Medicare Fraud Reporting

In the United States, Medicare refers to the health care program provided through the Social Security Act for people over 65 years old or with a qualifying disability. Medicare fraud differs from simple clerical errors that a provider accidentally might make. Medicare fraud is intentional, costs billions of dollars each year and, according to the Government Accountability Office, is a pervasive problem.

Basics

Medicare fraud usually involves falsified billings, such as those for services that were not provided. For instance, a provider submits a fake bill to Medicare for medical services, drugs, or equipment that were never provided. Additionally, a person might use someone else's valid Medicare card to obtain health care services or equipment.

Significance

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) facilitates the Medicare program. While various federal agencies work with the HHS to minimize Medicare fraud, scam artists continue to game the system, as Medicare fraud often is detected in hindsight. For instance, the HHS discovered that inhalation drugs provided in South Florida were likely tied to fraud due to an extremely high percentage of claims. Two percent of Medicare participants resided in the South Florida area, yet the area accounted for 17 percent of Medicare's total spending on inhalation drugs.

Effects

To prevent fraud, beneficiaries should provide their Medicare card only to their physicians and providers. For instance, Medicare recipients should avoid accepting services that are promoted as "free" after a Medicare Health Insurance Claim Number is provided.

Considerations

Medicare recipients can personally report fraudulent activity. Each beneficiary receives a Medicare Summary Notice that summarizes procedures received. If an unknown procedure is identified, then the HHS suggests that beneficiaries contact their physicians or providers to address concerns. Beneficiaries also can contact the Office of Inspector General confidentially by phone at 1-800-HHS-TIPS, by email HHSTips@oig.hhs.gov, or by mail at P.O. Box 23489 Washington, DC 20026. Helpful information includes the provider's name with identification number, date of service, amount approved, and reason why the amount should not be paid.

Potential

Under the Clinton administration, an incentive reward program was established to address Medicare fraud. For every complaint received that leads to at least a $100 recovery and does not relate to an ongoing investigation, the beneficiary can receive a percentage of the recovered amount.

Tags: Medicare fraud, health care, inhalation drugs, Medicare card, Medicare fraud, Medicare recipients

Acute Gout Attack Treatment

Gout is a type of arthritis that is due to the buildup of uric acid in the blood. This results in the accumulation of sharp crystals that surround the joints, particularly the big toe joint. Gout commonly occurs in men more than women. The popular age to be affected with gout in males is 30 to 50 years. Women usually are affected with gout after menopause.

Significance

An acute gout attack occurs suddenly, usually at nights attacking the joint of the big toe. The pain is severe and excruciating; the joint is red, warm, tender, swollen and stiff. The pain is exaggerated by the slightest touch; even contact with the bed covers is unbearable. The goals in treating an acute gout attack is to quickly stop the excruciating pain and discomfort, reduce inflammation, prevent future attacks and avoid disability to the joint.

Approach to Treatment

As soon as an acute gout attack starts, contact your doctor for immediate medical attention treatment and advice. The sooner treatment is started, the faster the pain will be relieved. The four approaches to treatment are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) like Indocin, Motrin and Naprosyn; aspirin; colchicines and corticosteroids (both anti-inflammatory); and analgesics for pain relief.

Choice of Drugs and Their Effects

NSAIDS are the first drug of choice in treating an acute gout attack. The maximum dosage of the chosen NSAIDS is given immediately and up until 24 hours after the attack is resolved. This is followed with a two- to three-days tapering off the dosage of the drug.

Colchicines is an effective anti-inflammatory for treating the an acute attack of gout. the maximum dose is given and then tapered off. When used at the maximum dosage it can bring on the side effects of vomiting and diarrhea.

Corticosteroids and Analgesics

Corticosteroids is the drug used for patients who are unable to take NSAIDS or colchicines. It is given as prednisone 20 to 40 mgs for three to four days. Then the dosage is tapered off gradually over a one- to two-week period. Analgesics are given to relieve the excruciating pain of an acute gout attack.

Additional Approach to Treatment/Prevention

This includes application of ice packs to the joint and elevation of the joint to further reduce the inflammation and swelling.

Adequate fluid intake is important to help in flushing the uric acid from the system. Maintaining control of your weight is important, since obesity predisposes one to having gout.

Decrease the use of alcoholic beverages and limit foods high in purines. Purines cause the build up of uric acid in the blood.

Tags: acute gout attack, gout attack, acute gout, treating acute, uric acid

Side Effects Of Chemotherapy For Lupus

While lupus is a very common condition, many people are not aware of what it is and what can be done to treat it. Lupus attacks a person's immune system, and she has problems with her body attacking healthy tissues and cells. Treatment can be difficult at times, but one form of treatment that has proved to have a 40 percent success rate with no problems down the road is chemotherapy.

Significance

While chemotherapy is mainly used for cancer patients, it can be used for many other illnesses, especially those that affect the autoimmune system, such as lupus. The chemotherapy helps to eliminate the irregular behavior in a person's cells instead of destroying the cells altogether.

Side Effects

Even though the doses for lupus are much lower than for cancer, the side effects of chemotherapy are quite similar. When chemotherapy is administered, it depletes the number of red blood cells that are formed, which can make a person anemic. A person going through this type of treatment may also have a low white blood cell count, which can make him more susceptible to illnesses. It is said that this is for a brief time due to the low dose of the medication.

A patient may also experience such symptoms as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and an upset stomach. It is important to remember that many of these symptoms go away after time. Patients should also be careful when getting a cut, as their blood may be slow to clot.

Benefits

One of the best benefits of chemotherapy for illnesses such as lupus is that the dosage of chemotherapy used is much less than the dose for cancer treatment. This type of treatment takes longer than other treatments do but, in the end, has a longer-lasting effect. In some cases, it stops lupus altogether.

Warning

If you suffer from lupus and are considering chemotherapy, you will want to talk with your doctor. It is important to keep your doctor informed of the condition so that she can make the best choice in the type of chemotherapy for you.

Types

While there are a great deal of chemotherapy drugs on the market today that can be used to treat such conditions as lupus, some have been known to work best: azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, lefunomide, methotrexate and mycophenolate. Some of the brand names of these are Arava, Cytoxan, Rheumatrex, Imuran and CellCept.

Tags: Side Effects, such lupus, type treatment, which make, your doctor

Ozone Water Treatment Systems

The use of ozone for water purification systems is more common in Europe than in America, although many American municipal systems are changing to ozone for disinfection.

Ozone is more effective than chlorine at water disinfection. Ozone also oxidizes several dissolved minerals, allowing them to be filtered. Due to its unstable nature (ozone has a half-life of approximately 22 minutes), ozone must be produced near the site of use and cannot be effectively stored or transported.

Municipal ozone water treatment

In municipal water treatment processes (surface water and ground water), ozone may be introduced in diffused (5 micron or less) bubbles mixed through the raw incoming water. The readily soluble ozone oxidized any organic material (bacteria, waterborne pathogens, etc) with which it comes in contact.

Diffused ozone also oxidized dissolved iron, sulfur and other materials, pulling them out of solution and allowing the new compounds to be filtered out. As the ozone (O3) breaks down, it releases its "extra" oxygen molecule to form oxidized compounds and passes the rest through as O2 for safe entry into the atmosphere.

As with chlorine disinfection, the method of determining water disinfection by ozone is based on Contact Time (CT), the amount of time the disinfectant is in contact with the raw water. The contact time required by a particular disinfectant is determined by experimental data showing how quickly a given disinfectant will reduce waterborne pathogens. Ozone is a favored disinfectant due to its effectiveness in destroying Giardia and Cryptosporidium which are two key waterborne pathogens.

Ozone production

Ozone is an unstable compound made up of three oxygen atoms. It readily breaks down into a stable oxygen (O2) molecule and a free ion. This is useful for its oxidation properties, but it means ozone cannot be stored or transported for industrial purposes.

Ozone production for water treatment (municipal or home processes) must be done on site by an ozone generator. Most ozone generation is done by passing oxygen through an electric corona (a controlled arcing) where a percentage of free O2 molecules are recombined as O3.

For home generators, the ~21% of oxygen in air will give safe quantities of ozone for small-scale use. In municipal operations, a 92 - 97% oxygen source is passed through large generators to produce high concentrations of ozone. Special safety precautions are required due to the toxic and highly flammable properties of high oxygen and ozone concentrations.

Dissolved Ozone and pass-through

In municipal operations, the high-concentration ozone dissolved into incoming raw water is monitored regularly by measuring the levels of dissolved ozone in the water. This aids in determining the effectiveness of disinfection (CT measurements) and as a troubleshooting method to ensure the ozone introduced is being diffused into the water effectively.

Since the oxygen-ozone mix diffused through the raw water will bubble to the surface, the atmosphere above the diffusion chambers will be monitored for the amounts of ozone passing through the water. Ozone passing through the water is ozone which did not oxidize waterborne pathogens. Also, EPA regulations are strict on the amount of ozone which may be released into the outside atmosphere. Unexpectedly high levels of undissolved ozone require process corrections or maintenance work by the water treatment facility.

Home ozone water treatment systems

There are a number of commercially available, safe home water systems. These systems are usually for purification of small quantities of water for drinking purposes. Since these systems use atmospheric oxygen and the ozone generation system usually converts (depending on temperature, humidity, and pressure) around 2% of oxygen into ozone, the resulting quantities of produced ozone are small enough to not represent a health hazard. These home systems will diffuse low ozone concentrations through fixed quantities of water to give the water a "polish" by reducing trace waterborne pathogens and dissolved metals.

Precautions

Ozone is classified as a toxic gas. Small quantities of ozone will cause headaches which last for a few hours. Contact with higher concentrations can lead to more serious effects or death. Commercially available home units will not produce dangerous levels of ozone unless badly malfunctioning and in enclosed areas where the ozone cannot dissipate.

Tags: waterborne pathogens, water treatment, ozone water, through water, breaks down, disinfection Ozone, incoming water

Side Effects Of Chemotherapy For Appendix Cancer

Appendix cancer is a rare form of carcinoma and occurs when malignant abnormal cells found in the gland reproduce, overwhelm and destroy healthy cells. The appendix is located at the base right side of the large intestine, and its physiological purpose is still unknown to medical professionals. Appendix cancer is most commonly treated with chemotherapy, an intravenous course of treatment that delivers concentrated levels of potent medication directly into the bloodstream.

Nerve Damage

One of the characteristic side effects of appendix cancer chemotherapy is nerve damage in the hands, feet and neck that produce a tingling sensation. This symptom is particularly common with individuals being treated with Eloxatin.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea commonly occurs as a side effect for appendix cancer chemotherapy, especially associated with the drug Camptosar.

Sores and Skin Change

The chemotherapy drug Flourocil is used often to treat appendix cancer, and can cause skin tone alteration or darkening, along with mouth sores and disruption of normal taste.

Increased Risk for Infection

All chemotherapy drugs for appendix cancer decrease white blood cell counts, making increased susceptibility to infection a typical side effect.

Anemia

Anemia is also a side effect of chemotherapy for appendix cancer due to lowered red blood cell production.

Tags: appendix cancer, side effect, appendix cancer, appendix cancer chemotherapy, blood cell, cancer chemotherapy

Neuropathy Symptoms

Neuropathy is a condition in which the peripheral nerves become damaged. Neuropathy can stem from nerve compression, sustaining a traumatic injury or even being malnourished. Some diseases, such as diabetes, kidney failure and HIV, can increase the risk of developing neuropathy.

Classification

Neuropathy is divided into categories that are consistent with the type of nerve damage you have. Your doctor may use terms such as mononeuropathy or polyneuropathy to describe damage to one or many areas of your body, respectively. Symmetric neuropathy means that you experience the same symptoms on both sides of your body in the same places.

Sensory Disturbance

People with neuropathy often have sensory disturbance in the part of their body that is affected. You may feel tingling, as if your hand is asleep. Your hands or feet may seem like they are encased in something, like wearing a sock or mitten. Burning and an electric-like pain are other sensory symptoms of neuropathy.

Unsteadiness

If you have motor nerve neuropathy, you may feel weak or unsteady on your feet. Balance and coordination difficulties are common symptoms of motor nerve damage.

Muscle Pain

Achy muscles and cramping can be symptoms of neuropathy that occurs in the motor nerves.

Systemic Symptoms

If neuropathy affects your autonomic nervous system, you may experience a variety of symptoms that depend on the location of the nerve damage. These may include a change in blood pressure levels, incontinence, the inability to sweat and heart rate abnormalities.

Severity

Your symptoms may not always be the same throughout the day, though you may feel worse at night. The onset of some neuropathy symptoms may be very gradual, while other disturbances may appear suddenly.

Tags: nerve damage, motor nerve, symptoms neuropathy, your body

Herbs For Kidney Deficiency

When using herbs to treat a kidney deficiency, people often refer to Chinese medicine, where yin and yang are representative of energy and functions in the body, as well as the physical substance of the body. In Chinese medicine the kidneys are viewed as the origin of life. They are considered the center of a person's yin and yang.

Herbs for Kidney Yin Deficiency

Symptoms of kidney yin deficiency include weakness and soreness of the lower back, sweating, constipation, dizziness, and ringing in the ears. Some of the herbs used to restore kidney yin deficiency are marshmallow root, rehmannia root, asparagus root, aloe vera gel and colloidal silver.

Fo-Ti root is also good for kidney yin deficiency. It helps with weakness, soreness, pain and fatigue.

Herbs for Kidney Yang Deficiency

A person who is kidney yang deficient will feel cold, look pale, may have difficulty urinating, or experience incontinence or a declining libido. Herbs that help with kidney yang deficiency are rose hips, oyster shell, clam shell, schizandra berry, raspberry and blackberry leaves, and gravel root. Eleuthero or Siberian ginseng is also good for kidney yang deficiency and can help with lower back pain.

Other Herbs

There are other herbs commonly used for kidney stones and kidney infections. Artichoke and parsley are both diuretics and used to treat protein in the urine. Goldenrod and stinging nettle are good for kidneys and help clear up urinary tract infections. They also help prevent water retention. Buchu leaves are known to heal kidney infections, bladder infections and urinary tract infections. This herb also acts as a diuretic.

Tags: Herbs Kidney, kidney deficiency, kidney yang, also good, also good kidney, Chinese medicine

Define An Apothecary

Define an Apothecary

Most people only know the word "apothecary" as an outdated term for "pharmacist" (or "chemist" in the United Kingdom). However, apothecaries in history had a much more active role in medical treatment. They kept stocks of herbal remedies in their shops. They prescribed and mixed the remedies through a process called "compounding." Their wares were used to treat everything from infections to digestive troubles. Follow these steps to learn more.

Instructions

Define the Historical Apothecary

1. Study the history of herbal medicines dating back as far as the oldest civilization. Thus, it can be hard to define "apothecary." The word has been used for different things at different times, from a simple store of goods to a person who dispenses medical treatments.

2. Discover that apothecaries did the work of doctors, performing surgeries and acting as male midwives. Every ailment known was treated by apothecaries, though poor people often couldn't afford them and had to rely on a relative or friend with some knowledge of herbs.

3. Remember that herbal medicine has been used everywhere in the world. In some cultures, these medicines and the role of the apothecary aren't considered outdated. You'll find apothecaries in many Asian countries and in Asian communities in Western countries.

Define the Modern Apothecary

4. Discover that the traditional apothecary is making a comeback now that herbal and natural medicines are becoming more popular. There are many pharmacies who also act as apothecaries, creating dosages of medicines that are tailor-made with fresh or dried natural ingredients.

5. Define the modern apothecary as someone who believes that nature provides the resources people need to heal their bodies and spirits. Apothecaries assist their customers with their knowledge of herbs and other natural remedies, and give them the power to keep themselves healthy.

6. Learn herbal and natural medicine from apothecaries who hold training classes or from one of the few schools that offer courses in this area of study. Contact the "Old World Apothecary" Web site for a class schedule (see Resources below).

7. Read more about modern apothecaries by visiting "The Worshipful Society of Apothecaries of London" Web site (see Resources below).

Tags: been used, Discover that, herbal natural, knowledge herbs, Resources below

Shoelace Crafts

Make crafts with colored or patterned shoelaces.

There are many shoelace crafts that may be done with children to help them build fine motor skills. Shoelaces may also be used for decorative purposes on crafts. There are a variety of shoelace craft ideas, including lacing different patterns and decorating a crafted memo book with shoelace.

Lacing Cards

Many lacing cards are made out of board, but you may also use foam sheets to create a lacing card. Draw different patterns on the foam sheet, such as a heart, boot and star, and cut out the patterns. Use a paper hole puncher to punch holes around the rim of the patterns and use a shoelace to lace each card. When lacing is complete, hang it up for display or write a message on it to give to a friend.

Paper Bag Memo Book

You can craft and personalize a memo book using shoelaces to bind the cover and pages together. Take a large brown paper shopping bag and cover one side of it with a wrapping paper design you like. Cut the wrapping paper to size and glue it to the paper bag. When dry, fold the paper bag in half so that it is the size of a notebook. Place a few sheets of paper into the fold so you have paper to write on. Along the memo book's binding side, take a paper hole puncher and punch four holes, evenly spaced. Take a shoelace and thread it through the binding holes. Tie knots at each end of the shoelace and you have a memo book.

Tags: different patterns, hole puncher, hole puncher punch, memo book, memo book, paper hole

Prevent Yeast Infections With Acidophilus

Women dread yeast infections. They are inconvenient, uncomfortable and a generally unwelcome addition to their lives. However, it's possible to help prevent yeast infections by using acidophilus. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of acidophilus.

Instructions

1. Understand how acidophilus works against yeast. Many different microorganisms work with and against each other, to keep the human body healthy. Acidophilus is the microorganism that helps keep the candida, which causes yeast infections, from getting out of control.

2. Know where to find acidophilus. Yogurt naturally contains acidophilus. Therefore, if you enjoy yogurt then this is good news for you. You can simply eat one serving or more of yogurt each day to keep a steady source of acidophilus entering your body. On the other hand, if you aren't a huge fan of yogurt, you can take acidophilus capsules, which you can find at many drug stores. Take these as directed on the package.

3. Remember that antibiotics increase your chance of getting a yeast infection, because they also destroy the acidophilus in your body. Therefore, eat some extra yogurt while you are taking antibiotics. Alternatively, ask your doctor if it would be all right for you to take a little extra acidophilus to reduce your risk of developing an overgrowth of yeast.

4. Enjoy the additional benefits of acidophilus. Acidophilus reduces your risk of urinary infections. It helps to maintain a healthy digestive tract, as well as reduce your risk for cancer of the colon. In addition, Acidophilus provide many B vitamins that are essential for optimal health.

Tags: your risk, benefits acidophilus, reduce your, reduce your risk, yeast infections

Latest Rife Machine Information

The Rife detox machines of today were originally based on the work of Dr. Royal Rife. These machines transmit an elecrtomagnetic frequency that is able to kill all bacteria, viruses and pathogens without damaging the surrounding tissues. Many are used today throughout Europe and the U.S. The most advanced machines today are still based on this same technology, but some are enhanced with other things as well.

History

In the mid 1930s Dr. Royal Rife created the first Rife microscope that is still one of the most powerful microscopes in the world. Then he discovered that every organism has its own unique electromagnetic oscillation pattern (vibrational energy), and when a person becomes diseased, that pattern changes. Dr. Rife discovered that, by exposing disease organisms and cells to a specific modified form of their own energy frequency (oscillation), they would be destroyed, leaving the healthy cells intact.

Features of F-117

The newest machines have amazing capabilities far beyond what Rife originally created. The F-117 is such a machine. This system is the only one in the world that has built-in scanning capabilities.

This system also has the GRS or Galvanic Resonant Scanner, which is designed to pick up the frequencies in a session that may be the one that produces the results, as well as being able to indicate the need to extend a session or not, or to repeat a session. When combined with new 3.0.29 software, the F-117 machine will also replicate biofeedback devices. The other benefit of this machine is that programs that formerly took 45 minutes now take only 15 minutes.

Matrix Foot Plate

The matrix foot plate grounds energy as it leaves the body by harnessing it and then reflecting it back, creating a secondary-impact energy field. This in turn will dramatically increase the body's conductivity, which will result in an amplification of the Rife frequency being used and allow for shorter sessions with greater impact.

Function

The function of all of these new and enhanced Rife machines is to eradicate whatever disease a person has from his body. The machines are also designed to increase the choice of disease frequency, shorten the length of time for each session and increase the effectiveness of each session.

Benefits

The benefits of using Rife machines and any new technology in the field of energy medicine is enormous. By choosing to see a practicioner who uses Rife machines or practices energy medicine, or buy purchasing your own equipment, your health will improve dramatically over time. By using a Rife machine for a specific disease, a person can cure herself of that disease. The effectiveness of Rife machines have already been proven by the results shared by thousands of people.

Tags: Rife machines, discovered that, disease person, each session, energy medicine

Balance Carbs On Jenny Craig

Managing your carb intake on Jenny Craig is quite easy. As long as you follow the menu provided then you will make great selections and avoid bad carbs on the Jenny Craig diet. Jenny Craig is a diet plan that works with you and your needs. Don't eliminate any food group, even carbs or fats, from your diet. Jenny Craig will help you manage all the different food groups so you fill up, lose weight and maintain your new lifestyle.

Instructions

1. Have a personalized diet plan created for you by Jenny Craig staff. They will talk with you and determine the foods you like to eat, your commitment to weight loss, and your activity level. This is worth the effort because your personalized diet plan will help you lose weight in the way that best suits YOU!

2. Eat Jenny Craig foods. Sure, you can manage your carb and calorie intake eating foods you cook yourself or buy at a restaurant. But, you will take the effort out of your diet by eating Jenny Craig entrees and snacks. They have the right proportion of carbs, calories, proteins, and the like. This is the best way to get started on the Jenny Craig plan and start losing weight.If you plan on cooking for yourself choose foods that do not have refined carbs. This means you should limit white sugar and flour. Choose whole grain breads, products with no sugar added, and stay away from pre-packaged sweets. You can follow these same suggestions when eating in a restaurant. Eat whole grain breads, avoid pasta dishes and sandwiches with white bread. Check the restaurant's online menu and nutritional guide before visiting. This will allow you to pick out a meal that will work with your Jenny Craig diet.

3. Know the diet and be committed to it! You won't lose weight on the Jenny Craig diet if you don't know what the diet is all about or if you aren't committed to losing the extra pounds. Study the Jenny Craig plan before you start and every two weeks or so go over the high points of the diet to keep yourself motivated.

4. Join a diet forum. People will support your efforts, cheer you on when you are down, and help you achieve your weight loss goals.

5. Think moderation. Most of the previous steps deal with moderation, too, but in order to maintain your new body you can't go back to eating like you did before. You must continue eating healthy, low calorie foods, and only eating high carb/ high fat foods in moderation. It's a lifestyle change, but with moderation it is a change you can manage!

Tags: Jenny Craig, Craig diet, Jenny Craig diet, diet plan, lose weight, Craig plan

How Long Does It Take To Grow Hair After Chemo

Chemotherapy is an extremely stressful experience, both physically and mentally. One of the biggest outward signs of chemotherapy treatment is hair loss. It can be jarring to suddenly lose one's hair. Fortunately, after treatment is over hair begins to grow back--although it may look or feel different than before. Gentle treatment can keep new growth in great shape.

Causes

Chemotherapy works by killing off quickly dividing cancer cells. It can be a very effective treatment for cancer. Yet there's a problem--chemotherapy doesn't discriminate between tumor cells and healthy cells that naturally divide quickly. Hair cells are one type of quickly-dividing cells. When a patient undergoes chemotherapy, the treatment attacks the hair and causes hair shafts to loosen and fall out.

Regrowth

Chemotherapy hair loss is usually temporary. After the drugs leave the body, the hair is no longer under attack and begins growing again. However, this isn't an immediate process. The body needs time to recover. Generally, "peach fuzz" will appear a few weeks after chemotherapy stops, and in about a month, hair will start growing at a normal speed. You should have a "good head of hair" on your head in six months to one year. The first hair to fall out tends to be the first to grow back; head hair appears before eyelashes or eyebrows.

Differences

Hair that grows back after chemotherapy may appear different than it did pre-treatment. Chemotherapy can alter the pigment in the hair, so it may be a different color than before or even white or gray in color. The texture may also have changed, or hair may be curlier or straighter. The hair often returns to close to its previous appearance as the hair follicles recover from chemotherapy.

Tips

To make sure that your new hair stays looking it best, treat it carefully. You don't need to shampoo it often--twice a week is enough, using a baby or other mild type of shampoo. Conditioning helps your hair (don't use anything too heavy, though, unless you want your hair plastered to your head). Let your hair air-dry; not only does this help keep new hair growth healthy, it helps keep your scalp from drying out as well. Be sparing with any products you use.

Warnings

Chemical processes--straightening, perms, and so on--should be avoided if at all possible. They make new hair brittle and the solution can also irritate your tender scalp. Hair dye is also irritating, as is bleach. If you absolutely have to undergo a chemical process, use the weakest solutions possible (if you're having your hair dyed, go for temporary or semi-permanent dye).

Tags: your hair, after chemotherapy, chemotherapy treatment, different than, hair loss, head hair

Test An Animal For Rabies

Infected animals may be ferocious.

Rabies is a deadly virus that can harm the central nervous system of an infected animal or person. Commonly associated with raccoons, rabies can be found in dogs, bats or rodents, and one bite from this animal can transfer this disease to other animals or to a human being. If you suspect that an animal has rabies, it is of vital importance that you get it to the veterinarian for testing.

Instructions

1. Check the animal for symptoms of rabies. Do not get close to them to check--you will want to look from a distance. Two forms of rabies exist: dumb and furious. Dumb refers to animals that are docile, that will not run if you approach them but are not affectionate. Most wild animals will try to run away, so if it does not while you approach it, it might be rabid. Furious will attack you without provocation and is vicious. You may not necessarily see foaming or saliva. The animal may be rabid if it is unusually aggressive.

2. Capture the animal. This is not recommended if expert help is available, and it is especially not recommended to try capturing an angry animal. One scratch or bite can transfer the virus to you instantly. If possible, or if you are not trained to capture animals, call local animal control services immediately. If the animal is already dead, put on gloves and put it into a thick garbage bag. Seal it tightly.

3. Take the animal to the vet. If you called for help, you may wish to follow them to the vet.

4. Euthanize the animal. Unfortunately, the only way to possibly test a mammal for rabies is when the animal is dead. This is because testing is done directly in the brain.

5. Locate a nearby laboratory that can test the animal for rabies. You can request that the professional schedule a pick up for the animal, or they might require that you send them either the animal or its head. If you must send it, make sure you ask how this can be done safely.

Tags: animal rabies

Distillation Techniques

Distillation is process of separating an organic liquid from water. This liquid may be alcohol, oils, waxes or other fats. Distillation is used to make alcoholic beverages, perfume, essential oils and pomades. You can distill substances using the steam method, fractional method and the water method.

Steam Distillation of Chemicals

To distill by steaming, boil the mixture of water and another organic compound and funnel the water vapors into a condenser. The condenser changes the vapors back to liquid and feeds them to a separator that moves the oils, alcohol or other organic compound into one receptacle and the water into another. Water may need to be added to the distilling flask where you boil the mixture to get higher-boiling compounds to vaporize. The speed of your addition should match the rate at which the drops of water are collected.

Microscale Fractional Distillation

Microscale fractional distillation is employed when simple steam distillation cannot fully separate the two liquids. For this method, set up the distiller in much the same way a simple steam distillation is set up, but add a fractional column that provides an additional place where the condensed liquid can revaporize and recondense. The resulting liquid after the second recondensation should be completely purified. Place one or two boiling stones in the flask to keep the mixture boiling evenly throughout the process, and never boil the flask to dryness. High-boiling peroxides can become over-concentrated in the flask and cause an explosion.

Water Distillation with Plants

Water distillation or essential oil distillation is steam distillation using plants as the organic compound mixed with the water. Plant flowers, seeds, leaves and/or roots are boiled in the water, and as the water vapors push through the plant, they take with them the plant's oils. The vapor is condensed, and the separator separates the plant's oils from the water. The separated oils are then sold as the essential oils, and the leftover water with some oil residue is sold as a hydrosol, such as rose water and lavender water.

Tags: organic compound, steam distillation, boil mixture, essential oils, from water

How Long Can Hpv Go Undetected

HPV, or human papillomavirus, is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in America. According to the Mayo Clinic, nearly 20 million people in the U.S. already have the disease. There are more than 100 strains of HPV, and 15 of these types cause cervical cancer. According to a New York Times article, "Getting to Know a Virus, and When It Can Kill," two HPV strains, HPV 16 and 18, cause up to 60 percent of all cervical cancers. Oftentimes, if you have contracted the disease, you may never known until symptoms begin to manifest.

Facts

According to the National Cervical Screening Program, HPV is such a common sexually transmitted disease, that four out of five people contract HPV at one point or another. At times the disease may clear up on its own, within one to two years of after exposure. However, if the virus remains within a woman's body without being detected, the virus can potentially lead to cervical cancer.

Symptoms

HPV can be a difficult disease to detect. Since an infection can go undetected for years, you may never know you have it. The most noticeable symptoms are warts, which appear around the genitalia but can appear on other parts of the body, such as the hands, feet, face, neck, elbows or knees. It may take months to years before these symptoms manifest.

Immunity

In people who are healthy, especially young adults, the immune system can possibly clear out an HPV infection within months to two years. The aforementioned New York Times article cited a study of 608 sexually active women, whereby only 9 percent of these women were still infected with HPV after a two-year period. The remaining women had an HPV infection that lasted no more than eight months. If the virus is cleared from the body, no further complications from the HPV will occur. However, if the virus remains dormant and an infection is not cleared, there is a risk of women developing cancer of the cervix.

Cervical Cancer

According to the National Cervical Screening Program, HPV can remain in the cells of the cervix for years. When this happens, the risk of cervical cancer increases since the virus was never cleared from the body. It can take more than ten years for the occurrence of cancer to develop, and you may never know that you had an HPV infection that caused the cancer. However, many women are capable of clearing out the virus from their body without ever developing cancer.

Prevention/Solution

When being sexually active, use a condom. According to the Mayo Clinic, while using a condom may not prevent the transmission of many HPV viruses, it can protect against some. If you're sexually active, try to be monogamous, or limit your number of sexual partners. Gardisil is a vaccine that can protect against HPV. It is recommended for girls to start receiving the vaccine at the age of 11, or before you become sexually active. Currently, there isn't a vaccination available for men or boys against the HPV virus.

Tags: sexually active, more than, According Mayo, According Mayo Clinic, According National, According National Cervical

Hyperlexia

Hyperlexia is a common disorder but is not talked about much today, which may be due to the fact that hyperlexia can be misdiagnosed. However, if properly diagnosed at an early age, hyperlexia can be treated.

The Facts

Hyperlexia is a disorder among children, usually identified around 18 months, that shares many characteristics with autism, ADHD, behavior disorders and language disorders. A child with hyperlexia will suddenly be able to read at a very young age and will be able to read intelligently. Because of this display of early talent, hyperlexia can be seen as a super-ability; however hyperlexic children are actually considered on the same level as autism when it comes to their inability to socialize properly.

Effects

Hyperlexic children are fascinated with numbers and letters, and begin decoding languages very well, allowing them to become readers at such a young age. Some hyperlexic children are able to spell long words before the age of two, and can often read by the age of three. Despite their amazing ability to read, however, they only speak by rote and heavy repetition, meaning they are unable to speak unless they are repeating what was just said. They will also display a lack of social knowledge because of their inability to understand the rules of the language.

Identification

According to the American Hyperlexia Association, children with hyperlexia may exhibit the following characteristics:

• Learn expressive language in a peculiar way, rote memorization of the sentence structure without understanding the meaning (echolalia)

• Reverse pronouns

• Rarely initiate conversations

• An intense need to keep routines, difficulty with transitions, ritualistic behavior

• Auditory, olfactory and/or tactile sensitivity

• Self-stimulatory behavior

• Specific, unusual fears

• Normal development until 18-24 months, then regression

• Strong auditory and visual memory

• Difficulty answering "Wh--" questions, such as "what," "where," "who," and "why"

• Think in concrete and literal terms, difficulty with abstract concepts

• Listen selectively, appear to be deaf

Time Frame

As stated before, hyperlexia can be treated if caught early enough. Using intensive speech and language therapy during the early intervention stages, the hyperlexic child can develop better language skills and thus develop better social skills. Using the child's already advanced reading skills should be used as a primary approach to increase the chances of building the child's language skills. Social activities should be planned as well in order to provide the child ways to interact with others. Above all, the parents, teachers, and other professionals should work as a team.

Expert Insight

Ilene, a parent of a hyperlexic child, says, "If I could tell people one thing about hyperlexia, I would remind them that these children have a tremendous gift and that reading is the way to unlock their minds and hearts. Don't try to take their books away to force them to interact with people. Encourage their reading ability, because they have so much to offer the world, just in a more unconventional way."

Tags: able read, develop better, difficulty with, hyperlexia treated, hyperlexic child, interact with

Ease Joint Pain With Vitamins

ease joint pain vitamins

Do you suffer from chronic joint pain? Have you seen a doctor and been given prescription medicine, but are weary of the nasty side effects?

If so, you're not alone. Drugs like Bextra and **** have been pulled from the market due to patient deaths, and Celebrex and other over-the-counter drugs (naproxen, ibuprofen) have had their safety questioned.

The best and safest way to ease your suffering is with all natural supplements. They have less side effects, no potential of long-term damage, and can sometimes work even better than more conventional medicine.

Here are some over-the-counter treatments that may help ease your joint pain.

Instructions

1. Chili Peppers (capsaicin)

Capsaicin is the ingredient in chili peppers that makes them spicy, but it also has a more important use-pain relief. Over-the-counter patches and creams that contain capsaicin, such as Capzasin, Zostrix, and Salonpas, numb the nerve endings and relieve muscle aches and arthritis pain. Just make sure to wash your hands well after you apply the cream, as it can be extremely hot!

2. Pineapple Extract

A powerful ingredient in pineapple, bromelain, relieves pain almost as well as a prescription drug but with little or no side effects. It relieves joint pain by eliminating the production of chemicals that cause swelling and aching. It is an anti-inflammatory enzyme, and is sold at most pharmacies or health shops. The major drawback: it may take a few weeks to reach its full benefit. Should be taken on an empty stomach.

3. Glucosamine

Glucosamine has been proven to outperform ibuprofen, acetaminophen, naproxen, and even some prescription drugs when it comes to relieving joint pain. And the best part about glucosamine: it's natural and won't drill holes in your stomach like NSAIDs (Advil, Motrin) can, and won't cause damage to your liver like acetaminophen. Most glucosamine is extracted from shellfish, but some major brands offer vegetarian capsules. One drawback: it has the potential to raise your body's blood sugar slightly, so if you're diabetic check with your doctor before considering this product.

4. MSM (methyl-sulfonyl-methane)

MSM works by breaking down inside the body and creating sulfur, which works to eliminate impurities that hinder joint function. Reviews are mixed, but many doctors swear by its fast-acting effectiveness. One side effect, according to http://www.nutriteam.com/msm.htm, is that it increase the rate at which hair grows. Can be safely taken in conjunction with glucosamine.

5. Omega 3 Fish Oils

Fish oils greatly reduce prostaglandins-chemicals that create pain and swelling-so they have a naturally anti-inflammatory effect on joints. And they are compatible with nearly all other substances and prescription drugs, so they can be used safely with an array of other supplements. Fish oil is available in many grocery stores and in nearly all health stores. It may take a few months to achieve full benefit.

6. Gum Resin

Gum resin comes from the Boswellia Serrata Tree, and has been used in India for centuries. It is well studied and has been proven to be effective, even more than NSAIDs and ibuprofen and naproxen. It reduces inflammation and kills pain, and has none of the damaging side effects of other medicine. It might take some looking to find, but it is widely available in a number of different brands.

Tags: joint pain, side effects, been proven, ease your, full benefit, prescription drugs

What To Do If Someone Loses A Medicaid Card

Medicaid is a health-insurance program funded jointly by the U.S. federal government and individual states. Medicaid differs from Medicare in that it is designed for low-income individuals and families, while Medicare is for those receiving Social Security benefits and those over the eligible age for Medicare.

Medicaid covers certain prescriptions, health services and medical services for those who are eligible for low-income government assistance.

Retrace Your Steps

Go back to the last place you showed your Medicaid card. This might be a hospital, pharmacy or doctor's office. This should be done as soon as you notice the card is missing. Ask workers at the location if there is a lost and found or if the card has been handed in.

Contact State Health Department

Contact your state health department. It is the issuer of Medicaid cards. You can visit the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) website http://www.cms.hhs.gov to access toll free numbers and a list of each state's offices for Medicare and Medicaid.

Visit the website listed in the Resources section of this article for a list of all state health department locations and offices. You can use this link to search for offices by state and by region. It is important to contact the office as soon as you have noticed the card is missing so that they can prepare a new card for you.

You should have information on hand to verify your identity including your name, current address, date of birth and social security number.

Additional Information

Provide information that is requested while speaking on the phone with your local State Health Department office. The office will issue you a new Medicaid card that will arrive in the mail within three weeks.

However, you can get a temporary card which has your name and Medicaid number on it by visiting your local Health Department office. Coverage remains in effect even if the card is lost and remains in effect during the replacement process.

A temporary card is useful if you need to show proof of Medicaid eligibility every time you visit a medical center or are going to a medical professional for the first time. The temporary card is issued the same day it is requested. Be sure to bring proof of I.D. such as a Social Security card, birth certificate or state issued I.D.

Tags: Health Department, Medicare Medicaid, temporary card, card missing, Department office

Secondary Liver Cancer Symptoms

Secondary liver cancer (liver metastases) is the result of cancer originating in another part of the body and spreading to the liver. Even though the cancer spreads to the liver, secondary liver cancer will function according to its origin (i.e., breast cancer involving the liver will function as breast cancer).

Causes

Lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, stomach cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, melanoma (skin tumors), and esophageal cancer can all be originating causes of secondary liver cancer.

Symptoms

Although symptoms may not be present for a long time, when symptoms occur they may include jaundice (blocked bile duct), loss of appetite, nausea, enlarged spleen, weight loss, and ascites (swelling in the abdominal cavity).

Diagnosis

Liver function tests (simple blood tests) are done to determine abnormalities in the liver; however, more extensive testing like an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), CT (computed tomography) and ultrasonography test of the liver may be required to detect the cancer.

Treatment

Treatment for secondary liver cancer can include chemotherapy drugs, radiation therapy to the liver, and surgery.

Complications

Cancer spreading to the large area of the liver can cause severe complications, including blockage of bile flow and liver failure (usually occur in the last stages of the disease).

Tags: breast cancer, liver cancer, secondary liver, cancer originating, secondary liver cancer

What Can Cause Nausea

Nausea, or a queasy feeling in the stomach, is a sign that points to various conditions and diseases. While the nausea in itself isn't necessarily dangerous, it can signal something more serious. If your nausea is accompanied by a fever, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches or severe stomach pain, you should contact your doctor immediately, as the combination of symptoms may point to a condition that needs immediate attention.

Pregnancy

When a woman becomes pregnant, she may experience morning sickness, or nausea and vomiting, early in the pregnancy. MedlinePlus states that the nausea should subside by the 14th to 16th week of the pregnancy. The exact reason why pregnancy causes nausea isn't known; however, hormonal changes are thought to play a part in it. A pregnant woman who vomits blood, can't keep any foods or liquids down, or whose nausea doesn't subside by the aforementioned point in pregnancy should contact her obstetrician.

Chemotherapy

Symptoms Of Spastic Colon Condition

Spastic colon is also known as irritable bowel syndrome. It is a condition in which the large and small intestine muscles have spontaneous spasms and contractions. The surveys indicate that this condition afflicts nearly 20% of the population around the world. Spastic colon is a chronic disorder most commonly seen in the people of Australia, America, New Zealand, Canada and the UK. The symptoms vary among individuals and the treatment differs depending on the condition.

Common Symptoms

Some of the common symptoms of spastic colon include gas, cramping, diarrhea and constipation. Symptoms may worsen during menstrual periods, excess stress or by eating large amounts of fatty food. Continuous pain in the lower abdomen is also one of the symptoms of spastic colon. Sudden attacks may occur any time during the night or day and will disturb sleep. Vomiting may also occur due to the nausea.

Additional Signs of a Spastic Colon

When you have a spastic colon, another sign of the problem is that after you defecate you still feel that you have to go. You may also have severe cramping or abdominal pain that only feels better after you go to the bathroom. Some sufferers also have diarrhea at different times of the day and may have an urgent need to have a bowel movement.

Going to the Doctor

If you suspect you have the symptoms associated with spastic colon, see a physician who can properly diagnose you and create a treatment plan. While you could live with the symptoms without treatment, the abdominal pain, frequent bouts of diarrhea, and constipation can reduce your quality of life and need to be treated. The doctor can test you for the problem and make sure you are not suffering from something more serious, such as colon cancer. Additionally, she may be able to give you advice on reduce the symptoms through dietary changes and stress relief measures.

Reducing symptoms by medicines

Antispasmodic medicine can be prescribed if the symptom is related to pain. Loperamide helps the problem of diarrhea. Dicyclomine and Hyoscyamine can be used to relax the colon spasms. The symptoms may worsen if sedatives and tranquilizers are used to control anxiety and stress.

Dealing with Symptoms Safely

Some sufferers of spastic colon become dependent on laxatives to fight back against their constipation. Laxatives can be helpful when used rarely but overuse can cause weakness in the intestines which can lead to more serious health problems. Also, sufferers should avoid using anti-diarrhea medications to treat temporary bouts of diarrhea associated with spastic colon. Going back and forth between these treatments can do serious damage to your intestinal system. A physician can recommend a wiser and safer course of action.

Tags: spastic colon, abdominal pain, also have, associated with, associated with spastic

What Are The Treatments For Metastatic Liver Cancer

The liver is the body's largest organ, and it carries a major workload in filtering out toxins. Unfortunately, the liver sometimes falls victim to cancer spread from other parts of the body. This secondary cancer, or metastatic cancer, requires treatment in the early stages for it to be cured, according to The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Typically this type of liver cancer originates from advanced breast cancer, colorectal cancer or lung cancer that spreads to the liver.

Surgery

Currently the best chance for curing liver cancer lies in the removal of the tumor through surgery or the transplant of the liver. Survival chances can increase dramatically if the surgeon is able to remove most or the entire tumor.

Radiofrequency ablation (heat) or cryosurgery (extreme cold) can be used to burn or freeze the tumor in place when surgical removal is not possible, according to the MD Anderson Cancer Center. This method can sometimes significantly prolong survival for some patients.

Embolization is the surgical injection of tiny plastic pellets used to block the blood flow to the tumor and therefore preventing it to grow.

If the patient also has cirrhosis of the liver or the tumor is very large, total transplant from a donor may be required.

Radiation

While radiation is no cure for liver cancer, it is an effective treatment in some patients. The rays target the tumor and shrink or kill the cells that give the tumor life. The treatment must be used carefully, as the radiation will also destroy healthy normal cells in the area. This method sometimes shrinks the tumor or relieves pain.

Chemotherapy

The MD Anderson Cancer Center says chemotherapy is not a common treatment for liver cancer because of a low response rate, but research is looking into new ways of administering chemotherapy to make it more effective. Chemotherapy uses a drug, or combination of drugs, to kill cancer cells.

Tags: liver cancer, Anderson Cancer, Anderson Cancer Center, Cancer Center, method sometimes

What Does A Radiologic Technologist Do

When you receive a medical imaging examination or radiation therapy treatment, the person you will encounter is a radiologic technologist. This person is trained in anatomy, examination techniques, radiation protection and patient care. A radiologic technologist makes sure that an accurate diagnostic image is taken.

Job Description

A radiologic technologist, also known as a radiographer, is responsible for producing X-rays of the human body to be used for analyzing medical issues. A technologist can work at a hospital, doctor's office, laboratory or diagnostic imaging center. This person makes sure patients are properly positioned to ensure body parts are appropriately radiographed. Technologists make sure that they and patients are not unnecessarily exposed to radiation. Besides taking care of patients, technologists keep records and maintain equipment.

Working Conditions

Radiologic technologists need physical stamina, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, because they are on their feet for an extended amount of time and may have to move patients who are disabled. While radiation dangers are present in the profession, the effects of radiation are minimized through safety equipment such as shielding devices. The majority of technologists work 40 hours a week, which may include weekends, evenings or on-call hours.

Training

To become a radiologic technologist, you need training in radiography. This training can vary from 1 to 4 years. To enter a program in radiography, you must hold a high school diploma. A radiology program provides instruction in anatomy, radiation physics, radiation protection, imaging principles, medical terminology and pathology. Most states mandate that technologists must be licensed. For certification, a technician is required to finish 24 hours of continuing education every 24 months.

Specialization

According to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, a technologist can specialize in a variety of diagnostic imaging areas. These areas include bone densitometry, cardiovascular-intervention radiography, computed tomography, mammography, magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine or sonography. To be registered, a technician must finish a minimum of 2 years of education at an accredited hospital program or a 2- or 4-year program at a college, and must complete a national certification test.

Salary

According to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, the average technician salary is about $58,000. The lowest 5 percent of technicians make less than $30,000, while the highest 5 percent earn over $90,000. A person with less than 2 years of experience can expect to earn about $36,000. Technicians who are certified or registered can expect to make more than $56,000. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that between 2006 and 2016, this profession is expected to increase by approximately 15 percent.

Tags: radiologic technologist, According American, According American Society, American Society, American Society Radiologic

Science Projects On The Removal Of Caffeine From Drinks

Caffeine increases the painkilling effect of aspirin and acetaminophen and is often added to medicines.

Caffeine occurs naturally in many plants that we make into beverages. The most common of these plants are the cacao plant, used to make chocolate; the Arabica plant, used to make coffee; the kola nut, used to make many cola drinks; and the Thea sinensis, whose leaves are used for tea. The caffeine that is removed from these plants in making decaffeinated beverages is reused in many energy beverages and medicines or added back to cola drinks to increase the caffeine. Caffeine is not removed completely in any method used today. Caffeine levels must not be above 2.5 percent for a product to be labeled "decaffeinated" under federal regulations in the United States.

Methylene Chloride

Caffeine levels in regular coffee can range from 75 to 150 milligrams per cup, depending on the variety of the bean.

Soak two ounces of caffeinated Arabica coffee beans in four ounces of liquid methylene chloride for 10 minutes. The caffeine will come to the surface of the liquid in white pieces. Using a slotted spoon or utensil large enough for the small caffeine pieces to go through, scoop the coffee beans out of the liquid and place them in a sieve or strainer. Rinse the coffee beans under warm water for two minutes to remove any excess methylene chloride and extracted caffeine. Remove the caffeine from the methylene chloride bath by straining it through a fine sieve to reuse it. Test the results of decaffeination by methylene chloride by grinding the coffee beans and brewing them in 6 ounces of water. Using a D+Caf test strip, dip the test strip into the brewed coffee. If the test strip shows "decaffeinated" the coffee contains less than 20 milligrams of caffeine. This process can also be used for tea, kola nuts and cacao beans.

Ethyl Acetate

Less than five percent of caffeine found in cola drinks is naturally occuring from the kola nut.

Soak 2 oz. of kola nuts in 4 oz. of liquid ethyl acetate for 10 minutes. The caffeine will come to the surface of the liquid in small solid white pieces. Using a slotted spoon or utensil large enough for the small caffeine pieces to go through, scoop the kola nuts out of the liquid and place them in a sieve or strainer. Rinse the kola nuts under warm water for two minutes to remove any excess ethyl acetate and extracted caffeine. Remove the caffeine from the ethyl acetate bath by straining it through a fine sieve to reuse it. Test the results of decaffeination by ethyl acetate by crushing the kola nuts in a mortar and pestle and steeping them in 6 ounces of boiling water for one minute. Using a D+Caf test strip, dip the test strip into the steeped kola nuts. If the test strip shows "decaffeinated," the kola nuts contains less than 20mg of caffeine. Ethyl acetate is a chemical found naturally in many fruits and therefore results in a product that can be referred to as "naturally decaffeinated." This process can also be used for tea or coffee or cacao beans.

Water

Soak 2 oz. of pure tea leaves, not bagged or cut, in 6 oz. of boiling water for 30 seconds. Strain the tea leaves from the water, using a fine sieve. The tea leaves are now decaffeinated. Lay the tea leaves out on a paper towel to dry for later use or allow them to steep in hot water again to test the results. Pour 6 ounces of decaffeinated tea into a container. Using a D+Caf test strip, test to see if caffeine is still in the tea by dipping the test strip into it. If the test strip shows "decaffeinated," the tea contains less than 20mg of caffeine. This process is taken one step further in an industrial setting to add back flavor that might have been removed by water soaking the item. In the "Swiss Water Process," the same method is used, but instead of soaking in water, the beans or tea are soaked in a coffee or tea-flavored solution. This results in the caffeine being extracted without removing the flavors. This process can also be used for kola nuts or coffee or cacao beans.

Tags: test strip, kola nuts, coffee beans, methylene chloride, This process

Build An Artifact Deck In Magic The Gathering

When building a Magic deck, the first question most people ask is, "What color do I want my deck to be?" Sometimes, the most fun answer is, "No color at all!" And the only way to do that is with artifacts. So if you want to build a bizarre Magic deck that uses no colored mana and no colored spells, then get ready to build a deck chock full of artifacts that would delight Tawnos, Mishra, or even Urza.

Instructions

1. Start with a mana base. Any artifact deck should include the Urzatron: four each of Urza's Mine, Urza's Tower and Urza's Power Plant. You can then fill out the remaining eight land with other random colorless mana lands, such as Strip Mine and Mishra's Factory, that have secondary abilities.

2. Add in extra mana generators. Artifacts tend to be mana-hungry, so in addition to your 20 land, you'll probably want some artifact mana acceleration. Possible choices include Worn Powerstone, Grim monolith, Basalt monolith, Mind stone, Sol ring, Metalworker and many more. You'll probably want at least four mana generators but no more than 10, leaving at least 30 open slots for cards that do things.

3. Decide whether or not you wish to include Combos in your deck. Combos can be effective when you gather all the correct cards, but including four copies of each card in the combo can take up most of the space in your deck, rather than leaving space for a fun, random smattering of artifacts.

4. If you are playing an artifact combo deck, assemble your combo pieces. You may wish to have an infinite mana combo (e.g. Karn, Basalt Monolith, Heartstone), as well as a way to spend the infinite mana (e.g. Rocket launcher or Magma mine). Another option is a way to destroy all of your opponent's land (e.g. Kormus bell, mystic compass, rod of ruin). If you are playing a combo deck, you will likely want four of each combo card, to maximize the chances of drawing what you need.

5. Pick some fun and expensive artifacts to toss into your deck. One of the main reasons to play an artifact deck is the ability to cast expensive spells with expensive activation costs. So be sure to put in cards like Predator Flagship, Aladdin's Ring, Colossus of Sardia, Phyrexian Colossus and Temporal Aperture.

6. Decide whether or not you want any creatures in your deck. If so, you may want reliable artifact creatures like Juggernaut and Su-Chi. If not, you may wish to add a few artifacts that harm creatures, such as Meekstone and Caltrops.

7. Add artifacts to fill whatever holes you perceive in your deck. If you worry about flying creatures, add Scarecrow. If you worry about direct damage, add Reflecting Mirror. If you worry about being attacked, add Ensnaring Bridge.

8. Once you have 60 cards, shuffle your deck together and give it a whirl. You can't expect to win all the time, but you should at least have fun playing and put up a good fight. If not, refine your deck by removing cards that were not useful and adding utility cards (such as Bottle Gnomes or Flowstone Armor).

Tags: your deck, worry about, artifact deck, artifacts that, cards that, combo deck, Decide whether

Sciatic Nerve Damage Symptoms

According to Dr. Stewart G. Eidelson, founder of SpineUniverse, the sciatic nerve, which measures just under one inch in diameter, is the largest nerve in the body. It goes from the lower back all the way to the foot. A damaged sciatic nerve causes painful symptoms. In severe cases, these symptoms may be life altering.

Leg Pain

Sciatica, which is the condition caused by sciatic nerve damage, is characterized mainly by a sharp, shooting pain from the hip or buttocks area down to the toes. This pain is usually worsened by moving the leg, bending over at the waist or sitting down. The pain is similar to a pinched nerve.

Numbness

If the sciatica is caused by pressure on the nerve, such as from a slipped disc, numbness in the leg may occur. While this numbness isn't necessarily a problem, it can cause other problems. These include imbalance, which can lead to falls. Numbness in the leg can also cause that leg to be weaker than the other leg, which makes lifting even light objects difficult.

Lower Backache

A dull lower backache is a less common symptom of sciatic nerve damage. This pain is either a result of the sciatic nerve being compressed or by other conditions, such as a herniated disc, that is often found in conjunction with sciatica. This backache may come and go; however, it is more common at night after a full day of activity. This is usually because the sciatic nerve is swollen. Many doctors prescribe an NSAID or recommend taking ibuprofen or aspirin to reduce the swelling.

Foot Drop and Toe Drop

Because the sciatic nerve affects the foot and toes, foot drop and toe drop are common symptoms. Toe drop occurs when the big toe on the affected side becomes so weak that it is difficult to extend or contract it. Foot drop occurs when the ankle is weak and the foot 'flops' sometimes. This symptom is serious, as falls can occur as a result.

Location

All of the symptoms of sciatica are unilateral, meaning they only occur on one side of the body. However, in some instances, such as pregnancy, symptoms can occur on both sides. In that case, one side usually experiences more pronounced symptoms than the other side.

Tags: sciatic nerve, drop occurs, drop occurs when, occurs when, sciatic nerve damage

Male Bladder Cancer Symptoms

When urinary symptoms indicate that there may be male urinary bladder cancer, a series of tests is normally done to diagnose the condition. These tests include blood tests, a urine test to check for cancerous cells, a scope (which is a camera used to look at the lining of the bladder) and an imaging test such as an MRI or CT scan. There may also be tests done of bones and organs near the bladder to insure that the cancer has not already spread.

Identification

Bladder cancer in males is the production of cancerous cells within the lining of the urinary bladder. According to the Mayo Clinic, this condition can strike males of any age group but it is more common in older men. Because of its obvious symptoms, men suffering from bladder cancer tend to report symptoms early in the condition's development, which makes treatment more successful. Even with successful treatment, many men are required to undergo follow-up treatment to prevent the condition from recurring.

Effects

Many of the symptoms associated with male bladder cancer come from urination. The urine may be a bloody color in the urine, either be dark rust or bright red. There may be a dramatic increase in the frequency of urination, and severe pain involved with urination as well. Another symptom of male bladder cancer is the frequent urge to urinate that results in no urination at all.

Potential

Some of the symptoms of male bladder cancer are not confined to the bladder or to the act of urinating. Bladder cancer can create a loss of appetite and a noticeable weight loss. There can be flu-like symptoms such as a fever and nausea. Pain can originate from the bones, most commonly in the pelvic region. There may also be back pain accompanied by abdominal pain.

Considerations

Some of the factors that increase the risk of contracting male bladder cancer are things that are difficult to control, such as a family history of bladder cancer, or a rare birth defect of the bladder called adenocarcinoma. Other increased risk factors are within a person's control; they include smoking and exposure to dangerous chemicals.

Prevention/Solution

The preferred method of treatment for male bladder cancer is surgery. If the condition is still relatively early then a small portion of the bladder may need to be removed to stop the cancer from spreading. In more advanced cases surgery may include a complete removal of the bladder. To prevent the spread of the cancer to other parts of the body there may also be chemotherapy medication or radiation treatment as well.

Tags: bladder cancer, male bladder, male bladder cancer, bladder cancer, cancerous cells

Sciatica Stretching Exercises

Sciatica pain can be caused when the sciatic nerve, which exits the lower spine, is irritated. Sciatic pain is felt through the lower back and down the leg. Exercise is helpful in providing relief. Gentle exercises that focus on strengthening and stretching can help reduce pain from sciatica.

Back Stretch

Lie on your stomach on the floor. Gently rise up on your elbows, lifting the chest, until you feel a stretch through the lower back. Hold this position for about 10 to 15 seconds. Repeat 10 times. This is a gentle exercise and should be performed slowly. As strength and flexibility improve, the arms can be fully straightened.

Cat Stretch

The cat stretch is a good exercise for stretching, strengthening and flexibility. Get down on the floor on your hands and knees. Gently round your back, pulling in your stomach muscles as you round. Hold this position for about 10 seconds. Relax to the beginning position. Repeat 10 to15 times.

Bridges

Bridges strengthen the abdominal muscles as well as the back. This exercise also stretches the hamstrings and promotes flexibility. Lie on your back, knees bent, with arms next your sides. Lift your hips off the floor by contracting the abdominal muscles and the buttocks muscles. Lift slowly and smoothly. Hold for about 10 to 15 seconds. Repeat 10 times.

Hamstring Stretch

Sit on the floor with legs extended. Reach forward until you feel a stretch. Hold for about 10 seconds. Repeat 10 times. Do not bounce. Bouncing can cause small muscle tears, which are harmful.

Tags: about seconds, about seconds Repeat, Repeat times, seconds Repeat, seconds Repeat times, abdominal muscles

Scar Tissue & Pain

Scar tissue consists of contracted connective tissue that is fibrous as well as dense. These tissues make up a scar. If you have had surgery or some other type of wound, a scar forms as a result. When scar tissue develops near the nerve root, it is referred to as epidural fibrosis, which is a very common occurrence after an individual undergoes back surgery. Women who have had repeat c-sections are also very likely to develop internal scar tissue or adhesions.

Body Repair

Scar tissue occurs because your body is trying to repair itself after a traumatic injury, which includes surgery. Scar tissue can seem to cause pain, but it is not the scar tissue itself that results in pain. Scar tissue does not have any nerve endings. What makes you hurt is the tethering or binding of the fibrous adhesions to a nerve root.

Adhesions

Chronic abdominal pain is often the result of scar tissue in the abdomen. Bands of scar tissue can attach to your internal organs and onto other tissue, and this causes pain. When the scar tissue becomes a band, this creates an adhesion that binds together body parts that are not supposed to be bound together, according to Healthscout. In essence, adhesions hook together normally unconnected body parts, which can result in a tugging and pulling sensation.

A Tangled Mess

Scar tissue and adhesions often crop up in the abdomen following surgery or as the result of inflammation, or peritonitis, of the abdominal lining. Scar tissue and adhesions can tangle up your intestines and cause a blockage, which is very painful.

Potential

You can have scar tissue and adhesions and not know it because they aren't causing you any pain; however, for some individuals the scar tissue creates other problems. For example, scar tissue can block the ends of the fallopian tubes, which can result in infertility.

Location

Scar tissue and adhesions can occur anywhere in the body, including in the eyes, which can result in glaucoma, and around the heart, which can cause pericarditis.

Effects

The pain that scar tissue causes depends to a great extent on its location. Adhesions pull on organs and nerves, and you might feel that tugging sensation and some pain when you are stretching or even when you are breathing deeply.

Solution

Surgery can be done to cut fibrous tissue, which is binding up your internal organs.

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Antibiotic Treatment For Rheumatoid Arthritsis

People with rheumatoid arthritis suffer daily with pain, stiffness and swelling of their joints. Unlike other kinds of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis can cause permanent damage to the body. Scientists are continually doing research to try and find better treatments for patients. The use of antibiotics to treat rheumatoid arthritis has shown promise in many studies, but is not accepted by all experts.

Understanding the Process

The antibiotics used in studies include clindamycin, erythromycin, tetracycline, the second generation of doxycycline, and the third generation minocycline.

Many top researchers are examining the concept that rheumatoid arthritis is triggered by infection. If this turns out to be the case, patients might be able to benefit from antibiotic therapy.

The Mayo Clinic has found that the antibiotics minocycline, doxycycline, tetracycline and dapsone show promise in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis when used in combination with other more traditional rheumatoid arthritis treatments, such as methotrexate.

Examine the Research

The Arthritis Center of Riverside, California shares the results of its research on its website Conqueringarthritis.com. The Center treated 255 adults who were an average of 53 years old with mild to severe rheumatoid arthritis with antibiotics and documented their findings to determine if the treatment was safe and effective for patients. The antibiotic treatments were given in addition to traditional rheumatoid arthritis treatments. They followed these patients for an average of two years for this study. The study found that 78 percent of patients studied had at least a 20 percent improvement regarding symptoms; 53 percent enjoyed better than a 50 percent improvement in relieving symptoms; and 22 percent of the participants did not have any improvement. The conclusion of the study was that antibiotics are safe and effective for use in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

However, not all experts are convinced that antibiotic treatment is helpful for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation discusses this treatment on its website, Arthritis.org. The site reviews the controversy, pointing out that there is no evidence successfully linking infection to rheumatoid arthritis. This being the case some researchers consider their use as questionable. Even so, the Arthritis Foundation does concede that the use of the antibiotic minocyline in clinical studies has proven to be helpful in reducing joint pain and swelling in patients. Researchers have not been able to figure out exactly why it is helpful, though.

Talk to Your Doctor

It is important to have a discussion with your doctor about treatment. Your doctor can help you decide if adding antibiotics to your standard rheumatoid arthritis treatment is a good option for you and outline the pros and cons for you to consider. For example, it is important to note that many antibiotics have the potential of having serious side effects. Also, antibiotics may interfere with the effectiveness of other medications you might be taking.

Tags: rheumatoid arthritis, with rheumatoid, with rheumatoid arthritis, Arthritis Foundation, arthritis treatments