Ulcers Diet: October 2010

Friday, October 29, 2010

Know What Your Pancreas Symptoms Could Mean

Pancreatic symptoms can vary based on what part of the pancreas is affected and if it has spread. The pancreas is a gland about 6 inches long that is shaped like a thin pear lying on its side. The wider end of the pancreas is called the head, the middle section is called the body, and the narrow end is called the tail. The pancreas lies behind the stomach and in front of the spine. It cannot be felt during a physical exam exam and is located behind other organs like the stomach, liver, spleen, gallbladder, and small intestine.

Your Pancreas does some amazing things for the body. You need it to live. Here are the symtoms to watch for that tell you there could be a problem.

Instructions

1. Yellowing of the Skin and Eyes. Jaundice, a condition marked by the yellowing of the skin and eyes commonly occurs in people pancreatic cancer. It occurs when an increased level of bilirubin is in the blood. This can occur when a tumor completely or partially blocks bile ducts, slowing the flow of bile.

2. Abdominal Pain. Abdominal pain is common symptom of pancreatic cancer. It usually occurs on the upper abdomen and may even radiate to the back. Abdominal pain may worsen when lying down or 3 to 4 hours after eating

3. Unintended Weight Loss. While losing weight without trying may welcomed by many, but it can indicate something is wrong. Again, unintended weight loss is a common symptom of pancreatic cancer and one that is usually one of the first symptom experienced along with abdominal pain. Weight loss is common in many types of cancer and other benign conditions.

4. Nausea/Vomiting. Again, another vague symptom of pancreatic cancer that is common among many other conditions. Non-specific symptoms, like nausea, often result in a delay in a pancreatic cancer diagno

5. Loss of Appetite. Appetite loss is a symptom of hundreds of diseases and conditions, including pancreatic cancer. It can signal something severe or even be related to something as small as a stomach virus. When symptoms are vague like this, medical tests are necessary to make an accurate diagnosis.

6. Itchy Skin. Itchy skin is a less common symptom of pancreatic cancer. Again, a vague symptom, but when coupled with another symptom like abdominal pain or jaundice, it can be significant in making a more accurate, timely diagnosis. Unfortunately, when someone with undiagnosed pancreatic cancer is experiencing itchy skin, it is often misdiagnosed as a dermatological condition.

7. Unexpected Onset of Diabetes. In some cases, pancreatic cancer may impede the pancreas' ability to produce insulin, resulting in diabetes. It is important note that most people develop diabetes because of reasons unrelated to pancreatic cancer.

8. Changes in Stool and Urine Color. Urine may become much darker, while stools loser their brown color, becoming a pale, clay color. This is often due to the bile duct being blocked. Stools can also have a odd, strong smell or float if they have too high fat content.

Tags: pancreatic cancer, symptom pancreatic, symptom pancreatic cancer, common symptom, common symptom pancreatic

Cite A Policy Brief

A policy brief is a succinct document that outlines the rationale behind a specific policy choice. Just as with any other source, you must include a policy brief in a reference list at the end of your paper if you use it as a source of information. If you are adhering to Modern Language Association (MLA) or American Psychological Association (APA) guidelines, you should cite a policy brief as you would any other non-periodical Internet source.

Instructions

Citing in APA Style

1. List the author's last name, a comma, first initial and a period. For example:

Kirkegaard, J.

2. List the year in which the brief was issued. This should appear in parentheses and be followed by a comma. For example:

(2010).

3. List the full title of the brief in italics, followed by a period. List the policy number in parentheses, if available. Capitalize only the first letter of the title, along with the first letters of any proper nouns. For example:

How Europe can muddle through its crisis (Policy brief 10-27).

4. List the full URL in the following format:

Retrieved from http://www.petersoninstitute.org/publications/interstitial.cfm?ResearchID=1723.

5. Combine the elements so that the finished citation appears in the following format:

Kirkegaard, J. (2010). How Europe can muddle through its crisis (Policy brief 10-27). Retrieved from http://www.petersoninstitute.org/publications/interstitial.cfm?ResearchID=1723.

Citing in MLA Style

6. List the last name, a comma, first name and a period. For example:

Kirkegaard, Jacob.

7. List the full title of the brief in italics, followed by a period. For example:

Policy Brief 10-27: How Europe Can Muddle Through Its Crisis.

8. List the name of the publisher, followed by a comma. For example:

Peterson Institute for International Economics,

9. List the date of publication, followed by a period. This should appear in a day-month-year format. For example:

1 Dec. 2010.

10. List the medium of publication, followed by a period. For example:

Web.

11. List the date on which you accessed the information, followed by a period. For example:

1 Dec. 2010.

12. List the full URL in angle brackets:

13. Combine the elements so that the finished citation appears in the following format:

Kirkegaard, Jacob. Policy Brief 10-27: How Europe Can Muddle Through Its Crisis. Peterson Institute for International Economics, 1 Dec. 2010. Web. 1 Dec. 2010.

Tags: followed period, period example, List full, 2010 List, example 2010

Perform Tibetan Buddhist Meditation

Perform Tibetan Buddhist Meditation

Tibetan Buddhism offers a great variety of ways to meditate. Generally, Shambhala and Diamond Way offer practices that Westerners find less foreign. The Rainbow Light Meditation is one of the simpler forms of Tibetan Buddhist meditation.

Instructions

Tibetan Buddhist Meditation

1. Practice Rainbow Light meditation. Although most Tibetan Buddhists being each day's mediation with Guru Yoga, it is allowed to begin with a simpler Rainbow Light practice.

2. Sit upright in a comfortable chair. Place feet flat on the floor. Sit with a relaxed posture. Pull chin lightly in toward your chest.

3. Rest your right hand on your left hand, palms up, thumb tips just touching.

4. Begin to bring your mind to calmness. Attend to the ceaseless air as you breathe in and out through your nose. Let all thought fall away without judgment. Distractions from within and from without come and go. Let them do just that.

5. As you gain distance from all distractions, including emotions that trouble or cause any form of attachment, know that this is the sure path to helping others, to Buddhahood.

6. Notice that a very small light of rainbow colors is seated at your heart level. Experience the light as it gradually grows and fills your entire body and being. All obstacles, physical and otherwise, dissolve into the Rainbow Light.

7. Radiate the Rainbow Light from your being into every direction, toward every being. As the radiance encounters everything, all obstacles dissolve. The world is radiant and joyful, a place of limitless expansion and potential. Radiate as long as it feels right to do so.

8. Ending the practice, the Rainbow Light radiates back to you from the world. Feel your body shine and then dissolve, with nothing remaining but pure awareness. No form, no end.

9. Experience the world reappear, energy now radiates. Your body and the world is full of the possibilities to help other beings. Wish that this perfection you realize will benefit others, removing all suffering, bringing complete joy.

Tags: Rainbow Light, Tibetan Buddhist, Buddhist Meditation, Tibetan Buddhist Meditation, Perform Tibetan

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Prevent Bed Sores On The Heels

Bed sores are actually pressure ulcers caused by tissue damage to the skin. When the body experiences too much pressure because of lack of movement, bed sores develop on the immobilized area. Bed sores usually develop on bedridden people, especially elderly people. The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging states that about 1 million people experience bed sores. A number of precautions prevent bed sores on the heels.

Instructions

1. Reposition legs and feet to minimize the development of bed sores on the heels. To prevent bed sores, family members or health care workers exercise the feet to promote circulation in that area. If possible, move patients from the bed to chairs periodically throughout the day.

2. Use a foot pillow to prevent bed sores on the heels. Silicone foot pillows with adjustable Velcro reduce bed sores by providing the right amount of pressure on the feet, heels and ankles to prevent growth of sores.

3. Clean and moisturize heels to prevent bed sores. The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging states that washing the area reduces dryness and irritation. Moisturizers prevent dry skin, which creates an environment for bed sore development.

4. Apply water-based gel inserts to the ankle area. These gel inserts prevent bed sores on the heels by relieving pressure on the foot and ankles. The gel also prevents skin from breaking down.

5. Utilize heel protectors to prevent bed sores. Heel protectors prevent the development of ulcers that lead to bed sore growths because they reduce friction.

6. Wear moisture gel therapy socks. These socks prevent bed sores on the heels because they eliminate the need for creams and lotions. They contain moisture creams that prevent dry, cracked feet.

7. Eat a healthy diet and remain hydrated. The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging says that diets rich in vitamins, minerals, protein and fluids work against the development of bed sores on the heels.

Tags: prevent sores, prevent sores heels, sores heels, Foundation Health, Foundation Health Aging, Health Aging

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Determine Points For Weight Loss

The Weight Watchers weight-loss program has proven to be an effective method of weight loss for people across the country. The Weight Watchers program encourages participants to attend weekly meetings, and it allows the flexibility to lose weight either by counting "points" or through a "core" plan. (Ref. 1.) If you have decided to join the Weight Watchers points plan, there are several easy steps you can take to determine how many points you will be allotted each day in order to lose weight.

Instructions

1. Determine your points allotted for gender. If you are male, give yourself eight points. If you are female, give yourself two points. If you are a nursing mother, give yourself 12 points.

2. Determine your points allotted for your age group. If you are 17 to 26 years old, give yourself four points. If you are 27 to 37, give yourself three points. If you are 38 to 47, give yourself two points. If you are 48-58, give yourself one point. If you happen to be over 58 years of age, do not give yourself any points for this section.

3. Determine your points allotted based on your current weight. This is done by using the first two numbers of your weight. For example, if you weigh 165 pounds, you would allot yourself 16 points for this section.

4. Determine your points allotted based on your height. If you are less than 5' tall, don't give yourself any points. If you are 5'1 to 5'10, give yourself one point. If you are over 5'10, give yourself two points.

5. Determine your points allotted based on your physical activity. If you are almost completely sedentary, don't give yourself any points. If you are mostly sedentary, give yourself two points. If you are fairly active, give yourself four points. If you are very active, give yourself six points.

6. Add up the points calculated in steps 1 through 5. This will give you the number of points needed for weight loss on the Weight Watchers program.

7. These points will determine the foods and quantities of foods that you can eat. Each food has a specific allocation of points based on calories, fat, and grams of fiber. To learn the point value for each food, check out the Weight Watchers points calculator. (Ref. 2.)

Tags: give yourself, yourself points, give yourself points, Determine your, Determine your points, points allotted

What Does Breast Cancer Do To The Body

Tumors

The entire body is made of healthy cells. Over the course of time, these cells can occasionally become mutated and replicate. When this happens, these cells clump together and form tumors, or lumps. This can happen anywhere on the body, but the breasts are one of the most affected places. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is second only to skin cancer as the most common type in women, and although it is rare, men can also get afflicted as well. One thing that breast cancer does is create lumps on the breasts. These can sometimes cause a bloody or clear discharge from the nipples.

Distortion

The breasts can also go through some other changes when cancer develops. For example, the skin and shape of the breasts can be come distorted. Indentions can appear on the breasts in areas where there are lumps and also the skin can become irritated, red and have a pitted look to it. The contour and size of the breasts can also change as a result of cancer.

Metastasize

When cancer develops in the breasts, the cells grow quickly and travel to other parts of the body. This is a process called metastasizing. The first place these cells usually go is the lymph nodes. The lymph system in the body transports a watery substance throughout the whole system that is used for immunity. When breast cancers cells get into the lymph system, it can then travel to other parts of the body and it can also compromise the body's immunity. The underarms are one of the first and most common areas that it spreads. If the condition keeps getting worse, then it can attack the organs of the body such as the brain, lungs and liver for example. It can also travel to the bones.

Removal

The body also gets affected by treatment for breast cancer. One type is called a mastectomy. In this procedure, the cancer has taken over a good area of the breast and the whole breast has to be removed. Local lymph glands will also be removed to help prevent the spread. Breast reconstruction can be done by extracting tissue from other areas of the body like the lats or stomach and a fake breast is then made. They are also made with silicone implants.

In a less involved procedure, a lumpectomy is performed to remove a small lump and some tissue around it. This can leave a scar on the breast.

Chemotherapy

There are some other treatments that can also take place with breast cancer, which can also cause some side effects to the body. Some of these treatments are radiotherapy, chemotherapy and medications. After receiving these treatments, the body can experience red irritated skin, hair loss, weight gain, vomiting and nausea.

Tags: breast cancer, these cells, body also, breasts also, cancer develops, lymph system

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Where To Buy Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil has a number of healing qualities. Eucalyptus vapors offer both relaxation qualities when you are looking to calm the body, and healing properties by decongesting clogged passageways. Eucalyptus oil can typically be found at most local nutrition and vitamin stores, as well as a number of websites. This oil is available in a variety of sizes, ranging from 1/2 oz. to 16-oz. bottles.

The Vitamin Shoppe

The Vitamin Shoppe is a chain commonly found in shopping malls and strip malls. This store carries Aura Cacia Eucalyptus Essential Oil, one of the best eucalyptus oils on the market. This product sells in-store in 2009 for $5.49 per 0.5-fluid-oz. bottle. The oil is also available on their website for $4.99, 50 cents off the retail price. If purchasing online, remember to account for a shipping cost of $4.99 for standard mail, or $15.99 for express overnight mail.

GNC Stores

GNC stores are another commonly found vitamin store chain, located in many strip malls and shopping malls. They sell a brand called Now® Eucalyptus Oil, sold in a 1-oz. bottle at a cost of $5.99, or a 4-oz. for $9.99. This product is also available online, and if you are a GNC Gold Card Member, you get an additional 20 percent off, plus a promotional rate of "buy one, get one half-priced." Again, remember to consider shipping costs when purchasing from their website, which will cost approximately $4 to $6, depending on your location.

Vitacost.com

Vitacost.com is a great option to consider when you're looking for a large quantity of eucalyptus oil. This store offers 100 percent pure, Nutraceutical Sciences Institute (NSI) Eucalyptus Oil. A 16-fluid-oz. bottle retails at $29.99, but is available on their website for only $15.99. Remember to include a standard $4.99 shipping cost anywhere in the United States.

Tags: their website, also available, available their, available their website, commonly found, shipping cost

Do Home Cervical Neck Traction

Cervical vertebrae

Cervical neck traction is used to relieve pressure on a pinched nerve, and is also helpful for a variety of other neck problems. It also reduces the pain, weakness, and numbness that is associated with a pinched nerve. Performing cervical neck traction at home is easy, safe, effective, painless, and best of all it can help swollen, irritated nerves to heal and become small enough that they are no longer pinched. All it takes is a cord, small towel, and a few minutes each day to perform cervical neck traction at home for free.

Instructions

1. Tie one end of a piece of rope to the end of a small towel. You can also use a strong cord or string, if necessary. Loop the rope around a door knob of a sturdy, closed door in your home, as this is where you'll begin the cervical neck traction.

2. Bring the rope back and tie it to the other end of the small towel. The entire apparatus should be long enough that the towel just barely touches the floor underneath the door knob when hanging. Now you're ready to begin a cervical neck traction treatment.

3. Lie on your back on the floor with the top of your head close to the door you're using. Try to keep your back and neck as straight as possible. Rest your head in the sling you've created with the towel, making sure it's held up comfortably, and just off the floor, but NOT tilted forward or back.

4. Lie with your head suspended in the sling for seven minutes for your first day of cervical neck traction treatment. Use a kitchen timer or stopwatch to time yourself and don't exceed seven minutes.

5. Repeat the cervical neck traction each day, adding one minute per day to your time, until you reach 15 minutes. Continue at 15 minutes per day, as long as necessary, or until your symptoms cease.

Tags: neck traction, cervical neck traction, cervical neck, small towel, your head, begin cervical, begin cervical neck

Improve Skin Complexion

We all want to have beautiful, flawless skin. Due to blemishes, acne, oiliness, dryness, or sunburn, it’s not always easy to have our skin complexion looking as good as we would like.. Even without blemish free skin, there are ways to improve your skin complexion.

Instructions

Improve Skin Complexion

1. Visit a dermatologist. If you have problem skin, a dermatologist can diagnose any skin disorders such as eczema, rashes, acne, dermatitis, skin cancers, and many other skin problems. Knowing what the problem is can help you treat it. Dermatologists will prescribe you medications, creams, or recommend lotions and other products for you to use to help improve the condition of your skin.

2. Wash, exfoliate, and moisturize your skin daily. Washing helps to keep the skin clean while exfoliating removes dead skin cells. It’s important to keep your skin moisturized to prevent it from being too dry. Look for products made specifically for your skin type. There are body washes, lotions, soaps, shave gels, and face care products made for all skin types.

3. Drink plenty of water and eat fruits and vegetables. Natural foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables contain vitamins and antioxidants that are good for our skin. Water keeps our system flushed out and moisturizes it from the inside.

4. Be careful when using certain types of laundry detergents. This is especially important for people with any kind of eczema, dermatitis, or sensitive skin. Some detergents irritate the skin and can cause it to break out. Use hypoallergenic products whenever possible. Use mild soaps and cleaning products which are less likely to irritate your skin.

5. Use sunscreen to protect against sunburn. Going out in the sun without protecting your skin from the UV rays from the sun can result in your skin being sunburned. Use sunscreen with SPF-15 or higher.
Tags: your skin, fruits vegetables, Improve Skin, Improve Skin Complexion, products made, skin complexion

Monday, October 25, 2010

Cures For Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a lifelong skin condition prone to periods of remission and flare-ups. While there is no cure for seborrheic dermatitis, with proper treatment and self-care, the condition can be managed and perhaps resolved.

What Causes Seborrheic Dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis presents as scaly patches, lesions or plaques on the scalp and areas of the skin with the most sebaceous glands (face and trunk). When in the scalp, seborrheic dermatitis can cause persistent dandruff. According to an article published in the American Journal of Family Physicians, it's unclear why people develop seborrheic dermatitis. However, there are certain populations that it seems to affect more than others, including those with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and neurological conditions, such as Parkinson's disease. Another possibility is that seborrheic dermatitis is related to overgrowth of a yeast called Pityrosporum ovale, which is naturally present on the body, as the condition responds well to antifungal treatments. Men are more likely to have seborrheic dermatitis than are women.

Treatments for the Scalp

Seborrheic dermatitis that affects the scalp can be resolved by using nonprescription (over-the-counter) shampoos that contain the active ingredients ketoconazole, ciclopirox, coal tar, pyrithione zinc, selenium sulfide and salicylic acid, which are found in many dandruff shampoos. These are often first recommended for seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp, and if the condition does not improve, a stronger medicated shampoo or a topical steroid cream may be prescribed by a doctor.

Body and Face

Inflammation and scaling of the skin caused by seborrheic dermatitis can also be reduced by using nonprescription antifungal creams. The Mayo Clinic also suggests refraining from using harsh detergent soaps on the body and rinsing off well after showers or baths. A prescription topical corticosteroid or antifungal may be recommended, and sometimes a combination of both is used.

Oral Medications

Prescription oral medications, such as terbinafine, as well as medications called "immunomodulators" (tacrolimus and pimecrolimus) can also reduce inflammation caused by seborrheic dermatitis. However, use of immunomodulators is only a temporary measure, as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has determined that long-term use may impact the immune system. (Tacrolimus, for example, is typically taken as an anti-rejection drug when a patient has had a new kidney or liver transplant and is used to slow down the body's immune response.)

Alternative Treatments

According to the Mayo Clinic, one study found tea tree oil to be effective in treating seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp. However, the study revealed that the participants' symptoms did not resolve entirely, so traditional treatment may be more effective.

Tags: caused seborrheic, caused seborrheic dermatitis, dermatitis However, dermatitis scalp, Mayo Clinic, seborrheic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis

What Are Hypoglycemia & Hyperglycemia

Insulin reactions occur when the concentration of glucose in your blood falls below or above normal.

A normal blood sugar level is about 100 mg/dl (milligrams per deciliter). Hypoglycemia is too little glucose in your system, or blood sugar levels below 70 mg/dl. Hyperglycemia is too much glucose in your system, or blood sugar levels above 126 mg/dl.

Symptoms

Mild symptoms of hypoglycemia include anxiety, hunger, dizziness, headache, sweating and blurry vision. More severe symptoms may include heart palpitations, confusion, abnormal behavior, convulsions and loss of consciousness.

Mild symptoms of hyperglycemia include increased thirst, frequent urination, headaches, blurred vision, fatigue and dry mouth and skin. More severe symptoms may include weight loss, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, rapid heartbeat and deep, labored breathing.

Causes

In diabetics, hypoglycemia can be caused by taking too much insulin, which can then cause your blood sugar to drop too low. It can also be caused by under eating or exercising more than normal after you take your insulin.

Hypoglycemia also can happen to individuals who do not have diabetes. Sometimes it will occur after meals because the body produces more insulin than needed. Delaying or skipping a meal, eating too little food, getting more exercise than normal and excessive alcohol consumption can all cause a drop in blood sugar levels.

Hyperglycemia may be caused by under eating and having too many calories, eating too many carbohydrates, skipping or forgetting to take your insulin, infections, illness or change in physical activity.

Prevention

Eating small meals more frequently throughout the day, and a diet low in carbohydrates will help keep your blood sugar levels from getting too low or too high. Also, check your blood sugar levels daily, as recommended by your doctor, to know where your levels and prevent an insulin reaction. If you are diabetic, it is important to follow the management plan developed by your doctor.

Treatment

A quick treatment for a hypoglycemic insulin reaction is to drink 1/2 cup of fruit juice, 1/2 cup milk, five to six pieces of hard candy or three glucose tablets. Wait 15 to 20 minutes and check your blood glucose levels again. If the blood glucose level is still too low, repeat the treatment and check it again in another 15 to 20 minutes. It is important to see a doctor if you suffer from any of the symptoms and to discuss a treatment plan. Hypoglycemia must be treated quickly as it can get worse and you could pass out if your levels get too low.

Exercising can often lower your blood glucose level if it is too high as in hyperglycemia. You will need to check your urine for ketones if your levels are above 240 mg/dl because exercising with ketones may make your blood glucose levels higher. Ketones are substances that are made when the body breaks down fat for energy. Ketones are made if your diet does not contain enough carbohydrates to supply the body with sugar for energy or if your body can't use blood sugar properly. If hyperglycemia is not treated promptly it could result in a condition called ketoacidosis (diabetic coma).

Tips

Consult your doctor if you have any of the noted symptoms for hypoglycemia or hyperclycemia

and discuss what blood sugar levels are too low or too high for you. Always have a plan for treatment. It is also important to discuss your plan with family members and friends so they know what to do if you should have an insulin reaction and need help.

Tags: blood sugar, your blood, blood sugar levels, sugar levels, blood glucose, check your

Friday, October 22, 2010

Develop An Activity Care Plan For A Nursing Home Residents

Develop an Activity Care Plan for a Nursing Home Residents

All nursing home residents have plans of care from all care giving departments. The steps below will help you to develop activity care plans for your residents.

Instructions

Developing an Activity Care Plan

1. Interview the resident. Bring your forms to prompt you as to what information you need to gather. You will need to determine the residents physical, mental, and emotional capabilities. Go through the activities form. These are usually generic with lists of activities, hobbies, crafts, and games. Find out and check off on the form those activities which the resident gives a positive response to. You will then have to classify the activities to find out if it's something they used to do, want to do, or would like to learn to do.

2. Set a reasonable goal for the resident. For instance, Mr. Jones played baseball as a young man. He has had a stroke and can no longer use the left side of his body and is confined to a wheelchair. Example goal could be that Mr. Jones will catch a baseball ten times for exercise 5 times a week. Residents are usually given 3 months to reach their goals. At that time goals can be changed or renewed with fresh approaches for another 3 months.

3. Write 3 approaches that activity staff will use to help resident attain their goal. You can write more than 3, but never less, and they must be specific. In our example, approaches for Mr. Jones could look like this.1) Visit resident and talk to him about baseball to get him interested.2) Invite resident to toss ball for exercise.3) Transport resident to appropriate area for tossing ball.4) Toss ball gently to resident targeting his good hand.

4. Write weekly progress notes. Include information such as, did Mr. Jones catch the ball, how many times caught, did he enjoy the activity, does he look forward to it, talk about it, is he on his way toward reaching his goal?

5. Discuss your care plan during care plan meetings with other departments so they can support the resident in reaching his goal, also discuss it with the residents family to get their support also. They may have some memorabilia they can bring to keep up the residents interest.

Tags: Activity Care Plan, Activity Care, Care Plan Nursing, Develop Activity, Develop Activity Care, Home Residents

Causes Of Auditory Hallucinations

Hallucinations

A hallucination is a false perception, usually characterized by a distortion of real stimuli. Auditory hallucinations are when people hear voices or noises that are not actually occurring. The cause of auditory hallucinations is not known, but there are a number of factors and conditions that are associated with this condition. Mental disorders such as schizophrenia often have auditory hallucinations as symptoms, and certain conditions such as drug use or withdrawal may also be plagued by hallucinations.

Conditions

There are a long list of conditions which have auditory hallucinations as a possible symptom. Alcohol withdrawal, use of amphetamines or ketamine, narcolepsy, and depression have all been known to cause auditory hallucinations. Other conditions which are more mental and less physical in nature include schizophrenia, dementia and clinical psychosis have been known to sometimes have auditory hallucinations as a symptom.

Inner Speech Theory

One theory of auditory hallucinations, specifically for those who suffer from schtzophrenia, is that they are a form of inner speech. This theory focuses on the fact that during a verbal hallucination (imagination of speech when there isn't any), more blood flows to Broca's area--the part of the brain that deals with language and speech. This is suggestive that what the person thinks he is hearing from an outside source is, in reality, speech that is occurring only inside their own head.
Tags: auditory hallucinations, auditory hallucinations, have auditory, have auditory hallucinations, been known, cause auditory

Do A Gallbladder Cleanse

Are you interested in knowing do a gallbladder cleanse? Doing a gallbladder cleanse is very easy and can be done at home. You don't need to spend lots of money to go to the doctor to have surgery. By doing a gallbladder cleanse, you will be getting rid of the toxins that's building up in your gallbladder. You should feel more energetic after a couple of gallbladder cleanses. This article will teach you do a gallbladder cleanse.

Instructions

1. You need to first prepare for a gallbladder cleanse by buying apple cider, cold pressed olive oil, lemons, and Epsom salt.

2. Before doing the gallbladder cleanse, you need to drink a cup of apple cider for 6 days prior to the cleanse. This is to soften up the gallbladder stones.

3. On the 6th day at 6 pm, you will need to mix 1 tbsp of Epsom salt with warm water and drink. Be prepared to go to the bathroom after drinking the concoction.

4. At 8 pm squeeze the lemon juice into half a cup of olive oil and drink that. After drinking, you should lay down on your side to let the olive oil move through your gall bladder.

5. The next morning at 8 am, you drink another concoction of Epsom salt and water.

Tags: gallbladder cleanse, Epsom salt, apple cider, doing gallbladder cleanse

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Do A 10step Protocol In Craniosacral Therapy

A structural adjustment is important

The 10-step protocol in craniosacral therapy helps practitioners ensure that the 10 aspects of wellness are being addressed. Each step lies alongside one side of a triangle of wellness that acknowledges structural, emotional and nutritional health.

Instructions

The Ten Step Protocol

1. Remove nerve interference. Correcting structural problems ensures that blood flows freely to all parts of the body, along with nerve impulses and oxygen. Many chiropractors use instruments or manual manipulation for this part of the 10-step protocol in craniosacral therapy.

2. Rebalance electromagnetics. Practitioners use a simple muscle-response test to indicate whether or not the body is experiencing an imbalance of electromagnetic fields. A multi-polar is a take-home tool that patients can use to protect their electromagnetic field from interference.

3. Reset the adrenal glands. You can use a product called De-Stress Formula to reset your adrenal glands. They become enlarged when the body is under stress. Enlarged adrenal glads are often accompanied by a shrunken thymus gland and lymph nodes and gastrointestinal distress, like irritation and ulcers.

4. Repair nutrition for organ and system weakness. Via laboratory tests and muscle-response testing, a series of nutritional supplements, helpful herbs and dietary modifications is implemented to restore the body's organs to a state of wellness.

5. Remove infective organisms. Through the use of herbs and dietary modifications, the body is freed from parasites, harmful bacteria and yeast overgrowths.

6. Replace enzymes and hydrochloric acid. Enzymes occur in all natural vegetables, nuts, berries and fruits, but the modern diet doesn't provide enough enzymes for us to digest foods completely. Replacing these enzymes and providing additional HCL (hydrochloric acid) is an important part of the 10-step protocol, because it ensures that your body is beginning to properly extract nutrients from food.

7. Re-inoculate the bowel flora. Good bacteria in the intestines help keep them working properly. Your craniosacral therapist may recommend an oral pro-biotic supplement to ensure that the 10-step protocol is being followed.

8. Remove abnormal emotional patterns. Emotional stress is stored in the nervous system and in the muscles. Releasing emotional stress has positive effects on your health.

9. Reprogram the body for allergies and sensitivities. Using herbal remedies, acupuncture, dietary modifications and homeopathy you can avoid negative reactions to allergens that can create digestive issues, difficulties in thinking or remembering things, and chronic pain or fatigue. Allergy testing is usually one of the first things a holistic practitioner does.

10. Remove toxins and heavy metals from the body. Heavy-metal accumulation is becoming more and more prevalent. Heavy-metal toxicity has been blamed for autism, Alzheimer's Disease, fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and a whole host of other issues as well.

Tags: 10-step protocol, dietary modifications, 10-step protocol craniosacral, adrenal glands, craniosacral therapy, ensure that, ensures that

Dangers Of Taurine

An amino acid located in muscle and nerve tissue, taurine is a common ingredient in energy drinks. Taurine is categorized as a non-essential amino acid because usually the body produces all the taurine it needs. Sometimes, however, an individual may need extra taurine, such as during strenuous exercise, or while recuperating from injury or illness. Studies have not found any significant side effects with normal amounts, but taurine may cause some dangers by interacting with certain medications.

Considerations

Because taurine can lower blood glucose, cholesterol and blood pressure, anyone on medication addressing these conditions should talk to their doctor before taking taurine supplements.

Anticoagulants

Taurine has anticoagulant properties, so an individual taking blood-thinning medication should also confer with their doctor if considering taurine supplements.

Specific Conditions

Doctors advise anyone with seizure disorders and people with bipolar disorder to avoid supplements with taurine.

Alcohol

Consuming an energy drink and alcohol within a short time frame can cause significant dehydration, since both are diuretics.

Gastric Acid

Taurine stimulates production of stomach acid, so consuming it in large amounts can increase the risk of stomach ulcers.

Tags: amino acid, taurine supplements, their doctor

Reduce Sun Damage To Skin

Damage from the sun leads to dry skin, early wrinkles, skin cancer and other problems. Suntans and sunburns are visible examples of sun damage; there is no such thing as a healthy tan. The more frequent the sun exposure and the earlier the age that the exposure began, the greater the chance of skin problems from sun damage later in life.

Instructions

1. Time your outside work and play to avoid the strongest sun. The sun is strongest in the middle of the day, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Do outside work and other activities before this period to avoid the strongest sun.

2. Apply a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 every time you go outside, even if the sun does not seem strong. Put plenty of sunscreen on all skin that is exposed to the sun and rub it into your skin well. Reapply every hour if you are sweating or swimming.

3. Cover up as much of your skin as possible to protect it from sun damage. Wear a wide brimmed hat, sunglasses and loose-fitting, lightweight long-sleeve shirts and long pants.

4. Be happy with your skin whatever color it is. Whether you tan in the natural sunlight or at a tanning salon, you are still exposing your skin to the same damaging rays, so avoid tanning if at all possible.

5. Moisturize your skin after being exposed to the sun to help offset some of the damage. It is also a good idea to moisturize your skin daily at bedtime to offset all incidental sun exposure your skin receives during the day.
Tags: your skin, avoid strongest, from damage, outside work

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Is Gentian Violet Poisonous

Gentian violet is not a flower, nor is it a color. This product is a chemical available as a non-prescription anti-fungal treatment, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Uses

As a topical antiseptic dye, Gentian Violet can be used to treat ringworm, athlete's foot, and small cuts and scrapes. The chemical has been used as a fungicide in animal feed as well.

Side Effects

Use of this product may cause skin discoloration, according to the Mayo Clinic.

FDA Action

In 1991, the Food and Drug Administration suspended an interim policy on the use of Gentian Violet in animal feed, citing studies at the National Center for Toxicological Research, which determined that Gentian Violet "causes cancer in test animals."

Other names

Gentian Violet is also known as Crystal Violet, Basic Violet 3, Brilliant Violet 5B, Gentiaverm and Methylrosanline Chloride, according to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration.

Trivia

Gentian Violet was referenced in Joseph Heller's Catch 22, published in 1961. In the satirical novel, medical personnel gave Gentian Violet to soldiers as a remedy to cure disease.

Tags: Gentian Violet, according Mayo, according Mayo Clinic, animal feed, Mayo Clinic

Make An Apothecary Chest

Make an Apothecary Chest

Apothecary chests go back to the Middle Ages. An apothecary, a medical professional that dispensed medication, would use the chests to store ingredients and medications in these chests. Today, apothecary chest reproductions can be used in the home as storage pieces. You can buy a variety of styles of apothecary chests, but they can get quite expensive. Making your own apothecary chest saves you money and gives you the opportunity to customize the color and other aspects of the design to suit your taste and décor.

Instructions

1. Cut out all of your wood into the measurements needed for both the pine and hardwood, using your circular saw. You should have the following pieces and measurements:

2 sides ¾-inch x ¼-inch x 30¼-inch pine

1 top ¾inch x 15inch x 31-inch pine

5 partitions ¾-inch x 14-inch x 28-inch pine

1 filler strip ¾-inch x ¾- inch x 28-inch pine

12 drawer guides ¾-inch x ¾-inch x 12½-inch pine

12 drawer dividers ¾-inch x 1½-inch x 6 1/16-inch pine

1 base, front ¾-inch x 4¼-inch x 31-inch pine

2 base, sides ¾-inch x 4¼-inch x 15-inch pine

1 back ¼-inch x 28¾-inch x 28¾-inch hardwood

16 drawers, front ¾-inch x 6-inch x 6-inch pine

32 drawers, sides ½-inch x 5?-inch x 13¾-inch pine

16 drawers, bottom ?-inch x 5?-inch x 13¾-inch hardwood

2. Cut a ¼-inch deep x ?-inch wide rabbet into the back edges of the side pieces, using your dado set and circular saw. The back piece will fit into these rabbets.

3. Attach the drawer guides to the partition pieces, using wood glue and 4-penny finishing nails. The drawer guides should be flush with the back parts of the partitions. Provide 6 1/16-inch spacing between the drawer guides.

4. Attach the filler strip to the partition that you will use at the top of the casing, using wood glue and 4-penny nails.

5. Attach the partitions and the sides, using wood glue and 8-penny nails. Measure the space between the partitions with the measuring tape to check that you have maintained the 6 1/16-inch spacing; adjust before nailing completely.

6. Shape your drawer fronts and top piece on the sides and edges with your sander.

7. Attach the top piece to the side pieces using wood glue and 8-penny nails. Attach the back piece using 2-penny common nails.

8. Add miter cuts to the corners of the base pieces with your miter saw. If desired, add a scroll design to your base pieces with a band saw.

9. Attach the base pieces to the bottom of the casing using wood glue and 4-penny nails.

10. Cut ?-inch grooves into each of the drawer side pieces with your dado set and your circular saw.

11. Glue the sides and backs together using wood glue, then nail using 2-penny common nails.

12. Slide the bottom into place and tack, using 2-penny nails. Glue your front pieces on and secure using 2-penny nails. Add clamps to hold the fronts in place until the glue dries.

13. Drill a hole into the middle of each drawer front. Remove your clamps. Lightly hand-sand the top, front and sides of the casing, as well as the drawer fronts, with 1200-grit sandpaper.

14. Use the tack cloth to wipe away any sanding dust.

15. Apply your polyurethane stain to the parts of the apothecary chest that you sanded. Follow the grain of the wood and apply light, even coats. Allow one coat to dry before you apply another.

16. Place the drawers into position in the cabinet's casing when your stain finish has dried completely.

Tags: -inch -inch, using wood, using wood glue, wood glue, -inch -inch -inch, drawer guides

Grab Bar Installation Code Requirements

Grab bars improve mobility.

Grab bars are most commonly installed in bathrooms to assist the mobility of people with functional limitations. They are found in all public restrooms as they are required to provide handicap accessible facilities. Grab bars can be installed in your home to improve your ability to perform activities of daily living independently and reduce your risk of falling. Install grab bars according to code to ensure their effectiveness and prevent injury.

Preparation

Draw up your plans for the installation of your grab bars. In the area around the toilet, measure the width and mark the height at which the bar will be installed. Remove any obstacles from the floor that would prevent you from bringing a wheelchair or walking assistive device up to the grab bar. Plan the placement of grab bars next to the tub as well. If possible, plan to install grab bars directly into wall studs.

Purchasing

Purchase grab bars that are 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter to provide a functional gripping surface. A textured surface if available will provide a more secure grasp. Consider grab bars that are the maximum length that will fit in the desired space as this will provide you with more options for positioning yourself during a transfer onto or off the toilet. Purchase vertical or horizontal grab bars for your shower based on your functional needs. Choose fasteners that are tested to withstand a minimum of 250 pounds of force.

Installation

Leave 1 1/2 inch clearance between the bar and the wall. Install vertical or horizontal shower grab bars on the short wall where the shower fixtures are located. This will assist your balance as you turn on the faucets and step into the shower. Install a horizontal grab bar along the wall side of the tub at a height of approximately three feet to assist your balance while washing and to provide leverage if you are standing up from a sitting position in the tub. Install grab bars around the toilet area near waist height for assistance in maneuvering onto and off of the toilet. If wall space is available install grab bars on both sides of the toilet to allow the use of both hands in a functional position. Ensure that grab bars are secure and not rotating prior to use.

Tags: grab bars, grab bars, around toilet, assist your, assist your balance, bars that

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Natural Remedy Using Garlic & Lemon To Lower Cholesterol

If your total cholesterol is 200 mg or greater and your bad (LDL) cholesterol is 130 mg or more, you have high cholesterol. High cholesterol can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, stroke, peripheral vascular disease (disease of blood vessels outside the brain and heart), type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, according to the Cleveland Clinic. With so many health risks, it is wise to lower your cholesterol levels. Research has shown that garlic and lemon can significantly lower cholesterol.

Garlic

Garlic has a long history of medicinal use. The first-century Greek founder of modern pharmacy, Dioscorides, used garlic to treat rabid dog bites, snake bites, infections, bronchitis, cough, clogged arteries and even leprosy. In a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers found that heart disease patients given a daily dose of garlic oil for 10 months experienced a steady decrease in bad cholesterol and a steady increase in good (HDL) cholesterol levels.

The secret of garlic's cholesterol-lowering power is the active ingredient---allicin, also found in onions, leeks and shallots. Allicin has the ability to block sulfhydryl enzymes, which play a significant role in synthesizing cholesterol in the body.

Garlic Uses

Garlic is good tossed in a stir-fry, used in marinades or sauces, and roasted, pickled or crushed. Use chopped or minced garlic to marinate meat, fish and seafood. It is good in soups, sauces and salads. Add raw garlic to pasta and baked potatoes.

According to a report in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, freshly crushed garlic has more potent heart-friendly effects than dried garlic. When garlic is crushed, hydrogen sulfide is released, and these chemical messengers relax blood vessels, allowing more blood to pass through.

Lemons

Lemons are high in vitamin C; 4 tbsp. of lemon juice will give you half the vitamin C you need for the day. Vitamin C a powerful antioxidant and will make cholesterol less likely to stick to artery walls, according rd.com. And lemons are also packed with limonene, a natural disease-preventing compound that helps lower cholesterol. In addition, its high levels of potassium help to control high blood pressure, alleviate nausea and dizziness, and uplift mind and body.

Lemon Uses

Lemons are versatile and can be easily added to food to provide a refreshing citrus flavor. Use lemon juice instead of vinegar in salad dressings. Use it to marinate meat, fish or seafood or add zest to sandwiches. Spritz water with lemon juice for a refreshing drink. Squeeze lemon juice on vegetables, pasta, rice dishes, soups and stews instead of salt.

Tags: lemon juice, blood pressure, blood vessels, cholesterol levels, fish seafood

Monday, October 18, 2010

Disinfect Vegetables That Have Amoebas

Disinfect raw vegetables to kill amoebas.

Amoebic dysentery is unpleasant to say the least. Some fall prey to it while in a foreign country trying to enjoy a well deserved vacation. Eating amoeba contaminated raw vegetables is a common way to get amoebic dysentery. When dystentery is a concern, you must disinfect any raw vegetables and fruit before consuming them -- whether you intend to peel them or not. Disinfect the vegetables as soon as they come home from the store and you'll prevent contamination and make sure your kitchen remains a healthy place to eat.

Instructions

1. Wash the vegetables with running tap water. This is OK even if the water may be a source of amoebas. The disinfectant will handle those. And it will work much more effectively once visible surface soil is removed.

2. Soak the raw vegetables in a clean bowl filled with a commercial vegetable disinfectant listed as an amebicide (like Microdyn and Bacdyn). Follow the manufacturer's instructions for dilution rates and soaking times. If you do not have access to a disinfectant, soak the solution in a bleach solution for five seconds. For a more natural option, use a grape seed extract based disinfectant and soak for the manufacturer-recommended amount of time. Or, soak in a solution of one part water and three parts vinegar for one minute.

3. Wash and dry your hands.

4. Remove the vegetables from the soak and place them in a clean colander to drip completely dry. If you used chlorine bleach, rinse them first with bottled water.

Tags: disinfectant soak, soak solution

Benefits And Risks Of Prozac

As with any drug on the market today, Prozac not only has its benefits of helping people with certain conditions and disorders, it also comes with a few risks. Oftentimes, these risks will be outweighed by the assistance this drug has on a person's life and well-being, and are fairly rare occurrences for most people. But, there is always the potential, so a consultation with your physician is recommended. She will better understand how Prozac will affect you.

Identification

Prozac is considered a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, otherwise referred to as an SSRI, which is commonly used in the treatment of depression as well as both obsessive compulsive and anxiety disorders. It is essentially used to balance, so to speak, a person's brain by lessening a certain obsession, compulsion, fear or anxiety. Oftentimes, a person will experience a change in his frame of mind or mood while on the drug, effectively turning his attention away from those almost unshakable, disconcerting thoughts or feelings back to day to day life.

Benefits

Besides the obvious benefit of a potential return to a more productive, assured life, a person prescribed Prozac as part of his overall treatment plan will not only see a change in his outlook, but also a change in his level of energy, enabling him to see certain tasks and obstacles to completion. Many times, a person will also experience a change in sleep patterns, improving the ability to actually get a good night sleep.

Considerations

While most people who are prescribed Prozac usually suffer from depression, anxiety or unwelcome compulsions, the drug has also been found to be beneficial for other disorders and syndromes, including bulimia and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), which is a condition where a woman will basically undergo serious emotional and physical issues while experiencing her period to the severity and point where it disrupts her life. In the case of bulimia, Prozac can more or less diminish the urge to binge and purge while still maintaining a healthy appetite. In the case of PMDD, the drug can successfully decrease many of the symptoms linked to menstruation, including depression and irritability.

Risks

Though the benefits of Prozac often outweigh any of the potential risks, there are certain side effects that sometimes accompany use of this drug, such as drowsiness or trouble sleeping, fatigue, nausea and loss of appetite, dizziness or even anxiety. Since no two people are alike, doctors can be somewhat unsure of how a person may exactly react to any drug, including Prozac, so constant communication is important to effectively treat the disorder you are currently experiencing. Needless to say, you should contact your doctor immediately if you experience these or any other side effects while taking Prozac.

Warning

More often than not, any side effects you may experience while taking Prozac will be relatively minor. And not everyone will even suffer any sort of complications due to its prescription. But, there are a few fairly significant risks or side effects that some patients have undergone, including restlessness and tremors, a change in vision, a change in libido and sexual ability or uncontrollable movements. On rare occasions, some patients have suffered an almost adverse effect from the drug, experiencing an atypical change in mood or rationale where the symptoms accompanying their condition actually worsen. As with any side effect you may experience, contact your doctor without delay for immediate help.

Tags: side effects, contact your, contact your doctor, effects that, experience change, most people, patients have

What Is Hydroxycitrate Complex

Hydroxycitrate complex is a new development in weight loss. Plant derived, hydroxycitrate complex inhibits the body from converting carbohydrates into fat and curbs appetite.

Hydroxycitrite Origin

Hydroxycitrate (HDC) is derived from the Malabar tamarind plant. Hydroxycitrate is the main active ingredient in weight loss supplements like Hydroxycut, Citrimax, Citrin and others. Research from Georgetown University Medical Center has found that HDC lowers body fat percentage, helps curb appetite, and prevents the conversion of carbohydrates to fat.

Dosage

Hydroxycitrate complex is considered safe in the dosages recommended. Dosage, since hydroxycitrate is not found in pure form depends on scientific recommendations and pill bottle instructions. Current recommendations indicate that the standard dosage ranges from 1200 to1500 mg of HDC a day. Dosage also depends on the severity of weight issues--a person 10 to 20 lbs. overweight will not require as much of a dosage as someone battling with obesity.

Effectiveness

Hydroxycitrate complex is proven to curb appetite, lower body fat, and prevent carbohydrate to fat conversion; however, the effectiveness outside of studies has been questioned. Laboratory mice have experienced dramatic weight loss results, but the dosage given to mice is 20 to 30 times higher then the dosage found in the weight loss supplements. As of yet, such high dosages have yet to be proven safe for human consumption. HDC is considered more of a boost to a healthy diet and exercise plan. HDC is not a miracle worker; research leans to its overall effectiveness, but its effectiveness is still under debate. With more research and if the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves higher dosage, HDC may become more of the miracle drug than people hope. Right now, it is a promising and mildly effective new supplement in the battle against the bulge.

Side Effects

Whenever taking a drug or supplement, the side effects are almost as important to understand as the results of the substance. In laboratory test results, hydroxycitrate is proven to be no more harmful then citric acid (lemons). There have been no discovered side effects as noted by Anthony Conte MD in his published "The Bariatrician."

FDA Recall

Hydroxycitrate is still considered safe and side effect-free. However, Hydroxycut, one of the most popular weight loss supplements is under massive FDA recall. Fourteen Hydroxycut products, made by Iovate Health, are being recalled and taken off the market. Liver injury has been reported, and one death has been linked to Hydroxycut. Some consumers experienced yellowing of the skin, brown urine, stomach pain, nausea and discoloration of stools. The recall is limited only to Hydroxycut; other products that contain hydroxycitrate are still considered safe to use by the FDA.

Tags: weight loss, considered safe, loss supplements, weight loss supplements, curb appetite, Hydroxycitrate complex

Friday, October 15, 2010

Dip Smokeless Tobacco

Dipping smokeless tobacco is a common habit among many groups of Americans who are addicted to the nicotine and action that comes with dipping. Smokeless tobacco gives the user the fix of smoking without the smoke, but unfortunately it still carries all of the risks.

Instructions

1. Buy a container of moist smokeless tobacco from almost any grocery store or gas station. Choose your favorite cut from a fine to a twisted blend or a pouch for convenience. For first-time dippers, choose a light brand with a fine cut as this will separate easier and you can take a smaller amount.

2. Take a small coin-sized piece, also called a "pinch," from the tin with your fingers. Put this in your mouth between your lower gum and cheek. Move the tobacco into place with your tongue so that you have a rim along the length of your lower gums and pack it firmly into place inside your cheek.

3. Suck on the tobacco to create juices that will be responsible for absorbing the nicotine into your bloodstream through your mouth and gums. Spit out the juices and excess saliva every time they build up and never swallow them or leave them sitting in your mouth, as this will probably cause you to gag.

4. Leave the "dip" in your mouth for about 20 to 30 minutes or until the tobacco becomes dry or tasteless. Spit out the remaining excess or use your finger to scoop around the gum line.

5. Rinse your mouth out with plenty of water and spit until you have got rid of all the strands or leaves. Brush your teeth as soon as you can to try and prevent the gum diseases and conditions that occur from dipping tobacco.

Tags: your mouth, into place, smokeless tobacco, this will, with your, your lower

Types Of Deadly Ants

The common household ant is annoying, but not deadly.

Ants are often associated with spoiling a summer picnic, but a few types of ants can actually prove deadly to humans. Although most deadly ants are located in isolated areas around the world, it is important to be aware of the risks faces when encountering these deadly insects.

Siafu - African Ants

African ants are not poisonous, but run in large numbers.

The average colony of African Ants, native to Nigeria and West Africa, has more than 20 million members. The African Ants are known for racing across the African savannas and eating whatever they may find along the way. About 20 to 50 people, typically the young or elderly, die each year as a result of asphyxiation after encountering African Ants. These ants are best avoided by staying in populated areas during droughts, and always having a sense of self awareness.

Fire Ants

Fire ants cause significant crop damage annually.

Most fire ants are found in the southern United States and in South and Central America. The fire ant nests in sand or loose ground soil, meaning it can commonly be found along the tree lines and edges of beaches. If the fire ant nest is stepped on, or the ants are irritated, they will counterattack with a painful bite that feels like fire. A single sting or small series of bites can be quickly treated, however a swarm can be deadly. About 150 people die every day from fire ant bites. When at the beach, check the area near the chair or blanket to ensure a colony will not be stepped on.

Driver Ant

The Driver ants have a strong mandible for biting.

The driver ant is native to the dense jungles of Africa, and its bite is renowned as one of the most deadly and painful, actually drawing blood with each prick. Driver ants will attack wildlife or humans that happen to stop to rest near their anthill. When put together, a colony of driver ants can weigh more than 30,000 pounds. In addition to the surface wounds, once the prey is injured enough, the driver ants will crawl into the esophagus and suffocate their victim. It is important to keep aware on jungle hikes in Africa, and only stop to rest in areas approved by a guide.

Australian Bulldog Ant

Bulldog ants look similar to wingless wasps, according to National Geographic, and the ferocious insects actually appear to have a fanged-vice for a mouth. The bulldog ants are particularly dangerous because of their ability to cause an allergic reaction from a number of humans when bit. The bulldog ant also has superior vision over a number of other insects, giving them a predatory advantage. Use caution when traveling in grassy, desert-like areas near Sydney, Australia, to avoid these colonies.

Tags: African Ants, About people, ants will, driver ants, more than, most deadly

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Methods Of Getting Rid Of A Cold In A Toddler

Few things are worse than having to cope with a toddler suffering from a nasty cold. But in most instances, a cold just has to run its course. The best thing you can do is make your toddler comfortable while waiting for the virus to dissipate.

Congestion

To ease the symptoms of congestion in your toddle, start by using a vaporizer or a humidifier. This will help to clear the nasal and chest cavity, making breathing a bit easier. Toddlers generally aren't capable of blowing their nose, so use a bulb syringe to suck out the mucous.

Smear menthol rub on your toddler's chest and under his nose to break up phlegm and ease congestion. A number of bath products on the market also have vaporizing qualities that will ease some of your toddler's symptoms. You might also drop some saline drops into his nose several times a day to aid in clearing up congestion.

While there are over-the-counter cold and flu combination medications available, they are not recommended for use in children under the age of 6. In fact, most cold and flu products for children under the age of 2 were pulled from store shelves in 2007 and have since been labeled by most pediatricians as unsafe and ineffective.

Aches

Aches and pains from a cold can make your toddler more miserable than anything else. For a sore throat, give him some warm apple juice with plenty of honey, which will coat the throat and ease the ache. A warm bath can help to eliminate body aches. For more severe aches and pains, give your child a dose of children's acetaminophen or ibuprofen, sold under the brand names Children's Tylenol and Children's Motrin. These medications are not the same as their cold and flu combination counterparts; follow age-limit instructions on packaging as it is not recommended for children under the age of 2 to use these products; they may need Infant Tylenol or Infant Motrin instead.

Fever

When fighting off a cold, many toddlers will develop a low-grade fever, which is a body temperature of 99 to 100.9 degrees Fahrenheit. Unless the fever is making your child feel worse, try to refrain from treating it, as low-grade fevers help to ward off infection. Some toddlers may develop a higher fever of 101 to 103.5 degrees, which is also common in viral infections, like colds. For these higher temperatures, give your child the appropriate dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Combine these medicines with the application of a lukewarm bath and/or a cool cloth on the child's forehead to get the fever down faster.

If you child has a persistent fever of 104 or higher, which won't break even after medicine is administered, call your pediatrician for further testing and analysis. This will rule out any underlying conditions that might be causing the cold virus to linger in the body.

See Your Doctor

If cold symptoms continue to worsen or persist or the cold lasts for several days or more, make an appointment with your pediatrician for further testing.

Tags: your toddler, children under, your child, acetaminophen ibuprofen, cold combination, further testing

Blood Circulation Remedies

Poor blood circulation can lead to numerous problems, including hypertension, varicose veins and hardening of the arteries. On a less dire level, it can leave you feeling cold in your extremities, even on a warm day, and delay the healing of cuts and bruises. Poor circulation can be caused by a number of things, including obesity, lack of exercise, inadequate hydration or repeated urinary infections. If you have poor circulation, you should speak to a doctor about the problem, but you can also adapt a number of simple remedies on your own.

Exercise helps improve circulation.

Diet

Good circulation starts with proper hydration. People who drink eight glasses of water a day and stay away from alcohol or caffeine (they promote dehydration) clear detritus out of their blood supply and improve blood flow. A healthy diet does much the same thing: green, leafy vegetables, citrus fruits and lean meats with a lot of protein. Fatty foods, on the other hand, tend to clog the arteries with a lot of gunk and make circulation worse.

Exercise

Increased heart rate improves circulation, and there's no better way to get the heart beating than by regular exercise. It's especially important for people who work at desk jobs and don't move around a lot during the day. Cardio-intensive exercises such as running, swimming or bike riding are very good for improving the heart rate and expanding the smaller blood vessels.

Hot and Cold Treatments

Exposure to heat brings the blood closer to the surface of the skin. Exposure to cold causes the blood to move toward the internal organs. By alternating heat and cold very rapidly--such as in a shower--the blood is forced around the body more quickly, improving circulation. Hot and cold treatments should be undertaken carefully so as not to scald the skin, but alternating between hot water and cold five or six times in succession on a particular body part can alleviate poor blood flow.

Cayenne

Cayenne pepper helps strengthen the blood vessels and improve the heart rate, both of which are good for circulation. It can cause problems in sensitive areas like the eyes, but taking it in small doses or as part of a recipe is an excellent way to improve circulation.

Ginkgo Biloba

Gingko has been taken for thousands of years and is often used to improve memory, primarily by increasing blood flow to the brain. It can also be used to treat varicose veins, and it improves circulation in the lungs, making it helpful for asthma. As a general treatment for circulation, it's considered very effective and can be taken without a prescription in capsule form.

Tags: blood flow, heart rate, blood vessels, improve circulation, improves circulation

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Do Internal Cleansing With Clay Products

Clay

The theory behind using clay for internal cleansing is that clay will bind to toxins in the body and be eliminated through the stool, thereby improving overall health by removing the toxins. Clay is not absorbed by the intestines or the bloodstream and stimulates the bowels to move food and stool through the body. Always consult a doctor before beginning any internal cleansing program.

Instructions

1. Before ingesting clay, make sure your stomach is empty. This can be accomplished by waiting one to three hours after eating or drinking anything before consuming clay. You should also wait one to three hours after taking any medication before eating or drinking clay.

2. Choose your method of consuming clay. You can eat hydrated clay products, drink liquefied clay or mix clay powder with water. You can find these products at most natural health stores or specialty vitamin stores. Follow all instructions carefully to prevent stomach irritation and bloating.

3. Ingest clay once a day for at least one week to thoroughly cleanse the system. You may wish to stay close to home the first day until you know how your body will react to the clay and how quickly you might need to use the bathroom.

4. Stay very well-hydrated when doing an internal cleanse. Drink at least eight glasses or more of water each day.

Tags: consuming clay, eating drinking, hours after, internal cleansing, three hours, three hours after

Diagnose Oral Cancer

Diagnose Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is any type of cancer that appears in areas in and around the mouth. Oral cancer can manifest on the lips, mouth, tongue, gums and the glands that produce saliva. Oral cancer gets worse as the disease progresses. This is the reason it is important to get oral cancer diagnosed early on.

Instructions

1. Examine your mouth for any changes. You may notice a sore that does not heal and gets larger in size. You may also notice discoloration in areas of the mouth. The mouth may have red or dark spots inside of it.

2. Note any pain or discomfort in the areas of the mouth. You may have problems eating because of soreness in the mouth. You may also experience numbness in certain parts of the mouth.

3. Set up an appointment with your doctor if you have oral cancer symptoms. They need to get your medical history and run some tests to reach a definitive diagnosis.

4. Allow the physician to examine your mouth. They should note any changes that have occurred and decide what tests to order. They will probably take a sampling from your mouth to test the cells for cancer.

5. Get a series of radiology tests. X-rays and CT Scans can be used to detect the presence of oral cancer in the body. The radiologist is able to tell from these tests whether the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body.

Tags: oral cancer, your mouth, areas mouth, Diagnose Oral, Diagnose Oral Cancer

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Home Pregnancy Tests

Home Pregnancy tests are a simple and affordable way for women to determine from home whether they are pregnant. This article will provide an overview of what a home pregnancy test is, how it works and how it compares to blood tests.

The Facts

A home pregnancy test (also known as HPT) displays the amount of pregnancy hormone in a woman's urine to determine whether she is pregnant. The name of this hormone is human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and it is released into the body when a fertilized egg implants itself in the uterine lining. This can happen from five to 10 days after conception. Home pregnancy tests are fairly accurate at detecting this hormone in the urine. However, different brands detect the hormone at different levels.

Time Frame

Many brands of HPT like to boast that they can detect pregnancy as early as the first day of a woman's missed period. Although this has been proven in a few cases to be true, most women will not produce enough hCG to be detected until at least a week after she has missed a period. Some brands do detect lower levels of the hormone in the urine, but you will receive a more accurate result by waiting at least a week for the hCG to build up in your system. By testing too early, you run the risk of getting a false negative result due to insufficient amounts of the hormone in your urine. If you test early and receive a negative result, it is wise to wait and test again in a week or so.

Type

There are a few types of home pregnancy test on the market, although they all work in a similar fashion. The most popular instructs the woman to hold a dipstick in her urine stream for 10 seconds, replace the cap and wait for the results. Still another says to collect urine in a cup and dip the stick into the urine, while another provides a dropper to put a few drops of urine into a collection well. The next step with all of these methods is always the same---to wait. Usually the instructions say to wait anywhere from two to five minutes and the results will appear in the test window. There is one line that will always show up; this is the control line and it is there to assure that the test is working properly. If you are pregnant, a second line will appear in addition to the control line (in some cases making a plus sign). In the early stages of pregnancy, this line may be very faint. No matter how faint the line, a second line means a positive result. Recently, companies have developed a digital test that gives a result on a digital screen of "pregnant" or "not pregnant." This takes the guess work out of reading the lines, but these tests tend to be much more expensive than their standard counterparts.

Benefits

Home pregnancy tests offer an affordable and simple alternative to receiving a blood test in a doctor's office. HPTs can be purchased in any drugstore or super store and cost from $4 to $20, depending on the brand and type. By taking a home pregnancy test, you can save yourself a trip to the doctor--as well as a co-pay.

Expert Insight

Although pregnancy tests are fairly accurate, you should always consult your doctor if you feel you may be pregnant; and if you do get a positive result, make an appointment as soon as possible for an exam. It is recommended to receive care as early as possible in your pregnancy to ensure the health of you and your unborn baby.

Tags: home pregnancy test, pregnancy test, home pregnancy, brands detect, control line, fairly accurate

Treat Whooping Cough

Whooping cough derives its name from the distinct whoop associated with coughing spasms. Also known as pertussis, this disease was greatly reduced through the administration of the DPT vaccination to children. It has, however, made a comeback and is becoming widespread worldwide.

Instructions

Understand Signs and Symptoms of Whooping Cough

1. Realize that during treatment, whooping cough is contagious for a lengthy time period.

2. Beginning 7 days after exposure to the Bordetella pertussis bacteria to as long as 3 weeks after the initial onset of coughing spasms, the germs can be contagious.

3. Know that whooping cough can be present in adults as well as children. Since the symptoms are typically less severe in adults, the disease is often mistaken for a cold or upper respiratory infection.

Begin Treatment for Whooping Cough

4. Avoid exposure to other family members by isolating the infected person for the first 5 days of antibiotics. Wear surgical masks while in the same room with the patient.

5. Wash your hands frequently since the bacteria that causes whooping cough is easily transmitted through contact.

6. Consume lots of fluids. Dehydration is a common complication of whooping cough. Juices, water, fruits and soups are great sources to replenish fluids and provide nutrients.

7. Reduce the potential for vomiting associated with intense coughing by eating small meals. Typically, six small meals instead of three regular meals is quite effective.

8. Take only medications that are prescribed by your physician, especially for cough.

9. Soothe your symptoms with a cool mist vaporizer. The extra moisture in the air will make breathing easier, loosen secretions and reduce the roughness of the cough.

10. Understand your doctor may treat whooping cough as a family illness and prescribe antibiotics to everyone in the household.

11. Understand that comfort measures may be all that is possible to treat whooping cough. In some cases, the antibiotic, cough suppressants or bronchodilators do not make any difference.

12. Stay home and rest if you're an adult with whooping cough. Allow the body to recover with minimal stress.

Tags: whooping cough, associated with, coughing spasms, small meals, treat whooping, whooping cough

Prevent Anorexia Relapse

Anorexia is a complicated eating disorder.

Many people work very hard to overcome the eating disorder of anorexia nervosa. While they might feel great after overcoming anorexia, they might fear that they will have a relapse after they re-enter their lives and face the day-to-day stresses. Anorexia is a complicated eating disorder, and those who have struggled with anorexia are vulnerable to having a relapse.

Instructions

1. Accept that you will always be vulnerable to an anorexia relapse. Once a person has found a coping strategy that works (even a negative one), he can be tempted to return to it when he is under stress. Keep an eye out for signs that you are moving back into old patterns.

2. Recognize that anorexia is the symptom of a deeper problem. Anorexia is a coping tool that some people use to manage deep emotional pain. Anorexia provides the illusion of control when the person is feeling like she is free falling emotionally.

3. Heal the pain that drove the anorexia. Anorexia does not happen in a vacuum. If you have stopped the anorexic behavior without healing the underlying pain that drove you to the anorexia in the first place, you are much more likely to have a relapse. If you have not already done so, seek therapy to heal the underlying pain.

4. Develop positive coping tools. Anorexia is a coping tool to manage deep pain. As you develop other, more positive, ways to manage your pain, you will no longer need to turn to anorexia to cope. Talk with a friend or therapist about your pain. Write in a journal. Play a musical instrument. Do something that helps you ground yourself and stay in the present moment so you can better manage your emotional pain.

5. Change how you talk to yourself. As part of the anorexia, you told yourself numerous negative messages, such as that you were too fat and that you were not good enough the way that you were. Choose to stop telling yourself these messages, and replace them with positive ones. Tell yourself multiple times a day that you are precious and deserve to be loved just the way you are.

6. Love yourself. The key to overcoming anorexia is learning love yourself. Do kind things for yourself. Treat your body as you would treat a beloved child. As you become more compassionate toward yourself, you greatly reduce the risk of having an anorexia relapse.

Tags: eating disorder, that were, Anorexia complicated, Anorexia complicated eating, Anorexia coping, Anorexia coping tool