Bladder pain can come about quite suddenly, and for various reasons--some benign, and some rather serious. Knowing some of the symptoms for bladder pan can help in a doctor being able to diagnose a condition associated with bladder pain.
Cystitis
Cystitis, simply, is an inflammation or infection of the bladder. In addition to bladder pain, frequent or difficult urination are also symptoms of the condition. There are many causes of this, some of which include a bacterial infection, an enlarged prostate, or bladder stones. Depending on what is causing it, a victim may be given antibiotics, told to stay away from caffeine, or to urinate as often as they need to rather than holding it in.
Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections, as with most bladder conditions, can share symptoms in addition to bladder pain, such as urinary frequency and difficulty. Some causes for the infection can be an E. coli infection, chlamydia, urinary or kidney stones, or mycoplasma, to name some. Antibiotics are usually used for the infection.
Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer, is rather self explanatory, cancer of the bladder, a rather serious condition. In addition to bladder pain, symptoms include blood in urine, pain during urination, darker or reduced urine, as well as symptoms of a bladder infection. Treatment can involve chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Interstitial Cystitis
Interstitial cystitis causes pain and inflammation in the bladder and pelvis area, but is rather difficult to diagnose, given that its symptoms are similar to many other bladder issues. In addition to bladder pain, pelvis pain or discomfort can also be signs of interstitial cystitis. One theory is that this is caused by a body's autoimmune response after a bladder infection, or by a bacteria not seen during urine tests. Treatment may include diet changes, such as avoiding alcohol, tomatoes, spices and chocolate.
Warning
Given the volume of diseases and conditions that can cause bladder pain, people who suffer from bladder pain should seek help and treatment from a doctor as soon as they can.
Provigil, also known as Modifinil, is a drug used for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It offers an alternative to the traditional, older ADHD treatments. Although it works like other stimulants, it has some distinct qualities, including that it was once used to treat narcolepsy and sleep apnea.
Significance
Provigil is a recent addition to the drugs used to combat ADHD. It is different from all other ADHD medications because it is not Ritalin based. ADHD medications are numerous, ranging from Concerta to Adderal, but they all made using some variety of the stimulant Ritalin.
Provigil is not made with Ritalin, but a different stimulant named Modafinil. Many people have developed a tolerance to Ritalin, do not tolerate it well or suffer adverse side effects when taking it. Provigil is significant because it is an entirely new drug that these people can use to help treat ADD.
Function
Provigil works in much the same way that other ADHD medications work, by promoting the release of the chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine into the brain. These chemicals increase alertness, attentiveness and focus. This is why it was originally used as a cure for sleep apnea and narcolepsy.
Because it releases dopamine into the brain and functions much the same way as a traditional stimulant, some studies have warned that it may lead to addiction and abuse. However, as of yet there is no conclusive evidence of this.
Effectiveness
At least seven randomized clinical trials have tested the effectiveness of Provigil as an ADHD medication. Many of these trials have shown that it can be helpful in relieving some of the symptoms of ADHD. Patients who have taken Provigil report that they are able to stay focused longer, are more organized, have better executive functioning and are able to sit still longer.
Joseph Biederman, MD, a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, was one of the lead investigators for two studies.
It is important to note that Provigil, like Ritalin or any other drug, does not cure ADHD. If you take Provigil, you may still have symptoms of ADHD after the pill wears off.
Warning
Provigil is a relativity new drug, so the long-term safety has yet to be determined. Like most ADHD Medications, Provigil does have some side effects, and the most common include, anxiety, insomnia, confusion, nausea, irritability and diarrhea.
It is important to note, that, though Provigil has been shown to cause the side effects, it is well tolerated the vast majority of the time. If you were to take it, you would probably not experience any of the above effects, and if you were to experience them, it would probably be only the most mild forms.
Considerations
Provigil is an effective treatment for ADHD. But like all other drug treatments, it does not get to the root of the problem, but only treats the symptoms. If you wish to truly cure ADHD, it is recommended that you explore treatments such as Neurotherapy.
Neurotherapy is a computerized therapy aimed to train your brain to function normally. It may be a more expensive treatment option than Provigil or another type of ADHD medication. However there are no adverse side effects, and the treatment is far more effective, causing a complete cessation of all ADHD symptoms for around 80 percent of patients, according to the Behavioural Neurotherapy Clinic website.
Tags: side effects, ADHD medication, ADHD medications, adverse side, adverse side effects, cure ADHD, However there
Pimples are clogged sebaceous glands in the skin that can appear anywhere on the body as a result of the collection of natural oil and debris in the pores.
Identification
The skin has a small, raised and reddened appearance due to inflammation and will sometimes present with a white surface (whitehead) directly over the pore, indicating bacterial contamination.
Significance
The body, in its attempt to clean pores, increases blood circulation to the skin area where white blood cells collect in an attempt to digest the debris and allow it to drain from the pore.
Prevention/Solution
Pimples can be prevented with diligent attention to a healthy lifestyle, including eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, drinking enough water, adequate rest, plenty of fresh air and exercise, and avoiding undue emotional stress.
Considerations
Keeping the skin clean and free debris allows the pores to "breathe" and cleanse naturally without complications.
Theories/Speculation
It is believed that hormone imbalances can cause pimples, which is typically why teenagers and preteens, as well as some adults, get pimples.
Time Frame
It usually takes about 4 to 7 days for a pimple to resolve as the body works to eliminate the debris and bacteria, and it's important not to pick or squeeze pimples as this can result in the bacteria (usually Staphylococcus) to become embedded deeper into the skin resulting in a serious infection.
Potential
If you have a serious problem with pimples in the form of cysts or pustules, it might be a good idea to consult with a dermatologist or internist to make sure there are no underlying disease factors to consider.
A herniated disc can be a very painful condition. The treatment for a herniated disc depends greatly on the area of the body. For instance, a herniated disc in the lumbar regions frequently creates sciatia-type symptoms with leg pain and numbness.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture helps to block the pain signal to the brain by interrupting the message of pain along the pathway.
Osteopathic Manipulation
Osteopathic manipulation can be highly successful in treating a herniated disc by helping to lengthen and straighten the spine.
Epidural Steroid Injections
Epidural steroid injections are frequently administered for lumbar and cervical herniated discs, and most people experience temporary relief.
Pain Medications
Though not meant for long-term use, pain medications can offer temporary relief for some of the painful symptoms associated with a herniated disc.
TENS
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is the application of electrical current through the skin for pain control. It is used to help stimulate endorphins, our body's own natural painkillers. TENS also helps to block the pain signal traveling to the brain. This form of pain treatment is referred to as electroanalgesia.
Surgery
In extreme cases where an individual has undergone his doctor's prescribed regimen without alleviating the symptoms surgery is a last resort. The most common surgeries for a herniated disc are laminotomy and laminectomy, which relieve the pressure on a particular area of the spine; percutaneous discectomy, where a portion of the disc material is removed to alleviate pressure on the nearby nerve, and discectomy, the removal of the herniated disc section that is pressing on the nerve.
Lupus is disease characterized by inflammation throughout the body. Lupus occurs when an individual's immune system attacks their own body. Lupus can affect the heart, lungs, joints, kidneys, skin and blood cells. Women are more likely than men to be diagnosed with Lupus. Lupus symptoms may come on suddenly in what is called a flare. The symptoms of the flare may vary depending on what parts of the body are most affected by lupus.
Skin Symptoms
A rash may appear on the cheeks and across the nose. This shape of this rash is often compared to that of a butterfly. Also, skin sores and or mouth sores may develop.
Pain
An individual experiencing a lupus flare may experience chest pain. Also, they may have swelling and pain in the joints such as the knee or elbow joints.
Mental Health Symptoms
During a lupus flare, the afflicted individual may deal with depression and anxiety. They may also suffer from some memory loss.
Weight Changes
A person with lupus may cycle through noticeable weight fluctuations, gaining or losing weight during a flare.
Other Symptoms
While enduring a lupus flare, the affected individual may experience fatigue, hair loss,fever, dry eyes and easy bruising. Also, many individuals will notice that their toes and fingers turn white or blue when temperatures are cold or when they are feeling overly stressed. This discoloration is called Raynaud's phenomenon.
Narcolepsy, sleep apnea and insomnia are some of the most common sleeping disorders among people. However, they are certainly not the only ones. Incredibly, these disorders can be cured by the same methods. In the end, getting solid, healthy sleep is the best medicine for this problem.
Instructions
Avoid Most Common Sleep Disorders
1. Sleep only when you are tired. This may sound like a silly rule, but many people take naps throughout the day when they are not tired. This disrupts your body’s natural cycle and may be the cause of any sleeping disorder you are suffering from.
2. Wake up and go to bed on a regular schedule. This means going to bed at the same time each night, without fail. It also means setting the alarm for the same time, even on weekends, and not hitting the snooze button to sleep in.
3. Drink only beverages that don't contain caffeine and nicotine in the evenings. These two stimulants can twist the body’s natural cycle into a knot and bring on poor sleeping habits, which will lead to sleeping disorders.
4. Get out of bed, if after 20 minutes you are unable to fall asleep. Doctors generally believe it is unhealthy to lie in bed when you cannot sleep. It keeps the bedroom from being a relaxing place, which leads to poor sleeping.
Tags: Avoid Most, Avoid Most Common, body natural, body natural cycle, Common Sleep, Common Sleep Disorders, Most Common
If you have thyroid disease, particularly hypothyroidism, you may find it more difficult to lose weight and feel energetic. You may also find that your weight tends to fluctuate no matter what you do. Sometimes you just start putting on weight when you haven't been overindulgent in your diet. However, being hypo thyroid does not mean you are doomed to being pudgy and out of shape. You just have to know what your body needs to help your thyroid function better.
Instructions
1. Make sure you are taking the correct amount of thyroid medication as prescribed by your doctor. If you find yourself feeling more sluggish and gaining weight, go get your thyroid levels checked to see if you need a stronger prescription. Make sure you are taking your medication regularly.
2. Exercise on a regular basis. In particularly, you should try to engage in activities like yoga as the inverted positions, like downward dog, encourage blood flow to your neck area. Your thyroid is located in the neck area, so bring the blood flow there will help stimulate your thyroid to function better while you get in shape at the same time. This is a double workout as you work out your body and your thyroid!
Aim to get at least 30 minutes of exercise 3-4 times a week, but 30 minutes a day would be ideal. Aside from doing some yoga, you can go walking, jogging, swimming or whatever feels comfortable for you and gets your heart rate elevated. If your lethargy keeps you from getting the motivation needed to exercise, then sign up for a fitness class. You will feel more accountable and motivated to show up and will have the support of an instructor telling you what to do rather than trying to force yourself to decide what to do.
3. Drink green tea. People with hypothyroidism tend to have slower metabolisms. Green tea helps to increase your metabolism therefore helping you to loose weight. Drinking Green tea will also increase your energy level, giving you the energy to exercise since hypothyroidism can make you feel so lethargic.
4. Supplement with Iodine. Take a Kelp supplement or buy some liquid iodine and make an iodine patch on your skin about the size of a quarter. Iodine helps improve thyroid function.
5. See my article Treat Hypothyroidism Naturally for more ways to naturally improve your thyroid function. (see resources).
Tags: thyroid function, your thyroid, your thyroid function, blood flow, function better, increase your, Make sure
Have you had it with those bags and sags? Buy yourself a head-to-toe body transformation. Courtesy of recent advances in cosmetic surgery, almost anything is possible. A new you won't be cheap, though, and there are other important considerations to weigh.
Instructions
1. Interview several surgeons and ask how many procedures similar to yours each has performed, which is particularly important with new treatments. Identify a top-notch plastic surgeon via referrals from your physician and satisfied friends.
2. Make sure prospective surgeons are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (plasticsurgery.org). The ABPS requires a five-year surgical residency plus two years of specialized training. Ask if doctors have surgical privileges at a hospital; if not, it's possible their credentials fell short, so tread carefully.
3. Ask to see living examples of the surgeon's work, not just photographs in a book. Ask to be introduced to satisfied patients, but frank talk with all former patients is valuable.
4. Consider a rushed consultation a red flag. If a surgeon doesn't thoroughly advise you on possible side effects, potential problems and how much discomfort or disability you can expect, you aren't getting what you need to give informed consent to surgery, which is your right.
5. Confirm exactly what the quoted prices cover, since some plastic surgeons' offices quote the surgeon's fee separately. You might need to factor in other costly items like the consultation, anesthesia, supplies, medication, facility fees, hospitalization, compression garments and blood testing.
Pros and Cons about Plastic Surgery
6. Face-lifts (or Rhytidectomy) is something people chose to have to get rid of features that can be caused by heredity, personal habits, the pull of gravity or sun exposure that has contributed to the aging of the face. The skin is raised outward before the surgeon repositions and tightens the underlying muscle and connective tissue. Some fat, as well as excess skin, may be removed.
A face-lift cannot stop aging, nor can it turn back the clock. What it can do is help your face look its best and give you a healthier and more youthful appearance. Recovery usually takes 2 to 3 weeks. Insurance does not generally cover surgery that is done purely for cosmetic reasons.
7. Nose jobs(Rhinoplasty)reshapes your nose by reducing or increasing its size, removing a hump, changing shape of the tip or bridge, narrowing the span of nostrils, or changing the angle between nose and upper lip. It may also relieve some breathing problems.
A nose job is a one- to two-hour outpatient procedure. Patients are usually back to work in 1 to 2 weeks, but must avoid strenuous activities for 2 to 3 weeks. Side effects include temporary swelling, bruising around eyes and nose, headaches, some bleeding and stiffness. It can also cause an infection.
8. Eye lifts(Blepharoplasty) can be done to correct drooping upper eyelids and puffy bags below the eyes by removing excess fat, skin and muscle.
It is a one- to three-hour outpatient procedure and patients are back to work in 7 to 10 days. The procedure can cause temporary discomfort, tightness of lids, swelling, bruising; dryness, burning or itching of eyes; tearing, sensitivity to light. Risks include temporary blurred or double vision; infection, bleeding; swelling at the corners of the eyelids.
9. Neck lifts is an endoscopic surgery that is performed under local anesthetic and gets rid of neck sag. It's good for those prone to fat deposits and drooping under chin. It leaves minimal scarring and you'll be back to your normal life in 2 or 3 days. Endoscopic neck surgery is relatively new, so look for an expert.
10. For a breast reduction or breast lift(Mastopexy), the nipple and areola can be repositioned and reduced for balance and aesthetic purposes. It's also possible to re-balance breasts after one has been reconstructed after a mastectomy. (For breast enlargement, see Obtain Breast Implants.)
This procedure can be a huge relief for women with large, heavy breasts, which can be truly uncomfortable and cause years of backache and neck pain. Surgery may be covered by insurance. Hospitalization after breast-reduction surgery is inevitable, and expect 4 to 6 weeks before you can return to normal activities. There are some risks with this surgery, such as infection, bleeding, loss of feeling in the breast, and permanent visible scars.
11. Upper-arm lifts(Brachioplast) will lift the skin that is drooping below the triceps as a result of aging or weight loss and make it tighter.
It reduces the circumference of the upper arm; contours and tightens. Visible scars is part of the procedure so ask about how much scarring to expect. Nerve injuries, change in sensation and swelling are possible complications as well. It will take a couple of weeks to recover from this surgery.
12. Liposuction(Suction-assisted Lipectomy) contours the fat layer beneath the skin and removes excessive fat when exercise doesn't help. New ultrasound assisted liposuction can liquefy fat deposits first, making them easier to remove. The power assisted lipoplasty method is less traumatic for the body and lets these few surgeons experienced in using it sculpt the body more easily.
A drawback is that new fat can build up afterward in untreated areas. Expect bruising and swelling after the surgery. You may also need to wear supportive garments. Removing too much fat can cause dangerous blood loss. Serious nerve damage, although rare, can occur. The surgery can also result in lumps and bumps or even sagging.
13. Tummy tuck(Abdominoplasty) is a spot-shaping treatment that slims and trims, removing excess fat and skin that hasn't responded to dieting and exercising. Doctors can be adamant about requiring patients to make a serious effort to lose weight before surgery. Incisions don't show much as they're just above or within pubic area. The new shape lasts for years barring substantial weight gain.
Removing excess sagging skin is a major undertaking and support garment must be worn for a few weeks. Benefits take several months to become fully apparent. This procedure is not recommended for the overweight and it will not remove cellulite.
14. Buttock implants add curve to a flat butt by inserting silicone implants. It will give a little more shape and a little more lift to the buttocks. Does come with a risk of thrombosis (a blood clot).
Tags: excess skin, back work, include temporary, infection bleeding, little more
A macrobiotic diet is a very restrictive diet that was introduced by a Japanese educator and philosopher by the name of George Ohsawa during the 1950s. This diet was meant to be a simple way of eating that would give the follower a chance to reach optimal health. It is quite easy to figure out the foods that you can eat on a macrobiotic diet.
Instructions
1. Find foods that are organic. This is one of the main requirements of a macrobiotic diet. The foods should be eaten fresh and not prepared with any additives. Over a quarter of your diet should be made up of organic vegetables.
2. Consume a lot of whole grains. Brown rice, whole wheat breads and other grains should make up about half of what you eat on a daily basis.
3. Get your protein from fish. Eat fish and legumes for your body's protein requirement since meat is prohibited on the diet.
4. Bulk up on soup. Macrobiotic dieters should eat one or two bowls of soup every day.
5. Eat foods slowly. The way that you eat is also part of following a macrobiotic diet. You are not permitted to rush through meals.
6. Prepare foods in a traditional way. The macrobiotic diet does not make use of the microwave. True followers must use traditional items to prepare and cook their foods.
Purslane describes an entire family of plants also called Portulacaceae. This family includes more than 500 species of plants and includes Common Purslane and Golden Purslane, which can be grown as edible plants but are also considered weeds.
History
Purslane was and still is used by cooks around the world. The ancient Greeks made flour from the seeds, and contemporary Mexican cooks serve purslane with pork and eggs.
Warning
Purslane is considered an invasive weed by many gardeners. It is an annual plant and can reproduce both from seeds and from pieces of stem.
Seeds
The seeds of purslane can remain viable for as long as 40 years, which makes this plant particularly hard to eradicate if viewed as a weed. When grown in the edible garden, the flower heads should be pinched off before going to seed to keep the plant from spreading.
Types
For edible gardening, the two most common types of purslane are Golden Purslane and Green Purslane.
Significance
Purslane is high in vitamin C and carotene and is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids.
Tags: from seeds, Golden Purslane, grown edible, plants also
Interstistial cystitis, also known as IC, is a chronic bladder problem affecting mainly women. The bladder wall becomes inflamed and causes immense pain in the pelvic area. Patients describe the pain as like razor blades cutting their bladder or painful burning, like red hot pokers stabbing the pelvic region. No cure has been found for IC, but treatments can help minimize the pain associated with the disorder.
Pelvic Floor Muscles
Pelvic floor muscles are shaped like a sling and are located at the bottom of the pelvis. These muscles are attached to the sacrum and the tail bone and support your bladder, urethra and rectum, among other pelvic organs. The pelvic floor muscles help control the contraction and relaxation of the bladder and bowel movement functions. Muscles in patients with IC will be tight and might spasm, sending pain to the bladder, thighs, buttocks and lower stomach area. Different physical therapy techniques can help alleviate tight pelvic muscles.
Physical Therapy
In severe cases, a trained physical therapist may be needed. They may provide a medical massage to the pelvic area, or trigger-point therapy where knots or trigger points cause pelvic pain. When these knots or trigger points are found, pressure is applied till the knot relaxes. The therapist will also show you Kegel exercises that strengthen and stretch the pelvic area. With Kegel exercises you tighten your pelvic muscles while sitting in a chair for 10 seconds, release, and do again for a set of 5-10 repetitions. You may do this 2-3 times a day.
Biofeedback
Biofeedback is a way to find out which muscles need to be exercised in your pelvic region. Electrodes are placed in different areas of your pelvis and in some cases probes are inserted into the vagina or rectum. These electrodes and probes can sense how tense or relaxed the pelvic muscles are. The results show up on a computer screen. The results tell you what areas you need to focus on to help stretch and relax certain muscles.
Support
Interstistial cystitis can be a painful and emotionally draining condition. Find support groups with people who have the same condition. Being able to share your experiences and support of each other can be very helpful. The ICN network is one place to start.
As baby boomers age, the need for home health agencies rises. More people are starting to think about their health rather than investing in traveling, cars and other luxuries. Therefore, starting your own home health agency could be very lucrative and you may even qualify for a small-business grant.
Guidelines
Going in, you'll need the experience necessary to manage a home health agency, such as a nursing or business degree. You'll also need to have the funds available to hire nurses and a fully-functioning staff. Put together a business plan and learn the rules and regulations regarding owning and operating a home health agency in your particular state. You will need to find a location for your office.
History
The concept of home health care started in the early 19th century, with nurses working in homes. They mostly cared for new mothers and treated those with infectious diseases. The demand for home nurses grew and organizations developed to cover the need. In 1909, there were more than 500 home health nursing organizations. By 1930, people were seeking help from hospitals due to degenerative diseases. As a result, home health nurses soon became a thing of the past--until the 1950s, when hospital costs soared. Now, home health care and hospice are closely monitored and considered a great alternative to hospital stays.
Potential
If you are passionate about caring for the sick, you have the potential to be a great success in the home health industry. It takes a certain type of person to care for the terminally ill or those injured in accidents.
Time Frame
It can take weeks or months to obtain the needed licenses, so start early. You might also prepare to offer long-term services as some clients may need you for the rest of their lives.
Warnings
It is unlawful in any state to own and operate a home health nursing agency without the proper identification and licenses.
Tags: home health, health agency, home health agency, health care, health nursing
There is no complete cure for osteoporosis, but medications can be used to prevent and treat the progress of the condition. These include a variety of antiresorptive, therapeutic medications that vary in dosage from daily to monthly.
Function
Medications recommended for osteoporosis can help to reduce fracture risk, prevent or decelerate bone loss, and increase bone density.
Types
Medications commonly used to treat osteoporosis include oral and intravenous bisphosphonates, estrogen/hormone therapy, calcitonin, teriparatide and raloxifene.
Considerations
Medications prescribed to treat osteoporosis are most effective when they are combined with other treatment methods, including a proper nutritional diet promoting bone growth and strength, an exercise program, and safety precautions with indoor/outdoor activity.
Benefits
Bisphosphonates and raloxifene can be used as a preventative medication for postmenopausal osteoporosis as well as a treatment. Teriparatide stimulates new bone formation, and calcitonin is a natural hormone that helps with bone metabolism and calcium regulation.
Warning
Most of the above medications used to treat osteoporosis come with side effects including gastrointestinal problems, flu-like symptoms, nasal irritation and leg cramps.
Tags: medications used, treat osteoporosis, used treat, used treat osteoporosis
Hip bursitis is a chronic and painful condition that can really limit your activity level. It is an inflammatory condition that can be caused due to an injury or overuse, or occur after hip surgery. It is a form of arthritis. Here are some specific symptoms to look for.
Identification
Bursa are fluid-filled sacs that are located in some joints. They act as a cushion between bones, soft tissues, tendons and muscles. They help to reduce friction as you move. Bursitis is an inflammation of this sac.
Types
There are three types of hip bursitis: trochanteric bursitis, ischialgluteal bursitis and iliopectineal bursitis.
Pain
The main symptom of hip bursitis is pain. With trochanteric bursitis, the pain is typically felt on the outside of the thigh. With ischialgluteal bursitis, the pain is near the buttocks. Pain in the groin area signals iliopectineal bursitis.
Swelling
The inflammation associated with bursitis can cause swelling in the hip joint. This can become worse after any activity that stretches or exerts force on the hip joint.
Stiffness
Another symptom of hip bursitis is stiffness in the hip and limited range of motion. This can be worse after sitting or lying down for some time.
Glucosamin, a carbohydrate, is used by the body to form cartilage. Many physicians recommend the use of glucosamin supplements to treat different forms of arthritis. Taking glucosamin supplements is believed to improve the ability of damaged cartilage to heal. Glucosamin supplements are also fairly cheap in comparison to other arthritis medications.
Instructions
1. Buy glucosamine supplements. They are available in the form of pills at any health food or vitamin stores. You can buy glucosamine supplement online at drugstore.com (see Resources below). Read the labels carefully and review all components present in the pills.
2. Be aware of the side effects glucosamine, which may include diarrhea, stomach pain and heartburn. Stop using glucosamine supplements if you have these symptoms.
3. Consult with your doctor about the use of glucosamine supplements if you have diabetes. Glucosamine supplements have been shown to increase glucose levels in people with diabetes.
4. Be aware that glucosamine works best for early arthritis. If you have severe arthritis and the cartilage is already broken down, do not expect a lot of improvement from using glucosamine.
5. Use glucosamine in combination with other methods to treat arthritis. Glucosamine, by itself, will not solve the problem. Exercise according to instructions from your doctors and avoid activities that might aggravate pains.
Tags: glucosamine supplements, supplements have, glucosamine supplements have, using glucosamine
Andalusite is a transparent to nearly opaque mineral often associated with metamorphic rocks. Andalusite has a vitreous characteristic, occurring in the colors pink, violet, yellow, green, white and gray, says the RRUFF Project at the University of Arizona. This mineral is widespread, being found in Spain, Austria, Brazil, Ireland, South Africa and the United States. The uses of andalusite include the production of jewelry and refractory bricks, as well as in feng shui.
Jewelry
Andalusite is a hard mineral, which makes it suitable for most jewelry uses, says the Gem Society. Andalusite's beauty is dependent on a proper cut, and it is polished, as with most gemstones. Cuts with a long axis, such as an oval cut, show more than one color. This cut often results in a lighter color in the center and a darker color near the ends. If the stone has a square or round cut, the colors blend into a mosaic pattern.
Refractory Products
According to the U.S. Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration in "Industrial Minerals & Rocks: Commodities, Markets, and Uses," a large majority of andalusite extracted in the world today is used in the industry of refractory bricks. Andalusite's properties of high temperature volume stability, mechanical strength, thermal shock resistance and creep resistance, also makes the mineral suitable for using in the metallurgical industry, says the Journal of Minerals & Materials Characterization & Engineering.
Feng Shui
Feng shui is an ancient Chinese system that uses astronomy and other knowledge to create harmony and energy-balanced environments. Feng shui uses many elements, including gemstones. According to author Sandra Kynes in "Gemstone Feng Shui: Creating Harmony in Home & Office," andalusite represents earth in feng shui and can be placed in the northeast, center and southwest of a room. Kynes also recommends to place andalusite nearby a stove and in the rear garden.
According to the National Stroke Association, stroke is the number three cause of death in the United States. Strokes happen when a clot blocks a blood vessel and interrupts the flow of blood to a portion of the brain. Functions controlled by that area are lost with the cells die. The effects of a stroke depend on the location and amount of damage to the brain cells, and 80 percent of strokes are preventable.
Blood Pressure
According to the National Stroke Association, high blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke (see Resources). Have blood pressure checked regularly.
Smoking and Alcohol
Smoking cigarettes increases the risk of having a stroke. Drinking alcohol should be done in moderation to prevent a stroke.
Colesterol
Find out from your doctor what your cholesterol levels are. Lowering your total cholesterol below 200 can prevent strokes.
Diet and Exercise
Daily exercise and a diet low in fat and sodium can prevent strokes by helping to lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
Circulation
Heart disease, sickle cell disease and severe anemia can cause strokes, and must be treated as soon as they are diagnosed.
Tags: According National, According National Stroke, blood pressure, National Stroke, National Stroke Association, prevent strokes, Stroke Association
Chiropractors, also called chiropractic physicians, treat health problems associated with the musculoskeletal system. Most chiropractors focus on adjusting the spine to fix alignment problems and increase the overall health of patients. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nearly half of all chiropractors in the U.S. are self-employed.
Annual Salary
According to the BLS, the average annual salary of chiropractors was $81,340 as of May 2008. The median annual salary wages were $66,490 and the middle 50 percent earned between $45,540 and $96,700 annually. The highest-paid 10 percent of chiropractors made salaries exceeding $159,640. The BLS, widely regarded as the authority on U.S. salaries, does not separately calculate the salaries of salaried and self-employed chiropractors.
Hourly Wage
The average hourly wage for chiropractors was $39.11 as of May 2008, according to the BLS. The median hourly wage was $31.97. The middle half earned between $21.89 and $46.49 and the highest-earning 10 percent made more than $76.75 hourly.
Starting Salary
According to a March 2010 survey by Payscale.com, chiropractors with less than one year of work experience earn a median expected salary that falls between $36,523 and $52,050. Payscale.com also does not differentiate between salaried and self-employed chiropractors.
Work Experience
The longer a chiropractor has been on the job, the higher her salary will be, according to the same March 2010 survey by Payscale.com. Chiropractors with between one and four years of work experience made between $39,459 and $62,324. That salary range increases to $49,970 through $97,667 for chiropractors with between 10 and 19 years of work experience.
Self-Employment
The salary of a self-employed chiropractor can vary significantly depending on qualifications and geographic location, according to the BLS. Salaried chiropractors usually enjoy benefit packages from their employers. Independent chiropractors, on the other hand, pay for their own health insurance and retirement packages.
Tags: work experience, years work experience, 2010 survey, 2010 survey Payscale, annual salary
Shaky hands and eating soup don't go well together. If you're one of the many people who's hands shake due to a health condition, this is not news to you. And when eating soup becomes a problem due to shaky hands, social eating situations may suddenly seem to always include soup. In particular, shaky hands can make eating soup in a restaurant or other public place an embarrassing ordeal. There are ways to deal with shaky hands that can make soup eating less of a social hazard.
Instructions
1. Choose soup with a thick consistency, if possible. Thicker soups, like stews, will stick to your spoon and spill less.
2. Have extra napkins on hand. If your hands shake and cause a spill, you can wipe it up without attracting additional attention. Also place an extra napkin in your lap. The extra layers will protect your clothing.
3. Fill your soup bowl only half or three quarters full. If you are eating in a restaurant, ask your waiter to fill your soup bowl only part way. This way if shaky hands cause you to bump your soup bowl, spills will be less likely.
4. Use a large, deep spoon. A large deep spoon will contain the soup even if your hands shake a bit.
5. Fill your soup spoon only half way because the soup will be contained even if your hands shake.
6. Steady your forearm on the edge of the table. You may find that this minimizes shaking.
7. Use your other hand to steady your eating hand. You may not feel elegant, but it's better than spilling.
8. Lean over your soup bowl as you eat so that you do not have to move your hand as much.
9. Learn to eat soup with either your left or right hand. Some people who suffer from shaky hands notice that on any given day one hand will shake less than the other. Being able to choose which hand to use to eat soup can come in handy.
Tags: your soup, soup bowl, your soup bowl, eating soup, shaky hands, your hands
There's an old family recipe using a little-known natural wonder called Kudzu oil, which is used for treating a variety of common skin and hair problems. Kudzu oil comes from a plant that is capable of rapidly repairing and regenerating itself. During its peak growing season it can grow as much as 12-15 inches overnight.
Introduction of Kudzu Oil
Rose Bryant-Bianco and her family of Fayette, Alabama, introduced the world to products derived from this recipe, and as a result Kudzu oil has become popular for its ability to moisturize the skin as well as revitalize and improve the condition of the hair, stimulating hair growth.
Kudzu Hair Butter
Several hair products have been created using Kudzu oil. Among them is Kudzu Hair Butter, a 100 percent natural nutrient for the hair and scalp. Along with Kudzu oil, which contains a high level of protein, it consists of eight vegetable butters that have an abundance of vitamins and minerals.
Hair Growth Serum
Kudzu oil is also used to create a hair growth serum, which is formulated without alcohols that could cause the hair to become dry or brittle. It is formulated with ingredients that contain essential fatty acids that work to restore moisture to the hair, resulting in increased manageability.
Effects
It improves the hair's elasticity, making it less prone to breakage and damage caused by chemical processing, heat styling and other styling techniques, and exposure to harsh environmental elements. It also reverses dry, dull and brittle hair.
The Process From Plant to Product
The Bianco family created this special Kudzu oil recipe more than 75 years ago, when they used to make a simple cream from it. Once vines are harvested from the Kudzu plant in Alabama, the family sends them to New Jersey, where the plants are cleaned, chopped, cooked and beaten into a creamy butter. From there, the hair products are created and are available for purchase online.
Massage and stretching help tight hamstring muscles loosen without injury.
There are three large muscles located at the back of thigh that are collectively referred to as the hamstring muscles. This muscle group includes the semimembranosus, the semitendinosus and the biceps femoris. When the hamstring muscles become tight, walking and running can become painful. Injuries, strain and disuse are all common causes of tightened hamstrings. There are a variety of different ways to loosen your hamstrings, some of which require no equipment or special treatments.
Instructions
1. Stretch your hamstrings by sitting on the floor with one leg slightly bent and the foot of that leg flat on the floor. Keep the other leg stretched out straight, and roll the straight leg inward and hold it as you lean forward for a count of 30 seconds, according to the experts at LiveStrong.com. Rotate the straightened leg outward and repeat, then switch legs.
2. Lie flat on your back on the floor and raise one leg into the air. Support it with your hands, and have a partner gently press the leg towards your head until you feel a stretch in your thigh. This type of dynamic stretching is very effective for loosening tight hamstrings, according to SportsInjuryClinic.net.
3. Stretch before exercising or walking for an extended amount of time. Injuries like popliteus tenosynovitis, a tear in the tendons running along the outside of the knee, can occur if your hamstrings are too tight during physical activity, according to Drugs.com.
4. Practice yoga postures that are designed to stretch all the muscles of the legs, including the hamstrings. According to Yoga Journal, positions like Downward Dog stretch the calves and the hamstrings without putting strain or stress on tight muscles.
5. Apply heat to tight hamstring muscles to encourage them to loosen up. A hot pack, wrapped in cloth, can be applied to the back of your thighs for 20 minutes at a time, says LiveStrong.com. This treatment works well when applied after an exercise session or stretching.
Tags: hamstring muscles, your hamstrings, tight hamstring, tight hamstring muscles
Doing behind the neck exercises to strengthen shoulders is pretty easy, and the results will speak for themselves. Within weeks you will notice a difference and so will others. Keep your shoulders strong and healthy with just a few minutes of one exercise daily. Strong shoulders are especially important if you do a lot of lifting, work with your arms or just use your shoulders quite a bit. Keeping them strong will help to prevent any possible injuries to the shoulder joint, tendons and muscles. These behind the neck exercises will strengthen your shoulders and keep them toned and in shape.
Instructions
Do Behind the Neck Exercises to Strengthen Shoulders: Military Shoulder Press
1. Set up. Sit down at the bench press to make sure everything is located properly. Your feet should rest comfortably on the foot rests. Bring your hands back to grab the bar. Make sure your arms are at a 90-degree angle. You will need the proper amount of weight on the bar. You should also have someone spotting you in case you need help returning it to the hooks. A personal trainer at the gym or a good, strong friend at home can help you as a spotter.
2. Begin lifting. Begin in position and lift the barbell off of its resting hooks. Bring it down behind your head slowly. Push it up as far as you can (with practice, you should be able to push the barbell straight up) and then back down. Return the barbell to its resting hooks. This is one complete military shoulder press. It is important to keep your head and back straight throughout the press.
3. Consider a variance. You can complete one time and return the barbell to the hooks, or you can do several presses before returning the barbell to its hooks. This exercise will help you strengthen your shoulders. Add more weight as it gets easier.
Do Behind the Neck Exercises to Strengthen Shoulders: Lat Pull Downs
4. Set up. Sit on the machine to make sure you will be comfortable. Your feet should rest comfortably on the floor. If they do not reach, you can use a mat or box to help prop your feet up. Check the weights. Move the lock if you need to add more weight or reduce the amount of weights you can lift.
5. Begin lifting. Sit with your back and head straight. Lift your arms up to reach the bar and pull it down behind your neck. Slowly bring your arms back up and return the weights. You should be able to complete at least ten of these lat pull downs.
6. Increase the weight. When the lat pull downs get easy for you to do and you can do more with ease you need to increase the weight. This will help to keep your shoulders increasingly strengthened and toned.
Do Behind the Neck Exercises to Strengthen Shoulders: Dumbbell Raise Ups
7. Set up. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart. Use two dumbbells with a weight that you can lift. It should be a little challenging, but not impossible. A beginner should be able to start out with three pound dumbbells. Hold them in front of you.
8. Begin lifting. Lift the dumbbells up over your head keeping them together. Always make sure your back and head are straight. If you feel more comfortable doing this in a seated position, you may. Allow the weights to slowly lower behind your neck. Then lift them back up straight over your head. Repeat as many times as you can.
9. Increase the weight. As you practice you will find these behind the neck shoulder exercises become easier. You can then get five-pound dumbbells and continue.
Tags: your shoulders, Behind Neck, Exercises Strengthen, your arms, your head, Begin lifting
For people prone to anxiety or even anxiety attacks---which may result in shaking, difficulty breathing and rapid heart rate---many types of medication are available to help calm down the body and mind.
Tranquilizers and Benzodiazepines
Tranquilizers and benzodiazepines are antianxiety drugs that slow down the body's nervous system and reduce brain activity. Tranquilizers are also prescribed as muscle relaxants and sleep aids. Some of these types of medications are Valium, Lorazepam, Xanax, and Klonopin.
Side effects for antianxiety medication may include drowsiness, slurred speech, depression, nausea, memory loss, dizziness, blurred vision and disorientation. Long-term users of these drugs may experience more prolonged and extreme side effects. Addiction is also a possibility.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants must be taken regularly in order to be effective. Although they pose a smaller risk for addiction than tranquilizers and benzodiazepines, they pose a suicide risk that must be printed on the bottle of certain medications. Antidepressants include Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil and Celex.
Beta Blockers
Beta blockers are a type of medication normally used to treat high blood pressure. However, beta-blockers may also control the symptoms of some anxiety attacks, which include sweating and dizziness. Beta blockers such as Inderal and Tenormin have some side effects, including nausea and drowsiness.
Anticonvulsants
Anticonvulsants are usually used in conjunction with other anxiety treatment medications to soothe physical reactions to anxiety. These may enhance or inhibit transmitters in the brain. Examples include Gabitril, Lamictal and Topimax.
Other Medications
Among the other medications used to treat anxiety disorder are antihistamines, which have some sedative effects, and alpha blockers, which can be prescribed in cases where the anxiety is related to post-traumatic stress disorder.
Tags: Beta blockers, down body, have some, they pose, used treat
A deep, cleansing facial can rejuvenate skin and ease tension. Whether you buy over the counter products or make your own, be sure that it contains essential oils and aromas. Before you begin a facial, you may want to light aromatic candles or try an aromatherapy treatment on your hair.
Instructions
1. Cleanse the skin thoroughly using a cleanser that can be removed with water. Exfoliate your skin with a mini loofah, specifically designed for use on your face, while your skin is still wet. Use gentle, small circular movements, avoiding the eye area and concentrating on your forehead, nose, chin, and cheeks. Rinse well with clean water.
2. Tone your skin by spraying it with an aromatic water. If you are using a purchased brand, look for a toner that is alcohol free. You can make your own by combining 2 ounces of water, 4 drops of lavender oil, 4 drops of rose oil, and 2 drops of geranium oil. Pour the toner in a mist sprayer and mist your skin.
3. Apply a cleansing mask. After exfoliating and toning your skin, apply a cleansing mask to your face and throat, avoiding the eye area. Use any left over cleanser on the back of you hands or feet.
4. Use an eye compress. To make an eye compress solution, put 1 drop of chamomile essential oil in one and a half pints of cold water. Mix well. Soak two cotton wool pads in the eye compress solution and squeeze out any excess liquid. Place the pads over your eyes. Relax with the mask and compresses in place for 10 minutes. Remove the compresses and rinse off the mask with cool water.
5. Apply an essential oil skin conditioner. Use a skin conditioner, based on skin type. Apply the mixture to your face and throat. Leave it on for at least 20 minutes, then rinse off.
Tags: your skin, your face, avoiding area, cleansing mask, compress solution, face throat, make your
Injuries to the arm or shoulder can take a great deal of time to heal. Arm slings help stabilize the arm, relax muscles and reduce pressure to joints. Arm slings come in all styles and sizes with a wide variety of materials used in their construction. Most modern medical arm slings feature foam as the core comfort and stabilizing material. The "ties" of a foam sling, because of the difficulty of maneuvering an injured arm while trying to tie the sling using the uninjured arm and hand, usually come in sliding buckle or loop form.
Instructions
1. Wrap the strap of a strap-only foam sling around your neck like a towel, with the supportive foam neck pad firmly secured at the back of your neck. If this is a sling with only one adjustable buckled loop at the end, slip your arm through the loop and then adjust the buckle up and down with your free hand until your injured arm rests securely and comfortably.
2. Secure the strap of a strap-only sling with two adjustable buckles around your neck in the same way outlined in Step 1, but place your arm through both loops and adjust as needed. Remember to adjust to a reasonable and secure comfort level, because overly loose or tight loops can exacerbate injuries or reduce circulation.
3. Pull the strap of a shoulder strap cuff style sling over your head and adjust the foam shoulder pad to the shoulder opposite the injured arm, as you would with a side slung bag or purse. Slip your hand and wrist through the cuff of the sling and then adjust the buckle on the strap up and down for comfort. You can also open the cuff before pulling the sling into place and then close it like a bracelet to conform to your wrist or arm size, as this style often uses hook-and-loop fasteners to open and close the cuff.
4. Put your injured arm into the cradle (arm pouch) of a cradle style sling. Pull the shoulder strap over your head and secure the shoulder pad to the shoulder opposite to the injured arm. Slide the adjustable buckle up and down as needed. Most cradle style slings also feature a loop or buckle contact closure on the cradle for easy access to the injured arm without removing the sling.
5. Loop the detachable foam swathe of a cradle style sling around your back, under your uninjured arm and across your injured arm, horizontal and above the cradle of the sling. Secure at the center of your chest with a hook-and-loop fastener or pressure-sensitive style hook. The swathe acts like a giant belt to hold the arm and cradle sling firmly against the body and in place.
Tags: around your, cradle style, style sling, your injured, your neck, adjust buckle, around your neck
Coconut oil's properties seem to be almost all good for human consumption and use.
It is good for the skin, works as an anti-fungal agent and tastes good, which are all good reasons to use coconut oil. But while its benefits have been well researched, there has been little research done on the negative effects of coconut oil, with a few studies providing conflicting information. What little research that has been indicates that negative reactions to coconut oil seem to be rare. However, you should consult with your doctor if you have questions about using products containing coconut oil.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is most often used in cooking.
Coconut oil is made by extracting the meat from the inside of a ripe coconut and refining it. Coconut oil is traditionally used in cooking, though it is also used to treat hyper-pigmentation in the skin and is found in an increasing number of beauty products.
Cholesterol
Because coconut oil contains saturated fat, early studies implied that it could raise cholesterol levels and contribute to heart disease. Subsequent studies seem to show that coconut oil has no real impact on cholesterol levels. In fact, in some cases it has caused a minor reduction in cholesterol levels. Studies on the effects of coconut nut oil are still ongoing. Consequently, you should not expect coconut oil to decrease cholesterol.
Allergies
Allergic reactions to coconut oil are rare.
Allergic reactions to coconut oil are rare but can include a runny nose, itching in the mouth, a skin rash and hives. In extreme cases coconut oil can cause anaphylactic shock, a condition that causes shortness of breath and death if not treated immediately.
Tags: cholesterol levels, reactions coconut, Allergic reactions, Allergic reactions coconut, coconut rare, effects coconut, little research
Heat intolerance often causes excessive sweating in addition to the general feeling of being too warm.
Heat intolerance is a chronic feeling of being too warm when external temperatures rise. Heat intolerance often causes flushing, overheating of the skin and as excessive sweating. This condition goes beyond ordinary discomfort with heat experienced by the majority of people. It is typically caused by impaired regulation of the body's internal temperature and is exacerbated by high external temperatures.
Amphetamines and Caffeine
Two of the most common causes of heat intolerance are amphetamine use and caffeine. Amphetamines, such as appetite suppressants, and caffeine are stimulants that increase the body's metabolism. Increased metabolism leads to increased blood flow, which causes the skin to overheat and produces excessive sweating. As outside temperatures rise, this overheating becomes more severe, causing symptoms of heat intolerance. If you are experiencing heat intolerance, try cutting back on caffeine intake, or ask your doctor about any new prescriptions you're taking, which might include amphetamines.
Hyperthyroidism
Another common cause of heat intolerance is hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is a condition caused by an overactive thyroid that produces excess thyroid hormone. Excess thyroid hormone production can cause an individual to feel constantly warm and sweaty, and often causes other symptoms including heart palpitations, weight loss, muscle weakness, and fatigue. If you are experiencing a combination of these symptoms, ask your doctor about getting checked for hyperthyroidism.
Multiple Sclerosis and Other Chronic Conditions
Many chronic conditions, including multiple sclerosis, are negatively affected by high outside temperatures. The arrival of summer can mean a worsening of symptoms, which is called pseudoexacerbation. This form of heat intolerance may not cause traditional symptoms such as overheating and excess sweat; rather, it often manifests simply as an increase in severity of symptoms usually caused by the condition.
Menopause
Many women going through menopause experience heat flashes and heat intolerance. Heat flashes can range from a barely noticeable feeling of warmth to a heat increase that results in profuse sweating. Some women experience heat intolerance in addition to or in the absence of heat flashes. Heat intolerance in menopausal women typically manifests as a chronic feeling of being too warm, even in winter. However, symptoms of heat intolerance usually resolve within two years.
Tags: heat intolerance, being warm, excessive sweating, feeling being, feeling being warm
Both acupressure and acupuncture are based on the same Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory of meridians. Meridians are lines of energy that flow through the body; they are thought to be closer to the surface of the skin at certain points. These points are then treated by the administration of needles, known as acupuncture, or through manipulation by the fingertips, known as acupressure. These treatments are believed to be able to remedy a wide range of ailments.
History
According to the American Association of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine, the use of acupoints and the meridian system in TCM is over 5,000 years old. The belief that many diseases are caused or affected by the flow of an energy through the body called "chi" is central to the theory of both acupressure and acupuncture. When chi stagnates, disease occurs, and stimulating the points at which energy is blocked allows the energy to return to normal and reverse disease. Over the course of its development, the meridian system has charted thousands of these acupoints on the human body.
Acupressure
Most acupressure is administered in the United States by practitioners who have completed a 3- to 4-year degree in TCM, which usually also includes an in-depth study of Chinese herbology. Practitioners of acupressure come from variety of backgrounds but are usually massage therapists who have studied acupoints as one of many massage modalities in massage school.
Acupuncture Research
Acupuncture is one of the few methods of alternative health in the United States that does indeed have some support by the mainstream medical establishment. Many health insurance companies cover acupuncture treatments for various conditions, especially pain. In a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine in September 2007, German researchers did a rigorous randomized, multicenter, double-blind, parallel-group trial with three groups on acupuncture for low-back pain. They concluded that low-back pain did indeed improve after acupuncture for at least 6 months and was twice as effective as conventional therapy.
Acupressure Research
Accupressure has not been studied as much as its more well known counterpart, but it may be just as effective, at least in emergency situations like nausea and vomiting. In a study published in Anesthesia Analgesia in 2002, Austrian researchers found that by pressing acu-point K-K9, they were able to alleviate the nausea and vomiting in women after gynecological surgery by up to 40 percent.
Considerations
Acupuncture is really just a specialized and more precise form of the technique of manipulating acupoints to achieve desired results. It may be more effective in treating some illnesses, but may not be necessary when simple acupressure will do.
Tags: acupressure acupuncture, low-back pain, meridian system, nausea vomiting, study published, through body
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that develops in the lymph glands. The disease affects both children and adults and is the leading blood cancer in the United States, according to the Lymphoma Research Foundation. Treatment of lymphoma depends on the stage of the disease upon diagnosis and the overall health of the patient. Fortunately, lymphoma is a highly treatable type of cancer with a high cure rate.
Significance
The Lymphoma Research Foundation states that nearly 500,000 people in the United States have lymphoma, with an estimated 75,000 new cases diagnosed each year.
Types
Lymphomas are classified as either Hodgkin lymphoma or non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma cases account for approximately two-thirds of all lymphomas in Americans.
Features
Lymphoma occurs when lymphocytes, or white blood cells, multiply, become malignant and then develop into tumors that affect the lymph glands.
Symptoms
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society states that early lymphoma may present as a painless swelling of one or more lymph nodes. As the illness progresses, fever, chills, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, itching, fatigue and an enlarged spleen develop.
Treatment
Treatment of lymphoma is with a combination of radiation, chemotherapy and biological therapy. According to the Lymphoma Research Foundation, recent advances in the treatment of lymphoma have significantly improved the prognosis for patients.
Tags: Lymphoma Research, Lymphoma Research Foundation, Research Foundation, lymph glands, lymphoma with, states that
Your kidneys perform the important job of removing toxins and other waste products from your bloodstream. Many health conditions, including hepatitis and high blood pressure, can compromise your kidney function. Following a healthy diet and making changes to your lifestyle can help you maintain good kidney function and may slow the progression of some types of kidney disease.
Instructions
1. Drink lots of water to maintain normal kidney function. Kidneys need water to flush away toxins from your body. Try to drink at least eight 8-oz. glasses of water each day.
2. Get underlying health conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes under control. These diseases can negatively affect kidney function if they are not managed properly. Ask for blood-glucose and blood-pressure readings at your yearly physical.
3. Maintain a healthy weight to avoid kidney disease and maintain normal kidney function. People who are overweight as well as those with high cholesterol are at a greater risk of developing kidney disease. Consult your doctor for a personalized weight-loss program.
4. Get your daily dose of exercise. Exercising not only helps most people lose weight, but it also keeps your body's organs healthier and running more smoothly. Walking, jogging, swimming or any other workout you enjoy is beneficial to your renal health.
5. Steer clear of drugs, alcohol and tobacco products. Alcohol and street drugs are especially damaging to your kidneys and can be lethal if you already have compromised kidney function. Even over-the-counter medications like aspirin and ibuprofen may not be safe for you to use if you have kidney disease.
6. Eat a healthy diet that is primarily low in fat, sodium and cholesterol. Sodium can cause an increase in your blood pressure and may make your kidneys work harder to remove waste products.
7. Watch your intake of dietary phosphorus, a naturally occurring element, if you have impaired kidney function. High phosphorus levels can impede the absorption of calcium in your body, which may lead to osteoporosis and other bone diseases. Limiting dairy products as well as eating refined grains such as white bread and rice can regulate phosphorus levels. The Mayo Clinic website gives more low-phosphorus food ideas for people with kidney disease (see "Additional Resources," below).
Tags: kidney function, kidney disease, blood pressure, your body, from your
There are many disorders associated with infancy, childhood or adolescence. One such disorder is known as Reactive Attachment Disorder. This article describes the signs and symptoms of this disorder.
Instructions
Identify Signs and Symptoms of Reactive Attachment Disorder in Early Childhood.
1. Look for markedly disturbed and developmentally inappropriate social relatedness in most contexts, beginning before the age of 5 years. This must be evidenced by one of the following:1. Persistent failure to initiate or respond in a developmentally appropriate fashion to most social interactions, as manifest by excessively inhibited, hyper vigilant, or highly ambivalent and contradictory responses. Examples of this would be the child responding to caregivers with a mixture of approach, avoidance, and resistance to comforting, or may exhibit frozen watchfulness.2. Diffuse attachments as manifest by indiscriminate sociability with marked inability to exhibit appropriate selective attachments. For example: excessive familiarity with relative strangers or lack of selectivity in choice of attachment figures.
2. Evaluate to make sure that the symptoms in step 1 are not accounted for solely by developmental delay such as Mental Retardation. If there is any possibility that another condition could account for the symptoms listed in step 1, Reactive Attachment Disorder cannot be considered.
3. Look for a lack of adequate care as given by primary caregivers as evidenced by at least one of the following:1. Persistent disregard of the child's basic emotional needs for comfort, stimulation and affection.2. Persistent disregard of the child's basic physical needs.3. Repeated changes of primary caregiver that prevent formation of stable attachments. An example of this could be frequent changes in foster care.
4. Look for a connection between the symptoms in step 1 and the behavior in step 3. The disturbances in step 1 must begin following the behavior described in step 3. There is a presumption that the behavior in step 3 on the part of the caregiver directly results in the symptoms present in the child described in step 1.
Hospice care has both advantages and disadvantages.
Hospice is a form of health care designed to meet the specific needs of the terminally ill. The goal of hospice is to make the patient as comfortable as possible in his remaining days. Hospice care may be administered in a hospital or nursing home, a specially equipped residential setting or in the patient's home through regular visits by hospice workers. Hospice care offers certain advantages and disadvantages.
Family Care
One advantage of hospice care is that in addition to providing care to the dying during their final days, it also provides emotional support to the family. The family and friends of the patient are permitted to participate in the care giving, which may help them cope with their impending loss. Bereavement counseling after the loved one passes away is also provided.
Comfortable Setting
Another advantage of hospice care is that it provides the most comfortable setting possible for the patient in her final days. A residential hospice center gives the patient the feeling of being in a home setting instead of the sterile and unpleasant environment of a hospital room. With a visiting hospice arrangement, the patient can die with dignity in his own home.
Holistic Approach
Patients can benefit from hospice care because it takes a holistic approach to treating the patient, as opposed to only meeting the patient's medical needs. Spiritual needs are also addressed, like if the patient wishes to seek counsel with clergy. Emotional support is also provided by the hospice staff, such as social workers and volunteers, if the patient needs someone to talk to.
Lack of Treatment Methods
A possible disadvantage of hospice care is that if the patient is at home and not in a traditional hospital setting, she may not have access to the array of medical machinery that she would in a hospital. According to CaringtotheEnd.com, she may not be able to receive certain treatments, such as being able to receive nourishment through a feeding tube.
Draining for Families
Another disadvantage of hospice is that it can be hard on the family and other loved ones of the patient. According to Care.com, loved ones can become physically and emotionally exhausted. They may be required to give up normal activities and possibly miss work in order to spend time with or assist in the treatment of the patient.
Invasion of Privacy
Another disadvantage is that patients and family members who use visiting hospice care may come to resent what they view as an invasion of their privacy. Hospice workers and volunteers may be entering the home at any time of day, which can make the experience less comfortable for couples who would rather spend as much of their remaining time together alone with each other.
Tags: care that, hospice care, hospice care that, able receive, advantage hospice, advantage hospice care, advantages disadvantages
Acupressure can be self-administered wherever you are by simply pressing the finger tips to key zones or acupunture points on the body, according to J.V. Cerney, author of "Acupuncture Without Needles."
Instructions
1. Locate an acupressure point by using anatomical landmarks such as bone indentations and protrusions. A specific point may also be within a muscular cord, band or knot of tension according to Michael Reed Gach, author of "Acupressure's Potent Points." J.V. Cerney indicates in "Acupressure Without Needles" that specific points may have a tenderness or "ouch area" when pressed.
Thrust the ball of the thumb on the chest, abdomen, low back and limbs. After the initial thrust, a rotary movement with firm pressure is then applied to the acupuncture point, according to Cerney.
Stimulate an acupressure point by using centripetal circles with the thumb; starting at approximately one-half inch outside the acupressure point, move in a circular motion toward the targeted center.
Sedate or release tension from an acupressure point by using concentric circles with the thumb; starting at the acupressure point, make increasingly wider circles with the thumb moving around and out from the acupressure point.
With palms downward, use the palm of one hand to oscillate the other hand in a gentle vibrato motion, per Cerney. Gentle pressure should be used over the eye, while firmer pressure can be used over the abdomen and other body parts.
Cerney also suggests slapping or rubbing the body to innervate the skin.
2. Rub the lower back briskly along both sides of the spine for one minute.
Hold the base of the skull with one hand and place the middle finger of the other hand between the eyebrows above the bridge of the nose. Tilt the head back, close the eyes and take three long, slow, deep breaths. Hold each breath for a few seconds then exhale while releasing any tension in the body.
Place the hands on the lower abdomen three finger widths below the navel while sitting comfortably in a chair with the spine straight and shoulders relaxed. Close the eyes, press the hands firmly into the abdomen and breathe deeply for one minute. These three exercises can be completed within five minutes and help relieve stress, according to Gach.
3. Place the middle fingers in the hollows on the left and right side of the v-notch in the collarbone. Inhale deeply and hold for one minute.
Rub the backs of your hands briskly against the lower back. Use an up-and-down motion to stimulate lower back points.
Place the fingertips in the center of the lower abdomen between the navel and pubic bone. Gradually press one to two inches deep into the abdomen while closing the eyes and breathing deeply.
Rub the heel of the foot briskly up and down the outside of the shinbone of the opposite leg just below the knee for one minute. Repeat with the other foot.
Place the right heel between the left inner anklebone and Achilles tendon. Rub for 30 seconds then place the right heel between the large and second toes and rub for 30 seconds. Repeat with the other foot.
Place the arms in front of the body with the palms down. Make a fist with the right hand and place it on top of the elbow crease of the left arm and briskly rub the elbow joint for 30 seconds. Repeat with the other arm.
Make a fist with the right hand and place it on the outside of the forearm, two finger widths from the wrist crease. Briskly rub for 30 seconds. Place the right fist on the webbing between the thumb and index finger of the left hand. Use the knuckles to briskly rub for 30 seconds. Repeat with the other hand. These exercises are helpful for boosting the immune system, according to Gach.
Tags: acupressure point, Repeat with, Repeat with other, with other, acupressure point using, circles with
Many men, especially those involved in athletic activities, have had jock itch. Jock itch is a fungus that can cause an itchy rash that can scale over and cause pain. One of the leading causes of jock itch is wearing tight underwear and/or jeans. Fortunately, nature offers natural remedies to treat this fungus as opposed to paying for expensive creams that can cause a nervous reaction. Bear in mind, certain lifestyle changes must be implemented in addition to essential oils and aromatherapy to remove jock itch.
Essential Oils
There are a few essential oils that are imperative to removing jock itch. Moisture is the main factor that keeps the fungus thriving. An oily surface keeps the fungus under control so it can be removed. A popular formula given by Valerie Ann Worwood in her book The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy follows: Dilute two drops of either lavender, tea tree, cypress or patchouli in a bowl of water. Wash the area and dry well. Consider using a hair dryer on medium setting to ensure the area is dry. After the area is thoroughly dried, add two drops of one of the four mentioned oils to one teaspoon of vegetable oil and apply in the morning and at night. Tea tree, lavender, cypress, and patchouli are great oils for jock itch as they are antiseptic and anti-fungal.
Feel free to use chamomile or rosemary as a scent to relieve stress. Stress can, in many ways, cause a disease to grow because stress weakens the immune system. Also, consider the type of soap you use daily to keep the skin clean. Commercial soaps contain detergents that can harm the affected area. Try finding a 100 percent all natural soap. Lavender soap is great because of the lavender's healing benefits.
Other Tips
Now that you know the essential oils to treat jock itch with, there are a few more details to remember. Do not wear tight underwear while the body is fighting the fungus. Try wearing boxers to allow air to circulate in that area. Refrain from excessively sweating. If you have no choice, change underwear and keep the area frequently cleaned. You may have to take more baths or showers than usual as you undergo this healing. For preventative measures refrain from sharing towels and washing clothes. Lastly, you can add baby powder or anti-fungal powders to the area daily to keep the area dry.
Pulmonary emphysema is a lung disease brought about, in most cases, by smoking. It is a disease in which the alveoli, the air sacs present in the lungs, can no longer stretch. This loss of elasticity means air remains trapped in the lungs, and the exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the body is compromised. This results in shortness of breath and other symptoms and can be fatal.
Function
The disease takes years to develop in most instances. Constant smoking exposes lung tissue to irritants, which eventually destroy healthy air-sac tissue. The air sacs are where gases are exchanged in the lungs, transferring oxygen to the blood and removing carbon dioxide. This damage is permanent and causes holes in the lung tissue. Lungs lose their ability to stretch and airways collapse, making it very hard to exhale.
Effects
The earliest signs of pulmonary emphysema can include difficulty breathing and having a cough. You may feel run down and have problems falling asleep as the condition advances. You may also be anxious and lose weight as your appetite decreases. Heart problems are not uncommon with pulmonary emphysema, as the organ is forced to work much harder to pump blood through the damaged lung tissue. Severe shortness of breath can develop in the later stages of the disease.
Size
There are more than 1.5 million people in the U.S. with pulmonary emphysema, ranking the disease 15th among chronic conditions that limit activity, according to the American Lung Association. Almost 18,000 individuals succumb to pulmonary emphysema each year in the U.S. In 90 percent of the cases, the person was a smoker over the age of 45.
Warning
Pulmonary emphysema often leads to respiratory failure, as the person can no longer get enough oxygen into the blood to survive. Pneumonia often claims the lives of those with emphysema, as the individual is unable to keep his lungs clear of bacteria and viruses that precipitate the condition. Heart failure also may occur.
Benefits
Treatment goals are to make the patient live in relative comfort and to stop any further progression of the disease. A major aim is for the person to stop smoking. Infections are likely as the immune system will be weakened, so antibiotics may be needed. Inhalers can open airways temporarily to allow air to pass, and steroidal medications may build up the person's strength. Supplemental oxygen can allow easier breathing and, in those who can withstand such a procedure, a lung transplant is not out of the question.
Tags: lung tissue, pulmonary emphysema, carbon dioxide, shortness breath, with pulmonary, with pulmonary emphysema