Checking the pulse on the wrist is a simple way to identify how many beats per minute your heart beats. This indicates how strong the heart muscle is in pumping blood throughout the body. A healthy resting heart rate is not higher than 140, according to the American Heart Association. While there are several devices that can record your heart rate for you, such as heart monitors, taking your pulse on your wrist is not difficult and is accurate.
Instructions
1. Take your resting heart rate either before you climb out of bed in the morning or after you've been sitting quietly for at least 10 minutes. Do not take your heart rate after exercising, as it is likely to be higher from the exertion.
2. Sit upright, expose your left inner wrist and place your index finger and middle finger on the inner wrist near the top edge of your arm, near the base of your thumb.
3. Notice you will feel a throbbing pulse under your fingers. If you don't, move your fingers down or up slightly to locate your pulse.
4. Avoid using your thumb to take your pulse as the thumb will often has its own pulse, which will make it difficult to record your actual heart rate pulse.
5. Keep your fingers on your inner wrist and count the number of beats for 6 seconds. Multiply that number by 10 and you have your heart rate for 60 seconds.
Tags: heart rate, your heart, inner wrist, your fingers, your heart rate, your pulse
Recent FDA airline food inspections provide evidence of widespread food safety violations. Although airlines themselves do not prepare the food, inspections show that large airline catering companies have fallen short of established food-safety standards.
Investigation
In 2010, USA Today discovered that FDA inspectors found food-safety violations "too numerous to count" in major airline food catering kitchens. Such violations included the presence of cockroaches, flies and rodent droppings in catering kitchens. Airline caterers provide food to multiple carriers and no airlines were specifically named in the article.
Results
Citations were issued to airline catering giants Gate Gourmet, LGS Sky Chefs and the Flying Food Group. Catering company and airline spokespersons indicate that measures have been implemented to ensure airline food safety.
Previous Incidents
In 1984, British Airways reported more than one hundred cases of salmonella poisoning among airline passengers, crew and ground personnel. The food-borne illness outbreak raised concerns that intentional airline food contamination, similar to an airplane disaster in scope, could adversely impact airline operations.
You may have heard of the Master Cleanse. It is a diet that consists of consuming only lemon juice, maple syrup, cayenne pepper and water for ten to forty days. It is possible to detox using lemons and still continue to eat healthy foods. It is important to take a multivitamin to ensure you are getting all of the nutrients you need.
The Cleansing Benefits of Lemon
Lemons are a great internal cleansing agent. They purify the blood and help remove toxins from the body. The acidity in lemons stimulates digestion, helping waste elimination. Lemons also contain natural anti-bacterial enzymes. This helps clean the digestive tract of bacteria and parasites.
Lemon Detox Diet
Squeeze two fresh organic lemons. Add honey or maple syrup to taste. Honey and maple syrup can naturally sweeten the lemonade and provide vitamins and minerals. As in the Master Cleanse, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper. The pepper boosts the metabolism. Drink eight to ten glasses of the lemonade each day for about two weeks to cleanse the system. Eat as many raw fruits and vegetables as you want. Opt for organic produce, if possible, to avoid pesticides and toxins.
For breakfast, eat a high-fiber cereal. After that, only consume the lemonade drink and as many fruits and vegetables as you want until about 2 or 3 pm. You can have a quality protein bar or shake that is low in saturated fat. In the evening, take a laxative tea to help with waste elimination. Optionally, you may add Metamucil or a fiber supplement to your diet to encourage bowel movements and keep you from feeling too hungry.
Laxative Tea
Boil a teaspoon of broken licorice root in a cup of water for one hour. Strain the water to remove the root. Drink this before bed every night you are on the cleansing diet.
Tags: maple syrup, cayenne pepper, Detox Diet, fruits vegetables, fruits vegetables want, many fruits
Liver-cleansing teas are designed to support optimal liver functioning and help the body eliminate stored toxins and fats that may have accumulated in the liver. There are many manufacturers of packaged tea bags that are marketed for liver cleansing but it is also possible to make your own liver-cleansing teas with bulk herbs, which may be more potent and save you money. Several herbs that can be used in liver-cleansing teas have been shown in scientific studies to have profound effects on liver health, and combing them into a potent liver-cleansing tea at home could be the easiest and most effective way to experience the benefits.
Function
The liver is the primary organ responsible for eliminating toxic substances from the body, and doing an herbal tea cleanse several times a year helps to keep the liver from becoming overloaded, sluggish and even damaged. By giving your liver a rest and flushing out unwanted accumulated compounds, you can raise your energy level, improve your digestion and even clear your complexion.
Types
Many herbs have been used by different cultures and different alternative-health practitioners to make liver-cleansing teas. The most common ingredients include dandelion root, milk thistle and the Chinese herb bupleurum. Liver-cleansing herbs to be used in making teas should be of high quality and freshness and can be purchased online or in health food stores.
Studies
According to study published in the "Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology" in July 2005, milk thistle shows promise in treating alcohol induced liver disease. Dandelion, according to a study published in the "The Journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology" in 2007 shows the ability to protect the liver from inflammation due to acute liver damage. In a study published in 2004 in the journal "Food and Chemical Toxicology," bupleurum was shown to be able to heal lesions and necrosis of the liver caused by chemically induced toxic substances.
Time frame
Most liver-cleansing tea protocols advocate using strong doses of the tea for short periods of time. A five-day liver flush combined with a light diet of raw or vegetarian food is a good way to seasonally give your liver a break and help it to detoxify and restore optimal functioning. For more complicated liver conditions or deeper cleanses, a longer tea cleanse of up to two weeks may be in order. As with all strong herbal therapies, it is a good idea to take at least a week's break from the tea cleanse after two weeks' time.
Significance
The liver is a vital organ that contributes much to overall health and guards against many of the toxic substances at large in today's world. By using liver-cleansing herbs to make a tea designed to detox and optimize your liver, you can greatly boost your personal vitality.
Tags: study published, toxic substances, your liver, have been, liver from, liver-cleansing teas
What appears to be back acne and acne elsewhere across the body can indeed be a symptom of the autoimmune disorder lupus. However, these raised, red inflammations are actually medically defined as cutaneous lupus erythematosus, a sign of the presence of lupus and a disorder separate from acne itself.
Lupus
The Lupus Foundation of America says lupus "is a chronic inflammatory disease that can affect various parts of the body, especially the skin, joints, blood and kidneys."
Types
Of the four types of lupus, the most common is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Cutaneous lupus erythematosus, with symptoms dominated by rashes, is mistakenly associated with severe acne. Other types are drug-induced lupus erythematosus and neonatal lupus.
Acne or Rash?
Rather than acne, outbreaks associated with lupus are medically defined as the disorder cutaneous lupus erythematosus. This is also primary symptom of SLE. The outbreak is typically scaly, raised and red but usually not itchy.
Appearance
The most typical lupus rash is known as the butterfly rash, named for the way it settles across the bridge of the nose and drapes across the cheeks below the eyes. A discoid rash is a circular outbreak that may develop on the scalp, neck, face, nose, mouth or vagina.
Triggers
Lupus has environmental triggers, the most common being ultraviolet light, according to Dr. Michelle Petri of the John Hopkins University Arthritis Center. Many people don't get lupus until they've had a bad sunburn.
Tags: lupus erythematosus, associated with, cutaneous lupus, cutaneous lupus erythematosus, medically defined, most common
In individuals with cerebral palsy, occupational therapy utilizes activities and techniques that promote physical, cognitive, and fine motor skills development. Occupational therapy can help these individuals gain independence in a number of important life areas, and may increase self-esteem and confidence. Both children and adults with cerebral palsy can benefit from occupational therapy, but children generally benefit most. However, occupational therapy is not a cure for cerebral palsy, and entering therapy with expectations that are too high may interfere with treatment.
Significance
More people are diagnosed with cerebral palsy in the United States than with any other developmental disability. Estimates show that about 500,000 people in the U.S. have cerebral palsy, and that approximately 1 in 500 children are born with the disorder. Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition that usually results in significant disability, impairing all areas of life, and limiting independence. Occupational therapy for cerebral palsy increases independence, improves motor function and encourages healthy social relationships for sufferers. For some, occupational therapy may enable the sufferer to attend school, work, and/or live alone instead of remaining fully dependent on family members to survive.
Benefits
Occupational therapy helps individuals with cerebral palsy live as independently as possible, and teaches them important skills to help reduce the impact of their disability on daily tasks. Occupational therapy is also an excellent means of identifying individual strengths and weaknesses, which enables care to be individualized and focused on areas that can be improved. The increased self-esteem and social skills gained through occupational therapy can greatly enhance enjoyment in life, and the improved ability to take care of daily tasks, such as bathing, feeding, and grooming, can provide those with cerebral palsy a level of independence they may not otherwise acquire.
Time Frame
The sooner occupational therapy begins, the better the outcome and overall prognosis. Children diagnosed with cerebral palsy often begin occupational therapy immediately after diagnosis to improve their chances of attending regular schools and to prevent further deterioration of their muscles. Adults with cerebral palsy typically spend considerably more time working on basic life skills, as fine motor skills and social relationships are not as easily improved upon during adulthood.
Function
Occupational therapists thoroughly evaluate children and adults with cerebral palsy to determine what areas and skills can be most improved through carefully designed activities and life training. Occupational therapy addresses all areas that directly relate to daily living, including psychological, physical, social and environmental factors.
Areas that are generally worked on include fine motor skills, such as grasping and writing, developmental and daily living skills, such as getting dressed and feeding, and anger-management. Occupational therapy can also help those with cerebral palsy develop appropriate social skills and often addresses important psychological problems, including stress management, anxiety and lack of confidence.
Considerations
Occupational therapy is not a cure for cerebral palsy, and beginning therapy with unrealistic expectations may decrease the therapeutic benefits. Therapy may need to continue for many years, or even throughout life, for those severely affected by cerebral palsy, but even limited time spent in therapy may improve life skills and increase self-confidence in those with less severe cases.
Tags: cerebral palsy, with cerebral, with cerebral palsy, cerebral palsy, occupational therapy
Normally, hair sheds no more than 40 to 100 strands per day. Causes of hair loss include illness, weight loss, stress, vitamin deficiency and/or residue build-up. Hair growth is slowed by factors, such as heavy intake of refined foods or smoking. You can begin to naturally regain lost hair by improving your diet and lifestyle habits, as well as trying homemade remedies. You will find that natural solutions stimulate hair growth and increase luster.
Instructions
1. Decrease the intake of refined foods. Keep in mind that junk food slows new cell growth.
2. Know that Vitamins C and E increase scalp circulation and support hair growth. B Complex vitamins and Vitamin F also aid in hair growth.
3. Blend green leafy vegetables, carrots and alfalfa sprouts. This juice contains high levels of the vitamins needed for hair growth.
4. Use apple cider vinegar as a hair rinse to clear dead skin cells from hair follicles. Wash the hair with natural products to avoid further residue build-up.
5. Understand that jalapeño peppers seeped in vodka and later mixed with castor oil promote hair growth when massaged into the scalp for a few minutes. Shampoo as usual when finished.
6. Lie on a slanted bench or turn head up side down for a few minutes everyday to promote circulation. This stimulates the scalp and supports hair growth.
Tags: hair growth, intake refined, intake refined foods, Lost Hair, refined foods, Regain Lost
Equine chiropractors work on horses to help heal or ease problems within the horse's body caused by lack of flexibility within the horse's spine. The stiffness in the spine may cause symptoms in other parts of the horse's body, so veterinarians may recommend chiropractic work to deal with issues ranging from lameness to behavioral changes.
Who They Are
Equine chiropractors are generally veterinarians themselves or human chiropractors. Both groups can receive certifications from an organization such as the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association's Animal Chiropractic Certification Commission (ACCC) as long as the veterinarians or chiropractors are licensed to practice by the appropriate state boards.
Postgraduate Work
Whether a veterinarian or a human chiropractor, the potential equine chiropractor must complete postgraduate studies at a school approved by the certifying organization, which keeps a list of approved institutions and can give you the contact information for each institution.
Examinations
You will be expected to complete the examinations for certification within a certain amount of time after you graduate from the postgraduate training program, though there may be provisions for those who cannot, such as those attending another, shorter training class. For example, the ACCC requires all examinations be completed within one year after graduation. Examinations may be written and clinical in nature.
Recertification
Certification is only good for a certain amount of time, which is specified by the certifying organization, and you can keep your certification only by completing the hours of continuing education required by it. These hours can be fulfilled by observing other certified doctors' work, attending continuing education courses and lectures, or by reading certain works.
Why Get Certified?
Being a certified equine chiropractor can help you gain referrals by including your name on websites and printed directories. You may also be invited to speak at more functions, and you will be allowed to use the term "certified" in your own advertising as well as on reports.
Tags: amount time, certain amount, certain amount time, certifying organization, continuing education
Using the steam room at your local gym, health club or in your home is a way to open your pores, relieve some stress and revitalize your body. The benefits of a steam room include relief from muscle tension and stiff joints, a boost in your immune system and blood circulation, relief from congestion and lymph node detoxification. Steam rooms are especially good for people with respiratory problems such as asthma, sinusitis and bronchitis. Follow these tips to make your experience in the steam room even better and more rewarding.
Showering Before & After
Showering before a trip to the steam room helps open pores and showering after helps close them. Shower in warm water before and use cold water after leaving. After showering and before entering the steam room, make a mixture of 1 tsp. of salt and 2 tsp. of honey and lightly massage on your arms and neck. If desired, make a second mixture and apply to your legs. The salt/honey mixture will help increase your sweating while in the steam bath.
What to Bring in the Steam Room
Before entering the steam room, wrap yourself in a clean towel and grab a bottle of water, a cool towel for your forehead and a rolled towel for your neck. Once in the steam room, set the temperature control to no more than 100 degrees F. If you feel overwhelmed, reduce the temperature. Next, massage any areas of your body where you have felt pain recently. Stay in the steam room no more than 10 minutes.
Appropriate Dress in a Steam Room
If using a steam room at your local gym or health club, always wear a towel wrapped around you and cover all private parts. If the gym or health club has both men and women using the same steam room, ask the attendant if a specific dress code is in place.
Drinking Water & Food Consumption
Drink plenty of cold water while in the steam room, preferably purified water. Do not drink soft drinks or alcohol while in the steam room, and do not fall asleep. As far as food, wait at least one hour after eating before entering a steam room. If you start feeling ill while in the steam room, leave immediately to a cool area and sit upright.
Interstitial cystitis is a chronic inflammation of the bladder that can cause frequent urination, urgency and pain. The disease is more common in women than men, affecting up to 700,000 people in this nation alone. Physicians often miss the diagnosis, mistaking interstitial cystitis for urinary tract infection. If you believe you are affected by this condition, read on for management tips.
Instructions
1. Tell your doctor about your symptoms. Interstitial cystitis can send you running to the bathroom as many as 60 times per day in extreme cases. You may have pain, especially associated with sexual activity. The condition will not respond to antibiotic therapy.
2. See a urologist for an accurate diagnosis. The doctor should take urine cultures to rule out bacterial infections, and then rule out other possible diseases, including vaginal infections, sexually transmitted diseases, bladder cancer or endometriosis, among others.
3. Make sure the doctor does a cytoscopy, a test that allows him to look at the inside of the bladder and the urethra under anesthesia. The bladder will be distended with liquid and the doctor will look inside with a cytoscope, a lighted instrument. The doctor should look for small hemorrhages of the bladder to properly diagnose the disease.
4. Try different treatments to find relief for the condition. Try Elmiron, an oral medication approved by the FDA specifically for interstitial cystitis. The antidepressant Elavil and anti inflammatory drugs can be helpful, as well as several treatments that are instilled directly into the bladder. External nerve stimulators can help relieve pain.
5. Consider eliminating spicy foods from your diet as well as tobacco, coffee and tea, which can aggravate interstitial cystitis.
Tags: interstitial cystitis, doctor should, Interstitial cystitis, look inside
Bed bugs are small pests that lurk in baseboards, mattresses, small crevices under the bed and other places. Because they fit in the smallest spaces, it is not uncommon for them to be transported from one place to another. A five-star hotel can be infested with bed bugs as easily as a run-down motel. Bed bug bites can result in raised red skin, scratchy lumps and the possibility of an allergic reaction. Keep reading to find out get rid of bed bug bites.
Instructions
1. Wash the areas that have been bitten by bed bugs with a gentle cleanser and water. Use a soft washcloth, such as a baby washcloth, to avoid further irritation.
2. Apply a thin layer of an antibiotic cream such as polysporin or Neosporin directly to the affected areas. If it is a small child who has been bitten ,you may want to cover the area with a small bandage to help prevent her from scratching.
3. Take Benadryl or another oral antihistamine if an allergic reaction has occurred. An allergic reaction in the form of a red rash occurs in a majority of people who have been bitten--about 80 percent. Allow several days for the redness and swelling of a bed-bug bite to go down.
Commonly recommended medical techniques are effective in targeting both the cause of shingles (the varicella-zoster virus, or VZV) as well as the symptoms and effects of the condition. However, because of the intense and sometimes difficult to treat nature of the pain associated with the condition, doctors may recommend a number of additional techniques to supplement or partially replace the standard treatment regimen for shingles.
Relaxation
According to the Mayo Clinic, relaxation techniques can help partially relieve (or make less noticeable) the pain of shingles. Among those techniques recommended are tai chi and listening to music, along with other techniques that may soothe a given individual. The Mayo Clinic also recommends distractions like movies and hobbies to help people ignore their pain; diversions, along with avoiding stressful activities, can help people with shingles as their bodies heal.
Relief
In addition to the use of painkillers and topical agents (capsaicin and lidocaine as recommended by a doctor), relief from shingles blisters might take the form of cool baths and cool compresses, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Chronic Care
For those individuals who develop chronic pain (a condition known as postherpetic neuralgia) as a result of shingles, a number of additional treatments may be recommended. These include TENS (transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation) and biofeedback, according to the American Association of Family Physicians (AAFP). TENS uses electrodes to relieve pain, while biofeedback is a closely guided technique in which patients are taught to control their symptoms without the use of medication. Biofeedback should only be done in a controlled setting and guided by an experienced technician.
Tags: Mayo Clinic, along with, help people, number additional
The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a method of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) that focuses on using imaging as opposed to speech communication techniques in order to assist autistic children in speaking. The PECS was designed in order to help autistic children who often experience significant delays in speech development.
Function
When a child is first exposed to the Picture Exchange Communication System, they are presented with sets of pictures of preferred toys and foods, for example. If the child has a desire for any of the items expressed in the pictures, they give the picture to a designated "communication partner," usually a parent, therapist or teacher. In turn the partner gives the child either the food or the toy that was specified.
Potential
Another common use of the Picture Exchange Communication System is to talk about things that the child is exposed to environmentally. For example, if an autistic child sees an apple in the fruit section of a grocery store, they can hand a picture of an apple to their parent or caregiver. This enforces the idea that speech communication is useful, and it might encourage the child to begin to speak.
Identification
A child can learn from the Picture Exchange Communication System with anyone who is thoroughly trained and well versed in the method, whether that person is a parent, teacher, therapist or caregiver. The person teaching PECS must understand, in detail, the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA).
Theories/Speculation
ABA (applied behavior analysis) is an approach that focuses on instructing both behaviors and cognitive skills to autistic children. This method utilizes careful monitoring and positive reinforcement techniques to teach behavioral steps and practices.
Considerations
Costs of using the Picture Exchange Communication System are rather minimal. You should purchase a three ring binder (in order to keep the pictures) and a Velcro strip to display the current "subject" being used. The pictures can be drawn by hand or cut from magazines or books.
Tags: Communication System, Exchange Communication, Exchange Communication System, Picture Exchange, Picture Exchange Communication
Due to the complexity of the human body, the site of pain is not always the site of the related illness or injury. The National Library of Medicine indicates that this can be the case for kidney stones. Sometimes pain is felt directly at the site of the kidneys, but sometimes it is felt in the groin, or in various areas of the mid to lower back. While there do not appear to be any specific ties to kidney stones and shoulder pain, there are situations where the two might be--or just appear to be--connected.
Pain in the shoulder does not necessarily indicate a shoulder-related problem.
Simultaneous Conditions
According to Julia Chang, Master of Science (MSc), kidney stones and gallstones can sometimes occur at the same time. While shoulder pain is not necessarily a symptom of kidney stones, both Chang and the UK Kidney Federation show that it can be a symptom of gallstones. If a patient is certain kidney stones are causing some pain, he may want to be examined for the occurrence of gallstones as well. Both conditions relate to the buildup of minerals (often calcium) in the system, so it is not strange that the two conditions might exist concurrently. Even if the patient is uncertain whether kidney stones are causing his discomfort, he should probably still be examined for the appearance of gallstones.
Residual Pain
An article on acupuncture practices that was published in the Billings Gazette (Billings, Mont.) points to the fact that muscle tension can easily spread to the surrounding areas. Kidney stones can cause pain in the middle to lower back. As one part of the body feels pain, tension can build in the surrounding muscles. As muscles tense in response to pain and discomfort, that tension can spread. Thus, it is possible that pain caused by kidney stones could, through a resulting line of tension, be experienced as pain in the shoulders.
Identification
If feeling persistent pain in the shoulder area, take note of the nature of the pain. Write down how frequently pain is felt and what type of pain it is (whether it is a throbbing pain, stabbing pain, a dull ache, for instance). This will help a physician determine the nature of the pain, and contribute to a diagnosis.
Causes of Kidney Stones
According to the National Library of Medicine, kidney stones occur when there is an overabundance of calcium or other minerals in urine. These minerals crystallize and form stones. Stones obstruct the vessels in the kidneys or along the urinary tract. Some stones are large enough to restrict the flow of urine, which can cause the kidneys to swell. This swelling causes intense pain. Pain resulting from kidney stones can be felt in the abdomen, back or groin.
Prevention/Solution
One key to kidney stone prevention is also helpful in preventing shoulder pain (as well as other potentially muscular pains). Drinking plenty of water will keep toxins regularly flushed out of the body, making it less likely that there will be stone-causing buildup.
Tags: kidney stones, kidney stones, kidney stones causing, Library Medicine, lower back, National Library, National Library Medicine
Toothaches result from tooth decay, or the nerve root becoming irritated. Tooth loss, decay, and infection can lead to severe pain. These aches could also signify gum disease or plaque. The pain can be deep, throbbing, and persistent. If you cannot get to a dentist, you might want to consider trying a natural, easy, and effective home remedy.
Clove Oil
Clove oil is an excellent and reliable home remedy to relieve toothache pain. It is a mild type of anesthetic, and should be directly applied to the problem area. This should help provide instant soothing pain relief. If you do not have clove oil, you can also try using oil of oregano, as it should produce a similar calming effect.
Ice Cube
Almost everybody has ice cubes available on hand in the freezer. This simple home remedy involves placing an ice cube on the affected tooth (or on the closest cheek) for approximately 15 or 20 minutes at a time, a minimum of three or four times a day. This should dull the pain of the toothache.
Garlic Clove
Garlic clove is another cheap, quick and effective way to achieve relief from toothache pain. Combine the garlic clove with a small amount of rock salt, and then place it directly over the troubled tooth. Another similar option is to chew a garlic clove everyday, right after you wake up in the morning.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract is another easy and relaxing way to get rid of toothache pain. Two or three drops of vanilla extract should be placed on the problem tooth This should instantly soothe the pain of the toothache.
Tags: home remedy, This should, toothache pain, pain toothache
Many homeopathic remedies are available to treat a dog's eye injuries.
You can treat your dog's eye injuries, whether superficial or severe, with homeopathic remedies. Professional homeopaths are trained to offer the best guidance about which remedies are best for your dog. If you decide to use homeopathic remedies for your dog's eye injury, be sure to have your veterinarian examine the eye first, and work with a qualified and certified homeopathic or holistic health practitioner.
Symphytum
Homeopathic remedies are available in liquid, tincture, pill and topical forms.
According to animal homeopath Beth Murray, CCH, RSHom (NA), "Symphytum is a really important remedy in eye injuries," especially injuries from a blow to the eye, an orbital fracture or a corneal abrasion. Symphytum, given orally in the form of pills or drops, can be useful when an animal is suffering from eye inflammation.
Alternating Symphytum pills or drops with the homeopathic remedy Ruta Graveolens, also in pill or liquid form, might help heal bruising or damage to the eye or the bone surrounding the eye.
Ledum
Ledum Palustre, also known as Ledum, is a homeopathic remedy given orally in dissolvable pill or pellet form for puncture wounds in the eye. Dogs needing this remedy may seem "angry and irritable, and they prefer to be left alone," according to the Natural Dog Health Remedies website. Ledum is also helpful for eyelid injuries or for eye trauma from an injury caused by a blow to the eye.
Staphysagria
Staphysagria, given orally either in dissolvable pellet form or in liquid form by dropper, treats lacerations of the eye. In his book "Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs," veterinarian Donald Hamilton writes: "Any laceration may heal better with Staphysagria, especially if the laceration is painful. Corneal lacerations fit this category."
Arnica
Eye injuries are painful, and Arnica (from Arnica montana, the mountain daisy), is safe for dogs and effective in pain management. Arnica is available as a topical cream but is usually more effective as an oral remedy in the form of pills that dissolve in the mouth. Arnica helps with injuries that result in retinal hemorrhage, with bloodshot eyes after a fall or accident, and with blunt trauma to the eyes. Give Arnica as soon as possible after your dog suffers an eye injury. Arnica is an essential remedy for treating injuries and bruises because it helps reduce blood loss, helps reabsorb blood from bruised tissues and helps heal wounds.
Euphrasia Officinalis
Euphrasia Officinalis, or eyebright, is an herbal infusion that treats various eye conditions. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help with canine eye injuries, including scratches, cuts, or bruises of the eyeball, corneal scratches, and eye irritation. You can obtain premixed homeopathic Euphrasia Officinalis eye drops or create an eye rinse by dissolving Euphrasia Officinalis tablets in warm sterile water to use alone or in combination with a mixture of sea salt and purified water. Flood the eye with the solution, or swab or squeeze the solution into or around the eye with cotton balls.
Organic Pet Digest recommends that "if your dog continues to keep its eye shut for most of the time, the injury may be more serious," and you should contact your veterinarian or emergency veterinary clinic.
Aconitum Napellus
Aconitum Napellus is especially good for treating acute inflammatory eye injuries when given orally in the form of pellets during the early stages of the injury.
Calendula Officinalis
In "Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs," Donald Hamilton explains that you can use Calendula Officinalis topically or orally as a remedy for infected eye wounds. He states that it's especially helpful for inflammation accompanied by pus.
Hypericum Perfoliatum
Hypericum Perfoliatum pellets, administered orally, work well for dogs and other animals that have penetrating wounds to the eyes and nerve-related eye injuries. Hypericum Perfoliatum is especially useful for injured areas that are "rich in nerve supply, head injuries leading to retinal detachment or optic nerve damage," and can be a useful remedy for making a pain-relieving eye rinse to help heal abraded eye tissues," according to Natural Pet Care's Natural Pet Health blog.
Silicea
Silicea, an orally administered homeopathic remedy, treats injuries and abrasions to corneal tissue, blocked tear ducts and pus-causing foreign objects in the eye. It also helps reduce scarring.
Tags: Euphrasia Officinalis, given orally, homeopathic remedies, homeopathic remedy, Hypericum Perfoliatum, according Natural
Stubbed toes have been the object of jokes by movie comedians, but in reality they are nothing to laugh about. Just stubbing a toe on even a small object can cause an injury serious enough to send someone to an emergency room. The toes are fragile and can be damaged easily and stubbed toes should not be ignored.
Features
There are signs to look for that will tell you if your stubbed toe is going to cause more problems than a bout of pain. If the toe turns blue/black and the color does not start to fade in a few days, you probably have a more serious injury. Examine the nail carefully and if it is split, cut off as much as possible. Swelling will almost certainly occur. It the swollen area is very tender to the touch it is a good indication of serious damage.
Effects
A stubbed toe can have lasting effects that you may not feel until a few years have passed, such as arthritis, a fractured toe, a torn tendon or a sprain. If you break a nail when you stub your toe, it will not only cause excruciating pain, but it can be forced into the skin as if it were a knife point and cause a good deal of bleeding. A nail can actually die, meaning the damaged one will fall off, but a new one will never grow back leaving the toe susceptible to cuts and even serious infections.
Prevention/Solution
Keep your toe nails trimmed to prevent them from being injured. Wear shoes or closed toe slippers around the house. Use night lights in every room. Don't read and walk at the same time. Keep your eyes on where you are going. Keep things off the floor. Don't wait until the morning to put them away. When moving heavy objects, wear hard shoes, not sneakers.
Potential
Stubbing your toe has the potential to cause damage to the point where you will miss work and have permanent damage. The potential to stub your toe is everywhere. It can happen in the home, at work or taking a walk in the park. It does not take a large object to cause damage. Even the smallest object has the potential to cause serious injury.
Warning
You should take measures immediately to not only ease the pain, but prevent further injury. In order to prevent further damage to the toe, try to keep it straight and try to walk on more of your heal. Wear extra-wide, soft shoes. If you have an old pair that you can cut out the area over the injured toe, all the better. Apply ice, not heat, as soon as possible. Resist the temptation to put on any bandage. You could do more harm than good. Keep you foot elevated as much as possible. And do go and get an x-ray. It is better to know nothing is wrong than to have problems a few years down the road.
Tags: cause damage, Keep your, much possible, object cause, potential cause, prevent further
Understanding and treating the toxicities of iron can help restore a person's health.
The balance of iron in our bodies is essential for correct functioning. Too much or too little iron can have serious consequences. Screening for and monitoring iron toxicity is an important way of reducing its impact on the body, but you have to know what iron toxicities are before you can look for them. Iron toxicity occurs in around 1 percent of Americans, according to Dr. Ronald Hoffman.
Blood Transfusions
People who undergo repeated blood transfusions can develop iron toxicity. The problem poses a dilemma because the transfusion itself may be life sustaining, helping the patient deal with other ongoing illnesses such as anemia, thalassemia, sickle cell disease and myelodysplastic syndrome, according to IronToxicity.com. The body cannot excrete the excess iron it takes in from new doses of red blood cells, so it experiences overload (hemochromatosis). The iron in a transfusion patient's blood can increase from 35 percent to an incredible 95 percent in only four months of treatment for another disease. Anyone who has received 20 transfused units of blood or has had 10 separate transfusions is considered at risk. It should be noted there is also a gene in some people's DNA that can increase the absorption of iron from food and cause toxicity even without blood transfusions.
Iron Chemistry
Iron is a complicated compound because it keeps changing state inside the body. In its "reduced" state, it is a positively charged ion called ferrous iron. In its "oxidized" state, it is even more positively charged and is known as ferric iron. In practical terms, this means that it can help out in some important reactions inside the body, such as enzyme processes and energy production. However, if it starts to build up and accumulate inside the cells, it can disrupt natural processes and become a serious factor in disease development. Although iron toxicity is highly dangerous, a deficiency of iron in the diet can also have harmful consequences.
Serum Ferritin
An indicator of iron toxicity is serum ferritin levels. If the ferritin level in a person's serum is consistently 1,000 mcg/L or higher, iron toxicity may have occurred. Levels in the plasma of a patient can also be detected and used for estimating iron burden. Ferritin is referred to as a marker for the disease if used in this way. Low levels indicate a normal, healthy situation. For men, this should be 300 mcg/L or less and for women, 150 mcg/L or less (menstruation accounts for the difference), according to IronToxicity.net. People who have died of organ failure as a direct result of iron overload can have 97 percent serum ferritin.
Consequences
Iron toxicity causes several serious problems inside the body and can eventually lead to organ failure and death if left untreated. Initial symptoms, such as tiredness and abdominal pain, can be missed, and sometimes it is only later, when serious complications develop, that iron toxicity is recognized. Effects on the body can include pituitary gland failure, thyroid deficiencies, heart muscle damage, liver function failure and pancreas damage. Men can also suffer damage to their reproductive system. Other common symptoms of toxicity include an enlarged liver, skin pigmentation, lethargy, joint disease, loss of hair, amenorrhea (loss of menstrual periods in women) and impotence.
Tags: inside body, iron toxicity, according IronToxicity, blood transfusions, iron toxicity, organ failure, positively charged
Pain-relieving herbs are both widely available and widely used today. These powerful and natural remedies have been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. Pain-relief herbs provide natural treatments without the often overpowering side-effects of modern-day pharmaceuticals and as such can be an ideal alternative or supplement to your pain-relief regime.
The Facts
Pain-relieving herbs are an essential part of homeopathic and natural medicine. A single type of herb or a combination of herbs can be administered to someone who is suffering from the pain of a recent injury or chronic pain. The herbs can be administered to the patient in the form of oil or a hot herb pack that is applied topically, drunk as a tea, taken in a capsule or consumed in the form of an extract.
Function
Herbal remedies are different from traditional medicine because they often are used as part of a whole body treatment, which is common in holistic medicine. Often an herbalist will prescribe a combination of herbs to treat not only the pain but the accompanying symptoms. Holistic Online noted one such common pain-relieving mixture: "One herbal combination may include equal parts of willow bark (for pain), cramp bark (for spasm), valerian (a sedative), and St. John's wort (an antidepressant)."
Types
Several types of herbs treat pain. Some herbs are used for general applications and others treat specific causes. For example, according to the website Mother Nature, cinchona is used as a hangover remedy in China, but burdock is used for general pain relief. Because nearly every country developed natural medicine before traditional medicine, there are herbal alternatives for most medicines that you would find in a pharmacy. Regional variations on what is available depend on which species grow in a particular area. See the resources section below for online databases of types of herbs.
Warning
The choice to use herbal remedies is personal, but you should use herbal pain relievers only after consulting your doctor or herbalist. While many herbs do not have as dramatic and immediate effects as traditional medicine, they are very powerful and need to be used with care. Further, some herbal remedies can conflict with other medicines that you may be taking, making them less effective or creating a dangerous combination. For example, St. John's wort can have serious effects when combined with MAOIs (prescription antidepressants) and make birth control pills less effective.
History
Herbal medicine is evident in the history of most cultures dating back thousands of years. One of the oldest texts that is still utilized today, for its recommendations on treating congestion, is a treatise written by the Chinese Emperor Shen Nong in 2735 B.C. China has one of the most vibrant herbal medicine cultures that is still thriving today. In fact, in Chinese communities, herbal remedies are considered the primary method for treating ailments today.
Every year, more than 2.5 million people file for disability in the United States, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Their goal is to be classified as being disabled by the federal government, which entitles them to health and pay benefits they would be getting if they were at work. The process of filing for a disability can be a long one, and there is a backlog of cases. The reason for the backlog is that the government examines each case thoroughly to decide who is and who is not disabled.
Basic Definition
The SSA defines someone with a permanent disability as a combination of not being able to do previous work, having a condition that will last for more than one year or ultimately in death, and being unable to adjust to other work. For example, if a worker injures his leg on the job and can return in six months, he is not permanently disabled. If a person breaks his back on the job and loses motor functions forever, then he is considered disabled.
Deciding on Disability
If a person is currently working, she is not considered disabled. That may sound obvious, but the SSA believes that some people will file for disability on one job while working at something nonstrenuous on the side like tending bar or sitting at a desk. That is the first step in deciding disability.
Severity of Conditions
The SSA will also look at the severity of conditions when deciding a case. Just because someone has a disability doesn't mean it is permanent. There are 14 major categories for disability listed by the SSA. They include impairments to the skeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory and digestive systems, skin disorders, neurological impairments, and mental disorders.
Exceptions
The SSA will make exceptions for cases that are considered to be life threatening such as a person suffering from leukemia or pancreatic cancer. These cases will be investigated immediately. The SSA also will expedite cases for people with injuries that likely will lead to a permanent disability such as brain damage.
Special Situations
People who were wounded in combat, are blind or are the children or spouse of a disabled person may also qualify for Social Security benefits on a case-by-case basis. For example, a person who takes cares of a disabled spouse can file for disability benefits such as money to pay for medical costs. A wounded soldier who goes back to work also is eligible to receive disability benefits.
Reviews
Even if a person is listed as disabled, he may still get reviewed by the SSA periodically to check for any changes. In addition, a person can ask to be removed from the disability list if she wants to return to work or her condition improves.
Tags: file disability, Social Security, considered disabled, disability benefits, disabled person
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is the leading cause of adult tooth loss and is often treated with invasive, painful surgery. However, dentist treatment guidelines say that periodontal health should be achieved with the least invasive and most cost-effective procedures possible. There are non-surgical options for treating gum disease that can work for many people.
Scaling and Root Planing
The most well-known alternative to surgery is scaling and root planing. The procedure involves cleaning the root surfaces in order to remove plaque and tartar from the gum pockets, then smoothing out the root in order to remove bacteria. Since the dentist has to work with tooth roots, underneath the gums, scaling and root planing can be a lengthy and painful procedure. However, after treatment, many patients do not need surgery, which is much more expensive and painful to recover from.
The newest advancement in scaling and root planing is the use of lasers to clean under the gums. This makes the procedure more precise, which reduces the time it takes to complete the procedure and the pain some patients feel afterward.
Perioprotect
The newest alternative to periodontal surgery is a device called Perioprotect. It is a tray you put in your mouth that delivers medication to your gum pockets. This means gum disease can now be treated at home, for just a few minutes each day.
The medication in the tray kills bacteria in your gums, and for some patients, once the bacteria is killed, gums begin to heal. Once your gums get better, dentists modify the dose or strength of the medicine in the trays. Most patients need to use the trays even after they are completely healed in order to prevent the recurrence of disease. If Perioprotect heals your gum disease, you will not need surgery.
Tags: scaling root planing, need surgery, order remove, patients need, root planing, scaling root
People may say no one ever died of a broken heart, but when you're suffering from one, it sure doesn't feel that way--at least initially. These suggestions may help you navigate the painfully troubled waters of a relationship that has ended and help you heal a broken heart.
Instructions
Days 1 and 2
1. Breathe. All you can do is survive this first and difficult day. Take one day at a time. Give yourself permission to mourn. Call in sick at work, sleep all day, eat too much ice cream, sob.
2. Congratulate yourself for being human: It is only when you open yourself to love that your heart can break. Develop and repeat a helpful mantra to get you through the initial shock and pain, such as "This too shall pass" or "I will survive."
3. Reach out to a close friend or family member. It helps to share your thoughts with others. Watch a movie to distract yourself. Choose a comedy that has cheered you up in the past. Or watch a movie that's guaranteed to make you sob--it may surprise you how good that feels.
Month 1
4. Week 1: Force yourself to go out even if you are feeling despondent. Take yourself out for a cup of coffee or go on a long walk. Express your emotions in a way that comes naturally. Write in a journal, paint, sculpt or play music. Do daily cardiovascular exercise--the endorphins will give your spirits an immediate lift. Resist the urge to call your ex. Instead, write a letter. Don't mail it. Go out of town for the weekend to distance yourself from the temptation to call your ex. Visit an old friend or go back home to your roots. A change of environment does wonders for the spirit. Put everything that reminds you of your ex in a box and seal it. Throw it away, donate it to charity or ask a friend to hold on to it indefinitely.
5. Week 2: Surround yourself with friends. This may mean reaching out to people you fell out of touch with during the relationship. Make lists to help you regain your confidence and identity: a list of your friends, of things you like, of what you want to accomplish in the next decade. Spoil yourself: Get a new hairstyle, have a spa day or go shopping. Resist the urge to call your ex.
6. Week 3: Assess the experience. Have you learned anything about yourself? Does the experience make you more empathetic to others who've suffered a hardship? Begin an activity that will fill your time, distract your mind and rebuild your confidence. Train for a marathon, take up yoga or learn a new language. Resist the urge to call your ex. Volunteer your time at a local homeless shelter, soup kitchen or tutoring center. It will take your mind off your own woes and keep your suffering in perspective.
7. Week 4: Continue regular socializing and exercising. While socializing, though, make sure you don't depend on alcohol or drugs to dull the pain. Call your ex if you feel it would be helpful. Resist if you merely want to say hurtful things. Consider dating other people, but be wary of rebound relationships. Understand that you will need to experience and process sadness, anger, guilt and fear to fully heal. Burying or ignoring these emotions will thwart the healing process. Write, cry, share the feelings with friends.
Months 3 to 6
8. Force yourself to go on dates. You'll be surprised to discover that your heart can still flutter over someone. It's part of the healing process.
9. Consult a psychiatrist if you are experiencing symptoms of depression, such as lack of appetite, insomnia or too much sleeping, low self-esteem, and an inability to concentrate or carry out routine tasks. Ask a friend or physician to recommend one who is experienced in treating depression.
10. Remember that healing is a process that takes time. Expect waves of sadness, anger, guilt or fear even after you think you are over it. Give your heart time to heal.
One year and beyond
11. Compartmentalize the experience in your memory: "My heart was broken once. It really hurt and I'm glad it's over."
12. Reach out to your ex if you want to re-establish a friendship. Do not harbor secret ambitions of winning him or her back. You'll only set yourself up for another heartbreak.
Chinese medicine works on the principle that you have energy coursing through your body, called qi. When the energy moves freely, you are in good health. If it becomes blocked, then you begin to experience symptoms of disease. The goal then becomes to remove the blocked energy and help get your qi moving again. Chinese herbalists use different herbs to do this depending on where the blockage is occurring.
Qi and the Spleen
Traditional Chinese medicine views the spleen as one of the most important organs in the body. Practitioners say the spleen is responsible for all digestive movement from nutrient absorption to elimination. A sluggish or poorly functioning spleen results in a number of health problems. The spleen is the point in the body where qi is replenished, so fatigue from spleen problems is common. Digestive problems like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are also associated with the spleen. Anxiety and unclear thinking can result from energy blockages in the spleen.
The Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, written around 1590, states, "When the spleen is healthy it can generate all living things. If it becomes depleted, it can bring about the hundred diseases." Keeping the energy of the spleen moving properly is important for the proper function of nearly every system within your body.
Chinese Herbs for Spleen Qi
The spleen is important for overall health. Fortunately, there are many different Chinese herbs that can help to ease different problems with the spleen's qi. Some of the most common include astragalus, ginger, clove, licorice, lotus seed and ginseng.
Astragalus helps with decreased appetite, fatigue, bloating, diarrhea and weakness. Ginger helps with abdominal pain, loss of appetite and weakness. Clove helps with digestive problems that lead to poor circulation and cold extremities. Licorice helps with weakness and diarrhea, as does lotus seed. Lotus seed also helps with fatigue and low appetite. Ginseng acts as a supportive herb, helping other herbs like astragalus and ginger to function better.
Use Chinese Herbs
Chinese medicine relies on herbs both to cure and prevent diseases. To promote a healthier spleen you can take the herbs above on your own, or you can work with a practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine. A practitioner may be able to refine and tailor the herbal combinations you use for a better result.
Often Chinese herbs are delivered through a decoction (a very strong tea), a syrup or a salve. You may also find some preparations available in capsule or tablet forms.
Different people respond differently to herbal remedies, so some trial and error may be required to find the remedy that best relieves the symptoms of a sluggish spleen.
Tags: helps with, Chinese Herbs, Chinese medicine, astragalus ginger, Chinese herbs, Chinese Herbs Take, Herbs Take
While it is common to feel tired after battling an illness, some people continue to feel fatigue for days, weeks or even years after the initial illness has passed. This is called post-viral fatigue syndrome, and while it is not life-threatening, it can greatly diminish quality of life.
Other Names
PVFD falls under an umbrella diagnosis along with myalgic encephalomyelitis, fibromyalgia and chronic-fatigue syndrome. The names are different, but they all account for sudden and dramatic pain and exhaustion following an illness.
Onset
PVFD develops after a viral illness, but not immediately. A person may feel fine for a few days following the illness, but symptoms will begin to appear. The symptoms are light at first and develop intensity over time.
Symptoms
Symptoms may differ depending on the person and the initial viral infection. It may begin with flu-like symptoms such as nausea and aches and pains. It may also include dizziness and a feeling of unease. The symptoms become worse over time and may be debilitating.
Treatment
There is no treatment for PVFS, but doctors can treat the individual symptoms. An antidepressant may be prescribed to fight depression caused by the illness. Painkillers are administered for aches and pains.
Recovery
The symptoms may flare up and diminish only to come back. Most patients will make a full recovery over time, but some will have it for the rest of their lives.
The noise from tinnitus can be reduced with dietary changes.
Tinnitus is a condition where the sufferer hears a constant noise that is only in her head, and not the surrounding environment. It's often described as a ringing in the ear, but the sounds vary from person to person. There are many other descriptors, including hissing, buzzing, and static. While there is no cure for this condition, there are many treatments that can minimize the sound. Surprisingly, altering your diet can help.
Zinc
A link has been found between zinc deficiency and tinnitus. In 2003, researchers at the Ankara Numune Research and Education Hospital in Turkey studied the role of zinc administration in treating tinnitus. What they found was that the severity of tinnitus decreased in 82 percent of the subjects given zinc.
Zinc can be found in many different foods. Oysters, by far, contain the most zinc of any food. But more common foods can be had, such as beef, poultry, pork, king crab and breakfast cereals that are fortified with the mineral. Zinc supplements are available.
Vitamin B12
A connection has also been found between vitamin B12 deficiency and tinnitus. Clams, another mollusk, are the runaway winner when it comes to B12 sources. If you're not a fan, there are more popular choices, including braised beef, salmon and trout. While liver may not be everyone's favorite, it's a great source of B12, coming in second only to clams.
Avoid Your Vices
We all have a vice or two, and some of them can make tinnitus worse. The caveat to some of the meat sources of vitamin B12 and zinc is that excessive saturated fat can exacerbate your tinnitus problem. Consuming too much saturated fat can lead to atherosclerosis, the condition where your artery walls thicken as the result of a build-up of fatty materials like cholesterol. Besides the obvious risks of heart disease and stroke, this also leads to a decrease in blood flow. Tinnitus sufferers need to increase blood flow to their inner ear. This removes toxins and maintains healthy cells.
Salt is a prevalent vice. Since increased blood pressure has been linked to tinnitus, it only follows that salt - one of the bigger causes of high blood pressure - would be a problem. Excess salt restricts blood vessels and reduces blood flow, similar to saturated fat. Both caffeine and nicotine also restrict blood flow, and should be avoided if you have tinnitus.
Minimizing your tinnitus with better food choices is as simple as following a basic healthy diet. Eat vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables and lean protein sources such as fish and the occasional steak.
Tags: blood flow, been found, been found between, blood pressure, condition where, deficiency tinnitus, found between
Precious and semi-precious gemstones have been used for centuries in healing, energy production and spiritual growth. The stones can be used to heal the mind, body and spirit in a variety of ways. Whatever the need, there is a stone that resonates with the energy to overcome almost any obstacle.
Instructions
1. Use rough gemstones that are in their natural form to heal by placing them on your body and mentally focusing on the emotional wound. These stones hold the most energy because they are in their natural state. Abalone is a great stone for this because it strengthens muscle tissue and helps with spinal degeneration.
2. Place a polished stone in your pocket to aid in healing throughout the day, or to stroke when you need an emotional boost. The book "Gemstone Energy Medicine: Healing Body, Mind And Spirit" suggests using green tourmaline for men and pink tourmaline for women, as this stone restores and creates harmony, and protects you from the negative thoughts of others. (See Reference 1.)
3. Wear a semi-precious stone as a piece of jewelry to boost its power with the aid of the metal and design. Jewelry is an excellent vehicle to address a specific health problem or for overall well-being. According to Solarengergy.com, birthstones are great for jewelry and harmonize with the zodiac sign of the wearer to aid in overall well-being. (See Reference 2.)
4. Use semi-precious gemstones in the bath along with aroma therapy for healing the mind, body and spirit. Peach, apricot and rainbow moonstones are good choices for the bath because they have a calming effect.
Tags: because they, body spirit, mind body, mind body spirit, overall well-being, semi-precious gemstones
One way of removing fleas from your yard is to hire an exterminator to spray chemicals on the grass.
Domestic animals and humans worldwide have been victims of a bite or infestation of blood-sucking fleas. More than 2,200 species of fleas have been identified, and these pesky insects can be challenging to eliminate, according to the University of Missouri Extension. Children are oftentimes most effected because they tend to play more outdoors and around household pets. If you see a series of fleas on your child or flea bites on his body, it's time to take action.
Instructions
1. Get rid of fleas that may be on any pets. Flea shampoos, which can be purchased at your local grocery store, may be all it takes to kill the irritating bugs. Flea collars also may help alleviate the problem. However, it can trickier than a simple shampoo or collar in many cases. Over-the-counter flea killers may do the deed, or it may be worth the extra money to take your pet to a veterinarian, where he may administer a flea shot or give your four-legged friend a flea dip. Keep your child away from your flea-ridden pets until the insects have died.
2. Wash everything in your child's room that is made of fabric. Fleas can lay eggs in the deep layers of the fabric, and killing the eggs before they hatch is crucial. Wash linens, clothing items and mattress covers with hot water. If an object in your child's room cannot be washed, use a spray treatment on this fabric. Because children likely play on the carpet, they are more susceptible to getting flea bites from fleas that have hatched in the carpet. Rent or purchase a steam machine and clean the carpets, and clean around the baseboards and other nooks and crannies.
3. Hire a professional exterminator to treat your yard with chemicals created to decrease the flea population. Because children play in the yard, the chances of transmitting fleas from the outdoors to the indoors are higher. Fleas land on children and then lay eggs when they travel inside, causing what could be a major infestation of fleas. When your child plays outside, apply insect repellent to prevent fleas and other bugs from biting your little one. These repellents should contain at least 10 percent DEET, an ingredient that helps keep bugs away.
Tags: your child, Because children, child room, flea bites, fleas from, fleas that, from your
Herkimer Diamonds are said to be incredibly powerful in connecting to the crown chakra, or the imaginative and creative thinking energy point in the body. According to ofspiritandsoul.com, meditating with a Herkimer Diamond increases positive thinking, communication, intuition and clairvoyance. These stones are also said to be helpful in creating balance and harmony in your relationships and in your life.
Instructions
Preparing for Meditation
1. Choose your Herkimer Diamond. These precious stones are crystals, not diamonds, and are relatively small. You can find one at a spiritual store or precious gems store. Look for a stone that resonates with you by holding various crystals in your palm.
2. Wear comfortable clothes for meditating. Loose-fitting clothes help you focus on meditation and prevent cramps and discomfort while sitting.
3. Place the meditation cushion on the meditation mat. Sit cross-legged on the cushion. You may need to add another cushion so that your body is aligned and erect. Adjust your posture as necessary.
4. Hold the Herkimer Diamond on your palm or place it in front of you on the meditation cushion. Set an intention for the meditation. If you would like to focus on intuition, communication, clarity, harmony or balance, either say aloud or think this intention while channeling it into the Herkimer Diamond.
5. Set the timer for 20 minutes. Having a time piece eliminates disturbances and keeps the mind from wandering.
Meditation
6. Begin meditation. Sit upright on the cushion and focus on your breath. Your ears should be directly above your shoulders, with your crown lifted. Lift your shoulder blades back, opening your heart. Open your eyes with a soft gaze about 2 feet in front of you (Meditation Room).
7. Notice when you are inhaling and exhaling. Pay attention to the quality of the breath as you invite air to fill your lungs. When you are inhaling, say to yourself, "inhaling." When you exhale, say to yourself, "exhaling." This helps guide the meditation and prevents the mind from wandering.
8. Focus your attention and energy on the Herkimer Diamond. Recall your original intention and connect the energy to the stone. If the stone is in your hand, feel the energy of the intention connect down your arm. If you placed the stone on the mat in front of you, imagine a line between your crown chakra above your head and the crystal. Continue to pay attention to your breath.
9. If your mind begins to wander, remember to focus on your intention and breathing patterns, connecting with the Herkimer Diamond.
10. When your alarm notifies you that 20 minutes have passed, begin to move your fingers and toes and adjust your posture. Place your Herkimer Diamond in a secure place.
A common childhood ailment is the presence of cold sores, sometimes also called "fever blisters." They are red bumps that develop into seeping blisters and eventually crust over. The blister are very painful and highly contagious. The cause is the herpes virus, HSV-1, which is not the same as the virus that causes genital herpes. Parents can take precautions to relieve some of the discomfort and prevent the further spread.
Instructions
Medical Treatments
1. Have frequent outbreaks diagnosed by a doctor. For the child who suffers frequent outbreaks, he may provide a prescription for an oral medication containing acyclovir.
2. Use an external medications or topical creams such as Abreva, Zilactin and Zildent. Wear a pair of gloves when you apply the cream to your child's face.
3. Use internal topical medications that can be purchased over the counter. Topical relief can be given with Orajel or Anbesol. Again, use gloves when applying the medication.
4. Give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen for the pain. Never give children aspirin, as it can cause Reye's Syndrome.
Non-Medicinal Treatments
5. Use a variety of cold compresses for painful, burning sores. Cool towels, ice packs and cold foods and drinks can relieve discomfort. Apply cold compresses three times a day for up to 20 minutes.
6. Use a mouth rinse of baking soda and water to cleanse the sore inside the mouth. Avoid acidic foods and drink.
7. Understand that some cold sores can be left untreated. They usually go away within 7 to 10 days.
Prevention
8. Determine any potential triggers for the cold sore outbreaks, such as certain foods, fever, sun exposure, stress, or skin irritation. Avoid these triggers as much as possible.
9. Have the child wash her hands frequently, especially during an outbreak. Keep hands away from eyes during an outbreak, for if the cold sores move to the eyes, they can cause blindness. Touching a cold sore then touching another person will spread the virus. It is recommended that children stay home during the oozing phase of the outbreak.
10. Avoid sharing items as the virus also spreads through kissing and sharing anything that comes into contact with the mouth, including toothbrushes, lipstick and eating utensils. It can also be spread through toys that are mouthed.
Periodontal disease, also called periodontitis, is the inflammation of your gums. Periodontal disease is not only painful at times, but it can lead to dangerous infection and damage to the bone and tissues that support your teeth. Symptoms of gum disease include swollen, bleeding gums, bad breath and loose permanent teeth. Routine dental checkups can help prevent and treat periodontal disease, but according to the American Dental Association (ADA), there is a large amount of self-care you can do without the aid of a dentist to treat and prevent the progression of the disease (see Resources).
Instructions
1. Treat periodontal disease by managing diabetes and other health conditions that may have an effect on your dental health. Systemic diseases and some of the treatments, such as drugs to treat cancer, may increase your risk of developing periodontal disease. If you suffer from these ailments, consult with your doctor about ways to protect your gums.
2. Quit using tobacco products to help stop the progression and even reverse the signs of gum disease. The ADA reports that people who smoke or chew tobacco are more at risk for gum disease. Once you stop using tobacco and nicotine products, your gums will begin to heal.
3. Brush your teeth with a toothpaste that reduces plaque buildup, such as Crest Pro-Health. Gingivitis, a less serious form of periodontal disease, affects your gums and can be treated by removing plaque and tartar that many people have along their gum lines. Use a mirror to see where red, swollen gums may indicate the beginnings of periodontal disease.
4. Target plaque more easily by using a plaque-fighting rinse after brushing your teeth. Some rinses for children (which adults can use as well) help pinpoint problem spots by turning the plaque different colors. The more plaque and tartar that exists in your mouth, the more likely you are to develop infections and severe inflammation that is consistent with periodontal disease.
5. Floss your teeth after brushing to keep your mouth healthy and treat minor forms of gum disease. If you have trouble using regular dental floss, try using flossers that have an easy-to-hold handle.
6. Rinse your mouth with a salt water rinse to reduce inflammation of your gums. Mix 1 tsp. table salt into a full 8 oz. glass of room temperature water.
Tags: periodontal disease, your gums, your teeth, your mouth, after brushing, inflammation your
Lomi lomi is a massage technique that originated in the Hawaiian islands. Lomi lomi is the massage aspect of a larger spirituality called Huna. Huna is based around a philosophy of harmony and love. Lomi lomi uses gentle strokes, fluid touch, deep breathing and even some dance work to relax, heal and center the patient. Learning Lomi lomi can be accomplished in a number of ways.
Instructions
1. Research massage schools in your area to locate a school which offers Lomi lomi. Schools which offer other types of massage such as Swedish or Reiki may also offer courses in Lomi lomi so contact those in your region to learn if this massage style is available.
2. Locate a school near you that specializes in Lomi lomi massage. If you live in Hawaii, you will find multiple specialist schools that offer full certification programs; however, outside of this region there are very few schools. Check your local listings to learn if you have a Lomi lomi school near you.
3. Visit a website such as Learn Hawaiian Massage to order an instructional DVD. These videos give you step-by-step instructions for learning massage.
4. Visit a website such as LomiLomiBook to order a reference book on Lomi lomi massage. These books will lay out the philosophy and movements involved in massage.
5. Decide on the best method of learning Lomi lomi massage for you, whether in class or at home.
The cosmetics and beauty market is saturated with creams, lotions, serums and gels--all claiming to be able to make you look younger and more beautiful. Before the rise of retail, Mother Nature had a pretty good handle on the beauty business, filling her fields and forests with everything you need for healthy, radiant skin. Try mixing up this homemade face cream of pure, unprocessed back-to-nature ingredients.
Instructions
1. Make sure all ingredients are room temperature. Wash and dry your bowls and spoons so that no bacteria or dirt is mixed into your face cream.
2. Combine the base oil, coconut oil and beeswax in the top pot of the double boiler. Boil on low heat until the mixture is smooth and melted.
3. Pour the mixture in a mixing bowl and set it aside. Allow it to cool to room temperature.
4. Combine the distilled water, aloe vera gel, vitamin E, vitamin A and the essential oil or oils of your choice in a bowl. With your hand mixer, blend at the highest speed.
5. As you continue to blend at the highest speed, slowly add the cooled grape seed oil mixture. Blend until the mixture is thick.
6. Place the completed face cream in your clean jars and store them in a cool place. If you are planning on giving the cream as a gift, or you are not going to use it right away, you can store it in the refrigerator.
Tags: face cream, blend highest, blend highest speed, Face Creams, highest speed, Make Natural
Used for thousands of years, turmeric -- most likely discovered in India -- remains popular to this day as both a dye and a spice. As a spice, turmeric is prized for purported health benefits; as a dye, it gives a rich yellow-orange color to fabrics, cosmetics and even Easter eggs. Mix turmeric into a paste for use as a strong, yellow-orange colored paint that's free from artificial chemicals or ingredients.
Instructions
1. Pour 1/2 cup water into the small saucepan.
2. Bring the water to a boil.
3. Add turmeric and stir until a thick paste forms.
4. Turn off the heat and pour the turmeric paste into the small jar for storage.
5. Let cool. Cover the jar and put it in the refrigerator if you do not intend to begin painting immediately.
6. Use a paintbrush, palette knife, toothbrush or any other tool you choose to paint with. Dip your painting tool into the turmeric paste, then apply the paste to the surface.
Microdermabrasion is a skin procedure that works to eliminate and decrease the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, "Crow's feet," dark age spots, skin discolorations and acne scars on the skin. It promotes and encourages the production of collagen. It is an extremely common and popular nonsurgical treatment. As with any cosmetic treatments, however, there always is some kind of risk of experiencing side effects, and microdermabrasion is no exception to the rule.
Most Common Risk
The most common risk that is associated with the microdermabrasion procedure is a rather minor one. It is altering the color balance of the skin. People who get this procedure might experience some dark or light patches on the complexion, and some unevenness of skin tone. Pigmentation and scars are common side effects of all skin procedures and not only microdermabrasion (including chemical peels, laser surfacing and dermal abrasion).
Reason
Microdermabrasion is seen as a very risk-free and safe procedure. The reason for this is because the process is very gentle and solely takes away the top layer of the skin, while leaving the lower part completely intact and untouched. Also, the top layer of the skin is only composed of dead and dull skin cells.
Warning
People with darker sign and who have higher pigmentation levels are, however, far more prone to getting negative side effects as a result of microdermabrasion. These individuals are at a higher risk of microdermabrasion altering their pigment equilibrium, although the risk is still very minimal. Also, people with more sensitive skin types are more prone to experiencing side effects as well.
Other Common Side Effects
Although the majority of microdermabrasion patients don't experience any side effects, those who do experience them report that flaking, dry skin, redness and itchiness are the most common problems. In general, however, these side effects are extremely mild and temporary (they go away within a few days of undergoing the treatment).
Acne Microdermabrasion Side Effect
For patients receiving acne microdermabrasion (as opposed to microdermabrasion procedures that focus mostly on anti-aging), one potential side effect is an increase in spotting on the face (generally dark spots). This is a temporary side effect and essentially no cause for alarm. This side effect is known as "purging" and is a natural reaction to the process. Microdermabrasion is an exfoliating process (since it removes the top layer of dead skin cells) and it unclogs pores, which leads to bacteria being released. This bacteria brings upon a temporary acne surge.
Tags: side effects, dark spots, experiencing side, experiencing side effects, layer skin, Microdermabrasion Side