Head lice are very small insects that live on the scalp, which is also where they lay their eggs. They survive longer when on the scalp, but how long can head lice live without body contact?
Contagious
Lice are commonly spread from person to person by sharing personal items such as combs, brushes, hats, helmets, scarves, clothing and headphones. Pets can be a carrier for the lice but the lice cannot survive long on an animal.
Reproduction
Females lay up to 400 eggs in their lifespan, which is spaced out to about eight eggs per day. These eggs hatch in one to two weeks.
Life Cycle
Head lice begin as empty eggs called nits. They attach themselves near the root of the hair with a substance that is like glue and cannot be simply washed away. When the eggs hatch, the nymphs feed on blood from the scalp.
Life Span
Nits, or lice eggs, can live for up to 10 days but will need to feed on human blood after hatching. Adult lice can live for up to one month on the head of a human but die within two to three days without body contact. The total life span of lice is 40 to 50 days, if you include the complete life cycle: egg, nymph and adult.
Fun Fact
The term "nitpicking" comes from the tedious process of combing through someone's hair to find and remove lice and their eggs.
Tags: without body contact, body contact, eggs hatch, lice live, their eggs
If you are suffering from anxiety and are unsure about treatment with medications, alternative therapies are worth investigating. One such method is the ancient Oriental remedy of acupuncture.
Mind and Body
Acupuncture takes the connection between the body and mind into consideration. Oriental medicine is practiced with the belief that internal causes of disease are caused by emotions. Imbalances in the body can cause anger, fear, sadness, joy and worry, and these emotions could cause harm to the body over time. Acupuncture serves to balance the body and the mind through a deep state of relaxation.
Causes of Anxiety
Mental health is suffering in the Western world due to a "work hard, play hard" mentality. Those who live by this motto will keep going until the point of utter exhaustion, while others will think too much and worry that they are not working or playing hard enough. The result of both life practices is anxiety as the mind and body are constantly in overdrive. With acupuncture, treatment allows rest and healing by tuning into key points of the body that also affect the mind. Patients feel the burden of daily living lift as they relax away their anxiety.
Physical Symptoms
People experience anxiety in a variety of ways, from chest pain and shortness of breath to nausea and headaches. Acupuncture is able to pinpoint each of these symptoms in order to heal the body. Acupuncturists have learned that most of these anxiety conditions relate to imbalances in the heart and kidneys. Excessive excitement of the heart can create an imbalance of "fire" in the body, according to Oriental medicine, causing anxiety and insomnia. The kidney is known as the "water organ" in the East, balancing the heart's fire; if the kidney is deficient in some way, the mind can become disturbed. This being the case, practitioners will pinpoint the heart, kidney and spleen to harmonize the body and mind.
Auricular Acupuncture
Researchers in China and Europe, as well as a 2001 study by the Yale University School of Medicine, have determined that points in the ear equate with anxiety; by placing needles in specific points on the ear, anxiety can be effectively reduced. Most auricular acupuncture therapies have been practiced together with body therapies in the past; however, stimulation of just ear acupoints has been known to aid in the relaxation of anxiety patients.
Neurotransmitters
Studies on acupuncture have concluded that body acupuncture has the potential to affect in the brain serotonin , a chemical that affects a person's emotional state. Instead of taking anti-anxiety medications that artificially supply serotonin or boost its production, it is possible to boost positively this chemical through acupuncture therapy.
Professional Comments
According to professional psychotherapist and acupuncturist Carol Morton, L.Ac., L.C.S.W., acupuncture for anxiety patients can be "highly effective in treating emotional problems" because of the mind-body link of the treatment. When Morton has treated patients with emotional problems, she usually observes a "corresponding physical component," which has led her to find acupuncture as "an effective way to address the whole person." Each needle is placed strategically to "bring energy into areas of deficiency and unblock the flow where there has been stagnation," Morton said. The National Institute of Health has supported acupuncture treatment for anxiety since it issued a statement to this effect in 1997.
Tags: body mind, acupuncture treatment, anxiety patients, emotional problems, Oriental medicine
The South Beach Diet is a well-known dietary strategy which takes the core elements of Atkins--high protein consumption and carb restriction--and tweaks them to make the system more accessible. It does this by allowing you to consume certain beneficial carbs while discouraging consumption of unhealthy fats. The South Beach Diet also has beneficial effects on metabolism. If you, or someone you know, is considering the South Beach Diet, what follows are the metabolic enhancements one can expect from adherence to this popular plan.
Metabolism Booster 1--Multiple Smaller Meals
The first way that the South Beach Diet positively affects your metabolism is through its recommendation of six smaller meals spaced evenly throughout the day. Smaller, frequent feedings have been shown to be one of the best ways to keep your metabolism running in high gear throughout the day. The constant food intake will force your body to become adapt at rapidly digesting ingested foods, keeping your metabolism burning bright and steady.
Metabolism Booster 2--Allowance of Carbs
Consuming carbs increases insulin production, which in turn maintains regular production of leptin. Leptin is a chemical which tells your brain whether it is "safe" to begin using fat for fuel. When leptin levels are low, as seen with a strict low-carb diet, the brain never receives that signal and eventually slows metabolic rate in response. The inclusion of carbs on the South Beach Diet means that leptin levels never drop, keeping your metabolism constant throughout the course of your dieting.
Metabolism Booster 3--Carbs and Energy
Furthermore, the allowed carbs in the South Beach Diet facilitates a high metabolism by allowing you to train harder than you would be able without. If you have ever been on a prolonged low-carb diet, you should be familiar with the resulting lethargy that appears at random. As a consequence of that, performance in the gym or on the track suffers, impairing the metabolic gains that you would ordinarily see from your workouts. The South Beach Diet avoids this by keeping you loaded with healthy carbs.
Metabolism Booster 4--Increased Calories
Consuming six healthy meals a day will normally mean you will be increasing your overall caloric intake, yet those on the South Beach Diet still lose weight rapidly. This occurs because metabolism is not a set figure, but a process which is constantly fluctuating in response to environmental changes. When you increase food intake and keep it consistently higher, metabolism naturally responds by increasing, as well. This is why South Beach Dieters often find themselves eating more but still dropping fat.
Metabolic Booster 5--Healthy Fat Intake
Increase in intake of healthy fats, especially the heart-healthy omega-3 fats found in seafood (which the South Beach Diet recommends heavily), is yet another way in which the diet boosts metabolism. Aside from boosting your metabolism, consumption of omega-3 fats can also decrease levels of abdominal fat, improvements in mood and increased levels of satiety.
Tags: South Beach, Beach Diet, South Beach Diet, your metabolism, Metabolism Booster, carbs South
Metabolife is one of the most popular dietary, weight loss supplements on the market due to its fat burning abilities. One of the reasons this supplement has been so effective is because of its key ingredient, ephedra. This stimulant burns fat, but in doing so, it constricts the blood vessels and stimulates the heart. Its effect has been linked to more than 100 deaths and numerous other health ailments. When considering this supplement as a means of shedding pounds, you should weigh the health risks involved.
Function
The ephedra in Metabolife works to not only suppress the appetite, but speed the body's metabolism as well. The caffeine in the supplement works to increase energy levels while prolonging the effectiveness of the ephedra.
Health Risks
Users of Metabolife can, and have, experienced increased blood pressure, heart rate, chest pain, heart attacks, strokes and death.
Causes
The ephedra stimulates the central nervous system and the heart, resulting in the aforementioned health risks. When combined with the caffeine in Metabolife, the risks are even greater.
Considerations
Metabolife states on its packaging that one should not exceed more than 90 milligrams a day of ephedra. However the FDA has currently proposed that this amount be lowered to 24 milligrams, as well as placing a ban on the ephedra/caffeine combination; these proposals are currently waiting approval.
Warning
If you choose to take Metabolife, be sure to stop consumption immediately if you experience any of the health problems previously mentioned. You will also want to visit your doctor for a check-up to ensure no severe damage has been caused.
A common side effect of a lung lobectomy procedure is the incapacity to fill the remaining lungs with air. One of the gentlest and consistently effective ways to increase lung capacity following a lobectomy is to practice yoga breathing techniques.
Instructions
1. Contact your physician (preferably the doctor who performed your lobectomy) about your current lung fitness. Request clear information as to your readiness to begin lung exercises to improve lung capacity. Do not proceed unless given the go-ahead from your physician.
2. Begin breathing exercises by sitting on a yoga pillow or other comfortable sitting surface. Ensure that all extraneous noises are minimized and turn off any possible causes of distraction.
3. Breathe in to your current lung capacity and time your inhale through your nose with a stopwatch. Hold your breath for at least five seconds before slowly exhaling from the mouth. Time your exhale in order to match or exceed your inhale time and breathe out until your lungs are empty.
4. Perform nine more of these deep-breathing exercises, increasing the amount of time you are able to "puraka", or inhale, as well as the amount of your "rechaka" or exhale. Time each session of inhale, retention, and exhale until you are comfortable holding your breath for a longer period of time, eventually reaching a ratio of 1:4:2 with the timing of your breath.
5. Repeat this step three times a day every day, each session occupying no more than 15 minutes. Immediately discontinue breathing practice if you feel any discomfort of the lungs.
6. Practice the Hatha Pranayama yoga technique of strong breathing. Begin standing with your feet side-by-side and your fingers interlacing. Raise your hands so that your knuckles touch the bottom of your chin and press your elbows tightly together.
7. Inhale slowly through the mouth while expanding your elbows out to the side, raising the tips as high as you can comfortably manage while keeping your fingers locked. Tighten your stomach in order to squeeze air throughout the body. Hold your breath.
8. Exhale powerfully while tilting your head back and pressing your elbows together in the space in front of you in a "squeezing" motion. Keep your back straight and press your head as far back as you feel comfortable until your exhale is complete.
9. Repeat the exercise for five minutes. Discontinue if you experience any dizziness or feelings of nausea or pain. Perform these exercises consistently and your lung capacity will dramatically improve.
Tags: your breath, your elbows, current lung, each session, head back
Humans have chewed gum or gum-like substances since the beginning of time. There is evidence of chewing on lumps of tree resin for enjoyment that dates back to pre-historic times. Chewing gum tricks the body into thinking it is going to receive food, therefore the stomach starts releasing digestive enzymes. This can result in stomachaches, jaw aches and bloating among other health concerns. Although chewing gum can seem like an essential part of your day, it is important to break the cycle to maintain a healthy digestive tract and healthy teeth.
Instructions
1. Try to wean yourself off the gum. Like any addiction, you have to truly want to stop in order to break free of the habit. If you chew a pack a day, for example, start chewing 3/4 of a pack, then 1/2 a pack, then a few pieces, etc. Also try cutting down the amount of time you spend chewing gum. For example, if you normally chew gum in 30 minute intervals try decreasing chewing time to 20, 15, 10 and five minutes.
2. Find healthy alternatives to chew on when you miss the sensation of chewing. Mints are often recommended when people are trying to stop smoking and can also be effective at helping break a chewing gum habit. Replacing chewing gum with other sugary substances like candy however will likely have the same effect as chewing gum in that you are coating your teeth and gums with sugar. Carrot and celery sticks are two options for healthy chewing alternatives.
3. Look into hypnosis if you cannot seem to break your habit. While it does not work on all people hypnosis has been utilized as an effective tool for quitting smoking among other bad habits, including gum chewing. Thoroughly research hypnosis options in your area to make sure you find a reputable hypnotherapist.
One of the most common kinds of tendon inflammation, De Quervain's tenosynovitis syndrome causes pain at the base of the thumb when moving the thumb away from the hand. The inflammation affects the fluid-filled sheath, or synovium, that surrounds the tendon. This disorder causes difficulty in gripping or hand-twisting motions. Like carpal tunnel syndrome or tennis elbow, this injury usually results from overuse.
Symptoms
Some people with De Quervain's tenosynovitis syndrome also experience pain and swelling on the wrist near the thumb. Pain may increase when moving either the thumb or the wrist, and people might feel pain when pressure is applied there.
Gender and Age
Women are more likely to have De Quervain's tenosynovitis syndrome than men are, and people between 30 and 50 years old are more commonly afflicted.
Considerations
Pregnant women are more likely to get the syndrome, as are people with diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.
Treatment
Treatment usually involves splinting the thumb and wrist to prevent movement. Doctors may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication to reduce pain.
Surgery
Most people respond well to splinting and medication, but sometimes surgery is necessary to release the tendons.
Tags: Quervain tenosynovitis, Quervain tenosynovitis syndrome, tenosynovitis syndrome, more likely, people with, thumb wrist
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), an agency of the National Institutes of Health, estimates that 80 percent of adults in the United States suffer from periodontal disease at any given time. Also called simply gum disease, the condition can lead to many uncomfortable and unsightly complications if not diagnosed and treated before it progresses.
Origin
When the bacteria in the mouth combines with other substances present, such as saliva and mucus, it becomes part of the plaque that hardens to form tartar. Tartar then hosts even more bacteria, which loosens the tissue supporting the teeth and causes increasingly larger pockets between the teeth and the surrounding gum tissue.
Gingivitis
The first primary stage of periodontal disease is characterized by inflamed gums that are swollen and bleed easily. However, it is reversible with proper oral hygiene because no actual bone or teeth has eroded yet.
Periodontitis
The second primary stage of periodontal disease is an infection that occurs when the bacteria-filled plaque in the mouth causes the gums to recede. Underlying bone and tissue then deteriorate, eventually producing loose and lost teeth.
Prevention
To prevent periodontal disease, brush your teeth twice daily, floss daily, eat a balanced and healthy diet and schedule a dental check-up and cleaning every 6 months. If warning signs like bleeding gums, bad breath or loose teeth occur, consult a dentist as needed.
Risks
Several known risks that can precipitate periodontal disease include diabetes, tobacco use, some medications and stress. People at risk should be particularly diligent about taking care of their teeth and visit dentists regularly.
Cubic zirconia is a synthetic material that has been produced since 1976. It is a crystalline compound composed of the elements zirconium and oxygen. When cut to the proper shape, cubic zirconia (CZ) resembles a diamond. Since the 1970s it has been a substitute product for diamonds in jewelry and fashion.
Origins
Cubic zirconia was first produced in the 1970s but its development extends back much further. The first natural cubic zirconia was identified in 1937 by German scientists M. V. Stackelberg and K. Chudoba. The zirconia they discovered was microscopic but, unlike other similar compounds that had already been discovered, it had a cubic structure like that of a diamond. Although the potential uses for a diamond-like substance were many, especially in the field of optics, Stackelberg and Chudoba did not believe their discovery to be of any importance.
Development
As the need for a diamond substitute became clear, scientists began to explore ways of growing cubic zirconia in useful quantities. In the 1960s, French scientists discovered a means of growing small cubic zirconia crystals. It wasn't until 1973 that Russian scientists at Moscow's Lebedev Physical Institute announced their success in growing cubic zirconia in a specially designed crucible that could withstand the extremely high temperatures needed for the compound to form. In 1976, cubic zirconia was produced for scientific and commercial applications, making several earlier materials obsolete such as the synthetic forms of strontium titanate, yttrium aluminum garnet and gadolinium gallium garnet.
Characteristics
In appearance and practical use, cubic zirconia resembles diamonds in many ways. It is an isometric compound and is extremely dense (even more dense than a diamond). In terms of hardness, cubic zirconia is rated at around 8 on the Mohs hardness scale while diamonds are harder, rated 10. Cubic zirconia also affects the light that passes through it in ways similar to a diamond, making it a good substitute in optical and aesthetic applications. Both materials have a high refractive index and high dispersions. Cubic zirconia can also be produced with a number of color tints.
Differences from Diamonds
Cubic zirconia does differ from diamonds in several important ways. While most diamonds have some natural flaws, cubic zirconia is essentially flawless with a consistent composition throughout. It can also be produced to be colorless, which is a quality very desirable, but seldom found, in natural diamonds. Most examples of cubic zirconia would receive a perfect D rating on the scale of diamond colorlessness.
Since it is chemically different, cubic zirconia is generally cut with differently shaped facets than those of a diamond. Finally, cubic zirconia reacts differently to heat, acting as a thermal insulator, whereas diamonds are conductors of heat.
Reputation
Another important difference between cubic zirconia and diamonds is the fact that cubic zirconia is synthetic and therefore lacks the scarcity that contributes to the cost and appeal of natural diamonds. This leads many people to regard cubic zirconia as an inauthentic diamond substitute. Cubic zirconia jewelry is often considered to be tasteless, as the wearer or purchaser may be attempting to lead others to believe that they are wearing the more expensive diamonds.
Shiatsu is a massage therapy that originated in Japan. Unlike other massage techniques, shiatsu uses the palms and elbows. A shiatsu session can last an hour, or more. When performed properly, a shiatsu massage can help relieve arthritis, muscle spasms, stiffness and joint pains. Getting a shiatsu massage once or twice a week promotes good health and circulation. The best place to perform a shiatsu massage is on the floor.
Instructions
1. Instruct your subject to lie down on the floor, face up. Ask him to breathe deeply for ten minutes so oxygen penetrates his muscles. This will allow a more comfortable massage.
2. Massage the face and head with your fingers and palms using rhythmic kneading motions for 15 minutes. This will enhance blood circulation and give the face a healthy glow.
3. Massage the neck and shoulders with your palms and thumbs in a clockwise rotation for ten minutes. Alternate up and down the neck and use light pressure. This will open up your patient's energy channels.
4. Slide your palms and fingers down the arms and chest, gently kneading in circular motions for 15 minutes. Continue kneading the sides of the abdomen to help the kidneys excrete toxins.
5. Use your elbows to work on the thighs, legs and feet for 15 minutes. Apply pressure by rocking back and forth while on your knees. When you reach the feet, stretch them upwards with your hands. This technique enhances blood circulation.
6. Instruct your patient to breathe deeply for five minutes after the massage. Ask her to slowly sit up. Always offer your patients a glass of water after the massage to help flush out toxins.
Tags: This will, with your, after massage, blood circulation, breathe deeply, Instruct your
Herbs for sexual stamina also have other health benefits.
There are several herbs recommended for boosting sexual stamina. Their ability to improve sexual performance stems from their overall medicinal properties, such as increasing energy, improving circulation, helping the body adapt to stress, or serving as a tonic for the reproductive system. Such properties give these herbs additional therapeutic benefits. While most herbs are safe, if you have existing health problems or are taking other medication, you need to consult a health professional before using herbs.
Energy
Boosting the body's energy is vital for sexual stamina and herbs from the Ginseng family have long been used for this purpose. Panax or Korean Ginseng is the most common species. According to the type, Ginseng contains varying amounts of ginsenosides, which contributes to its use as an energy tonic. The herb is also used by cancer and diabetic patients to improve overall health and as a treatment for hypertension.
Circulation
Increasing blood flow to sexual organs is important for sexual performance. Circulatory herbs such as Gingko Biloba are commonly used for this function. Gingko dilates and strengthens blood vessels and prevents blood clots, which improves blood circulation throughout the body. Thus Gingko is used for stroke and memory loss prevention and for treating dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Ginkgo also contains flavonoids with antioxidant properties that protect against cell damage.
Adaptogens
Stress is a key factor in low sexual stamina and adaptogenic herbs help the body adapt to stressful conditions. There are several adaptogenic herbs, including Damiana, Ashwagandha and Ginseng. These herbs stimulate the immune system and are used as general health tonics or as treatment for depression, anxiety and insomnia. The Ayurvedic herb Ashwagandha also contains withanolides, which has anti-cancer properties.
Reproductive System
A malfunctioning reproductive system inevitably leads to sexual problems. Thus herbs used to treat conditions such as urinary tract infections and prostate problems will have a knock-on effect on sexual performance. Commonly used herbs for male reproductive health include Saw Palmetto,which is believed to prevent the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, a process which enlarges the prostate. It is also traditionally used to treat urinary tract infections, and is often combined with Damiana and Kola as a tonic.
Tags: sexual performance, sexual stamina, adaptogenic herbs, also contains, body adapt, There several, tract infections
Children start to lose their baby teeth around age 4 or 5, and the process continues for several years. Usually it happens smoothly, with baby teeth falling out and their permanent replacements growing into the vacated spaces. Sometimes there are minor problems with the process. One of the most common is a condition called "shark teeth," which simply means that a permanent tooth comes in before the baby tooth is shed.
Definition
Shark teeth is a term used to describe the situation when a child's permanent teeth start to grow in before she loses her baby teeth. If a baby tooth is in the way, the permanent tooth simply sprouts up behind it. This gives the child two rows of teeth at once. The nickname comes from the fact that sharks also have a double row of teeth. Although shark teeth are most common with the lower incisors, they can also happen when the upper incisors or primary molars grow in.
Cause
As youngsters grow, their permanent teeth usually dissolve the roots of their baby teeth. Once the root is nearly gone, a baby tooth gets loose. Eventually it will fall out, and many children accelerate the process by wiggling it and pulling on it. Then the permanent tooth can grow in the empty spot. With shark teeth, the root doesn't dissolve quickly enough. The baby tooth stays in place, and the permanent tooth works its way up in the space behind it.
Timeframe
The Cyber Dentist pediatric dentistry site says that shark teeth can happen at any time, but they are most common during two periods in a child's development. The first time is around age 6, when the lower front teeth usually grow in. The second is around age 11, when the upper back molars appear.
Assessment
The Great Grins dental clinic says that shark teeth often don't need any treatment. If a permanent tooth hasn't come in all the way and the baby tooth is getting progressively looser, you don't have to worry about it because the situation will probably resolve on its own. If the new tooth continues to grow in and the baby tooth doesn't loosen, you should take your child to the dentist.
Treatment
Once a permanent tooth comes in completely behind the baby tooth, there is nothing to push or dissolve the root. This allows the baby tooth to stay in place. A dentist can treat this by extracting the baby tooth. The new tooth typically moves forward into the correct place once the obstruction is gone. It can take a few weeks, or even months, to completely move into position.
Tags: baby tooth, permanent tooth, baby teeth, shark teeth, most common, around when
A sprained ankle is the stretching or tearing of ligaments in your ankle. Your ankle is a joint and the ligaments hold that joint and bone into place, preventing it from making unnatural movements. Sprained ankles are common sports injuries but you could also get one tripping or falling over something. There are three types of ankle sprains. A Grade 1 sprain is the mildest and only involves slight stretching of the ligaments. Grade 2 sprains involve some partial tearing and Grade 3 sprains, the most serious, are a complete tear of the ankle ligament. If you think you are suffering from a sprain in your ankle, follow the steps below to have it diagnosed.
Instructions
1. Recognize the symptoms of an ankle sprain, including swelling and bruising in your ankle. A sprained ankle will hurt when you try to put weight on it. You may also have a hard time moving your ankle. Some people say that during an ankle sprain injury, they heard the joint pop.
2. Seek medical advice. Your doctor will want to know the exact details on how you injured your ankle. He will evaluate your ankle through a physical exam. He will check for tender areas on the ankle and move it around to check your range of motion. Any time you feel pain during the exam, you should tell your doctor so that he can note it.
3. After the physical exam, you doctor will probably run a few tests to verify the ankle sprain and rule out any more serious conditions. He may have X-rays taken of your ankle to rule out a broken bone. In some cases a computerized tomography (CT) scan or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is used to determine the severity of the ankle sprain. Both of these scans show a little more detail about the soft tissues that surround your ankle and can identify any tissue damage.
Tags: your ankle, ankle sprain, your ankle, ankle will, doctor will
Sufferers from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome often go through long periods (often months) of extreme tiredness. Strangely enough, doctors don't have a clear understanding of exactly what causes Chronic Fatigue. If you are experiencing Chronic Fatigue you have many effective options on treat and cure it. The steps below will focus on the most effective ways to cure Chronic Fatigue.
Instructions
1. Getting Started
To start it is important to know that there are no tests that can determine whether you do or do not have Chronic Fatigue. Many people who believe they have Chronic Fatigue often are experiencing fatigue as a symptom of another syndrome or condition. If you are experiencing tiredness and fatigue consult a physician to make sure that it is not a symptom of a more serious condition.
2. Natural Supplements
Consider purchasing supplements specially formulated for sufferers of Chronic Fatigue. Many such supplements contain natural energy boosters that will help fight fatigue and help get you through your day.
Also consider taking vitamin supplements such as B Vitamins, Vitamin C, Magnesium, and Iron.
3. Improve Sleeping Habits
Healthy sleeping habits are an important part to treating Chronic Fatigue. As a rule of thumb try to get about 7-8 hours of sleep at a decent hour every night. Avoid oversleeping and taking prescription sleeping pills. If you have trouble sleeping, consider taking a natural sleep supplement such as Melatonin.
4. Diet
Be sure to make proper changes to your diet. People who suffer from Chronic Fatigue should eat plenty of vitamin-rich vegetables,protein, and carbs. Be sure to cut alcohol, tabacco, and caffeine from your diet.
5. Support Groups
Consider joining a Chronic Fatigue Syndrome support group. Such groups will give you a chance to share what you go through as well meet and learn from other people with the same syndrome. Support groups give you a better understanding of a condition and an outlet for you to talk about it.
According to the Mayo Clinic, blood pressure medication treats the causes of high blood pressure and may postpone advancement of heart disease and stroke. People taking blood pressure medications should have regular medical checkups by a doctor to confirm effectiveness and watch for any side effects.
Function
The function of blood pressure medication is to control high blood pressure and bring it to a healthier level. Blood pressure medications work on different causes of high blood pressure.
Diuretics
Diuretics get rid of extra salt in the blood by affecting kidney function, and are usually the first type of blood pressure medication prescribed.
ACE Inhibitors
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors widen blood vessels to lower high blood pressure.
Beta Blockers
Beta blockers decrease the amount of work the heart has to do by lowering the heart rate.
Calcium Channel Blockers
Calcium channel blockers relax muscle cells in the heart and decrease the force of the heart beat to lower blood pressure.
Types
Vasodilators widen the openings of heart vessels to allow more blood to pass through, which lowers blood pressure.
Warning
According to the Mayo Clinic, diabetics may have sudden changes in blood sugar from taking blood pressure medications. Due to the risk of heart attack or stroke, diabetics should not stop taking blood pressure medication without a doctor's approval.
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects 2 million Americans. It is characterized by seizures that cannot be explained by fever or illness. Although there are more than 30 different classifications of seizures, they are divided into two basic categories: focal seizures, sometimes referred to as partial seizures, and generalized seizures.
Types
Focal seizures occur in one area of the brain and affect 60% of those with epilepsy. These seizures may be referred to by the part of the brain affected, such as temporal lobe or frontal lobe seizures.
Generalized seizures are the result of seizure activity in both sides of the brain.
Features
Focal seizures are classified as either simple or complex. In a simple focal seizure the person remains conscious but may experience a wide variety of emotions. The senses of hearing, seeing and taste may also be involved. In a complex focal seizure the person may experience altered consciousness and may behave in unusual or odd ways. His actions may seem automated, and may not make sense in the situation. He may appear to be in a dreamlike state or trance.
Generalized seizures generally involve a lack of consciousness, except for the petit mal, or absence, seizure. In this type of seizure the person may stare momentarily or appear to be daydreaming. Absence seizures can occur many times a day and are often overlooked. The person may appear to be forgetful or as though he has not been paying attention, when in reality he was momentarily unaware of those around him. The grand mal, or tonic-clonic, seizure is characterized by a loss of consciousness with a stiffening and convulsing of large muscles throughout the body.
Time Frame
Although a seizure may seem to onlookers to last a long time, they rarely last more than a few minutes. Absence seizures may last only a few seconds. Under normal circumstances medical intervention is not needed. Check with your health-care provider for details on when you or your child should seek medical attention.
Seizures lasting more than 30 minutes are classified as status epilepticus. This is a serious condition and must receive immediate medical attention. Status epilepticus can lead to death if not treated promptly.
Effects
In most cases, seizures do not pose a health risk, but they may limit mobility. Some states prohibit those with a history of epilepsy from obtaining a driver's license unless they provide documentation from a physician that they have been seizure-free for a certain length of time. People with epilepsy, especially schoolchildren, may face isolation or teasing due to their condition and the lack of understanding of those around them. Children with undiagnosed absence seizures are often labeled as lazy or inattentive or as daydreamers and may suffer academic difficulties as a result of the seizures.
Prevention/Solution
Many people with epilepsy are treated successfully with oral medication alone; 50% to 60% of adults will gain control of seizure activity with the first medication. A smaller segment, 10% to 20%, will require additional medications. Only 20% to 30% of those with epilepsy will require treatment beyond oral medications. A vagus nerve stimulator may be inserted under the skin in the chest or neck area to intercept electrical impulses, and surgery can be performed to remove the damaged portion of the brain.
Tags: with epilepsy, more than, seizure person, those with, Absence seizures
In general, pregnant women should avoid taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications unless they are specifically approved by an OB/GYN or other health care professional who is aware of the pregnancy, since medications may cause birth defects or pregnancy complications. Some doctors provide patients with a list of medications that are considered safe during pregnancy on their first prenatal visit, and require approval for anything else.
Types
The main types of medications pregnant women might take include prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and natural remedies. None of these types of medications, including one that are all natural, are necessarily safe. In general, topical and low-dose medications such as anti-itch creams and sore throat sprays are more likely to be okay than those that are taken internally, especially at high or regular doses, but pregnant women should still avoid them without a doctor's approval. While some drugs, including those that affect the blood pressure, such as ACE inhibitors and many migraine medications, are known to be potentially harmful during pregnancy, the risk of other drugs is still under debate.
Identification
Most prescription and over-the-counter drugs contain warnings for pregnant women on outside of the box or in the information pamphlet. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) labels drugs as class "A," "B," "C," "D" or "X" for use during pregnancy. Class "A" drugs have been proven safe for pregnant women. Class "B" drugs have not been proven safe for pregnant women, but may have been safe in animal studies. Class "C" drugs have been proven harmful in animals, and have not been proven safe in humans. Class "D" drugs have been proven to cause birth defects or other harm, but their benefits may outweigh the risks in some cases. Class "X" drugs are known to be harmful to pregnant women or their babies, and should be completely avoided during pregnancy.
Time Frame
Some medications are most harmful during the first trimester of pregnancy, while others only need to be avoided during the last few weeks. For some drugs, the FDA may assign them one classification in early pregnancy and another classification in late pregnancy. Medications such as accutane (a prescription acne drug) and Thalidomide can cause severe birth defects if taken in early, or even shortly before, pregnancy, and Soriatane or acitretin (a psoriasis drug) can cause birth defects up to 3 years after a woman stops taking it. Other medications, such as aspirin, may cause excessive bleeding if a woman takes them in the hours or days before delivery.
Effects
Some medications, such as thalidomide, are now well known to cause severe birth defects such as missing limbs, heart problems and digestive disorders. For other medications, the effects are less clear. Drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen (Aleve) may cause heart defects in the baby, especially late in pregnancy, but may be safe at occasional, low doses earlier on. While some medications such as anti-depressants may not cause obvious birth defects or complications, doctors still aren't sure whether they may have more subtle long-term effects on a child's development.
Considerations
In many cases, the effects of medications on pregnant women and their babies have not been adequately studied. Since doctors cannot say for sure that many drugs do not cause birth defects or pregnancy complications for the mother, they often recommend avoiding medications unless they are absolutely necessary to be on the safe side. In each case, the doctor will weigh the potential risks and benefits of a drug, and any less risky alternatives, before recommending which medications a pregnant woman should take. For example, doctors may continue to treat women who have a disorder that makes them prone to blood clots with daily doses of aspirin, but recommend that women who have mild headaches use a safer alternative, such as acetaminophen, cold compresses or relaxation techniques instead.
Tags: pregnant women, birth defects, have been, been proven, Class drugs
There are three main varieties of the Tulsi plant, which is a plant native to India with purple-colored flowers that is revered for its medicinal uses and for its importance to the Hindu religion. The three types of Tulsi (or Holy Basil) plant are Vana, Krishna and Ram, though Vana--or wild-leaf Tulsi--is less often cultivated for medicinal purposes.
Rama (or Gori) Tulsi
Rama Tulsi, sometimes referred to as Gori, meaning white, is characterized by light-green leaves and small purple flowers. Rama Tulsi has a mellower taste than other Tulsi varieties, and it delivers a cooling sensation to the body. Rama--found in regions of China, Brazil, Nepal and India--emits a strong aroma, and is used to enhance the immune system, fight fungus and combat bacteria.
Krishna (or Shyam) Tulsi
Krishna Tulsi--sometimes called Shyam, meaning black--has dark red or purple leaves, and is said to have greater potency than other varieties. Krishna--most often grown in India--is also a physically bigger plant than the Rama, and has a peppery taste. Some primarily medicinal uses for Krishna include treatment of sore throats, respiratory illnesses, earaches and skin diseases.
Vana (or Kutherak) Tulsi
Vana Tulsi (Ocimum gratissimum) is a wild variety of Tulsi grown in the Himalayas and the plains of India. Green in color, with white flowers, Vana Tulsi is a robust plant that is less frequently cultivated by humans for medicinal purposes than its relatives, Rama and Krishna.
Tags: medicinal purposes, medicinal uses, Rama Tulsi, than other, Vana Tulsi
Wristech manufactures a line of small blood pressure monitors designed for convenience and portability. Because these monitors attach to your wrist with a Velcro strap, you can take them anywhere and check your blood pressure at any time. You can learn to operate one of these blood pressure monitors quickly, even if you don't know much about medical equipment or electronics.
Instructions
1. Slide the battery door off of the rear of the unit and insert AAA batteries into the battery compartment. Replace the battery door.
2. Slide your hand through the wrist straps, or undo the straps and wrap them around your wrist. Be sure the LCD display portion of the unit is over the inside of your wrist.
3. Press the "Start" or "Begin" button on the unit's front control pad and you will feel the monitor straps tighten around your wrist. The straps will automatically adjust to the appropriate tightness.
4. Wait until the straps release the air pressure, and a moment later the blood pressure will be displayed on screen. The systolic reading will be on top and the diastolic reading will be on the bottom.
Tags: blood pressure, your wrist, around your, around your wrist, battery door, blood pressure monitors, pressure monitors
Yoga is a valuable form of exercise for runners to add to their routines. It stretches and loosens your muscles, helping you to avoid pain and injury. While you may choose to take a yoga class, you can also add yoga poses to your warm-up and cool-down routines to take advantage of their benefits.
Instructions
1. Do the Downward-Facing Dog pose. Start with your hands and knees on the floor, then slowly push your hips up until you form a triangle. Press your heels and hands down to the floor, straightening your knees.
2. Try the Hero pose. Start with your hands and knees on the floor, with your feet slightly wider apart than your ankles and pointing backwards. Slowly lower your hips to the floor (or as close as possible) and sit tall and straight.
3. Hold the Warrior I pose. Stand with your feet 3 1/2 feet apart with your hands raised above your head. Turn your back foot 90 degrees to the side, bend your front knee over your ankle and reach for the sky.
4. Use the Spinal Twist. Sit with your legs extended ahead of you, and your hands on the floor behind you. Lift your left leg, moving your left foot over your right knee and placing it flat on the floor beside your knee. Twist your upper body the opposite direction and place your right elbow outside your left knee. Your left hand goes on the floor behind your spine. Repeat twisting in the opposite direction.
Tags: with your, your hands, with your hands, floor behind, hands knees
Esophageal cancer attacks the lining of the esophagus---the tube that leads from the mouth to the stomach. The cancer can appear at any point along the esophageal tube, but most often will appear near the bottom portion closer to the stomach. Many people diagnosed with esophageal cancer don't display symptoms. Researchers remain uncertain what exactly causes esophageal cancer. Treatment availability is determined by the progression of the cancer (esophageal cancer is rated as Stage 1 to Stage 4 in severity).
Endoscopic Surgery
One of the most common methods to treat esophageal cancer is to operate on the esophagus and remove the cancer. Endoscopic surgery may be performed if the cancer is caught early and the tumor or tumors are small. Endoscopic surgery is performed through a small incision through which an endoscope (a long, narrow tube with a camera attached to one end) is utilized to pinpoint the location of the tumor. The tumor is then removed.
Esophagectomy
An esophagectomy is performed to remove tumors and a potion of the esophagus where tumors were found. Surgeons will also remove nearby lymph nodes to prevent cancerous cells from migrating to other parts of the body via the lymph system. The severed end of the esophagus is connected to the stomach with sutures. If the portion of the esophagus that is removed is large, the surgeon may opt to replace the missing section with a portion of colon.
Esophagogastrectomy
Severe stages of esophageal cancer may require the necessity of removing a portion of the esophagus as well as surrounding lymph nodes and even the upper portion of the stomach.
Chemotherapy
In conjunction with surgery, chemotherapy, a chemical injected into the vein of a person diagnosed with cancer, is often utilized to kill any stray cancer cells still in the body. Chemotherapy drugs are very powerful and can kill healthy as well as damaged or diseased cells.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation is used in conjunction with chemotherapy, or alone, to kill cancer cells following surgery. Unlike chemotherapy, radiation is a form of high-energy beams focused on specific areas of the body.
Tags: esophageal cancer, cancer cells, conjunction with, diagnosed with, Endoscopic surgery
The success rates of in vitro fertilization, or IVF, treatment vary based on a number of factors, such as maternal age, number of embryos transferred, and whether or not you are doing a cycle with fresh or frozen embryos.
Impact of Age on IVF Success
Success is highest for women under 35 with no health issues and lowest for women over 40 with low ovarian reserve or other reproductive health problems.
Fresh Embryo Transfer Success Rates
In cycles using fresh embryos and a woman's own eggs, 39.6 percent of women under age 35 achieved pregnancies via IVF that resulted in live birth. That percentage declines steadily with age and women over the age of 40 have an 11.5 percent chance of a pregnancy resulting in live birth.
Frozen Embryo Transfer Success Rates
In cycles using frozen embryos and a woman's own eggs, 33.6 percent of women under the age of 35 achieved a pregnancy that resulted in live birth. Again, the number declines with age. Women over the age of 40 have a 20.8 percent chance of a pregnancy that results in a live birth using frozen embryos.
Age Related Variables
As women get older the average number of embryos transferred increases, and the likelihood that the IVF cycle will be canceled due to overstimulation or other complications also increases.
Considerations
These statistics are based on women who have pregnancies resulting in live birth. The percentage of women who achieve pregnancy in each category is slightly higher.
Tags: live birth, frozen embryos, women under, chance pregnancy, cycles using, eggs percent, eggs percent women
Medical bills can be confusing. Although itemized, they contain codes that you may not be familiar with. Usually these codes are followed by a description, but sometimes even the description can be vague. Knowing understand what is being billed can help you determine if you are financially responsible or if the bill should be sent to your insurance company or a third party for payment.
Instructions
1. Look for the diagnosis code listed next to the name of the diagnosis for which you were treated. Diagnosis codes are 3-digit numbers and may be followed by a decimal point with up to 2 more numbers after the decimal point. These are standard codes used by all medical billers when completing a claim form. They are referred to as International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9) codes.
2. Locate the description of the service(s) for which payment is being sought, such as an office visit, colonoscopy or lab work. Each service or procedure is assigned a 5-digit number. These are called Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes and, like ICD-9 codes, they are standard. Unlike diagnosis codes, procedure codes do not contain decimal points.
3. Notice the corresponding diagnosis for each procedure billed. There can be more than one diagnosis assigned to the same procedure and vice versa. However, all procedures must be associated with at least one diagnosis.
4. Make sure that the services being billed were actually performed. An insurance company has the right to request medical records to substantiate the billed procedures. Even if all the procedures that are being billed were performed, some codes may not be separately payable. For example, during a doctor's visit, your doctor may take your temperature and check your lungs; these services are considered to be a part of your office visit and should not be billed as separate charges.
5. Identify the billed amount for each procedure and the total. If you paid your co-payment at the time of the visit, the bill should reflect this. Please note that billed charges for the same procedure vary from doctor to doctor. Generally, doctors bill their standard rate even if they have a contract with an insurance company to accept a certain rate as payment in full. Doctors that are contracted with insurance companies are generally prohibited from billing patients for the difference between the billed amount and the amount paid by the insurance company.
Tags: insurance company, being billed, being billed were, bill should, billed amount
It's not unusual for a dog to periodically suffer from constipation. If you notice your dog straining while trying to do his business, only to pass a small amount of very dry poo--or none at all--odds are good the dog is constipated. In general, canine constipation is not a serious condition, and it is simple to remedy. However, if the situation goes unnoticed, it could lead to more significant health problems for your pooch. Fortunately, there are many at home treatment alternatives for your pet. To help your dog recover from constipation, choose one of the options listed in the guide below.
Instructions
1. Feed the dog 1 to 2 teaspoons of pureed pumpkin. It has plenty of dietary fiber. It is nutritious and has high water content. It is also palatable to most dogs. If the dog does not seem interested in eating the pumpkin, try spreading it over a dog biscuit or adding it to the food. Make sure you use pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling which has unhealthy added sugar.
2. Switch from dry dog food to canned. Compare the labels and choose the brand which uses the lowest percentage of grains. Grains are difficult for your dog to digest, and too much grain intake can be one of the causes of canine constipation.
3. Mix 1 teaspoon of olive oil, mineral oil or cod liver oil into the dog food. A little oil goes a long way, and too much can give your dog diarrhea. A spoonful at mealtime can encourage her to eat and ease her constipation.
4. Give the dog 1 cup of chicken broth with ½ teaspoon ginger mixed in. Ginger is commonly used to treat the symptoms of a wide variety of digestive ailments, including constipation. If the dog refuses ginger, try putting 1 tablespoon of Aloe Vera juice in her water.
5. Increase the dog's fiber intake by adding high fiber foods--such as bran flakes or broccoli--to her dog food. Alternatively, stir a can of green beans into the evening meal. Commercial fiber supplements should be used with great care and only in very small quantities. Simply ½ a teaspoon twice a day should do the trick. Be sure to avoid using a product that has added sugar or artificial colors.
6. Encourage the dog to exercise and make sure they have access to plenty of fresh water. A long walk or a 20 minute session of chasing the ball in the back yard can kick a slow-moving system into gear, and the exercise will encourage the dog to drink more. Dehydration is one of the most common causes of dog constipation.
7. Give the dog a small bowl of milk as a last resort, as lactose intolerance runs rampant in dogs. In small quantities, the good it may do should outweigh any negative effects.
Tags: added sugar, canine constipation, constipation Give, from constipation, Home Remedy, Home Remedy Constipation
According to the Brain Aneurysm Foundation (BAF), a brain aneurysm is the bulging of a blood vessel in the brain that can rupture and bleed, causing serious brain complications. BrainAneurysm.com reports that nearly one in 15 people in the United States will be diagnosed with a brain aneurysm in their lifetime.
Types
Unruptured brain aneurysms do not cause health problems, says the Mayo Clinic. Ruptured brain aneurysms can lead to stroke, brain damage and death.
Symptoms
The most common symptom of a ruptured aneurysm is an extremely sudden, severe headache. The Mayo Clinic reports other symptoms may occur, including: double vision, sensitivity to light, nausea, seizure and loss of consciousness.
Warning
The Mayo Clinic warns that a ruptured aneurysm constitutes a medical emergency and requires immediate attention. Fifty percent of ruptured aneurysms result in death.
Risk Factors
According to the Brain Aneurysm Foundation, certain factors can increase the risk of developing a brain aneurysm, including: smoking, high blood pressure, blood infections, high alcohol consumption and head trauma. Those with a family history of brain aneurysm are also more at risk.
Complications
A ruptured brain aneurysm can cause serious damage to the brain, reports the Mayo Clinic. Complications that may occur include: brain damage, reduced blood flow to the brain, and swelling of the brain.
Tags: brain aneurysm, Mayo Clinic, Brain Aneurysm, According Brain, According Brain Aneurysm, Aneurysm Foundation, Brain Aneurysm Foundation
Dangerous food habits, crash diets, poor personal hygiene (particularly that of the hair follicles and scalp), increasingly polluted atmospheric conditions, and the persistent stress and tension of daily life can lead to rapid hair loss. Chemists and doctors can suggest a variety of potions and drugs to lessen or treat the problem. But according to practicing Ayurveda experts and herbalists, there are quite a few herbs to effectively help stop hair thinning as well.
Myrtle and Henna
According to practicing Ayurveda researchers, one way to slow hair thinning is to place about half a dozen myrtle leaves in a quarter cup of water and leave undisturbed for a whole day. Then, crush the wet leaves into a sticky paste and massage into the skin of your scalp before going to bed every night for a fortnight. Go to sleep with a cover on your head. Rinse with lukewarm water in the morning to stop hair fall.
Another option is to grind about a dozen leaves of the henna plant and rub the fresh paste into the roots of your hair every two weeks. Leave it in your hair for about an hour before you wash it well with warm water and any brand of shampoo.
Coriander and Rosemary
Traditional Indian hair care practices suggest that you can have an effective herbal hair-loss prevention cure with coriander leaves. Once every 15 days, crush around 10 coriander leaves into a pasty mass and massage into your hair roots and on your scalp. Keep it that way for about half an hour before you wash it well with warm water.
Another method is to crush about 12 rosemary leaves and mix the paste with one egg yolk and 2 tbsp. each of olive oil and lime juice. Massage this mixture into the roots of your hair follicles and leave undisturbed for about an hour. Later, wash the paste away from your hair with lukewarm water.
Shikakai and Amla
Ayurveda and herbal proponents claim that both shikakai and amla or the Indian gooseberry--easily available at Indian specialty or grocery shops--are beneficial for natural hair fall control treatment. You can take 2 tbsp. each of the powdered herbs of shikakai and amla, and mix into a paste with 4 tbsp. of water at room temperate.
For another remedy, soak no less than four amla pieces and a couple of teaspoons of powdered shikakai in about 100 ml of lukewarm water for about half a day. Rub the paste or the mixture gently into your scalp and hair roots. Leave undisturbed for about quarter of an hour before rinsing away well with cold water.
Tags: your hair, about half, hour before, lukewarm water, roots your, well with
Approximately 5 million American men suffer from low testosterone, according to the National Institutes of Health. Low testosterone may be caused by normal physiological changes such as aging, or by diseases or conditions like cancer, genetic anomalies or inflammation of the testes. In addition to the psychological effects of this problem, there can be uncomfortable or embarrassing physical signs of low testosterone as well.
Sexual Impact
A significant physical sign of low testosterone is a decrease in sexual desire, and difficulty in--or inability to--have and maintain an erection.
Sperm Count
Men with low testosterone frequently experience a low or zero sperm count.
Gynecomastia
One of the outward physical signs of low testosterone is a condition called gynecomastia, or the abnormal growth of male breast tissue.
Health Conditions
If left untreated, low testosterone can result in elevated cholesterol and decreased bone density.
Extreme Low Testosterone
In cases of severely low testosterone, men may experience physical signs like hot flashes, a reduction in muscle mass or loss of body hair.
An ulcer is an open sore in the stomach, duodenum or esophagus that is caused by a bacterial infection. People with ulcers need to adhere to a specific diet because certain foods can worsen their condition.
Meals
People with ulcers should eat three small meals and three snacks throughout the day instead of larger meals. This helps to avoid overeating or feelings of hunger. Do not eat less than 3 hours before bedtime to avoid gastric acid secretions.
Spicy Foods
Although spicy foods are no longer considered the cause of peptic ulcers, they are detrimental to people with ulcers. Chili pepper, red peppers and other spicy peppers can cause burning stomach pain and gas.
Other Foods to Avoid
People withpeptic ulcers should also reduce or eliminate foods and beverages with caffeine, citrus, tomato, fatty foods and chocolate from their diets because they can cause abdominal pain, gas and other issues.
Foods to Include
Eat foods that are high in protein with every meal to relieve stomach discomfort. This includes foods such as milk, meat, eggs or cheese. Some other foods you should include in one or more meals are oatmeal, toast, fish, soup, salad, peaches, mashed potatoes, bananas, apple juice, cabbage, pudding and/or bread.
Other Tips
Chew and swallow food slowly to allow your body more time to digest it. Stop smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol and avoid taking aspirin, especially nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil and Motrin.
Tags: People with, with ulcers, peptic ulcers, ulcers should
Diabetes, characterized by fasting glucose (blood sugar) levels above 120, generally requires oral medication or insulin injections to control glucose levels. Changes in diet and exercise assist the body in maintaining appropriate levels of blood sugar throughout the day. However, even with proper treatment and good control of glucose, people with diabetes run the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).
Types
Hypoglycemia occurs when blood sugar levels drop below 70, and it may occur as a result of skipping a meal, forgetting to eat a snack or simply failing to consume enough carbohydrates to maintain an adequate level of glucose. Strenuous exercise or illness may bring on hypoglycemia. Medications used to treat diabetes sometimes cause a drop in blood sugar in the middle of the night.
Hyperglycemia occurs when glucose levels reach 200 to 240 or more, depending on the target range for the individual. Generally, a sudden spike in glucose after meals begins to come down within an hour or two after eating, but--when glucose levels fail to drop or continue to climb--hyperglycemia causes concern. Eating too large a meal or a meal containing large amounts of carbohydrates, lack of exercise or stress and illness contribute to high blood glucose levels.
Features
Symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) include pale skin, jitters, the feeling of extreme hunger, headache, dizziness, changes in behavior or mood, difficulty paying attention, or tingling around the mouth. Symptoms of hyperglycemia include excessive thirst and increased urination. Blood glucose readings above 200 indicate that hyperglycemia requires treatment. At levels of 240 or more, the risk of diabetic coma (ketoacidosis) exists.
Effects
Ketoacidosis develops when the body has inadequate amounts of insulin to process glucose and begins to break down fat for fuel. This process creates keotones that cannot be tolerated by the body. Keotones are deposited in the urine in the body's attempt to rid itself of excessive amounts of keotones. Because the body cannot release all the keotones, they build up in the bloodstream and lead to ketoacidosis, a condition often referred to as diabetic coma.
Prevention/Solution
Treatment of low blood sugar consists of consuming carbohydrates to bring the level up. Sugary drinks like ½ cup of juice or regular soft drink, glucose tablets or hard candies generally produce the desired results. One should check the glucose level 15 minutes after the initial measurement. The diabetic should see If glucose levels are still low. The process should be repeated every 15 minutes until the desired results are reached. A regular schedule of meals and snacks should be maintained.
Treatment of high blood sugar requires exercise as long as the person is not producing keotones in the urine. A simple urine test determines if keotones are present. Patients at risk of hyperglycemia should keep a supply of testing material for checking for keotones. A doctor familiar with the patient should be consulted. If keotones are not present in the urine, one should exercise immediately to bring blood sugar levels down. Exercising when keotones are present in the urine produces an inverse effect and raises blood sugar even higher.
Warning
Seek you doctor's advice for target levels of healthy blood sugar and instructions for treating hyperglycemia. Adjustments in medication may be necessary to maintain a healthy glucose level. This information is presented for educational purposes only and should not be substituted for medical advice.
Gambling touches many aspects of the human psyche; for those with an addictive personality, gambling can be seductive because of its potential for instant gratification and riches. If that gratification doesn't come, the redemptive aspects of it may entice them to keep trying.
History
According to US News and World report, in 1980, the American Psychiatric Association officially categorized pathological gambling as a diagnosable medical disorder.
Features of Gambling Addiction
Most gamblers have the belief that if they just bet again, or place a higher wager, that all their problems will disappear. They believe that they can "win" back their family by paying off their debts.
The Effects on the Family
The gambling addict may be spending mortgage, grocery and utility money on his gambling habit. Many gamblers lose their family based on poor decisions trying to win money back that they have lost.
Considerations
Addicted gamblers can only think of their next big payoff, and have little time to contemplate any other ideas.
Solutions/Help Options
There are organizations that reach out and help those who are addicted, such as Gamblers Anonymous; there are also other organizations within the faith-based community, such as Celebrate Recovery.
Lose weight after pregnancy by following these tips.
It can be quite challenging to lose weight after pregnancy, but below are some tips and strategies to help you facilitate the process.
Instructions
1. To lose weight after pregnancy, consider breastfeeding your baby. It is good for both of you. The benefits for you include: increased production of prolactin, a calming hormone, faster shrinkage of your uterus (which was stretched out carrying the baby), the burning of several hundreds of calories per day, and a wonderful way to bond with your baby. And the benefits for your baby include: numerous nutritional benefits (since breast milk is nature's ideal source of nutrition for infants), a wonderful way to bond with you and develop a healthy sense of attachment to you, and several other benefits.
2. Doctors typically advise waiting six weeks or so to resume your regular exercise routine because you want your body to heal completely from giving birth. (When you do resume, take it easy for the first few sessions to make sure you are feeling up to it.)
3. Another way to lose weight after pregnancy is to eat healthfully (lots of veggies, fruit and whole grains). Fiber is particularly important, as it makes you feel fuller, keeps you "regular," and can help you lose weight after pregnancy.
4. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, which helps you flush toxins, and which can also boost your weight loss efforts.
Tags: lose weight, weight after pregnancy, after pregnancy, lose weight after, weight after, your baby
Acute bronchial asthma may be triggered by exercise, illnesses, air pollution or allergies and may be fatal without urgent medical treatment. Treatment for acute bronchial asthma may include daily medications prescribed by your doctor in addition to steroids and bronchodilators taken during an asthma attack.
Beta Agonists
Beta agonists such as albuterol are medications prescribed by your doctor that can be inhaled or taken through a nebulizer during an asthma attack.
Inhaled Bronchodilators
Inhaled bronchodilators such as Atrovent can treat acute bronchial asthma and can be taken along with beta agonists.
Oral Bronchodilators
Oral bronchodilators such as Theophylline are taken every day to reduce inflammation in your lungs and can be used with other types of asthma medications.
Leukotriene Modifiers
Leukotriene modifiers such as Singulair reduce the amount of mucus your body makes and helps control inflammation in your lungs.
Oral Corticosteroids
Oral corticosteroids are prescription pills that you take during an asthma attack to reduce inflammation in your lungs, shortening the duration of the attack.
Injected Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids may be injected into your body to quickly restore lung capacity if an asthma attack becomes a life-threatening emergency.
Oxygen
When acute asthma becomes life threatening, you may be intubated and given oxygen through a ventilator until other medications are used to treat lung inflammation.
Tags: asthma attack, bronchial asthma, during asthma, during asthma attack, inflammation your, inflammation your lungs
In a world filled with ever increasing amounts of chemicals and toxins that can stress the body and lead to illness, maitake mushrooms offer potent nutrients to help your body fight back.
Significance
Maitake is classified as an adaptogen, which means it helps you adapt to stress by regulating functions such as digestion and circulation and by flushing out toxins and maintaining normal cell functions.
Features
The substance in maitake responsible for its health benefits is called grifolan. This polysaccharide, which essentially means a chain of different sugar molecules, boosts the immune system.
Benefits
Grifolan (also known as beta-1, 6-glucan) may inhibit the growth of cancerous tumors, prevent carcinogenesis, kill HIV and stimulate important immune cells known as T-helper cells.
Considerations
The body absorbs maitake better than other mushrooms. Some maitake supplements are blended with a small amount of vitamin C to further promote absorption.
Types
Maitake comes as food, a capsule or extract, and in liquid form to be taken intravenously. Buy organically grown dried maitake when using them for cooking.
Syphilis is an infection brought about by bacteria and transmitted in most cases through sexual contact. It is a condition that can manifest itself on the genitals, skin and mucous membranes, and can also migrate to other parts of the body. Syphilis can be treated but if it is left unattended to it can be quite serious and even deadly.
Features
A bacterium called Treponema pallidum is responsible for causing syphilis. It gains access to the body through open cuts or scrapes in the skin or mucous membranes. Most often this occurs through sexual activity when one of the individuals has an open sore. Syphilis can also be transmitted through kissing and blood transfusions, and mothers can pass it on to their newborns. Because this form of bacteria is so sensitive to the environment and unable to survive in many conditions, it is rarely transmitted in any other way except by direct contact.
Identification
Symptoms of syphilis develop in four distinct stages. During the first stage, called the primary stage, a small but painless sore known as a chancre will form on the part of the body that originally was infected by the syphilis bacteria. This will probably be on the genitals, lips, tongue or the rectum. There can be more than one but normally it is just a single sore. The lymph nodes in the groin may become swollen as well during this primary stage.
Potential
During the secondary stage of syphilis there is the potential to develop a reddish rash and sores that can occur anywhere on the body. They can even show up on the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet. You can start to spike a fever and feel tired. Your joints may ache and you will feel sore. These symptoms can come and go intermittently for up to a year or totally disappear after a few weeks.
Considerations
The third stage of syphilis is called the latent stage. For some people with the disease it may completely go away; others may see it advance to the final stage called the tertiary stage. At this point the bacteria have spread to organs and are capable of causing death. The bacteria can attack the brain or the heart or both, bringing about heart disease, strokes, dementia, paralysis and other neurological problems.
Time Frame
Symptoms of the primary stage of syphilis can occur anywhere from 10 days to 3 months from first exposure to the bacteria. The secondary stage of the disease can take place from 2 to 10 weeks after the first sores appear. The tertiary stage can take years to finally arise.
Fibroid tumors are noncancerous growths that form in the uterus. Symptoms of fibroid tumors may include abdominal enlargement, pain, vaginal bleeding, pelvic pressure and pain during intercourse. Menstruating women can be plagued with fibroid tumors, but they also occur in menopausal women. Medical treatment is not always necessary unless the problem is severe. Remedies such as dietary changes relieve symptoms and reduce estrogen levels, an effective way to shrink fibroid tumors.
Whole Grains
Whole grains such as buckwheat, oats and brown rice are excellent sources of vitamin B and vitamin E, which help with hormonal balance and lowering estrogen. Whole grains are also a good source of fiber, which helps reduce estrogen levels in the body through bowel movements. Fiber essentially pushes estrogen out of the body, along with waste and toxins.
Other Fiber Sources
Broccoli, raspberries, pears with skin, apples with skin, air-popped popcorn, cooked artichokes and cooked peas contain a lot of grams of fiber per serving. Eating a diet rich in these foods will help reduce estrogen levels, thus shrinking fibroid tumors.
Soybeans
Soybeans are an excellent source of natural plant estrogen called bioflavonoids. While similar in structure to estrogen, bioflavonoids have less potency than estrogen. The bioflavonoids consumed also bind to the body's cells, replacing estrogen in areas such as the uterus where fibroid tumors form. Increase soybean, soy milk and tofu consumption to get the maximum benefits of bioflavonoids.
Other legumes such as black beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, lima beans and lentils can be consumed. Legumes are rich in fiber, but also contain copper and zinc, which is helpful to women with fibroids who suffer from heavy bleeding.
Fresh Fruits
Bananas, blueberries, strawberries and oranges are rich in fiber. They are also rich in magnesium, potassium and calcium, which can help reduce symptoms such as bloating and fatigue.
Foods to avoid
Meats such as beef, pork and lamb should be avoided as their consumption can trigger muscle contraction, constriction of blood vessels and inflammation. Consuming meat during fibroid tumors formation can worsen the symptoms.
Fish consumption is a good alternative as it contains fatty acids that help relax muscles. Salmon, tuna, mackerel and trout are recommended to women with fibroid tumors.
Dairy products such as cheese and milk should be avoided as they can increase estrogen levels.
Avoid excessive saturated fats as they can weaken the liver's ability to break down estrogen. Salt should also be avoided as it can cause bloating and fluid retention, exaggerating fibroid tumors symptoms.
Brain integration therapy is an acupressure program designed to help the brain develop different ways of learning and memorization. Though anyone can engage in brain integration therapy, this type of therapy is mostly designed for those who have behavioral problems or difficulties learning. Brain integration therapists receive their training from other therapists.
Evaluation
Brain integration therapy evaluations last 25 minutes. During these evaluations, corpus calloseum, logic, gestalt processing, visual processing, auditory processing, short term memory, long-term memory, reading and reading comprehension are analyzed to determine what type of acupressure will be necessary. Those who experienced brain damage might not benefit from brain integration therapy because damaged parts of the brain cannot be reactivated.
Technique
Brain integration therapy works by applying pressure to a part of the brain that needs stimulation. Blood flow can be restored to the affected area of the brain, allowing normal brain functioning to be restored. A very light touch is placed on the affected area. This technique is non-invasive and has no harmful side effects.
Considerations
Children receive the most benefit from brain integration therapy after they are 9 years old. Brain integration therapy sessions take one hour for children and four hours for teenagers. Patients do not have to do any exercises at home as the brain adjusts to the acupressure automatically. Also, brain integration therapy usually does not have to be repeated. Individual therapy generally costs $400.