Homeopathic Arnica Side Effects

The homeopathic remedy Arnica is used to treat pain, particularly bruising and muscle aches and stiffness. It is available in pill form or as an ingredient in homeopathic creams or ointments meant to treat muscle pain. Like other homeopathic remedies, its active ingredients are greatly diluted.

Homeopathy Basics

Homeopathy follows the principle, "Like cures like." Developed in Germany in the 1800s, homeopathy uses highly diluted amounts of substances derived from animal, plant or mineral sources to treat specific complaints. You may wish to meet with a homeopathic practitioner (a homeopath) to discuss your problems and seek remedies, or you may decide to purchase a homeopathic remedy and self-treat.

In homeopathy, remedies that are more dilute are considered more potent. Therefore, a remedy labeled 30C (diluted 30 times) is more potent than one labeled 6C (which has been diluted six times). According to Nelsons, the European maker of homeopathic remedies, 6C remedies are better for acute conditions, while 30C is more suited for emergency or chronic conditions. However, it is more important to match the remedy to the complaint.

The FDA and Homeopathic Remedies

Since 1938, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has regulated homeopathic remedies, including Arnica, in a way similar to over-the-counter medications. They can be purchased without a doctor's prescription. In 1988, the FDA began requiring that the labels on homeopathic remedies must indicate the remedy's intended use, ingredients, use instructions and dilution.

Safety of Homeopathic Remedies

According to the National Institutes of Health, few reports of illness related to remedies have been made to the FDA. Remedies at high dilutions are considered safe. They are unlikely to cause adverse interactions with other medications; however, you should tell your physician if you are taking homeopathic remedies, especially if you are pregnant or nursing.

Homeopathic Arnica

The homeopathic remedy Arnica is derived from a plant, arnica montana, also known as wolf's bane or mountain arnica. It may be taken orally or applied in cream form topically to a bruised or painful area.

Homeopathic Arnica is not known to have side effects. It is considered safe.

Warning

There is an herbal, nonhomeopathic form of arnica. It can cause adverse reactions, including a rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath, and skin problems when applied topically. Generally, the herbal form of arnica is not considered safe for internal use.

Homeopathy Questions

Homeopathy is a matter of debate, particularly in the United States where allopathic (traditional) medicine is followed more often. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, which is part of the National Institutes of Health, is funding a number of research studies about homeopathy.

Tags: considered safe, Homeopathic Arnica, homeopathic remedies, homeopathic remedy, cause adverse

Do Simple Meditation Breathing Exercise

When life becomes stressful, a simple routine of meditation breathing is an easy way to slow down and relax for a few minutes. It can be done anywhere and requires no special equipment. The only thing required is a desire to center the self.

Instructions

1. Get comfortable. This may mean lying down, but often it only requires sitting comfortably with your hands in your lap. If you find your clothing too restrictive to stay comfortable, either loosen them or change them. A loose robe is sometimes worn while doing meditation breathing.

2. Keep your eyes closed and start to relax your body. Keep your back straight and all of your muscles relaxed. Avoid tensing up any parts of your body. Sit quietly for a few moments and let the stress of the day slide away. Ready yourself for deeper relaxation.

3. Take one deep breathe to cleanse your body of stress. Breathe out slowly, concentrating on keeping your body relaxed. Let your mind go blank, and forget about all of your current worries.

4. Breathe in deeply and breathe out slowly several times. Find a breathing pace that keeps you the most relaxed. Keep your breathing slow and steady for several minutes until your mind is free from worry and stress. Concentrate on nothing but your breathing. Continue the breathing exercises for as long as they are helpful.

5. Repeat these breathing exercises any time stress feels overwhelming. If you feel overwhelmed often, schedule a regular time for meditation breathing. Many people enjoy meditation breathing first thing in the morning or at the end of the day.

Tags: your body, Keep your, meditation breathing, breathing exercises, your breathing, your mind

Ayurvedic Cancer Treatment

Ayurvedic treatment promotes a lifestyle of harmony between body and nature to treat cancer.

An Indian system of medicine called Ayurveda is becoming more recognized as a potential way to treat cancer patients. It focuses on more natural remedies such as diet, lifestyle and meditation to combat the cancer-causing elements of the world. Ayurvedic medicine is more a theory than a scientifically proven method for treating cancer. Some research suggests that Ayurvedic treatment may be beneficial and worth further investigation. However, features of the treatment can also be more harmful than useful.

Features

According to the Divyajyot Ayurvedic Research Foundation (DARF) in India, Panchakarma is one aspect of the Ayurvedic cancer treatment that cleanses the body of carcinogenic toxins. It is made up of five parts: emesis, purgation, enema, nasya and rakta mokshan. Emesis therapy releases the mucus buildup in the lungs and stomach. Purgation and enema therapies relieve the body through induced vomiting and diarrhea. Nasya clears up the nasal passages with herbal remedies applied in the nose, and rakta mokshan is blood-letting, or extracting blood that is full of toxins.

Warnings

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), the five parts of Panchakarma can produce harmful effects on cancer patients. Induced vomiting is unhealthy and can lead to eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia. The ACS says induced vomiting can also cause imbalances of electrolytes in the blood. The ACS also warns that blood-letting can increase the symptoms of cancer patients who already have low blood cell counts.

Diet

Ayurvedic-Medicines.com emphasizes diet as an important element of Ayurvedic cancer treatment. The energy level of the food must be maintained to be effective in treating cancer. DARF suggests certain foods for cancer patients, including goat milk, sprouted beans, vegetable soups, nuts, raisins, figs and fresh seasonal fruit juices. There are also special diets for specific cancers, including a fat-free diet for liver cancer; nuts for brain, bone and blood cancers; a salt-free diet for renal cancers; and non-spicy foods for gastrointestinal tract cancers.

Other Features

Ayurvedic treatment demands lifestyle changes to deal with cancer. Proper diet and exercise should become a daily obligation of cancer patients. Taking specific herbs for certain cancers is also part of Ayurvedic treatment. For example, aabha gugglu is for bone cancer while gojivha is for breast cancer. Meditation and prayer should also be introduced to a person's daily activities to reduce stress and anxiety caused by relationships and other aspects of a hectic life. According to DARF, this will create positive emotions to help improve a person's mental and physical health.

Considerations

There are warnings concerning the use of herbal medications for Ayurvedic treatment of cancer. As with any type of drug mixing, there are potential negative interactions between Ayurvedic herbal preparations and conventional Western medications. Also, according to the ACS, there have been reports of lead, mercury and arsenic contamination in Ayurvedic medications. This led to several cases of lead poisoning, which causes nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and anemia. It is important to always let a medical professional know all medications being taken before trying something new.

Tags: Ayurvedic treatment, cancer patients, Ayurvedic cancer, Ayurvedic cancer treatment, five parts, induced vomiting, rakta mokshan

Safety Precautions Of Ultrasound Therapy

Your doctor may recommend ultrasound therapy as part of your physical therapy treatment plan to help heal your pain condition or disease. Ultrasound therapy uses high-frequency sound waves via an ultrasound machine to transfer heat over your skin and deep into the soft tissues of your injured area. As with any medical device, you should consider many safety precautions before you begin ultrasound therapy. This includes proper use of the ultrasound machine by the operator and making sure you do not have any other medical conditions or diseases that would counteract with the ultrasound waves.

How It Works

An ultrasound machine consists of a console that is plugged into an AC adapter, in which a coaxial cable provides electrical current to a handheld transducer with an applicator head (which emits the ultrasound waves). Your doctor would rub a special gel on the skin of your affected area, then program the device to emit sound waves at a certain frequency from 0.8 to 3 megahertz (depending on your condition). He would move it over your skin in small circular motions for 5 to 10 minutes a session.

Equipment Maintenance

Your physical therapist or doctor should be making weekly or monthly maintenance checks on their ultrasound devices so that their patients receive proper ultrasound treatment. According to universal guidelines, ultrasonic power should have an accuracy of +/-20%. Also, ultrasound devices should be checked for proper mechanical functioning, such as the built-in timer being accurate and the prevention of overheating of the console. Lastly, the applicator should be tested to make sure a uniform amount of heat is emitted from the applicator head to your injured area.

Patient and Operator Safety Precautions

Although ultrasound therapy is generally very safe, operators of ultrasound devices must take all necessary precautions to minimize exposure to their patients and themselves to avoid any potential adverse health effects. Ensure that while the ultrasound device is emitting sound waves, the applicator is facing away from people and only onto the injured area. Also, the applicator must be kept moving slowly to avoid hotspots and burns on the skin. Lastly, the operator should not have the applicator in his hand when he turns the machine on. All safety guidelines should be followed. If you feel any pain, you should stop treatment immediately.

Parts of Your Body to Avoid

You should not use ultrasound over the skin where your organs or mucus membranes are located, which include the following; heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, bowels, vagina, ovaries, testes, rectum, brain, spinal cord, nose, eyes and mouth. It is also important that pregnant women do not expose their abdomen or lower back region to ultrasound waves as it may harm the fetus.

Medical Conditions

Ultrasound therapy should not be used if you have certain medical conditions or illnesses, which include the following: severe arterial insufficiency, cardiac disease, deep vein thrombosis, spina bifida, bone infections and bleeding disorders. Also, ultrasound should not be used on growth plates of children, as it may affect their potential growth. People with metal implants (e.g., pacemakers) should not use ultrasound in that area of the body.

Tags: injured area, sound waves, ultrasound devices, ultrasound machine, ultrasound waves, Also ultrasound

Make Pheromone Perfume

Communication is so much more than words. We communicate far more in silent signals, such as our posture, our eye contact and our smell. Pheromones are odorless microscopic chemical messages that is picked up by a person's vomeronasal organ. Although we all naturally put off pheromones, if we are ill or going through menopause, we won't put off as much as usual. It is always fun to make your own perfume with a little extra kick to get you noticed.

Instructions

1. Go to a store that sells aromatherapy essential oils and smell a variety that you enjoy. You can stick with one, or go for a few. If you already know the essential oils that work well with your skin and improve your mood, then skip to Step Five.

2. Ideally, you want to select three aromatherapy oils from each of the note family that goes to make up a perfume. Top notes are citrus smells, light floral smells and bracing smells like tea tree oil.

3. Select a middle note essential oil, such as the stronger floral scents like jasmine, herbal scents like rosemary and some spicy scents like marjoram.

4. Select a base note essential oil. This is the scent that will linger the longest, so invest well in this one. These include woody scents, spicy scents and vanilla.

5. Order your bottle of concentrated synthetic female pheromone from an online company. Some may be available at pharmacies. The higher the percentage of female pheromone, the more expensive it will be.

6. Gather all of your materials together (except water) in your bathroom or other place where a spill can be easily cleaned up.

7. Combine in your small glass bottle or atomizer the following formula: 1/4 cup vodka (or other pure grain alcohol), and two to three drops of each of your essential oils. You then add a liberal dash of the pheromones. Close, shake and store in a cool, dark space for at least two weeks, shaking the bottle every now and then. You can also give it a sniff when you want. You might find the smell good enough after only two days.

8. Open the bottle or atomizer after two weeks or longer and add two teaspoons of distilled or spring water. Shake it up and try it on just one pulse point. If the smell is too overwhelming, try adding more water to thin it down a bit.

Tags: essential oils, scents like, bottle atomizer, female pheromone, note essential

Treatment Of Stage Iv Lung Cancer

This is an x-ray image of a chest. The growth on the left side of the lung could be lung cancer.

Stage IV lung cancer is the worst type of cancer you can have. It means that your lung cancer is in an advanced stage. At this point, treatment options are not focused on curing the cancer but of improving your quality of life.

What is Stage IV Lung Cancer?

Stage IV lung cancer is a non-small cell lung cancer, which makes up about 75 percent of lung cancers. Though not all non-small cell lung cancers are stage IV, if the tumor can't be removed by surgery, it is considered stage IV. The cancer has also usually spread beyond the lungs.

Chemotherapy As a Treatment

Since the cancer can't be removed through surgery (in part because the surgery could help the tumor metastasize), chemotherapy becomes the preferred treatment. Chemotherapy can stop or slow the growth of the cancer. Chemotherapy is the process of using medications to attack rapidly dividing cells. Because cancer cells divide more often than most other cells, this makes the cancer cells the target of the medications.

Benefit of Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy of stage IV cancer will generally extend the life of the patient beyond that expected for a person who receives only supportive care. Studies have shown chemotherapy patients are twice as likely to be alive a year later than a supportive-care patient.

Chemotherapy Treatment

A cycle of chemotherapy for stage IV lung cancer may involve 4-6 treatments that can take up to 4 months. Though sometimes chemotherapy can be taken as a pill, it is usually given intravenously. There are more than 200 chemotherapy drugs that are used in at least 50 combinations. For stage IV lung cancer, the initial therapy is with a combination of two drugs. This is more aggressive and is likely to cause more side effects, but it is also more likely to have a significant impact on the cancer. Some doctors have been adding a third drug, bevacizumab, to the combination with promising results.

Chemotherapy Side Effects

Because chemotherapy attacks rapidly dividing cells, it can also attack rapidly dividing healthy cells like hair follicles, bone marrow and the stomach-lining. This leads to sides effects such as hair loss, digestive problems, nausea, mouth sores and lowered blood-cell counts. Chemotherapy side effects vary from person to person. Sometimes the sides effects may grow less noticeable over time and sometimes, they may become worse. While the cancer cells can't survive chemotherapy, healthy cells usually can.

Recurring Cancer

Unfortunately, most stage IV lung cancers will return. Chemotherapy won't cure the cancer, it will only extend the patient's life. When the cancer does return, the doctor may try a different chemotherapy regimen.

Other Treatment Options

If the cancer is advanced but has only created a single lesion, the doctor may attempt surgery. Radiation therapy may be recommended if the cancer symptoms are severe. If the stage IV lung cancer has spread, radiation therapy may help.

Tags: lung cancer, cancer cells, lung cancers, rapidly dividing, attack rapidly

How Is A Prostate Needle Biopsy Performed

When It's Needed

Patients will be referred for a prostate needle biopsy if there is suspected prostate cancer. This could be because of elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, changes in the size of the prostate, or growths felt in or around the gland. A needle biopsy is the least invasive way of diagnosing cancerous cells.

Pre-surgical

About a week prior to surgery, patients are asked to stop taking anti-inflammatories and asprin to limit bleeding risk. Blood work is ordered to check for any other illness and gauge PSA levels. A pre-surgical exam by an internist may be required, depending on the man's health and if there are chronic conditions (heart disease, diabetes) present. An enema is often recommended, since most needle biopsies are done with transrectal (through the rectum) ultrasound. Some physicians also recommend antibiotics prior to the biopsy to help protect against infection.

Procedure

A prostate needle biopsy is usually performed at the office of a urologist. A local anesthesia is given to numb the area. Some patients are also sedated. Transrectal ultrasound is used to help guide the needle via an image of the prostate on a screen. The "biopsy gun" enters the wall of the rectum until it reaches the part of the prostate gland that is suspected to be abnormal. On the average, a physician will take six tissue samples to be examined by a pathologist.

Post-surgical

After the biopsy is complete, the pathologist will examine the tissue under a microscope to check for cancerous cells. Most results will be available immediately, though additional testing may be needed. If malignancy is found, the cancer will be staged based on its location and the appearance of the cells. Treatment options will be discussed between doctor and patient. Prostate cancer is often curable when detected in its earliest stages. There are many treatment options (surgery, radiation, chemotherapy) available to prostate cancer patients.

Complications

The patient may experience minor bleeding after the prostate needle biopsy. There could be a small amount of blood in the bowel, semen and urine for the following days. Serious complications (excess bleeding, infection) are rare.

Tags: needle biopsy, prostate needle, prostate needle biopsy, cancerous cells, prostate cancer

Phentrazine Side Effects

Phentrazine is a weight-loss supplement that is said to work by increasing energy and decreasing appetite and the need to eat. A prescription is not needed for phentrazine. The manufacturer recommends users take phentrazine about an hour before eating a meal along with a glass of water. The maker of phentrazine has not disclosed its ingredients to the public, so some people are leery of using it.

Serious Side Effects

If you experience serious side effects such as changes to your mood or personality, breathing troubles or chest pain, you should stop taking phentrazine and see your doctor.

Dry Mouth

Some people taking phentrazine report increased thirst because the medication can cause a dry mouth.

Constipation

Difficulty with bowel movements or a decrease in their frequency is sometimes experienced by people taking phentrazine.

Restlessness

Some people who take phentrazine become restless or have restless sleep.

Warning

People with thyroid conditions, high blood pressure and cardiac disease should not take phentrazine.

Tags: take phentrazine, taking phentrazine, people taking, people taking phentrazine

Information Restless Leg Syndrome

Information About Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless leg syndrome is more than just aggravating; it is often embarrassing. If you suffer from RLS (restless leg syndrome), you may find it hard to fall asleep. It is difficult to share a bed with your spouse or loved one, and no one seems to understand.

Symptoms

Symptoms of restless leg syndrome range from mild to severe and include tingling, pain, aching, pulling, and itching and burning in the legs when they attempt to relax.

Onset

RLS usually starts early in life. In some cases, even young children can develop the problem.

Misdiagnosis

In early childhood, restless leg syndrome is often misdiagnosed as "growing pains."

Cure

There is no actual cure for RLS, but there are medications your physician can prescribe to help alleviate the symptoms.

Relief Method

Massaging the calf and ankle muscles is helpful for relief from RLS.

Considerations

Sudden onset of RLS can be an indication of other serious health problems such as kidney disease, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.

Tags: restless syndrome, Restless Syndrome

Anorexia Treatment Programs

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder in which a person---male or female---severely restricts food intake. Anorexics often vomit several times a day, take laxatives or drugs to increase their metabolism, exercise excessively and regularly "trick" friends and family members into believing there's nothing wrong with them. Anorexia is a disease that affects the whole person---body, mind and spirit. An individual with anorexia typically weighs at least 15 percent less than her normal healthy weight. While prolonged anorexia can be fatal, as the body's organs fail, the good news is that there are many treatment programs that can help you overcome your eating disorder and lead a normal life.

Treatment Programs

Anorexia treatment programs have differing approaches and no single approach is necessarily better than another, nor is one approach best for every anorexic. In order to find the right program, the patient needs to consult a doctor, as well as family members, friends and spiritual advisers.

While the treatment programs described below are representative of the offerings nationwide, the list is in no way meant to be conclusive or to condone or promote a given program or center.

Remuda Ranch

One treatment program, the Remuda Programs for Eating Disorders, located in Arizona and Virginia, has treated nearly 9,000 people. According to the organization, 95 percent of patients treated at Remuda Ranch remain in recovery after leaving the facility. Because overcoming anorexia takes time, self-reflection and hard work, the program at Remuda Ranch lasts for 45 to 60 days. As at many treatment centers, this facility is based on a holistic approach that treats the entire person: mind, body and spirit.

The Renfrew Center

The Renfrew Center comprises several women's mental-health centers located in Philadelphia and Radnor, Pa.; Coconut Creek, Fla.; New York City; Wilton, Conn.; Ridgewood, N.J.; Charlotte, N.C.; Nashville, Tenn.; Dallas; and Bethesda, Md. It also offers a national network of specialists. When the initial Renfrew Center opened in Philadelphia in 1985, it was the United States' first residential facility for women with eating disorders.

Walden Behavioral Care

Walden Behavioral Care treats both eating and psychiatric disorders. Located in Waltham and Northampton, Mass., the Walden Behavioral Centers use a holistic approach to treating anorexics that takes into consideration various aspects of each patient's health-care needs.

Choosing a Treatment Center

There are many anorexia treatment centers located throughout the United States. Before you choose one over the other, it's important to understand that the treatment should be determined on an individual basis, depending upon the severity of the disorder.

According to the Women's Center for Healthy Living, residential anorexia treatment centers garner the best results. In addition, a treatment center should provide the following:

• psychological evaluation and treatment

• group and individual therapy

• family therapy

• nutritional and fitness guidance

• holistic treatment

• medical intervention, if needed, and

• follow-up treatment

Tags: Remuda Ranch, Renfrew Center, treatment centers, Walden Behavioral, anorexia treatment, anorexia treatment centers, Behavioral Care

Care For A Tooth Restored Through A Root Canal

Care for a Tooth Restored Through a Root Canal

A proper root canal can restore a tooth which otherwise might have to be lost and ensure that you can make healthy use of it through the rest of your life. Teeth subjected to a root canal treatment have had part or all of their pulp (the nerves and blood vessels at the heart of the tooth) removed. That makes it important to care for it properly following the procedure.

Instructions

1. Ask the dentist to have the restored tooth crowned. A tooth repaired through a root canal will often remain more brittle and fragile then the remainder of your teeth--the removed pulp essentially leaves it as dead bone. A crown can be used to help stabilize it and ensure that it continues to work properly throughout your life.

2. Avoid rinsing your mouth out or spitting for at least one day following the root canal. The restored tooth is often fragile and the surrounding tissues needs time to heal. Rinsing it with water may cause unnecessary complications.

3. Refrain from probing the area with your fingers or feeling it with your tongue. The lingering soreness following a root canal (which usually vanishes after a few days) is probably enough to keep you from poking at it, but the urge to "test" the area may still be strong. The more you let the restored tooth be, the faster it can recover from the root canal.

4. Fill a sealable plastic bag with ice and wrap it in a cloth towel. Apply the towel to your jaw for 20 minutes at a time, refilling the bag as the ice melts. This will prevent swelling and help reduce the pain.

5. Drink lots of fluids. Experts suggest taking six to eight full glasses of liquid a day to help care for the restored tooth. Stay away from caffeinated beverages or excessively hot or cold liquids: water, milk and any type of fruit juice is recommended.

6. Commit to a diet of soft foods and follow through on it. Hot cereal, yogurt, soup and fruits such as bananas make the easiest foods to consume following a root canal. Try to avoid chewing on the pertinent side of your jaw if you can help it.

7. Stay away from smoking or chewing tobacco. They carry carcinogens and disease which can adversely affect your restored tooth. If you can quit them completely, that would be ideal, but they should be avoided for at least a week or two while your restored tooth recovers.

Tags: restored tooth, root canal, following root, following root canal, root canal, away from

Influenza Virus Symptoms

Infections with the influenza virus is a common cause of illness and in some people, such as young children or the elderly, serious complications can occur. According to the Mayo Clinic, the influenza virus can make people feel sick for two weeks or longer by the time all symptoms have resolved. Influenza symptoms include exhaustion, muscle pains, very high fevers and digestive problems in children.

Fever

Influenza infections may cause a very high fever that comes on suddenly. The Mayo Clinic has found that children with influenza may have fevers over 103 degrees F.

Aches

Severe aches in the muscles of the arms, legs, back and neck are symptoms of infection with the influenza virus.

Malaise

People sick with the flu often describe a feeling of "being run over by a truck" to describe the general, overall feelings of physical exhaustion caused by influenza.

Fatigue

Extreme exhaustion, weakness of the muscles and difficulty with simple movements such as standing up or getting dressed are symptoms of influenza.

Headaches

Headaches are a symptom of influenza virus infection that may be worsened by bright lights or loud noises.

Digestive

Children with influenza may have digestive symptoms including loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea; children with these symptoms may become dehydrated.

Warning

People with influenza who have symptoms such as painful breathing, coughing up thick mucus and very high fevers should seek emergency medical care due to possibly life threatening complications.

Tags: with influenza, influenza have, very high, with influenza have, high fevers, influenza virus, influenza virus

How Is Tuberculosis Treated

New Cases

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 13,000 new cases of active tuberculosis were diagnosed in 2008. While this makes the disease fairly rare, the number of people who require treatment is actually much higher. This is because the disease itself often doesn't develop for months or years following exposure, and treatment before active infection occurs can prevent the illness from developing.

Diagnosis

Tuberculosis diagnosis begins with an antibody (PPD) test, which is often performed routinely in areas where tuberculosis is more common. Should the test give a positive result, a chest X-ray and physical examination are performed to determine whether the patient has active tuberculosis or not. Sputum and blood tests may also be used to confirm the diagnosis. Depending on the results, treatment for either tuberculosis exposure or infection is started.

Preventative Tuberculosis Treatment

When a patient has a positive PPD test and a negative chest X-ray, isoniazid (INH) is the most commonly used treatment. Isoniazid is an antibiotic tablet that is usually taken daily 9 months, but may also be taken in larger doses two or three times a week for 9 months. Because isoniazid can cause vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) deficiency, most doctors recommend vitamin supplementation for the duration of therapy.

Alternately, tuberculosis exposure can be treated with the antibiotic rifampin, either alone or in combination with isoniazid or pyrazinamide. These treatment regimens have the advantage of requiring only 2 to 4 months of medication. More aggressive treatment, such as adding additional antibiotics, is used for patients who are HIV positive or have other significant medical risks.

Active Tuberculosis Treatment

If test results indicate that the patient has an active tuberculosis infection, a combination of antibiotics is started immediately. The first stage of treatment, which lasts for 2 months, consists of treatment with isoniazid, rifampin and ethambutol. Another antibiotic, pyrazinamide, may be added to this regimen. All of these drugs are given as tablets, and hospitalization is not required unless the patient is very ill.

During the first few weeks of treatment, the patient is usually asked to stay at home to avoid infecting others. However, there is no need for complete isolation because household members have almost certainly already been exposed to the disease. Anyone who lives with or is in frequent contact with the patient must be tested for tuberculosis and receive treatment if appropriate.

Once the first 2 months of antibiotic therapy have passed, ethambutol and pyrazinamide are no longer required. The patient must then take isoniazid and either rifampin or rifapentine (a related drug) for at least 4 months. Unless tests indicate otherwise, the patient is considered cured. However, successful treatment does not prevent reinfection so regular screening tests should still be performed.

Throughout the treatment process for tuberculosis, the patient should periodically receive tests to verify that the medication is working properly. In some cases, tuberculosis is resistant to the antibiotics typically used and a different combination of medications is required. Occasionally, the disease isn't antibiotic-resistant but takes longer than usual to cure, so medication is simply continued for an additional 2 months.

Tags: active tuberculosis, chest X-ray, patient active, patient active tuberculosis, patient must, tuberculosis exposure

Partial Denture Options

A partial denture is a removable appliance constructed by a dentist to replace missing teeth where a fixed alternative is neither practical nor feasible. Of the many different types of removable appliances available, listed below is a brief description of the most popular choices with a variety of aesthetic options, different levels of comfort physically and emotionally, varying lengths of durability, and requiring different maintenance procedures.

Conventional Partial Dentures

A conventional removable partial denture has a metal framework and metal clasps. The clasps hold the partial denture securely in place while allowing easy removal for cleaning.

Semi-Precision Partial Dentures

Semi-precision dentures are held in place by interlocking male/female attachments located on the dentures and on crowns that have been placed on the natural teeth that are being used for stabilization.

Overdenture

Natural Supplements To Lose Weight

There are a variety of natural supplements on the market that can help you achieve your weight loss goals. Supplements for weight loss aid in burning calories, stabilizing blood sugar, speeding up metabolism and flushing out excess water and toxins. Vitamins, herbs, minerals and amino acids commonly in pill or capsule form make up supplements that can jump start your weight loss plan.

Stabilizing Blood Sugar

Blood sugar fluctuations cause the body fatigue, hunger and food cravings. The hypothalamus region of the brain regulates the intake of food. If blood sugar dips, then the hypothalamus tells the body to eat. Prevent blood sugar crashes by eating a well-rounded diet and taking supplements. Aerobic Bulk Cleanse is a supplement from Aerobic Life Industries that provides fiber to the body that will absorb slowly into the blood stream, promotes a full feeling and reduces hunger pangs. It also helps eliminate accumulated waste and excess water. Chromium picolinate reduces insulin resistance and helps with the metabolism of carbohydrates. Likewise, spirulina, a single-celled algae, is high in protein and prevents blood sugar fluctuations. This supplement contains more protein than meat and doesn't have the calories.

Burning Fat and Calories

L-Carnitine is made in the body from amino acids and releases energy in fat. By taking a supplement, you are able to help build muscles and lose weight. Take 3 g of l-carnitine a day. L-methionine can not be made in the body; therefore, it must be taken through supplement form. This amino acid eliminates fat and helps create creatine, a nutrient for muscles. Pyruvate is a supplement that promotes weight and fat loss by carrying glucose to the muscles, which in turn produces muscle glycogen. Muscle glycogen aids in fat loss. Other fat-burning supplements consist of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), calcium and choline.

Herbal Supplements

Aloe vera juice cleanses the digestive tract and improves digestion. Other cleansing herbs with diuretic properties include gravel root, alfalfa, corn silk, horsetail, hyssop, juniper and yarrow. Make a tea from these herbs, and drink when feeling bloated from excess water. Sluggish thyroids can cause weight gain because they produce fewer hormones that regulate the body's metabolism. Give your thyroid a boost with hawthorn berry, borage seed, licorice root and sarsaparilla. Use spices on meals like cardamon seed, cinnamon, ginger, cayanne and mustard seed for speeding up metabolism. Likewise, fennel can remove mucus and fat from the intestinal tract. This spice is also known as an appetite suppressant.

Tags: blood sugar, weight loss, excess water, your weight loss, amino acids, made body, speeding metabolism

How Is Acupuncture Used

What is Acupuncture?

Practiced in Asia for over 1,000 years, acupuncture is an ancient healing method and part of Chinese traditional medicine. The core belief of the practice is that health is based on energy flow in the body and disease results when that flow is blocked. This energy is often known as qi, and its flow is restored by stimulating the body's energy channels, called meridians, with fine needles inserted at different points in the body that connect to those meridians. According to the National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine, there are between 14 and 20 of these channels, and over 2,000 points on the body that can reach them. Once energy begins flowing again, the balance of the body's yin and yang, the passive and active forces inside everyone, creates improved health. In America, acupuncture started being recognized in 1971, and today's version has roots in primarily in Chinese, Japanese and Korean traditions.

How Often Is the Practice Used?

Results of the 2007 National Health Interview Survey showed that acupuncture was used by 3.1 million American adults and 150,000 American children. Because there are relatively few side effects of the practice, it was reportedly used to treat chronic pain and many other ailments, at times in conjunction with traditional Western healing techniques and in consultation with a doctor. NCCAM is conducting more studies to investigate the way the brain functions during acupuncture treatments, to find out acupuncture's affect on specific conditions, including headaches, lower back pain and osteoarthritis of the knee, and to discover the neurological properties of points and meridians.

Is Acupuncture Dangerous?

Though few complications of acupuncture are reported, infection and punctured organs can result from improper formation of the techniques. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulates the use of needles and sets guidelines for sterilization. Needles must be sterile, nontoxic and labeled for single use by a qualified practitioner. Injection areas should also be swabbed with alcohol before needles are inserted. Additionally, needles are hair-thin, and most people report little to no pain involved in procedures. Reactions to individual treatments range from feeling relaxed to energized. Individuals interested in acupuncture should always consult their regular physicians before any procedures are done.

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How Does Pain Medication Work

Medications

When you have a headache, you take an aspirin. When you sprain your knee, you take ibuprofen. When you have surgery, you take morphine. But how do these medications take your pain away, and why are there so many types? In general, these medications decrease your pain experience. In most cases, the pill you take will either disrupt the signal heading from the injured area to the brain, or it will change the way your brain interprets that signal. Two of the main kinds of pain medication we use are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and narcotics.

NSAIDs

NSAIDs are available both over-the-counter and as prescriptions, the more common types being ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen sodium. When you take ibuprofen, for example, it dissolves into your bloodstream and gets to work. NSAIDs contain ingredients that block the enzymes responsible for making prostaglandins, which are chemicals that cause damaged tissues to swell. When tissues swell, nerve impulses to the brain become more frequent. Your ibuprofen pill disrupts this process by limiting the number of pain signals that reach the brain, giving you relief. This relief lasts as long as the NSAID remains active in your system. Some NSAIDs have a longer active period than others, so be sure to medicate yourself accordingly.

Narcotics

Unlike NSAIDs, narcotics do not target the problem--they dull the sensation. When narcotics, also called opioids, dissolve in the bloodstream, they attach to the proteins that take pain signals to the brain. This disrupts the pain cycle. Narcotics also enter the brain, and change the way pain is felt. In other words, they do not take pain away, they simply allow the brain to interpret pain differently. Due to their side effects and tendency to become addictive, narcotics require a prescription. Some examples of narcotics are morphine and codeine.

One Medication Does not Work for Everybody

Now that you know how they work, how do you know what medication is going to help your pain? NSAIDs are typically used to treat common ailments such as sprains, aches and menstrual cramps. These conditions cause what is termed acute pain, or pain that lasts only as long as the injury or condition. Chronic pain, on the other hand, lasts beyond the healing time of an injury. Fibromyalgia is an example of chronic pain. Because chronic pain usually has no apparent cause, narcotics are often more effective. Of course, different pain medications affect people in different ways, because no two individuals share the same chemical makeup. This is why there are so many drugs on the market today, and many more being tested for future use. If you are ever uncertain if a pain medication will work for you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Tags: your pain, chronic pain, NSAIDs narcotics, pain away, pain medication, pain signals

Properly Rest And Recover Strained Abdominal Muscles

An abdominal muscle strain occurs when the muscles are stretched or torn. Abdominal muscles may be strained during a forceful activity such as lifting or an everyday occurrence like a hard cough or sneeze. The main symptom of an abdominal muscle strain is a feeling of pain over the abdominal muscles. When the muscles are torn all the way through, this may result in an abdominal wall hernia where some of the intestines and connective tissue may protrude through the tear and cause a bulge in the abdominal wall.

Instructions

1. Put ice on the injured area immediately after you injure it (or as soon as you possibly can). Apply the ice for 20 to 30 minutes every 3 to 4 hours for the first 2 or 3 days or until it stops hurting.

2. See your health care provider to determine the extent of your injury. Your provider may be able to provide an anti-inflammatory medication which will also help to decrease the pain.

3. Rest your abdominal muscles as best you can. Do not return to normal activities until you can bend at the waist and then straighten back up again without pain.

4. Call your caregiver if the pain from your abdominal strain does not let up within a few days. If it is determined that you have a hernia, you may need a supportive truss or even surgery to correct this problem.

5. Try some gentle exercises when your abdominal muscles are no longer hurting. You can do some ab pushes by pressing the finger tips of both hands several inches into your abdomen. Then, while exhaling, push your fingers out using your abdominal muscles. Hold your abdomen in this pushed-out position for 5 seconds, then repeat the exercise again for a total of 20 repetitions.

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What Is Electrophoresis

Gel electrophoresis is used to separate DNA, RNA and proteins. This method is commonly used in medical research labs either alone or in conjunction with other techniques as an identification and analysis tool.

How Gel Electrophoresis Works

Using an electric field, gel electrophoresis separates molecules on the basis of size and charge.

Types

Agarose gel electrophoresis is commonly used to separate DNA and RNA, while polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis is the most common method for separating proteins.

Considerations

The matrix of the gel is commonly adjusted to accommodate the size of the molecule being analyzed. For example, to isolate a small fragment of DNA, a high percentage agarose gel would be used.

Expert Insight

The dyes used in gel electrophoresis allow for the visualization of samples when loading and running the gel.

Fun Fact

Agarose gel electrophoresis, in combination with other molecular techniques, is used in paternity tests when examining the DNA of a child and potential parent.

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Importance Of Hand Washing For Children

Germs and dirt seem to go along with children. Some dirt is actually good for the immune system, as discussed recently in the NY Times (see Resources below) but germs are definitely not what you want your child's hands teeming with as there are negative side effects as well.

Hygiene

Having your children wash their hands beginning at a young age sets a habit of practicing good hygiene after using the bathroom.

Dirt

Washing hands when coming in from the back yard or the playground ensures that dirt stays outside, and minimizes the potential for smears across doorknobs and smudges on your walls.

Illness

Nothing is worse than a flu that seems to decimate a classroom. Often the culprit is person-to-person contact. The more often children wash their hands, the less likely the children are to become ill.

Sticky Stuff

Children are often heavily committed to the use of paste, glue or anything else that's sticky. By ensuring that the children wash their hands, you're helping establish a routine of cleanliness and minimizing the potential that they get stuck to the book they pick up right after craft time.

Anti-bacterial Products

Many parents and schools invest heavily in anti-bacterial hand wash or soaps. Remember that anti-bacterial products kill good bacteria as well as the bacteria you don't want you'll child to keep on their hands and may help the growth germs that are bacteria resistant (see Resources below). Use sparingly, and only if regular soap and water is unavailable.

Considerations

One of the best ways to help kids remember to wash their hands is to put up learning tools near the sink that list, in order, the steps to washing hands and include a picture of the process for non-readers.

Tags: their hands, wash their, wash their hands, children wash, children wash their, Resources below

Deal With Anger As A Teen

All teens occasionally experience anger and express it in some manner. Some methods of expressing anger cause problems. Some teens express their anger as it occurs, and others allow it to build up until they eventually explode. It is better to appropriately express your anger at the time that it occurs.

Instructions

1. Recognize your feelings. Put into words what is making you angry and why. For example, if your mother tells you that you can not got to the party until you clean your room, understand that you are angry because you have to clean your room first, and that might cause you to be late for the party.

2. Take a deep breath and don't react for a minute to give yourself time to control your anger.

3. Consider your options. Think about the different ways you can respond to your anger and consider the consequences of the various responses. Using the same example of cleaning your room before going to the party, you might decide your options are to argue with your mother, sneak out of the house, or clean your room as quickly as possible.

4. Choose one of your options as a response to the anger. Pick the response that is most likely to have the best outcome. In this case, fighting with your mother is not going to get you to the party. Sneaking out of the house is sure to get you in trouble. So cleaning your room quickly is the only way to get to the party without bad consequences.

5. Evaluate your decision after the anger has passed. Reflect on how you handled your anger and if it led to the outcome you had hoped. Learn from any mistakes that you made and adjust your behavior in the future based on your evaluation.

Tags: your room, your anger, clean your, clean your room, your mother

Calm Restless Legs

It's frustrating: You're tired, you go to bed, and your legs won't stay still. It's called Restless Leg Syndrome, and it's surprisingly common. There are some remedies that have been tried, tested and found worthy.

Instructions

1. Go ahead and dance. Restless Leg Syndrome may be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, so add some chemicals. Exercise releases endorphins; endorphins promote feelings of relaxation and release stress; and relaxation can help you rest easier. Or, many have found that taking a short walk before bed can quiet the restless leg problem.

2. Cool down your feet. Soak them in cool water, especially if your feet are feeling hot and irritated. Add some epson salts to help relax and soothe them.

3. Take your vitamins. Deficiencies in calcium, vitamin E and folate can contribute to leg pain. Eat your dairy and plenty of leafy, green vegetables for optimum leg health.

4. Grab the soap. For some strange reason, some say that putting a bar of soap under the bottom sheet at the foot of the bed seems to calm restless legs. It may be the fact that your foot must rub across the soap or it may be a chemical in the soap. Whatever the reason, many RLS sufferers have tried this rural remedy and received great results.

5. Rub down your legs. Mentholated topical cream rubbed into the bottoms of the feet help keep feet cool and calm. The menthol in the rub also sinks in to give your feet a miniature muscle rub. The eucalyptus in the rub is an old-time remedy for arthritis and rheumatism pain, and increases blood flow to the feet.

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Acid Reflux Wedges For Sleeping

If you suffer from acid reflux disease, falling asleep at night can be a struggle. Luckily, there are non-pharmaceutical treatments that can help sufferers of acid reflux drift off into dreamland on a nightly basis. Acid reflux pillows change the alignment of your body to ensure better digestion and reduce the amount of discomfort felt by people suffering from this chronic illness.

Significance

Acid reflux disease, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), afflicts millions of Americans. This illness often develops due to chronic stress or genetic disorders. Many suffer from it without even realizing it, treating their discomfort regularly with over-the-counter antacids. Most doctors prescribe a daily drug treatment program to help treat the discomfort. The symptoms include heartburn, chest pain, swallowing difficulty, nausea and regurgitation.

Identification

Acid reflux pillows raise your back to a steeper angle, some of them rising to 30 degrees or more. Many vendors sell competing pillows, with prices ranging from $30 to over $80. If you suffer from allergies, ensure that the pillow is made out of a hypoallergenic material. They're often quite comfortable, although it does take some time to become accustomed to sleeping at such a steep angle. It replaces a regular pillow, although some users like to apply a small neck support or their old pillow for greater comfort.

Benefits

Acid reflux wedges provide more benefits than simply treating the symptoms of acid reflux disease. They treat snoring, back pain, sinus irritation, restricted breathing and other issues. Some people just find them more comfortable than regular pillows. Even children who suffer from a form of acid reflux can benefit from using a small wedge.

Expert Insight

Acid reflux wedges work by mimicking the effects of standing upright. During the day, most people who suffer from acid reflux do not detect overly severe symptoms. The real discomfort starts showing up at night, reducing how much sleep they get at night, which in turn raises stress, which intensifies the symptoms of the illness. The wedge raises the angle at which the patient sleeps, allowing acid that would otherwise sit in the delicate esophagus to flow back down into the stomach where it belongs.

Considerations

The earlier that the symptoms of acid reflux are identified and treated, the less severe that it will be and the fewer permanent consequences it will have. Acid reflux, left untreated, can cause permanent damage to the esophageal lining, leading to a lifetime of discomfort and reliance on prescription drugs. Treating acid reflux with the help of a doctor and an acid reflux wedge protects the esophagus, aiding digestion, reducing discomfort and improving quality of life.

Tags: suffer from, acid reflux, reflux disease, Acid reflux, acid reflux disease, Acid reflux pillows, from acid

Laser Weight Loss Outcomes

Cold-laser treatment is yet unproven for long-term weight loss.

Conventional laser treatment has been used with some success to suppress appetite. In August 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a cold-laser technology for nonsurgical fat removal. Short-term studies indicate positive results, but long-term weight loss outcomes are uncertain.

History

On Aug. 30, 2010, the FDA granted Erchonia Corp. clearance to market Zerona, the first noninvasive procedure that uses cold-laser technology for reduction of hip, thigh and waist size.

Features

Cold-laser technology, also known as low-level laser therapy, melts fat inside fat cells. The body then eliminates the fat.

Results

In a randomized, placebo-controlled study published in "Lasers in Surgery and Medicine," people who received low-level laser treatment lost an average of 3.51 inches across their hips, thighs and waist. The placebo group lost 0.69 inches. Participants received three treatments per week for two weeks.

Considerations

The study's investigators caution not to equate size reduction with weight loss, though some clinics that offer the procedure market Zerona as a weight-loss treatment. Questions exist about the long-term health consequences.

Significance

Cold-laser technology provided short-term size reductions in a credible, well-controlled trial. Long-term results have not been studied, however, and those outcomes may depend largely on personal diet-and-exercise behavior.

Tags: weight loss, cold-laser technology, laser treatment, long-term weight, long-term weight loss, low-level laser, market Zerona

Prostate Cancer Cryocare Treatment

Prostate Cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer that affect men. Over the years medical science and scientists have sought for ways of treating prostate cancer. Some of the traditional approaches can result in all kinds of complications. The Cryoablation is relatively a new and emerging promising technique of treating prostate cancer.

What is Cryoablation Technique one may ask?

Cryoablation involves a procedure used during a prostate cancer surgery to freeze up the prostate cancerous cells through the use of probes placed in the prostate. The procedure is carried out under a controlled circumstance; its sole purpose is to destroy the cancer cells after they have been frozen. The procedure is carefully carried out through temperature level manipulations.

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What else occurs during Cryoablation Prostate Surgery?

When the cells are frozen, damages are caused on several levels including the destruction of the tissue structures, as well as the molecular and cellular cancerous bodies. The cancerous cells are not the only tissue affected by the procedure. The stroma, which is the surrounding tissue inside the prostate along with the blood capillaries which control the inflow and outflow of blood into and out of the prostate glands are damaged. This manipulative procedure significantly reduces the amount of blood inflow and supply fueling the growth of the cancer itself. Subsequently this process is believed to reduce the rate of growth of the cancer itself.

Cryoablation Surgery Phase 1

Cryoablation is a complex medical procedure and manipulation made possible by advancements in science and technology. First, the patient during surgery is administered an anesthesia. Secondly, a probe for ultrasound is inserted into the patient's rectum, which allows the operating doctors to image and measure the size and dimension of the prostate.

Cryoablation Image Projection Phase 2

A special computer software program is then used to project these images onto a computer screen. Cryoablation probes are then introduced at predetermined sections inside the prostate, after which the freezing process is triggered. The entire procedure is monitored with a continuous ultrasound. Helium gas is used to thaw the prostate as desired. Extreme care and caution is used to avoid damages to the urethral region or the urinary passage.

Cryoablation Surgery Recovery

After the cryoablation surgery the patient is monitored overnight to make sure no complications result. Depending on individual cases, most patients are discharged the following day. The catheter is placed for drainage purposes. The average period it takes for the cryoablation patient to experience normal urination is about 10 to 15 days. When normal urination starts, the catheter is then removed. This technique offers a lot of hope for men suffering from prostate cancer.

Tags: cancer itself, cancerous cells, growth cancer, growth cancer itself, inside prostate

Risk Of Infection After Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery is performed on patients who are seeking a permanent solution for weight loss. As with any form of surgery, there are potential complications to consider before undergoing the procedure. These complications include blood clots, issues with malnutrition and the risk of infection after undergoing bariatric surgery.

The Facts

Bariatric surgery comes in a few different forms. In restrictive surgery, the size of your stomach is reduced so you feel full faster and eat less. In malabsorptive surgery, the surgeon shortens the first portion of your small intestine. You eat the same amount of food, but your body is not able to absorb as many calories. In the combined form of surgery, your surgeon reduces both the size of your stomach of your small intestine. After undergoing bariatric surgery, you are at risk of developing an infection.

Surgery-Related

You risk developing an infection either at the surgical site or internally after bariatric surgery. It can take as long as three weeks after your surgery for the symptoms of a wound infection to show up. Symptoms include swelling and pain at the incision sight, discharge from the site, fever and aches. You could also develop an infection internally, especially if you have undergone restrictive surgery with a Lap Band. Infections can develop around the band or its port.

Panniculitis

You could also develop an infection months after undergoing bariatric surgery. If you lose enough weight you can develop an overhang of excess skin at your abdomen called a pannicula. You can develop panniculitis, a form of skin infection, on the underside of it. Symptoms include inflammation of the skin, tenderness and skin nodules. If you develop panniculitis once, you are at risk for having it reoccur several times.

Treatment

Treatment for infection after bariatric surgery depends on where the infection occurs. If you experience an infection at the incision site, your doctor can prescribe antibiotics. She may also need to drain the site. For an internal infection, antibiotics are the main treatment. Your surgeon may need to adjust your Lap Band, too. Panniculitis is treatable with antibiotics. The most effective treatment for it is to have the excess skin surgically removed.

Considerations

Infections after bariatric surgery can be caused by bacteria that live on your skin, that are inside your digestive tract or that are found in the hospital where your procedure is performed. If you have Type II diabetes, you are at an increased risk for developing an infection, especially during or after surgery. This can be mitigated by paying careful attention to keeping your blood sugar levels under control before surgery. Preoperative antibiotics can help reduce your risk of infection.

Tags: bariatric surgery, after bariatric surgery, developing infection, risk developing, risk developing infection

What Is A Light Sensor

A light sensor is an electronic apparatus that is used to detect the presence of light in an area. It provides information to the user about shape, speed, distance and dimensions.

Identification

Light sensors are used in offset printing and offer a high level of precision in industries such as laser printing.

Function

A light sensor has an "eye" that detects the products or targets (such as paper). When the target goes past the eye, the light registers on the machine.

Uses

Light sensors are used for film extrusion as well. A light sensor can be used to stop a machine if a roll of film breaks. Light sensors can sense these things much faster than humans can.

Space Exploration

Light sensors are also used in space exploration to make topographical maps of planetary surfaces. They can also detect the amount of light being given off by a planet or star.

Advancements

There have been advancements in light sensor technology through the years, especially in microcosmic and macrocosmic areas. One major advancement was the 2x to 4x increase in sensitivity to light, which makes the sensor more precise.

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Instructions For Ear Candles

Ear candling is an alternative medicine practice in which specially designed candles are placed into the ear canal and burned. The flame does not touch the ear. The procedure is said to clean the ear of wax and debris as well as alleviate symptoms of sinus pressure, facial muscle and joint pain, toothaches, chronic headaches and various other conditions. As with any alternative medical treatment, you should first consult with a medical professional about the safety and efficacy of the treatment you are about to use.

Supplies

You will need the following supplies: two or four ear candles, a paper plate or foil pie pan, a lighter or match, a small bowl of water, a pillow, a pair of scissors and a toothpick. Never ear candle yourself; have someone who is familiar with the procedure do it for you.

Candling

Lie down in a comfortable position on your side, with your head resting lightly on the pillow. Have the person assisting you cut a small hole (no larger than a dime) into the paper plate or foil pie pan; this will prevent the excess wax from dribbling onto you. Stick the bottom of the candle through the plate. Then you (not the person assisting you) should insert the candle into your ear canal at a slight angle to prevent wax from dripping into your ear. Adjust it as necessary. The candle should not cause any discomfort or pain while in your ear. The person assisting you should now light the candle. After a few minutes, have the candle and plate removed to clear the tapered end (the end in your ear) of wax with a toothpick. After three or four minutes, remove the candle again and trim the wick at the top while the flame is still burning. Do this slowly, and do not slice enough of the wick to snuff out the flame. Place the trimmings in the small bowl of water. Return the candle back to your ear canal, and allow the candle to burn until it is no closer than three inches from your head. Repeat this process for the other ear with a new candle.

Warnings

The article "Why Ear Candling is Not a Good Idea" by Lisa Roazen, M.D., challenges many beliefs about the effectiveness and safety of ear candles. Ear candling is supposed to work through suction. The fire absorbs the air within the ear candle tube, causing suction that removes ear wax and debris. Roazen argues that the amount of suction required to clean the ear of wax would also damage the delicate tissues of the inner ear. Roazen cites a number scientific tests that showed no evidence of ear wax inside or outside the ear candle. The article also references incidences where ear candling caused damage from hot wax falling into the ears. Use common sense and precautions when ear candling.

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Use Tea Tree Oil To Eliminate Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are painful growths that grow on the underside of the foot. They are caused by HPV, the same virus responsible for a variety of wart conditions in the body. HPV enters the body through a small cut or scrape, and in some people it leads to plantar warts. Unlike regular warts, plantar warts can grow deep into the foot, with a strong root that causes pain when pressure is applied to the wart while walking. Over time, if a plantar warts grows on the balls of the foot or on the heel, it can become too painful to walk. The plantar wart can become irritated, inflamed, or turn a brownish-black color. Infection should be avoided. Seeking a medical doctor's attention is important when dealing with plantar warts, but the standard treatment involves freezing the wart and letting it die, or cutting out the entire wart, all the way down to the core. Because plantar warts can have deep roots, this can be an extremely painful surgery, so try first to treat them naturally.

Instructions

1. Wash the area very carefully and soak the foot for at least twenty minutes in a warm foot bath with epsom salts. Do this right before bedtime.

2. Dry the foot and examine the plantar wart. Is it infected? If so, do not use tea tree oil. Call a doctor and schedule an appointment. If the wart is not infected, move on to Step 3.

3. Take a small cotton swab and soak it with tea tree oil. Dab the plantar wart with the tea tree oil, and then tape the cotton swab to the plantar wart with a bandaid or with surgival tape over gauze.

4. Cover the bandage with a clean cotton sock, and go directly to bed. Do not walk on the bandage.

5. Repeat this action for one to two weeks. You can apply tea tree oil more than once a day if needed.

Tags: plantar wart, plantar warts, cotton swab, plantar wart with, plantar warts

Make Fragrant Oil

It only takes a few drops of your favorite essential oils or scents to make a fragrant oil you can use for diffusers, bath salts and body oils or give away as gifts. Knowing make your own fragrant oil requires only your imagination and a few items you may already have in your kitchen. Purchase scents at craft stores or online stores specializing in soap-making and fragrance-making where you can find a broad variety of scents to choose from. Purchase essential oils if you want your fragrant oil to have healing, aromatherapy benefits such as lavender for relaxation.

Instructions

1. Spread out a plastic tablecloth to protect your table surface, or use any plastic covering in case of oil spills.

2. Choose a base or carrier oil to dilute your scent. Base oils can consist of inexpensive oils like soybean, sunflower or safflower oil. For skin and hair benefits, select olive oil or jojoba oil as a base, which are a little more costly but offer many benefits.

3. Measure how many ounces of oil you would like, keeping your bottle size in mind. Using a funnel, pour your chosen base oil into the glass bottle.

4. Pour a little rubbing alcohol in a small glass. This alcohol keeps your eye dropper clean in between drops of scent.

5. Select the scent or combination of scents for your oil. Always start out using less---you can always add a little more if the scent seems too weak.

6. Add up to three drops of scent or essential oil for each ounce of base oil you use, using an eyedropper. Stir the mixture with a bamboo skewer broken in half or a wooden chopstick, and leave the eyedropper in the small glass of alcohol.

7. Test the fragrant oil on your wrist to smell the scent or result of a combination of scents as you experiment. To strengthen the scent, add one more drop, stir and smell.

8. Place a piece of wool fabric or a wool scarf against your nose, and inhale three times to clear your sense of smell, allowing you to start fresh each time you test the scent.

9. Screw the cap on the bottle tight after you have satisfied your senses, and place the bottle on a dark shelf for a day or longer to allow the scents to mingle.

Tags: combination scents, drops scent, essential oils, little more, small glass, your fragrant

Become A Certified Herbalist

A certified herbalist is someone who uses herbs for their healing and positive properties. It is an old practice that is becoming more accepted. Herbs are a natural means to feeling better. They are generally safe used with the care and supervision of a certified herbalist.

Instructions

1. Find out about herbalism. There is a great amount of information available about herbs and healing.

2. Locate a school that is certified to train herbalists. Doing a search on the Internet, you will find numerous schools. Research the schools and their accreditation to find out which one is a fit for you.

3. Attend the classes. Many classes are online. You may also find local classes. Study the information that is put out. Study various herbs and their properties, herbal blends and contents. Concentrate and learn all that you can from your herbalist instructor.

4. Work with the actual herbs. Be sure to get out of the books and use the herbs in your studies.

5. Prepare for the final exam that your school offers. This will consist of all the information that you have studied. After the exam, you will be certified by your school.

6. Continue to learn about herbalism. There is so much information out there to take in. Enroll in continuing education classes.

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End A Binge Eating Disorder

Binge eating disorders are increasingly common throughout the United States. This disease is characterized by the compulsion to consume abnormally large quantities of food and a feeling of being out of control. People with this disorder may eat quickly during binges until uncomfortably full, eat when they aren't hungry, or eat alone out of embarrassment. Though the majority of binge eaters are obese, the disorder itself stems from something far past the physical surface. Fortunately, people who seek treatment for this illness are often able to overcome it and regain control.

Instructions

1. Seek professional help to end a binge eating disorder. It is crucial to see a health care professional who can diagnose the disorder and chart a course of treatment. If you're visiting your general physician, you may need a referral to a psychiatrist or psychologist.

2. Follow the treatment prescribed by your health care professional. A common remedy for binge eating disorders is cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps patients control their eating habits and turn them into healthier ones. This type of therapy also deals with the emotions that trigger binge eating and offers solutions to help cope with the urge to binge. Other courses of treatment include interpersonal psychotherapy, which deals with a patient's interpersonal relationship problems, and the use of antidepressants.

3. Work with your doctor to identify the feelings that lead to incidents of binge eating or the way you feel during and after a binge. Revealing these underlying feelings to your doctor or in a journal is often the key to being able to differentiate between physical hunger and emotional hunger.

4. Keep in mind that you are not alone, and that the majority of people suffering from binge eating disorder need help to overcome it. Know that most people who undergo treatment for this disorder are able to end their binge eating.

5. Consult with your doctor about a nutritional plan and lifestyle habits that can put you back on track toward a happy, healthy life, especially if you are one of many binge eating disorder sufferers who is also obese.

Tags: binge eating, your doctor, binge eating disorder, care professional, deals with

Difference Between Caps & Veneers

Veneers and caps are dental solutions that are often confused by dental patients who have not experienced having either of them. While veneers and caps (more often called crowns) are similar, there are notable differences between the two.

Coverage

Veneers cover only the front surface of the tooth. Caps are made to fit over the entire tooth.

Uses

Veneers are for cosmetic purposes, to perfect and whiten the smile, while caps (though they do offer a cosmetic enhancement) are used for dental health issues, such as severe cavities, broken teeth or severe fractures.

Material

Most veneers are made of porcelain, though resin composite veneers are still used as well, which are thinner and less stain resistant. Caps are made of metal, porcelain-covered metal or ceramic.

Durability

According to the American Dental Association, caps are made of more durable material than veneers. Veneers are small porcelain laminates that may break or chip under pressure, depending on the strength of the bonding material used, while caps are very strong and durable.

Tooth Sensitivity

Veneer patients will experience little to no sensitivity after treatment, according to the ADA, while caps may cause sensitivity to hot and cold in a way that will be uncomfortable for some weeks after treatment.

Leakage and Decay

Because veneers are thin and only placed as a mask on the front of the tooth, the likelihood of leakage is more than that of caps, which seal off leakage possibility. Caps prevent decay, while veneer coverage cannot guarantee an occurrence or recurrence of decay.

Tags: while caps, after treatment

Treat Entomophobia

Entomophobia is a fear of insects or other arthropods, from the Greek "ent" meaning insects and "phobia" meaning fear. Like all phobias, this fear must be intense, irrational and persistent in order to be considered a true clinical phobia. To diagnose entomophobia, the fear must also be out of proportion to the real or perceived threat from the insect and not the result of another mental disorder.

Instructions

1. Differentiate between entomophobia and delusions of parasitosis. Delusions of parasitosis is an imaginary insect infestation that can lead to cleansing rituals. This has a pathology more similar to obsessive compulsive disorders and is distinct from a true phobia.

2. Realize that entomophobia is becoming more common as fewer people have first-hand experience with insects and are less physically or mentally prepared for encountering them. The choice of insects as the phobic object may be logical because some of them represent a real danger. On the other hand, it may be symbolic or random.

3. Find out more about the specific phobic object. Many insects are completely harmless to humans and some basic education may reduce the extent of the phobia.

4. Seek professional help. The underlying cause of a clinical phobia will seldom resolve itself. Desensitization therapy, more formally known as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most common treatment and is successful 75 percent of the time, according to National Institute of Mental Health. Other treatments include insight, implosion and supportive therapy, drugs, hypnotic regression, modeling and reframing.

Tags: clinical phobia, fear must, phobic object

Hpv Effects

Human papillomavirus is a virus that primarily affects the cervix and the skin around the genital area. The most common symptoms are genital warts and abnormal cell changes in the cervix. There are about 20 million people in the United States with HPV and most sexually active adults will acquire an HPV infection at some point.

Transmission

All types of HPV are typically transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact, usually during vaginal or anal intercourse with an infected partner.

Genital Warts

The genital warts caused by low-risk types of HPV tend to be flesh-colored or white. They normally won't disappear without treatment and may even grow.

Size

The size of the genital warts is highly variable but can be too small to be seen. This means that a person can unknowingly transmit HPV to a sexual partner.

Growth

The growth of genital warts from HPV is highly variable and may not appear for years. The virus remains in the skin cells and may cause the warts to recur.

Cervical Changes

High-risk forms of HPV may cause changes in the cervical cells, which can lead to cervical cancer.

Tags: genital warts, highly variable

Activate A Phone With Sprint If Purchased On Ebay

A phone previously reported stolen cannot be activated by Sprint.

A cell phone will not allow incoming or outgoing calls until it is activated with a cell phone carrier. Purchasing a cell phone from eBay requires you to read the description of the phone carefully to ensure the phone is either unlocked or programmed to work with the Sprint network. Once you have purchased the phone and have it in your possession, you can have the phone activated and begin using the phone in only a few minutes.

Instructions

By Calling Sprint

1. Remove the battery and locate the electronic serial number (ESN). This number will be located under the battery and on a sticker. This number will either be an eight or eleven digit number. Write this number down.

2. Charge the battery so the phone is fully operational. You will need to follow the steps given to you by the Sprint customer service agent and will need your phone to do this.

3. Call Sprint customer service at 888-211-4727. Tell the agent that you would like to activate a new cell phone. Let the agent know if this phone will replace the phone you are currently using or if you will using this phone to add a new line to the account. Verify your account by providing the agent answers to the security questions she asks.

4. Follow the steps the Sprint agent gives you. She will provide you with a code to enter into your phone and may ask you to turn the phone on and off as well as follow a few more steps. Once you finish the call, your phone will be activated and ready to use.

Online

5. Login to your account by visiting sprint.com. Register for an account if you do not have a username and password already set up. Register by clicking "Get Started" followed by "Sign Up."

6. Open the "My Account" page and locate the area for the devices. Find the phone you currently have and want to replace with the new phone. Click "I Want To" and then "Activate a New Phone."

7. Follow the prompts on the following pages. You will be asked to enter the ESN under the battery. Once you complete the process, your phone will be operational.

Tags: cell phone, phone will, your phone, Activate Phone, customer service