Health Triangle Activities

The Health Triangle incorporates physical, mental and social health and well being. Created at a middle school in Alaska in 1997, the triangle addressed issues and concerns of eighth graders in topics such as substance abuse, family relationships, fitness, mental disorders and public health. Individual families can use the triangle to ensure family members' physical, mental, and social health.

Check Weight

A great way to get the family involved in the Health Triangle is to measure the weight of every family member and compare it to national standards or guidelines. The BMI (body mass index) of each family member may also be determined to see how healthy the overall family unit is. If family members see that they are overweight or their BMIs are higher than they should be, the family can work together to get back in shape.

Family Meetings

Schedule a family meeting night to discuss concerns or problems in the home, at school or between siblings. Mental health is an important aspect of the Health Triangle, and good communication and the ability to express feelings helps prevent a build-up of stress, anger and resentment. Such discussions may also provide adults with an opportunity to determine whether children, teens, or other adult family members are dealing with depression or anxiety.

Start a Peer Group

Everyone needs to know they belong. A sense of belonging can be found in groups. Suggest that children of all ages start clubs for peers, either for neighborhood children who can join a "club" that meets in the backyard every week, or for teens, who can schedule a weekly "hangout" with friends. Adults can find and participate in community groups for golf, quilting, scrapbooking or other activities that encourage socialization and friendships.

Tags: Health Triangle, family members, family member, mental social, mental social health

Do Osteoporosis Vibration Exercises

People suffering from the painful and debilitating disease of osteoporosis may have a reason to celebrate in the not too distant future because preliminary findings on ‘Vibration Platforms’ appear encouraging. Scientists conducting research on this concept have found no evidence of medical help from these machines, but anecdotal evidence says that there may be potential osteoporosis relieving benefits of Vibration Platforms.

Instructions

1. Before purchasing a vibration platform, consult your orthopedic surgeon. He will advise you on your condition, the exercises necessary, or whether you can benefit from a Vibration Platform.

2. If you are post-menopausal or middle-aged, undergo a bone density test before buying a Vibration Platform. It should also be noted that according to some experts, (see resources for links), Osteoporosis Vibration machines are still in the early stages, and full results for persons with osteoporosis are not fully known. Your orthopedic consultant may advise which parts of your body need to be exercised. This will help you select a Vibration Platform that’s most suited to your condition. Moreover, a later test can also indicate whether there’s any improvement in your bone density.

3. An x-ray of the affected part of your body is also recommended. Your orthopedic consultant can prescribe the type of x-ray you need. This is important, as using the wrong model of Vibration Platform can aggravate your condition, affect your spinal column, neck or head.

4. Visit a fitness equipment showroom and select a Vibration Platform that has features which suit your specific medical condition. Before buying, test different models to decide which one feels most comfortable.

5. Before starting your vibration exercises, read the instruction manual thoroughly. Take careful note of the do’s and don’ts, to derive maximum benefits from your Vibration Platform.

6. Exercise for no more than 10 minutes daily, 5 days a week. Maintain correct posture during your exercises, as advised for your specific medical condition.

Tags: Vibration Platform, Vibration Platform, your condition, bone density, medical condition, orthopedic consultant, Osteoporosis Vibration

Nerve Damage Symptoms In Your Leg

Neuropathy, or nerve damage, is a common problem for diabetics. In addition, the condition may be caused by an accident or insufficient healing following surgery. Nerve damage symptoms in your leg appear as tingling, pain or numbness. You may lose all feeling around the area of the damage. The onset of the symptoms can be sudden or gradual and may be accompanied by dizziness, nausea and indigestion.

Motor Control

Damage to the motor nerves in the leg may cause involuntary twitching. Severe motor nerve damage can result in paralysis.

Sensory

Damage to the sensory leg nerves will produce a burning sensation and cause the area to be sensitive to the touch.

Disease

In addition to diabetes, nerve damage can be a byproduct of other serious illnesses such as cancer, multiple sclerosis or lupus. Treatments such as chemotherapy drugs can cause nerve damage, too.

Diagnosis

Blood tests can be run to determine the cause of the nerve damage. An EMG that measures the electrical activity in the nerves can assess the extent of the problem.

Treatment

Treating the cause of the damage, such as going on a diabetes diet or stopping chemotherapy drugs, is the first step to repairing leg nerve damage.

Options

Physical therapy, exercise to increase the muscle mass surrounding the damage, leg braces and wheelchairs are sometimes needed to allow the patient to be mobile again.

Tags: nerve damage, cause nerve, cause nerve damage, chemotherapy drugs

Stages Of Lymphoma Cancer

Lymphoma is the name for a group of cancers in which the lymphocytes, or white blood cells, become malignant. The lymphocytes' job is to defend the body from germs, fungi and viruses. When a lymphocyte goes bad, instead of defending the body, it attacks it. There are different stages of lymphoma cancer that are symptomatic of the disease's progression.

Stage 1

In the first stage of lymphoma cancer, the disease is found in one group of lymph nodes. It may also occur in an organ which is not part of the lymph system.

Stage 2

In the second stage, the disease is found in two or more groups of lymph nodes. This occurs on the same side as the diaphragm, which is located below the lungs.

Stage 3

In the third stage, the disease spreads to both sides of the diaphragm. Other organs may be involved. If the cancer is in the spleen, then that also makes it a stage 3.

Stage 4

In the fourth stage, the liver and bone marrow are involved. Another indication of stage 4 is if organs that are far from the lymph nodes become infected.

Factors

Although the progression and "stage" of the cancer might be an indication of the patient's recovery prognosis, other factors contribute to the outcome, such as the age of the patient.

Tags: lymph nodes, disease found, lymphoma cancer, stage disease

The Effects Of Ultrasound Therapy

The Effects of Ultrasound Therapy

Ultrasound therapy is a form of physical therapy. It is used to help alleviate joint and muscle aches, pain and other soft tissue injuries. Ultrasound waves are high frequency sound waves that are produced by mechanical vibration. It promotes deep tissue warming and relaxation, which helps circulation, inflammation and muscle spasms. The frequency is typically between 0.8 to 3 megahertz.

Thermal Effect

The ultrasound waves target collagen in the tissues, which increases heat. The heat helps to reduce pain and spasms, which is beneficial to musculoskeletal injuries.

Pulsed Wave

Pulsed or intermittent wave therapy is used when heat therapy is contraindicated, such as wound care. It helps to repair surrounding tissues.

Anti-Inflammatory

The anti-inflammatory effects of ultrasound therapy can help relieve stiffness and pain of inflamed muscles and nerves. It is also useful in the treatment of traumatic injuries.

Ablation

Therapeutic ultrasounds can also be used to kill harmful tissue such as tumors, fibroids, kidney stones, gallstones and some cases of cancer.

Diagnostic Ultrasound

Diagnostic ultrasounds use lower intensity waves and are used to create images of internal structures for viewing purposes.

Tags: Effects Ultrasound, Effects Ultrasound Therapy, therapy used

Heal Emotional Pain

Emotional wounds are as real as physical wounds. If emotional wounds are left unresolved, they can physically manifest as different ailments throughout the body. Proper care of emotional wounds is required for complete healing and growth. Indications of unresolved emotional issues include resentfulness, feeling closed off and undue fear of being hurt again. Pent-up emotions constrict life force and vitality and prevent us from living life fully.

Instructions

1. Acknowledge that there is emotional pain present in your life. This may not always be the easiest thing to do but it is a necessary part of the healing process. When you recognize that you are not feeling balanced --or just feel "off"--take time to search for the root of the issue. Openness and honesty is crucial.

2. Invite the emotional trauma into your consciousness so you can identify and deal with it. Give yourself permission to feel the emotions. It takes practice to truly feel what is happening on the inside. Be willing to acknowledge and forgive whatever comes up.

3. Retrace your steps to uncover the root of the problem. A belief that you are not good enough or that there is something wrong with you may stem from childhood experiences. Did you learn when you were very young to deny or emotional pain in order to function in your daily life? "Stuffing" emotions limits our experience of life and mutes the true happiness that could be experienced. We start to believe that having certain feelings is not acceptable and therefore hide them so others do not see them. The core cause of your emotional trauma may be painful to establish, but is vital for the healing process.

4. Embrace the feelings that come to the surface and allow them to be processed. Recognize these feelings as being important but no longer serving you in a healthy way. If these emotional traumas are not dealt with, physical ailments will continue to manifest and can only be treated superficially. Call upon love to come into your life to melt away the pain and fill that space with love.

5. Talk to yourself, your body and your mind. Ask yourself questions about any of the things that come up, either out load or using your inner voice. Asking for clarification to questions invites the answers to present themselves. Allow time for the answers to manifest and be willing to listen with an open heart. You could ask yourself why you are feeling that particular emotion, why you feel like you have to defend yourself and your position on that particular thing, what you are scared of, what you need to send love to your life and body, or why you are unwilling to see something that would be beneficial for you to recognize at this time.

6. Give yourself permission to feel any emotion that arises, acknowledging that whatever comes up is important and is making itself known for a good reason. Make a conscious effort to approach this without fear. Don't run away if it starts to feel a bit uncomfortable; it's part of the healing process. This is where you break down the walls of old habits and old ways of thinking to make room for a newer, healthier approach to life. Getting through this short period of discomfort will be very rewarding and well worth it.

7. Remember to be positive, open and encouraging. Be willing to allow the healing to take place. Don't judge yourself or your feelings; healing is an ongoing process. And remember, no one is perfect.

8. Pay attention to any resistance that comes up or the tendency to cast off responsibility for certain behaviors or feelings. This is a clear indication that more clarification and work needs to be done in that area.

9. Take this one step at a time. Give yourself time to address each individual feeling with love, care, and forgiveness.

Tags: Give yourself, healing process, your life, yourself your, emotional pain

What Chinese Herbs Are Used For The Treatment Of Pcos

What Chinese Herbs are Used for the Treatment of PCOS?

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a disorder characterized by the growth of multiple cysts on the ovaries. While the cysts are not harmful, they result in hormonal imbalances that can have serious effects. Traditional medications can be harsh, and so some women prefer to use Chinese herbs to treat the condition.

How Chinese Medicine Works

Chinese medicine is based on the idea of balance and the belief in lifestyle management. Certain herbs are prescribed to produce harmony in the body's Qi or life force.

How Chinese Herbs Are Used for PCOS

In the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome, the goal of Chinese medicine is to address the issue of hormonal imbalance with a concentration on the way the body ovulates. Herbs that correct hormonal issues are Dong Quai, Chinese Peony, and Motherwort.

Dong Quai

Dong Quai (Angelica Sinensis), sometimes referred to as "female ginseng," is used to treat several conditions that are related to PCOS, including irregular menstrual cycles and infertility.

Chinese Peony

Chinese Peony (Paeonia lactiflora) is often used together with Dong Quai. The herb is useful for regulating menstrual cycles.

Motherwort

In Chinese medicine, Motherwort (Leonurus fruit) is a blood quickener. It is used to encourage ovulation.

Tags: Dong Quai, Chinese Herbs Used, Chinese Peony, Herbs Used, Chinese Herbs

Heal Chronic Foot Problems

There is a huge list of ailments that can cause chronic foot pain. However, there are some general treatments and care tips that nearly anyone can follow to reduce pain and keep their feet healthy. Unfortunately feet are quite often neglected until symptoms arise making the simple act of walking unbearable.

Instructions

1. Inspect your feet regularly. This is especially true for those that suffer from diabetes. Any growths that are spotted are not normal. Yellow toe nails, cracked skin and changes in skin colors could all be indicative of other more serious conditions.

2. Wash your feet regularly. This will reduce the presence of bacteria and reduce the chances of athlete's foot. Make sure you dry your feet well even between the toes. Moisture can lead to fungus building up.

3. Wear shoes that fit properly. Avoid high heels and pointed toes. Alternate shoes so your foot muscles become more flexible. Don't wear shoes after they have worn out. Wearing bad shoes can create several foot and lower back problems. They can also aggravate existing foot problems.

4. Soak your feet in warm water for 10 minutes two to three times per week. This will relax the feet and relieve some low level pain. Adding Epsom salts to the bath will help improve circulation which can also reduce pain.

5. Add Omega-3 fish oil or flaxseed oil supplements to your diet. According to the Mayo Clinic these essential oils reduce pain, swelling and stiffness associated with psoriatic arthritis. They also help enhance the abilities of other anti-inflammatories.

6. Use cold packs. Cold has a numbing effect on pain and can be used continually without worry of damage. The Mayo Clinic recommends placing a layer of mineral oil over the painful joints first. Then lay a towel over the skin and put the ice pack in place.

7. Exercise regularly. Exercise can relieve arthritic symptoms such as pain and fatigue. Use your own judgment as to how much you can do. If your feet are painful then let them rest.

8. Have a regular foot massage. Even a 10 minute foot massage with five minutes on each foot can help reduce pain, stiffness and can improve circulation. If there is no reflexologist available then a foot massager can help.

Tags: your feet, reduce pain, feet regularly, feet regularly This, foot massage, improve circulation

Ms Symptoms & Aspartame

Aspartame is a low-calorie sugar substitute used in many powdered drink mixes, carbonated beverages and table-top sweeteners. Although aspartame was approved by the FDA in 1981 and is currently approved for use in 100 countries, there has been some controversy over its safety. Aspartame is alleged to be linked to several conditions, including multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer's and lupus.

What Is Aspartame?

Aspartame is about 200 times sweeter than sugar, and offers no calories or nutritional value. For those trying to reduce their calories, this is an attractive substitute. Aspartame is made from amino acids, and once in the body, is digested to its components: aspartic acid, phenylalanine and methanol. It is these components that some believe cause health problems.

Myth

One of the components of aspartame is methanol. The connection that some made linking aspartame usage to multiple sclerosis (MS) alleged that aspartame induced MS-like symptoms by causing methanol toxicity. However, this has been found not to be the case.

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis occurs due to damage to the myelin in the central nervous system, which interferes with nerve signals between the brain and other parts of the body. Various symptoms may come and go, but as the disease progresses, they include fatigue, numbness, bladder dysfunction, bowel dysfunction, vision problems, emotional changes, cognitive impairment, vertigo and spasticity.

Methanol Toxicity

Methanol, also known as wood alcohol, can be toxic if ingested in large amounts. Once in the body, methanol is transformed into formaldehyde and then eventually into formic acid. This can cause damage to the eyes, causing vision impairment. It also affects neurological functions and can lead to seizures.

Fact

There is no scientific evidence that aspartame causes any adverse effects, including symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Aspartame is one of the most studied food products. There have been tests conducted in both animals and humans, with them consuming far greater amounts than would ever be consumed in a normal diet, and no adverse side effects have ever been documented.

In addition, the amount of methanol introduced into the body by aspartame is very small and not enough to induce toxicity. In fact, a serving of tomato juice contains six times more methanol than the same amount of an aspartame-sweetened beverage.

Tags: multiple sclerosis, that aspartame, that some

Identify Labor Symptoms

Childbirth is an extraordinary experience. After 40 weeks of pregnancy, it is now time for the little one to come out. How do you know when you should to go to the hospital? It is highly probable that you rush to the hospital only to be sent back home. This article will help you to distinguish between false labor symptoms and real labor symptoms.

Instructions

1. You will experience several pre-labor symptoms 4 to 6 weeks before the due date. Your cervix may start to dilate 2 to 4 weeks before the due date. Your baby descends into your pelvis and increases pressure in your pelvis. You may observe changes in bowel movements, backache and cramps. You may also experience a desire to cook to clean and to organize your home. This is fairly normal and often referred to as "nesting."

2. Learn to distinguish real labor contractions from false labor contractions. False labor contractions do not increase in frequency or intensity. When you start walking or changing position, these contractions will gradually disappear. Your body uses false labor contractions to prepare itself for the real labor.

3. Real labor contractions are not relieved by changing position or walking. The contractions are regular and increase in both frequency and duration.

4. Understand that the first stage of labor consists of three parts: early, active and transitional. During the early part of stage I, your cervix dilates to 3 cm. The contractions last 40 seconds and occur every 15 min. Your water might break during this stage.

5. During the active part of stage I, your cervix reaches 7 cm. The contractions will occur every three minutes during this part. You should be in the hospital already. Active labor lasts up to 3 hours with the contractions keep coming stronger and longer. You may experience backache, pain and abdominal pressure.

6. In the transitional part of labor, the cervix dilates to 10 cm. The contractions will occur every 3 minutes and lasts about 60 seconds. The pain is more intensive. It is important that you are in the delivery room already.

Tags: labor contractions, contractions will, false labor, occur every, before date, before date Your

Signs & Symptoms Of Heat Stroke In Children

A day at the beach, or a sunny summer day in the park, can be fun for the whole family. But a child who does too much activity in the hot sun without taking in enough cold liquids, and without taking a break in the shade once in a while, could start to show the symptoms of heat stroke. Once heat stroke signs start to appear, it is necessary to take action and call emergency services.

Identification

Many people confuse heat stroke with heat exhaustion or heat cramps. While all three are forms of hyperthermia, which is an unhealthy elevation of the temperature of the body, only heat stroke is considered to be life-threatening and must be treated immediately. The signs and symptoms of heat stroke may be similar to the other forms of hyperthermia, but if any of the symptoms appear in a child, it is essential to get that child medical attention as soon as possible.

Common Symptoms

Heat stroke can strike quickly, and one of the most common signs that a child is suffering from heat stroke is red flush skin without the presence of sweating. This is an indication that the body is dehydrated and suffering from heat stroke. The child will also experience a rapid rise in body temperature and nausea to go along with their other symptoms.

Disorientation

It is common for children suffering from heat stroke to say and do strange things. One of the reasons for this is that hallucinations are a common symptom of heat stroke, and the child is reacting to what they think they see. The child may also seem unusually aggravated or even disoriented when they try to walk. They will also show signs of a difficulty in breathing, and their pulse will be rapid.

Unconsciousness

Heat stroke can also lead to a severe headache in a child, and then it could possibly progress to the child losing consciousness. He will usually have no appetite, and he could possibly begin to have seizures.

Action

The best way to handle an episode of heat stroke is to get the child to a cool and shaded area, and attempt to get the child to drink cold liquids. Apply towels soaked in cool wet water, and call emergency services immediately. Once a child begins displaying the signs of heat stroke you may be able to stabilize them for a moment, but they will need medical attention immediately.

Tags: heat stroke, from heat, from heat stroke, heat stroke child, stroke child, suffering from, suffering from heat

Colon & Liver Herb Cleansing & Detox

Herbs have been used to treat a variety of conditions all over the world for centuries. Homeopathic therapists recommend using herbs to detoxify and cleanse the organs of the body to improve overall health and well being. While there is no medical proof to support the need for detoxification, many people claim to feel vast improvements to their health after using herbs to cleanse the body.

The Colon

The colon is responsible for eliminating waste from the body. Natural therapists believe that when it becomes blocked or ceases to function properly, toxins which are usually released through the colon are reabsorbed back into the body and the colon becomes lined with plaque. This is believed to be the cause of many ailments and diseases, from headaches, digestive problems and fatigue, to colon cancer. Natural therapists recommend a variety of herbs for cleansing the colon.

Psyllium husk and flax seed are very high in fiber. When consumed, they absorb water and expand to form a gel-like substance in the colon. As the herb is eliminated from the body, it flushes waste and debris from the colon. One tablespoon of either herb can be added to cereal, a smoothie or water to cleanse the colon. When using these herbs to cleanse the colon it is important to drink extra water.

Marshmallow root, fennel and licorice root can be used to cleanse the colon and soothe the mucous membranes of the intestines, helping with the digestion of food and the elimination of waste. These herbs can be taken in the form of tea. Add 1 teaspoon of these herbs to one cup of boiled water. Allow the herbs to steep for three to five minutes. Then strain the water and drink one to three cups of the tea daily.

The Liver

The liver filters toxins and harmful substances from the body. It is responsible for storing vitamins and balancing the blood sugar levels. The liver is also responsible for metabolizing fats. Natural therapists recommend cleansing the liver to improve digestion and overall health. Liver problems are said to lead to fatigue, nausea and digestive complaints.

Dandelion root is used by many therapists to cleanse the liver. Milk thistle is used to restore balance in the liver. These herbs can be taken in tea form but milk thistle is also sold in capsule form in many health food stores. Dandelion root is a diuretic and helps to alleviate water retention without depleting the body of essential vitamins and minerals. Drink extra water when using dandelion root to cleanse the liver. Drink one to three cups of the tea daily.

Tags: cleanse colon, from body, Natural therapists, therapists recommend, cleanse liver, cups daily

Natural Salt Lamps

The Himalayas are a source of crystal salt for lamps.

Salt lamps are natural ionizers. They charge a room with healthy negative ions, purifying the air just as sea air, houseplants and rain do. The salt used for salt lamps predominantly comes from Himalayan, Polish and Iranian sources.

Features

Crystal salt is pure, unrefined and contains a large number of trace minerals. It is mined from salt deposits created hundreds of millions of years ago. The crystals are typically colored red, orange or pink. Lamps are either crystals in a cut and polished form, or in a natural, rough state. Each lump of crystal is hollowed out and fitted with a bulb or candle holder.

Considerations

The distance ions radiate from the lamps range from 3 to 5 feet, so more than one lamp may be necessary depending on room size. Some lamps use 110 volt AC light bulbs, while others use tea lights. Lamp wattage is a matter of personal choice based on the desired lighting effect.

Benefits

Salt lamps aid breathing and restful sleep. They also reduce the harmful ions generated by computers. Some believe that the static electrical field created by computers depletes a room of negative ions, causing headaches and lethargy.

Tags: negative ions, salt lamps

Cultivate Milk Thistle

Cultivate milk thistle in a home garden.

Milk thistle has the appearance of a common thistle and possesses healing attributes that make it an accepted herbal remedy. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center website, milk thistle can act as an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory agent, able to improve both liver and gall bladder maladies. Cultivate milk thistle in a home garden by growing this plant in a sunny and dry landscape area. With little coaxing, the milk thistle plants will thrive and spread.

Instructions

1. Prepare the sunny growing area in the early spring after the final spring frost. Loosen the soil with the garden spade down to a depth of three to four inches, and then rake the soil surface smooth with the rake.

2. Plant the milk thistle seeds 12 inches apart in rows between four and five feet apart. Cover the milk thistle seeds with ½-inch of soil.

3. Provide a light and even watering of the milk thistle seeds immediately after you finish planting them to moisten the soil. Keep the soil from drying out between watering while the seeds germinate. The milk thistle seeds will take between one and three weeks to germinate.

4. Thin the milk thistle seedlings when they reach heights of approximately four inches. Remove the weakest seedlings to leave the milk thistle seedlings spaced two feet apart along the rows.

5. Harvest milk thistle when the flowers dry on the stems (in late summer or early autumn). Pick the dry flowers while wearing gloves to protect your hands from sharp prickers and thorns.

Tags: milk thistle, milk thistle seeds, thistle seeds, Cultivate milk thistle, feet apart

Side Effects Of Zyban

Zyban (bupropion) is a prescription-only medication used to help people quit smoking. Bupropion, the active ingredient in Zyban, was first sold as an anti-depressant called Wellbutrin. Although it is still used as an anti-depressant, several potentially beneficial side effects are caused by this drug, which has led to its use for other purposes. For example, smokers who took Wellbutrin for depression found that it decreased their desire to smoke. The drug was eventually FDA-approved for this purpose, and the manufacturer repackaged it as Zyban.

Effects

Most people who take Zyban experience few side effects, and the side effects caused by Zyban are usually not severe enough to make someone stop taking the medication. The most common side effects caused by Zyban are dry mouth and difficulty sleeping. Zyban has some side effects that may be seen as beneficial; it tends to reduce the amount of weight gained when quitting smoking, and in some people, may increase libido.

Significance

Zyban lowers the seizure threshold; this means that if you are taking Zyban, you are more likely to experience seizures than if you are not taking it. Seizures from Zyban are very rare if the drug is taken in the recommended dosage and you do not have a history of epilepsy or other seizure disorders. If you usually drink a lot of alcohol, and stop drinking while taking Zyban, you are more likely to have seizures than if you were not taking this medication.

Prevention/Solution

Because seizures are more likely to occur in people who take large doses of Zyban, or who begin taking the full dose right away, your doctor will probably ask you to start at a lower dose of the medication. The dose is gradually increased over time to help prevent seizures from occurring. If you have a history of epilepsy, other seizure disorders, or drink heavily, you may need to use a different drug to help you quit smoking.

Considerations

Because Zyban sometimes causes people to lose weight, it is a poor choice if you are significantly underweight, have trouble eating enough to maintain your weight, or if you have an eating disorder. Zyban can interact with other drugs, including some over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements. Discuss any medications or supplements you take with your doctor to make sure that Zyban is safe for you to take. Zyban can cause some illnesses to become worse, including high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney or liver diseases, bipolar disorder and diabetes. If you have these, or any other medication conditions, discuss them with your doctor before taking this medication.

Warning

Anti-depressant drugs, including bupropion (the active ingredient in Zyban), are associated with an increased risk of suicide. This risk is highest if you are under 24 years old and have clinical depression. Suicidal thoughts or actions most commonly occur during the first 12 weeks of treatment with an anti-depressant. If you begin thinking about suicide while taking Zyban or experience mood or behavioral changes, call your doctor right away.

Tags: side effects, your doctor, effects caused, more likely, side effects caused, taking Zyban

Soothe A Shingles Flareup

You thought that having chicken pox when you were a child was bad. Now you have angry, red blisters and a lot of pain--you have shingles. The pain and tenderness is wreaking havoc on your body and emotions, and even after the blisters heal, you still have pain. Here are some helpful tips to help deal with the effects of this virus and help your body heal.

Instructions

1. Treat it early. At the onset of shingles, take some Tylenol. It won't upset your stomach like aspirin and will help with the pain. Take extra doses of Vitamin C to help boost your immune system and help fight the virus. Take a multi-vitamin with zinc and Vitamin B complex. Lysine is also helpful for stopping the spread of the virus, limiting the area of painful blisters.

2. Don't pick. Leave the blisters alone. Don't apply fancy creams and topical ointments. This can irritate the skin and allow the virus to spread.

3. Do try a calamine paste. Calamine lotion, isopropyl alcohol and one percent each of phenol and menthol can help stop the itch and dry up the blisters. You can also try an aspirin paste. Mix aspirin and water and apply to the blisters. This can help give pain relief that will often last for hours.

4. Stay cool. Heat will only make the pain worse, so keep cool. Apply cool wet cloths to the blisters and you can even try the cornstarch/oatmeal cool bath to help cool and soothe the shingles blisters.

5. After the blisters have gone, you may still have nerve pain. Apply ice on the areas with pain. The cold may confuse the nerve endings and give some periodic relief.

Tags: still have, with pain, your body

What Are The Treatments For A Stubborn Ringworm

The fungi that cause ringworm grow in warm, humid places such as locker rooms, swimming pools and skin folds. It is a highly contagious infection and spreads during skin-to-skin contact or sharing towels, clothes or sports gear. Ringworm infection results in a red, itchy and sometimes round-ringed rash on the skin and scalp. Sometimes the infection can be quite difficult to get rid of, though there are several options for treatment for even the most stubborn of ringworm.

Prevention

A ringworm infection that stubbornly refuses to heal may do so simply because the infection is given ideal conditions for survival. Re-infection is also extremely likely in the case of ringworm. The best way to treat a stubborn ringworm infection is to practice good prevention methods. Avoiding hot and humid environments such as locker rooms and swimming pools can go a long way. The infection does not survive as strongly in cool, dry places. Also, showering and shampooing well after sweating and wearing loose cotton clothing greatly help to avoid spreading. To avoid re-infection, wear sandals or socks all the time, wash clothes in very hot water and don't reuse towels until infection is gone.

Home Care

While prevention methods and time should kill even stubborn ringworm infections, some ringworm may need medicinal help. Topical, over-the-counter creams work very well against ringworm when directly applied to clean, dry legions up to 1 inch around its border. These creams usually require two or three weeks use before fully curing the infection.

Medical Assistance

If home care doesn't get rid of ringworm, then it is important to visit a doctor quickly to avoid spreading or complicating the infection. A doctor can identify which fungus may have caused the infection in the first place in order to better eradicate the most stubborn infections. It is most likely that a doctor will prescribe a stronger topical cream in order to treat a specific fungus. Doctors sometimes prescribe corticosteroids to help with itching, but this could worsen the infection in some patients. Serious infections or seeping legions will require surgical drainage; extensive infections may require a patient to take an antifungal pill.

Considerations

If the condition is left too long on the skin, patients risk not being able to rely on topical creams to fix it. Instead, more expensive doctor visits and prescriptions will be necessary to get rid of the infection. Also, if the infection gets into or starts in the scalp, it is important to visit a doctor immediately. Ringworm in the scalp can cause hair loss. Ringworm of the nail is far more difficult to cure than infections of the skin and scalp. Oral antifungal medication will be needed to help get rid of the infection, sometimes for extended periods of time. The ringworm attacks the protein underneath the nail. In order to be fully cured, the nail will need to completely grow back.

Tags: avoid spreading, important visit, important visit doctor, locker rooms, locker rooms swimming

Make A Flax Seed Neck Pillow

Making your own flax seed filled neck pillow is generally cheaper than buying one at your favorite department store. These flax seed filled neck pillows are ideal for people who sleep on their side or back.

Instructions

1. Lay the material out on a flat surface, fold it in half lengthwise, and pin the wrong sides together to create your pillow. This pillow will be double lined, as all filled pillows are, to be assured that the filling of flax seeds does not spill out. You will need to leave an open area on your pillow to stuff it, and this usually is on one end in the pillow.

2. Sew the long side just to the left of your designated open end, and continue around the pillow making a ½-inch seam until you come to the designated end. Remove the pins from the material, and turn the fabric right side out through the open end.

3. Place the flax seed filling into this hole until the pillow is full. Shake the pillow as needed to distribute the flax seed filling within the pillow. Slip stitch the opening closed and your flax seed neck pillow is complete.

4. Put your flax seed neck pillow in a pillowcase or slip case to extend the life of your newly created pillow. This type of pillow should always have a pillowcase because the bag is not washable.

Tags: flax seed, neck pillow, your flax, your flax seed, filled neck, flax seed filled, flax seed filling

What Is The Purpose Of Pursed Lip Breathing

You probably already perform pursed lip breathing but are unaware of it. Yet this simple technique is taught as an efficient method for decreasing stress and improving the comfort of people with respiratory problems. It may not completely eliminate breathlessness in people with moderate or advanced respiratory problems, but pursed lip breathing can help your lungs work more effectively.

Do It

Begin by relaxing your shoulders and neck.

Inhale a normal breath with your mouth closed.

Purse your lips as if blowing out a candle. Make the hole between your lips big enough for a straw to fit.

With lips pursed, slowly exhale. Do not force the air out.

Try to breathe out twice as long as you breathe in. It helps to count to two on the inhale and four on the exhale.

How It Works

By pursing the lips when you exhale, you narrow the airway. This allows your breath and heartbeat to slow down by limiting the air-flow rate. Practitioners experience a prolonged exhalation and old air is moved out. New air enters and ventilation is improved. People who were previously breathless may now find their airways open longer and that they are more relaxed.

When to Use It

Perform pursed lip breathing exercises prior to, or during breaks in, activities that cause breathlessness, such as climbing stairs or repeat actions of bending and lifting. Or use it when you begin to feel panicky to calm your breathing. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease associations recommend practicing four or five times a day so that, in times of breathlessness, the correct breathing pattern is automatic.

For COPD

Pursed lip breathing is often recommended for people suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) because their airways can close before they finish exhaling. This can happen during exercise or even the slightest exertion. The breathing exercise helps keep the airways open longer so stale air escapes, allowing fresh oxygen-rich air to enter. People with COPD should continue with the exercise until their breathing has improved.

For relaxation

By slowing down the breath, you trigger a relaxation response. The physical and emotional effects of stress are eased. People suffering from anxiety-induced insomnia may try pursed lip breathing. For relaxation purposes, try a variation by both inhaling and exhaling through pursed lips. Your body may try to adapt to the narrow airway by making the diaphragm work harder. Keep the focus on relaxed breathing.

Tags: airways open, airways open longer, Chronic Obstructive, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary, narrow airway

Early Autism Symptoms In Babies

Autism is a common developmental disorder characterized by impaired social abilities and interaction skills, and issues with both verbal and nonverbal communication. People with autism are also known to have rather unusual and limited activities and behaviors. It is believed about 3-6 children out of every thousand or so will have autism. There are various early autism symptoms that babies can experience that parents should look out for.

Early Symptoms

According to the National Institute of Medical Health, there are various possible early indications of autism in babies. These early signs include avoidance of eye contact, not responding to their name, not saying a word by 16 months of age, not pointing, babbling or making meaningful gestures by 1 year of age, lack of social and language skills, not knowing play with toys, not combining two words together by 2 years of age, not smiling, seeming to be hearing impaired at times, lining up toys or objects and being attached to specific toys or things.

Time Frame

In general, children are not diagnosed with having autism until they are approximately 3 years of age, although it is also often commonly believed that children start to exhibit signs of autism as early as 6 months in age from avoidance of eye contact to not smiling.

Irregular Brain Growth

A study cited in The Journal of the American Medical Association showed that children with autism exhibited abnormal brain growth. Autistic children in general had much smaller head sizes at birth (25th percentile), but then had rapid head growth spurts in which their heads grew to the the 84th percentile at around 6 to 14 months of age.

Other Early Signs

Some other less common early signs of autism in babies include difficulty nursing -- an early symptom of possible oral motor issues, unusual crawling on the floor -- a sign of gross motor issues related to the larger muscles, and starting to walk a lot later -- around 16 months or longer.

Prevention/Solution

Many parents of children who possibly have autism can find themselves very frustrated as they are often told by doctors to wait out the condition or to not worry. However, it is a good idea for parents -- who are with their children all day and night and see all their behavioral patterns -- to believe their instincts and get their children thoroughly evaluated by autism specialists if possible.

Tags: around months, autism babies, avoidance contact, early signs, have autism, motor issues

Bowel Cleansing Solution

The colon works to rid the body of waste materials that are created from foods that are consumed. Depending on the type of diet that is regularly eaten, fecal matter will either be properly evacuated or begin to compact along bowel walls. When this happens, toxins are re-released into the body and can cause health issues as well general abdominal discomfort. Bowel cleanses, when done under the supervision of a medical practitioner, are a safe and effective way to clean the colon and restore normal bowel movements.

Castor Oil and Milk

Castor oil has been used since ancient times for a health issues such as menstrual cramps, wart removal and digestive complications. When purchasing castor oil, ensure that it comes directly from India and that the castor beans have not been treated with pesticides. Castor oil works by introducing a high concentration of ricinoleic acid, which is the main ingredient in most fatty acids. Milk works to dilute the unpleasant taste of castor oil as well as to move the ingredients throughout the intestines.

Add one cup of milk with one teaspoon of castor oil into a small glass. Stir to ensure that both ingredients are properly mixed. Consume first thing in the morning, and if needed, wash down with eight ounces of water. Drink this mixture two times per week for its cleansing benefits. Keep in mind, bowel movements will become regular so ensure that access to a bathroom is available at all times.

Psyllium Husks and Aloe Vera

The properties within aloe vera work with the intestines to repair damage that has been done by an impacted colon. When the lining of the intestines are strong, they are able to better move fecal matter through the colon, which relieves and prevents constipation. Psyllium Husks contain high levels of fiber, which create and sustain healthy bowel movements. Unlike harsh chemical cleansers, this solution will gently move impacted fecal matter throughout the system without harmful side effects.

Mix one teaspoon of psyllium husk with three tablespoons of aloe vera and two cups of water. Consume this mixture once a day for two weeks. Once this treatment has concluded, bowel movements will be regular and the intestines will be able to better absorb nutrients from food. Always consult a physician before beginning any colon cleanse program, especially if kidney or heart disease is present.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 is part of the essential fatty acids family, which are required for the body to function properly. While omega-3 is essential, the human body does not make this fatty acid naturally, thus it must be consumed through foods or supplements. The properties within omega-3 fatty acids work to move fecal matter through the intestines as well as to promote a healthier digestive system overall.

Consuming a fish oil supplement is the easiest way to introduce omega-3 fatty acids into the system. Ensure that when purchasing a fish oil supplement, the label specifies exactly what species of fish it comes from. The oil should only be derived from the flesh of fish, which will be clearly marked on the supplement label.

Tags: bowel movements, fecal matter, ensure that, able better, aloe vera, bowel movements will

Grow Bacopa

This basket could use some colorful bacopa

Bacopa (Sutera grandiflora) is a low-growing, mounding annual and a favorite for many gardeners for hanging baskets, borders and ground cover. Growing no more than 6 inches high, its small, green leaves can barely be seen through masses of tiny white, pink or purple flowers. They can be found trailing over the edges of stones in the landscape and over the rims of pots and window boxes. Bacopa also makes a good midsummer replacement for alyssum.

Instructions

1. Buy bacopa plants at your local garden center or nursery in late spring. Choose plants that are already in flower or about to bloom for best results.

2. Cultivate an area in your garden with a spade, choosing a spot that gets only partial sun for most of the day. Moisten soil thoroughly before planting. Bacopa can easily dry out in full sun, causing the blooms to die and drop off. If you're planting in containers, fill them with potting soil and moisten thoroughly with water.

3. Remove bacopas from their nursery pots. You may need to tap the bottom and sides of the pot before they will come out. Dig a small hole in the soil and nestle the roots of the bacopa firmly into it. Pat the soil down around the roots to eliminate air spaces. Water again after planting.

4. Water bacopa frequently during the growing season so the soil never completely dries out, especially if it's in a container or hanging basket, where dryness is most likely to occur. If the soil dries out, the bloom cycle can be interrupted for several weeks.

5. Add a pinch of all-purpose plant fertilizer to the water once a month for continued vigorous blooms well into October.

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How Does An Aids Test Work

More than 50,000 people annually contract the AIDS virus in the United States. Typically, an AIDS test is conducted to seek out the presence of HIV antibodies (the chemicals that the body produces to fight off disease). There are some tests that try to find HIV in a more direct fashion (by determining the presence of HIV genetic material), but they are not commonly used.

Common Tests

Most AIDS tests use blood samples to see if the patient has an HIV infection. There are some that can detect the HIV virus through saliva, but blood tests are the most common. While it can take a few days to get test results, in some cases results are available in as little as 20 minutes. And every positive HIV test result must be followed up with another test to confirm the results. The follow-up test results can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.

Oral Fluid Tests

Oral fluid tests can be used to determine the presence of AIDS antibodies, and differ from blood or saliva tests. A non-saliva oral fluid is collected from the mouth, and a similar test to the one performed on the blood is performed. In the event of a positive test result, the same fluid is used in a follow-up test to confirm the results.

Urine Tests

Urine tests use a urine sample instead of blood. The test is again similar to the blood test, and as with the oral fluid test, if a positive result is shown, the same urine is used in a follow up test to confirm the results. The accuracy of urine tests is less than that of a blood or oral fluid test.

Warning Signs

Often it may take as long as three months for the body to produce enough antibodies to show up in an AIDS test. In most cases, it is possible to detect an infection in as little as four weeks; however, if a person is tested too soon in this window, the virus may not show up and others can still become infected by the patient, even if a positive test hasn't been received. The only reliable way to determine if a person has the HIV virus is to be tested. However, there are possible warning signs that may be present, and if present, the subject should undergo an AIDS test to confirm the presence of HIV antibodies. These potential warning signs include extreme, unexplainable fatigue; unexplained and rapid weight loss, pneumonia, swollen lymph glands, episodes of diarrhea lasting for a week or more and a dry hacking cough.

Since the symptoms to AIDS are similar to many other diseases, it is important to be tested in order to get verification. No one should perform a self-diagnosis, and whether the patient chooses to be tested via a blood test, oral fluid or urine test, it is important to have reliable results from a qualified health care professional.

Tags: test confirm, blood test, confirm results, positive test, test confirm results, AIDS test, fluid test

Abscessed Teeth & Heart Disease

Most people know that having an abscessed tooth is a painful condition that can lead to further dental problems down the road the longer that it is left untreated. Not everyone is aware, however, that dental problems, like abscessed teeth, can also contribute to heart disease.

What An Abscess Is

Abscessed teeth are teeth that are infected either between the gum and the tooth or at the base or root of the tooth itself. Most of these infections are caused by untreated tooth decay, gingivitis, or the breaking or chipping of the tooth. Abscessed teeth cause extreme pain, gum disease, and, in the advanced stages, swollen neck glands, swelling of the jaw, and open sores. More serious side effects of an abscessed tooth are possible as well.

How Abscesses Can Lead To Heart Disease

An abscess can spread if left unchecked, and in extreme cases can lead to heart disease. According to Dental Health Magazine, patients with gum disease are more likely to suffer from heart disease. This may be due to bacteria from the mouth entering the blood stream and eventually attaching to blood vessels in the heart and creating buildup and clots. These clots can interfere with blood flow and can keep the heart from receiving the oxygen and nutrients that it needs, weakening the heart muscle, and eventually leading to a heart attack.

Other Conditions Caused By Abscessed Teeth

The American Academy of Periodontology has reported that, aside from gingivitis, open sores, heart disease and other problems, there is some evidence that abscessed teeth can also lead to an increased risk of stroke. It has also been shown that dental infections can make certain other existing health conditions worse.

Treatment

If you suspect that you have an abscessed tooth, it is important to call your dentist immediately to make an appointment before the condition worsens. You may require a root canal or other procedure, and the sooner you can see your dentist, the better. In the meantime, there are several things that you can use to alleviate pain and swelling. Ice packs, ibuprofen and acetaminophen, for example, have all been shown to help. Be sure to read all labels carefully.

Prevention

Simple dental hygiene can go a long way towards the prevention of abscessed teeth. Brushing your teeth twice a day, eating a healthy diet, and visiting your dentist for regular checkups are all good ways to prevent serious dental conditions.

Tags: abscessed tooth, your dentist, abscessed teeth, abscessed teeth also, been shown

How Does Blood Pressure Medication Work

About High Blood Pressure

According to the American Heart Association there is no known cause for high blood pressure in 90 to 95 percent of the cases. If you are in the category of this top percentage your condition is called essential (or primary) hypertension. When vessels are narrowed, blood has a harder time flowing through them, causing hypertension. There are several different classifications of blood pressure medication that your health care provider may prescribe for your condition. All of them are meant to work at getting the blood to flow more easily through the vessels which lowers blood pressure.

Diuretics

Hydrochlorothiazide or Furosemide are names of common diuretics given to hypertension sufferers. It causes your body to produce additional urine in which it can relieve itself of excess salt and water. In turn your body decreases its volume of blood, lowering blood pressure.

ACE Inhibitors

Enalapril, Lisinopril and Ramipril are common names of ACE inhibitors. This type of medication blocks substances that tighten blood vessels. The blood then flows more easily and blood pressure lowers.

Beta-blockers

Atenolol, Metropolis and Propranolol are common names of beta-blocker medications. They work to slow the heartbeat down while they also reduce the strength of the beats. By lowering the force of the blood pumping through the vessels, the blood pressure is lowered.

Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers

Candesartan, Losartan and Valsartan are common names of Angiogenesis II receptor blockers. They work similarly to ACE inhibitors. Where ACE inhibitors block the bodies substance that tightens blood vessels, Angiotensin II receptor blockers just stop the substance from affecting the blood vessels. The vessels are relaxed and blood pressure is lowered.

Calcium Channel Blockers

Diltiazem, Nifedipine and Verapamil are common names of calcium channel blockers. The blockers relax the muscles surrounding blood vessels making it easier for the blood to flow and thus lowering blood pressure.

Tags: blood pressure, blood vessels, common names, blood pressure, blood flow, blood pressure lowered

Facts Borage Oil

Borage, whose Latin name is Borago officinalis, is a hardy annual that grows wild in the Mediterranean. The herb is also cultivated and grows prolifically in Great Britain and North America, where it can bloom nearly continuously from spring until first frost.

History

The word borage was historically associated with courage, and the herb used as a wine flavoring for soldiers going into battle. It was also used medicinally to ease melancholy, sadness and grief.

Processing

Borage oil is a cold-pressed extract from the seed of the borage plant and contains beneficial omega-6 fatty acids with a high concentration of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).

Benefits

Because of its essential fatty-acid content, borage oil is best-known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It is useful for treatment of arthritic and other inflammatory conditions. Other uses are for cardiovascular health and hormonal imbalance.

Types

Borage oil may be purchased as a bottled liquid or in soft gel capsules.

Warning

Mild digestive complaints have been reported with the use of borage oil. Taking with food may diminish these effects. Those with herb sensitivities or specific health concerns should consult with a qualified health care practitioner before using borage oil.

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High Amounts Of Testosterone In Women

High amounts of testosterone in women may be caused by hormone disorders, certain medical conditions and the use of anabolic steroids. Negative health effects of high amounts of testosterone in women can include masculinization, increased risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer and menstrual problems. The symptoms of high testosterone can be lessened by medical treatments including medications and surgery.

Medical Causes

Medical causes of high amounts of testosterone in women include polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), adrenal gland dysfunction and pituitary gland tumors.

Outward Symptoms

High amounts of testosterone may cause hirsutism, which is the growth of excess hair on the face, arms, chest and legs, or alopecia, which is the loss of hair and may resemble that of male-pattern baldness.

Internal Symptoms

Liver disease including liver cancer is a symptom of high amounts of testosterone caused by the use of anabolic steroids in women.

Gynecological Symptoms

Gynecological symptoms of high amounts of testosterone include irregular or missed periods, infertility and an enlarged clitoris.

Physical Side Effects

According to the Mayo Clinic, high levels of testosterone in women may cause high blood pressure and cholesterol, fatty liver disease and sleep apnea.

Mental Side Effects

Testosterone in high amounts can cause personality changes such as aggression, increased sexual desire and feelings of competitiveness.

Warning

Sudden, severe changes in blood sugar levels are possible when high amounts of testosterone are taken in the form of steroids or hormone therapy, which can be life-threatening for women with diabetes.

Tags: amounts testosterone, amounts testosterone women, testosterone women, anabolic steroids, high amounts, high amounts, high amounts testosterone

Facts Vocal Cords

When someone uses his voice to sing or talk, the vocal cords vibrate more than 100 times per second as air is pushed up through the trachea, or windpipe. The vocal cords are actually two smooth muscles located in the larynx, also known as the voice box.

Voice Production

The vibration of the vocal cords, or vocal folds, as they are more accurately called, creates the sound of your voice, The variations heard in people's voices are attributed to the length and tension of the vocal cords. When you mimic a different voice, you force your vocal cords to act accordingly. When you speak in a low, deep voice, you are shortening and relaxing the vocal cords. When you speak in a high-pitched voice, you are stretching and tightening the cords.

Vocal Cord Damage

Vocal cords are muscles, and as such, they are subject to strain when used too much or abused. For instance, some very famous vocalists. such as Julie Andrews, have experienced painful nodules that formed on their vocal cords as a result of such abuse. These nodules must be surgically removed; and even after the surgery, the quality of the performer's voice and the vocal cords themselves may never fully recover because of the scar tissue that forms on the cords.

Vocal Cord Reconstruction and Repair

The University of Delaware has worked on a very promising research project. The researchers are trying to engineer replacement vocal cord tissue to replace or repair the tissue that has been hardened and scarred by surgery. One method they are exploring is injecting a gelatinous material into the scarred tissue to increase its elasticity. In another experiment, they are trying to re-create and form tissue that can replace the damaged tissue in the cords.

Throat Cancer

Throat cancer can affect the vocal cords, as well as the larynx and other areas of the throat. People who smoke and drink with regularity are putting themselves at a high risk for this type of cancer. The symptoms of throat cancer include high-pitched breathing; coughing up blood; inflammation of the neck, or lumps; long-lasting and painful sore throat; trouble swallowing; loss of voice, or hoarseness; and unexplained weight loss. Fortunately, if caught early this type of cancer is about 90 percent curable. If not caught and the cancer has metastasized, the chances of a full recovery are slim.

Tags: vocal cords, tissue that, vocal cords, cords Vocal, cords Vocal Cord, cords When, this type

Lupus Foot Pain

One of the most common symptoms of lupus is foot pain. While the degree of pain is not necessarily an indicator of the severity of the disease, it is helpful to understand the various reasons this may occur with lupus.

Raynaud's Phenomenon

The Lupus Foundation of America reports that many lupus patients suffer with Raynaud's phenomenon, a disorder in which a lack of blood-flow due to muscle spasms cause numbness, tingling and pain in hands and feet. This condition is often triggered by extreme cold, so care should be taken to keep hands and feet covered and warm at all times.

Arthritis

Although lupus-related arthritis is not usually the same as rheumatoid arthritis, the signs are much alike. Swelling, pain and discomfort of the foot joints seem to bother lupus patients particularly more than many other arthritis patients.

Skin Problems

Hardening of the skin is one side-effect of some of the drugs used to treat lupus. When skin hardens on the feet, painful callouses and bunions often form.

Vasculitis

In vasculitis, blood vessels become inflamed. These blood vessels can break open and bleed. At worst, these ulcerations can then become infected, causing excruciating pain for lupus sufferers.

Considerations

A podiatrist may be able to help a lupus patients with foot problems associated with lupus. Wearing well-cushioned shoes can provide the support necessary for comfort. A lupus patient should always wear socks, including at night, to prevent Raynaud's symptoms. As with all of the symptoms of lupus, a rheumatologist should be kept informed of foot discomfort.

Tags: lupus patients, blood vessels, hands feet, symptoms lupus, with lupus

Heal Your Grieving

You can stop overwhelming grief.

Having a positive attitude towards grief can make a difference in the healing process. Grief consists of various emotions that determine your coping mechanism. Acceptance of the loss will allow you to heal.

Instructions

1. Think about your situation; grief is a normal and common feeling. Do not allow yourself to feel isolated or devalued.

2. Spend time with family and friends and do not fear talking about your feelings. Participate in activities you enjoy to keep your mind occupied.

3. Seek help. Your doctor will be able to provide information on locate a mental health professional or social worker in your area. These professionals are experienced in loss, grief and appropriate services. Go to your local religious institution and speak with the clergy who can provide a spiritual perspective and understanding to loss and grief.

4. Join a support group. Support groups will provide a safe environment where you can freely express your feelings with people of similar situations.

5. Stay healthy. Have a regular exercise regimen to keep your body and mind active. Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Eating too much or too little may cause other health related issues. Stay away from food that will make you overtly tired.

Tags: about your, keep your, loss grief, your feelings

Paint The Front Of Your House A Different Color

You can paint the front of your house a different color.

While some neighbors might disapprove, there are circumstances that might make it acceptable to paint the front of your house a different color from the other sides. Perhaps you want to paint your Victorian house in an authentic color scheme but don't want to have to paint all sides in such a time-consuming, strictly historical manner. Or you may want to paint your house in a color that might be very appropriate for the front because of a special landscape design, but it's not so good for the back. Like any house painting job, preparation and technique are keys to a satisfactory result.

Instructions

1. Prep the painting surface by scraping any loose paint from the siding. Use a steel wire paint-scraping brush with a scraper blade on the opposite end of the tool. Wear protective eye wear and a nose-and-mouth mask guard while scraping the old paint.

2. Wash the front of the house with a power water sprayer. Let it dry completely.

3. Prime the siding and trims with a good exterior primer product and a brush or spray applicator. Priming often can reduce the need to apply two or more coats of paint, particularly when painting light over dark colors. Priming also will help fill in any uneven surfaces produced by scraping and will make your paint job last longer. Let the primer dry.

4. Paint the house in the major color first, working from the top of the house down to the ground level. Choose the major color with some thought about the other sides of the house, especially if the sides are some other color than white. If the other sides are a solid color, a white, off-white, or gray color might be best for the front. Let the paint dry over a 24-hour period.

5. Take care of any trim work. Use a color that relates to the color of the sides and back of the house, if possible. For example, if the sides and back of the house are white, use white for the trim colors on the front of the house. Mask previously painted areas that you want to protect. Work from the top of the house down to the ground level.

6. Paint other trim work around the other sides of the house using the new front trim color, if possible. This will help unify your paint scheme for the whole house, even though the front of the house is a different color from the other sides. Use good color judgment though. If the sides of your house are dark green, for example, and your new front trim is red (on a new white background perhaps), don't paint the trim on the sides or back of the house red -- the result of combining red and green is too much of a contrast.

Tags: other sides, back house, different color, front house, house different color, sides back

Give An Arm Massage

An arm massage can be wonderful all by itself, or you can add a back and neck massage to it and give a full upper body massage. Arm massages are good for people who use their arms a lot in sports or on the job.

Instructions

1. Have the person undress on top and lie down on a massage table, a bed or the floor. Position the person on his back with a pillow under his knees and another under his head. Cover the person's chest with a towel if she wishes.

2. Pour massage oil, baby oil or lotion in your hand. Rub your hands together to warm up the oil and to distribute it evenly over your palms and fingers. Use both hands to smoothly rub from the wrist up the arm and over the top of the shoulder. Repeat six times.

3. Use your thumbs to massage from the wrist to the top of the arm, using an overlapping motion. Increase pressure with each pass, and repeat five times. Gently turn the arm over and do the same thing to the underside of the arm.

4. Lift the arm up over the person's head, allowing the elbow to bend. Push your fingers down to the elbow in a smooth flowing motion. Repeat this step four times.

5. Massage from the elbow down to the underarm, using your thumbs. Repeat three times, then do the same thing to the outside of the arm, elbow to shoulder muscle. Increase pressure with each repetition.

6. Tickle the arm lightly down from the shoulder to the wrist. This is a pleasant feeling, and gives a perfect ending to your massage.

Tags: from wrist, Increase pressure, Increase pressure with, pressure with, pressure with each, same thing, with each

Make A Crystal Healing Wand

Wands have long been used by magic practitioners to direct energy. A wand is viewed as an extension of the practitioner's arm, allowing energy to flow into it and focus at the tip. A lot of energy can be gathered and released this way.

A magic practitioner will often own several wands, each with its own purpose. Different materials are suited for holding certain energies; thus, different types of wood, stone and metal are used in specific types of wands. For instance, in a healing wand, clear quartz or rose quartz are the best crystals to use, while rowan, oak and copper are the best materials for the handles.

Instructions

1. Find a fallen branch about a half an inch thick and as long as your forearm. Hold the branch firmly in your non-dominant hand. Peel the bark from the branch with the knife, pushing the knife in long, slow strokes away from your body.

2. Remove any stubborn bark by soaking the branch in warm water overnight. This will loosen the bark. Peel this bark off as in step 1. Allow the branch to dry for 24 hours.

3. Sand away knife marks with 80 grit sandpaper. This will also remove unwanted discoloration. Sand twice more with the 120 and 220 grit sandpapers to make the branch very smooth. Wipe sawdust away after each sanding.

4. Apply wood conditioner with a soft cloth. Rub the soft cloth into the conditioner then apply in long, smooth strokes down the branch.

5. Wipe down the branch with a clean part of the cloth to ensure an even coat. Allow to dry for 48 hours. Use an organic wood conditioner in gel form; these are the easiest to apply and leave a light sheen.

6. Choose a crystal four to six inches long that is relatively straight and smooth. It should have a point at one end and be about as thick as the branch. Set the stone aside.

7. Clip the popsicle sticks into three-inch sections. Glue four of them to one end of the branch with half of each popsicle stick against the branch and the other half sticking off the end of the branch. Allow glue to dry for 24 hours.

8. Fit the crystal into the space between the popsicle sticks. Turn and shift the crystal until you find the most stable position. Remove the crystal and add a drop of glue to the end of each popsicle stick. Put the crystal in place so it is stable. Allow to dry 24 hours.

9. Apply several drops of glue to the outside of one popsicle stick. Press the end of the leather strip into the glue and wrap the leather so it hides the popsicle sticks. Glue the other end of the leather strip to the body of the branch.

10. Hold the finished wand in your hands for several moments, focusing on using it to heal. Imagine healing energy flowing from your hands into the wand. Store your wand on an altar or wrapped in a clean cloth.

Tags: branch with, popsicle stick, popsicle sticks, Allow hours, down branch, each popsicle, each popsicle stick

Ibs Symptoms & Treatment

IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome, is a chronic digestive disorder that affects almost 20 percent of adults, according to a study. More women than men are afflicted with this condition. IBS is not a serious or life-threatening disease and it does not lead to colon cancer, but it does have several symptoms that can be annoying. There are ways to treat and manage IBS by making diet and lifestyle changes.

Flatulence

Expelling gas is a common and embarrassing symptom of IBS.

Constipation and Diarrhea

Both constipation and diarrhea are a part of IBS. A person can have one problem or both, and they can frequently alternate.

Abdominal Pain

Some people have abdominal cramps or pain. The discomfort can be mild or severe.

Fiber

Adding more fiber to your diet can improve IBS symptoms. The fiber adds bulk to the system and reduces the chances of constipation and diarrhea.

Water

Drinking lots of water lubricates the digestive tract and helps to move food and wastes through the system.

Food Diary

Since doctors don't know what causes IBS, keeping a food diary can alert you to what foods may trigger IBS symptoms.

Tags: constipation diarrhea

Live With Mrsa

MRSA is the abbreviation for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Living with it is possible, but you need to take the measures to safeguard family members or others who also live in the home. These simple steps could mean the difference to keeping the MRSA or sharing it with others.

Instructions

1. Learn what you can about MRSA, especially that you can still lead a similar lifestyle with a few modifications. MRSA is in every person but usually it is quite harmless until it gets an infection. It is only when the bad germs invade the harmless MRSA does it develop some harmful tactics to invade our bodies and create havoc. You can pick it up in the hospital, but these days it is found and transmitted in schools and other public places where there is close contact. If someone you know has a MRSA infection do not touch them, do not share towels or other personal items, as it is highly contagious.

2. Take all medicines as prescribed by your doctor. Become watchful of your body and let your doctors know if you experience any side effects from the medicines that are prescribed. You will be on the medication from a few weeks and quite possibly for up to six weeks.

3. Demand that when your bandages are changed, you or your caregivers wear gloves every time. Depending on where the MRSA infection has emerged, you may have to wear a mask to prevent spreading it.

4. Wear a covering over the MRSA wound allows you to continue shopping and to carry on with normal activities. You may be worn down easier because of the infection or medicines, so take a nap as needed to maintain your health.

Tags: MRSA infection

Does Oil Pulling Increase Metabolism

Oil pulling is a traditional technique used in European countries; it originated in India and Asia. Oil pulling has long been said to promote health and to assist in curing diseases. Twenty minutes of simply swishing oil around in your mouth each day will give you the benefits of oil pulling.

History

The Auyurvedic tradition has continued to use oil pulling as one of the ways practitioners detoxify their body and rebalance their systems. Many other cultures around the globe have employed similar methods with the purest form of the most indigenous oil available to their region. In Auyurveda, sesame oil is the most common oil used.

Technique

All cultures perform oil pulling in a similarly basic way. Each morning before breakfast, the practitioner will put one tablespoon of oil into his mouth. The oil is then swished and sloshed around the mouth, much like you would swish with mouthwash, for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. By keeping it in your mouth and sloshing it around, you activate the natural enzymes in your saliva and the detoxification process begins. Once finished, the oil is spat out and the teeth are brushed in the regular manner. This procedure is sometimes performed up to three times per day on an empty stomach.

Expected Outcomes

Oil pulling is said to have healed or cured a number of conditions and diseases over the ages it has been practiced. Many of the problems originate in the head and neck; bronchitis, sore throats, tooth pain, migraines and gum disease. Other conditions said to benefit are gastrointestinal, lung and heart, arthritis, blood disease and hormonal imbalances.

Possible Side Effects

The side effects of oil pulling are similar to those of any detoxification treatment. A practitioner may experience acne eruptions, sluggishness and a general feeling of being unwell. These side effects show that toxins are being released into the blood and lymphatic systems on their way to being eliminated, and may be considered a good sign that the treatment is working.

Ways to Enhance the Procedure

Practitioners of oil pulling should drink a significant amount of water to aid the body in flushing disease and toxins. Flushing the body's systems will increase the effect that oil pulling can provide. Another way to enhance the experience is to add a few drops of peppermint essential oil to the oil in the mouth. This refreshing addition will leave the practitioner feeling cool and refreshed both physically and mentally.

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Magnesium Deficiency Symptoms In Children

Magnesium is a vital nutrient that's needed in the body to produce and transport energy, regulate blood pressure, produce protein, and to contract and relax the muscles. Magnesium is also important for healthy immune function. According to the American Diabetic Association, magnesium deficiency has also been linked to increased insulin resistance in kids. And the U.S. National Library of Medicine acknowledges that, "Magnesium deficiency in children with ADHD occurs more frequently than in healthy children."

Recommended Daily Magnesium Intake

The recommended daily intake of magnesium for children one to three years old is 80 milligrams (mg); 130 mg for kids four to eight-years-old; 240 mg for kids nine to thirteen-years-old; and for adolescents ages 14 to 18, 360 mg for girls, and 410 mg for boys.

Symptoms

Early magnesium deficiency symptoms in kids can include insomnia, irritability, apathy, anorexia, memory problems, learning difficulties, sleepiness, muscle weakness, hyperactivity and confusion. More severe symptoms of magnesium deficiency include rapid heartbeat, muscle twitching, hallucinations, numbness and delirium.

Prevention

The best way to prevent magnesium deficiency in kids is to feed them a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, as these types of veggies provide the best sources of magnesium. Other foods that are rich in magnesium include whole grains, pumpkin seeds, potatoes with the skin, nuts, beans, legumes, soy, avocados, dried apricots, bananas, oatmeal, and herbs such as basil, dill weed and sage.

Treatment

A doctor can check the blood levels of magnesium in a child to determine if she is suffering from magnesium deficiency. If the child is deficient in this mineral, the doctor may recommend increasing her daily intake of magnesium-rich foods, or supplementing her diet with supplements. If magnesium levels are severely low, a magnesium drip may be administered by the doctor to restore magnesium levels to normal.

Warning

Although magnesium supplements are readily available in stores, too much of this mineral can be toxic, and in extremely high doses it can be fatal to children. Never give a child magnesium supplements without consulting a pediatrician.

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