Manage Nephropathy

Nephropathy refers to the damage or disease of the kidneys. It is also known as nephrosis. Nephropathy is usually caused by the exposure to analgesics, xanthine oxidase deficiency and long-term exposure to lead or its salts. Furthermore, diabetic nephropathy is the most common form of the disease. However, the management and treatment of nephropathy is available to those who are wanting to improve their state of health.

Instructions

1. Stop taking analgesics if you are on that type of medication. Inform your physician about your concern of your over exposure to analgesics. Your physician may switch your medication or recommend something different for your particular health problem.

2. Ask your physician about Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, such as captopril, lisinopril, ramipril, and enalapril or Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), such as candesartan cilexetil, irbesartan, losartan potassium and telmisartan. These medications are often given to patients with diabetic nephropathy. These medications are actually known to treat blood pressure to your physician should be very knowledgeable of the mentioned drugs.

3. Take diuretics, beta blockers and calcium channel blockers. These medications in conjunction to the ones mentioned in step 2 may help lower your blood pressure and lessen the severity of nephropathy.

4. Exercising and maintaining a healthy weight, a good diet, hydration and a no smoking diet may not only prevent the onset of nephropathy, but also lessen the severity of your case if you do so. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle may also prevent the onset of nephropathy and other major medical conditions.

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The Best Holistic Approach To Treating Type 2 Diabetes

With almost 24 million cases in the United States, according to the American Diabetes Association, Type 2 diabetes has reached an all-time high. Treatments include diet modifications, exercise, medications to lower glucose levels and insulin injections. Complementary medicine offers several options for managing diabetes, either used alone or in conjunction with conventional medicine. Regardless of which methods patients choose to manage diabetes, lifestyle changes are important and common to all.

Ayurveda

Ayurvedic medicine originated in India and is based on the idea that there are three types of dosha, and you are either vata, pitta or kasha, depending on physical and mental characteristics. All types suffer from diabetes mellitus, type 2. Treatment emphasizes diet and exercise changes, along with herbs. With ayurvedic medicine, a person would reduce or eliminate all bad fats, carbohydrates and simple sugars. For all types, yoga is important to maintain mind-body balance and for weight loss in those with a pitta type. Herbal remedies include turmeric, bitter melon and fenugreek.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Like other options, TCM incorporates diet changes and exercise into the treatment. A TCM practitioner will also offer Chinese herbs to manage blood sugar levels. Acupuncture might be prescribed to open energy flow to the body, and acupressure is useful for relieving nerve pain. You can usually find a doctor or naturopath familiar with Chinese herbs and traditional Chinese medicine in medium to large cities.

Westernized Alternative Medicine

Exercise and diet modification are important, along with supplements. Common supplements include Alpha-lipoic acid, which is an antioxidant found in liver and spinach, and also available in capsules. Alpha-lipoic acid lowers blood sugar by inhibiting glucose release via improving the body's sensitivity to insulin, so diabetics should carefully monitor blood sugar levels while using this. ALA is also beneficial for treating diabetic neuropathy. Omega-3 fatty acids are important for their ability to lower triglycerides and protect the heart (diabetics are more vulnerable to high cholesterol and heart attacks). Gymnema Sylvestre inhibits glucose and reduces the craving for sweets. Bilberry and blueberry are both good for healthy eyes and might reduce incidences of diabetic retinopathy. Stevia is good for lowering blood sugar. It is 250 times sweeter than sugar and can be used as a sugar substitute. Unlike sucralose, saccharin and aspartame, Stevia is a plant that has no chemicals and no dangerous side effects.

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When To Remove Lumineers

Founded by Robert Ibsen, DDS, in 1974, Den-Mat is a company that specializes in innovative, cosmetic dental products and procedures. The company focuses on patient comfort, as well as results. Lumineers by Cerinate® are Den-Mat's alternative to traditional porcelain veneers. In addition to milder preparation and a lower cost relative to traditional veneers, Lumineers® also boast the added benefit of being a removable product.

Application of Lumineers® and Traditional Porcelain Veneers

Lumineers® are a porcelain veneer that can be used by dentists to repair cosmetic defects in a patient's smile. Made from Cerinate®, a strong porcelain composite, Lumineers® can be as thin as 0.2 mm, or about the thickness of a contact lens. Traditional porcelain veneers are typically around 0.5 mm in thickness.

Because Lumineers® are thinner than traditional porcelain veneers, there is less preparation involved prior to installation. The Lumineer® is laid over the top of the existing tooth without the scraping or grinding involved with traditional veneers. In addition, patient's considering Lumineers® will also like the fact that the installation process is generally less painful than that of traditional veneers; typically no local anesthesia is required.

With a traditional veneer, the teeth will be shaped and a certain amount of the tooth ground away, so that the veneer will rest properly and look natural. The finished product is not reversible, and the installation can be somewhat painful.

Removal of Lumineers®

Because they are very thin, and because the tooth has not been ground down beforehand, the installation of Lumineers® is considered reversible. The Lumineer® can be removed from the original tooth with no residual damage. There are different scenarios in which a patient may decide to remove the Lumineers®.

While Lumineers® are very durable, in extreme situations they are susceptible to chipping or cracking. To repair the tooth, a dentist may want to remove the Lumineer®.

A patient may decide she is dissatisfied with her finished smile. In this situation, the Lumineers® can be removed and the teeth returned to their original condition.

The removal process is relatively simple. First, the dentist will grind the Lumineer® veneer off the tooth's surface, leaving the original tooth completely untouched and intact. Then the dentist will polish the tooth to clean away any remaining cement.

Generally the time it takes for a dentist to remove a Lumineer® from a single tooth is about 10 minutes. The removal process is relatively pain free, and when finished, the patient will have her original smile restored.

Proper Care of Lumineers®

Care of Lumineers® is similar to that of traditional veneers and untreated teeth: Maintain good oral hygiene, don't bite down on hard objects, avoid beverages that would stain teeth, and visit a dentist twice annually. The finished, bonded product is extremely durable and has the potential to last a life-time.

For many, Lumineers® can be the answer to achieving a beautiful smile.

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The Best Growing Conditions For Crystals

Proper growing conditions produce fast, well-formed crystals

Growing crystals serves as a way for students and children to learn about geology and how crystals and rock formations form over thousands of years. They can also experiment to see how different materials (sugar, salt and alum) make different kinds of crystals, as well as use different foundation pieces (yarn, pipe cleaners, bamboo skewers) to see how they affect how the crystals grow. However, without the right conditions, your crystals may not grow at all. While crystals don't require much beyond patience, there are certain things you can do to make sure your experiments are successful.

Supersaturated Solution

No matter what material you choose, your water must be supersaturated with it for crystals to grow. This means you must dissolve as much of your chosen material into your water as possible. Materials dissolve faster in warm water, so it works better than cold, since the molecules move more in warm water. Simply pour one spoonful of your material at a time into the warm water and stir vigorously until it disappears. When your materials no longer disappear and settle on the bottom of your jar, the water is supersaturated and ready to go.

Crystal Foundation

Porous materials work best as foundations for your crystals to grow easily. The air spaces allow the dissolved material to gain plenty of surface on the foundation material and attract more dissolved material as the water evaporates and leaves the solid crystals behind. Rough bamboo skewers, yarn, thread, ice cream sticks, pipe cleaners and even fabrics work very well as crystal foundations. Pencils, paper clips and other very smooth, dense materials will not work because there is nothing for the crystals to grab onto. Nylon thread and fishing line only work if you tie a seed crystal to the end; even then, the crystal will grow in one place instead of climbing the material.

Light and Temperature

Because warmth is key to forming crystals, the jar's surroundings should be warm also for optimum crystal growth. Warm air temperature aids water evaporation, causing the crystals to grow more quickly. Crystals will still grow in cooler temperatures, but it will take much longer for the water to evaporate.

Crystal growth also requires light. Again, the crystals will eventually grow in the dark, but it will take a very long time. Light evaporates water as heat does; combine them by placing your jar on a warm, sunny windowsill and you should have crystals in a few days.

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The Best Foods To Eat During Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy can cause nausea, mouth sores, throat irritation, diarrhea or constipation. Some people may not experience any side effects, while others may experience one or more. There is no one food that is best for everyone to eat. The most important dietary goal is to maintain calorie and nutrient requirements. Generally, any food that stimulates a person's appetites is OK to eat. When chemotherapy side effects make eating difficult, special diets may make eating easier.

Appetite Loss

Make every calorie count when you have little or no appetite. When you only eat a little bit of food, choose high calorie foods with a high protein content. Lean cuts of meat and peanut butter are good choices.

Mouth Sores and Throat Irritation

Eat soft foods when mouth sores and throat irritation are making eating and swallowing difficult. Stay away from citrus foods which could burn mouth sores. Apple sauce, ice cream and cottage cheese are examples of soft foods that are easy to swallow.

Constipation

Combat constipation by eating high-fiber foods to bulk up stool. Eat whole-grain bread, brown rice and bran muffins. Sprinkle bran over cereals or add it to smoothies and milk shakes.

Diarrhea and Nausea

Choose easy-to-digest foods when diarrhea or nausea is a problem. Foods with simple carbohydrates such as white rice are easy to digest. Stay away from spicy foods or foods that are high in fat, which are hard to digest. Eat things like oatmeal, white rice, mashed potatoes and bananas. If the smell of food makes you nauseous, eat foods at room temperature to reduce smell. Warm food produces more of an odor than cool food does.

Meal-Replacement Drinks

Drink meal-replacement drinks when you are not getting enough calories or variety in your diet. Meal-replacement drinks are high in calories and contain a lot of nutrients. The drinks come in various flavors to meet different appetites.

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The Best Essential Oils For Disinfecting Counters

Keep counters and appliances germ free with essential oils.

Many commercial cleaning products contain toxic ingredients that are harmful to humans and family pets. These noxious ingredients can aggravate asthma and allergies and can cause skin irritations and chemical burns. Essential oils contain no synthetic fragrances or artificial ingredients. Pure and natural, essential oils are a safe, environmentally friendly alternative to caustic chemical cleaning products. Essential oils are prized for their anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-infectious properties. When used for disinfecting countertops, essential oils cut through the toughest soil and leave counters sparkling clean and sanitary.

Lemon

Lemon cuts through grease and grime, leaving a fresh, clean scent.

High in citric acid, Citrus limonum "lemon" essential oil can remove stains, brighten and sanitize without the use of harmful chemicals or bleach. Fill an 8-oz. spray bottle with 4 oz. of water. Add 20 to 30 drops of therapeutic grade lemon essential oil and 4 oz. of white vinegar. Spray on countertops, sinks and appliances to remove grease and food residue. Wipe with a clean, damp cloth.

Thyme

Sweet thyme presents a fresh, herbacous scent.

Add 3 drops of thyme essential oil and 3 drops of Citrus sinensis "orange" essential oil to 1 oz. of white vinegar. Use the mixture to scrub wooden cutting boards, countertops and kitchen appliances. Scrub with a soft brush, and wipe with a clean cloth saturated in hot water. The mixture disinfects food preparation surfaces, leaves no residue and is safe to use around small children and family pets.

Eucalyptus

The scent of eucalyptus is sweet, slightly camphorous and pungent.

Toxin free, natural and pure, Eucalyptus radiata "eucalyptus" essential oil has a multitude of application in the home. Eucalyptus freshens the air, deters mites and other troublesome insects and effectively cleans and disinfects. Mix 20 to 30 drops of therapeutic grade eucalyptus essential oil with 1/4 cup of organic dishwashing liquid soap, 1 cup of white rice vinegar and 1 cup of water. Place in a spray bottle. Use the spray to disinfect countertops, appliances, plumbing fixtures and other hard surfaces. Remove built-up grease, fingerprints and soil by washing surfaces with the spray and a clean cloth saturated with hot water. Eucalyptus freshens the air and leaves a pleasant, clean fragrance.

Oregano and Cinnamon

Oregano and cinnamon are two of the most valued essential oils in the home medical chest. Cultivated in Sri Lanka for centuries, Cinnamomum zeylanicum "cinnamon" is among the most antiseptic essential oils with a high antioxidant rating. Combine 10 to 12 drops of cinnamon essential oil with 6 drops of oregano essential oil and 1 cup of white vinegar. Place in a spray bottle, and mist countertops and hard surfaces to kill germs and harmful bacteria.

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Sharpen The Senses

As we age our senses tend to lose the ability to perform as well as they once did. There are some ways to sharpen our five senses of sight, sound, touch, taste and smell. The foods you eat and protecting them from harsh sights and sounds can make a difference.

Instructions

1. Avoid light sensitivity, blurry vision and eyes that burn from the lack of androgen and estrogen by consuming a healthy diet abundant in omega-3s. By eating a serving of walnuts or fish every day you can avoid these symptoms which are related to dry eye syndrome.

2. Sharpen your cell receptors, which sense odors, by limiting exposure to smoke and chemicals around the house such as insecticides. These chemicals can injure nasal membranes. Some doctors say that the more you use your sense of smell, the easier it is to keep. By smelling obvious items such as cinnamon and peppermint you can enhance the stimulation of nerves and help strengthen your sense of smell.

3. Prevent taste sensors from becoming less effective by incorporating proper oral hygiene. This helps your tongue to stay in good shape and keeps possible harmful infections away from your taste buds.

4. Help maintain good hearing by wearing earplugs or ear muffs at a concert or when mowing the lawn. You can also avoid smoking, which harms blood vessels inside your ear. Hearing aids may help enhance your hearing. Talk with your doctor if you have noticed any gradual or dramatic decrease in your hearing.

5. Live an active lifestyle to keep your touch receptors sharp. Incorporating a healthy low-fat diet, daily exercise and a smoke free way of life helps oxygenate and maintain the nerve fibers in your skin. Foods rich in B12, like dairy, poultry and fish as well as niacin can keep your sense of touch active.

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Identify Pain Causing Muscle Imbalances

You may not be familiar with the term muscle imbalance. However, the odds are you or someone you know has first hand experience with this painful condition. In fact, many common aches and pains are caused by muscle imbalances.

Instructions

Identify Pain Causing Muscle Imbalances

1. In order to identify muscle imbalances, it’s important to know what they are. Our skeletal muscles must work together to allow us to move freely. If they are not properly balanced, the joints and surrounding muscles to become stiff. The effects that this has on the muscles are muscle imbalances.

2. Recognize the symptoms. Symptoms include muscles that are short, tight, contracted and are unable to relax in order to allow movement. This constant tightness can lead to painful spasms. When this happens, the accompanying muscles involved with movement become stretched out and are unable to contract. This combination makes it hard to move the joint and movement becomes impaired. This cause tremendous pain in the impacted areas such as the neck or back.

3. It’s a good idea for anyone who is experiencing symptoms to know the causes of muscle imbalances. This can help determine if the pain is in fact connected to this condition. The causes of muscle imbalances include age, repetitive motion or bending, too much or too little exercise, and injury from an accident.

Tags: causes muscle, causes muscle imbalances, Causing Muscle, Causing Muscle Imbalances, Identify Pain, Identify Pain Causing

The Average Cost Of Facelift Surgery

There are many different types of facelifts. Actual costs can vary from a few thousand dollars to $25,000 depending on other procedures performed at the same time. Each person is unique, so a person's physical condition will also influence the cost depending upon how intricate the procedure is.

History of Facelift Surgery

A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, was first performed in 1901 by Eugen Hollander. This is a popular procedure with older adults who desire to look younger. Types of facelifts include the mini-lift, the S-lift and the mid-facelift.

Pricing

The type of facelift, the surgeon and geographical location all will influence the cost of elective surgery. Other considerations may include a facility fee, anesthesia fee, medications, materials used and medical tests. The cost for anesthesia can range from $1,000 to $1,300. The facility fee can range from $500 to $2,000. The average cost of a facelift is $6,792.

Additional Procedures

Other procedures included with the facelift can bump the overall cost of the procedure up including blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) $2,840, cheek implants $2,840, chin augmentation $2,254, forehead lift $3,337, lip augmentation $1,611 and otoplasty (ear tuck) $3,085.

Other Cost Considerations

You can ask what is included in the procedure(s) and if there are any financing plans available. Ask what the cost of additional materials like injectables or implants are.

Famous Facelifts

Famous folk who have had facelifts include Gene Simmons, Mickey Rourke, Bruce Jenner, among many others.

Choosing a Surgeon

American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommends choosing a surgeon who is board certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or in Canada by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

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American Stroke Association Guidelines

American Stroke Association Guidelines

The American Stroke Association defines a stroke as a disease that impacts arteries connected to the brain and causes the disabling of various parts of the body. A stroke strikes when a blood vessel that transports nutrients and oxygen to the brain bursts or is blocked. Sudden warning signals include: the face, arm or leg becomes numb or weak mostly on one side; mental confusion, dizziness and loss of coordination; or balance and severe headaches appearing without cause.

When a Stroke Occurs

Call 911 immediately if you or someone with you appears to have the symptoms of stroke. Check the time that the warning signs first occurred. This is vital as doctors may treat you with a drug that breaks up clots called "tissue plasminogen activator" (tPA) within three hours of the onset of the stroke. You may have experienced a "mini stroke" or "warning stroke" that has similar symptoms but does not cause lasting damage. This condition, known as transient ischemic attack or TIA, needs to be identified and treated by a doctor to reduce the danger of having a major stroke.

After the Stroke

Make changes needed to relearn skills and establish a new way of living through rehabilitation, a vital part of recovery from a stroke. Rehabilitation teaches you live independently. Expect that you will face challenges common to stroke survivors such as muscles being stiff and tight, seizures, paralysis and exhaustion. A stroke may affect your ability to communicate, read and write. It impacts your emotions and behavior. Encourage your family caregivers to take care of themselves while they are taking care of you. A stroke can also have a devastating effect on the family's financial situation.

Recommendations

Reach out for support. The American Stroke Association has a toll free number, 1-888-4-STROKE, that provides a chance to express your feelings and provides useful information. There are various support groups available. Eat a nutritious diet and exercise regularly. Take your medication as prescribed by your physician. Learn to recognize the signs of stroke and TIA and seek immediate medical attention when needed.

Risk Factors

Manage medical conditions under a doctor's supervision such as high blood pressure, diabetes, artery disease, heart problems, high cholesterol and certain blood disorders as they increase your risk of stroke. You are much more likely to have a stroke if you are obese, physically inactive, drinking alcohol excessively or using illegal drugs. Your chances of having a stroke are increased if you had a previous heart attack or stroke or a family member has had one. Your risk also increases as you age.

Tags: American Stroke, American Stroke Association, Stroke Association, Association Guidelines, Stroke Association Guidelines

Symptoms Of A Thyroid Disorder

When thyroid disease occurs, the body produces too little of the hormones necessary for controlling metabolism. Both hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) are very common and under diagnosed. Women are more at risk. Thyroid disease can present with either minor or severe symptoms.

Emotional Symptoms

Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are associated with noticeable emotional effects. An overactive thyroid may cause anxiety, while an underactive thyroid will often lead to depression.

Weight Symptoms

Hyperthyroidism is often associated with excessive or unintentional weight loss. Hypothyroidism is a very common cause of obesity or unexplained weight gained.

Sleep Symptoms

Chronic fatigue syndrome and drowsiness are sometimes caused by hypothyroidism, but hyperthyroidism often leads to insomnia or frequent night-waking.

Bowel Symptoms

File A Patient Neglect Lawsuit

Medical negligence is an unfortunate problem in our country. While everyone would like to believe that doctors don't make mistakes, they are only human. If you feel that your doctor handled your treatment negligently, then you have the right to seek compensation for your financial, physical and emotional sufferings by filing a medical negligence (also known as medical malpractice) case. Follow the steps below to start the process of filing a patient neglect lawsuit.

Instructions

1. Check the statute of limitations for a medical negligence case in your state. In most states, the statute of limitations is two years, which means that you must file your case with the appropriate court no later than two years from the date of the doctor's negligent act.

2. Obtain all of your medical records from the clinics and hospitals that treated your condition, dating back to approximately two years prior to when the condition surfaced. The clinics and hospitals will charge you for the records, but, by law, they absolutely can't refuse to give them to you as long as you pay for them.

3. Meet with an attorney that specializes in medical malpractice about your concerns. Provide the attorney with all of the records and bills that you have in your possession. He will give you honest feedback as to whether or not you have a case.

4. Provide a copy of your records to an expert, such as a doctor in the same area of medicine, for review. The expert will look over your records and provide her opinion on the treatment provided. Most attorneys will assist you with this process.

5. File a lawsuit if the attorney and expert both believe that you have a viable case against the doctor. Again, the attorney will take over this process for you and will likely represent you on a contingency fee basis (which means he will get a percentage of the money you win in the case).

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The Advantages Of The Artificial Heart

The Advantages of the Artificial Heart

According to the American Heart Association, one in three Americans suffer from some type of cardiovascular disease. Annually, nearly 6 million Americans die from heart failure. For decades, scientists have been researching ways to build an artificial heart. In the 1950s, a dog was implanted with an artificial heart, and the first artificial heart was implanted in a human in 1969. An artificial heart is a mechanical device that uses electronic sensors to regulate the heart rate and flow of blood. In the Aug. 26, 2004, issue of the "New England Journal of Medicine," a published study reported that the one-year survival rate among more than 80 patients who were given an artificial heart was 70 percent. Also in the Sept. 2009 issue of "Phoenix Magazine," an Arizona man was reported having lived 159 days with an artificial heart while awaiting a heart transplant.

Keeps Alive While Waiting Transplant

The window for a heart transplant is narrow and an artificial heart provides crucial time while a heart donor is located. Donated hearts need to be implanted in four hours or less once removed from a donor, according to the Internet Encyclopedia of Science. In 2008, more than 2,600 American heart patients were on the transplant waiting list.

Improve Quality of Life

Time is a precious commodity. If your cardiovascular ailment is so severe that you are diagnosed with less than 30 days to live and are not a candidate for a heart transplant, an artificial heart can increase your life expectancy beyond the 30 projected days you have left.

No Wear and Tear

No matter the age of a heart donor, the donated heart has been previously used. In the Aug. 26, 2004, issue of the "New England Journal of Medicine," a published study reported that an artificial heart sheds the need for open heart surgery to fix or replace faulty native heart valves as well as the need for a pacemaker or defibrillator because the mechanical device is generated by carefully calculated air pulses.

Tags: artificial heart, artificial heart, heart transplant, 2004 issue, 2004 issue England, Advantages Artificial, Advantages Artificial Heart

Fix A Teeth Gap Without Braces

Fix your teeth gap without braces.

A tooth gap, or diastema, is commonly found between the top front teeth. While some people feel that a tooth gap adds character to their appearance, other people find it unattractive and want to eliminate theirs. There are ways to fix a tooth gap without braces.

Instructions

1. Give it time. If your wisdom teeth have not yet come in, they may push your front teeth together when they grow in. Wisdom teeth typically grow in between ages 15 and 25. If you are younger, time may be all you need.

2. Talk to your dentist about composite bonding. For small gaps, a thin layer of a resin filling material can be placed along the inside edge of each tooth, making the space much less noticeable.

Restore Breathing

Knowing restore breathing is a helpful piece of knowledge when going through life. You never know when a family member, friend or even a stranger may need you to literally breathe the life back into them. In addition to the personal benefits from knowing restore someone's breathing, most caretaker jobs require that you have this knowledge. As long as you are able to stay calm and follow the steps in the correct order, you could save someone's life some day.

Instructions

1. Call for help immediately and then make sure the injured person is on their back and if possible on a hard surface. If you have to roll them, kneel on one side and carefully roll them over, keeping their head in alignment with their body.

2. Open the person's airway. Kneel at their shoulder level and gently but firmly push their forehead back with one hand while raising their chin with the other. If neck or back injury is suspected kneel at the top of their head instead. Then use both hands, with elbows on the ground, to grip the jaw at its angles and push it forward and up. Make sure to constantly maintain these positions for an open airway.

3. Clear out any visible obstructions such as vomit or any other foreign material. Do not spend a long time on this task.

4. Look for any signs of breathing after you have opened the airway. Breathing should resume after three to five seconds. Signs include the chest rising and falling, hearing air escape during exhalation and feeling it on your cheek if you put it close to the person's mouth.

5. Start mouth-to-mouth resuscitation if breathing does not begin. Place your hand on the injured person's forehead and pinch his nose. Use this hand also to keep the head tilted back. Place the other hand under the chin to support it.

6. Take a deep breath and breathe two full breaths quickly and forcefully into the injured person's mouth, watching for his chest to rise. If it does, then you are performing this method correctly. Listen for a return of respiration.

7. Continue mouth-to-mouth if there is no return of breath. Repeat the above steps giving the injured person a one second breath for every five seconds. Feel for a pulse after the twelfth breath, and check for breathing. If it does not return, continue mouth-to-mouth until breathing comes back.

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Genital Herpes Detection & Treatment

There are two types of herpes: herpes simplex 1, also called oral herpes, and herpes simplex 2, also called genital herpes. The latter is the more serious kind, and is very contagious. It can be spread even if there are no symptoms present. However, there are various ways to detect and treat it.

Temperature

One of the first signs of herpes is temperature extremes in the body. A fever accompanied with chills is often seen.

Bumps

The genital area can show small, red bumps that can be painful and itchy. They can also ooze fluid.

Lymph Nodes

The lymph nodes in the genital and neck area can become swollen and sensitive.

Prevention/Solution

One way to treat herpes is by wearing non-constrictive clothing, and keeping the area clean and as dry as possible to promote healing.

Balm

H-balm is a treatment for herpes that is applied to the skin. It consists of organic essential oils (see Resources).

Prescriptions

There are various prescription medications that can also be used to treat herpes. Some of these include Famvir, Valtrex and Acyclovir (see Resources).

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Treat Panic Disorder With Antianxiety Drugs

Treat Panic Disorder With Anti-Anxiety Drugs

The use of anti-anxiety drugs, also known as benzodiazepines, can be an effective way to treat a panic disorder, especially when used in conjunction with behavior modification therapy. Panic disorders, which are marked by frequent and intense panic or anxiety attacks, can be effectively reduced or eliminated with this type of treatment.

Instructions

Treat a Panic Disorder With Anti-Anxiety Drugs

1. Document your panic or anxiety attacks as thoroughly as possible, noting frequency, intensity, the possible causes and circumstances, and the duration. Keep a journal for this so that you can accurately record each incident. These records will be very useful to your doctor or health care professional in determining whether an anti-anxiety drug will be an effective form of treatment for you.

2. Investigate the various types of anti-anxiety drugs that are used to treat panic disorders so that you will become familiar with potential side effects. More common types of anti-anxiety drugs are ****, Valium, Ativan and Klonopin. Common side effects include drowsiness, confusion, the inability to drive or operate machinery. It is also important to realize that many anti-anxiety drugs are highly addictive.

3. Consult with your physician to determine the best anti-anxiety drugs to prescribe for your particular panic disorder. Ask for a physical examination to rule out the possibility that your panic disorder may be related to a potentially serious physical condition, such as hypoglycemia, hyperthyroidism, inner-ear imbalances or even a heart condition.

4. Investigate the adverse reactions that may be caused by some anti-anxiety drugs, especially in combination with other medications or substances. Mixing anti-anxiety drugs with alcohol, for instance, can be very dangerous, resulting in increased anxiety, depression and even suicidal thoughts. Review all of the medications you are taking, along with any other pertinent information, with your health care professional.

5. Start a healthy exercise regimen once you have decided to treat your panic disorder with anti-anxiety drugs, along with behavioral modification therapy or psychotherapy. A systemic approach to panic disorders is the best way to eliminate the causes completely, as opposed to just covering up the symptoms with medication.

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Natural Anxiety Help

Anxiety affects many people today. The effects can be debilitating. Symptoms of anxiety include dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pains and a feeling of panic. There are many natural treatments for anxiety that can help you get anxiety under control. These include breathing techniques, meditation, herbal remedies and vitamins. Keeping a healthy diet and getting a good amount of exercise is also important when managing anxiety.

Breathing and Meditation

The nervous system is divided into many parts. When we feel threatened, panicked or anxious, the sympathetic nervous system takes charge, putting you into fight-or-flight mode. This puts a great deal more pressure on the body, and anxiety is elevated. Practicing deep breathing or slowing and relaxing the breath activates the parasympathetic nervous system that rules the rest and digest response.

Take in a deep breath over four or five counts and then hold the breath in for the same duration. Release the breath over four to five counts and then hold the breath out for the same length of time. This will fill the body with oxygen and put the parasympathetic system in control. Another breath involves inhale slowly to a moderate and comfortable degree and then releasing the breath at an extremely slow pace.

Always be sure to breath all the way into the body of the lungs at the diaphragm, which is located behind the lower ribs. The abdomen should expand on the inhale and deflate on the exhale. Also be sure to breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth.

Meditation can also be helpful in coping with anxiety. One technique involves lying down and tensing each body part, one at a time and then releasing the tension and relaxing the body part. For example, you can take a breath and squeeze the foot for a few seconds and then release the tension on the exhale. This is done with each foot, each leg, the lower part of the torso, buttocks and stomach and then the top half of the torso, the shoulders and chest. The you can tense and relax each arm and then the face.

Herbs and vitamins

There are many herbs that can help to ease anxiety. Passion flower is acts as a relaxant and a pain killer and is often used in many herbal remedies for anxiety. Skullcap is a powerful tonic for the nervous system, both relaxing and strengthening it. Lavender assists with panic attacks and also acts as a tonic for the nervous system and acts as an antidepressant. Valerian assists with anxiety and insomnia and also acts as a pain killer.

Vitamin B assists with keeping a healthy nervous system as well as a healthy metabolism. Omega-3 fatty acids also assist in strengthening the nervous system and encourage better concentration and general vitality and well being. Eating a healthy diet low in caffeine can help to reduce anxiety as well as having a regular exercise routine.

Always be sure to consult your doctor before taking any supplements.

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Stones Used For Healing

Natural health advocates use gemstones, such as crystals, for healing purposes

Professionals agree that many stones have healing properties that modern society rarely acknowledges. Minerals within gemstones contain special properties that create healing effects, under just the right set of circumstances. Although stones are certainly no substitute for professional medical treatment and advice, it is helpful to know what many cultures and scientists believe about these stones.

Ruby

People of Burmese descent hold the ruby as a sacred stone that senses trouble, keeps nightmares away and changes from its natural red color if an ill person wears it as jewelry. To Burmese people, the ruby signifies power, love, dignity and peace. Rubies tend to get hot, so wear them with caution in warm weather. Wear rubies on the left side in order to heal such ailments as meningitis, fever, eye problems, anemia, digestive diseases and heart malfunction. Grind rubies into a fine powder to assist in healing snake bites and excessive bleeding.

Blue Sapphire

Hindus consider the blue sapphire to be a sacred stone which improves allergy troubles, heals cancer, cures jaundice, restores hair loss, improves liver function, heals ulcers, restores healthy blood cells in anemic patients, soothes joint-related disorders such as arthritis, and wards off epileptic seizures. Dip this sacred stone in cold water to heal eye troubles. Hindus believe the blue sapphire's healing properties are most powerful when you consume it in powder form with honey or garlic juice.

Pearl

Pearls are a stoned gem found deep within the shell of an oyster. Pearls stand for peace, chastity, purity and innocence. Hindus believe that you should crush pearls to powder form and dissolve them into wine in order to cure ailments such as breathing disorders, tuberculosis, indigestion, menstrual irregularity, heart disease and high or low blood pressure. In stone form, the luster of a pearl depends upon your general health when you wear it.

Coral

The coral is a white or yellow stone that changes color to give you health warnings. A coral also symbolizes a happy marriage and wards off negative spirits that cause accidents and injury. The coral eases arthritis, heals blisters, cures bronchitis, soothes backaches, relieves constipation, relaxes cramps, fights off the common cold, cures diabetes, prevents miscarriages, brings down fever, dissolves gallstones, removes jaundice, and even prevents and heals such diseases as malaria, measles and mumps.

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Stop Anxiety And Panic Attacks

Stop Anxiety and Panic Attacks

Panic attacks are episodes of intense fear and panic that seem to come from out of no where. Millions of Americans suffer from Panic disorder and panic attacks. As the world becomes a more stressful environment, it seems panic attacks seem to be more common for all individuals. Every person handles the attacks different and some don't know handle these panic attacks at all.

Instructions

1. RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS. The first step in stopping and reducing panic attacks is to really recognize the signs of when an anxiety attack is taking place. You can feel anything from rapid heart rate, sweating, shaking and trembling, hyperventilation, chills, nausea, chest pain and many other symptoms.

2. FIND OUT WHAT YOUR TRIGGERS ARE. A lot of times, panic attacks can be random or they can be caused by events known as triggers. Some people can have panic attacks from large crowds, arguments and confrontation, and other events that are stressful. You should start to notice when and where you seem to have panic attacks and what sets them off. This can help you learn to avoid having one.

3. TRY ALTERNATIVE REMEDIES. Yes, you can get prescribed medication - but you should try every possible effort to avoid using medication for panic attacks. The medication is much like crutch. You need to learn control them and help relieve them. There are many alternative remedies you can try when you are in the middle of HAVING a panic attack.

* Keep a plain rubber ban on your arm at all times. When you feel panic coming on - pop the ban on your wrist. It will help "slap" you back into reality and be aware of your breathing.

* When you feel a panic attack coming on - grab ice cubes in both hands to kind of shock yourself back to relaxing.

* Try breathing through one side of your nose and then the other. It helps regulate breathing.

* Grab a paper bag and breath into it when you feel panic.

4. PREVENTION. Try to prevent and reduce panic attacks by exercising regularly - every day or at least 3 times a week. Especially when you feel overwhelmed. Exercise releases endorphins that brings euphoric feelings and will ultimately lessen the everyday tension.

5. SEE A DOCTOR. If you have tried every method and still cannot control your panic attacks, you should speak with a doctor about other methods and medications that may suite you better.

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What Are The Dangers Of Cascara

Cascara Sagrada, an herbal stimulant laxative, is the complete name of this herbal treatment used in combination with other herbs for colon cleansing. Cascara Sagrada is a common ingredient in most herbal colon cleansers, according to the Global Healing Center website. Cascara also is utilized as a stimulant laxative following surgeries, according to the website Medline.

Dangers

Cascara Sagrada is known to heighten the symptoms of diarrhea and constipation and cause serious digestive problems, contrary to what it's supposed to relieve. Cascara Sagrada contains anthraquinone compounds, a yellow crystalline powder chiefly used for dyes, which are known cancer-causing agents. Lab animals developed colon cancer and tumors as a result of testing done on Cascara Sagrada, according to the Global Healing Center website. Some Cascara Sagrada users developed lesions in the colon, abdominal pain, liver damage, rectal bleeding and acute hepatitis or a swelling of the liver.

Safety Concerns

Cascara Sagrada is dangerous for persons with certain diseases such as ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, anemia, Crohn's disease and diverticulitis/diverticulosis. Never take Cascara Sagrada for more than seven consecutive days as excessive use possibly causes the colon to become dependent on its use. In such as case, bowel movements will not occur without the aid of some type of laxative, according to the Colon Cleansing Report Card website.

Side Effects

Severe cramps and lingering abdominal pains may result from the use of Cascara Sagrada or a product which contains Cascara Sagrada, according to the Colon Cleansing Report Card website. Additional side effects include bloating, nausea, liver toxicity and loss of bodily fluids. Also, electrolyte imbalance, urine discoloration and bloody, severe diarrhea occasionally occur with the use of Cascara Sagrada. Consulting with your doctor before taking Cascara Sagrada is recommended.

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Overcome Destructive Effects Of Verbal Abuse

Verbal abuse can be devastating, and its effects are pervasive. With time and care, you can overcome the destructive effects of verbal abuse, and regain confidence and self-esteem

Instructions

1. Get away from your abuser. Leave the relationship, end the friendship, or, if the abuse happens in the workplace, talk to someone in HR. Ending the abuse is a powerful step: think of this as a positive, proactive move. You're not running away from anything, you're standing up for yourself. Be proud that you've accomplished this!

2. Give yourself permission to explore your feelings. Feelings are never bad. Its okay to feel enraged, hurt, frightened, alone, vengeful: let yourself feel, and accept that your feelings are justified and reasonable.

3. Talk about it. If you can afford therapy, great: explore the many therapy options available until you find someone you're comfortable talking to. If you're light in the wallet, turn to friends and family for support. Make sure that whomever you talk to doesn't insult you or belittle you in any way: find a friend who is sympathetic, validates you, and points out your positive attributes.

4. Find things to like about yourself. Make a list of things you like or are proud of. Its okay if the list starts short: carry it with you and add to it. Nothing is too minor: include any and everything that pleases you. Any time you feel low, re-read your list, over and over. Remember the things you were proud of doing, including leaving the abusive relationship. Feel the strength and power of that action: you are mighty! Start new hobbies and projects that make you feel good, strong, capable, smart, and creative.

5. Act out if you need to, but check with your support network to make sure its safe. Scream really loud, have a good cry, imagine all the things you'd like to say to your abuser and yell them at his/her photograph. Then rip up the photograph. Then flush it down the toilet.

6. Repeat until you begin to feel better. Then repeat again. Verbal abuse is a mental injury, and like any injury it takes time to heal. Give yourself all the time in the world. Its okay if you sometimes fall back into negative thinking, just go back through all the steps that helped in the past: talk to your friends, re-connect with your hobbies, cry, anything that helps. There is no set time for healing. You're doing a good job!

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The Difference Between Herkimer & Clear Quartz

Clear quartz is a type of quartz crystal.

Herkimer quarts, also called "Herkimer diamonds," are not really diamonds at all but are a variety of clear quartz. Both clear and Herkimer quartz have a clear crystalline appearance and are collected and used in jewelry making. Though clear quartz and Herkimer diamonds look much the same and are made from the same materials, Herkimer diamonds differ from other clear quartz crystals in a few individual ways.

Locations and Mining

Herkimer diamonds can only be found in Herkimer County, New York. Herkimer diamonds are found within rocks that have been dated at 500 million years old, making the crystals equal to this age. Quartz is the most common mineral found on the Earth's surface and clear quartz can be found across the United States and the world. Arkansas, California, Arizona, Washington, Nevada, Montana, Idaho, Colorado, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina all produce clear quartz for commercial use.

Appearance

Though both Herkimer diamonds and quartz crystals are made from clear quartz stone, they do have some variations in appearance. Herkimer diamonds are double-terminated quartz crystals which means that the crystal has two pointed ends. Clear quartz crystals can be double-terminated or single-terminated, depending on the variety. Some Herkimer diamonds also have liquid inside of them because of the way the crystals were formed millions of years ago.

Physical Properties

Herkimer diamonds rate a 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them almost as hard as diamonds which score a 10. Other clear quartz crystals are less hard than Herkimer diamonds. Both clear quartz and Herkimer diamonds are used in jewelry and are collected by rock collectors and enthusiasts but clear quartz is also mined commercially while Herkimer diamonds are not.

Spiritual Properties

In metaphysical circles, clear quartz is considered by some to be a harmonizing stone which enhances and purifies energy and thoughts. It is also thought to be a protective stone that can be used in healing and to communicate with spirits. Herkimer diamonds also assist with balance and help you to become attuned to your environment. Herkimer diamonds are purported to help with dream recall, to assist in addiction recovery and in the removal of spiritual toxins.

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Use Chelation Therapy For Atherosclerosis

The American Medical Association does not endorse chelation therapy. However, results from around the world suggest that the procedure may provide some benefits. The treatment course for atherosclerosis is long, and the patient must incorporate changes into his lifestyle to reduce the risk of the condition recurring.

Instructions

1. Discuss chelation therapy with your doctor. Ask him whether the therapy and lifestyle changes will reduce your chances of further developing the condition.

2. Start chelation therapy. Establish a baseline to compare your condition before and after treatment. Knowing what effect the treatment has on your condition is motivation and encouragement to continue on both the lifestyle changes and to keep up on the maintenance dosages of the chelating agent.

3. Change your lifestyle. You know what areas you need to change to accomplish lasting results. Eating, stress, exercise, smoking and drinking all play their role in the development of the condition. Eating is more involved than just not eating fast foods and trying to eat healthier. You need to change the items on your normal food list. You need to reduce your cholesterol. Altering the composition of your meals and adopting other healthier fare is advisable. These changes will not occur overnight, but with hard work you should be able to make substantial change during the course of treatment. Typical treatment courses last approximately 20 sessions in the doctor's office and for home programs the time will vary.

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Treat Osteoporosis In Men

Osteoporosis is a condition that causes skeletal weakening and loss of bone density. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, more than 2 million Americans are currently diagnosed with osteoporosis, but an estimated 12 million remain undiagnosed and untreated. Many of those without a diagnosis are men. Osteoporosis in men is less common than osteoporosis in women due to differences in bone size and strength, and medical professionals therefore frequently overlook the disease. Treatment of osteoporosis in men is very similar to treatment of the disease in women. Follow these guidelines.

Instructions

1. Reduce any risk factors for osteoporosis that are preventable. While factors, such as age and race cannot be altered, some risk factors can be eliminated to improve bone strength and enable osteoporosis medications to work more effectively. Certain medications, including steroids used to treat asthma, anticonvulsants and aluminum-containing antacids, have been linked to a higher incidence of osteoporosis in men. Excessive alcohol use, immobility, smoking and low levels of testosterone are other risk factors that can be corrected.

2. Increase your daily calcium intake. Men under the age of 50 years require at least 1,000 mg of calcium each day to maintain bone strength and treat osteoporosis, while men over the age of 50 years need at least 1,200 mg. Your daily intake may need to be higher, depending on the degree of bone loss you have already suffered.

3. Augment your daily intake of Vitamin D. Vitamin D is important to bone health, and is even more effective when combined with calcium supplements. Men under the age of 50 need 400 to 800 IU each day, with men over 50 years requiring higher amounts of Vitamin D, often as much as 1,000 IU daily. New evidence shows Vitamin D2 is as effective at preventing and treating osteoporosis in men as Vitamin D3, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation.

4. Increase the amount of weight-bearing exercise you engage in each day. Weight-bearing exercise improves bone strength, and includes such activities as walking, stair climbing, jogging, lifting weights and using resistance machines. Check with your doctor before beginning any new exercise routine if you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis.

5. Treat any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to your osteoporosis. Low testosterone is one common cause of osteoporosis in men that is treatable with hormone replacement therapy.

6. Take a medication approved to treat osteoporosis in men, such as antiresorptives or anabolics. Antiresorptives work to slow bone loss, while anabolics speed up the formation of new bone.

7. Monitor your condition with X-rays, bone mineral density tests, blood work and other medical tools provided or prescribed by your doctor. Careful monitoring of your bone strength and loss will help you determine which treatments are working and which ones need to be changed. If left untreated, or if treated ineffectively, osteoporosis in men can lead to broken bones and permanent disability.

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Loose Teeth Treatment

Loose teeth can occur as a result of common dental conditions, mouth injuries and poor oral hygiene. Additionally, certain ailments and diseases can weaken teeth, causing bone, gum, or muscle damage. In order to develop an adequate treatment to solve the underlying problem, the dentist must first diagnose the cause.

Conditions Leading to Loose Teeth

The most common causes for loose teeth are bite or jaw misalignment, mouth injury and periodontal disease. Bite misalignment, no matter how small, causes pressure on the surrounding muscles and tissues of the teeth. Jaw misalignment can result in broken, chipped or loose teeth. Mouth trauma can result in injury to one or more teeth. Periodontal disease leads to gum recession--the leading cause of loose teeth.

Preventative Treatment

Preventative measures are the best way to prevent loose teeth. Good oral hygiene is a good starting point, but is not enough on its own. Periodic dental visits--at least twice a year--are essential as well. When potential problems are identified and treated early, loose teeth may be avoided altogether.

Herbs like alum, alma, Bilberry root, chaparral, Hawthorn berry, licorice root and turmeric can improve oral health. They can be made into tea or a mouthwash, rubbed directly into the gums or taken in pill form.

Treatments for Loose Teeth

Bite misalignment can often be corrected with braces, invisible snap-in trays, night guards or retainers. Most are temporary and can correct the problem without further complications.

Jaw misalignment, if diagnosed early, can be self-treated with exercises to relax jaw muscles, by switching to soft foods requiring little or no chewing, by using cold packs on painful joints or hot packs to soothe sore muscles. Chronic pain can be treated with anti-inflammatory, muscle-relaxing and non-steroidal drugs. In severe cases surgery may be required to repair ligaments or reset cartilage that is out of line. Sometimes wisdom teeth are pulled to ensure proper jaw alignment.

Mouth injuries can vary. Teeth can be knocked out or just loosened, but in both cases, it is important to seek treatment as quickly as possible. Mild injuries can often be repaired with a splint or by using orthodontic appliances. Some cases will require repair or replacement of the surrounding gum tissue. In serious cases, the tooth may be removed and replanted.

Treatment for periodontal disease will depend on its severity. Medications may be used to treat infection. Deep cleaning will be performed to remove tartar from the surface of the teeth as well as under the gum line. In severe cases, surgery is required to plane tooth roots to remove bacteria or to do flap surgery to remove plaque that cannot be reached by normal means. This is done by lifting the gums away from the teeth for cleaning and then resuturing them back in place. Sometimes bone or tissue grafts may also be required.

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Proprioceptive Knee Exercises

Whether you are recovering from a knee injury or trying to prevent one, doing knee exercises will strengthen the tendons and muscles in your legs and core, as well as improve your balance. Proprioceptive exercises will train your brain, nerves and muscles to communicate better to correctly identify where the body is and how it is moving. Do exercises on one leg creates what is called a proprioceptively-enriched environment that improves knee stability.

Single-Leg Balance

The single-leg balance exercise is the most basic proprioceptive exercise for your knee. Simply stand on one leg with your hands on your hips. You may wish to stand near a wall to catch yourself if you lose your balance. Make sure to bend the leg you are standing on slightly. You can try this exercise on a pillow to increase the difficulty when you're ready. A pillow is a less stable surface than a floor so it is a more proprioceptively-enriched activity. If you can only do 10 seconds to start that is OK. Work up to 60 seconds before trying other exercises.

Forward to Backward Leg Swings

Stand on your right leg and place your hands on your hips. Bend your right knee slightly. Swing your left leg forward with your knee bent. Swing your leg back behind you. Do 10 leg swings and then switch legs. Work up to 20 swings per leg.

Once you can do the bent leg version without losing your balance, go ahead and straighten your leg to make the exercise more challenging.

A variation of this exercise is to swing your leg backward first and then swing it forward. Your abs and glutes should be squeezed throughout this exercise and through all the variations.

Single-Leg Squats

The single-leg squat is a powerful knee exercise and leg strengthener for your quads. Stand on your right leg and place your hands on your hips. Squeeze your abs and your glutes. Extend your arms out in front of you with your palms facing upward. Squat down by bending your right knee, shifting your hips back and leaning your torso forward slightly. Stand back up. Start with two sets of 10 reps per leg and increase to two sets of 20 reps.

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Can Stress Cause Heart Palpitations

If you were to experience heart palpitations, especially for the first time, it can be a little scary. To feel your heart flutter or pound more rapidly than normal, can really give a person a moment of pause. Immediately, you may start to think that something is terribly wrong, but palpitations are essentially the heart's reaction to some sort of stimuli that triggers it to beat in this irregular fashion. Most of the time, according to the Mayo Clinic, these heart palpitations are harmless.

Stress

For some people, it isn't uncommon for stress to actually cause heart palpitations. It's the way in which their body reacts and responds to this sort of emotion. Palpitations may seem like a fairly strong reaction to stress, but, if you look at what happens at times in this highly emotional state, it makes sense. When you become stressed, your body sees it as a threat and basically tries to protect itself by releasing hormones to elicit a "fight-or-flight" reaction from you. This surge of hormones can cause your heart to race, which may prompt palpitations.

Management

According to the Mayo Clinic, one of the easiest ways to remedy heart palpitations is to remove its trigger. In this particular situation, it would entail some sort of management to help you better cope with stress. Once you're able to pinpoint exactly what is causing the stress, you can approach it in a more informed manner. You know that these circumstances are prompting this type of response in you, so you can actively seek a more relaxed state when it arises. There's no way of really controlling the actual condition, you can only control the way in which you react to that condition. From there, you can then seek outlets for your stress, like doing deep breathing, taking up yoga or even exercising each day. All three can lessen the toll stress takes on the body and can bring about a more relaxed and calm state in you.

Other Triggers

While stress can often cause a person to suffer from heart palpitations, there are other fairly common triggers that can also make your body react in such a way. It really depends on the person what is prompting these palpitations. For some, it could be caffeine or nicotine. For others, it could be the hormonal changes that come with menopause, menstruation or pregnancy. It may even be from some sort of medication you're currently taking for another condition.

Other Problems

With all that being said, in rare cases, heart palpitations may be an indication that something is actually wrong. So, your concerns aren't necessarily unmerited. These palpitations may be a sign of a cardiovascular problem or even a thyroid problem. If you suffer from heart palpitations, make an appointment for a physical, and while you're there have the health of your heart checked out.

Treatments

For most heart palpitations, no treatment will be prescribed. However, your doctor may be able to give you the tools (or recommend someone who can give you those tools) to appropriately approach stressful situations. Remember, it's about removing the triggers. It may be difficult to get rid of stress entirely, but there are better ways to deal with these types of circumstances.

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Hand Exercise After Stroke

A stroke occurs when the blood supply is temporarily cut off from the brain. The effects can be devastating. Sudden numbness and weakness can appear on one side of the body. The stroke victim suffers from sudden confusion, difficulty in speaking, trouble seeing properly and problems in walking. Post-stroke rehabilitation focuses on overcoming the disabilities that can affect a person after the episode. The strategy during this time is to overcome the isolated problems, and exercise often comes into play.

Advice

Do not be discouraged if you find that you cannot perform all of these exercises at first attempt. After a stroke it takes time and practice to develop coordination again. It really is not the muscles that have been affected but the control center for the muscles in the brain. These exercises are developed to retrain the brain. Try these three times a day and soon you will have them mastered.

Finger Work

Finger Lifts

Place your hand palm down on a table. Deliberately raise and lower each finger. Try to get your fingers to do this exercise individually.

Finger Stretches

Rest your hand palm down again on a table. Spread your fingers as wide as you are able, then back again to resting position.

Okay

Form an "O" by touching each fingertip, in succession, to the tip of your thumb. Get your fingers to work separately.

Thumb Stretches

Hold your hand and fingers straight up. Bend your thumb and try to touch the base of your little finger. Then spread your thumb out the other way.

Hand Work

Hitchhiker Stretch

Hold your hand up and bring your fingertips into your palm. Now stick out your thumb like you are making a hitchhiker's signal.

Pickup

Line up five to six different-size objects on a table. The largest should be the size of a tennis ball with the smallest about the size of a paper clip. Start with the largest object and pick it up. Work your way from largest to smallest. Perhaps not at first, but eventually you should be able to pick up the paper clip-size object.

The Fist

Take a piece of notebook paper. Crumple it into a tight ball in your fist. Smooth out the paper and do it again.

The Ball Squeeze

Take a tennis ball or rubber ball and squeeze it as hard as you can. Hold the squeeze for as long as you can.

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Natural Relief For Depression

Depression can be a debilitating mental condition that interferes with everyday life. People with depression often experience fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, headaches and loss of interest. You can address these symptoms by taking a natural approach to your depression. Get the right vitamins, engage in stress relief activities and eat a proper diet to get you your life back.

Nutrients

Many people who suffer with depression prefer to avoid the side effects associated with conventional antidepressants, such as weight gain and insomnia. Try a less invasive approach with nutrients and herbs. 5- hydroxytrytophan is very useful for helping the body produce serotonin. Likewise, l-tyrosine and s-adenosylmethionin reduce stress, boost adrenaline and help raise dopamine levels. Do not take these nutrients if you are taking antidepressants. To support your adrenal glands, take Sub-Adrene. Vitamin B has a great success rate of helping people who are depressed. You can either take a supplement or schedule and appointment for your doctor to give you an injection. Numerous sufferers have found to be deficient in zinc. Take up to 50 mg a day, but never go over 100 mg. Other important nutrients to try are choline, calcium, chromium, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide.

Herbs

If you experience poor digestive health due to your depression, you can relieve pain with lemon balm. Kava kava is a popular herb for reducing anxiety. Be mindful when using this herb that it will make your drowsy, so it's best to use at home or before you sleep. St. John's wort works the same way as monoamine oxidase inhibotors, which are found in some antidepressants. Do not take St. John's wort if you are on antidepressants or are pregnant. Other depression-reducing herbs include ginkgo biloba, oat straw, peppermint and ginger. If you are taking licorice everyday, stop after a week or you can elevate your blood pressure.

Diet

Refrain from going on any fad diets while managing your depression. Complex carbohydrates are essential for boosting serotonin levels. Get your fill of carbohydrates without refined flour. Eat brown rice, wheat pasta, whole grain breads and oatmeal. Be sure to eat a lot of omega-3 foods like salmon, nuts, seeds, tuna and mackerel. Do not eat sugar. Eliminate it from your diet. Sugar fluctuations cause many people severe depression. Avoid anything with aspartame. This additive prevents the formation of serotonin. Have well-balanced meals full of fruits, vegetables, lean eats, low fat dairy and whole grains.

Schedule an allergy test with your doctor. Gluten allergies cause depression. Keep a journal to record your steps in breaking from your depression.

Make some life changes and take stress-relieving classes like yoga or pilates. Give yourself the chance to rid yourself from your depressive state.

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Hip Surgery Recovery

Undergoing hip replacement surgery is an arduous experience, and after the surgery, your experience isn't completely over as there's still recovery to go through. However, following your doctor's recovery instructions can lead to a significantly healthier hip in the future, without the pain and stiffness that lead you to get a hip replacement in the first place. Some preparation before surgery can also help make for a better experience when you're back home.

After Surgery

Directly after surgery, you will be monitored as the anesthetic used during the operation wears off. Once you are awake, unsurprisingly your hip will hurt. Don't worry -- painkillers should be readily available. You will have to breathe differently than you normally do, taking long breaths and coughing often. This keeps fluid from filling up in the lungs post-operation. You might have to put a pillow between your legs to make sure they're in the proper position.

Hospital Therapy

Most hip replacement patients stay in the hospital for a few days after the operation, but that doesn't mean that they spend that time in bed. The recovery process begins almost immediately after surgery. You will start physical therapy as soon as possible after surgery, often the day of the operation. Physical therapists will help you walk, do balance exercises, and get in and out of bed. It's important to get started right away to maximize hip function.

At Home

Once you come home, keep moving. You will need a walking support such as a cane, crutches, or walker but use them as much as possible. The more exercise you get, the better your body will accept the hip replacement. Certain movements should be avoided, however, in order to keep the joint in place. Your surgeon will give you a list of those movements, but in general you should avoid extreme hip rotation (such as crossing your legs) and bending forward. Low furniture should also be avoided. You can usually shower soon after you arrive home if not immediately after. Remember to eat healthy and drink a lot of fluid --- this helps the incision heal.

Complications

Serious complications after hip replacement surgery are rare (only two percent of patients experience them), but they do occur. Blood clots can form during the first weeks after surgery. Signs of a blood clot include pain in the calf and leg (away from the surgical incision), a tender or red calf, and a swollen leg. Clots can travel to the lungs, which is an emergency situation: symptoms include chest pain, painful breathing, and shortness of breath. The incision may also become infected. Symptoms of infection include redness or pain around the incision area, fluid dripping from the incision, worsening pain in the incision area, fever, and chills.

Preparation

Some preparation pre-surgery can help you recover more quickly and more happily. Make sure that your house is "hip-proofed" by removing loose items on the floor, such as rugs, or anything that can be easily tripped over. If your bedroom is on the second floor, move your bed (and other necessities, such as clothes and bathroom items) to the first floor, so you don't have to climb stairs. Getting meals ready in advance and freezing them can also help.

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Homemade Steam Sauna

Lava rocks are great for producing steam.

You don't need to live in the lap of luxury to own a steam sauna. Indoor or outdoor saunas are wonderful additions to your home. Convert a spare room or build the sauna outside. Whether you want to do it yourself from top to bottom or use a kit to build your steam sauna, it's a sensational way to relax your muscles and feel refreshed.

Location

Use a bucket to pour water over your lava rocks.

There is a difference between saunas and steam saunas. Steam saunas generally require a steam generator outside of the sauna that pipes steam into the sauna building. A regular sauna uses a wood stove inside the room---sometimes with lava rocks, which build heat and produce steam when water is poured over them. However, even a wood stove and lava rocks provide steam. A steam generator needs tubing to pump steam into the sauna. Either way, the first thing to consider is where you want your steam sauna to be.

If you build the steam sauna in a spare room, start with framing your sauna walls and ceiling using 2-by-4-foot frames according to the size of the steam sauna you want to build, according to the website "Repair Home." Allow enough room to be able to stand and allow for one or two benches. The rule of thumb for a sauna is a rectangular shape of 45 square feet.

Materials

Build a steam sauna large enough to stand in.

Use cedar or some other soft wood that is conducive to heat and resistant to moisture to build the interior of your steam sauna.

Insulate your steam sauna, whether indoors or outdoors. One way to insulate your sauna is to apply a few inches of fiberglass to the interior.

Do the same if you are building a steam sauna in your yard and use timber, such as pine or hemlock, as your building materials as they are more weather resistant, according to the website "A Garden Building Co."

When building your steam sauna inside your home, ensure the location has ventilation so the heat of your future hot room won't invade other areas of your home.

Steam Source

Decide what type of heat or steam source you want to use. A variety of heating methods---such as infrared, electric, lava heaters and wood stoves---are available. A wood stove has a nice aroma, if you don't mind fetching and storing wood for the sauna. However, it is close to the authentic type of sauna used in Scandinavian countries.

Purchase sauna rock, such as peridotite, which is quarried Finnish rock, or use American rocks such as basalt or hornblende, which is a re-crystallized rock resistant to high temperatures, according to the website "Cyberbohemia." Some special nurseries or garden stores have lava rocks for saunas, but the best place to purchase lava rocks is at a pool or sauna store.

Use a bucket of water and ladle to pour water over your sauna or lava rocks once heated to help build steam.

Be sure to drink plenty of water while using your sauna so you don't become dehydrated. Steam is a healthy way of eliminating toxins in the body and to relax muscles and is also a great way to unwind after a long day at work.

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Symptoms Of Poor Circulation

Poor circulation is also known as Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) and is a type of heart disease that causes problems with blood flow. According to the Mayo Clinic, people with diabetes and other types of heart disease such as high blood pressure are at an increased risk of developing PAD. Some people with poor circulation may not have any symptoms, and the severity of symptoms can worsen over time and differ from person to person.

Cramps

Intermittent claudication is painful cramping in the calf of the leg in people with poor circulation. It usually happens after walking or stair climbing.

Numbness

People with PAD may have numbness in the leg and foot that may come and go and may be in one or both legs, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Pain

PAD can cause pain in the legs during exercise, while at rest or lying down and may be bothersome enough to cause sleep disruptions.

Coldness

Poor circulation to the legs may result in coldness of the feet and often occurs in just one leg at a time.

Sores

PAD may cause sores on the legs and feet that heal slowly or even get worse over time due to inadequate circulation, and people with diabetes may be at even greater risk of sores and wounds on the feet.

Hair and Nails

Loss of hair on the legs and problems with toenails such as cracking, splitting or falling off may result from poor circulation.

Infections

People with PAD may be more likely to suffer from skin infections and other types of infections due to a delay in the ability of white blood cells to respond to foreign cells in the body. According to the Cleveland Clinic, these infections are common in people who have had poor circulation for a long time.

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