A partial hysterectomy, or abdominal hysterectomy, is a common surgical procedure that involves removing the uterus through an incision in the lower abdomen. According to the Mayo Clinic, this surgery ranks as one of the most common surgical procedures performed on women. While women undergoing such surgery should expect to stay in the hospital for an average of 2 days, recovery time thereafter can be extensive. Proper care and rest are essential.
Instructions
1. Adhere to restrictions. Don't rush recovery; getting back to the basics may take time. Be sure you have family and friends to assist with strenuous activities. Not lifting heavy objects or straining are important for the care of stitches. Normal activities should not be resumed for several weeks.
2. Wash the incision daily. If soap is used, be sure to use a mild product, though clean water alone should suffice. Keeping the area clean and dry will help reduce the likelihood of infection.
3. Pat the incision area dry after washing. Rubbing or harsh care of the site will cause pain and irritation. Use a soft cotton towel or clean washcloth.
4. Don't apply creams, lotions or ointments to the area unless recommended by your doctor. Keeping the area clean and dry is enough, and healing will occur with proper care.
5. Shower as often as desired; however, bathing is not recommended.
6. Monitor the incision site; be sure to report any signs of infection to your doctor immediately. Increased redness, bleeding and drainage are warning signs.
Tags: area clean, common surgical, Keeping area, Keeping area clean, your doctor
A starter solenoid, sometimes also referred to as a starter relay, is an essential hardware component found in all cars and other vehicles. The starter solenoid is responsible for aiding in the ignition of a vehicle,and may perform other duties as well, depending on the make and model. Understanding the uses of a starter solenoid will help you identify any problems that may arise from a faulty one.
Relay Electricity
The starter solenoid is closely related to a vehicle's starter and is responsible for transmitting electrical current from the vehicle's battery to the starter, which then starts the engine.
Deactivate Starter
The starter is an electrical component that spins rapidly to start the engine. Once the engine starts, the driver releases the key. When the key is released, the starter solenoid is responsible for pulling the pinion away from the ring, which causes the starter to stop spinning.
Engage Ring Gear
The starter solenoid pushes the pinion forward when the key is turned to start the car. The pinion engages the ring gear, which then turns the flywheel to turn the engine.
Tags: starter solenoid, solenoid responsible, starter solenoid responsible, which then
Feeling sleepy? Yawning may be a way to help us feel more alert.
As the old adage goes, "Yawning is contagious." And it's not just a saying. Think about the number of times you've seen someone yawn and caught yourself doing the same thing only a few seconds later. According to Discovery Health, 55 percent of people will yawn within five minutes of seeing someone else yawn. But why do we yawn?
Oxygen
One theory is that yawning is your body's way of giving itself more oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide. Yawning helps rid the blood of carbon dioxide while putting more oxygen into the blood.
Stretching
Yawning helps stretch your muscles, especially the lungs and lung tissue. When your stretch your muscles your body gets ready to spring into action. Yawning helps get you ready by increasing your heart rate and helping you feel more awake.
Brain Temperature
Another theory about why we yawn is that it helps to cool your brain. It's thought that our brains work best at a certain temperature. Yawning helps get our brains to that temperature for maximum performance.
Tags: Yawning helps, carbon dioxide, feel more, more oxygen, stretch your
Yan Xin Qigong is part of a traditional Chinese practice that incorporates slow movement and controlled, practiced breathing techniques to promote meditation, circulation of qi (life energy) and overall health. Often confused with yoga or martial arts, this art form is more geared toward promoting disease prevention, overall physical health and communicating with a "higher power" for greater spiritual well-being. Likewise, Yan Xin Qigong is focused on "the cultivation of virtue and scientific spirit" through traditional qigong practice. There are several easy qigong exercises you can try to begin to reap the benefits of Yan Xin Qigong.
Alternate Nostril Breathing
Alternate nostril breathing aids in using each lung to its full capacity. Sit cross-legged with a straight spine, and use your index finger to depress one nostril so that you cannot breathe out of it. Breathe through the open nostril. Switch, using your thumb to close the alternate nostril.
Take long, deep breaths, making sure your face, jaw and tongue are relaxed and your lips are gently closed. Continue this practice for at least five minutes, or longer if you have been practicing qigong regularly.
Shoulder Relaxation
Shoulder relaxation allows our shoulders---which take a lot of the proverbial "weight" from our daily work and anxieties---to relax, promoting better mental and physical health. Sit or stand when engaging in this exercise; beginners are recommended to sit up straight, but not rigidly. Begin to inhale and exhale deeply and slowly, imagining your lungs filling up like a balloon with each inhale. With each inhalation, raise your shoulders toward your ears, as if you are shrugging, tensing your muscles as you raise your shoulders. Before you exhale, hold your breath and your shoulders for a few moments. As you exhale, slowly, with control, lower your shoulders until they are relaxed.
Before you repeat, enjoy your relaxed posture and hold your breath for a few moments. Repeat this exercise at least eight times.
Empty Stance
To engage in the empty stance, an exercise that promotes back strength and may relieve back pain, stand with both knees bent. Bend forward at the hip, keeping your back straight and your tailbone aligned with your vertebrae (you should look like an obtuse angle if you look in the mirror).
Pull your chin in slightly, so that your head aligns with your back and you aren't putting any extra pressure on your spine to hold up your head. Move your feet so that the heel of one foot is a few inches from the inner arch of your other foot. Shift your body weight to one leg, letting the heel of your other leg lift slightly from the ground and the toes support most of its weight. Switch feet by stepping forward, keeping your knees slightly bent. You may start slowly, but, as your practice deepens, you will be able to switch feet easily.
If you feel any pain in your back, ask a doctor about practicing qigong, and make sure you have followed the directions for the correct posture.
Tags: your shoulders, hold your, your back, forward keeping, forward keeping your, hold your breath
A surgeon creates a stoma, or small hole in the abdomen, by stitching the opening of the bowel or ureter to the skin of the abdomen. A bag can then be connected to the stoma to collect feces or urine outside of the body. This additional surgery is needed when part of the bowel or urinary tract has been removed. The need for a stoma can be temporary or permanent depending on the extent of the surgery a patient has had. Some complications can occur.
Types
There are three basic types of stomas. Urostomy is an opening from the ureters that allows urine to leave the body without passing through the bladder. This type of stoma may be located in the center or in either the left or right side of the lower abdomen.
Ileostomy opens from the small bowel so that feces can leave the body without passing through the large bowel. The stoma is usually placed in the lower right abdomen.
A colostomy is an opening from the large bowel, which allows waste to leave the body without passing through the anus. Most often the stoma is placed in the lower left abdomen.
Common Complications
Common stoma complications include retraction of the bowel back into the abdomen, prolapsed bowel or peristomal hernia. When a stoma retracts it pulls inward causing stool to leak from beneath. This can make the surrounding skin sore.
Prolapsed stomas protrude outward, increasing in length. While this can seem frightening to the patient, a stoma prolapse is not life threatening. This can be a later complication that is often associated with an emergency colostomy. Prolapse can be repaired with minor surgery. Weak abdominal muscles or poor healing following surgery can cause the area around the stoma site to bulge. In this case, peristomal hernia may be the cause of blockage or obstruction. Although not usually painful, the hernia can be uncomfortable and is often repaired under local anesthesia.
Other Complications
Early complications that may follow surgery include bleeding, infection, fistula, vomiting, dehydration, or the more rare occurrences of stomal ischemia or wound dehiscence. Ischemia involves inadequate blood supply to the area whereas stomal dehiscence leads to contamination of the wound with fecal matter causing irritation and pain.
Later complications of a stoma may involve persistent infection, bowel obstruction, cancer, Crohn's disease or varicose veins around the location of the stoma. A patient is also at risk of developing skin disorders such as contact dermatitis, psoriasis, skin ulcers, cellulitis, impetigo, or a fungal or viral infection.
Stoma Care
The bag that connects to a stoma fits underneath clothing and is easy to change. Bags are designed to be leak-proof and odor free. A stoma care nurse will show you empty the bag. Stoma patients need to drink plenty of fluids and eat regular meals in order to get into a toileting routine. In some cases, individuals can learn to time their bowel movements by flushing out the stoma with lukewarm water from the tap.
Include only small amounts of fiber in your diet for the first few months following surgery. After that, you can slowly increase the amount of fiber in your diet. Schedule routine medical check-ups with your doctor so that he can check the condition of the stoma site.
Side Effects
Sometimes the bowel can narrow or extend out of the stoma preventing feces from passing through into the bag. These problems may need to be corrected with surgery. A stoma related to ileostomy or colostomy surgery can move on its own. If this happens there is usually no need to worry. Keep in mind that, in some cases, the stoma is attached to the bowel, which squeezes and contracts as digested food passes through it.
Diarrhea is another common side effect, especially during the first few days following surgery. Until your system regulates, your doctor or stoma care nurse may advise you to drink and eat foods high in potassium and salt.
Prevention
Because your body is adapting to a shortened bowel or urinary tract, it is important to consume a diet that includes the necessary balance of nutrients. Avoid eating foods like nuts, corn, celery, mushrooms and coconut as these can cause blockages. This is especially important advice if you have had an ileostomy. The ileum is narrow and can become easily blocked.
Eat small mouthfuls of food and chew well. If you have had a colostomy, you should not eat cabbage, beans or broccoli. As with an ileostomy, eat slowly and do not talk as you eat so that you don't swallow too much air. With any type of stoma, you should drink plenty of fluids and eat foods high in fiber to avoid becoming constipated.
Tags: passing through, body without, body without passing, following surgery, leave body
Xylitol has been used as a sugar substitute for more than 100 years. Although it may present a few very minor health concerns, it offers a variety of benefits as well.
Minor Side Effects
In the late 20th century, a study done in Finland proved that xylitol is well-tolerated by the human body, even when consumed in amounts of 22 teaspoons a day. The only complaint listed among study participants was a temporary laxative effect and more gas than usual.
Cavity Prevention
The same study showed that people who regularly ingest xylitol reduce their risk of dental cavities by up to 85 percent, because it destroys the acid that lives in the mouth and causes cavities.
Indigestion
Individuals who suffer from heartburn and indigestion have also noticed an improvement after making xylitol a part of their diets.
Xylitol in the Intestines
Previously, there has been some concern that xylitol's bacteria-killing property may also destroy the good bacteria in the intestines. However, xylitol already occurs naturally in the body and has no known negative effects on the intestines.
Dogs and Xylitol
Although xylitol has been proven to be beneficial to humans, it is harmful and sometimes fatal for dogs. A small dog can die from as few as two pieces of gum with xylitol.
For many women the joy of early pregnancy can be overshadowed by the persistent nausea commonly known as morning sickness. Though it's true that pregnancy nausea can be worse during the morning, despite its moniker many women experience it throughout the day. In most cases, pregnancy nausea is simple to treat and abates on its own by the fourth or fifth month of pregnancy.
Instructions
Prevent Morning Sickness
1. Place dry crackers or rice cakes next to your bed and nibble on one before leaving your bed in the morning. Many women report that first thing in the morning is when pregnancy nausea is worst, most likely because their stomachs are empty after a night's rest. Eating something before getting up can help to prevent full-blown vomiting.
2. Keep your stomach full by eating small snacks throughout the day. Pregnancy nausea is often associated with an empty stomach and low blood sugar. Consider breaking your meals into six small ones if three large, heavy meals are too much for you to stomach.
3. Drink fluids before or after meals, but not with food. Fluids are important to replace those lost to vomiting and to neutralize the acidic nature of your stomach. However, the combination of fluids and solids tends not to sit well and may trigger vomiting.
4. Give in to cravings. When you're nauseated and vomiting, your body's need for nutrients is more important than a balanced diet. If the only thing you can keep down is lemonade and cheese puffs, at least you are staying hydrated and fed. When your pregnancy nausea lessens you can go back to a normal diet.
5. Follow your nose, out the door, that is! Pregnant women have a heightened sense of smell and certain strong odors can trigger nausea. The offending odors vary from woman to woman, so you will have to figure out which ones make you feel ill and try to avoid them.
Soothe Your Stomach
6. Rest frequently. Not only can fatigue contribute to morning sickness, but morning sickness can cause weakness and fatigue. Lying down when you feel the most ill and getting a good night's sleep can help to treat nausea.
7. Treat the beginnings of nausea with peppermint and wintergreen. Drink peppermint tea to stay hydrated and suck on peppermint or wintergreen candies to soothe your spasmodic stomach.
8. Use ginger to treat pregnancy nausea. Ginger root is widely employed as an anti-emetic. It can be ingested in many forms: tea, ginger snap cookies, capsules of dried ginger, candied ginger or ginger ale. Make sure to purchase ginger ale with a high concentration of real ginger. Many health foods stores carry beverages called ginger beer, which is a non-alcoholic, spicy ginger ale.
Treat Hyperemesis
9. Call your doctor if you haven't been able to keep down any fluids for more than 12 hours, have a fever, cracked lips or any other signs of dehydration. For reasons unknown to doctors, some women experience a severe form of morning sickness, known as hyperemesis, in which they can't stop vomiting. Hyperemesis requires medical attention.
10. Stay hydrated by going to your doctor's office or to the emergency department to receive IV fluids. In most cases your doctor will make the arrangements. Sometimes the cycle of hyperemesis can be broken by a round of IV fluids because once a woman is rehydrated she may be able to begin keeping down small amounts of liquid.
11. Take prescription anti-emetics if your doctor feels it's necessary. Though no pregnant woman wants to take medications during pregnancy, continuous vomiting and severe dehydration that doesn't respond to IV fluids can put you at risk for miscarriage or threaten the growth of your baby.
12. Gather a support system. Hyperemesis is often misunderstood. Other people don't see the severity of the situation or understand the depression, guilt and despair that comes with being so sick during pregnancy that you are incapacitated. Having family and friends around to support you can help you through this rough time.
Tags: pregnancy nausea, morning sickness, your doctor, during pregnancy, keep down, many women, most cases
Migraine is a debilitating form of headache, often accompanied by sensitivity to sound and light; nausea and vomiting may be present. A migraine may last from four hours to three days.
About 20 percent of sufferers experience "aura", sensory signs and visual disturbances which precede the headache and for some sufferers, the headache is accompanied by earache.
Theories/Speculation
The exact causes of migraine are not fully understood, though it is now generally accepted that the attack begins within the brain, according to Nature Medicine.
The "migraine cascade" begins when nerve cells in the brain become over excited, causing blood vessels within the brain to become inflamed and to supply excess blood to the brain. The Headache Research Center has shown that this is followed by reduction in blood flow as the vessels contract. The mechanisms by which essential chemicals are carried in the brain are also disrupted.
How do we Feel Migraine Pain?
The brain is unable to feel pain. Although the migraine cascade begins within the brain, pain from migraine headaches actually occurs in the membrane which covers the brain (meninges) and the blood vessels, muscles and nerves of the head and neck.
The sensory (feeling) parts of the facial nerve are activated by the changes in the brain and send messages back to the brain. The brain interprets the message to tell us where the pain is and how severe it is.
About the Facial/Trigeminal Nerve
The trigeminal nerve is a complex and very important facial nerve. Although it covers a relatively small area of the body, it is responsible for sending almost 50 percent of the total of sensory information received by the brain.
It sends sensory information to and from: the eye sockets, the teeth and their connecting ligaments, the jaw muscles and joints, the tongue and lips, and the lining of the sinuses and muscles inside the ear.
Why does an Earache Accompany Migraine?
The trigeminal nerve has three major branches, one of which is called the maxillary nerve. This runs behind the cheek bone and is responsible for sensation in the ears.
The migraine cascade activates the trigeminal nerve and the area in which pain is felt depends upon which part of the nerve is activated. If the maxillary nerve is activated then pain will be experienced in the ears.
Summary
Inner ear showing nerve supply from maxillary nerve
The pain felt in the ears during a migraine attack is not a sign that there is any problem with the ears themselves.
Earache may be part of a migraine attack because of the area of the trigeminal or facial nerve which is stimulated by the changes in blood flow and chemicals in the brain.
Tags: facial nerve, maxillary nerve, migraine cascade, nerve activated, trigeminal nerve, within brain, begins within
Lemon verbena, also known as Aloysia triphylla, is an herbal medicine that has been used for centuries in South American cultures. When consumed, the herb is noted for relieving myriad ailments including bacterial and fever-induced pain, as well as psychological pain induced by stress. When taken as a tonic or tea, lemon verbena provides soothing relief as well as an enjoyable flavor.
Indigestion and Fever
Lemon verbena is often used to relieve discomfort associated with the digestive system and with the pain of fever. The herb is reported to help speed digestion and reduce pain or spasm of the colon. It is also purported to ease the pain and stimulate healing of hemorrhoids.
Nervous System
Lemon verbena holds calming properties that help sooth the nervous system. It is a slightly sedative herb, and is thus used as a natural relief of stress and anxiety.
Sleep Aid
The property of soothing restless nerves makes consuming lemon verbena before bedtime a choice for those with difficulty sleeping because of overcrowded thoughts and a restless mind. In some cases drinking lemon verbena before bed can help those who suffer from insomnia.
Drink, Don't Eat
The herb is most commonly taken in the form of a tonic or tea; the useful parts of the plant are the leaves, which are steeped in hot water until brewed and then strained. Consumption of the physical leaf is not recommended.
Anti-Candida Albicans
Candida albicans is a yeast fungus most commonly found in the human mouth and intestine. The vast majority of humans live with candida albicans without any significant side effect; however those with HIV or immune diseases are more prone to develop candidiasis, known also as thrush. Thrush is a common and treatable disease for those without immune disease. Lemon verbena has anti-candida albican properties, and is used by some (along with other treatments) to help decrease candida albicans in the body.
Medical Proof
While many accounts testify for the medicinal properties of lemon verbena, none can be taken with scientific medical certainty. The medicinal properties of lemon verbena fall under its use in herbal or alternative medicine, and any regimen regarding its consumption for an extended period should be discussed with your medical provider.
Fad diets come and go, and the people that adhere to them typically gain back the weight that they lost. The best way to lose weight is a steady and conservative approach that focuses on making your overall lifestyle healthier. Better food choices, limiting calories without starving and exercising are key.
Fundamentals of Losing Weight
In order to lose weight, your body needs to be burning more calories than it is ingesting, each and everyday. The two ways to shift the proportion of burned to ingested calories is to exercise and cut down on calories.
Set a Realistic Goal
Setting a realistic weight loss goal will help you focus and achieve your objectives. But setting grandiose goals can quickly lead to disappointment. Shoot for a healthy and consistent weight loss goal of one pound per week, or five per month.
Exercising for Healthy Weight Loss
Ideally you should have at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. At a minimum, you should aim for at least 3 workouts per week to increase the calories you are burning off.
Eating Smaller Meals
By eating smaller meals, more often throughout the day, you will keep your metabolism at a higher rate. This will allow your body to digest meals quicker and use the calories more efficiently and effectively. It will also help keep you from overeating, as you will not feel "starved" over the course of the day.
Stay Hydrated
Water has many positive health affects, chief among them the ability to help your body digest foods more quickly while dispersing the gained nutrients in your bloodstream easier. Drink at least eight glasses of water a day.
Cut Calories, But Not Too Much
To lose weight healthily you should set a goal of limiting your caloric intake by no more than 20%. If you normally eat 2,500 calories a day, your target should be 2,000. Lower than this will actually shut your metabolism down, and make your body start storing fat.
Control Food Portions
Taking everything you love out of a diet is an easy way to ruin the diet. Keep the foods you crave in your health plan, just limit the portion size and frequency you eat them. Instead of three pieces of pizza three times a week, have two pieces once a week, or one slice two times a week.
Tags: your body, lose weight, body digest, loss goal, times week
Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure where two or more vertebrae are fused together. This procedure is done by grafting bone and incorporating pieces of metal, such as rods and screws. Spinal fusion is done to help correct problems in the back.
Fun Fact
The main goal of spinal fusion is to stop movement in between the vertebrae. It is this motion that causes pain for people with back problems.
Reasons
Spinal fusion is used on people who have sustained serious back injury, have spines weakened by disease, disc degeneration and progressive spine deformity.
Technique
Small pieces of bone are placed in between the vertebrae during the procedure. The bone is either taken from other parts of the body or from a donor. Then the two vertebrae are immobilized using the screws and rods.
Side Effects
People who have had spinal fusion will notice less flexibility in their backs following surgery.
Recovery
Recovery from the procedure can take several weeks. The patient will need to rest in bed for a few days. After the pain from the surgery subsides, the patient will slowly begin to re-adopt their normal daily activities.
Ankle tendonitis is a condition affecting the posterior tibialis tendon, causing pain and tenderness in the ankle due to overuse. Individuals with flat feet or active lifestyles are most prone to ankle tendonitis.
Background
Ankle tendonitis is not to be confused with Achilles tendonitis, which affects a different tendon entirely. The posterior tibial tendon is located under the knob of the ankle and is responsible for lifting the foot's arch.
Causes
While simple aging and genetic defects can cause ankle tendonitis, most often the cause is stress on the posterior tibialis tendon. This tends to happen due to involvement in sports that require a large amount of stopping and starting, such as football, basketball, baseball and tennis.
Symptoms
Those with ankle tendonitis will often feel pain in the ankle, which will get worse during strenuous activity like sports or exercise. Stiffness and swelling may develop, with pain any time the ankle is bent.
Treatment
To treat ankle tendonitis, cease doing whatever is causing the condition and apply the R.I.C.E. method of treatment (rest, ice, compression, elevation). If there is inflammation, take medicine to counteract it. If the tendonitis is severe, you may need to take steroid injections or undergo surgery. To continue the activity that caused it, you will have to ease back into it gradually.
Prevention
To prevent ankle tendonitis, do 10 minutes of warm-up before engaging in strenuous activity. Wear wearing proper shoes, and avoid practicing on uneven ground. Know your limits and don't overexert your body.
The pancreas is a gland organ in the digestive system. The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes, hormones and other fluids such as insulin. With reflexology you stimulate and remove stress from the pancreas by applying pressure to certain zones on the hands and feet. Locating these zones is easy. Reflexology helps people keep their pancreas healthy.
Instructions
1. Allow the patient to relax and get comfortable before beginning. This is an essential part of reflexology. If the patient is not comfortable the body does not relax and adds more stress to more organs.
2. Place the right hand of the patient in your hand. Rub your thumb down the patient's thumb and down to the palm of their hand. Apply pressure on the ridge of the hand in the fatty part below the index finger. This is a pancreas zone. Rub vigorously.
3. Take the other hand into your hand. Repeat the process in Step 2 but apply the pressure below the middle finger instead of the index. For the best results, rub at the bottom of the hand close to the wrist.
4. Place the patient's foot in your hands and rub on the middle inside of the arch. This is the same zone on both feet and stimulates the pancreas.
Tags: Locate Reflexology, Locate Reflexology Pancreas, Pancreas Zone, Reflexology Pancreas, Reflexology Pancreas Zone, thumb down
Poultices provide alternative treatment for external injuries.
A poultice is a combination of herbs and paste that is good for cleaning wounds, preventing swelling and stopping bruises. Herbalists and online shops sell ready to heat poultices, and people with access to herbs can make poultices from scratch. Once a poultice is ready for use, proper application will increase its effectiveness.
Instructions
1. Cool and strain the poultice after heating. Test the poultice with a fingertip before attempting to use it. For best results use a poultice that is warm enough to provide soothing heat, but not hot enough to burn.
2. Make a bandage using a strip of clean gauze or a sheet and place it on a flat surface. Spread the poultice solution evenly on the center of the bandage.
3. Carefully lift the bandage containing the poultice solution and place it on the injury. Secure the bandage to the area using bandage clips or a safety pin. If bandage clips or safety pins are not available, tape or Band-Aids can provide a temporary solution.
4. Keep the bandage dry and check to make sure it is still secure every two hours. Replace the bandage and poultice as necessary.
The ADA dramatically increased the mobility of handicapped people.
The United States Access Board is a Federal agency, charged with overseeing accessible design for handicapped people and minimizing barriers in architecture. In 2004, it published guidelines incorporating standards from the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as well as the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA). These guidelines are to be phased in as new construction occurs. Elevators already in existence are not subject to these requirements.
Width
When an elevator with centered doors opens, it must provide you with a clear entry way that is 42 inches wide. If the elevator doors are off-centered, the width can be reduced to 36 inches.
Automation
Elevator doors must be horizontal, and they must slide open and closed automatically. They can never open vertically or require more than five pounds of pressure to operate. Manual gates on elevators are not permitted.
If a person or an object obstructs the doors of an elevator, the doors should reopen instantly and automatically. This is triggered by sensors that must be located inside the door at five inches above the floor and again at a height of 29 inches. When the doors reopen, they must remain open for a minimum of 20 seconds.
Timing
When an elevator car arrives, you must have adequate time to reach the elevator and enter the car before the doors close. For every one and one half feet you must travel from the farthest call button to the elevator entry, the doors should remain open for at least five seconds. For example, if the farthest call button is twenty feet away, the doors should remain open for 67 seconds ([20 feet/1.5] x 5 seconds). In any case, elevator doors should never close in less than three seconds.
Door Jam Markings
The number of the floor where the elevator stops must be visible on both the left and right door jambs. The floor number must also be tactile and accompanied by its Braille symbol. If the floor where the elevator stops is the main entry, a tactile star, accompanied by its Braille symbol, must appear next to the floor number. If the elevator car is one in a bank of elevators, the car itself must be identified by a letter and accompanied by its Braille symbol. All characters must measure two inches high minimum.
Private Residence
Elevators inside private residences may have doors that swing outward as opposed to automatically opening horizontally.
Gestational diabetes is diagnosed if a pregnant women experiences high glucose (sugar) levels during pregnancy, even though she has never had diabetes. Approximated 135,000 women in the U.S. experience gestational diabetes every year, about 4 percent of all pregnant women. It is usually discovered with a routine blood test during the last trimester, as the symptoms of excessive thirst, tiredness and frequent urination are also associated with normal pregnancy and may go unnoticed.
Effects
When the mother has gestational diabetes, high levels of blood glucose cross the placenta and enter the body of the baby. This causes the baby's pancreas to work harder to produce the insulin needed to metabolize the glucose. The baby gets more energy than it needs to develop and stores the excess in fat. These large babies face the risk of damage during birth. They may also experience low blood sugar at birth as the high level of insulin produced by their pancreas is no longer needed. Breathing problems can develop. The risk of obesity or type 2 diabetes later in life increases.
Prevention/Solution
Treatment consists of dietary changes to limit the amount of carbohydrates consumed. You may need to alter the amount or timing of meals, but will generally be able to enjoy all the foods you normally enjoy. Exercising a half hour a day, 3 times a week will lower glucose levels. If lifestyle changes in diet and exercise are not effective, you may be given insulin injections. Insulin is safe to use and will not harm your baby.
Considerations
Medical professionals recommend that women with gestational diabetes monitor their own glucose levels at home throughout the day. As many as four measures a day are needed to keep an accurate record.
Time Frame
Once the baby is born, the mother's glucose level may return to normal within hours. The hospital staff will monitor the levels closely every 2 hours to watch for any fluctuations. It may take up to 2 weeks for normal levels to be reached. Seek medical advice before discontinuing any medications.
Benefits
Women who have gestational diabetes are likely to develop it again in future pregnancies and are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future. Lifestyle changes made during pregnancy and weight loss decrease the risk. Continuing the lifestyle changes made during pregnancy may prevent type 2 diabetes in the future. Regular exercise and a well balanced diet will assist in maintaining a healthy weight, reducing the risk for diabetes.
Tags: during pregnancy, gestational diabetes, type diabetes, changes made, changes made during
Depression is a common mental disorder. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV), the average age of onset is the mid-20s. Also, it is diagnosed more often in females than males.
Withdrawal
Depressed individuals tend to withdraw from engaging in activities. They might lose interest in doing things or avoid being around others.
Lack of Energy
Fatigue is a common symptom of depression. Even if depressed individuals express interest in doing something, they may not have the energy to participate.
Changes in Appetite
Over-eating and reduced eating are both signs of depression. Some depressed individuals may find that eating more makes them feel better. Yet, others may find thatthey have no appetite at all.
Changes in Sleeping
Sleeping often or for longer periods of time than usual is typical among people who are depressed. Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep can also be symptomatic of depression.
Sadness
Feeling down or low for a significant period of time is characteristic of depression. Feelings of sadness and hopelessness often accompany a negative mood.
Tags: depressed individuals, find that, interest doing, they have
Blood glucose monitors are meters that you use to check your blood sugar levels if you are diabetic. Diabetes affects approximately 27 million people a year. Approximately 6 million of those individuals are undiagnosed. Blood glucose monitors have a design that allows you to check your sugar levels frequently. This is important in keeping your diabetes under control.
History
In the early 1960s, the blood glucose monitor was invented. Leland Clark is famous for several inventions in the medical field. These include the first glucose meter, the first heart-lung machine and one of the first intensive care units.
In mid 1970s, Anton Clemens's blood glucose meter design was in use in hospitals around the United States. This was approximately 10 inches long and required an electrical outlet to use. The reading took about one to two minutes to complete.
Shortly after, in the early 1980s, blood glucose monitors were introduced for home use. Bayer and Roche commercially produced the first home blood glucose monitors.
Function
A Blood glucose monitor is a medical device that allows the users to check their blood sugar levels. These devices require lancets. Lancets are small needles with which you prick your finger or forearm. Only certain styles of meters allow you to test on your arm. Most require finger pricks. An instruction booklet and batteries also accompany the blood glucose monitor of your choice.
While the features of the different meters vary, the concept is the same. You insert a testing strip into the meter. The strips vary by the type of blood glucose monitor that you use. You will need to purchase the test strips separately from the meter. Usually, you can receive a prescription for these. Once the test strip is inserted into the machine, you pick your finger or forearm depending on the meter. You will see a small drop of blood. The blood should be on the test strip. You can usually scrape the blood onto the strip. Wait approximately 5 to 15 seconds, then the meter will display your current blood sugar levels.
You and your doctor will discuss the appropriate times to use the blood glucose monitor. These vary depending on your needs. Your doctor may ask you to test your levels an hour after meals, in the morning before breakfast and before bedtime.
Types
There are over 40 styles of blood glucose monitors from which to choose. The prices range from $40 to $150. Depending on your insurance, you can receive your meter free or at a reduced of price. However, your insurance may limit your product choices.
Accu Check Aviva from Roche Diagnostics is one of the more popular models. Even if you are on a restricted insurance company, they will pay for this meter. This is equipped with a simple to use, painless lancing device. You change the needle with every use so that it does not become worn. There is a memory option that stores up to 500 readings at a time. Your doctor can also download the data from the device. Other products from Roche Diagnostics include Accu Check Active, Accu Check Compact and Accu Check Advantage.
The Lifescan OneTouch Ultra is a popular model as well. You can test your sugar levels on your fingers or forearm with this device. This meter also gives you a reading in less than five seconds. It is accurate and flexible for testing. Other products from this manufacturer include OneTouch Basics, OneTouch UltraSmart and OneTouch UltraMini.
Home Diagnostics offers six different meters. TRUEread features a larger display and a turn on function when you insert the test strip. Your insurance may pay for this product, especially if you have Medicare. Other products from Home Diagnostics include Prestige IQ, TrueTrack and TRUE2go.
Features
Usually, a meter will display the blood levels within 10 seconds. Automatic on and off features will help the battery to last longer and relieve worry if you forget to turn the machine off. If you have trouble seeing the display even when it is large, a voice meter is available. This will allow you to hear your results. Along with the blood level readings, the date and time are also on display. There is also a meter than you can add to a compatible cell phone. This allows you to have your blood glucose monitor with you at all times without having to remember to bring it along.
Warning
Always follow your doctor's instructions when you are using your blood glucose monitor. This includes time you should test and how often. It is important for any diabetic to keep a good record of blood sugar levels. Read all instructions on the meter of your choice. All of the monitors are different and one may not work the same as another. Always keep plenty of test strips. Before testing, wash your hands or arm. If you have a sugar substance on your fingers, the blood glucose monitor reading will not be accurate.
Hormone therapy or hormone replacement therapy is predominately used to help curb menopausal symptoms. By using estrogen and progesterone supplements, relief from declining hormones in women's bodies can be both beneficial and detrimental. Since declining hormone levels in a woman's body is a natural reaction, some women would rather use natural remedies to avoid certain risks from hormone therapy, while others prefer the benefits and relief they receive from the supplements.
Bone Loss
As a woman ages, her bones become brittle from a lack of calcium and estrogen. By taking calcium supplements and hormone therapy, the bones become less brittle. Osteoporosis, a bone disease, can lead to more fractures. Hormones may stop the spread of this bone disorder.
Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
Women with menopausal symptoms will most likely suffer hot flashes and night sweats. These symptoms can be disturbing for most women. Hot flashes can cause red blotchy skin on the face and neck, rapid heart rate and an increase in perspiration. Hormone therapy reduces hot flashes and night sweats, helping woman get more rest and become less anxious.
Heart Disease
Women who are menopausal and have a history of heart disease may benefit from hormone therapy. Hormone therapy has been shown to reduce heart problems in women taking hormone supplements. Natural estrogen has been linked to lowering the LDL and increasing the HDL in cholesterol, providing protection against heart disease. When estrogen in the body decreases, the risk of heart disease increases.
Blood Clots
Women with a history of blood clots should be advised not to take hormone therapy, as their risk will escalate with continued use. Blood clots can be debilitating to one's health, causing small or massive strokes.
Breast Cancer Risks
According to the Feb. 5, 2009 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, a recent study found that women taking estrogen along with progestin for five years or longer doubled their risk for breast cancer. As soon as one year after dropping the hormones, their risk returned to normal. This study did not apply to women taking only estrogen.
Conclusion
Hormone therapy is not all bad or all good. Depending on your medical history, you and your doctor will be able to determine if using hormone therapy is a good choice for you.
Tags: their risk, women taking, become less, bones become, flashes night
Bladder cancer can be a deadly disease. While numerous treatments exist for reducing the size of tumors, removing them completely and reducing the symptoms, back pain still persists for many sufferers. Luckily, there are ways to cope with bladder cancer back pain.
What Is Bladder Cancer?
Bladder cancer is a disease characterized by the development of tumors within the bladder. These tumors can eventually metastasize outside of the bladder to include other areas of the urinary tract, reproductive organs or the digestive system, making it more difficult to treat and potentially lethal.
Symptoms
Bladder cancer carries with it numerous symptoms, many of which mimic less serious conditions such as urethritis and urinary tract infections. These symptoms include blood in the urine, urinary frequency or urgency even though only a small amount of urine is released, burning or pain upon urination, and lower back pain. Since these symptoms can be misleading, a proper diagnosis by your doctor is vital.
Causes of Back Pain
Back pain caused by bladder cancer occurs because of the pressure of tumors in the bladder or in surrounding areas. Metastasized bladder cancer will likely cause more pain than that which has not. It is not only the tumors themselves that cause back pain, however. Common cancer treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy may cause irritation and pain in the lower back as well.
Pain Treatments
Treatments for back pain caused by bladder cancer vary depending on its severity and your own personal pain tolerance. Typical treatment includes analgesics. If they are not effective, other medications that alter how your body reacts to pain may also be prescribed. In some cases, radiation can be beneficial in lessening back pain, since it may shrink tumors, placing less pressure on your internal organs.
Pain As a Lifestyle
Back pain is a part of living with bladder cancer. While pain relievers can usually knock a dent in the pain, they won't eliminate all of it. That's why other methods must be utilized to maintain your quality of life. Behavioral psychology is sometimes to used to alter how you perceive pain and how you think about it. Biofeedback allows you to change your body's reactions to pain. Likewise, seeing a therapist can help you continue to live your life normally despite the pain. Keeping a positive outlook is the best way to live with the back pain that comes with bladder cancer.
Tags: back pain, with bladder, with bladder cancer, bladder cancer, bladder cancer, caused bladder, caused bladder cancer
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) estimates that a newly developed pressure ulcer costs a facility between $4000 and $40,000. The risk of pressure ulcer development in patients with extended stays in hospitals and nursing facilities is about 25 percent. An effective nursing wound care program can save your facility a considerable amount of time, effort and money. More importantly, it will prevent infection, promote healing of existing wounds and prevent the development of new pressure ulcers for your patients.
Instructions
1. Assemble an Interdisciplinary Team
Your wound care program-whether you work in a nursing facility or acute care hospital-should be a multi-disciplinary effort involving individuals from each department: nursing, dietary, physical therapy, infection control, risk management, and administration. If available, invite the medical director or a wound care physician to participate. Designate one individual to lead and coordinate the team's efforts, and give specific assignments to each member.
2. Schedule Routine Wound Care Meetings
Secure a conference room and schedule committee meetings no less frequently than once per week. Short daily meetings may work best while the program is first being developed.
3. Establish Guidelines and Definitions
Review the latest pressure ulcer guidelines and nationally recognized standards set forth by the AHRQ and the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel. These will provide the basis for your wound care system, which will in turn ensure consistency among your team and with other facilities.
Create a glossary of terms and define wound stages. Everyone should use the same terminology and criteria to assess, stage, measure and document wounds.
4. Develop Wound Care Protocols
Because an effective wound care program focuses on prevention first, patients should be screened according to their risk level. The Braden Scale is one tool that predicts pressure ulcer risk and aids in decision-making. All patients should be screened on admission, transfer and for any change in condition.
Protocols should include treatments appropriate for the type of tissue involved (stage) as well as the health (presence of infection or dead tissue) of the wound bed. These protocols should be specific and evidence-based, but easy to understand and implement.
5. Select Wound Care Products
Consider cost, availability and ease of use when selecting which products to use. Each stage and condition of wound will call for a specific combination of wound cleansers, debriding agents, antimicrobials and/or dressings. Call local pharmacies, regional medical supply distributors and national vendors to compare prices, inventory and product selection.
If your facility has the resources, your wound care committee may also want to consider offering such adjunctive therapies as hydrotherapy or negative pressure wound therapy.
6. Continuous Quality Improvement
Periodically evaluate the effectiveness of prevention techniques and wound care treatments. Try different products and change strategies if no improvement is seen in a wound after 14 days.
Staff performance should be evaluated regularly to identify training needs; conduct timely and relevant inservices accordingly.
Tags: pressure ulcer, wound care, care program, patients should, patients should screened, should screened, Wound Care
People need health care plans because the rising costs of medications, physical checkups and surgeries are often expensive without health insurance. For example, if you had a medical bill that costs over $1,000, your health plan can cut the cost by paying part of the bill. Health care plans also provide incentives for people to be more proactive with their health.
Benefits Employers
Employers are always seeking ways to increase employee productivity and offer new incentives in the hopes of retaining them. One way employers do this is by offering employees health plans. With these plans, employees can focus more on work and less on health care worries.
Benefits Low-Income Families
Some low-income families' employers do not offer health insurance, so they often turn to affordable private health plans or government-funded health plans. This helps families receive quality care and it keeps extra money in their pockets.
Benefits Senior Citizens
Because Social Security benefits and Medicare don't always cover certain expensive medical treatments, it's a good idea for senior citizens to have health plans. With the health plans, senior citizens have better access to a wider variety of medical treatments at reduced prices.
Life Emergencies
When you experience a temporary period of unemployment, you'll still be able to continue your health benefits through the COBRA program. In COBRA, the government provides health insurance to former employees and their families for 18 months.
Considerations
When shopping for health insurance, take a look at the benefits each plan offers, the monthly costs, and conditions that exist within the plans.
Tags: health plans, health insurance, care plans, citizens have, health plans With, medical treatments, plans With
Homeostasis is the body’s ability to maintain a normal physiological state when external conditions change. When external conditions like extreme changes in the weather have an effect on the body, the body can become stressed because it has to work harder to keep all systems running smoothly. To help the body maintain a healthy state, measures should be taken to assist the body in attaining balance on the emotional and physical level. When the systems in the body work together harmoniously and are balanced, homeostasis is achieved. There are many ways you can achieve a state of homeostasis.
Instructions
1. Diet. A healthy diet is crucial if you wants to achieve homeostasis. When food consumption deviates from the guidelines of a healthy diet, a balanced state of health can become unbalanced. If you want to play a part in keeping your body in a healthy state, consult with a nutritionist who can create a diet plan especially for your needs.
2. Chiropractic. Spinal manipulation is believed to bring about good health and keep you in a healthy state. When the spine is misaligned, immune function becomes impaired. Regular chiropractic adjustments can help you achieve a state of homeostasis by putting the spine back into alignment.
3. Meditation. On an emotional level, meditation can promote feelings of well-being. Meditation also assists with achieving physical health, because there is a mind and body connection. By learning control the mind through meditation, you can achieve homeostasis. Negative thoughts can cause health problems. Bringing forth a peaceful state of mind through the practice of meditation will bring with it balance on all levels.
4. Yoga. Yoga exercises can assist with achieving homeostasis by relaxing the body and the mind. You can learn do yoga online, in a classroom, or by reading a book on yoga exercises.
5. Reflexology. A healthy mind and body can be attained through reflexology. By working the reflexes in the feet, the body’s innate ability to heal itself is enhanced. Regular reflexology sessions may help balance the body that is out of balance and keep it that way.
6. Reiki. Reiki is the channeling of energy. A reiki session will give you the energy needed to help your body repair itself on the emotional, spiritual and physical level. A qualified reiki practitioner can give you a series of reiki sessions that can take you to a higher level of self-healing.
7. Acupuncture. When an acupuncturist inserts needles into various acupuncture points on the body, the flow of energy (chi) is affected to bring about a balanced state. Acupuncture is a form of Chinese medicine that can be used to achieve homeostasis.
Canker sores, or mouth ulcers, are painful, noncontagious sores that can appear on the gums, tongue, palate, and inside the lips and cheeks. Canker sores may be white or gray with a red border, and may last as long as two weeks. Often, they make eating, drinking, and even talking uncomfortable. Although there is currently no cure for canker sores, there are a few things you can do to relieve discomfort and minimize reappearance.
Instructions
1. Exercise caution when brushing or flossing your teeth. Avoid chewing on pens or toothpicks, and if you wear braces, make sure your orthodontist trims wires closely. If you wear dentures or other dental appliances, make sure they fit well and are cleaned regularly. Although exactly what causes canker sores is not known, small injuries or irritations in the mouth commonly develop into mouth ulcers.
2. Watch what you eat. Highly acidic foods like citrus fruits and juices, tomato products, pineapples, strawberries, and candy or fruit snacks that are high in citric acid are common culprits. Avoid these foods when you have a canker sore, and if you find that they trigger mouth ulcers for you, minimize consumption.
3. Apply an over-the-counter pain-relieving ointment such as Anbesol or Orajel. These are especially helpful when applied before eating or brushing teeth.
4. Make a home remedy to help soothe the pain of a canker sore and promote healing. Rinse your mouth (spit—don't swallow!) with one of the following solutions after brushing:*1/2 teaspoon salt dissolved in 1 cup of lukewarm water*1 teaspoon baking soda dissolved in 3/4 cup of lukewarm water*1 teaspoon of liquid Benadryl mixed with 1 tablespoon of Maalox
5. Know when you see your dentist or doctor. Persistent, recurring mouth ulcers may be a symptom of an underlying condition such as a vitamin deficiency. If you experience mouth sores that do not heal within 3 weeks, that spread, or that are painful enough to interfere with regular eating and drinking, give your dentist or doctor a call. He may wish to prescribe a mouth rinse or ointment to treat the canker sores.
There are 26 vertebrae in the spine, separated by discs made up of cartilage.
Between the vertebrae, the bones that make up your spine, are thin pads or discs. A compressed disc occurs when the soft inner tissue of the disc, called the nucleus, pushes through the outer layer, known as the annulus, and into the spinal canal.
Causes
Compressed discs, also known as herniated discs, usually develop over time because of age-related wear and tear on the body. As people age, the discs lose some of their fluid and become more rigid and susceptible to tears.
Symptoms
According to MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, the first sign of a compressed disc in the upper back is pain that spreads from the neck to the shoulders and upper arms. A compressed disc in the lower back leads to pain spreading into the buttocks and legs. You may also experience a tingling sensation in the back or a sense of muscle weakness.
Treatment
The Mayo Clinic statse that nine out of 10 patients with a compressed or herniated disc do not need surgery and can manage their conditions with rest and guidance in avoid painful positions and strengthen the back muscles. Often a physical therapist is consulted to work with a patient on exercises to help the back. Medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can also help.
Arthroplasty or hip replacement surgery is a procedure in which artificial parts are used to replace the diseased parts of a hip joint. Nearly 200,000 Americans undergo this surgery every year, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Only 10 percent require revisions after initial surgery.
Significance
Arthritis or disease in the hip joint is the most common reason replacement surgery is performed. Because it is one of the largest working joints in the human body, damage to the hip can cause pain as well as problems in everyday life. Artificial parts, known as prosthesis, are used to replace the diseased areas, thus allowing for renewed flexibility and mobility and relief from pain.
Hospital Stay
From being checked in, to getting the surgery, to being released from the hospital typically takes about four days. If progress is quick, you may be released after only three; conversely, any complications can result in a longer stay.
Pain associated with the surgery itself is common for several days afterward and you will be given medication to treat it.
Recovery
After being released from the hospital, most people will fully recover from arthroplasty within three to six months. The time can vary depending on the patient's health and the rehabilitiation (physical therapy) process.
Physical Therapy
About a day after surgery, a physical therapist will begin working with you on exercises to help you recover. This usually takes place once or twice a day. Once you return, your physical therapist will work with you much more in the beginning and less as you regain mobility.
Your therapy will involve strengthening your legs, ankles and buttocks muscles through isometric exercises, usually while you are lying on your back. You will be instructed not to move your new joint or to move it only slightly while doing these exercises that will strengthen the muscles around it.
You will also be shown safely get in and out of a chair or bed and on and off of a toilet.
When you are able, you will be instructed to begin a walking regime, followed by an exercise plan.
Complications
The most common complications after this surgery are blood clotting in the pelvis or leg veins and hip dislocation.
Although blood clots are life-threatening if not taken care of immediately, you will be given preventive medication in advance to lessen the likelihood of clotting. You will also be instructed to contact your doctor at once if you notice any swelling, discoloration or acute pain.
The new hip ball and socket will not be as big as your bones, so hip dislocation can occur if you put yourself in certain positions, such as pulling your knees to your chest. You will instructed in preventing these problems during physical therapy.
Because bacterial infections can occur after surgery, you need to take antibiotics before any other surgical work is done, as well as any dental work. It is during these times that bacteria can enter your bloodstream and cause infection in the new joint.
Tags: will instructed, after surgery, being released, being released from, from hospital, most common, physical therapist
Plasma is the liquid portion of blood that carries vital nutrients through the body and contains important clotting capabilities. Donated plasma is used to treat patients with bleeding disorders, burns and during organ transplants. It also is used to treat premature infants. Not everyone can donate plasma. Those who can must follow certain criteria.
Background
Depending on the illness or injury, different patients require different kinds of blood components. The components are platelets, red cells and plasma. Platelets are numerous small cell fragments that contribute to the coagulation process. Red cells, the most common blood cells, carry oxygen throughout the body. Plasma transports the blood cells along with water, sodium, calcium, other nutrients and antibodies.
Most Adults Can Donate
The minimum age to donate plasma is 17 (this might vary depending on location; in some instances, a person younger than 18 might require parental/custodial consent). Donors must be in good health, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and cannot have taken aspirin or medication containing aspirin within 48 hours of the donation. Blood type AB is the universal plasma type.
Screening Process
Pre-screening is required to obtain a medical history that remains private. The agency collecting the blood or plasma must learn if the donor has had seizures, treatment for substance abuse, recent surgery or any medical condition that requires medication or doctor's care. The donor must also identify if she has a tattoo, has had a tattoo removed or had any kind of body piercing.
Who Can't Donate
Women who have been pregnant or anyone who has received a transfusion cannot donate plasma (red cells and whole blood can be donated). The concern is to reduce the risk of a transfusion reaction (TRALI--ransfusion related acute lung injury) in the patient. TRALI is the leading cause of transfusion-related deaths. The cause is believed to be associated with certain antibodies that a person obtains during pregnancy or past transfusions.
The Process
Donating plasma is similar to donating whole blood. A needle is placed in the vein of an arm and blood is collected in sterile equipment. The red blood cells are separated from the plasma and returned to the donor.
Donation Frequency
The body of a healthy donor can quickly replace plasma, allowing for short intervals between donations. Current FDA regulations state that the maximum frequency of donation is once every two days and no more than two times during a seven-day period.
Tags: blood cells, donate plasma, used treat, whole blood
A great way to treat your face and body is to make your own essential oil skin care. Skin is the largest organ in the body, and deserves to be treated well with natural ingredients instead of the harsh chemicals that are typically found in commercially prepared skin-care items.
Most of the essential oil skin care recipes here can be made with items you already have at home. If not, the ingredients can easily be purchased at your local health food store, pharmacy, or grocery store.
Foaming Cleanser
This foaming cleanser if wonderful for those with oily to normal skin types and can be used in your shower or during a bath. You will need: four tablespoons of castile soap, three teaspoons of avocado oil, four drops of Bergamot essential oil, and four drops of lemon essential oil. Place all ingredients together in a clean sterilized glass bottle or container that can be sealed tightly. Shake ingredients together, and use during your bathing routine. Shake before each use to redistribute the mixture.
Cinnamon and Orange Facial Scrub
Make a luscious orange and cinnamon facial scrub. This is a scrub that must be used once you make it; if you have any left over after applying to your face, use on other parts of your body. To make the scrub you will need: four tablespoons of ground almond meal, plain, natural yogurt, two tablespoons of honey, one tablespoon of orange zest, one half teaspoon of cinnamon powder, two drops of cinnamon essential oil, and two drops of orange essential oil.
To make, mix the ground almond meal with the orange zest and yogurt in a small bowl until a paste is formed. Next, melt the honey in a pan over low heat, and add the almond mixture to the honey, and stir well, incorporating all of the almond meal. Finally, add the essential oils and the cinnamon powder and stir in completely.
To use, massage the scrub over your face and neckline, avoiding your eyes. Rinse with warm water, and pat dry.
Essential Oil Eye Cream
Make your own essential oil eye cream that is gentle and nourishing. The area around the eyes is very thin, and is sensitive. Use your homemade essential oil eye cream to reduce irritation and inflammation around the eye area. Use this eye cream daily to visibly reduce wrinkling and signs of aging. To make the eye cream you will need: one tablespoon of grated beeswax, one teaspoon of avocado oil, three teaspoons of carrot oil, and one quarter cup of rosewater.
To make, put the beeswax, avocado and carrot oils into a pyrex glass measuring cup. Place this glass cup into a pan with a small amount of simmering water. Melt the ingredients together, stirring to blend. Once the beeswax and oils have melted together, slowly stir in the rosewater, adding it a little bit at a time. After adding about half of the rosewater to the mixture, remove from the stove. Add the rest of the rosewater very slowly, mixing it with a small wire whisk continuously. Once the eye cream start to thicken, you can divide it up and place into small glass jars that have been sterilized. Cap tightly. Use daily for best results.
Tags: almond meal, ingredients together, will need, your face, body make
The use of crystal healing with meditation can be a powerful and effective method for healing spiritual, mental, physical, and emotional imbalances. With practice, combining meditation techniques with crystal healing can prove effective for healing a wide variety of problems.
History
According to Project-Meditation.org, the practice of meditating for health and spiritual enlightenment has existed since 500 B.C.E Crystal healing has been used by ancient Egyptians, Mayans, and Greeks.
Function
Meditation is primarily used to still the mind and allows one to experience a deep sense of inner-peace and wisdom. Crystal healing is primarily used to heal various injuries and illnesses. The combination of both can lead to lasting healing and profound insights.
Method
There are as many ways to use meditation and healing crystals are there types of crystals. Perhaps the most common and effective technique is to hold a substantial sized crystal in your hands while seated in a traditional meditation pose. Focusing your energy on the vibrations of the crystal, allow that healing energy to flow through you and become a natural part of your own energy vibration.
Features
Those without the time or ability to find a quiet place to meditate for an extensive period of time can benefit from healing meditations and crystals by wearing crystal jewelry and stilling the mind while walking. Walking meditation occurs with eyes open and uses the rhythm of your steps to still your mind. Paired with the energies of a healing pendant, this method can be very effective for those needing quick relief from daily stress.
Misconceptions
While many have praised the powers of meditation and healing crystals, keep in mind that no alternative medicine practice should be used in place of sound expert advice from a physician or other health practitioner.
Warning
Before beginning a healing and meditation crystal routine, be sure to consult with a crystal healing expert or meditation expert to find which type of meditation and crystal work is right for you.
Shingles (herpes zoster) happens when the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the virus that causes chickenpox, reactivates within a nerve cell. The affected nerve is normally on the midsection of the body, but many sufferers are impacted by facial shingles, which can include the eye. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recommends that patients with this form of shingles be referred to a specialist who can best manage the condition, known as ocular shingles or herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO).
Instructions
Treating Ocular Shingles
1. Seek prompt medical treatment for suspected shingles. Symptoms include pain and rash with blisters on one side of the body. If the rash of shingles develops near your eyes, your doctor will likely recommend that you visit a eye specialist so that further investigation can be done.
2. Begin antiviral treatment and corticosteroids as prescribed by your doctor. Antiviral medications target the action of the virus, while corticosteroids reduce inflammation within the affected nerve, according to the AAFP. Painkillers and other pain-relief strategies may also be recommended by your doctor.
3. Pursue other treatments after being diagnosed by a specialist with HZO. According to the American Uveitis Society, these may include lubrication of the eye, the use of topical corticosteroids and dilating eye drops, and antiviral medications as well as surgical operations to control complications like pressure or damage to the cornea.
According to Dr. Dalia, 90 percent of all living cells in our bodies are not human cells; they are bacteria, fungus and microbes. One of the key factors in maintaining a balanced pH in the mouth is controlling the intake of alkaline and acidic content. The pH is the measurement of alkaline and acidic ions. A pH of zero through six is acidic. A pH of eight through fourteen is alkaline. A pH of seven is neutral. (See reference 1)
Instructions
1. Monitor the diet. The types of foods that are eaten can determine the level of pH in the mouth. Foods that are high in acidity or alkaline can shift the balance of the mouth. (See reference 2)
Check pH balance of the mouth by using pH litmus paper. The paper will indicate the level of acid or alkaline based on a color scale. A balanced pH in the mouth makes for a healthy mouth. (See reference 3)
2. Increase your fruit and vegetable intake to balance a pH with too much alkaline. Examples of recommended fruit and vegetables include sprouts, herbs and cereal grasses. Don't drink while eating, this will allow the regular digestive juices to balance the pH in the mouth. (See reference 2)
3. Increase the intake of alkaline foods if the mouth's pH is too acidic. Soak highly acidic foods in water before preparing them for consumption. This will bring down the acidity of the food. Chew the food thoroughly to allow the saliva to break apart the acidity of the food. Examples of alkaline foods include grain, nuts, beans and animal protein. (See reference 2)
One of the rarest of gemstones, Alexandrite became popular as a jewel because of its unique color-changing abilities. In daylight, it is a lovely green shade, and under artificial light, it becomes red.
History
First discovered in Russia in 1830 during the coming of age of Czar Alexander II, it was named after him. And because of Alexandrite's color-changing ability, it became the imperial jewel of Tsarist Russia, as the imperial colors were red and green.
Characteristics
Alexandrite is one of three forms of a mineral composed of beryllium aluminum oxide. The other forms are Chrysoberyl and Cat's Eye. Alexandrite is an expensive and rare gem.
Healing Uses
Wearing this gem is thought to aid with inner-ear problems, motion and seasickness. Use it as a protective talisman when traveling. In chakra healing practices, it is placed on the heart chakra.
Metaphysical Uses
Alexandrite is thought to bring luck and good fortune to those who wear it. It is also used to call the guardians or spirits of the mountains. For regaining enthusiasm, helping healers from becoming overloaded with negativity and staying focused on one's true purpose, Alexandrite can be a beneficial gemstone.
Interesting Facts
Alexandrite is the stone for the zodiac sign of Scorpio, the birthstone for June and the gem for the 45th wedding anniversary. In the 1980s, Alexandrite was found in Brazil, but the colors were different than those previously found in Russia. The Brazilian gems turned from raspberry red in daylight to bluish green in artificial light.
PC diagnostic tools and services are in abundance on the Internet. However, you will be happy to know that Windows has the most important PC diagnostic tools already installed at purchase.
Categories of Tools
The Windows operating system includes a suite of diagnostic tools, such as Disk Defragmenter, Check Disk, Disk Cleanup and System Backup/Restore.
Antivirus and Malware Utilities
All computers should be equipped with an antivirus and malware protection program. This diagnostic tool systematically scans the computer and files for infection from a virus, or spyware-type programs.
Check Disk and Disk Cleanup Utilties
If your computer is slowing down, then Windows Check Disk and Disk Cleanup can assist with correction. The Check Disk tool finds general errors, whereas Disk Cleanup removes unnecessary hard drive clutter.
Hard Drive Defragmentation
A "defrag" of your hard drive is recommended after a disk cleanup. A "defrag" shuffles and clusters data into a more accessible data structure. Windows comes with a "defrag" tool called Disk Defragmenter; however, better ones do exist, and are highly recommended.
System Backup and Restore
One of the best tools for any PC user is the System Backup and Restore tool. If the other diagnostic tools fail to resolve the problem, then a PC can be easily restored to its last known working configuration without loss of data.
Tags: Check Disk, Backup Restore, Check Disk Disk, diagnostic tools, Disk Cleanup
Pheromones are chemicals released by animals that send various signals to other animals of the same species. Such signals can reflect when they're ready to mate or when danger is near, among other things. Researchers have discovered the use of pheromones in various animals.
Insects
Pheromones were first discovered in the 1950s in moths. The females emit a compound that causes male moths to flutter their wings quickly and attracts them for mating. Ants release a chemical when they're endangered, allowing other ants to pick up their scent and come to their aid. Bees also use pheromones to signal danger and recognize the queen, among other uses.
Rodents
Female rats release pheromones when they're ready to mate. The pheromones not only attract males, but also get them aroused. Scientists have reported the same results in hamsters and mice.
Other Mammals
Both dogs and cats use pheromones for reproduction, to mark boundaries and to increase familiarity. A 2004 study found that pheromones from a nursing female dog can soothe her nervous puppies. Such soothing pheromones, in fact, are available for commercial use for cats and dogs.
Reptiles
Snakes, lizards, newts and salamanders all secrete pheromones. A 2001 study found that female brown tree snakes emit pheromones that cause males to start as well as stop courtship behavior.
Humans?
The verdict's still out on whether humans emit pheromones. In 2000, a group of scientists discovered a gene that they said makes a pheromone receptor. Others believe women emit pheromones during their menstrual cycle, and that both men and women have pheromones in their sweat. But a lack of hard evidence remains, and scientists continue to research the issue.
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