Lyme Disease In Children

Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria called borelia burgdorfi and is transmitted via a tick bite. It was first recognized in Lyme, Connecticut because of a drastic increase in juvenile arthritis among children.

Prevalence among children

According to the California Lyme Disease Association, "this disease is most common among boys aged 5 to 19. This age group is affected at three times the average rate of all other age groups. Around 25 percent of all reported cases are children."

Correctly diagnosing children with Lyme

One of the biggest obstacles patients find is that their symptoms are vague at best and most often mimic other diseases and disorders. Flu-like symptoms are common, so caregivers and pediatricians may attribute the child's symptoms to another cause, such as the flu or common cold.

Lyme symptoms in children

According to the California Lyme Disease Association, Lyme pediatric specialist Charles Ray Jones, MD, states the following as symptoms reported in pediatric Lyme patients: severe fatigue unrelieved by rest, insomnia, headaches, nausea, abdominal pain, impaired concentration, poor short-term memory, inability to sustain attention, difficulty thinking and expressing thoughts, difficulty reading and writing, being overwhelmed by schoolwork, difficulty making decisions, confusion, uncharacteristic behavior, outbursts and mood swings, fevers/chills, joint pain, dizziness, and noise and light sensitivity.

Effects on children

Children bitten by ticks around the head and neck are considered more vulnerable to brain and central nervous system infections, according to the California Lyme Disease Association. This, coupled with the above symptoms, can lead a child to feel isolated and alone, not being able to understand why he is feeling so sick. The child may also face developmental delays.

Considerations

According to the California Lyme Disease Association, only about 50 percent of Lyme patients ever recall being bit by a tick or getting the classic "bull's eye" rash that typically accompanies a bite. If you child is experiencing any of the above symptoms and is at increased risk for tick exposure (i.e., plays outside, lives with dogs or cats that could bring ticks in the house), consult your pediatrician.

Treatment

There is no known cure for Lyme disease. Rest is imperative for the body to heal itself. Antibiotic regimens have proved successful but are typically dependent on the length of treatment and severity of symptoms.

Tags: California Lyme, California Lyme Disease, Disease Association, Lyme Disease Association, Lyme Disease

Recovery Time For Hernia Surgery

Hernias occur when there is an opening or weakening in the muscles of the abdomen, allowing organs to protrude. Hernias can also protrude into the groin area. Very small hernias may cause no symptoms, but larger hernias may cause very serious problems and must be repaired surgically.

Type of Hernia

Recovery time after hernia surgery depends in part on the type of hernia being repaired. Hiatal hernias occur when the top part of the stomach protrudes above the diaphragm, while inguinal hernias occur when the intestines protrude into the groin area. Umbilical hernias occur in the naval area.

Hernia Surgery

Doctors often perform hernia surgery laparoscopically, using a few very small incisions. Sometimes surgery cannot be performed laparoscopically and an open surgery must be done, in which the surgeon makes one very long incision. Patients recover from laparoscopic surgery much more quickly than from open surgery.

Recovery Time

The recovery time after hernia surgery varies depending on the location of the hernia and the surgical techniques employed. In most cases, patients return to normal day-to-day activities within just a few days. Patients generally return to more strenuous activities such as recreational activities or even sports within two to four weeks.

Returning to Work

Depending on what type of work patients do, they usually return to work within a couple of weeks. Patients with desk jobs can return to work sooner than those with more physical jobs, of course.

Restrictions

Patients should not lift heavy objects for six to eight weeks after hernia surgery, and should not drive as long as they are taking narcotic pain medications.

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Japanese Breathing Exercises

Traditional Japanese breathing exercises help you focus and control your breath. By recognizing where your breath is coming from and controlling it you can better focus your mind and even see health benefits. Asthma patients who have practiced Japanese breathing exercises have seen an improvement in their condition. There are several types of breathing exercises.

Attention Breathing

Attention Breathing focuses on where the breath is coming from and how different people breathe. For example, based on factors such as age and health, your breath may come from your stomach, abdomen, chest or throat. You also breathe at different rates based on emotion and physical exertion. According to Aaron Hoops, founder and chief instructor of Zen Yoga, "The central principle of breathing is of internal cleansing, getting rid of that which is old, worn out, and stale, and exchanging it for what is new, fresh and energized."

The basis of the attention breathing exercise is not to control your breath but to focus on it. How does your breath work naturally? Aaron says, "Your aim is to observe your unconscious breathing habits so you will be able to feel the difference when you actually begin dynamic breathing." You should do this for about 5 minutes per day while you observe and learn your natural breathing habits.

Abdominal Breathing

Abdominal breathing is where we begin to control our breath. As the name implies, it focuses on the muscles in the abdomen and when your breathe, you should be attempting to fill your lungs entirely, from the bottom up. This increases lung capacity as well as improving blood circulation. Inhale deeply through the nose, focusing on and expanding the abdomen. Do not force the breath beyond comfort. Try to create a smooth expansion of the lungs while focusing on the abdomen. Exhale through the nose and deflate your abdomen from the bottom back up.

Nose Panting

Nose panting is a practice that focuses on breathing through the nose at a fast pace. This breathing exercise can make you feel more energized and release stress. Imagine you are trying to breathe something out of your nose, a small particle. You are removing this particle by sharply puffing out the nostrils, and follow this with as sharp an intake of air. You should do this ten times in rapid succession until you become more comfortable with the exercise and slowly increase the number of times you do this panting exercise.

Complete Breath

The complete breath is more difficult because it has several steps. Inhale through the nose and expand the lower abdomen in a manner similar to the method used in the abdominal breathing exercise. Once the abdomen is full, you continue to pull breath into your body, filling the lungs and raising your collarbone and head as you continue to inhale. Then hold the breath in your body and focus on it. Hold the breath for a full count to 10 and begin to exhale through the nose. Do this slowly and start from the abdomen, rolling your breath up and out of your body. Hold the breath out of your body for a full count to 10.

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Rib Fracture Heal

Causes/Diagnosis

Trauma to the chest, usually from a fall, contact sports injury, or motor vehicle accident often is the cause of broken ribs. In elderly adults, even hard coughing or sneezing can be the cause. Playing sports, which require repetitive movements of the upper part of the body, may cause rib fractures as well. But no matter what the cause, you should see a doctor if you suspect that you've fractured a rib. Although in most cases, the lower ribs are those injured, receiving a blow to the chest wall that is hard enough to break a rib could cause internal injuries. Your doctor will examine the area and listen to your lungs. An X-ray may be required to rule out additional injury to the lungs or spleen.

Other Risk Factors

People who suffer from diseases like osteoporosis or certain cancers, which weaken the bones, are at greater risk of rib fractures. Because of the elasticity of their thoracic rib cage, except in cases of child abuse, children are less likely to suffer rib fractures than adults. The fact is that as we age, the chest wall becomes weaker increasing the frequency of rib fractures in older adults. In particular, elderly people who receive CPR frequently suffer rib fractures, usually on the left side. If left undiagnosed, serious complications related to respiration can occur.

Symptoms

Common symptoms are tenderness and pain. It hurts when you breathe or move, especially when you take a deep breath or put pressure on the injured area. The pain can be moderate or, in some cases, quite severe. Fractured ribs decrease the amount of air that can flow in and out of the lungs; therefore, breathing becomes painful, as the muscles used to inhale pull on the ribs. Treatment basically centers on controlling pain.

Treatment

A fractured rib can take up to 6 -- 8 weeks to heal, as individual recovery periods may differ. While most rib fractures can be treated at home, it's important to get plenty of rest. Lying on the side with the rib fracture actually can help you to breathe more deeply. In addition, you should take over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin or ibuprofen. If the pain gets to be too bad, contact your doctor. He may decide to prescribe something stronger for pain. Doctors also recommend coughing or taking a deep breath at least once every hour in order to prevent pneumonia or lung collapse. Applying ice to the painful area for about 20 minutes every 3 or 4 hours may help as well. You should continue this treatment for several days or until the pain diminishes. While wrapping the injured area tightly may ease pain, it makes it more difficult for you to take a deep breath, increasing the risk of pneumonia or lung collapse.

Tags: deep breath, chest wall, injured area, lung collapse, pneumonia lung, pneumonia lung collapse, suffer fractures

Communicate With A Deaf Person

Communicate With a Deaf Person

Deficiency Of Human Growth Hormone In Children

According to the Human Growth Hormone Foundation, 10,000-15,000 children in the U.S. have a deficiency of human growth hormone. A deficiency may be indicated when a child's rate of growth appears to be slower than average. There are many reasons why a child may not grow at the proper rate; however, human growth deficiency is one reason why this might occur.

What is Human Growth Hormone?

This hormone is a protein that is manufactured by the pituitary gland and is necessary for a child's growth. A deficiency occurs when either the hormone is missing or under-produced. The job of human growth hormone is to stimulate body tissue growth.

What Causes a Deficiency of Human Growth Hormone?

The deficiency may be present at birth (congenital) or may be the result of a head injury, illness such as encephalitis or meningitis, or a brain tumor. A congenital deficiency is often the result of a abnormally formed or damaged pituitary gland.

Diagnosis of a Deficiency of Human Growth Hormone

Generally, a child with human growth hormone deficiency is small when compared to peers. Also, his face may seem immature. Either the child's parent, doctor, or both may notice that the child may not be growing at the same rate as other children. A doctor, who plots the child's growth on a growth chart, can see if the growth rate has either stalled or decreased over time.

Further Tests to Evaluate a Deficiency of Human Growth Hormone

Early detection is necessary for treatment to be the most effective. If a problem is detected, the child should be referred to a pediatric endocrinologist for further evaluation. Various blood tests over a period of time are used to determine if hormone levels are deficient.

Treatment of a Deficiency of Human Growth

Typically, a deficiency of human growth hormone is treated by giving the child daily injections of synthetic human growth hormone. These injections usually cause a noticeable increase in growth rate in about 3-4 months. Treatment may last for several years.

Tags: Deficiency Human Growth, Deficiency Human, Growth Hormone, growth hormone, Human Growth Hormone, child growth, deficiency human growth

Reasons For Scoliosis Surgery

Scoliosis is a term used to describe a significant curvature in someone's spinal column. While it's normal to have a slight curve in your upper trunk, neck and lower trunk to maintain balance, treatment is needed if there are abnormal lateral curves in the spinal column. According to iScoliosis.com, the condition affects 2 percent of women and 0.5 percent of men. In more than 80 percent of cases, the cause is not known. Many scoliosis cases occur in children.

Recommendations

According to doctors at the Mayo Clinic, surgery is recommended if a child's spine is curved more than 40 to 50 degrees. They will correct and fuse the vertebrae to fix the curvature. Surgery may also be recommended if adults with scoliosis are in pain or there are curves in certain parts of the spine.

Technique

One type of scoliosis surgery is a posterior spinal fusion. Surgeons attach two metal rods, and hooks or screws to the spine to correct it. A section of the spine will be fused together to hold the correction. The metal is left in the body even after the bones fuse. This will help avoid the need for future surgery because the metal rods support the fused area and provide force to correct the curvature. Following surgery, the spine should be significantly straighter. At first, the patient may not be able to move or bend well, but that will improve over time.

Early Care

Early-onset scoliosis can affect children's growth severely, and affect their lungs or heart. Scoliosis surgery is long and complicated. It's one of the most difficult orthopedic procedures that can be done on children. Parents should expect it to last about six hours, with almost a week of hospitalization afterward. Children can't participate in activities for weeks.

To help children coping with scoliosis, Mayo Clinic surgeons, as of May 2009, were looking into a technique that involves rods. They would anchor a rod at each side of the curve in the spine, putting them parallel to each other. The middle part of the rods is adjustable. Over time, surgeons would lengthen that section to straighten the spine.

Potential

People considering scoliosis surgery should take into account the drawbacks and complications. Spinal fusion will stop the spine from growing in that area. If a child still has some growing to do, growth shouldn't be greatly affected. Children get most of their height from the growth in their leg bone, not their spine.

Warning

Because scoliosis surgeries are extensive and complicated, choose a qualified surgeon. Complications include arthritis, pain, bleeding, infection, nerve damage and disk degeneration. Very rarely is surgery needed a second time.

Tags: Mayo Clinic, metal rods, more than, spinal column, with scoliosis

What Are The Causes Of Chronic Stress

Chronic stress may have serious negative effects on your mental and physical well-being. The causes of chronic stress differ from person to person, and include factors within your control--such as your economic situation and your response to daily events--as well as things you cannot control, such as other people's behavior. Consider this information from the Mayo Clinic and the National Institute of Mental Health about the causes of chronic stress.

Family

Guilt from your in-laws; a lack of respect from your children, siblings or parents; and an overload of familial obligations may cause chronic stress.

Work

Constant competition among your coworkers or poor treatment from your supervisor at work may cause you to have chronic stress.

School

Whether you are in high school or medical school, you may have chronic stress as a result of high expectations for your grades and overall academic performance.

Daily Life

The small things in your daily life, such as traffic congestion, long lines at the store and disrespectful people, may cause you to have chronic stress.

Self Expectations

Having a Type A personality or putting a lot of pressure on yourself to succeed can cause you to have chronic stress in your life.

Finances

Chronic stress may result if your finances are in poor shape, or if you are worried about losing your job or your home.

Illnesses

You may develop chronic stress as a result of a serious illness, such as cancer or heart disease, or if you become sick frequently.

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Use The Mediterranean Diet Food Pyramid

Learn break down a Mediterranean food pyramid with this article!

The Mediterranean diet is based on a Grecian diet, specifically the food that natives of Crete, Greece and Southern Italy consume. It is a diet that places an emphasis on fresh fruit, plant foods, olive oil and dairy products, and has been known to prevent strokes and heart disease among other things. The Mediterranean Diet Food Pyramid serves as a guide to show which foods to eat to stay within the diet plan.

Instructions

Use the Mediterranean Diet Food Pyramid

1. Eat eight servings of grains a day, such as rice, potatoes and bread . The Mediterranean diet emphasizes this in the pyramid. Cheese and yogurt should also be consumed daily.

2. Enjoy three servings of fruit and six servings of vegetables a day. Beans, legumes and nuts are also an important part of the diet, and should be included in the diet every day.

3. Consume olive oil daily, whether it is through cooking or served over salad or fresh vegetables. This is where most of the fat in the diet comes from, but it is a healthier monounsaturated fat.

4. Eat meat or "soy meat" weekly. It is recommended to eat fish almost daily, but red meat is only allowed once a week at the most. Consumption of red meat once a month is ideal. Eggs should also be included in the diet, but on a more sparing basis; weekly instead of daily.

5. Drink wine daily, but in moderation. One following the diet should drink no more than 1 to 2 glasses of wine a day. Also, it is important to drink six glasses of water a day.

6. The diet pyramid includes sweets, but consume them in moderation. The Mediterranean Diet allows sweets weekly, but not daily.

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What Are The Benefits Of Chinese Magnetic Bracelets

Wearing a piece of magnetic jewelry can improve common ailments.

Chinese people have used magnetic bracelets along with reflexology, acupuncture and other alternative medicines to help ease symptoms of common health problems and discomfort since 2000 B.C. Health professionals who use magnetic therapy to treat their patients believe that, in order for a person to have good health, the body must be in magnetic balance. Wearing magnetic bracelets can help ease pain, discomfort and other symptoms of well known problems and complaints.

Arthritis

In 2004 the British Medical Journal published a study done by six medical researchers on the effects of magnets on arthritis pain. Performed in Devon, England, this study was done on 194 patients to see if magnetic bracelets could ease the pain of arthritis. People wearing the magnetic bracelets reported less pain than those wearing placebo bracelets. Magnetic bracelets seem to calm the muscle, joint and bone pain that is common in arthritic patients and can also contribute to the patients' well-being.

Pain

Magnets may help with problematic areas in the body by increasing circulation and helping the body to heal itself. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, magnets might have the ability to attract or repulse blood particles, moving blood with increased oxygen and nutrients to painful areas. Magnets may also help decrease inflammation and cell degeneration, reducing chronic pain.

Poor Circulation

Poor circulation can cause cold extremities, dizziness, white fingers, migraines and numbness. According to the Magnetic Therapy Council, wearing a magnetic bracelet can combat poor circulation in hands, wrists and fingers. Wearing the bracelets all day will help you achieve the best result.

Cancer

Doctor Albert Roy Davis studied animals with cancer and found that magnets could kill the cancerous cells. Research has not proved that magnets kill cancer in human patients, but many doctors have used magnetic bracelets alongside regular cancer treatments.

Headaches, Stress and Depression

Magnets can stimulate electrical pathways in the brain responsible for hormone levels and production, particularly serotonin and melatonin. Stable serotonin and melatonin levels can help with migraines, depression and stress--even insomnia. Magnetic bracelets can help to prevent headaches and also make them less intense when they do occur, and can also increase endorphins, providing natural pain relief and a sense of euphoria.

Ask the Doctor

People who are pregnant or have a pacemaker or other implant should not use magnetic bracelets. Contact your doctor for advice about using magnetic therapy and to eliminate any associated health risks.

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Toulouse Lautrec Syndrome

Pycnodysostosis is a rare genetic disease characterized by brittle bones and short stature. Adult men with this disease on average rarely grow taller than 4 feet, 1 inch. Pycnodysostosis is more commonly know as Toulouse Lautrec Syndrome, or TLS. It is named after 19th-century French painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. Born into the close-knit world of the French aristocracy, Toulouse-Lautrec's parents were first cousins. It was though Toulouse-Lautrec's health problems were the result of generations of inbreeding.

How is TLS Inherited

Toulouse Lautrec Syndrome is an autosomal recessive disease. Autosomal recessive means both parents must be carriers of the gene. They must both pass that gene on to their child. The odds of both parents carrying the gene conceiving a child who will inherent both genes and develop TLS are 1 in 4.

Some Complications of TLS

Toulouse Lautrec Syndrome affects bone structure development. In addition to causing brittle bones and altering normal height development, sufferers may also have thickening of the bones, short fingers, slow development and delay loss of baby teeth. Adult teeth may be missing. Thick, brittle bones break easily. The collarbone and the distal phalanges of the fingers may deteriorate slowly over time. The spinal cord can develop curvature of the spine, or scoliosis . TLS also affects bone development in the face and the top of skull.

Life Expectancy

According to the Hide and Seek Foundation for Lysosomal Disease Search, the life expectancy of someone with Toulouse Lautrec Syndrome is normal. Proper medical and dental care will add greatly to the patient's quality of life.

Treatment for TLS

There are no treatment protocols to cure TLS. Treatment and care involve maintaining overall heath and treating complications of the disease it affects. Because of the brittleness of their bones, the major complication for people with TLS is broken bones. Early diagnosis with an eye toward lessening or even preventing bone breakage is essential for maintaining overall health. Oral hygiene and dental care are also important to maintaining overall health in affected individuals. Because height is impacted by Toulouse Lautrec Syndrome, human growth hormone may be considered in the treating of TLS. Some individuals may eventually need to use crutches or a wheelchair in order to maintain their mobility.

Quaility of Life

Toulouse Lautrec Syndrome is a debilitating disorder that can limit the quality of some life areas. For example, individual with TLS are going to be advised not to participate in contact sports. However, its most famous sufferer, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, went on to be a painter fully active in the society of his day.

Tags: Lautrec Syndrome, Toulouse Lautrec, Toulouse Lautrec Syndrome, brittle bones, maintaining overall, affects bone

Treat Symptoms Of Low Potassium Levels

Potassium is one of the minerals that functions as a positive electrolyte to maintain water balance in the body. Common symptoms of potassium deficiency include dry mouth and extreme thirst, weakness, fatigue, and muscle cramps. Low potassium levels in the blood can be caused by illness, poor diet or the use of diuretics, certain heart medications or corticosteroid drugs. Fortunately, symptoms of potassium deficiency can be treated successfully by following your doctor's instructions carefully.

Instructions

1. Get the recommended daily intake of potassium, which is 2000 to 3500 mg regardless of how many calories you consume. Athletes and pregnant women may need more potassium to prevent fatigue and control blood pressure. More senior adults are also increasing the potassium in their diets to lower blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular disease caused by consuming too much salt.

2. Avoid excessive use of laxatives and aspirin, which can affect the balance of potassium in the body causing an irregular heartbeat and muscle pain and weakness. Healthy potassium levels promote regular heartbeat and normal muscle contractions.

3. Eat foods high in potassium, a mineral found in some quantity in most meats, fruits, and vegetables. Bananas, yams, citrus fruits, apricots, watermelon, prunes, raisins, dates, and cantaloupe are all potassium rich foods. Including milk, whole grains, broccoli, spinach, asparagus, potato skins, carrots, salmon, sardines, and molasses in your diet can help boost potassium levels as well. Your body should get enough potassium if you eat a well balanced diet.

4. Use a salt substitute that contains potassium chloride, but ask your doctor first, as salt substitutes can be dangerous to people who have certain medical conditions including diabetes or kidney disease. Individuals with impaired kidney function are unable to eliminate excess potassium from the body. The condition can have serious, even life-threatening consequences, whereas people with healthy kidneys usually have no trouble ridding the body of too much potassium.

5. Treat the symptoms of low potassium with OTC drugs or prescription medications. Doctors do not recommend taking over-the-counter potassium supplements unless patients discuss a proper dosage in advance. Potassium can build up in the body, and often people take too much when trying to treat potassium deficiencies themselves. Your physician may choose to prescribe a potassium supplement so that he can monitor potassium levels in the blood and watch for any symptoms of too much potassium.

6. Take all medications as directed by your physician or pharmacist. Ask your doctor about other medications for controlling high blood pressure, which may not be as likely to deplete the body of potassium. Diuretics, which are often used to treat hypertension and high blood pressure, work by aiding the body in excreting salt and fluid. Excreting other key nutrients from the body is a common side effect.

7. Limit the consumption of alcohol and caffeine, as too much of either can cause electrolyte imbalances. Alcohol can also increase the side effects of certain drugs prescribed to treat low potassium.

8. Consult your doctor for treatment of possible underlying medical causes of potassium deficiency. These may include hyperthyroidism or an inherited condition known as familial periodic paralysis, in which case a person may suffer sporadic attacks of muscle weakness or paralysis.

Tags: blood pressure, potassium levels, your doctor, potassium deficiency, symptoms potassium, from body

Hip Replacement Surgery In The Elderly

Hip Replacement Surgery in the Elderly

Hip fractures most commonly occur in the elderly, and one of the most common procedures used to fix a hip fracture is hip replacement surgery. Age is one of the largest factors that must be taken into consideration when deciding on the proper course of action.

What is Hip Replacement?

Hip replacement surgery involves replacing both ends of the damaged hip joint by placing a metal ball on top of the femur and lining the pelvic bone with a metal shell and a plastic coating.

Significance

The hip joint takes more stress than any other joint in the body and is prone to wear and tear injuries such as fractures. The more wear and tear that a joint accumulates, the more likely an injury is.

Elderly Risks

Elderly patients choosing to undergo hip replacement surgery are more prone, due to their advanced age, to blood clots, heart attacks, and confusion immediately following the surgery.

Hip Replacement over Hip Reconstruction

In the elderly, hip replacement surgery is usually preferred over hip reconstruction surgery, because the success rates are higher and there will be less wear and tear placed on the hip joint.

Breathing

Many doctors will have their elderly patients practice proper breathing techniques prior to surgery to help them ward off chest congestion due to reduced activity post-surgery.

Tags: replacement surgery, wear tear, Replacement Surgery Elderly, Surgery Elderly

Good Oils For Hair Loss

Essential oils are needed for reproduction and hormonal growth in plants. Essential oils contained in plants work to strengthen, nourish and clean hair follicles. The benefits of these oils for alopecia, or hair loss, are to encourage hair growth and treat the underlying cause of the loss.

Oil

Jojoba oil can be used for damaged or breaking hair. Its healing qualities work well with hair loss caused by breakage. Apply the oil to hair that has been washed and towel-dried. You should leave the oil in your hair for a half an hour.

Burdock is an essential oil that can be applied to the scalp to encourage hair growth. This oil works to stimulate hair cell renewal and blood flow.

Tea tree essential oil can be used to add moisture to your hair while reducing the amount of oil produced by your scalp. This helps prevent dandruff. Add a few drops of tea tree oil to your scalp every week. You can also add a few drops of tea tree oil to olive oil for a milder effect.

Lavender oil can be used to treat hair loss because it promotes hair growth and regrowth, and speeds up the healing process. You can massage this oil into your scalp every night.

Olive oil is another great oil for hair regrowth. It nourishes the hair and helps it regain elasticity.

Herbs

Rosemary and clary sage are herbs that should be used together to encourage hair growth.

Apply a mixture of jojoba and clary sage to the roots of your hair to stimulate growth.

Another treatment is prepared by boiling rosemary, sage, peach leaf, burdock and nettle together. Strain the herbs from the liquid, then use the liquid to wash your hair. This treatment can be used daily.

Basil is an herb effective for stimulating blood circulation. It works best on oily hair. Use peppermint to nourish and stimulate the flow of blood to the root of your hair. Peppermint is best used for thinning or slowly growing hair. These herbs can be used by boiling the herbs, then using the water to wash your hair.

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The Correlation Between Moth Balls & Low Iron Levels

Eating mothballs may indicate iron-poor blood.

The body requires iron to produce hemoglobin, the substance found in red blood cells that binds oxygen and delivers it to the tissues. Insufficient iron causes fatigue, weakness and pallor. It may also cause some people to crave and eat unusual substances, such as mothballs.

Pica

According to the National Institutes of Health, pica is an eating disorder characterized by compulsive eating of nonfood items. Evelyn Zamula, a writer for FDA Consumer magazine, lists dirt, clay, laundry starch, mothballs, charcoal and hair as some of the items craved and consumed by pica sufferers.

Iron-deficiency Correlation

According to Zamula, as many as 50 percent of pica sufferers exhibit low iron levels. The substances craved vary among individuals and, ironically, are rarely rich in iron. Some of the materials ingested may actually worsen iron deficiency.

Dangers

Mothballs contain either naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency considers both toxic substances that when ingested may affect the nervous system, liver and blood.

Treatment

According to Zamula, the first step in treating pica is to alleviate iron or other nutritional deficiencies. Some individuals continue eating mothballs and other unusual substances despite proper diet and iron supplementation. In such cases, psychiatric counseling to modify behavior is recommended.

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Ways To Ease Allergies & Hives

Hives are an irritating, itchy skin affliction consisting of swollen, reddish bumps which can occur anywhere on your body. They are usually caused by an allergic reaction, when your body produces histamines as a result of contact with an irritant. The histamines are also responsible for other allergy symptoms, such as itchy eyes, sneezing and runny nose. Relief from hives and allergies can be found in a number of home remedies and over-the-counter topical treatments.

Remove the Source

Hives and allergies occur when our bodies react to allergens present in the surrounding environment. Relief from your allergies or hives can be as simple as identifying what is causing the reaction and removing it. Try to pinpoint when and where the reaction happens. Common allergens include foods such as eggs or dairy products, or animals such as cats or horses. Airborne irritants such as pollen and dust can be slightly more difficult to eliminate as they are constantly present in the environment, but you can try using an air purifier in your home.

Pharmaceutical Treatments

Calamine lotion is a creamy ointment containing zinc oxide and iron oxide, and is widely available from drugstores. Apply directly to hives with a cotton ball for instantaneous relief whenever required. Other topical creams containing antihistamines can block the negative affects of histamines when absorbed through the skin. Corticosteroid creams like hydrocortisone and triamcinolone are available with a doctor's prescription, and can reduce redness and swelling when applied directly. Consult your doctor for the correct treatment and dosage. Topical creams do not remedy the cause of the problem, they simply provide relief from the itching. Antihistamine tablets such as Benadryl can also be a great way of managing the symptoms of allergies, either temporarily or on an ongoing basis

Home Remedies

The easiest way to reduce itching and swelling caused by hives or an allergic rash is by applying a cold compress to the affected area. A paste made of cream of tartar and water can be a useful substitute for calamine lotion. Allergy symptoms such as nasal congestion and sneezing can often be alleviated by having a hot cup of tea, as the steam will soothe your irritated nasal passages and loosen congestion; the running mucus can help remove irritants from inside your nose. Consistent hay fever sufferers attest that consuming pollen regularly can build up the body's resistance to pollens in the air which are a common cause of allergies. Try adding a sprinkle of pollen to your breakfast cereal each morning.

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Water Moccasin Bite & Tissue Damage

Water Moccasin Bite & Tissue Damage

Water moccasin bites can cause severe tissue damage. If not treated immediately, the bites become painful and can cause tissue to die. Bites that go untreated for longer than 12 hours or are improperly treated can result in death.

Water Moccasins

Water moccasins are sometimes called cottonmouths. Their habitat stretches through the southern United States from Virginia to Texas, and they live in wetlands. They look similar to non-poisonous water snakes, but it is hard to tell the difference. If you see a snake, avoid contact, and respect its territory.

Bites

Water moccasins don't usually bite unless they feel threatened. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that fewer than 20 people a year die from snakebites in the United States each year.

Venom

Water moccasins have venom that affects the blood and can destroy body tissue. According to the Texas Poison Control Network, venom is modified saliva designed for killing prey.

Tissues Damage

If you are bitten by a water moccasin, try to stay calm and still. The North Carolina Cooperative Extension recommends moving as little as possible, so the venom does not spread and cause extensive tissue damage.

Treatment

Anti-venom obtained from a medical facility is the best treatment for water moccasin bites.

Tags: Bite Tissue, Bite Tissue Damage, Moccasin Bite, Moccasin Bite Tissue, moccasin bites, United States

How Long To Wear A Twin Block

As with any orthodontic appliance, the use of a twin block helps to align the jaw to create the ideal bite. While appliances may not always be comfortable, wearing them as directed can keep treatment on track. If you ever experience discomfort with your twin block, have your orthodontist make adjustments.

What is a Twin Block?

An orthodontic appliance to correct jaw alignment and bite, the twin block is made up of two plates that are worn on the upper and lower teeth. Blocks on the plate direct the jaw to come forward, so that the teeth are aligned properly. Nine- to 15-year-olds generally wear a twin block before they get braces, because it is an effective method for jaw realignment. As the twin block pulls the lower jaw forward, it aligns teeth and creates a better profile for the individual wearing it.

Once the orthodontist has determined that the jaw is properly aligned, an individual may stop wearing it. For those who have crooked or spaced teeth, braces are often the next step.

When to Wear a Twin Block?

To keep treatment moving along, it is important to wear the twin block full time. The appliance must be worn day and night so that the jaw is constantly being aligned properly. If the individual plays sports, the twin block may be taken off and returned once the competition is over.

Orthodontists also suggest wearing the twin block during meals, so that the jaw can align itself while in motion. Once a meal is over, the appliance should be rinsed with water or cleansed with a toothbrush and toothpaste to remove any food.

After the Twin Block

Once the orthodontist has determined if the jaw is close to being aligned, he or she may allow an individual to use a retainer to continue easing the jaw into place. The retainer would be used for minor adjustments and worn on the upper jaw.

Wearing any type of orthodontic appliance may cause muscle, teeth and jaw ache for a short period after initial wearing or adjustments. Aches usually go away within a few days, but in the meantime, take aspirin to relieve discomfort. At the beginning of use, speech may be affected while the individual gets used to having the twin block, but the wearer should be accustomed to it within a few days.

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Ultrasound Therapy For Knee Pain

Knee pain can be caused by a large number of factors that include the following; arthritis, tendinitis, bursitis, torn cartilage, torn ligament, strains or sprains, connective-tissues disorders (e.g., lupus) and knee injuries (dislocation of the kneecap). Ultrasound therapy is an approved physical therapy treatment used by doctors, physical therapists and occupational therapists to help reduce and/or eliminate your knee pain by sending high frequency sound waves, which provide deep heat, to your affected knee tissues and stimulate the healing process.

A man's knees

Knee Joint Anatomy

Injuries to the knee joint are one of the most common of joint injuries, especially in sports. These injuries can persist for a long time if they are not treated properly. The knee joint is the largest joint in your body and consists of many ligaments, muscles and tendons. The knee contains four major bones: the femur (thigh bone), the patella (kneecap), the tibia (shin bone) and the fibula (outer shin bone). The four major ligaments, which provide knee stability, are the medial collateral ligament (MCL), lateral collateral ligament (LCL), anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). The two important muscle groups surrounding the knee joint are the quadriceps and the hamstrings.

Ultrasound Therapy

Ultrasound therapy treats acute and chronic knee pain using sound waves to transfer heat to your knee at frequencies between 0.8 to 3 megahertz. These waves can penetrate up to two inches deep. Your physical therapist will use a hand-held applicator (transducer) that receives electrical current from a console through a coaxial cable. The heat comes from the head of the applicator, and your physical therapist will move it continuously over your knee in small circular motions to avoid hot spots and burns. You will most likely feel a slight tingling of heat or no sensation at all. Treatment usually lasts 5 to 10 minutes each day and you will receive two to thee treatments a week for several weeks, depending upon your condition.

Two Ultrasound Therapy Approaches

Depending upon your condition, your physical therapist may use ultrasound in one of two ways, either a continuous wave or a pulsed-wave format. Continuous wave ultrasound therapy uses high-wave frequencies at a continuous transmission rate, which provides more heat and friction, thus increasing the metabolism of your tissue cells to heal faster. Pulsed-wave ultrasound therapy is recommended for acute inflammation and wound care where less heat is required. The pulsed waves are used to decrease inflammation and pain.

Benefits

There are many benefits that you can receive from ultrasound therapy. These benefits include the following; stimulates the healing process, increases blood flow, reduces inflammation and swelling, improves circulation and metabolism of injured cells, helps to break down scar tissue, reduces irritation to nerve roots and reduces muscle spasms. Ultrasound therapy can also treat many types of knee pain caused from a wide variety of factors such as arthritis, musculoskeletal injuries and chronic conditions.

Risks

As with any medical treatment, ultrasound therapy does have some risks. First, you should not place the ultrasound device over any organs or other sensitive areas of your body, which include the following: heart, kidneys, liver, bowels, ovaries, testicles, spinal cord, brain, lung, eyes, ears and upper neck. Second, pregnant women should not use ultrasound on their abdomen or lower back region. Third, people with certain illnesses should not have ultrasound treatment, and these illnessesinclude hemophilia, spinal bifida, deep venous thrombosis and diabetic neuropathy. Lastly, people with pacemakers or other implants of any kind should not have ultrasound therapy.

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Diet For Lymphatic Colitis

Lymphocytic colitis, which is very similar to collagenous colitis, is a condition defined as an inflammatory bowel disease that causes diarrhea and stomach pain. Though symptoms of the disease will come and go, during a flare-up, pain and diarrhea can be severe enough to leave you feeling exhausted. Although there is no cure for the condition, some dietary changes may help stop flare-ups.

Diet

Certain foods and beverages can contribute to a flare-up of lymphocytic colitis. According to GIHealth.com, cutting out caffeine and dairy products is helpful because caffeine and lactose make the colon work harder to secrete digestive juices. However, there is some dairy that is beneficial for people with lymphocytic colitis. Yogurt contains probiotics, healthy bacteria, that help balance out the large intestine. Some people also take probiotic supplements.

Fats

Cutting out foods that are high in saturated fats is also helpful for people with lymphocytic colitis. These foods, such as red meat, are harder to digest, making the digestive system work harder and making a flare-up more likely. Other things to consider cutting out are spicy food and alcohol. Though some forms of colitis resolve from the removal of foods with gluten from the diet, there is no evidence that gluten affects people with lymphocytic colitis.

Other Tips

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) should be avoided by people with lymphocytic colitis since they can aggravate colitis symptoms. These drugs include aspirin and ibuprofen. Taking drugs such as Pepto-Bismal may help your symptoms.

The best way to treat your colitis is identify which foods act as triggers for you. Keeping a food journal that allows you to figure out which foods trigger your symptoms can be very beneficial.

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Do A Nerve Pinch

Pinching a nerve on another person can either be irritating or deadly. So unless you are willing to take the chance of turning a bothersome squeeze into a fatal attack, be careful how you approach this subject. Learn do a nerve pinch to protect yourself in extreme situations.

Instructions

1. Watch for your opponent to tense up. When stressed, the veins on the neck often pop out, leaving a clear opening for you to grab on to the vessels and pinch it as hard as you can. In military training, this move is taught to soldiers to kill their enemies in hand-to-hand combat.

2. Pinch an opponent hard in the center of his collarbone to cause enough discomfort for you to get in some other, more damaging blows. The nerve that runs along the collarbone is attached to the arms and will render them barely usable for a short time.

3. Find the nerve that runs along the inside of the arm and controls the hands. If you pinch that area, then you can temporarily disrupt the fingers mobility and buy yourself time to either get away or deliver some gut punches to your attacker.

4. Press very hard on the nerve that is located under the jaw, near the lower end of the earlobe. Many law enforcement officers are taught this nerve pinch to subdue unruly criminals or suspects.

5. Locate these nerves on your own body before you rely on using them in a real battle. Press and pinch the nerve areas you want to locate and when your eyes start to water, you can let up because you've found the sweet spot.

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Volcano Emergency Procedures

Volcanoes can pose a threat to life and property.

The volcano is one of Earth's most awesome spectacles. Magma emerges through vents in the planet's crust, spewing smoke, ash and glowing red molten rock into the air. From a distance, this natural process is amazing to watch. However, if you happen to live in the vicinity of an active volcano, an eruption is much more serious than it is beautiful. Citizens in the potential path of a volcano's destruction must have emergency procedures in place to keep them safe.

Map Hazard Zones

Vulcanologists and geologists who study volcanic activity must determine the risk of different areas surrounding an active volcano prior to eruption, according to DisastersRUs.org. The site at which the debris is released from the vent or crater, combined with the slope of the land will determine which direction lava will flow. Based on a numerical scale, these scientists will determine which areas are at risk for probable destruction versus the areas that have little or no risk at all. Maps are drawn and are available to the public in some areas such as Hawaii.

Evacuation Routes

Refuge zones are an important part of volcano emergency preparation procedures. Evacuation routes are planned in accordance with the hazard zone maps to help ensure that those within the active lava flow zone or the blast area are a safe distance from the volcano.

Transit Points And Traffic Control

In a situation where people live within the potential disaster zone, it is essential for everyone to know where to go and what to do in the event of a volcanic eruption, according to DisastersRUs.org. An organized plan will prevent chaos and help people proceed to safety in an orderly manner.

On the way out of the disaster zone there should be transit points at which those registered within the disaster area can check in and be accounted for. This will help identify who is missing in the event that search and rescue is necessary.

Alert System

If an eruption is imminent, there must an alert system to inform those in the disaster-prone area that they need to proceed to shelter by following the established evacuation plan. People should evacuate at once and travel to the designated refuge zones without taking time to gather excessive personal belongings. With a natural force as unpredictable as a volcano, hesitation could mean ending up in a life-threatening situation.

Ash Fall Procedures

Those outside of the direct lava flow or blast debris area may still experience ash fall from the volcano, according to the University of Washington Department of Political Science. In the event of an eruption, people in potential ash fall areas should close windows, shut down lighting and electrical equipment, turn off natural gas and close all ventilation systems, exhaust fans or hoods as well as turn off any heating or air units to prevent clogging. People should also wear protective masks to keep from inhaling potentially dangerous particles.

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Crystal Healing For A Tooth Extraction

Crystal healing is a process that involves placing crystals or gemstones on specific areas throughout the body, called chakras. The word "chakra" is a Hindu term, meaning "spiritual energy." A different color represents each of the seven chakras. Some crystal healers choose to use chakra stones that are the same color as the chakra color. Each crystal or gemstone has its own properties and meaning and is used for specific types of healing.

Agates

Agates tend to have a very positive effect on tooth and jaw pain. Turquoise can also be used to deal with any type of pain.

Which chakra the appropriate stone is used upon depends on what the user is trying to accomplish. There is something called a chakra clearing that involves lying on your back in a quiet room and placing seven specific stones on the seven chakra areas. Then you would put yourself in a somewhat meditative state for 10 to 15 minutes; this can be done daily. The stones should be cleared after this procedure is completed.