Reinstate Ssi Disability Benefits After A Change In Income

SSI (Supplemental Security Income) disability is a program that provides financial assistance to people with disabilities. These disabilities could include long-term medical conditions or temporary medical conditions. You must qualify for the disability program (not all applications for SSI are accepted). You may also qualify for the food assistance program (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). The SSI disability program pays monthly benefits based on financial need. If you have a change in income (e.g., a recent dismissal from a job or the start of a new job), you need to contact the Social Security Administration and inform them of this change.

Instructions

1. Gather any SSI disability paperwork that was provided to you by the Social Security Administration when you signed up for benefits.

2. Gather any income paperwork showing a change in your income---pay stubs, a letter from your employer, separation notice if you have been laid off and any other related paperwork.

3. Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. If you are deaf or have difficulty hearing, call 1-800-325-0778 from your TTY keyboard telephone device.

4. Press "1" on your phone's keypad for English or say "English." Press "2" on your phone's keypad for Spanish or say "Spanish." You will then be connected to a Social Security Administration agent.

5. Explain to the Social Security Administration agent that you have a change in income and you would like to reinstate your SSI disability benefits.

6. Write on a piece of paper any information the Social Security Administration agent gives you (e.g., the location of your Social Security Administration field office, the date of your appointment to see a field agent).

7. End your call and follow through with any instructions the Social Security Administration agent gave you.

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Lightweight Transport Chairs

Lightweight transport chairs, also called lightweight transport wheelchairs, are designed to be easily carried from location to location. These chairs are used by all sorts of people who, for one reason or another, have difficulty walking. They are not restricted to handicapped people who cannot walk, but are also favored by many elderly and even simply overweight people who have trouble navigating crowds. If you think that you might benefit from using a lightweight transport chair, then you should talk to your doctor about use them and the ramifications of initiating such a habit.

Function

Lightweight transport wheelchairs are designed for use in crowds and in other public areas that require fast walking or extended foot travel. Generally, they are for use by people who do not normally use a wheelchair, but may become tired from walking too far. They are not intended for regular use, but rather occasional trips when you need a break or when you will not be able to keep up with other people.

Features

Lightweight transport chairs are designed for travel. They fold up easily and fit in the trunks of most cars. They are also easy to carry, because they tend to weigh less than twenty-five pounds. They have smaller wheels than conventional wheel chairs and cannot be rolled by the person sitting in the chair.

Benefits

A lightweight transport chair is the perfect solution for someone who can walk, but moves quite slowly. They can help you make a flight on time, enable you to enjoy trips outside to places like the zoo or even amusement parks with your family and nearly eliminate a lack of mobility. Even better, they are relatively inexpensive compared to conventional wheelchairs, and you will not really be giving up your mobility but rather expanding the places that you can go and enjoy.

Considerations

When you purchase a lightweight transport wheelchair, remember that you are not getting the same type of vehicle as you would if you bought a traditional wheelchair. These chairs will roll over any surface, but if you use them daily they will wear out relatively quickly, particularly if you use them on gravel or other rough surfaces. If you are buying a chair for regular, daily and extended use, you should consider investing in a hardier wheelchair.

Misconceptions

Many people resist using lightweight transport chairs because they feel that if they "cave" on this issue and allow themselves to be pushed around in a wheelchair even occasionally, they will be sacrificing their independence. However, this is simply untrue. Remember, a transport chair is not meant for daily use, so even if you wanted to just be rolled around all the time your lightweight transport chair would not do the trick. Lightweight transport chairs expand your area and your independence rather than limiting them.

Warning

Because you cannot roll a lightweight transport chair on your own, you need to make sure you have a trustworthy person pushing you. Particularly if the terrain is rough or hilly, you should never allow a child to push your chair. Should the vehicle roll out of control, you and your pusher could be seriously injured or even killed.

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Breast Reduction Faqs

Breast surgery may cause trepidation in patients, but can relieve body stress.

A breast-reduction procedure is a must for a woman who is physically burdened by the large size of her breasts. Cosmetic surgeries such as these must always be conducted by qualified surgeons after patients are well aware of the side effects, costs and risks of surgery.

Breast surgery may cause trepidation in patients, but can relieve body stress.

The Procedure

What happens during a breast reduction surgery? After providing a patient with anesthesia, a breast reduction surgeon makes an incision near the nipple of a breast. Two other incisions are also typically made during a breast-reduction procedure. One incision extends downward from the areola to the bottom of the breast, and another incision follows the crease of the breast. After making necessary incisions, the surgeon removes excess tissue before repositioning the breast. Before completing this procedure, a surgeon also will usually reduce the size of a breast's areola.

Recovery Process

How quickly and easily is a patient expected to recover from breast reduction surgery? A patient's recovery process after a breast-reduction procedure is usually gradual, with numbness lingering for up to a year. Tissues within a breast transmit sensations from the breast's surface to the brain of a patient. Thus, if these tissues are damaged, sensations may not be clearly experienced. Regrowth of these tissues is a time-consuming process.

Price Range

How much does breast reduction surgery cost? The national average cost of a woman's breast reduction is $5,630, based on statistical data gathered by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, published in 2008. Since its publication, this cost is considered to be conservative, with such surgeries commonly costing $7,000 or more. Surgeon fees, anesthesia costs and hospital fees are components that factor into the cost of a breast-reduction surgery. Typically, health insurance policies refrain from providing coverage for such surgeries, unless patients can provide clear documentation that the surgery will relieve specific symptoms causing daily impairment.

Misconceptions

Why are some women unhappy with their breast reduction surgeries? No two breast-reduction surgeries produce identical results. Each woman's body is different and may respond differently to cosmetic surgeries such as breast reduction. Furthermore, surgeons may differ in their experience, competency and aesthetic judgment when conducting a breast-reduction procedure.

Surgeon Qualifications

What qualifications should I seek in a cosmetic surgeon who performs breast surgeries? A qualified breast reduction surgeon should be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This board imposes measures of accountability that prevent unqualified surgeons from practicing. Another way to seek a qualified surgeon is to receive a reference from a satisfied patient. The surgeon's work should be able to speak for itself.

Tags: breast reduction, breast-reduction procedure, breast reduction, breast reduction surgery, reduction surgery, body stress, breast reduction surgeon

What Is The Life Expectancy After A Heart Bypass

The precise medical term for a heart bypass is coronary artery bypass grafting. It has become an extremely common procedure with the average post-surgery life expectancy stretching into decades for most patients.

Identification

Coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) reroutes, or "bypasses," blood around blocked arteries to improve blood and oxygen flow to the heart. It is the most common open-heart procedure in the United States.

Life Expectancy

A 2008 medical paper published in The European Heart Journal detailed a 30-year follow-up study of 1,041 patients who underwent CABG between 1971 and 1980. The 10, 20, and 30-year survival rates were 77 percent, 40 percent, and 15 percent, respectively. "The overall average life expectancy was 17.6 years," reported the researchers.

Time Frame

Average life expectancy following CABG is dependent upon age, level of heart function and other medical issues. "In general, the by-pass operation will correct the patient's ischemia (blood flow restriction) for 10 to 15 years," according to Dr. Wayne Richenbacher with the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

Considerations

The mortality rate during and immediately after CABG varies between 2 and 4 percent with a higher factor for patients, like those on kidney dialysis, suffering from other severe illnesses.

Prevention/Solution

What is the life expectancy after a heart bypass? Much of that will depend on an individual's adoption of crucial lifestyle changes like increased exercise, healthy eating and stress management.

Tags: life expectancy, artery bypass, heart bypass, Life Expectancy, percent percent

Chinese Acne Cure

The practice of ancient Chinese medicine began over 3,000 years ago. The Chinese theory is different from the Western thought process in regard to finding cures for medical problems. The Westerners treat the symptoms while the Chinese go to the root of the cause and then treat from that angle to replenish the system. The Chinese saw acne as an external symptom that was caused by an internal issue.

Chinese Food Recommendations for Curing Acne

Excessive toxins and heat are considered to be the major reason for acne. The Chinese formulate a therapy that will limit internal heat by cooling down the blood and lowering toxin levels. Acne is also typically a result of hormonal imbalance, the menstrual cycle or stress. The Chinese have found that certain foods help to ease acne symptoms. They include: cucumbers, carrots, carrot tops, potatoes, lettuce, squash, cabbage, mung beans, beet tops, dandelions, pears, cherries, raspberries, persimmons, pears, alfalfa sprouts and watermelon. Drinking plenty of water is also helpful. The foods to leave out of your diet or decrease include: chocolate, ice cream, bamboo shoots, red meat, dairy foods, soft drinks, alcohol, shellfish, oily and spicy foods, and white mushrooms.

Chinese Herbal Remedies for Acne

Chinese herbal remedies have been proven to be effective and safe without objectionable side effects. They come in different formats including powders, tinctures, capsules, and in a raw format where it is boiled to be taken in liquid form. A useful Chinese herbal product for treating acne is root water. It can be found in the forests of China. It is made up of alcohol and root herbs. It can be applied to the skin with a cotton ball. Root water is an aid in helping to restore the tissues of the face. It can be combined with skin moisturizers that have a water base. In addition, there are anti-acne capsules made of Chinese herbs. They contain Yi Yi Ren, Fu Ling, Huang Bai, Mu Dan Pi, and many more. However, the combination is known for being able to eliminate acne from the skin.

Bronchitis In Toddlers

Bronchitis in a toddler can be a scary thing. It occurs when the bronchi, which are the large air passages to the lungs, become infected or blocked with mucous. It can be the effect of a previous cold or ear infection, or it may come on its own. Wherever it comes from, though, it may include a heavy, productive cough, a fever, a sore throat and fatigue.

Types

Bronchitis can be caused from a virus or bacteria. If it's viral, then antibiotics won't help.

Considerations

If the symptoms of bronchitis last for 3 or more months, it may be considered chronic. Chronic bronchitis may be caused by allergies or exposure to irritants, such as cigarette smoke.

Treatment

To treat bronchitis, you may choose to have your toddler sit in the bathroom with steam from the shower, take expectorant medicine, and sit upright while sleeping. Try to avoid cough suppressant medication, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Time Frame

Generally, your child will need to have had a cough for 2 weeks before bronchitis can be formally diagnosed.

Misconceptions

Your child may not be coughing up or spitting out that mucous--she may be swallowing it. That's OK, although it may cause her to throw up.

Warning

If your child has rapid, labored breathing, it may not just be bronchitis. If he is having a hard time drawing breath, a visit to the ER is not out of line.

Expert Insight

Don't assume that it's viral--if your child has bronchitis, take a quick trip to the pediatrician, just to be sure.

Tags: your child

What Are The Treatments For Hyperactivity In Children

Children who exhibit signs of extreme energy, especially without an apparent stimulus, often are diagnosed with a hyperactivity disorder. While there are accepted levels of age-related metabolic rates that suggest a median amount of activity for a "normal" child, hyperactivity can have a variety of causes that can affect any child. There are a variety of treatment approaches for hyperactivity in children as well.

Degrees of Hyperactivity

Most children have occasional episodes of misbehaving or disobedience, but these do not necessarily indicate a more serious underlying problem. However, children who have difficulty paying attention or who are easily distracted from thoughts or activities might have a mild functional disorder. And children who are excessively anxious, fidgety, interruptive or who are excessively talkative may have a more severe disorder.

Behavior Modification and Hyperactivity

According to Dr. Dennis S. Phillips, a board-certified pediatrics physician, while medications are often prescribed for certain hyperactivity disorders, an attempt to modify behavior patterns is also used to interrupt the mental and emotional cycles associated with these disorders. Focusing on specific goals, such as remaining seated and quiet for one hour, can be applied in this type of treatment. Rewarding successful behavior, such as extra television time or time on the computer, also might be useful in this treatment approach.

Diet and Hyperactivity

According to Dr. Jay L. Hoecker at the Mayo Clinic, there may be a link between diet and hyperactivity in some children, although a direct causal relationship has not yet been established scientifically. However, alternative nutritional treatments have been used, and in some cases positive results have been reported. These alternative approaches include herbs, such as hyoscyamus, verta alb and arsen iod. Adding more omega-3 fatty acids to the child's diet also has been reported to have positive results.

Communal Counseling and Hyperactivity

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the diagnosis and treatment of hyperactivity in children should include the parents and other family members, as well as school staff. The regular monitoring of goal achievement and educational progress in the home and at school is recommended as a means of partnering with physical and mental health professionals to assess the treatment methods being used.

Medication

Some children with ADHD might require medication. When this happens, a doctor prescribes one of several stimulants. Some of the most common are Concerta and Adderall. Both of these medications are time-released, which means that your child will receive continuous medication throughout the day. Parents might find medication frustrating at first, because they expect the medication to solve all the problems. The reality is that the medication only will help your child to focus, which will help him learn to make better choices. The medication will not cure the ADHD symptoms but rather help your child learn to deal with them.

Personal Relationship and Hyperactivity

The success rates for most accepted treatment methods depends on a thorough assessment of all of the possible contributing factors in the child's life. Those who are part of the child's daily life should be best able to understand and monitor the progress a child is making. Increasing family members' personal assessment of and contact with the child gives a clearer picture and is also considered the best morale support available to encourage the child to successfully cope with the problem of hyperactivity.

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Make Relaxation A Habit

Make Relaxation a Habit

We live in stressful times. People are trying different relaxation techniques with increasing popularity to ease the stress of everyday life. Enjoy the benefits of de-stressing by practicing relax. Incorporate a few simple changes into your daily routine and create habits to relieve stress. Relaxation can reduce the levels of toxins that contribute to many major diseases. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

1. Practice relaxation techniques. Breathing techniques relax the mind and body. Sit quietly in a comfortable position. Close your eyes and relax all of your muscles starting with your feet and slowly moving to each area until you reach your face. Slowly inhale and exhale deeply through your nose. Continue for 10 to 20 minutes. Alternate between flexing and relaxing your muscles.

2. Listen to calming sounds every day. Whether the sounds come from your satellite radio, CDs, iPod, MP3 player or from the sounds of your own musical instrument. Choose music or sounds that are relaxing and reduce stress. Use this method during your commute to and from work, at lunch time, in the office while working or at night to help unwind from the day's activities. Combine the music with breathing techniques to increase your relaxation.

3. Obtain visuals to encourage relaxation and positive affirmations. Visit a relaxation website to download visually stimulating relaxation DVD's, music and scenery. Go to a bookstore and peruse the self-help section to find materials that teach and promote relaxation.

4. Purchase a massager for your neck, back, feet and shoulder. Try portable massagers. Many are designed to apply pressure to a specific part of the body to stimulate relaxation. Incorporate breathing techniques to increase the relaxing effect.

5. Make an herbal or botanical wrap. Use wraps in conjunction with aromatherapy. Purchase a yard of fabric, preferably fleece, cotton or a natural fiber. Cut it in a 24-by-20 inch rectangle. Sew or use fabric glue to adhere the sides. Leave one end open. Fill with dried beans or rice. Add an essential oil like lavender, chamomile or eucalyptus. Sew or glue the open end together. Use the wrap hot or cold. Wrap it around your neck and shoulders.

6. Select a cold or hot wrap. Place the wrap in the refrigerator or microwave and put it on the part of the body that is tight or sore from tension. Combine the technique with deep breathing, aromatherapy, and massage oils to help penetrate deep into the muscles and provide soothing relief.

7. Use an aromatherapy shower gel, lotion or by butter to calm and relax. Orange, lemon and peppermint are invigorating scents that naturally energize. Use calming scents like chamomile or lavender to relax and de-stress the body naturally.

8. Move your body. Try physical exercises like yoga, dance or martial arts which teach controlled movements, breathing and relaxation.

Tags: breathing techniques, breathing techniques increase, Make Relaxation, Make Relaxation Habit, part body

Menopause Symptoms After Hysterectomy

Women who have a hysterectomy that involves removing the ovaries along with the uterus may suffer from menopausal symptoms. Menopause is the end of fertility and is a natural part of aging. Without ovaries, the estrogen levels in the body decrease, and this causes various symptoms that differ from woman to woman.

Hot Flashes

Suddenly feeling hot is one of the main symptoms of menopause. The intensity and length of the hot flash varies with each woman.

Night Sweats

Waking up hot and sweaty is usually the result of hot flashes.

Sleep Problems

Some women are unable to fall asleep easily or have trouble staying asleep. Night sweating can also cause difficulties with sleeping.

Mood Swings

The lower levels of female hormones can cause irritability, depression and anxiety. Symptoms can be severe, mild or nonexistent.

Loss of Sex Drive

For some women the libido decreases after a hysterectomy. The sex drive can become erratic due to hormonal changes.

Vaginal Dryness

Vaginal dryness can make sex painful. This is another result of lower estrogen levels.

Tags: estrogen levels

Use Thalidomide For Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells that is currently incurable. However, there are a number of medications that can significantly improve the cancer's prognosis. One such drug is thalidomide, which affects the immune system. This drug was originally used in the 1950s for morning sickness but was withdrawn from the market due to its extreme risk of birth defects. Thalidomide is currently available as a medical treatment under very controlled circumstances.

Instructions

1. Consider the use of thalidomide---also known by the brand name Thalomid------carefully. Your oncologist will need to weigh the potential benefits of thalidomide treatment against its potential side effects. This evaluation must be performed on an individual basis, due to the high risks associated with the drug.

2. Register with the System for Thalidomide Education and Prescribing Safety (STEPS). This is a requirement for receiving thalidomide in the United States and your oncologist and pharmacy must also participate in the program. The primary purpose of the STEPS program is to minimize the chances of exposing a fetus to thalidomide.

3. Ask your oncologist about combining thalidomide with other drugs as part of a treatment regimen. The combination of thalidomide and dexamethasone is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of multiple myeloma. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) also recommends the use of thalidomide with prednisone as maintenance therapy. The combination of Thalomid used in conjunction with melphalan and prednisone is approved in Europe for the treatment of multiple myeloma.

4. Use the drug by itself in specific circumstances. Thalidomide may be used as a single agent for patients who cannot tolerate dexamethasone and it may also be an option for patients who relapse after plasma transplantation. The NCCN also recommends the use of thalidomide by itself for maintenance therapy.

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Herbal Remedies For Stress

Stress is an unfortunate fact of modern living. It occurs as a result of work problems, family problems and changes in life circumstances. It has been known to create sleeplessness, affect diet, contribute to cardiovascular disease, inhibit concentration, compromise immune-system health and affect libido.

Types

St. John's Wort is readily available and serves as a moderate mood enhancer, with fewer side effects than many prescription anti-depressants.

Prevention/Solution

Valerian root is an herbal remedy with potent anti-anxiety properties that can help to calm the central nervous system.

Effects

Chamomile tea is an herbal remedy that is reported to have a calming affect on the body and to help induce sleep; both effects are helpful for individuals under stress.

Benefits

Siberian Ginseng has been reported to reduce some of the effects of stress, help to improve concentration and increase overall energy.

Prevention/Solution

Lemon Balm teas or tinctures have been shown to help to reduce tension, as well as to serve as a mild pain reliever.

Prevention/Solution

Echinacea is an immune-system booster that can help to offset some of the effects of stress on the immune system.

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Bowen'S Skin Disease

Bowen's skin disease is a form of squamous cell carcinoma in situ skin cancer, which means it is a pre-invasive form of cancer, located only on the surface of the skin. The condition has a 90 percent cure rate.

Causes

Arsenic exposure, excessive sun exposure, aging and the wart virus (HPV-16), which results in cervical cancer, are all causes of Bowen's skin disease.

Features

Bowen's skin disease makes red, scaly patches on the skin, sometimes raised and resembling warts. When located on the vulva area of women, white patches are also present.

Symptoms

Symptoms associated with Bowen's skin disease include itching, crusting, oozing and bleeding.

Treatment

Treatment options for Bowen's skin disease include chemotherapy creams applied directly to the affected area, surgery, laser destruction, radiation and freezing with liquid nitrogen.

Warning

Left untreated, Bowen's skin disease can turn into invasive cancer.

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Is A Warm Or Cold Mist Humidifier Best

Humidifier

Humidifiers are appliances designed to add moisture to the air. Humidifiers can help relieve symptoms associated with allergies, asthma, a cold or the flu. The two primary types of humidifiers are warm mist and cool mist. Both types are equally effective at adding humidity to the air, but each has pros and cons.

Cool Mist Humidifiers

Use a cool mist humidifier if you have young children. Warm mist humidifiers can be a safety risk with little ones due to the heating element, hot water and warm mist they produce. Cool mist models are best at treating asthma or allergy symptoms. The cool air tends to be easier to breathe than warm air.

Opt for a cool mist humidifier if you need to cover a large area. Cool mist humidifiers typically put more moisture into the air than their warm mist counterparts. Cool mist humidifiers are also easier to clean, because they generally have fewer elements. A humidifier's water tank should be rinsed every two or three days.

Use cool mist humidifiers if you live in a warm, dry region. The cool mist won't make the air feel muggy. If your area has hard water, either choose a warm mist humidifier or use distilled water in your cool mist model. Hard water contains minerals that can be dispersed into the air.

Cool mist humidifiers are more environmentally friendly. They don't contain any coils that must be heated, so they tend to use less electricity.

Warm Mist Humidifiers

Use a warm mist model to treat cold or flu symptoms. The warm steam should help relieve congestion, stuffiness and aches. Warm mist humidifiers are best if you are allergic to mold. They heat the water, which kills any mold, fungi and germs that might be lurking inside your appliance.

Opt for a warm mist model if you live in a cold climate. They generate a small amount of heat, which can raise the room temperature a little bit.

Warm mist humidifiers typically cover the size of a small bedroom. They may be the perfect choice if you don't like background noise. Because warm mist models don't use a fan to blow out the moisture, they are quieter than cold mist models.

Considerations

Consider buying a humidifier that allows for both warm and cool mist. Many newer models allow you to choose between warm and cool moisture with a simple turn of the dial.

Monitor the humidity level in your home. Make sure it is lower than 50 percent to discourage the growth of mold, bacteria, fungus and mildew. Some humidifier models include a humidistat, which shuts the humidifier off once a certain level of humidity is reached.

Change the water in your humidifier's holding tank every day. Fresh water is essential to keeping the steam or vapor clean and germ-free. Clean your humidifier according to the manufacturer's directions.

Tags: warm mist, mist humidifiers, mist humidifier, mist model, mist models, warm cool

What Are The Signs & Symptoms Of Bladder & Kidney Cancer

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Bladder & Kidney Cancer?

Bladder cancer usually starts within the lining of the bladder. It then may spread through the lining and grow into the bladder's wall muscles. Invasive bladder cancer typically spreads to other organs of the body, including the liver, lungs, lymph nodes and pelvis. Kidney cancer, on the other hand, involves the abnormal, uncontrollable growth of kidney cells. Bladder and kidney cancers can occur independently of one another, but may appear at the same time if one type of cancer spreads to the other site. Here are the signs and symptoms of bladder and kidney cancer.

Bladder Cancer Symptoms

Common symptoms and warning signs of bladder cancer include frequent, almost constant, urinary tract infections; pain during urination (called Dysuria), and urinating frequently but in small amounts only. Another warning sign is the presence of blood or blood clots in the urine. This occurs in almost 90 percent of patients who are suffering from the disease.

Advanced Bladder Cancer Symptoms

In its later stages, bladder cancer symptoms are much more severe. For example, a growth or mass may appear in the patient's pelvis, which is close to the bladder. Swelling often occurs in the lower leg area; and many patients experience kidney pain that is felt in the lower back. When bladder cancer continues to spread to other parts of the body, the patient is likely to lose weight and suffer from significant pain in the pelvic area, bones and rectum.

Symptoms of Kidney Cancer

The most common symptoms of kidney cancer are similar to those of bladder cancer, including blood in the urine. The urine typically appears to be deep red or rusty in color). The patient may also suffer from constant pain in the side, or experience fevers, weight loss; fatigue, and a general feeling of being weak and unhealthy. The presence of a cancerous mass or lump in the side of the abdomen may be felt.

False Warnings

There are cases in which some symptoms of kidney and bladder cancer may not indicate the presence of the disease. Sometimes a cyst or infection can trigger pain, blood in the urine and similar warning signs. Anyone who experiences these symptoms should immediately consult with a physician for proper diagnosis and early treatment.

Tags: bladder cancer, Bladder Cancer Symptoms, Bladder Kidney, Bladder Kidney Cancer, blood urine

Medications That Cause Restless Legs

Restless leg syndrome is classified as a sleep disorder that causes involuntary actions and creeping sensations in the upper and lower legs. This syndrome is most common among middle-aged and older adults and can give a person the uncontrollable urge to move the legs. Restless leg syndrome can be hereditary or caused by deficiencies in the body. Iron deficiency is believed to play a role in those affected with restless leg syndrome. Another theory believes a low level of dopamine in the brain produces restless leg syndrome. Certain medicines such as anti-nausea, anti-seizure and anti-psychotic medications can also be responsible for symptoms of restless leg syndrome.

Anti-Nausea Medications

Anti-nausea medications relieve feelings of queasiness. Some anti-nausea medicines such as prochlorperazine, metaclopramide and compazine can cause side effects of crawling movements in the legs. These movements can become severe enough to disturb sleep and cause insomnia and loss of concentration due to lack of sleep.

Anti-Seizure Medications

Anti-seizure medications, or anti-convulsants, are most commonly used to treat conditions which cause seizures, such as epilepsy. Side effects of anti-seizures medications like phenytoin or droperidol have also been reported by users to cause restless legs.

Anti-Psychotic Medications

Anti-psychotic medications, such as haloperidol or phenothiazine, are typically used to treat mental diseases. These neuroleptics are used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and delusional disorders. Anti-psychotic medications have many side effects, one of them being uncontrollable movements and sensations in the legs.

Anti-Depressant Medications

Anti-depressants, like Elavil, also note restless leg syndrome as a side effect. Anti-depressants are typically used to treat many types of mood and anxiety disorders.

Other Contributing Medications

Other medications may also have side effects that produce symptoms of restless leg syndrome. Some over-the-counter cold and allergy medications list muscle spasms and twitching. H2 histamine blockers like Zantac and Tagamet also have similar side effects. Pain medications containing analgesics may also cause symptoms of restless leg syndrome.

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The Rules Of Emtala

Patients may not be denied emergency treatment regardless of their ability to pay for it.

The Federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) requires all health care providers to give anyone emergency treatment regardless of their ability to pay, the patient's legal status, citizenship status or any other consideration. Passed in 1986, the Act was written to be a guarantee that all people in America receive emergency medical attention as a basic right.

Mandatory Emergency Treatment

Any patient who arrives for emergency care at a hospital must be given an examination to determine the cause and severity of the medical condition. If the examination reveals a life-threatening or other emergency condition, health care providers are required by law to treat it before discharging the patient. Through court decisions and additions to the legislation, the scope of EMTALA's laws has also grown to encompass any patient who is approached by first responders in a hospital-owned ambulance or helicopter, as well as requiring hospitals to provide treatment to anyone within 250 yards of its facilities who requests treatment.

Duration of Treatment and Transfers

Once a patient is admitted for emergency treatment to a hospital, he may not be transferred to another health care facility or discharged against his will until his condition stabilizes. Patients may leave a hospital under their own power before being stabilized; health care facilities cannot force the patient out for lack of insurance or any other cause. In certain situations, such as when a patient needs treatment that cannot be administered at the location, the patient can be transferred to another hospital, but only if the transfer is overseen by medical staff with appropriate life-support measures taken. Patients who are transferred accordingly are given the same EMTALA protections at the second facility.

Reimbursement for Treatment

When a hospital receives an emergency patient under the provisions of EMTALA and the patient does not have health insurance or the means to pay for treatment, the facility cannot seek reimbursement from the patient. Additionally, no federal funds are available to cover expenses that arise from these visits. Hospital staff may inquire about insurance or a patient's ability to pay, though processing the inquiry or information must not delay treatment under normal triage considerations.

Penalties for EMTALA Violations

The federal government may fine hospitals found to be in violation of EMTALA and refusing patients up to $50,000 per violation. Smaller hospitals with fewer than 200 beds may only be assessed a maximum penalty of $25,000 per violation.

Tags: health care, care providers, emergency treatment, emergency treatment regardless, health care providers

Arthritis Joint Rheumatoid Symptoms

Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is a degenerative disease characterized by inflammation in the lining of the joints. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are joint swelling, stiffness and pain. Sometimes the affected joint will be swollen, red and hot to the touch. RA is considered a systemic disease since it can affect multiple organs, and is considered autoimmune since the body's immune system is instructing itself to attach the joints of the body..

Stages of Rheumatoid Arthritis

There are three stages of rheumatoid arthritis. The first stage of RA is the swelling of the affected joints, redness, pain and stiffness. This stiffness is especially apparent in the morning, after lying still for a period of time.

The second stage of RA is called pannus, which is a rapid growth of cells causing the lining of the joint (called synovis) to thicken.

The third stage is when these rapidly growing cells release an enzyme that begins to destroy the lining of the joint, as well as the joint itself. This eventually causes loss of use of the affected joint.

Stage One

Symptoms of RA vary with each person, but the common symptoms are joint stiffness, inflammation, aching, low grade fever, fatigue and pain. Stage One of RA will be characterized by swelling throughout the day and extreme stiffness after lying or sitting for long periods. An uncomfortable tingling throughout the body comes and goes. The patient may have redness and warmth in the affected joints.

Stage Two

In Stage Two of RA, persistent inflammation in the lining of the joint (called synovus) begins to lead to a thickening of the lining, which can produce synovial cysts. These cysts can move or cause weakness and ruptures in the tendons. Erosion of the joint causes bony appearance in small joints such as in the hands and feet, Difficulty in movement accompanies pain and stiffness.

Stage Three

By Stage Three, erosion of the joint has caused permanent destruction, and displaced tendons and continued erosion of joints cause fingers and toes to be curved or bent so they are not usable. Hip or knee replacement surgery may be considered.

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Diagnosis

Diagnosing RA can be difficult since there is so much variety is how it affects each patient. The rheumatologist may request blood testing, but will ask questions about the symptoms to see if they fit a pattern. For example, osteoarthritis may affect just one hand. RA is may affect both hands at the same time.

The doctor may order blood tests to check the SED rate. This is a test to see how rapidly red blood cells fall to the bottom of a tube. The faster the red blood cells fall, the higher your SED (Erithrocype Sedimentation) rate. A high SED rate would indicate rheumatoid arthritis, but only 60 percent of those diagnosed with the disease have a high SED rate.

Early diagnosis is important since medications that limit joint damage cannot repair injured joints.

Living with the symptoms of RA

Living with RA will cause a person to change many aspects of his lifestyle. Sleep helps with the constant fatigue, pain and swelling, especially in the feet and legs. Attention to diet is important, since some foods tend to set off inflammation. Weight loss reduces stress on feet, knees and heart. Light exercise is helpful to build muscles that supports joints.

No Known Cause or Cure

There is no known cause and no known cure for RA, Many theories about the cause range from genetics to untreated long-term food allergies. More women than men are diagnosed with RA, but children are not excluded.

Disease modifying antirheumatic drugs and Biologic drugs may control the symptoms, decrease inflammation in the body and preserve the joints. These make living with the disease tolerable..

Tags: lining joint, affected joint, affected joints, after lying, blood cells, blood cells fall

Nerve Damage Due To Knee Surgery

Knee surgery is a relatively common procedure, but that does not make it less significant for the patient who endures it. In most cases, knee surgery goes off without any major complications, but in some cases, there are problems. Nerve damage is one problem that can occur, especially with the larger surgeries.

Significance

There are several major nerves that run through the lower leg near the knee. When a surgeon must make a large incision and perform invasive knee surgery, it may be necessary to cut one or more of these nerves. In rare cases, the cut is accidental.

Effects

When a nerve is cut, the messages sent by that area of the body do not reach the brain. Therefore, the patient experiences loss of feeling and/or control of a specific area of their leg or foot. This effect may or may not be permanent.

Size

The most common nerve damage due to knee surgery causes a large patch of skin just below the knee and to one side to go numb to touch. Pressure can be detected, but there is a numbness like novacaine has been applied to the skin. This area can be a few inches to several inches up and down the leg.

Time Frame

Nerves are notoriously slow to heal, and it may take six months to a year before the patient regains any feeling in the numb area. It is important to consult with your doctor and ask him if there will be permanent damage.

Considerations

While many patients find this a nuisance, in general it is not a crippling side-effect of a useful surgery. Care should be taken to guard the numb area in the future, as feeling is blunted and cuts, burns, or bruises will not be as noticeable in the nerve-damaged area.

Tags: knee surgery, numb area

Potentially Lethal Plavix Side Effects

Plavix, or clopidogrel, is a prescription medication used to treat coronary and vascular disease. It contains an antiplatelet agent that inhibits the ability of platelets and blood cells to aggregate and stick to the walls of blood vessels. Although Plavix is generally well-tolerated, it has garnered media and medical attention because of its potential for several potentially serious side effects.

Hemorrhage

The most frequently reported serious side effect of Plavix is due to its "thinning" the blood. Plavix may increase the risk of internal or external bleeding and increase the time needed for bleeding to stop. Plavix should be used with caution in patients who have bleeding lesions (such as ulcers), who have bleeding disorders (such as hemophilia), or who are concurrently taking aspirin or other blood-thinning medications. Patients taking Plavix should seek immediate medical attention if they experience excessive bruising or have a cut that will not stop bleeding. Patients should also notify their health care providers that they are taking Plavix at least five days before undergoing any surgical procedures.

Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, or TTP, is a disorder that causes clots to form in small blood vessels. According to Bristol-Myers Squibb, the manufacturer of Plavix, "TTP has been reported rarely following use of Plavix, sometimes after a short exposure (less than two weeks)." Symptoms of TTP include hallucinations and other neurological disturbances, fever, low-platelet count, and renal issues. If you exhibit any of these symptoms, contact your health care provider immediately. TTP can become fatal quickly.

Neutropenia/Agranulocytosis

An uncommon but serious reported side effect of Plavix is neutropenia and agranulocytosis, a condition in which either the bone marrow ceases producing an adequate number of neutrophils (white blood cells) or the body destroys circulating neutrophils. It decreases the body's abilities to fight infections and can become fatal. These conditions can develop quickly or progressively. If you are taking Plavix and suspect neutropenia or agranulocytosis, ask your health care provider for a blood test and bone marrow sample test.

Tags: health care, taking Plavix, your health care, become fatal, blood cells, blood vessels

Crps & Peripheral Artery Disease

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic and painful condition that usually affects legs and arms. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a common circulatory condition in which blood flow to limbs is reduced. Both conditions share pain and affect muscles, but have no other similarities.

CRPS Symptoms

CRPS symptoms include pain, muscle and joint stiffness, swelling, limited movement, skin that is dry and thin and may change color, and severe burning that gets worse when you are touched.

PAD Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include sores on legs, feet and toes that won't heal, cramps in your hips and legs, one leg or foot being colder than the other and leg numbness and weakness.

CRPS Diagnosis

CRPS is diagnosed through an exam, X-rays, bone scans, nerve conduction studies and thermography tests to determine blood flow.

PAD Diagnosis

Peripheral artery disease is diagnosed through blood tests, ultrasound and angiograph to evaluate blood flow, and ankle-brachial index to compare the blood pressure in your ankle and arm.

CRPS Treatment

CRPS treatment includes steroids, medicines for pain, blood pressure and bone loss, injections to numb nerves, physical therapy and surgery to cut nerves.

PAD Treatment

PAD treatment includes medicines to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, control blood sugar, prevent blood clots and increase blood flow and surgery to open arteries.

Tags: blood flow, blood pressure, diagnosed through, Peripheral artery, Peripheral artery disease, treatment includes

What Are Advantages Of Healthcare Utilization Review

Utilization Management

Although healthcare practitioners such as doctors and nurses occasionally resent the utilization review process, it provides benefits both for consumers and healthcare organizations.Utilization review is described by the National Library of Medicine as a process to evaluate the necessity, appropriateness and efficient use of health care services, facilities and procedures. Growing interest in healthcare reform has expanded the role to utilization management that reaches to all areas of healthcare operations and regulation by federal and state governments.

Appropriate Level of Care

The process of seeking the appropriate level of care for the length of the required treatment helps healthcare organizations run more efficiently while saving money for patients. Patients who need an increased level of care receive needed treatment, while observation patients move through the system in a speedy but care-driven manner. Patient level of care drives staffing which is a huge cost to healthcare organizations and ultimately consumers. Utilization review offers significant insight into day to day operations on a nursing unit, for example.

Shorter Recovery Time

Patients are moved through the system and recover faster than in the days before utilization review. Surgery patients are expected to be up and moving around as soon as possible after the procedure. Research shows that patients who are active recover faster than patients who are more sedentary. On-site utilization review keeps this process on track.

Cost Benefit Ratio

Healthcare organizations benefit from shorter patient length of stay and cost efficient treatment. Utilization review management performs a dual role as patients benefit from shorter recovery periods and healthcare organizations controlling rising costs. Utilization review also means using less expensive treatments when available. While medical practitioners sometimes feel harassed when utilization reviewers question their methods, oversight can be beneficial, and a claims adjudication body is available for protests in the event of a serious disagreement.

Tags: healthcare organizations, level care, benefit from, benefit from shorter, faster than, from shorter

Recognize The Symptoms Of Angina

Very simply put, angina is chest pain. There are different symptoms that go along with it and knowing them can save your life. Angina is the main symptom of coronary artery disease. If you have never been diagnosed with angina and experience any of these symtoms, you should seek medial treatment immediately. These symptoms may come across as simple heartburn or even indigestion, but they should never be ignored. Learn recognize the symptoms of Angina.

Instructions

Recognize the Symptoms of Angina

1. Report any feelings of heaviness or pressure in your chest to your doctor immediately. Even if these symptoms seem mild to you, they can be a warning signal of coronary artery disease that should never be ignored, especially if you experience the symptom more than once. Do not assume that this is just a simple symptom of indigestion. That is not always the case.

2. Never assume that a burning sensation in your chest is heartburn. It may or may not be. Heartburn is normal sometimes, but that burning feeling in your chest can also be a symptom of angina and should be discussed with your doctor without delay. Even if you have a history of heartburn, tell your doctor of all burning feelings you experience. Let him know how frequent and how severe the feelings are.

3. Tell your doctor about any pain or discomfort you experience in other areas. Angina is known as chest pain, but can also sometimes be felt in other places on the body. These places can include the back, jaw and arms. They can also include the shoulders, throat and neck. Angina isn't always necessarily felt in just the chest area. Report these pains immediately, especially if you are also experiencing any problems in the chest area.

4. Do not assume any full feeling you experience is simply indigestion. A feeling of fullness in the chest is also a sign of angina and should be evaluated by your health care provider. Make an appointment if you are experiencing this symptom. Do not try to diagnose yourself, especially if the feeling does not subside or returns frequently.

Tags: your doctor, your chest, angina should, artery disease, assume that, chest also, chest area

Doctors Of Sports Medicine

Technically speaking, anyone calling themselves a "Doctor of Sports Medicine" should automatically raise an eyebrow. In the United States, there is no such discipline. Having said that, it isn't an instant disqualifier of trust. Many doctors refer to themselves as specialists in sports medicine, and this can be perfectly true. There are several avenues one can take to further his sports medicine experience and education after receiving a doctorate.

Types

Sports medicine doctors, as it were, are classified into two categories. There are non-surgical doctors and then there are orthopedic surgeons. Non-surgical doctors of sports medicine typically have done their residencies in the field of family practice, although it's not uncommon for them to receive their initial training in pediatrics, internal medicine or even rehabilitation medicine. An orthopedic surgeon will have completed her residency in a surgical center.

Fellowship

After completing his initial residency, a physician looking to enter the field of sports medicine will apply for a fellowship program in that field. Most of this fellowship will involve learning about the various forms of sports injuries and best care for them. Some of this will be retread material for those doctors coming out of an orthopedic background. The time for this fellowship program is generally around one or two years.

Continued Education

Because sports medicine is such a varied field, additional training and fellowship will take care of aspects of family practice and whatever the doctor's original specialty happened to be. This is so the physician does not fall out of touch with her original training, which could very well be called upon in her career. The doctor will then have a broader set of options available to her upon completing the training.

Orthopedic Training

For orthopedic specialists, their sports medicine training will be a bit different from the general practice doctor. Though they will be given the same overview of sports injuries, much of this will already be familiar to them from their original education and residency. However, advanced surgical techniques may be taught to them, and they will gather insight as to the differences in treating athletes and the average individual. They may also choose to do a fellowship under a much more narrow field, such as a "knee fellowship," where the greatest bulk of education and training comes in the form of knee injuries and rehabilitation.

Warning

It's important for the layman to know that a doctor claiming to be a "doctor of sports medicine" may deserve additional research. Asking questions is the patient's right and his responsibility, to ensure he gets the best care possible. Asking questions about the doctor's board certification, whether or not he completed a sports medicine fellowship, and if he posses additional certifications in sports medicine are not only appropriate, but essential.

Tags: sports medicine, sports medicine, Asking questions, best care, family practice

Blood Pressure Reduction Exercises

High blood pressure is called the "silent killer" because it has no symptoms and it can be undetected for years. High blood pressure increases your risks of heart disease and heart failure, kidney failure and strokes. According to the American Heart Association, about one in three adults in the United States has high blood pressure and approximately one-third don't know they suffer from this condition. Doctors recommend lifestyle changes, such as blood pressure reduction exercises, to manage this condition.

Increase Daily Activities

You can add more movement to your daily routine with simple activities to reduce high blood pressure. Walk or bike to work or the store if possible. Commuters who ride the bus or train can walk to the stop past their usual stop or get off the bus at an earlier stop for extra movement during the day. You can park farther away from your building if you drive to work. Take stairs instead of elevators in parking garages or office buildings. Take a short walk after lunch or during 15-minute morning and afternoon breaks. Deliver messages by hand instead of using interoffice mail or sending emails. Use a push mower instead of a riding mower and hand tools for indoor or outdoor household chores. You can do these everyday activities without clearance from your doctor.

Start a Walking Program

An afternoon walk or after-work walk reduces stress, one cause of high blood pressure. Walk at least 30 minutes per day. You can walk around your neighborhood or on a walking trail in a local park. Start by warming up and stretch for five minutes before and after a walk. Increase your distance as you gain more stamina. Get neighbors and friends to join your walking group to alleviate boredom. Carry light hand weights or tie resistance bands around your waist to integrate toning exercises into the workout. Use a treadmill to walk in inclement weather.

Do Moderate Aerobics

Add variety to your workout by doing low-impact or water aerobics, dancing, swimming, riding indoor or outdoor bikes or jumping rope on alternating days. Go outside and play sports like touch football, basketball and tennis. Strength train two or three days a week to tone muscles.

Practice Breathing Exercises

Breathing exercises teach you take deep, slow breaths---and to relax in the process, which lowers your blood pressure. Do abdominal breathing techniques twice daily. Place one hand on your chest and the other hand on your stomach. Inhale through your nose. You should feel your stomach rising, not your chest. Inhale and hold each breath for a count of seven. Slowly exhale out of your mouth for a count of eight, bringing your stomach back in. You should feel the air leaving your lungs. Do at least five full repetitions. You can perform this exercise sitting, standing or lying down, so it can be done at work to calm you during a particularly stressful day.

Tags: blood pressure, your stomach, around your, blood pressure, blood pressure Walk

Childbirth Breathing Exercises

Breathing during childbirth is a way to take the focus off the pain, and focus instead on being relaxed and in control, which can mean an easier, more satisfying birth experience. Practice is the key to responding to any pain with good breath control, so begin practicing breathing exercises in your third trimester of pregnancy so you become accustomed to relaxing in response to your breathing.

Getting Started

Practice your breathing exercises while relaxed, breathe at a comfortable rate, and stop if you feel light-headed or dizzy. Breathe at a natural, relaxed pace, either in and out through an open mouth and nose or in through your nose and out through your mouth.

Focal points, either internally or externally, are often helpful in staying concentrated on the breathing exercises to help keep the body relaxed. Some women may focus on a serene scene or moment with their eyes closed, while someone else may find it helpful to open their eyes and focus on a particular object they love, or their partner's face, while breathing and having a contraction. Be open to trying it both ways so that as labor becomes more intense, you have alternatives.

Cleansing Breath

A cleansing breath is done at the beginning and end of a contraction to signal the contraction starting and to help you completely relax when it ends. It also helps to signal those supporting you through labor that your contraction is beginning so they can help you and keep the atmosphere quiet and relaxed. Taking a cleansing breath gives your baby a boost of oxygen and helps remind you to stay relaxed and focused on staying in control of your breathing.

To take a cleansing breath, inhale in a long exaggerated manner either through your nose only or through an open mouth and nose, then exhale deeply, letting all the air and tension out. As you exhale, think of releasing all the tension from the body to help you fully relax.

Slow Pace Breathing

This type of breathing is low and deep in the abdomen, similar to being in a deep sleep. It is extremely useful throughout labor, until when contractions become intense and close together. Slow-paced breathing encourages the whole body to relax, which allows the contractions to work more effectively and the woman to be more comfortable and in control.

Begin by taking a cleansing breath in and out, then continue breathing in and out evenly, deeply and slowly. Many women find it helpful to breathe to something rhythmic such as someone counting, or telling you affirmations in a low and calm voice. To end, take a cleansing breath, completely blowing away the tension.

Accelerated Breathing

As labor gets more intense towards the active first stage, many women find the accelerated breathing techniques to help stay in control and relaxed during contractions.

This type of breathing begins with a cleansing breath, then taking short breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth, gradually taking quicker breaths in and out through an open mouth at about one breath per second as the contraction reaches the peak. Then slow your breathing back down as the contraction gradually becomes easier, and finishing with a cleansing breath.

Tags: cleansing breath, your breathing, breathing exercises, nose through, open mouth, through open, through open mouth

Health Benefits Of Titanium Bracelets

Since its discovery in the late 1700s, titanium has been a metal revered for its strength, durability and compatibility with the human body. In fact, it is used today in artificial body parts, jewelry for those with sensitive skin and even in alternative medicine, where the metal has found a new following. Titanium bracelets are thought to have many health benefits.

Oxygen

Titanium is thought to attract oxygen. When held against the skin in the form of a bracelet, this metal is believed to pull that oxygen into the area that is inflamed or is pain. The excess oxygen is relives the pain and inflammation. This is one reason why arthritics wear the bracelets on their affected wrists close to the joints that are inflamed because of the disease.

Energy Fields

The magnetized titanium bracelets are also believed to hold a positive charge. In alternative medicine, pain is said to have a negative charge. If you will remember back to middle school science class, you will know that a positive charge and a negative charge cancel out one another. Thus, the titanium bracelet relieves pain by neutralizing it.

Durability

Medical alert bracelets are made of titanium because the metal is less vulnerable to corrosion than iron-based alloys. It is also less easily bent than gold and silver. In fact, titanium can withstand higher temperatures, saltwater and the rough handling that medical identification and alert bracelets suffer over the years. Their durability also makes the bracelets more likely to withstand a catastrophe or accident.

Human Compatibility

Unlike many other metals used in medicine, titanium is compatible with the human body in that is can be used without fear of rejection by the body. If an implant is rejected, medical problems arise, the least of which being infection. The implant must be removed and replaced at immense cost to the patient. Titanium parts overcome this obstacle and can remain inside the body for many years. Titanium bracelets can therefore be worn without causing the wearer infection, rashes or increased pain and swelling.

Research and Development

Because of all the health benefits of titanium bracelets, modern medical researchers are using them to treat internal disorders like reflux. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center is working with the use of a titanium beaded bracelet to prevent acid reflux. The bracelet is wound around the lower part of the esophagus where the sphincter lies. It is tightened to hold the sphincter closed so that the stomach acid will not leak out and cause reflux.

Tags: alert bracelets, alternative medicine, health benefits, human body, negative charge

Lavendar Oil Benefits

Lavender oil is derived through distallation of the fragrant lavender flower.

Lavender oil is legendary for its healing properties. Purported to relieve muscle aches, anxiety, insomnia, pain, some breathing difficulties and prevent infection, lavender oil is used topically to treat skin injuries and infections, achiness and pain. Inhaling the fragrant oil is believed to reduce stress and promote better breathing in those with respiratory ailments. Be sure to consult a physician before using lavender oil; a doctor can determine whether use of lavender oil could cause harm and may give direction on its use if conditions warrant its administration.

Alleviates Insomnia

Lavender's reputation as a calming agent is so strong it's added to some baby bath products. Whether added in its essential oil form to bath water or applied topically, lavender soothes tensions and quiets nerves, often leading to a better night's sleep. The aroma of lavender seems to assist those having difficulty falling asleep. Lavender's soothing scent is widely believed to decrease restlessness and anxiety. Netherfield recommends applying a few drops of lavender oil to the temples to reduce stress and relieve tension.

Analgesic

Lavender oil is thought to serve as a natural analgesic, relieving headaches, muscle aches, menstrual cramps and wounds. According to Netherfield, adding a few drops of lavender oil and some Epsom salts to a bath will reduce muscle achiness. Periodic lavender oil massages may lessen joint pain; a hot compress that has had several drops of lavender oil applied may comfort menstrual cramps if laid across the lower abdomen. A cool compress given the same application of lavender oil and laid across the forehead can send headaches scurrying. Lavender oil gently applied to cuts and wounds may lower pain levels, avert infection and prevent scars. To soothe burned skin, run cold water on the burned area for 5 minutes then lightly rub lavender oil on the burn.

Anti-Infective

According to Diabetes Spectrum, essential oils, and lavender in particular, can improve wound outcome and help guard against chronic infection. Lavender has proven effective in combating Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecium when those infections resist antibiotic treatment. Lavender's anti-fungal and antibacterial properties may heal head lice and scalp infections.

Respiratory Relief

Some believe lavender offers respiratory relief to those suffering from colds, sinusitis, coughs and the flu. Netherfield recommends adding two drops of lavender and two drops of thyme oil to a bowl of warm water, then placing a towel over the head and bowl and inhaling deeply to ease the symptoms of sinusitis. Doing so may loosen phlegm and help those with respiratory tract infections to breathe better.

Tags: drops lavender, adding drops, adding drops lavender, laid across, menstrual cramps

Perform Breath Of Fire Breathwork Exercise In Yoga

The Breath of Fire (Kapalabhati) breath work (pranayama) is associated with Kundalini yoga. This rapid, rhythmic breathing exercise cleanses toxins and also energizes the body and mind. This breath work exercise can help you if you are feeling tired or unfocused and helps with clarity and concentration.

Instructions

Breath of Fire Exercise: Energizes and Cleanses

1. Sit on your yoga mat or chair. Place your right hand on your stomach. Take a few seconds to focus and center yourself.Inhale a deep breath through your nose. Feel your stomach relax and push outward as you inhale.

2. Exhale through your nose. Feel your stomach as it pushes inward as you exhale.

3. Inhale through your nose. As you exhale through your nose, pull the solar plexus (the spot above the navel) back toward the spine with a pumping action. The exhaled air should leave the nostrils with a forceful "sniffing" sound.

4. Relax the solar plexus and immediately inhale with a sniffing sound. Do not pause between the inhalation and exhalation. Practice one round of 15-20 repetitions.

Tags: through your, through your nose, your nose, Breath Fire, your stomach, breath work, Feel your

Comparison Of Hmo Plans

Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) require you to choose a primary care physician to oversee all medical care.

According to Insurance.com, a health maintenance organization (HMO) is a managed health care system where you choose one primary physician to oversee all of your health care needs. There are many options to consider when choosing an HMO plan.

HMO Network

Health Insurance In-Depth explains that the list of approved doctors, hospitals and facilities within an HMO network generally defines the plan. Before selecting an HMO, you must review and compare lists to make sure they meet your needs. Do the participating hospitals meet your needs? Are the primary care physicians conveniently located near your home or workplace?

Costs

All HMOs require you to pay a monthly premium for coverage. After you pay the premium, most HMOs charge co-pays for services rendered. Co-pays vary based on the plan and the monthly premium. Health Insurance In-Depth mentions that typical co-pays for doctors' office visits range from $5 to $25 and $5 to $10 for prescription medication.

In-Network Care

HMOs generally require you to receive all services from an in-network doctor or hospital. Most plans have allowances for you to receive emergency treatment while traveling, however, if you do extensive traveling or world-wide traveling, be sure to check the limits on coverage of out-of-network care.

Tags: choose primary, health care, Health Insurance, Health Insurance In-Depth, HMOs require

Make A Wheelchair Ramp

A wheelchair ramp

Disabled people may need a ramp leading from the back door and front door of their home for easy access. The ramp will need to be the right height and follow the regulations of the American Disability Act. There may be a necessity for railing depending on the length and height of the ramp.

Instructions

make a wheelchair ramp

1. Make sure there is enough room for a ramp. In measuring a ramp, you will need to figure that, for every foot high, the ramp will require at least 12 feet in length. For instance, if the ramp must be 2 feet high, then the ramp will need to be 24 feet long.

2. You may be required to have a permit before building the ramp. Check with the Disabilities Act to make sure what rules and regulations they require for a ramp. For instance, rails may be required depending on the height of the slope. The railing is required to be one and a half inches from each side of the ramp and about 3 feet in height.

3. Create landings for the entrance and exit and any turns of the ramp. This allows the wheelchair to easily get onto the ramp and get off. If there are turns involved, then it will provide a way for the wheelchair to connect to the rest of the ramp without a struggle.

4. Purchase pressure-treated plywood. Place posts at the beginning and end of the ramp every 5 feet. Nail plywood vertically from post to post to create a base to the ramp and a sideboard.

5. Lay down landscape fabric. This will be laid over the area that the ramp is covering to prevent grass to grow up through the ramp. Then place 2 inches of gravel over the fabric.

6. Nail 2 x 6 crossbeams (plywood) from post to post. Measure from the outside of one post to the other to know what length will be needed for the crossbeams. Proceed to nail beams horizontally down the ramp from one side board to the other.

Tags: ramp will, ramp will need, will need, from post, from post post, post post

Psychology Tricks For Reading Body Language

Reading body language is just as important to interaction with other people as speech. Most people don't even consciously do it--the ability is seemingly inherent. However, you can train yourself to read other people's body language as well as consciously control your own. These techniques are very common in certain professional sectors, such as sales, public relations and law enforcement, as well as in more personal settings involving flirting and friendship.

Eye Contact

Most people assume that if a person fails to maintain eye contact, they are lying about something. However, eye contact in itself is a deceptive indicator of emotion. If you actually try to have a conversation with someone while maintaining eye contact the entire time, you will probably fail. Eye contact can indicate aggression in an animal sense, and it triggers a primal and subconscious response of nervousness and discomfort. It can even induce complete fear and paranoia in some people. It seems a bit backwards, but people who are deliberately lying will often attempt to maintain eye contact longer than normal, in an attempt to make you think they are not trying to deceive you.

Hands and Handshakes

Gesturing with the hands can mean many things. A lot of people simply have a habit of compulsively gesticulating when they speak, whereas others may gesture out of irritation, nervousness or when in deep thought. Aside from gesturing for emphasis, frequent touching of the hands or arms can indicate nervousness. Touching the face, particularly the chin, lips and cheeks, often indicates thinking. Handshakes are another clue. Everyone is familiar with the deal-sealing strong handshake, but that kind of pressure is also used when an individual is trying to assert his importance or confidence. A weak, quick handshake is often an indicator of discomfort or fear.

Stance

The most common and easily recognized defensive stance is standing or sitting with the arms crossed over the chest. This is a particularly strong indicator in women, as covering the chest can cover other things as well and is a double stop sign to those attempting to flirt with her. When a person is sitting or standing facing you, with the hands in the pockets or hooked in a belt, that is an open stance. This position is indicative of receptive emotions, and the individual is likely listening and interested in what you are saying. Additionally, if the individual is sitting, with crossed legs, leaning away from you or sitting sideways, that person is probably feeling defensive. If you are trying to get someone to feel more comfortable with you, be sure to adopt the open postures yourself.

Tags: body language, maintain contact, Most people, other people, sitting with

Rocky Mountain Fever Symptoms

Ticks infected with Rickettsia rickettsii bacteria transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever through bites or broken-skin contact. This bacterial infection often occurs in warm weather when ticks are most active.

Initial Symptoms

Initial symptoms include a high fever, severe headache, chills, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, sensitivity to light, fatigue and abdominal pain.

Late Symptoms

Late symptoms include a blotchy, red rash that starts on the wrists and ankles and spreads to other parts of your body, diarrhea, delirium, restlessness and widespread pain. In a few cases, a rash never appears.

Time Frame

Initial symptoms can appear within one week or up to 14 days after being bitten. The rash generally develops between two to five days after the fever starts, followed by other late symptoms.

Diagnosis

Gently remove the tick with tweezers, store it in a plastic bag and have your doctor test it for infection. Your doctor will make a diagnosis based on your symptoms and test results.

Treatment

Treatment involves taking antibiotics such as doxycycline until three days after fever and other symptoms subside. Treatment is most successful when started within five days after initial symptoms appear.

Warning

Rocky Mountain spotted fever can enter your bloodstream when left untreated, leading to complications such as brain damage, kidney failure, meningitis, gangrene and shock.

Tags: days after, Rocky Mountain, after fever, days after fever, five days

Find Bulk Essential Oil

bulk essential oil

Buying bulk essential oil makes it possible for lay people and industry professionals to make their own soap, lotions and other aromatherapy products which could never be produced without the ability to buy bulk essential oil-to make product in large batches or for professional use.

Instructions

1. Contact coop (cooperative health and organic food establishments) which are owned by various others. Its possible that they could purchase bulk essential oil utilizing their purchasing power and pass off to you the savings they realize. This is much more likely to happen at a facility like these, because of the philosophy of making items like bulk essential oil accessible to all.

2. Locate sites that offer bulk essential oil, whereby they have direct contacts or actually ARE essential oil manufacturers. Again, make sure that you are dealing with companies that deal in truly therapeutic essential oils and not of the synthetic variety. Make sure that you are not dealing with a middle man who is taking a significant cut on your bulk purchase. Ideally you should be able to buy directly from the source.

3. If you have a connection with fertile virgin land or have land of your own, consider growing your own therapeutic essential oils whereby you don't have to purchase bulk essential oil from anyone else.

Tags: bulk essential, bulk essential, dealing with, essential oils, purchase bulk

Use A Ph Meter

Use a pH Meter

Whether you are a chemist, environmentalist or home gardener, you may find yourself needing to measure the acidity or alkalinity of a certain liquid. The best way to do this is by using a pH meter. Easy and accurate, a pH meter needs to simply be calibrated before each use. Here is a simple guide to calibrating and using a pH meter.

Instructions

1. Make sure that the pH probe you are using has been stored in a storage solution or a pH 4 solution. If this is not the case, soak the probe in distilled water for at least 24 hours.

2. Check that the meter is set in pH mode, and then rinse the probe of your meter in distilled water. Shake it off before placing it in a pH 7 solution for calibration.

3. Let the probe remain in the solution for at least 30 seconds to allow time for the meter to stabilize, and then adjust the meter so that it reads pH 7.

4. Rinse once again and then place it into a pH 4 solution, giving time for the meter reading to stabilize. Adjust the meter so that it reads pH 4. Your meter has now been calibrated.

5. Rinse the probe once again as you have done before and shake off any excess liquid. The probe is now ready to be placed in your sample liquid.

6. After allowing the pH reading to settle as you have done before, take the pH reading of your sample.

7. Store the probe in storage solution or a pH 4 solution when finished measuring.

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Use A Pregnancy Calendar

A pregnancy calendar charts the development of your baby from conception to birth. It also provides helpful information to guide you through your pregnancy. Pregnancy calendars are especially useful for those who have never been pregnant before as it lets you know what to expect at each stage of your pregnancy and may include information about diet, exercise and dealing with unpleasant symptoms. There are several different types of calendars to choose from, including an online version that is becoming quite popular.

Instructions

1. Choose the type of calendar you want to use. The traditional wall or desk calendars give important details and information about the progress of your pregnancy. These calendars provide a space for you to record important facts and special notes unique to your pregnancy; these may be fun to share with the baby later. Electronic pregnancy calendars are available online and are usually free. You'll be asked to register by giving your email address, then you'll be given access to your own personalized pregnancy calendar. You'll receive emails periodically, usually each week, giving you information about the development of your baby.

2. Determine your due date and record it on your calendar. The doctor will usually give you the due date on your first visit with him or after the first ultrasound. If you haven't been given a due date, you can calculate 40 weeks from the day you started your last period. However, this method is usually not as accurate as using the ultrasound to determine the due date.

3. Calculate how far along you are in your pregnancy. Once your due date is established, you can determine what stage of development your baby is in. The rate at which a fetus develops is fairly consistent, so you'll have a good idea of what your baby looks like, how big it is and what parts of the body are developing during each stage of pregnancy.

4. Use your pregnancy calendar as a reference in detecting any abnormalities in your pregnancy. Everyone's pregnancy is different, but there are certain symptoms that almost everyone experiences. A pregnancy calendar gives details and information about what is normal and what is cause for alarm.

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