Benefits Of Flu Shots

Commonly known as the flu, influenza in a highly infectious virus that severely attacks the respiratory system. Infecting more than 1 million people yearly, the availability of flu vaccines has aided in the prevention of the virus. In about two weeks after vaccination, antibodies that provide protection develop in the body. These antibodies attack and destroy the virus, preventing infection.

What Is A Flu Shot?

Containing a killed influenza virus, the flu shot is an inactive vaccine that is given with a needle to prevent influenza, a viral respiratory infection that usually frequents the lungs. As the vaccine is injected, the immune system is stimulated into generating an immune response to the flu. Soreness or redness can occur where the shot was given and there's also the possibility of a fever. Symptoms usually last about two days. Soreness can also occur as the immune system creates the antibodies.

Age Significance

Health and age can influence the vaccines abilities. It is recommended that children are vaccinated up until they are of 19 years of age but not before they are 6 months old. Those over 50 should be vaccinated as well. Similarities between the virus strains in the vaccine and those in circulation strengthen the vaccines protection against the virus to about 70 percent to 90 percent in healthy people younger than 65.

Health Factors

The vaccine is also viable to anyone with particular chronic medical problems or anyone in contact with them. Health care workers and caregivers are usually vaccinated due to their higher risk of contraction. Nursing home residents who receive the shot are 80 percent less likely to die from flu related symptoms. Those inflicted with metabolic ailments or weakened immune systems are also encouraged to get vaccinated.

Flu Season

Although each vaccine contains two A viruses and one B virus, every year the virus vaccine combination is adjusted based on scientific estimation and international observation on what viruses will become airborne. Influenzas' activity is usually at its strongest around January, although an outbreak can occur as early as October. Being that the timing of the flu is unpredictable, some vaccinations are available from September to January and beyond.

New Vaccines

A nasal-spray vaccine was made available in 2003 but only for those healthy between the ages of 2 and 49 who are not pregnant. This live attenuated influenza vaccine, or LAIV as it's sometimes called, consists of live, weakened flu viruses that provide the same protection at the shot.

Considerations

Being that viruses for the flu vaccine are grown in eggs, shots are not for those who have severe chicken egg allergies. Those with prior flu vaccination reactions should also be cautious. People who are sick should wait until they have fully recovered to be vaccinated. Influenza can be carried out in those infected before vaccination, as well as during the two-week recovery period after being vaccinated before a tolerance is built. People are also at risk of being infected by viruses' other than the flu that circulate during flu season.

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Chiropractic History

Chiropractors treat many maladies by adjusting the spine.

In the last century, chiropractic has claimed many adherents but also garnered numerous critics. This controversial therapy is based on the idea that many ailments can be cured by manually adjusting the spine. Chiropractors eschew drugs and surgery, instead focusing on spinal misalignments called "subluxations."

Ancient Greek Origins?

The inspiration for chiropractic comes from ancient Greece.

Chiropractors cite ancient Greece as the inspiration for their practice. The Greek physician Hippocrates emphasized the importance of the spine for overall health. Early Greek and Chinese writings suggest spinal manipulation for relieving back pain. The physician Herodutus prescribed exercises for patients suffering from spinal troubles. If they were too weak to do the exercises, he manipulated their backs for them.

Daniel David Palmer

The modern practice of chiropractic was founded by Daniel David Palmer. Formerly a beekeeper and raspberry seller, Palmer enjoyed reading medical journals. In 1885, he became interested in the work of Paul Caster, a magnetic healer. Palmer studied with Caster in Ottumwa, Iowa, before opening his own Palmer Cure & Infirmary in Davenport, Iowa.

Palmer's First Adjustment

Palmer was intrigued by the plight of Harvey Lillard, a janitor in his office. The man had normal hearing all his life, until one day his back popped and suddenly he couldn't hear. Palmer suspected the popping noise and the man's deafness must be connected. Upon examining Lillard's spine, he was able to lever a misaligned vertebra back into space. Lillard's hearing was instantly restored.

First Chiropractic School

News got around, and people with various maladies flooded Palmer's office. At first he called his spinal manipulations "hand treatments." Later, he invented the term "chiropractic." "Chiro" is the Greek word for hand, and "practic" means practice or operation. He renamed his establishment the Palmer School and Infirmary of Chiropractic. His first students enrolled in 1898.

Troubles with AMA

Many doctors doubted the effectiveness of chiropractic treatment.

The rest of the medical establishment doubted that chiropractic was a legitimate treatment modality. By the 1920s, the American Medical Association was waging war against the chiropractic profession. AMA secretary Morris Fishbein described chiropractors as "rabid dogs" whose unscientific, unsafe methods jeopardized their patients. By the 1960s, the AMA's Committee on Quackery had concocted a plan to prevent both accreditation for chiropractors and coverage by Medicare for chiropractic treatment. Chiropractors responded by accusing doctors of hoarding the profits. They alleged that medical prefessionals caused many of the illnesses they purported to cure.

1976 Lawsuit

In 1976, five chiropractors filed an antitrust lawsuit against several healthcare groups, including the American Medical Association. Known as the Wilkes Case, this and other lawsuits launched by chiropractors pressured the AMA to back down. The AMA modified its code of ethics to allow individual doctors to choose whether or not to refer patients to chiropractors.

Current Status of the Profession

While some individual doctors still doubt the efficacy of chiropractic treatment, many others embrace it. Chiropractic students may intern in medical centers. Chiropractic and other alternative treatments, often called "complementary medicine," flourish in medical clinics and hospitals throughout the country.

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Benefits Of A Sesame Oil Face Massage

Sesame oil soothing facial massage

Ayurveda, the Indian science of health, emphasizes the importance of oil massage not merely as a luxury but as an integral ingredient for health. Sesame oil is considered the perfect medium for delivering a host of health and beauty benefits. A facial massage using sesame oil will help relieve stress, as well as giving you healthier, younger-looking skin.

Anti-oxidant

Sesame oil has anti-oxidant properties to neutralize free radicals which can cause skin to appear older. Sesame oil penetrates the skin easily, providing cellular nourishment. Ayurvedic experts recommend that for maximum antioxidant benefits, use only organic sesame oil and purify it by heating it to 212 degrees F; then let it cool before use.

Antibacterial

Sesame oil can destroy common skin pathogens. Applying sesame oil externally can actually help prevent skin breakouts, as well as rashes and other skin disorders.

Calming

Wrinkles are more prominent when we experience stress. A facial massage helps relieve tension and contraction in the facial muscles, which creates a false appearance of age. Ayurveda identifies stress as often being an imbalance of the vata dosha. Sesame oil helps balance vata disorders. Sesame oil can also help ease insomnia and prevent migraine headaches.

Moisturizing

Sesame oil softens the skin. It relieves skin dryness, and helps skin retain moisture. Sesame oil can even be used to help with eczema or psoriasis.

Pain Relief

Sesame oil has anti-inflammatory properties. It can alleviate pain in the facial region and elsewhere in the body.

Cancer Prevention

Ayurvedic healers have used sesame oil to inhibit the growth of skin cancers.

Skin Protection

Sesame oil can be applied after sun exposure to ward off sunburn. For swimmers, it helps protect the effects of chlorine on the skin. Ayurveda recommends the use of sesame oil for people receiving chemotherapy to minimize the effects on skin of radiation.

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How Does Smoking Affect Your Life

Medical Aspects

When you take a puff of a cigarette, you are actually inhaling carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide attaches itself to the body's red blood cells. Red blood cells are responsible for bringing oxygen to all of the parts of the body but they can't do that effectively when they are being inhibited by carbon monoxide. Smoking contributes to several forms of cancer, bronchial infections, pneumonia, emphysema, heart attacks and poor circulation. Smoking also causes premature aging and an expected shorter life span. Use the calculator at the end of this article to figure out your expected life span.

Physical Aspects

The body releases toxins through the skin. When you smoke cigarettes, you are putting over 4,000 chemicals in your body that have to go somewhere. As some of the poisons leave your body through the skin they cause the skin to prematurely age. The nicotine and tar also stain the teeth. Finally, smoke causes a condition known as halitosis or chronic bad breath. You can't cure it with toothpaste or mouthwash.

Financial Aspects

Consider that most smokers smoke a pack of cigarettes per day. That adds up to a lot of hard-earned cash going up in smoke. If you smoke, it is likely that your spouse smokes too, which would double the amount of money spent on cigarettes each week. Use the calculator at the end of this article to figure out exactly how much money you are spending on your habit. You may find that as much as two months of your annual salary is spent on cigarettes. All in all, a cigarette habit can have a huge impact on your financial situation.

Spiritual Aspects

Many religions believe that smoking is a sin because it is damaging to the body. You are to treat your body as the temple of the Holy Ghost and keep it healthy. Anyone who believes this and continues to smoke is going to live in turmoil. Until these issues are resolved, there is a constant internal battle. Stress of this sort can lead to anxiety and depression.

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Reflexology Cleansing

Cleansing the body of toxins and built-up waste typically is achieved through diets and cleansing pills and drinks. The practice of reflexology may be equally if not more effective, however, with almost no risk of side effects associated with other cleansing techniques.

Reflexology is a form of holistic health care in which practitioners apply pressure to points on the feet (hands and ears are occasionally used as well) that correspond to specific parts of the body. Manipulating "reflex" points is an accepted medical practice in China---and is widely practiced in the United States as well.

Benefits

Reflexology eases and enhances elimination without the use of chemicals, herbs or pills, according to Dwight C. Byers in his book, "Better Health with Foot Reflexology." To help clients cleanse toxins from their bodies, practitioners typically work on points along the foot that correspond to the digestive system, such as the liver, intestines and colon.

Despite the lack of traditional medical studies, a great deal of anecdotal evidence and client feedback attest to the effectiveness of reflexology in cleansing.

Reflexology cleansing is a gentle approach, without the risks of some "detox" products, which have been labeled "dubious" by the Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide.

"It seeks to work with the body's natural healing efforts," agree authors Vicki Pitman and Kay MacKenzie in their book "Reflexology."

Reflexology is also found to be extremely relaxing, reducing stress along with toxins.

Foot reflexology is far more than a "feel-good" massage. It can help prevent diseases, balance the body's systems and provide a boost of energy through the detoxification process.

History

Reflexology is believed to date back to the ancient Egyptians, and it was later developed as Zone Therapy by Dr. William Fitzgerald early in the 20th century. It later became known as reflexology, referring to the fact that when a certain point on the foot is stimulated, a response is created in another part of the body. The early discovery of points connecting to the digestive system opened the path for reflexology cleansing.

How it Works

In a typical reflexology cleansing session, clients sit or lay comfortably while the practitioner presses points along pathways (also known as meridians) on the foot. Any sore or tender areas indicate potential health problems, Byers states. In a session dedicated to cleansing, however, the practitioner will focus on the specific areas related to digestion and elimination.

By applying varying degrees of pressure to points connected to the liver, kidneys, intestines and colon, practitioners of reflexology stimulate energy that may be stuck in these areas, according to The Disability Foundation. This action prompts the body to naturally release toxins and waste, particularly when clients drink plenty of water and eat a fiber-filled diet. (Most clients are advised to drink water immediately after a session.)

Reflexology cleansing should not be painful, and clients are encouraged to provide feedback. Just as in yoga, the goal is a mixture of relaxation with a pinch of pain---just enough to ensure the session's effectiveness.

Warning

Reflexology is not a reliable source for diagnosing or treating specific medical conditions. It works best in conjunction with traditional medical care, according to The Disability Foundation. The technique is not advised for anyone suffering with blood clots or deep vein thrombosis. If you are pregnant, check with your obstetrician before trying reflexology.

Practitioners can study for and obtain certificates in reflexology. These are not, however, regulated by the government; clients may want to get a referral from a holistic practitioner they trust, a physician or through online reviews.

Advice

A final word of advice: If it does not feel right, don't do it. The Mayo Clinic notes that the kidneys and liver remove most toxins from the body through urine and feces. "Cleansing" according to the Mayo Clinic, can also be achieved through a diet with plenty of water, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and unsaturated fats.

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What Causes Voices & Seeing Things In Schizophrenia

About Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a mental disorder in which one's perception of reality is adversely affected. Schizophrenia affects about 1 percent of Americans. What causes the "voices and seeing things" associated with some types of schizophrenia is not precisely known. However, in most cases when a person hallucinates due to schizophrenia, he doesn't have visual hallucinations, only auditory ones. Auditory hallucinations are thought to be caused by malfunctions in the brain that cause some people with schizophrenia to think that internally generated speech (thoughts) are actually voices coming from outside of the body. Visual hallucinations are thought to be caused by a person mistaking vivid internal imagery for reality.

Symptoms of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia has different classes of symptoms: positive symptoms, negative symptoms and cognitive symptoms. Positive symptoms include delusions, hallucinations, movement disorders, thought disorders and unusual thoughts and/or perceptions. Negative symptoms involve the absence of or a decrease in the following areas: affect, pleasure in life, speaking, and the ability to initiate plans. Cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia include problems with attention and/or memory, and problems with the brain functions that allow planning and organizing. Most people associate schizophrenia with its positive symptoms, but this isn't always the situation.

Types of Scizophrenia

There are different types of schizophrenia, and each one exhibits a different combination of schizophrenia symptoms. The different types of schizophrenia include paranoid schizophrenia, disorganized (hebephrenic) schizophrenia, catatonic schizophrenia, residual schizophrenia and undifferentiated disorder. Positive schizophrenia is the most common form. It involves delusions and hallucinations (mainly auditory). Disorganized schizophrenia includes disorganized thought processes, disorganized behavior, and flat or inappropriate affect. Catatonic schizophrenia involves disorder of movement, involuntary movements, and in extreme cases catatonia--a state of immobility that can last for weeks. Residual schizophrenia involves the negative symptoms of schizophrenia and may include a lack of good hygiene. Undifferentiated schizophrenia is diagnosed when a person has schizophrenic symptoms that don't fall into any of the other categories.

Treatment of Schizophrenia

The primary treatment for schizophrenia is medication. Antipsychotic medications for schizophrenia have been available since the mid-1950s. People may respond differently to antipsychotic medications, so it may be necessary to try several different drugs and dosages to find the right treatment for a person with schizophrenia. However, the exact cause of schizophrenia is not known, so the drugs only treat the symptoms of schizophrenia and not the cause.

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Indoor Lighting Techniques

Natural lighting is lighting from a window or skylight.

Different types of indoor lighting serve different functions and have varying levels of practicality. In some cases lighting is used to make all areas of a room visible. This is the case with task lighting, a form of lighting used in kitchens. In other cases lighting is used to set a mood.

Plants

Indoor plants generally have different needs when it comes to lighting. Assuming you know the kind of light your plant needs, you can tailor the room's lighting to the needs of that plant or move the plant to a room where it will flourish. If your plant generally requires a low level of lighting, then incandescent bulbs are ideal. Plants with low lighting needs can also live under fluorescent lights, as can plants that require a medium level of light. Plants only need around 12 hours of light a day.

Ambient Lighting

Ambient lighting is lighting where the source is hidden. These types of lights are usually set on dimmer switch. Ambient lighting is complemented with accent lighting which is almost the opposite in lighting terms. Ambient lighting is generally most effective when it is varied across different heights throughout the room. One strategy for converting your room to ambient lighting is to divide the wattage of your current lighting. For example, if you have one 1,000 watt bulb lighting a room, you could have four 250 watt bulbs lighting the room, spread across the room.

Accent Lighting

Accent lighting serves to light something but not the room itself. It may be used to draw attention to a certain interesting part of the rooms build or it may draw attention to a feature such as a piece of art. The California Energy Commission's Consumer Energy Center recommends keeping these lights on separate dimmers from your other lights so you don't overuse them. These lights are generally low-voltage.

Aesthetic Lighting

Aesthetic lighting does not serve any function specifically. While accent lighting lights something for aesthetic purposes, aesthetic lighting is lighting solely there to be pleasing to the eye. A neon sign on the wall is an example of aesthetic lighting. This type of lighting cannot generally be used to light a room or area for any practical purpose.

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Make Earthquake Emergency Kits

No one can truly predict a natural disaster. Earthquakes are one of the scariest natural disasters, as they can really cause a lot of damage. The best way to fight an earthquake is to be prepared. Having earthquake emergency kits is a great way to be prepared for an earthquake. Here's make earthquake emergency kits.

Instructions

1. There are many things you need to have when you make earthquake emergency kit: water, food, tools, and other miscellaneous items. I will go over each category separately. We are going to try to make an earthquake emergency kit that will last three days.

2. People cannot live without water for more than a couple of days, so water is naturally the most important thing to include when you make earthquake emergency kits. Try to obtain about one gallon of water for each person for each day. Since we are making earthquake emergency kits for three days, you will need three gallons of water for each person you are making earthquake emergency kits for.

3. Next, comes food. You are going to want to make earthquake emergency kits with food that does not really degrade. So canned food (such as beans, soup, tuna, vegetables, fruits, or other meats) are excellent foods to put into earthquake emergency kits. Also try to bring foods like granola bars, nuts, and other high-energy or high-protein food.

4. Make sure you include tools when you make earthquake emergency kits. This includes a flashlight, many types of batteries (AA, AAA, 9V, etc.) screwdrivers (flat and Phillips), tape (Scotch, duct, electrical), a hammer, a wrench, pliers, matches, and a utility knife.

5. Considering you are preparing for an emergency, a first-aid kit is necessary when you make earthquake emergency kits. In your first-aid kit, include band-aids, gauze pads, rubbing alcohol, pain relievers (i.e. Tylenol or Advil), multi-vitamins, scissors, tweezers, medical tape, and wrapping bandages.

6. Finally, there are a few miscellaneous items you should pack when making earthquake emergency kits. Miscellaneous items include toilet paper, soap, extra clothing, and even your personal documents (i.e. a will, identification). Now you can make earthquake emergency kits and be prepared for any natural disaster.

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Treat Depression Naturally

Treat Depression Naturally

Mild depression, which includes symptoms of hopelessness, sadness and lack of motivation, can be naturally treated with various supplements or environmental and lifestyle changes.

Instructions

1. Get out of the house and get moving. Depression can often be caused or worsened by not getting enough physical exercise. Plan to spend time walking every day. Also consider riding a bike or joining a gym. Aim for 30 minutes of physical exercise 4 to 5 times a week. Exercise has been clinically proven to increase production of seratonin, a chemical in the brain that creates a sense of satisfaction and happiness.

2. Try taking an herbal supplement. St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is available at many drug stores over the counter and is fairly inexpensive. It has been clinically proven to treat mild forms of depression effectively. It may take up to 8 weeks to feel results. St John's Wort is taken orally once per day.

3. Spend some time in the sun. Seasonal depression during the winter has been linked to lack of sunlight. There are lamps available for a modest cost at hardware stores that are about 5 times brighter than an office light. These lamps can simulate the sun's bright light during the winter. This type of treatment is known as phototherapy.

4. Speak with your friends and family about how you are feeling. Loneliness is one of the symptoms of depression. While it may be difficult to open up your feelings at first, it gets easier the more that you talk about it. Therapists will help you discover the root of your depression so you can make natural adjustments to your lifestyle.

5. Change your diet. Depression has been linked to vitamin deficiencies. Vitamin C, as well as vitamins B1, B6 and B12 are important for the body to naturally treat depression. Consider taking vitamin supplements, which can be inexpensive, or possibly changing your diet to include more vitamin-rich vegetables and fruits.

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Treat Buttocks Boils

Boils are nearly always painful, especially when located on the buttocks, because they can make it difficult for you to sit down. Treatment of the boil can speed healing, and early treatment may prevent later complications that could require a trip to the doctor.

Instructions

1. Apply heat to the boil. You can sit in a hot bath, taking care not to sit directly on the boil. On the other hand, you can place a hot water bottle on the boil for 10 to 15 minutes. Heat brings white blood cells and antibodies to the infection.

2. Drain the pustule once it forms if you want. You will know this has occurred when a head forms on the boil, making it look like a large whitehead. To do this, make a small hole in the head with a sterilized needle. You can sterilize a needle by dipping it in rubbing alcohol or by boiling it. This step may be unnecessary, as the boil may begin to drain on its own.

3. Heat the area again to speed draining. You can apply very light pressure around the head of the boil to help the fluids escape, but don't lance the boil, squeeze it or pinch it, because this can further irritate it.

4. Boils can spread, and someone who comes in contact with the pus that drains from your boil can then develop one as well. Clean draining boils frequently, discard cloths used, or boil them to decrease your chances of spreading the infection to other parts of your body or to other people.

5. Visit the doctor if your boil doesn't begin to show improvement in a few days, especially if the boil is located in the crack between your buttocks. Boils in this location usually require treatment by a medical professional. You should also visit a doctor if you have a fever.

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The Effects Of Patchouli

A member of the mint family, patchouli is similar in appearance.

Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) is a perennial herb of the mint family and can grow up to 3 feet in height. The leaves appear furry, and the plant has white flowers with a hint of purple. It is native to the warmer, more tropical regions of Asia as well as Indonesia, India and Malaysia. It is a versatile plant that is used in many ways to achieve beneficial therapeutic, medicinal and beautifying effects.

Therapeutic

There are many therapeutic effects of patchouli.

The leaves of the patchouli plant produce a heady, earthy oil that often is used in aromatherapy to help relax the mind, release negative emotions and relieve stress. Patchouli also is considered a natural anti-depressant that can help relieve anxiety, headaches and fatigue. It has been known to work in aromatherapy as an appetite suppressant as well.

Medicinal

Herbal remedies using patchouli have been used for many years in several countries.

Historically patchouli has been used in many Eastern countries as an antidote for snake bites. In the countries of China, Japan and Malaysia it is sometimes used in herbal infusions to treat headaches, nausea, colds, diarrhea, vomiting and halitosis (bad breath).

Skin Care

Patchouli can be effective in helping many skin conditions.

Used in the essential oil form, patchouli can be used topically in treating acne, cracked or chapped skin, dermatitis, eczema, oily complexions and wrinkles. The astringent effects of patchouli are thought to tone and revitalize the skin, while its diuretic properties can remove excess fluids from the tissue. Its antiseptic properties can help to cool down inflamed skin. Patchouli is a non-irritant and non-sensitizing herb, which means it can help to soothe even sensitive skin while stimulating skin growth and healing. According to GardeningCentral.org, patchouli leaves are sometimes applied to burns on the skin to provide pain relief and help in healing.

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Ayurvedic Treatment Of Diabetes

Ayurveda: an alternative treatment to Western medicine

Diabetes mellitus, also known as diabetes, is a condition that affects many people for many different reasons. Sufferers are either unable to produce or simply do not respond to insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas. Since its introduction into the medical world in 1927, insulin has been the most common treatment for diabetes. However, traditional Ayurvedic medicine purports to alleviate diabetic symptoms.

Herbs and Spices

Ayurvedic herbs and spices, which can be found at your local herbal or natural remedy shop, have been used to treat diabetes and its symptoms for thousands of years. In the early stages of diabetes, turmeric mixed with aloe vera gel at a 1 to 3 gms./.035 to 1 oz. ratio is recommended to normalize the pancreas and liver. After this period, take 2 turmeric-filled capsules thrice daily, before each meal. Take 2 grains from an Ayurvedic preparation of Vasanta Kusumaker Ras with a teaspoon of cream or honey to quickly depreciate sugar levels. Due to how quickly this option works, it is important to closely monitor sugar levels. When you reach the level you desire, begin tapering off the Vasanta Kusumaker Ras and add a 500 mg pill of Chandraprabhavati.

Pterocarpus marsupium, a tree native to India, produces extracts that have long been used in Ayurvedic remedies for diabetes. It is the only herb or drug that is able to renew functional pancreatic beta cells.

Kapha-Balancing Diet

Kapha, a stabilizing dosha (see Resources) in Ayurvedic medicine. needs to be balanced in the diabetic diet. This means eliminating sugar as well as excess carbohydrates and fats. Sweet fruits, wheat, rice, potatoes and anything containing sugar should be avoided. Soak barley in a triphala decoction overnight; this may be eaten a number of times throughout the day. Oranges, lemons and bitter melons are all highly recommended. Bitter melons should be taken with caution, as they possess properties that can greatly lower blood sugar levels.

Those already taking blood-sugar lowering drugs or insulin should closely monitor their body's reaction to the fruit. Green vegetables, soy, fish and black gram are also a good addition to a diabetic's diet. You can also place water in a copper vessel overnight to be consumed in the morning.

Yoga Asanas

Regular exercise is very important to staying healthy, but especially so for diabetics. A nightly or morning walk or jog can help manage diabetes, as well as Pranayama and yoga asanas, such as Sun Salutations, Peacock Pose, Locust Pose and leg lifts. Pranayama stresses the importance of breathing oxygen and promotes effective oxygen intake during exercise. These yoga asanas help with digestion and controlling pancreatic and liver functions, which in turn leads to more manageable blood sugar levels.

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Anorexia Athletica Treatment

A person with anorexia athletica feels a compulsive need to exercise to an excess. People with this disorder will continue to work out, even if they are ill or physically exhausted. This compulsive need to overexercise is often accompanied by a preoccupation with healthy eating and a highly restrictive diet. Some of the more common treatment methods for this disorder include cognitive therapy, nutritional rehabilitation and counseling, and participation in support groups.

Cognitive Therapy

People who suffer from anorexia athletica often feel that they must exercise or risk gaining an extreme amount of weight. Cognitive therapy works by evaluating and identifying the thought processes that lead to this compulsive need to exercise. Patients are taught to monitor their "self-talk," or what they tell themselves about exercise and weight. The cognitive therapist works to help the person eliminate harmful thought processes and replace them with more positive ways of thinking. When these harmful thoughts are eliminated, the person can focus on being healthy, rather than losing weight.

Nutritional Support

People with anorexia athletica often have issues not only with exercise, but with food. Just as she will exercise excessively, she may restrict her diet to an extreme. This caloric deficit and lack of nutrients can lead to osteoporosis, amenorrhea, or any number of other nutrition-related health problems. People with this disorder often do not seek treatment until health problems already have surfaced. Hospitalization may be necessary for those with severe malnutrition. Others may benefit from a clear eating plan from a licensed nutritionist. Periodic visits to a nutritionist may be necessary to keep the person on track to recovery.

Support Groups

For most people, compulsive exercise and eating problems can mean a lifelong struggle to stay healthy. Support groups can offer a lot of help and support for people seeking to maintain a healthier lifestyle. Support groups have the advantage of being free, anonymous and offered on a regular basis. You can usually find one in your local area, or you can join one online.

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What Is The Meaning Of Therapy

Therapy is often associated with severe mental issues, but therapy is for anyone who is confused or suffers from any self-doubt. There are many types of therapy available to help patients clarify most issues.

Definition

Therapy is the treatment of disorders in the body or mind and disorders or issues that affect one's behavior. Treatment is offered by a professional who offers physical or psychological counseling, or some other sort of emotional or spiritual support and guidance.

Benefits

Therapy aims to reduce suffering, to increase positive feelings of self and improve self image, and to help the patient identify what is at the root of any problem or feeling of self doubt and confusion.

Types

There are hundreds of different types of therapy, including: dream analysis, dance movement therapy, physical therapy, regression therapy, psycho-physical therapy, sand tray therapy, self relations, self-acceptance training, poetry work, feminist therapy, core process psychotherapy and psychodrama.

Function of Psychotherapy

Therapy allows a patient to express her feelings with a professional and come to an understanding as to why she thinks or behaves the way she does. Therapists attempt to change a patient's perspective on the past, so she might improve current relationships and set clear goals in the future.

Warning

According to GoodTherapy.org, there at least 50 warning signs of questionable therapy, including: the counselor does not have significant training or education to address a patient's issues, therapist treats the patient like she's inferior, therapist tries to befriend a patient, and counselor blames or encourages a patient to blame his family, friends or spouse.

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Ayurvedic Home Remedies

Over-the-counter or prescription drugs can cure almost all your common complaints. But you can be at risk of suffering from several side effects from certain chemical compounds used in the drugs. Ayurveda, on the other hand, combines only naturally occurring herbs and general measures to treat ailments. Turmeric, cloves, pepper, garlic, coriander and ginger are some of the most commonly used ingredients for Ayurvedic home remedies.

Arthritis

For relief from arthritis, take 2 tsp. of lime juice and 1 tsp. of honey with 1 cup of tepid water two times a day. For another remedy, bake, crush and then fry an eggplant in 2 tbsp. castor oil with coriander, turmeric, garlic and salt used as seasonings. Take this once a day for a couple of months for relief. Combine 1/2 tsp. turmeric powder with warm water twice a day, or one clove of fresh garlic once a day, to get provide relief from arthritis pain.

Blood Pressure

Mix equal portions of honey and onion juice and have a couple of teaspoons each day for a month. This, along with ripe papaya consumed every morning before breakfast, are effective Ayurvedic home cures for blood pressure. According to Ayurveda specialists, regular intake of carrot juice, coconut water and amla powder (available at Indian grocery stores) are beneficial too.

The Common Cold

For battling the common cold, grind seven peppercorns with 1 tbsp. honey and have it before breakfast, followed immediately after with a clove of fresh garlic swallowed without chewing. Make a tea by boiling 2 cups of water with 1 tbsp. each of honey, ginger and fennel seeds, such that only a cup of the concoction remains after evaporation. Drink this, with or without adding tea leaves, as many times a day as possible.

Obesity

Honey helps stimulate the accumulated unnecessary body fat to be broken down for energy for regular activities. Take a tablespoon of honey with hot water and a teaspoon of fresh lime juice every morning before breakfast to lose fat. Cabbage, both in the raw and cooked forms, suppresses the change of carbohydrates and sugars into fat. Having cabbage in salads or other dishes can help reduce weight.

Low Libido

Fry equal portions of black gram, wheat, rice and long pepper powders and make a soup of the mixture with sugar and milk. Have it before bedtime every night. Another Ayurvedic herbal treatment involves steeping a tablespoon of triphala powder (available in Indian grocery stores) in a cup of water and leaving it undisturbed for 30 minutes. Then, mix it with a tablespoon of honey and have it every morning before breakfast.

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The History Of The First Kidney Dialysis Machine

Dr. Willem J. Kolff, a Dutch inventor, is widely referred to as the father of artificial organs. Kolff created the first kidney dialysis machine in the early 1940s. Kidney dialysis takes the blood from the body and removes impurities. Kolff, who used everyday materials to create his first kidney dialysis machine, also invented the artificial heart. Kolff died in February 2009.

Kidney Idea

According to a 2009 story in the "New York Times," watching a young man die from kidney failure in 1938 inspired Kolff to create artificial kidneys. Kolff reasoned that if he could remove wastes that build up in the blood he could save patients.

Kept on Researching

While Kolff was researching his kidney dialysis machine, the Germans invaded the Netherlands in 1940. Soon after the invasion, Kolff moved to Kampen. While in Kampen, Kolff helped hide more than 600 in his hospital to avoid Nazi labor camps. While there Kolff kept researching his kidney dialysis machine and also created the first blood bank.

First Dialysis Machine

Kolff's first machine was made of 50 feet of sausage casing that was wrapped around a wooden drum set in saline solution. A patient's blood was drawn into the casing. To remove the impurities, the drum was rotated.

Getting the Blood Back

To get the blood back into his patients, Kolff used a pump. Kolff got the idea from his pump from a water pump the Ford Company used in its engines. For his first pump, Kolff used cans and a washing machine.

Not an Instant Success

The first 15 people that Kolff hooked up to his new "artificial kidney" died. In 1945 a comatose women was the first person saved by Kolff's machine. IN 1947, Kolff sent his first artificial kidney to the United States. Today, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration more than 200,000 people in the United States use dialysis annually.

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Can Lyme Disease Cause Liver Problems

Can Lyme Disease Cause Liver Problems?

Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria-like organism called a spirochete, which is spread through tick bites. Initial signs of Lyme disease commonly include a distinctive skin rash and flu-like symptoms such as muscle aches, fatigue, fever and headache. If the person doesn't realize he has Lyme disease and it goes untreated, the disease eventually can return with more severe symptoms of arthritis, irregular heartbeat and neuropathy.

Considerations

The medical profession does not consider Lyme disease to be a cause of liver disease. Although some people diagnosed with Lyme disease have shown elevated liver enzymes on blood tests, most of these people do not experience any liver-related symptoms or serious liver problems.

Expert Insight

Some cases of hepatitis (liver inflammation) have developed in conjunction with Lyme disease. However, according to Robert Shmerling, a medical doctor at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, it has been difficult to determine if the hepatitis was actually caused by the Lyme disease or by some other factor. Other possible causes could be a virus, gallstones or another tick-borne illness such as ehrlichiosis.

Rare Cases

A case study published in a 2001 issue of the French journal Gastroentérologie Clinique et Biologique reported two incidents of Lyme disease revealed by liver damage, one with symptoms of jaundice and one by liver function tests showing abnormalities. The authors noted that liver impairment due to Lyme disease is rare.

Additional Data

Additionally, W. Allan Walker states in his book, "Pediatric Gastrointestinal Disease," that Lyme disease can appear in children as acute hepatitis with symptoms of fever and jaundice, although rarely. He also cites a study indicating that 40 percent of adults diagnosed with Lyme disease had at least one liver test abnormality, which improved considerably or was completely resolved after antibiotic treatment.

Naturopathic View

The naturopathic viewpoint is that the liver can become overly burdened with toxins during any disease caused by pathogens. Commercial herbal/mineral supplements such as Lyme-aid are available to enhance liver function and help liver cells heal until the person recovers from Lyme disease.

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Open A Christain Drug Treatment Residential Center

Christian drug treatment centers are important to the recovery from addiction for many people because their Christian faith is a large part of the process. Opening an drug treatment center is challenging, but opening a Christian residential treatment center has a variety of uniquely challenging factors. Obtaining funding, gaining approval from the state health department, undergoing construction and hiring supportive staff are all important and challenging aspects of opening a Christian drug treatment center.

Instructions

Open a Christain Drug Treatment Residential Center

1. Design a treatment model. Though a variety of treatment models are used in addiction treatment, some are more appropriate for a Christian setting. The 12-step model, for example, is heavily based in a belief in God and lends itself well to a Christian setting. Thoroughly research any treatment model to ensure that it has a high success rate with the type of addictions and populations of people that you plan to treat.

2. Develop a business model for the treatment center. Though the primary goal of the treatment center is to help drug addicts obtain and sustain sobriety, it is important to keep in mind that the center is also a business.

3. Obtain funding for the drug treatment center. Loans and grants are the most heavily used sources of funding for residential drug treatment centers. A solid business plan is essential when applying for loans and grants because it serves as evidence that the center is likely to be a success.

4. Acquire a facility to house the treatment center. Locate a facility to purchase or rent or construct a building. Regardless of how the building it acquired, it can take several months to acquire an appropriate building, so ensure that this step is started early in the process of opening the drug treatment center.

5. Acquire approval from the state that the treatment center will operate in. Many states handle this type of approval through their Department of Health. A solid business plan and treatment model are essential for the success of this step.

6. Contract the services of the treatment center with as many health insurance companies as possible. Many people do not have the funds available to pay for treatment out-of-pocket and rely on their insurance to acquire treatment.

7. Hire staff for the treatment center. Administrators, mental health, and medical health professionals are essential to the success of the treatment center. Though the staff do not all have to be Christian themselves, they must be supportive of a Christian environment. Ideally, the mental health care professionals will have a strong Christian counseling background and be comfortable with incorporating Christianity into their treatment approach.

8. Advertise the treatment facility. The Internet, community bulletins, churches, and the offices of outpatient counselors and therapists are ideal places to advertise. Make sure all advertisements include the type of facility, cost of treatment, insurance carriers accepted, addictions treated and contact information.

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Diagnosis & Characteristics Of Epilepsy

Epilepsy can occur in an individual at any age, but this disorder most often strikes children and older adults. Epilepsy scrambles the electrical signals inside the human brain, resulting in various types of seizures. Epilepsy is hard to diagnose in many instances, as these incidents rarely occur in a doctor's office, making the physician search for answers with a number of tests and an extensive look into a patient's medical history.

Types

The classic symptom of epilepsy is a seizure, but there are many types of seizures that someone with this ailment can be subject to. Seizures that are precipitated by strange activity in one section of the brain are called partial seizures, while those that are generated by seemingly the entire brain are called generalized seizures. Most people that suffer from epilepsy will experience the same type of seizure each time they have an episode, but in some cases, a person can have different kinds.

Symptoms

A simple partial seizure is a mild symptom of epilepsy, with the patient not losing consciousness. In this kind of seizure, he may simply feel emotions or senses change. The complex partial seizure can make a person black out for a short time; people with this seizure have been known to simply stare blankly or constantly repeat common movements such as rubbing his hands until it passes. Generalized seizures have scarier symptoms, with absence seizures the least frightening; they are characterized by such things as staring and slight body movements. Myoclonic seizures come with quick jerking motion of the legs and arms. During an atonic seizure, a person can fall down out of the blue. The grand-mal seizure is the strongest of all epileptic seizures, causing the person to pass out and his body to stiffen up and shake. It comes with the potential for loss of control of the bladder and the biting of the own tongue.

Causes

In as many as half of those with epilepsy, the cause of the condition cannot be identified. Some kinds of epilepsy have been associated with defective types of genes that control how brain cells interact with each other. There also appears to be a link between epilepsy and outside factors such as head trauma from an accident or certain diseases. For example, strokes and tumors can bring about epilepsy. Heredity also seems to have a role in people having epilepsy, but how much of a part and what it is remains a mystery.

Identification

To diagnose epilepsy, a doctor will have to have a very descriptive account of any seizures that have occurred. This often means speaking to an individual who has witnessed a seizure, since many times the person who has one will not remember anything about it. Neurological tests that can determine reflexes, muscle strength, balance and other key functions may be called for. Blood tests can reveal if the epilepsy is perhaps being brought about by conditions such as diabetes or anemia.

Prevention/Solution

There a number of scans and tests available to a physician to help come to a diagnosis of epilepsy. An electroencephalogram tracks electrical activity in the brain and can reveal abnormal brain patterns even when there is no seizure occurring. A CT scan, which is short for computerized tomography, is an x-ray that can show cross sections of the brain and detect tumors, cysts and other things that can be responsible for epileptic symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, employs radio waves and a magnetic field to manufacture an image of the brain for this same purpose. Positron emission tomography, otherwise known as a PET scan, uses radioactive injected material to add contrast to areas of the brain to produce an enhanced image of the region which can show things such as tangled up blood vessels that can be the culprit.

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How Long Do White Dental Fillings Last

White fillings are generally used on visible teeth.

Although white fillings may not last as long as the traditional silver amalgam fillings, some patients still opt for the white fillings for visible teeth. The fillings come in a variety of shades to match the tooth.

Life Span

The average life span of a white filling is five to 10 years. This may vary over time, though, as materials continue to improve.

Benefits

Some patients believe white fillings are healthier than the alternative. Silver fillings contain mercury, and some patients fear the filling will be toxic to their body. No proof exists that silver fillings are harmful. Many patients prefer white fillings for aesthetic purposes.

Alternative

The average life of a silver filling is five to seven years, although some can last 15 years. The filling is also an excellent filler material because it provides anti-bacterial properties.

Insurance Coverage

A white filling is more expensive to place, and the policy of many insurance companies is to cover the cost of the least expensive treatment, making silver fillings the option for many patients.

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Uses Of Fragrance Oils

Fragrance or aroma oils are blends of essential oils. They are artificially created from synthetic and natural oil compounds. Fragrance oils can be used to economically, and quickly enhance the atmosphere of any room.

Heated

Oils are strongest when used in conjunction with a heat source. Suitable heat sources include electric potpourri pots, oil lamps and electric diffusers. A candle wick soaked in oil dispenses scent while burning.

Home

Fragrance oils are used in the home as room deodorizers. The oils make clothes smell clean during washing, and fresh after drying.

Freshners

Fragrance oil in aroma lamps disperses scents throughout rooms. Room diffusers are revitalized with fragranced oil scents.

Other Uses

Fragrance oils are used to make incense, soap and candles. They eliminate odors from pets, smoking and cooking.

Benefits

Fragrance oils are available for bulk purchase. They are cost effective alternatives to more expensive forms of fragranced scents.

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Atrazine Health Effects

Atrazine is a synthetic agricultural herbicide. The European Union has banned atrazine use, but it remains one of the most common herbicides in the United States despite widespread reports of water pollution, wildlife damage and impacts on human health. Atrazine has been linked to low birth weight, birth defects, endocrine disruption and cancer.

What is Atrazine?

Atrazine is the second-most common pesticide in the world. It is used to kill broad-leaf and grass weeds in crops including corn, sorghum and sugar cane, and is also used on commercially grown Christmas trees. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, atrazine is also used on lawns, golf courses and highway, utility, and railroad rights-of-way. Atrazine is so widely used that, according to reports in the Pesticide Science and Weed Science journals, many weeds have become atrazine-resistant.

Human Exposure

Atrazine is extremely persistent in the environment. Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration sets limits for acceptable atrazine levels in food--which helps minimize human exposure through food consumption--atrazine is ubiquitous in drinking water supplies in farm areas with intensive atrazine use. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, atrazine remains in drinking water supplies a long time because the chemical is slow to break down in water. Most human exposure to atrazine is through drinking water.

Endocrine Disruption

According to Dr. Tyrone Hayes, an endocrinologist at the University of California at Berkeley, atrazine is an endocrine disruptor. Dr. Hayes writes that "atrazine inhibits production of testosterone (the male sex hormone) and induces production of estrogen (the female sex hormone), upsetting the balance between these two hormones." The result is a decrease in sperm counts and an increase in impaired fertility.

Reproductive Cancers

Research published in the journals Neoplasma and Toxicology Science reports that atrazine-induced estrogen production is associated with prostate cancer and breast cancer. A 2007 study by researchers at U.C. Berkeley, together with researchers from the Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyusha University, Japan, also concluded there was a correlation between atrazine and reproductive cancers in humans.

Immune System Failure

Dr. Tyrone Hayes reports that atrazine causes immune system failure in laboratory animals. Citing numerous studies in the journals Toxicology, Toxicological Science and Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, Dr. Hayes states that atrazine causes immune collapse in amphibians and rodents, most likely due to atrazine-induced increases in corticoids, the hormones which cause stress responses.

Pregnancy Impacts

Studies reported in Toxicology and other scientific journals concluded that atrazine can cause pregnancy loss in laboratory rodents and reduces production of prolactin, a hormone necessary for maternal behavior in mammals. Medical ethics preclude direct testing of similar effects on humans. However, Dr. Tyrone Hayes writes, "the mechanisms underlying the detrimental effects of atrazine in amphibians and rodents are common to all animals, including humans."

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Astrocytoma Treatment

Astrocytoma glioma is the most common glioma (a form of brain cancer) that arises from cells called "astrocytes." They typically form in the cerebrum but can occur in most parts of the brain as well as the spinal cord. Treatment depends on the progression of the tumor and involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.

Types of Treatment

There are three primary methods of treatment for patients with astrocytoma glioma: surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. When there is no possibility of neurological damage, surgery is the best method of treatment for patients with astrocytoma glioma. Radiation is typically used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells, while chemotherapy involves anti-cancer drugs typically used in conjunction with both surgery and radiation therapy.

Grade I

Grade 1 astrocytomas (pilocytic astrocytoma) are relatively uncommon tumors that can typically be cured by surgical removal (resection). Should parts of the tumor prove unable to be removed, there is a good chance the tumor will remain inactive, or conversely, be able to be treated successfully with radiation therapy.

Grade II

A Grade II astrocytoma (low-grade astrocytoma) is classified by the World Health Organization as "infiltrative." The cells of the tumor penetrate the brain, making surgical removal much more difficult. Those with astrocytoma gliomas that qualify as Grade II have a lower survival rate than those with oligodendrogliomas or mixed oligoastrocytomas.

While surgery is the first step in treatment, most of the time the tumor cannot be completely removed. As a result, follow-up chemotherapy or radiation will be recommended. Due to the invasive nature of these tumors, a recurrence is common, as well as the possibility of the tumor evolving into a Grade III or IV tumor.

Grade III

A Grade III astrocytoma glioma (anaplastic astrocytoma) presents with a variety of symptoms, including seizures, neurological impairment, headaches and altered mental status. The primary method of treatment for a Grade III tumor is surgery to remove as much as possible without impairing neurological function. Beyond this, radiation therapy has been shown to increase the chance of survival, while supplementary chemotherapy has proven to be relatively ineffective.

Grade IV

Grade IV tumors, called glioblastoma multiforme, is the most common form of brain tumor and the most malignant. Surgical removal of the tumor is still the most promising method of treatment, yet complete removal is impossible due to its invasive nature. Radiation therapy cannot completely cure the tumor, but it has been known to double the average survival rate. Beyond this, supplementary chemotherapy with temozolomide (a brain tumor drug) has shown to be beneficial in increasing the survival rate for patients with glioblastoma multiforme.

Should nothing work, the best form of treatment is symptom control and end-of-life care.

Tags: Grade Grade, radiation therapy, astrocytoma glioma, method treatment, patients with, survival rate

Asthma & Anesthesia In Children

There is a general concern regarding the use of anesthesia during surgery with an asthmatic child. The administration of general anesthesia (what makes a surgical patient unconscious during the procedure), involves the insertion of a tube, either for the inhalation of anesthesia or to assist breathing during the surgery. These tubes can disturb their surrounding areas, which is a cause for concern with asthmatic patients who already suffer from irritated and inflamed airways.

Methods

In administering general anesthesia, the chosen method for managing the airway will seek to avoid stimulating any of the airways that are irritated, sensitized, or inflamed. The method will also seek to minimize the incidents of mucus production in the airways as well.

Significance

Stimulation of the airways during the administration of anesthesia can trigger spasms in the bronchial tubes for asthmatic children.

Concerns

According to a review cited in the book "A Practice of Anesthesia for Infants and Children," the incidents of major complications involving anesthesia and asthmatic children is relatively low; however, should bronchospasms occur, the risk of severe morbidity for these asthmatic patients is high.

Complications

In terms of anesthesia and airway management with asthmatic children, the book "A Practice of Anesthesia for Infants and Children" warns that the use of endotracheal tubes poses the greatest risk for potential complications, while face masks offer the lowest risk.

Severe Asthmatics

Children that are experiencing severe asthmatic symptoms (like a productive cough, mucus production in airways or abnormally elevated body temperature of 100.4 degrees F or higher) are counseled by the American Medical Association to refrain from elective surgeries until 3 to 4 weeks after the symptoms have subsided.

Considerations

Since asthma is difficult to diagnose in children, the exact pathology of asthma is not clear and not all coughing or wheezing is attributable to asthma alone. The exact correlations between asthma and anesthesia are not definitive.

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Activities For Fine Motor Skills

Let children put together and pull apart plastic building bricks.

Small fingers may struggle with buttons, zippers and shoe-laces. Youngsters can become frustrated as they learn to perform day-to-day tasks that require the use of their fingers. The nimble manipulation of the fingers requires practice, but children can speed up the process of mastering fine motor skills with daily practice in the form of play-time activities.

Sorting Activities

Gather sets of buttons, blocks or other small items and sort them into separate containers. Let children pick up items, one at a time, from the containers and sort them into piles, organized by shape or color.

Provide children with a set of household tweezers and let them pick up cotton balls or small beads with the tweezers and place them in a box.

Cut three different colored pieces of construction paper into 1-inch squares and place the squares in a box. Lay three matching, uncut sheets of paper next to the box and ask children to take the paper squares from the box and place them on top of matching pieces of paper.

Modeling Dough Activity

Let children pinch, pat and mold non-toxic modeling dough into shapes with their fingers. Teach them to transform small pieces of modeling dough into balls by rolling a piece of dough between their palms. Challenge children to stack the balls they make into little snowmen or igloo shaped structures.

Building Brick Activity

Let kids work those finger muscles as they create tall towers by linking together a stack of plastic building bricks. Find plastic bricks in sizes that are suitable for toddlers and preschool aged children. When the children are finished creating their structures, have them pull the pieces apart before they put them away.

Lacing Activity

Entice children to practice fine motor skills with a set of colored lacing cards. Children carefully pull the loose end of a knotted lace through the holes in a picture card. You can make your own set of cards by cutting out the picture from the front of a children's cereal box. Punch holes, 2 inches apart, around the outside of the card. Tie a knot in the end of a long shoelace and thread it through one of the punched holes.

Tags: building bricks, dough into, fine motor, fine motor skills, modeling dough, modeling dough into

Accupuncture Treatment

Accupuncture Treatment

Acupuncture is an alternative therapeutic healing method to help improve or cure illness by inserting needles in certain targeted points in the body for improved healing. It is the oldest healing practice in the world and part of the Chinese traditional medicine to relieve pain and other conditions, ailments and diseases. It is a traditional method used to regulate the flow of qi, which channels energy along the pathways of the body known as meridians

History of Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years. Acupuncture originates from China and used in other countries such as Asia, Japan and Korea based on the concept of involving the use of needles by stimulating pressure on certain parts of the body to relieve pain or to prevent certain diseases, illnesses and conditions. Around 1971, people in the United States started to understand and practice acupuncture.

Acupuncture Ailments

Acupuncture is used for many ailments, conditions and diseases as a therapeutic measure.

· Severe headaches or migraines

· Back pain was the most common

· Joint pain

· Recurring pain

· Heartburn, indigestion or nausea

· Asthma, bronchitis, colds, sinus, tonsillitis

· Allergy and skin problems such as hay fever, rashes

· Dry eyes and mouth, toothaches

· Poor circulation

· Hiccups, gastritis, stomach ulcers depression, panic attacks

· Addictions like smoking or eating

What Is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture technique involves the puncture of skin with thin, solid, metallic needles that an acupuncturist inserts certain pressure points of the body to relieve what ails the patient. Fewer points are used in treating children and babies. The insertion of the needles is quick and virtually painless. After treatment, many people feel comfortable and relaxed.

Types of Acupuncture

There are two types of acupuncture to cure different ailments. First type is using herbs, which the Japanese treat for arthritis and diarrhea. Second type is called cupping, usually made of bamboo cups, used to treat asthma, bronchitis, low back pain. A common way to create a vacuum or suction is to burn paper inside the cup and then placed upside down on the skin's surface on certain pressure points for what is being treated.

Acupuncture Treatment

Acupuncture treatment provides relief from back pain, headaches, sinusitis and weight loss. Acupuncture treatment is only affective if it balances the flow of energy in your body. Cupping is used as an alternative method to acupuncture, which is also applied to the skin and uses the same pressure points as acupuncture. Cupping is used to treat respiratory ailments such as asthma, bronchitis and arthritis pain. Acupuncture treatment is both economical and effective for helping pain and preventing disease

Acupuncture Warnings

Cupping is considered safe but should not be used on people who have rashes, bleed easily or have a high fever. There is no pain but you will feel the cup being pulled on your sin. Cupping does not use needles and therefore there is no need for injury or infection. Needles should be sterile, disposable, nontoxic and labeled for use of qualified acupuncturists only. Each patient should receive a new disposable set of needles and wiped with alcohol before applying treatment.

Tags: Acupuncture treatment, pressure points, Accupuncture Treatment, Acupuncture Acupuncture, asthma bronchitis

Cleanse Tourmaline

Black is just one of the many colors of tourmaline.

Tourmaline is a stone that is fascinating to jewelers, scientists and metaphysicians alike. It comes in a rainbow of colors, including reds, blues, greens, brown, black, clear and even bi-color. When heated and then cooled, tourmaline takes on an electric charge and begins to oscillate. Metaphysically, it is used to enhance psychic abilities, neutralize negative energy, increase confidence, dispel grief or fear, and treat physical ailments such as arthritis, blood poisoning and heart disease. If you plan to use tourmaline in meditation or for its metaphysical healing properties, you will need to cleanse it regularly to restore its energy.

Instructions

1. Place your tourmaline in a dish of water. You can use fresh or salt water, but use sea salt if you decide to soak your crystal in salt water. Soak the crystal overnight for a thorough cleanse. For a quick boost of energy, hold the tourmaline under cool running water for several minutes.

2. Bathe your tourmaline in the light of a full moon. Place it outside at night where it is exposed to direct moonlight. Leave it out all night.

3. Bury the tourmaline crystal in the Earth for at least 24 hours in order to restore its energy. Mark the spot where you buried it so that you can find it again.

4. Smudge your tourmaline crystal with sage or cedar incense. To do this, wave the crystal through the smoke several times.

5. Place your tourmaline crystal on top of a quartz or amethyst crystal bed for 24 hours. The energy from the crystal cluster will help recharge the tourmaline.

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Use Lemongrass Essential Oil

Lemongrass essential oil

Lemongrass essential oil is used extensively in Asia, where the plant is grows natively. The oil is obtained from the whole plant, unlike some essential oils that are derived from only the flowers or leaves. It has many different uses, from skin care to insect repellant. Use these techniques to use lemongrass essential oil properly.

Instructions

1. Use lemongrass essential oil to heal ringworm. This is a common remedy used in many parts of India. Combine 3-5 drops of lemongrass oil with 4 ounces of carrier oil, such as sweet almond or jojoba oil. Apply directly to the affected area several times per day until the ringworm is gone.

2. Use lemongrass essential oil as a fragrance in skin care products. This oil is widely used in natural lotions, creams and soaps. Add several drops to an unscented or homemade lotion for normal to oily skin. Or add the oil to glycerin soap or liquid castile soap, and wash the skin as usual.

3. Use lemongrass essential oil to open the sinus and breathing passages. Its potent aromatic properties will improve breathing, particularly in cases of severe congestion of sinusitis. Add 3-5 drops of the oil to a bowl of steaming water, place a towel over the head and inhale the vapors. Alternately, you can simply inhale the straight essential oil, but do this sparingly.

4. Use lemongrass essential oil in homemade massage oils. This oil has calmative and antispasmodic properties, making it ideal for massage. Combine 3-5 drops with 4 ounces of high-quality carrier oil, and massage into skin. This is a useful treatment to promote restful sleep.

5. Use lemongrass essential oil as a natural insect repellent. The strong scent is unappealing to insects, similar to citronella, and they will avoid it all costs. Combine 10-20 drops lemongrass oil in 8 ounces water. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and shake well to combine. Spray the mixture directly onto the skin to repel insects. The oil may also be combined with citronella essential oil for added strength.

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Ashwagandha & Menopause

Ashwagandha is a popular antioxidant recognized around the world for its health benefits. A commonly used herbal remedy, the use of ashwagandha stems from the ayurvedic Indian tradition. Used properly, ashwagandha can help treat pain, relieve stress and alleviate the effects of menopause.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is found throughout the Mediterranean and Africa, where it is a wild plant, and across most of India, where it is commercially farmed due to large international demand. The roots of the ashwagandha plant are used to make extract which is converted into pills or capsules.

The positive effects of ashwagandha come from numerous antioxidants found within the roots of the plant, and the use of ashwagandha as an herbal supplement is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Menopause

The effects of menopause, which begins when a woman stops ovulating, can include hot flashes, sweating and trouble sleeping, among others. Taking herbal supplements and undergoing hormone replacement therapy have become common practices in reducing the uncomfortable side effects of menopause. The use of ashwagandha is a natural way to help manage menopause.

Effects

Ashwagandha is helpful in dealing with sleeping trouble, alleviating stress, increasing stamina and balancing hormones by working with the adrenal glands. The antioxidants in ashwagandha help reduce symptoms like mild hot flashes, anxiety and depression associated with menopause.

Types

Ashwagandha can be taken in the form of pills or capsules, which can be purchased in most health food stores and is often processed in accordance with traditional organic and vegetarian ayurvedic practices. Ashwagandha is also called the winter cherry, and can be purchased in the form of tea from health food stores.

Considerations

The benefits of using ashwagandha come from regular consumption, but taking too much can be harmful. As with any herbal supplement, consuming too much ashwagandha can have negative effects on gastrointestinal health. It's important to follow all directions when taking an herbal supplement.

Women who are taking sedatives or have an overactive thyroid should avoid taking ashwagandha, as it can further stimulate adrenal activity. Consult with a doctor before beginning to take any type of herbal or organic supplement.

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Acupuncture Points To Quit Smoking

The most frequently used acupuncture points for smokers are located on the ear, wrist and lower thumb areas. These points are used to address cravings, appetite, nervousness and to increase a smoker's will power. Smokers interested in using acupuncture points to quit smoking should use this method in addition to other aids such as nicotine patches or gum, support groups or meditation to increase their chances of quitting.

Theories/Speculation

The theory of acupuncture relies on the belief that certain points on the body when stimulated, will increase energy flow, decrease pain and improve health. Acupuncture to quit smoking focuses on points on the body believed to help reduce symptoms associated with nicotine addiction and withdrawal.

Points on the Ear

The Shen Men point, also known as the heavenly gate, is located on the upper region of the outer ear, and it is a common point used to treat addiction.

The kidney point is located on the mid-inner area of the outer ear, and it is used to strengthen will power to help smokers quit.

The master point zero is located on the middle of the helix of the outer ear, and it is used to promote inner balance.

The hunger ear point is located right on the middle of the outermost edge of the ear, and it used to decrease food and cigarette cravings associated with nicotine withdrawal.

The Tim Mee Wrist Point

The Tim Mee point is located on the wrist near the base of the thumb. This is considered to be one of the most important acupuncture points for smokers. It is believed that this point in particular addresses addiction to nicotine and eases symptoms associated with nicotine withdrawal.

Point to Calm Nervous Energy

The LI 4 point, also known as the Hegu, is used to calm smoker's nervousness and to regulate blood flow and help circulate energy blocked at specific body points. This point is located to the inside of the base of the thumb.

Duration of Treatment

Recommended treatment times for acupuncture to quit smoking are two to three times a week for 30 minutes. However, some practitioners recommend longer times for the Tim Mee point of up to a few hours as long as it is comfortable for the patient. Treatments should be performed until smokers no longer experience nicotine cravings which they cannot control.

Tags: point located, acupuncture points, associated with, associated with nicotine, quit smoking, with nicotine, acupuncture points smokers

Foods That Act As An Expectorant

Foods That Act As an Expectorant

There are several foods which are both effective as expectorants and delicious to eat. Food used as medicine is usually safe and free of side effects, but you should always check with your doctor before using an alternative treatment, especially for young children.

Peppermint

Peppermint contains menthol, which thins mucus. Peppermint tea is a relatively safe preparation of this natural expectorant, but care must be taken in using peppermint oil, which is never to be ingested and can irritate the skin.

Licorice

Licorice can ease a number of respiratory ailments: everything from allergies to tuberculosis. Licorice is a demulcent, which means it coats and soothes, and it contains glycyrrhizin, which promotes the secretion of mucus and can help clear thickened membranes.

Red Clover

Red clover is an expectorant that has been used traditionally to treat respiratory problems, such as whooping cough in children. It is filled with vitamins, minerals and isoflavones and has several potential preparations, including as a tea, tincture or powdered form.

Onion

Members of the onion family have been respected and used medicinally since ancient times as expectorants, possibly due to the etheric oils and sulfur compounds they contain. Onion is an anti-inflammatory and has been used to fight bronchial infections.

Horseradish

Armoracia rusticana is the Latin name for horseradish, most familiar to Americans as a condiment or sauce. Fresh horseradish root is the most useful form, but it can also be used as a tea or infusion to treat respiratory issues.

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Magnetic Therapy & Broken Bones

An increasingly popular alternative medicine practice, magnetic therapy has actually been around for many years. According to Natural Health Techniques, the people of Asia and Europe have used magnets for thousands of years to deal with pain. So while the technique is old, it is still somewhat new in the United States, especially when it comes to mending broken bones.

Magnetic Therapy

Magnetic therapy is used to help the body heal by way of the belief that the human body was designed to function within the Earth's magnetic fields. Living as we do in the modern world, we surround ourselves with all sorts of electromagnetic devices which disrupt the natural magnetic fields. These disruptions are to blame for many diseases and illnesses, according to magnet therapy proponents (such as Natural Health Techniques). Magnets are supposed to realign the body with the proper magnetic forces. Using magnets is non-invasive, unlike many procedures which cannot be undone once tried.

Magnetic therapy is used to aid in healing soft tissue and broken bones. They are used to treat other bone conditions, as well, such as osteoporosis and arthritis. Magnets may also help patients with asthma and nullify the toxic effects of chemotherapy. People have used magnets to reduce the pain associated with tendinitis, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow or wrist pain. Many use magnets to relieve back injury pain. And some employ magnets to get a more restful night's sleep.

Magnets come in varying strengths, measured in gauss units. As such, the strength required to alleviate pain in one person may vary from what is required by another. This means that someone trying magnetic therapy may have to experiment to determine the right magnet. Magnets can be worn on various parts of the body to focus the healing, or they can be worn as insoles to circulate up through the feet. Some get their magnetic therapy while sleeping on magnetic mattresses.

Healing Bones

Patients are put inside a large machine (an electromagnetic device) which generates a magnetic field over the body, facilitating the healing process. The focus of the electromagnetic energy is on the area of the break. In other instances, magnetic blankets may also be used.

Beyond using magnetic therapy to help heal broken bones, a good diet and regular exercise can expedite bone healing. Between the right foods and exercise, the blood supply is increased, which leads to faster healing. Staying active, especially with weight-bearing exercises, is important. Vitamins A and K both promote bone healing. Likewise, the diet should be rich in calcium and lysine (which helps with the uptake of calcium).

Precautions

Because magnets have very real effects on machinery, people with cochlear implants, pacemakers, implanted pain modulators and insulin pumps should not use magnets. Neither should pregnant women. And bipolar people should not sleep on magnetic mattresses. Magnets should also not be used on open wounds--because magnets decrease platelet stickiness, their use can interfere with the blood's clotting ability. Magnet therapy proponents also recommend withholding magnetic therapy on sprains or hematomas during the first day or two after the injury.

As additional concerns when dealing with magnets, remember that magnets can damage credit cards and VCR tapes. They can also demagnetize room keys in a hotel. Never store strong magnets near computers or homeopathic remedies.

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