Lemon Cleanse Ingredients

A lemon cleanse consists of four ingredients. There are a few companies that sell a product called The Master Cleanse Kit. The instructions for use are not complicated and direct the user to fast during the lemon cleanse. Each ingredient is available at your local grocery store.

Lemons

It is preferable to purchase lemons rather than lemon juice or extract. This ensures that you are getting no added ingredients, just the lemon. Use a half lemon, or you may substitute with a lime.

Maple Syrup

Maple syrup (not the flavored variety) is next in the recipe. The suggestion is to use organic maple syrup (Grade B), but a suitable substitute is molasses or agave. However, if you have diabetes or hyper/hypoglycemia, then the best choice is molasses. Use two tablespoons.

Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is best known for its warming properties, aiding in circulation. The suggestion is to use a small pinch, 1/10 of a teaspoon or less. Increase this each use, keeping it at a tolerable level. The note says the more BTUs the better. Caution needs to be used, though, since cayenne pepper can cause severe stomach burning.

Water

The last ingredient is pure water, 10-14 oz. Don't use tap water since it contains so many chemicals. Filtered, purified water is healthier.

Directions

Combine all ingredients and drink. This recipe will make one serving. The lemon cleanse can be consumed a few times throughout the day as part of a fast. Make it fresh prior to drinking each time. Use only fresh fruit, organic maple syrup and purified water.

Tags: lemon cleanse, maple syrup, organic maple, organic maple syrup, purified water

Instructions For Set Up Remstar Auto Home Care Provider

Home care providers are an important link in the patient continuum of care. They provide important information in guiding the patient to overall recovery. Setting up a patient's medical equipment is one responsibility overseen by home care providers. The REMstar continuous positive airway pressure series provides pressure to support breathing in cases of congestive heart failure, chronic lung diseases, and sleep apnea. Setting up the prescribed treatment pressures and making the patient comfortable with use is an important task that will help ensure patient compliance.

Instructions

1. Insert the pronged end of the electrical plug into an outlet.

2. Hold down the right and left arrow keys as you insert the blunt end of the power supply cord into the electrical port in the back of the machine. The device will "beep" twice to alert you that you have properly turned the machine on in the provider mode.

3. Press the "Plus" key to display the menu. Use the right and left arrow keys to navigate through the menu options.

4. Select the "Patient Reminder" portion of the setup menu located toward the left. Scroll through current patient data with the up and down arrow keys. If the patient is new to using the REMstar machine the factory default settings will be displayed. From these menus you may set a patient reminder alarm to encourage patients to use his machine, set or remove mask alarms, and set ramp pressure.

5. Press the "Plus" key to save your selections and move on to the next option.

6. Select the "Therapy Mode" menu to alter current treatment pressures. This menu is located to the right after you enter the clinician mode. Select the "CPAP" mode by pressing the left arrow key to automatically set all of the options to 10 mmHg. Press the right arrow key to select the "Comfort Type" mode. This mode allows you to set different pressure treatments.

7. Press the right and left arrows to adjust the maximum treatment pressure. Press the "Down" button to save the setting and move on to the minimum pressure.

8. Press the right and left arrows to adjust the minimum pressure. Press the "Down" button to save the setting. Some patients are comforted by beginning at lower pressures and working to a higher pressure. It's important that you and the patient work together to ensure the patient is compliant.

9. Press the "Power" button to reconfirm all of the selected settings and return to the patient user manual.

Tags: pressure Press, right left, arrow keys, left arrow, Press right, arrows adjust

Herbs For Energy

There are times when we could all use a little more energy. Maybe we're pulling an all-nighter and we need to stay up, maybe we want a boost before a workout, or maybe we could use some help to get through the day. Many herbs can give us energy, depending on the effects we want.

What Kinds of Energy-Generating Herbs Are There?

Some herbs act on our bodies to generate more energy. The effects of different herbal supplements vary: Some give our bodies a shot of energy but make us jittery, others claim to make us more mentally focused, while others help increase our energy by making our metabolism more efficient. Your choice of herbs to use for energy depends on what you need the energy for and how you react to these herbs.

Herbs With Alkaloids

A popular form of energy comes from herbal stimulants that contain alkaloids. According to an article by C. Leigh Broadhurst, Ph.D., on the website herbcompanion.com, herbs with alkaloids are commonly taken when users want a quick burst of energy, like right before a workout, or to wake themselves up in the morning for work or school.

Specific herbs in this family have varying effects, from the caffeine buzz you get from coffee and guarana, to the slightly more intense effect of ephedrine from ephedra, to the straight-out high you get from coca leaves, which contain cocaine.

Besides that spurt of energy, these herbs are also often used to control weight by increasing energy as well as suppressing the appetite.

Downside of Alkaloids

While herbs with alkaloids give your body the spurt of energy it needs, oftentimes the user pays for that spurt with increased fatigue when the herbs wear off. Energy levels can drop quite dramatically when the effect wears off, leaving users far more tired than before they took the herb.

Other effects may be uncomfortable: increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, cloudy thinking, jitters, aggression and elevated stress.

Also, users can become habituated, even addicted to these herbs, causing them to use progressively more of the herbs to get the same effect until the body cannot tolerate the increased levels of these alkaloids and begins to shut down.

Herbs to Enhance Performance

Other herbs do not by themselves give you energy but enhance your metabolic and mental processes. For example, varieties of ginseng have been proven to fight fatigue and keep you thinking clearly, while the schizandra root is known to increase endurance. People who need long-term energy, like students preparing for an exam, could use these herbs to prolong the levels of energy they do have without sacrificing the clarity of their thoughts.

Unlike herbs with alkaloids, performance-enhancing herbs do not show deleterious effects with long-term use. However, anyone with allergies to herbs like ginseng or schizandra should use caution.

Combinations

Many formulations of both kinds of herbs have been popular on the market for years. They come in the form of energy drinks, capsules and tablets.

Tags: these herbs, herbs with, with alkaloids, before workout, energy like, form energy

Massage The Face To Get Rid Of Acne

Massaging the face can lead to improved facial tone.

Facial massage is a safe, drug-free form of acne treatment. Combined with a balanced diet that includes lots of vegetables, whole grains, fruit and water, facial massage can dramatically improve acne as well as prevent wrinkles and crow's feet. Facial tone and structure can also be improved. Always thoroughly wash the face before performing any massage, as an unwashed face can lead to facial oils, dirt and makeup being pressed into the skin, causing additional acne and other skin problems.

Instructions

1. Pay extra attention to the fingertips when washing your hands.

Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water, paying extra attention to the fingertips.

2. Grip the jaw with the thumbs.

Firmly grip the jaw with your thumbs. Press the other four fingers (on each side) into the upper jawline. Work from the center of the jawline outward, pressing firmly. Repeat two or three times, maintaining the same level of pressure.

3. Use fingertips to press the area of the face above the jawline, using the same center-going-out motion. Do this two or three times. Repeat motion working upward until you reach the forehead line. If done correctly, you should see flakes of dead skin coming off the face at this time.

4. Lightly but firmly pinch the entire face for 1 to 2 minutes.

5. The jugular veins are located on the sides of the neck.

Rub the jugular veins, located on the sides of the neck in a downward-scraping motion with your fingertips. Do this six to eight times, and follow by massaging the outer part of the chest right next to the armpits. Use a firm circular motion and remember to breathe deeply.

6. Use soap on the hands only.

Wash your hands with soap. Wash your face with the same light-but-firm motions with cool water only. Pat skin dry with a washcloth used only on the face.

Tags: your hands, attention fingertips, extra attention, extra attention fingertips, face lead, hands with, hands with soap

Alcohol Detox For The Liver

The liver performs several vital bodily functions including detoxifying the body and filtering blood. The liver filters 1.4 L of blood per minute. Alcohol can damage the liver and prevent it from being able to properly detoxify the body. Detoxifying the body of drugs and alcohol can last for a period of 24 to 36 hours. During this time, a patient may exhibit many symptoms of alcohol withdraws. These withdraws can be treated in several ways to relieve symptoms and aid in the detoxifying process.

Diet

Diet can aid in the detoxification process. Many alcoholics are deficient in essential vitamins and minerals that promote a healthy liver, such as vitamin B complex, zinc, selenium, vitamin E and vitamin B-12. Other vitals nutrients that help with detox are CoQ10, alpha-lipoic acid, lecithin, choline and SAMe. Drinking six to eight glasses of water per day is also vital to detox in order to flush the body and prevent dehydration.

Herbal Treatments

Several herbal treatments can be used for treatment of alcohol withdraw and detox. Burdock root, tumeric, milk thistle and dandelion are supplements that cleanse the liver and boost its function.

Medications

More than 150 prescription medications are available for the treatment of detox and its symptoms. Several different types of medications can be tested to provide relief of severe symptoms. The four types of detox medications are benzodiazepines (sedatives like Valium or diazepam), adrenergic medications, anti-seizure medications (such as carbamazepine or divalproex sodium) and anti-psychotic medications. Beta-blockers can also be used to relieve alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

Other Helpful Hints for Detox

Maintaining a healthy, natural diet is important for detoxing the body. Be sure to get plenty of rest, fresh air and moderate exercise. The longer the drug or alcohol stays in your system, the more the body produces cravings for that toxin. Drinking lemon juice and water can also help to detoxify the body.

Tags: detoxify body, water also

Hormoneregulating Functions Of The Liver

Hormone-Regulating Functions of the Liver

According to the University of Southern California department of surgery, the liver performs more than 400 functions crucial to the body's overall health on a daily basis. One of the liver's most significant responsibilities is hormone regulation.

Synthesis

The liver is responsible for synthesizing important hormones, the body's "chemical messengers," meaning that it processes chemical compounds, so the body may use them as essential proteins, acids and fats.

Secretion

The liver is responsible for secreting necessary hormones into the bloodstream and plays a vital role in the concentration of blood glucose. The liver is also responsible for secreting amino acid proteins, such as hepcidin and angiotensin, crucial for the proper functioning of the immune system and blood circulation.

Elimination

The liver eliminates hormones through bile or urine, so that an overabundance of certain hormones, such as androgen and estrogen, do not accumulate in body tissues and cause abnormal growths, such as uterine fibroids and cysts of the ovaries and breasts.

Thrombopoietin Production

Thrombopoietin (TPO) is a protein hormone produced by the liver. This hormone is crucial for production of bone marrow cells and their differentiation into platelets that are essential to blood clotting.

Breakdown

The liver is responsible for breaking down insulin, hemoglobin and other hormones, in addition to breaking down toxins and transforming ammonia into urea.

Tags: liver responsible, breaking down, Functions Liver, responsible secreting

Choose Nuts To Boost Energy

Energy may seem a scarce resource at times, but instead of reaching for another cup of coffee, choose nuts to boost energy when you are feeling sluggish. There are many to choose from, but that simply means that the options are almost endless.

Instructions

1. Increase your omega-3 fatty acid intake, and boost your energy, with walnuts. These nuts are a great form of energy with these heart healthy acids. A quarter cup of walnuts gives you over 90% of your daily intake of omega-3.

2. Reduce your cholesterol and boost energy with nuts like almonds. These are tasty raw and unsalted, and they are a great source of protein.

3. Add soy nuts to your daily intake, and help boost energy and stave off hunger. These nuts are high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids that can also help your circulatory system.

4. Boost your energy and your starch intake by choosing chestnuts for a healthy energy-filled snack. These tasty nuts are packed with twice as much starch as potatoes, and are lower in calories than most other nuts.

5. Include pistachios to your diet to boost your metabolism and your energy levels. These nuts are low in sodium, when eaten unsalted, and they aid liver function.

6. Help your skin with pine nuts while boosting energy and protein intake. Pine nuts also benefit the blood and muscles.

7. Get the benefits of antioxidant powers and minerals with pecans. These nuts help boost your energy levels when used as a snack, and help increase your intake of healthy fats when eaten raw and unsweetened.

Tags: These nuts, your energy, boost energy, energy with, boost your, daily intake, energy levels

Make Earache Oil

The pain of minor earaches can often be soothed with natural treatments. Most of the home remedies can be easily made from ingredients that are probably already in your kitchen. Give them a try and see if they offer relief.

Instructions

1. Crush a garlic clove and put it in a small jar filled with olive oil. Let it sit for at least an hour and as long as a day for a more potent mix. Warm the oil slightly and use an eye dropper to apply 2 or 3 drops to the ear. Finish with a cotton ball to keep the oil from running out. Lie down with the affected ear up for at least 15 minutes.

2. Extract fresh juice from peppermint leaves. Use a mortar and pestle or food processor to grind the leaves. Place the mashed leaves on a piece of clean fabric and squeeze the juice into your ear.

3. Fill a clean sock with salt or rice. Tie the sock closed and heat it in a microwave. Use the sock like a heating pad held against the ear. The heat will be soothing, but be sure not to heat it too much. Salt and rice can get hot enough to burn your skin.

4. Pour some black pepper in a clean handkerchief and form it into a ball about the size of a fingertip. Fasten it with a rubber band or a piece of string. Dip the pepper ball into hot coffee and squeeze out the excess coffee. Make sure the ball isn't too hot, and then insert it into your ear.

Tags: into your

Make Your Own Incense With Healing Essential Oils Quick And Easy

Make Your Own Incense With Healing Essential Oils, Quick and Easy

This method of making incense is quick and easy, and when you make incense with real essential oils, you may add an authentic and healing quality to your homemade incense. You can find "makko" at bulk herb or health food stores, or online (see Resources)

Instructions

1. Put 3 teaspoons powdered makko into the mortar.

2. Stir in 10 drops of your chosen essential oils. Blend well. Examples of popular essential oils for making incense include patchouli, lavender, frankincense, sandalwood, sage, orange, eucalyptus and many others.

3. Add warm water a few drops at a time while mixing in each new amount. You want a soft, moldable, dough-like texture. Crumbly is too dry, so add more water. Sticky is too wet, so add more dry.

4. Form cones that are flat on the bottom and about an inch or so high. The base shouldn't be more than a half inch thick.

5. Dry them upright on wax paper until the sides of the cones are dry, then lie them down to dry the base.

6. Burn and enjoy. If you feel there's too much of one scent and not enough of another, you can grind these up again and add new essential oils with a little more warm water.

Tags: Your Incense With, essential oils, Essential Oils, essential oils, Essential Oils Quick

Manage Severs Disease

Sever's disease is an inflammatory condition of the growth plate in the heel. it is usually seen between the ages of 9 and 14, and is more common in boys. It is caused by an over pull of the calf muscle at its attachment into the heel bone (calcaneus) via the Achilles tendon. It eventuality settles by itself once the growth plate has closed, but in the meantime the affected heel can be very painful and prevent the child from participating in sports or even make walking painful. Here are some suggestions to help manage Sever's disease.

Instructions

1. Stop all sports until the pain had settled. Children should be removed from all activities such as football, running, soccer and basketball until the pain has resolved.

2. Ice the back of the heel. This should be done for 10 minutes 3 to 6 times a day.

3. Stretch the calf muscles for 60 seconds and repeat this as often as possible. The stretching may help improve the flexibility of the calf muscle and hence stop the over-pull on the heel bone.

4. Purchase a heel raise from a pharmacy. This can further reduce the strain on the calf muscle.

5. Visit a podiatrist if the pain does not settle. The doctor may fit an orthotic with a heel raise and also a night splint to stretch the calf muscle. A walking brace with a heel raise is indicated in severe cases and may need to be worn for 4 to 6 weeks.

Tags: calf muscle, heel raise, growth plate, heel bone, Sever disease, until pain

Ways To Fight Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer affects 1 in 6 men, making it the most widespread non-skin-related cancer. Prostate cancer is the uncontrollable reproduction of prostate cells resulting in abnormal cells forming small tumors. Standard methods of treatment such as radiation and surgery are about 90 percent effective if treatment begins when the tumors are small. However, small tumors are hard to detect and likely to be overlooked. Prostate cancer has many courses of treatment.

Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy may be used alone or with other treatment methods, depending on the size and progression of the cancer. Its goal is to stop the body's production of testosterone, which can cause abnormal cells in a tumor to grow. It is effective at shrinking existing tumors and halting the growth of new tumors. Hormone therapy is sometimes used before radiation and surgery to shrink the tumor so it can be removed more easily. Possible side effects include erectile dysfunction, weight gain, muscle mass loss and anemia. Which symptoms you may face is impossible to predict, but you should discuss them all with your physician to better understand the prospects.

Radiation Therapy

Two kinds of radiation therapy can treat prostate cancer: radioactive seed therapy and external beam radiation.

Radioactive seed therapy, aka brachytherapy, involves implanting 40 to 100 seeds into your prostate through a needle. The implants contain radioactive isotopes such as iodine that emit radiation from inside your body. These small pellets last about a year and only affect the targeted area, normally a few millimeters across. For the first few months, you may be told to stay about six feet away from pregnant women and small children because of the risk of radiation exposure. Side effects of radioactive seed therapy include frequent and painful urination, erectile dysfunction and loose stool. Urinary problems are more common than with external radiation, but rectal side effects are less likely.

External beam radiation uses focused X-rays to destroy cancerous cells. It may also harm nearby healthy tissues. Physicians use imaging software to help aim the radiation for best results. This step is important because properly positioning the beam will reduce the chance of damaging healthy tissue. External beam radiation treatment takes about one minute and no anesthesia is needed. Shields protect your vital organs, and you are asked to come to treatment with a full bladder to keep the bladder out of the way. Side effects of external beam radiation include rectal bleeding and frequent urination. Most patients of beam radiation have few if any sexual side effects. Other side effects generally disappear after treatment has ended.

Prevention

Although there are factors that can cause cancer that can not be prevented, like a genetic predisposition, men can do a few things to reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer. Eat foods with lots of vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C and E. Researchers believe that getting the right amount of nutrients is vital to cancer prevention as well as living a healthy life. Get regular exercise to keep your immune system strong and aid in blood circulation. Exercise may also decrease treatment symptoms in some men. Also, talk to your doctor about taking anti-inflammatory drugs if you're predisposed to prostate cancer. Anti-inflammatory drugs contain a compound that inhibits the enzyme COX-2, found in prostate cancer cells.

Tags: beam radiation, seed therapy, abnormal cells, erectile dysfunction, External beam radiation, prostate cancer, Prostate cancer

What To Do With Uneven Color After Teeth Bleaching

In today's dental world, there are a bevy of teeth bleaching options available. Your dentist can outfit you with molded bleaching trays. You then place bleach into the trays and wear them for a few hours each day until your teeth reach the desired level of whiteness. Most dentists also offer in-office laser bleaching sessions. Regardless of the method used, some people experience uneven results from bleaching. Thankfully, there are some things you can do to correct the issue.

Instructions

1. Know that uneven bleaching results are common. Since structure and composition vary from tooth to tooth, some teeth may respond to bleaching more quickly than others. During the bleaching process, these responsive teeth will appear whiter than the surrounding teeth.

2. Be aware that the edges of your teeth may lighten more quickly than their centers. This is because enamel tends to be thinner at a tooth's edge. The center of the tooth has thicker enamel so it takes longer for the bleach to penetrate the area.

3. Continue bleaching your teeth per your dentist's instructions. You must give the less responsive teeth a chance to catch up to the whiter teeth. Oftentimes, teeth with less calcium respond to bleaching more quickly.

4. Stop bleaching your teeth for a few days once they have reached their desired whiteness level. Initially, your teeth may appear uneven but after a few days, they should become more uniform. It generally takes between three and 10 days for the color to even out across your teeth.

5. Avoid cigarettes, red wine and coffee while you are bleaching your teeth. Since teeth are more porous during the bleaching process, they are more susceptible to stains. Consuming these substances will increase your chances of uneven results.

6. Talk to your dentist about solutions if you have any non-natural teeth. Crowns, fillings, veneers and caps do not respond to bleach since they are not natural teeth. If you whiten your natural teeth, your restorative dentistry will stand out in stark contrast. Your dentist can replace your non-natural teeth with those in lighter shades so they will again match the surrounding teeth.

Tags: your teeth, bleaching your, bleaching your teeth, more quickly, bleaching more

Chinese Remedy For Joint Pain

Joint pain is a very common ailment affecting many adults. There are many causes, and the most important factor in finding relief is identifying the cause. Many people seek medicinal treatments and steroids as a means of controlling pain, while others attempt to lose unnecessary weight to give their joints a rest. Others turn to more holistic approaches, especially traditional Chinese medicine, which includes treatments like acupuncture and herbal supplements.

The Most Common Cause

The most important step in finding a remedy for joint pain, an ailment that affects 8 out of 10 adults in their lives, is identifying the underlying problem. There are dozens of maladies that can lead to inflammation of the joints, ranging from simple overuse and overpressure to more serious issues. Arthritis is the most common cause, specifically osteoarthritis (osteo = "bone"). This occurs when the cartilage is gradually worn down and the feeling of bones rubbing together is the root of discomfort.

Additional Causes

An unhealthy diet can also lead to joint pain. Obesity can put excess pressure onto the joints, pushing bones together and wearing away the cartilage. An unhealthy diet rich in uric acid can also lead to a condition known as gout, which involves acidic crystals building up in the joints. This ailment can spread rapidly to other joints.

Pain can also stem from simple, temporary issues such as the common cold and the flu, or from more serious, long lasting issues such as sickle cell disease and bursitis.

Common Remedies

With so many different causes, countless different treatments of varying effectiveness have arisen. Anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids have been employed to ease pain with success, though some people are made uneasy by the idea of pharmaceutical or chemical treatments. Additionally, simple remedies such as restricting oneself from putting pressure on the joint in question, employing a splint, or alternating hot and cold compresses can provide temporary relief.

History of Chinese Medicine

Common and long-standing mainstream medical practices in China and much of Eastern Asia are considered alternative medicine in much of the rest of the world. Common Chinese practices include acupuncture, herbal treatment and forms of intensive massage. Chinese medical theory includes the idea that the body is full of interconnected systems and that a form of homeostasis needs to be maintained amongst them.

Treatments

Different forms of energy flow among the various systems and methods such as acupuncture target these energy flows. Acupuncture points are located throughout the body in these spots. The treatment is most effective in dealing with discomfort and inflammation, two common symptoms of joint pain.

Holistic Chinese herbs are also popular for those seeking alternative treatment to joint pain. They can be bought for very specific conditions, with some designed for pain caused by arthritis, muscle pain and the discomfort that comes from a cold, wet environment, while others target more severe forms of arthritis and rheumatism. The latter supplements are meant to improve circulation, an idea common in Chinese medical theory since poor circulation can inhibit the body's systems from working in harmony.

Such herbal supplements contain a variety of roots, rhizomes and even flowers. Ginger is a common ingredient and is meant to treat rheumatism and clear the throat and nasal cavities, while citrus targets poor circulation and works to reverse it.

Tags: joint pain, acupuncture herbal, also lead, Chinese medical, Chinese medical theory, from simple, herbal supplements

Give A Great Back Massage To Your Boyfriend Or Girlfriend

Give A Great Back Massage to Your Boyfriend or Girlfriend

Everyone loves a good back massage, but sometimes it's hard to know what to do and what techniques to use. Use these tips to give a great back massage to your boyfriend or girlfriend.

Instructions

1. Make sure he or she (I'm going to use she for the rest of the article) is unclothed on the top. If she is fully undressed, lay a light blanket over her to keep her warm.

2. If you are using lubricant, choose a relaxing scent like lavender or something that you know she likes. Make sure you warm the lubricant up in your hands before using it on someone!

3. Avoid bones! Pressing on a bone hurts alot, and can be bad for somebody, so don't do it. Feel free to massage next to the spine, but never on it. It is also important to avoid organs, but they are hard to get to in a back massage, so we don't need to worry about that.

4. Alternating types of massage strokes and motions is important. If you are going vertically one minute, try a circular motion the next. It is important not to let them get bored or too used to the motion. Instead of all ways going vertically, sometimes go side-to-side or focus on a certain muscle group for a bit.

5. Vary pressure! A light rubbing or finger massage might be good in some places, whereas a deeper touch might be needed in different areas. At the end, it is nice to lightly run your fingers all over the back.

6. Communication is important to the beginner masseuse. Ask where it hurts or whether things feel alright. Make sure you know how hard/soft she likes it and where.

7. Some surefire massage techniques: strong shoulder kneading, gentle lower back kneading using your thumbs or fists, going vertically opposite directions with your hands, probing finger massage in the upper back.

8. Massage gently into the neck and down almost onto the butt for an extra touch that your boyfriend or girlfriend will love!

Tags: going vertically, Make sure, Back Massage Your, finger massage, Give Great, Give Great Back

Definition Of Pancreas Cancer

The pancreas plays an important role in a person's daily functions, especially when it comes to digesting foods. Therefore, pancreatic cancer can provide a significant negative impact in a person's nutrition. Pancreatic cancer, however, can be difficult to diagnose due to its location behind the stomach, making it hard for patients to feel symptoms early on. However, by understand specific aspects of the pancreas and pancreatic cancer, people may be able to see warning signs a little earlier.

Pancreas Function

The pancreas produces special chemicals for the body's use, particularly digestive enzymes and insulin. Digestive enzymes help break down food so that the stomach can better metabolize it, while insulin helps the body convert sugar into usable energy (glycogen). The pancreas also produces levels that help regulate stomach acid when it passes material to the small intestine.

Cancer Symptoms

Symptoms of pancreatic cancer can involve the inability to keep food in the stomach and result in loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss and persistent nausea. There may also be significant pain in the upper abdomen leading to the back. Jaundice, or the yellowing of the skin around the eyes, could also be a sign.

Risk Factors

There are some associated risk factors with pancreatic cancer, although no direct causes have been discovered. Men tend to be diagnosed slightly more than women. Patients with a history of pancreas-related illnesses such as chronic pancreatitis or cirrhosis are also more susceptible. Smokers are diagnosed twice as often as nonsmokers. There may also be genetic mutations that increase risk of development.

Statistics

Pancreatic cancer has one of the highest morbidity rates compared to other cancers. It is the fourth-leading cause of cancer death, with an estimated 35,000 deaths annually in the late 2000s. Only 20 percent of those diagnosed live beyond a year after diagnosis; only 4 percent of patients live beyond five years.

Treatment Options

Treatment options are confined to the stage of diagnosis. Oftentimes, pancreatic cancer isn't diagnosed until it has become malignant or in late stages. Many treatments are designed to prolong the life of the patient and do not necessarily put the cancer into remission. Surgery is typically used only to remove any cancer tumors blocking the bile duct. However, surgery often involves removing the pancreas and parts of the stomach, making the patient require significant aid for their digestive system afterwards. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are both used to reduce tumor sizes.

Tags: pancreatic cancer, live beyond, pancreatic cancer, stomach making, There also

Manage Cmv Disorders

CMV infection or cytomegalovirus infection is a viral infection that can rarely cause illness that is obvious. CMV is part of the herpes virus family, therefore, an individual can test positive, but that person may be asymptomatic due to its latent nature. This virus can be transmitted from pregnant mother to child, therefore, it affects young children most frequently. There is no cure for CMV; however, there are different ways to manage this disease.

Instructions

1. Ask your physician about the use of antiviral drugs to manage CMV infection. The different antiviral drugs include ganciclovir and acyclovir. These two forms of therapy are used to prevent infection in immune-compromised individuals or to reduce the amount of virus they have active in their body.

2. Inquire about high titer immunoglobulin therapy (IVIG, CytoGam). This therapy is used in those who are acutely affected by CMV who also have a degree of immunity impairment.

3. Go on a clinical trail. Vaccines are in development and are currently being tested. With this particular condition, there is good indication that the drugs being tested can help with preventing primary infection or modifying and ameliorating the symptoms associated with this condition. Therefore, consult with your physician as to the appropriateness of your involvement in such a study, since the adverse affects of a clinical trail must also be considered.

Tags: antiviral drugs, being tested, clinical trail, therapy used, your physician

Identify The Signs Of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) can appear at almost any age in life. While the most common age of onset is between 15 and 25, everyone from small children to the elderly can develop this disruptive anxiety disorder. Symptoms range from mild to severe and may consist of only obsessions, only compulsions or both. Because it can cause severe stress and interfere with everyday life, it's important to treat it as soon as possible. However, first you must be able to identify the signs of obsessive compulsive disorder.

Instructions

1. Watch for repetitive activities. If you find yourself washing your hands over and over or touching a doorknob a certain number of times before shutting the door and can't control these actions, you may be suffering from compulsions, which are a classic sign of OCD.

2. Identify obsessions. These are thoughts that keep going through your head without your consent, usually focusing on one topic. Obsessions tend to center around religious or sexual themes, but can be any topic you just can not get out of your head.

3. Pay attention to how obsessions make you feel. Typical OCD obsessions tend to cause the sufferer a great deal of anxiety, often leading to compulsions as a way to relieve the anxiety or ward it off.

4. Ask yourself whether your obsessions and compulsions are rational. Nearly all sufferers of OCD know their symptoms are not rational but feel helpless to stop them. This is a big part of what makes OCD so frustrating to those who suffer from it.

5. Identify feelings of relief after performing compulsions. Since compulsions are often a release valve for the anxieties produced by obsessions, most people who suffer from OCD find they are greatly relieved when they have completed performing their related compulsions.

6. Observe how long you spend each day on performing compulsions. Any compulsions that take up more than 10 minutes of your day to perform may be indicative of OCD.

Tags: compulsive disorder, performing compulsions, suffer from, your head

Colon Cleanse Process

Why Do a Colon Cleanse?

The colon, which is the bottom portion of the large intestine leading to the rectum, is responsible for storing waste materials, absorbing water and maintaining a healthy electrolyte and water balance. Proponents of colon cleanses claim that harmful toxins reside in our colons that can lead to common health problems such as acne, constipation and even asthma. They believe cleansing the colon can restore the body to a healthier state.

Prior to the Cleanse

Some people who cleanse claim that a short fast (a day or two) helps improve the cleansing process, but a fast isn't necessary. If you do fast, make sure to continue salt and water intake and/or to drink fresh vegetable or fruit juices. If you don't fast, cut out all unnecessary medications a few days before you begin your cleanse. Some people recommend cutting out unnecessary supplements and vitamins as well, but vitamins may be crucial to maintaining nutrients during your cleanse. Whether you fast or not, you should stop eating junk food such as caffeine, chocolate and processed foods a few days before you begin your cleanse and throughout the cleanse.

The First Few Days

Throughout the cleansing regimen, you'll need to drink a concoction of phsyllium husk and betonite clay dissolved in water. For the first 3 days, you should drink this once a day, 2 hours before or after a meal. Don't drink it with food.

Throughout the Cleanse

Gradually increase your daily intake of the psyllium husk/betonite clay drink. On Days 4 through 6 of the cleanse, take the drink twice. Drink three glasses on Day 7. After that, drink it 4 or 5 times a day for the remainder of the cleanse. Increase your intake of plain water and fruit and vegetable juices, too, so the cleansing process doesn't dehydrate you. During the cleanse, your body will eliminate "good bacteria" as well as toxins; taking a pro-biotic will reintroduce the good bacteria to your body. Every day of the cleanse, you should perform either an enema or a saltwater flush, which keeps eliminated toxins from re-entering the body through the anus. To perform a saltwater flush, drink 2 quarts of salt water the first thing in the morning. Most people cleanse for 2 to 4 weeks.

Alternative Cleanses

For a less intense cleanse, you can use cleansing products such as Colonix instead of the psyllium husk/betonite clay mixture.

Mixed Reviews

Know before you start your cleanse that mainly anecdotal evidence supports colon cleanses. Few scientific studies have been done about the benefits or risks involved in colon cleansing. Before beginning a colon cleanse, make sure to check with your primary physician to avoid any health risks.

Tags: your cleanse, betonite clay, husk betonite, husk betonite clay, before begin

Alzheimer'S Effects On The Brain

Alzheimer's is a terminal disease, which is also the most common cause of dementia, a condition characterized by a severe loss of intellectual and social abilities that interferes with daily functioning. The disease causes healthy brain tissue to degenerate, resulting in a steady decline in the patient's mental faculties. Listed below are some of the most common effects that Alzheimer's has on the brain.

Brain Damage

The Alzheimer's Association affirms that this disease physically changes the whole brain, causing massive tissue loss to this vital organ. According to the Association, Alzheimer's causes the brain cortex to shrink, resulting in severe damage to the hippocampus, brain ventricles and other areas of the brain. Over time, this damage affects almost all the brain's functions. The Alzheimer's Association attributes this damage to the formation of two types of cells in the brain tissue called plaques and tangles.

Memory Loss

According to the Alzheimer's Association, the disease affects the area of the brain that is involved in memory and learning. This results in a progressive loss of memory that causes the person to repeat himself or herself, forget appointments, regularly misplace items and forget the names of everyday objects or even family members' names. The person will also get confused and disoriented more and more often.

Impaired Judgment

As the disease progresses, Alzheimer's affects the person's intellectual capacities. Over time, the person experiences increased difficulty doing things that require planning, abstract thinking and judgment in solving everyday problems. For example, the patient may wear winter clothes in the summer, or may not know what to do if food cooking on a stove begins to burn. The person will also have trouble handling money or balancing a checkbook.

Personality Changes

The brain impairment that results from the ravages of this disease results in personality and behavioral changes (see Resources). Initially, the person's own personality characteristics may also be exaggerated in the earliest stages of the disease. In time, however, it erases traits of the person's personality. Mood swings, aggressive outbursts, and crying spells may also stem from the damage of this disease on the brain.

Language Problems

Alzheimer's also affects the language faculties, which gradually diminishes the patient's ability to speak and to understand speech. It results in an increasingly limited vocabulary and speech difficulties, as well as a progressive loss of reading and writing skills. In advanced stages of the disease, the individual loses his or her verbal language abilities and the capacity to communicate even the most basic of ideas.

Tags: Alzheimer Association, this disease, brain tissue, most common, Over time

Brain Tumor Surgery

According to the Mayo Clinic, brain tumors represent a proliferation of abnormal cells in an individual's brain. The size, form and position of the brain tumor will determine how a doctor treats a brain tumor.

Function

According to neurosurgery.mgh.harvard.edu, brain tumor surgery permits doctors to eliminate a considerable portion of the tumor from a patient's brain. Brain tumor surgery aids doctors in making a precise diagnosis.

Considerations

Brain tumor surgery removes only benign brain tumors, as malignant (cancerous) brain tumors require supplemental treatment. In addition, doctors may perform a biopsy if they deem a brain tumor untreatable. Patients may need therapy after surgery.

Types

The National Brain Tumor Society notes that craniotomies are the most common brain tumor surgery procedure. Craniotomies involve partial removal of the patient's skull bone to access the tumor. Intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) surgery and radiosurgery are also options.

Warning

According to the Mayo Clinic, individuals undergoing brain tumor surgery may experience vision loss, bleeding and infection. People who receive chemotherapy or radiation therapy may suffer from fatigue, headache and nausea.

Famous Ties

Lou Rawls, Johnnie Cochran and Lance Armstrong are some well-known people who underwent brain tumor surgery.

Tags: tumor surgery, brain tumor, brain tumors, According Mayo, According Mayo Clinic

Heal Fractured Ribs

The most common cause of fractured ribs is a direct blow to the chest from either the front or the side. Fractured ribs must be examined by a doctor immediately to insure that they have not caused any additional damage to the internal organs that the ribs protect, including the heart and lungs. Once your fractured ribs have been diagnosed, you will have to wait for them to heal. There are several things that you can do to insure that they do so properly and quickly--usually in the span of about 6 weeks.

Instructions

1. Take aspirin for the pain. Fractured ribs can be tender and sore. This can inhibit movement and cause you to develop unhealthy postures and breathing habits to deal with the pain. Treating the pain from fractured ribs will help them heal more quickly.

2. Schedule deep breaths. You must continue to breath normally to avoid infection. Fractured ribs can cause problems long after they heal if you develop the habit of breathing shallowly. It is important to practice breathing deeply for several minutes at least once each hour to insure that you are fully expanding your lungs.

3. Ice the injured area. You can ice the injured area for up to twenty minutes at a time. This will decrease swelling and help alleviate any pain. It will take your fractured ribs about six weeks to heal, and you can ice them periodically throughout this time.

4. Get plenty of rest. The best thing to do to heal your body is to give yourself lots of rest. This will give your body energy to heal itself.

5. Adjust your sleeping habits. Sleeping on your injured side can actually help with the pain and will encourage you to breath more briefly while you are asleep.

6. Get periodic x-rays. It can be difficult to see a fracture on an x-ray. However, if your fracture is evident, then it can help you track your progress by getting x-rays after about a month to see if the fracture is healing properly. Also, because sometimes even broken ribs do not show on the first round of x-rays, getting additional x-rays can help your doctor insure that nothing was missed in the emergency room.

7. Be patient. Many people want to start exercising again when the pain in their ribs fades. While it can be okay to start getting cardiovascular exercise, you should avoid lifting weights until a doctor assures you that your ribs are completely healed.

Tags: insure that, about weeks, fractured ribs, Fractured ribs, fractured ribs

Make Vegan Cheese

When faced with the prospect of going vegan, many people find it difficult to give up cheese. The good news is you don't have to go without. Cookbooks overflow with recipes for vegan cheese, and an astonishing variety of vegan cheeses are also available at health food stores. However, take a moment to manage expectations--just as you would not expect an apple to taste like a orange, you should not expect vegan cheese to taste like cheese made from an animal's milk. It is an entirely different food. Appreciate all foods for what they are. Here's an easy, tasty vegan cheese recipe to whet your appetite.

Instructions

1. Coat a 3-cup plastic or glass container with rounded bottom with cooking spray. Set aside.

2. Mix water and agar flakes in a small sauce pan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring often, until the flakes are totally dissolved (about 5 minutes).

3. Put the remaining ingredients in a blender or a food processor, along with the dissolved agar. Process for a few minutes until totally dissolved. Scrape excess mixture from the sides as needed.

4. Pour into your prepared container and cool, uncovered, in the refrigerator. When cool, cover and chill overnight. To serve, turn over onto a plate or board and slice. Serve on crackers or bread, or slice and use to make a grilled cheese sandwich. This should keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Tags: taste like, totally dissolved, vegan cheese

What Kind Of Doctor Is A D O

What Kind of Doctor is a D.O.?

Those abbreviations after a doctor's name can be confusing. If you've only seen medical doctors, or M.D.'s, in the past, you may be wondering what kind of doctor is a D.O. Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine take a holistic approach to medicine, combining a focus on wellness and bone manipulation with traditional medical techniques.

Function

D.O.'s function just as medical doctors do, examining patients, prescribing medications and performing surgery. D.O.'s can also perform spinal manipulations and are more likely to embrace a holistic approach to medicine. There are over 50,000 D.O.'s in the United States, according to the American Osteopathic Association, or AOA, and almost 30 percent of that number are women.

History

Andrew Taylor Still was the first doctor to practice osteopathic medicine after becoming disillusioned with the way his colleagues relied on drugs to treat illness. In the early 1870s, Still embraced a philosophy of medicine that focused on the musculoskeletal system as an important element in maintaining good health.

The key component of osteopathy was performing bone manipulations. These manipulations were intended to restore blood flow or nerve sensation to affected areas. Still's approach also focused on eating properly, preventive medicine and keeping fit. He founded the American School of Osteopathy, now the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, in Missouri in 1892.

Features

Osteopathic medicine is taught with a focus on health and wellness. Preventive medicine is a core part of the curriculum in osteopathic medical schools. D.O.'s are taught to ask questions about patients' economic and social situations, eating habits, nutrition and mental health, while also completing examinations and ordering lab tests.

D.O.'s must complete and pass state and national licensing examinations before being permitted to practice. They also must complete a residency in their specialty or subspecialty.

Considerations

Although there are D.O.'s who are specialists, many are in primary care or family practice offices. If you are considering becoming a doctor and want to work in a competitive specialty or research program, enrolling in an M.D. program might be a better way to accomplish your goals.

Potential

Becoming a D.O. requires a minimum of a bachelor's degree and a good score on the Medical College Admission Test, or MCAT, for admission to an osteopathic medical school. According to the AOA, up to 25 percent of osteopathic students are nontraditional students embarking on a new career.

As a D.O., you can open your own office and be your own boss or work in a multidoctor practice. You can set your own hours and take vacations when you want. Since doctors are needed throughout the country and world, you likely will be able to make a living anywhere you want to live.

Tags: approach medicine, holistic approach, holistic approach medicine, medical doctors, must complete, osteopathic medical

Weird Symptoms Of Menopause

Weird Symptoms of Menopause

It is said there are two certainties in life, death and taxes. For women, there is one other certainty, menopause. Menopause happens for most women between the ages of 40 to 58. A woman is considered in menopause when she has gone a year without a menstrual cycle. Peri-menopause, the stage leading into menopause, can last anywhere from 2 to 10 years. It is during this stage that the woman begins experiencing myriad symptoms that continue into menopause because of decreasing estrogen hormone levels.

Brown Spotting

Before and after the last menstrual cycle, women experience periods of spotting instead of full menstrual cycles. It can be a little unsettling when spotting changes from the usual red to a more brownish color. This is natural and normal.

Hair Where?

Unfortunately, one of the more unsightly symptoms of menopause is hair growth in strange places. As estrogen levels decrease, unwanted facial, chest and abdominal hair increases. The irony is as hair increases in unusual places, hair thins on the head and pubic area. There are treatments for dealing with unsightly hair, including home hair removal, electrolysis, laser treatments and even new FDA-approved drugs.

Mood Swings and Anxiety

Mood swings and increased anxiety are probably the most difficult symptoms to deal with, because they not only affects the woman but everyone else in her life. Frank, honest talks with family and friends, along with stress reliefs such as meditation, long soaks in a hot tub and plenty of exercise, will help.

Vaginal Dryness and Atrophy

As estrogen decreases, the vaginal wall begins to thin and reduces production of natural mucus. Experts suggest drinking plenty of fluids, using personal lubricants, continuing to have sex, and employing Kegel exercises. The exercises will not only help maintain vaginal wall integrity but reduce associated urinary incontinence.

Memory Loss and Verbal Slips

It wasn't until research done the after the 1990s that experts realized decreasing estrogen levels can cause a "syndrome" that increases memory loss and verbal slips. Women in this stage often might mean to say one word, but another word pops out instead or they might have difficulty remembering names of familiar people and places.

The Good News

If you think you might be in the early stages of menopause, ask your doctor to perform two tests. The first test checks follicle stimulating hormone levels. Levels decrease when you are heading into menopause. The second is a simple pap smear that allows him to check for vaginal thinning. Most importantly, talk with your doctor about any and all symptoms you experience. He may suggest natural remedies such as soy or black cohosh, medications to ease mood swings and anxiety, or he may decide you need hormone replacement therapy.

Tags: into menopause, decreasing estrogen, estrogen levels, hair increases, hormone levels

Most Common Side Effects After Hip Replacement Surgery

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, more than 120,000 hip replacement surgeries are performed each year in the United States. Surgery lasts between one and two hours. Complications are minimal, due in part to new surgical techniques and technology.

Blood Clots

Blood clots are the most common side effect after hip replacement surgery. Your surgeon will take precautions, such as prescribing blood thinners, using support hose on your legs, and using inflatable leg coverings for several weeks after the surgery.

Hip Dislocation

After surgery, hip dislocation can occur because artificial hips are smaller than normal hips. This occurs when the ball comes out of the socket. This generally occurs in only certain positions.

Pain

Pain before surgery is often a common symptom. Pain lasting several weeks after surgery is common as your body heals, and during physical therapy. Different degrees of pain can occur even after recovery from hip replacement surgery.

Time Frame

Hip replacements generally last at least 10 to 15 years before they need to be replaced. Advancements in materials and techniques used are working to extend the life of a replacement.

Considerations

You can lessen hip replacement surgery side effects with proper care after surgery. Patients are encouraged not to cross their legs or bend their hips at more than 90 degrees, not to turn their feet too much inward or outward, and to sleep with a pillow between their legs. This will help with recovery from the surgery.

Tags: after surgery, more than, recovery from, replacement surgery, several weeks, several weeks after

Aclasta Side Effects

The International Osteoporosis Foundation reports that 1.4 million Canadians suffer from osteoporosis, a medical condition that causes the bones to lose density eventually becoming weak and brittle. Osteoporosis is most common in women who have undergone menopause. There are a number of medicines meant to slow the effects of osteoporosis in post-menopausal women. In Canada and Australia, one such drug is aclasta, which patients receive through injections. Despite its effectiveness, aclasta or zolendronic acid is not for everyone as it presents several risks for side effects and complications in some patients.

Common Side Effects

Approximately 55 percent of patients who receive aclasta injections report bone pain, making this the most common side effect of the drug. Fever and nausea are also common, occurring in at least 44 percent of users. More than 20 percent of women who take aclasta experience fatigue, weakness, diarrhea, muscle and joint pain, shortness of breath, cough, anemia and loss of appetite.

Other Side Effects

Aclasta also has the potential to cause a number of other troublesome or annoying, but not dangerous, side effects. Musculoskeletal side effects of aclasta include pain in the back, limbs, shoulders or neck, stiffness and muscle cramps and tremors. Some patients report nervous system effects like headache, dizziness, tingling in the limbs, anxiety, confusion, sleepiness and a change in the way foods taste. Others describe issues affecting the skin, such as hair loss, excessive sweating, inflammation and rashes.

Drug Interactions

There are some medications which produce unwanted side effects when used in conjunction with aclasta. For instance, thalidomide and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have the potential to cause kidney damage or failure when combined with aclasta. When taken with diuretics, aclasta may result in a drop in blood calcium levels that can be life-threatening.

Risks

In addition to minor side effects and the risk of interactions, aclasta has the potential to cause serious medical complications. In some rare instances, aclasta causes osteonecrosis, a condition where your jaw bone dies and begins to collapse. Aclasta has been linked to cardiovascular problems, including extremely slow heartbeat and increased or decreased blood pressure. In addition, aclasta poses the risk of serious eye infections, such as uveitis, episclerosis and scleritis.

Considerations

Aclasta can cause low birth weights or birth defects and typically is avoided during pregnancy. In addition, the drug is not used in children or nursing mothers. In some cases, aclasta causes the the spread of cancer in patients who are unaware they have the disease. Because of the risk for osteonecrosis, you should avoid having invasive dental work, such as having a tooth pulled while taking aclasta.

Tags: potential cause, side effects, aclasta causes, complications some, most common, patients receive, with aclasta

The Best Ways To Care For Teeth With Braces

Teeth with braces require that added steps be taken to maintain a healthy smile.

Caring for teeth that have braces requires a bit more diligence than normal dental care. Because the braces and the adhesive used to affix them to the teeth are covering some of the teeth, and maneuvering around them is a bit cumbersome, a few special tips are needed for providing the ultimate in dental care.

Rinse

Dentists and orthodontists alike have taken to suggesting the use of a mouth rinse for their patients with braces. In addition to helping freshen the breath, these rinses help in additional ways by strengthening enamel and prohibiting the buildup of plaque. Act Mouth Rinse is just one of several products available for purchase in drug stores or supermarkets.

Floss and Visit Your Dentist

All dentists tell their patients to floss their teeth, but unfortunately not all of us heed that advice. It is even more important for people wearing braces to floss their teeth after every meal, because braces afford more opportunities for food particles to become stuck in the mouth, thus causing tooth decay.

In addition, dentists and orthodontists recommend that patients with braces have more frequent cleanings than patients without braces. As with the reason for the added importance of the flossing, these cleanings will prevent food particles from being harbored from between teeth and braces and help reduce the risk of tooth decay.

Foods to Avoid

Avoidance plays a big role in caring for your teeth if you wear braces. Cutting down on sugary foods is vital, but there are certain foods that should be cut out completely. Chewing gum, sticky or chewy candies, and foods that might break the braces themselves, such as corn on the cob, hard pretzels and apples, should be avoided. Avoiding these foods will help cut down on your visits to the orthodontist to repair the braces when they break because of eating such foods.

Tags: dental care, floss their, floss their teeth, food particles, foods that

Make Pheromone Blends

Don't let the high price of designer pheromone blends make you think they contain something magical you can't reproduce at home. All it takes to create your own blend is basic knowledge of how each pheromone works and combines with other ingredients. Even better, when you know make pheromone blends yourself, you may save money and create exactly the effect and fragrance you want.

Instructions

1. Decide which pheromones you'll need. Each pheromone has a specific effect on people of both genders. Androstenone can create romantic tension but can also make people of your gender irritable or intimidating. Androsterone, on the other had, can produce a romantic vibe without causing people to see you as aggressive.

2. Buy unscented individual pheromones. Each vial you buy for blending purposes should contain just one pheromone with no added cover scent. Choose up to three pheromones for your first blend. Later, when you have some experience, you'll be able to experiment with up to eight pheromones. While some perfume stores may sell individual pheromones, you'll find a better selection at online stores that specialize in pheromones.

3. Pick out a cover fragrance. Some pheromones, most notably androstenone and copulins, have an unpleasant odor that's best covered with a more attractive fragrance. Concentrated oil-based fragrances work best. Men can try musk or sandalwood, which closely resemble male pheromones in chemical composition, and women can try cinnamon and vanilla, which many men find alluring. You can also use ordinary colognes and perfumes. Good choices for men include Swiss Army Cologne and Chrome by Azzaro. For women, Red Door by Elizabeth Arden and Magnetism by Escada work well. You can find suitable fragrances at any traditional perfume seller.

4. Combine all the ingredients in a glass bottle or atomizer. If you're using essential oils, add about five teaspoons (25 ml) of pure grain alcohol such as vodka, followed by no more than 50 drops of essential oils. Now add two or three drops of each pheromone. If you're using cologne or perfume, simply add the pheromones. Many commercial pheromone blends contain just 0.015 percent to 0.020 percent pheromones, so don't overdo yours.

5. Close the bottle and shake gently. Store your pheromone blend in a cool, dark place and gently shake the bottle every few days to let the scents marry. Two weeks to a month of storage is ideal, but smell the blend after a few days because you may find the fragrance is already good enough.

6. Dilute the bend if needed. If you used essential oils, add a teaspoon of spring water or purified water and shake the bottle. If you used cologne or perfume, you probably won't need to dilute it. Apply a small drop the pheromone blend to a pulse point or spray a small amount on your sleeve and smell. If you're happy with the fragrance, you're done. If it's too strong, add a little more water.

Tags: essential oils, cologne perfume, contain just, each pheromone, individual pheromones, pheromone blend

Live With Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is inflammation in the bone or joints. This condition, also known as degenerative joint disease, afflicts mostly adults over 45 years of age. It is caused by a deterioration of the cartilage that cushions joints. Osteoarthritis is typically felt in weight-bearing joints, but it may also target fingers, wrists, shoulders and sometimes even the spine. Symptoms can often be relieved, but the changes in your joints are permanent. In some cases, pain and loss of mobility may affect quality of life. Learning live with osteoarthritis means learning change your lifestyle and habits to deal with the pain and discomfort that the condition may cause, as well as taking preventative measures to prevent additional damage to already affected joints.

Instructions

1. Stay active. This is one of the best things you can do to deal with pain caused by osteoarthritis. Exercise may also help to relieve stiffness caused by the condition. Walking, light weight-bearing exercises and activities such as gardening and light yard work often increase mobility and decrease pain for many. At least 20 minutes of exercise daily will help improve your balance, coordination and stability, as well as increasing your flexibility and strengthening your muscles, tendons and ligaments.

2. Protect your joints. This is very important when living with osteoarthritis. Use adequate support—such as canes, walkers or other support devices—when walking, if needed. Maintain a healthy weight to help reduce stress on compromised joint tissues and obtain easier mobility and range of motion.

3. Rearrange furniture in the house. This can provide easier movement and increased safety in a home environment. Leave adequate space around pieces of furniture to allow easy access when moving from one room to another. Use walking aids in cleared paths or areas to further increase your safety factor.

4. Apply ergonomics to your daily chores. For example, install handrails in the bathroom for added support and stability. Keep objects necessary for cooking between waist and chest level, and avoid excessive reaching or stooping when completing indoor and outdoor chores. When lifting any object, bend at the knees and lift with the legs, not the back.

5. Wear adequate shoe support. This can make a big difference in not only comfort, but support as well. In addition, sleeping on a firm mattress will help to relieve those suffering from osteoarthritis in the spine.

Tags: deal with, deal with pain, help relieve, joints This, will help

Natural Hair Regrowth Tips

Use natural remedies to promote healthy hair growth.

Growing hair back naturally requires patience because the process is long and progress varies for each person. Hair growth remedies are effective for some people with consistent use, but you might not see dramatic results right away. Trim the ends of your hair every six weeks to maintain healthy locks while you are trying to regrow your hair.

Herbs

The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends a few different herbs to stimulate hair growth or treat what is causing hair loss. If your hair loss is caused by stress, take 250 mg of Relora twice daily. This herb helps control stress and supports adrenal glands. Other herbs on the list are Milk Thistle and Ginko. Take 80 to 100 mg of Milk Thistle three times a day to detoxify your body and take 40 to 80 mg of Ginko four times a day to stimulate blood flow.

Massage

Massage your scalp with 2 or more tbsp of coconut oil each day. Coconut oil moisturizes and lubricates your scalp. Massaging your scalp increases blood flow and circulation, which is beneficial for new hair growth. A healthy scalp helps to ensure healthy hair.

Biotin Supplements

According to Oregon State University, a sign of biotin deficiency is hair loss. And the University of Maryland Medical Center says that biotin helps strengthen and improve the overall health of your hair. Take biotin supplements daily or eat foods in the Vitamin B family. Biotin supplements are available at health food stores. Foods rich in biotin include chicken, eggs and liver. The World's Healthiest Foods website says Swiss Chard is high in biotin and other B vitamins. Swiss chard is a dark green leafy vegetable that is similar to spinach and kale. Biotin by itself won't stimulate hair growth, but it will improve the effectiveness of other hair growth remedies because the new hair is much thicker and stronger.

Amla Powder

Amla powder is an ancient hair growth remedy that is used by women in India. The powder is derived from the Indian gooseberry and is available in health food stores and online. Consistency is necessary for effective results. Use this remedy twice each week until you achieve desired results. Continue treating your hair once a month to keep hair healthy and strong. Amla unclogs plugged follicles and prevents dandruff so your hair can grow more easily. The treatment improves circulation and also helps you maintain a healthy scalp.

Tags: your hair, hair growth, hair loss, your scalp, available health, available health food

Natural Ways To Kill Pinworms

Pinworms are intestinal parasites that infest the intestines of humans. They are white and slightly translucent, and are generally no longer than a staple. Pinworms cause intense itching around and inside the anus, but they do not pose any serious health risks. It's important to treat a pinworm infestation thoroughly, in order to get rid of them and prevent re-infestation.

Natural Remedies for Pinworms

Prescription medication is usually given to expel pinworms. But if you would rather go the natural route, try adding extra garlic to your diet. Kevin Pederson of Home Remedies for You says that garlic is effective in killing pinworms. Eat a few cloves on a daily basis. You can also mix less than half of a pinch of ground garlic with petroleum jelly and spread the resulting paste around your anal region. The paste will kill any pinworms and eggs that are present, and relieve itchiness.

According to Fat Free Kitchen, powdered fenugreek seeds, tomatoes, cranberries, papayas, bitter melon seeds and pumpkin seeds are all effective in killing and preventing pinworms and other intestinal parasites.

Inward Bliss also suggests black walnut, wormword, tansy tea, hagenia, kaljoni and male fern as natural remedies for parasitic worms such as pinworms.

Besides treating yourself or infected household members for pinworms, you must cleanse the home environment of them. Implement a daily regimen of washing clothes and bed linens, cleaning toilet seats and bath tubs after every use, and vacuuming carpets and mopping floors at least once a day.

Tips

If you have pinworms, it's important to treat the infestation until it clears up. In addition to being diligent with removing pinworms from your home, wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your anal region to avoid the possibility of spreading pinworms and pinworm eggs to other parts of your body, household surfaces or family members. Frequently change and wash underwear, pajamas, towels and linens to remove any lingering pinworms or eggs and reduce the chance of spreading the infection.

Tags: anal region, effective killing, important treat, intestinal parasites, pinworms eggs, your anal, your anal region

Design An Exercise Program For A Kapha Ayurveda Mindbody Type

Kaphas are big-boned, heavyset and often have some difficulty in losing and keeping weight off. Of the three mind-body types in Ayurveda, Kaphas are most at risk for life-threatening obesity and diabetes. Regular exercise is important for everyone and especially so for Kaphas. If you are overweight and dislike exercise, have a sweet tooth and tend to be slow-moving and deliberate in your speech and movements, you may very well be a Kapha. Kaphas have terrific stamina and when they are healthy, they are the people young children run to at every dinner party or holiday gathering. Robust, approachable and forgiving, Kaphas must learn to take as good care of themselves as they do everyone else.

Instructions

1. Begin with a medical clearance if you have not done regular exercise for more than two weeks. Ask your doctor for any specific advice on diet and exercise detailed to your unique needs. Ask her about your blood pressure, heart condition and take your own heart rate.

2. Consider low-impact moderate exercise such as walking, biking, swimming and using exercise machines such as elliptical machines and recumbent bikes. Aim to exercise at least four to five times a week and build up to exercising daily.

3. Start modestly with 10 to 15 minutes of walking daily. Add 5 to 10 minutes to your daily walk each week as long as you remain injury-free. If you experience any foot or joint paint, make sure you are wearing appropriate shoes for walking.

4. Keep an exercise log in a notebook or a more elegant blank book. Note how you feel before, during and after your exercise. Bring a small bottle of water with you and stay well-hydrated. Resist the temptation to hike for 5 miles the first day of your new exercise plan.

5. Stretch lightly before and after every workout. Check out a stretch class at the gym or rent a DVD on stretching. Do simple stretches throughout your day to keep yourself limber.

6. Be clear about why you are exercising. Determine if you need to lose weight (ask your doctor) or to simply establish a daily exercise habit. See a nutritionist if you are interested in weight loss. If you are using exercise as part of a weight management plan, see it as one thing in a larger plan.

7. Learn do resistance training correctly. Contrary to popular opinion, weight lifting is not intuitive. There are specific ways to do resistance training to build muscle mass and to increase metabolism by boosting the energy needs of every cell. Think of doing low weights and a higher number of repetitions to gradually build muscular strength.

8. Do not fast or starve yourself. Work with your doctor or a nutritionist. When you severely restrict calories, your body will lower its metabolic rate and burn fewer calories to protect its muscle reserves. This is what occurs in famine conditions.

Tags: your doctor, resistance training, using exercise, your exercise

Ayurvedic Remedies For Aged Skin

Ayurvedic remedies follow the Hindu curing system, which cures ailments by using natural treatment options and holistic healing specifically designed for these conditions. People adhere to Ayurvedic remedies to cure various ailments from simple colds and headaches to serious conditions like constipation and sleep disorder. Ayurvedic remedies for aged skin utilize natural ingredients found in the health food stores in the kitchen. These skin care remedies are not as invasive as many anti-aging treatments and are determined by a person's skin type.

Honey

Honey, an Ayurvedic remedy for aged skin, helps people with dry skin caused by sun, hard water and wind. Ayurvedic for You states that skin looses elasticity and dries because of these environmental conditions. Health and Style magazine provides an Ayurvedic honey recipe that people can prepare at home. People make the homemade honey recipe by mixing one egg yolk, 1 tsp. of honey, 1 tsp. of olive oil and 1 tsp. of Vitamin E oil. This combination mixes, creating a moisturizing facial mask that sits on the face for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, wash it off with lukewarm water.

Fresh Aloe Vera

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine says that aloe vera, which traces back to ancient Egypt, contains properties that heal skin and repairs wound. This Ayurvedic remedy for aged skin treats sun-damaged skin when spread on the skin. People without access to fresh aloe vera plants find aloe vera in drug stores or as an ingredient in natural skin care products. After using aloe vera for a week, skin begins glowing.

Oil Massages

Almond and coconut oils act as Ayurvedic remedies for aged skin when applied topically. Natural Home Remedies says that the vitamins and minerals in these oils improve complexions, reduces fine line and wrinkles, and decreases crow's feet. Oil massages lessen occurrences of dry patches and flaking skin during the winter months. For better absorption, people should do their anti-aging oil massages at night.

Ghee

Ghee, clarified butter used to heal the body, contains many properties that improve aged skin. According to Yoga Journal, this Ayurvedic remedy for aged skin contains Vitamin E and beta-carotene, to powerful antioxidants that prevents cell damage and fights free radicals. People can rub ghee all over their bodies, letting the butter absorb in the skin, or people can ingest one or two teaspoons of it in the morning to protect the digestive system. As a cooking product, use ghee in vegetable dishes to add anti-aging benefits to diet.

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When To Seek Medical Attention For A Sprained Ankle

Many people think ankle sprains are simple and not very serious. Ankle sprains, whether severe or mild, can lead to lasting physical consequences if you do not seek medical attention. Severe ankle sprains can contribute to joint instability for adults and children and joint deformities for children.

When the Sprain Occurs

When you suffer an ankle sprain, even if you think it's "less serious" than a bone fracture, visit your doctor. Make sure you haven't broken a bone along with spraining your ankle. Sprains are graded on levels from one to three. Full ligament tears are graded at a "three," meaning a sprain this severe can be more serious than an actual fracture. If you have a grade three sprain, you will need medical attention, wrapping, ice, elevation and physical therapy to return your ankle to full strength and range of motion.

If you decide not to see your doctor for "just a sprain," keep in mind that, when your ankle does eventually heal, you run the risk of weakness and looseness in that ankle. You won't be able to participate in the same activities you did before you got hurt because of the instability of your ankle joint.

Also consider that you will need to retrain the nerves in your foot once you heal, making that another compelling reason to visit a doctor when you sprain your ankle.

If the Swelling Won't Go Down

If you're sure you just sprained your ankle and decided not to see your doctor for this reason, you may end up changing your mind if the swelling and pain don't go away. Your doctor or the doctor in the emergency department may decide to order an X-ray because he is thinking of a possible bone fracture instead of an ankle sprain.

If you have just sprained your ankle, it is better to visit the doctor and receive a diagnosis of an ankle sprain than it would be to delay medical attention and run the risk of long-term damage from an undiagnosed fracture. Call your doctor and ask him to fit you in.

Pediatric Ankle Sprains

If your child falls and sprains her ankle and complains of pain, she is doing so for a reason. Children are at an especially high risk of permanent damage from broken bones and sprained ankles because their bones and growth plates are not completely developed or grown. If your daughter suffered an especially severe sprain (grade three), she could develop a deformity in her foot that will remain even after the sprain itself has healed. For this reason, if no other, take her to her pediatrician or the emergency department for medical attention and treatment.

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Blood Sugar Testing Machine Work

Biosensor Monitors

Blood glucose monitors contain biosensors and are designed to keep track of the level of sugars in the blood. This is the only substance these machines are programmed to read. To do this, a small amount of blood must be tested at least once daily by sticking a finger and squeezing the blood onto a test strip, which is then inserted into the machine. The monitor then takes the color of the strip and translates it to a blood glucose reading. There are also insulin pumps that can determine how much insulin you already have in your system, so that you don't accidentally give yourself too much.

Monitor Your Blood Sugar Levels

People who control their diabetes with insulin may need to check their blood sugar levels more than once a day. These readings can be stored within the tiny computer chip inside the monitor so that the person doing the testing can easily keep track of his or her blood sugar levels for several days in a row. This helps in controlling the 'teeter-totter' effect that is so common in the treatment of diabetes.

Hyperglycemia Versus Hypoglycemia

A high blood sugar reading means the person is hyperglycemic, and a low blood sugar reading represents hypoglycemia. Both conditions are hazardous to the health and need to be remedied immediately. The meter instantly tells you where your sugar level lies in those two ranges. The meter can help you determine if you need to eat something to raise your blood sugar before you can take more insulin, or if you need to take extra insulin because your blood sugar happens to be too high.

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