Soy Yogurt Probiotics For Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disease, which means that there is nothing physically wrong with the body, but the digestive process is working incorrectly.

Probiotics are bacteria that help with digestion. They naturally occur in the body but can be low due to yeast or other bodily bacteria that compete for resources. Probiotics can be boosted through diet and supplementation, including soy yogurt.

IBS

Diet is the main treatment for IBS, although there are a few prescription drugs that treat the symptoms. Probiotics can improve the digestive process by reducing gas that causes bloating and cramping. It can also help develop more regular bowel movements. This can help with IBS since the main two symptoms are diarrhea and constipation. Some individuals suffer from only one or the other, while some have alternating bouts of both.

Bloating and cramping are other common symptoms; they are generally brought on by the chronic diarrhea and constipation though.

Probiotics

Increasing probiotic levels in the body helps lessen the severity of IBS symptoms. Probiotics are often referred to as "friendly bacteria." The human digestive system is full of bacteria and enzymes that help with digestion or are developed as the digestion process breaks down foods. Sometimes the body is depleted of probiotics, which can result in digestive problems as well as yeast infections. This generally happens when antibiotics have been used, as they kill both good and bad bacteria.

Soy Yogurt

Eating just one to two servings of soy yogurt a day is enough to provide beneficial levels of bacteria for people with IBS. It will take up to a week to see a difference in IBS symptoms from the probiotics. Start with only one serving a day for several days, then work up to two. If you start out with two a day you may experience an increase in symptoms as the body adjusts to the increase in probiotics.

Soy yogurt is considered a good source of probiotics, as it contains two types of bacteria that aid in digestion: Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus. It is also a good choice for those who are lactose intolerant. Many people with IBS are sensitive to milk products, so soy yogurt is a good source of probiotics that won't cause the same side effects as dairy-based yogurts.

In addition, a study published in the International Journal of Food Microbiology found that soy yogurt helps defend against the bacteria heliobacter pylori, which causes ulcers.

Tags: bacteria that, help with, Bowel Syndrome, diarrhea constipation, digestive process, good source, good source probiotics

Fast Hangover Cures

Heavy drinking or mixing drinks may often result in a nauseating hangover in the morning, making you swear off drinking for the rest of your life -- until the next time. Hangover cures are many and varied where ingredients are concerned. The most unlikely concoctions will make you feel better fast -- they are all worth a try if you are suffering from the worst hangover ever.

Water

Drink two glasses of water before you start drinking. After drinking two alcoholic drinks, drink one full glass of water. Repeat as necessary. When you wake up in the morning drink two glasses of water. After waiting two hours drink two more glasses of water. Keeping your body hydrated prevents a headache.

Fat

Eat a greasy meal of french fries and fried fish, fried chicken or a hamburger to give your stomach something to digest while you're sleeping. Fat digests slowly and protects the stomach from alcohol's ill effects. In the morning have a tall glass of orange juice as drinking alcohol depletes the body of vitamin C; replenishing the supply keeps you from feeling nauseous and speeds the alcohol through the liver.

Oysters

Put in a glass about an ounce of raw oysters, a tablespoon of hot sauce and a squeeze of lemon. Cover the oysters with tomato juice and drink down the concoction all in one shot.

Cocktail

"Hair of the Dog" cure is a tall Bloody Mary made with a shot of vodka, a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, a squeeze of lemon topped off with eight ounces of tomato juice cocktail. Add salt and pepper to taste and a celery stalk.

Carbs

That shaky feeling you get when hung over is due to the fact that you are suffering from low blood sugar and you need some carbohydrates. Have some buttered toast and jam or a bowl of cereal and some orange juice to stop the shakes.

Eggs

Considerably effective for curing a hangover fast are three raw eggs broken into a glass with a good dash of Tabasco and a squeeze of Worcestershire sauce. Give the concoction a quick stir and drink it down all at once. Eggs remove toxins from the body and aid in feeling better fast.

Cookies and Soda

Try chocolate chip cookies and 7Up soda pop. The cookies and soda pop will give you an energy boost and replenish low blood sugar, making you feel as right as rain again in no time.

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Does Cpr Work

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is meant to keep a sufficient blood flow to the brain of a person who has suffered a cardiac arrest. According to the American Heart Association, nearly a half million people die each year from sudden cardiac arrest. CPR is intended to save some of these lives.

What is CPR

CPR is a series of chest compressions that are intended to simulate the human heartbeat. When combined with rescue breathing, its intent is to keep blood--and, thus, oxygen--supplied to the victim's brain.

Will CPR Restart A Heart

CPR will not restart a heart that is in cardiac arrest. CPR is intended as an emergency procedure until a defibrillator can be used. It will take an electric shock, such as that provided by a defibrillator, to restart the heart.

How Long Does The Patient Have

Each individual victim is different, but on average the victim will begin to suffer irreversible brain damage four to six minutes after the cardiac arrest takes place if no CPR is administered and no defibrillator is available.

Will CPR Really Help

According to the American Heart Association, for every minute a cardiac arrest victim does not receive CPR, his chances of survival drop 7 to 10 percent. It is estimated that effective CPR from a trained provider can double a victim's chances of surviving a cardiac arrest.

Is Death Inevitable

If the victim of cardiac arrest does not receive any CPR or defibrillator within minutes of the onset of the condition, the chances of survival are very slim. However, death from cardiac arrest is not inevitable if a person trained in CPR provides immediate assistance.

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Alleviate Diabetic Foot Pain With Alternative Treatments

Diabetes is caused by the inability to produce insulin and/or proper utilization of insulin in the body. Diabetes is a multi-organ and chronic long-term disease that can present serious medical complications if not managed properly. These complications can include diabetic foot pain and diabetic neuropathy. Besides treating diabetic foot pain with insulin and other prescription drugs, there are alternative treatments that can be incorporated to prevent serious outcomes such as amputation. The loss of sensation and touch means there are no feelings such as pain, warmth, itching and tickling in the affected areas of the foot. In this article I will show you some alternative treatments for managing diabetic foot pain.

Instructions

1. Try osteopathy treatment, which is accepted by the American Medical Association as a proven method for diagnosing and treating medical conditions including diabetes and diabetic foot pain. A Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) is a medical physician who utilizes the concept of manipulation and body-based practices to address many of the organic problems in diabetic patients. The manual manipulation of the affected diabetic foot and leg may help to increase the blood circulation to the affected areas by aligning the muscles, tendons and ligaments to help decrease the pressure and compression on the foot. Manual manipulation means using the hands to help alleviate or reduce the symptoms, for example, massage therapy, trigger pressure points massage and body-based practices including acupuncture and rolfing techniques and physical therapy principles.

2. Go to your local acupuncturist or ask your doctor for a referral to a licensed practitioner. Acupuncture is a recognized adjunct modality to help decrease the pain and symptoms of diabetic foot pain and diabetic neuropathy. Acupuncture helps to increase the blood circulation around the body, which is crucial in people suffering from diabetes, in particular foot pain and neuropathy. The improved circulation may help to slow down the onset of debilitating diabetic complications and symptoms of foot pain such as swelling and tenderness.

3. Practice Yoga and meditation to help eliminate stress and tension from the body and increase immunity to fight off infections and illnesses. This is crucial because stress can deepen the symptoms of diabetes and have tremendous negative emotional, mental and psychological effects.

Eating a healthy diet and regular exercising are also great ways to increase blood circulation and prevent blood stasis and swelling in the affected areas of the foot.

Tags: diabetic foot, foot pain, affected areas, blood circulation, diabetic foot pain, increase blood

Symptoms Of A Stroke In The Elderly

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted. Strokes can cause irreversible brain damage and even death. Stroke is the No. 2 cause of deaths worldwide. Risk factors include advanced age, high blood pressure, diabetes, previous stroke, smoking and high cholesterol.

Warning

Call 911 immediately and don't ignore signs of a stroke. Get medical help to try to prevent or reduce the damage caused by a stroke.

Numbness

Sudden numbness, or even weakness of one side of the body may be a sign of a stroke. This also includes numbness of the face, arm or leg.

Confusion

People experiencing a stroke may become quickly confused or lose consciousness. Memory loss is also a sign of a stroke.

Speech

Stroke should be suspected if speech becomes difficult or if the patient can't understand others.

Vision

Sudden blurred vision, difficulty seeing and dimness are signs of a stroke.

Balance

Suspect a stroke if the person has difficulty staying balanced, can't walk or is dizzy. Loss of coordination is another sign of stroke.

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Give Reiki Treatments

Give Reiki Treatments

Reiki is considered a form of spiritual healing wherein the Reiki Master or practitioner lays hands on the patient. The laying of hands purportedly promotes and stimulates the body to heal itself of malady through the process of detoxifying the body and breaking down energy blocks. Reiki can be used in combination with other alternative forms of healing as well as with Western practices, and is purported to have been successful in the treatment of cancer and asthma.

Instructions

Become a Certified Reiki Practitioner

1. Attend Reiki classes. You must pass at least the first level of Reiki to begin practice on other people.

2. Learn the Reiki hand positions and access the energy around you.

3. Select a Reiki Master to perform an attunement. An attunement is a spiritual ceremony where a Reiki master tunes your body to the spiritual world of Reiki, ensuring a broader understanding of Reiki and a permanent energy field to surround your body.

4. Feel the Universal Life Energy during and after the attunement. The attunement is said to open your body to allow a channel of energy to flow between you and the Reiki Master, as well as from you to the energy of the universe.

5. Complete your second level of Reiki and you will be able to perform distance Reiki treatments. Distance Reiki treatments involve treatments wherein the practitioner and patient are not in close proximity, and in fact may be several hundred miles away.

6. Learn more about become a Reiki practitioner at The Reiki School Web site (see Resources below).

Give Reiki Treatments

7. Decide if you want to open a Reiki center where you'll give Reiki treatments or if you will choose to travel to your patients at their convenience. Reiki practitioners work both ways.

8. Dim the lights to create a relaxed, peaceful atmosphere. A central aspect of Reiki is deep relaxation or meditation, and thus the environment of the treatment should contribute to that cause.

9. Heat the room to a comfortable temperature. Give a light blanket for your client if the temperature is still too cool. Remember that even if you are warm, your patient's comfort is of the utmost importance.

10. Recline your patient on a massage table.

11. Place your hands, in a specific Reiki hand posture, either lightly on or slightly above your patient on all their chakras.

12. Hold the posture at each chakra until the flow of energy weakens and dissipates, then move to the next chakra.

13. Feel the energy begin to flow from your surroundings through your hands into your patient.

14. Experience the warm sensation flowing from your hands said to occur during a Reiki session.

Tags: your patient, Reiki Master, your body, your hands, attunement attunement, from your, Give Reiki

Natural Chinese Remedies

Mushrooms can be used to help cure ailments.

Unlike Western medicine, Chinese medicine is rooted in the belief that all diseases and ailments manifest from an imbalance in chi, or energy. For a person to be healthy, the opposing yin/yang forces must be in balance. Natural Chinese remedies seek to restore this balance, either through herbal remedies, specific foods, or natural physical cures.

Herbal Remedies

There are literally hundreds of different Chinese herbs, known as tonics, which can be used in combination with one another to restore the proper energy balance. The particular herbs are chosen based on an individual's malady, which is divided into the exterior or the interior of the body, an absence of heat or cold, or a need to move upwards or downwards, such as in the case of a laxative. Popular herbs include Siberian ginseng, which is excellent for treating stress, and reishi mushrooms, which boost immunity, according to Leslie Tierra in "Healing with Chinese Herbs."

Facts Mercer Disease

Mercer disease is caused by methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus bacteria, and is also known as MRSA (see Resources). According to the Centers for Disease Control, MRSA infections occur mostly in patients of health care facilities. CA-MRSA infections occur in people who have not been in a health care facility. These cases typically involve the skin.

History

Penicillin was discovered in 1928 by Alexander Fleming and methicillin was later made from this base drug. The first cases of MRSA were reported by hospitals in the 1970s.

Appearance

On the skin, Mercer disease looks like a pimple or boil. Other MRSA infections manifest as lung, blood or surgical site infections.

Prevention

To prevent getting MRSA, wash hands often, keep cuts covered and do not share personal items. Use good hygiene to prevent infection (see Resources).

Treatment

MRSA infections are treated with antibiotics either in or out of the hospital. Skin boils may be drained to cure infection.

Prevent Spreading Infection

If a person has MRSA, he should cover the infected wound, keep his hands clean, do not share personal items and follow doctor's orders.

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Who Is At Most Risk For Bone Fractures

A bone fracture occurs simply when you break a bone. In many cases, the tissue surrounding the break in the bone is also damaged. Anyone can get a bone fracture, but there are certain factors that make some people more susceptible than others.

Poor Diet

People who don't get enough calcium and Vtamin D in their diet will develop weaker bones. Consuming dairy products and eggs for breakfast can help get you the calcium and Vitamin D you need. Excessive alcohol use also increases your chances of breaking a bone.

Age

As people get older, their bones become weaker and thinner, which increases their chances of breaking a bone when they fall.

Sex

According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, one out of every two women compared to one in four men age 50 and older will have a bone fracture related to osteoporosis (low bone mass disease) some time in their life.

Genetics

Some people are simply more prone to having broken bones than others due to their genetics. If you have a family history of bone disease such as osteoporosis, you are more likely to get a broken bone.

Athletic Involvement

One of the most common ways that people break bones is by participating in sports. If you compete in a high intensity sport such as football, rugby or soccer, you are more likely to get a fractured bone while participating in the sport.

Tags: bone fracture, break bone, breaking bone, chances breaking, chances breaking bone, more likely, than others

Hmo History & Information

Health Maintenance

President Richard M. Nixon signed in to law the Health Maintenance Organization Act of 1973, or the HMO Act. In the HMO Act, Congress required that employers with 25 or more employees offer them federally certified HMO options if they offered health insurance at all. The HMO Act also provided grants and loans to support the formation of new HMOs or the expansion of existing ones. After the passing of that act, HMOs grew in popularity. But the first HMOs originated earlier in the 20th century.

Origin and Growth

HMOs first appeared in the 1920s and 1930s as collectives to offer groups of workers affordable health care insurance. They quickly became popular during the Great Depression with both workers and employers. Offering health insurance to workers as a part of compensation packages became attractive to employers. HMOs grew in popularity in post-war United States as the baby boom began.

Rise of Medicare, Decline of the HMO

Beginning in the 1950s, the United States Military, the Social Security Administration and the AFL-CIO addressed the issue of lowering costs to patients of health care by consolidating benefits. The military launched a single-payer, government-run system in the 1950s for the dependents of its members. With this as a prototype, the Eisenhower administration began studying the need for health care for senior citizens in the United States. In the 1960s the issue of lowering costs for health care, especially for seniors and the poor, became a political issue which lead to the formation of the Medicare system. During the same time, HMOs declined in popularity as users became dissatisfied with managed care and employers offered a greater variety of insurance options.

The HMO Act

The United States Department of Health and Human Services stepped in to support the sagging HMO market and petitioned Congress to draft a new law. The HMO Act lifted limits that some states had imposed over the years on HMOs. The act also required employers with 25 or more employees who offered health insurance to include HMOs as an option to their employees. Enrollment in HMOs steadily increased throughout the 1970s and 1980s.

Structure of an HMO

An HMO pools groups of doctors in to networks. Patients who use the HMO insurance plan then use doctors within the groups that sign on with the HMO. The patients purchasing health care together from a group of doctors lowers the prices that the individual patients must pay in to the HMO for their health care. The HMO in turn pays the doctors in the groups for their services.

After the HMO Act

By 2001 the enrollment in HMOs hit an all-time high in the United States at 80 million people, some 29 percent of the population. Usage of HMOs varied across the country, with 0 percent of Alaskans using HMOs 44 percent of the population in Massachusetts enrolled, and 53 percent of Californians opting for HMO care. The number of HMOs in the nation declined by 16 percent in the first decade of the 21st Century, but the HMO industry remains strong.

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What Is Relacore Extra

Relacore Extra is Relacore's maximum-strength formula that claims to cut down cortisol stores in the body, reducing weight and fat around the midsection. According to Dr. Nathalie Chevreau of MyFreeDiet.com, Relacore Extra increases weight loss by decreasing stress in the body, making it easier to lose weight.

Function

According to Relacore's website, Relacore Extra's ingredients balance hormone levels in the body. It claims this prevents cortisol, a type of fat dependent on stress.

Features

Relacore Extra is sold in 72-count bottles. Chromium is Relacore's Extra most-used ingredient, followed by a proprietary blend of several herbs.

Considerations

People need to diet while taking Relacore Extra. Relacore is also not an FDA-approved supplement, and the results are not guaranteed by its company, Carter-Reed.

Effects

According to Relacore's website, Relacore Extra increases energy, reduces fatigue, reduces stress because of anxiety, improves cognition and prevents fat formation around the abdomen.

Warnings

Relacore Extra is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women, because it harms the baby. Some of Relacore Extra's ingredients may interact negatively with certain medications.

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Chair Massage Techniques

Chair massage is used to provide short but helpful massages to clients. Usually therapists perform chair massage in public venues as part of promotional efforts, in a business setting where employees are given massages as part of a wellness program, or events such as sporting competitions and health fairs. The massage is given over the clothes while the client sits in a chair. Most chair massage sessions last between 10 and 30 minutes.

Types

There are two general types of chair massage, the relaxation massage and the sports massage. The techniques used in relaxation massage are intended to help loosen tight muscles, relieve pain and reduce stress. The techniques in sports massage are used to enliven the muscles, increase circulation and stimulate nerve responsiveness. Sports massage before an athletic event prepares athletes to perform at their best.

Features

Friction is a technique that involves placing the hands below the area to be massaged. With the amount of pressure that is comfortable to the client, the hands are moved either one at a time or together in a deep gliding motion. This motion is repeated three to five times on each area before moving on. It helps to relax tight muscles and increases blood circulation.

Function

Cross-fiber friction is a specialized type of friction technique where one hand is place on either side of the area to be massaged. The hands are then brought across the area, heading in toward the opposite side from which they started. Once the hands have fully crossed the area, the technique is repeated, drawing the hands back across the area to the original position. This can be done several times. It helps to break up scar tissue and fans out the muscle fibers, encouraging the muscles to relax and improving circulation. This technique can be used in both relaxation and sports massage, as it is not overly stimulating or overly relaxing.

Effects

How Often Do You Have To Get A Typhoid Shot

When it comes to preventive vaccinations, travelers can opt to get a typhoid shot, which extends protection against the Salmonella typhi bacteria that causes typhoid fever. However, there is another way to get vaccinated against typhoid--taking the vaccine orally. Before you embark on your journey to countries afar, make sure that the typhoid injection will adequately meet your needs for the time that you need to travel.

Typhoid Vaccine Injection

A typhoid injection is a one-dose treatment that contains inactivated (dead) S. typhi bacteria. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the typhoid shot lasts for up to two years. If you consistently travel to parts of the world where typhoid is common, such as Africa, Latin America and certain parts of Asia, you'll need a booster vaccine after this time.

Oral Typhoid Vaccine

An alternative to the typhoid injection is to take the oral vaccine, which contains live but weakened S. typhi. The oral typhoid vaccine is administered in four doses that are taken two days apart. The oral vaccine provides protection against typhoid for a longer period of time than the shot. According to the CDC, protection against typhoid using the oral vaccine lasts for five years, after which a booster dose is required.

Typhoid Injection v. Oral Vaccine

The typhoid injection can be given to children as young as 2 years old, while the oral vaccine can only be given to children 6 years of age and up. According to the CDC, the typhoid shot should be given at least two weeks before travel to ensure that it's effective, while the last dose of the oral vaccine should be taken at least one week before travel.

What About Side Effects?

You may experience mild reactions to both types of typhoid vaccines, but side effects are less common in those who receive an injection. Fever occurs in 1:100 people and headache in 3:100 post-typhoid injection; around 5:100 people note fever and headache after receiving the oral vaccine. Around 7:100 people experience tenderness around the injection site after receiving a typhoid shot.

Is the Typhoid Vaccine 100 Percent Effective?

The typhoid vaccine will help protect you against typhoid, but the CDC warns that it's does not guarantee you 100 percent protection against this potentially deadly disease. Travelers should take precautionary measures, including eating hot cooked food, avoiding raw and unpeeled fruits and vegetables, and refraining from purchasing food from street vendors. Drink bottled water--carbonated drinks are safer than uncarbonated--and when eating out, order beverages without ice.

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Deal With Effects Of Low Sodium

Just as having too much sodium in your system can be detrimental to your health, not having enough can also cause problems for your body. Hyponatremia, the term for an electrolyte imbalance caused by low sodium in the blood, effects blood pressure and the way nerves and muscles function. Follow the steps to learn deal with effects of low sodium.

Instructions

1. Look for symptoms of low sodium or hypoatremia. Confusion, dizziness, muscle twitching, lethargy and nausea can all occur, but often you may feel no symptoms at all.

2. Visit a physician to check the sodium levels in your blood. You will need a blood test and a short examination to check your heart rate, blood flow and overall feeling. Get checked up annually to find problems before you have symptoms.

3. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can take sodium out of your system. Monitor your water intake according to the doctor's suggestions. Add salt and sodium products into your diet slowly to raise your blood pressure to a normal level.

4. Drink electrolyte drinks when exercising to replace the vital sodium and other electrolytes your blood needs to flow properly. Continue to exercise moderately as long as your physician allows.

5. Continue visiting your doctor regularly and consult a nutritionist to adjust your sodium level through diet. Sodium is easily regulated through a proper diet and exercise program.

Tags: your blood, blood pressure, sodium your, sodium your system, your system

Treatment For Cancer Of The Liver

The liver, the body's largest organ, plays an essential role in bodily functions. The liver helps the body absorb and store nutrients, and it also aids in removing waste. Liver cancer is a frequently seen cancer in the rest of the world, but it is rare in the United States. Liver cancer is usually metastatic cancer, meaning it started somewhere else in the body and moved to the liver. There are several treatment options for people diagnosed with liver cancer.

Radiation

Radiation is a standard cancer treatment that uses X-rays to destroy or slow down the growth of liver cancer cells. The radiation can be delivered by a machine that beams radiation into the body or can be given through substances put inside the body. Some radiation is given by attaching radioactive substances to antibodies, which are then injected into the patient.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is another standard and well-known treatment for liver cancer. Chemotherapy is usually delivered to the body through drugs or intravenously. One type of chemotherapy, called regional chemotherapy, is often used for liver cancer. A surgeon implants a pump into the body that contains the chemotherapy drugs. The pump sends the drugs into the blood vessels. Another treatment involves injecting the drugs directly into the liver.

Surgery

If the cancerous tumor in the liver is still small, the surgeon may be able to remove just that part of the liver. Some patients have liver transplant surgery. The cancerous liver is removed and replaced with a healthy donor liver.

Freezing and Heating Cells

A procedure called cryoablation freezes cancerous cells in the liver. Liquid nitrogen is delivered directly to the tumors. This treatment is often used with other liver cancer treatments, or it may be the only treatment for some patients. With radiofrequency ablation, the surgeon uses extreme heat to kill the cancer. By putting thin needles into the abdomen, the surgeon guides them into the tumor. Using an electric current, the heat can destroy the cancer.

Other Treatments

Alcohol injection is another form of treatment. Alcohol is put directly into the tumor. Because alcohol causes the tumor's cells to dry out, the tumor will die. Immunotherapy is sometimes used for liver cancer treatment. Healthy substances are added to the patient's immune system to aid the body in fighting disease. Cancer specialists have had success with a drug called sorafenib (brand name Nexavar). This drug keeps the cancerous tumors from making new blood vessels that grow and spread.

Tags: liver cancer, blood vessels, cancer treatment, directly into, into body

Iron Supplements

Iron is a mineral needed by the body to produce red blood cells. And, iron supplements are prescribed when diet alone cannot prevent or treat a deficiency of iron in the body. Iron deficiency may be caused by chronic blood loss, malabsorption, or dietary insufficiency, and may result in symptoms of anemia such as fatigue, weakness and loss of concentration. Recommendations for daily iron intake are provided by Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences and included in the Dietary Reference Intakes. Side effects of treatment with iron supplements may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation.

Significance

Iron deficiency is a widespread problem that can lead to serious health consequences if not treated. The World Health Organization has stated that iron deficiency is the most significant nutritional disorder in the world. Nearly one-third of the world's population may have iron deficiency anemia, and as many as 8 in 10 may be suffering from an iron deficiency. At this time, iron supplements are the only effective treatment for iron deficiency when dietary sources of iron are not enough or when medical conditions increase iron waste or decrease absorption.

Function

Iron is essential to normal human physiology, and is an integral part of the functioning of numerous important enzymes and proteins in the human body. Iron is necessary for the transport of oxygen to the cells, and is needed for the regulation of cell differentiation and growth. Nearly two-thirds of iron in the human body is located in the hemoglobin, with smaller amounts held in the myoglobin and in enzymes responsible for certain biochemical reactions. Unneeded iron is stored in proteins for later use.

When dietary sources of iron are insufficient, or medical conditions impair the body's absorption of iron, stores of iron in the body dwindle and symptoms of iron deficiency may occur. If these stores are not replenished, normal functioning of the body cannot take place. Iron supplements work by replenishing the body's stores of iron, thereby reducing the symptoms of iron deficiency and improving overall health and functioning.

Types

Iron supplements are available in two forms: ferrous iron salts and ferric iron. Ferrous iron is also marketed as ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate, and ferrous fumarate, and is more easily absorbed by the human body than ferric iron. All iron supplements contain some amount of elemental iron, which is the amount of iron in the supplement available for absorption. Iron is best absorbed when taken from dietary sources, such as red meats, poultry and fish, but iron supplements are an effective alternative when dietary sources are insufficient or absorption is impaired.

Benefits

The number one benefit of iron supplements is their treatment of iron deficiency anemia, a condition that most often affects children, women of childbearing age and pregnant women. People experiencing kidney failure may also develop an iron deficiency, as their kidneys are not able to create a hormone essential for the production of red blood cells. Iron deficiency may cause symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, difficulty maintaining normal body temperature, an inflamed tongue, and decreased cognitive performance. Iron supplements can decrease these symptoms, and are used to treat or prevent the decreased immune function associated with iron deficiency and the potential for impaired cognitive development that is common in iron deficient children.

Warning

Excess iron absorption can result in a variety of serious health consequences, many of which are at least as severe as conditions caused by iron deficiency. One risk of too much iron, iron overload, is a condition typically caused by genetic diseases, such as hemochromatosis. Iron overload causes iron to be stored in the heart, liver, and other organs, and can lead to heart failure and liver cirrhosis. Iron overload can also be caused by repeated blood transfusions. Because only small amounts of iron are excreted from the body, iron can accumulate in the organs and tissues and iron toxicity can develop rapidly. Iron toxicity, which can be fatal, is especially prevalent in children who have swallowed iron supplements belonging to an adult. Iron toxicity is a medical emergency.

Tags: iron deficiency, iron supplements, dietary sources, human body, Iron deficiency, blood cells, deficiency anemia

Dsm Iv Schizophrenia Description

Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness. While a definitive cause of schizophrenia has yet to be determined, there is strong evidence of a genetic component. Medication and therapy can greatly reduce the occupationally and socially disruptive symptoms of the disease.

Facts

Schizophrenia is a brain disorder that affects about 1.1 percent of Americans each year. Symptoms of schizophrenia appear between the ages of sixteen and the late twenties. Men generally experience the onset of symptoms earlier, women later. It is rare for an individual to be diagnosed with schizophrenia after the age of forty-five.

History

The symptoms of schizophrenia have been noted throughout recorded history. However, it was not until the late 1800s that the symptoms were classified as a distinct illness. In its' diagnostic infancy, schizophrenia was thought to be a type of dementia or manic-depression. It was later distinguished from dementia because it primarily affected younger people rather than the elderly and from manic-depression because of the disease's consistency and longevity.

Symptoms

To be diagnosed as schizophrenic one must meet the A-F criterion in the DSM IV. Criterion A's focus is on the psychotic symptoms present in active-phase schizophrenia: delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior and negative symptoms (such as a flat affect, alogia or avolition). In addition to meeting two or more of the characteristics symptoms in criterion A, an individual must also exhibit a marked decline in occupational, relational or self-care skills since the onset of the disorder (criterion B). The psychological disturbance (symptoms of the disorder) must persist (criterion C) for at least six months and those six months must include at least one month of the active-phase symptoms found in criterion A.

Criterion D requires that a schizoaffective disorder and mood disorder be eliminated as the cause of the symptoms. Criterion E requires that any underlying medical conditions be ruled out as the cause of the schizophrenic-like symptoms. Finally, criterion F of the DSM IV states that if there is "a relationship to a pervasive developmental disorder, the diagnosis of schizophrenia must only be made if prominent delusions or hallucinations are also present for at least at least one month."

Sub types

Schizophrenia can be classified into subtypes. The first is the paranoid type. The primary feature of the paranoid type is the presence of delusions or auditory hallucinations. These delusions and hallucinations are usually persecutory in nature. The second subtype of schizophrenia is the disorganized type. This subtype is characterized by disorganized speech and behavior and a flat or inappropriate affect. The third is the catatonic type. This type is defined by immobility, exaggerated motor activity, rigid posturing, mutism, peculiar posturing, echolalia and echopraxia. The fourth subtype is the undifferentiated type. This subtype is a catchall category for the individual who meets criterion A requirements but does not fall into any of the other subtypes. The final subtype of schizophrenia is the residual type. The residual sub type is used when there has been a history of at least one episode of schizophrenia but the current clinical picture shows no active psychotic symptoms. The diagnosis of the residual subtype also requires current evidence of negative symptoms or two or more criterion A symptoms.

Prognosis

The DSM IV states that the time of onset can determine the course and severity of the disease. For instance, men typically have an earlier onset than women do. Because of the earlier onset (and the interruption of developmental progress), men can have a more complicated prognosis than women who have had more time to develop the cognitive and coping resources needed to manage the disease effectively. There is no cure for schizophrenia. However, medication therapy can make a positive and critical difference in the severity of the illness.

Tags: delusions hallucinations, type This, criterion Criterion, Criterion requires, Criterion requires that

Signs Of A Stroke Coming On

A stroke is a total or partial block of blood to any part of the brain. When the brain cells can't get a steady supply of blood, they can start to become damaged or die in just minutes. Strokes can cause death or serious brain damage, so it's wise to recognize the signs quickly before lasting damage can occur.

Walking-Related Signs

Having trouble with staying balanced, feeling uncoordinated or stumbling around are signs of a stroke.

Sight-Related Signs

When a stroke is coming on, a person may have blurry vision or double vision.

Painful Signs

Pain in the head, neck or face are signs of a stroke.

One-Sided Movement Limitations

Having trouble moving body parts either on the left or right side (but not both) are stroke symptoms. This trouble can involve just a numb feeling or not being able to move one side of the body at all.

Speech-Related Signs

Slurring words or not being able to speak at all are signs of a stroke coming on.

Tags: being able, Having trouble, signs stroke, stroke coming

Home Remedies From Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree Leaves and Oil

Native to only one place in the world, tea tree (melaleuca alternifolia) has medicinal properties. According to Holistic Online, tea tree oil is active against three categories of infectious organisms because it acts as an immunostimulant. With its health-promoting properties, tea tree oil (readily available at whole food grocers) has been used for home remedies.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree originates from a tree indigenous to New South Wales, Australia. Tea tree leaves are used to make medicinal tea tree oil. Tea tree oil helps fight against bacteria, fungi and viruses. Its immunosuppressant properties can help people who cannot fend off infections and who may slowly recover from illnesses. The benefits of tea tree oil include its ability to treat acne, colds and flu, cold sores and shingles, among other uses.

Properties

Prescription for Nutritional Healing details tea tree oil's phytochemicals, which include alpha-pinene, aromadendrene, beta-pinene and terpinolene. Used topically, tea tree oil acts as a disinfectant, and heals nearly every skin condition, as well as hair and scalp problems. Although tea tree oil can be used as a gargle for colds and cold sores, it should never be swallowed.

Home Remedies

"Oddball Ointments" offers a simple remedy for athlete's foot. Tea tree oil's antifungal properties can ease athlete's foot. Smooth a light coating of oil on the affected area. Do this for two weeks, even after the infection appears to be gone, to be rid of the fungus. To treat mild acne, moisten a cotton swab with tea tree oil. Dab affected areas twice a day (see Resources). Soothe mosquito bites by massaging a couple of drops onto the bite.

Tags: athlete foot, cold sores, colds cold, colds cold sores, Home Remedies

Identify Symptoms Of Pid

PID is also known as pelvic inflammatory disorder, an infection of the upper portion of female organs that affects a woman's bladder and reproductive organs. The condition generally presents in women during their late teens and early 20s, but has been known to afflict older women as well. PID is usually caused by some type of bacterial infection, most commonly chlamydial and gonorrheal infections. Bacteria present in the genitalia spreads to internal organs and causes signs and symptoms within two days to three weeks after exposure, but may also take months to develop before signs become apparent. Learning identify symptoms of PID may help to prevent serious complications such as ongoing pelvic pain, abcesses and ectopic pregancies and, in some cases, infertility.

Instructions

1. Watch for signs of pain or discomfort in the lower abdominal area that is not related to monthly cycles. This pain may be felt as dull, throbbing pain and cramps to sharp pains that cause intense discomfort.

2. Pay attention to any type of discharge that may produce a foul odor. While this is not a pleasant symptom to discuss, it is one of the most common symptoms of an infection caused by bacteria.

3. Note any signs of discomfort or pain while urinating or engaging in relations that did not produce discomfort before. Discuss such symptoms with your gynecologist or family physician to help rule out PID and determine a cause.

4. Take note of sudden and irregular menstrual cycles or bleeding. This symptom should always be discussed with a gyenecologist if it does not resolve itself through one menstrual cycle.

5. Pay attention to sudden and increasing bouts of nausea, fever or vomiting. This is a sign that your body is trying to fight infection. Medications to combat the infection will need to be prescribed by a physician.

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Use Acupressure For Back Pain

Acupressure has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries. More often than not, traditional Chinese medicine believes in natural healing and the shifting of energy throughout the body to relieve pain. Only recently has Western culture begun looking into acupressure. Although there are professionals all over the country that specialize in acupressure and acupuncture, Western society is still relatively clueless. Pressure is applied to various points on the body. When stimulated, these points stimulate coordinating organs and muscles that may not be even remotely near the original source of pain. Back pain, for example, is one of the most common patient complaints. Did you know there are certain acupressure points you can work on to alleviate back pain that are no where near the back? This article will help you use the acupressure technique to ease your own back pain.

Instructions

1. Find a comfortable spot on the floor and lay down on your back. Lift your legs up in the air and bend your knees. The acupressure points you will be working on are called B 54. They are located behind your knees.

2. Line your fingertips of each hand with the corresponding crease at the knee joint. Your palms will be faced upwards with your fingers slightly curled toward the ceiling.

3. Keep your fingers in this location and slowly shift your legs forward and backward. This should put pressure and relief on the B 54 acupressure point. Continue doing this for about 2 minutes.

4. Release your arms and hands out to the side, resting on the floor after you are done with your leg shifting. Keep your back on the floor, your knees bent, and place your feet flat on the floor. For another 2 minutes, remain in this position in a relaxed state.

5. Repeat the steps of this acupressure technique when you wake in the morning, after lunch, and right before you go to bed at night. The idea is to alter the energy traveling to and from your back and eliminate the pain.

Tags: your back, your knees, acupressure points, acupressure technique, back pain

Important Uses Of Sphalerite

Important Uses of Sphalerite

Sphalerite is a zinc iron sulfide (ZnS) crystal that comes in a variety of colors: black, brown, red, orange, yellow, green and gray. It can also be colorless, but that is a rare occurrence. It is the main ore of zinc, which lends it to uses in metallurgy.

Features

Sphalerite crystals have perfect cleavage in six directions and more brilliance than diamonds. It comes in a variety of solid colors including black, brown, red, orange, yellow, green and grey. Some varieties have streaks. Pure sphalerite has a white streaks. When impurities are present, which is almost always the case, the mineral has a light brown streak.

Industrial Uses

Because sphalerite is a chief source of zinc, it is used mainly for metallurgy. Its zinc is used to coat metals to resist corrosion or can be used to make metal blends. The zinc from sphalerite is also extracted for use in dietary supplements and rust-proofing materials. Normally, it is used for making copper, lead and silver. Sphalerite also can be used to make batteries, brass, pigments and medicine.

Commercial Uses

Sphalerite has a high refractive index of 2.37 to 2.42, making it a very sparkly crystal. Gemologists usually add sphalerite to their collections as it can be polished to create a beautiful presentation. It can also be cut for use in jewelry.

Geography

Sphalerite is abundant in multiple parts of the world and can be found in all continents bar Antarctica. In the United States, sphalerite can be mined in Missouri, Illinois and Tennessee. In Australia, it can be found in the Broken Hill region. Sphalerite can also be found in England, Germany, Morocco, Peru and Burma. The transparent varieties are only found in Mexico and Spain.

Identification

Sphalerite gets its name from the Greek word meaning "unfaithful rock." The mineral was named by E.F. Glocker in 1847. Sphalerite is also known as "Blende." Other nicknames include Black Jack and Red Ruby after its color.

Tags: Uses Sphalerite, black brown, black brown orange, brown orange, brown orange yellow, comes variety, Important Uses

Common Types Of Steroids

There are three main types of steroids: anabolic, androgenic and cortico steroids. Anabolic and androgenic steroids are "synthetically produced variants of the naturally occurring male hormone testosterone," according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Cortico steroids mimic a group of cortisol hormones that occur naturally in the body.

Anabolic Steroids

Anabolic steroids are commonly used to build muscle mass and reduce body fat. These steroids are a chemical derivative of the naturally-occurring male hormone testosterone.

Popular Anabolic Steroids

The most popular anabolic steroids are Deca Durabolin, Sustanon, Winstrol and Dianabol tablets.

Androgenic Steroids

Androgenic steroids develop secondary male characteristics, such as the deepening of the voice. Thickening of nonreproductive tract tissues, such as bones, the larynx and vocal chords, also occurs. A decrease in body fat is seen with the use of androgenic steroids, too.

Popular Androgenic Steroids

Equipoise, Anadrol and Oxandrin are common androgenic steroids.

Cortico Steroids

Cortico steroids are steroids that imitate the effect of Cortisone-like hormones in the body. These hormones help to regulate inflammation. Cortico steroids are different from anabolic and androgenic steroids as they are used in the treatment of bodily ailments.

Common Cortico Steroids

Common cortico steroids are Prednisolone, Hydrocortisone and Triamcinolone.

Tags: androgenic steroids, anabolic androgenic, body These, Cortico Steroids, hormone testosterone, male hormone

Warning Signs Of Impending Stroke

A stroke can descend like a bolt out of the blue---a frightening prospect. However, knowing the warning signs of a stroke can help you protect yourself and your loved ones. The sooner a stroke is treated, the better the chances of recovery are.

Talking

Slurred words or forgetting your words may be signs of a stroke.

Paralysis

If you feel weak or numb in your arms, legs or face, that can be a stroke warning sign, especially if the weakness is on one side of the body.

Seeing

Trouble seeing out of one eye---blurry or double vision--is a sign of an impending stroke.

Coordination

Feeling dizzy or off-balance and having trouble walking are stroke warning signs.

Headache

One warning sign of an impending stroke is a severe headache. You may also have neck or facial pain or vomiting.

Transient Ischemic Attack

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is like a temporary stroke---the blood flow to your brain is cut off for just a short while. Symptoms appear for up to 24 hours, and then go away, without any noticeable permanent effect. A TIA can put you at risk of a stroke.

Tags: sign impending, sign impending stroke, signs stroke, warning sign

What Is Burdock Root Good For

Since the beginning of time, people have used plants and minerals to create natural tonics for diseases, disorders and to promote good general health. With so many commercial medicines causing serious (sometimes deadly) side effects, many people have sought out natural cures and remedies to treat their illnesses. In recent years, burdock root has been increasingly visible in natural food stores.

Geography

Sometimes referred to as bur or bardana, the burdock plant is an herb indigenous to the Old World (Europe and Asia). While burdock has since been transplanted worldwide, it is still not widely grown in the United States. Thriving almost exclusively in temperate climates, many other regions in Asia and Europe are involved in the cultivation of burdock for the commercial market. The entire plant, including the root, is usually harvested from mid- to late summer, though the seeds are collected in late spring and early summer.

Features

A member of the Asteraceae family, burdock is a biennial herb that can grow up to 8 feet tall. With large leaves and a number of purple thistlelike flowers, which often cling to clothing and animal fur, burdock can also be used as a culinary herb. The young leaves and stalks of the plant are often used in salads and soups. Raw burdock leaves are generally bitter, while the taste of the young stalk has been said to resemble artichoke. The root is very crisp and has a sweet, mildly pungent flavor and a sticky texture. The light-brown, sturdy taproot, which is most commonly used in herbal medicine, can weigh anywhere from 2 to 4 lbs. in the second year of plant maturation.

Uses

Many cultures use burdock leaves, roots and seeds as food. In Japan, the young taproot of burdock is eaten as a vegetable, similar to parsnip and carrots. Also used in soups, salads and sushi, burdock root is a key element in the macrobiotic diet, which promotes eating seasonal grains, vegetables and greens while avoiding processed foods. Burdock, mixed with dandelions, is also popular in the United Kingdom as a soft drink. Rich in essential fatty acids, burdock root oil extract, also called bur oil, is used in Europe as a scalp treatment to improve hair strength. Burdock root can also be boiled or steeped in hot water and enjoyed as a tea.

Benefits

For centuries, burdock root has been used to purify and flush toxins from the blood. While the roots, leaves and seeds can all be used, the root is most commonly found in nutrition stores and markets. Burdock is also used to help cleanse the body from the inside out and is most useful in conditions that can be traced back to the liver or a surplus of toxins in the system. Burdock root oil extract can be used to treat dandruff, stop hair loss and promote natural hair growth. In traditional medicine, burdock was consumed as a diuretic to rid the body of excess water. Studies have shown that consumption of the root also promotes sweating and urination, helping to promote the elimination of toxins and waste materials (see Resources). When applied externally, burdock is a remedy for skin problems such as acne, eczema, rosacea and psoriasis.

Warning

While burdock is a common plant (easily grown in a garden and found in the wild), it is not recommended to pick wild burdock roots, as they can easily be confused with belladonna, also known as deadly nightshade. When taken internally, burdock root has also been found to interfere with the body's ability to absorb iron. Burdock has also been shown to interact with various medications, most commonly lithium and anti-inflammatory medications. Women who are pregnant or lactating should avoid consuming burdock due to its diuretic capabilities.

Interesting Fact

In the early 1940s, Swiss inventor George de Mestral invented Velcro after observing the hook and loop system of the seeds of the burdock plant.

Tags: most commonly, root also, also been, also used, Burdock also

Parsley Powder Tea Health Benefits

Parsley is a common plant most often thought of as a decorative addition to meals. It has long been chewed on to improve breath after eating meals with garlic or onions. It is also used for gastrointestinal and urinary tract disorders. It is typically used fresh, in a powder or as flakes.

Benefits

Parsley powder tea can been used for various conditions such as difficulty with urination, dropsy, jaundice, kidney stones, gallstones and swollen glands.

Identification

The parts of the parsley plant used in herbal remedies are the leaves, root and seed. They are often powdered for ease of use in a tea. Its leaves can be eaten raw, and the crushed seeds steeped in water will reportedly kill head vermin. The roots, leaves or powder are generally simmered in water to use.

History

The ancient Greeks used parsley to treat gastrointestinal disorders and kidney and bladder problems. In Europe, during the Middle Ages, it was used to improve blood circulation to the heart and it was planted in Charlemagne's garden.

Considerations

There have been no problems with parsley in any of its forms, and it should be used freely as a tea, on soups, salads and slaws for its high content of potassium, Vitamin A, calcium, iron and Vitamin C.

Geography

Parsley plants can be found growing in partly shaded areas in rich soil. It is a biennial vegetable, but is an annual in colder climates. Parsley plants can be grown indoors. The leaves or powder can be purchased online or in stores that sell bulk herbs.

Tags: leaves powder, Parsley plants

Natural Substances To Help Restless Leg Syndrone

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is a chronic condition that causes pain or discomfort in the legs and often in the arms and trunk. Though RLS is among the most common of all the movement disorders, it not only remains under-diagnosed but also under-treated. Nearly one person in twenty is afflicted with RLS. The disease commonly occurs after the age of 50. A number of natural substances like herbs can help in relieving the symptoms of RLS.

California Poppy with Corydalis

California poppy is prepared with a Corydalis formula and it reduces muscle spasms and relieves associated pain. It also induces sleep.

Kava

The kava herb comes in tablet form and it helps in relaxing skeletal muscles. It works for RLS by sedating the central nervous system.

Passionflower

Passionflower can be found in tea bag form and is recommended to take one cup a couple of hours before bedtime to induce sleepiness and muscle relaxation.

Rooibos

Rooibos is also a tea that induces sleep and reduces muscle spasms common in RLS. It also helps to reduce general pain and inflammation.

Schisandra

Schisandra is sold in tincture form and is recommended to take one teaspoon in one-quarter cup of water three time a day.

Ginkgo Biloba

The extract of ginkgo biloba, 60 mg up to three times daily, is recommended for RLS. A couple of other useful herbs are butcher's broom and horse chestnut to be taken as directed on the labels.

Diet and Nutrition

Diet and nutrition is also seen to be an essential natural remedy for RLS. Caffeine is not recommended in food or drink because even though it does temporarily relieve the discomfort associated with RLS, the symptoms rebound when it is discontinued. RLS is also associated with hypoglycemia, which is low blood sugar or low blood glucose where blood sugar levels drop below normal. It is common for low blood sugar levels to occur after consuming large amounts of sugar. Therefore it helps to eat a sugar-free, high protein meal at night as this can greatly reduce the episodes of RLS and associated cramping at night. It is also advised to include starch with whatever sugar is eaten so that adequate blood sugar levels are maintained during the night.

Tags: blood sugar, blood sugar levels, sugar levels, associated with, form recommended, form recommended take, induces sleep

Essential Oils To Wake Up

Some essential oils help perk you up and increase alertness.

Essential oils are naturally-occurring plant essences extracted by distillation, cold pressing or solvent extraction. Many types of plants, herbs and citrus fruits can produce wonderfully smelling essences. Essential oils have been used for centuries in holistic health care. Each essential oil has different properties and can be used to naturally treat health conditions. Some essential oils have stimulating properties, to be used as a pick-me-up when you're tired.

Cautions Before Using Essential Oils

Essential oils are very concentrated, and should not be used directly on the skin. However, there are some ways to safely use essential oils to wake up. Add a few drops of essential oil to 1 tbsp. carrier oil such as grapeseed or almond oil and massage into the skin. Another method is to open the bottle of essential oil and hold under the nose. Inhale slowly and deeply a couple of times to breathe in the aroma. A few drops of essential oil can be added to a diffuser to infuse the aroma throughout the room. Natural bath and body products that have been scented with essential oils, such as handmade lotion or soap may also be used. Some essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy. Do not use essential oils on young children. Everyone has different scent preferences, so try a few of these essential oils from the lists below or even blend some together to see which work best for you.

Essential Oils from Herbs

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a sharp smelling essential oil, with camphoraceous undertones. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) has a very strong herbal scent. If possible, purchase linalool thyme, as this is the most gentle. Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is one of the most well-recognized aromas, with fresh and bright minty top notes.

Essential Oils from Citrus Fruits

Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) is a bright, clean, light citrusy scent that blends really well with peppermint. Taking a quick whiff of this oil directly from the bottle can instantly make you feel more alert.

Essential Oils from Spices

Avoid using these essential oils if you have sensitive skin, or use at a very low percentage to avoid skin reactions. Ginger (Zingiber officinalis) has deep, fiery spicy undertones making this an intriguing essential oil. Black Pepper (Piper nigrum) has hot, spicy top notes, which allows this to blend well with most floral essential oils, but only in small amounts. Clove bud (Eugenia caryophyllata) is a warm, spicy and aromatic oil. Cinnamon leaf (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) is another often-recognized scent that blends well with orange or mandarin essential oils.

Tags: essential oils, essential oils, Essential Oils from, Oils from, oils have, Some essential

Protocol On Gentian Violet Use For A Baby

Gentian violet can help relieve a baby of oral thrush.

Gentian violet is used to treat fungus in babies, children and adults. While gentian violet is available without a prescription, it may take some searching to find, especially in the 2 percent solution recommended for use. The protocol for gentian violet use for a baby is simple, quick and easy to follow.

Indications

Gentian violet is commonly used to relieve thrush caused by candida albicans, a form of fungus that may overgrow in a baby's mouth, digestive tract or genitals. A baby who is breastfeeding may share this fungus with the mother, and she will also require treatment. Itching and pain are common symptoms of thrush, and a health care professional can determine whether gentian violet application to the inside of the mouth or genitals may or may not be helpful.

Solution

Protocol for gentian violet use for a baby involves a 1 percent solution. Pharmacies carry gentian violet without a prescription but often provide a 2 percent solution. A pharmacist can reduce the solution to 1 percent, or it can be made at home by combining one part water with one part 2 percent gentian violet solution.

Use

Apply petroleum jelly to lips to prevent staining.

Typical use for gentian violet includes swabbing the affected areas with a 1 percent solution three times daily for three days. Infants may be treated with only one application per day rather than three, to avoid ulcers caused by sensitivity to the gentian violet. If the gentian violet is used in the mouth, askdrsears.com recommends that petroleum jelly be applied on and around the lips to prevent staining. Discontinue use, and consult a health care professional if pain continues or worsens.

Stains

Gentian violet gets its name from the dark violet color of the solution. It can stain clothing and skin. To prevent staining, use it sparingly, and if it gets on fabric, wash it out immediately with rubbing alcohol. Or wear clothing that you don't mind getting stained.

Warnings

Gentian violet can irritate sensitive mucous membranes, especially when used too often or in too high a concentration. According to askdrsears.com, a study in Australia has also linked gentian violet to cancer. Many health care professionals feel it is safe, but Dr. Sears recommends that it be used in small amounts and that alternatives are considered.

Alternatives

Alternatives to gentian violet are plentiful.

Gentian violet is one of many treatments for thrush in a baby. To be effective, any treatment will be best used on both mom and baby when breastfeeding. Many mothers and babies find that acidophilus, nystatin, white vinegar, clotrimazole and diflucan can relieve thrush. According to Mothering magazine, home and herbal remedies have also been found to be effective.

Tags: gentian violet, percent solution, health care, prevent staining, care professional, gentian violet, Gentian violet

Symptoms Of Complicated Migraines

Complicated migraines can be debilitating and can mimic other serious medical conditions. The affects and duration of migraines vary depending on the cause of the attacks, but can be more accurately identified by your health care provider. Knowing the signs and symptoms of a complicated migraine can assist you at beginning of the attack to possibly stave off its progression.

Features

Migraines are a chronic problem for suffers and almost always present with a headache. Most commonly affecting one side of your head, a migraine can present on both sides, although it is less likely.

Types

Complicated migraines affect you neurologically and are segregated into two types: vertebrobasilar and hemiplegic.

Types

With vertebrobasilar migraines, your motor skills such as balance and consciousness are affected; you may faint, see double or become very dizzy. With hemiplegic, you may experience numbness or temporary paralysis on one side.

Symptoms

You or family members may notice warning signs of an impending migraine, such as insomnia, irritability, food cravings and mood changes. Other signs may be cold hands and feet, sensitivity to light and sound, auras like flashing lights or cloud-like appearances tunneling your vision, nausea and severe headache.

Prevention/Solution

Migraine suffers generally prefer to lie down in a quiet, dark room to ease the symptoms, which can last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours. Seek advice from your health care provider, who can prescribe the best course of prevention and treatment of complicated migraines.

Tags: care provider, Complicated migraines, health care, health care provider, your health, your health care

Cook Eggs In A Stainless Steel Skillet Without Sticking

Eggs are an essential part to a classic American breakfast. They can also be used as a side dish or a main course for dinner. This versatile ingredient has many health benefits ranging from eye health improvement to lowering the chance of developing breast cancer. Preparing eggs is generally easy, but it can make a mess without proper precautions. Eggs are notorious for sticking to cooking surfaces, resulting in several minutes of hard scrubbing to remove it. Next time you plan on cooking eggs on a skillet, remember to follow these steps.

Instructions

1. Put a skillet on the stove and set the heat to medium-low.

2. Apply just enough butter, margarine or non-stick cooking spray to lightly cover the inside of the skillet. This thin layer is enough to keep the eggs from sticking.

3. Prepare the eggs in the way you want them cooked. If you want them scrambled, it is best to scramble them first in a separate container; then slowly pour mixtue into the skillet. Sunny-side up or over-easy can be dropped directly on the hot skillet.

4. Keep the eggs on the skillet until they are thoroughly cooked. Gently move the eggs around while they cook to further prevent them from burning and sticking to the skillet. If making scrambled eggs, flip them over regularly with a spatula.

5. Remove the eggs from the skillet immediately after they are cooked. Season with salt and pepper to your desired taste.

Tags: eggs from, eggs skillet, want them

Is Neck Traction Dangerous

Having neck pain or a pinched nerve is a common condition that can cause pain to the affected person. Neck pain can cause pain in other areas of the body as well, including the shoulder and funny bone. A common treatment option for this type of neck pain is neck traction, which essentially pulls on the neck's muscles.

Home Treatment

Pain for neck pain is sometimes treated at home. The pain can be treated by pain medications such as Advil and Motrin. Some people choose to try a neck traction procedure instead.

Traction

Traction is done to help stretch out the neck or back and muscles found in the neck. It is thought to help restore the neck's curvature. However, it puts strain on the neck's muscles and pulls them out to an unnatural position.

Procedure

Take a rope and tie it to the end of a towel. Loop the rope over the doorknob. Tie the other end of the rope to the towel. Lie down facing up with your head near the door. Rest your head as if in a sling. Doing this for a few minutes at a time relieves pain and stretches the neck. In an at-home procedure such as this, so many things can go wrong and you can do even more damage to the neck.

Safety

If preformed incorrectly this procedure can be very dangerous. If someone happens to pull the door from the other end, the proceduce can strangle your neck.

Warning

Don't try this procedure before consulting a doctor, who may recommend professional help or other treatments instead. This procedure should not be attempted without medical consent. It could cause serious problems such as neck and head trauma if done incorrectly.

Tags: neck pain, cause pain, neck muscles, neck traction, rope towel, your head

Manage Painful Heels

Painful heels can be extremely dibilitating. It can prevent you from walking and even working in severe cases. It is however quite common and can be managed. Management involves a diagnoses of the cause of the pain along with the appropriate treatment and prevention of the condition.

Instructions

1. Pay attention to the shoes that you are wearing and make a note of any that may actually cause your heel/s to become painful. The heel pain may simply be the heel counter catching the back of your heel bone (calacaneum) that can be easily rectified.

2. Avoid any activities that cause the heel pain, such as running. Never ignore pain in your feet and do not follow advice from those that suggest that you "Run through the pain."

3. Visit a podiatrist if you have heel pain that lasts for more than a few days. They will diagnose the cause of the pain so that the correct treatment can be prescribed. In some case this may require orthotic therapy whilst in others you may need to change your footwear style or carry out a stretching program presided by your podiatrist or physical therapist. Cortisone injections or anti-inflammatory drugs may also be necessary in some cases.

Tags: heel pain, cause pain, pain that, your heel

Identify Symptoms Of Sodium Imbalance

Sodium is a mineral that is essential to optimal body functioning. It helps the body maintain normal fluid balances, nerve impulse transmission and a proper acid-base balance within tissues. Lack of proper sodium balance may cause high blood pressure, cramps, mental sluggishness and loss of appetite. A sodium deficiency may be caused my multiple factors, including congestive heart failure, chronic illness, over-hydration and excess intake of salty foods and liquids. Understanding and learning identify symptoms of sodium imbalance may prevent complications such as shock.

Instructions

1. Pay attention to your body and what it is trying to tell you when you feel less than normal. One of the major symptoms of a sodium imbalance is a sense of confusion.

2. Watch for signs of anxiety or restlessness that are not common for you. These signs may or may not be accompanied by slight tremors or shakiness.

3. Be alert for signs of weakness or muscle cramps, which typically occur in the legs. This may or may not be accompanied by signs of edema, or fluid build-up and swelling in the ankles and feet.

4. Write down any changes in your blood pressure or pulse rate, especially when at rest.

5. Pay special attention to signs of severe sodium imbalance such as stupor or even lethargy, which causes an individual to appear sleepy, weak and unable to rouse.

Tags: sodium imbalance, blood pressure, symptoms sodium, symptoms sodium imbalance

End Of Life Issues For Health Care Providers In A Nursing Facility

Health care providers in nursing facilities face tough issues regarding their patient's end of life.

When an individual faces the end of his or her life, tough decisions often need to be made. While the individual's family has the responsibility of making those decisions, health care providers need to be aware of the potential issues. This fact is particularly true in nursing facilities.

Living Will

Health care providers must consider whether a patient has a living will. This document lets the person put into writing his or her health care wishes if they become unable to speak for themselves. Each state has its own rules regarding living wills. In some cases, they are only binding if notarized. In all states, the living will must be written and signed by the patient before he or she became incapacitated. If a valid living will is on file at the nursing facility, health care providers must abide by the wishes of the patient it details.

Durable Power of Attorney

In some cases, patients may legally appoint a family member to make health care decisions for them. To do this, they need a durable power of attorney for health care. The appointed individual must be consulted regarding health care decisions for the patient, including whether to remove ventilators or other forms of life support. If no power of attorney has been designated and the patient is still competent, health care providers may want to suggest taking this step.

Hospice

When a patient's condition deteriorates, he or she may choose hospice care instead of staying in the nursing facility. According to the Education for Physicians on End-of-Life Care, more than 80 percent of patients want to die at home. Hospice care can be provided at a patient's home or in a more home-like facility. Health care providers can offer this option to the families of patients when nothing more can be done to treat the patient's condition.

Palliative Care

Health care providers in nursing facilities working with patients at the end of their lives often make decisions regarding palliative care. This type of medical care involves relieving the patient's pain and discomfort even when nothing further can be done to treat the condition. In addition to pain medication and life support equipment, palliative care can also include psychological and spiritual support for the patient and the patient's family.

Life Support

Some patients are placed on life support, such as ventilators, to keep them alive. While some patients can be removed from the equipment, patients near the end of life usually die when removed. Health care providers need to discuss the decision to remove life support with the patient's family, particularly family members who have legal decision-making power for the patient. When the patient has no family members available, the health care providers must make that determination based on what is best for the patient.

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