What Are The Causes Of A Lost Sex Drive

When you're young, sexual desire and performance are practically second nature. When you're older, sex may become more of an effort than a joy. But there are many factors that cause the loss of sex drive or libido.

Men

Men can experience impotence or loss of libido for a number of reasons, according to Womenshealth.gov. If a man is taking medicine for certain physical conditions, such as heart disease, or hormonal medications or street drugs, such as crack and heroin, these can affect the central nervous system and create impotency. Depression, diabetes or high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, multiple sclerosis, alcoholism, epilepsy, kidney failure and/or mental illness can all lead to problems in the bedroom. If an individual isn't feeling well--mentally, physically or both--he's probably not going to have a robust desire for sex. Even if he wants to engage, he may not be able to due to these factors and influences.

Women

Females can experience a loss in sex drive when their hormones are out of whack. When a woman is peri-menopausal or menopausal, her estrogen level dips. If she's no longer ovulating, she's no longer producing progesterone--the hormone that's responsible for a woman's libido, according to Yourbodycanheal.com.

Tired ... Just Gave Birth

If you are exhausted or just had a baby, these conditions can cause you to lose your sex drive.

Medications

Netdoctor.co.uk explains that the medications we take can have a profound impact on our sex drive. Testosterone, the male hormone, is needed for sexual arousal. If testosterone is blocked or limited by medications that are being taken, the desire for sex diminishes. Medications that affect blood vessels in the penis, change hormone levels or affect the transmission of nerve messages can also result in impotence. Medicines that cause drowsiness, confusion, weight gain and/or lethargy can also hurt an individual's sex drive. According to Netdoctor.co.uk, the drug that most affects a man's ability to ejaculate is SSRI or selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor, which is an antidepressant. For whatever reason, serotonin inhibits sexual function. Dopamine improves it.

Other Factors

Drinking too much puts the kibosh on sexual desire. Cirrhosis of the liver can suppress androgen (male hormone) levels. If you've been having sex with the same person for a long time, perhaps your interest and enthusiasm has waned. That's something you and your partner will have to work out. If you're a post-menopausal woman, you may be experiencing dyspareunia (painful sexual intercourse), which is caused by cystitis or a dry vagina and decreases sexual pleasure.

Tags: hormone levels, loss drive, male hormone, sexual desire, that cause

Signs & Symptoms Of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a metabolic disease where the structure of bone tissue breaks down. This disease is the leading cause of bone fractures in older adults. Bones become brittle and extremely breakable. Prevention of osteoporosis can be achieved through a good diet high in calcium and vitamin D. Low-impact exercises each day can help build bone mass as well.

Risk

Women over 50 years old are in the high-risk group for developing osteoporosis. A family history of osteoporosis increases the risk as well. Lifestyle habits of smoking, excessive alcohol intake, and a poor diet are risk factors. Avoid long-term use of medications like steroids, anticonvulsants and high doses of thyroid medications. People with hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism and Cushing's disease need to be checked for osteoporosis on a regular basis.

Menopause

Menopause triggers the drop in estrogen levels. Estrogen helps bones absorb calcium and is essential for women to build new bone tissue. The drop in estrogen levels occurs during or after menopause. Women who go through menopause early in life are especially vulnerable to osteoporosis since this mean that bone loss will occur for a longer period.

Calcium and Vitamin D

Limited calcium and vitamin D intake is the most preventable cause of osteoporosis. A diet lacking in calcium means that the body is not getting enough bone-building material. Vitamin D assists in the absorption of calcium. Without vitamin D bones do not reach their maximum density. Just 10 minutes of exposure to the sun will fulfill your daily allowance of vitamin D.

Silent Disease

Osteoporosis is often called the silent disease. This is because signs and symptoms of osteoporosis do not appear until it is too late. The first symptom that appears is commonly a broken bone. This is not a traumatic break but one that is caused by doing something in the normal daily routine of life. This could be a fractured wrist caused by twisting open a jar or a broken ankle from walking down the stairs.

Fractures

Fractures and broken bones are the biggest symptom of osteoporosis. This includes spinal fractures that result in kyphosis (curvature of the spine) and is apparent by sudden back pain. X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) is a special X-ray that measures the mineral content of your bones. It is an indication of bone density and strength. Women over the age of 65 or with a family history of osteoporosis should schedule routine DEXA exams.

Tags: bone tissue, build bone, drop estrogen, drop estrogen levels, estrogen levels, family history, family history osteoporosis

Enhance Bathroom Decor With Apothecary Jars

Glass Jars Compliment Bathroom Decor

Organize your cosmetic products in decorative apothecary jars for flair and function. The clear glass adds clean lines to bathroom decor. Select various sizes of jars as your inspiration pieces to launch theme and color. Transform your bathroom into a luxury spa retreat.

Instructions

1. For a classic spa decorating style, fill assorted apothecary jars with white or natural products like cotton balls, sponges, bath salts, bars of soap, cotton swabs, make up applicators, loofahs and sea shells.

2. Place the glass jars on the bathroom counter or bathtub ledge staggered by size. Make sure the toiletries are easily accessible. During the holidays, fill jars with ornaments and festive soaps.

3. Compliment the natural look by filling wicker baskets with rolled up towels and washcloths. Plain pillar candles and a glass aromatic reed diffuser complete the luxury spa theme. While bathing, enjoy a glass of wine or sparkling cider with meditative music playing in the background.

Apothecary glass jars can be found in stores or online via mass market retailers, catalogs and home decorating establishments.

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Gerson Therapy For Cancer

The Gerson therapy is an alternative method of treating cancer using minerals, enzymes, and dietary changes. The therapy incorporates organic fruits, vegetables, and grains that feed the body with many nutrients. You will also take supplements that support your cells' ability to make energy. Finally, detoxification is a big part of the Gerson therapy, so treatments such as enemas are used to remove harmful toxins from the body.

History and Theory

The Gerson therapy is named after Dr. Max B. Gerson, who first used his idea to treat migraines and then tuberculosis in the 1930s. The idea behind the therapy for cancer is that malignancies occur when toxic materials build up in the body. Dr. Gerson believed that cancer stems from the liver's being overworked and that people with too much sodium and too little potassium have damaged tissue and weakened organs. The Gerson therapy's goal is to repair the liver and get your metabolism back to normal.

Regimen

If you decide to try Gerson therapy you must adhere to many strict guidelines. The first is drinking 13 glasses of juice made from fruits and vegetables each day. All meals must be strictly vegetarian, composed of only organic food. You will need to take a number of supplements, including potassium, flaxseed oil, pancreatic enzymes, pepsin, and many others. You will also need to undergo coffee or chamomile enemas to remove toxins from the body. All food must also be prepared without spices, salt, or oils. Aluminum cookware and utensils must be avoided as well.

Effectiveness

The FDA has not approved Gerson therapy for cancer treatment or anything else. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), data on Gerson therapy is only retrospective information. In 1947 and 1959 the NCI evaluated Dr. Gerson's patients and found the therapy to have no value. A 1990 Austrian study on a similar therapy said that patients lived longer with fewer complications, but called for more data. In 1995 the Gerson Research Organization published a retrospective study that claimed that patients with late-stage melanoma who used Gerson therapy lived longer than the average patient in the same state, but no clinical trials were conducted to back up the evidence.

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Remedies To Stop An Itch From A Tick Bite

Ticks are parasites that live on blood, and they can carry germs and cause infections in their host. Most ticks do not cause illness; however, once the tick is removed, it will leave behind a bite mark. A tick bite can itch or cause you pain. If you keep the bite consistently clean, it should heal properly, so don't scratch the bite as this can increase the chance of infection.

Initial Treatment

Hold an ice pack to the bite for about 15 to 20 minutes. You should do this once an hour for about six hours after you are bitten. This should decrease itching, pain or swelling from the tick bite.

Antibiotics

Use antibiotics as directed by a doctor. If you already have an infection and your doctor has prescribed antibiotics, use them as directed and do not stop taking them until you have finished the treatment, even if the tick bite is already gone.

Antihistamine

Take an antihistamine. These can be purchased without a prescription and should reduce redness, swelling and itching. However, antihistamines can cause drowsiness, so consult a doctor before giving your child any antihistamine medications.

Skin Protectants

Use a skin protectant, like zinc oxide or calamine, to reduce redness and itchiness. This can also protect against infection. Apply a calamine lotion to the area of the tick bite for best results.

Topical Steroids

Use a nonprescription topical steroid medicine. Rub it into the area of the tick bite to reduce redness and itching. Do not use topical steroids on skin areas that are scratched, cut or infected.

Warnings

Stop using the treatments immediately if your skin has a bad reaction. Immediately see a doctor if you develop symptoms of the flu, a rash or a skin infection. Do not use any medicines or treatments without first reading the instructions.

Tags: reduce redness, tick bite, area tick, area tick bite, tick bite

Nutrisystem Comparable Foods

Nutrisystem Comparable Foods

The Nutrisystem plan has helped many people lose weight with its program of prepackaged individual servings. Alternatives to the Nutrisystem plan can often cost less and provide the same convenience and nutrition value. Substitutions are not going to be exact, but often the trade in calories/carbs for fat or vice versa makes the difference negligible.

Breakfast Alternative

For a one cup serving breakfast of Nutrisystem Nourish Low-Fat Granola Cereal, you will consume 160 calories, 2.5 grams of fat, 31 grams of carbs and 4 grams of protein. A comparable alternative would be Kashi's GoLean Krunch cereal. A 1 cup serving contains 190 calories, 3 grams of fat, 37 grams of carbs and 9 grams of protein.

Lunch Alternative

The Nutrisystem Nourish Chicken Noodle Soup lunch serving size is one container and has 120 calories, 2 grams of fat, 16 grams of carbs and 10 grams of protein. A comparable substitution would be Campbell's Select Harvest Bowls Savory Chicken and Long Grain Rice Soup. A serving size equals 1 cup and contains 100 calories, 1 gram of fat, 18 grams of carbohydrates and 6 grams of protein.

Dinner Alternative

A beef taco dinner entrée from Nutrisystem Nourish has 220 calories, 7 grams of fat, 23 grams of carbs and 18 grams of protein. A comparable alternative would be the Southern Beef Tips entrée from Lean Cuisine, which contains 250 calories, 5 grams of fat, 36 grams of carbs and 15 grams of protein.

Snack Alternative

A Nutrisystem snack of Nutrichocolates contains 150 calories, 6 grams of fat, 18 grams of carbs and 7 grams of protein. A comparable substitution comes from Healthy Choice: a Chocolate Fudge Brownie--No Sugar Added, which will give you 120 calories, 2 grams of fat, 21 grams of carbs and 3 grams of protein.

Tags: grams protein, calories grams, calories grams grams, carbs grams, carbs grams protein

What Causes Early Morning Depression

At some point in life, depression hits many people. But within the general realm of depression is an acute, more obscure condition--early morning depression, which occurs immediately after awaking in the morning. Some people claim to have no explanation, stating, "It comes from out of nowhere." Still, many have admitted to several underlying reasons.

Dissatisfaction

There is always something to be dissatisfied about. When asleep, the negative feeling is still present--it's just dormant for the moment. In the morning, you are reminded of why you are dissatisfied and that you must face another day with this niggling issue.

Anxiety

You wish you knew the answer to something critical, but you don't. You go to bed plagued by the unknown. When you awake, you are still haunted by the unknown.

Loss

The loss of someone or something close, whether it happened recently or 10 years ago, can set the tone in how you approach your day. If you never recovered from the loss (even if you thought you did), it hits most profoundly in the mornings.

Health Issues

If you are not eating properly, staying active and leading a balanced life, your brain and body suffer, shutting down. In the morning, you may feel especially lethargic and fatigued because your metabolism is running on empty.

Subconscious Clocking Overtime

Even while you sleep, your subconscious is awake. Too much cerebral activity will result in overload. Allow your mind and body to relax to help reduce gloominess and sadness in the mornings.

The Fix

Early morning depression usually fades after a few hours into the day. But if you suffer daily from this condition, seek help. There are many mental health specialists available who can help you get to the core of your issue.

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Continuing Education For Prenatal Massage Therapists

Health care providers are embracing the art of bodywork for pregnant women. Certified prenatal massage therapists can help patients relax, relieve anxiety, address swelling and common pregnancy discomforts such as back pain as well as improve labor and infant health. However, prenatal massage differs significantly from traditional massage. Continued education is the best way for therapists to ensure the safety of their clients and provide up-to-date massage benefits to pregnant women.

Skills

Most facilities that offer prenatal massage courses for continued education place an emphasis on propping positions, techniques and approaches to take with pregnant clients. Other instrumental lessons include giving full-body massages for pregnant women and emotional changes that occur in pregnant women. Massage can be used to assist with pain during labor. Practitioners that work with pregnant women must be aware of the emotional changes that women undergo during pregnancy and need to show both respect and caution when giving massages. Tenderness and sore points are likely to be present, especially in women in the later part of their pregnancies.

Certification

All massage therapists must be licensed according to state standards. Although these guidelines differ from state to state, most require at least 500 hours of education and certification through an accredited program. There is no law requiring massage therapists to seek out special licensing to practice on pregnant women. However, it is recommended that every practitioner who plans on seeing pregnant clients has some sort of training.

Prenatal massage certification, a certificate that can be obtained after completing a continued education course in prenatal massage at an accredited school, is an asset for any practitioner seeking to specialize in this field. A woman seeking out this type of therapy will feel better knowing her masseuse has been certified to perform prenatal massage.

Continued Education

All licensed massage therapists are required to renew their licenses every four years. There are two ways to accomplish this: Either retake the state exam or seek out continued education and log in 200 hours of massage within the 4-year time period.

Therapists must perform 50 hours of continued education every 4 years to utilize continued education as a method of license renewal. Prenatal massage classes and courses offer an excellent opportunity for therapists to gain prenatal skills and continue their education needed for licensing and insurance purposes. Most prenatal certification courses offer 16 to 18 credit hours or 2 to 3 credit hours per class. Practitioners looking for specialized training can obtain as many as 32 credit hours to use toward their continued education through infant and maternity massage courses designed to offer more in-depth training. These classes are more in-depth and have a greater focus of massage because pain management aids during labor as well as the role of massage in the postpartum stages of pregnancy. Some classes can be found online as well as through various massage schools.

Prices and Consideration

Classes for prenatal massage continued education courses vary. Most range between $100 to $600 and can be completed either at a seminar, lasting a few days, in a classroom, which may span 6 to 8 weeks, or at home, completed at the student's pace. It is highly recommended to submit course certification for continuing education as soon as the course is completed to ensure proper credit.

Resources

Schools and massage programs are accredited through the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation, COMTA. COMTA has an extensive listing of accredited programs listed by state. The website also offers several forms and documents to assist in continued education, CE, credit. They define terms and offer guidelines for finding CE opportunities. COMTA also offers information concerning financial aid for various programs under Free Application for Federal Student Aid, FAFSA, and links to useful sites such as the Federation of State Massage Therapy Board, the state licensing examination.

Tags: continued education, pregnant women, massage therapists, credit hours, prenatal massage, also offers, changes that

Naturally Relieve Arthritis Joint Pain

One of the easiest, most effective ways, to naturally relieve arthritis and arthritis joint pain is the use of natural remedies. Below are some of the most effective natural remedies that can be used to relieve your arthritis.

Instructions

1. Take 1,000 mg of Yucca Root in capsule form twice per day. When taken regularly Yucca Root helps to relieve pain and discomfort caused by arthritis.

2. Take around 750 mg of SAMe for a two month period, then reduce the daily dosage to around 400 mg. SAMe helps to reduce the symptoms of arthritis, but works best with patients that suffer from osteoarthritis.

3. Take 2 grams of either Evening Primrose Oil or Black Currant Oil daily. Both of these supplements contain the fatty acid GLA which reduces joint inflammation, relieving the pain of arthritis.

4. Take 1,000 to 1,500 mg of of Boswellia Extract, two to three times per day. Boswellia helps to relieve inflammation and reduce joint pain.

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Make Cedar Oil

Make Cedar Oil

Cedar oil is produced from three types of tree families: junipers, Thuja and cedars. Cedar oils are extracted from the leaves, the bark and the berries, with one of two key processes -- either distillation or chemical extraction. The oil is an aromatic essential oil that has been used holistically to treat respiratory illnesses, alleviate nervous tension and to repel insects. While the process of extracting the oil can be somewhat tedious, it is quite simple to make a cedar oil.

Instructions

Making Top-Of-The-Line Cedar Oil:

1. Pour Jojoba oil into the plastic bottle.

Fill it to within about two inches from the neck spout. Jojoba oil has the highest transdermal effect (absorbs into the skin) of any carrier oil, making it an excellent choice to increase the potency of your homemade oil.

2. Add at least 36 drops of 100 percent cedar essential oil to the Jojoba carrier oil.

It is up to you how strong to make your cedar oil.Shake the mixture so the cedar essence is absorbed into the base oil. To test your oil, pour a drop of your solution on your arm. Use your nose and your intuition. If it seems aromatic and strong enough, you are through. If your want a stronger solution, add nine drops at a time of the cedar essential oil, always testing the results before adding another nine drops.

3. Use your cedar oil in a variety of ways to bring enjoyment and health to you and your loved ones.

You may douse cotton balls and put this cedar ball around your closet floor to deter moths; in a corner of your kitchen counter to discourage ants from coming into your food preparation area; and on your skin, as a natural but highly effective repellent for flies and mosquitoes.

4. Store your cedar oil in a cool, dark place.

A closet or pantry is a good choice. It is nontoxic so your may stock it with foodstuff. If you store your oil carefully, it will stay fresh for up to two years.

Tags: your cedar, cedar essential, Make Cedar, nine drops

Treat Sore Pec Muscles

Whether you've been exercising for years, or just a few days, anyone can suffer from sore pec (pectoral) muscles. During a workout, our muscles get small tears in them. Our bodies repair these small tears. This is the process, which occurs repeatedly, that makes us stronger and improves our fitness, over and over and over again. Here are some tips and tricks on how you can treat your sore pec muscles.

Instructions

1. The best thing that you can do for sore pec muscles is to put ice them. When we've got sore muscles, they're usually inflamed. The ice will help the inflammation go down. Put ice in a plastic ziplock bag, wrap a towel around the bag and place it on your body, over your sore pec muscles. Put it on your muscles for 10 minutes, then take it off for 10 minutes. Repeat this process for an hour. If your muscles are still sore, continue repeating this process.

2. If you don't have any ice, open up your pantry. Look for a can of peas or corn. Open and drain all of the liquid from the can, then pour the contents into a plastic zip-lock bag and put it in the freezer. Frozen peas work great as an ice substitute.

3. Take an anti-inflammatory drug, such as ibproferin. Read the label before taking this, or any, medicines, to be sure that it's safe for you to take. Follow the dosage instructions as printed on the label.

4. Stretch! Stand up with your arms at your side. Gently bend (at the waist) from one side to another. Repeat this several times. You should feel your side muscles and your pecs as they stretch out. Raise your arms over your head while you're doing these stretches to get an even better stretch going. Sore pecs can be caused by tight muscles, so remember to stretch to warm up your muscles before you begin your workout.

5. When you're weight-lifting, you should always let your muscles rest for a full day before exercising them again. If you're still sore when it's time to exercise, take it easy. Lower how much weight you're lifting by half, and only do half of the repetitions that you had been doing. This will stretch your muscles without causing them to work hard.

Tags: your muscles, sore muscles, muscles your, over over, over your, Repeat this, small tears

Develop Nose Breathing

One of the benefits of breathing through the nose is an increased awareness of smell.

The human body is naturally designed for respiration through the nose. Located in each nostril are hairs designed to filter dirt and debris ingested from the air while breathing. The mucous membranes located within the nose are intended to prepare the air for consumption by warming it before it enters the lungs. Furthermore, nose breathing techniques are often taught to asthma sufferers to help alleviate the condition. Developing nose breathing is simple and can lead to multiple health benefits, too.

Instructions

1. Exercise on a regular basis to help improve your lung capacity, preferably outdoors. Vigorous activity helps improve your nervous system within your nose, thus improving nasal airflow.

2. Identify any allergies you might have and make sure those irritants aren't present in your living or work spaces. Visit an allergist to determine any allergies you may have. Allergic reactions can cause swelling and restrict breathing through your nose.

3. Avoid food, drink or alcohol consumption in the hours leading up to your bedtime. Stomach contents at the time of sleep can seep up to your nose and cause inflammation, affecting you ability to breathe through the nose.

4. Make a conscious effort to breathe through your nose. Taking a moment to relax and breathe deeply can help rid your muscles of tension and promote a calmer, steadier airflow to enter and exit through your nose.

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Can Stevia Help Skin Problems

Stevia rebaudiana is an herb in the Chrysanthemum family. It originated in South American in the countries of Paraguay and Brazil as a wild shrub. The first known use of stevia started with the native Indians of the Guarani Tribe in Paraguay more than 1,500 years ago. It was and still is used as a sweetener, for medicinal purposes and to treat skin problems.

Composition

Stevia is made of organic compounds call glycosides that are responsible for the sweetness. It also contains protein, fiber, carbohydrates, phosphorus, iron, calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, rutin (flavonoid), iron, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin A, and chlorophyll. If you are using stevia for skin problems, use whole leaf stevia or its by-products.

Types

There are four types of Stevia: whole leaves, a green powder made from the leaves, a not-too-refined white powder---which contains only stevioside, the component that makes stevia sweet---and liquid stevia extract.

Significance

According to a Sun Food article by Barbara Simonsohn, "Stevia is still used today in South America, not only in teas and recipes, but also prescribed and administered as a tonic to improve digestion, harmonize blood pressure, overcome fatigue and tiredness, loose weight, get rid of fungus, and normalize the blood sugar levels of diabetics. Stevia is also used to keep the skin and hair young and beautiful. It is traditionally used in South America to heal wounds [and] treat eczema, acne, dandruff, and other skin conditions. Apparently, the enzymes and chlorophyll are responsible for this healing effect on the skin."

Skin Care Products

Sun Food indicates that in the United States and Japan you can find numerous cosmetics that use stevia in their skin care products. The cosmetic database Skin Deep provides a list of skin care products that use stevia as one of the main ingredients, including face masks, facial moisturizers, baby shampoo, and lip gloss.

Home Remedies

Nutraceutical gives the following suggestions for home remedies for skin problems, gum disease and tooth decay. You may use stevia concentrate in the form of drops directly on sores or blemishes. Stevia tea bags can be placed over the eyes to help with fatigue and to tone the skin. You can apply liquid extracts directly to the skin. Facial masks can be made by adding liquid to the powder and putting it on the face for 30 to 60 minutes to help tighten the skin. Mix stevia drops in toothpaste and use stevia as a mouthwash by diluting in water. It has been shown to inhibit the growth and reproduction of bacteria that cause gum disease and tooth decay. (See References, Neutraceutical.)

Sun Food suggests that a mix of stevia leaves, chrysanthemum leaves, and healing clay diluted with water can help with sunspots, liver spots, insect bites, and wrinkles.

Tags: skin problems, that stevia, care products, disease tooth, disease tooth decay, help with, skin care products

What Are The Sideeffects For Topical Hemostatic Agents

Topical hemostatics can be applied as a powder or as part of the wrapping.

Topical hemostatic agents belong to a class of medicines known as antihemorrhagics. These are used to provide emergency bleeding control. It has become most popular for use in military medicine, where topical hemostatic agents are applied as a powder on the wounds or in the dressings.

How it Works

Topical hemostatic agents work by causing vasoconstriction or by promoting platelet aggregation. Vasoconstriction is the process in which the blood vessels narrow as a result of contractions in the walls of the vessels. This ceases bleeding at the site of injury. When platelet aggregation occurs, a blood clot is formed, providing temporary relief.

Ingredients

QuikClot may be used after surgical operations to encourage recovery.

One of the most widely used granular topical hemostatics is QuikClot. This powder is made primarily of zeolite, which creates a molecular net on the wound that encourages clotting. A brand of hemostatic gauze, Celox, contains chitosan, which is a high-surface-area flake that absorbs the blood and acts as a medicated clot. Another popular brand, D-stat Dry, relies on thrombin, which chemically activates the body's clotting agents.

Side-Effects of QuikClot

The side-effects of topical hemostatic agents vary by their main active ingredients. The active ingredient of QuikClot, zeolite, forms hydrogen bonds that generate heat. For large wounds, the amount of QuikClot required can generate so much heat that it can result in serious burns. In some cases continuous blood loss may be preferable to burns caused by QuikClot.

Side-Effects of Thrombin

Thrombin is the main clotting ingredient in D-Stat Dry. In rare cases, patients may experience an allergic reaction to thrombin that causes anemia. Some people experience swelling and rash at the site of application. Although there is no proven connection, some patients have complained of nausea and vomiting.

Common Applications

Topical hemostatic agents were first employed by the military.

Topical hemostatic agents such as Celox and QuikClot are popularly used by the military to close wounds quickly on the battlefield. After its successful application in war zones, these agents have been applied to the medical field, and are used by surgeons and emergency vehicles. As this technology has advanced and become safer, it is now available for purchase by individuals.

Tags: hemostatic agents, applied powder, platelet aggregation, Topical hemostatic, Topical hemostatic, Topical hemostatic agents

Nursing Home Costs

A nursing home is necessary for elderly individuals (or disabled or ill individuals) who cannot take care of themselves any longer. However, a nursing home often can cost a lot of money, making placing a loved one in a nursing home rather difficult. In recent years, nursing home costs have gone up an astronomical 10 percent, making residing in nursing homes more costly and expensive than ever.

Expert Insight

According to Pacific Life Insurance Company, nursing home costs, on a daily basis, average about $168. This daily cost adds up to approximately $61,320 annually. This number is up an astounding 10 percent from just a couple of years ago. This increase can have a negative and serious impact on senior citizen retirement savings funds. Medicare and many HMOs will not pick up the entire cost of nursing homes, and many people discover that they have to end up paying the vast majority of the fees themselves.

Considerations

Many people do not realize that Medicare and Medicaid offer only limited assistance for patients requiring long-term care in nursing homes. For every benefit period, Medicaid will cover only up to 100 days of nursing home care. After 20 days of residing in a nursing home, beneficiaries are required to pay a coinsurance fee. In the early 2000s, that daily fee was over $100. Medicaid provides coverage for about 70 percent of those residing in nursing homes, but they are usually required to get rid of all their financial assets before the program will foot the bill.

Types

There are many different types of ways in which individuals cover their nursing home costs. These ways include Medicare, Medicaid, using their own personal resources and money, Medicare Supplemental Insurance (private insurance), managed care plans (will work if the nursing home has a contract in place with the plan) and long-term care insurance (a private policy).

Geography

Consumer Affairs have reported that the highest rates for nursing homes in the United States have been reported in the state of Alaska, where the approximate price for living in a nursing home for an entire year was a massive $204,765 (rounding out to about $564 on a daily basis). The lowest nursing home fees were found in Shreveport, Louisiana, costing about $36,135 yearly and $99 every day.

Potential

Many people look to protect the homes and assets of their families from astronomical nursing home costs. Many people even try to hide these costs from health care provides in order to protect them from being seized. There are also many lawyers out there that help individuals and their families with asset protection in order to increase the amount of possessions that can be kept, and decrease the amount of them that will be taken away to pay for nursing home costs.

Tags: nursing home, nursing home, nursing home costs, nursing homes, home costs

Choose Toys That Will Stimulate A Child'S Mind

Children learn through play. Play is essential for children to grow and learn. They concentrate as they figure out how things work, pick up new words and ideas, build strong muscles they can control, use their imagination, solve problems, and learn to cooperate with others. Children's play changes as their mind changes. This article will discuss choose toys that will stimulate your child's mind and will grow with your children.

Instructions

1. Match toys to the child. Every child is different, yet children are similar in many ways. Product labels are no substitute for what you know about your child. Consider your child's abilities when choosing a toy. Go beyond a label and actually look at the toy to decide if it will match your child's abilities.

2. Spend wisely on toys. Children need good toys, just as we need good tools to do our work. Good toys are not necessarily expensive and children do not need very many. In fact, many favorite activities involve what seem not to be toys at all. For example: interacting with magazine pictures, mirrors, plastic cups, yarn, water, cardboard boxes, or singing songs.Some good toys, such as blocks and books, are fairly expensive. But these generally appeal to children and last many generations. Remember, library books are free.Other toys which may be more expensive and get used up quickly might be a good investment such as art supplies, markers, crayons and watercolors.

3. Select various types of toys. Toys affect what children learn and how they feel about themselves and others. When children play with baby dolls, they are practicing what it is like to be a parent. Select different types of toys to help your child become a well-rounded person. Then, let your child decide what toys to use and play with them.

4. Choose some hands-on toys such as rattles, squeeze toys, balls, puzzles, and board or card games. These types of toys help to build eye-hand coordination, encourage ideas about how things work, and foster cooperation and problem solving.

5. Choose some books and recordings to build on a child's interests. Infants enjoy bright pictures and can soon turn the pages of board books. Look for stories and poems for older children. Your choices help children appreciate words, literature, and music. Children who are read to in their early years, usually become better readers.

6. Consider construction items such as building sets, experimental materials such as sand and clay, and active play equipment to build strong muscles and bones. Also, pretend play objects such as dolls, stuffed animals and dress up clothes help to build imagination.

Tags: your child, types toys, build strong, build strong muscles, child abilities, Choose some

Build A Water Treatment System

Building a water treatment system requires a great deal of skill and analysis. It is important to understand the contaminants in your water supply, and which treatment methods can most effectively remove them. The following article provides basic guidelines you can use to ensure the water treatment system you build produces water that is safe for consumption.

Instructions

1. Test your water. You cannot effectively treat water until you understand the contaminants that are present in your water supply. Have water samples analyzed by a professional lab, looking for anything that could effect the taste or safety of the water. The safe drinking water guidlines issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provide a guidline for the types of contaminants you should look for. If the water will be consumed by the public, it must adhere to these guidelines.

2. Filter out large sediment. This is particularly crucial with a surface water supply. Your first filter may be a simple screen to eliminate dirt, debris, stones, and other large particles. You may want a more selective filter after the screen, but getting the large particles out of your water is the first priority. Larger, municipal treatment centers often use a chemical reaction to make larger particles drop out of the water, but for smaller-scale applications, filtering is appropriate.

3. Disinfect the water. At this point, the priority is to kill whatever living organisms, such as bacteria, are in the water. A chlorinator, which meters out controlled doses of chlorine, may be used. Other methods of disinfecting include ozone and ultraviolet radiation. Whatever you use, the goal should be to make the water safe for consumption.

4. Treat for additional contaminants. Remove any other problem contaminants revealed during testing. These contaminants can range from iron to arsenic to excessive hardness. Removing these contaminants could call for a variety of treatment equipment. You may install an ion exchange softener for hardening, a multi-stage reverse osmosis system, or perhaps some filter designed specifically for a contaminent. This process is dictated by what is in your water.

5. Test your water again. Run water through your system and take another sample for analysis. Because each component of the system has a job, you'll learn quickly if you did not install something correctly. If there is bacteria in the water, for example, take a look at your chlorination. If the water is still hard, make sure you set up the ion exchange softener correctly.

Tags: your water, water supply, bacteria water, exchange softener, large particles, safe consumption

Tmj Disorder And Neck Pain

TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder, is a condition that causes discomfort and difficulty when moving your jaw. Your temporomandibular joints are the two joints located right in front of your ears. These joints enable all of your jaw movements, including up, down and sideways. Myofascial pain is the pain in the muscles that move the jaw. Dislocation or abnormal structuring of the jaw joint and degenerative joint disease in the jaw are collectively known as TMJ.

Symptoms

TMJ occurs when there is a problem with the jaw joints. One side of the jaw aches and pain runs down the side of the neck. Pain occurs near the ears. Clicking and popping noises may occur when your mouth opens and shuts. It is painful to chew or open your mouth wide. Your jaw may become frozen in an open or closed position.

Causes

Jaw fractures or joint dislocations can create impaired jaw movement. Displaced discs within the joints often cause TMJ. Arthritis of the temporomandibular joint can cause a degenerative form of TMJ. Teeth grinding and clenching from stress can make TMJ worse by putting strain on the joints. Stress plays a role in the pain of TMJ by over-tensing the muscles through the face and down the neck.

Prevention

Protect your jaw from injury. Wear a mouth guard when playing contact sports. Wear your seat belt when traveling in an automobile. Control stress by practicing yoga, exercise, massage, meditation and other stress-reducing strategies. Avoid muscle tensing when concentrating; this will reduce the pain in your jaw and neck. Eliminate repetitive gum chewing that overworks the jaw joints.

Diagnosis

TMJ is diagnosed by a dentist or by a doctor who specializes in facial pain. Diagnosis is based on symptoms, medical history, dental history and a physical examination. The physician may listen for jaw popping or clicking noises. He also may check your jaw for pain and for range of motion. X-rays and MRIs are used to take images of the joints to check for arthritis.

Treatments

TMJ and the neck pain associated with it are usually temporary conditions that will respond to self-care. It is best to use conservative treatment, because invasive cures are unproven and could make the problem worse. Start by taking a nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory medicine such as ibuprofen to reduce pain and swelling. Wrap an ice cube in a washcloth and place on the painful joint. Follow this with a hot compress to the temporomandibular joint and neck to loosen aching muscles. Muscle relaxants can improve the range of motion of the joint, as well.

Tags: temporomandibular joint, range motion, reduce pain, your mouth

Inguinal Hernia Surgery Recovery Period

An inguinal (groin) hernia is a common problem, affecting up to 1 in 4 men, according to InteliHealth. It occurs when part of the intestine bulges through a weakened area in the abdominal wall, at the inguinal canal, the passageway between the abdominal wall and the groin. These injuries are 10 times more common in men than women.

Open Hernia Repair

In this kind of operation, a physician will make an incision in the groin, move the hernia back into the abdomen, and stitch up the abdominal wall, usually putting in a mesh or screen for additional support. This may be done under a local or general anesthetic.

Laparoscopy

In this procedure, several small incisions are made in the lower abdomen, and a laparoscope, a tiny tube with a camera, is inserted into the incision. The doctor views the images and uses instruments to repair the hernia through the small incisions, adding mesh for reinforcement.

Time Frame

Recovery time from an open surgery is a bit longer than with a laparoscopy. Typically, recovery time from open surgery is one to two weeks, and less than a week with laparascopy.

Considerations

Most people will not return to work for about a week following any type of hernia surgery, and should not lift heavy objects for at least six weeks. Most people will need pain medication; how much and for how long will depend on the patient and the surgery.

Warning

Not everyone is a good candidate for laparascopic surgery, especially people with larger hernias. Also, there is a risk of recurrent hernias with both surgeries, but a higher risk with laparoscopy.

Tags: abdominal wall, from open, from open surgery, Most people, Most people will, open surgery

Professional Code Of Ethics

Ethics govern proper conduct in business and professional life.

Every career carries a set of ethics with it: ways to behave around colleagues, customers and even competitors that treat everyone fairly and respectfully. It can be easy to lose sight of ethical tenets in a cutthroat environment, where financial prosperity seems to trump all other concerns. Yet, professional ethics not only help navigate difficult circumstances, but grant a career a longevity that less ethical colleagues can never hope to achieve.

Definition

A code of ethics is a specific set of rules or guidelines designed to establish principles of right and wrong within a given profession. Once established, such codes govern the behavior and demeanor of businesses that embrace them. Not only does it allow those businesses to address grievances and handle morally fuzzy situations, but also it lets customers know that a given business is committed to honest and fair dealings.

History

Ethical codes stretch back to the days of ancient Greeks, when philosophers such as Socrates and Aristotle posited complete systems on deal with the rest of the world. One of the earliest professional codes of ethics--the Hippocratic Oath--first appeared in the 5th century B.C. and has been used by doctors ever since. Modern codes of ethics developed alongside craftsman's guilds and organizations such as the Freemasons, providing a common standard to which all members of such organizations adhere.

Aspects

A professional code of ethics needs to be clearly written and easy to understand. Otherwise, those who swear by it may not be clear about its tenets. Furthermore, it requires a measure of practicality, in order to apply to real world situations instead of just hypothetical "good deeds." A code shouldn't be all-encompassing--almost no code can account for every conceivable ethical dilemma which may appear--but instead should provided flexible and widely applicable tenets which adherents can apply on a case-by-case basis.

Enforcement

Ethical codes are not formal laws and as such cannot be enforced as rigorously as laws are. A good professional code of ethics will spell out reasonable penalties for breaking the rules, which employers and/or other authority figures may apply when necessary. Penalties can include censure, reprimand, expulsion from the organization in question or termination of the rule-breakers' job. In the worst instances, a code of ethics may stipulate contacting the authorities and pursuing legal action.

Ideals

While a professional code of ethics should dictate practical behavior, it also needs to outline the ideals and principles by which the attendant organization wishes to adhere. Such principles may be unattainable as everyone makes mistakes from time to time. Yet, by providing a high standard towards which its members can strive, a code of ethics inspires people to behave in the very best manner possible.

Tags: code ethics, professional code, professional code ethics, Ethical codes, which members

Avoid Getting Salmonella

Outbreaks of salmonella seem like they are in the news weekly; these cases of mass sickness from salmonella can be difficult to avoid. However, with some simple steps, salmonella can be avoided in the home and workplace. Salmonella poisoning and food poisoning in general most often happen due to careless preparation of foods.

Instructions

1. Start by thoroughly washing hands after using the toilet and before handling any food. This simple step will prevent most cases of salmonella. The salmonella bacteria live in the intestinal tract of humans and animals.

2. Wash all food preparation areas carefully. Cross contamination of raw foods occurs whenever food is prepared. Extra caution must be observed when handling meat of any kind. Wash the meat as well with warm water.

3. Avoid salmonella from eggs. Eggs and raw meat are the two most common sources of salmonella poisoning. Throw away any cracked eggs. If an egg shell feels slimy, it is probably contaminated with bacteria and should be tossed into the trash. Clean each egg with warm water and mild soap, and rinse the eggs to remove the soap.

4. Stay away from large special food events such as public holiday celebrations and picnics. The food for these events can sometimes be prepared hastily. If a piece of meat or egg-based dish looks or smells funny, do not eat it.

5. Get rid of pets, especially reptiles. Reptiles, such as lizards, are notorious for spreading salmonella. Do not pet animals, especially ones with diarrhea, before preparing food or eating.

Tags: warm water, with warm, with warm water

What Does Medigap Provide

Medigap health insurance policies, available to any Medicare recipient, serve approximately the same functions as other secondary healthy care policies, such as those provided by businesses to retired employees. If you have already enrolled in Original Medicare, or are approaching the time you will enroll, and you do not have secondary coverage, take time now to learn all you can, not only about Medigap coverage but also about Medicare Parts A and B.

Covering the Gaps

Medigap policies provide additional health insurance to reduce your out-of-pocket cost for health care services. They do that by paying part of Medicare's co-insurance, co-payment and deductible charges for you. In addition, some Medigap policies cover the cost of activities not included in Original Medicare.

Medicare recipients purchase Medigap policies from private insurance companies. If you already have some form of supplemental coverage---Medicare Advantage Plans, Veterans Administration (VA) benefits, TRICARE or employer/union group coverage---you do not need a Medigap policy and, in fact, may not purchase one.

Medicare's educational materials provide an extensive listing of the gaps in Medicare Parts A and B. See the "References" section as well as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' publication, "Medicare & You 2009" for the complete list.

Medicare Defined Policies

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services requires that insurance companies who want to add Medigap policies to their portfolio, sell one or more of 12 "standardized" plans (A through L). As a result, the only difference between the policies offered by different insurance companies is their cost.

Requirements

If you want to purchase a Medigap policy, you first must be a Medicare Part A and Part B recipient. Your Medigap policy will be additive, meaning you will pay both your monthly Medicare premiums and the premium for the Medigap coverage.

Medigap coverage also is individual. Consequently, eligible individuals in your household must purchase their own Medigap policies.

Medigap Gaps

Medigap policies do not include coverage for long-term nursing home care, vision, dental care, hearing aids, eyeglasses or private nursing care.

Your six-month Medigap open enrollment period begins on the first day of the month you celebrate your 65th birthday and enroll in Medicare Part B.

During "open enrollment," your insurance company must sell you any Medigap policy it offers without making you wait for your coverage to charge you higher premiums because of your health. Outside that open enrollment period, the insurance companies can, and probably would, do both.

Considerations

You can purchase a Medigap policy from any insurance company licensed in your state. Once you have done so, the insurance company must renew your Medigap policy without regard to any health problems you may have developed.

Since there now is a separate Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, Medigap policies do not include prescription drug coverage.

Tags: Medigap policies, Medigap policy, insurance companies, insurance company, Medigap coverage

Start A Small Day Spa Business

Hot stone massage

With our busy schedules, we're always looking for ways to relax and recharge. One of the best ways to achieve this is by visiting a local day spa. Here, you can get a massage, soak in a hot tub and get a makeover, leaving you feeling calm and refreshed by the end of the day. With so many people in need of these services, starting your own day spa business is a great opportunity for the new entrepreneur. Many people don't have the time to visit spas in faraway cities and are looking for locations close to home. Opening a small spa can be profitable and fun, and is actually fairly simple. You'll need some basic training and equipment as well as a bit of patience in order to be successful.

Instructions

1. Decide which services you will offer. Basic offerings should include massage, hot tubs, saunas or steam rooms, and hair, nail and skin care.

2. Consider offering specialty services to draw clients to your spa. These can include acupuncture, aromatherapy, hot stone massage, waxing and other specialty concepts.

3. Learn massage. One of the most common spa services is the classic massage, though many other variations exist and can be offered based on demand. Even if you plan to hire a masseuse, it can be helpful to be certified yourself so you can always have a qualified person on staff.

4. Hire staff who specialize in the services you'd like to offer, including massage therapists, stylists and support staff. Look for people who can competently perform these services, who are licensed as required by local law, and who can provide excellent customer service to keep your guests coming back.

5. Obtain all required licenses. This includes a basic business license from your local state department as well as any specialty licenses associated with spas, massage or skin care.

6. Find a location that will be convenient for your customers. Decide whether you'll need to provide parking or be near public transportation. Consider leasing a space before buying just in case it isn't a profitable area and you need to move.

7. Purchase basic equipment. You'll need massage tables, hot tubs, saunas and other items depending on services offered.

Tags: skin care, stone massage, these services, tubs saunas

Wei East Eye Treatment

Wei Brian came to the United States from China in the hopes of studying to become an engineer. A change of plan and a change of heart lead her to pursue her passion of herbs and Chinese medicine a little further. She has since founded the Wei East line of beauty products whose motto is "nature meets beauty." Her line of skin-care products extends to eye treatments.

Eye Treatment Pads

According to the Wei East website, the company offers intensive herbal eye treatment pads that are advertised to reduce puffiness around your eyes. Packs of 16 pads sell for $36 and contain Tibetan chrysanthemum and raspberry leaves, which are said to erase dark circles. They also contain peppermint, which refreshes your skin.

To use these pads, make sure you are lying down in a comfortable spot. In this position, it is easy to place a pad on each eye. Relax and wait 10 minutes while you have the pads on your eyes. Remove the pads and wash your face with a gentle cleanser.

Eye Creams

Wei East has three eye creams in its line of beauty products; two of them sell for $35 a piece. The China Herbal Eyes Alive product is a three-in-one cream advertised to smooth fine lines, lighten dark circles and reduce puffiness. Ingredients in this eye cream consist of mulberry leaf extract, seaweed extract and green tea leaf extract. The Chestnut Refirming Eye Treatment claims to firm and lift sagging skin and contains Chinese chestnut extract and wild honey.

Wei East's Lotus Eye Dreams is sold for $65. The lotus seeds, flowers and roots in the moisturizer are said to treat deep wrinkles and fine lines as well as hydrate dry and stressed skin. The cream has the light and fluffy texture of a soufflé.

With these eye creams, you need only apply a small amount to your fingertip and gently pat the product around your eye area. If you get the product in your eyes, immediately flush with water. You only need to apply the creams once or twice a day, depending on your own skin-care routine.

Tags: your eyes, around your, beauty products, dark circles, fine lines, leaf extract

Convert Food Labels Into Weight Watchers Points

Weight Watchers is one of the most popular diet plans around, with many success stories. The core of the Weight Watchers program is the points system. Each food is assigned a point value, depending on its calories, fat and fiber count. Each person is allowed a certain number of points per day. As long as you stay within your points every day, you should lose weight.

Instructions

1. Read the nutrition chart on your food label to get the necessary information for points conversion. There are three numbers that you need to note: calories, fat and fiber.

2. Use your Weight Watchers points slider for the most accurate calculation of points. Every member receives a points slider when they join Weight Watchers. To use the points slider, slide the calorie indicator up or down until the indicator line points to your food's calorie count. Slide the fat indicator up or down until it centers on your fat gram count. Look at the fiber count indicator and your point value will be indicated.

3. Use online points calculators to get the points value of food if you don't have your points slider available. There are quite a few calculators online. Fill in the form with the calorie, fat and fiber amounts, and the calculator will tell you how many points are in a serving of the food.

4. Do an approximate calculation if you simply need a points range on your food. This calculation will not give you an exact points amount but should be enough for most people to get an idea of the points range their food falls into. Take the number of calories on your food label and divide by 50. If the fat is more than 12, add one. If the fiber is more than the points you have so far, subtract one.

Tags: Weight Watchers, points slider, your food, calories fiber, down until, fiber count

The Effects Of The Color Yellow On Mood

It's possible that yellow can have a mood-changing effect.

Those who are gifted with sight experience color so many times per day that they might take it for granted. To this effect, the hue of the sky and that of the foods you eat often goes unnoticed. According to color psychologist Hylda Rhodes, author of "The Psychology and Tradition of Color," color plays a much more profound role in our mental and physical state of being. Yellow, then, incites a particular set of responses that can affect and perhaps determine mood.

Joy

A yellow sun might bring about feelings of happiness.

Because the color yellow is often associated with sunshine, it can enhance your mood. Similarly, it is related to feelings of joy, cheerfulness, optimism and overall happiness.

Cowardice

The term "yellow streak" indicates that the color can be associated with cowardice or deceit. In this sense, yellow might encourage a jealous or suspicious mood.

Spirituality

For the spiritually minded individual, and especially those who study the chakras, yellow is said to lend clarity, productivity, and enlightenment to the mood. Much like the feelings of joy and happiness that are often associated with it, yellow in the spiritual sense purportedly allows for understanding and open communication.

Frustration

Bright yellow is often used to attract attention.

Because of the optics in the human eye, a bright, bitter yellow color can be extremely fatiguing to your eye. This shade of yellow has the potential to cause headaches and eye strain, and this physical trauma might eventually put a damper on your mood. In many instances, this type of yellow is used to indicate a hazard.

Tags: associated with, feelings happiness, often associated, often associated with, yellow might, yellow often

Lung Problems In Newborns

While most newborns are brought into this world quite healthy, there can be complications especially among premature babies. It isn't something any parent wants to think about, but the concern is still there. One of these problems is called Respiratory Distress Syndrome. This problem is created when the newborn's lungs cannot remain open for lack of a substance called surfactant, which helps distribute the surface tension of the lungs.

History

The history of RDS has advanced since 1821 when this condition was commonly diagnosed as "double pneumonia" or some other such breathing malady in a newborn. These conditions were mostly fatal at that time. Since then, great advancements have been made to improve the survival rate of infants diagnosed with RDS, including a focus on creating secure airways for newborns until their lungs can fully develop. While having taken many names since 1821---shock lung, post-traumatic lung---it wasn't until 1967 that respiratory distress syndrome was coined when diagnosing lung problems in adults due to a wide array of causes.

Conditions

Respiratory Distress Syndrome is a lung problem found in newborns, specifically premature babies whose mother has diabetes. Other factors may include a sibling who had RDS, a cesarean delivery, a complicated delivery that caused acidosis in the newborn, a multiple pregnancy like twins or a rapid labor. There are also many other genetic factors that may cause RDS.

Symptoms

The symptoms of RDS are quick and often fatal, needing immediate action if the newborn is to stay alive. In premature newborns, the lung sacs may be stiff and collapsed even to the point that the newborn cannot breathe. If the lung sacs are not completely useless, the newborn may show signs of labored breathing, flaring of the nostrils with air intake and grunting during outtake. Bluish skin can develop due to lack of oxygen in the blood. Without immediate treatment, whatever surfactant the newborn has becomes used and the muscles that drive the lungs become tired and weak. Brain damage and even death can result.

Treatments

The first preventative measure one can take is to try to allow the newborn enough time to fully develop the lungs before being born. This may mean delaying the birth for some time. A doctor can form an amniocentesis, which is to draw enough amniotic fluid from the newborn to determine whether there is a sufficient amount of surfactant. If the birth cannot be delayed, but the doctor detects the lungs are not ready, she can use corticosteroids to quickly develop the baby's lungs, thus making the effect of RDS much less significant at birth.

Other treatments include oxygen administered immediately after birth for an extended period of time as well as mechanical ventilation in more severe cases.

Medical Advancements

A better understanding of what causes RDS in newborns, advances in X-ray equipment and advances in blood analysis have allowed doctors to quickly diagnose and treat RDS, much better than in the 1800s and even the 1990s. Due to advances in mechanical respirators (Tidal Volume) and prone positioning---setting up the patient so that he breathes in the maximum amount of oxygen possible---as well as the ability to quicken lung development while the baby is still in the mother's womb, the survival rate has risen greatly for those newborns suffering from RDS.

Expert Advice

The best thing a parent or expectant mother can do to help their newborn is early detection. Knowing that the chances of RDS increase as a baby is premature, it is up to the doctor to run tests to determine the functionality of the newborn's lungs. Even after the baby is born, aside from treatments in the medical center, a parent must be aware that she may need to help continue oxygen treatments at home for any length of time until the newborn's lungs are fully developed.

Tags: newborn lungs, Distress Syndrome, fully develop, lung sacs, lungs fully

What Are The Benefits Of Andrographis Paniculata Nees

Andrographis paniculata nees, the "King of Bitters" has a long history of use in Asia to treat fevers, infections, herpes and other chronic diseases. Dozens of studies have been performed to test its efficacy on cancer, blood sugar, the avian bird flu virus and HIV.

Geography

This plant grows in many areas including India, southeastern Asia, Indonesia and Pakistan but is broadly cultivated in Thailand, the East and West Indies, Mauritius and Thailand.

Identification

Andrographis paniculata is an annual herb whose branches stand from 1 1/2 feet to 3 feet high.

Benefits

Andrographis paniculata has been touted as a pain reliever, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial agent, blood clot preventative and some people claim it can fight and kill cancer cells. It is also used as a digestive aid, expectorant, sedative and can be used to combat parasites.

Features

This herb is considered to be a "cold property" herb and is often used to rid the body of fevers and toxins.

Considerations

Occasional side effects are infertility, heart palpitations and dizziness. Some may be allergic and have a more pronounced reaction. Women who are pregnant should avoid this herb as it has abortifacient properties.

Prevention/Solution

Scandinavian countries use the bitter herb in formulas to prevent and treat common colds.

Tags: Andrographis paniculata, Benefits Andrographis

How Does Skin Grafting Work

What Is a Skin Graft, and Why Is It Used?

A skin graft is a type of medical procedure in which skin is transplanted. It can be used to treat very large wounds or extensive burns. It can also be used to treat areas that have been infected and in which some skin has been lost. In addition, some surgeries require the removal of large areas of skin; skin grafts can be used to replace the skin that was removed. A partial-thickness graft involves the removal of just a layer of healthy skin to be placed on the grafting site. Full-thickness grafts involve cutting away an area of skin from a healthy section, to be placed at the graft site. There is a higher risk that this kind of graft will be rejected, but it is less painful and heals more quickly.

Sources for Skin Grafts

An autologous graft is one in which the skin graft is taken from a healthy area on the patient's body. Isogeneic graphs are those taken from an identical twin. Allogeneic grafts are those from the same species (i.e., a human donor for a human patient). Finally, some skin grafts can be made from artificial skin. Some grafts can also be taken from other animals, though these grafts are temporary and are designed to be rejected by the person receiving the donor skin. The main purpose of this type of graft is to minimize infection. In general, the best grafts are ones in which the donor is either the patient or someone closely related to him.

Surgical Procedure

Surgeons use a special instrument called a dermatome to remove the strips of skin from the donor. The skin graft is then carefully placed on the area that needs it. At this point, the graft is held in place by either small stitches or staples. The graft is nourished using plasmatic imbibation, in which the graft is given plasma to "drink." Within 36 hours, new blood vessels begin to grow from the graft to the underlying tissue. Grafts are often made up of a meshwork of small cuts that help prevent fluid buildup, as well as allow the graft to stretch and cover the area more accurately. Often, a small, airtight dressing is put over the graft; the air is then sucked out by a vacuum. This reduces the chance of infection and speeds up the healing process.

Tags: taken from, donor skin, from healthy, graft then, skin from

Stress Hives Treatment

Hives occur when the skin has an allergic reaction. Welts or red bumps will appear. These welts come from the release of histamine. A variety of factors, such as stress, can cause the hives to appear.

Stress

While allergens and other factors trigger the appearance of hives, doctors also believe that psychological stress is also a big reason for the emergence of hives.

Symptoms

Hives can appear all over the body, but are most common on the face and the upper portion of your trunk. These hives may itch and, sometimes, swelling of the eyelids and tongue may accompany difficult breathing in severe cases.

Diet

Dietary change is a key factor to preventing hives. Among the foods that trigger hives, dairy, nuts chocolate, coffee and cured meats are the most common.

Vitamins

Taking Vitamins C and B12 have shown to reduce the risk of hives. Vitamin C lowers level of histamine, and B12 helps heal severe cases.

Green Tea

Drinking green tea is also thought to help with hives. Doctors suggest drinking three cups per day.

Tags: most common, severe cases

Recognize Signs Of Dependent Personality Disorder

Dependent personality disorder is a type of anxiety characterized by the ongoing need for reassurance. People with this disorder may also appear helpless and overly submissive. Unfortunately, many people with dependent personality disorder are unaware of their problem. However, the signs and symptoms of this anxiety disorder can help sufferers recognize the condition. Here's tell if you may have dependent personality disorder.

Instructions

1. Note if you lack the ability to make decisions. People who suffer from dependent personality disorder are generally unable to make small or big decisions. They constantly seek advice and guidance from others.

2. Think about whether you often refuse opportunities that involve working independently. Those who have a dependent personality shun responsibility and can’t complete a task without guidance.

3. Ask yourself if you demonstrate unrealistic fear of abandonment. Nobody wants to be alone. However, people who have dependent personality disorder hate being alone and are preoccupied with abandonment. They may cry and feel depressed whenever a loved one goes away for an extended period.

4. Notice if you have an unwillingness to end relationships, even when it's time (or past time) to do so. Because people with dependent personality disorder are afraid to be alone, they tend to remain in relationships despite abuse or mistreatment by their partners. If a relationship ends abruptly, they normally jump into a new relationship with little forethought.

5. Ask yourself if you feel or display low self-esteem. It’s common for dependent people to have low self-confidence and low self-esteem. Thus, they question their own abilities and rely heavily on others. A few sufferers even doubt their ability to care for themselves.

6. Note if you feel afraid to voice personal opinions. Due to fear of rejection and abandonment, people with dependent personality disorder rarely speak their mind or disagree with others.

Tags: dependent personality, personality disorder, dependent personality disorder, have dependent, have dependent personality, people with, people with dependent

What Are The Side Effects Of Going Off Of Lyrica

If you are thinking of going off Lyrica, you need to inform yourself about what the potential side effects will be. Lyrica is an oral medication that is prescribed to patients to help them cope with pain. Diabetes patients are prescribed Lyrica for the treatment of pain due to nerve damage. It is also used to treat pain resulting from a shingles (a.k.a., herpes zoster) infection or fibromyalgia. Another group of patients that can benefit from taking Lyrica are those afflicted with seizures. Lyrica, when combined with other medications, can help in the prevention of the onset of seizures.

How Lyrica Works

Lyrica is the most effective when a specific level is maintained in the body over a period of time. Therefore, it is important to take this medication regularly as recommended by your doctor to maintain the optimum benefits. When you begin to take Lyrica, you may experience side effects, the most common of which is dizziness or drowsiness.

Why Patients Go Off Lyrica

According to the pre-marketing control trials, the most common reason for going off Lyrica was the discomfort caused by the drug's side effects. This occurs in approximately 15 percent of patients. Going off Lyrica, is not a decision to be taken lightly and patients should not try to do this themselves. When patients want to go off Lyrica, for whatever reason, they should consult with their doctor to create a program to prevent side effects.

Side Effects of Going Off Lyrica for Seizure Patients

Lyrica is used to help with seizure prevention in epileptic patients. When seizure patients suddenly stop taking this drug, their seizures may occur with increased frequency. Doctors generally recommend a tapering off the drug for one week or more.

Lyrica Dependency

Some patients can become dependent on Lyrica. If you are one of these people, going off Lyrica too rapidly can result in uncomfortable side effects due to withdrawal. The most common symptoms are feeling nauseous, headaches, trouble sleeping and diarrhea. Consult with your doctor if you think you are having dependency issues.

Going Off Lyrica and Suicidal Behavior

Treat Delayed Tooth Formation

Usually, infants get their first tooth between six and nine months old, although some children may begin to develop teeth earlier and some later. While in most cases, delayed tooth formation is nothing to be alarmed about, there are several diseases which can cause the absence of teeth. Here is handle delayed tooth formation in babies.

Instructions

1. Include adequate vitamin A in your child’s diet. This essential nutrient aids in proper teeth formation in children. Fruits and vegetables yellow or orange in color are high in vitamin A. Carrots, squash, cantaloupe, and apricots are good sources of this vitamin along with milk, some cheeses, spinach and egg yolk. Children with vitamin A deficiency may show symptoms such as loss of appetite, dry skin, slow growth, and bone and teeth abnormalities.

2. Make sure that your child consumes the daily requirement of vitamin C, as this nutrient cannot be stored in the body for later use. Leafy greens, cantaloupe, citrus fruits, strawberries, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower and other berries all contain some amount of vitamin C.

3. Feed your child foods fortified with vitamin D. These include milk, cereals and puddings made with fortified milk. Vitamin D is needed for proper formation of bones and teeth, as it aids in the absorption of calcium.

4. Consult with a dentist about orthodontics to correct the absence of teeth. Your child’s pediatrician may ask at what age siblings began to develop teeth, or if there are other family members missing teeth, which never came in. Screening for certain diseases may be required depending upon other symptoms.

Tags: absence teeth, delayed tooth, develop teeth, tooth formation, with vitamin

How A Life Support Machine Works

Ventilator

Many different types of life support machines are available. Most involve machinery of some kind. One form of life support is the ventilator, which is designed to force air into the patient's lungs through a mask or nose piece. Formerly, a patient who needed a ventilator had to have a tracheotomy, which involved having a hole cut in her throat and a tube inserted directly into the lungs, which can cause serious infections. Today, noninvasive ventilators are used most often. Ventilators are used for people who have little or no control over the muscles used by the lungs. Three types of ventilators are used: hospital ventilators, home ventilators and portable transportation ventilators. Hospital versions are elaborate machines, with special monitors and integrated alarm systems that alert a medical professional if something goes wrong. Home ventilators are smaller and have no monitoring device attached, but they still ring an alarm if the patient needs help. The portable transportation ventilator has its own carrying case that can be worn on the person and is designed to be able to withstand the shocks and jolts that occur during travel.

Dialysis and Blood Transfusions

Dialysis machines remove and clean blood that is tainted with waste material in patients whose own kidneys do not function properly. This is a form of life support, since the patient requiring dialysis cannot survive without this purification of the blood that the kidneys normally perform. Dialysis is performed three times a week to keep the toxins from building up too much in the blood. Blood transfusions can also be used as life support devices when the patient's own blood is unable to clot properly, such as with hemophilia. Artificial hearts provide the blood-pumping action needed to keep a person alive until a donor heart can be found. Another cardiac life support machine is the cardiac pacemaker, which helps the heart find the correct blood-pumping rhythm.

Nasogastric Tubes

Nasogastric tubes supply nutrition to patients who are unable to eat on their own. A tube is inserted into the patient's nostril and worked down the throat and into the stomach to supply liquid food. These tubes are typically used for unconscious patients in the short term, as the tubes can aggravate the sinuses, throat and esophagus when used in the long term. Needles, attached to rubber tubing, can be inserted into a vein in order to deliver nutrients or necessary medications from a hanging bag into the patient's body. This is known as intravenous medicating or feeding.

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Hyperkalemia

Hyperkalemia occurs when there are high levels of potassium in the bloodstream. Potassium plays a role in digestion, homeostasis and metabolism. It also regulates muscle tissue. Hyperkalemia can be caused by too much total potassium in the body or too much potassium released from the cells in the bloodstream. Mild hyperkalemia can be treated to prevent worsening. Severe hyperkalemia can lead to cardiac arrest or death.

Causes

It is the kidneys' function to rid the body of excess potassium. Hyperkalemia is usually caused, therefore, by disorders that limit the organs' ability to excrete potassium. Disorders such as kidney failure, lupus nephritis, glomerulonephritis and obstructive uropathy can lead to hyperkalemia. If you don't have enough aldosterone, a hormone that regulates the removal of potassium and sodium from the kidneys, you may develop the condition. Likewise, tissue trauma can lead to hyperkalemia because the cells release much-needed potassium. Trauma includes surgery, burns, gastrointestinal bleeding and tumors.

Alternate Causes/Symptoms

Hyperkalemia can also be caused if you have poor kidney function and eat foods with salt substitutes. These products often contain potassium. Certain kidney-related medications, such as spironolactone, triamterene or amiloride, can lead to the condition, as well. Hyperkalemia often has no symptoms. However, you may experience nausea, irregular heartbeat or a weak, slow or absent pulse.

Tests

Blood is taken to determine if you have huyperkalemia. The lab determines how much potassium is in the blood. An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is performed if the condition is suspected. The test may show changes that are typical for moderate to severe cases, such as dangerous arrhythmias. A heart block can become completely blocked. The heartbeat may be slower than normal and there may be a ventricular fibrillation. Your pulse may also be irregular or slow.

Treatment

The treatment plan depends on the cause of your hyperkalemia, the types of symptoms, changes on the ECG and your health status. People with mild hyperkalemia do not usually have to be hospitalized if their health is otherwise normal and their ECG comes back fine. Those with severe hyperkalemia may need emergency care if there are changes in the ECG. It often results in a stay in the intensive care unit under heart monitoring. Doctors usually recommend a diet with limited potassium, IV administration of insulin and glucose to encourage the movement of potassium, IV administration of calcium to protect the muscles and heart, drugs to stimulate beta-2 adrenergic receptors to send potassium back to cells, and dialysis if other options have failed or if kidney failure is imminent.

Warnings

There are several conditions that can arise as a result of hyperkalemia, including arrhythmias, changes in neuromuscular control and cardiac arrest. You should go to the emergency room if your breathing changes, you experience weakness or nausea, your heartbeat is weak or you lose consciousness.

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