Diaper rash is no fun. I see natural ointments all the time that are fairly pricey--yet the ingredients are easy to find and the ointment itself is rather simple to make.
I typically use a double burner to make all of my ointments, which is a metal mixing bowl fitted over a saucepan that is filled a quarter of the way with water. When the water is heated, the steam gently heats whatever is in the bowl.
However, to make this super easy, I've provided instructions for using the microwave. I make ointments with the microwave as well, especially if I want to save time.
Instructions
1. Mix extra virgin olive oil and dried calendula in a microwave safe bowl until the flowers are submerged in the oil.
2. Microwave on low heat (if possible) for 2 minutes. If there is no low setting, microwave on high for 30 seconds.
3. Let the herb steep in the oil for 5 minutes and then strain into the second microwave safe bowl.
4. Add beeswax and microwave on high until beeswax is melted, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
5. Transfer to the airtight container and let cool completely before use. You may want to refrigerate it so it can harden more quickly.
6. Use a small amount on irritated skin complaints such as diaper rash and other skin rashes.
Several home remedies can help relieve the pain of an earache.
Everyone gets an earache from time to time, although children more often than adults. An earache usually comes after a bad cold or sore throat and often after you blow your nose and lay down for the night. The reason this happens is because fluids build up in the Eustachian tubes. The fluid becomes infected and builds up in the back of the eardrum and puts pressure on the ear, therefore causing discomfort. An earache often happens at night, causing you to lose sleep because of the pain. If you are experiencing ear pain, pressure, and/or drainage, you should contact your health care provider. If you do have an ear infection, your health care provider is likely to prescribe antibiotics to help your body eliminate the infection. There are things you can do yourself at home to ease the pain caused by an earache.
Instructions
1. Hold a hair dryer set on the warm setting a little ways from your ear to allow the warm air to blow in. Do not use the hot setting because you may burn yourself. You may also apply heat to your ear using a heating pad: turn it on warm and lay the side where the earache is on the heating pad. The warm air from the hair dryer and the warm heat from the heating pad will ease the pain. Do not use the blow dryer for more than 3 to 5 minutes.
2. Puncture a piece of garlic, squeeze the juice out of it, and pour the juice in the ear that hurts. Garlic is known to have a natural antibiotic in it, and using the garlic juice may help the antibiotics to fight the infection.
3. Put a few drops of olive oil or mineral oil in the sore ear; the oil will act as a lubricant and may help to eliminate dry, itchy symptoms of the ear infection. Warm the oil up like you would a baby's bottle, under the hot tap water for a few minutes. Make sure you test the temperature of the warmed oil before using it in your ear. The warm oil should be at body temperature. Apply it with an ear dropper and only use enough oil to coat the inner lining of the ear.
4. Wrap a hot water bottle in a towel. Use the towel-wrapped hot water bottle as a pillow by laying the sore ear on it. Again, the heat from the hot water bottle will ease the pain from the sore ear.
5. Chewing gum (or even food) and swallowing will help to ventilate the Eustachian tube and allow for drainage. This may help to alleviate some pressure caused by the infection in the inner ear.
Tags: ease pain, water bottle, care provider, dryer warm, hair dryer, hair dryer warm
Your body requires a certain amount of blood flow to keep its legs moving. When the blood isn't circulating properly, problems will become evident. You could begin to experience leg cramps, pain in the legs, fatigue, legs and feet that feel cold, or legs and feet that feel like they have gone to sleep. One main cause of poor circulation in the legs is called peripheral vascular disease.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne is a powerful herb that will work instantly to increase blood flow anywhere in your body. This includes your legs. The cayenne pepper works its way through blockages to the part of leg that is having trouble. You can take cayenne for poor circulation in two ways. You can purchase it in pill form or in a powder form. The powder form is preferred and can be mixed with juice or water. You need to find a cayenne pepper that is at least 40,000 in heat units. Anything less will be ineffective in increasing blood flow to your legs.
Ginkgo Biloba
Many people think of ginkgo biloba as a memory booster. They don't know that the reason ginkgo biloba improves memory is because it increases blood flow to the brain. Ginkgo biloba will also increase blood flow to your legs, thus increasing the circulation. It will also strengthen the blood vessels in your legs while reducing any inflammation in that area. Take one 120mg ginkgo biloba each day to keep the blood circulating in your legs.
Hawthorn Berry
Hawthorn berry is rich in antioxidants. It is used to support good heart health. Hawthorn berry will increase blood flow to the heart and to your legs. This particular berry will also work to prevent further damage to your blood vessels. The best way to take Hawthorn berry is to get a Hawthorn extract. This liquid can be taken three times per day. All you need is one 2.5ml dropper full. Hawthorn berry rarely has any side effects, but it does interact with some medications. It is important to talk with your doctor if you are on any medications so that you do not suffer any bad reactions.
Warning
It is important to check with your primary care doctor before taking any type of medication, even an herb. Some herbs interact with medications that you may already be taking. Even if you are not on any medications, you should have a doctor monitor your progress while on the herbs. Your doctor will be able to tell whether the herbs are working or whether you need further medical tests and medications to increase the circulation in your legs.
Tags: your legs, blood flow, Hawthorn berry, ginkgo biloba, increase blood, increase blood flow, will also
When the skin on your hands becomes excessively dry, it can start to crack. Extreme weather conditions can cause dry, cracked hands. But did you know that the hygiene products you use might also be the culprits? Your skin produces natural oils that hydrate and nourish your skin. If you are using products that inhibit your skin's natural oils from producing, your skin will dry up.
Deep Condition with Olive Oil
Cracked hands are the ultimate sign of dry skin. They can be very painful or itchy and on occasion can even cause wounds. Olive oil is a mild disinfectant that can decrease the risk of infection within your cracked hands. Olive oil also contains soothing and healing properties to give you immediate pain relief. Most importantly, olive oil is a great deep conditioning treatment that nourishes much needed moisture back into your skin.
Begin your olive oil treatment by submerging your hands into a bowl of olive oil. Allow your hands to soak for 10 to 15 minutes. After soaking rinse your hands with water (no soap) to allow the olive oil to remain moisturizing within the pores of your skin. Repeat this process once a week or as needed.
Moisturize with Aloe Vera
Moisturizing your skin with common lotions can be the very cause of your dry skin. Rather than penetrating your skin, lotions that contain preservatives and other additives create a coating over your skin. Your skin will feel moisturized at the time, but in the long run this coating prevents your natural oils from replenishing, causing dry skin. Moisturize often with all natural lotions and moisturizers such as aloe vera gel.
Cleanse with Natural Products
Refrain from washing your hands with bar soaps that are drying to the skin. Instead, use a natural soap that won't inhibit your skin's oil production.
Tags: your skin, your hands, natural oils, your skin, hands with, inhibit your, inhibit your skin
Congestive heart failure sounds like a form of heart attack, but in reality it is more of a gradual deterioration in the ability of the heart to pump blood. The body's organs need the oxygen found in blood, and if the heart is unable to get that oxygen to the organs, a variety of problems can result.
Identification
Congestive heart failure is the sustained inability of the heart to deliver oxygen to the organs of the body when they need it, usually because the heart is unable to keep up with the body's oxygen needs.
Congestive heart failure is usually caused by conditions that weaken the heart muscles, such as a heart attack; conditions that stiffen the heart muscles and prevent them from being able to pump blood properly, such as persistent high blood pressure; or conditions that raise the oxygen requirements to the organs in the body, such as an over-active thyroid.
Effects
Congestive heart failure can lead to a sequence of other health issues that can all become life threatening. If the heart is unable to get the proper amount of oxygen to the kidneys, this can cause the body to retain too much fluid because the kidneys are no longer able to purge all of the excess fluid in the system. This fluid can accumulate in the lungs and make breathing extremely difficult.
This domino effect is possible anywhere in the body because any internal organ will begin to fail if it is deprived of the oxygen it needs to carry out its natural functions.
Types
Congestive heart failure can be cause by many conditions that affect the heart or increase the body's need for oxygen. Some of the more common causes of congestive heart failure are persistent high blood pressure; a previous heart attack that weakens the heart muscles; diabetes; genetic conditions that may have caused damage to the heart at birth, such as defective heart valves, an enlarged heart or weakened heart muscles; and lung conditions that make the gathering of oxygen for the body more difficult.
Considerations
Some of the causes of congestive heart failure are difficult for a person to control, such as birth defects or the development of other genetic conditions. However, some causes of congestive heart failure can be influenced and potentially controlled by the patient.These include smoking tobacco, alcohol consumption, stress and obesity.
Prevention/Solution
Treating congestive heart failure usually requires treating the condition that is causing the heart to struggle with pumping the necessary oxygen to the organs of the body. Doctors traditionally use a regiment of medications and rest to help treat the underlying causes of congestive heart failure, and in many cases the patients are able to resume a limited lifestyle that includes accommodations for the inadequacies of the heart. The heart is a muscle; if it is allowed proper recovery time, it can repair itself in many cases. However, for the more extreme cases where the heart is unable to repair itself, a heart transplant may be necessary.
Bunions are a common foot deformity that can be very painful and uncomfortable. They can also be embarrassing. The cause of bunions can vary, but they are commonly brought about by poor footwear. Shoes that do not fit properly are the main culprits. Treating bunions oftentimes requires surgery, but there are things you can do to reduce the discomfort.
Instructions
1. Elevate your foot. Doing so can help relieve pain. Simply find a comfortable place off the ground to rest your foot.
2. Apply ice. Ice can help relieve swelling and redness that usually occurs with a bunion. It is best to put the ice in a cloth or a bag and not place ice directly on your foot itself.
3. Wear footwear that fits properly. Avoid high heels or any other type of tight shoes. Improper footwear is what probably caused the bunion in the first place.
4. Purchase a bunion pad. You can find these at your local drug store. Be sure that you use it as directed.
5. Wear a bunion night splint. If you wear one while you sleep, studies show that your bunion will be straightened over time.
6. Consult a doctor. If the pain and discomfort continues, it is best to contact a doctor to seek further medical advice. Advances have been made in bunion related surgeries. Bunion surgery can be a relatively simple procedure.
Treat Chronic Fatigue With Prescription Medications
While there is no medication to treat chronic fatigue syndrome directly, there are some that can mitigate many of the symptoms of the condition. If you want to treat chronic fatigue syndrome with prescription medications, you need to be aware of side effects and of the interactions between pharmaceuticals.
Instructions
Treat Chronic Fatigue With Prescription Medications
1. Ask your doctor about taking an antiviral drug to help reduce the flu-like symptoms of chronic fatigue. These prescription medications are commonly used to help chronic fatigue patients. They are relatively harmless and have few side effects. An added benefit of antiviral drugs is that they often do not interact with other medications that the patient takes.
2. Use an anti-fungal medication to provide relief from some infections. Both men and women can benefit from this treatment because chronic fatigue patients have weak immune systems which often lead to fungal infections in the mouth and other areas. This medicine should only be used to treat chronic fatigue syndrome if it has been determined that the patient has a fungal infection.
3. See a mental health professional to explore the possibility of taking an antidepressant. These prescription drugs are often used to help give chronic fatigue sufferers the emotional support they need to make changes to their lifestyle.
4. Try anxiety medication if your chronic fatigue makes it difficult to maintain a normal social life. This medication may give patients the stimulation needed to get into a more active lifestyle. Some doctors believe one of the causes of chronic fatigue syndrome is a type of anxiety that forces the patient to adopt to a sedentary and inactive lifestyle.
5. Take a mild sleeping medication if chronic fatigue gives you insomnia. Some sleeping medications may be used with other prescription treatments without creating side effects. Insomnia is often caused by inactivity, so this medicine may not be needed if you begin a regular exercise routine.
Acupuncture treatment involves the insertion of special needles into certain spots on the body in order to correct the flow of energy and cure maladies. You can treat chronicfatigue with acupuncture, although there is not an established procedure for this remedy.
Instructions
Treat Chronic Fatigue With Acupuncture
1. Contact your health insurance provider to find out whether acupuncture is covered by your plan, since this treatment can be expensive. A referral from your primary care provider to an acupuncturist may increase your chances of financial support from your insurance.
2. Find a licensed acupuncturist in your area. The American Academy of Medical Acupuncture maintains a list of practitioners (see Resources below).
3. Meet with the acupuncture professional to discuss your options for treatment. There is no one common procedure for treating chronic fatigue with acupuncture, although there are several different theories. The acupuncturist may want to address each of your symptoms (insomnia, muscle and joint pain or lack of energy) individually.
4. Talk about the possibility of correcting the harmony between your liver and spleen. Some research suggests that roughly 3/4 of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome were cured after having the qi energy flow treated for these two organs.
5. Use acupuncture to correct your sleep-deprivation problems. There are many different acupuncture approaches to cure insomnia, and some patients report that once their sleep patterns become normal they are able to overcome the other aspects of chronic fatigue syndrome.
6. Commit to several month of acupuncture in order to correct all of your chronic fatigue symptoms. Sessions should last for about 45 minutes, and you should have treatment several times each week. You should feel some relief after the first session and after one week at most.
Tags: Fatigue With, Treat Chronic, Treat Chronic Fatigue, acupuncture although, acupuncture although there
Look for specific ingredients if you have sensitive skin.
The sun's damaging ray's can be devastating to any skin type. However, selecting a sunscreen is a challenge if you find the lotion or spray irritates your skin. Look for products that are hypoallergenic, but also review common ingredients to search for a sunblock that's both effective and won't cause a rash or hives to appear. In addition, children's sunblock is made for the more sensitive skin of babies and children, so may be a good choice for you as well.
Instructions
1. Select products that are effective, but free of common irritants. Sun block lotions that contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide block the harmful ultra-violet rays and are less irritating to your skin.
2. Look for sun block lotion that does not contain any Para Amino Benzoic Acid, or PABA. This ingredient is often the culprit if sunblock causes irritation and rashes on your skin.
3. Avoid products with fragrance as your reaction may be to a scent additive.
Tags: your skin, products that, skin Look, your skin Look
Acid reflux is a condition that many people deal with day in and day out. It causes intense burning in the stomach, makes you very gassy and causes some to vomit and cough. There are a few treatments out there that aim to soothe the reflux enough as to help stop the cough that it causes. Many of the treatments can be made from the comfort of your own home with everyday products.
Ginger Root
Ginger root has long been used to help digestive help and reduce the amount of acid in your stomach. Its healing and soothing enzymes can stymie even the worst reflux coughs. Ginger root can be purchased in many different forms like whole ginger root, powdered ginger and sliced ginger. For this type of application, whole ginger root or sliced ginger should be used. In the morning, usually when reflux is at its worst, take a few slices of ginger and chew on them until your cough dissipates. Throughout the day when you feel the urge to cough you can take more ginger as needed. You can also use powdered ginger to make an herbal tea that will calm a cough also. Take 1 tbsp. of powdered ginger and mix it with a glass of hot water. Drink slowly and your cough will melt away.
Garlic
Cough syrup can be made from garlic that not only calms a nagging cough, but will settle your stomach ache being caused by your reflux. Garlic has been used for centuries to treat many different medical conditions, and reflux is just one thing that garlic can be used to treat. To prepare properly, mince about a half pound of garlic and place into a quart jar. Cover the garlic completely with honey and securely fasten a lid onto the jar. Allow the mixture to marinate for at least 24 hours. Ideally, you would want to let it marinate for about 10 to 14 days, but if you cannot wait that long it is OK. When you wake up, take 1 tsp. of the mixture to settle the stomach and soothe your cough. As you feel the urge to cough throughout the day, take 1 tsp. of the garlic syrup.
Herbal Tea
Herbal teas containing aniseed, peppermint and lavender are considered wonderful acid reflux aids. Make sure you purchase caffeine free tea or your acid reflux will flare up with the added caffeine. Also make sure you do not add milk, especially before bed, as this will also cause flare ups. To prepare properly, pour hot water into a mug and allow tea to steep for one minute. Add a little honey and drink slowly. Your cough from acid reflux will melt away.
Tags: powdered ginger, acid reflux, acid reflux will, been used, cough will
The Joint Commission, formerly known as the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) is the non-profit organization responsible for accreditation of health care organizations in the United States. This includes hospital emergency and observation rooms.
Significance
Observation units are places where a patient may be observed outside the emergency room without being admitted to the hospital. A patient may be put in an observation room if her physician does not believe she needs more than emergency outpatient services but is not sure if she needs to be admitted. These units are a recent addition to emergency services in many hospitals.
Function
The Joint Commission is specifically concerned with monitoring and creating standards for patient safety. Safety concerns have included emergency room overcrowding, a situation that can lead to problems with patient safety and public health.
Features
One solution to emergency room overcrowding is the use of observation rooms. Observation rooms help to decrease overcrowding and increase patient flow, making emergency rooms safer and more efficient. Increases in safety helps hospital comply with the Joint Commission safety standards.
Bell's palsy can occur because of damage or trauma to the facial nerves. It causes temporary paralysis when facial muscles are unable to receive messages sent from the brain. Symptoms of Bell's palsy vary but may include weakness or paralysis on one or both sides of the face, drooping of the eyelid and corner of the mouth, and drooling. Acupuncture, an ancient Chinese holistic healing technique, is becoming an increasingly popular treatment option for Bell's palsy.
The Facts
Though a variety of different methods exist to treat this condition, the World Health Organization reports that acupuncture produces a good result in treating Bell's palsy.
Acupuncture defines an energy flow called Qi-energy that drives the processes of the body. Supporters believe the disturbance of this flow is what causes illness. Chinese medicine defines Bell's palsy as a wind-cold attack, where wind enters the body and attacks the facial area. The result is stagnation of Qi and blood in the facial area, causing paralysis in those muscles. Numbness and tingling, both prevalent in Bell's palsy patients, are common symptoms of Qi deficiency. The basic premise is that acupuncture can help restore a state of balance or energy flow within the body, and provide relief from the symptoms of Bell's palsy.
Treatment targets points on the body that drive out wind and increase the flow of Qi-energy and blood. become the points used to restore balance to the energy flow. Acupuncture involves the placement and manipulation of small needles just under the skin, at each of the targeted points. The presence of these needles at specific points, combined with their manipulation, stimulates the flow of blood and Qi-energy.
Features
An initial physical examination confirms a diagnosis of Bell's palsy. The patient attempts to close the eyes, raise the eyebrows, smile, and bring the lips into a kissing position and blow out. Once confirmed, the acupuncture process begins.
When used in the treatment of Bell's palsy, acupuncture focuses on areas, or zones, on the body of the patient that correspond to areas of the peripheral nervous system, including facial nerves. The acupuncturist determines where an imbalance is occurring and places a needle just under the skin at the precise location. Needles remain in place for approximately 20 minutes. Manipulation of the needles, either by hand or electronically, takes place in an exact and specific fashion.
As treatment progresses, Qi-energy and blood begin to balance and flow more evenly. The muscles of the face and eye begin to receive and respond to messages sent from the brain, and the patient begins to look and feel better. Length of the treatment period depends on the severity of the symptoms. Although multiple sessions may be necessary, each procedure usually takes no more than 30 minutes.
Considerations
Acupuncture is safe and except for a tingling sensation when the acupuncturist inserts the needle, should be relatively painless. There should be no soreness, numbness or pain in the areas of needle insertion following the procedure.
Tags: Bell palsy, energy flow, balance energy, balance energy flow, facial area, facial nerves, from brain
Treating an abscessed tooth is vital because it will get extremely painful if you do not do it correctly.
Instructions
1. Getting started on a prescription antibiotic is always the first task once an abscess begins. Calling a local dentist and getting an appointment as soon as you can is very important. Starting the prescription as quickly as you can is a great idea, but you need to take Tylenol for pain control as well.
2. Using an ice pack will help minimize the pain associated with an abscessed tooth, and you will need to keep it on your cheek for only about two minutes at a time. The abscess will fill with pus and blood, and then pain will disappear, and by rinsing your mouth often with warm salt water or antiseptic mouthwash will help speed the process along.
3. Continue with the rinses, until your dental appointment where your dentist will irrigates the abscess if needed. The dentist will also make an appointment to remove the tooth. Going to all scheduled appointments with your dentist and following his advice is essential to keep the abscess and pain to a tolerable point.
Use thumb pressure to break up the knotted area and decrease pain.
Trigger points are small areas in a muscle which "hold on" to pain and tightness by creating little knots in the "belly," or thick point, of the muscle. These lumps are tender to the touch, and can cause the entire muscle to become sore and tight. This can create pain symptoms that travel throughout the muscle and cause discomfort in other related areas of your body. To relieve the pain and tenderness, locate these trigger points and release them with manual pressure.
Instructions
1. Sit or lie in a comfortable position so that the area of trigger points or tenderness is exposed. Warm up the area with soothing gliding massage strokes using some mild palm pressure. Gradually increase palm pressure to moderate.
2. Run your thumb along the thick part of the muscle in the area of pain. Move your thumb in small circular motion slowly along the muscle to locate the tight area.
3. Apply moderate pressure directly into the knot. Press as hard as you can stand it. Hold the pressure until the small lump gives or releases. You may have to repeat this Step several times until the knot disappears.
4. Reduce muscle tightness further with moderate gliding palm pressure on the area.
5. Continue with circular thumb pressure along the rest of the muscle to determine if there is another trigger point. Repeat the steps until tightness is reduced.
Tags: palm pressure, thumb pressure, trigger points, your thumb
Symptoms of leukemia in infants can be difficult to discern because many of these symptoms are internal and infants simply cannot verbalize their pain outside of crying. The one symptom that many parents do notice is that the infant's head may be growing at a larger rate than normal. Other leukemia symptoms may be difficult to notice, which can delay a proper diagnosis.
Lethargy
Lethargy is one of the most noticeable symptoms of leukemia in infants, but rarely attributed to the disease right away. If the baby is sleeping more than usual or is still tired after a night of sleep or a nap, then the he or she may be considered lethargic.
Fever
In infants, a fever is considered to be anything above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. A fever that lasts several days without breaking may be a symptom of leukemia in infants.
Appetite
A loss of appetite is common in infants suffering from leukemia. Parents may notice weight loss as a result.
Bleeding
Infants suffering from leukemia may experience bleeding gums and nosebleeds. They may also develop petechiae, which looks like tiny red spots on the skin.
Swelling
Swelling in infants due to leukemia may occur in the lymph nodes, liver or spleen. This may be easy for the parents to see if they are looking for it or depending on the size of the infant.
Infections
Leukemia can lessen the immune system so an infant may have frequent and recurring infections or illnesses.
Tags: leukemia infants, from leukemia, suffering from, suffering from leukemia, Symptoms Leukemia
Pancreatic cancer is a disease that affects the tissue of the pancreas, which is the fish-shaped organ that sits in back of the lower portion of the stomach that is responsible for the manufacture and secretion of enzymes and hormones important to digestion. According to American Cancer Society statistics in 2008, some 37,680 people in the United States will receive a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, with 34,290 individuals dying of the ailment. Pancreatic cancer spreads quickly and is rarely detected in its earliest stages-two reasons why it is considered such a deadly form of the disease.
Types of pancreatic cancer
The pancreas itself is about six inches in length and two inches wide. It has two different types of glands known as exocrine glands and endocrine glands. The exocrine gland produces a variety of enzymes that are able to break down proteins and fats in the body. The endocrine cells of the pancreas make hormones such as insulin, which is crucial in keeping the sugar in the bloodstream in balance. Both are subject to pancreatic cancer, but the malady is much more prevalent in the exocrine cells of the pancreas. Cancer that develops in the ducts of the organ is called adenocarcinoma, while cancer of the endocrine glands of the pancreas--endocrine cancer--is extremely rare.
Symptoms
Unfortunately the signs of pancreatic cancer usually do not manifest themselves until the disease has become advanced. The location of the pancreas makes finding tumors on it during check-ups nearly impossible. Some of the warning signs of pancreatic cancer include jaundice. This is a yellowing of the skin and of the eyes in a person, but jaundice can be caused by other ailments such as liver disease. Pain in the upper portion of the abdomen that makes its way around to the back is a symptom of pancreatic cancer--as is weight loss and fatigue along with a lack of appetite. Troubles with the digestive process can result in greasy stools, nausea and vomiting. The gallbladder can become swollen, and some people with pancreatic cancer can develop diabetes.
Those at risk
There are certain factors that seem to have the ability to increase a person's chances of getting pancreatic cancer. While the disease affects men and women at the same rate, it shows up more often in blacks than in white individuals. The American Cancer Society puts the chances of having pancreatic cancer at 1 in 76, with overweight and obese people and those with a family history of the disease at more risk than others. Smokers are also more prone to developing this type of cancer, and the elderly are more at risk than the young, with the majority of cases occurring in people over the age of 70.
Stages
Staging of cancer is a process which describes how advanced the disease is. In cases of Stage I pancreatic cancer, the cancer is limited only to the pancreas. Stage II means that the cancer has spread to the tissues close by to the organ and perhaps even into the lymph nodes in the area. In Stage III pancreatic cancer, the disease has gone into the surrounding main blood vessels near the pancreas, and the disease may also be present in the lymph nodes. Stage IV has seen the cancer go to distant places in the person's body like the lungs and liver.
Treatments
Surgery is an option to treat pancreatic cancer. However, once the disease has made its way to other organs or the lymph system, this usually is not possible. The removal of pancreatic tumors requires taking large portions of the pancreas out along with the diseased parts. Radiation therapy that makes use of powerful X-rays to kill cancer cells and chemotherapy that employs drugs for the same thing are often done together to attempt to deal with pancreatic cancer. Target drug therapy that utilizes specially designed medications to keep cancer cells from reproducing is also a possible treatment. However, the normal outlook for someone diagnosed with pancreatic cancer is very poor.
Tags: pancreatic cancer, pancreatic cancer, with pancreatic, with pancreatic cancer, along with
An abscess is a pocket of pus caused by bacteria, a foreign object or an animal bite. When a dog's wound becomes infected, its body may build a capsule around the wound to prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of the body. This capsule often develops into an abscess and if left untreated can cause serious complications such as tissue death. Proper wound care and early detection are essential to heal the wound.
Visit Your Veterinarian
If your dog develops an abscess, take your dog in to have it evaluated by a veterinarian. An abscess may require antibiotics to heal. If the abscess is minor, your vet will clean out the wound, administer antibiotics for the infection and possibly steroids for inflammation, and will likely send you home with an antibiotic ointment to apply daily to the area.
More serious abscesses will require surgery to drain the pus and remove dead tissue from the area. In some cases, your vet may need to leave the wound partially or completely open to facilitate drainage after surgery, and you will need to care for these wounds daily to facilitate proper healing.
Home Care
After bringing your dog home, apply antibiotic ointment to the area around the wound to keep it clean and prevent further infection. Holding a warm compress over the wound each day also can help increase the blood flow to the area.
Do not allow your dog to lick or scratch at the wound; it may break the wound open and introduce more bacteria to it and the surrounding skin. If needed, fit your dog with a cone collar to prevent this behavior.
Watch your dog and take it back to the vet if it appears to lose its appetite, becomes lethargic or if the wound does not appear to be healing properly. These wounds can be difficult to treat and may require more than one trip to the vet to completely heal, but most will heal in about two weeks with proper care.
Tags: Abscess Care, Abscess Care Dogs, antibiotic ointment, around wound, Care Dogs
Unfortunately many couples are plagued by infertility, especially as people are waiting longer to have children. While some doctors may recommend fertility treatments provided by a reproductive endocrinologist, you may want to consider Ayurvedic medicine first. This non-invasive alternative therapy has been known to help couples improve fertility.
Instructions
1. Balance the menstrual cycle. Immediately after menstruation, women should eat healthy and nourishing soups. After ovulation and before menstruation, Yoga should be increased. During menstruation relaxation and warmth are priorities.
2. Provide additional support to the female reproductive organs through gentle daily warm oil massage of the abdomen in clockwise motion. Always follow massage with a warm bath or shower.
3. Eat fertility-enhancing foods such as almonds, pumpkin seeds, milk, seaweed, pomegranate and grapes. Incorporate powerful herbs into your diet including red clover blossoms, nettle leaves, raspberry leaves and flaxseed oil.
4. Increase digestive functioning by cleansing the digestive system several months before attempting to conceive. Cleansing involves eating light meals consisting of seasoned vegetables, soups and sweet fruit.
5. Establish a regular daily routine consisting of a regular bedtime, regular meal times and meditation at least once per day.
6. Remove factors contributing to stress to increase fertility.
7. Enhance circulation by exercising daily. Yoga is a integral part of a comprehensive Ayurvedic routine.
Tags: Fertility With, Fertility With Ayurveda, Improve Fertility With, With Ayurveda
If you suspect that you may have adult onset diabetes it is imperative that you seek the advice of your physician for proper diagnosis and treatment. Diabetes can not be diagnosed at home. Using a home blood glucose monitor to test your glucose level is not sufficient for making a diagnosis, as normal glucose levels fluctuate throughout the day. A medical diagnosis requires lab tests to determine your blood glucose levels over time.
Instructions
1. Call your doctor if you suspect that you may have diabetes. Set up an appointment to discuss your symptoms with him and to determine if there may be other causes for your symptoms. Classic symptoms of diabetes are: increased thirst, increased urination, fatigue, dry skin, tingling or numbness of extremities, blurred vision or unexplained weight loss. Diabetes can strike at any time. Symptoms should be taken seriously.
2. Be honest with your doctor when he asks about symptoms. Pretending symptoms don't exist will not make them go away. You doctor will probably order lab work. Follow the doctor's instructions for fasting prior to the lab work. Check with the medical lab prior to testing to be sure you have followed the instructions correctly. Some tests require that you fast for 12 hours prior to the test; others do not. Remember fasting means no food or drinks for 12 hours. Even a simple mint or little drink of juice can throw off the test results.
3. Be prepared to have your blood drawn in the lab and to wait several days to hear the results.
4. Listen carefully when your doctor gives you the results. Ask questions if you do not understand the results or your doctor's instructions. Take any medication you are prescribed as directed and do not skip doses. Do not alter the dosage without your doctor's permission.
5. Follow all doctor recommendations and do not try to "sneak" a bite of forbidden foods. Your doctor may never know, but your body will. Exercise everyday to keep blood glucose levels within healthy limits. If you currently lead a sedentary lifestyle, start small and build up to longer periods of exercise. Try breaking the exercise into two or three short sessions throughout the day until you increase your strength and stamina.
6. Learn everything you can about your condition. The American Diabetes Association (see resource section) provides a wide variety of information regarding adult onset diabetes and offers tips for leading a healthy lifestyle. Talk to other who share your condition or join a support group in your area.
Working in the construction industry can be dangerous. Most of the accidents that happen on a job site are caused by carelessness, lack of training or not following required safety regulations.
Companies are required to comply with many regulations to meet federal, state and local laws in addition to any safety policies they have created. Policies and regulations are to train employees in good safety practices as well as warning about hazards on the work site.
Fundamentals of Safety
The fundamentals of safe work practices that everyone working in the construction industry needs to know can be summarized into eight basic points. These fundamentals should become "automatic" to everyone on the work site.
1. Use tools, equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) as it was designed to be used.
2. Wear PPE when it is required.
3. Inspect your equipment prior to every use.
4. Know your company's safety rules and policies
5. Only perform jobs that you are trained to do.
6. Report or correct all unsafe conditions.
7. Adopt the "zero accident" philosophy.
8. If you don't know something, ask!
OSHA
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a section of the Department of Labor, a federal agency that provides guidance and information, and enforces safety policy, keeping millions of people safe on the job every year.
OSHA was established in 1971, and since then the accident rate for worker's injuries has been cut in half. OSHA's policies or regulations are called standards. Some standards, called general standards, apply to all industries. Other standards may be industry-specific.
Hazard Communication and MSDS
Hazard communication (HAZCOM) is a program and an OSHA standard that directs employers to communicate the hazards of materials used by employees. Using hazardous materials incorrectly can cause serious personal health problems. Other materials may react violently in specific conditions or when combined with other materials. Corrosion, fire and a reactive explosion are all possibilities. Employers are responsible for informing their employees of these hazardous materials.
Every material used on your job site is required to have an accompanying material safety data sheet (MSDS). It is the employer's responsibility to ensure the MSDSs are available. It is the employee's responsibility to become familiar with and understand the information on these sheets to protect themselves before using or exposing themselves to the material.
PPE
PPE has been designed to protect individuals from injury on the job site. A construction site has numerous conditions that can cause bodily damage if the employee's PPE is not worn correctly.
Examples of PPE include safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, hearing protection, respiratory protection, safety harnesses and safety shoes. Some PPE will be required to be worn by employees anytime they are physically on the job site. Other PPE will be required to be worn when performing a specific task, such as a welder's hood or safety harness.
Job Site Safety and Communication
Creating a safe work site is the responsibility of all employees. Ensuring the proper signs, barricades, tags and other visual aids are placed where needed is critical to communicating hazardous conditions to employees and in some circumstances, the public.
OSHA has several standards describing the effective use of signals and signage in the workplace. An OSHA job safety poster, emergency phone numbers and health protection poster are all required by OSHA to be posted in a conspicuous place for employees. Signs should be written in simple language or use symbols instead of words to mitigate poor reading skills or language barriers among employees.
Training is essential in the effective use of alarms, horns, whistles, etc. Employees must be able to recognize the alarm for it to be effective. Backup alarms on trucks are a universal alarm and understood by most, but the evacuation alarm for an oil refinery may be unique to that plant, so every individual should be trained on that alarm, and the alarm should be tested periodically not only for functionality, but for the employee's benefit as well.
Barricades, equipment tags, orange cones and signs are all effective ways to communicate hazardous areas or conditions within a workplace. Ensure these devices are removed when the hazard no longer exists. If unneeded signs are prevalent, employees will become complacent.
Accidents
Accidents often result in injuries. Injuries result in needless pain and suffering for individuals and their families, and cost businesses and individuals money. Safety starts with each individual. Participating in unsafe acts or accepting unsafe conditions are the two primary causes of accidents.
Accidents can be very costly. Everyone involved is affected by the event. The company loses financially through increased insurance costs, delays of getting the job done, employee medical care, property or equipment damages and investigation costs/fines. The employee loses through increased insurance premiums, lost wages from not working, limited family contribution, etc.
Best Practice
Best work practices are the methods and policies that have provided the safest way to do a job right within an industry or practice historically. Using best practices is a very pro-active way to work safely. Understanding the job and identifying the risks and mitigating those risks prevents potential accidents.
The best work practices are used by individuals that follow all of the rules, regulations and policies for the job they are working on. They never start a job until they have reviewed what is going to be required and have completed a risk assessment at some level. The employees that emulate best work practices are those who mentor others and correct unsafe actions or situations when they see them.
Tags: work practices, work site, best work, construction industry, correct unsafe
Soup diets are a popular way to drop weight fast, but they are not always popular with doctors and nutritionists. These diets are very restrictive and definitely not for the faint-hearted, but some people swear by them. Could they help you lose weight? And even if a soup diet can help you drop some pounds, is it worth the risk?
How Soup Diets Work
Some soup diets claim to work because of some magical combination of foods that rev up your metabolism, but the real reason they work is because of the extreme calorie restriction involved. Although there are many variations on the soup recipes, most soup diets involve consuming a vegetable-based soup and little to nothing else. Even though you can usually eat as much of the soup as you want, you're unlikely to be able to eat enough of the soup to consume more than a few hundred calories.
The extreme calorie restriction should lead to weight loss in and of itself, but sticking to a liquid-based diet can increase fast weight loss by flushing fluids from your body.
Some soup diets allow you to eat additional foods, such as fruit or vegetables, but usually in extremely restricted amounts. One well-known soup diet, the Sacred Heart Memorial soup diet (which is not affiliated with the hospital), allows for unlimited amounts of a tomato-based soup for seven days coupled with unlimited fruit one day, unlimited veggies another day, unlimited bananas and milk another day and unlimited beef and tomatoes on yet another day. The combination of foods does not increase weight loss, but sticking to a prescribed regime keeps your calorie count low enough for rapid weight loss.
Balancing Soup Diets and Nutrition
If you want to drop a few pounds quickly, a soup diet will almost certainly do the trick. In the long run, these diets deprive you of important nutrients and are not sustainable. The weight you lose is water weight, and it is likely to come back when you start eating normally again.
Most people can follow a soup diet for a few days with no real health problems, but they are not designed to be long-term diet solutions. Never stay on a soup diet longer than seven days, and pay attention to your body's signals while on the diet. If you are lightheaded or having headaches, you may not be getting enough calories. If you have an existing medical condition, consult your doctor to find out a safe number of calories for you.
Tags: soup diet, another unlimited, calorie restriction, combination foods, extreme calorie, extreme calorie restriction, seven days
What is CPR? Who should be certified? How and where do you get certification, and how long does certification last?
What is CPR?
Cardiac arrest causes the heart to cease pumping blood. This is typically caused by ventricular fibrillation, which causes the heart to quiver. CPR can deliver a small amount of blood to the heart, which keeps body and brain function going until defibrillation can take place. Defibrillation is a shock to the heart that causes it to resume its normal function.
History of CPR
CPR stands for cardio-pulmonary resuscitation. Although mouth-to-mouth resuscitation has been around since 1740, when the Paris Academy of Science was recommending its use to assist drowning victims, it was not "officially" invented until 1956. Chest compression was first officially documented in 1891, though the first successful attempt occurred in 1903. CPR itself was developed in 1960 for doctors, and this paved the way for training the average citizen.
Who Needs CPR Certification?
Those who are required to have certification in CPR include: doctors, nurses, licensed physical therapists, chiropractors, dentists and other health professionals. Many times, teachers, lifeguards, camp counselors and other allied health workers are required to be certified as well. While the average citizen is not required to have documented certification, it is always a good idea to be prepared in case of an emergency.
Where to Obtain Certification
Certification is available in person through local hospitals and fire departments. Many websites offer online certification as well. Some employers offer classes from time to time, too, so check with yours to see if that's an option.
Certification Levels
Community level classes concentrate on performing CPR on adults and older children. Some also include AED training, which teaches use the electronic defibrillation unit on heart attack victims. Infant and child classes are a good idea for babysitters, nannies and daycare providers. Professional level classes are designed for health care professionals, ski patrol, police, firefighters and emergency medical technicians. These classes teach all of the skills previously mentioned, as well as removal of airway obstructions for victims of all ages. Other skills are also included in these classes, including inserting tubes to keep the airway open, using an oxygen tank, artificial breathing apparatuses and techniques for performing two-person CPR.
How Long Does My Certification Last?
Certification lasts for a two-year period, at the end of which re-certification may be accomplished by correctly demonstrating the proper techniques.
Tags: average citizen, causes heart, good idea, level classes, required have
Schizophrenia usually begins to affect men in their late teen years while most women experience its onset between the mid twenties and early thirties. It is seen about equally in men and women and it affects about 1% of the population (one in 100 people). People with a close relative who has schizophrenia have a higher incidence rate. (10% or ten in 100 persons). 60% of all persons who suffer from schizophrenia have no genetic influence.
Instructions
Know what You are Fighting
1. Get a working definition. Schizophrenia from the Greek schizo (split) and phrene (mind) is a chemical and electrical brain disorder in which neural twists create problems in thought, sound, sight, and other brain functions that are perceived and experienced as real, although they are not.
2. Know the warning signs. The early warning signs of schizophrenia include sleep disorder, an inability to concentrate, inappropriate or unusual emotional reactions, and hyperactivity. Sudden oversensitivity, paranoia, hostility and a lack of concern about appearance or hygiene are also warning signs.
3. Get an accurate early diagnosis. Medical doctor and psychiatrists or psychologists will usually work together on this. The doctors will generally perform a battery of tests before giving a definitive diagnosis of schizophrenia. These include a medical history, a physical exam, a mental health assessment, blood work, EEG, CT scan, MRI, a smell test and a suicide risk assessment for patients who are depressed or are showing warning signs. Not all patients will show all of the signs but all should show a poor or decreased ability to function for at least six months.
4. Throw away your misconceptions. Schizophrenia has long been plagued by frightening myths that many people still ascribe to. It is still associated with the idea of multiple personalities, which is a separate and much rarer disorder. Persons with schizophrenia experience fragmented thought processes and confusion about what they perceive and what is real. They have no trouble with memory blackouts when they assume another persona.
5. Stop the erroneous assumptions. Schizophrenia has long been associated with criminal violence. This is not a given for every person. Some persons with schizophrenia become violent, usually due to a break with reality or delusional thinking, but many do not. Many also believe that schizophrenia is a rare disorder when in fact about 1 in 100 persons in the US are believed to.
6. Know what to expect. Although many can become symptom free most of the time, with proper medical care and medication, you should understand the behaviors that accompany the disorder. Persons with schizophrenia experience positive symptoms (those which are present but not seen in the general population) and negative symptoms (those which are seen in the general population but not in those with the disorder). Positive symptoms include delusions, hallucinations, fragmented or disrupted thoughts and behavior, inappropriate or disorganized behavior and social disinhibition or the inability to control impulses or behaviors.
7. Understand the person inside the illness. The important thing to remember about all these symptoms is that if the person is talking about this or acting it out, they truly believe it to be the truth. This is not an illness that reasoning or will power or arguing can control. These persons are not unintelligent (they have the same IQ range as others), playing games, or slacking and they are not choosing to let go of reality. Schizophrenia is not about a person's will or intentions. It is about their brain which misfires chemically and electrically and produces thoughts and feelings that seem just as real to that person as perceptions are to anyone else. The only thing that will help a person with schizophrenia is good medical and psychiatric care.
8. Know how the symptoms work. Delusions are false beliefs about one's self or surroundings, which can take many forms. Believing messages are encoded on the cereal box, or that they are Napoleon or Jesus, or that the earth is growing and shrinking at their command or that they are the secret head of the FBI are typical types of delusions. Hallucinations are sensory experiences where things may be heard, smelled, seen or felt that are not really there. Hearing voices, although common, does not happen to all. Smelling and seeing things are also sometimes present.
9. Understand what happens in a patient's understanding. Thoughts can be disrupted and fragmented, and persons may give nonsensical answers to questions or they may just speak and wander off into something absurd. Behaviors can include rocking, pacing, or just acting in ways that are out of context with what's going on. Disorganized behaviors can include an inability to perform tasks necessary to daily living such as washing, eating or dressing. Childish silliness, bizarre movements, agitation and the inability to behave in socially acceptable ways may all be present.
10. Negative behaviors can include a blunted affect which is a lack of appropriate facial expression, voice intonation or eye contact. Avolition is a form of social withdrawal and a lack of ordinary or usual enthusiasm. Catatonic behavior is a lack of awareness of the environment. Those with this disorder may move their arms or legs excessively for no reason, develop bizarre body postures, or sit and stare for long periods of time. Alogia refers to speech disruptions including disconnected replies, a loss of fluency or the inability to converse sensibly at all.
11. Getting the best treatment includes medication. Expect a trial and error period to determine the proper meds and dosages. After doctors find the proper medications about 70 percent of people see vast improvements. (Drugs are better at controlling the positive than the negative symptoms.) Other treatment options, used in conjunction with medication include nutritional supplements, support groups, psychosocial or cognitive therapy, day rehabilitation programs and in some very severe cases, ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) is used.
12. Journal to get the best information to the doctor. The patient or caretaker should write down medications and doses, symptoms, drug side effects and behaviors. Note which symptoms are helped and which are not and any new behaviors or problems the drugs may be causing. These notes will help to speed up the process of finding the best treatment as quickly as possible. Note that antipsychotics can not work at full efficiency for up to several months in some people. Symptoms will reduce gradually over this time. Although all doctors want patients symptom-free, that is not always possible. Instead many will lessen symptoms to the point where they aren't harmful and the patient can live decently with this rather than staying on the medicine merry go round for a longer time.
13. Set reasonable goals. Patients may experience tiredness, lethargy or a greater need for sleep than before. Recuperating from schizophrenia is a slow process that will take time and patience. Give the patient the time and emotional support they need to help them ease back into social situations as comfortably as possible. Stress and pressure will only exacerbate symptoms and make the process take that much longer.
14. See the big picture. Persons with schizophrenia will have to manage their disorder for the rest of their lives but, with help from medications and supportive persons and therapies, many can usually lead full and rewarding lives.
Tags: with schizophrenia, warning signs, Persons with schizophrenia, associated with, behaviors include
New-age believers assert that crystals can heal people and plants.
Many people in the new-age movement ascribe special magical or quasi-magical properties to crystals. Crystals are believed to be able to cure illness, remove negative emotions and bad luck, and even help to grow plants and protect them from bugs. You don't need big or expensive stones to exploit these purported powers -- small crystals a couple of inches or smaller near the targeted plant or area of the garden are sufficient. As with most matters of religion, opinions vary about the right crystal for the right purpose. Experiment and see which seems to work for you. You can find the crystals you need at new-age stores or at mineral-supply store where they tend to be cheaper.
Quartz
Quartz crystals are all-purpose crystals, and are often recommended for plants. According to the website Crystal Tiger, clear and rose quartz can help to heal sick plants when placed in a circle around them, and pieces of quartz crystals under a tomato plant provide "grounding" energy. The website Healing Crystals recommends both clear and lithium quartz for healing plants. Clear quartz is clear or slightly cloudy white in appearance, while rose quartz is translucent with a pink color. Lithium quartz may have a range of colors including clear, pink and purple parts.
Pest Repellants
According to The Crystal Tiger, darker crystals help to keep insects and other pests away from your plants. The website recommends using onyx or obsidian in particular. Healing Crystals recommends the dark-colored crystal tourmaline in either red or green as an insect repellent. In either case, you should simply stick the crystal in the ground near the plant or plants you wish to protect. Onyx comes in a variety of colors, but should be used in its translucent black shade. Obsidian is a shiny, black translucent glass with interesting fault lines. Tourmaline is available in a wide variety of shades and can be clear or cloudy depending on the stone.
Agate
Both Healing Crystals and the website Crystal Vibrations recommend agate as the most useful stone for gardening. Healing Crystals recommends Moss Agate in particular, calling it "the gardener's talisman." According to the site, wearing a moss agate pendant while gardening can prevent stiffness and weariness from gardening, attract abundant plant growth and attune you to the needs of your plants. If you have an area where the plants are sick or growing sluggishly, try hanging a moss agate pendant above it to make the plants healthier.
Crystal Vibrations recommends tree agate in particular, to give plants strength and health as well as to ward off pests. According to the site, tree agate is useful both in the garden and for indoor plants. Tree agate heels plants slowly, according to the site, so patience is important.
Tree and moss agate both have complex, marbled colors with different shades of green and white inside.
A discipline dating back more than 4,000 years, the meditation technique of Zhan Zhuang involves standing upright while allowing chi, the "energy of life," the opportunity to tune the body to a fine point of clarity.
Identification
Zhan Zhuang, translated as "standing like a tree," is an ancient Chinese exercise practiced in a motionless, balanced position to promote the development of internal energy and strength, both mentally and physically.
Significance
Also called "standing meditation," the technique builds strength for the various disciplines of martial arts while also promoting self-healing, relaxation, lowering of blood pressure, minimization of stress and pressure, improved alertness and a growth of overall health and energy.
Effects
In his book "The Way of Qigong: The Art and Science of Chinese Energy Healing," author Ken Cohen writes of Zhan Zhuang: "It is a way of developing better alignment and balance, stronger legs and waist, deeper respiration, accurate body awareness, and a tranquil mind."
Benefits
Growing scientific evidence points to meditation as a proven method of quieting the mind while relieving some forms of depression, anxiety and mental illness.
Research
A 2008 study by scientists at Emory University concluded that meditation offers an element of protection for the brain while the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center offers meditation-focused therapy for the treatment of depression and other disorders.
With the overwhelming rise of obesity in the United States, diabetes is increasingly common. Prevention is the key to avoiding a lifetime of diet restriction and drug therapy. If you've been diagnosed with insulin resistance or if diabetes runs in your family, then take action now. Follow these steps to lower your blood sugar naturally.
Instructions
1. Lower your sugar intake. This simple action may seem like a no-brainer, but it is often overlooked. This doesn't mean that you can't have any sugar whatsoever. Gradually reduce your sugar tolerance by cutting out soft drinks, eating better cereals and practicing moderation. Take gradual steps instead of overhauling everything at once.
2. Eat whole grains. The low carb craze has given carbohydrates a bad rap. It is true that the carbohydrates in processed foods made with refined flour behave like sugar in the body. However, you don't have to cut out all carbohydrates to lower your blood sugar naturally. Simply upgrade the carbs you do eat. Choose good carbs like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
3. Add more cinnamon to your diet. Cinnamon naturally lowers your blood sugar. Add it to oatmeal, cereal, and other foods for great taste and benefit.
4. Take supplements. Vitamins and minerals have also been used to lower blood sugar naturally. Chromium is especially effective.
5. Start an exercise regime. You don't have to become a gym rat, but adding some exercise can dramatically improve your quality of life. Try walking 2-3 times a week. It is a low impact exercise that most people can do no matter their physical condition. Start slow and be consistent.
6. Lose excess weight. If you are carrying extra weight, then it is likely contributing to the problem. Make small changes in your lifestyle and continually build on them. This will make your efforts sustainable.
Tags: your blood, your blood sugar, blood sugar, blood sugar, blood sugar naturally, Lower Blood Sugar
Topamax is the brand name for topiramate, an anti-seizure medication commonly used to treat migraines. According to New York University's Langone Medical Center, most patients who take Topamax experience no or few side effects.
Who Should Take Topamax
Topamax is safe for most patients. If you are prone to kidney stones or suffer from kidney disease, you should not take Topamax.
Common Side Effects of Topamax
Common side effects of Topamax include fatigue, numbness and tingling, most often in arms and legs, weight loss, changes in the ability to taste food, difficulty concentrating, memory loss, vision problems, clumsiness, drowsiness, menstrual changes or pain, nervousness, and speech problems.
According to the Lagone Medical Center, these problems occur more frequently in patients who take higher dosages of Topamax.
Less Common Side Effects of Topamax
While taking Topamax, some people may experience additional side effects such as hearing loss, itching, poor bladder control, eye pain or redness, swelling, or skin rashes. These side effects are rare, but patients should monitor them in case the side effects indicate a serious condition.
Serious Side Effects of Topamax
Experiencing serious Topamax side effects is rare. It is still important to be aware of these serious side effects when taking Topamax. Careful vigilance results in early detection and treatment should one of the following conditions occur.
Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, the company that manufactures Topamax, warns that some people may experience suicidal thoughts and an increase in anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. This occurs in less than one percent of patients.
Topamax may also cause lowered levels of bicarbonate in the blood stream. This leads to an increase in blood acidity, which can cause kidney stones or bone disease.
In some cases, Topamax may cause a Glaucoma-like condition in which vision becomes blurred. The condition usually occurs rapidly and is accompanied by pain in the affected eye. Early detection is important; if the condition isn't treated, permanent vision loss may result.
Warnings
If you experience side effects when taking Topamax, you should discuss the situation with a health care professional. Do not quit taking Topamax without speaking to your doctor first, since this can cause additional health problems.
Topamax may also lower the effectiveness of birth control pills. Women who use this method of contraception should discuss the situation with their doctors.
Tags: Side Effects Topamax, taking Topamax, Effects Topamax, side effects, Common Side Effects, discuss situation
It's the middle of the night, and your little one keeps waking up and making trips to the bathroom. You're thinking it's a bladder infection, because she keeps feeling like she has to go even after she's emptied her bladder. There are some ways to make her more comfortable and help get rid of those sometimes painful sensations. Definitely visit a doctor if the symptoms persist, but in the meantime, try some home remedies to help her get through the pain.
Instructions
1. Give her cranberry juice. Make sure to get 100 percent juice. Cranberry juice can be sour, so you may want to get cranberry-grape or cranberry-raspberry combinations to make the taste a little sweeter.
2. Increase fluids. Aside from cranberry juice, try upping her water intake. The more fluids her body has passing through helps to heal the body, and gives her some liquid to dilute her urine.
3. Give her ibuprofen for the pain. Take especially before bedtime to minimize the discomfort and pressure she's feeling. This will allow her to sleep.
4. Visit the doctor for a urine test. He may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. You can get an over-the-counter urinary pain reliever which doesn't affect the bacteria, but dulls the pain when the child has to pee. Be aware that it turns the pee bright orange! And make sure to give the child the appropriate dosage, since the medication is geared toward adult weight.
5. Let the child sit on the toilet as long as she feels she has to. Even if nothing is coming out, the feeling is uncomfortable, and just sitting still over the toilet until the pain goes away can help some kids to relax. Off the toilet, make sure your child is laying in bed and resting.
Every year, it is estimated that hundreds of thousands of women undergo the surgical procedure of a hysterectomy. A hysterectomy is the partial, or total, removal of the female reproductive organs. This procedure is performed at the suggestion of a medical professional due to various reasons regarding the reproductive health of the female patient.
Indications
Surgery may be required if treatment for malignancies fails. The immediate and long-term effects can be minimal to life changing.
Post Surgery
Providing there are no injuries to the surrounding organs, a woman will experience some pain and discomfort. Recovery time varies, but normal activities are expected to resume in about six weeks.
Complications
Some patients experience serious complications that can happen include hemorrhage, infection, renal failure, stroke, and heart attack. Precautions are taken in the event any of these would occur.
Long-term Effects
As a result of a having a hysterectomy, the change in hormones is immediate with the early onset of menopause. Additional effects include heart disease, digestive disorders, depression, fatigue, insomnia, night sweats, sternum pain, bowel obstruction, and hyperthyroidism.
Treatment
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is expected for most women after a hysterectomy. Additional medications may also be prescribed for other long-term effects.
Conclusion
A hysterectomy can have a significant impact on a woman's life. Seeking a second opinion and knowing what treatment options are available help to make an informed decision.
In addition to the immune system, the entire body is affected by rheumatoid arthritis. Physiotherapy treatment is very important for rheumatoid arthritis patients to maintain joint strength and ease pain. Patients are usually given exercise regimens from physiotherapy that they can continue at home.
Evaluation
A physiotherapist will evaluate the rheumatoid arthritis patient before treatment begins. The physiotherapy plan will include the best combination of exercises and devices for the specific condition of the patient at the time.
Braces/Splinting
Physiotherapy for rheumatoid arthritis can include braces or splints to rest the joints. Compression gloves are also used at times to reduce joint swelling.
Massage Therapy
Massage is a common treatment for physiotherapy in rheumatoid arthritis. It can help to lessen swelling of joints and improve pain.
Exercises
Exercises during therapy and to be done at home are demonstrated by the physiotherapist. These exercises are to improve muscle weakness without putting pressure on joints.
Elements
The use of heat, ice or water before physiotherapy helps the rheumatoid arthritis patient exercise with less of a strain on the joints and muscles.
Patient confidentiality is a primary concern for health care facilities. Since mishandling information can result in fines as well as loss of credibility, it’s important to place emphasis on protecting each piece of health information. It’s critical that care be taken to safeguard health information to prevent misuse as well as promote trust for the health care system.
Instructions
1. Maintain secure filing systems. This applies to both electronic and paper health information. Medical records should be stored in a restricted area utilizing a standard filing method, such as the alpha-numeric system. Electronic systems should be password protected, giving each individual user the appropriate access level. For example, a pharmacy technician doesn’t need access to home health records or surgical consultation notes. Ensure that the passwords used to access the system are strong and kept in secure locations.
2. Restrict access to health information. Maintain positive control over every piece of health information within the facility. For example, utilize a sign out system to track the location of medical records and other sensitive information. This will help prevent items from being misplaced or being viewed by unauthorized individuals. Require written patient consent before releasing health information to third parties, including insurance carriers.
3. Lower your voice. Use a quiet voice when speaking about specific patients. Although you may need to discuss health information with other staff members, avoid doing so in busy hallways or patient areas. Another patient could easily overhear your conversation. Leave all discussions pertaining to the identity, condition and treatment of any patient at the office.
4. Use the shredder. Items that are no longer needed should be shredded immediately. Each work section should have access to a shredder to prevent sensitive materials from being dropped or left in the open. Consider using a shred box in a secure centralized location if shredders aren’t readily available for each work section.
5. Patrol for violations. Monitor the security of medical records rooms and other information-rich areas. View the sign out sheets on a consistent basis to ensure that the information is in the correct location with the appropriate individual or section. Check desktops and counters to ensure no sensitive information is visible to unauthorized personnel including other patients. Offer incentives for rule compliance.
Tags: health information, from being, health care, medical records, piece health, piece health information, sensitive information
Laughter is a behavior that can be practiced by people of any age and at any time. Laughter may bring people together in a sense of enjoyment and can provide immediate benefits to one's physical and mental health.
Function
Laughter is an inborn response to something funny and it is a way of communicating mental or physical enjoyment to others.
Types
Types of health benefits from laughter may include better physical health and improved mental health.
Features
Physical health benefits from laughter may include lower blood pressure, fewer illnesses and a lower risk for heart disease.
Mental health benefits from laughter may include less stress, a better ability to cope, and improved memory.
Size
Even a small amount of laughter may go a long way in reducing stress and improving one's mood.
Considerations
While laughter may help reduce occasional feelings of sadness or disappointment, prolonged depression may require treatment by a physician or counselor.
Benefits
As opposed to prescription or over-the-counter medications, laughter has no negative physical side effects. Unlike costly prescription drugs or other forms of treatment, laughter does not have to cost any money. Laughter is immediate, and the benefits start working right away.
Prevention/Solution
Bringing more laughter into life by watching comedy movies and television, reading humorous books or comics, or simply spending time joking among friends. This may be an easy solution to increase the health benefits that come from laughter.
Tags: from laughter, benefits from, benefits from laughter, from laughter include, health benefits from, laughter include, health benefits
Sapphires are gemstones that belong to the mineral family known as corundum, the same mineral family as the ruby. Sapphires are most commonly thought to be blue. However, sapphire colors truly range from canary yellow to blue, brown, gray, pink, orange, purple, green and colorless. Sapphires contain trigonal crystal systems and are rated excellent in toughness. These gemstones are popular for jewelry making and make fantastic rings.
Instructions
1. Plan the design of your ring. Select the cut of your sapphires and the color of the ring settings. White gold or sterling silver complement sapphires very well.
2. Purchase the correct type of ring setting. Make sure your ring setting has the correct number of prongs and is the correct size for your sapphires. Princess and square-cut sapphires require four-prong ring settings, whereas oval and round sapphires require six-prong ring settings. Measure the height and width of the sapphires in millimeters and buy the corresponding ring settings.
3. Place the sapphires into the center of the ring settings using the tweezers. The sapphires may appear to fit snugly inside the settings. However, they are not secured to the settings yet.
4. Using the needle-nose pliers, crimp each prong onto the sapphires to secure them to the ring settings. Place one end of the pliers at the bottom of the ring setting directly beneath the prong to be pressed, and place the other end of the pliers onto the prong. Gently press the prong onto the sapphire.
5. Move to the next prong diagonal to the prong just pressed and press it to the sapphire. Continue pressing the prongs to the sapphires to secure them in the ring settings, moving in diagonals to prevent the sapphire from popping out of the setting.
Tags: ring settings, ring setting, mineral family, prong onto, ring settings Place