What Are The Causes Of The Kink In My Neck

Neck kinks can be so painful that they make you want to vomit. Sometimes neck kinks occur because of injuries, but other times they're the result of our lifestyle.

Body Positioning

If you are awakening with a kink in your neck, consider that your mattress might be too soft or that you are sleeping in an awkward position that is straining your neck. Incorrect body positioning, whether it occurs during sleep or while you work, can result in a kinked neck, according to Yogawiz.com (See Reference 1).

Stress

If you are under a lot of stress, this can actually lead to a kinked neck. When we get anxious and tense, our blood doesn't circulate as it is supposed to, and this can lead to pain.

Arthritis

Cervical (neck) arthritis can cause pain, stiffness and kinks in your neck, as can a muscle strain, according to Yogawiz.com. If you suddenly jerked your neck, this may cause your neck muscles to tighten up and feel knotted.

Spasms

Sometimes an individual will have a muscle spasm in his or her neck for an unknown reason, and this can result in a painful kink and stiffness. Try applying some heat to the spasming area and take an ibuprofen if it is not contraindicated by other medications that you may be taking. Some people prefer applying a cold pack to the area or putting some kind of topical liniment on the sore area.

Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Myofascial pain syndrome can result in recurring muscle spasms that can knot up your neck and limit the motility of your neck. According to the Mayo Clinic, myofascial pain syndrome is linked to neck pain as well as arm and leg pain, headaches, low back pain, pelvic pain and jaw pain. This syndrome occurs when tight muscle fibers form in your muscles because of overuse or an injury. These areas become very sensitive.

When to See a Doctor

The Mayo Clinic (see References 2) advises that if your neck pain doesn't resolve itself in a matter of a few days and you are still unable to touch your chin to your chest, make an appointment with your physician. If, after experiencing neck kinks and pain, you notice loss of sensation in your arms and legs, this could indicate a neurological problem and you need to seek treatment immediately.

If you are experiencing sharp shooting pains as a result of your neck kink, this may mean that your nerves are irritated. This is particularly true if the pain is spreading to your shoulders and down your arm and to your hand.

Pillows

Dr. Robert Kunkel of the Cleveland Clinic (see Reference 3) recommends that people not use pillows when they sleep. He has observed that many people who experience neck kinks and pain are much better off when they don't use a pillow.

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Information On The Brazilian Diet

The Brazilian Diet is a combination of two weight loss drugs marketed as Emagrace Sim and Herbathin, now found in many drug stores across the country. Taken with three daily meals, the Brazilian Diet is touted as causing fast, natural weight loss.

Origin

The Brazilian Diet originated in Brazil over a decade ago, originally as a concoction of local herbs which, when combined with a healthy diet, was found to result in dramatic weight loss.

Benefits

The immediate benefits of the Brazilian Diet are a dramatic increase in energy, followed by steady weight loss some weeks afterward.

Misconceptions

The most dangerous misconception regarding the Brazilian Diet is that these drugs have been approved by the FDA. They have not.

Warnings

The FDA has found that the Brazilian Diet pills contain several controlled substances including chemicals identical to amphetamines, Prozac, as well as other antidepressants.

Potential

Long-term use of the Brazilian Diet, or use by persons with heart conditions, is believed to promote heart disease and heart damage. It's also been linked with serious mood swings, suicidal behavior, anxiety and panic attacks.

Tags: Brazilian Diet, weight loss

What Is Tai Chi Qi Gong

What Is Tai Chi Qi Gong?

The power behind the quiet and graceful movements of Tai Chi Chuan derives from Qi Gong, which is much simpler and often ignored. Qi Gong, or Chi Kung, evolved from ancient systems of yoga and meditation, based on energy as well as balance and physical strength.

History

Before Tai Chi became popular, students of this martial art learned 13 standing postures that generate all movements and techniques in the system. A student practiced one, standing in that position for an hour every day for one month, before learning the next stance.

Basic Movements

Advanced Qi Gong includes stepping methods unique to Tai Chi. Left and right forms repeat in a long sequence with a focus on balance, shifting body weight and coordination of hand and foot movement.

Breathing Methods

Tai Chi Chuan's higher practices manipulate an inner energy called chi or qi through special breathing rhythms and visualizations. Common in traditional yoga, this aspect of kung fu often alienates Western students with no experience of the forces involved.

Combined Practice

The stability gained in stance training enhances the balance and coordination of Tai Chi's stepping exercises. With dedicated practice the Qi develops to powerful levels and these many aspects create one unified system of kung fu.

Qigong Systems

Many Qi Gong forms originated as healing systems or as training for other martial arts. Two of the better known Qi Gong methods developed for Tai Chi Chuan are the Silk Reeling Exercise of Chen Tai Chi and Yang style's Flying Tiger sequence.

Benefits

Tai Chi masters often test new students with Qi Gong practice to see whether they have what it takes "to eat the bitter." Qi Gong develops patience, will and tolerance of pain while generating the mysterious power required to learn the real Tai Chi Chuan.

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Manage Canine Cognitive Disorder

Managing canine cognitive dysfunction requires medication, supplements and a daily routine.

Canine cognitive disorder, also known as dog dementia or doggie Alzheimer’s, can strike any senior dog and is not part of the normal aging process, according to Pet Wellbeing. Initial symptoms include pacing, crying and eating less, and in time cognitive dysfunction progresses to diminished interest in activities, potty accidents in the house, wandering, confusion and a lack of recognition of caregivers, according to the Senior Dog Project. Proper veterinary care, medication and lifestyle changes can help stave off continuing mental decline and improve quality of life for a cognitively impaired dog.

Instructions

1. Determine the correct diagnosis. Ask your veterinarian to assess your dog’s symptoms and rule out non-cognitive causes, such as hearing loss or advancing arthritis. Your vet may order lab and other tests in addition to performing a physical exam, according to Pet Education. While the cause of canine cognitive dysfunction is unknown, changes in the chemicals of the brain and deterioration of the nervous system play a role in the development of symptoms, according to the Senior Dog Project.

2. Administer prescription medication accurately. With a diagnosis confirmed, your vet likely will offer Anipryl, a drug known to restore some cognitive function in dogs. You should see improvement one to two months after your dog starts the medication, according to Vet Info, and you must continue to give the drug daily at the recommended dose. Watch for potential side effects, which can include diarrhea, vomiting and restlessness, and discuss with your vet if these develop. In addition, prescription dog food enhanced with antioxidants can slow a dog’s mental decline, according to the "Merck Veterinary Manual."

3. Discuss natural treatments approaches with your vet. In addition to prescription medication, your vet may recommend vitamin supplements. Choline, one of the B vitamins, has been shown to reverse the signs of cognitive dysfunction, according to Vet Info. Antioxidant supplements and omega-3 fatty acids might help as well, according to Pet Wellbeing. Your vet can advise you on dosages for these supplements.

4. Adjust your lifestyle to accommodate the needs of a cognitively impaired dog. According to Pet Wellbeing, mental stimulation from playing and walking helps a senior dog maintain interest, so keep up these activities every day as your dog’s mobility allows. Maintain a daily routine and walk your dog on leash, even if you did not in the past; confused dogs easily wander off and get lost. And avoid disrupting the furniture in the main rooms your dog inhabits.

5. Discuss the needs of your senior dog with everyone in the household. Just as living with a cognitively impaired family member requires increased understanding, caring for a senior animal requires increased patience. Your once playful and energetic dog may be confused and lethargic from the medication. You may not see the same personality in your dog that you used to know and love. All household members, especially children, should be instructed to interact attentively and gently with an aging pet.

Tags: cognitive dysfunction, cognitively impaired, according Info, according Senior, according Senior Project

Organize Medical Records

Patients or caregivers are often responsible for getting copies of medical

records to specialists and consultants. Maintaining an organized

copy of your own records--especially if you're ill or have a chronic

condition--can literally mean the difference between life and death.

Instructions

1. Use a large three-ring binder with dividers to organize the information.

2. Collect all contact information, including doctors' names, telephone numbers, fax numbers and addresses, in one section.

3. Keep a calendar in another section to record all appointments.

4. Maintain a log book for medical phone calls, indicating the person you talked with and when, what was said and what decisions about the course of treatment were made.

5. Keep a separate log of phone calls with your insurance company. Again, log the person you talked with, when, what was said and what follow-up is required.

6. Create a section to record prescriptions: what the medications are, when they were prescribed, who prescribed them, what they are for, and which pharmacy fills the prescriptions.

7. Make a separate section for receipts and financial paperwork, including insurance explanations of benefits (EOBs for short). Keep everything sorted by the date of service.

8. Visit the medical records office of your doctor or hospital on a regular basis to get copies of reports, transcripts and other doctors' records. You will need to show identification, sign a release form (including separate releases for HIV/AIDS and mental health records), and pay a copying fee. File these in reverse chronological order, so the newest record is on top.

9. Visit your medical center's film library if you have imaging studies (such as CT scans, MRIs or X-rays). Get duplicates of films, but realize there will probably be a charge for these. It's often easiest and cheapest to have a radiologist make copies of imaging studies when the images are first made. Be sure to ask.

10. Make extra photocopies occasionally of the most important records and store them with a trusted person.

11. Keep records portable by devoting a briefcase or small rolling suitcase to them. This way you'll be able to take them to all medical appointments.

Tags: imaging studies, medical records, person talked, person talked with, phone calls, said what, section record

Herbal Remedies For Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is characterized by rapid and often violent mood swings. Someone suffering from bipolar disorder can often swing from feeling sad and depressed to feeling hyperactive and euphoric in a very short period of time. Medications are available for bipolar disorder, but are often accompanied by strong side effects. Luckily, there are natural, herbal remedies that can help treat bipolar disorder.

St. John's Wort

St. John's Wort can help relieve the depressive state of bipolar disorder. It can be taken together with other herbs to help all of the bipolar symptoms. St. John's Wort can be taken in supplement form or in a tea.

Flaxseed

Flaxseed contains omega fatty acids, which balance out the mental state and help to even out the mood swings. Flaxseed can be taken as an oil or in supplement form.

Kava Kava

Kava Kava should only be taken for short periods of time, and can help relieve both manic and depressive states. It should be taken in tincture form for the greatest benefit.

Chamomile

Chamomile soothes the manic, hyperactive state of bipolar disorder. It can be taken in tea form or as a supplement.

Valerian Root

Valerian Root is a mild sedative that can be taken as a tincture, and can calm the hyperactive state of bipolar disorder.

Tags: bipolar disorder, John Wort, Kava Kava, state bipolar, state bipolar disorder, bipolar disorder

Is Pregnancy A Preexisting Condition For Insurance

Insurance is very important to pregnant women. Adequate health care reduces the risk of pregnancy complications, and it involves plenty of medical attention and costs. Insurance helps to defray those costs, but only if pregnancy is covered. There are several things to consider when determining if pregnancy is a pre-existing condition.

Significance

Pregnancy is extremely expensive. Medical costs during pregnancy include routine obstetrician visits, medical tests such as ultrasounds and blood work, and the hospital bill for delivery. If an insurance company does not pay for pregnancy-related expenses, the cost for the expecting mother is extremely high.

Considerations

A woman has the right to get pregnant whenever she wants. If an insurance denies coverage due to pregnancy, it is the patient's right to self-pay. When deciding whether to get pregnant, assess all implications, including insurance and finances.

Time Frame

Many insurance companies refuse to cover care for conditions when there is a lapse in coverage prior to enrollment. If there is a period where a woman is not covered, an insurance company can consider pregnancy pre-existing and refuse to cover the expenses. This includes lapses that occur when waiting for eligibility for a policy, such as when changing employment.

Effects

HIPAA, or the Health Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, helps ensure that insurance covers pregnancy in some cases. However, it only pertains to specific insurance coverage types, so pregnant women need to be careful when making decisions that may affect heath care when they are pregnant.

Features

HIPAA prevents insurance companies from considering pregnancy a pre-existing condition to deny coverage. This ensures that if a woman changes group health care policies while pregnant, the new insurance policy will cover pregnancy-related expenses.

Misconceptions

Pregnancy is not a pre-existing condition, but there are several loopholes that allow insurance companies to deny coverage to new enrollees who are pregnant. HIPAA also only covers group health insurance policies, not individual policies, and individual policies can consider pregnancy a pre-existing condition.

Warning

Lying about a pregnancy conception date is never a good idea. The doctor has to know what the conception date is in order to properly assess the health of the baby's development. It may jeopardize the baby and mother's health if the doctor has an incorrect estimate of the conception date. Also, an ultrasound will accurately determine the date, so the truth will come out eventually.

Tags: pre-existing condition, pregnancy pre-existing, conception date, insurance companies, consider pregnancy

Make Your Own Colloidal Silver Kit

Make Your Own Colloidal Silver Kit

Colloidal silver has many uses and methods of delivery. Taken internally, colloidal silver helps combat viral and bacterial infections and can be used against internal parasites. Externally, colloidal silver can be used against skin infections, such as ringworm and athlete's foot. Some people have used colloidal silver against the bacterium that causes Lyme disease.

Commercial colloidal silver contains consistent and measurable amounts of silver particles. However, it is expensive, and many people wish to obtain the purest final product possible. It is impossible to know exactly what is in any commercial product, and so for those whom purity is a concern, making your own colloidal silver is a good idea.

Instructions

Prepare the Power Supply

1. If your power supply is recycled from another electronic device, such as a cell phone or portable musical keyboard, remove the part that connected the power supply to the device with a pair of wire cutters.

2. Separate the wires by gently pulling them apart. You may need to split the insulating material with a sharp knife.

3. Strip the wires, so that between one and two inches of wire are exposed

4. Attach one alligator clip to each wire by running the wire through the small hole in the clip. Be sure the connection is secure.

Prepare the Silver

5. To maintain the quality and safety of your colloidal silver, double-check to ensure the silver you intend to use is at least 99.0% silver. This can be obtained from specialty shops on line, or your local silver dealer. Any type of pure silver will work, including coins minted from 99% silver.

6. Clean the silver well with steel wool and water.

7. Attach one silver electrode to each alligator clip.

8. If using pliable silver electrodes, bend the silver about one-half to one inch from the alligator clip. This forms a lip on which to rest the silver on the rim of the jar.

Make Colloidal Silver

9. Place the silver electrodes in the jar so that the electrodes do not touch each other and the alligator clips won't touch the water. Use the lip you created to rest the silver on the jar.

10. Fill the jar with distilled water.

11. Plug the power source into an outlet.

12. Allow it to run until the water begins to change color.

13. Unplug the power source and remove the electrodes. Screw the lid on the jar and label the outside of the jar with contents and date.

Tags: colloidal silver, alligator clip, Colloidal Silver, Make Your, Make Your Colloidal, power source, power supply

Mushrooms Used In The Treatment Of Cancer

In Japan and China, reishi, shiitake and maitake mushrooms have been used medicinally for thousands of years. Today in the United States, clinical trials are testing the effectiveness of mushrooms as cancer treatment.

Reishi

Reishi is proven to stimulate the body's production of interleukin-2, which fights several types of cancer. Reishi also stimulates the creation of protein in bone marrow and contains compounds that are especially beneficial in fighting liver cancer.

Shiitake

Shiitake mushrooms contain lentinan, which fights cancer in several ways. Lentinan activates the immune system's killer cells, counteracts prostaglandin formation and increases production of interleukin and tumor necrosis factor, which prevents the growth and spread of cancer.

Maitake

According to Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Herbal Healing," in laboratory tests, maitake increased the activity of three types of immune cells--macrophages, natural killer cells and T-cells--by 140, 186 and 160 percent, respectively.

Types

Medicinal mushrooms are available as a liquid, powder, tea, syrup, tincture or raw and can be used in food.

Warning

People who take blood-thinners should use medicinal mushrooms only under a doctor's supervision. People who have known allergies to any type of mushroom or molds should avoid them altogether.

Tags: killer cells, which fights

Blood Test For Kidney Functions

Kidneys provide a vital function for the human body. They cleanse the blood and keep it chemically balanced. If your kidneys don't function at optimal levels, waste begins to build up. Blood tests can be done to determine whether the kidneys are functioning properly.

Creatinine Blood Test

A blood test for the level of creatinine in the blood is one way to check kidney function. The normal ranges are 0.8 to 1.2 mg/dl for males and 0.6-0.9 mg/dl for females. The kidney helps to maintain the creatinine levels of the blood. If the kidneys aren't functioning well, there will be an imbalance in the creatinine levels.

Blood Urea Nitrogen

A test for the blood urea nitrogen helps test for the proper function of the kidney. As urea is a waste product of protein metabolism built up after the breakdown of protein; the kidneys are responsible for its proper disposal. The kidneys dispose of the urea by filtering it and creating urine. When the kidneys do not perform well, urea starts to build up in the blood. A blood test for urea-nitrogen helps assess the kidneys' function when the normal ranges are elevated.

Glucose and Urea Clearance

To check the levels of glucose in the body, a blood test can be conducted. A blood test is simple and gives immediate results. The glucose levels can be checked randomly or after fasting, and this provides a range that helps determine whether the kidneys' functions are regulated. A range above or below the normal suggests abnormalities.

To aid the glucose blood range and give a better diagnosis, a urea clearance test can also be done. This determines the urea levels in blood and must be compared with a urine analysis as well. This test presents the effectiveness of urea being filtered by the kidneys in the urine.

Tags: blood test, Blood Test, blood test, creatinine levels, determine whether, determine whether kidneys

What Is Tung Shueh

Chinese herbal remedies

Tung Shueh is a Chinese herbal remedy used as an anti-inflammatory to ease joint pain and arthritis. The Cow's Head brand is the Tung Shueh most commonly sought after in the United States in spite of reports of undeclared substances found in it.

Meaning

"Tung" means "circulate" and "shueh" means "blood" in Chinese. Tung Shueh is not trademarked and is used to refer to a wide variety of herbal remedies that claim to promote circulation and ease pain.

Ingredients

Different brands of Tung Shueh contain as many as fifteen varying ingredients. The herbal remedies angelicae sinensis root and rhizoma homalomenea are found in most varieties of Tung Shueh.

Undeclared Ingredients

Tung Shueh users have tested positive for diazepam (Valium), an ingredient not listed on the Tung Shueh label that is illegal to sell or purchase without a prescription. Mefenamic acid, an NSAID pain reliever, has also been found in Tung Shueh, though not listed on its label.

Dangers

Certain compounds often found in Tung Shueh such as aristolochic acid and mefenamic acid and the flavonoids cianidanol or sciadopitysin are known to cause renal failure.

Regulation

The Cow's Head brand of Tung Shueh is illegal in the United States due to the findings of diazepam (Valium) and mefenamic acid (NSAID) in these pills. Purchasing any brand of Tung Shueh is risky since many Chinese remedies refer to themselves as Tung Shueh regardless of the ingredients.

Tags: Tung Shueh, brand Tung, brand Tung Shueh, herbal remedies, acid NSAID, Chinese herbal, diazepam Valium

Neck Pain In Toddlers

Although often a temporary condition attributable to sprains, neck pain can be a sign of serious health issues in a toddler. Neck pain in which your child complains of a stiff neck or keeps it turned to one side, or pain accompanied by fever or nausea, can indicate a need for immediate medical attention. Parents might wonder when their child's condition requires patience and a heating pad or a trip to the emergency room.

Identification

Because toddlers are less likely to participate in activities that cause neck strains such as carrying heavy bags, typing on the computer or playing certain sports, it's important to have your child's neck injury thoroughly examined by her doctor to rule out more serious causes, such as torticollis. Torticollis is a physical condition that forces toddlers to hold their neck to one side, perhaps due to their position in the womb. Most cases of torticollis are diagnosed in infants, but it can also be acquired later and might signal a spinal cord or brain tumor.

Physical Injuries

Neck strains, in which the muscles are pulled or stretched, are the most common type of neck injury that occur in toddlers. Sleeping positions, some sports and carrying items incorrectly can all result in temporary neck strain, which should resolve itself within two weeks without medical assistance.

If your child incurs a fall that you suspect might have caused the neck injury, make sure he stays still and quiet and call immediately for emergency medical help. Paramedics must use a backboard to lift your child and stabilize him until treatment.

Diseases and Conditions

Bacterial and viral meningitis are critical medical conditions in which the lining of the child's brain, known as the meninges, become infected. If left untreated, meningitis potentially causes brain damage and death. According to pediatrician and child development expert doctor William Sears, the key to meningitis identification is the stiff and sore neck. If your child complains of a painful stiff neck accompanied by fever, severe headache, vomiting and sensitivity to light, take your child to the emergency room immediately.

Considerations

If your toddler is pre-verbal, serious neck pain indicating meningitis can be hard to diagnose. Watch for fever, nausea, seizures, extreme lethargy and extreme irritability. According to livestrong.com, children in this age group who contract meningitis display some unique symptoms, such as severe leg pain or pulling their legs close to their bodies when parents try to push their necks forward.

Prevention/Solution

Give your child a dose of ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help alleviate the worst of the pain and to enable her to rest. During the first two days of the injury, apply ice packs for 20 minutes up to four times a day. After the first two days, apply a warm heating bottle or a heating pad on the lowest setting to the injury for up to 20 minutes. Help guard against neck pain by monitoring your child's sleeping position and making sure her head is well supported, especially when she sleeps in a car seat.

Tags: your child, neck injury, neck pain, accompanied fever, child complains, emergency room

Teeth Whiteners & My Bridge

If you have a dental bridge that does not match your teeth, then much of the cosmetic point of the bridge is rendered moot. After all, you got the bridge not only so that you would have the use of missing teeth again, but also so that casual observers would not realize that they were missing in the first place. As a result of this, many people either opt not to whiten their teeth so that their bridges will continue to match, or they have to buy completely new bridges. Fortunately, there are other options.

Function

Most teeth whiteners simply remove the very top of the enamel from your teeth, exposing the clean, white enamel underneath them. This will not work for bridgework, which are not real teeth and cannot have enamel stripped from them. As a result, if you have a bridge and use traditional teeth whiteners you will probably get very "mixed" results.

Effects

Not only do teeth whiteners not affect bridges, but they can actually gunk up your bridgework as well. Many of the strips contain a goo or paste that sits on the teeth and lightens them over a period of days or weeks. Proper brushing will remove remnants from your regular teeth, and most of it dissolves anyway. However, if the strips or their contents get stuck in your bridgework, they may just hang there for some time and can even cause infections.

Considerations

If you are considering having your teeth whitened professionally or at home, make sure that your dentist is aware that you are concerned about your bridge. Depending on the location of your bridge, it may not be particularly obvious that the bridge is darker or a different color from your other teeth. Also, the dentist may have some recommendations for whitening the bridge on its own so that it matches your natural teeth.

Misconceptions

Many people think that once they have a bridge, they are stuck with the way it looks. While replacing a bridge can be expensive, it is not particularly complicated, so it your bridge is causing you real problems with confidence or affecting your job performance, for example, then it may pay off to get a new one that is more closely matched to your teeth. Before you do this, however, make sure that you make any changes to your real teeth that you are planning so that you do not end up in the same boat again.

Prevention/Solution

If you really want to lighten your teeth, but are worried that your bridge will not match, you have several easy options. Many people wash their mouths out with hydrogen peroxide, which bleaches natural teeth and bridgework about equally. Others use baking soda and water to scrub both their natural and artificial teeth and experience great results. Before you do any of this, however, check with your dentist to make sure that there is no reason in your personal oral health history that would make you need to avoid these options.

Warning

If you have bridgework, the most important thing to do is take care of it. Never let someone who has not been professionally trained treat your teeth--real or otherwise--in any way. This includes many "kiosk" whiteners who may tell you that their product will whiten all of your teeth but can actually severely damage your mouth as a whole.

Tags: your teeth, your bridge, from your, make sure, make sure that, sure that, Before this

Rent A Wheelchair Ramp

An unfortunate accident sometimes makes it necessary to rent a wheelchair ramp. Another reason for renting a ramp is if you have a relative with special needs that comes to visit. Regardless of the reason, renting a wheelchair ramp is not difficult. You’ll find the following pointers helpful.

Instructions

1. Select the rental company that you want to rent from. One example is American Access., which provides rental services in 48 states. The company offers 24-hour installation for your convenience (see Resources below).

2. Determine the kind of ramp you need. There are numerous options such as stationary ramps, suitcase wheelchair ramps, pathway or modular ramps.

3. Place your order online or by telephone and provide all the necessary information. The total charge depends on the duration of the rental and the ramp size. You will need to provide the exact date that you need the ramp. Additionally, provide your address and your billing information.

4. Expect to have the ramp installed within 24 hours. Some companies will install it within a few hours.

5. Request to have the ramp picked up if you find that you don’t need it anymore. Rental companies normally have a network of contractors. A contractor can uninstall the ramp for you.

6. Inquire whether the rental company has finance representatives who will contact Medicare or insurance companies regarding the financing of your rental.

Tags: have ramp, reason renting, rental company, that need, wheelchair ramp

Get Health Insurance After Being Disabled At Work

A common benefit provided by employers is health insurance. Although individual and family health insurance may be offered by your employer, coverage can also be purchased privately. However, premiums tend to be much more expensive when purchased privately. Therefore, it can be a great hardship when an employee becomes unable to work and needs health insurance coverage for ongoing medical treatment. As such, it is important to know the options available to you for health insurance coverage if you become disabled at work.

Instructions

1. Review your benefits package and contact your company’s human resources department. Many employers provide short term disability insurance. A human resource representative can advise you as to whether you have short term disability insurance and if you are eligible to apply for that coverage.

2. Apply for a medical leave of absence from your job. Some employers work with an outside insurance company whose purpose is to review your disability claim. If not, apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). You do not have to be 65 or over to apply for SSDI benefits. If your disability claim is denied by your employer, you can file for SSDI. However, you cannot receive payments from both your employer and SSDI at the same time.

3. Once your disability claim is approved, you can continue health coverage through your employer. Some companies may not require you to contribute toward the premium, but be sure to ask because some may require a contribution. This information can be obtained from a human resource representative in your company. It is important to find out your financial responsibility for the continuation of your coverage and to make timely payments, if applicable.

4. Companies with 50 or more employees provide policies with premiums that cost you less than it would if you were to purchase insurance privately. Generally healthy people may find an insurance plan with a lower premium than those with health problems. Also, if you are married, consider being added to your spouse's policy.

5. If your disability claim is denied, but the cause of your disability is due to an underlying condition, your employer should continue your health insurance coverage. Under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), employers are required by law to continue to provide the same level of benefits you would receive if you were able to work for up to 12 weeks per year. However, you must have a serious medical condition for which you are receiving continued treatment by a health care provider.

Tags: your disability, your employer, disability claim, your disability claim, health insurance, health insurance coverage

Acclimate To High Elevation

Higher elevations require adjustment.

The air in the atmosphere at higher elevations is thinner, reducing the amount of oxygen delivered to the body with each breath. As a result, altitude sickness, also called acute mountain sickness, can occur. Symptoms of altitude sickness include nausea, dizziness, headaches, confusion, low energy, difficulty sleeping and loss of appetite. In severe cases, death can occur. You can take several steps to improve acclimatization and reduce your risk of developing altitude sickness.

Instructions

Higher Elevation Requires Adjustment

1. Increase elevation gradually. If possible, spend the night around 10,000 feet of elevation, then increase your elevation slowly -- 1,000 to 1,500 feet per day, including one night of sleep at each level. At each 3,000-foot increase, sleep at this level of elevation for two nights. These recommendations are particularly important for high-elevation mountain climbers.

2. Avoid the consumption of medications, food and beverages that have a sedative effect. Breathing rate naturally increases at higher elevations to compensate for decreased oxygen intake, and breathing rates are lowered by consuming sedatives. Eat a diet high in carbohydrates to maintain blood sugar levels.

3. Talk to your doctor about using acetazolamide if you have a history of altitude sickness or have to ascend quickly to an extreme elevation. This medication helps the kidneys process excess carbon dioxide that builds up as a result of increased respiration rate, balancing the pH of the blood. It improves breathing, particularly at night, which speeds up the acclimatization process. Acetazolamide should be used with caution -- this medication can cause severe side effects in people with allergies to sulfonamides. Common side effects include increased urine output, tingling, ringing in the ears, altered taste and blurred vision.

4. Stay hydrated by drinking 3 to 4 quarts of water per day. Monitor hydration by checking the color of your urine -- it should be pale yellow or clear. Limit physical exertion -- activity increases the body's oxygen demand, and less oxygen is available in the thinner air at higher elevations.

Tags: altitude sickness, higher elevations, side effects

Reasons Not To Buy Longterm Care Insurance

Is long-term care insurance necessary?

Long-term care insurance is designed to provide coverage to individuals who end up confined to a nursing or other type of long-term care facility. Long-term care insurance is a type of coverage that supplements medical insurance policies.

Time Frame

Long-term care insurance policies all have a waiting period before coverage goes into effect. This time frame varies from policy to policy, generally from 60 to 120 days. The waiting period is an example of a reason not to buy long-term care insurance.

Existing Coverage

A majority of health insurance polices contain provisions for long-term coverage. Before a person invests in a separate long-term care insurance policy, examining what is available in this regard in an existing health insurance policy is important.

Considerations

Another reason why there may be no need for this type of insurance is the average consumer either never will enter into a long-term care facility or will not be there long enough to require coverage beyond traditional health insurance, according to Consumer Reports.

Effects

The ultimate effect of purchasing long-term care insurance for many consumers is ending up "overinsured." These individuals pay premiums for insurance coverage they simply do not need.

Warning

When shopping for long-term care insurance, a consumer needs to make sure that she is dealing with a reputable agent or broker. There are a variety of ongoing long-term insurance scams in motion at any given point in time.

Tags: care insurance, long-term care, care insurance, health insurance, long-term care

Vitamins For Hysterectomy Recovery

Vitamins work to improve the overall health of the body, and they are also beneficial when recovering from an illness or medical procedure. Certain vitamins have been found to especially help with hysterectomy recovery by repairing the affected area, encouraging healing and calming painful side effects.

Vitamins can improve hysterectomy recovery.

Significance

A hysterectomy is an out-patient procedure consisting of the removal of the uterus. Though an abdominal hysterectomy has a longer recovery time than a vaginal hysterectomy, both involve significant recovery time, sometimes more than a month. Women are usually placed on heavy pain medications and are instructed to limit physical activity, driving or lifting. Due to this long recovery process, taking vitamins to speed healing is beneficial.

Benefits

Vitamins taken before surgery can positively affect recovery. Weeks before a hysterectomy, take a daily multivitamin. Ensuring that the body gets all of the necessary nutrients will improve overall health and strength, making it easier to recover from surgery. Some vitamins taken after the surgery will also help reduce unpleasant side effects that result from a hysterectomy, such as constipation or nausea.

Types

After surgery, continue to take the multivitamin and take plenty of vitamin C. It helps to form collagen, which can improve healing and shorten recovery time. Zinc and vitamin A also reduce healing time by increasing activity of cells in the body. When administered topically, vitamin A can reduce the appearance of scars. Vitamin E will help prevent internal scar tissue. All of these vitamins improve the overall health of the body as well, making side effects more bearable.

Warning

When taken correctly, these vitamins will also help reduce the painful side effects of a hysterectomy. However, some vitamin-rich foods can be irritants. Whole dairy foods are a significant source of vitamin A, but too much dairy can cause constipation. Many women are already suffering from constipation while recovering from surgery, so it is a good idea to avoid foods that can make constipation and nausea worse. Be careful about selecting foods while increasing vitamin intake.

Recovery

In addition to increasing vitamin intake, drink plenty of water while recovering from a hysterectomy. Spend the time relaxing and avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting and sexual activity until your doctor approves these activities. Some women may also be instructed not to drive or consume alcohol, especially if medications are prescribed.

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Heal Bruises Faster

Ice is the initial treatment for a bruise.

Bruises, which can result from a fall or an impact, can occur anywhere on the body and are actually pooled blood leaking from blood vessels near the surface of the skin. Bruises are black and blue, fading to yellow as they heal. To facilitate speedy healing, follow the guidelines below. The sooner you begin to treat a bruise, the sooner it will heal.

Instructions

1. Apply ice or a cold pack to the bruise immediately. Ice reduces swelling, minimizing a bruise's duration, and also eases the pain of a bruise. Continue to apply ice three or more times a day, for 10 to 20 minutes, during the first 24 to 72 hours after injury. These guidelines are mandated by Healthwise via WebMD.

2. Elevate the bruised area to help reduce swelling, if possible keeping it above your heart. Elevating the injury employs gravity to reduce blood flow to the injury, which will help to reduce swelling. Protect and rest your bruise as much as possible to avoid further injury and to shorten healing time.

3. Take a pain reliever, preferably one with anti-inflammatory properties, for pain and swelling. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, can be taken every four hours. The recommended dose for an adult is 400 mg. The most common side effect of pain killers is stomach upset, so take the medication with food and water to minimize this effect.

4. Apply a compression bandage to the area if you experience swelling, but do not wrap the bandage too tightly, which can cut off circulation and/or lead to more swelling. Lightly massage or rub the bruise to encourage blood flood, which speeds healing.

5. Apply heat once the swelling reduces, which usually happens between 48 and 72 hours. Heat helps to restore mobility to the area because it relaxes the tense muscles around the injured area.

6. Use natural medicine, such as witch hazel and arnica, which are recommended by WebMD. Witch hazel, which is derived from a plant of the same name, comes in liquid form and helps to heal damaged veins and to reduce swelling. Arnica, which is derived from a flower (Arnica Montana), can be used to help speed healing and is available as a liquid or gel. Arnica decreases swelling and pain and speeds healing.

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Foods To Eat With Type 2 Diabetes

There are specific foods to eat with Type 2 diabetes that can prevent symptoms and reduce the need for medication. Treatment plans for Type 2 diabetics include diet and exercise. The purpose of both is to maintain normal blood glucose levels. When blood glucose levels become too high it is called hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia causes many of the complications associated with Type 2 diabetes.

Carbohydrates

A diet low in carbohydrates has been effective in treating Type 2 diabetes. Dr. Richard Bernstein, a diabetic, has developed a diet to treat his patients and himself (see References below). He suggests 30 grams of carbs each day to be eaten in specific quantities at each meal. While drastic and difficult for many to maintain, the idea of limiting carbohydrates has helped people control blood glucose levels. Carbohydrates are a necessary part of the diet because they provide fuel for the brain. Reduce them to a level that is comfortable and only with a physician's supervision. Choose complex carbohydrates, such as vegetables and whole grains, over simple ones like sugar. Limit portion sizes on carbohydrates with high glycemic index (blood glucose response).

Food Choices

The foods to eat with Type 2 diabetes are nutrient dense. Eat lean beef, chicken and fish and avoid saturated fats to keep cholesterol levels normal. This is important because Type 2 diabetics are at an increased risk for heart disease and strokes. Oat bran and fiber-rich foods help regulate insulin and glucose. The largest portion of a meal should be non-starchy vegetables. Include spinach, greens, broccoli, carrots, green beans and tomatoes in the diet. Eat and cook with fresh vegetables whenever possible, with frozen as an alternative. Canned vegetables often have salt added and sodium should be limited. Fruits, yogurt and hard-boiled eggs are good snack choices. Avoid eating sugary treats and drinks as much as possible. An occasional dessert is fine. Consume alcohol in moderation and be aware of how it affects blood glucose levels.

Calories

Type 2 diabetics need to be aware of their caloric intake because of weight. Blood glucose control is better achieved if normal weight is reached and maintained. Eat the appropriate amount of calories each day. If weight loss needs to occur, the amount will be less than it is to maintain weight. Use an online calorie calculator to figure how many calories to consume based on body mass index, age, activity level and goals. Discuss any dietary plans and changes with a health care provider.

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Exercise For The Pole Vault

Pole Vault

In pole vault, the athlete uses a pole that is twice his size. Running with the pole as fast as his legs will carry him, he slams the pole into a box the size of a piece of paper and flies over a horizontal pole three times higher than himself. It may look fluid and instantaneous, giving you the impression that it is easy, but it requires much physical strength.

Instructions

1. Work on your running and sprinting. Your running ability is key to the pole vault. The speed you run at the box will be the force you transfer to the pole. Go to a track or a 1/4-mile stretch. The easiest way to mark out a 1/4-mile is to get in a car and drive while watching the odometer. On a track, start where the track just begins to turn. Walk at a pace just a little above your normal walking speed. As soon as the track begins to straighten out, run at full speed till the track begins to turn again. Walk the turn as before, and run the long again. Do this for 3 revolutions of the track, or just under a mile. Walk the quarter mile at a speed just above your walking speed. At the end, turn around and run at your fastest speed. When you get to the end of the 1/4-mile, turn around and walk to the other side. Do this till you have run 6 times.

2. Strengthen your jump to get the best push off. That first jump will get you in the air, high enough to make you fly. Use your 1/4-mile distance or the track. On a track, mark a half way point on one of the long sides. Holding the pole with the tip raised in the air, jump with your jump off foot as high as you can again and again till you get to the half way point. Walk the other half of the leg. Turn around and repeat this 4 times.

3. Build your shoulders with the shoulder press or free weight dumbbells. Sit down with your back straight and supported. Raise your hands straight above your shoulders. The best way to figure this out how much weight to use is to try the weight. You should use enough weight to do 15 presses, where the thirteenth to fifteenth press took a decent amount of effort but you could still manage it with no help. Do 3 sets of 15 presses for a total of 45 presses.

4. Another good shoulder work out is using a chin-up (pull-up) bar. Grasp the bar at shoulder length. Pull yourself up and duck under the bar so that the bar touches your upper shoulder. Do 3 sets of 15 pulls for a total of 45 pulls.

5. Build your legs up with the leg press. The leg press will build your thighs, thereby helping with the run and the jump. The leg press in on raised incline. Use the same method of choosing the weight as you used for the shoulders exercise. Sit in the leg press, and tell your spotter to release it. The weight will come toward you and force your knees to your chin. Push the press up the incline till your legs are straight. Bring it down till your knees are above your chest. Hold it at your chest for a count of 3, then press the weight back up. Do 3 sets of 15 presses or a total of 45.

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Cures For Degenerative Arthritis

Degenerative arthritis is also known as osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage in a joint is worn down. Because the cartilage prevents bone-on-bone contact when the joint moves, this loss of cartilage can be very painful. Because there are no ways to regrow this cartilage, treatment options generally focus on relieving the symptoms.

Avoiding Stress on the Joints

In many cases, the symptoms of osteoarthritis are aggravated by certain activities that put stress on the joints like running and playing tennis. Avoiding these activities may prevent symptoms.

Non-Impact Exercise

Regular non-impact exercise of joints afflicted by osteoarthritis accomplishes two things: It helps keep the muscles strong, and it can prevent the joint from becoming stiff, which can lead to pain. Swimming is one example of a non-impact exercise.

NSAIDs

Non-Steroid Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) can also be useful for treating osteoarthritis. Common examples include aspirin and ibuprofen.

Cortisone and Hyaluronic Injections

Cortisone, a corticosteroid, can relieve pain and swelling with osteoarthritis when injected. Another treatment, hyaluronic acid, also helps by replacing the fluid in the joint.

Surgery

When all other treatment options have been explored and are found to be insufficient, surgical intervention may be necessary. This involves replacing the joint with an implant.

Tags: non-impact exercise, treatment options

Ultraviolet Light Therapy & Pain

Ultraviolet (UV) light has been used to purify and deodorize air, destroy bacteria and sterilize water. Objects that have been contaminated like bedding, room air, skin and surgical instruments have all reportedly been rapidly cleansed of bacteria and viruses using UV light. New scientific discoveries for UV light have included that in various intensities the wavelengths can also treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD), as well as various kinds of muscle and joint pain for certain body parts.

Photo Therapy Uses

Photo (therapeutic light) therapy, or "UVBI" has been determined to be very useful in pain management of medical conditions such as arthritis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, osteoarthritis, plantar fasciitis, fibro myalgia, tennis and golfers elbow, bone chips and spurs as well as leg, ankle, wrist, shoulder and back pain. UV light therapy has also promoted healing for various joint and muscle injuries. Light therapy has been used for sleep disorders and to increase energy. The Mayo Clinic has reported that various forms of light therapy, including blue light and diode laser, have also been effective as new acne treatments.

Light Therapy Devices

Numerous companies have developed light therapy machines in various types and sizes to suit a variety of uses. Some come with straps so that they may be easily applied to areas such as arms and knees. Some devices were created to handle specific types of pain associated with various ailments.

Pain Management

UV light therapy utilizes infrared light that emits diodes (LEDs) which direct a stream of warmth deep within muscle tissues. Circulation and blood flow, in turn, is increased to certain targeted areas for relief of joint and muscle pain, stiffness and aches.

NASA Study

UV light therapy technology has been researched by NASA in connection with skin problems, cancer, to grow plants and for pain relief. According to a NASA study, the usage of light therapy resulted in significant pain relief for pediatric patients that had bone-marrow transplants and were suffering from chemo and radiation treatment side effects, as reported by Dr. David Margolis, associate professor of pediatrics at the Medical College, with Dr. Whelan at Children's Hospital.

Cost

Light therapy devices are available at a variety of stores, both online and off and most can be purchased without providing a doctor's prescription. Many of the machines are lightweight and portable, ranging from $150 to $400.

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Make Incense

Make Incense

It's easier to buy it already made, but you can make your own.

Instructions

Preparing the Incense

1. Put on your gloves.

2. Put 1 tsp. gum arabic in about 8 oz. warm water and mix thoroughly. This is the mucilage. It should absorb enough water to become a thick paste. If it's too dry, add more water a little at a time.

3. Note that if you plan on making incense sticks, the consistency should be like oatmeal. For cones, it should be a bit thicker, like pudding.

4. Cover the mucilage with a hot, wet dishcloth and set it aside.

5. Make the incense base by blending 6 tbsp. powdered sandalwood, 2 tbsp. ground benzoin and 1 tbsp. ground orrisroot.

6. Use an eyedropper to add 6 drops of the essential oil(s) of your choice in any combination.

7. Mix the oils in thoroughly with your hands.

8. Add 1 1/2 tbsp. myrrh, 2 tbsp. sandalwood, 1/2 tbsp. eucalyptus and 3 drops lemon oil to form a fine, powdery mixture.

9. Use a kitchen scale to weigh the incense.

10. Add 10 percent of that weight in saltpeter (potassium nitrate). For example, if you have 10 oz. incense, add 1 oz. saltpeter.

11. Mix the saltpeter in completely.

12. Check the mucilage. It may have thickened as it sat. If that's the case, stir in a little bit of water.

13. Add the mucilage a little at a time. Keep adding it until the powder is thoroughly dampened.

Making Cones

14. Realize that the texture should be doughlike for cone incense. If it's too thick, it will take too long to dry. If it's too thin, the cones won't hold their shape.

15. Shape the mixture into cones on a piece of waxed paper.

16. Let your incense dry for at least five days in a warm, dry place.

Making Sticks

17.Add thinner mucilage to make stick incense. The mixture should be thin enough to dip, but thick enough to keep a stick dipped into it standing.

18. Dip the sticks into the mixture. It will take several dippings to get the right thickness. You'll need to let each layer dry a few minutes before adding the next one.

19. Poke the ends of the sticks into a Styrofoam block to hold them upright.

20. Let your incense dry for at least five days in a warm, dry place.

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Payment Plans For Lumineers In Delaware

Brighten your teeth with lumineers.

Lumineers are dental veneers that can transform your smile. Lumineers can whiten and straighten your teeth. They are a permanent cosmetic dental enhancement that can easily be placed over your natural teeth. They do not require removal of tooth structure and can be put in place with two dental visits. Lumineers last for more than 20 years. There are several dentists in Delaware that specialize in lumineers. Payment-plan options may vary by each individual dental facility.

Insurance

Your dental insurance may cover the cost of lumineers. Most dental facilities will submit claims directly to your insurance company. A co-pay is expected at the time of service. Aetna, Delta Dental, DenteMax, Dental Benefit Providers, BCBS, Cigna, United Concordia, Travelers, Brokers National, Fortis and Guardian are common carriers that may cover lumineers. The exact amount of coverage will depend on your individual policy.

Care Credit

Care Credit is an independant financial service offered through most dental clinics. It is an outside agency offering financing for dental and health services. Monthly payment arrangements can be made through Care Credit. You can complete and submit an application online or through your local dentist.

Chase Health Advance

Chase Health Advance offers no-interest financing and extended payment plans for dental lumineers. Applications for credit can be completed and submitted through your local dentist office or on the company's website.

Major Credit Cards

Most Deleware dental facilities accept major credit cards such as VISA, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. Payment for lumineers can be charged to your credit card.

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Make Homemade Pheromonebased Scented Perfumes

Homemade perfumes infused with pheromones may give you an edge in finding a partner.

Aromatic chemicals found in the bodies of humans and animals, pheromones help attract a mate. Using pheromones in homemade perfume formulations gives you the ability to create attractive scents that lure men and women to your very presence, according to HumanPheromone.org. Whether the effects of pheromones are genuine or not, using them in your homemade perfumes at the least gives them higher marketing capabilities if you plan to sell them. Making the perfumes at home proves easy and requires very few materials.

Instructions

1. Pour about an ounce of ethyl alcohol in the glass dish. Ethyl alcohol is easily obtained from drug stores, or you can use unflavored vodka.

2. Add 1/8 oz. of polysorbate 80 to the alcohol. This creates an emulsifying process that binds the alcohol and oils together to create a long-lasting perfume scent.

3. Add a blend of fragrance oils to the dish containing the alcohol and polysorbate. Experiment with a blend that suits your senses such as two drops of lavender, five drops of chamomile and three drops of rose fragrance oil. This creates a calm, sensual and floral scent that feels feminine when you smell it. Masculine fragrance oil scents include blue cedar, eucalyptus and other woody aromas.

4. Stir the mixture in the glass bowl with the tip of a plastic pipette while adding approximately 1/2 oz. of human pheromones, which you can purchase online.

5. Suck up the mixture with the plastic pipette and inject it into your perfume bottle. Shake it vigorously for about a minute and then use it.

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Uses Of Almond For Dark Circles

Almonds are seen by many as a miracle of nature. They are well-enjoyed in the food world. However, they also play a big role in the natural beauty product market. Their moisture-retention and emollient qualities make them an ideal combatant in the war against dark circles under the eyes.

Almond Oil

A natural emollient, almond oil has long been considered one of the best at-home remedies for treating dark circles under the eyes. It helps to balance skin's water loss and works to keep it hydrated. To use almond oil for the treatment of dark circles, gently rub the affected area(s) with the oil nightly before going to bed. Results should become visible within two to three weeks.

Almond Paste

Almond paste can be purchased at organic food stores or can be made at home. To make almond paste, soak almonds in water overnight. Once the almonds are soft, peel off the skins and grind the nuts into a smooth paste using a food processor or a simple mortar and pestle method. The almond paste can then be applied to the under-eye area for approximately 20 minutes. Some people like to add a few drops of lime juice to the paste because of its natural bleaching properties. Others like to add milk because of its natural exfoliating and softening qualities.

Almond Additives in Beauty Products

Many spa and beauty counter products contain almonds or almond oil because of the almond's natural moisturizing abilities. There are some under-eye creams specifically formulated for reduction of darkness. Along with other botanicals, almond oil is almost always an essential ingredient.

Warning

Nut allergy is one of the most common, yet serious, food allergies. Extremely sensitive people need only come into contact with certain nuts or their byproducts to have a reaction. If you are unsure about your tolerance to almonds or nuts, or if you are at higher risk for food-related allergic reactions, it may not be best to use almonds near the eye area.

Considerations

While dark circles can be genetic, they are sometimes an indication of poor health or sleep problems. Almond products are an effective home remedy for dark circles, but they should be used along with a healthy diet and sleep schedule to achieve optimal results.

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Make Homemade Face Creams

Making homemade face creams is a simple process of blending natural ingredients together to make a paste and some recipes don't even require heating the items on a stove. Read all the directions on the use of a particular face cream, since some are meant to be rubbed into the skin and others are supposed to be washed off after about 15 minutes. Avoid using a cream that contains items you may be allergic to; even though you aren't consuming the product, your skin could have a reaction.

Instructions

1. Make a mango face cream by melting 3 tbsp. of mango butter on a stove at 180 degrees F. Remove the butter once it's melted and stir in 1 tbsp. almond oil and 2 or 3 drops of an essential oil of your choice. If you prefer a thinner cream, blend in another tbsp. of the almond oil. Pour the cream into a small jar and let it cool for a few hours. This cream is blended into the skin and can also be used all over your body.

2. Use mayonnaise for a cream, too. Beat 2 fresh egg yolks in a bowl, then gradually add 1 cup of sesame, sunflower or safflower oil by mixing it in with a hand mixer or putting the contents in a blender. When the mixture thickens, add 1 tbsp. wheat germ oil and 1 tbsp. herb vinegar. Continue mixing the ingredients until they are thick. Then, spread the cream in upward and outward strokes on your face and neck. Leave it on for 20 minutes before washing off with warm water and a wash cloth.

3. Prepare a ginger skin cream by grating a 2-inch piece of fresh ginger into small pieces, then squeezing the juice out of them over a small bowl. Add 1/2 cup cocoa butter, 2 tbsp. vitamin E oil, 2 tbsp. apricot kernel oil and 2 tbsp. light sesame oil. Stir these items together, then sit the bowl in the oven at 350 degrees F just until the butter melts. Store the cream in a small jar in a cool, dry place and rub into the skin as needed.

4. Mash a small avocado (minus the pit) in a bowl until it's smooth. Then mash one medium-sized cooked carrot into the avocado. In a separate bowl, beat together 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 egg and 3 tbsp. honey until blended. Pour the mixture into the avocado/carrot blend, and mash the ingredients together until smooth. Spread the contents over your face and throat. Leave it on for 15 minutes, then wash off with cool water.

5. Place 3 tbsp. beeswax in a pot and turn the heat on low. Add 3 tbsp. sweet almond oil, 3 tbsp. apricot kernel oil and 3 tbsp. avocado oil to the pot. Continuously stir the mixture and remove it from the stove as soon as it melts. Drop 3 tbsp. rosewater into the cream and beat it until it cools. Rub into your skin as your prefer.

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Convert Calories To Weight Watchers Points

Weight Watchers points are calculated based on three factors.

Weight Watchers is a weight loss program with a presence in all fifty states. Men and women enrolled in the program learn to moderate their food consumption, make better nutritional choices and keep track of and improve their daily exercise habits in an effort to shed pounds and live healthier. The Points program is a characteristic feature of Weight Watchers, wherein individual foods are assigned a point value based on calories, fiber and fat. The Points system is designed to help dieters regulate how much food they consume.

Instructions

Symptoms Of Ear Nose & Throat Disease & Infections

The ears, nose and throat are all linked together in your head; an infection in one area can lead to symptoms or infections in another.

Ear Infections

Ear infections are quite common, especially in babies and children. Symptoms of an ear infection are, hearing problems, tugging at ears, sharp pain in the ear, ear drainage and trouble sleeping.

Sinusitis

Nose infections are often called, sinus infections or sinusitis. Symptoms of a sinus infection are, pain in your forehead, cheekbones or jawbone. You many have an earache, headache and a very congested nose. Other symptoms are fever, green drainage from your nose, tiredness, cough, sore throat and bad breath.

Throat Infection

A throat infection can be tonsillitis, a minor sore throat or a strep throat infection. Symptoms of tonsillitis can be swollen tonsils, red sore throat, fever, difficulty swallowing. Symptoms of a minor sore throat can be, a sore red throat, difficulty swallowing and fever.

Strep Throat

Strep Throat with White Patches

Symptoms of Strep throat infection are, difficulty swallowing, red tonsils, white patches on throat, red spots on roof of mouth, swollen lymph glands, fever, headache, rash and stomach ache. Strep throat can be treated with antibiotics.

MRSA Infection

The ears, nose and throat are all susceptible to the MRSA bacteria or antibiotic resistant staph infection. The symptoms of this type of infection are similar to all of the others, but there could also be abscesses on the tonsils and throat. Further symptoms could be thick pus draining from the ears or nose.

Tags: sore throat, difficulty swallowing, ears nose, ears nose throat, minor sore, minor sore throat

Receive Government Money To Take Care Of A Loved One

Government programs that pay you for taking care of loved ones vary from state to state.

Taking care of a loved one who has been incapacitated by old age, disease, accidents, or war injuries can be stressful and expensive, especially when you have other bills or family to support. Fortunately, many states offer financial assistance to caregivers; each state's assistance program is slightly different. In the meantime, enroll your loved one for disability benefits from the government at Disability.gov--the waiting list is long.

Instructions

1. Enroll your elderly loved one in the National Resource Center for Participant-Directed Services (NRCPDS), a program for those eligible for Medicaid. They may make direct payments to you, the caregiver, through their Cash & Counseling grant program. As of 2009, you can only access this program in the states of Alabama, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and West Virginia.

2. Contact Medicaid in your state to see if your elderly loved one can be covered under Medicaid. Generally, people who earn too much or who have too many assets to qualify for Medicaid must use up their own money in order to become eligible (also known as "spending down").

Each state has its own eligibility requirements, and the limit of assets for eligibility can be as low as $2,000. This means a person must have very few liquid assets--$2,000 cash total--to qualify for Medicaid coverage. Your loved one can keep her home, car, life insurance worth $1,500 face value, personal belongings, furniture and pre-paid burial assets. If she qualifies, Medicaid may help pay you for your caregiving.

3. Speak to a representative of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. SSI pays benefits to certain family members, to those age 65 and older without disabilities and to disabled adults. SSI differs from Social Security in that they do not consider previous work history in order pay benefits. Call SSI at 800-772-1213.

4. Contact the VA Improved Pension if your loved one served at least 90 days of active duty with one day during wartime and received an honorable discharge. Ask about the Improved Pension for Aid and Attendance for benefits, which may pay you for caregiving. Visit Vet Assist at VetAssist.org.

5. Claim your loved one on your taxes as a dependent. Your medical expenses may also be deductible. For eligibility, you must financially support over half of your loved one's housing, medical bills, food and transportation. You can also deduct a percentage of your utilities, household costs and mortgage if your loved one lives with you.

Tags: your loved, care loved, elderly loved, Improved Pension, qualify Medicaid, your elderly

Alcoholism Herbal Treatment

Alcoholism is a disease in which individuals need to consume alcohol on a daily basis to avoid the mental and physical symptoms of withdrawal. As time passes, a person usually starts consuming larger and larger amounts of alcohol and dependence increases. Men are twice as likely as women to suffer from alcoholism. There are natural treatments for alcoholism that serve as a complement to conventional treatments and help protect the alcoholic's liver.

Kudzu

Kudzu has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. It is the primary herbal treatment for alcoholism in China. Wing-Ming Keurng, biochemist at Harvard Medical School, did an analysis of over 300 recorded cases of alcoholism that were treated with kudzu in Hong Kong. In every case, the kudzu was effective in controlling and suppressing the desire for alcohol with no side effects. Within a week, alcohol cravings were reduced and in about 80 percent of cases, cravings were non-existent within two to four weeks of treatment. The chemicals in kudzu reduce the liver's ability to break down alcohol and produce unpleasant side effects like headache and nausea. It is most effective in its natural state and processed versions may not produce the same benefit. Take 10 mg three times daily.

Milk Thistle

Milk thistle is an herbal treatment whose benefits have been well documented by Western medicine. It is useful in treating liver conditions caused by alcoholism such as cirrhosis and liver poisoning. Silymarin, the primary component of milk thistle impedes the entry of toxins into the liver. In cases of cirrhosis, it dramatically improves liver regeneration. Take 600 mg three times daily.

Reishi

Reishi is a staple of traditional Chinese medicine and has been used for over 2,000 years. Reishi is a useful treatment to prevent alcohol-induced fatty liver and cirrhosis. However, it is most effective in people who are in the early stages of alcohol-related liver disease and may not benefit those experiencing severe impairment of liver function. Take 3 grams daily.

Soy Lechitin

Soy lechitin is extracted from soy beans. It provides the main components necessary for healthy cell membranes and helps prevent damage, especially to blood and liver cells. It is useful in the treatment of alcoholism because of its ability to keep the toxins contained in alcohol from reaching the liver. It also protects against fatty deposits and extraneous fibrous tissue. Take 1,500 to 3,000 mg daily.

Other Natural Treatments

Eat several servings of dark green, yellow and orange vegetables daily. Vitamin A in these foods reduces cravings for alcohol. Daily consumption of omega-3 fatty acids helps combat depression. Take 30 mg of zinc daily. It enhances the stomach's ability to process alcohol and prevents liver lesions.

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Diseases Caused By Alcohol Abuse

Most people associate alcohol abuse with two diseases. The first is alcoholism, which is a syndrome of dependency that some believe is inherited. The other would be cirrhosis, a disease that can be brought on by excessive alcohol consumption. But there are a number of other diseases and conditions that can develop, including pancreatitis, hypertension, osteoporosis and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.

Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is essentially a scarring of the liver. Healthy tissue of the liver is replaced with fibrosis, or scar tissue. As this scar tissue builds up, it prevents the liver from functioning properly, which can lead to bile build-up in the blood. Clotting may lessen and blood pressure may rise. Some of the most common symptoms of cirrhosis include lack of appetite, accompanied by weight loss, nausea, fatigue, jaundice, cognitive impairment (confusion and lack of concentration), tremors, internal bleeding and coma.

Pancreatitis

Another common disease associated with alcohol abuse is pancreatitis, characterized by an inflammation of the pancreas and, much like cirrhosis, ultimate scarring of the organ. This scarring affects the production of insulin and the way in which sugar is released into the bloodstream. It often presents itself with severe abdominal pain that is typically accompanied by vomiting or nausea, the sweats and a fever.

Hypertension

While more of a condition than a disease, hypertension, or high blood pressure, is another result of alcohol abuse. This condition is distinguished by essentially too much blood being forced through the arteries, which can damage the walls of these arteries and lead to a stroke, heart disease, heart attack, angina, pulmonary edema and an aneurysm. Though high blood pressure is often seen as a hereditary condition, it can present itself in someone without a family history and even worsen hypertension in someone predisposed to it through genetics.

Osteoporosis

One of the most surprising diseases caused by alcohol abuse is osteoporosis, which involves the thinning of the bones or loss of bone mass. This depletion makes bones more brittle. While it is most common in women, it can affect men, and excessive use of alcohol can diminish the vitamins and minerals needed for healthy bones, as well as but exacerbate the effects of someone developing osteoporosis.

Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome

This brain disorder is a serious condition that can be caused by alcohol abuse. Essentially, this condition is a combination of two disorders that develop from a vitamin deficiency and an actual change in the brain. Typically, people who suffer from Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome will experience blurred vision, memory loss, confusion and problems with mobility, usually isolated to the legs. Sadly, a portion of this syndrome (that which involves the brain) can be permanent.

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Chinese Medicine & Natural Herbs History

Chinese Herbs

The history of Chinese medicine spans more than 2,000 years, according to Subhuti Dharmananda, Ph.D., the Director of the Institute for Traditional Medicine in Portland, Oregon, and includes bodywork techniques, such as acupuncture, as well as a vast repertoire of herbal therapies.

Features

Tradtional Chinese Medicine, or TCM, is based on the theory that energetic channels in the human body, called meridians, can become blocked and lead to disease. Chinese herbs and bodywork therapies attempt to influence these energies and lead the patient back to wellness, according to the Alternative Wellness Foundation.

Early History

At around 220 A.D., a doctor by the name of Jiang Zhongjing wrote a guide to herbal formulas, called the Shang Han Lun, which was a compilation of herbal knowledge from previous ages and contained 200 formulas, according to Dharmananda.

Later History

By the time of the Ming dynasty (1368 to 1644), the number of herbal formulas in the official pharmacopoeia's of Chinese medicine had grown to 10,000, according to Dharmananda.

Modern History

When the Chinese communist party came to power in 1949, Chairman Mao instituted an effort to revitalize TCM, and universities and institutes that study and teach it began to open, according to the Alternative Medicine Foundation.

Significance

Chinese medicine and herbal therapies are now popular outside of China, and 40 U.S. states currently regulate acupuncturists, many of whom use Chinese herbal formulas, according to Medscape.com.

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Make Foot Lotion

Homemade foot lotion nourishes and softens your skin.

Making your own soaps, lotions and body products gives you the ability to choose the ingredients you use on your skin. Homemade foot lotion can be created with an easy-to-follow recipe and basic ingredients. This allows you the opportunity to add different extracts, oils and powders to enhance the quality of this luxurious foot cream.

Instructions

1. Add the distilled water, borax and carrier oil to one of the bowls. Carrier oils include coconut oil, soy oil and grapeseed oil, among others. Rosehip oil, a high-quality but expensive option, provides your skin with vitamin A, C and other nourishing benefits.

2. Microwave the bowl on high for three minutes.

3. Add the beeswax pastilles to the other glass bowl. Microwave it on high for three minutes or until the wax melts into a clear liquid.