Ringing In The Ears

Ringing in the ears is not an uncommon occurence. It can occur as the result of injury, dental problems, diseases, and even changes in air pressure. Oftentimes, this annoying symptom will stop as suddenly as it started. Other times, ear-ringing continues for long periods and grows progressively worse. Doctors look for underlying causes to provide relief for sufferers.

Definition

Prolonged ear-ringing, along with other noises like swishing, roaring, whistling, or clicking, are diagnosed as tinnitus. Millions will experience this tormenting problem, though men are far more likely to suffer from tinnitus. Tinnitus can occur in any of the four parts of the ear associated with hearing: the outer ear, the inner ear, the middle ear or the brain.

Types

Doctors may refer to two types of tinnitus: pulsatile or non-pulsatile. Pulsatile tinnitus seems to accompany the beats of the heart. People may hear the sounds of their pulse thumping, or other rhythmic sounds caused by movement near the ear. Non-pulsatile tinnitus may be caused by nerves involved with hearing, and sometimes this kind of ear ringing is described as coming from inside the head. However, with both pulsatile and non-pulsatile tinnitus, the sound heard in the ear cannot be heard by others.

Causes

Two of the causes of ear-ringing are, unfortunately, quite common: hearing loss due to aging and/or excessive noise. In both cases, the cochlea, the part of the ear that "hears" is damaged. This kind of damage is often associated with both ears. Problems such as infection, or a build-up of earwax, can also cause tinnitus. Some drugs, including high dosages of aspirin can lead to tinnitus, as well as a blow to the ear or the head. People who suffer from TM (temporomandibular) or other dental problems may complain of ear-ringing or clicking noises. Vascular problems, like high blood pressure, can also cause strange sounds in the ear canal. Several different diseases are associated with ringing in the ears, most notably Meniere's Disease.

Treatments

Treatment for tinnitus depends on the underlying cause. However, since tinnitus is most commonly caused by ear damage (ie. ageing or loud noise), treatment is limited. Some people find relief in limiting caffeine or having a medical professional remove an earwax buildup. Occasionally, an anti-depressant may be prescribed. For patients who are bothered by ear ringing at night only, a device for playing "white noise" can be helpful. In many cases, people learn to live with the annoyance.

Prevention

One of the most common causes of ear-ringing can be traced to the damage associated with prolonged exposure to loud noises. Young people can significantly decrease their risk of tinnitus by listening to music at normal levels, especially when using headphones or ear buds.

Warning

Though ear ringing is generally not indicative of a serious problem, there are instances where medical attention is necessary. Ear ringing that comes on suddenly or in one ear only should be checked, as well as any ear noises that are accompanied by other unusual symptoms.

Tags: associated with, also cause, causes ear-ringing, dental problems, pulsatile non-pulsatile

Identify Symptoms Of Trench Mouth

Trench mouth is the common name given to a severe form of gingivitis that is called Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis or Vincent's Disease. It is a severe infection of gum tissues found between the teeth that is caused by bacteria and extremely poor hygiene. Learning identify symptoms of trench mouth may help to prevent all forms of gum disease and complications that may lead to infection spreading to cheeks, jaws and lips. However, individuals should be aware that if left untreated, infection may spread to other parts of the body, including to the vocal cords, bronchial tubes and even through the digestive system. Affecting all age groups, most cases of trench mouth are found in teens and adults under the age of 35.

Instructions

1. Watch for signs of painful gums, which is one of the first indications that the mouth is not enjoying optimal health. Gums may also bleed upon slight pressure or while brushing.

2. Pay attention to sudden occurrences of excess saliva accumulating in the mouth. This symptom may or may not be accompanied by bad breath.

3. Look at your gums. Are they pink and firm, or are they covered with sores? Sometimes, sores or ulcers are visible on unhealthy gums, which may appear dark and gray in color.

4. Watch for signs of swallowing or speaking difficulties. This is a common symptoms in severe cases of trench mouth that is caused by extremely sensitive and painful gums and even loose teeth.

5. Take note: do you suffer from poor nutrition or a weakened immune system? Do you smoke? Are you under a great deal of stress? All these factors may lead to gingivitis or trench mouth.

Tags: trench mouth, cases trench, cases trench mouth, gums which, painful gums, that caused, Watch signs

Signs And Symptoms Of Candida

Candidiasis moniliasis, more commonly referred to as candida, is a fungal infection of the skin or mucus membranes of the body. Candida is basically a yeast infection, which can affect various parts of the body such as the mouth, skin and genitalia. Candida yeast is a parasite that resides in the intestines, causing weakened immune systems and various problems with other internal organs. Although not always recognized by the medical community, candida often is treated by alternative medicinal therapies. In the following article, you will discover some signs and symptoms of Candida moniliasis.

Vaginitis

Vaginitis is a yeast infection of the vagina. Vaginal discharge has a thick, cottage cheese appearance, and can be white, yellow or green. There is itching and burning inside or outside the vaginal area. When a woman is suffering from vaginitis, sexual intercourse and urination can be painful. Yeast infections that lead to vaginitis can be caused by an imbalance in "good" bacteria, usually as the result of antibiotics. Antibiotics can kill bacteria that are vital to the balance and function of your body, leading to yeast infections.

Threadlike Spit or Stool

You can examine your spit or stool to check for candida infection. Spit into a cup of water. If the spit is cloudy or sinks, you might have a candida infection. If the spit floats, but then after about 15 minutes you begin to see threadlike protrusions sinking to the bottom of the glass, you also might have candida. This also can happen in the stool; thin, spidery protrusions will leak from the stool and sink to the bottom.

Digestive Problems

Candida can cause a number of digestive problems. Certain foods and beverages, such as soda, alcohol, dairy and fast foods, can aggravate the existence of candida. Having a constant sweet tooth can be a sign that you have a candida infection. Symptoms can include stomach pain and ulcers, bad breath, bloating, food sensitivity, constipation, diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome. These problems often can be prevented by adhering to a strict, healthy diet.

Diaper Rash

Diaper rash in babies can commonly be caused by candida. The wetness of the diaper against the baby's skin already can cause irritation, but it also can breed the microorganisms that can cause a yeast infection of the skin. Unlike typical diaper rash, the edges of candida diaper rash are defined with a scaly growth, whereas the edge of regular diaper rash is spottier and more spread out. The rash is also extremely red and moist, occasionally accompanied by small red bumps.

Thrush

An infection of the mouth is referred to as thrush and is caused by candida albicans. It isn't common to see thrush in an adult, but some elderly people with weakened immune systems have been known to have it. The infection typically affects babies and toddlers and is characterized by white patches in the mouth that have a cottage cheese appearance. Because of the pain that accompanies these white patches, which occasionally bleed if there is an attempt to wipe them away, babies and toddlers may become finicky about eating. In adults, the infection can cause a dry mouth and make food taste awful.

Tags: candida infection, diaper rash, have candida, yeast infection, babies toddlers, caused candida, cheese appearance

Does A Coinsurance Maximum Include A Deductible

Choosing the right health insurance is one of the most complicated and important financial decisions you will make. There are so many choices out there, and it pays to be familiar with the various terms, as well as how they are written into a specific plan. Even within plans from the same company, there are differences in how deductibles and coinsurance amounts are applied to the yearly out-of-pocket maximum.

Allowable Amounts

If you have a Preferred Provider plan (PPO), the hospitals, doctors and other providers in the PPO network have signed a contract stating that they will accept the insurance company's allowable amount. This is not the amount that is billed. The allowable amount is based on a complicated formula that incorporates the average provider bill as well as several other factors for a period of time for each particular service. The amount you are responsible for if you go to a preferred provider is the allowable amount, not the billed amount. This is the case even if the charges are applied to your deductible or when you must pay part of the charges as a co-payment.

Deductibles

A deductible is the amount you will pay before your insurance begins paying a certain percent toward your health bills. If you have a family plan, there are usually individual and per family deductible amounts. It is important to understand what will be applied to your deductible and what will not. If you submit a claim for doctor services and it is denied as not covered under your plan or not medically necessary, the amount you pay the doctor will not be applied to your deductible. When services are denied, some providers will write off the difference between the billed and allowable amount, and some will not. When the service is covered, the allowable amount is applied to your deductible. Some newer PPO plans allow two to three doctor visits per year, for which you simply pay a copay. These visits may or may not be applied toward your deductible; you must read the fine print in your contract. Once your deductible has been met, your plan begins paying a percentage of the allowable amount, usually between 75 percent and 90 percent, while you pay the corresponding coinsurance percentage.

Out of Pocket Maximums

The coinsurance amounts you pay accrue toward the yearly out-of pocket-maximum. If you have a family plan, there are usually both individual and family maximums. Rules on what applies to the out-of-pocket max and what is not included can get quite complicated. You must read the plan you are considering carefully, because sometimes the deductible is included in the out-of-pocket maximum and sometimes it is in addition to the out-of-pocket maximum. The out-of-pocket max is the amount for which you are responsible each year. Most PPO plans have a separate in-network and out-of-network maximum, with the out-of-network maximum being higher. If you have met your in-network, out-of-pocket maximum and access services from a non-participating provider on a non-emergency basis, both your coinsurance amount and out of pocket can be higher.

Understand the Plan

There may be certain covered services whose charges do not count toward the yearly maximum. This should be clearly spelled out in the literature you receive. Look for statements such as "prior authorization co-payments do not accumulate toward your out of pocket maximum". Even after you have met the maximum out of pocket, you would still be required to pay a co-payment when you access these noted services. On some plans, there are out-of-pocket maximums for certain services such as mental health that are in addition to the regular out-of-pocket maximum. It is extremely important to understand these aspects of your current plan, or when choosing a plan so you can find a plan that suits your family's needs.

Analyze Coverage

If two or more members of your family are involved in an accident and end up in the emergency room, subtle variations in yearly-maximum verbiage can mean a difference of thousands of dollars. Analyze the potential total overall yearly costs, including monthly premiums, deductibles and maximum out of pocket when making the choice between various plans. Many plans keep the monthly premiums low by raising the total out of pocket for which you are responsible. These are generally referred to as major medical plans, and they are primarily meant for those who do not get ill often, and who wish to have coverage in case of a serious illness or accident. Ask questions before you pay for coverage, so that you don't have an unwelcome surprise when you are least able to understand the ins and outs of your coverage.

Tags: allowable amount, your deductible, out-of-pocket maximum, applied your, applied your deductible

Treat Bleeding From A Minor Head Wound

Head wounds tend to bleed a lot more than wounds on other parts of the body, as there are several blood vessels in the head between the scalp and the skin. It's possible to stop this bleeding and treat the head wound at home if the wound is superficial and no other complications arise.

Instructions

1. Encourage the injured person to lie down and relax. Make them as comfortable as possible as you treat their wound.

2. Remove any hats or items that are near the wound. Take a close look to ensure the wound is superficial and doesn't require immediate medical attention.

3. Place firm but gentle pressure on the head wound using sterile gauze. If sterile gauze isn't available, use a clean cloth or towel.

4. Keep pressure on the wound for a straight 15 minutes. Do not lift the gauze to check on the status of the wound. Keep the pressure steady, adding more gauze if blood begins to soak through. The full 15 minutes ensures the blood time to clot. If you lift the gauze sooner, the clotting process is disrupted and the wound bleeds even more.

5. Contact a medical professional if the bleeding has not stopped or subsided after a full 15 minutes. Lift the head slightly higher than the heart as you wait for instructions on what to do next.

6. Watch the injured person carefully after treating the head wound to be sure that there is no lasting injury, concussion or shock.

Tags: head wound, full minutes, injured person, Keep pressure, lift gauze

Cure Fibroids With Massage

Cure Fibroids With Massage

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that are usually found in the uterus or other muscle tissue. They can be caused by many things, including diet, lack of exercise, poor digestion, accumulation of toxins and stress. They can be surgically removed, but they can also be cured with massage.

Instructions

1. Get deep tissue massages. These help remove toxins from muscles and tissues and allow you to release them from the body through sweating and urinating.

2. Use massage to help increase circulation. Due to a lack of exercise and poor circulation, fibroids can build up in the body. Massage can help cure these by increasing your circulation.

3. Find a qualified masseuse. An Ayurveda masseuse will use the right herbal oils which, along with massage, will create heat and friction that will cleanse the tissues of impurities. The oils will then help to nourish the tissue and muscle under the skin. These cosultants will also be able to help you find the source of your physiological imbalance that leads to the fibroids in your body.

4. Go for daily massages. To cure fibroids with massage, the massages should be done daily. This will give continual ease to the muscles, and create a natural rhythm for releasing and ridding the body of toxins that tend to build up and create fibroids.

5. Learn give yourself massages at home. Ayurveda health consultants will be able to give you the best oils and show you massage certain parts of your body every day. This way you can give yourself the health benefits of massage without paying someone else to do it.

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Home Remedy For Constipation

Home Remedy for Constipation

Constipation is a common digestive problem that can make you feel bloated and tired. In some cases, you might experience uncomfortable symptoms such as cramping. Bowel movement frequency varies for each person. And while some people may routinely have three movements a day, others may only have three movements in a week. Constipation occurs when there is a noticeable change in frequency. Because this common problem can lead to other health conditions, treating it is vital. Fortunately, there are home remedies for constipation.

Eat High-Fiber Foods

Certain foods contribute to soft, bulky stools. On the other hand, a low-fiber diet often results in hard, infrequent stools. Evaluate your diet and limit fried and fatty foods. Increase your intake of fresh fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts and whole grains. To ensure you're receiving the recommended dose of fiber, supplement with fiber capsules.

Increase Fluid Intake

Fluids such as water, apple juice and prune juice can stimulate a bowel movement and alleviate constipation. Water increases fluid secretion in the intestinal tract, which contributes to softer stools. Additionally, apple and prune juice can soften hard stools and promote regularity.

Start an Exercise Program

Being active can have an impact on the intestinal tract. Exercising, playing sports or engaging in other physical activities encourage intestinal contractions. This results in the passage of stools. To remedy constipation naturally, establish an exercise routine. If possible, work out for 30 minutes three to five times a week.

Laxatives

Laxatives are effective home treatments for occasional constipation. These over-the-counter medications soften stools and they generally stimulate a bowel movement within 24 hours. According to the Mayo Clinic, laxatives should be used as a last resort. Overuse of laxatives can actually cause constipation.

Massage the Stomach

Slowly and gently massaging the lower abdomen in a circular motion can also stimulate the intestines and encourage a bowel movement. This remedy is recommended for children, but it can also work on adults. If you suffer from chronic constipation, daily stomach massages can increase bowel movement frequency and prevent future bouts of constipation.

Tags: bowel movement, bowel movement, have three, have three movements, Home Remedy, Home Remedy Constipation, intestinal tract

Dispose Of Syringes

If you're a diabetic and use insulin, you have likely found that disposing of the syringes can be somewhat perplexing. Your health-care provider will not allow you to drop them off for pickup at their facility. The local garbage company won't take syringes in those little red "biohazard" containers. So what are you supposed to do? This article will teach you dispose of those used syringes and at the same time protect the public health by keeping others from stealing them.

Instructions

1. Empty the laundry detergent bottle and make sure it has a secure cap. Place the bottle in the area where you usually test your blood sugars.

2. Test your blood sugars and administer your normal dose of insulin. Place the cap back on the syringe and place all contaminated objects in the empty laundry detergent bottle. Place the alcohol swab, cotton ball, test strip and syringe in the bottle.

3. Continue using the detergent bottle until it is full. At that point, dispose of it as if were simply an empty bottle. No one thinks to look in a laundry-detergent bottle for used syringes. Therefore, you are disposing of your syringes and at the same time protecting public health as well.

Tags: detergent bottle, blood sugars, laundry detergent, laundry detergent bottle, public health, same time

Choose Tires For Driving In The Rain

Choose Tires for Driving in the Rain

Driving in the rain is something most of us have to deal with at one time or another. If you live in an area known for its stormy weather, however, you must be prepared for the fact that wet conditions will be the rule, not the exception. Choosing the right tires for driving in the rain is hardly brain surgery, but it pays to follow some basic guidelines to ensure you choose wisely.

Instructions

Do Your Homework

1. Check your local weather statistics and think back to your own experiences. If you have spent at least 10 percent of your time driving in the rain, you need to choose dedicated rain tires.

2. Check your tires for signs of wear. Depending on their age, you may notice that the tread is almost completely gone or that it has held up relatively well.

3. Less wear means you spend more time on surface streets, another indicator that you need rain tires.

Choose a Winner

4. Head down to the local auto shop with your vehicle handbook in hand and ask for all-terrain tires in your size.

5. Look for tires with deep grooves down the middle, a tread-wear rating of at least 85 and a traction rating of "b" or higher. These are tires built to handle off-road conditions, including muddy byways, without losing their grip on the road.

6. Prepare yourself for the fact that such tires may not last as long as harder, smoother highway tires. What you get in return, however, is true peace of mind when the skies open and conditions become slick.

Tags: Check your, Choose Tires, Choose Tires Driving, driving rain, fact that

Get A Pro Discount On Prana Apparel

Professional trainers can save a little or a lot with prAna's trainer discount.

If you work as a yoga, Pilates or climbing instructor, prAna wants you to wear their clothes to work. In exchange for a 50 percent discount on every item that prAna manufactures -- workout and casual apparel, outerwear, climbing accessories, hats and more -- the company asks for your professional opinion about their items. You will need to fulfill other criteria to qualify, but once you do, the only restriction that prAna states is that you limit your purchases to clothing for yourself, not others.

Instructions

Create a prAna Influencer account

1. Locate the "Influencer/Pro Sales" page on the prAna website.

2. Check the drop down box entitled "classification" to see if you qualify for prAna's Influencer program. PrAna offers a 50 percent discount to yoga and Pilates trainers, adaptive sports professionals, adventure athletes, climbing and mountaineering professionals, climbing gym employees, environmental professionals and law enforcement professionals.

3. Find and scan your professional certification card from the American Council on Exercise, IDEA, International Fitness Professionals Association, AFAA, NETA or other professional trainer association. If you do not have a certification card, but have been working for at least a year as a professional trainer, ask your employer to write a letter stating your status as a fitness professional.

4. Fill out the online application.

5. Email your certification card or the letter from your employer to influencer@prana.com.

6. Keep an eye out for a reply email; it will contain your influencer password. PrAna manages their applications in batches, so it may take up to a month for you to hear back from the company. Write this password down in a safe place

7. Log on to the prAna influencer website by clicking the "My Account" button on the consumer prAna website. If you were a previous prAna customer, use your new Influencer password. If you see crossed out prices and with discounted prices listed next to them, you are on the correct site.

8. Look for promotional emails from the influencer team at prAna offering additional professional perks, like pre-season sales, free shipping and additional discounts.

Tags: certification card, percent discount, prAna Influencer, prAna website, professional trainer

Avoid Cavity Causing Bacteria

Avoid Cavity Causing Bacteria

Cavities are caused by bacteria in our mouth mixing with protein, food and saliva, which causes plague to form. Bacteria can hide on your teeth, your tongue and your toothbrush.

Instructions

1. Brush your teeth correctly. On average, people spend less than 45 seconds brushing their teeth. Dentists recommend brushing the tops, bottoms, insides and outsides of teeth. In addition, you should brush your tongue, the insides of your cheeks and the roof of your mouth. This takes 2 to 3 minutes to remove as much bacteria as possible with the brush and protect you from cavities.

2. Clean between your teeth, where bacteria can hide. You can prevent cavities by using dental floss or a water pick to remove bacteria. You can also use a water pick to scrape bacteria off your tongue.

3. Watch what foods and drinks you consume. Sugars and carbohydrates help bacteria grow, reproduce and create the acid that eats through enamel to cause cavities. Foods like caramel, taffy, peanut butter and honey stick to your teeth and remain until you brush. Juices and other drinks often have high amounts of sugars. To prevent cavities, drink water to help dilute the sugars and brush after meals.

4. Visit the dentist regularly. Dentists identify areas where bacteria are beginning to form cavities. The dentist can use a treatment of highly concentrated fluoride to prevent cavities from developing. If you aren't getting enough fluoride, the dentist may recommend a fluoride supplement.

5. Buy a VIOlight for your toothbrush. Bacteria thrive in bathroom environments, which is where most people keep their toothbrush. VIOlight uses UV rays to kill 99.9 percent of the bacteria on your toothbrush. Personal travel units for individual toothbrushes and family friendly versions that can hold four toothbrushes are available at VIOlight's website.

Tags: your teeth, prevent cavities, your tongue, your toothbrush, Avoid Cavity, Avoid Cavity Causing

Ride A Horse After Hip Replacement

Riding is like flight without wings

Having hip replacement surgery is a huge ordeal. You have had major surgery and endured a long and torturous bout of rehabilitation. Your life has been restored to most of its normal activities, and you feel better than you did before your surgery. Now you want to ride again. Riding horses enables you to experience a freedom of movement that is no longer available to you any other way. Knowing do this with care will help prevent any major complications with your hip replacement.

Instructions

1. To ride anything but the best-trained, most well-mannered horse is asking for a trip to the hospital to have your hip replaced again. If you are to even consider riding, the horse you plan to ride needs to be as well-trained as they come. There can be no bucking, rearing, kicking, running or any other vices. Do whatever needs to be done, but do not mount a horse that you don't trust.

2. Start slow. Use the mounting block whenever you ride and wear your riding helmet. Your lower body will not be as strong as it was before your surgery, and you need to take some precautions until you build up your balance and strength in the saddle. Make sure your saddle is neither too big nor too small. You must be able to sit comfortably, and start slow. Walking is a must before you even think of trotting. Do turns, backs, reverses and other balance exercises to build up your lower body muscles again. Eventually, as your body responds, you may speed up. But if at any time you feel unsure, slow down. Do not risk a fall.

3. Get off the horse if there is any question about its behavior or your control. No matter where you are or what you are doing, if there is any question whatsoever about the absolute safety of your ride, dismount and hand the horse over to someone else. After having a major surgery such as hip replacement, you should never ride alone. Too much can go wrong and you can be hurt too badly for you to be by yourself.

4. Be prepared for some pain. Having pain in your hip is inevitable during and after a ride. Use some preventative measures and take some medication--such as Advil or Tylenol--before your ride to help ease the stiffness and inflammation that will result from the movement of the horse's body underneath you. Most horsepeople will readily agree that a little discomfort is well worth the freedom of a good ride.

5. Have fun! Do not be so afraid of hurting yourself that you do not enjoy the ride. If you have taken the above common-sense precautions, you have no reason to be apprehensive. Remember the joy of riding, and the special feeling of flight without wings, and work toward the goal of enjoying that feeling again. Life is too short to let a hip replacement stop you from enjoying every moment.

Tags: before your, before your surgery, build your, flight without, flight without wings, lower body, major surgery

Negative Physical Effects Of Cell Phones

Many people believe cell phones cause brain tumors. However, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) and other scientific authorities disagree with this belief. In fact, the major conditions associated with cell-phone use include physical strain, hearing loss, and neurological risks for children. What is certain is that cell phones can indirectly cause devastating physical injuries when they are used during driving and other activities.

History

Since cell phones are relatively new technology, many people are concerned about the long-term effects of using them. Consumers and scientists alike are especially concerned about the effect of cell-phone radiation on the brain.

Cell Phones and Radiation

Cell phones' radio transmissions lead many to fear that cell phones cause brain tumors. However, a 2005 study by the Danish Cancer Society reveals no link between cell phones and tumors.

Cell Phones and Hearing Loss

People who use their cell phones more than 60 minutes per day are at increased risk for hearing loss, according to a 2007 American Academy of Otolaryngology study .

Cell Phones and Children

According to Swedish Professor Kjell Mild, cell-phone use among children should be minimized because children have thinner skulls and undeveloped nervous systems.

Cell Phones and Insomnia

According to a 2008 Swedish-American study, cell-phone use right before bedtime triggers sleep disturbances. This may cause insomnia or lack of deep REM sleep.

Tags: cell phones, brain tumors, brain tumors However, cause brain, cause brain tumors

Symptoms Of Diabetes

Diabetes is a serious endocrine disorder that occurs when your body is no longer able to convert glucose into energy due to a lack of insulin. Symptoms of diabetes are the result of the buildup of sugar in the blood. If left untreated, diabetes can cause serious long term damage to the liver, heart and brain.

Abnormal Thirst

One of the most characteristic symptoms of diabetes is increased thirst. This occurs as a result of glucose building up in the bloodstream and depleting fluid from other areas of the body.

Distorted Vision

When the body relocates fluid from other areas of the body, it often saps fluid solution from the eyes, making blurry or distorted vision a symptom of diabetes.

Abnormal Hunger

Another classic symptom of diabetes is increased hunger. Since the body is unable to convert the glucose into energy, it believes it is running low on sustenance and calls for more.

Unusual Fatigue

Increased exhaustion is a symptom of diabetes due to the cell's inability to receive new supplies of energy.

Abnormal Weight Loss

When the body is unable to procure energy from the food it is ingesting, it will begin to process fat reserves for energy, resulting in weight loss.

Tags: symptom diabetes, areas body, body unable, convert glucose, convert glucose into

Description Of Cervical Cancer

The cervix is the narrow space at the bottom of uterus that connects the uterus to the vagina. Cervical cancer occurs when the cells of the cervix begin to multiply uncontrollably, forming a tumor or growth.

Significance

Each year more than 11,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Types

Around 80 to 90 percent of cervical cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, which form in the cells closest to the vagina, according to the American Cancer Society. The remaining cases of cervical cancer are adenocarcinomas, which form on the part of the uterus closest to the vagina.

Symptoms

When cervical cancer first develops, it is likely to cause no symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic. As the condition worsens, you may experience vaginal bleeding after intercourse or between periods; watery or bloody discharge from the uterus that has a foul odor; pelvic pain, or pain during intercourse.

Cause

One of the major causes of cervical cancer is the human papillomavirus or HPV, a sexually transmitted disease, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Treatment

When caught early, doctors often treat cervical cancer with minor surgical procedures that just remove the abnormal cells, such as laser surgery or loop electrosurgical excision procedures. More advanced cases may require a hysterectomy or surgical removal of the uterus and cervix, chemotherapy and radiation.

Prevention

Obtaining a Pap smear from a gynecologist each year helps catch abnormalities in cervical cells before they develop into invasive forms of cancer, reports the Mayo Clinic. In addition, the Gardasil vaccine prevents women from catching many forms of HPV, reducing the risk of cervical cancer.

Tags: Mayo Clinic, according Mayo, according Mayo Clinic, cervical cancer, cervical cancer

Use Sweet Almond Oil In Massage Therapy

Use Sweet Almond Oil in Massage Therapy

Sweet almond oil is an excellent carrier oil to mix with essential oils, especially if you are performing massage therapy on a person with sensitive or oily skin. Oil enhances a massage by entering the skin and nose. Skin and hair follicles easily absorb oil, which then enters the blood stream. Essential oils help oxygen bring nutrients to tissues and help the body dispose of harmful toxins. Almond oil also contains vitamin D, which helps protect the skin. Here are the steps for mixing sweet almond oil with rosemary and lavender oil to soothe sore muscles during massage therapy.

Instructions

The Steps

1. Prepare the massage area by setting up a comfortable place for the person you are performing massage therapy on. Dim the lights, light candles and provide a flat, cushioned surface with a massage chair or yoga mat.

2. Clean and dry your utensils before use. Measure out 2 tsp. of sweet almond oil and pour it into a glass dish or bowl.

3. Add two drops of rosemary oil and three drops of lavender oil to the sweet almond oil. Use your toothpick to mix the oils together.

4. Heat the water in a pot on the stove until it boils. Remove the pan from the heat and set the glass dish in the hot water until the oil warms, for about five minutes.

5. Test the heat of the oil before using. Put half a teaspoon in your palm and rub your hands together.

6. Fold a towel over the lower half of the person's body. Place one hand at the base of the spine and one at the top of the spine to begin.

7. Glide the oil gently over the neck and shoulders. Make sure your hands are relaxed so they flow with the contours of the person's body. Continue in this manner over the legs and arms.

8. Begin your massage therapy session. When done with the back, apply the oil to the front of the body using the same flowing movements and continue massaging.

Tags: massage therapy, sweet almond, Almond Massage, Almond Massage Therapy, glass dish

What Is The Idiot Proof Diet

The Idiot Proof Diet promises weight loss of 11 lbs. in nine days, and is based on a book by authors Neris Thomas and India Knight. Dieters can follow the step-by-step guidelines in the book, or join an online community to keep up with each phase of the diet. The diet itself is comprised of 10 "rules" and encourages dieters to eat more calories on certain days of the diet plan to boost their metabolism.

Significance

The authors of the Idiot Proof Diet lost a total of 140 pounds together by following this diet plan, and claim that they managed to lose weight with very little effort. Many of the rules of the Idiot Proof Diet are common-sense tips for eating healthy. Adhering to a restricted, low-sugar, high protein and moderate carbohydrate diet has proven to be an effective way to lose weight, and dieters do not need to buy special foods in order to stick with this plan.

Function

The guiding principles of the Idiot Proof Diet encourage dieters to limit overall caloric intake and to eat only high-quality, nutritious foods. The meals are spaced apart so that the body can burn the calories more efficiently; dieters are required to stick with specific principles through each of the three phases, and the book is organized with tips for a twelve-week period.

Features

The Idiot Proof Diet is designed to be cyclical; dieters must follow the diet exactly for eleven days and can then follow three "free days" before starting the 11-day cycle again. This helps to reset the metabolic rate continuously throughout the dieter's weight loss plan so that they never hit a plateau. The authors of The Idiot Proof Diet believe that this is the same method used by professional bodybuilders and athletes who need to lose weight between seasons; eating a varied amount of calories ensures that the metabolism does not slow down and that weight loss continues while on the diet.

Key Points

The Idiot Proof Diet is based on ten key principles. These are: cycling carbs and high-protein meals throughout the 11-day cycle; eating four meals, 2.5 hours apart; preparing meals at home; rotating different meals throughout the day; avoiding condiments that have unnecessary calories; to stop eating when feeling full; drinking low-calorie beverages; drinking at least 8 to 10 10 oz. glasses of water per day to speed up weight loss; walking at least 45 to 60 minutes per day; reducing sugar in the diet.

Considerations

The diet does not eliminate food groups, but does require dieters to select from lean cuts of meat, low-fat dairy products and reduce excess calories. Even on an "off diet" day, dieters are encouraged to make healthy food choices and limit overeating or binging. This diet has not been endorsed or approved by any physicians or the medical community, but was formulated by two women who achieved results with their own plan.

Tags: Idiot Proof, Idiot Proof Diet, Proof Diet, weight loss, lose weight, 11-day cycle, authors Idiot

Depression Test

A depression test or inventory is taken by a physician to determine whether a person is suffering from a depressive disorder or condition. Not all forms of depression indicate a mental illness or disorder. Everyone experiences depression from time to time; it's a natural by-product of living. Testing for depression should be done by a professional if a person suspects he is experiencing clinical depression.

Trained Professional

Trained professionals, including general physicians, clinical psychologists and psychiatrists administer depression tests or inventories. Depression tests assess a person's mental or emotional state.

Depressive Disorder

Depressive disorders cannot be diagnosed solely by depression tests. The depression test is just one factor to consider. Without proper assessment, treatment cannot be determined.

Online Depression Tests

The validity of depression tests affects the efficacy of their results. Most online depression tests are offered for entertainment value. If true depression is suspected, a physician should be consulted. People take online depression tests when they are trying to answer questions about themselves and how they are feeling such as: Why do I feel so depressed when things in life appear to be going fine? How can I overcome the low self-esteem that prevents me from doing better at

work?

Measuring Emotional Response

The Scranton Depression Inventory determines whether a person is suffering from anxiety or depression. Anxiety may manifest as anger, temperamental outbursts, followed by depressive episodes marked by regret. Depression tests reveal the difference and provide valuable information for treatment.

One-on-One Testing

Valid depression inventories require one-on-one assessment to determine emotional state, levels of self-esteem, self-image and reactions. Straight tests ask questions that a patient can fill out, but they do not provide observational data that a psychologist uses to judge a patient's level of honesty.

Tags: depression tests, emotional state, online depression, online depression tests, person suffering

Antifungal Treatment In Aids

Because of their weakened immune system, patients with AIDS are vulnerable to a host of illnesses. Amongst these are fungal infections, which can be treated with the anti-fungal medication Diflucan.

History

In 1990, the Food and Drug Administration approved the use of Diflucan for the treatment of fungal infections that resulted from AIDS. The drug, manufactured by New York-based Pfizer, is still used to fight infections in AIDS patients.

Benefits

The use of Diflucan to treat these fungal-related ailments helps AIDS patients live longer and more comfortably.

Function

In AIDS patients, Diflucan is used to treat cryptococcal meningitis, which is a fungal infection that causes swelling of the brain and can be fatal without proper treatment. In addition, the drug is used to treat candidiasis, which are painful sores in the mouth and throat caused by fungus.

Taking Diflucan

Diflucan can be taken orally, or intravenously in a hospital setting. The oral version is available in tablet or liquid form, and is typically given for less severe cases of candidiasis; the intravenous mode of delivery is confined to cases of candidiasis where patients are not able to swallow or are being treated for cryptococcal meningitis.

Considerations

Diflucan is known to cause side effects in patients such as nausea, headache and abdominal pain as well as allergic reactions to the drug.

Tags: AIDS patients, cases candidiasis, cryptococcal meningitis, fungal infections, used treat

The Benefits Of Artificial Insemination

Artificial insemination offers benefits to people who want to have a baby but cannot conceive for one reason or another. First and foremost, artificial insemination offers infertile couples the chance to start a family. Women who choose to remain single but want to have a child also use artificial insemination to become pregnant.

There are two different types of procedures used during artificial insemination. The first involves inserting the sperm directly into the cervix (intracervical insemination, or ICI) and most resembles natural intercourse; this is because the sperm still need to travel to the uterus on their own for fertilization to take place. The second procedure involves inserting the sperm directly into the uterus (intrauterine insemination, or IUI), which increases the chance for fertilization because the sperm do not need to travel to the uterus on their own.

Cost

Compared to other fertility procedures, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), artificial insemination is relatively inexpensive. The National Infertility Association (see References) reported that the average cost for one cycle of IVF is $8,158--although other estimates run much higher--and for one cycle of artificial insemination, $865. Some insurance companies will cover part of the costs.

Side Effects

Artificial insemination is less invasive than other infertility treatment methods and has fewer side effects. Sometimes fertility drugs are prescribed for the woman, the man, or both, but not always. The procedure is also painless.

Options

Most often married couples will use the husband's sperm for artificial insemination, but if there are health or fertility problems with the man, or a woman who wants to have a baby does not have partner, individuals may choose to use a sperm bank. Sperm banks screen their donors carefully, and donors sign legal forms and relinquish all parental rights. Often women or couples can choose the donor based on physical features, health, and even temperament and religion.

Another option offered by artificial insemination is the use of donor eggs, if the woman cannot produce healthy eggs on her own.

Closest to Natural

Artificial insemination allows for natural fertilization to take place in the body. This aspect appeals to couples who want to create a baby in a way closest to traditional intercourse.

Screening

Regardless of whether the sperm used for artificial insemination comes from the husband, a sperm bank, or another donor, it is always washed and tested before the insemination in order to reduce the likelihood of passing any genetic defects on to the baby.

Tags: artificial insemination, artificial insemination, because sperm, directly into, fertilization take, fertilization take place

Wart Remedies

Warts, a viral infection caused by HPV (human papillomavirus), are small cauliflower-like clusters that can appear on any part of the body, including the mouth, feet and genitals. Warts do not disappear on their own. Often, medical treatment is required to make them go away. But you also can try a home remedy before seeing a doctor.

Duct Tape

The duct tape method involves placing a wart remover that contains salicylic acid directly onto a wart. Cover the wart with duct tape after applying the wart remover. Each time you take a shower, remove the duct tape and scrub the excess skin with a pumice stone. Dry the area and repeat the process until the wart is completely gone.

Freezing

Your doctor may recommend freezing your wart. In this method, he or she will apply liquid nitrogen directly to your wart, causing some discomfort. If the wart does not respond or fall off quickly, you may have to return for up to six sessions. Eventually, the wart will freeze completely and fall off. If you're not interested in seeing a doctor, you can buy a home wart-freezing kit over the counter. The kits come in one-treatment packs. While painful, self-freezing can be effective on smaller warts.

Cantharidin

In this method, your doctor will apply a chemical called cantharidin directly to your wart. Although it is initially painless, in a few hours you will experience painful blistering of the wart. Your doctor will have you return a few days later to have any excess skin that has built up around the wart removed. If the wart has not disappeared, your doctor may try cantharidin again.

Surgical Removal

If your wart is especially big or deep, your doctor may suggest surgical removal. Surgically removing a wart is a simple outpatient procedure in which your doctor will numb the area around the wart. Next, he will scrape off the wart with a surgical knife, or he may choose to use a laser. The area will be dressed and bandaged. Depending on where the wart is, you may have to walk on crutches for a few days after the surgery or refrain from using your hand for regular activities.

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Uses Of Carrot Seed Essential Oil

Essential oils can play an important role in your overall health and well-being. Carrot seed essential oil has many healthy properties that you enjoy in conjunction with proper exercise and diet, therefore receiving the most out of its addition into your daily routine.

Anti-Oxidant

Carrot seed oil has an abundance of anti-oxidant properties that, most notably, help to fight against free radicals and oxidants, which damage healthy cells. This attribute helps skin to maintain its healthy youthful look and feel by warding off wrinkles, keeps hair from graying quickly and helps protect against cancer causing free radicals in your system.

Anti-Inflammatory

After you clean your open wound or scrape, drip a few drops of carrot seed oil over the area to help reduce the presence of bacteria and to help reduce inflammation and swelling. This oil can also reduce inflammation in your digestive system and kidneys.

Diuretic

Part of the reason carrot seed oil helps to flush toxins from your system effectively is that the oil is a natural diuretic when taken internally, such as in a pill form, meaning it increases the production and flow of urine. Using a diuretic can be beneficial in reducing blood pressure, cleansing the kidneys and liver and removing toxins from the body.

Digestion

Referred to as a tonic, carrot seed oil helps to regulate digestive secretions and support healthy digestive functions in the stomach, small and large intestines and the liver. You can either ingest the oil in pill a form, or add a drop or two to hot tea and drink it that way.

Face

Carrot seed oil, just like carrots themselves, is also noted for helping to maintain healthy vision. Additionally, the oil can help moisturize dry, dehydrated skin and ward off wrinkles. Look for carrot seed oil as an ingredient in the moisturizers you choose and follow the instruction per the product as far as a regime goes.

Detoxify

Neutralizing extra bile produced by the liver, carrot seed oil acts as a detoxifier for the liver based ailments such as jaundice. This feature of the oil can also help to detoxify the blood, muscles and urine by helping to flush out a buildup of toxins in your body. According to Natural-Homeredies.com, carrot seed oil also stimulates your metabolism, which helps to speed up the cleansing process when trying to detoxify. To use the oil as a detoxifier, take it internally either in a pill form or add a few drops in your hot tea.

Considerations

Consult your physician before beginning any new medical routine, which includes the use of essential oils. Report any side effects to your doctor immediately. Do not use carrot seed essential oil if pregnant, may become pregnant or are nursing.

Tags: carrot seed, pill form, Carrot seed, carrot seed, carrot seed helps, free radicals, help reduce

Do The Lemon Juice Cleanse

and what to expect while doing the lemon juice cleanse.

Instructions

1. Cleansing is important for our health, clearing out toxins to keep our bodies functioning at their best is the goal of cleaning. Pollution from the environment, stress, plus additives (pesticides, chemical colors plus flavorings) in our water and food are stored in our organs and fatty tissue. These toxins build up in our bodies over time, these toxins can build on the walls of our small intestines and make it hard for us to absorb the food we eat. Cleanses will give us more energy, improve our immune system and relieve various symptoms.

A very good cleanse which gives great results is the "lemon juice cleanse" some call it "the master cleanse" whatever you call it you will be happy you did it. The lemon juice cleanse consists of 6 to 12 glasses a day of: juice of 1/2 a lemon(from real lemons), 2 tbsp maple syrup, 1/10 tsp cayenne pepper (or less, to the taste), 8 oz water(good clean water)

2. This protocol can be used for up to ten days, though most get good result with only 3 or 4 days. It is important to listen to your body while cleansing.

Food isn't consumed during the cleanse; instead, a glass of the "lemonade" mixture is consumed whenever hungry also make sure you are drinking plenty good clean water, this is very important as you need a lot of water to create an easy pathway push out the toxins.

The fist day you probably won't see many results if any but the second and third days will show signs of releasing toxins, you will have to use bathroom a lot so be warned don't plan on being places where you don't have quick access to a bathroom. Not only will you feel lighter but you will have a lot more energy.

3. Once you stop the cleanse and start eating again it is very important to only eat foods that are easy to digest. Do not eat dairy products, processed sugars or red meats for at least a week after(if at all) going from no food to something that is hard to digest can shock your system. So stick with fruits and vegetables for the first two days after the cleanses then move on to nuts, fish and eggs.

Remember listen to your body if at any point you feel uncomfortable stop the cleanse and always drink lots of good clean water.

Good luck and happy cleansing

Tags: clean water, good clean, good clean water, juice cleanse, lemon juice, lemon juice cleanse

Multiple Myeloma Treatment

Multiple myeloma is a cancer that affects the plasma cells of bone marrow. There is no definitive cause, however, it may be genetic in nature, according to the Mayo Clinic. Treatment is varied, and is typically only necessary when symptoms are present.

Function

Multiple myeloma occurs when myeloma, a single abnormal plasma cell responsible for making proteins, rapidly multiplies. This multiplication results in an excess of plasma cells that eventually take over healthy cells and cause a variety of symptoms.

Symptoms

Not everyone with multiple myeloma will experience symptoms, and they are different for each individual with the disease. Symptoms can include: bone pain, weight loss, fatigue, infection, nausea, constipation and confusion.

Treatment

There is no cure for multiple myeloma, however, there are ways to control it. Treatment includes medications, such as bortezomib and thalidomide, as well as stem cell transplants and standard cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Prognosis

Multiple myeloma is not always fatal, and prognosis depends on the severity of the condition and the age of the individual affected.

Complications

If left untreated, multiple myeloma can compromise the immune system, weaken bones, cause anemia and impair the normal function of kidneys.

Tags: Multiple myeloma, plasma cells

Black History Kid Activities

Have kids write a mock letter from the perspective of an African American in history.

Black History month in February is a time to celebrate events and historic figures in African American history. A number of educational activities for kids help them learn about African American history during Black History month, or throughout the year. If you plan to teach kids about African American history, learn a few activities that can assist you.

Biographies And Presentations

Assign a figure in African American history for each child to write a short biography. Kids can present biographies in front of the class, which is a great way to teach the whole class about a number of important figures. To add to the project, have kids create a poster board display to go along with their papers that contains pictures, timelines and famous quotes about and from the person.

Trivia Tournament

Hold a trivia tournament about facts and figures in African American history. This motivates kids to learn and you can offer small prizes, like candy or little toys, to the winning team. A basic format is to have each team take a turn answering a question and, should they get a questions wrong, the other team has a chance to take that point by answering the same question correctly. Set a point maximum and give more points for harder questions.

Group Timeline

Making a timeline with kids is another activity to teach about African American history. Set the timeline to history in the U.S. and give each kid a period of time dating from when African Americans were first brought to the U.S. to the present. Kids can document significant occurrences of their time and, when completed, kids can put together their times to make a larger timeline for the class to view. Post the timeline going across a wall, or several walls, in your classroom.

Letter Writing

Another project that involves crafty skills is having kids write a mock letter from a famous person in African American history. Or from African Americans at different periods in history for a prospective of what life was like at those times. For example; write a letter from the prospective of an African American using the Underground Railroad, from the prospective of an African American who has just been brought to America, or from the prospective of an African American civil rights leader.

Tags: African American, African American history, American history, about African, about African American

Information Root Canals

A root canal is performed to save a diseased tooth.

A root canal is a treatment performed to remove unhealthy tissue from a diseased tooth. According to the Mayo Clinic, a root canal is not a painful procedure. It is usually performed by a general dentist or an endodontist -- a dentist who specializes in root canals.

Identification

The MedicineNet website states that root canal performed to preserve the life of a decayed or infected tooth. When the nerve pulp of the tooth breaks down within the root canal, and becomes damaged or filled with harmful bacteria, the nerve must be removed and the tooth cleaned and sealed with a crown. This is an artificial covering for the tooth, typically made of porcelain or gold.

Symptoms

According to WebMd, a person in need of a root canal will typically experience severe pain while chewing, swelling or tenderness in the surrounding gum, and the affected tooth may become discolored. In certain cases, there are few or no symptoms.

Considerations

Although a root canal is typically a successful procedure, according to animated-teeth.com, it is possible for the procedure to fail. Sometimes, tiny branches of the main root canal are present, and provide a place for bacteria to hide and reinfect the tooth in the future. Tiny cracks in a tooth can result in this same condition. The tooth can also become recontaminated if the crown does not fit properly. If a person suspects his or her root canal has failed, medical attention should be sought as soon as possible.

Tags: root canal, canal performed, diseased tooth, root canal performed

Why Do A Bone Density Test

A bone density test, also called a bone mineral density (BMD) test, reveals information about the overall health of your bones. As people grow older, they often develop osteoporosis, a condition in which the bones lose strength, mass and density. Certain health conditions and medications can also cause bone loss. The only way to identify low bone density and diagnose osteoporosis, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, is to have a bone density test. This is significant because, if detected early, osteoporosis can be treated and prevented.

Considerations

A booklet published by the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services titled "The 2004 Surgeon General's Report on Bone Health and Osteoporosis: What It Means To You" presents statistics regarding bone health of persons in the United States. Each year, approximately 1.5 million older Americans get fractures because of weakened bones. A fracture in an elderly person is often the beginning of a major decline in overall health. One in five people who suffer a hip fracture goes to a nursing home within a year of the fracture. Bone density testing can play a major role in reducing these statistics by identifying persons who are at risk for fractures so that treatment can be administered.

Function

The primary purpose of a bone density test is to determine if you have, or are at risk of developing, osteoporosis. If you have osteoporosis, a bone density test is used to help monitor its progress. The testing can help prevent fractures by detecting low bone density before a fracture happens, and it can predict the chances of having a fracture in the future.

Risk Factors

Certain factors make some people more likely to develop osteoporosis and suffer broken bones. These risk factors include age, being small and thin, being female and having a low-calcium diet. Heavy consumption of alcohol, smoking and a lack of vitamin D are also risk factors for developing osteoporosis.

Who Should Have It

According to guidelines set forth by the National Osteoporosis Foundation, all women 65 years old and older and all men 70 and older should have a bone density test. Women younger than 65 who are postmenopausal with at least one risk factor and men aged 50 to 70 with at least one risk factor should also have the test. Other recommendations for a bone density test include any man or woman over 50 who has suffered a broken bone, postmenopausal women who have stopped hormone replacement therapy and women going through menopause who have certain risk factors. Your doctor may also recommend the test if you have a medical condition or disease or have taken medications that can contribute to bone loss. In some cases, men with prostate cancer and women with breast cancer who have undergone certain treatments should have a bone density test.

Warning

Osteoporosis is a silent disease. You can't feel your bones deteriorating, and you may not realize it's happening until you experience a fracture. A bone density test can be a valuable tool in preventing such fractures by alerting you to any deterioration that may need treatment.

Tags: bone density, bone density test, density test, density test, have bone, have bone density

Healthy Lowfat Diet Meals

Creating meals for a healthy low-fat diet doesn't have to be hard, and the menu certainly doesn't have to be boring or tasteless. With a little bit of research and some creativity, you can devise a menu that's tasty and full of variety, while still being low in fat.

Breakfast

Breakfast doesn't have to mean bacon, sausage or biscuits and gravy. But it can, as long as you use low-fat alternatives. If you simply can't do without your breakfast meat, turkey sausage and bacon are good alternatives. Egg substitute can be used for scrambled eggs or omelets. Low fat biscuits or whole grain toast can be spread with low-fat buttery spreads or fruity jams. Of course oatmeal and farina are always good healthy alternatives, especially with the addition of fresh fruit or honey.

Lunch

Lunch is an easy meal to make lower in fat. Broth-based soups are always a good beginning. Sandwiches can be made with a variety of lower-fat deli meats and cheeses. Tuna, egg or chicken salad can be made with fat-free salad dressing. Make your sandwiches in many varieties. Use whole-grain bread, pita pockets, wraps or buns. Add sliced vegetables and lettuce. Salads with chunks of lean meat and low-fat cheese are always a good alternative.

Dinner

Dinner is an easy meal to make lower in fat creatively. Just about any of your family favorites can be made healthier by changing a few ingredients, and the difference in taste can be impossible to tell. In casseroles, substitute lower-fat dairy items for creamy sauces. Reduced-fat cheese can be used in many Mexican and Italian dishes. Broil or bake foods instead of frying. Avoid butter or cheese sauces on vegetables, instead topping them with spices, salsa or a pat of lower-fat margarine.

Snacks

Eating healthy doesn't mean giving up snacks. Fruits and vegetables with dip are great for munching while TV watching, as is popcorn. Frozen fruit juice makes a tasty Popsicle. Sorbet is a fruity substitute for ice cream. Cakes can be made by substituting applesauce or pumpkin for the oil in the recipe. And if you must have potato chips, there are baked versions of them, as well.

Tags: always good, doesn have, easy meal, easy meal make, made with, make lower

Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Myofascial pain, normally referred to as myofascial pain syndrome, is a chronic condition in which pain is centered in the soft tissues of your muscles called trigger points. Myofascial pain can be found in muscles throughout the body, most commonly in the back and neck. A variety of treatments are available to alleviate pain.

Causes

Causes of myofascial pain may include injury or repetitive motions of a single muscle or muscle group. The muscle fibers tighten, forming sensitive areas called trigger points. Trigger points are painful areas that when touched can send pain throughout the muscle. This type of pain is called referred pain.

Symptoms

Myofascial pain syndrome symptoms include muscle pain and stiffness that persists over a period of time, a knot or tight spot in the muscle that is tender to the touch and pain that is made worse by activity. You may also have difficulty sleeping because of the pain and experience fatigue or depression because of it.

Risks

Certain factors my increase your risk of myofascial pain and include muscle injury from sports-related activities or exercising without warming up. Stress and anxiety may contribute to this type of pain. People under stress and worry tend to be more tense and clench their muscles, straining sensitive muscle areas causing trigger or tender points.

Treatment

A physical therapy plan will be devised based on your symptoms. Gentle stretching exercises of the affected area should lessen pain. The physical therapist also may spray a numbing solution on the trigger point as you stretch your muscles. Massage helps loosen the affected muscle, and pressure put on the trigger point may help release tension.

Trigger-point injections are needle injections into and around the trigger-point area to help relieve tension in the muscle. Your doctor may use numbing or corticosteroid solutions in the injections to relieve pain and inflammation.

Medications such as Advil or Motrin can reduce muscle pain. A type of antidepressant called tricyclic antidepressants may relieve pain and help you sleep better.

Lifestyle Changes

Stress tenses muscles, so find ways you can rest and relax. Listen to relaxation tapes, take a nice long walk, read a book or magazine, or take a nice long soak in the tub. Gentle stretching helps muscles become flexible and lessen trigger-point areas. Acupuncture is a treatment in which thin needles are inserted into certain points in the body to relieve pressure. No study has been done to confirm the virtues of this treatment, but if other treatments fail, this may be an option. Consult your doctor first, and see if he has any recommendations for an acupuncturist.

Tags: called trigger, called trigger points, Gentle stretching, include muscle, muscle pain, myofascial pain, Myofascial pain

Neuroblastoma Definition

Neuroblastoma is a nerve tissue cancer that mostly affects children. Around half the cases of neuroblastoma arise in children under two years of age. The American Cancer Society reports that in the United States, approximately 650 new cases of neuroblastoma appear every year, which makes it the most common type of cancer in babies. Neuroblastoma usually begins during infancy or sometimes even before birth. It generally starts in the adrenal glands (located above the kidneys), but it can spread to nerve tissues in the abdomen, neck and spinal column.

Stages

The International Neuroblastoma Staging System (INSS) defines the different stages of neuroblastoma. In stage 1, the cancer remains in the part of the body where it started and is removable by surgery. Stage 2 is similar to stage 1, but the cancer is not completely removable by surgery. Both stage 1 and stage 2 neuroblastoma are restricted to one side of the body. In stage 3 neuroblastoma, the cancer may spread to the other side of the body, or if it is located in the middle it may spread to both sides. In stage 4, the cancer spreads to areas and organs further away from the area where the cancer originated. "Special" neuroblastoma (stage 4S) is stage 4 neuroblastoma that occurs in children younger than 12 months.

Causes

Nueroblasts are the cells present in a fetus that later develop into nerve cells and nerve tissues of the adrenal gland. When the nueroblasts fail to develop into mature cells, they turn into a neuroblastoma tumor. The exact causes of neuroblastoma are not entirely recognized. Researchers believe that genetic mutations might be responsible for some occurrences of neuroblastoma.

Symptoms

Different parts of the body affected by neuroblastoma exhibit different symptoms. Abdominal neuroblastoma is characterized by pain and tenderness in the abdomen, bowel problems (i.e., constipation), swollen legs and frequent urination. If the chest is affected by neuroblastoma, the signs and symptoms include breathing problems, inflammation of the face, drooping eyelids and pupil dilation. Other symptoms and signs include bumps under the skin, protrusion of eyeballs, dark circles around eyes, curving of spine, back pain, fever and weight loss.

Treatment

In most cases, neuroblastoma is not diagnosed until it has reached a stage where it cannot be completely removed surgically. Even if it is diagnosed early, it may be too near a vital organ, making surgery risky. In serious cases, there is no choice but to perform surgery and treat the remaining cancer cells by chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Another method of treatment----stem cell transplant----involves collecting healthy stem cells from the patient and injecting them back into the patient after chemotherapy.

Prognosis

Children younger than 18 months have a better chance of being cured than older children. Patients of neuroblastoma are divided into different risk categories according to the stage of the cancer and their medical history. The survival rates (5-year) for low-risk, intermediate-risk, and high-risk patients are 90 percent to 95 percent, 85 percent to 90 percent, and 30 percent, respectively.

Tags: percent percent, stage cancer, cases neuroblastoma, percent percent percent, stage neuroblastoma

Placement Of Magnets To Quit Smoking

From chewing gum to pills, creams, patches, herbal remedies and even laser therapy, health professionals and companies have worked to find the most effective way to get people to stop smoking. One of the latest strategies to kick the habit involves the use of magnets. These magnets are small, easy to use and promise a quick and permanent solution to the difficult task of quitting smoking.

Tobacco Use

The use of tobacco and its subsequent health consequences are worldwide problems that affect both smokers and nonsmokers. A wide variety of treatments and support groups are available to try to help smokers drop the habit. Even the World Health Organization has enacted strict policies to try to reduce the number of people who smoke.

One method that has emerged to help smokers quit is the use of ear magnets.

Deciding to Quit

The most important step toward a life free from smoking is making the decision to quit. Sit down and make a list of the benefits and downsides of your habit. You probably will find that the downsides are very harmful to you and your loved ones.

Get support from close friends and family. Smokers who have the support of their spouse and kids have much better chances of quitting. Recruit some nonsmoking friends to hang out with. They can point out the benefits of dropping the habit and will constantly remind you of your progress and goals.

Starting to Quit

The stop-smoking ear magnets are noninvasive and easy to use. You do not need to quit smoking for the first few days on this treatment. You will have two small magnets the size of an earring. One is a bit smaller than the other. Place the smaller magnet on the front upper part of your left ear. The larger magnet goes directly behind the first one, on the back side of the ear. The force between the two magnets will hold them to your ear.

Wear the magnets for at least two to four hours a day. These magnets work through acupressure therapy, helping the body produce chemicals that help you quit smoking. For the first seven days, you may continue to smoke as usual. However, you may find that the desire to smoke decreases during this first week.

Kicking the Habit for Good

After the initial week, it's time to quit cold turkey. On the eighth day, wear the magnets for two to four hours and refrain from lighting a cigarette. Continue to do this for the next 20 to 25 days and you may find that your desire to smoke has disappeared.

Tags: find that, desire smoke, four hours, help smokers, quit smoking first, smoking first, These magnets

Recognize Symptoms Of Bird Flu

Bird flu is a serious virus that commonly affects birds. However, there have been a number of human infections in recent years. And many people are interested in identify the symptoms and prevent this disease, which can be fatal if left untreated. Unfortunately, human infections closely mimic regular flu, which makes the condition difficult to diagnose.

Instructions

1. Notice if you develop a high fever. Persons infected with bird flu typically become ill with a fever. Fevers can develop gradually or suddenly and most people have temperatures higher than 101 degrees.

2. Notice if you have shortness of breath. This type of infection causes inflammation in the lungs, airways and throat. As a result, many sufferers experience breathing difficulties, which can include breathlessness, wheezing and other asthmatic symptoms.

3. Observe if you suffer from a serious cough. Due to the inflammation and post-nasal drainage into the lungs, persons with bird flu develop a deep and painful cough. Often times, the cough is accompanied with a thick mucus discharge.

4. Observe if you experience abdominal pain and loose bowels. Most bird flu symptoms mimic regular flu symptoms. However, abdominal discomfort and diarrhea is a distinct symptom present in bird flu cases.

5. Note if you have ongoing vomiting after meals. Other types of flu rarely causes vomiting. Anyone who experiences flu-like symptoms accompanied with vomiting should see a doctor immediately.

6. Detect bleeding from gums or nose. Another distinct symptom of bird flu is unusual bleeding. Nosebleeds or bleeding gums are common for some people. However, if these new symptoms develop alongside regular flu symptoms, bird flu may be the culprit.

Tags: accompanied with, distinct symptom, human infections, mimic regular, regular symptoms, with bird

Why Does My Leg Fall Asleep When I Am Walking

Impaired circulation sometimes causes legs to fall asleep.

Legs often fall asleep when sitting, standing or reclining in one position for a long period. Typically, that's no reason to be concerned. For some people, that tingling and numbness happens while walking. A variety of conditions may cause a leg to fall asleep while walking. These conditions typically occur because of circulation or sensory problems.

Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is a disorder that affects the peripheral nerve. This typically occurs in people who have poor control over their blood sugar or those diagnosed with diabetes. The condition can develop suddenly or over time. Diabetic neuropathy sometimes causes tingling, weakness and numbness in the leg and feet, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Other symptoms of diabetic neuropathy include foot ulcers, thigh muscle wasting and difficulty walking.

Peripheral Artery Disease

Circulatory problems often cause the leg to fall asleep while walking. Peripheral artery disease or PAD occurs when there's a lack of blood flow to the legs -- typically caused by atherosclerosis, a condition usually caused by the narrowing of the arteries by fatty deposits. Mayoclinic.com notes that the telltale sign of PAD is pain while walking. Other symptoms of PAD include leg numbness, intense leg cramping after activities such as walking, a change in leg color and a weak pulse in the legs.

Transient Ischemic Attack

Transient ischemic attack or TIA occurs when the brain's blood circulation is temporarily halted. TIA may cause sudden weakness and numbness in the leg, typically on one side of the body, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Blood clots, blood vessel injuries and blood vessel narrowing impede blood flow to the brain to produce these symptoms. Symptoms develop suddenly, lasting up to two hours. After the attack, symptoms go away. Atherosclerosis increases the likelihood of TIA.

Migraines

Migraine sufferers often develop severe head pain during an episode. They also experience other seemingly unrelated symptoms, such as numbness. According to Migraine.com, 13 percent of migraine sufferers experience a sleeping sensation in either the arms or legs. Many people with migraines also experience facial numbness. Symptoms often appear on the same side of the body as the migraine headache. Migraine.com says these symptoms occur because of sensory aura, changes in senses that occur before the onset of a migraine.

Warning Signs

The U.S. National Library of Medicine suggests a health care provider be contacted if there's no obvious cause for leg numbness and if the leg tingling worsens when walking. Frequent urination, rashes, dizziness and pain along the arm are also symptoms that need a doctor's attention. Get immediate medical attention if tingling occurs after an injury to the head, neck or back. Paralysis, loss of muscle and bladder control, slurred speech and severe confusion are also symptoms that a doctor needs to examine immediately.

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Effects Of Alcohol On The Nervous System

Alcohol has a widespread impact on the central nervous system, which consists of the brain, the spinal cord and the nerves that spread throughout the human body. On multiple levels, the effects of alcohol are numerous, and in some cases can cause severe damage or death.

Initial Effects

Upon the initial consumption of alcohol, the blood-alcohol level starts to increase as the alcohol moves from the stomach into the blood; the rest is absorbed into the bloodstream through the small intestine. It reaches the central nervous system quickly and suppresses the ability to feel pain, judgment, thoughts, memories and reactions.

Deceptive Depressant

Initially alcohol seems to act like a stimulant, as it depresses the senses and pain receptors of the body and a person's inhibitions are lowered. The "stimulation" is the depression of self-control.

Blackouts and Memory Loss

If chronic or prolonged alcohol consumption continues, the central nervous system will not be able to deliver an adequate supply of oxygen to the brain over time. Research has shown that inadequate oxygen supply causes blackouts and memory loss.

Brain Cell Death

Heavy alcohol consumption causes red blood cells to clump together, which can clog capillaries and small blood vessels and cause them to burst, killing brain cells. This is called "sludging" and can also lead to hemorrhaging in the esophagus and the stomach.

After-Effects of Alcohol

Withdrawal effects can include agitation, irritability, sleeplessness, "morning shakes" and tremors. Depending on the amount and length of consumption, hallucinations and delirium during withdrawal are also possible, sometimes for a few days after a drinking binge. Medical supervision may be needed.

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