Rose Quartz is a stone that everyone should have on them at all times.
Tags: Rose Quartz, aids healing, beautiful complexion, love Rose, love Rose Quartz
Unsightly blemishes don't have to ruin your day. Try one or all of these model's trick' s to get rid of them fast.
Instructions
1. Top model's never seem to have blemishes. Actually they do, they just hide them well. Here are some tips and tricks they use to keep them hidden.
If the blemish already has a head gently pierce it with a sharp sterilized needle and let the gunk ooze out. Finish it off with one of the following treatments.
2. Gently dab your blemish with any non fluoridated toothpaste. The toothpaste will dry out your blemish and also aids as a cover up under cosmetics.
3. You can dab it with nail polish remover. This will sting a bit but the acetone does dry out the oils in the skin thus causing it to dry out faster.
4. As a quick solution when on the go you can dab at it with hand sanitizer or rubbing alcohol. This will also help dry up the oils.
5. If all else fails grab an egg. Separate the yolk from the egg and spread the egg white on your face. Let this mask dry and then gently slough it off with a warm wash cloth. Your skin will glow and you will get rid of that unsightly blemish in no time.
Trying to lose weight is a frustrating battle for most people. Meditation can aid you in keeping a positive attitude and increasing your motivation. By learning use meditation for weight loss, you will have an additional resource to assist you in achieving your weight loss goals.
Instructions
1. Create a meditation space in a quiet section of your home or office. You may want to decorate your meditation space with pictures, inspirational quotes, candles or incense. Decide if you want to include the use of a pillow or chair during your weight loss meditation session, or if you prefer to sit on the floor.
2. Reserve at least 15 minutes per day for you to meditate. Minimize distractions by unplugging the telephone and chasing any pets out of the room. You may want to create a do not disturb sign that you can hang on the door that leads to your meditation space so that friends and family will respect your privacy.
3. Sit comfortably in your meditation space and close your eyes. With each exhalation, breathe out any tension that has built up in your physical body. Continue to do this until your body is totally relaxed and your mind is calm.
4. Imagine a white light surrounding you. With each inhalation, breathe in this white light and feel it flowing through your body providing nourishment, love and peace. Move on to the next step when you feel satisfied and content.
5. Imagine you are seeing your physical body at its ideal weight. Notice how healthy you look and how perfectly your clothes fit. Hold this image in your mind for a few minutes while experiencing the satisfaction and joy that comes with seeing yourself as you were meant to be.
6. Open your eyes and sit quietly in your meditation space for a few moments. When you feel ready, stand up slowly and stretch your arms over your head for a few seconds. Your sensory perceptions may be heightened and you may feel that you have more energy after completing the weight loss meditation. Use this to your advantage by taking a short walk or preparing a healthy snack.
Tags: meditation space, weight loss, your meditation, your meditation space, loss meditation
Pulsatilla is best known in the world of alternative medicine as a homeopathic remedy. Like all homeopathic preparations, pulsatilla is considered to have healing properties similar to the imbalances it causes in healthy individuals. In selecting a remedy, consider the individual holistically, including both physical and psychological aspects. An individual with properties that match pulsatilla's profile should be readily apparent.
Personality Characteristics of Pulsatilla
A person with a pulsatilla profile is generally gentle, passive and somewhat fearful. These individuals are often sad and may cry easily. They are also very sensitive and prone to be touchy. They may change their minds frequently or feel confused. Pulsatilla is more often indicated for women than for men, although it may be suitable for either.
Preferences of the Pulsatilla Type
People with pulsatilla conditions often crave the open space and fresh air. They are also inclined toward cold, including cold food and drinks. They feel worse with warm environments and warm or heavy foods, and also worse in the evening. When they lie down, they prefer to have their heads and arms elevated.
Physical Symptoms of Pulsatilla
Conditions treated with pulsatilla include many of the following symptoms besides the personality characteristics described above: congestion and thick mucous discharge, dizziness, headache, abdominal pain and difficulty digesting, frequent or painful urination, suppressed menstruation, heart palpitations, back pain and cold or numb limbs.
Using Pulsatilla
According to homeopathic theory, the higher the number on a remedy, the less actual substance is in the remedy, and also the stronger it is. Numbers up to 30x, which are generally available in health food stores, are mostly used for acute conditions, while stronger preparations can be purchased for chronic conditions.
Pulsatilla as an Herb
Pulsatilla is also used as an herbal medicine, although this is much less common than the homeopathic remedy. Tincture of pulsatilla has healing properties primarily for coughs such as those from asthma or bronchitis.
Tags: with pulsatilla, healing properties, homeopathic remedy, pulsatilla profile, They also
Stomach viruses are a common illness that causes inflammation of the stomach and digestive tract, resulting in nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. A stomach virus, often called the stomach flu, is highly contagious. To prevent spreading the illness, don't share food or drink, wash hands thoroughly and limit contact with people who have the stomach flu. Because it's a virus, there is no prescription medication that will cure the illness.
Rest
Just as with other illnesses, it's important to get as much rest as possible when you have a stomach virus. Limit your activity as much as possible, and don't do anything strenuous.
Drink Fluids
Vomiting and diarrhea cause you to lose a lot of fluids, so it's important to replace them when you have a stomach virus. You can use water or an oral rehydration solution such as Gatorade or Pedialyte. If vomiting is a problem, drink small amounts frequently, every few minutes if necessary.
Eating
Eating is probably the last thing you want to think about if you are nauseous or vomiting. If you aren't up to it, it's OK to go without food for awhile. Once you have stopped vomiting, start by trying to keep fluids down, then add small amounts of bland foods such as crackers.
Medication
Anti-nausea medication such as Dramamine may help make you feel better when the symptoms are at their worst.
Resume Activity
After the virus has passed, it's important to slowly resume a normal schedule. Don't try to do too much too soon, because you may be weak.
Tags: have stomach, have stomach virus, small amounts, stomach virus, when have, when have stomach
Overall survival rates for liver cancer is less than 10 percent five years after initial diagnosis. The five-year mark is the standard used by physicians for prognosis of most cancers. This means that, on average, the overall rate of survival for all cancer patients living longer than five years is less than 10 percent, with or without treatment, depending on the stage of cancer.
Liver cancer is diagnosed in stages, as are most cancers. If diagnosed early, survival rate is 30-60 percent and could possibly be treated with surgery. Advanced stages of liver cancer bring with them a diagnosis of less than a five-percent chance of survival, with death probable within months.
Doctors use the stages to determine how far advanced the cancer is, if cirrhosis is occurring and what types of treatments, if any, will be needed. Blood tests, CAT scans, ultrasounds and MRIs are used to help determine the stages and if the cancer is treatable.
Stages of Liver Cancer
Stage 1: Localized area. Only one tumor has been detected, and the cancer has not spread to any nearby tissue or vessels. Treatable by removal.
Stage 2: Spread to more than one area. One or more tumors no larger than five centimeters, and no cirrhosis detected. Chemotherapy, transplant or surgery treatment.
Stage 3: Advanced. Multiple tumors larger than five centimeters, and the cancer has spread either to major blood vessels, the gallbladder or lymph nodes. There will also be hardening of the liver if cirrhosis is present. Treatment for this stage of cancer is determined by where the cancer has spread to and how much cirrhosis is present. Surgery may not be an option if there won't be enough healthy liver left to function properly. Stage 3 has substages that will be determined by a doctor. Again, chemotherapy, surgery, radiation or transplants are treatment options.
Stage 4: Advanced. This stage of liver cancer has spread to the bones and lungs or other vital organs. This stage cannot be treated with surgery. Aggressive treatments of chemotherapy and radiation are used in addition to transplant options.
Conclusion
Symptoms to watch out for in advanced stages will be nausea, sleepiness, lethargy, confusion, pain in the liver area, swelling and liver spots or tiny burst vessels on various areas of the skin. Since the liver's function is to filter out impurities in the body and cleanse the blood, if there are multiple tumors or cirrhosis present, the blood cannot flow through the liver correctly. When this happens, the liver will harden and the blood will tend to back up in various blood vessels and cause the vessels to bulge. As the disease progresses, the vessels will become more enlarged as the liver gets harder and, in some cases, will cause hemorrhaging as the larger vessels burst. It is very important to have liver function blood tests at a yearly exam to try to catch any problems early.
Tags: cancer spread, cirrhosis present, less than, liver cancer, than five
If your baby begins to choke, try not to panic. Attempt to dislodge the foreign body and reopen the baby's airway.
Instructions
1. Check to make sure the baby is not breathing. Watch to see if the baby's chest rises and falls. Listen for the sound of a breath, but don't spend more than 30 seconds listening and watching if you believe your baby is choking.
2. Shout loudly and ask someone to call 911. If you are alone, go to the phone with your infant and call 911 as you simultaneously attempt to dislodge the foreign body in your baby's throat.
3. Hold the baby in a face-down position, placing the baby lengthwise on your forearm, head pointed toward the ground. The baby's body should be firm against your forearm. Brace your forearm against your thigh if necessary.
4. Deliver five firm back blows between the shoulder blades, using the palm of your hand.
5. If your baby doesn't begin to cry after the back blows, lay him or her face up in the other arm.
6. Administer five chest thrusts: Place three fingers in the center of the baby's chest, with your middle finger positioned in an imaginary line between the nipples. Raise the middle finger off the chest and use the other two fingers to thrust.
7. Look into the infant's mouth for a visible blockage. If you see no sign of a foreign body, attempt to ventilate the baby with your mouth.
8. Place your mouth over the baby's nose and mouth. Make a tight seal with your lips and blow out. If your breath does not move the baby's chest up and down, move the baby's head and neck into a slightly different position and try giving one more breath.
9. If the airway is still blocked, continue with another set of back blows and chest thrusts until trained medical help arrives.
Tags: with your, your baby, baby chest, back blows, foreign body, your forearm, against your
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome is a virus that attacks the body's ability to fight disease. AIDS allows your body to become a host to several types of illnesses or diseases, because your immune system has been ravaged by the virus. You are more likely to develop cancer or not be able to fight off pneumonia (Mayo Clinic). Research has even found that the AIDS virus will attack the brain.
Brain Tissue Loss
A study conducted by UCLA/University of Pittsburgh found that the AIDS virus attacks the parts of the brain that deal with motor, language and sensory functions. Because of the loss of brain tissue, a person with the AIDS virus begins to have symptoms of impaired motor coordination or slowed reflexes. A 15 percent loss of brain tissue was noted in the study (Science Daily). As the AIDS virus progresses, the tissue loss can result in worse conditions, such as Alzheimer's or dementia.
Attacks Brain Barrier
According to a report conducted by The New England Journal of Medicine, the virus (HIV) that leads to AIDS can invade the brain, and lie in wait. The brain has a natural blood-brain barrier that prevents it from being attacked by diseases (Schmeck, NY Times). However the AIDS virus creates infected cells that produce nitric oxide. The nitric oxide is able to invade this barrier, which allows the virus to get into the brain (Dr. Fox, The Scripps Research Institute). The AIDS virus will create a host of new problems, such as meningitis, which can attack the membranes of the brain.
Encephalitis
AIDS makes it more likely that a person infected with the virus can develop encephalitis. Encephalitis can be brought on by toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis is an infection created by a parasite. Once toxoplasmosis leads to encephalitis, the brain will become infected (Mayo Clinic). The brain will begin to become inflamed, and a host of symptoms can occur, such as hallucinations, visual disturbances, paralysis, muscle loss and in rare cases, death.
Dementia
One in 3 people who suffer from the AIDS virus will develop dementia (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke). As the AIDS virus begins to advance, the brain's ability to function becomes worse. Mental functions begin to rapidly decrease, and even behavior becomes modified (including mood swings or irritability).
Other Effects
In general, the effects of AIDS on the brain can include confusion, forgetfulness, depression, anxiety and even neurological complications (Mayo Clinic). While the AIDS virus can attack the body's ability to fight disease, these issues can be addressed with medication. However, in the case of the brain, the brain seems immune to the drugs created to fight the virus (Dr. Thompson, UCLA). No amount of medication can slow down the process of eradicated tissue, and drugs can't always penetrate the blood-brain barrier.
Future
Scientists hope to one day be able to create a medication that can prevent AIDS from infecting the brain. One way would be through creating a drug that could prevent the virus from entering through the blood-brain barrier. If a medication could be created to prevent abnormalities from occurring within the brain, the quality of life could be extended.
Tags: AIDS virus, AIDS virus will, blood-brain barrier, Mayo Clinic, virus will
Most of us associate cavities to childhood dental visits where we were treated to a tiny toy in exchange for not chomping on the dentist's hand. The sad truth is that cavities can come at you frequently at any age when proper care isn't taken. Here you will learn prevent cavities in adulthood!
Instructions
Prevent Adult Cavities
1. Brush your teeth first thing in the morning with a fluoride toothpaste that is approved by the ADA. You may think this is silly to brush before breakfast. It's important. Use an electric brush when possible.
2. Floss, gargle and brush your teeth again after you've even breakfast. Make sure you've had your fill of what you want to eat for the morning before brushing.
3. Excuse yourself and use a toothpick as a dental pick when you are done eating in a restaurant. When nobody else is in the restroom, run the tip of the toothpick along the top of your teeth, making sure to remove any plaque. Rinse it away in the sink and proceed all around your teeth. Rinse your mouth out afterwards.
4. Chew a sugar-free anti-cavity gum after a meal if there is no time for brushing and chew it after every snack. It's a safe idea to chew up to three pieces a day, but keep everything in moderation.
5. Brush again when you are done with lunch. Having a travel pack of toothbrush and toothpaste is ideal for post-lunch cleaning.
6. Run your tongue along your teeth when you have no other possible option for cleaning your teeth. It can be a great thing. The saliva can help battle damage done by plaque and bacteria.
7. Thoroughly clean your teeth when you are done eating for the night. Use the dental pick and floss on your teeth as the first part of the process.
8. Brush your teeth twenty times in each section of your mouth. Make sure to run the brush over front, bottom and sides. Swish water around and spit out the toothpaste.
9. Gargle and rinse for a full minute using anti-cavity mouthwash. Spit out the mouthwash completely and you are done with your dental care practices for the day. Start again tomorrow, making sure to follow these rules of dental care every day when possible.
Tags: your teeth, when done, Adult Cavities, along your, along your teeth, Brush your, Brush your teeth
Ginkgo foliage turns a lovely shade of yellow in autumn.
Biloba is the only species remaining in the Ginkgo genus, according to Cheryll Greenwood Kinsley of Washington State University. After having done so for 200 million years, it no longer grows in the wild. Because of this, it is known as a "living fossil." Although the ginkgo tree grows well in cultivation, the seed can be challenging to germinate. Once it does, you will have an attractive, slow-growing tree that can reach to 50 feet in height.
Instructions
1. Place a handful of peat moss in a small container and moisten it. You may have to stir it around to make sure it is evenly moist. Use your hands to wring all the excess moisture from it until it is just barely moist.
2. Push the ginkgo tree seed into the peat moss until it is completely enveloped and place the bundle in a plastic sandwich bag. Close the top of the bag and place it in the refrigerator where it should remain for eight weeks. Check the peat moss at four weeks and if it is drying, drip some water over it. If the seed has sprouted, go ahead and remove it and pot it up.
3. Remove the bagged seed from the refrigerator and set it aside in an area where it won't be disturbed. Check on it periodically and when you notice it sprouting it's time to plant it.
4. Prepare the nursery pot by filling it to within 1/4 inch of the rim with moist sand. Poke a small hole -- deep enough for the ginkgo seed's roots and place the seedling into it.
5. Leave the nursery pot in a bright area out of direct sun. Keep the soil moist by spraying it with water from a misting bottle. Keep the room temperature at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Place the pot in an area that has bright light, but not direct sunlight, and remains at a temperature of at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Allow the ginkgo seedling to grow indoors for three months before planting it outside.
Tags: peat moss, degrees Fahrenheit, least degrees, least degrees Fahrenheit, temperature least, temperature least degrees
One type of dental cement for restorative and prosthodontic use consists of zinc oxide and eugenol, or ZOE. ZOE is useful as a temporary cement for crowns and fillings until a final appliance can be permanently affixed by a dentist.
Instructions
Set Up Mixing Area
1. Prepare your workspace by placing the absorbent paper towel or chuck on the table or counter.
2. Place the cloth directly on top of the chuck to reduce slipping while mixing.
3. Place the glass slab on top of the cloth.
4. Put a small mound of zinc oxide on one side of the glass slab (off-center).
5. Place your metal spatula, bottle of eugenol and eyedropper on the chuck within easy reach in your workspace.
Mixing Dental Cement
6. Using the dropper, dispense several drops of eugenol on the center of the slab.
7. Using the metal spatula, separate a small amount of zinc oxide powder from the mound and push it into the pool of eugenol.
8. Use the flat side of your spatula to thoroughly mix the eugenol and powder.
9. Consolidate the mixture by scraping with the spatula.
10. Add a small amount of powder to the mixture until the desired consistency (a thin paste, similar to cake frosting) is achieved.
Tags: zinc oxide, Dental Cement, glass slab, metal spatula, small amount
Spine arthritis is a debilitating problem that affects individuals mostly over the age of 40 years. Daily trigger point therapy can help restore the muscle function and decrease the pain caused by the pain and numbness in the back, neck, head and shoulders.
Deactivation
Trigger point therapy deactivates the myofacial pain, relieving the painful symptoms caused by spine arthritis.
Spasms
This type of therapy reduces muscle spasms in the back, increasing blood flow to the trigger point.
Pressure
Trigger point treatment is performed by applying pressure with the fingers and thumb in penetrating movements. Pressure is normally applied for 7 to 10 seconds per point and will momentarily feel painful; however, relief is quickly followed by this.
Knots
Trigger points will often be felt by palpating the muscles until you feel a tender, hard and knotted area. This area will be surrounded normal muscle tissue.
Stretching and Ice
After a trigger point therapy session is complete, you will lightly stretch the area relaxing the muscles and apply ice to the affected area reducing the chance for a nervous system response.
Tags: point therapy, trigger point, trigger point therapy
The basic idea behind the South Beach Diet is limiting sugars and carbohydrates and eliminating completely the especially "bad" carbohydrates in order to overcome insulin resistance and promote better metabolism. The diet has three phases, with differing menus for each, but the basic rules stay the same for all phases. Follow the steps below to design menus for weight loss and better metabolism.
Instructions
1. Eat normal size helpings of beef, poultry, fish, lamb, pork, shellfish, tofu, eggs and low-fat cheese, but avoid fatty cuts of meat, organ meats and honeybaked ham.
2. Plan regular snacks of vegetables, nuts, cheese sticks, cottage cheese, hummus, and sugar-free items including gelatin, candy, popsicles and gum.
3. Eliminate carrots, beets, corn, potatoes, yams, all fruits and fruit juices in Phase 1; also all breads, cereal, rice, pasta, all dairy products, beer or alcohol and refined flour or sugar of any kind during Phase 1.
4. Fill up on generous helpings of fresh vegetables and vegetable juice of all kinds except for carrots, corn and potatoes during Phase 1, which lasts at least two weeks.
5. Use healthy fats, such as olive oil, canola oil, peanut oil, non-stick cooking spray and other unsaturated fats, but not trans-fatty acids such as margarine and hydrogenated shortening.
6. Reintroduce gradually fruits, whole grain breads, pasta, rice and cereals, and sweet potatoes for Phase 2 of the diet. Stay on Phase 2 until you reach your ideal weight.
Tags: Beach Diet, South Beach, South Beach Diet, better metabolism, corn potatoes, during Phase
Sonicare toothbrushes come in a variety of models and styles, and all of them feature removable brush heads that need to be replaced about every three months. Since only certain replacement heads fit certain models, it's important to figure out what type of Sonicare toothbrush you have before buying replacement heads.
Types
Sonicare makes seven major types of toothbrush handles, including the FlexCare, Healthy White, Elite, Essence, Advance, Xtreme and IntelliClean models. The ProResults replacement brush heads fit the FlexCare and Healthy White style handles. The e-series replacement brush heads, also called the Elite/Essence brush heads, fit the Elite, Essence, Advance and Xtreme models. The Advance types can either use the e-series brush replacements, or the Advance brush heads. IntelliClean brushes only work with IntelliClean replacement heads.
Identification
If you're not sure what type of Sonicare toothbrush you have, you can identify it by the types of cleaning modes or features it has. FlexCare brushes have GoCare and MaxCare options. Healthy White brushes have a Clean & White mode. Elite and Essence brushes both have thin, angled necks, but the Elite models have two cleaning speeds while Essence brushes only have one. Advance toothbrushes have wide necks, and Xtreme brushes have a replaceable AA battery compartment. IntelliClean brushes are the only ones that include a cartridge that automatically dispenses toothpaste into the brush head.
Size
The ProResults replacement brush heads come in two sizes: standard and compact. Both sizes are available in packs of three. The e-series brush heads come in one size only, and are available as single replacement or in packs of two. The Advance brush heads are available in standard and compact sizes, in packs of two. IntelliClean replacement brush heads are only available in standard size, in packs of two.
Features
The e-series brush heads feature an angled neck for easier cleaning, as well as soft, contoured bristles. Advance brush heads feature eight rows of bristles, and the two-packs come with different color markings on the heads, so that multiple users can tell their brushes apart. IntelliClean brush heads feature three different types of bristle softness. Standard size brushes provide a thorough cleaning for a wider area of tooth and gums, while the compact brush sizes work well in tight areas and for people with smaller mouths.
Considerations
Sonicare brush heads should be replaced every three months, or as needed. Sonicare replacement brush heads are available through the manufacturer's website, the Philips Home Store, which is linked below. On this site, customers can order individual replacement brush heads. For the ProResults and e-series brushes, they can subscribe to a plan that automatically ships replacements every three months. Amazon.com also features a subscription program for Sonicare brush heads. Replacement Sonicare brush heads are also available in many other stores.
There are many different causes and symptoms of memory loss. From short term memory loss to long term memory loss, the causes and symptoms will vary widely from potential malnutrition to trauma. Treating memory loss and preventing it from worsening requires that you have some idea of what caused it in the first place and work with your medical practitioner to find a way to manage or cure it.
Causes
Causes for memory loss can include a lack of nutrition, malnourishment of the brain, abuse of drugs and alcohol, certain prescribed medications, stress, anxiety, diabetes, thyroid disorders, head trauma, dementia, depression, brain tumor and Alzheimer's disease.
Symptoms
The symptoms of memory loss can include the inability to remember things either short term or long term, memory loss that worsens over time, confusion, irritation and having trouble completing tasks. If you have any of these symptoms you should see a doctor immediately.
Types
There are different types of memory loss. Transient Global Amnesia is the temporary complete loss of all memory; this type is rare. Anterograde Amnesia happens when there is a head injury and the person with the head injury cannot remember anything after the head trauma but can remember everything from their past. Retrograde Amnesia is when the person suffering from the head trauma cannot remember anything before the injury but can remember everything after the head injury.
Identification
If you notice a loved one or friend having trouble remembering even little things or having trouble remembering important events, they should be seen by a doctor. If they seem confused, irritated or depressed they should be seen by a doctor also.
Prevention/Solution
Keep your brain healthy by getting the right nutrients including vitamins, supplements, fresh fruits and vegetables, and fish. If you are already experiencing memory loss and you want to improve your memory, take vitamins and supplements and eat foods such as fish, fresh fruits and vegetables, drink plenty of water, get enough exercise, and limit your intake of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco use.
Tags: memory loss, having trouble, head injury, head trauma, term memory
Gastric banding, or lap-band surgery, is utilized as a method to help morbidly obese individuals lose weight in order to reduce co-morbid conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease. Gastric banding involves placing an adjustable band around the stomach, creating a smaller stomach from which to digest food. Only requiring very small amounts to feel full, the gastric band helps patients experience dramatic weight loss that could not previously be achieved through standard diet and exercise methods. While the procedure itself does not require any cutting or stapling, there are still risks involved in placing the band around the stomach.
Instrumentation Malfunction
Complications can arise from the band itself, including leakage and band slippage. Additionally, in some instances the band itself can erode into the stomach. As with the earlier-mentioned complications due to the band itself, these occurrences will require further surgery. In most cases of band malfunction, the malfunctioning band can be replaced with a new band.
Nausea and Vomiting
According to the Medical University of South Carolina, nausea and vomiting were a complication associated in slightly over half of all procedures performed. Much of the nausea complications can be due to the stomach adjusting to the newly applied gastric band and to the amount of foods that can be eaten.
Dysphagia
This condition occurs when a person has difficulty swallowing. This can be due to changes or inflammation in the esophagus, which may cause dysphagia. If dysphagia symptoms do not disappear in the weeks following surgery, a patient should seek medical attention, as this could be a signal that the band was not placed correctly or has slipped.
Gastroesophageal Reflux
Another complication related to band placement is gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), which occurs when gastric juices flow up the esophagus, causing a painful burning sensation in the abdomen, chest and throat. Because the stomach size is significantly reduced, gastric juices can more easily reach the esophagus. For this reason, it is important that gastric banding patients avoid foods that are known to cause GERD, such as spicy or high-fat foods.
Stoma Obstruction
The opening of the stomach pouch created through the gastric banding procedure is known as a stoma. Because the stoma is significantly smaller than a typical stomach, it can become blocked if food is not chewed sufficiently. A blocked stoma can cause severe pain as well as the inability to ingest further food particles. If the stoma frequently becomes blocked, a surgeon may need to loosen the gastric band in order to prevent further obstructions.
Tags: band itself, around stomach, band around, band around stomach, foods that, gastric band, gastric juices
Breast reduction is accomplished via a surgical procedure that is performed by a plastic surgeon. There are various reasons why a woman may want to undergo breast-reduction surgery. They can include: aesthetic reasons, back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, skin irritation or the breasts' interference with sports activities. A health-insurance policy may cover the costs of breast-reduction surgery when the surgery is sought because of pain caused by breast size.
The Surgery
Breast-reduction surgery is performed under general anesthesia, meaning that the patient will be asleep during the surgery. The surgery generally takes 2 to 3 hours to perform. During the surgery, the plastic surgeon makes an incision in the breast and removes excess fat. The incision is usually made around the areola, and runs to the bottom of the breast at the crease. Excess skin may need to be removed, and the areola may need to be repositioned after the excess fat is removed, to maintain normal breast appearance. The incision usually leaves a scar. With time, the scar will fade, but will probably not go away completely.
Recovery
A patient who undergoes breast-reduction surgery can generally return to work and her other normal light activities within 1 to 2 weeks. Generally, exercise is not allowed for at least 6 weeks after the surgery. After the surgery, the doctor requires the patient to come back for follow-up visits so he can monitor the progress of healing.
Health and Risks
Like any surgery, breast-reduction surgery carries the risk of complications--including death. A patient can have a reaction to the general anesthesia, or she may not heal well from the procedure. People who have had a bad reaction to general anesthesia in the past, or who are not in good health, may not be good candidates for breast-reduction surgery. Each person's situation is different. If you are considering having breast-reduction surgery, consult a licensed plastic surgeon to find out your options and risks.
Tags: breast-reduction surgery, general anesthesia, plastic surgeon, Breast Reduction, have reaction, have reaction general