How Does Pregnancy Affect A Woman'S Basal Body Temperature

Basal body temperature charting is often used by women who are trying to conceive. In fact, many women who have not conceived after several months of trying are often encouraged to track their basal body temperature, or BBT, to find out more about their cycles. BBT is your body's temperature rest, and is best measured first thing in the morning when you get out of bed. Once you begin to move around, your core temperature increases measurements become less precise. Basal thermometers are designed specifically for this purpose, and often provide an extra decimal point of temperature reading for accuracy. When trying to conceive, it is helpful to track your daily BBTs on a chart over the course of a few months so that you or your doctor can look at the trends. This can help to pinpoint your most fertile days.

Your BBT is lowest early in your menstrual cycle, starting when your period begins. It may fluctuate during this time, but it usually stays within a few tenths of a degree of this baseline. When you ovulate, your temperature spikes half a degree or more, and remains high for the duration of the luteal phase. The luteal phase is the time between ovulation and the start of the next menstrual cycle. For many women, this phase lasts for 14 days, however yours may be shorter or longer. If a woman is not pregnant, her temperature will fall back to the baseline just before her next period begins, signaling the start of her next cycle. If a woman is pregnant, however, her BBT will remain high for the first trimester.

If your BBT has been high for a few days longer than your average luteal cycle, chances are very high that you are pregnant. In fact, most doctors will tell you that elevated BBT for longer than two weeks indicates pregnancy. However, this is only true if your normal luteal cycle is equal to or shorter than 14 days. If you are pregnant, you can expect your BBT to remain high for your first trimester, or about 12 weeks. After this, it will drop back down to your pre-ovulation baseline. Some women continue to chart BBT during their first trimester to ensure that it remains high. A drop in BBT before week 12 can indicate that there is a problem with the pregnancy.

Tags: body temperature, first trimester, longer than, luteal cycle, luteal phase, many women

Types Of Triage Systems

Triage system identifies the critically ill.

Triage is a system employed by health personnel to sort incoming patients according to the level of severity of condition. The whole concept of triage is based on managing limited resources in health institutions, including space and manpower. Triage originated on the battlefield and was used primarily by physicians to sort wounded soldiers into manageable categories such as critical and beyond salvage. This allowed them to focus on those who needed immediate care.

Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment

In mass accidents, medical personnel transport the most injured first.

This is the most basic form of triage, which is used at the scene in cases involving mass casualties such as earthquakes, hurricanes and accidents. This system is used to sort patients into those who need urgent care, those who need care and those with less serious injuries. The purpose of this is to determine the casualties who will be transported to the hospitals first. After they have been sorted, they are separated into four groups: the deceased who have already passed away and are beyond help, the wounded who can be saved by immediate transportation and medical attention, the wounded who can survive a little wait and finally, those who have minor injuries. These groups are then affixed with printed triage tags for easy identification. This system was initially developed for use by firefighters and community emergency response teams (CERTs) after earthquakes.

Advanced Triage

Triage is often used in earthquakes.

Advanced triage is a bit controversial from an ethical standpoint; this is because physicians decide to withhold treatment because a seriously wounded or ill patient is unlikely to survive. Instead of providing such patients with advanced care, they instead concentrate on those with less severe conditions who are more responsive to treatment. The reason for this approach is to preserve limited resources for those patients who have a much higher chance for survival. This system has been used in such cases as in volcanic eruptions where the severity of the injuries can be so devastating that the patients will die regardless of what the physicians do. The resources that the physicians are trying to preserve include drugs and medical care.

Reverse Triage

Wounded phycisians recieve priority treatment in reverse triage systems.

This is a system in which the less wounded are given preferential treatment over other more serious patients, even if the other patients are likely to survive. This type of system is common on the battlefields where the slightly wounded soldiers are quickly treated and sent back into the fray or in situations where physicians or other essential caregivers are among the wounded in which case, they are quickly treated so that they can recover quickly and assist the other caregivers.

Tags: This system, care those, earthquakes Advanced, limited resources, quickly treated, those need, those with

Swab Drug Test Work

The Swab Drug Test

The swab drug test is used to test for drug particles in the saliva. This test is performed by placing a swab between your cheek and lower gums for two minutes. Once the swab has been saturated with saliva, a drug testing kit is used to determine whether any drugs have been ingested or smoked within three to four days. The oral fluids swab test can give results in minutes.

Accuracy

The swab test can be used to test for up to eight different kinds of drugs, but can only test for five or six at a time. This test is cheap and provides quick results, which is why it is being more widely used. However, this test can give a false positive result for specific drugs and does not have the capability to test for most of the newer "designer" drugs.

Drugs Detected by a Swab Test

This oral fluids swab test is the most lenient. It can test for cocaine, amphetimines, opiates, phencycline, and cannabinoids (like marijuana and hash).

Tags: Drug Test, fluids swab, fluids swab test, oral fluids, oral fluids swab

Treat Arrhythmias

Arrhythmias--irregular heart rhythms--can range from the mild and generally innocuous to the life threatening. Depending on their severity and cause, they can be treated with medication, surgery or special medical devices. In some cases, they can even be treated with nonsurgical procedures.

Instructions

Treat Arrhythmias With Medication

1. Use digitalis (digoxin or digitoxin) or calcium channel blockers to slow down a heartbeat that is too fast. This is a condition called tachycardia. Digitalis slows the electrical signal that moves through the heart, while calcium channel blockers work to reduce the force of contractions in the heart and slow them down.

2. Try beta-blockers to slow the heart's contractions.

3. Take blood thinner--called an anticoagulant--to lower your risk of developing blood clots or having a stroke. Too slow or soft contractions can contribute to your risk of having a stroke.

Use Devices and Nonsurgical Methods of Treatment

4. Undergo catheter radio-frequency ablation to destroy abnormal heart tissue that can cause arrhythmias. For this procedure, a cardiologist threads a thin tube through blood vessels to gain access to the abnormal tissue, using a cutter or radio-frequency energy to destroy and/or remove it.

5. Have a skilled surgeon use freezing, called cryoablation, to create electrical barriers in your heart. This is called a minimal-access catheter maze procedure.

6. Allow your doctor to perform cardioversion to get your heart back to its normal rhythm.

7. Have a pacemaker implanted in your body to speed up your heart's rhythm.

8. Have an internal cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implanted in your body. This device uses electronic shocks to normalize heart rhythms and produce more effective contractions of the heart muscle.

Undergo Surgery to Treat an Arrhythmia

9. Make surgery your last resort. Exhaust medication and nonsurgical methods before you even consider invasive surgical methods. Keep in mind, however, that you may have to choose surgery rather quickly if your arrhythmia is severe and life threatening.

10. Allow your surgeon to remove or destroy damaged or defective heart tissue.

11. Consider surgery to treat underlying causes of irregular heart rhythms. For example, if you have heart disease that is causing your arrhythmia, you may choose surgery to treat it and return your heart to a regular rhythm.

Tags: your heart, Allow your, calcium channel, calcium channel blockers, channel blockers

Why Is The Asian Cobra Dangerous

Asian cobras bite thousands of people annually.

Naja naja, also known as the Asian cobra, is one of more than 270 types of cobra that live in Asia and Africa. This hooded serpent is responsible for many fatal bites throughout India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal. Statistics on exactly how many people the Asian cobra kills annually are unreliable because of poor record keeping and uncertain snakebite identification. Some estimates claim cobras bite 10,000 people annually in India alone.

Occupational Hazard

Farmers, herders and plantation workers all risk being bitten on the job. Asian cobras frequent the rice fields and cultivated lands. Young male workers are frequently the victims, resulting in loss of family income. The incidence of snakebite shoots up during monsoon weather, floods and increased agricultural activity.

The Bite

The Asian cobra doesn't want to bite humans, but if cornered, it will bite. And bite again. It might even hold onto the victim and chew. This multiple biting style makes the cobra extremely dangerous, as a single snake can inject a great quantity of venom into its victim.

Effects of Venom

Cobra bites result in necrosis, or tissue damage, all around the bite. But even more dangerous are the neurotoxins in cobra venom, which cause descending paralysis. Drooping eyelids are often a first sign. Soon, victims are unable to move their tongues, and have difficulty talking. Once paralysis descends to the muscles that control breathing, victims will die of respiratory collapse if mechanical ventilation is unavailable.

Troubles With Treatment

Once a person is bitten, he or she must get to a health clinic or hospital to be treated. Many times, these facilities are far away, and transportation is inadequate. The bitten limb needs to be immobilized. Walking might spread the venom through the body. Often, the victim will first consult a folk healer, who might chant, cut incisions around the bite site, and apply herbs or a tourniquet. All of these treatments are contraindicated. Even if the victim manages to get to a hospital alive, the medical staff might be poorly trained in dealing with snakebites.

Antivenom

The only effective cure for snakebite is antivenom, which is made by injecting a horse or sheep with a specific type of snake venom and then processing the animal's serum. Administering the correct antivenom depends upon accurate identification of the snake. The companies that manufacture antivenoms are not closely monitored, and the results vary. Many patients have adverse reactions to the antivenom. There may be regional differences in venom, so that an antivenom produced from cobras in one part of India might not successfully combat the bite of cobras in a different state. Some patients will find the cost prohibitive. A sufficient dose of antivenom can cost more than a farmer's monthly wages.

Tags: around bite, Asian cobra, Asian cobras, cobras bite, more than, people annually

Bright'S Disease

Bright's disease is archaic terminology for a classification of kidney diseases. These problems with the kidney are now known as acute and chronic nephritis. The result of Bright's disease, or nephritis, is inflammation of one or both kidneys. This inflammation results in the excretion of protein via urination. Left untreated, Bright's disease can result in death.

History

The "father of nephrology," Richard Bright, was an English physician in the 1800s. Through extensive research, Bright identified the symptoms and causes of kidney disease, becoming the first physician to accurately equate the existence of albumin in urine with kidney pathology. Early treatments of the condition included bloodletting, warm baths and laxatives and diuretics to treat the associated edema, or swelling.

Types

There are two basic types of nephritis: acute and chronic. Acute nephritis is usually short-term and affects mostly children and teenagers. The disease occurs most often in males. Acute nephritis has a generally good prognosis. Chronic nephritis, on the other hand, is the long-term version of Bright's disease. It is an advanced form of kidney disease which results in long-lasting inflammation that causes the breakdown of glomeruli, which are stuctures inside the kidney. The prognosis for chronic nephritis is poor. The condition leads to high blood pressure and loss of kidney function.

Features

The features of Bright's disease are the presence of dark urine and edema, sometimes to the point of restricting breathing. Acute nephritic attacks are often preceded by severe back pain, vomiting and fever. Symptoms often come on slowly, making Bright's disease not immediately identifiable. Medical tests, including a urinalysis, must be completed to accurately diagnose kidney disease. The causes of Bright's disease are generally murky, though many researchers believe certain medications and underlying medical conditions can trigger the condition.

Effects

Acute nephritis is generally resolved in the body and rarely leaves any long-lasting effects. Chronic nephritis, however, results in degenerative changes in the kidney, which impairs the functioning of the organ and causes scarring. The final outcome of the condition is often end-stage kidney failure. The chronic form of the disease is often extremely uncomfortable for its patients, primarily due to the edema involved.

Prevention/Solution

The acute form of Bright's disease usually responds well to treatment. Many times, a strict regimen of administering of immunosuppressive drugs will be used. The result of these medications is to reduce inflammation which in turn lessens the amount of scarring. Chronic nephritis is also often treated with immunosuppressive therapy. Associated conditions are treated as well, including using diuretics for edema and hypertension-fighting medications for high blood pressure. Advanced stages of chronic nephritis sometimes require kidney dialysis or even a kidney transplant.

Tags: Bright disease, Acute nephritis, kidney disease, acute chronic, Acute nephritis generally

How Does Cetaphil Work To Treat Head Lice

The study that started it all

In 2004, a study by Dale Lawrence Pearlman in the "Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics" announced a new, effective way to treat head lice. Instead of using toxic products readily available in drugstores to poison lice, a dry-on, suffocation-based pediculicide, or DSP, was applied to the scalps of children who had head lice. The results were remarkable: 96 percent of cases were cured. This compares to an 85 to 97 percent cure rate in traditional lice poisons.

How a nontoxic lotion can compete with poison

So how does it work? Cetaphil is a skin cleanser that contains ingredients that essentially suffocate a louse. However, it is not as simple as applying the cleanser and then rinsing it out. Parents must apply Cetaphil thoroughly to their child's head, and then completely blow dry their hair. Dr. Pearlman describes this process as "shrink wrapping" the live louse. Covering the entire pest with this film causes it to suffocate and die, meaning it cannot lay any more eggs. The process of suffocation can take up to eight hours, during which you should not rinse your child's hair. But what about the eggs left behind?

Why reapplication is necessary

Head lice reach maturity in about two weeks, after which they can lay eggs and continue the infestation. While applying Cetaphil and blowing it dry kills all of the live lice, it does nothing to harm the nits, which are the lice eggs. Once these hatch, your child will have live lice roaming in his hair again. This is why Dr. Pearlman's method involves two to three additional applications of Cetaphil. The first application takes care of the mature lice. The second application, performed in exactly the same way about a week later, kills the newly hatched lice. A third application after another week, while not always necessary, kills any lice that hatched after the second application of Cetaphil. Because the newly hatched lice do not have enough time to mature between applications, they cannot lay new eggs and the cycle is broken.

Is using Cetaphil enough?

Don't think that simply applying Cetaphil and washing it out will take care of your child's lice infestation. This process only works when performed as prescribed and only works with the skin cleaner. Cetaphil lotion, while bearing the same brand name, is not effective in killing lice. Rinsing out the cleanser before the lice suffocate may allow them to live and continue to lay eggs. Also, if additional applications are not done as directed, nits can escape unharmed and hatch into lice, which mature and lay more eggs. Additionally, linens, toys and combs should be washed thoroughly to destroy any mature lice that might have migrated from your child's head. Using Cetaphil is an effective, nontoxic way to treat lice in your household, but only when used correctly.

Tags: your child, additional applications, applying Cetaphil, child head, hatched lice

Diet Tips To Ease Ibs Symptoms

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition that affects the large intestine. About 10 percent to 15 percent of people in North America have IBS, according to the American College of Gastroenterology Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders Task Force. Symptoms include cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea and constipation. IBS is uncomfortable and can disrupt your life. However, a change in diet can help ease some of the symptoms of IBS.

Eat More Fiber

One way to ease IBS symptoms is to consume more fiber, but you will need to slowly introduce it to your diet. Foods that contain fiber can produce gas and make cramping worse. One way to reduce the negative effect of fiber is to take a fiber supplement, such as Metamucil or Citrucel. Mix the powder form of these two supplements with water and then drink plenty of water afterwards. Other fiber-rich foods include apples, beans and citrus fruits. Experiment with these foods and see what works best for you.

Stay Away From Certain Foods

IBS symptoms may increase if you consume alcohol, chocolate and caffeine, such as coffee or certain medications that contain caffeine. Also stay away from beans, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and other vegetables that may cause gas. Limit or eliminate these foods completely from your diet, or try to find a substitute.

Drink More Liquids And Watch Your Dairy Intake

Another way to ease IBS symptoms is drink more liquids, especially water. Drink water everyday to flush your system and rehydrate your body. If you can tolerate milk, only drink small amounts and combine it with a meal. Stay away from alcohol and carbonated drinks, which can make IBS worse.

Reduce Stress And Eat Smaller Meals

Reducing your stress level will also help ease your IBS issues. Try yoga or some other form of exercise to lower stress and reduce your symptoms. In addition, eat six small meals a day instead of three larger ones. Your meals should be low in fat, but try to include some pasta, rice, whole-grain breads and cereals.

Tags: away from, ease symptoms, help ease, that contain, these foods

What Are Some Uses For Foliated Metamorphic Rocks

Chalkboards are often made of slate.

There are two varieties of metamorphic rock, foliated and nonfoliated. Both are used in industry and are excellent stone choices for many projects. Foliated metamorphic rocks are slate, schist, phyllite and gneiss. The properties of these rocks make them useful in industry and design. When you have a project that you are thinking about using rock to complete, you may want to consider using foliated metamorphic rock.

Slate

Slate is metamorphosed shale. It splits into layers in the same way shale does but is denser and stronger than shale, making it strong enough to be used in industry. Most people are familiar with the dark gray slate chalkboards used in school classrooms, but other colors of slate such as reds and greens are also common. Slate is used to make decorative roofing shingles or patio and inside flooring. Fireplaces and counter tops are another common use for this stone. Crushed slate is sometimes used as decorative rock in gardens and driveways. The tops of pool tables are another use of this versatile rock.

Phyllite

Phyllite is a rock that has undergone a higher grade of metamorphism (higher temperature) than the lower grade metamorphosed slate, yet a lower grade than schist. The clay in phyllite has been morphed into mica, which along with other minerals gives the rock a lustrous sheen. It has a layered appearance that is sometimes a bit wrinkled. It is not as hard as slate and is not often used in construction as slate is. It is, however, crushed and used for road and railway construction as gravel or bedding. Its glistening sheen also makes it a good decorative rock for gardens.

Schist

Schist is an intermediate metamorphic grade foliated rock. It is visibly grainy, containing substantial amounts of mica giving it shine. It varies in color depending on what other minerals the rock contains. Schist is not as strong as some other stone used for building, as the mica can make it split easily. Some schist is used for building stone, however. Princeton University, the Philadelphia Zoo and the University of Pennsylvania are examples of places where buildings were constructed using schist. Schist is also used as a veneer stone. It is widely used as decorative stone as well.

Gneiss

Gneiss is a high metamorphic grade of foliated rock composed from granite, schist or other types of rock. It is coarse-grained rock with bands which alternate dark and light. The banded patterns sometimes swirl as if the rock had been folded. This rock is durable and is widely used as building rock. It is used as facing stone, flooring, veneer and counter tops. The jetties in Ocean City and Assateague, Maryland, are made of gneiss. Gravestones are sometimes made from this rock. The intricate banded patterns give the rock an interesting appeal that makes it the perfect rock for smaller decorative items such as bookends, too.

Tags: used building, banded patterns, counter tops, decorative rock, decorative rock gardens, foliated rock, grade foliated

Can Vegetables Properly To Prevent Botulism

Clostridium botulinum is an anaerobic bacterium that can cause the potentially deadly disease Botulism. One of the most common sources of this disease is improperly canned foods. If you enjoy canning your own foods then you'll need to keep a few key things in mind in order to prevent creating an environment in you canned foods that allows this bacterium to thrive.

Instructions

1. Use only a pressure canner to can all your produce, especially low-acid and tomato based items.

2. Test the gauge on your pressure canner regularly to ensure its accuracy. Your local or country USDA office should offer this testing service.

3. Heat the jar, can or other container to at least 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Process times and pressure will vary depending on the item being canned, the container being used and the style of the pack being used, but all techniques must reach at least 250 degrees to kill off any bacteria already present in the can or on the produce.

4. Firmly seal the jar lid and ensure that the lid is concave. Any jars not displaying a concave lid should be re-canned or discarded.

5. Read the USDA Complete Guide to Home Canning thoroughly and follow the directions outlined for your particular produce, container and packing method (see Resources below).

Tags: being used, canned foods, least degrees, pressure canner

Alternative To Cervical Disk Surgery

Cervical disc surgery is a highly invasive and risky procedure used to treat a herniated or ruptured disc. The cervical disc is located in the neck, and herniations and ruptures are usually caused by injury or complications from surgery. The surgery involves replacement of the cervical disc with a prosthesis. It is only prescribed as a last resort, when alternative treatments have failed to provide relief from pain, muscle weakness and nerve dysfunction.

Discuss Alternatives with a Specialist

Discuss treatment of your symptomatic cervical disc with an orthopedist. A chiropractor, physical therapist or similar practitioner will not have the expertise required to pursue effective treatment of this serious condition. An orthopedist will usually be enthusiastic about seeking alternatives to surgery, as the long-term effectiveness as cervical disc replacement surgery is still in an experimental phase, and most can only gain access to it by joining a study.

Alternatives to Cervical Disc Replacement

The primary alternative to cervical disc replacement is an extended course of anti-inflammatory drugs and regular physical therapy. This will be mandated by a physician before even considering the possibility of a risky and expensive surgery. These alternative therapies will work on ameliorating the root cause of the pain and nerve dysfunction without carrying serious risks.

Treating Pain from Cervical Disc Problems

Cervical disc issues cause neck pain and sometimes back and arm pain as well. In severe cases, the pain can be debilitating, making it impossible to focus on work and other daily tasks. Applying cold packs or hot packs to the affected area can provide temporary relief. Stretching exercises and massage can also provide effective relief. In severe cases and in conjunction with non-drug treatment, painkillers may be prescribed to provide relief.

Tags: cervical disc, cervical disc replacement, cervical disc with, disc replacement, disc with

Black Salve Treatment

Black Salve Treatment

Black salve treatment actually is about two different kinds of black salve, used for different skin conditions. Although each salve has been in use for more than 150 years, self-treatment with black salve for skin cancer is controversial, with traditional and alternative medicine on opposite sides of the fence on both its safety and efficacy.

Basics

Two ointments available are referred to as "black salve." The first ointment is today what is touted as an alternative treatment for skin cancer; the second is an ointment referred to as "drawing salve," which contains ichthammol.

Definition

Black salve, an unscientific alternative treatment applied to areas of skin cancer, is classified as an escharotic medication. Escharotic means that the salve induces the formation of eschar, a scab of dead skin most frequently seen after burns or with decubitus ulcers (bedsores). Many products sold under the name "black salve" and that are purported to treat skin cancer contain bloodroot, a perennial flowering plant.

Drawing salve is black due to its chief ingredient, ichthammol.

Uses

Black salve, the topical agent usually containing bloodroot, is used in the self-treatment of skin cancer. For hundreds of years, Native Americans used the sap from the bloodroot plant's roots to self-treat cancer, warts and moles. This black salve is only applied topically.

Drawing salve is used to treat conditions, such as boils, for the removal of slivers under the skin or treatment of festering, pus-filled skin eruptions. Drawing salve is applied to the affected area to draw out the infection as the salve aids the body's natural mechanisms for fighting invading organisms/items.

Considerations

Black salve, the herbal corrosive topical agent being used by some to self-treat skin cancer, is a treatment that meets with two extremes. The traditional medical community eschews the use of this black salve while some in the alternative medical community firmly embrace black salve's use in the self-treatment of skin cancer.

Before making any decisions on which treatment option you should choose for your skin cancer, consult with your health care provider. Additionally, gather information from as many reputable and reliable sources as you can before you make a decision that not only will affect your health and well-being currently but could have long-term effects, too.

Drawing salve should not be used in the treatment of open wounds, by people who have allergies to any of the salve's ingredients or in treatment of a boil or other pustular eruption for more than a few days before consulting a health care provider. The presence of fever indicates a more prevalent infection and warrants seeking medical attention.

Precaution

Some skin cancers are more prone to metastasis, meaning that the cancer can spread within your body. A topical treatment for the skin cancer alone will not treat any cancer that has spread within the body. Only medical testing can ensure whether the cancer has spread beyond what is visible on the skin.

Tags: skin cancer, black salve, Drawing salve, alternative treatment, Black salve, Black Salve Treatment

What Are The Treatments For An Overactive Bladder

An overactive bladder is a sudden and involuntary contraction of the bladder muscle. The most common symptoms are frequent, urgent and uncontrollable urination, and this condition often has debilitating social, emotional and psychological effects. It is estimated that one in 11 adults suffers from an overactive bladder, though the condition is most common in the elderly. However, while the elderly are most often affected, it is not considered a normal part of aging, and it can be treated.

Medications

There are two major medications (Oxybutynin and Telterodine) that treat overactive bladder by relaxing the involuntary muscles that control bladder contractions. Some physicians have also been experimenting with Botox to paralyze overactive bladder muscles (see Resources). Estrogen is also considered helpful as a supplementary treatment in postmenopausal women

Kegel Exercises

Kegel exercises are the most well-known treatment for urinary incontinence. However, there are other methods that can be used alone or in conjunction with kegel exercises (see Resources).

Other Therapies

Biofeedback promotes awareness of the pelvic muscles. Vaginal weight training strengthens the vaginal walls through holding small weights inside the vagina. Pelvic floor electrical stimulation uses light shocks to stimulate muscle contraction.

Behavior Modification

Bladder training is used to teach people to resist the urge to urinate. Toileting assistance teaches people to create routines and schedules around voiding and preemptive voiding to prevent leaking.

Barrier Protection

Pads and adult diapers prevent urine from coming into contact with clothing. They also allow the wearer more flexibility and freedom of movement, and are a useful tool in conjunction with medical, mechanical and behavioral therapies.

Tags: overactive bladder, conjunction with, most common

Take A Stool Sample

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Certain medical conditions may require you to submit a stool sample to your physician. Feces can tell your physician a lot about your diet and any toxins that may be in your body. Your physician will supply you with a kit to perform this procedure.

Instructions

1. Obtain the stool sample kit from your doctor's office. The kit will consist of a container, referred to as a hat, to place in the toilet bowl to catch your feces. There will be a small shovel and a specimen container to store your feces.

2. Place the hat in the toilet bowl. Take a bowel movement into the hat then remove it from the toilet bowl. Put on a pair of gloves.

3. Use the small shovel attachment on the specimen container to remove sections of the feces from each end and the middle. Place the feces in the specimen container, making sure the stool sample reaches the line that marks the desired quantity.

4. Dispose of the hat and the remaining feces in a plastic bag. Throw the gloves away in the same bag and tie it securely.

5. Refrigerate the container with the stool sample. Place it in a brown paper bag to avoid viewing when in the refrigerator and prevent food contamination. Return the stool sample to the requesting physician as soon as possible.

6. Wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and anti-bacterial soap; pat dry.

Tags: stool sample, specimen container, toilet bowl, small shovel, your feces, your physician

Stop Smoking & Drinking With Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient therapy in which tiny needles are inserted into meridians, which are special energy channels in the body. These needles stimulate your body's detoxification systems and help suppress cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Studies by several highly respected agencies, such as the American Cancer Society, recommend acupuncture because of the success people have had with it. Acupuncture can be a useful tool for anyone trying to overcoming alcohol and tobacco addiction.

Instructions

1. Find a practitioner who specializes in addiction. Most acupuncturists are trained in a variety of treatments and therapies, but a specializing acupuncturist will have more knowledge of what therapies and meridians best help with addiction. They also may have more tips to help you.

2. Undergo treatment at least twice a week for three weeks. According to a study performed by the American Cancer Society, this level of treatment was found to be therapeutic for those who want to stop smoking. Work with your practitioner to develop a schedule that you both feel meets your specific needs.

3. Perform ear acupressure at home. The American Cancer Society found those who did ear acupressure daily had better cessation rates. A study conducted in Japan in 1972 by Dr. Y. Omura found ear acupressure helped relieve symptoms of cocaine withdrawal and helped with weight loss. Have your acupuncturist show you the proper pressure points and stimulate them by pressing a paperclip to them or by rubbing and massaging the points.

4. Make diet and lifestyle changes. According to Diane Joswick, L.Ac., MSOM, people undergoing acupuncture for addiction and withdrawal should consume fresh vegetables, fruit, fruit juices and miso soup to help detoxify the blood. She also recommends flushing the system by drinking plenty of water and consuming carrots, carrot juice and green leafy vegetables to counter cravings.

5. Follow up with your treatments, even if you haven't had the urge to drink or smoke. According to Joswick, patients should follow up for four to six months to ensure continued success.

Tags: American Cancer, American Cancer Society, Cancer Society, have more, with your

Joint Pain In Teenagers

Joint pain in teenagers has many causes and should be treated immediately. A doctor can determine if the joint pain is caused by injury, disease or infection.

Features

A teenager may experience pain when moving the affected joint, pain at rest, tenderness, swelling, redness, discoloration, fever or a rash.

Types

There are many different causes of joint pain in teenagers, including injury, infection, Lyme disease, Osgood-Schlatter disease and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Significance

Joint pain in teenagers can limit their activities. They may be unable to participate in sports or do their chores. They may also be embarrassed by the inability to complete tasks they normally tackle without problems.

Prevention/Solution

Make sure your teenager is wearing safety equipment when playing sports. If your teenager has other symptoms along with joint pain, if the joint pain does not fade over time, or if there is any swelling, discoloration or tenderness, consult a doctor.

Considerations

There are treatments available for Lyme disease, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and Osgood-Schlatter disease. Consult a doctor to have your teenager's joint pain diagnosed and treated.

Tags: pain teenagers, your teenager, disease juvenile, disease juvenile rheumatoid, joint pain, joint pain, juvenile rheumatoid

Use A Vaporizer In An Apartment

Vaporizers are used to add humidity to the air. In addition, sometimes a decongestant like vapor rub is added to the water inside the vaporizer to help clear up chest congestion. Apartments are usually smaller than a house and in many cases, the heat provided to an apartment is forced air or radiator heat. Both types of heat create low levels of humidity. A vaporizer can raise the humidity levels and create a balanced environment in your apartment during the winter months.

Instructions

1. Select a vaporizer with variable mist output so you can change the intensity of the vapor coming from the unit. Since apartments tend to be smaller than a house, you will require fewer vapors.

2. Place the vaporizer in the room you want to use it in -- and turn the vaporizer to its lowest setting. Keep the door closed when possible. If you plan to use it in the entire apartment, skip this step and go to the next.

3. Place the vaporizer in a centralized location so the blower of the vaporizer faces the length of the apartment -- this is if you want your entire apartment to get the vapors. This will help the vapor travel through the apartment. Place the vaporizer on its highest setting and keep bedroom doors open when possible.

4. Pour distilled water into the vaporizer. This will help keep the vaporizer clean longer and prevents contaminates and chemicals found in your drinking water from being lifted into the air in your apartment.

5. Place a few drops of essential oil into the water. Different oils present different therapeutic effects but almost all essential oils will provide a fragrant smell in your apartment. The more essential oil you add, the more intense the fragrance is, so it is best to add two or three drops to start with and then add additional oil as desired. This will help to ensure you do not over-power the room with the sent of essential oil.

6. Place a hygrometer in the room as far away from the vaporizer as possible and out of sunlight. If you are using the vaporizer for the entire apartment, place the hygrometer in the middle of the apartment. The hygrometer measures humidity levels. When levels get below 40 percent in the fall and winter, turn on the vaporizer to increase the level of humidity in the room.

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Make Your Own Feng Shui Good Luck Charm

Make Your Own Feng Shui Good Luck Charm

Feng shui is translated from Chinese as "wind and water." Feng shui analyzes and modifies ch'i, or energy, that circulates or is blocked, causing disturbances in the areas related to energy flow. A feng shui good-luck charm uses color and the elements of nature to draw intentions. Ch'i will flow freely and promote happiness, prosperity and good health. A feng shui good-luck charm can be fashioned to wear or to set in auspicious areas of the home.

Instructions

Making Your Own Feng Shui Good Luck Charm

1. Promote passion with a rose-quartz feng shui good-luck charm. Arrange two or more rose crystals in a red glass bowl in a northeast or southwest area of your bedroom, or elsewhere in your home. Red is the fire element and, combined with the heart-resonating quality of rose quartz, is auspicious for passion and even heart healing.

2. Gather health energy with the earth element. A uniquely personal way to ensure wellness is to scout for pieces of wood that speak to you. Wander through a park or forest, and look for wood that appeals to you. If the wood piece is small enough, drill a small hole and hang it from a leather strip. You can wear it around your neck or hang it in your home. Hang in an east/southeast location.

3. Create luck with bamboo. Lucky bamboo is considered to be auspicious for keeping malevolent spirits at bay. A bamboo plant, bamboo wind chimes or a bamboo flute can serve as a lucky feng shui charm. Place a small bamboo plant to your left at your desk, or hang bamboo chimes at the back of your home. If you surround your home with bamboo, it creates a nurturing and healthy environment.

4. Invite abundance and prosperity with a simple feng shui coin necklace. Hang two feng shui coins from a blue ribbon. Tie the ribbon in a knot, and wear for abundance. Blue symbolizes the water element, indicating free flow of ch'i. You may notice that your business dealings flow more easily. If you hang the coins, place in the east or southeast area of your home or office.

Tags: your home, feng shui, Feng Shui Good, feng shui good-luck, Good Luck

Uterine Cancer Treatment

Uterine cancer is a cancer of the uterus and surrounding structures. Endometrial cancer, or a cancer of the uterine lining, is the most frequent type of uterine cancer. There are many types of treatment available, and many options if the uterine cancer is caught early.

Radiation

Radiation therapy is used to kill the cancer cells that are attacking the the uterus.

Removal of Cancers

Surgery is often preformed to remove the cancerous lesions from in and around the uterus.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy can be used to stop the cancer in the uterus. In this procedure, chemicals known to fight cancer cells are injected into the body.

Hormone Therapy

Therapy using only hormones can be used in the treatment of uterine cancer. Endometrial cancer is a hormone-dependent disease. Therefore, hormonal therapy added to standard treatments may improve the outcome in the early stages of the disease (see Resources).

Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy, usually the last line of defense, is the complete removal of the uterus from the body.

Tags: cancer cancer, cancer cells, cancer uterus, Endometrial cancer, uterine cancer

Effects Of Ritalin Withdrawal

Ritalin is the brand name for methylphenidate hydrochloride, prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Similar to an amphetamine, Ritalin is a central nervous system stimulant that can cause withdrawal effects in people who discontinue usage suddenly.

Considerations

Withdrawal symptoms are most likely in people taking higher doses of Ritalin than prescribed. The effects can begin up to several days after the person stops taking the drug.

Most Common Effects

Common withdrawal effects in these individuals include changes in heart rhythm, extreme fatigue, agitation, increased appetite, nausea, insomnia, sleeping excessively and unpleasant dreams.

Depression

Depression is also a frequent Ritalin withdrawal effect, causing difficulties in relationships, school and work. This mood change may not actually be a withdrawal symptom but a sign of a depressive disorder that had been masked by Ritalin use.

Suicide

The American Psychiatric Association specifies the major complication of Ritalin withdrawal as suicide. People withdrawing from Ritalin should be monitored for signs of suicidal thoughts or behavior.

Treatment

Usually, Ritalin withdrawal effects are not severe, but the process can be very uncomfortable. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, the doctor may recommend beginning use again and tapering it off gradually. Short-term prescriptions of antidepressants or other medications also can help.

Tags: withdrawal effects, Ritalin withdrawal

What To Do If You Have An Emergency In An Urgent Care Center

Urgent care centers exist to relieve hospital emergency rooms of less severe illnesses and conditions. From the common cold to a sprained ankle, urgent care centers cut down on the amount of time that a patient must wait to be seen in a larger emergency room. However, from time to time, emergencies can occur at an urgent care center. Acting fast and following directions are key to ensuring a positive ending for all involved.

Getting Help For a Patient

If you are in the waiting room of an urgent care center and an emergency arises, yell out for help immediately. Urgent care centers are equipped with trained medical professionals that know exactly react in an emergency. In the waiting room, you should be able to quickly flag down a triage nurse or someone at the check-in station. The quicker your reaction time, the more likely it is that someone will be able to effectively assist.

Getting Help If You Are A Patient

If you are a patient in an urgent care center and are waiting for assistance from a doctor or nurse in a private room, hit the nurse station call button if an emergency arises. This button is usually located either directly on the side of the bed or just behind it, under the light, with a symbol in the shape of a nurse hat. Pushing this button puts you on an intercom to the nurse's station, at which point you can call out for help. If you are able to walk, open the door and yell out for help from a staff member. If there is no call button and you cannot get to the door, but have a cell phone, call 911. The operator can call the front desk and get help faster than you can waiting for someone to come back into the room.

Stay Calm

While it may be your first instinct to panic, it's important to stay calm in an emergency situation. Try to keep a clear head and wait until you receive further instruction from emergency personnel. If you are with someone having an emergency, make any pertinent calls to family members or friends. Jot down anything you can remember about the incident and make notes on current health conditions and medications.

Tags: care center, care centers, urgent care center, call button, emergency arises, Getting Help, Getting Help Patient

Clear A Stuffed Nose Without Medication

There are ways to rid yourself of a stuffy nose without resorting to over-the-counter or prescription medications. Stay hydrated and eat a well-balanced diet to help your body deal with the cold and flu germs that cause stuffy noses.

Instructions

1. Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated helps keep the mucus in your sinuses loose and runny, making it easier for you to blow your nose and ease congestion.

2. Turn on a humidifier. Keeping the air moist also helps to keep the mucus soft, allowing you to blow your nose and clear your sinuses.

3. Mix warm water and salt into a saline solution and gargle it to remove mucus from your throat.

4. Drip small amounts of saline water into each nostril and breathe slowly through your nose. The saline will make you sneeze, helping you to clear a stuffy nose.

5. Apply a warm compress to your face to help ease the discomfort of a stuffy nose. The heat and moisture helps promote drainage so you can blow your nose more effectively.

Tags: your nose, blow your, blow your nose, stuffy nose, helps keep, helps keep mucus, keep mucus

Find Remedies For A Sinus Infection

Neti pot

Difficulty breathing, headache, fever, inflammation of the nasal cavativy, can all denote sinus infection. One of the most common infections from a medical standpoint, a sinus infection can be bothersome but rarely life threatening. Inflammation of the sinus cavity, can disrupt the normal movement of mucus, thus putting unwanted pressure on the sinus wall. When this happens the pressure can cause pain in the nose, face, head and ears. With one of the worst case scenarios could be an infection in the brain. You want to treat a sinus infection right away to reduce discomfort and prevent other medical situations. There are different ways to treat a sinus infection, sometimes antibiotics are in order from your doctor. But less and less, doctors are prescribing antibiotics due to our increased immunity that is occuring because of overprescribing. There are other remedies out there for cases that are not serious. Below you will find out how, and where, to find these remedies for a sinus infection.

Instructions

1. Try inhaling the steam from boiled water, or vaporizers, which are very helpful in breaking up thick mucus. Inhaling the vapors offers temporary relief to the pain and pressure caused by the infection.

2. Use a neti pot. Fill the neti pot with warm water, mixed with a bit of salt. Pour some of the solution into one nostril, allowing it to flow through and out the other.

3. Drink a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar at the onset of an ear infection. It's medicinal properties can help fight the infection.

4. Ingest a garlic capsule with some water. Garlic is believed to have positive effects on numerous infections that can happen in the body.

5. Get a facial massage. The oil used for a facial massage can be menthol based when requested. Eucalyptus oil, especially, can be very soothing and help with mucus. While the massage itself applies pressure to the sinus ducts causing them to drain.

6. Drink cranberry juice. Cranberry juice is a natural antibiotic that can help remedy the infection.

Tags: sinus infection, facial massage, pressure sinus, treat sinus, treat sinus infection

Prepare Crystals

Cleanse, activate and reinforce your crystals to prepare for meditation.

Cleansing, activation and reinforcement, also referred to as programming, are three of the key components needed to prepare your crystals for meditation. Since crystals absorb energy from individuals handling them, it is imperative that you thoroughly cleanse the crystals when you purchase them to release any unwanted negative energy source. In "The Encyclopedia of Crystals," Judy Hall writes, "A crystal has to be activated and programmed to start working." Once the crystals are prepared for meditation, keep them in a silk or velvet scarf when not in use to protect them from any negative emanations.

Instructions

Cleansing the Crystal

1. Immerse crystals that water does not harm in an earthenware or green bowl of salt water for several hours. Wash away any residue with tap water once the cleansing is complete.

Place crystals that are friable or dissolve easily into an earthenware or green bowl of salt or brown rice over night to remove the negative energy. Discard the salt or rice after cleansing.

2. Visualize a white light surrounding your crystals. Focus your mind on the white light cleansing, purifying as well as re-energizing the crystal. The surrounding white light will remove any negative energy attached to the crystal from other sources.

3. Place your crystals in direct sunlight or moonlight for several hours. This is the last step to recharge the crystal before activation.

Activating and Reinforcing the Crystals

4. Hold the crystals in the palms of your cupped hands. Place your cupped hands in front of a light source such as the sun coming through your windows. As an option, place your cupped hands under a bright cool light or lamp within your home.

5. Visualize a bright light surrounding the crystal. Fill it with positive energy and vitality for activation.

6. Focus your mind on your intention. Be specific on how you want to use your crystal and its purpose. According to Judy Hall, "...focused intention is part of the process."

7. Relax your mind while holding the crystal in the palm of your cupped hand and focus on the area you are seeking improvement with focused intention. For example, if you are using your crystals to attract love into your life, be specific with the type of person you are seeking and this person's characteristics. Do not place a stringent timetable, such as within the next six months, to meet your partner. The universe could be preparing the meeting for the following week. Do not place any visualizations of how the meeting will take place. The universe will know the best way for you to have the encounter.

8. Tune into your crystal's energy and say aloud what you are programming your crystal to do, stating your purpose and intention.

Tags: your crystals, your cupped, cupped hands, negative energy, white light

What Does A Fibroid Look Like

What Does a Fibroid Look Like?

A fibroid is a growth found in the uterus. These growths are non-cancerous, but they can become quite painful or cause a lot of pressure. The location determines whether or not the fibroid will cause any problems. Some women are more prone to develop uterine fibroids. Women who have had surgery on their uterus are more likely to develop uterine fibroids as they get older.

Texture

The uterus is a muscle and fibroids arise from muscle cells contained within the wall of the uterus. The texture is firm, but soft in certain areas.

Density

Most uterine fibroids are very dense. The larger they get, the thicker they become. They almost feel like rocks inside the uterus.

Color

Fibroids are white or slightly pinkish. The color really depends on the flow of blood and location of the fibroid. A uterine fibroid closely resembles a tumor.

Shape

Uterine fibroids come in various shapes. However they mainly have a rounded appearance similar to a large clot. These growths attach to the uterine water and can grow bigger. According to the UCSF Comprehensive Fibroid Center at least 30 percent of women have uterine fibroids. Most women don't even know they have a fibroid unless it becomes a problem.

Size

Uterine fibroids vary greatly in size. Some fibroids are as tiny as a dime, while others can be as large as a cantaloupe.

Tags: develop uterine, develop uterine fibroids, Does Fibroid, Does Fibroid Look, Fibroid Look, Fibroid Look Like

Treatment Options For Drug Abuse In Adolescents

Teen drug abuse can be treated.

Adolescent drug abuse is on the rise. It is important to find the right treatment based on the individual. After a urine or blood test is done to diagnose actual use of drugs, it is then time to decide what is the right path to treatment. There are many types of therapies and even drugs that can help teens reach a drug-free lifestyle.

Detox

Detoxification is a process that helps adolescents clean the drugs out of their system. It is done under the watchful eye of a professional and is commonly carried out when the adolescent enters rehab. During detox, it is common to feel very sick while the drugs work their way out of the system. This can be a scary process, but it is usually necessary.

Rehab

Rehabilitation can help teens who are not able to stop using drugs on their own. After helping the adolescent through detox, the employees at the rehab center will watch the patient and teach him survive without the drugs to which he was addicted. Rehab also includes therapy time. Rehabilitation is generally used for the teens with such a severe addiction that even though they know the negative effects of the drugs they are on, they will not stop using.

Therapy

Therapy is an important step in going drug-free, especially for adolescents. Psychotherapy, AA meetings, group therapy, cognitive therapy and behavior modification are all types of therapy that can be useful for teens. In group therapy and AA meetings, teens will be able to share their experiences with their peers, which can help them better understand the effects of drugs on them. Behavior modification can help them learn different behaviors and teach them that they do not need to be dependent on drugs.

Medication

Boswellia For Back Pain

Spinal osteoarthritis causes lower back pain.

The purified gum of two trees of the Boswellia genus, Boswellia serrata (India) and Boswellia carteria (North Africa and Saudi Arabia), are often mixed together for medicinal purposes in the Hindu Ayurvedic healing system, which is over 2000 years old. The resin of both types of trees is commonly known as frankincense.

Modern usage by Western herbalists has focused on Boswellia serrata, most often used internally or as a cream to treat arthritis symptoms. In recent decades the medicinal properties of Boswellia serrata have also been the subject of laboratory studies. These studies show that it has potential as an anti-inflammatory that could be effective against arthritis symptoms such as the back pain associated with spinal osteoarthritis.

Condition

Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disorder, often beginning in the 40s or 50s and affecting most people by the age of 80. It is most often caused by tissue damage. Attempts of the tissues to repair the damaged joint by increasing cartilage production ultimately causes the function of the joint to be altered and the joint to fail. In some cases, bone overgrows the edges of the joint, causing visible and palpable bumps called "osteophytes."

Osteoarthritis frequently affects the spine. The pain is especially severe if the bone overgrowth occurs in the spinal canal in the lower back.

Current Treatment

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are usually prescribed to treat the pain and swelling of severe cases of osteoarthritis. When used over the long term, however, NSAIDs carry a high risk of serious side-effects including digestive upsets, ulcers, and increased bleeding risk, especially in the digestive tract. Long-term use increases the risk of kidney failure, heart attack, stroke and blood clots in the legs. The risk of side effects is also higher in older people.

Potential of Boswellia

The anti-inflammatory potential of Boswellia appears promising. In animal studies, compounds isolated from Boswellia were as effective against swelling as NSAIDs, without side-effects such as stomach irritation. Human studies for the treatment of arthritis have also been performed, with promising results.

Action

According to a June 2008 article in Alternative Medicine Review, up to 16 percent of Boswellia serrata resin is essential oil, containing four pentacyclic triterpene acids of which the major constituent is beta-boswellic acid. Animal studies conducted in India show that boswellic acids block the synthesis of proinflammatory 5-lipoxygenase products.

Study

A 2003 human study conducted by a team of physicians at the Indira Ghandi Medical College in Nagpur, India was specifically on Boswellia serrata as a treatment for osteoarthritis. The purpose of the double blind placebo controlled crossover study was to evaluate the safety, efficacy and tolerability of Boswellia serrata extract in 30 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Subjects receiving the drug reported decrease in knee pain and frequency of joint swelling was reduced, but there was no radiological change.

Status

Despite the potential of Boswellia serrata, as of 2010 further research is needed. For this reason Healthline.com gives it a grade of "C" as a treatment for osteoarthritis.

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Dispute A Health Insurance Claim

If you have health insurance, it is imperative that you review any paperwork related to your health insurance claims. In most instances, you won't find any problems. However, in some cases, you may find that your doctor, hospital or laboratory made a claim to your health insurance company in error. If you have found such an error, you will need to take the initiative and dispute the claim.

Instructions

1. Review any paperwork related to the health insurance claim. You may have a receipt or list of services from your doctor. If you used the services of a hospital or laboratory, you may have a list of services from them as well. See if the claimed item that you intend to dispute appears anywhere on your paperwork.

2. Contact your doctor, the hospital or the laboratory to explain that you feel that they made a claim to your insurance company in error. Talk with the billing department or health insurance coordinator if you can.

3. Ask the billing department or health insurance coordinator for copies of their paperwork that relate to your specific case. Attempt to get paperwork that contains the appropriate diagnosis codes and medical codes, as these will be useful to your insurance company. Request that you get these copies either via fax or via mail. Look over this paperwork to make sure that you have a valid claim.

4. Call your insurance company to explain your case. Provide them with any of the paperwork that you have. Some insurance companies will also want you to send them a letter with your signature. Ask for a timeline in regards to your dispute.

5. Wait for a ruling on your dispute from your health insurance company. If you haven't heard anything from them by the date they promised, contact the insurance company again to check on the status of your dispute. If your insurance company requires any additional information or materials from you as they review your dispute, provide those materials as quickly as possible.

Tags: insurance company, health insurance, your dispute, your insurance, your insurance company, health insurance, hospital laboratory

Use Tomato Sauce For Heart Health

Tomatoes, which are rich in a powerful antioxidant known as lycopene, have been proven useful in promoting heart health. In many cases, they can help to lower high blood pressure as well as assist in preventing heart disease. While these delicious fruits are wonderful all on their own, the truth is that few of us would eat large enough quanities of them every day to have the kind of impact we might want. However, by using them in the more condensed and intensified version of tomatoe suace, we broaden the number of ways that tomatoes can be used in our daily meals.

Instructions

1. Use all-natural tomato sauce for the best nutritional and health impact. Make your own tomato sauce or shop for organic and/or other versions that are not packed with extra chemicals and preservatives. Extra chemical ingredients can actually do more damage that not using tomato sauce at all.

2. Mix the tomato sauce with other heart healthy ingredients whenever possible. For example, if you must use oil in your chosen recipe, choose olive oil rather than canola or vegetable oil. Olive oil, added to tomatoes actually helps to enhance the fruits flavor and increases its curative values. Add a little garlic for yet another heart healthy ingredient to expand the product's health impact.

3. Pick the leanest type of meat products in recipes that contain both tomato and a ground meat of some kind. Try ground round rather than ground meat, which tends to be fattier in nature. Better yet, choose buffalo, which provides the leanest type of meat of all while also offering an extra dose of healthy protein.

4. Use tomato sauce to make your own tomato or V8 style juice. You will experience more than five times the amount of natural tomato goodness and nutrient benefits without all of the additives and preservatives found in most canned juices.

5. Make homemade tomato soup with tomato sauce and other ingredients like sour cream vegetable stock, heavy cream, or any other ingredients that you typically use in your tomato soup.

6. Substitute tomato sauces for other types of sauces or gravies in recipes. For example, instead of a beef gravy served over a meatloaf, use a tomato sauce topping.

7. Use tomato sauce for whole tomatoes in recipes that call for them. Chances are the food will taste better and you will get the additional benefit of a tomato's heart healthy benefit without the bulk of a whole tomato.

8. Rather than making a meat sauce for spaghetti, simply add some hearty healthy tomato sauce along with garlic, oregano, Italian seasoning, or any other spices that you like to use. Increase the heart healthy benefit of the meal by choosing to use whole wheat or multi-grained pasta instead of the traditional white pasta. If you want you can even add a few fresh tomatoes on top for a stronger tomato taste or as a garnish.

9. Use tomato sauce as a substitute for tomato juice in drinks like a Bloody Mary, rather than pre-canned tomato juice. Mix up your own natural juice for the occasion. It can be a supplement for your diet to ensure that you have a sufficient amount of lycopene in your diet.

10. Use tomato sauce as a supplement for your diet to ensure that you have a sufficient amount of lycopene in your diet.

Tags: tomato sauce, tomato sauce, heart healthy, your diet, your tomato, amount lycopene, amount lycopene your

Signs Of A Tubal Pregnancy

A tubal, or ectopic, pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants in one of the fallopian tubes rather than in the uterus. This is a serious condition that is fatal for the embryo and can be life threatening for the mother, especially if the tube ruptures and causes extensive bleeding. While some women experience many symptoms during early tubal pregnancy, others have no signs at all.

Effects

One of the most common signs of a tubal pregnancy is abdominal pain. Some women experience this pain all over the pelvis and abdomen, while for others it localizes on the side of the fallopian tube. Tubal pregnancies can also cause spotting or bleeding, which may be mistaken for a period if it occurs early in the ectopic pregnancy. If the tubal pregnancy ruptures and causes internal bleeding, it may cause severe pain, including pain in the shoulders, as well as fainting or signs of shock.

Time Frame

Most women who have symptoms of a tubal pregnancy start to notice them at about six weeks gestation. However, some women may start to get symptoms at about four weeks, which is often the time that many women would normally be expecting their periods. Tubal pregnancies may result in either positive or negative home pregnancy tests, which many women use a few days after missing a period, or in the case of early result tests, a few days before.

Identification

Doctors may use several methods to positively identify a tubal pregnancy. To start, they may use blood tests to determine the level of hCG, which is often called the pregnancy hormone, since the body starts producing it once implantation occurs. In a normal pregnancy, the levels of hCG rise dramatically as the pregnancy continues. During a tubal pregnancy or miscarriage, the hCG levels will not be as high as they should. Doctors may also do a physical or vaginal exam to check for an enlarged fallopian tube. An ultrasound can often detect fallopian tube swelling or bleeding more reliably.

Considerations

In some cases, health care professionals may be able to see a developing embryo in the fallopian tube and confirm a tubal pregnancy. In many cases, however, the embryo dies shortly after implantation, making diagnosis more difficult. When doctors can't tell for sure if a tubal pregnancy has occurred, they may continue to examine a patient over a period of several days or weeks to see if the symptoms worsen or subside, as long as there is no evidence of severe bleeding or pain.

Warning

Any woman who has signs of a tubal pregnancy should contact her doctor right away, regardless of whether she has had a positive home pregnancy test. If the woman has signs of shock, such as dizziness, clammy skin or a very fast pulse, someone should call 911 or take her to an emergency room immediately. There may be signs of internal bleeding, which can be life threatening if not treated as soon as possible. Women who have a positive home pregnancy test but no signs of tubal pregnancy should still contact their health care providers as soon as possible to begin prenatal care, which will allow their doctors to check for any signs of tubal pregnancy.

Tags: tubal pregnancy, fallopian tube, home pregnancy, signs tubal, signs tubal pregnancy

Diagnose Sleepwalking

Statistics show that between 5 and 10 percent of all Americans sleepwalk. Different things cause sleepwalking in different people. The major cause of sleepwalking is due to a lack of sleep. Sleepwalkers should have a regular bedtime and get plenty of sleep. People who sleepwalk do unusual and sometimes dangerous things. Sleepwalking is more common in children but they typically outgrow it.

Instructions

1. Watch for signs of sleepwalking, such as walking in the middle of the night or walking after falling to sleep. This can occur shortly after you go to bed, just before waking up or any time during the night.

2. Note that there are other symptoms of sleepwalking such as talking, eating or going to the bathroom while sleeping.

3. Acknowledge the sitting up in bed and appearing to be awake or confused about something while actually being asleep is another sign of sleepwalking. Try communicating or waking the sleepwalker up if he is unresponsive.

4. Look for eyes to be wide open usually with a blank stare. When you speak to the person, there is usually no reply. Sometimes the sleepwalker will respond and may actually talk back and forth a couple of times before waking up.

5. Notice any disorientation or confusion in this person after waking up.

6. Focus on the performance of routine actions at strange times like after falling to sleep such as getting up and making lunch for the following day or sweeping the floor.

7. Speak with the person and ask her if she remembers anything about the sleepwalking; she will have no recollection of the episode at all.

Tags: after falling, after falling sleep, before waking, cause sleepwalking, falling sleep, sleepwalking such

Diy Orange Oil

Now you can use the orange peels as well.

Orange oil is an essential oil found within the skin of an orange. Orange oil has many practical uses: as a fragrance and inhalant, for wood cleaning, degreasing, strain removal and insect control. You can extract the oil from the skin without difficult and complex equipment.

Instructions

1. Peel the skin off the oranges, making sure to pile the skins together.

2. Put the orange peels and the water in the pressure cooker. Add more or less water or orange peels to the mix to change the concentration of the oil. A rule of thumb is two ounces of orange peels for every gallon of water. That equates to 1/2 ounce per every quart of water.

3. Turn on the pressure cooker and allow the orange peels to simmer at a low temperature for an entire day.

4. Pour the contents into a strainer and use a bowl to collect the run-off, which is the oil. This oil might be thick or thin depending on the consistency and how much orange peels you added to the water.

5. Cool the oil down and then store the oil in the glass jar. Tighltly screw the lid onto the jar.

Tags: orange peels, pressure cooker

Massage Oil Benefits

Massage therapy is used to increase circulation, facilitate the removal of toxins and soften tense muscles while promoting the parasympathetic nervous system. In conjunction with the massage benefits, you should pay attention to the type of oil you choose before you begin your next massage, as different oils yield different benefits.

Coconut Oil

If your body temperature is elevated, such as when receiving a massage outdoors in the middle of a blazing summer day, reach for coconut oil, which has a cooling effect. Additionally, coconut oil has microbial properties in it which protect your skin from infection and help to combat wrinkles.

Thicker Oils

If you are cold, use olive or sesame oils. Both work to fight free radicals in your body when absorbed through massage. These oils promote healthy cellular function.

Moisture

Massage oil plays a significant role in the moisturizing of your skin. Coconut oil contains fatty acids which help to plump the skin and feed it moisture during the massage. Hazelnut is a faster drying oil which does not leave a residue behind but still maintains the skin's suppleness.

Essential Oils

Use infused oils in your massage to add the benefits of essential oils to your massage experience. For instance, try chamomile oil to help sooth dry, irritated skin and add a calming effect as inhaled. Choose carrot root oil to help clear up skin blemishes. Eucalyptus oil can be used to help clear up congestion or asthma difficulties. Store your essential oil infused massage oils in a dark colored glass container as they can break down plastic containers. The oils should not be exposed to direct light for long periods of time.

Considerations

Discontinue use of your massage oil if skin irritation begins and consult your doctor. If you are giving a massage, check in with your friend frequently to make sure that your pressure and the massage oil are not causing him any discomfort. Also, consult a doctor before administering massage therapy on a pregnant woman as she should not be exposed to certain essential oils or have specific trigger points massaged. Finally, if your oil smells rancid, trust your nose and throw it out.

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What Are The Duties Of Orthopedic Surgeons

Orthopedic surgeons are doctors who specialize in the bones, nerves and muscles that help us each move around and function in day-to-day life. Patients are typically referred to an orthopedic surgeon by another general practitioner who thinks the patient needs to be looked at by an expert in the area. Orthopedic surgeons have a wide variety of responsibilities.

Treatment Plans

Orthopedic surgeons are responsible for examining a patient (or a patient's records from another doctor) and determining what an appropriate treatment plan is for the patient.

Ordering Tests

An orthopedic surgeon will often order tests such as X-rays and MRIs in order to determine to evaluate a patient's condition. Surgeons will then review the results of those tests to determine a treatment plan.

Organizing Staff

Orthopedic surgeons are the person in charge of a surgery if it is needed. Surgeons are responsible for reserving a room for surgery and making sure the needed staff are present.

Planning Care

Orthopedic surgeons are responsible for planning a patient's care, including setting up any follow-up help a patient might need, such as help with physical therapy.

Maintaining Records

An orthopedic surgeon is responsible for maintaining a patient's records and charts and forwarding those charts to any other doctors the patient sees who might need them.

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Postop Care For Eye Surgery

Post-Op Care for Eye Surgery

Improvements in laser eye surgery have led millions of people to use eye surgery to correct their vision or other problems. If you choose to have eye surgery, you need to know what to do after the operation is complete to ensure that your eyes stay healthy and that your vision will stay clear and strong.

Immediately After Surgey

In the immediate aftermath of laser eye surgery, your ophthalmologist will usually fit you with a protective eye shield for the first day or so. It's also imperative that you allow some time for your eye to rest, which would include time off from work or canceling any activities that would require any kind of strain on the eyes. Your ophthalmologist will also likely schedule an appointment within the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery to make sure your eyes are healing properly.

The First Few Days

It's natural to feel discomfort in the eyes in the first few days following laser eye surgery. This discomfort could include a feeling like there's something in the eye, tearing, or blurry vision. It's crucial not to rub the eyes, according to Medicinenet.com, as that could undo the surgery and necessitate further correction. Your ophthalmologist will also likely prescribe antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops following eye surgery. You can use Ibuprofen and acetaminophen to relieve any postoperative pain.

Dos and Don'ts

You should wait a few days before taking part in any low-impact sports, such as walking or jogging, according to Medicinenet.com, and you'll likely need a little bit longer, from two weeks to a month, before you can resume more competitive sports. You should be wary about swimming in pools or lakes or using hot tubs, as those are all high-risk areas for infections, and you also need to be careful about applying lotions, creams, makeup and perfume around your eye area. Your ophthalmologist can advise on all of these problems and answer any questions you may have about your procedure, which is why you must vigilantly keep all postoperative appointments.

Possible Complications

Some complications occasionally crop up in the aftermath of laser eye surgery. Dry eye, glare, decreased vision at night, or astigmatisms are all possibilities. Your ophthalmologist must be informed about these problems. Possible solutions include eye drops, both over-the-counter and prescription, punctal plugs, or toric contact lenses. Many of these complications work themselves out over time without need for further correction.

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