Naproxen is an over-the-counter drug in the category of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, which people often take for pain relief. It is available under brand names such as Aleve, Anaprox and Midol Extended Relief. Although it is a commonly used drug, naproxen has many side effects, some which increase with long-term use.
Cardiovascular Effects
One serious possible long-term side effect of taking naproxen is a higher risk of heart attack or stroke.
Gastrointestinal Effects
Another serious long-term side effect with taking naproxen is an increased risk of stomach or intestinal bleeding, or stomach ulcers. Alcohol can exacerbate this risk.
Blood Thinning
Naproxen acts as a blood thinner, and can increase bleeding from an injury. It should not be taken by people who are also taking anticoagulants.
Sunburn
Naproxen can increase the risk of sunburn because it makes skin more sensitive to ultraviolet light.
Drug Interactions
People taking lithium should not take naproxen because it can raise blood levels of lithium. Naproxen also can interfere with blood pressure medication.
Tags: long-term side, long-term side effect, side effect, taking naproxen
The Lap Band is a device that is used for weight loss in bariatric patients. A device is place onto the upper portion of the stomach to control food intake. It is a laparoscopic procedure that does require proper time for healing and for the implanted device to set in place. For the patient to experience the full benefits of the Lap Band, there are certain guidelines that they must follow for both their safety and for the device's effectiveness.
Surgical Complications
As with any surgery, complications can include inflammation, infection and pain. Some prolonged bleeding may occur.
Common Concerns
Common complications that are more common that others include pain at the site of the port, edema, fatigue, abdominal paid, upset stomach, pancreatitis, flatulence and diarrhea.
Effects on the Body
Sometimes the human body does not react well to the band. Some patients experience esopageal reflux, difficulty swallowing, constipation, ulceration, gastritis and dehydration.
Band Issues
Some concerns that can arise directly with the band itself includes slippage of the band, pouch dilation, obstruction of the stoma, a leak or twist in the access port, and band erosion.
Death
In very few cases, death can occur during or after any type of surgery. Even if all indications and guidelines are followed, some patients will die from having this surgical operation.
A neuroma is a non-cancerous tumor that can grow anywhere in the body you find nerve cells. However, the absence of cancer doesn't make these tumors easy to ignore. A growing neuroma can impose upon the surrounding organs and tissue. A neuroma of the chest can affect the heart and lungs as well as restrict blood vessels in the areas surrounding the tumor. Depending on the severity of the tumor, doctors may choose one of several treatments for neuroma of the chest.
Observation
Because neuroma is a benign tumor, it doesn't always require immediate action. Some neuromas grow slowly and, if they're caught early, will take time to grow to a size that will impact neighboring organs and cells. For example, an elderly patient diagnosed with a neuroma in the chest may never require invasive treatment because the tumor won't cause any disabling symptoms during the patient's normal life expectancy. Doctors and patients together can weigh the potential risks and complications of treatment with the severity of symptoms, and careful observation and monitoring of the neuroma can be a viable treatment option. A patient with a neuroma of the chest under observation will undergo regular MRI or CT scans to monitor the growth of the tumor.
Surgery
Doctors perform delicate surgery to remove all or portions of the neuroma if symptoms become severe. Neuroma of the chest can affect heart and lung function if it grows large enough, making surgical removal of the tumor a necessity. Done under general anesthesia, this surgery requires a skilled cardiologist to both remove the tumor and repair any potential damage done to the heart. A general surgeon also may be on hand if additional surgery is required. The duration of the surgery and the patient's hospital stay depends on the size and location of the neuroma.
Radiation
Usually performed as an outpatient procedure with the patient under local anesthesia, radiologists can target the neuroma of the chest with radiation in hopes of stopping the growth of the tumor. Unlike many cancer treatments, which require multiple doses of radiation to kill the tumor, patients with neuroma of the chest can see results after just one treatment. Radiation is an effective treatment option both to stop tumor growth to avoid surgery and to treat remaining tumor tissue if the entire tumor wasn't removed during surgery.
Tags: neuroma chest, with neuroma, with neuroma chest, affect heart, chest affect
There are many Chinese herbs that are used to heal torn ligaments. For best results, herbs will be both taken internally and applied externally.
History
Kung Fu masters were traditionally also trained in healing musculoskeletal problems. Sometimes called bone doctors, they specialized in the healing of broken bones, strained muscles and torn ligaments.
Theory
The approach will generally focus on two aspects. One is to promote the healing by moving qi and blood to the area of injury. The other is to strengthen or tonify so that the body has the ability to heal.
Internal Herbs
In Chinese herbal medicine, many herbs are said to go to specific parts of the body. Therefore, the specific herbs used to move and to tonify for healing torn ligaments will depend on the area of injury.
External Herbs
The external herbs are used improve the circulation of blood and qi to accelerate the healing process. These herbs can be applied in different forms such as a spray, a liniment or as a poultice.
Additional Therapies
Chinese herbalists are often also acupuncturists and will give a treatment in the office while prescribing herbs to be used at home. They may also apply the external herbs using a special massage technique.
Tags: herbs used, area injury, Chinese Herbs Torn, external herbs, Herbs Torn, Herbs Torn Ligaments, torn ligaments
Tourette syndrome is a neurological condition that involves tics. Coprolalia, a tic involving involuntary swearing, is one of the most famous aspects of Tourette syndrome, although there are many kinds of tics. Tourette syndrome usually begins in childhood.
Symptoms
Tourette syndrome involves repeated involuntary actions known as tics. Tics can be either simple or complex.
Types
Simple motor tics are brief movements that use few muscle groups. Blinking, grimacing, sniffing, barking, and shrugging are simple motor tics. Complex tics, such as hopping or grimacing while shrugging, use more muscle groups.
Time Frame
Tic severity usually peaks in mid-teen years, although tics can appear or disappear at any time. Approximately 10 percent of patients experience a progressive condition that continues into adulthood.
Controlling Tics
Although tics are involuntary, people can sometimes suppress or camouflage them. However, this may cause an uncomfortable tension.
Associated Disorders
Tourette syndrome is associated with several other conditions, including attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive symptoms, depression and anxiety.
Treatment
Most tics do not require treatment. Several neuroleptic medicines can be effective in reducing severe or disabling tics, but they also involve side effects such as weight gain and cognitive dulling. Psychotherapy can also help patients cope with their conditions.
Tags: Tourette syndrome, condition that, motor tics, muscle groups
Making a colloidal suspension of silver is a simple process but demands purity from the silver and water ingredients. Many companies sell colloidal silver generators for much more than the cost of the required parts. Build your own 12 volt generator and make colloidal silver inexpensively so you can keep a constant supply on hand.
Instructions
1. Connect an alligator clip to both output wires on the 12 volt power supply. Strip 1/4 inch of the insulation off the wire ends with wire cutter blades. Place the bare wire ends into the open clamp connectors at the back end of the alligator clips and pinch the clamps closed with pliers.
2. Pour 12 to 16 oz. of distilled water into a clean glass jar.
3. Cut two strips of silver wire, or silver ribbon at 8-inch lengths. Clamp the end of one silver strip into one of the alligator clips and the other silver strip into the other clip.
4. Bend the silver strips over the edge of the jar with at least 3 inches submersed in the distilled water. Position the strips so they are not touching.
5. Plug the 12 volt transformer into a wall outlet and let it send power to the silver strips for about 20 minutes. Watch the silver dissolve particles of colloids and ionic silver into the water until it turns a murky white color. Unplug the power supply and remove the silver strips. Place a lid on the jar and keep the colloidal silver in a dark place at room temperature. Do not allow the solution to make contact with the inner jar lid.
Tags: colloidal silver, silver strips, alligator clips, distilled water, power supply, silver into
Heartburn, or reflux esophagitis, is a burning sensation in the esophagus, throat and/or chest. Shiatsu applies various pressure techniques to quiet your nervous system, calm your churning stomach, slow the increased acid production activated by stress, and alleviate the burning symptoms of reflux.
Instructions
1. Decrease the high acidity of your stomach and cool your heartburn by stimulating the point on the top of your foot where the bones between the second and third toe meet.
2. Press the middle of the joint on the front of your ankle to clear heat from your stomach and ease heartburn.
3. Remove fullness and burning in your stomach by pressing the point found on the web between your second and third toe.
4. Lower your anxiety level and promote the downward flow of stomach energy by pressing gently on the point located on the center of your breastbone and level with the nipples.
5. Relieve indigestion and calm a rebellious stomach by pressing the point on the inside of your foot where the ball and the arch meet.
Tags: your stomach, foot where, pressing point, second third, Shiatsu Heartburn, stomach pressing
Take a deep breath by trying several breathing remedies.
There are several reasons why you may be having breathing difficulties. The disease of asthma and nasal and chest congestion are common causes of this ailment. Asthma is an inflammation of the lungs and needs proper medical treatment, but you also can treat it at home. Congestion is often caused by the cold virus or a sinus infection. With either cause, sufferers have access to treatments to combat breathing problems.
Salt Water Solution
Mucus in sinus passages can become dry and thick, making it difficult for someone to breathe through their nose. A simple salt water solution will clean this area and moisten the mucus enough to relieve pressure in the nasal area. Simply stir a quarter of a teaspoon of kosher salt along with a quarter teaspoon of baking soda in one cup of warm water. Using a neti pot or a bulb syringe, place your face over a sink, plugging your right nostril while squirting this solution into your left nostril. Unplug your right nostril and allow the solution to drain from that side. Repeat this procedure with the other nostril.
Quercetin
Breathing problems are mostly caused by some sort of inflammation. Quercetin is a bioflavonoid that helps reduce inflammation. This product comes in a tablet form and can be taken up to three times a day. According to researchers at Boston University, Quercetin is also a histamine blocker. You can find this chemical in red wine, tea, apples and some other foods.
Omega 3
Also an anti-inflammatory, Omega 3 is often found in foods such as cold water fish, walnuts and flax seeds. These are fatty acids that help reduce the negative symptoms of hay fever. For best results, take this supplement three to four times a week.
Tags: your right nostril, quarter teaspoon, right nostril, your right
A business ethical code of conduct guides employees faced with ethical dilemmas.
Most formal organizations have an ethical code of conduct for employees. This code of conduct provides an overview of ethical expectations for employees. It also directly or indirectly communicates the organization's ethical intentions to the market.
Features
An ethical code aids employees in making tough ethical decisions. Company codes give directives on areas like doing business responsibly, honestly and in line with company commitments. Some departments have codes that apply directly to sales, service, IT or other role-specific ethical areas.
Effects
Companies often post ethical codes of conduct on websites and in other marketing collateral. This serves as communication to prospective employees, but it also communicates to customers and clients that a company realizes its ethical obligations in doing business.
Benefits
A well-written and communicated ethical code provides a foundation for employees who need to understand the importance of ethics to the organization. It sends the message that top management supports proper ethics. It also is useful for companies that must enforce ethics through discipline or termination.
Tags: code conduct, ethical code, doing business, employees also
Ozone is a form of oxygen that is used as a powerful oxidizing agent to purify drinking water and is also a natural biocide that kills bacteria, viruses, mold and mildew. High concentrations of ozone will kill bacteria very quickly in cavities and prevent further decay. The ozone treatment has been used for quite some time in Europe, Canada, Australia and New Zealand but has not yet received FDA approval in the United States.
Benefits
The ozone treatment is perfect for nervous or anxious people who are afraid of going to the dentist. It does not require the use of drills, fillings or anesthetics. It kills 99 percent of bacteria found in cavities and can whiten any discoloration. It is not a fire hazard and will not explode and will not irritate the skin or eyes nor damage hair or clothing. Ozone will also not leave a chemical taste or smell and does not cause cancer.
According to safedentistry.com, ozone therapy showed successful results in clinical tests performed at St. Bartholomew's Hospital in London and at the Royal London School of Medicine and Dentistry.
The Treatment
Cavities are caused by bacteria that produce a sticky substance called plaque, which adheres to the tooth surface. This bacteria consumes sugars that are left in the mouth from the foods we eat. These sugars are then converted into harmful acids that will dissolve the tooth enamel if they are left on the surface for a long period of time. When the ozone treatment is used, a dentist will use a laser to identify decay and bacteria on the teeth. A silicone rubber cup is then used to direct the ozone onto the affected tooth. Once the bacteria is eliminated, the dentist will then place a special mineralization agent that will enable healing onto the cleansed area. The patient will be given a special toothpaste and mouthwash to use at home to help their teeth re-mineralize.
Each treatment lasts 10 to 40 seconds and is repeated at monthly intervals until the tooth re-hardens, usually three to six months total. New cavities can be treated without tooth removal, but if the cavity is too deep, some teeth must be removed to ensure proper penetration of the ozone. 90 percent of teeth will respond favorably if the proper care is used at home, according to Granta Dental. The dentist will know for sure if the treatment is working in four to eight weeks.
At-home Care
To ensure success with the ozone treatment, employ these at-home practices:
1. Regular and effective brushing and flossing to make sure that the teeth are kept free of harmful bacteria and plaque.
2. Minimizing your intake of sugary foods and drinks and reducing the intake of acidic drinks.
3. Long-term, regular use of fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash.
4. Using xylitol artificial sweetener as a substitute for sugar. Xylitol can be found in some chewing gums and mouthwashes and also in diabetic confectionaries.
A ruptured cervical disc is when a disc in the spine bulges out and is compressed by the vertebrae, thereby causing pain in either the back or arms. If you think you have a ruptured disc, see your doctor immediately to discuss the many treatments options.
Medications
Taking pain medications, either prescribed or over the counter, can help manage the pain. A doctor may also prescribe muscle relaxers.
Cold and Hot Treatments
Alternating between ice packs and heating pads on the area can help reduce the pain.
Traction
In some cases, a doctor may order traction to avoid aggravating the disc. Usually, he will provide a head-stabilizing device to keep the patient's head from moving at home and causing added strain to the back.
Physical Therapy
A physical therapist helps with stretches and exercises to relieve the pressure on the disc.
Surgery
Although most cases can be resolved without surgery, in cases where the problem does not heal itself, a doctor my recommend surgery to repair the ruptured disc.
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological condition that causes the sufferer to feel an irresistible urge to move his limbs; usually RLS affects the legs but occasionally it can affect the torso or arms as well. Activity temporarily stops the urge. RLS worsens at rest and in the evening or at night. There is no known cause for the condition.
Homeopathic Medicine
Homeopathic remedies work on the theory that exposure to a particular substance can cause specific symptoms in a healthy person. Therefore, during illness, that substance can stimulate your body's own healing ability to overcome similar symptoms and strengthen the immune system. The Food and Drug Administration regulates homeopathic medicines as drugs. To be considered homeopathic, an ingredient must meet the standards of the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States (HPUS).
Homeopathic Treatments
Although there is as yet no known cure for RLS, various homeopathic remedies can be used to bring relief. Among these are: Aconitum napellus, used to treat patients suffering from anxiety or panic attacks; Arsenicum album, used to treat RLS when the patient also exhibits signs of extreme anxiety and insecurity; Causticum, used when the patient complains of burning sensations, cramps and muscle weakness; Ignatia, used when RLS is accompanied by such emotional signs as laughter and tears as well as wakefulness; Rhus toxicodendron, to be used when the patient also experiences extreme restlessness; sulphur, also to be used when the patient demonstrates restlessness; Tarentula hispanica, useful in aiding sleep; and Zincum metallicum, used when the RLS patient displays great energy that ultimately leads to exhaustion and depression.
Dosage
RLS sufferers should choose the remedy most appropriate for their symptoms. Follow the instructions on the label, or choose the lowest potency. Start with a single dose and wait to see if there is a response. If there is improvement, continue to allow the remedy to work. If there is no response, try another dose.
Commercial Homeopathic Treatments
A commercial remedy called Restless Legs Relief manufactured by MagniLife is available in pharmacies. Its active ingredients are Aconitum napellus, Gnaphalium Polycephalum, Ledum palustre, Magnesia phosphorica, Rhus toxicodendron and Viscum album.
Another over-the-counter product is Hyland's Restful Legs. It contains Arsenicum album, Lycopodium, Pulsatilla, Rhus toxicodendron, sulphur and zincum metallicum.
See Your Doctor
Before embarking on a homeopathic regimen, a RLS suffer should consider consulting with a homeopathic professional for an accurate diagnosis and recommendations for treatment. The RLS patient should also consult with his physician before adding herbs or vitamin supplements to his diet.
Tags: used when, when patient, used when patient, Rhus toxicodendron, Aconitum napellus, Arsenicum album
Using essential oils for massage is not only relaxing but can be beneficial in a variety of ways, depending the essential oils used. Just a few drops of each oil are applied after the application of carrier oil that dilutes the highly concentrated oils. Following are just a few suggestions using essential oils for massage.
Instructions
1. Relieve stressed muscles and revitalize the mind, body and spirit with a relaxing massage using essential oil of pine. Add cypress oil for a sense of security and grounding.
2. Promote physical and emotional healing as well as a good night's sleep with Awaken, a blend of several other oil blends. Use vegetable oil as the carrier oil for a full body massage.
3. Enjoy giving or receiving a massage with Sensation, a romantic, refreshing blend of ylang-ylang, jasmine and rosewood. Expect increased awareness and amplified excitement.
4. Stimulate the limbic region of the brain with Live with Passion, a blend of oils including ginger, angelica, sandalwood, patchouli and clary sage. Increase passion in relationships, business or personal accomplishment with a massage with this oil blend.
5. Give a massage with Valor, a blend of rosewood, tansy, blue spruce and franincense, to build courage, confidence and self-esteem. Apply Valor first when using other oils.
6. Perk up the spirit with a massage with Citrus Fresh, a blend of orange, tangerine, lemon, spearmint, grapefruit and mandarin. Stimulate and increase creative energy with this refreshing blend.
Acute prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland which causes swelling and pain. The inflammation is caused by a bacterial infection and, in some cases, can be caused from a sexually transmitted disease or STD. Treatments for acute prostatitis are normally effective and clear up the infection completely.
Symptoms
Symptoms of acute prostatitis include burning when urinating, difficult and frequent urination, pain above the pubic bone, painful ejaculation and pain in the penis and testicles. Other symptoms may include fever, chills and nausea. Most of the pain is centered in and around the pelvic region.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will perform a rectal digital exam by inserting a lubricated gloved finger into your rectum. He will be able to feel the prostate gland and determine if it is enlarged or inflamed. Your doctor may also want to collect samples of your urine and semen to test for infection.
Treatments
Antibiotics are the most common treatment for acute prostatitis. Bactrim and Cipro are normally prescribed for at least a four week course of treatment. When an STD causes acute prostatitis, an injection of ceftriaxone is given along with a seven day course of doxycycline. For severe cases antibiotics may be given intravenously in a hospital. Pain relievers such as Motrin or aspirin can help alleviate prostate pain. Alpha blockers such as Cardura relax the bladder neck and my help relieve painful urination.
Diet
Avoid certain foods and beverages that may irritate the prostate. Caffeine, citrus juices and spicy foods can cause inflammation in the prostate gland. Drink more water to help flush bacteria out of your system.
Other Therapies
Urinate completely to avoid symptoms of urgency and frequency. Sit in a warm bath to help a swollen prostate. Avoid bicycling or using any kind of bicycle seat as it can irritate the prostate gland. Try sitting on a pillow to help alleviate pain. Acupuncture is an alternative treatment that may lessen the pain of acute prostatitis, but it will not cure it. Consult your doctor when introducing any new medicine or alternative treatments to your regimen.
When a ticks bites, it burrows it head into the skin of the host, then feeds on its blood. While most tick bites are harmless, some kinds of ticks, such as deer ticks and wood ticks, can transmit diseases, including Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease. Regardless of the risk, a tick should be removed as soon as possible. Removing a tick is a fairly simple procedure, and special medical attention usually isn't necessary.
Checking for Ticks
Check for ticks after being outside for any period of time. In humans, check the scalp, ears, neck and arms and lower legs for tick bites. Children are especially susceptible to bites if they play in areas that harbor ticks. Dogs, cats and other pets can also be bitten by ticks and can bring them in from outside on their fur.
Removing a Tick
If the tick has not bitten you yet, you can remove it easily with a tissue. If the head of the tick is buried in the skin, remove it with a pair of pointed tweezers by grasping the head of the tick as close to the skin as possible, taking care not to crush it. Pull the tick straight out of the skin with a firm, slow and steady force. The tick will eventually let go. Twisting or rocking the tick back and forth to remove it is not necessary. Once the tick is removed, use soap and water to cleanse the skin and apply a topical disinfectant.
What Not to Do
Do not use a lit match, petroleum jelly, liquid soap, finger nail polish or polish remover, insect repellents or pesticides to remove ticks. They are not effective treatments and can even aggravate the tick, making the situation worse. If part of the head remains in the skin after the tick is removed, don't panic. It can be removed as if it were a splinter.
When to Get Medical Attention
Immediately seek medical attention if the tick has been in the skin for more than 24 hours, a rash of any kind forms, the bite becomes infected, or symptoms such as headache, fever, chills, fatigue, muscle or joint pain or neck or back stiffness occur.
It is important to save the removed tick in a sealed container or zip-top bag. If symptoms of illness occur later, the tick may be needed for testing. If no symptoms occur within one month, you can dispose of the tick.
Tags: head tick, medical attention, tick bites, tick removed
What causes restless leg syndrome is still somewhat of a mystery to many doctors. There are some medical conditions that have been linked to it as well as some medications. There are certain medicines and drugs that may be associated with it. The following list summarizes a few of those medicines and drugs and hopefully will give you more knowledge about them.
Caffeine
Almost 80 percent of the world consumes caffeine because it is found in so many foods and drinks that we take into our bodies. It has been found to be a cause of restless leg syndrome in some patients. Doctors recommend cutting back or totally avoiding using caffeine if you are diagnosed with this condition.
H2-histamine Blockers
These histamine blockers, which include Zantac and Tagamet, are another possible cause of restless leg syndrome. Whenever possible, stay away from these medications. If needed, talk to your doctor and see if he can recommend a similar medicine that does not aggravate restless leg syndrome.
Antidepressants
Certain antidepressants such as Elavil have also been found to enhance the symptoms associated with restless leg syndrome.
Alcohol
Use of alcohol can cause an iron deficiency in the body, which can make the symptoms worse and may even slow the effectiveness of treatments.
Smoking Cigarettes
Cigarettes are another drug that can increase the symptoms of this syndrome. Cigarettes have been found to deteriorate the health of people at a higher rate than non-smokers. They also cause deficiencies in iron and calcium in our bones, which heightens the symptoms of restless leg syndrome.
Tags: restless syndrome, been found, associated with, have been, medicines drugs
The Da Buddha vaporizer is a steam vapor machine designed for aromatherapy, naturopathy and herbal therapy use. It allows you to process medicinal herbs without burning them, cutting out the dangerous smoke that leads to tar build-up in the lungs. The ceramic heating base and glass wand are designed to provide clean vapor, free of the metallic taste that often taints the vapor steam in comparable vaporizers.
Instructions
1. Heat the Da Buddha vaporizer by turning the knob clockwise to the highest position and allowing it to heat up for twenty minutes.
2. Dial the knob back 1/4 turn counterclockwise. After use, you will find the best position for your personal needs, but dialing back to position one is a good place to start if this is your first time using the Da Buddha vaporizer.
3. Pack your chopped, herbal blend loosely into the wand between 1/8 and 1/4 of the way while waiting for the vaporizer to heat up. Do not pack the herbs back to the glass heater, or it could cause a fire.
4. Insert the packed wand into the glass heater unit, snugly fitting it into place.
5. Place your mouth over the end of the wand and inhale. The air stimulates heat and vapor that releases essential oils for inhalation.
Before donated blood can be given to a hospital patient it must first undergo a series of tests to prevent transfer of diseases. If the blood is found to carry a disease then it is discarded and the donor is notified of the findings. Once the blood has passed the screening, it can be used in hospitals to help those in need.
WHO Screening Procedures for Blood Donors
The World Health Organization (WHO) currently screens donated blood for four major diseases. These include hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, and syphilis. If the donated blood tests positive for any of these diseases, it is discarded. Donors will receive an examination before giving blood. The examination will consist of taking your temperature, blood pressure and pulse reading, as well as a blood count.
Additional testing may be conducted based on the region where you, the blood donor, live. These tests can screen for West Nile virus and other diseases or viruses that may be prevalent in the area.
The additional tests, however, can be costly and are not always administered by donation centers. Some donation centers do not receive enough funding to provide extensive tests and screening.
General Guidlines for Blood Donation
The American Red Cross requires its donors to weigh at least 110 lbs. and be 17 years or older. (Some states allow donors to give blood at 16 years.) Also donors can only give blood once every eight weeks. Students under the age of 19 also have to meet a height and weight requirement for the American Red Cross.
In addition to these guidelines other factors can prevent you from donating blood. These factors include pregnancy, if you have been treated for an sexually-transmitted disease within the past 12 months, if you have sickle cell disease, if you have gotten a tattoo in the past 12 months, or if you have traveled to a region where malaria is prevalent.
Further guidelines note special requirements for people having traveled outside of the United States; check the Red Cross website for more information.
Tags: donated blood, American Cross, Blood Donors, donation centers, give blood
Bipolar disorder, sometimes called manic depression, is a mental illness that can cause a loss of impulse control in sufferers. During the manic phase of the disorder, a bipolar person may commit infidelity. To cope with this infidelity requires a plan for preventing it from happening again during future manic phases.
Instructions
1. Find out the details. It will be easier to figure out cope with the problem is you know exactly how it happened. Some bipolar infidelity happens during the depressive part of the cycle, but most of the time it occurs during the manic phase. Find out which part of the bipolar cycle it was and what may have triggered the infidelity.
2. Try to understand. Going into the healing process with too much anger will make it difficult to learn to forgive the infidelity. Some anger is justified, but there has to be room in there for forgiveness as well. Otherwise, communication will be impossible.
3. Work out a plan for treating the disorder. There are many medications that can stabilize moods and relieve many of the difficult symptoms of bipolar disorder. See a doctor together to find out what can be done to keep even moods without severe highs and lows. This will improve all of the sufferer's relationships and make it easier to cope with everyday life.
4. Make a personal plan to prevent the behavior. The unfaithful party should agree to some ground rules surrounding the disorder and the temptation to engage in reckless behavior. The rules should include communication between the two of you when the disorder begins to affect you both. It should also include a promise that the bipolar party must take any medication prescribed and follow the doctor's instructions.
Growing mushrooms at home is a hobby that provides fresh food for your family. Shiitake is one of the most common mushrooms used in cooking, and these mushrooms can be grown by an amateur home grower with care and consideration. Shiitake grows best on freshly sawed wood taken from a tree, so if you have some extra firewood or know a landscaper with logs to spare, you can create the ideal environment to grow shiitake mushrooms.
Instructions
1. Obtain a sawed log from a landscaper or other professional cutter. If you intend to cut your own wood, the ideal time is in midwinter for a spring growing. Make sure your chosen wood is still alive and is free of any infections or fungus.
2. Measure 2 inches from one end of the log. Drill a 1-inch deep and 1-inch diameter hole with a high-powered drill. Move 6 inches along the log and drill another, continuing until you complete a row. Leave at least 2 inches of space on the other end of the log as well.
3. Space your next row of holes 2 inches above or below the first. Stagger the holes so that they form a diamond pattern and the holes don't line up directly. Continue until you have covered the entire wood piece with holes.
4. Inculcate the log with shiitake spawn. Use a pipette or specially designed plunging tool to add spawn to each hole, filling each hole completely. Inculcation must take place immediately after drilling, or you run the risk that the holes will become infected with other contaminants.
5. Seal each hole with hot cheese wax to prevent the spawn from running out of the hole or other contaminants from getting in.
6. Store the log in an area protected from sunlight and wind. Cover the area with tarps and awnings, or place the log in a grove of trees that provides natural protection. Mushrooms will not grow in sunny or windy areas.
7. Stack the log on a table or metal support system so that it sits at least 6 inches above the ground. Logs sitting directly on soil can be contaminated by insects or other soil dwellers.
8. Douse the log with cool water every time the bark becomes dry. The ideal moisture level for mushroom growth is between 35 and 45 percent, according to the University of Missouri Center for Agroforestry. Never allow the logs to dry out completely, or the mushrooms will die. Mushrooms should begin to show through in 10 to 12 weeks, depending on the temperature and humidity of your climate.
Tags: each hole, freshly sawed, freshly sawed wood, hole with, inches above, least inches, other contaminants
Rota-dent toothbrushes provide a gentle but thorough cleaning that is similar to a professional teeth cleaning. Typically, Rota-dent toothbrushes come with several types of detachable brush heads. Ask your dentist which one is best for you. For example, pointed brush heads work well for those with braces or other dental appliances. Elongated tips work best for people with large gaps between their teeth. Hollow-cup heads can remove stains and polish teeth. If the brush head wears out, you can purchase replacement heads.
Instructions
1. Charge your Rota-dent toothbrush fully before using for the first time. Typically, this takes 24 hours.
2. Attach one of the detachable brush heads to the Rota-dent. To do this, hold the Rota-dent unit upright. Line up the hole in the neck of the brush head with the male connector on the Rota-dent unit, then push it into place.
3. Squeeze a pea-sized amount of toothpaste onto the brush head if desired. If you choose to use toothpaste, use a gel. Cream toothpaste decreases the life of the brush head.
4. Press the brush head against your gum line at a 90-degree angle. This allows for maximum surface coverage.
5. Turn on the Rota-dent by pressing the power button. Slowly move the brush along the inside and outside gum lines, then move it across the top surfaces of your teeth. Do not scrub your teeth as you would with a normal toothbrush. The Rota-dent's cleaning action is most effective when used with very little pressure.
6. Rinse the brush head when you finish and return the Rota-dent unit to its charging cradle.
A child who has an overactive bladder often suffers from incontinence. Incontinence often subsides on its own, suggesting that it may simply be a part of growing up for some children. Incontinence often presents itself in children who have overactive bladders in the daytime as well as the evening. Your child's urge to urinate when she has an overactive bladder may be hard to suppress.
Overactive Bladder
An overactive bladder occurs because the bladder muscles involuntarily contract, which makes it difficult for your child to control herself from urinating. It also may occur more frequently children with diabetes or with poor kidney function.
After a child turns 5 years old, incontinence becomes less common. According to National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, about 10 percent of children who are 5 years old have overactive bladders. This number drops to about 5 percent of 10-year-olds. By the time a child reaches adulthood, incontinence affects only about 1 percent of people. Boys are twice as likely to have overactive bladders as girls are.
Types
Enuresis is another name for an overactive bladder. Primary enuresis is classified as wetting in a child who has never avoided wetting himself for more than six months. Secondary enuresis begins when a child wets himself after more than six months of being dry. Nocturnal enuresis occurs during the evening and pre-dawn hours. Diurnal enuresis involves a child wetting himself while awake.
Nighttime Incontinence
According to the NIDDKD,, experts do not fully understand what causes nighttime incontinence. Most children who wet the bed are normal physically and emotionally. There may be a mixture of issues that cause a child to have an overactive bladder in the evening, including overproduction of urine at night, anxiety and even a family history of bedwetting.
Solutions
Urinary incontinence often fades naturally. Over time, your child's bladder capacity increases. She may more readily heed body alarms, recognizing when it is time to go to the bathroom in the daytime or in the evening.
Doctors recommend that children who have overactive bladders schedule regular trips to the bathroom to keep the bladder from getting too full. Increased fiber intake can help; constipation sometimes lead to an overacte
Medications
Drugs to increase ADH levels can decrease the amount of urine that forms in the body. Imipramine is also used to decrease bedwetting. According to NIDDK, these medications can help more than two-thirds of children reduce bladder activity; relapse sometimes occurs after your child stops using the medication. Side effects associated with medications used to treat overactive bladders include dry mouth and eyes.
Tags: have overactive, overactive bladders, have overactive bladders, about percent, more than, overactive bladder, your child
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a serious mental condition that onsets around late adolescence. Bipolar disorder develops in individuals who are genetically predisposed through their mother's side and is characterized by oscillating moods of abnormal mania and severe depression. The side effects of the disorder depend on which side of the spectrum the individual is at the current moment. While most of the side effects of bipolar disorder are mental, there can be several physical side effects that manifest as well.
Emotional Manic Side Effects
Individuals in a manic episode may experience a range of emotional side effects, which include impulsiveness, severe agitation, increased sexual desire or rapid speech patterns.
Physical Manic Side Effects
During a period of mania, an individual can experience weight loss, perspiration and diarrhea as physical side effects of the disorder. Piercings and tattoos can also be considered physical side effects as a result of impulsive behavior.
Emotional Depressive Side Effects
Patients who are suffering from a depressive episode will experience low mood, paranoia, hopelessness and increased anxiety as emotional side effects of the disorder.
Physical Depressive Side Effects
Lethargy, sluggishness, oversleeping and overeating are common physical side effects of bipolar disorder. Any self harm due to suicidal or depressive thoughts can also be considered physical side effects.
Psychosis
Psychotic breaks are a side effect of the condition that can occur in either manic or depressive episodes; however, they are more common in instances of mania.
Tags: physical side, physical side effects, side effects, side effects, effects disorder
Liposuction is the surgical removal of stubborn fat in parts of the body that are difficult to melt with exercise. Liposuction of the abdomen involves a plastic surgeon extracting fat from your stomach, in order to reduce the appearance of fat in the stomach area. There are several major types of liposuction: traditional liposuction, tumescent liposuction, and ultrasonic liposuction. There are important differences between the procedures, which result in different recovery periods and varying results.
Recovery Following After the Surgery
The recovery period varies depending on the type of liposuction. With traditional liposuction, you go under anesthesia for the operation and the surgeon makes a large surgical incision. As a result, the recovery period will be more difficult. You will be in pain for several days immediately following the surgery and may have to stay in the hospital for several days or remain on bed rest. You may need IV fluids, or a blood transfusion if you lost significant blood during the surgery.
Like traditional liposuction, ultrasonic liposuction is also usually done in a hospital. Anesthesia may be general or local. The length of the required hospital stay varies depending on the need for IV fluids, which varies by patient and by the extent of the fat removed from the stomach. Usually, you are on bed rest for several days even if you don't remain in the hospital, and you may experience significant pain and discomfort for several days after the procedure.
On the other hand, if you have tumescent liposuction, you will have local anesthetic. You can walk out of the surgery, which is usually done on an outpatient basis in a doctor's office instead of a hospital. You may require some pain killers in the 24 to 48 hours following the surgery, but the pain is less intense than with traditional liposuction.
In the days following the surgery, you may also be susceptible to infection surrounding the incision. If an infection occurs, it can be treated with antibiotics and antipyretics. Be aware of fever or other signs of infection and consult a doctor if they occur.
Follow-Up Care
Typically, you should make the first post-surgical visit to the surgeon at least five to seven days after the procedure so your doctor can ensure you are healing properly. Bandages tend to give away because of their location around the stomach, so will need to be monitored and changed.
With traditional liposuction, you can usually resume normal activities within two to four weeks, depending on the amount of fat removed. With ultrasonic liposuction, you may be able to return to work within days or weeks, depending on the size of the cannulae (the ultrasonic tool that is inserted in the abdomen to break up the fat cells). With tumescent liposuction, you can return to work within days, since it has the shortest recover period.
Other Recovery Tips
Liposuction in the abdomen has a tendency to develop swelling and bleeding because the skin has to get adjusted to the new shape and texture. Make sure you cover the abdomen with tight clothing so that the skin hugs to the new contour easily. Stockings, girdles or elastic dressing should be worn for 14 to 21 days after the surgery.
Start exercise in moderate stages immediately after you have undergone liposuction for the stomach. You could start with a small walk, and gradually increase the duration and pace over one or two weeks. Avoid intense exercise for about a month after the surgery.
Have realistic expectations for your surgery. While liposuction for the stomach can considerably reduce your flab, a single procedure does not guarantee that fat will never return to your stomach. In order to keep fat off, you will need to create a diet and exercise program that works for you. It is best to consult a physician on do this.
Tags: traditional liposuction, several days, days after, following surgery, tumescent liposuction, ultrasonic liposuction
Progesterone is a human hormone that regulates sexual development. In women, progesterone works in concert with estrogen to regulate the menstrual cycle and is necessary for fertility and pregnancy. Women of child bearing age with low progesterone levels may need to increase their progesterone levels if they face infertility.
If you are looking for natural alternatives to progesterone creams and injections, here are some steps you can take to treat low progesterone naturally.
Instructions
1. Talk to an herbalist about herbs that can treat low progesterone. Black cohosh, red raspberry and chasteberry have been used for centuries to treat a variety of female fertility issues, long before it was known that fertility is controlled by hormones. These herbs work by prompting our bodies to produce more.
2. Women with low progesterone often have low levels of vitamin C, E, B6, magnesium and zinc. Although the cause/effect nature of low progesterone and vitamin deficiency is unclear, there is some evidence that taking extra vitamin supplements can help.
3. Sometimes low progesterone is complicated by high levels of other hormones, particularly estrogen. If you have tested for elevated estrogen levels (estrogen dominance), avoid foods and herbs that are know to increase estrogen levels. An imbalance of high estrogen and low progesterone can contribute to infertility.
4. You can increase progesterone levels more quickly with creams, suppositories, and injections. If you want a natural source, try progesterone creams derived from Mexican yam. Mexican yam contains diosgenin which is converted to progesterone in the lab by a simple chemical reaction.
5. The major benefit of using natural sources of progesterone is that synthetic hormones may not exactly match the hormones produced in our bodies. Take supplements that encourage your body to produce more progesterone.
Tags: estrogen levels, herbs that, produce more, progesterone creams, progesterone levels, treat progesterone, with progesterone
Bipolar I disorder is a severe type of mental illness characterized by episodes of abnormally elevated moods called manias which may alternate with episodes of depression. The disorder usually begins in a person's teens or early twenties. It differs from bipolar II disorder, which has cycles of mania and depression, with the depression typically being more extreme and longer-lasting, and the mania not as intense.
Manic Episodes
During a manic episode in bipolar I disorder, the person becomes hyperactive, has an unrealistically inflated self-image and may have a very heightened sex drive.
Manic Behavior
The manic episodes cause the person to behave erratically, doing irrational actions such as spending an entire savings account or having sex indiscriminately.
Severe Episodes
In severe manic periods, a person loses touch with reality, becoming delusional and behaving in bizarre ways.
Depressive Episodes
Depressive episodes in bipolar I disorders may not be as severe as in bipolar II disorders, although there still may be low energy and activity levels, along with moodiness.
Time Frame
Manic episodes typically last several weeks or months. Many people with bipolar I disorder experience long periods where they have no mania or depression symptoms.
Treatment
The disorder requires treatment with mood stabilizers and anti-psychotic drugs during manic episodes.
How do I stop the swelling and itching of a fire ant bite? Is a fire ant bite supposed to be swollen? Should I pop the pustule the forms after a fire ant bite? Is my fire ant bite infected? These are all common questions for someone who gets stung by a fire ant? Fire ant stings are painful and itchy - a terrible combination. Fire ant bites are also very prone to infection. In fact, when someone suffers a fire ant sting, it's actually a combination sting and bite. The fire ant uses his mandibles to bite a tiny chunk of skin; he also has a venom that he injects. Learn prevent a fire ant bite from getting infected and what to do after a fire ant sting/bite occurs.
Instructions
1. Apply after bite medication or ammonia to the fire ant sting. In the moments after a fire ant bite/sting, the person will experience feelings of pain and itching. A red or swollen fire ant bite/sting site is also common. To help relieve the pain and itch associated with a fire ant sting, apply After Bite medication. If this is not available, pour ammonia over the fire ant sting and rinse thoroughly with water after about 30-45 seconds.
2. Wash the fire ant sting with antibacterial soap. This will kill the bacteria and lessen the chance of suffering a swollen and infected fire ant bite.
3. Apply betadine (preferred) or hydrogen peroxide to a cotton ball or gauze pad and dab the fire ant bites. This will further disinfect the fire ant sting, thereby preventing infection and swelling that's associated with infection.
4. Apply a thin layer of hydrocortisone cream (not ointment) and rub this into the skin. This will help reduce or eliminate the itch associated with the fire ant sting. The less you itch the fire ant sting, the less swelling and the less the chance of infection.
5. Apply antibiotic ointment to the site of the fire ant sting. This will help kill bacteria and this too will lessen the chances of an infected fire ant sting.
6. Cover the site of the fire ant bite with a Band-Aid. Often, multiple fire ant bites are present because when threatened, fire ants will emit a chemical that tells his fellow fire ants to attack. If this is the case, cover the fire ant bites with a gauze pad or rolled gauze (depending on location.)
7. Apply an ice pack to the fire ant sting for 20-minute periods. It's often to see a swollen fire ant bite. This can occur due to itching, infection or due to an allergic reaction to the ant bite. If this occurs, apply an ice pack for 20 minutes at a time; let the area thaw for 20 minutes, then reapply the ice pack if desired. The ice pack compress can also help if the fire ant bite is itchy.
8. Following steps 2 through 6, wash, dress and bandage the fire ant sting/bite twice a day. This will prevent infection and the swelling that's associated with infection.
9. Do not pop the fire ant bite pustule! Popping the pustule will only cause more swelling and worsen the infection. A small pustule will form at the site of the fire ant stings within a few hours to a few days. Many people wonder, "Should I pop a fire ant bite pustule?" The answer is "No!" Squeezing and trying to pop the fire ant sting pustule will drive the infection deeper into the skin. So do not squeeze the pustule or try to pop it; it will break on its own.
Tags: fire bite, fire sting, fire sting, This will, associated with, pustule will
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver and has a variety of causes which include viruses, toxins in the environment, and hereditary. The symptoms of hepatitis and liver damage are generally the same no matter what the cause of hepatitis, although not everyone with liver damage has symptoms. People who think they have symptoms of hepatitis should be seen by a doctor and evaluated for signs of damage to the liver.
Identification
Hepatitis can be diagnosed through laboratory tests for viral infections and liver function tests as well as by a physician's examination.
Types
The early symptoms of hepatitis and liver damage may include mild fatigue and abdominal pain, jaundice, vomiting, fever, dark urine and light stool and weight loss caused by poor appetite.
Types
Advanced hepatitis or liver damage sometimes has no symptoms, but when symptoms are present they may include internal bleeding, swelling in the abdomen and legs, bruising without physical injury, and weight loss.
Considerations
People who are infected with more than one type of viral hepatitis, or who have viral hepatitis along with liver damage caused by alcohol or other medical conditions are more likely to experience advanced liver disease such as cirrhosis or liver cancer.
Misconceptions
According to the Centers for Disease Control, adults who are infected with the hepatitis B or C viruses rarely experience symptoms of liver damage, which may cause delays in treatment or result in transmission of the infection to other people.
Prevention/Solution
Vaccinations for hepatitis A and B are available through doctor's offices and local health department clinics. These vaccinations can prevent infection and subsequent liver damage.
Warning
Hepatitis and liver damage can cause more frequent illnesses and infections, malnutrition, and gastric varices (swollen veins that may burst and cause significant internal bleeding) and cancer of the liver.
Gastric bypass operations need to go hand-in-hand with lifestyle changes.
California-based Kaiser Permanente is a not-for-profit integrated health care organization. Because 50 percent of the companies profits made by the umbrella organization are fed back into smaller, profit-making, companies affiliated with Kaiser Permanente, the company often comes under scrutiny. Nevertheless, the not-for-profit has 8.3 million health plan members and is the largest organization of its kind in the U.S. Part of Kaiser Permanente's weight management program provides gastric bypasses. Along with gastric bypasses, the not-for-profit also provides information on the long-term dietary changes necessary to maintain weight-loss following the operation which includes strict food rules and food stages.
Moving on from Stage One and Two
Stick to the liquid and blended foods allowed after the operation during Stage One and Stage Two. This should be followed for the first couple of weeks. Soft foods are introduced into the diet during the next stage, Stage Three.
Starting Stage Three
Begin eating soft solid foods like eggs, deli meats, soft vegetables, fish and cheese. You will probably feel full after approximately 3/4 cup to one cup of food due to your new, smaller stomach capacity. Because of this narrowing of the stomach, you might not be able to tolerate chewy meats and dry breads at this stage. Some patients find that they cannot tolerate solids at all for several weeks after the operation.
Particularly Important Dietary Inclusions
Concentrate on consuming enough protein and water to meet your daily requirements. Protein and water are especially important after the surgery as they help with healing and maintaining health. Sip water every 10 minutes for the first two weeks after the operation and then continue to drink water regularly throughout the day. If you cannot tolerate the Stage Three diet two weeks after surgery, continue drinking protein supplements until you are able to do so.
Foods to Include and Foods to Avoid
Research the best foods to include in your diet that are high in protein, but low in fat and calories. Avoid alcoholic beverages and high calorie drinks. Some patients react badly to high sugar foods, experiencing cramps, weakness and sweating. Since high sugar foods are not good to include in your long-term diet, begin avoiding them at this stage to start new habits. Other patients experience lactose intolerance after the surgery and have to avoid all dairy products. While this can prove problematic, to maintain weight loss, milk, cheese and other dairy products should only be consumed at a minimum anyway.
Important Dietary Supplements
Take a daily multivitamins that includes calcium, sublingual Vitamin B12 and iron (for menstruating women) after the operation. Vitamin absorption is diminished due to the altered anatomy of the stomach and intestines so most gastric bypass patients will need to take these supplements for life.
Tags: after operation, after surgery, Kaiser Permanente, Stage Three, weeks after, cannot tolerate
The thyroid regulates the metabolism of all cells in the body.
The pituitary and thyroid glands are components of the body's endocrine system, which secretes hormones to regulate body processes (such as those involved in cell growth, immunity and reproduction). Although the pituitary and thyroid glands have their own individual functions, they also interact with each other.
Pituitary Gland Functions
The pituitary gland is about the size of a pea, and is attached the hypothalamus, which is a part of the brain located just above the brain stem. It regulates the other glands in the endocrine system, including the thyroid gland.
In addition to its role as a regulator, it produces several hormones: growth hormones that regulate the body's development; prolactin, which initiates milk production in new mothers; luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which stimulate the testes and ovaries; adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which stimulates the adrenal glands; melanocyte-stimulating hormone, which controls pigmentation of the skin; antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which increases the reabsorption of water in the kidneys; oxytocin, which causes the uterus to contract during childbirth; and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which stimulates the thyroid gland.
Thyroid Gland Functions
The thyroid weighs about an ounce, and is located in the front of the throat, just below the larynx. The thyroid regulates the metabolism, or chemical activity, of every cell in the body. It also regulates the amount of calcium in the body.
The cells of the thyroid gland are the only cells that can absorb iodine. By combining this element with an amino acid called tyrosine, the thyroid produces the hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). These hormones control the body's metabolism.
Interaction of the Pituitary and Thyroid Glands
The pituitary gland acts as a regulator or controller of the thyroid gland, in much the same way that a thermostat regulates an air conditioning system. The pituitary gland monitors the levels of T3 and T4 hormones in the blood; when they drop too low, it increases its production of TSH, stimulating the thyroid gland to increase production of T3 and T4. When T3 and T4 levels return to normal, the pituitary gland suppresses production of TSH.
The Eat-Clean Diet emphasizes eating unprocessed whole foods and avoiding foods laden with sugar and fat. The idea is to shun the “diet” mentality and instead seek a lifelong change in eating that moves toward complex carbohydrates, clean protein sources and produce. Tosca Reno, a fitness model and contributor to "Oxygen Magazine," created the diet after her remarkable 70-pound weight loss at the age of 40. Reno, previously more than 200 pounds, transformed her life by abolishing processed carbs and junk food and creating a way of eating that she labeled “clean eating.” The Eat-Clean Diet involves specific strategies to minimize hunger and replace less than healthy food choices with natural whole meals. Although this eating plan provides healthy recommendations, it may be challenging to follow at all times.
Instructions
1. Eat small meals frequently. Ideally people who are “eating clean” will eat five to six small meals (200-300 calories each) per day. These meals should be spaced every two to three hours. The frequency of meals helps to stabilize blood sugar levels and minimize hunger.
2. Prepare meals with a mixture of complex carbs and lean protein. Complex carbohydrates are those that take longer to digest and generally contain more fiber, vitamins and minerals. A few examples of complex carbs are whole-grain bread, vegetables and lentils. Protein choices should be low in fat and high in protein; for instance, chicken breast, egg whites and salmon.
3. Do not skip meals. It is very important to eat each meal throughout the day. This is especially important for breakfast. According to WebMD, 90 percent of people in the National Weight Registry (which means they have lost and maintained a 30-pound loss or more) eat breakfast most days of the week.
4. Do not eat overprocessed foods, including white flour and sugar. White flour and sugar are examples of simple carbohydrates, which spike insulin levels and may lead to increased cravings and binges. Many processed grocery items will contain these items, including but not limited to, white bread, cookies, chips, crackers, juice, soda, ice cream and most things considered “junk food.”
5. Eat healthy fats, but avoid saturated and trans fats. Healthy fats include monounsaturated and omega-3 fatty acids. Examples of foods with these fats include avocados, flaxseed oil, olives and a variety of other vegetable oils, nuts and some fish. Saturated and trans fats can lower good cholesterol (known as HDL) and increase bad cholesterol (known as LDL).
6. Consume proper portion sizes. Small portion sizes are imperative to eating clean. Generally a single portion of a starch is a ½ cup and a single portion of a protein is 2 oz. It is important to become familiar with the approximate amount of calories in a portion of food. In the beginning of the “eat clean” diet, measuring portions and watching calories may be a good idea. This is especially important when consuming fats, which have very high calories for very small portions.
Tags: cholesterol known, complex carbs, Eat-Clean Diet, eating clean, eating that, especially important, fats include
The macrobiotic diet is rooted in the idea that the food we eat has a direct correlation to our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. In addition to being a diet, macrobiotic teachings are intended to illustrate health on a larger scale and help us transform the way we see our surroundings, lifestyle, and nutritional intake. The diet is primarily vegetarian and includes organic foods, which are low in fat and high in fiber, and emphasizes whole grains, vegetables, fermented soy, soups, fruits, nuts, seeds, and small portions of fish.
Significance
Macrobiotic followers believe that consuming energetically balanced foods regularly fortifies our blood and facilitates our health and healing processes. Practicing such guidelines automatically enhances our systems and can decrease the risk of illnesses such as heart disease and certain cancers, as many macrobiotic followers have low levels of fat and cholesterol.
Effects
The idea behind macrobiotics is that illness is a progression and people can be sick, even if they're not symptomatic, because they lead unhealthy lifestyles. People who adhere to macrobiotics believe its diet and practices have the ability to inhibit a medical complication or condition from turning into a disease.
Features
Foods are categorized as either yin or yang and must balance out one another. Provisions that are too yin or yang must be avoided because they hold toxins and prevent equilibrium in the body.
Identification
The macrobiotic diet consists of natural, organic, and unprocessed foods, since foods closest to the earth connect us with nature and endorse our overall health.
Potential
Many people consider macrobiotics a healing method, with the potential to reverse the effect and treat a wide range of medical and psychological conditions. Macrobiotics has been known to play a significant role in curing numerous illnesses by helping eliminate toxins from the body and cleansing the system of other hazardous matter.
Considerations
Following a strict macrobiotic diet is not a feasible option (or recommended) for everyone, as it can be too restrictive and fail to provide a sufficient amount of nutrients. Consult your doctor prior to beginning any diet.
Tags: because they, Diet Healing, macrobiotic diet, Macrobiotic Diet Healing, yang must
Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that strikes the plasma cells in a patient's bone marrow. The bone tumors of multiple myeloma harm the immune system and reduce the bone marrow's ability to produce several different types of blood cells, including red blood cells, platelets and white blood cells. Doctors usually treat multiple myeloma with chemotherapy treatment and a combination of several drugs.
Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma can cause bone pain and loss of bone. Individuals with this disease are more susceptible to infections and have an increased risk of bleeding. Fever, unexplained fractures and weakness of the legs and arms may occur in multiple myeloma patients. This disease is more likely to develop in older people and individuals who have received radiation therapy. Doctors may use X-rays, bone marrow biopsies and several blood tests to diagnose multiple myeloma.
Stem Cell Combination Treatment
Physicians may use a combination of stem cell transplantation, chemotherapy and drug therapy to treat multiple myeloma patients, according to the Mayo Clinic. Initial treatment includes bortezomib or lenalidomide combined with dexamethasone to kill multiple myeloma cancer cells. Doctors collect stem cells from a patient and transplant them after the initial drug treatment to improve healthy blood cell production. Melphalan is a chemotherapy drug that may be used after stem cell transplantation to destroy multiple myeloma cells.
Other Combination Treatments
Multiple myeloma patients who are not healthy enough to undergo stem cell transplantation may receive a potent chemotherapy drug combination for initial treatment, including melphalan, thalidomide and prednisone. Chemotherapy drugs may cause serious side effects, such as fatigue, vomiting and easy bruising. Patients may receive a combination of lenalidomide and dexamethasone if other drugs cause serious side effects.
Additional Myeloma Treatments
Doctors may use radiation therapy to shrink multiple myeloma cells in a targeted area of bone. Patients may use a back brace or pain medication to manage back pain from this disease. Physicians may prescribe bisphosphonate drugs such as zoledronic acid or pamidronate to stop bone loss. Individuals with anemia from multiple myeloma may receive a drug to stimulate red blood cell production, such as erythropoietin.
Complications
Multiple myeloma patients may develop serious complications, including kidney failure. Kidney failure usually is treated with kidney dialysis to remove wastes from a patient's blood. Dangerously high levels of calcium may accumulate in the blood of patients with multiple myeloma. Bone tumors from this disease may press on nerves and cause paralysis. People with multiple myeloma may be more susceptible to developing pneumonia. Patients should get prompt medical help if they notice numbness, loss of sensation or a developing infection.
Tags: myeloma patients, blood cells, bone marrow, cell transplantation, chemotherapy drug
Just because the legal drinking age in the United States is currently 21 doesn't mean that all teenagers pay attention to it. While some adhere to the law and wait until the legal age, there are some who choose to drink in their teen years. Even though they shouldn't drink alcohol, teens have their reasons for doing so and those reasons can vary from person to person.
Significance
Understanding why teenagers today choose to drink alcohol can help you talk to your own child about the importance of not drinking at all until he is of legal age and about responsible drinking thereafter. You may be able to relate to him better on this issue if you understand the reasons behind the decisions he makes. If a teen feels like you don't have any awareness of the pressures he is going through on a daily basis, he may be less likely to listen to what you have to say.
Warning
Don't hesitate talking to your child as early as possible about resisting alcohol, even if she gets teased and taunted for doing so. You shouldn't have the impression that a teen might only get the opportunity to drink once she is 18 or 19 years old. Surprisingly, some children start drinking alcohol before they even get to their teenage years. If you have the conversation before she gets offered her first drink, you may be able to get into her head about how dangerous alcohol can be and why she should wait until she is much older.
Types
One of the main reasons teens drink alcoho is peer pressure. They feel compelled to take a drink or two because their friends are doing it and they want to look cool. Another reason is that some teens get a rush out of doing something illegal. Since many teens don't get caught, they feel like the risk is worth it. Also, some teens may feel that they could be more relaxed or happy if they drink. Some may use it as an escape from their day-to-day life.
Effects
There can be many negative effects of a teenager drinking alcohol. First and foremost, it's illegal and he could get in some serious trouble. In addition, many teens who try alcohol don't know their limit or when to stop. Some continue to drink until they get physically ill and some get alcohol poisoning and could even die. Also, some teenagers make the mistake of drinking and driving and in some cases, they hurt or kill themselves or others. Some teens even get addicted to alcohol and it affects their entire lives.
Prevention/Solution
You should make sure to repeatedly talk to your children about how important not drinking alcohol is. One conversation when they're young isn't enough as they can forget it or ignore it over the years. Talk to them over time to make sure that they thoroughly understand. In addition, be interested in their life, meet who they are hanging out with and let them know that they can talk to you about anything.
Tags: drinking alcohol, that they, Also some, choose drink, drink alcohol, make sure, many teens
One of every six men will develop prostate cancer in his lifetime. After diagnosis and treatment, the first indicator that prostate cancer has returned is a rise in the PSA (protein specific antigen) level. This is why regular follow ups with the oncologist are so important after cancer treatment.
Initial Signs
Once a patient has completed surgery and radiation, PSA levels drop and stabilize. After surgery, some prostate cells left in the body can continue to excrete PSA. If PSA levels increase post treatment, it may be a sign of lymph node involvement or metastasis (spread to another organ). Many men are asymptomatic (present no symptoms) with prostate cancer and elevated PSA levels are the only indicators that the cancer has returned.
Dysuria
Dysuria (difficult urination) is a common symptom of advanced prostate cancer. If a man has trouble starting a urine stream, pain upon urination, blood in the urine, burning sensation while urinating, whether or not he has been treated for prostate cancer, he needs to consult his physician. Frequently needing to urinate at night is another indicator that there is a problem that requires a trip to the doctor.
Bone Pain
In prostate cancer, metastasis tends to spread from the local prostate area outward. Bones are almost always the first sites of prostate metastasis (spread of cancer to a new organ). If bone pain in the pelvis, lumbar spine or femurs is experienced, it may be a sign that the cancer has spread. To evaluate for cancer recurrence and determine sites of metastasis, a doctor will usually order a bone scan.
Weight Loss
As is true in most cancer cases, weight loss is another sign of advanced metastatic disease. In the earlier stages of prostate cancer, weight loss is not usually evident. However, in patients with progressive, metastatic cancer, 90 percent will suffer from loss of appetite. As many as 60 percent of advanced cancer patients will develop cachexia, otherwise known as "wasting syndrome." Researchers have discovered a chemical link between cancer cells and the wasting effect observed in cancer patients. These patients may consume normal or nearly normal diets, but are unable to use nutrients in an efficient manner.
Prediction
A recent study at Johns Hopkins University (presented in June, 2009) tracked 774 prostate cancer patients, and out of the research, a prediction tool for prostate cancer recurrence was formulated. The first element is how long it takes for the PSA level to double post treatment. The second factor is the original Gleason score (staging tool on the aggressiveness of the cancer). The final determinant is the time frame between surgery and the first detectable PSA level. The results show that it takes approximately 10 years on average for metastasis to be detectable radiologically. For those men whose PSA doubled in three months, they were 20 times more likely to progress to metastatic cancer.
Tags: prostate cancer, cancer patients, cancer returned, indicator that, metastasis spread