Sage plants are found in herb, flower and vegetable gardens.
Sage is an herb that's been used for medicinal purposes for many years. Aside from being used to flavor meals and side dishes, sage juice and leaves have both been used to treat a variety of ailments from coughs to stomach aches to menstrual problems. Sage tea can be made with both fresh and dry leaves and can be enjoyed in place of the tea you regularly drink.
Instructions
1. Heat water for your sage tea in a kettle.
Heat water in a tea kettle, turning the kettle off just before the water starts to boil.
2. Place 1 tsp. dry sage leaves or 1 tbsp. fresh sage leaves in a mug or cup. Pour the heated water over the sage leaves and allow them to steep for three to four minutes.
3. Hold a strainer over your other mug. Pour the steeped sage tea through the strainer into the mug so the leaves remain in the strainer.
4. A hint of lemon adds flavor to your sage tea.
Garnish your sage tea with a lemon slice. Squeeze some of the juice into your tea for flavor, if desired.
Tags: sage leaves, your sage, been used, Heat water
Policystic ovarian disease (PCOS) is a medical condition of the ovaries that can effect 1 in 15 women's menstruation, weight and hair growth. It is a hormonal imbalance that is of the most significant concern when a women wants to conceive. There are a variety of treatments and therapies that can help a women with PCOS to become pregnant.
Symptoms
The one symptom that occurs in every women that has PCOS is irregular or no periods. The other symptoms that some women may or may not have due to PCOS include excess hair growth, acne, obesity and elevated blood pressure. Since all women with PCOS have infrequent or no ovulation, irregular periods are a symptom for all.
Significance
Women with PCOS have several small, fluid-filled cysts in their ovaries that may contribute to the lack of ovulation. Hormones are another significant factor; women with PCOS produce large amounts of the male hormone androgen, which also is thought to lead to abnormal insulin production.
Cause
There is no conclusive evidence that explains why a woman develops PCOS. Although many women with PCOS also have a mother or sister with the disease, it is not necessarily thought to be hereditary.
Treatment
Birth control pills can help to regulate women with PCOS, as well as help to reduce the acne and other symptoms associated with PCOS. For women that want to conceive, a drug called clomiphene (Clomid) can be used to induce ovulation. Weight loss can also help to improve fertility for those PCOS patients that are overweight. If ovulation does not occur while on Clomid, other fertility treatments, such as injectables and IVF (in vitro fertilization), are available to women with PCOS.
Considerations
Women with PCOS have an increased chance of developing diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. It is important to address all of these health risks in addition to the concern of infertility. It is likely that an increased health awareness can improve the symptoms of PCOS and make it more manageable.
Tags: with PCOS, women with, women with PCOS, PCOS have, with PCOS have, blood pressure
With technology the way it is today, you are able to usually find any health care provider number. Just log online and type the healthcare name you are looking to obtain information from. There you are usually able to get the official website for the healthcare company, where you are able to find the phone number. There are also other sites that can help you find numbers that are listed below.
Instructions
1. Log online to a search engine. Some examples are listed below in the "Resource" section. Type in the healthcare provider that you wish to find information on.
2. Click on the site where it says, "official site of..." Here, you will need to click on "Contact Us" in order to find the phone number for the provider.
3. Log onto a phone number finder website. There is an example that is listed below.
4. Select a location and a buisness type (Healthcare) or the name and then press search. You will then receive a page of results for your search. Pick the one that is appropriate for you.
5. If you cannot use the Internet, do not worry. Just pick up a phone book and find your healthcare provider in there. Look up healthcare and then look under the name of the company or doctor in order to find the number you need.
Arthritis can cause severe joint pain, joint stiffness and immobility in those it afflicts. While scientists have not yet discovered a cure for arthritis, many Chinese herbal remedies exist and aim to reduce pain and discomfort caused by arthritis. If you or someone you know suffers from arthritis, trying the following Chinese herbal treatments may help reduce any joint stiffness or discomfort.
Understanding Chinese Herbal Medicine
If you suffer from arthritis, understanding the history and role of Chinese herbs is the first step in reducing arthritic pain. These herb combinations, which have long been used as a traditional component of Chinese medicine, are believed to help the body renew and cleanse the organs, blood and other bodily fluids. Herbs are also believed to help the body copy with any tension, stress or other external force. Each herb combination is created to have special effects, and practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine believe the herbs work together to create a specific effect, such as easing arthritic pain and joint stiffness. Although some herbs may be prescribed to consume orally in their natural form, herbs may also be prescribed in capsule, pill or liquid form. You can also boil herbs in water and use them in teas or recipes.
Guan Jie Yan Wan Herbal Combination
The first step in reducing joint swelling or pain caused by arthritis is to sample different combinations of Chinese herbs. One particular herbal combination, Guan Jie Yan Wan, was specifically designed to reduce swelling in the joints caused by arthritis. The herbs are believed to remove "damp wind" from the joints, and can treat patients suffering from joint pain and swelling, lower back pain, sore shoulders, swollen wrists, swollen ankles and sore knees. The combination is also believed to bring the body back into alignment and properly balance the organs and bones. This herbal remedy is not advised for women who are pregnant or nursing. The herbal combination includes fresh ginger, white mulberry twig, Chinese skullcap root, turmeric and Indian coral tree, among other ingredients, and is available in most health stores, Asian markets and online.
Zhui Feng Huo Xue Pian Herbal Combination
An additional herbal combination patients may take if they suffer from symptoms of debilitating arthritis is Zhui Feng Huo Xue Pian, a combination made to combat the pain and discomfort that progressive arthritis may cause. The herbs are believed to disperse cold wind from the joints, while increasing blood circulation and soothing the sinews. This herbal combination also reduces joint swelling and pain, and may also create a "warm sensation" in the afflicted joints. This herbal remedy is not advised for women who are pregnant or nursing. Because the combination is kept secret, patients seeking relief from arthritis should purchase the herbal combination from health food stores, online or in Asian grocery markets.
Tags: herbal combination, caused arthritis, from arthritis, joint stiffness, This herbal, Zhui Feng Pian
One is considered to have high blood pressure when the systolic blood pressure is over 130 mmHG and the reading for diastolic blood pressure reaches over 90mmHG. (The reading mmHG is millimeter of mercury.) Most physicians treat patients who have high blood pressure with a variety of medications. Natural home remedies can help keep blood pressure in the healthy range.
Herbs, Supplements and Vitamins
Many natural herbs, supplements and vitamins assist in lowering blood pressure. According to the National Institution of Health, vitamin E, magnesium, and calcium help reduce blood pressure. Other herbs and supplements that aid in improving blood circulation and dilating arteries include ginkgo biloba, ginger root, coenzymeQ10 and turmeric.
Life Style and Exercise
Daily exercise is excellent for lowering blood pressure. Walking is easy and generally accessible, and should be indulged in regularly. Managing stress is important for maintaining normal blood pressure, and this can be achieved by having supporting relationships, maintaining a positive attitude and engaging in hobbies. Meditation, tai chi and yoga create relaxation within and aid in the regulating of breathing patterns. Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol helps lower blood pressure as well.
DASH Diet
The DASH diet is one of the most popular diets for reducing high blood pressure, according to the Mayo Clinic. It is also considered a healthy and healing diet for heart disease and diabetes. DASH is an acronym for "dietary approach to stop hypertension." ( Hypertension is another word for high blood pressure.) The diet suggests large amounts of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, low calorie dairy products and low fat protein. It is low in saturated fats and sodium, and rich in magnesium, potassium and calcium. The DASH diet is sparked up by allowing five to six servings per week of sweets, including a small portion of dark chocolate.
RESPERATE Device
The RESPeRATE device is relatively new in the treatment of high blood pressure. It uses a computerized electronic device to guide breathing. The RESPeRATE has three parts: a computerized unit, a chest sensor and earphones. There is a personalized melody created by your breathing pattern. Strap the sensor to your chest, then take deep, slow breaths. Your blood vessels will begin to dilate and relax, and your blood will flow more freely, creating lower blood pressure. This device is the only one accepted by the health-care system in Canada.
Tags: blood pressure, blood pressure, high blood, high blood pressure, have high
DEXA is an acronym for Dual Energy Absortiometry. This painless test measures bone mineral density in patients at risk for osteoporosis by directing low doses of x-ray energy from two different sources toward the patient's bone. Each x-ray beam has a distinct energy peak or signature. Tissue absorbs one of the beams and the bone absorbs the other energy beam. Then the scanner can read the different levels of absorption and uses special software to measure the bone mineral density, which is an indicator of bone strength.
The hip and spine are the usual areas for the scan but fingers, hands, forearms or even the foot provide suitable readings as well. To perform the scan, the patient lies down on a table. Below the table is an x-ray generator and above the table is an imaging device. The imaging device passes over an area of the body and generates an image on a monitor.
Images of the spine require the patient to elevate her legs by resting both legs on a support pad. This position causes the pelvis and lower spine to flatten, allowing for a clearer image. Images of the hip involve placing the patient's foot in a brace or holder and rotating the foot inward. In both cases, it is necessary to lie still while the image is generating.
There is minimal preparation for this test which is usually performed on an outpatient basis. Patients should wear loose, comfortable clothing and refrain from taking calcium supplements for 24 to 48 hours. Avoid wearing jewelry or other metals and tell the technician about any back or hip injuries you may have had in the past. You will complete a questionnaire that will help determine your risk for osteoporosis and should let the technician know if you have had recent CT scans or x-rays involving barium. Although the radiation exposure is minimal, it is important to let the physician know if there is any possibility that you are pregnant.
The DEXA scan is a useful tool for assessing bone strength and, when used with other tools such as patient history and scan comparisons, helps predict a patient's risk for fracture. Once the test is completed, a radiologist will analyze the images and send a report to your physician. Your physician will consider the DEXA results along with your family and personal medical history and discuss the results with you.
Tags: bone mineral, bone mineral density, bone strength, imaging device, mineral density
Uterine fibroids are known as uterine myomas or fibromyomas and are benign growths or tumors that develop in the wall of the uterus. These can occur in pre-menopausal women over the age of 30. Herbs are effective, natural treatments for uterine fibroids.
Herbal Tea
Herbal teas used in the treatment for uterine fibroids include one that is brewed from the blooms of the red clover herb. Red clover is rich in phytoestrogens, the naturally-occurring plant compounds that have a similar chemical structure to estrogen. According to Duane Townsend, M.D., these compounds are highly beneficial in the treatment and management of fibroids by actively inhibiting their growth. Drink 2 to 3 cups of red clover tea to help shrink uterine fibroids.
Essential Oil Supplements
Herbal essential oils like evening primrose oil can alleviate pain and inflammation of fibroids and contain high levels of omega 6 essential fatty acids that are powerful, natural anti-inflammatory compounds. Evening primrose essential oil is available in supplemental form at health food stores.
Herbal Baths
Herbal baths are a topical treatment for uterine fibroids. Prepare a warm sitz bath using enough water to cover the thighs and hips when you sit in the tub. Pour in 1 or 2 cups of herbal tea decoction brewed from Mexican wild yams. Sit in the bath for 10 to 15 minutes; repeat twice a day. Herbal tea infusion brewed from horsetail can be substituted for Mexican wild yam.
Herbal Poultices
Poultices are herbal treatments that are applied to the affected area with moist heat, creating a stimulating, detoxifying effect. Make an herbal poultice for uterine fibroids from cooked or raw cabbage leaves. Layer the cabbage leaves over the pelvic area and cover them with a very warm, moist towel. Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes and then rinse the area with warm water.
Cluster headaches are headaches that occur on one side of the head with several occurring during a short span of time. In addition to pain, other symptoms can include a watering and puffy eye and stuffy nostril on the affected side. Many people who get cluster headaches suffer from this severe and chronic pain frequently. Keeping a headache journal, finding ways to relieve stress and taking prescription medication are all ways that you can find relief from chronic cluster headaches.
Keeping a Headache Journal
Many cluster headaches are triggered by the same events over and over. Keeping a headache journal can help you to determine which actions, foods or situations are causing your cluster episodes. Cluster headaches are commonly caused by nitrates found in foods, cigarette smoke, drinking alcohol, irregular sleeping habits and stress. Avoiding these triggers can help to provide relief and minimize the severity of cluster headache episodes.
Getting Stress Relief
Stress is one of the most common triggers for cluster headaches. In order to reduce stress levels, you can avoid stressful situations and people. If that's not possible, stress can be lessened by practicing yoga, doing breathing exercises or using meditation. Aromatherapy, listening to calming music or taking a relaxing bath can also help you to relieve stress.
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Taking Prescription Medication
There are many types of prescription medication available for the treatment of cluster headaches. Triptans are acute treatment medications used to treat cluster headaches immediately. Triptans are available as an injection or nasal spray. Ergot-based medications, such as dihydroergotamine, are also helpful for pain relief in cluster headaches and can be administered intravenously or inhaled. Octreotide is an artificial form of somatostatin, which is a hormone found in the brain. This medication is effective for pain relief and can be useful if you have medical problems that prevent you from using other medications
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is a condition that causes kids to have trouble with school, at home and in many social situations. Their inability to pay attention, and difficulties with impulse control contribute to these troubles. A child can learn to cope with ADHD when you provide him with a structured environment and positive reinforcement. Behavioral therapy is also useful to help him learn to deal with the results of ADHD behaviors.
Providing Structure
Children with ADHD thrive in a structured environment. When you create clearly established rules, consequences and boundaries for your ADHD child, it makes her feel more secure, since she doesn't have to wonder what will happen if she does something. Repeat the rules often, explain the consequences clearly, and enforce the boundaries consistently in order to provide the structure your ADHD child needs to cope with this condition.
Positive Reinforcement
A child with ADHD often has low self-esteem, because of the results of his hyperactivity and short attention span. His behavior often gets him in trouble in school and at home, which makes him feel sad. In addition, a child with ADHD knows he is different, which is uncomfortable for any child. In order to combat these negative feelings, and help him learn to cope with having ADHD, provide him with positive reinforcement. For example, you can praise him when he completes a task or offer him rewards for good behavior. Providing positive reinforcement consistently is important to offset the negative reinforcement when he gets in trouble.
Behavioral Therapy
Therapy can be very helpful when teaching a child with ADHD to cope with her condition. Behavioral therapy teaches her modify her behavior to deal with stressful situations. Once she learns to manage her behavior, her self-esteem improves as a result. Increased self-esteem is an added benefit to behavioral therapy for a child with ADHD.
Tags: child with, child with ADHD, cope with, with ADHD, your ADHD child, ADHD child
Even without an allergy, enough bee stings can kill a grown man. Though the threat of death is usually minimal in a bee swarm situation, it's still worth avoiding, namely because being stung is bad for both you and the bees. In fact, bees aren't natural aggressors, but they aren't very smart either, so should you find yourself in a situation where you've been mistaken as a threat to the colony, or you were stupid enough to throw rocks at a hive, then here's your best exit strategy.
Instructions
1. Sprint away from the swarm as quickly as possible. Bees can fly at a top speed of 15 miles per hour though they usually fly around 9 miles per hour. Depending on how angry they are and the type of bee, you might be able to out run them but not for very long. Some types of bees are more determined to hurt you for downing their hive and will give chase for over a mile.
2. Get indoors if possible. If you are in a residential area or near a car, put windows and walls between you and the bees. It's likely that a few will follow you in, but 1 or 2 bees are easier to contend with than 700.
3. Head for thick brush if you are in the wilderness. Tall grass, bushes, high weeds, or dense forest will all help you out considerably. Though it may slow your progress some, the vegetation actually provides cover for you. If chasing you becomes complicated, bees will often lose interest.
4. Divide and conquer. If you are with someone else, split off in different directions. With more than one aggressor, bees will become confused and disband. You will likely both have bees chasing you, but contending with half of a swarm is better than a whole.
5. Maintain a straight trajectory. Don't zigzag through a wooded area because you will be crossing ground you've already been over and can potentially pick up stragglers. Always keep a straight line directly away from the hive.
6. Remove the stinger as soon as possible if you are stung because it will continue to inject venom as long as it's embedded. To remove a stinger, drag your fingertips over it as though you were scratching a deep itch. Squeezing a stinger to remove it can cause the remaining venom to release into you.
Type 2 diabetics are more prone to both migraines and regular headaches than an otherwise healthy person. However, relief for a diabetic headache should not come in an over-the-counter painkiller. More often than not, your headache is trying to tell you that your blood sugar levels are out of balance. So instead of treating the headache and masking the problem, learn to associate the pain with your blood sugar levels and treat the cause of your pain.
Hypoglycemia
Low blood sugar--also known as hypoglycemia or insulin reaction-- is a common cause of headache in diabetics. A hypoglycemia-related headache often results after missing a meal, over-exercising, drinking alcohol, or taking too much insulin or other medication.
If you think your headache is related to low blood sugar, confirm it by checking your blood glucose level with your meter. If your levels are below 70 mg/dL, take one of these remedies immediately:
3 glucose tablets or 1 serving of glucose gel
1/2 cup of fruit juice
1/2 cup of soda (not diet)
1 cup of milk
1 tbsp. of sugar or honey
(However, be advised that if you are taking Acarbose or Miglitol your blood glucose levels can only be raised by taking a pure glucose tablet or gel.)
After the dose, re-check your blood glucose level to make sure that it is above 70 mg/dL. Then, have a snack if your next meal is more than an hour away.
Hyperglycemia
High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, also can cause headaches in diabetics. High blood sugar can develop over several days or hours and can be the result of eating too much or too frequently, exercising too little, taking too little diabetes medication, stress, illness or injury.
If your headache arrives in conjunction with any of those factors or your meter reading is high for you, eat a piece of vinegar soaked in bread. A 2005 study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that eating a piece of whole-grain wheat bread soaked in vinegar lowered subjects' blood sugar within 30 minutes. After eating the vinegar, be sure to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration from frequent urination and take a 30-minute walk to help your body regulate your blood sugar.
When to Consult a Doctor
While a diabetic headache is often just a sign that your blood sugar is temporarily out of balance, it may also be a sign of a serious problem. If your headache comes in conjunction with any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately:
A sharp headache that originates behind one eye and is accompanied by blurred vision and spots or flashes of light may be a sign of glaucoma.
A severe headache accompanied by dizziness, a lack of feeling in one or more limbs (numbness), slurred speech and/or drooping of one side of the face may be a sign of the onset of a stroke.
A severe headache accompanied by confusion, thirst, frequent urination and dizziness can be a sign of the onset of a diabetic coma.
Tags: blood sugar, your blood, your blood sugar, your headache, blood glucose, your blood glucose, blood glucose level
Going on an interview can be a scary and stressful process. But there are a lot of things you can do to minimize your fears and maximize your chances of success. Probably the best thing you can do is to take good care of yourself, so that you are feeling your best. When you're on top of your game, the outcome isn't nearly as important as how you play.
Prepare
Do your homework. Research the organization (and the interviewer if possible); have answers to "typical" interview questions; take a list of your own questions to ask about the company or position; bring a copy of your resume. If you can, do a practice interview beforehand to help you feel comfortable talking about yourself and your qualifications. Arrive with plenty of time to spare. And remember that the interview is just as much for you to learn about them as it is for them to learn about you.
Get Rest
Make sure you get a good night's sleep the night before. Do things to relax such as take a warm bath; work out; get a massage; meditate; listen to relaxing music you like. On the morning of the interview, eat a healthy breakfast, take a walk, and have a calm, relaxed morning routine. Dress for the part so you look and feel your best. Use positive affirmations to help you get in the right frame of mind.
Visualize
If you can see it, you can believe it; if you can believe it, you can do it. Take time to see in your mind's eye the interview itself and the desired outcome. See yourself as calm and relaxed, confidently answering the interview questions and having a great rapport with the interviewer. Picture the company offering you the job, which is exactly what you want and deserve. Feel your happiness and excitement grow at the prospect of this new opportunity.
Breathe
Before and during the interview, remember to breathe. Take a few slow, deep breaths beforehand. Do some shoulder rolls, and bring your attention to your entire body from head to toe, telling each part to relax. In particular, notice your abdomen and make sure that you are breathing full, deep, and even breaths from the belly, like we did when we were babies (more relaxed breathing), as opposed to from the chest (more stressful breathing). Practicing yoga can also help prepare you by helping you learn healthy breathing habits. Remember that when you are asked a question, you can take a moment, breathe, and answer when you are ready.
Smile!
When we are stressed, we often forget to smile. Smiling can help you to feel less stressed and more relaxed. Smiling relaxes your whole being and puts the interviewer more at ease as well, so that you make a positive impression. When you're happy and show it, you're more likely to be successful at whatever you do.
Tags: calm relaxed, help feel, interview questions, learn about, more relaxed, your best
Chiropractic tricks may help ease discomfort or pain for clients.
Repetitive stress, sports injuries or surgery recovery trauma sometimes leave people with discomfort or pain in the neck, shoulders and spine. Chiropractic care may help people experience relief from these problems. Chiropractors employ various tricks of the trade to locate areas of misalignment, manipulate the body's extremities and make adjustments.
Keep in mind that while some chiropractic techniques may seem like magic tricks because of the sometimes-rapid recovery from discomfort or pain, chiropractors are medical professionals who have studied their craft to practice safely and effectively. Chiropractors must be properly licensed.
Adjusting The Atlas Vertebra
The atlas vertebra structure is the neck's top cervical bone, which can affect the entire spine's alignment. Misaligned atlas structures can cause the head to tilt, creating stress on the spine, according to Atlas Orthogonality, an online chiropractic resource. One chiropractor trick is to adjust the atlas orthogonal, relieving tension and stress in the spine. Chiropractors measure the atlas vertebra, determining its exact location and misalignment with the possible use of x-rays. The chiropractor can then safely make necessary adjustments.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Technique (CSFT)
Another chiropractic trick is the cerebrospinal fluid technique, which aims to improve the flow of cerebrospinal fluid using palpations along the spine, from the coccyx to the cranium, according to Heal Touch, an online alternative health resource. Low-impact movements help stimulate the spine, releasing cerebrospinal fluids.
Directional No-Force Technique
This chiropractic trick allows chiropractors to work with patients using a gentle, specialized technique that permits the body to provide physiological cues on misalignments or problem areas, according to No Force, an online resource for the technique. Chiropractors may use their thumbs to apply gentle force in specific areas to ease pain or correct misalignments along areas of both soft and bony tissues.
Motion Palpation
Another chiropractic trick is motion palpation, a diagnostic technique that allows chiropractors to detect joint dysfunction along the spinal column, legs, arms and neck, according to the Motion Palpation Institute, an organization that educates chiropractors.
Nerve Assist
Nerve assist is a chiropractic trick advocated by Scientologists, according to the group's website. The technique is grounded in the idea that 12 major nerves running near the spine can cause nearby muscles to tense for long periods of time, eventually pulling the spinal column out of alignment. Chiropractors use two index fingers to apply downward and upward strokes along the spine, eventually spreading the fingers to stroke nerves all along the back. This chiropractic trick is administered until the person being treated feels decreased pressure and pain relief.
Tags: chiropractic trick, discomfort pain, allows chiropractors, along spine, Another chiropractic
Cold sores or fever blisters affect more than 90 percent of adults. These itchy sores caused by the herpes simplex virus are also unattractive. If you develop fever blisters, you will want to keep the area clean and avoid touching the area so you do not spread the blisters or infect others. You may also want to minimize the appearance of fever blisters.
Instructions
1. Apply ice to stop the fever blister from becoming a full blown cold sore. If you apply ice as soon as you feel the tingling pain of a cold sore beginning to erupt you may be able to stop it from developing.
2. Apply a cold sore blister treatment such as Abreva to reduce the length of healing time and to minimize the appearance of a fever blister with the medicated base. If you do not have a fever blister medication, apply an emollient lip balm such as Aquaphor to the lip area to soften the appearance of the fever blister and moisturize the area.
3. Run a fine lip brush along the side of a lipstick or use your pinkie to apply a small amount of lipstick to a fever blister if you are a woman. Be sure the lip area is moist. If the area is not moist the lipstick will look dry making the appearance of the fever blister worse. If you are a man or you don't wear lipstick, you can take a tiny amount of a facial mask and mix it with a little lip balm to dull the look of a fever blister on the lip.
4. Touch up the lip area with the fever blister medication or lip balm and lipstick or facial mask, throughout the day, to minimize the appearance of the fever blister on your lip.
Glaucoma is a disease that affects the eye and can result in loss of sight. Treatments of glaucoma range from medication to surgery. For some, a more natural and holistic approach to glaucoma therapy is desirable.
Nutrition
According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, vitamins A, E and C are antioxidants that promote eye health. Zinc and copper are important minerals as well. However, according to Dr. John Hetherington, a clinical professor of ophthalmology at the University of California at San Francisco, there is no scientific evidence that shows a direct connection between vitamin consumption and relief of inner eye pressure associated with glaucoma.
Fluids
Studies, such as one conducted by Dr. EJ Higginbotham et. al, have shown that consuming caffeine can negatively effect the eyes by raising inner eye pressure. It is also important, according to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, to avoid drinking a quart of water in less than 20 minutes, as this can also increase inner eye pressure.
Bilberry
Bilberry is an extract of the European blueberry and its merits in supporting eye health have been touted by health food stores that market the supplement. The FDA has not tested bilberry and has gathered no evidence that it protects against glaucoma.
Exercise
According to Dr. Hetherington, regular exercise can help lower inner eye pressure for a period of months. Studies have shown that glaucoma patients who exercised for three months displayed a 20 percent decrease in inner eye pressure, according to the Glaucoma Research Foundation.
Other Remedies
Other suggested homeopathic remedies have included acupuncture and light therapy through exposure to low-intensity color such as blue and green. According to Dr. Brian Chou, no scientific evidence could be found to support these claims.
Conclusion
Beyond regular exercise, there is very little scientific evidence that supports effective results in treating glaucoma with homeopathic remedies.
Tags: inner pressure, evidence that, Glaucoma Research, Glaucoma Research Foundation, Research Foundation
Some people believe gemstones and crystals are one of the most profound energy medicine tools. The use of crystals and gemstones to heal has been around for centuries. Throughout history, many cultures, empires and religions utilized these beautiful and mystical tools in the healing arena.
Significance
Crystal and gemstone healing is the use of crystals and gemstones to bring healing to the body. It also is used to make positive change in the mind.
Alternative Treatment
Crystal and gemstone healing is an alternative measure aimed at strengthening the body and healing issues of the mind. It is the belief these gemstones carry vibrational rates that when placed within a person's aura, they bring about subtle but potent results.
Uses
The most efficient and suggested way to utilize crystal and gemstone therapy is to wear high-quality beads around the neck. Metal inhibits their healing properties so rope or string should be used as a chain. Also, metal surrounding the gemstone and crystal should be avoided.
Love Stones
If a person is hoping to get married, improve a marriage or relationship, find love or rekindle lost love, the following stones are suggested: romance crystal gold, emerald, malachite, jade, turquoise, rose quartz, moonstone, imperial topaz and rainbow jasper.
Money Stones
The following stones are said to help money flow your way: citrine, garnet, malachite, smokey quartz and adventurine.
Healing
Emotional, physical and spiritual healing should include written recording when using crystals and gemstones. Some stones should not touch the body but should be placed an inch or two above. Research each stone before use.
Rose quartz is a pink variety of quartz thought to be the "love" stone. It is a feminine and pretty stone with spiritual properties that speak to the heart. It is found in abundance in Germany, India, Brazil, Madagascar and in the United States, especially in South Dakota. The spiritual properties of rose quartz presented here are considered alternative and complimentary therapy only and do not replace standard medial diagnosis or treatment.
Unconditional Love
Heart matters
Rose quartz symbolizes unconditional love and is used in folklore healing to promote affairs of the heart. It is a stone with soothing spiritual properties enhancing family love, platonic love and romantic love, and healing the heart in difficult times. Rose quartz engenders compassion, forgiveness and tolerance, easing tensions and dissolving conflict.
Self-Esteem
Raises self-esteem
Rose quartz balances the emotions and raises self-esteem. It enhances self-love and nourishes the heart. It has peaceful properties that promote self-acceptance, inner peace and an improved self image, including body image.
Recovery From Trauma
Restores optimism
Rose quartz heals past traumas. It soothes fears and anger and eases any sense of pervasive guilt, helping families reconcile their differences. It heals heartaches, grief and loneliness and is a catalyst for emotional catharsis, giving you optimism for the future.
Tags: Rose quartz, spiritual properties, properties that, Rose quartz, stone with
More than 2 million Americans suffer from gout, according to the Arthritis Foundation. An attack of gout occurs when excess uric acid is deposited in the tissues of the body, typically in the joints of the toes. The first symptom of gout is often a swelling and severe pain in the big toe following a trauma or illness. Gout treatment focuses on curing acute attacks, relieving pain, preventing future attacks and minimizing the risk of complications.
Instructions
1. Visit your doctor to have a sample of fluid removed from your joint and checked for uric acid crystals. This is the only accurate way to diagnose gout, and a correct diagnosis is essential to treatment.
2. Avoid alcohol, foods high in purines and the use of diuretics. According to the Arthritis Foundation, all of these may increase the risk of gout occurrence and decrease the effectiveness of treatment strategies.
3. Increase your consumption of dairy products to cure foot gout. According to the Mayo Clinic, including low-fat dairy products in your daily diet will help treat and prevent gout attacks.
4. Lose weight to cure foot gout by reducing the levels of urate in your blood. However, rapid weight loss may temporarily raise levels of uric acid in the body, thereby triggering an attack of gout.
5. Increase your daily intake of fluid to help dilute uric acid in your urine and blood and flush out your kidneys. Water is ideal, but any noncaffeinated beverage is effective, according to the University of California, San Francisco.
6. Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroids or colchicine to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Aspirin should not be used to treat foot gout. Report any side effects, such as bleeding or stomach pain, to your doctor immediately. Colchicine is prescribed to treat existing attacks of gout and prevent future attacks.
7. Try a urate-lowering medication, such as probenecid or allopurinal, to prevent attacks by controlling urate levels in the blood. Probenecid helps flush excess uric acid through the urinary tract, while allopurinol decreases the formation of uric acid in the body.
8. Use a cane or other supportive device to keep weight off the affected foot and speed recovery. Most insurance plans cover the use of supportive devices during treatment for gout. Ask your doctor if a cane would be beneficial in your specific case.
9. Apply ice packs to the sore joint to reduce inflammation and pain. Elevating the swollen joint above the level of your heart is also effective at reducing swelling and inflammation.
10. Try alternative therapies if your gout fails to respond to traditional treatments. The Mayo Clinic states that coffee, cherries and vitamin C supplements have all shown beneficial effects in treating gout.
Tags: uric acid, foot gout, your doctor, acid body, Arthritis Foundation
The cardiovascular surgical nurse is an integral part of the surgical team. The nurse assists surgeons and other nurses throughout the procedure to ensure the highest possible level of care. Cardiovascular surgical nurses have many responsibilities, all of which correlate with anticipating and providing the best care for the patient.
Assess Care
The cardiovascular surgical nurse will need to assess the care of the patient by determining pain levels, taking vital signs, monitoring heart rate and blood pressure, taking blood, reading results and administering basic care as a result of that information.
Plan Care
Cardiovascular surgical nurses will outline a care plan for a patient based on test results, vitals and health problems. This includes scheduling additional tests, calling in doctors to evaluate the patient and providing the doctors with the plan of care for approval. Plans should take into consideration all health problems, allergies, previous medicines the patient is taking and the standard of care for the presenting conditions.
Implement Care
Care will need to be implemented by the cardiovascular surgical nurse with input from cardiovascular surgeons as necessary. All orders given by doctors should be followed, including exercise, administering medicine, checking vitals, changing dressings, changing medicines or dosages, as well as ensuring the patient is as comfortable as possible.
Evaluates Patient During Procedure
The cardiovascular surgical nurse will need to evaluate the patient's vital signs during any procedure and notify the doctors and surgeons of any important changes that would affect the procedure as administered.
Assists Surgeon
The cardiovascular surgical nurse will assist the surgeon as necessary throughout cardiovascular procedures. This includes watching heart rate and blood pressure for any important changes, monitoring body temperature, suctioning, assisting in resuscitation if needed, as well as administering additional medicines, running tests, providing necessary instruments and other related duties.
Knowledgeable
The cardiovascular surgical nurse must be highly knowledgeable of all instruments, procedures, supplies and equipment used on all cardiovascular surgeries. The cardiovascular surgical nurse will also engage in continuing education to learn new procedures, supplies, equipment and instruments as necessary.
Standards
Cardiovascular surgical nurses maintain the high standards of nursing care and ensure these standards are always met in order to provide excellent care to cardiovascular patients.
Losing weight after pregnancy and while breastfeeding can be difficult for some women. Milk weight is hard to lose because the woman is carrying extra fluid in the breasts, and may even experience bodily fluid retention. There are, however, several techniques that a woman can use to lose milk weight and to lose weight gained while breastfeeding.
Instructions
The Process
1. Speak with your doctor about an appropriate weight loss method to lose milk weight or to diet during lactation; devise a plan that will help you lose no more than 4.5 pounds in a month.
2. Talk to your doctor about getting a vitamin supplement so you get enough calcium, B6, folate, zinc magnesium and other vitamins every day.
3. Drink eight glasses of water every day to rid the body of toxins that would otherwise increase fluid retention. Refrain from drinking sodas, colas and beverages high in sugar.
4. Breastfeed regularly to burn up stored fat; use a breast pump to reduce the size of breasts swollen with excessive breast milk.
5. Replace your table salt with a salt replacement to minimize fluid retention and keep your blood pressure at appropriate levels.
6. Exercise three times a week. Go swimming, go for a walk, do aerobics indoors or ride a bike. Alternate your workouts to prevent boredom and to exercise different muscles. Exercise at least three times a week for half an hour.
7. Incorporate low-fat and fat-free foods into your diet. Consume the number of calories daily recommended by your physician. Use a calorie counter and a food scale to make sure you are getting adequate calories and correct food portions.
8. Weigh yourself once a week and track it in a journal or weight-loss log. Don't get discouraged if you do not lose a lot of weight all at one time.
Nail fungus is a type of fungus that grows underneath toenails and fingernails. Nails that are infected with this fungus will appear yellowed and thick. Apart from using a prescription medication, nail fungus can be tough to kill. However, a beer treatment could take care of it. Soaking you feet or hands in a beer-based mixture can kill nail fungus because the fungus can't thrive in a highly acidic environment.
Making the Beer Treatment
A nail fungus beer treatment is a mixture of three ingredients. The main ingredient is a dark beer, such as Guinness (although any stout-style brew will work). Pour a liter of the room-temperature beer into a large container. Add a liter of white vinegar to the beer and stir to combine.
The final ingredient in a nail fungus beer treatment is called an acidophilus sachet. These sachets, which can be purchased at health medicine stores, contain acidophilus, a type of probiotic bacteria. Acidophilus displaces the fungus. While the beer and vinegar will help cut back on the fungal growth, acidophilus will keep the fungus from returning. Drop half of an acidophilus sachet into the beer and vinegar mixture, and stir.
Soaking the Fungus
Wash the afflicted area with soap and water and dry thoroughly. Soak your hands or feet in the beer treatment for about 30 minutes. After soaking them, rub the top of the afflicted nails with a pumice stone or file to remove any dead material from them, and blow-dry the area with a hair dryer. The heat will kill any exposed fungus. Repeat this process twice a day.
Stick with It
As nail fungus is protected from the outside world by the fingernail or toenail, using a beer treatment to kill it will take some time. Make sure to soak the area in the treatment solution every day. You will begin to see uninfected nail growth filling in at the base of the nail within 30 days, but should keep up the treatment until all of the fungus-infected parts of the nail have grown out. This process can take three to six months, depending on how extensive the infection is.
The beer treatment can be reused for three consecutive days; simply cover the container with plastic wrap or a lid between uses and store it in a cool, dark place (such as a kitchen or bathroom cabinet). After three days, discard the used treatment and mix up a fresh batch.
Tags: nail fungus, beer treatment, acidophilus sachet, area with, beer treatment
Life force or vital energy is "prana" to the Hindus, "nilch'i" to the Navajo, and "chi" to the Chinese. Practitioners of pranic healing draw upon this life-sustaining energy to rejuvenate and heal an ailing body and mind by balancing the flow of energy, which enters the body through seven chakras in the auric field. The aura has been photographed by Kirlian technology, and has revealed gaps in sections of the energy field where there are leaks.
The Healer as a Channel
Pranic healing is an ancient technique mentioned by Yogi Patanjali in the second century B.C. in his seminal work "The Yoga Sutra." Pranic healing was adapted for mass use by Grand Master Choa Kok Sui, who believes in the body's ability to heal itself. According to the trademarked MCKS Pranic Healing technique, increasing prana or vital energy in the diseased organ accelerates the healing process. A pranic healer channels this life force from the environment--sun, air and earth--and projects it into the aura of a sick person. The premise here is that disease first manifests in the aura or bio-electromagnetic field before progressing to the physical body.
Removal of Energy Blocks
Using her palms, the pranic healer measures the size of the chakras in the aura, balancing them if they are too big or too small. The healer makes sweeping motions with her palm and scoops away the dead or negative energy from the affected chakra. Each chakra corresponds to a physical organ. During this step, a healer's hand might tingle or burn slightly if the energy being removed is dense and "dirty," meaning it is affected by disease.
Projection
The pranic healer absorbs energy from the universe through her crown chakra, at the top of the head. This energy is visualized as colored light, which clairvoyants claim to see. The healer then projects it onto the diseased organ by placing the palm a few inches away from the corresponding chakra. The procedure is repeated until the patient feels better.
Tags: pranic healer, Pranic Healing, diseased organ, Does Pranic, Does Pranic Healing, energy from, Healing Work
Growing specific spices may help keep mosquitoes away.
Mosquitoes are almost guaranteed to ruin summertime fun. These insects can not only be a nuisance, but they can also carry diseases such as malaria, and encephalitis, according to the Illinois Department of Health. Many chemical products can repel mosquitoes; however, natural spice repellents can also keep the pesky bugs away.
Basil
Basil is an often-used spice in many dishes and comes in a variety of colors. You can keep mosquitoes at bay by planting basil in small tabletop planters around your home.
Lemon Grass
In a 2004 at the California State Science Fair, a study compared the effectiveness of lemon grass at repelling mosquitoes to a Deet-based mosquito repellent. While the study showed lemon grass to have only a 51 percent efficiency rate compared to Deet's 81 percent efficiency rate, many people may be allergic to Deet, making lemon grass a functional alternative.
Rosemary
Rosemary is an attractive tropical plant that can live outdoors, but must be brought indoors during cold weather. The spice can also be added to your favorite dishes.
Garlic
Colorado State University researchers have found that the oil in garlic is successful in repelling certain kinds of mosquito larvae. A mixture of 1 percent garlic oil, petroleum jelly and bees wax rubbed on the skin can keep you from getting mosquito bites. Eating a large amount of garlic or taking garlic supplements may also repel mosquitoes due to their use of smell to find victims.
Sinus problems are not only painful, they can be distracting and tough to treat. The inflammation of the nasal passages and sinus cavities associated with sinus problems can become debilitating when it reaches the stage of infection. Very often people don't even realize an infection is involved because the symptoms can resemble a cold or the flu with an intense sinus headache. Some easy home remedies can help you deal with your sinus infection.
Nasal Irrigation
The first thing to do when you suspect you have sinus infection is to dilute 1/4 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water and then draw this solution into an ear bulb syringe. Gently place the bulb into your nose and squeeze while breathing into get the salt water up into the nasal passages where it can help clean away the mucus and decrease swelling. Inflammation in the nasal passageway creates nasal pressure that can lead to headaches and prolonged infection.
Ginger Compress
Another natural remedy for sinus infection includes ginger. Get yourself an actual root of the ginger plant and use a cheese grater to slice about 1/4 cup of the root. Add the ginger to a pint of boiling water. Let it simmer for 15 minutes and then strain the results. Dip a washcloth into the pot until it is nice and damp and then cover your face to help with the nasal drainage and hopefully, the end of your sinus problems.
Horseradish
A buildup of mucus is the primary contributing factor to the swelling and pain caused by a sinus infection. A solution made of 1 teaspoon of horseradish mixed with 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice has the miraculous power of reducing that mucus and helping the drainage process. You can eat this solution straight or mix it with rice or potatoes if you experience a burning sensation when eating it.
Grape Seed Extract
Grape seek extract contains very powerful antioxidant properties that can serve to reduce the inflammation of the sinus cavities and nasal passages. Take 50 milligrams of grape seed extract three times a day to speed up the process of healing when you have a sinus infection and to quickly reduce swelling and that lingering sinus headache.
Acupressure
No to be confused with acupuncture, this process does not require needles and can be done by yourself at any time. Press and massage the areas around the nose, playing special attention to the base of the nose where the nostrils flare outward and the areas of the cheek just below the eyes. Massaging these areas with a fair amount of pressure can help relieve pain and aid drainage.
Diet
Proper nutrition during a sinus infection involves more what you don't want to eat than what you do. Since sinus infections are all about the production of mucus and the drainage of same, avoid any kind of food or beverage that stimulates mucus production or inhibits drainage. This could include alcohol, milk, ice cream and foods high in sugar.
Tags: sinus infection, nasal passages, Cure Sinus, Cure Sinus Infection, have sinus, have sinus infection, Home Remedies
Adding fragrance to your steam room can increase your enjoyment and may benefit your health.
From improving circulation to cleansing the skin of impurities to simple relaxation, people enjoy steam rooms for a variety of reasons. When you add scents to your steam room, especially with essential oils, you can increase the enjoyment of your experience. Using pure essential oils to scent your steam room rather than synthetic fragrance oils can provide additional therapeutic benefits. Consult your doctor before using aromatherapy to treat any medical conditions. The FDA has not approved the use of essential oils to treat any disease or disorder.
Instructions
1. Locate the steam room generator or fragrance receptacle for your particular model.
2. Add five to eight drops of essential oil to the fragrance receptacle or the water in your generator.
3. Turn on the sauna. The oils will mix with the steam and scent the room. Choose an essential oil based on the properties of the oil. If you want a relaxing steam bath, choose oils with soothing properties, such as lavender, chamomile, bergamot or frankincense. If you want to improve respiratory health, choose eucalyptus, mint, sage or tea tree. To boost your immune system, try eucalyptus, pine or thyme. If arthritis or other joint pain affects you, add a few drops of benzoin, ginger, marjoram or rosemary to your steam treatment. To remove toxins from your system, angelica, white birch, grapefruit or juniper essential oils might be helpful.
Tags: essential oils, steam room, your steam, your steam room, fragrance receptacle
Menthol is a compound found in mint plants. Medicinal menthol is derived from peppermint oil or may be made synthetically. Menthol can soothe skin ailments, sore throats and indigestion. Users should avoid menthol contact with the eyes. Pure menthol is poisonous; it is diluted as a medical treatment.
Skin Ailments and Muscle Pain
Menthol, which is used to treat a variety of skin aliments, stimulates the skin's cold receptors. The subsequent cooling effect provides relief from pain or irritation. Menthol medicines treat the itching from poison ivy, canker sore pain and minor burns. Products containing menthol treat blemishes and acne. Menthol products also provide relief from muscle inflammation and soreness.
Sore Throats and Congestion
Menthol medicinal products treat sore mouths and throats. The menthol provides an anesthetic action that numbs the painful area in the mouth or throat. To treat sore throat pain, menthol is usually mixed with benzocaine and sold in lozenge form. Benzocaine also is a numbing agent that treats mouth pain by making it difficult to feel. Those using benzocaine and menthol lozenges should be careful not to bite their tongues or cheeks. Menthol applied topically can relieve nasal congestion.
Digestive Problems
The Asian medicine tradition uses menthol products such as peppermint oil to treat indigestion, nausea and diarrhea. In 2007, researchers at the University of Maryland conducted a study on the efficacy of peppermint oil in treating digestive problems, particularly irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Those in the study took capsules that were enteric-coated to dissolve in the intestines not the stomach. Seventy-five percent of the 57 people in the study reported improvement. They had significantly less pain and fewer spasms.
Clinical depression is a serious medical disorder that severely affects the way a person feels, thinks and acts. The disorder causes prolonged feelings of sadness, hopelessness and guilt, and results in a loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable. Emotionally crippling, clinical depression can cause a variety of physical symptoms that may make it impossible to work or function.According to the American Psychiatric Association, more than 17 million Americans suffer from clinical depression each year. The disorder affects people of all ages, genders and backgrounds, and can result in suicide if not quickly diagnosed and treated. Identifying the symptoms of clinical depression early can make a tremendous difference in the treatment and prognosis of the disease.
Instructions
1. Research the risk factors for developing clinical depression, such as family history, environmental stressors and substance abuse. While not everyone who has one or more risk factors will develop clinical depression, the incidence is higher among people who have a personal or family history of mood disorders or substance abuse.
2. Evaluate any emotional symptoms that may be a result of clinical depression. A persistent sad mood, or feelings of emptiness that continue for two or more weeks, is a symptom of clinical depression. Other emotional signs and symptoms include crying for no reason, feelings of hopeless or guilt, irritability, increased anxiety or agitation, and thoughts of death or suicide.
3. Watch for any physical symptoms that are commonly seen in people suffering from clinical depression, such as changes in sleeping habits and appetite, decreased energy, headaches, digestive problems, and weight gain or loss.
4. Consider the possibility that certain behavioral symptoms--such as an obvious loss of interest in activities and hobbies, difficulty concentrating and making decisions, and neglect of responsibilities and appearance--are all possible signs of clinical depression. Short-term stress can result in a temporary loss of enjoyment in activities such as sex, sports or school, but when this symptom persists, it could indicate a depressive disorder.
5. Speak with a doctor or mental-health professional to schedule a psychological exam. There are a number of different psychiatric disorders that cause symptoms of clinical depression, and each requires different medications and treatments. Distinguishing between the various depressive disorders can only be done by someone trained to diagnose and treat psychiatric disorders.
An undetected brain aneurysm, which does not cause symptoms, can break or rupture, causing sudden, severe neurological symptoms. If the patient is aware of her potential for developing an aneurysm, she can take precautions, such as altering her lifestyle and instituting good health practices.
Aneurysm
A brain aneurysm is an enlargement of an artery within the brain; a portion of the artery wall has weakened over time, causing this enlargement to develop and grow. Aneurysms generally develop near branches of the arterial brain system and can grow into different formations. These are the "saccular" or "berry" aneurysm; the "fusiform" aneurysm; the "giant" aneurysm and the "traumatic" aneurysm. The patient can display symptoms before a brain aneurysm ruptures; this happens in approximately 40 percent of aneurysm diagnoses.
Symptoms
Brain aneurysms are usually asymptomatic until it ruptures; when this happens, the patient develops a sudden, severe ("worst headache of my life"), neck pain, possible nausea and vomiting. He may lose consciousness. If the leaked blood begins to migrate into the spinal fluid, he will experience pain, often severe, in the lower back and his legs. Again, depending on the size of the aneurysm and hemorrhage, other symptoms can include drooping eyelids and altered mental status (he could become quite lethargic).
More Symptoms
Symptoms can also include difficulty moving a body part (stroke symptoms) lessened sensation in some part of the body, blurred vision and/or seizures. Because the rupture of the aneurysm is so sudden and unexpected, the patient and his family/friends don't know what is happening. All of these symptoms are life-threatening and it is imperative that he get to an emergency room immediately for treatment.
Implications
If the victim smokes, is under a high level of stress, suffers from genetic high blood pressure, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), or if she takes birth control pills, she is at increased risk for an aneurysm. If she suffers a ruptured aneurysm, she could have a stroke or develop a hematoma (blood clot in the brain).
Brain Damage and Death
Depending upon how long it takes to get a diagnosis of a ruptured brain aneurysm, the patient can begin to suffer permanent brain damage. If his rupture was large enough or if there was a clot in the aneurysm, he could suffer from a stroke, which will damage brain tissue. In the event of a blood clot developing inside the brain or between the brain and the dura (durable lining covering the brain), brain tissue could be irritated, which could lead to the damage of brain tissue and cells surrounding the hematoma. If the patient does not receive immediate medical attention and emergency treatment, he could die.
Hours of thought and consideration went into the design of your tattoo, right? When you finally sat in the tattoo artist chair you were sure that tattoo was going to be your defining factor, a meaningful distinction between you and the rest of humanity. Fast forward a few years and not only has the tattoo changed but so have you. You have different values, ideals and character. So, now what? Professional tattoo removal is expensive, time consuming and painful but there are several DIY tattoo removal options that are equally as effective but much less costly.
Instructions
1. Dermabrasion is a technique used to remove the top layer of skin and effectually draw the ink closer to the surface of the skin. Once the ink is drawn closer to the top of the skin, it too can be removed. This technique is done by using an abrasive substance to exfoliate the skin. In the early days a salt peter and vinegar mixture was used. Rubbed vigorously and left on the skin for days, it removed layers of skin. Today, a less painful technique of dermabrasion is to use a hand held skin buffer purchased from any department stores health and beauty section. Use as much pressure as you can stand on the tattooed area several times a week for best results. A very light grain sand paper can also be used but may be slightly more painful.
2. A chemical called Trichloroacetic Acid can be applied to the skin over the tattoo to slowly peel away layers of skin and eventually the layer which contains the ink. It is a safe chemical that is used by dermatologists to remove acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles. It has been tested as a tattoo removal method and proven to have some success. It can be purchases online and in various pharmacies. Applied directly to the tattooed areas, it will cause the skin to begin peeling in two to three weeks. It should be reapplied after all peeling skin has been removed.
3. There are several tattoo removal creams available online and in department stores and pharmacies. They do work but can be a bit expensive. While they do work to considerably lighten a tattoo most do not completely remove the tattoo. The trick to getting the most out of this method is to use them exactly as the instructions say. Make sure to apply and leave on the skin according to directions. They can be purchased from any department store or pharmacy as well as online.
Tags: tattoo removal, department stores, from department, layers skin, purchased from, purchased from department, several tattoo
Hearing impairments in young children can be devastating emotionally and physically for the family unit. Your child may be displaying delayed advancement, speech disorders or behavior problems. Newborn screening is standardized, but this doesn’t mean that your young child could not develop a hearing impairment with repeated ear infections or illness. Once you know what the hearing impairment consists of, treating the main problem is encouraged. In the interim, learning proper communication with your young child is essential to their health and well-being. The type of communication established will depend on the severity of your child’s auditory impairment. In some severe cases, the family unit should take American Sign Language classes. For the purposes of this article, discussion on treating communication disorders with the slight to moderately hearing impaired children will be explored.
Instructions
1. Learn your child’s body language. This is truly one of the most important steps to keeping open communication with your young child. Watch facial expressions and triggers to temper tantrums. If you see that your child is becoming agitated then try a little distraction technique. This is especially important if you are trying to teach your child a new skill or word. If they are growing cranky, not paying attention or starting to cry, it is time to stop the lesson. Remember, positive reinforcement is key to learning any new skill.
2. Provide assisting devices when needed. For the moderately hearing impaired child, certain medical implements, such as hearing aids or cochlear implants, may be beneficial in introducing your child to the auditory world. The hearing impaired child usually hears as if she is under water, making your distinct word sounds garbled to her little ears.
3. Enroll your youth in speech therapy immediately. Certain insurance companies will cover these visits if ordered by your pediatrician. Speech therapists will work with your child on a regular basis, teasing out letter, word and sentence structures. They can provide assignments that you can work on together at home. Depending upon the severity of the communication disorder, your visits can range from once to daily on a weekly basis.
4. Remain patient and true to your word. Simply because your child is hearing impaired does not mean he is unintelligent. If you say no, mean it. Try not to give in to your child thinking that perhaps they misunderstood you. The child will then learn that their hearing impairment is not a tool to be used against you when being disciplined!
5. Get their teachers and school involved in the child’s treatment. Most schools employ speech therapists and nurses who can assist you. Guidance counselors will be able to track your child’s progress at school and offer special classes if required.
Tags: your child, hearing impaired, hearing impairment, with your, young child
People who suffer from avoidance personality disorder characteristically avoid any situation that might cause embarrassment or humiliation. As a result, these persons avoid social settings, turn their back on opportunities that involve contact with others and have few close friends. While sufferers appear to isolate themselves, they desire close relationships. However, their inability to control their social anxiety holds them back.
Instructions
1. Get a formal diagnosis from a psychiatrist. Avoidance personality disorder differs from shyness and can mimic other personality disorders. It’s best to visit a general practitioner and get a referral to a psychiatrist, an expert trained to assess and diagnose mental health conditions.
2. Commit to psychotherapy sessions. Getting a diagnosis is only the first step. To make any progress, sufferers need to receive ongoing therapy sessions. These can include both individual and group sessions.
3. Take prescription medications as directed by a physician. Avoidance personality disorder is a life-long battle, and many sufferers require anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medications. These medications can help reduce anxiety in social settings.
4. Learn deal with criticism. Persons who live with avoidance personality disorder are hyper-sensitive to criticism and rejection. Unfortunately, both are unavoidable. They let negative comments or humiliations impact their life. Accept criticism and dispel negative thoughts about self.
5. Resolve to confront social fears. Overcoming avoidance personality disorder isn’t easy, and relapses are common. Yet, there are ways for suffers to come out of isolation and enjoy the company of others. Therapy and anti-anxiety medications can help sufferers attain the confidence needed to confront social situations.
Home health agencies provide care in patient homes.
Hospitals provide care for seriously ill patients, but some patients do not require around-the-clock care. Their needs may be better served by a home health agency that can provide skilled medical care in the patients' own homes.
Patients
Hospitals treat critically ill and injured patients, patients that require around-the-clock medical care or patients in need of complicated medical treatments that cannot be provided in a home setting. Home health agencies care for patients that need skilled nursing care or other medical services, but these patients do not require the type of care provided in a hospital setting.
Services
Hospitals provide a variety of medical services including maternity care, surgical care, radiology, laboratory services, emergency services, behavioral health care and cardiac care. Home health agencies provide skilled nursing care, home health aides to help with personal care, physical therapy and other services.
Cost
Home health care usually costs significantly less than hospital care. If a patient needs around-the-clock care, however, home health care may actually cost more. In addition, insurance might not cover around-the-clock care at home.
Insurance Coverage
Most insurance policies cover both home and hospital care, although home care coverage may be limited. Medicaid and Medicare both cover hospital care and home care, although Medicare only pays for limited home health services.
Patient Preference
Some patients simply prefer to receive care at home in familiar surroundings. Others, especially those who live alone, might prefer to receive care in a hospital where help is available night and day.
Tags: care home, around-the-clock care, care patients, health agencies, health care, Home health agencies, hospital care
Buffer solutions are composed of an equal concentration (volume) of weak acid and conjugate base. The acid-base mixture is produced by following the Henderson-Hasselbach equation. This equation shows the relationship of pH concentration to an acid-base mixture. The pH concentration is a big factor in measuring the efficiency of buffer solutions.
Biologically related reactions happen at specific parameters such as pH concentration, thus, using an effective buffer solution is essential to prevent any alteration in the specified pH range. By following some relatively simple guidelines you can make buffer solution.
Instructions
Steps in the Preparation of Buffers
1. Determine the pH range required to create the buffer.
For example, a laboratory test needs to take place at pH 4.00. So you have to create a buffer that will remain at pH 4.00 despite the addition of acid or base solutions.
2. Check the table of Weak acids and their conjugate base for the buffer that will perform best on the required pH range. In choosing the buffer to use, the pKa of the buffer should have the nearest value to your required pH.
In the given example, after looking at the table, the best buffer in pH 4.00 is formic acid-formate mixture because its pKa is equal to 3.75 (table of weak acid and conjugate base shown in image 1).
3. Use the Henderson-Hasselbach equation and substitute the pKa of buffer and pH needed.
In my example, pH = 4.00 and pH = 3.75 (the Henderson-Hasselbach equation is shown in image 2).
4. Finding the concentration of the acid/base ratio is a two-step process: (4a) Calculate the difference between pH and pKa.
Applying this to the example, pH = 4.00 and pKa = 3.75 would give 4.00 -- 3.75 = 1.78
(4b). Then calculate the antilogarithm in the Henderson-Hasselbach equation on step 2. Use your calculator to find the antilogarithm value (see sample equation in image 3).
5. Prepare the chemical reagents that correspond to the concentrations of your base/acid ratio. Mix them in an equal amount or ratio depending on the volume you need to use.
In my example, (see image 4) mixing 25 mL of 0.1M of Formic acid and 25 mL of 0.0178M of sodium formate will yield a total of 50 mL buffer solution.
Choosing the right-size condom can help avoid breakage in the first place.
It may be difficult to tell whether a condom has broken while you are engaging in sexual activity. In some instances, you might be able to feel a slight popping sensation during sex when a condom has broken. If you don't physically feel something but nonetheless suspect that something went amiss, you can inspect the condom afterward. It's important to ensure the integrity of your condom to protect you and your partner from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and unplanned pregnancy.
Condoms come in three main sizes: snug, standard and larger. Since condom size can be important to avoiding breakage, if your or your partner's penis size falls above or below the average of five to seven inches with a four and a half to five inch circumference, then you may need to try either the larger or snug sized condoms.
Instructions
1. Stop engaging in sexual activity immediately if you feel a popping sensation. Inspect the condom closely for any tears or holes.
2. Hold the condom up near a light source to help make any points of damage more evident. Holes and rips can be very small and difficult to see, so light will help in spotting them.
3. Fill the condom with water, if no holes are visible and your partner did not ejaculate. Check for any signs of leaking. If your partner did ejaculate, examine the condom closely for any signs of leaking semen.
Tags: your partner, condom broken, condom closely, engaging sexual, engaging sexual activity
TENS stands for trancutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. A TENS machine relieves back pain through electrical pulses delivered to the body. The devices are used in medical facilities by physical therapists, or portable may be used at home with proper instructions.
History
Dr. Patrick Wall and Dr. Ronald Melzac created a theory in 1965 called the Gate Control Theory. They claimed that when a gate mechanism is closed off in the spinal cord, it prevents pain signals from being felt. Soon after the TENS machine was developed on this theory of electrical pulses interrupting pain signals and the device was used extensively by the 1970s.
TENS Machine
A TENS machine is a small electrical device with two electrodes. The electrodes are placed on the back where pain is occurring. When the TENS machine is turned on, the patient will feel a tingling sensation as small electrical currents are delivered through the electrodes. Sessions last anywhere from five to 45 minutes, depending on the severity of the pain.
Benefits
A TENS machine used for back pain relief is a non-invasive type of treatment. The electrical stimulation encourages endorphin production, which is needed to block pain signals to the brain. There are no medications to take and a portable unit allows freedom in taking the device with you to work or on vacation. The TENS machine is easy to use and small enough to put in a pocket or purse.
Complications
Complications of using a TENS machine for back pain relief include skin irritation where the electrodes are placed, and problems from turning the electrical current up too high. An intense electrical current may cause burning to the skin. Those with high risk of heart disease and pregnant women should not use a TENS machine. People with pacemakers, infusion pumps and defibrillators should not use equipment with electrical currents as they can disrupt the proper functioning of these medical devices.
Considerations
The TENS machine works well for people with mild or moderate back pain, but may not be of much help to those with chronic or severe pain. While the machine helps with pain, it does not treat the underlying condition for the pain. It is important to see your doctor to determine what medical condition is related to your back pain and seek treatment for those symptoms also.
Tags: TENS machine, back pain, pain signals, back pain, back pain relief, device with, electrical current