Medicare provides health care insurance to people over age 65 and those who are disabled. But sometimes this insurance just isn't enough. Medicare supplemental insurance, often referred to as Medigap coverage, can give you peace of mind and financial assurance.
Instructions
1. Determine your health care needs. Though the government mandates the coverage requirements of Medicare Supplemental Insurance policies, the policies do differ greatly. Some plans cover Medicare Part A deductibles; others do not. Some cover skilled nursing care; others do not. Think carefully about your needs before beginning the process.
2. Visit the Find and Compare Medicare Health Plans page on the Medicare website (see Resources below). This tool allows you to enter in your age, health status and zip code to find plans that are available. The site shows the premiums and coverage options for each plan.
3. Call (800) MEDICARE to speak with a professional who can help you through the process. Be open about your health status and monthly budget.
Tags: your health, about your, health care, health status, Medicare Supplemental, your health status
Schizophrenia symptoms have a wide range. Positive symptoms are symptoms that shouldn't be there. Negative symptoms describe missing things that should be there. Disorganized symptoms refer to disorganized thoughts and speech.
Delusions
A delusion is a positive symptom of schizophrenia. A person suffering from delusions will often have irrational beliefs that seem to have no basis. Some common delusions are religious in nature. Delusions can be grandiose, such as a schizophrenic thinking he is the president, or a schizophrenic might think people or aliens are out to hurt him.
Hallucinations
A hallucination is also a positive symptom of schizophrenia. Auditory hallucinations, or hearing something that isn't there, are the most common. Schizophrenics often hear voices. Sometimes hallucinations will manifest visually, through smell or through touch.
Affective Flattening
Schizophrenics suffering from negative symptoms may have affective flattening, or loss of apparent emotional response.
Lack of Interest
Other negative symptoms include a general lack of interest in life, low energy, social isolation, and withdrawing from things that used to make the schizophrenic happy.
Disorganized Behavior
A schizophrenic may speak random-seeming words in long sentences, called "word salads." His thoughts may also be disorganized and he could have a hard time figuring out things the way he used to.
Catatonia
In extreme cases, a schizophrenic might go catatonic, either staying in one position for long periods of time or being especially limber.
Tags: positive symptom, positive symptom schizophrenia, schizophrenic might, suffering from, symptom schizophrenia, symptoms have, things that
Cardamom is used primarily in Middle Eastern and Indian cultures. It is popular in the traditional Indian system of medicine, known as Ayurveda. According to Planetary Apothecary author and nutritionist Stephanie Gailing, there are two types of cardamom--green and black. Cardamom is most often used in seed or powder form. The benefits of cardamom are, most notably, in the health and culinary realms.
Digestion
As the UCLA Biomedical Library notes, cardamom is used as a digestive aid. Gailing notes that both the green and black varieties of cardamom are used to relieve indigestion and gas. Dr. Robert E. Svoboda claims, in his book "Ayurveda: Life, Health and Longevity," that cardamom combats acidity, which prompts Middle Easterners to put it in coffee. University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) doctors suggest drinking tea that contains cardamom to prevent roundworms, a parasite that infiltrates the intestines.
Other Health Ailments
Dr. Svoboda contends that cardamom can remedy piles, urinary issues, heart problems, cough and asthma, though this is based primarily on traditional notions. Gailing advises chewing on cardamom seeds to alleviate bad breath. UCLA adds colds, fevers, bronchitis and liver problems to the list of ailments cardamom is used to relieve, though it notes that no scientific evidence exists to support these applications.
Culinary Benefits
Some curry powders contain cardamom.
Cardamom is often an ingredient in curry powder. Its strong aroma and pungent flavor is noticeable in many Indian and Middle Eastern Desserts as well as chai tea, according to Gailing. Gailing suggests adding cardamom to ground coffee prior to brewing to enjoy a "modified" cup of Arabic coffee. As a digestive aid, she advises simmering 1.5 tsp. of cardamom seeds in water for about 10 minutes. Combine with 2 tsp. of lemon or orange juice and honey, and drink. Similarly, cardamom can be added to warm milk alongside spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves to make a soothing beverage.
Tags: cardamom used, cardamom used relieve, Middle Eastern, notes that, that cardamom, used relieve
According to the American Heart Association, nearly 900 Americans die each day from a heart attack. The symptoms of heart attack include chest pain, pain and tingling in the left arm that radiates to the neck, nausea, dizziness, fainting and pressure in the solar plexus area.
Call 9-1-1
Call 9-1-1 immediately if you experience any combination of heart attack symptoms. Each second spent in a heart attack, precious heart muscle dies, and chances of recovery become more slim. Be sure to give the dispatcher the address accurately, and keep the dispatcher on the phone until help arrives.
Medication
At the very first sign of heart attack, the patient should chew and swallow aspirin. Aspirin thins the blood, and the heart does not have to work so hard to pump. If the patient has been prescribed nitroglycerin, it should be taken exactly as prescribed.
Keep the Patient Calm
Have the patient lie down comfortably and remain calm. Overexcitement will increase the heart rate, and the heart will try to pump harder than it is capable of during a heart attack.
Loosen Clothing
Loosen or remove as much clothing as possible. This will make it easier for the medical response team to place leads on the patient, take vitals and administer medication intravenously. The patient may feel less restricted without clothing. Cover the patient with a light sheet for modesty.
Perform CPR
If the patient is unconscious, start CPR immediately. If you do not know CPR, have the 9-1-1 emergency dispatcher talk you through it.
What Not to Do
Do not allow the patient to convince you that the symptoms are not that of a heart attack. Likewise, do not try to wait it out. Heart attack symptoms do not go away and ignoring them will result in death. Do not give the patient anything to eat or drink other than medication. The patient may vomit and inhale anything in the stomach.
For millions of women, having large breasts can be a problem. Large breasts can lead to health problems, including shoulder and back issues. Women who suffer from chronic pain due to the size of their breasts are the most common recipients of breast reduction surgery. Following the surgery, not only are their breasts smaller, but their pain also can be greatly decreased.
Loss of feeling
Following breast reduction surgery, it's not uncommon for women to notice a lack of feeling or decreased sensation in the nipples and areola. Depending on the amount of tissue to be removed during the surgery, it might be necessary for the surgeon to temporarily remove the nipple and areola. In many cases, surgeons can avoid removing them completely by keeping the blood vessels intact. After the surgery, the nipples and areola are reattached. Women who must have them removed lose sensation because the blood vessels are not attached in the same manner they were originally.
Tenderness
Breast reduction surgery is an invasive procedure that can require weeks of recovery. Most women can return to work and to their normal activities within a month after the procedure, but for others, the healing process may be slower. Following the surgery, tenderness in the breast as well as the wound area is common. After a few weeks, the tenderness will decrease as the breasts heal. If the pain seems excessive, call your doctor for a followup.
Sleeplessness
Many patients who have breast reduction surgery have difficulty sleeping for the first week after the surgery. It's recommended that during recovery the patient sleeps on her back and keeps the chest area elevated. Some women find it more comfortable to sleep sitting up rather than lying down for the first few days. Pain may keep a woman recovering from the surgery from sleeping soundly. If trouble sleeping and pain persist, your physician may prescribe a pain reliever that includes a sleep aid.
Bruising
Bruising is another common problem associated with breast reduction. Women who bruise easily have an increased risk of developing bruises on their breasts due to the procedure. Over time, the bruises will change color before diminishing. The bruises might be tender to the touch, though pain is generally minimal. Excessive bruising may indicate a complication or bleeding.
When to contact your doctor
The healing time for each patient differs depending on lifestyle, how the surgery was done, and the amount of tissue removed from the breast. Following the surgery, a drainage tube will be placed in the incision area for at least the first 24-48 hours. If this area becomes infected or any abnormal swelling occurs, contact your doctor immediately. You should also contact your doctor if you have trouble urinating or defecating, or experience increased temperature, bleeding, or vomiting.
Tags: reduction surgery, your doctor, breast reduction, breast reduction surgery, contact your, contact your doctor, Following surgery
All ELISA tests rely upon the final color change to detect a positive result, no matter the method or specific test.
ELISA stands for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and is used to test for many diseases by detecting either the antibody or the antigen. Two main types of ELISA are direct and indirect.
Antigens
An antigen is any foreign substance that the immune system recognizes and attacks. For example, the HIV virus is an antigen that attacks the immune system directly.
Antibodies
Antibodies come in many forms, many of which are manufactured in response to specific antigens to assist in the attack against the antigen. For example, antibodies to HIV are made against the HIV virus in exposed individuals.
Direct ELISA--Test for antigens
In this test, a well is coated with antibodies that will recognize the antigen in the sample (patient's serum); any antigen in the sample will bind to the antibodies that coat the well. After washing, another sample is added that contains antibodies carrying a reporter enzyme; these antibodies will bind to the antigen already bound to the first antibody so that when a substrate to the enzyme is added a color change will be noted (positive result).
Indirect ELISA - Test for Antibodies
The indirect ELISA is similar to the direct ELISA in method, the main difference being that the well is coated with antigen and the sample added is tested for antibodies. This type of ELISA is commonly used in HIV tests.
Control
In both tests, positive and negative controls are used, both of which are used to compare to the test well. The positive control has a strong color change; the negative control has little or no color change.
Tags: color change, antigen sample, antibodies that, coated with, immune system, positive result
The liver is the fat-burner and detoxifier of our bodies. It's the work horse upon which we depend for much of our health and yet so often take for granted. If you have ever been sickened by an illness that has damaged your liver, as I have, you will know it and will suffer for a long time until you can get your liver healthy again. The good news is that the liver can regenerate itself---unlike other organs---and you can work to strengthen and cleanse your liver, thus improving your overall health.
Instructions
1. Undertake an internal cleansing program twice a year. You can find kits for colon cleansing online or at your local health food store. These kits usually contain some combination of fibers, detoxifying herbs and blood purifiers.
Famous brands include Colonix by Dr Natura, Perfect Cleanse by Garden of Life, and CleanseSmart by Renew Life. Do your research before you buy and before you undertake a cleansing. Follow the directions precisely and note that you may experience some uncomfortable side effects (bloating, flatulence, nausea), which usually subside with time. A clean colon helps your liver do a better job.
2. Drink enough purified water for your body size and activity level, both while you are undertaking the internal cleansing and while you are strengthening your liver function. Water assists the liver in its detoxification role. Don't overdo it and drink too much water, though. Be sure to balance your water intake with a reasonable amount of salt. The USDA recommends 1500 milligrams per day (1.5 grams). The liver needs a certain amount of salt to function.
3. Take daily dietary supplements to help repair the liver, including but not limited to: milk thistle (silymarin, vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, calcium and turmeric. Consult your physician for correct dosages to use.
4. Cut down on your sugar intake and completely cut out all artificial sweeteners. Instead enjoy fruit and, if you do sweeten, use honey, molasses, or agave nectar.
5. Avoid leftovers that are past their safety date. HomeFoodSafety.org has a wonderful leftover safety calculator chart that you can print and keep on your refrigerator. The chart gives recommended maximums for how long various foods will still be safe to eat after being stored in your refrigerator.
6. Keep close to the ideal weight for your body type. Excess weight puts a strain on your liver and can lead to a condition known as "fatty liver," or NASH. A fatty liver is a stressed liver. LiverDoctor.com has handy information about fatty liver.
7. Stay away from processed foods (chicken nuggets, frozen dinners). Remove all preserved meats from your diet (luncheon meat, hot dogs). Watch out for foods that are high in saturated fat or that have any trans fats. Limit caffeine intake, if you can.
8. Eat plenty of raw fruit and vegetables as this not only helps directly by providing phytonutrients, but also helps indirectly by preventing constipation. Eat whole grains such as rice, quinoa, barley, and oats. Include beans in your diet---two times a week, if you can. Beans in general are high in fiber, and lentils and soybeans specifically are high in protein, too. Eat yogurt regularly to replenish live friendly bacteria in your intestines and/or take friendly bacterial supplements. Drink raw apple cider vinegar, ACV, to aid digestion. Don't forget nuts and seeds as vital sources of protein. Eat good fats, such as olive oil, avocados, fish and nut oils. And enjoy foods with garlic and turmeric, such as Indian curries.
9. Wash your hands regularly to avoid ingesting extra germs. Take extra precautions when working with raw meat and seafood. Floss to help remove bad bacteria build-up between your teeth, and make a twice yearly visit to a dental hygienist to have your teeth cleaned.
10. Alcohol stresses the liver, as do environmental pollutants such as bleach, ammonia and common household cleansers. When painting indoors, be sure to purchase low-odor latex paints (they cost a little more but are well worth it). Avoid prescription and over-the-counter medications that can tax your liver (e.g., statins for lowering cholesterol also suppress good cholesterol and therefore are hard on your liver; ibuprofen and acetaminophen are also hard on your liver).
Tags: your liver, fatty liver, amount salt, hard your, hard your liver
Hysterectomy, the surgical procedure used to remove a woman's uterus, is performed on more than 600,000 women in the United States every year, according to the National Women's Health Center. A woman who is considering having a hysterectomy can choose to undergo an abdominal hysterectomy or a vaginal hysterectomy. Vaginal hysterectomies are often preferred because they offer shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery times than abdominal procedures.
Reasons for Surgery
A hysterectomy may be needed if a woman suffers from severe endometriosis, a painful condition in which the uterine lining begins to grow on the fallopian tubes, ovaries and other organs in the abdomen. For women with large fibroids that haven't responded to other treatment, a hysterectomy may be the best solution to eliminate heavy bleeding and pain. A fibroid is a non-cancerous tumor that grows in the walls of the uterus. According to the National Women's Health Center, fibroids are the most common reason that hysterectomies are needed. Other reasons that a hysterectomy is recommended include cancer of the cervix, ovaries or uterus; persistent vaginal bleeding; chronic pelvic pain; or a prolapsed uterus that sags into the vagina.
Restrictions
If a hysterectomy must be performed due to cancer, an abdominal hysterectomy is usually needed, as this type of procedure allows the doctor to examine other organs in the abdominal cavity for signs of cancer. Abdominal hysterectomies are also needed if the uterus or fibroids are particularly large or endometriosis is widespread.
Vaginal Hysterectomy
Vaginal hysterectomies are performed under general anesthesia. During the surgery, an incision is made in the upper vagina, allowing access to the uterus. Blood vessels, fallopian tubes and connective tissue are carefully cut away from the uterus using special surgical instruments with long handles. The disconnected uterus is pulled out through the vagina and the incision is sutured. In some cases, the uterus may be cut into several smaller pieces to allow for easier removal.
Laparascopically Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy
During a laparascopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH), a tiny lighted camera is passed through a small incision in the abdomen, allowing the doctor to see the uterus and other organs on a video monitor. Two additional incisions are made for the insertion of forceps, clamps and other surgical instruments. The uterus is still removed through the vagina when LAVH is used. After surgery, the incisions in the vagina and abdomen are stitched shut. If a woman has adhesions, scar tissue that binds abdominal organs and tissue together, use of the laparascopic camera will allow the doctor to determine where cuts should be made to free the adhesions from the uterus. LAVH can also be helpful if the fallopian tubes and ovaries are removed along with the uterus.
Recovery
Following a vaginal hysterectomy or LAVH, a one- to three-day hospital stay is usually required. It may only take one or two weeks before a woman feels well enough to resume normal activity, compared to four to eight weeks for women who have abdominal hysterectomies. Women may have a bloody discharge for a few days following surgery because of the stitches in the vagina. Pads, and not tampons, should be used during this time. Avoid lifting anything that weighs more than 20 pounds for at least six weeks following surgery. Sex and baths should also be avoided during the first six weeks.
Warning
Call your doctor if you develop nausea, vomiting, fever or chills following surgery. While bleeding is to be expected, bleeding that is heavier than a menstrual period is not normal and should be reported to a doctor. Other possible signs of complications include worsening pain, chest pain, shortness of breath, trouble urinating or having bowel movements, or redness or pus around abdominal incisions.
Tags: fallopian tubes, following surgery, other organs, abdominal hysterectomy, fallopian tubes ovaries, from uterus
Brain aneurysms occur when a part of an artery in the brain becomes weak and starts to dilate in that area; it acts like a balloon. The more it is filled, the more it will dilate out, eventually rupturing. If an aneurysm ruptures, it can cause extensive destruction to the brain, and it can even lead to death. If caught early enough, an unruptured brain aneurysm can be treated. Sometimes the patient will feel no symptoms at all if the aneurysm has not ruptured.
Causes
Aneurysms can be indigenous or inherited. Other causes that play a huge role in causing them are heart disease and narrowing of the arteries or even high blood pressure. Since aneurysms are like a balloon, they will press on certain structures around them, and they may cause symptoms that are a warning before they burst.
Eye or Visual Symptoms
Certain symptoms can show up in the patient's eyesight or visual health. The patient may lose his side vision and only be able to see straight ahead. He may have headaches in the forehead or behind one or both eyes. If one of the patient's eyes does not constrict and dilate normally when going in and out of light and dark areas, but it stays dilated at all times, this is sign of a problem. The patient may see two of everything or even have other visual symptoms. A patient may not be able to open up one eye.
Stroke- Like Symptoms
The patient's face may start to droop, just like with a stroke, and he may not be able to feel that side of his face.
Behavioral Symptoms
The patient may start acting differently; he may not be himself. He may have problems with forgetting or even trying to work concepts out in his mind. He may not discern things in a normal way. His focus on his work or on things at hand may be very scattered and distracted. He may also lose his ability to talk correctly; his words may start to get jumbled at times or even confused. He may fall more easily also and even be more clumsy.
Considerations
If the patient comes down with a headache that has no warning and that is extremely painful, he needs to get to a doctor or to the ER right then. It's imperative that he do so, since this could be a sign that the aneurysm already has or is going to rupture.
Interesting Facts
Aneurysms can occur in both men and women, but they are seen more often in women. People between 35 to 60 years of age are more likely to suffer an aneurysm.
Tags: like balloon, Symptoms patient, that warning
First-aid certification can help you save lives. First-aid courses can teach you about emergency medical treatment for someone in critical health. Some jobs require employees to be familiar with first aid. If you are a parent, you can improve your ability to care for your infant by attending a first-aid course. In addition, consider referring your babysitter to such a course so you feel safe when you are away. Sign up for a first-aid course by finding a local center that teaches life-saving measures.
Instructions
1. Choose an online first-aid course. Try a Web-based course if you have a schedule that does not let you attend class in person. Go to firstaidweb.com to become certified in first aid.
2. Search online for a first-aid course in your area. Choose a search engine -- such as google.com, yahoo.com or bing.com -- and type in "First aid" and then "Yourtown, State." This will pull up listings for any first-aid courses close to your area.
3. Sign up for a first-aid course at your local YMCA. Ask the front desk whether a first-aid course is offered for members and non-members. Choose from courses that include Standard First Aid, Emergency First Aid and CPR Level C.
4. Call the American Red Cross to learn about its first-aid courses. Get training in an English or Spanish first-aid course through an American Red Cross course. Enter your zip code on the website redcross.org to find a course in your area.
5. Businesses can pick a first-aid course offered through the National Safety Council. The council tries to offer cost-effective courses that meet or exceed Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards.
Tags: first-aid course, course your, your area, American Cross, course offered, course your area
Detoxifying the liver is one way to help clean the body internally. The liver is a large organ with many functions, one of which is filtering out toxins. If the liver is not functioning effectively it can lead to diseases like hepatitis. There are natural ways to clean the liver and improve its health so it can heal the entire body.
Liquids
Drinking lots of fluids every day--water, fruit and vegetables juice, herbal teas--is an easy way to wash away debris and wastes from the entire body.
Fasting
By not eating chemical laden foods, no harmful substances enter the body. This lets the digestive system have a short rest while the body focuses on self-cleaning.
Herbs
There are several herbs that are known to clean out the liver. Milk Thistle is probably the best known liver cleanser. Other herbs are ginger and dandelion.
Aerobic Exercise
Toxins are stored in the fat cells and aerobic exercise burns this fat. The liver has fewer wastes to remove and it doesn't have to work as hard.
Blood
Blood brings nourishment to all parts of the body and removes wastes as well. Cleaner blood helps the liver function better. Herbal blood cleansers are red clover and burdock root.
Kidneys
The kidneys clean the blood every day with its filtration system. Healthier blood benefits all the organs. Use the herb Uva Ursi to clean the kidneys.
You have a job and you hate it. You can't quit because you have to make a living a you family to take care of here are some tips to make your day better
Instructions
1. Do something relaxing before you go to work. Get a cup of coffee and sit and relax in your car if you have to. Think about that you are going to work to pay bills and that this is going to be a good day.
2. Ignore coworkers that you can't stand if possible. It is hard but just do your job. If you have to work with them keep in mind that you only have to see these people at work just call then work people to make it easier to deal with mentally and that they are not going home with you.
3. If you have to work with them treat them with respect and try to be kind it shows that you are professional. If you have problems with your boss. Try to remain friendly and if possible tell him what is bothering you. Keep it in your mind that it is just a job. Look for another job you don't have to stay there if you don't want to.
Tags: have work, have work with, mind that, with them, work with, work with them, your have
The U.S. National Library of Medicine defines a gastric peptic ulcer as an erosion in the lining of the stomach. This breakdown occurs when the mucus coating that protects the lining from stomach acid stops working properly. According to the Mayo Clinic, most peptic ulcers are caused by bacterial infections or medications, not a person's diet or level of stress.
Causes
There are several causes of gastric peptic ulcers. A bacterium called Helicobactor pylori lives in the layer of mucus that protects the stomach lining. This bacterium can cause inflammation of the gastric lining, leading to an ulcer. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, may cause irritation of the stomach lining. Smoking increases the production of acid, which also increases the risk of developing an ulcer. Drinking alcohol also increases acid production and destroys the mucus layer of the stomach lining.
Symptoms
The Mayo Clinic states that the most common symptom of a gastric peptic ulcer is a burning pain caused by the stomach acid making contact with the ulcerated area of the lining. This pain may be worse at night or whenever the stomach is empty. Medications for heartburn or indigestion may provide temporary relief. A person with a gastric peptic ulcer may feel fatigue and nausea and may also experience vomiting and weight loss. Blood may be present in the person's stool.
Diagnosis
Blood tests will check for anemia and antibodies against bacteria. A stool sample can test for the presence of blood and bacteria. The doctor may also wish to perform an upper GI series. This test requires the patient to drink a barium solution to coat the digestive tract and highlight ulcers. X-rays are then taken. An upper endoscopy (EGD) may also be performed. A tube with a camera is inserted down the throat into the stomach while the patient is sedated. An EGD can also take samples of the stomach lining.
Treatment
Treatment of gastric peptic ulcers includes destroying bacteria in the stomach and reducing acid production. A combination of antibiotics is usually prescribed to treat Helicobactor pylori infection. Acid blockers reduce the production of acid in the stomach and promote healing, and antacids neutralize stomach acid and may provide pain relief. The doctor may prescribe a proton pump inhibitor to stop the action of acid-secreting cells within the stomach. Cytoprotective agents may also be employed to coat the lining of the stomach.
Complications
Untreated gastric peptic ulcers may lead to further medical problems. The ulceration can become a source of internal bleeding, leading to anemia. In addition, the ulcer could penetrate through the wall of the stomach, causing an infection in the abdominal cavity. Surgery is required to repair the perforation. Scar tissue may also develop inside the stomach. Depending on the area affected, this can cause obstruction of food passing through the digestive tract, which can lead to vomiting and weight loss.
You may not know the name of this weed, but there's a good chance your lawn has it. Purslane is a summer annual weed that is common throughout the world. But to eliminate a weed from the lawn, you first have to identify the culprit. Here's a mug shot of this convicted lawn intruder.
Instructions
1. Determine that the plant is a weed. A weed is considered to be any undesirable plant in your lawn or garden. Purslane is a hot weather annual broadleaf weed that restricts growth of desirable turf grass. Purslane is a weed.
2. Check the plant's location. Purslane thrives in bare or thin spots in the lawn. Lawns that are not watered properly and regularly are susceptible.
3. Examine the leaves. Common purslane leaves are smooth, oval in shape and up to 1 1/4-inches long growing directly off the stem. They are thick, fleshy and could be compared to the leaves of a jade houseplant.
4. Note the weed's growth pattern and roots. Purslane is a low, matt-forming weed with reddish-brown, succulent stems that emerge from a thick taproot. The stems radiate from the center of the plant and can grow up to 12-inches long. Purslane grows rapidly in warm weather.
Toothaches can be caused by cigarettes, poor diet or improper oral hygiene. To maintain healthy teeth, quit smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco. Reduce your consumption of sugar and refined white flour products, which increases the risk of tooth decay. Brush and floss your teeth consistently. Use a gentle, circular motion with your toothbrush. Brushing too hard may cause your gums to recede, leading to tooth decay. See your dentist when you have a toothache, as it may be a sign of a serious problem. However, there are a few remedies you can try to relieve the pain.
Immediate Relief
You may find immediate relief for a toothache by doing a few simple things. First, your toothache may be caused by a particle of food wedged between your teeth. Use dental floss to gently remove any food particles. Next, rinse your mouth with warm (not hot) salt water. Dissolve a couple teaspoons of salt in a glass of warm water and swish it around your mouth. This can help soothe and clean the mouth.
Medications
Take an over-the-counter pain medication, like aspirin or ibuprofen, to help relieve the pain. Ibuprofen can also reduce any swelling you may have. You can also use benzocaine, which is a topical, over-the-counter anesthetic. Apply this gel to the painful area, as well as the surrounding area. If you notice that you have a cavity causing your toothache, try to apply the benzocaine directly in the cavity. Benzocaine will numb the pain.
Clove Oil
Purchase a bottle of oil of cloves (also called Eugenol). Dab the oil on the area for pain relief. Clove oil can also help reduce the risk of infection, as it is an antiseptic. You may also try mixing clove oil with zinc oxide for cavities. Dab a few drops in the cavity to form a temporary filling. Just remember that this is temporary--you will still need to go to your dentist.
Other Tips
There are a couple other tricks you can try to relieve your toothache pain. Rub a piece of ice on the web of skin between your thumb and forefinger. Leave it there for about five minutes or until it is numb. This will disrupt the pain signal along the same nerves that register your toothache pain. Additionally, onions are known for their antibacterial properties. You can chew on a piece of raw onion for a few minutes to kill the germs in your mouth. For a toothache, place a piece of onion on the affected area for pain relief. You can also try this with a clove of fresh garlic.
Tags: your toothache, your mouth, area pain, area pain relief, between your
Ointments may ease pain and itching caused by fire ant bites.
Fire ants belong to the same family as bees, wasps and yellow jackets. Though they do not sting as bees do, fire ants bite, using their jaws to inject venom, sometimes more than once. Fire ant venom may cause an allergic reaction similar to that caused by bees. Fire ant bites cause redness, swelling, itching and large pustules on the skin.
General First Aid
Clean the wound gently with warm soap and water to prevent infection. Though fire ant bites itch, avoid scratching, as this will lead to infection. Once the wound is clean, apply ice to relieve swelling. Alternatively, a cold compress made from a damp washcloth will also work. Apply the ice or compress for 20 minutes at a time, once every hour as needed. If the redness, swelling and pain do not subside within a few days, or if you notice that the swelling expands 2 inches or more beyond the bite, see your doctor as soon as possible for medical care.
Medications
To relieve the pain and extreme itching associated with fire ant bites, WebMD recommends applying an ointment containing an antihistamine directly on the bite; Benadryl is commonly used. Calamine lotion may also provide temporary relief from itching. Hydrocortisone cream is also recommended.
Home Remedies
Create a home remedy that may provide relief from the itching and burning caused by fire ant bites. Create a paste by mixing 3 teaspoons of baking soda with 1 teaspoon of water. Apply the paste to the bite and leave on for a few minutes. Repeat this several times each day until the redness, swelling and pain subside.
Medical Care
Though fire ants bite rather than sting their victims, the venom they inject may cause an allergic reaction similar to that of a bee sting in those allergic to the venom. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include swelling, nausea, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat and hives. Many individuals with known allergies carry an epinepherine injector, or EpiPen. Use this medication immediately to avoid anaphylactic shock. Next, give an antihistimine medication like Benadryl. Loosen clothing and lie the victim on their side, so that if they vomit they will not choke. Seek medical care immediately; an allergic reaction to a fire ant bite may be fatal if left untreated.
Tags: allergic reaction, fire bites, redness swelling, allergic reaction similar, ants bite, cause allergic, cause allergic reaction
Head lice can be a menacing problem. Lice are actually tiny parasitic insects that feed on small amounts of blood in the scalps of humans. Treating head lice can be very difficult because sometimes not all of the lice are killed in one treatment. If you don't want to go the expensive route and use over-the-counter products, try using some of these at-home remedies in order to get rid of household head lice.
Household Cures
With any treatment, it may not work fully the first time. You may need to apply any of these household cures two to three times in order to kill all of the lice. In some cases, it may be necessary to pick the remaining lice out of your hair by hand. Also, try rubbing Vaseline in your hair. While Vaseline suffocates the lice, it will be very hard to get the Vaseline out of your hair and it may require many shampooings to get the product out. You may also want to try using dishwashing liquid in your hair to get the Vaseline out.
You could also take regular shampoo and mix it with 3 tbsp. of olive oil, 1 tsp. of tea tree oil and 1 tsp. of eucalyptus oil. Massage this mixture through your hair and leave it in for a half hour. Another option is to rub shaving cream all over your hair to form a thick coat. Leave it on for a half hour. The chemicals from the shaving cream will work to kill the lice and its eggs.
One other remedy is to try rubbing Listerine antiseptic mouthwash through the hair. It contains chemicals that are effective in killing lice. White vinegar can also be used to loosen the lice eggs from the hair before you pick them out. To use this treatment, soak the hair in white vinegar then apply a damp towel that has also been dipped in this mixture to your hair. Leave on for 30 minutes and then use a comb to pick out the lice from the hair.
Tags: your hair, from hair, half hour, kill lice, lice eggs
Becoming Medicare eligible brings with it a host of decisions that have to be made in short order. With all the available Medicare options, it can be difficult to get through the legal verbiage and understand which parts suit you best or if a Medicare Advantage plan may be right for you.
Original Medicare: Part A
Medicare Part A is also referred to as "hospital insurance." This Medicare Part covers the member for all approved inpatient treatment at a hospital, mental health center or skilled nursing facility. For those who have worked 40 quarters or more at a Medicare covered job over the course of their life, there is no premium for Medicare Part A. A member may also be covered if his spouse worked 40 quarters or more, or if she worked less than 40 quarters, but maintained a job for 10 consecutive years.
Original Medicare: Part B
Medicare Part B is also referred to as "health insurance." Part B is the coverage that is used when a member falls ill and has to see a doctor, requires outpatient surgery, needs a flu shot or needs diabetic testing supplies. Medicare Part B does have a premium. In 2009, the premium was $96.40 per month. If a member declines Part B coverage but later decides to sign up for Part B coverage, she will incur a penalty of 10 percent for every 12-month period she was eligible but not enrolled.
Original Medicare: Part D
Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage. This is not offered on the regular Medicare plan and members will have to take Part D coverage through a private insurance agency. Like all other types of insurance, there is a premium to join Medicare Part D. This premium, along with the copayment and deductible, varies from plan to plan.
Original Medicare: Medigap
With Medicare, as with all health insurance options, there will be some out of pocket expense in addition to the premiums. This is where Medigap comes in. Medigap is designed to help cover "gaps" in Medicaid, such as copayments, coinsurance and deductibles. Medigap policies vary depending on the service area and the needs of the member.
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage programs are a relatively new part of the puzzle. Medicare allows private insurance agencies to administer Medicaid programs, which allows the member a bit more freedom in his choices. Medicare Advantage plans are required by law to cover everything that Medicare covers, and most offer extra incentives such as more coverage for preventative care, some vision and dental coverage, and larger service areas.
Premiums for Medicare Advantage vary by provider. Many Medicare Advantage plans require no additional premium, or you can pay extra for more coverage. To be eligible for a Medicare Advantage plan, members must be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and be up-to-date on their premiums for both.
Tags: Medicare Part, Medicare Advantage, Original Medicare, Part coverage, Medicare Part Medicare, Original Medicare Part
Dentists give advice about matters pertaining to the teeth and they diagnose and treat tooth problems or problems involving the tissues in the mouth. Because of the frequent occurrence of tooth problems in populations worldwide, there is continual demand for dentists. If you are seeking a career where you will be needed, if you are seeking a career with job stability, then becoming a dentist might be for you. The information in this article includes steps that you need to take to become a dentist in Australia.
Instructions
1. Go to dental school to complete the Bachelor of Dental Science degree which is the minimum required degree in order to register with one of the state or territorial boards in Australia as a dentist. Further study for the Doctor of Clinical Dentistry degree is also possible in Australia's dental schools if you want to gain more training within a dental specialty. In Australia, Griffith Univerity, University of Adelaide, University of Melbourne, University of Queensland, University of Sydney, Charles Stuart University, and University of Western Australia all have dental schools. Dental programs include emphasis on theory and also emphasis on gaining clinical dental experience in local or regional dental and healthcare settings. Dental programs in Australia typically take at least five years.
2. Decide which dental specialty you prefer to practice in. Although the number of dentists in Australia has been on the increase in recent years, it is still estimated that by 2010 there will be a shortage of dentists in Australia. Waiting lists for dental care are anticipated. Also due to the lack of dentists practicing in rural areas, many people living in the rural areas of Australia do not have access to dental care. Consequently, there will be plenty of opportunities to practice in any one of several dental specialties such as orthodontics, periodontics, pediatric dentistry, prosthodontics, endodontics, or oral and maxillofacial surgery.
3. Contact the Australian Dental Council in Melbourne, Australia to get an application to take the dental licensure exam. Fill out the application to take the exam and pay the required fee. Take the Australian Dental Council licensure exam and pass the exam. The exam has components such as an occupational English test which assesses the ability to communicate in English language, a preliminary examination (which includes multiple choice and short answer questions), and a final clinical examination (which assesses dentistry skills). These exams must be taken sequentially.
4. Ask the Australian Dental Council for the contact information for the dental board in whichever state or territory you intend to practice dentistry in. For example, ask for the contact information for the dental board in New South Wales, Tasmania, Queensland, Victoria, Northern Territory, South Australia or Western Australia. Contact the dental board and ask for their application which will include questions about your education and work experience. Fill out the application. Pay the required fee. If the board approves your application, you will be a registered dentist in Australia.
Tags: Australian Dental, Australian Dental Council, dental board, Dental Council, application take, Australia have, contact information
Dementia is part of the aging process known as atrophy (in which brain tissue shrinks in size) and can be caused by damage or destroyed brain cells called neurons. Since it is a progressive disease, there are several stages of dementia. The early stage is characterized by forgetfulness and confusion. In second stage dementia the person will require more and more assistance becoming more dependent on the caretaker. The person will have problems recognizing friends and family. In late stage dementia the person will have severe problems with memory, judgement and other skills. Here are some suggestions for the care of a dementia patient.
Instructions
1. Take the person suffering from dementia to the doctor for regular checkups. Bring a diary or log book to the exam room to write down all your concerns, and speak with the doctor about following and managing the condition.
2. People who suffer from dementia will usually exhibit memory loss, mood changes and difficulty falling asleep. There are certain prescription medications that are useful in helping to control these symptoms.
3. Do things together with the dementia patient, for example, walking or hiking, swimming, going to art shows and concerts. Regular exercising and engaging in active sports and activities will help to slow down the progression. Being around friends, family and children can also be helpful to someone suffering from dementia.
4. Eat meals together. Serve healthy and nutritious foods including plenty of fruits and vegetables. Watch what they eat to see if there are any changes in eating habits. Tell the doctor if you have concerns.
5. Help the dementia patient with bathing and grooming.
Tags: dementia patient, from dementia, person will, dementia person, dementia person will, friends family, person will have
Keratosis pilaris is a genetic skin condition, which affects roughly 50 to 80 percent of adolescents and 40 percent of adults. The condition appears as rough bumps, which feel like sandpaper, on the upper arms, thighs and buttocks. A harmless disease that doesn't usually itch or hurt, keratosis pilaris has no cure or treatment. However, there are measures you can take to lesson the unsightly bumps.
Instructions
1. Wash affected areas with mild soaps or cleansers.
2. Keep skin moisturized as much as possible, as keratosis pilaris tends to worsen with excessively dry skin, particularly in winter months.
3. Apply emollients several times a day, especially after bathing. Products containing lactic acid, salicylic acid, petroleum jelly, alpha-hydroxy acid, urea cream, tretinoin cream or topical steroids may improve your symptoms.
4. Seek a physician's advice if other products haven't relieved your symptoms. Some people find that a course of antibiotics or other prescription medications lessen their symptoms.
5. Be patient. Keratosis Pilaris generally tends to improve with age. In some people, the condition disappears entirely. Others may have lifelong battles with recurring symptoms.
Tags: Keratosis Pilaris, keratosis pilaris, your symptoms
Although healthy eating and going to a baseball game may not be the first things you put together, more and more ballparks are introducing healthier food choices at concession stands. Here's a sampling of what's offered at concession stands at various ballparks around the country and some tips on make healthier food choices at the ballpark before, during and after the Seventh Inning Stretch.
Instructions
1. Find out what the concession options are at the ballpark before you go to a game. Ballparks have detailed websites with information about concessions and where to find them so check those out before you go to the ballpark.
2. Recognize that many ballparks are offering healthier choices at concession stands, like Jacobs Field in Cleveland. They offer grilled salmon and chicken breast, among other healthy choices while Petco Park in San Diego offers fish tacos, tuna steak sandwiches and low-fat hot dogs.
3. Educate yourself about not only where to get healthier concessions but also what's in them. At Dodger Stadium the ballpark now offers many healthy food choices including a veggie wrap, a spinach and strawberry salad, hummus with veggie dippers, fruit salad, a turkey wrap, a turkey hot dog and a veggie dog.
4. Choose the healthier option. Although it's tempting to go for the cheeseburger topped with your favorites at the Baltimore Orioles Camden Yards, you may want to reach for the crab cake sandwich instead. The cheeseburger meal at Camden Yards has almost double the calories and has double the fat of the crab cake sandwich sold there. The difference in saturated fat between the two meals is 3.5 grams of saturated fat in the crab cake sandwich versus 21 grams saturated fat in the cheeseburger meal.
5. Calculate those options. Men's Health magazine has reported that a hot dog with sauerkraut, a light beer and a soft pretzel meal at a ballpark is a better choice than a chilidog, a regular beer and nachos. The first meal has 680 calories, 19 g fat and 20 grams of protein compared to 904 calories, 37 g fat and 28 g protein in the chilidog meal.
6. Remember that it is possible to eat healthier at many ballparks these days. Although you want to have fun going out to the ballpark and it's a regular pastime for you, consider your heart and eat healthier at least sometimes when you're at a game.
Ciproflaxacin is a strong antibiotic that is used for exceptionally severe bacterial infections that are potentially deadly. Ciproflaxacin is a class of antibiotic known as a fluoroquinolone and is marketed under various names. It tends to have mild side effects but can cause damage to the nervous system and can also lead to tendon rupture. It is broken down by the liver and can increase the potency of any other drug that is broken down by the liver as well.
Uses of ciproflaxacin
Ciproflaxacin is an antibiotic that is only FDA-approved for bacterial infections when all other antibiotics have failed.
Ciproflaxacin and antibiotic resistance
One reason for this extremely limited use of the drug is that it helps prevent the development of strains of bacteria that are resistant to the drug, which makes it more likely to be successful as a "drug of last resort."
Ciproflaxacin and drug interactions
Use of ciproflaxacin tablets is also limited because it interacts with many medications, including prescription drugs and herbal remedies.
Approved conditions in adults
Ciproflaxacin tablets are approved for urinary infections, skin infections, joint infections, infectious diarrhea, typhoid fever and lower respiratory infections.
Approved conditions in children
Ciproflaxacin tablets are only approved for children for complicated urinary tract infections caused by E. coli and for inhalation of anthrax.
Laser eye surgery is a process by which the vision of an individual is corrected by means of a low-powered laser. It is an effective and popular practice and an alternative to either corrective eyeglasses or contacts.
History
Vision-repair surgery, also known as refractive eye surgery, is a relatively modern phenomenon that has emerged from years of experiments with the eye. The concept of correcting vision by reshaping the cornea is one that developed sometime in the mid 1800s. In the 1930s, Japanese doctor Tutomu Satu experimented on rabbits, and later on humans, by making incisions into the cornea. In Russia, Dr. Fyordorov adapted Dr. Satu's method and utilized radial keratotomy to correct vision. These early procedures of the 1980s were rather crude, but the procedures led to the first laser vision-correction procedure that removed tissue from the eye's surface and changed the curvature of the cornea.
Types of Laser Procedures
There are primarily two types of laser eye-surgery procedures: Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) and Laser-Assisted in situ Keratomileusis (LASIK). Although fundamentally similar, there are obvious distinctions between the two procedures. In PRK surgery, the top surface of the cornea, the epithelium, is removed so that the inner cornea can be exposed. The computer-assisted laser can then resculpt the curvature of the eye. The epithelium layer regenerates itself after the operation. In LASIK eye surgery, an incision is made either by a blade or a laser to create a small flap of the cornea. This flap is pulled back to allow the computer-assisted laser to resculpt the curvature of the eye. The flap is then returned to its original position.
The Laser
The laser used in the cases of both PRK and LASIK procedure is called an excimer laser. The excimer laser is an ultraviolet laser that is utilized in eye surgery because of its ability to add just enough energy to disrupt the bonds of biological matter. It does not cut or burn the matter as other lasers tend to do. The biological matter is removed by ablation, or evaporation, instead of by burning. The ability of the laser to remove very fine layers of material lends itself excellently to the delicate process of eye surgery.
Benefits
In both PRK and LASIK laser eye surgery, the procedures take less than 30 minutes to complete. They are done under local anesthesia. Recovery is generally painless and the results are close to immediate. LASIK offers a quicker recovery time because the flap of epithelium does not have to regenerate as is the case with PRK. The vision of the patient is very often corrected to 20/20 and that patient no longer requires the use of corrective lenses.
Warning
Although a majority of patients recover their full vision, there have been cases in which side effects have occurred. Patients recovering from both procedures have complained of cloudy vision, glare, double vision, halos and regression. There have also been reported cases of eye infection and severely dry eyes. LASIK eye surgery, specifically, can lead to complications with the creation of the flap of epithelium. The flap can be dislodged or completely removed.
A pH meter is electronic device used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of a substance. While alternatives to the pH meter exist, electronic pH meters are praised for their accuracy and ease of use. The pH meter comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, but they all work the same way, measuring the activity of hydrogen ions in a substance to determine its acidity or alkalinity.
History
The pH meter was invented in 1934 by Arnold O. Beckman, an American chemist who wanted to determine how sour lemons are. According to MedicineNet, "It measured electrical current flowing into a glass electrode immersed in a solution. The amount of current indicated the solution's acidity." This was the first electronic pH meter.
Significance
The pH meter provides quick and accurate measurements of a substance's acidity or alkalinity. It is an invaluable tool to gardeners, pool owners, and aquarium aficionados. But it's not limited to these fields; a pH meter can be used to determine the alkalinity or acidity of any liquid for any reason.
Function
PH meters are an electronic means of measuring the pH level of a substance. The pH level of a substance is measured on a scale of 0 to 14. As substances move from 7 to 0, they grow in acidity (e.g. lemon juice). As they move from 7 to 14, they increase in alkalinity (e.g. soapy water). Substances that measure 7 are neutral, being neither high in acidity or alkaline.
How It Works
PH meters work using a pair of electrodes. One is used to measure the pH level and the other is used as a control. According to pH-meter.info, "the pH meter is nothing else but precise voltmeter, connected to the pH electrode, and scaled in such a way that it displays not the measured potential, but ready pH value."
Considerations
PH meters, while accurate and easy to use, are far more pricey than other means of pH measurement. Alternatives include chemicals to test pH level and pH paper strips that can be dipped in the solution and change color according to the pH level of the substance.
Storage
PH meter electrodes need to be kept hydrated, otherwise they will dry out and cease to function. It's recommended that you pour a small amount of potassium chloride into the protective cap included with your pH meter when storing the device.
Tags: acidity alkalinity, level substance, from they, move from, move from they, used measure
There are many ways to get quotes for Catastrophic Health Insurance Coverage. Here's some steps to follow to get you started!
Instructions
1. Look in your local phone book under "health insurance" or "medical insurance" Find an agent who represents all of the main companies in your area. Ask them about pricing, eligibility, and plan options.
2. Ask your friends and family. If you know people who have catastrophic health insurance coverage, ask them which company they are with, and if they are happy with it. Ask how they pay claims, about their customer service, and annual rate increases. Logon to their website or call them for a quote.
3. Search the Internet. You can find many online quoting engines for catastrophic health insurance. Just search for "catastrophic health insurance quotes " or a similar term on your favorite search engine. If you know what insurance company you want to look into, try their website first.
Tags: catastrophic health, catastrophic health insurance, health insurance, Catastrophic Health Insurance, Health Insurance, their website, with they
Home health nurses serve people who are disabled, chronically ill or who have a terminal illness. The person to whom the care is given might be a child recuperating from a hospital stay or an elderly person nearing the end of life. Home health care services began in the early 1800s, and they involve administering medicine, providing therapeutic treatment or simply assisting with daily tasks.
Early Years
Organized home health nursing started in the South in 1813 with the Ladies Benevolent Society of Charleston, South Carolina. Founded by Mrs. Sarah Russell, her two daughters and a sister, its purpose was to provide food, health care and training to the sick and the poor. The first time trained nurses were sent to people's homes was in 1877 by the New York City Mission. Visiting nurse associations eventually formed throughout the United States, and by 1890 there were about 21.
Lillian Wald
Lillian Wald, born in 1867, is known as the founder of the visiting nurses profession. She was inspired to study nursing as a result of the illness of her sister. Wald's postgraduate studies led to her involvement in the home nursing of poor immigrants in New York City, where she lived. In the fall of 1893, with the help of another nurse, she set up an office. By 1913 she had a staff of 92. One of Wald's many achievements was to convince insurance companies--Metropolitan Life being the first--to provide free visiting nurses to their customers.
The Depression and Beyond
The Depression years--beginning with the stock market crash of 1929--saw a decline in home health nursing due to a scarcity of funds. Many agencies did not survive. By the 1940s, hospitals were overcrowded with chronically ill patients. This brought about a resurgence in the industry as the chronically ill were brought back to their homes to be cared for. Agencies depended mainly on charity and public funding until Medicare came into being in the 1960s.
Visiting Nurses Associations
Visiting nurses are united by a nationwide network.
Visiting Nurses Associations of America (VNAA) was founded in 1983 in Colorado. In 2007 it moved to Washington, D.C. VNAA is a community-based, nonprofit organization with a mission to serve the elderly, disabled and other vulnerable members of the U.S. population. It seeks to promote and advance Visiting Nurse Associations (VNAs) and hospice providers and has a public policy team advocating for legislative action. The U.S. has a network of VNAs, for which VNAA is the official national association.
Medicare
Medicare is a government-funded health insurance program for people over 65. It also covers individuals under 65 with certain disabilities, as well as people any age with end-stage renal disease--permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant. Between 1967 and 1980, home health agencies participating in Medicare nearly doubled. This happened in part because of the decreased lengths of stay in hospitals, resulting in acutely ill individuals being sent home. Also, with Medicare came complex and detailed regulations pertaining to home care services and reimbursement practices.
Tags: care services, health care, health nurses, health nursing, home health
Moments of frustration on the job cause ripples of displeasure to seep into your life.
There's an old adage that states that the best days on a job are the first and the last. If you hate your job, coping with the days in between will take a toll on your emotional well-being. Rough days at work often translate to rough evenings at home. The negativity that encumbers your life during frustrating moments on the job becomes debilitating. But there are several methods you can utilize that will reduce despair, frustration and hopelessness in negative job situations.
Instructions
1. Determine the primary aspect of your job that causes your aggravation. By gaining awareness of the issues that incite your frustration, you gain the ability to take control of your emotions when the most aggravating situations repeat themselves.
2. Boost workplace morale by inserting pleasurable experiences and input in the workplace. Bringing treats, making jokes and presenting a joyful demeanor in the workplace will boost your coworkers' morale as well as your own.
3. Don't take your work home from the office. Thinking about the problems at work during your free time will compound your frustration. Minimize the amount of time you think about your frustrations and you will minimize your frustrations.
4. Search for a new position or career field. Whether or not you intend to jump from one job to the next in the short-term, the act of looking for a new position will empower your self-esteem. Be prepared for new opportunities, consider your career options and polish your resume.
5. Visit a counselor on a regular appointment schedule. Make weekly, bi-monthly or monthly appointments to discuss your frustrations with a professional counselor. Be sure to find a counselor whose opinions and overall assessment are trustworthy.
Tags: your frustrations, your frustration, your life
Gout is a disease involving uric acid deposits in the joints of the big toe, heels, ankles and knees. This disorder causes acute pain. Chronic gout involves repeated episodes of joint pain. This article can help you identify some of the signs and symptoms associated with the disease.
Instructions
Identify Chronic Gout
1. Pain:Joint pain frequently starts during the night and is often described as terrible, excruciating and throbbing. The pain tends to go away within several days but Chronic gout attacks can last much longer.
2. Swelling and Redness: The affected area which is usually in the joints of the feet and leg but can also be in the elbow and knuckles shows signs of warmth, redness and extreme tenderness.
3. Possible causes: Gout is caused by an overproduction of uric acid or a reduced ability of the kidney to get rid of uric acid. It is more common in males, post menopausal women and people with high blood pressure. Heavy alcohol use, diabetes, obesity, sickle cell anemia and kidney disease also increase the risk. Some factors such as acute illness, trauma, surgery and diuretics have been recognized as precipitants of acute attacks of gout.
4. Complications: Longer term chronic gout can lead to kidney stones, kidney failure, joint deformities and loss of mobility.
5. Medical Help: A doctor will direct his care toward the management of acute attacks and the prevention of further attacks and complications of chronic gout. Urate lowering drugs may be prescribed and in the case of chronic gout medical therapy usually implies life-long treatment. Also anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed.
T cell lymphomas are a specific type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that involves the proliferation of cancerous T cell lymphocytes within the lymphatic system. Of the two main types of non-Hodgkin lymphomas--B cell and T cell lymphomas--T cell lymphomas are much less rare. These cancers can affect undifferentiated and mature T cells, and can be treated with a number of methods.
T cells
T cells, also known as T lymphocytes, are one of the two main types of white blood cells present in the lymphatic tissue of the body. T cells play an important role in the immune system. They are responsible for finding and destroying cells that have been infected with viruses and for protecting the body from harmful bacteria and fungi. It is also thought that T cells help regulate and monitor the activity of other immune cells.
T cell lymphoma
T cell lymphoma occurs when the T cells being produced by the lymphatic tissue are defective, become cancerous, proliferate rapidly and spread throughout the body. The two main forms of T cell lymphoma are precursor T-lymphoblastic lymphoma, which affects immature T cells, and peripheral T cell lymphoma, which affects mature T cells. While the cause of many cases of T cell lymphoma remains unknown, the Human Lymphotropic Virus-1 (HTLV-1) has been identified as causing a particular form of the condition in mature T cells.
Precursor T-lymphoblastic lymphoma
Precursor T-lymphoblastic lymphoma is a rare and aggressive form of T cell lymphoma that affects T lymphocytes that are not yet fully mature. This form of the condition commonly begins in the thymus gland, located directly behind the sternum in the chest. If a tumor develops in the thymus gland, the individual can suffer from a number of symptoms involving the chest, including pain and difficulty breathing.
Peripheral T cell lymphoma
Peripheral T cell lymphoma affects T cells that have matured. Like the precursor T-lymphoblastic lymphoma, it is also an extremely rare form of lymphoma. Peripheral T cell lymphoma can take a variety of forms, including ones that affect the skin, the nasal passages, the spleen, or the intestinal tracts of individuals with gluten allergies.
Treatment
Both main types of T cell lymphomas can be effectively treated with combinations of chemotherapy drugs. Some combinations involve three or more different types of chemotherapy medication, all geared to target and to kill the rapidly dividing abnormal T lymphocytes. As with all types of cancer, early detection and prompt treatment is essential in controlling T cell lymphoma. Most forms respond very well to treatment in the early phases of the disease, but much less so after they have spread throughout the body.
The heart is supplied with blood through the coronary arteries. When four of these vessels become narrowed or blocked, whether through atherosclerosis or other reasons, then a quadruple bypass can be performed. This is a surgical procedure where a healthy vein of the patient's is used to reroute the blood around the unhealthy heart artery.
There are two ways the bypass can be done. One is through opening the chest to access the heart. The other is through the use of small incisions to access the heart arteries. The condition of the arteries determines which can be used.
The Surgery
One type of operation requires the patient to be put on a heart-lung bypass machine. The machine circulates the blood while the heart is stopped. The heart is accessed through the breastbone beginning with a 6- to 8-inch incision. The vein grafts are collected from the patient, and the heart machine is connected. The grafts are sutured into place, each attached to the aorta and a point beyond the damaged vessel to be bypassed. The machine is removed and the incision is sutured.
A second type of operation does not use the machine. Instead the area the surgeon is working on is physically kept still while the heart is beating.
A third type of operation is the endoscopic type, where small incisions are made in the chest wall in order to insert robotic surgical tools for the grafting.
History
The first bypass surgery was done in 1960. Seven years later a new technique, developed by Dr. Rene Favaloro, used a graft made from the saphenous vein. This vein was removed from the patient's leg and used to bypass the narrowed heart artery. This became the basis of subsequent surgeries. This procedure was later used by Dr. Dudley Johnson for a bypass on the left coronary arteries. In addition the use of an artery from the chest wall or arm began to be used.
Considerations
Transmyocardial laser revascularization (TMR) is sometimes used in conjunction with bypass surgery. TMR uses a laser to improve the blood flow toward the heart. It isn't a common procedure, and is usually used to reach the heart sections that bypass grafts are less successful. Bypass types of surgery are sometimes referenced by the acronym CABG, pronounced "cabbage."
Warning
Though the long-term outcomes are not that different, bypass surgery is considered to be more risky than angioplasty; but angioplasty is considered less successful than bypass surgery.The risks of bypass surgery could include, stroke, heart attack, infection, narrowing of the graft, problems with cognition, anesthesia complications, bleeding and death. However returning chest pain is the most noted problem.
Significance
Bypass surgery has been found to reduce the heart attack potential, relieve pain and improve mobility. It's the preferred option for certain diabetic cases and for people with more extreme cases of clogged blood vessels.
Tags: bypass surgery, type operation, access heart, chest wall, coronary arteries, from patient, heart artery
Chances are you've heard often from your dentist how flossing your teeth is important. You should try to floss every day in order to get all the benefits that flossing gives. Saving money on dental procedures and having a healthier mouth are just two of flossing's many benefits. Such benefits may even inspire you to floss two or three times a day.
Significance
Having problems with your teeth is not just bad for your health--it's not good for your wallet, either. If you've ever had procedures done at the dentist office, you know how expensive they can be, even if you do have insurance. Anything you can do to reduce time in the dentist chair is a good thing, and flossing just takes a minute or two out of your day.
Effects
Never flossing or doing it infrequently could lead dental problems. Brushing can only do so much and a piece of floss can get into places where a toothbrush can't reach. It can remove pieces of food your toothbrush wouldn't be able to get rid of. If you don't floss, the particles of food could stick there and contribute to tooth decay. A few minutes of flossing cleans in between teeth and reduces the chances of developing cavities. Just once a day can make a big difference in your mouth.
Misconceptions
While you may think that flossing infrequently is okay, it's going to be more beneficial if you do it after every meal. If you don't floss, many of the food particles that become lodged in between your teeth sit there until they eventually happen to be dislodged. By that time, damage is usually been done.
Benefits
When you are flossing, you are doing a great service to your mouth. You can easily remove food that is stuck in between your teeth, not only saving you from potential embarrassment if people see it, but also to help prevent bacteria from collecting up against the gum line and causing gum problems. Flossing may even help prevent bad breath. In addition, having food stuck in between your teeth is quite irritating and sometimes painful, so flossing can help your mouth feel comfortable.
Warning
Before you start flossing, ask your dentist to show you do it properly. While flossing has many benefits, you won't be able to reap all of the benefits possible if you aren't doing it the correct way. Your dentist will show you hold the floss correctly, place it in between your teeth and properly move the floss around. They'll also recommend how often you should floss daily.
Tags: your teeth, between your, between your teeth, your mouth, flossing doing, flossing many
Although there are many colon cleanse products available commercially, some people prefer to use a home recipe whenever possible--especially when it comes to their own personal health. An occasional colon cleanse can ward off digestive problems and help treat existing ones. Even though the body naturally cleanses itself, many people believe that a good colon cleanse can be very beneficial to their health.
Common Ingredients
Although there are many different colon cleanse home recipes, many of them use a lot of the same ingredients. Psyllium seeds and husks, for instance, are frequently used in home colon cleanse recipes because these ingredients are known to flush waste out of the colon effectively. Probiotics also turn up frequently in colon cleanse recipes because they help enhance the population of beneficial bacteria that live in a person's digestive system. Many herbs are commonly found in colon cleanse home recipes, including aloe, which helps soothe the digestive track, and fennel and garlic, which work to prevent gas formation and kill bacteria.
Simple Colon Cleanse Home Recipe
Although there is a plethora of colon cleanse home recipes available, some of the simplest ones are often used. These basic colon cleanse recipes can be enhanced according to a person's specific needs and preferences. A simple colon cleanse home recipe consists of mixing equal parts of apple juice and spring water together. Add 1 tbsp. each of liquid bentonite clay, colofiber and psyllium husk seeds (all available at most health food stores). Mix these together until thick, then swallow. Follow up that concoction immediately with a mixture of 10 oz. spring water, 1 tbsp. honey and 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar.
Tags: colon cleanse, Although there, cleanse home recipes, cleanse recipes, colon cleanse recipes
Every day our bodies are exposed to and suffer from the effects of air pollution, water pollution and the unhealthy things we put in them. Detoxification is an important process that restores the body to healthier levels. There are several detoxification diets on the market right now, but there is a simpler way to detoxify through customized diets that will produce a healthier body and help you return to a healthier state of being.
Instructions
1. Determine the length of your diet. Decide how long the detox diet will last and what your goals are for the diet. If you are going to keep a detox food journal, decide what you will record every day in your journal such as measurements, food and drinks consumed for the day and notes on your diet.
2. Plan out your diet. You should outline the foods you will eat and the foods you will not eat. For a detox diet, you should stick to fresh fruits and vegetables and lean meats, like poultry and fish. You should try to only drink water, herbal teas, and hot water with lemon or lime first thing in the morning to activate your liver and kidneys. Make up a grocery list.
3. Choose the vitamin supplements you will take during your detox. You should take a multivitamin and extra supplements to balance your diet. To avoid feeling sluggish, make sure you are getting enough protein and B vitamins.
4. Exercise daily. Exercise is a vital part of detoxification diets. A 10-minute walk is enough to get your systems moving in the right direction. This walk is most effective when taken in the morning as you begin your day. Exercise as much as you can handle.
Tags: your diet, detox diet, detoxification diets, diet should, foods will
Getting over a fear of anything is very challenging. Getting over a fear of the opposite sex can be even more so. Although being able to approach girls (or boys) seems like something you may never be able to do, that is not the case. By keeping a few things in mind when wanting to approach or even just be relaxed around someone, you will soon find that your fear of girls will quickly disappear.
Instructions
Understanding Your Fear
1. Know where your fear comes from. Did you have a bad experience interacting with a girl? Has a traumatic event discouraged you from wanting to interact with girls further? Often this can be the case. If you are able to pinpoint what it is that is making you feel this way, you can often defeat it.
2. Remind yourself that she is only a person, just like you. By remembering that who you are afraid of is a human being with fears of her own, it makes her seem more approachable.
3. Remember that this is just part of life. Many people, if not all, experience fear or anxiety of the opposite sex at some point. This is completely normal. Romance is a tricky business, and even just talking to girls can be intimidating. Just remember that everyone goes through these feelings, including that person that you have your eye on.
Conquering Your Fear
4. Take baby steps. You don't have to jump in with both feet right away. Start by making an effort to make eye contact with girls. While looking someone in the eye can seem quite personal, in only lasts a moment. Not only that, but it's nice. This will help you understand that girls are just people. There are plenty of opportunities to practice, such as walking down the street or in a crowded hall. When you feel comfortable enough, try smiling when you make eye contact with someone. It's a natural, friendly thing to do, and nobody in her right mind would be offended at a smile.
5. Ask yourself what the worst thing that could happen is if you approach her. Picturing the worst case scenario and imagining how you would deal with it can be very helpful, and in some cases even comical. It is critical that you realize the unlikelihood of that scenario. Don't forget to imagine the best case scenario as well.
6. Decide what you could do to achieve the best case scenario you have already imagined. Perhaps specific behaviors might work well, whereas others would be unappealing. Once you have pictured the outcomes, you may realize that approaching a girl just may be worth the risk.
7. Say hi. It's a small step and it may make all the difference in the world. It's like being able to make eye contact---a small gesture that for you will mean big things. You needn't be afraid of a friendly hello. Practice lots. It isn't unusual to say hi to people you make eye contact with in passing.
8. Face your fear. The sooner you are able to break your cycle of being afraid of girls, the better off you will be. Try talking to girls. Light conversation is fine. Even just a small remark about something you have both just observed will do. By forcing yourself to talk to a girl, you will be reconditioning your predisposed response to girls, which is to be afraid of them. Each and every time you talk to a girl and come out of it OK, it will get easier.
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