Interstitial cystitis, or painful bladder syndrome, is a chronic inflammation of the bladder that affects women 10 times more frequently than men. It is characterized by symptoms of pressure in the bladder, frequent urination and pain that is sometimes severe.
The urinary system
The Facts
The pain associated with interstitial cystitis fluctuates, and may increase or decrease in severity when the bladder empties or fills. Menstruation may also intensify pain and other symptoms.
Identification
Severe cystitis pain may also extend to the pelvis, as well as the space between the vagina and anus in women or the scrotum and anus in men. There may also be pain during intercourse and ejaculation.
Solution
Severe cystitis pain may be treated with the oral medication pentosan (Elmiron), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) or tricyclic antidepressants. Extreme cases may be treated with opioid medications such as codeine.
Prevention
The cause of interstitial cystitis is unknown, and prevention is not generally possible. Dietary modifications may limit or reduce pain and other symptoms in some individuals.
Considerations
Interstitial cystitis is frequently misdiagnosed as other disorders, including urinary tract infection and prostatitis. The average length of time between onset of symptoms and a proper diagnosis is four years.
Tags: cystitis pain, Interstitial cystitis, interstitial cystitis, other symptoms, pain other
Kunzite is a stone that spiritual healers praise for its curative qualities in matters of the heart. Kunzite is usually light pink with touches of violet. According to the International Colored Gemstone Association, the richer the pink or violet, the more valuable the stone. Because of its translucent quality and pinkish, violet color, kunzite is associated with the heart, third eye and throat chakras.
Pink Kunzite
According to SacredCenters.com, the heart chakra is located in the chest, the third eye chakra is located in the center of the brow just above the bridge of the nose, and the throat chakra is in the neck. Chakras are energy centers throughout the body that have corresponding colors, elements, physical attributes and other associations.
To begin healing with pink kunzite, select a stone that feels right to you. Take time to admire its texture, weight and appearance. After selecting a stone (or piece of jewelry), cleanse it with spring water and sea salt. If the kunzite is set in jewelry, ensure that the solution will not damage metals or other materials. Once the stone is cleansed, find a comfortable space and meditate with it. Because pink kunzite is a powerful healer for issues of the heart, use it if you're having difficulties with self-acceptance, family issues or other matters that deal with relationships and communication. Focus on the changes and improvements you wish to see. While keeping your breath calm and steady, imagine healing energy pulsing from the stone and into your body.
White Kunzite
Although the most readily available type of kunzite is violet/pink kunzite, a variety of the stone that is clear is known as white kunzite. According to CrystalRocksandGems.com, white kunzite is associated with the seventh, or crown, chakra. The crown chakra is located at the top of the head and is connected with divine love, wisdom and universal harmony. If you're feeling out of place because of a relocation or other circumstance, white kunzite can transform those feelings of displacement into a sense of unity with yourself and your surroundings.
Green Kunzite
Green kunzite is also known as hiddenite. According to the International Colored Gemstone Association, hiddenite received its name from its discoverer, W.S. Hidden. It is still a part of the kunzite family and is associated with the heart chakra. Pairing pink and green kunzite during meditation can heal deep-seated emotional traumas, especially ones dealing with heartbreak, jealousy or feelings of resentment toward a partner. Green kunzite is especially helpful when worn as a pendant near the heart, or when two corresponding stones are worn by those in a relationship.
Tags: associated with, chakra located, pink kunzite, stone that, white kunzite
Cold sores are a strain of herpes simplex virus type 1. These sores usually form at the edge of the lips. Within a couple days, they will break open forming a crust which is yellow in appearance. The infected saliva from someone with a cold sore is extremely contagious. Once you have the virus in your system, it can not be cured. The cold sores themselves will appear from time to time usually following an illness, stress or even too much sun exposure. They are very painful to endure. Expect the sore to last 7 - 14 days if left untreated. Lucky for you, there are things you an do to get rid of an infected cold sore with natural remedies. All of these natural remedies are anti-viral in nature and can serve well to combat the cold sore before a full eruption occurs.
Instructions
1. Dab a bit of liquid form of St. John's Wort or Lemon balm on the cold sore at the very first sign that one is developing.
2. Try sloshing ½ teaspoon of Echinacea root in your mouth for a full 3-4 minutes. Swallow the Echinacea root tincture when your done sloshing.
3. Purchase a bottle of colloidal silver and slosh that in your mouth for 3-4 minutes and then swallow as well.
Tags: cold sore, Echinacea root, natural remedies, your mouth
Turmeric has been proven clinically to boost the immune system and strengthen its resistance to common allergies. Curcumin, the primary ingredient in this ancient spice, is commonly used in alternative medical systems, such as Ayurveda, Unani and naturopathy, to treat nasal, food and skin allergies.
How it Works
Clinical research published in the September 2008 issue of the journal "Molecular Nutrition and Food Research," found that curcumin blocks mast cells in animals from releasing histamine, thereby preventing allergic reactions. Research conducted by scientists at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center at the University of Texas, which was published in the "Journal of Clinical Immunology," January 2007, concurred that curcumin is not only a potent immunomodulatory agent, it also increases antibody response when administered in low doses. This implies that curcumin is effective in treating allergies. According to a study published in "Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications" in 2008, curcumin protects the immune system from responding to common stimulants, such as dust and pollen.
Edible Forms
Turmeric is a fat-soluble substance. Consumed as a spice, as in a curry, it is most effective when dissolved in vegetable oil, butter, cream or milk. Turmeric is also available at health stores in capsule form, but these are not strictly regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and could therefore contain harmful additives. The optimum adult dosage is around 10g a day.
An Old-Home Remedy From India
Fight allergies the old-fashioned way by concocting an old Indian recipe. Boil a cup of milk, and while it's simmering, add around 5g of pure turmeric (available at health stores or an Indian or Chinese grocery store), a pinch of saffron, a pinch of cinnamon, a pinch of cardamom, a pinch of dry ginger powder, a pinch of nutmeg, and 2 tbsp. honey. Mix well, strain and drink right away.
Side Effects
According to researchers at the Oregon State University, curcumin has been found to increase the possibility of internal bleeding in people taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications such as aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, ticlopidine (Ticlid), and warfarin (Coumadin). Turmeric should be avoided by people taking blood thinners, people with congestive heart failure and gallstones, as well as by pregnant women.
Absorption
The body's absorption of turmeric is enhanced when dissolved in oils and butter. When making curry, use canola, vegetable or olive oil to saute (on a low flame) the dry, ground spices that contain turmeric.
Tags: that curcumin, available health, available health stores, health stores, immune system, people taking, when dissolved
Cold sores are unsightly and many times very painful to suffer from. The sooner you can rid yourself of them, the better for your complexion and peace of mind. Cold sores can be caused by many things including stress, acidic foods, herpes simplex virus and fever. The best way to avoid having them is to figure out what your triggers are. If you know what causes your outbreaks, it is easier to keep from getting them by avoiding those triggers.
Instructions
Quickly Get Rid Of Cold Sores
1. Wet the cold sore with the tip of a finger in some water. Now use that same finger to dip into the alum. Apply the alum directly to the cold sore and leave on for 30 seconds. Do not leave it on any longer, as it will dry your lips and cause cracking and scarring to occur. Rinse off with cold water. You can apply this three times a day for the extent of your outbreak.
2. Contact your doctor about possibly getting a prescription for Valtrex. This is normally given for genital herpes, but works effectively at a 1000 mg dose twice on the first day and once every day afterwards. This prevents the cold sores, but also will end the outbreak within an average of 3 days if taken at the first sign of a cold sore. The cheaper version of this drug is a generic, and will on average cost $35.00 for a 30 day supply of 500 mg tablets, whereas the Valtrex at minimum for a 30 day supply of 1000 mg tablets costs $65.00 to fill.
3. Apply Abreva to the tip of your finger and then apply directly to your cold sore. Coat the area around the sore with a thin layer of medication as well to prevent spreading. Every four hours you should reapply to keep the area protected. Clean with water only and reapply daily until the cold sore is gone, which on average is 4 days.
4. Use your finger to extract a small amount of Carmex out of the container. Use your finger to spread a thin layer onto the cold sore directly. This should ease some of the pain as well as the drying effect on the skin. Reapply whenever you notice your sore is no longer wet feeling. Continue this for 3 days. As the sores peel, clean and reapply the Carmex to insure protection of the area.
Tags: cold sore, your finger, average days, Cold sores, Quickly Cold, Quickly Cold Sores, sore with
Colonoscopy is a procedure that allows medical professionals to view the inside of the colon and rectum. This test allows doctors to diagnose ulcers, polyps and abnormal growths and is an important tool for detecting early signs of colon cancer. Bowel cleansing for colonoscopy is an important part of preparing for the procedure. You will need to follow a clear liquid diet and use either a polyethylene glycol or sodium phosphate bowel cleansing agent before your colonoscopy to ensure a quality examination.
Clear Liquid Diet
Health professionals from the University of Michigan Health System recommend drinking only clear liquids, starting 2 days before the colonoscopy and only returning to solid foods once the procedure has been completed. Your doctor may require you to follow a clear liquid diet for 1 to 3 days before the procedure, based on the type of prep you will be using and other health factors. Ask your doctor how long you must follow a clear liquid diet before your colonoscopy. Clear liquids include water, tea and coffee without cream or sugar, soda, chicken or beef clear broth, apple juice, white grape juice or lemon or lime gelatin desserts. Avoid drinking liquids with orange, purple or red food coloring. If your colonoscopy is scheduled before noon, do not drink or eat anything after midnight the previous night. If your procedure is scheduled after 12, medical experts at Thomas Jefferson University recommends clear liquids before 9 a.m. and then no food or drink after that time.
Polyethylene Glycol
Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is available in liquid form under the brand names of NuLYTELY, Colyte, GoLYTELY, and TriLyte. You will need a prescription for this liquid. According to the PEG colonoscopy preparation instructions from the University of Michigan Health System, you should mix the liquid ahead of time and chill it before you drink it. Between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. the night before your procedure, drink 8 oz. of the liquid every 15 minutes until the entire gallon of liquid has been finished. If your colonoscopy is scheduled for later than 11 a.m. the next morning, drink 2 quarts of it the night before and the remaining 2 quarts at least 4 hours before you need to be at the hospital for the procedure.
Sodium Phosphate
The liquid form of sodium phosphate colonoscopy preparation is taken in 2 doses. Doses are 10 hours apart; each dose must be taken with a minimum of 3 glasses of clear liquid. According to patient colonoscopy preparation instructions from medical officials at Thomas Jefferson University, the pill form of sodium phosphate consists of 20 pills taken the night before the colonoscopy and 12 pills the morning of the colonoscopy. Drink 8 oz. of clear liquid with each dose of sodium phosphate. The pills you take the morning of the colonoscopy should be taken 3 to 5 hours before the procedure. You will need a prescription for the liquid or the pills. Tell the prescribing doctor if you have chronic kidney disease or other kidney problems. The National Institutes of Health warns healthcare consumers that sodium phosphate can cause serious kidney damage, which may be permanent and require dialysis or kidney transplant.
Tags: clear liquid, sodium phosphate, your colonoscopy, before your, colonoscopy preparation
Macrocytic anemia is a condition in which the red blood cells are too large, according to the National Institutes of Health. It can be caused by many things, including alcoholism, vitamin B12 deficiency, a folic acid deficiency, some DNA disorders and certain intestinal conditions. Treatment is dependent of the type of macrocytic anemia someone has. In the case of Vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiencies, receiving enough of these nutrients is the main treatment.
Fatigue
Fatigue is commonly experienced by people with macrocytic anemia.
Headaches
Many people with macrocytic anemia experience chronic headaches as a symptom of the condition.
Gastrointestinal Trouble
Various gastrointestinal issues, including abdominal pain and diarrhea, are symptoms of macrocytic anemia.
Sore Tongue
Tongue pain or having a sore tongue is a sign of macrocytic anemia.
Breathing Trouble
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing are commonly experienced by people with macrocytic anemia.
Tingling
Tingling skin or skin numbness is a symptom of macrocytic anemia.
Tags: macrocytic anemia, with macrocytic anemia, people with, people with macrocytic, with macrocytic, commonly experienced, commonly experienced people
When memory loss becomes severe enough to affect your daily life, it is called dementia. Dementia has many causes, including Alzheimer's disease (No. 1) and stroke (No. 2). Regardless of the cause, dementia can make the once-simple process of communicating very difficult for the patient and the family. Here are some tips to ease the task.
Signs
Some communication indicators of dementia are: 1) not responding when spoken to, 2) fluent but nonsensical speech, and 3) difficulty with words. With dementia, communication skills worsen over time.
Considerations
Keep in mind that these communication indicators associated with dementia are also common in patients suffering from vision or hearing impairments. Rule out these issues before accepting the more serious problem of dementia.
Communication Elements
A person with dementia might have trouble understanding your words although the person will still be able to comprehend elements of communication like tone of voice and body language. If you show frustration through your voice or body language, you are more likely to upset the person with dementia. In turn, the person's communication skills will worsen.
Guidelines
Using short sentences, giving the person with dementia ample time to reply to a comment, and speaking with a caring tone of voice are all ways to effectively communicate with someone who has dementia. In addition, turn off the television and any music to prevent potential distractions.
Children
People with dementia should have limited conversations with children--at least with those who have high energy levels. The more a child moves around the less likely the person will understand what the child is saying, and the more exhausting the process will become for the dementia patient.
Tags: person with, person with dementia, with dementia, body language, communication indicators, communication skills, person will
Toddlers get sick. Sometimes, the sickness does not go away. If you think your toddler has leukemia, it is imperative to see your pediatrician. Leukemia is a form of cancer that affects blood tissue, including bone marrow. It usually starts in the white blood cells. Your doctor can examine your toddler and order further testing if needed. Doctors usually begin testing for leukemia with a blood test. To get a clear diagnosis, your doctor may need to perform a bone marrow biopsy.
Fever and Infection
A toddler with leukemia will have increased episodes of fever and infection. Healthy toddlers can run fever from time to time, but with leukemia, the fever is almost constant. The increased fever and infection with leukemia is caused by defective white blood cells. The role of white blood cells is to fight off infection, which cannot be done if your toddler has leukemia.
Anemia
Anemia is another symptom of leukemia in toddlers. Anemia is a condition in which the blood has a lower than normal amount of red blood cells. The leukemia interferes with bone marrow's production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body. Look for your toddler to become abnormally short of breath after playing. He will also become overly tired very easily. If your toddler seems to run out of steam with very little activity, it could be anemia.
Poor Appetite
Toddlers with leukemia usually have a poor appetite. This symptom alone cannot determine leukemia simply because many toddlers have poor appetites. Most toddlers will eat when they get hungry enough. A toddler with leukemia will have a consistently poor appetite and refuse food. Also, look for a sudden loss of appetite. If your toddler suddenly starts refusing food and doesn't improve within a few days, see your doctor to rule out any health conditions.
Bruising and Bleeding
Another symptom of leukemia is bruising and bleeding easily. The bruising and bleeding can be caused by even very minor injuries. Toddlers with leukemia will have frequent nosebleeds. Your toddler will also experience prolonged bleeding after injury. She will even have prolonged bleeding after a minor scrape or cut. This is caused because leukemia prevents the bone marrow from producing the needed amount of platelets, which allows the blood to clot.
Painless Lumps and Swelling
Other symptoms of leukemia that you should look for are swollen lymph nodes, which are also known as glands. Look for swelling throughout the body, especially in the neck and groin. Toddlers with leukemia can also experience painless lumps all over their body. These lumps usually appear in the neck, underarm, stomach and groin. They can even appear around the eyes. This is caused by low levels of normal blood cells.
Tags: with leukemia, blood cells, your toddler, bone marrow, leukemia will, leukemia will have, Toddlers with
Various conditions cause chills with cold feet. Sometimes, when these two conditions combine, they are signals to the body that serious health problems are manifesting in the body. Chills and cold feet mean that there is a lack of sufficient blood flow throughout the body, primarily in the limbs.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia, a condition caused by loss of body heat, causes chills and cold feet in people. The U.S. National Library of Medicine states that immediate first aid, such as a heated pad, needs to be administered.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome masks itself with symptoms of other health conditions in addition to fatigue. The Centers for Prevention and Disease Control states chills along with cold feet is a symptom because of blood flow restriction.
Peripheral Vascular Disease
The American Heart Association says chills with cold feet are symptomatic of peripheral vascular disease, or narrowing of the arteries. This reduces blood flow to the feet and extremities.
Raynaud's Phenomenon
The Arthritis Foundation defines Raynaud's phenomenon as a condition caused by insufficient blood flow which settles in the fingers, toes, nose and knees. The lack of blood flow leads to chills and cold feet.
Restless Legs Syndrome
The Restless Legs Syndrome says this condition, which symptoms include chills with cold feet, causes discomfort because legs have the uncontrollable urge to move.
Women are especially prone to bladder infections, but there is hope with the help of herbal formulas you can easily use at home. A bladder infection is an inflammation of the bladder and can be quite painful when it causes you to be unable to urinate, even though your bladder feels very full. An infection of this type is often caused by E. coli bacteria and can be the result of poor hygiene. Vaginal sprays can also cause bladder infections, as can bubble baths, scented toilet paper and frequent immersion in swimming pools or hot tubs that contain chlorine.
Instructions
1. Keep your pelvic area clean by using a mild soap with water daily. Better yet, purchase soap containing tea tree oil and use that every day.
2. Make a strong tea by simmering the following herbs in water for 20 minutes: marshmallow root, echinacea root, Oregon grape root, uva ursi leaf and plantain leaf. If you do not have all of these, use what is available. Drink 1 cup of this tea two to three times daily.
3. Drink lots of unsweetened cranberry juice or take cranberry powder in capsules.
4. Eat lots of rice and beans, barley and flax seed. If you eat your food at room temperature and avoid hot, spicy foods, this can help to get rid of your bladder infection.
5. Tinctures work well too, but you’ll need to purchase them because they take four weeks to steep. Uva ursi tincture is especially effective. Take two full droppers in water or juice at the first sign of painful urination and repeat this dosage up to three times each day until your symptoms are gone.
6. Some postmenopausal women suffer from dry vaginas and this can cause bladder infections. If you apply a natural estrogen cream (avoid synthetic estrogen), this can help to prevent these infections.
Tags: bladder infection, bladder infections, cause bladder, cause bladder infections, this help
Mononucleosis, more commonly known as mono, is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Generally, mono manifests itself similarly to the flu. Symptoms of mono include constant fatigue, sore muscles, headaches, fever, swollen lymph nodes and sore muscles. Mono is generally spread via close contact such as kissing. However, it can be spread via airborne mucus or saliva. If you employ careful preventive steps, you can reduce the likelihood that you'll get mononucleosis.
Instructions
1. Wash your hands often, using antibacterial soap. Wash immediately if you have touched someone with mono or if you have touched communal doorknobs or other areas.
2. Do not share eating or drink utensils. While you should certainly avoid sharing utensils with anyone who has mono, it's best to simply avoid sharing with anyone altogether. Someone who has mono may not yet know he is infected.
3. Avoid kissing someone who has mono. Kissing is one of the most common ways that mono is spread.
4. Cover your face if someone infected with mono sneezes or coughs. Since saliva or mucus particles are often spread via sneezing or coughing, you must take care to ensure they don't end up in or on your body--particularly your face.
5. Clean common areas frequently. If you share common space with someone who has mono, wipe down the shared areas with disinfectant regularly. This includes counters, tabletops, toilet seats and doorknobs.
6. Keep your immune system strong. Get plenty of sleep nightly and eat a healthy diet, rich in vitamins and nutrients. You can further fortify your immune system by taking a multivitamin daily.
Tags: your immune system, avoid sharing, have touched, immune system, someone mono, sore muscles, with anyone
Identify the Risk Factors for a Cerebral Hemorrhage
A cerebral hemorrhage is severe bleeding in the brain. Modern science has yet to solve all of its mysteries, as not all causes of the condition are known. However, we can identify the major risk factors involved. Read on to find out identify those factors.
Instructions
1. Know that the direct causes of cerebral hemorrhage are traumatic brain injuries and aneurysms. Although you will not always be able to control these risk factors, you should try to avoid situations which place you at a greater risk for having them occur.
2. Remember that high blood pressure is one of the main risk factors for cerebral hemorrhages, just as it is for many medical complications. The higher your blood pressure, the more chance you have of encountering this condition in the future.
3. Identify which disorders might result in a cerebral hemorrhage. Most blood disorders elevate risk. Be especially careful if you suffer from hemophilia, sickle cell anemia, leukemia or a decreased level of blood platelets.
4. Keep track of non-blood disorders. Liver disease is associated with increased bleeding risk. If you have liver disease, the consequences of physical head trauma can be dire.
5. Be wary of aspirin or anticoagulant medications. Many patients with heart disorders will take these medications regularly to thin their blood. At all costs, avoid taking too much at one time, as a cerebral hemorrhage could result.
6. Be extremely careful during pregnancy. For unknown reasons, pregnancy greatly increases the risk of a cerebral hemorrhage. In fact, a woman who has just given birth will have a risk factor up to 28 times that of the average person.
7. Be prepared, as the parent of a premature infant, for the possibility that the child may experience a cerebral hemorrhage. There is no way to predict or prevent this and the outcome is variable.
Frozen shoulder is most common among people over 40 and is especially common in women, while neck pain may occur at any age. They do not necessarily share a mutual cause. What they do share, however, are certain symptoms, and they can both benefit from treatment by a certified massage therapist.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Symptoms common to both frozen shoulder and neck pain include stiffness, limited range of motion and muscle discomfort. Since these symptoms, when applied to frozen shoulder, can also apply to a variety of other shoulder ailments, such as arthritis, bursitis and rotator cuff tears, it is first important to ascertain whether you do, in fact, have frozen shoulder, which is more properly called adhesive capsulitis. An experienced massage or physical therapist should be able to assess your condition through a series of motion tests, but x-rays might also be recommended by your physician to rule out other possibilities.
Treatments
Frozen shoulder and neck pain can be treated variously by both prescribed and over-the-counter medications, stretching exercises, acupuncture, physical therapy and massage therapy. Massage is a noninvasive alternative to medications frequently used to combat neck and shoulder pain. It is a therapy in which muscle and other soft tissue are manipulated to alleviate the tensions and tightness leading to the discomfort. Massage also increases blood flow, which helps reduce the adhered or scar tissue implicated in frozen shoulder. Swedish massage, trigger point therapy, deep tissue massage and shiatsu are all types of massage that have been found effective in treating neck pain and frozen shoulder.
Prevention
The sources of neck and shoulder pain are many and varied, but regular massage can keep the discomfort from becoming severe. Practicing good posture, regular exercise and neck stretches will also help prevent neck pain; warming up properly before exercising and working on strengthening and stretching your shoulder can preclude the onset of frozen shoulder. It is important to continue to move your shoulder even if it is stiff and achy; not doing so could increase stiffness and reduce range of motion.
Cautions
There are some who believe, such as Clair Davies, author of "The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook: Your Self-Treatment Guide for Pain Relief," that stretching may aggravate the trigger points or areas of hyperirritable muscle tissue. It may therefore be advisable to receive treatment before instituting a regimen of stretches.
Helping a friend with suicidal tendencies can be bewildering and emotionally draining. You must take the threat seriously. Although your friend's problems may not seem serious enough to warrant suicide, the mental anguish they are experiencing is very real. Luckily, if your friend is talking to you, some part of them wants help.
Instructions
1. Call 911 if you are speaking on the phone with a friend who is intent on committing suicide immediately. If he says he is going to kill himself, you have no choice but to take him seriously.
2. Listen to what your friend is thinking. Suicidal people feel that they lack the love and support of others, so showing that you are willing to listen is an important way to help. Employ "active listening" techniques, such as repeating what your friend has said when responding.
3. Reassure your friend that she has reasons to live. If she had completely given up hope, she would not be discussing her suicidal tendencies with you. Ask what prevented her from killing herself so far, and encourage her to focus on these reasons.
4. Ask your friend how he intends to commit suicide. This is a good way to gauge how determined he is to follow through. The more detailed and realistic the plan, the more concerned you should be.
5. Stay with your friend. If he is acutely suicidal, he might make an attempt when nobody is physically present.
6. Remove objects like knives, razors and poisonous substances from your friend's home or apartment.
7. Find other people to support your friend through her time of crisis. The more people involved, the more effective the recovery process. Church groups, family and medical professionals are all possible places to turn.
8. Insist that your friend seek professional help. If cost is an issue, many organizations offer free or discounted counseling to those in need. Strongly encourage him to get the process started.
Tags: your friend, suicidal tendencies, what your, what your friend
In Southeast Asia, Korean red ginseng tea has been used for centuries to stimulate brain function and ward off fatigue. It is said to help protect the liver and regulate blood sugar. Historically, Asian cultures have believed that it can slow down the aging process, regulate heart functions and improve the body's immune systems.
Roots
The Korean red ginseng is made from the roots of the plant when it is at least six years old. The plant grows wild in 100 percent organic conditions in Southeast Asia. It is also widely cultivated under organic conditions in Korea because the soil and climate are best suited to its growth. The red ginseng root contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, essential oils and natural enzymes.
Tea
About five or six slices of raw ginseng root are required to make one cup of tea. Powdered tea purchased in tea bags has been ground to provide the easiest access. Raw or bagged tea should be steeped for at least five minutes to gain the full effects of the healing roots. Longer steeping makes stronger tea. Red ginseng is typically sweeter than green ginseng, but both can be sweetened further with sugar or honey. Ginseng tea bags and loose tea can be reused two or three times.
Ingredients
The active ingredients in red ginseng, also known as panax ginseng, are ginseocides, which have been clinically shown to reduce inflammation, and serve as natural antioxidants. Doctors at the American Academy of Family Physicians warn that the roots can be harmful when taken in conjunction with other medications such as insulin and phenelzine. Ginseng products often are used in conjunction with other herbs and vitamins to increase physical stamina, improve immune functions and reduce the effects of diabetes.
Cancer
Researchers at the American Society for Nutrition have found proof that red ginseng, as well as other ginseng root teas, does provide sufficient anti-inflammatory properties as to be potentially beneficial for a number of diseases, including cancer. In work with mice, the scientists found the root was able to inhibit the growth of tumors. Claims have been made that red ginseng can also assist in helping overcome impotence and reduce the recurrence of gastric cancer.
Other Healing
Red ginseng is touted for its many healing properties. The Chinese used it as a qi tonic to increase both mental and physical acuity. Other areas that can benefit from red ginseng tea include increased blood circulation, lower cholesterol, improved respiratory and digestive systems and lowering blood sugar levels. The root is used to increase the appetite of adults and children sick from other illnesses and to relieve stress, anxiety and insomnia. Some believe red ginseng tea can help fight drug addiction and chemical dependency.
Tags: ginseng root, Benefits Ginseng, blood sugar, conjunction with, conjunction with other, ginseng also, have been
Tonic water is often sweetened and has high amounts of carbohydrates.
Tonic or tonic water is a carbonated soft drink. This colorless drink contains small amounts of the medicinal ingredient quinine, which gives tonic water its bitter taste. Most tonic waters also contain some kind of sweetener to counter the bitterness. This results in a high carbohydrate content to the drink. In fact, a 16-oz. can or bottle of tonic water contains as much as 43 grams of carbohydrates.
Corn Syrup
The majority of tonic water found in stores today is sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup. This is often an alternative to sugar because it is much more readily available than cane sugar. Critics argue that this substance is more harmful to sugar because it is highly processed.
Agave Syrup
Syrup derived from the agave cactus is also used to sweeten tonic water.
Higher end tonics are sweetened with agave syrup. This is produced in Mexico from the agave cactus. This type of syrup is sweeter than honey so manufacturers don't need to use as much when sweetening the tonic water. Agave has a low glycemic index, meaning it has almost no impact on blood sugar. This is especially helpful for diabetics who are sensitive to sugars.
Agar Syrup
The most expensive brands of tonic water, including Q Tonic, are made with natural agar syrup. The substance is more gelatinous and derives from red algae. This syrup is 80 percent fiber so it has a low glycemic index.
Artificial Sweeteners
Diet tonic waters introduced into the market appeal to those on lower calorie or low-carbohydrate diet. These drinks are sweetened with saccharin, sucralose (Splenda), Aspartame (Equal or NutraSweet) or other artificial sweeteners. The result is tonic water that has zero calories and only negligible traces of carbohydrates.
Tags: tonic water, sweetened with, agave cactus, from agave, from agave cactus
All women who have had breast augmentation surgery should begin massaging their implants a few days after surgery. Once the patient is advised to begin massage, the implants should be massaged every two to three hours for a few days, then two to three times per day for about three weeks. From this point on, the implants should be massaged once per day forever. Massaging your implants keeps them from hardening, and thus makes them look more natural and soft to the touch.
Instructions
1. Make your hand into a "V" shape with your thumb on one side and your four fingers on the other side. Put the V at the base of your implant.
2. Move your thumb and fingers together so that the implant moves upwards. The implant should be forced out of its normal position into the open space above the implant.
3. Let the implant fall back into its normal position, then repeat Step 2 to move the implant back up into the open space. You should continue this massage for one to two minutes.
Tags: back into, implants should, implants should massaged, into open, into open space, normal position, open space
Someone who experiences the signs and symptoms of acute monocytic leukemia should see a doctor for a professional diagnosis. Causes for the condition are unknown, though certain chemicals, drugs and radiation are thought to play a part, along with genetic problems. Treatment can be painful and exhausting, but patients with this type of leukemia frequently go into remission. Unfortunately, the cancer tends to return within two years of diagnosis.
Features
Acute monocytic leukemia is a subcategory of the broader condition of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a cancer of white blood cells in the bone marrow. AML is the most common type of leukemia in adults, making up 80 percent of cases. Monocytic leukemia is specifically characterized by an overproduction of white blood cells called monocytes and monoblasts, cells that fight infection in the body. Between 5 to 10 percent of AML cases are monocytic.
Symptoms
Symptoms of monocytic leukemia can include bleeding from the nose or gums, bruising, fatigue, fever, unexplained weight loss, abnormal menstrual periods, bone pain or skin rashes. These symptoms can be attributed to a lack of platelets, leading to bleeding and bruising, and a low number of red blood cells, causing the patient to feel tired and look pale. A person with low white blood cells is more at risk of infection and may also experience shortness of breath, pain while urinating, cough or diarrhea.
Time Frame
According to the University of California Medical Center, AML usually hits suddenly, within a few days or weeks. It is not common for a patient to be ill for months before developing AML. People become sick because the leukemia disrupts normal function of bone marrow, replacing and forcing out the healthy bone marrow cells. The symptoms of AML can be similar to other illnesses like cold or flu, and cases may not be caught right away.
Identification
Patients must undergo a physical exam administered by a doctor to diagnose monocytic leukemia. The doctor will look for swelling in areas like the liver, groin and lymph nodes. A CBC test will be conducted to measure how many red and white blood cells are present in the blood. The specific type of leukemia can only be identified by a hematologist or oncologist, who will carry out a bone marrow biopsy, then examine the samples under a microscope.
Solution
If a patient's symptoms do lead to a diagnosis of AML, treatment must begin as soon as possible. There are two stages of treatment, induction chemotherapy and consolidation chemotherapy. Induction chemotherapy lasts approximately five weeks, during which the patient will remain the hospital and given special medications to get rid of leukemia cells from the body. Once complete remission occurs (when all leukemia cells are eliminated), phase two begins one month later. Consolidation chemotherapy is similar to induction, and is intended to destroy any residual leukemia.
Tags: blood cells, bone marrow, white blood, white blood cells, type leukemia, leukemia cells, monocytic leukemia
Scientific studies suggest that milk thistle can provide health benefits, including cleaning your liver. The ingredient contained in milk thistle, silymarin, is a flavonoid that may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Types
Milk thistles are one of many types of flowery plants characterized by sharp prickly leaves, but it's the flower's seed that holds the secret to a powerful health benefit.
Benefits
Milk thistle cleanses the liver by reducing the action of liver enzymes responsible for inflammation. It also neutralizes liver cell damage caused by toxins and strengthens the liver cells' outer membranes to prevent future damage.
History
Milk thistle has been used for 2,000 years to treat various ailments. Modern studies on the efficacy of the plant's medicinal use began in the 1970s.
Geography
Milk thistle is native to the Mediterranean regions of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. However, you can find it at your local drug or health food store in several forms, including capsules and liquid.
Warning
Natural doesn't always mean healthy. Herbs can have unhealthy side effects and interactions with other medications. Consult your physician before use.
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, or RCRA, is a comprehensive U.S. law that protects the environment by regulating hazardous and nonhazardous solid wastes. Facilities that treat, store or dispose of hazardous wastes must operate under permit and in compliance with RCRA. Such facilities are called treatment, storage and disposal facilities (TSDFs) or hazardous waste management facilities. Hazardous waste generators qualify as TSDFs if they treat or dispose of their own wastes, as do generators that keep their hazardous wastes on site for more than three months.
Types
Because no one technology or approach suits all wastes, treatment, storage and disposal methods are as diverse as hazardous wastes themselves. TSDFs that offer an array of options are able to accept a greater variety of wastes.
Treatment Facilities
Hazardous waste treatment involves altering a waste's physical, chemical or biological properties to render it less harmful. While some treatments make a waste safer to store, transport or dispose of, others derive resources or energy from the waste in the process of treating it. Incineration is a treatment that destroys hazardous components while reducing the waste's volume. Boilers and industrial furnaces harness the energy of waste combustion. Chemical treatments such as oxidation and neutralization stabilize wastes, reduce their corrosivity or make them less toxic. Land treatment units disperse a hazardous waste on soil and allow sunlight and soil microbes to break down the hazardous components.
Storage Systems
Temporarily holding hazardous wastes can involve portable containers, stationary tanks, containment buildings, open waste piles, surface impoundments or other storage systems. Waste piles and surface impoundments such as holding ponds and settling lagoons must employ a durable liner system to keep hazardous constituents from contaminating the underlying soil and groundwater.
Land Disposal
Hazardous waste landfills must contain hazardous waste on a permanent basis without releasing contaminants to the environment. They accept only nonliquid wastes and employ measures to detect and prevent wind dispersal, leachate leakage and runoff. Site management and monitoring must continue even after the facility permanently closes.
Underground Disposal
Underground disposal methods include burial in a geologic repository such as a subterranean mine or cave, a salt bed formation or a salt dome. Another common disposal method for liquid hazardous waste is deep injection, which involves pumping the waste far underground through a well. Underground injection must avoid contaminating drinking water aquifers and inducing earthquakes. In the 1960s, deep injection of hazardous wastes from the manufacture of chemical weapons at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal near Denver, Colorado, resulted in increased seismic activity in the Denver area. Pressurized liquid waste forced apart fault surfaces and allowed them to slip past one another, causing earthquakes.
Requirements
TSDF owners must locate their facilities in a manner that is mindful of the surrounding community and environment. Through permits, record keeping and periodic reporting, they must document their compliance with applicable regulations. During operation, TSDFs must control their air emissions and avoid impacting the soil and groundwater. Groundwater monitoring wells and sampling regimens provide a means to detect contamination. In case of release to the environment, TSDFs must investigate the release and clean up any soil or groundwater contamination. Once they cease operations, TSDFs must close in a way that eliminates any future threat to human or environmental health. Post-closure monitoring or other ongoing management is often necessary. TSDF owners must provide financial assurance that they have the resources to close the facility or respond to emergency situations in case of release.
Tags: hazardous wastes, soil groundwater, TSDFs must, case release, compliance with
Salt water is a great way to moisturize dry, damaged skin! Summer sun can be drying to skin but the dry winter air can do just as much damage. People have been bathing in salty waters for hundreds of years seeking cures of all types. With the right preparation, sea salt might give you some relief from dry, winter skin.
Instructions
1. Sea salt can be purchased in the grocery store; you'll generally find it with the baking goods. The salt crystals are much larger than regular table salt and are derived from sea water.
2. Glycerin can be found in it's purest form at most drug or beauty stores. If you are allergic to moisturizing products that contain artificial fragrances, pure glycerin may be a better choice for you.
3. Mix about one cup of sea salt crystals with enough glycerin to get the salt to stick together. You'll want to make your mix just before you bathe or shower.
4. After bathing, while your body is still wet, rub the sea salt and glycerin mixture over moist skin using a bath sponge. The sea salt is a natural exfoliant that will remove the dry skin.
5. Rinse the salt and glycerin away and enjoy soft, silky skin!
Tags: Moisturize Skin, salt crystals, salt glycerin
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome that causes women to experience physical and emotional symptoms a week before their menstrual period, according to Familydoctor.org. Although PMDD interferes with women's ability to function regularly, it is often difficult to diagnose.
Symptoms
You may have PMDD if you experience intense sadness, anger, anxiety, problems concentrating, changes in sleep patterns, tiredness, joint pain, appetite changes, insomnia, bloating and/or mood swings before your period.
Physical Examination
A doctor usually performs a physical examination and medical history to rule out other possible causes of a patient's symptoms, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, depression or migraines.
Pelvic Exam
When a woman is examined for PMDD, her doctor often also performs a pelvic exam to find out if she has another health problem, such as an infection or a sexually transmitted disease, that could cause her symptoms.
Calendar
Some doctors have patients keep a calendar of premenstrual experiences---a chart where they track symptoms they have during different times of the month---for several months. This chart can show whether you only experience certain symptoms before and during your menstrual period.
Self-Reporting Scale
To be diagnosed with PMDD, you need to have at least 5 of 11 symptoms during the week before your menstrual period for at least a year. You can use the daily symptom report scale to rate the intensity of your symptoms and get a sense of whether you might have PMDD, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Tags: menstrual period, before your, have PMDD, week before, your menstrual, your menstrual period
A macrobiotic diet is based primarily on a vegetarian diet. Most of the diet consists of whole grains and vegetables. While the macrobiotic diet helps in weight loss, it is not safe for everyone, and it may even be a concern for some individuals. Because the diet consists of little to no meat, and certain vitamins, such as essential fatty acids, are lacking, poor nutrition can be a complication of the diet.
Vitamins
Vitamins like iron, zinc, Vitamin B12, or omega-3 fatty acids are necessary for a healthy body. For the person who adheres to a strict macrobiotic diet regime, there might be a deficiency of what is necessary to remain healthy.
Food Intake
A diet solely based on grains and vegetables causes bloating, painful gas and difficulty in digestion. Many people also experience yeast infections of the mouth or low energy.
Carbohydrates
Eating too many grains can cause blood sugar imbalances, such as hypoglycemia.
Other Effects
Without meat consumption, people on a macrobiotic diet can experience depression or panic attacks.
Considerations
For a diet to be healthy, it needs balance. Speak with a nutritionist to weigh the options of a macrobiotic diet, and plan accordingly.
Recommendations
Under no circumstance should a macrobiotic diet be carried out for cancer patients. The dangers of this diet increase since there may be a lack of nutrients, and a cancer patient may already be suffering from weight loss due to treatment.
During an anxiety attack, a flood of stimulant hormones, like adrenaline, cortical and many more, are released into the blood stream. The sudden change in the body affects the physical, mental and emotional well-being of a person. The attacks often occur simultaneously and generally peak within ten minutes but can last up to half hour. Many attacks are triggered by a stressful situation; however, many can occur without any real cause which can become incredibly dangerous in certain situations that require a person's full attention, like driving.
Respiratory Symptoms
A need to increase breathing begins with heart palpitations and hyperventilation. The decrease of blood supply to the brain leads to dizziness, blurred visions and the possibility of fainting.
Muscle and Nerve Symptoms
The muscles and nerves produce intense muscle spasms ranging from trembles to shakes.
Digestion Symtpom
There is a significant decrease in salivation which affects the digestive system by producing nausea and stomach cramps.
Behavioral Symptoms
Behavioral symptoms like pacing, inability to speak, restlessness and snapping at people, are often overlooked but can be quite dangerous if they peak to uncontrolled physical lashings.
Warning
After an attack, feelings of disorientation and confusion are common. If the attacks persist, the stress can often lead to insomnia, disorders, phobias and/or depression.
Since its identification in 1817, Parkinson's disease has impacted many and continues to destroy lives today. Here is some information about the causes and symptoms of this neurological disorder.
What Is Parkinson's?
Parkinson's disease is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system. It was first identified in 1817 by an English surgeon named James Parkinson. As it progresses, it results in extreme damage to motor and speech skills as well as other bodily functions.
Theories/Speculation
A majority of people with this illness are believed to suffer from idiopathic Parkinson's, which means that there is no discernible cause. The most widely accepted theory today regarding the cause of Parkinson's is that it results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Genetic Factors
A scientific study revealed that 15 percent of Parkinson's patients have at least one relative with the disease. Scientists have isolated three genes that, when mutated, result in the cell deterioration that defines Parkinson's.
Environmental Factors
Studies have linked certain conditions and chemicals to Parkinson's. Exposure to toxins may result in Parkinson's, including carbon monoxide, manganese, certain tranquilizers and cyanide. Some conditions that have been linked with Parkinson's include strokes, viral infections and head injuries.
Symptoms
Trembling is one of the most common symptoms, impacting approximately two-thirds of people diagnosed with the illness. Stiffness of the joints and limbs, similar to arthritis, is also very common. The rigidity highly impacts the muscles of the hands, which makes simple daily activities extremely difficult if not impossible. Many experience slurred speech and difficulty maintaining balance. Almost half develop mild to severe depression and sleep disturbances.
If your diet includes three or four servings of calcium a day, your body's metabolism increases, making it easier for you to lose weight. Unfortunately, not everyone can consume dairy products. Some people are lactose intolerant or just don't like the taste of dairy. These people can increase the amount of calcium in their diet by taking calcium orotate as a dietary supplement, according to Weightlossobesity.com.
Features
Calcium orotate is a type of mineral salt. The word "orotate" means it contains orotic acid, which is made by the cells in your body. It's a raw material for making RNA and DNA. Each individual molecule of calcium orotate is made of two orotic acid molecules. One calcium atom replaces two hydrogen atoms, according to Lifelink.com.
Function
Taking calcium orotate as a dietary supplement is a great way to increase your calcium intake without eating extra dairy products. While dieting, some people avoid dairy products because they think they are fattening, according to Weightlossobesity.com. However by consuming 3 to 4 servings of calcium a day, you can dramatically increase your metabolism. As the amount of calcium in your diet goes up, the calcium helps your body burn fat, and your weight goes down.
History
Calcium orotate was first used as a dietary supplement by a German physician named Dr. Hans Nieper. Nieper studied orotates and their ability to fight diseases and published many papers on the topic between 1954 and 1970 according to cancertreatmentwatch.org. Nieper believed calcium orotate could be used to treat a variety of diseases including multiple sclerosis, encephalitis, retinitis and hepatitis. However in one of his papers, Nieper observed that calcium orotate can reduce the appetite of people who frequently overeat.
Side Effects
A variety of side effects are associated with calcium orotate. The most common are constipation and an upset stomach. Other side effects include nausea, mood swings, muscle pain, headaches and weakness. In some rare cases, patients have developed an allergic reaction to calcium orotate. You should see your doctor immediately if you develop a rash, itching or swelling, or dizziness, or have difficulty breathing, according to healthsquare.com.
Drug Interactions
Calcium orotate may decrease the effectiveness of other drugs. Increasing the amount of calcium in your body affects the way other drugs are absorbed, and for this reason many drugs don't work as well. These drugs include bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, estramustine, levothyroxine, and quinolone antibiotics, according to healthsquare.com. If you're taking any of these medications, try to take them at a different time than your doses of calcium orotate.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also called "winter depression," is a depression disorder that is influenced by the changing daylight amount of the seasons. Negative feelings are most significant during the fall and winter months when the number of sunlight hours has decreased. Symptoms include a change in appetite (frequently resulting in weight gain), loss of energy and an increasing feeling of irritability. SAD also unfavorably affects the individual's ability to react socially and to concentrate on details. Affected people frequently report a disruption in sleep patterns that results in oversleeping during daytime hours.
Definition of Negative Ionization
Negative ions are negatively charged air molecules that occur naturally and are thought to impact the level of serotonin in the brain. Summer air has significantly more negatively charged ions than winter air. Negative ions can be produced through mechanical generation in laboratories and treatment facilities.
Causes
The causes of SAD are disputed, but all theories are based on diminished winter light. Some scientists maintain that the limited amount of light in winter months impacts some individuals. Other studies state that the quality of light, not its quantity, is the trigger for SAD. Winter light is less intense than summer sun and does not provide the necessary elements for some patients. One group of scientists speculates that the body's internal clock is set by morning sunlight and that this is disrupted by the dark early mornings in winter. There is no major scientific consensus as to any one cause.
Impact
The number of individuals impacted by SAD varies greatly, but statistics show that from 10 to 65 million people have symptoms at some point in life. SAD affects slightly more women than men. The vast majority of cases are in individuals under the age of 40, but a few of these occur in children and teens as well. Most cases are located in the American Pacific Northwest, Alaska and states in the northern Midwest and East.
Light Treatment
Recognition of SAD and development of treatments began in the 1980s with the introduction of light therapy. A major study conducted at the Rush-Presbyterian St. Luke's Medical Center in Chicago in the late 1990s found that when groups experiencing symptoms of SAD were exposed to light therapy, more than 50 percent recovered after only a month of treatments. Light treatment varied in each study, but one researcher used 10,000 lux exposure provided through fluorescent lights (using an ultraviolet filter) with the subject placed in a light box for a minimum of a half hour. Some studies used 3,000 lux for at least one hour, sometimes two or three hours.
Negative Ionization Therapy
Studies at Columbia University Medical Center, under pioneer researcher Dr. Michael Terman, director of the Center for Light Treatment and Biological Rhythms and director of the Clinical Chronobiology Program at New York State Psychiatric Institute, used both low- and high-density ion generators to create 10,000 to 2,700,000 ions per cubic centimeter with significant effects on more than half of the test subjects and no negative results. The high-density generators, creating an ion-charged environment just prior to waking up each day, produced greater results than the low-density machines. The final study summary reported that the results were comparable to traditional light treatment therapy. Many of the ion studies combined the treatment with simulated dawn and dawn pulse therapy.
Tags: high-density generators, light therapy, Medical Center, more than, Negative Ionization
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are muscle, nerve or tendon disorders acquired at work due to prolonged awkward postures, repetitive motions like gripping and pinching, fast paced and continuous work. WMSDs involving the neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists and fingers are commonly caused by computer use at a workstation that is not ergonomically correct (set up in a way that reduces strain and fatigue). The Occupational Safety & Health Administration provides guidelines for proper setup of a computer workstation.
Instructions
Sitting Posture
1. Choose an adjustable office chair that offers lumbar (low back) support. Sit all the way back in the chair and adjust the height of the seat back so the lumbar support is aligned with the area just above your buttocks.
2. Choose a chair without arm rests as they often prevent proper elbow positioning when sitting at your desk. If your chair has arm rests, make sure you can sit with your elbows bent to approximately 90 degrees without difficulty.
3. Choose a pivoting chair on wheels to allow you to change positions easily throughout your work day.
4. Sit with your hips and knees bent to 90 degrees. Rest your feet on the floor or use a foot stool if needed.
Desk Setup
5. Choose a desk of sufficient height to accommodate the arm rests of your chair to allow you to access the desktop items with minimal reaching.
6. Set up your computer monitor at eye-level, preferably straight in front of you. If needed, set it up on top of books or use a store-bought monitor stand.
7. Set up your computer keyboard straight in front of you. Adjust the height of your chair so that your shoulders are relaxed, elbows are bent to approximately 90 degrees and wrists are in a neutral (straight) position when typing.
8. Set up your document holder next to the computer monitor at eye level to minimize the movement required to look between the two.
9. Position your computer mouse next to the keyboard to minimize reaching. Consider using a wireless mouse for easier positioning.
Tags: your chair, your computer, approximately degrees, bent approximately, bent approximately degrees, chair that
Doctors order carbon dioxide tests, according to Caduceus-Hampstead University Hospital in Virginia, to measure how well the lungs remove carbon dioxide from the blood. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a waste product of metabolism. When respiration increases, carbon dioxide levels drop. Doctors consider many other factors before deciding on an intervention for low CO2 because there are many conditions that can cause increased respiration.
Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety can cause decreased carbon dioxide output. Just having a medical appointment or a lab test is stressful for some people. Dr. Jonnathan Busko, medical director of Northeast Maine Emergency Medical Services, says that hyperventilation is a major cause of low carbon dioxide output in the body. The cause also could be metabolic.
Medicines
The medicines you take can affect a carbon dioxide test. Antacids, diuretics, corticosteroids, hormones or barbiturates affect carbondioxide output, according to Drugs.com. Caffeine and other stimulants, and too much aspirin, can increase respiration.
Underlying Conditions
Disease often produces metabolic issues. Some problems that might cause increased respiration, according to labtestsonline.org, are Addison's disease, diarrhea, uncontrolled diabetes, kidney disease and pneumonia. Certain environmental conditions, such as an overheated room, can temporarily increase respiration.
The Bottom Line
If you have healthy lungs and kidneys, a low carbon dioxide level may have little significance--and no doctor makes a diagnosis based on a single lab value. Nevertheless, you should ask him about the relationship between your laboratory results and any underlying illnesses you might have, especially if you experience difficulty concentrating or catching your breath. If you have episodes of losing consciousness, seek immediate medical attention.
Early morning wakening can cause fatigue and irritability.
Difficulty staying asleep all night is called insomnia. There are several different types of insomnia; one type is early morning wakening. Even though it is quite common, waking up too early is often frustrating, and can cause fatigue and irritability during the day. Understanding the causes of early morning wakening may help you find ways to avoid it.
Recommended Amount of Sleep
Getting the recommended eight hours of sleep a night is sometimes a challenge, especially if you wake up too early and can't fall back to sleep. Sleeping between seven and eight hours per night will help you feel rested and keep your body healthy. Insomnia is usually the symptom of another problem. Most cases of insomnia can be resolved when you address the underlying cause.
Stress
Stress, pressure or anxiety over situations currently happening in your life, or in your future, are very common causes of insomnia. When you sleep, your mind goes through several cycles of deep sleep and then lighter sleep. During the lighter sleep periods your mind might begin thinking about real life issues. This is most common in the early morning. Learn to manage your stress and simplify your life. If you can accept the fact that in most cases the stress and anxiety are short lived, so will be your insomnia.
Full Bladder
Many people can only make it through part of the night without having to get up to use the bathroom. Try to keep your eyes partially closed as you feel your way to the bathroom, so that you will stay partially asleep. Do not allow your mind to start thinking of the day ahead. Try not to turn on any lights. Go straight back to bed and keep your mind free of real life issues. Limit your liquids for a couple of hours before bedtime.
Medications and Drugs
Medications and illicit drugs can wake you up early in the morning. Read the side effects of all medications you are taking to see if insomnia is listed. Medications, including sleep aids, can be the cause of early morning wakening.
Sunlight or Noise in the Early Morning
If your bedroom does not stay dark, or you live in a noisy house or neighborhood, this could be the cause of early morning wakening. Make your room darker by hanging blackout drapes or blinds. Purchase and use a "white noise" device that makes a constant sound such as a waterfall, rain or ocean waves to block out loud and sudden noises.
Health Conditions
Diseases and health conditions may cause you to wake up. Some conditions that might be the cause of early morning wakening are COPD, overactive thyroid, arthritis, heartburn, enlarged prostate, chronic pain, sleep apnea, cystitis, heart or lung problems, plantar fasciitis or restless leg syndrome.
Regular Sleep Schedule
It is important to set a regular bedtime and wake up time. If your sleep schedule is erratic, you will probably find yourself waking up when you don't want to be awake. Your body gets used to a regular pattern of sleep and wakefulness, so arrange your schedule in a predictable pattern and you should be able to sleep through the night.
Tags: early morning wakening, morning wakening, your mind, cause early, cause early morning, early morning
When people experience a traumatic event, they may experience memory loss about all or part of the event. That memory loss may last for days, weeks, months or even years. There are several reasons for traumatic memory loss: some are psychological in nature while others have to do with the way our brains process trauma. While most people will not forget traumatic events, a significant number of people will. The type of trauma experienced, the age at which you experience it, and the duration of the trauma will all factor into whether the memory is lost or obscured. Help is available for people who struggle with memory loss due to trauma.
How Traumatic Events are Stored in the Brain
Traumatic memories are processed differently than ordinary memories. During a traumatic experience, our brain is firing off signals that tell our body it's time for "fight, flight or freeze," the three ways in which we instinctively respond to a threat. To put it simply, our brain experiences an overload of chemicals. According to an article in the August 2006 "International Journal of Neuropsychiatric Medicine," "This results in a failure to organize the traumatic event into a coherent, verbally represented narrative." Traumatic memories can be intrusive---we might be unable to quit thinking about them. Or we might forget all or part of the traumatic event, at least for a period of time.
When it's Safer to Forget
Some scientists, such as Dr. Jennifer Freyd, theorize people forget traumatic events because it's safer for them to do so. Freyd, who teaches psychology at the University of Oregon and is the editor of the "Journal of Trauma and Dissociation," has stated that people are especially likely to repress memories of abuse perpetrated by someone on whom they depend for their survival. When the victim is a child, her choices are certainly limited as to escape an abusive situation: Forgetting becomes a survival mechanism. As Freyd states, "Betrayal trauma theory posits that there is a social utility in remaining unaware of abuse when the perpetrator is a caregiver."
Examples: Sexual Assault
Sexual assault, especially when it occurs during childhood, might result in repressed memories of the event. Case studies from the Recovered Memory Project tell the story of many victims who "forgot" all or part of the details about their assault for a period of time, even in cases where there was corroborating evidence of the crimes, such as medical evaluations, testimony from other victims and even confessions from the perpetrator. Memories of sexual assault are more likely to be repressed if the victim is very young at onset or if the crime is particularly violent.
Examples: Holocaust Survivors
According to an article from the "International Journal of Psychoanalysis," Issue 49, "Most former inmates of Nazi concentration camps could not remember anything of the first days of imprisonment because perception of reality was so overwhelming that it would lead to a mental chaos which implies a certain death." Indeed, the events of the Holocaust were so traumatic that some child captives who survived the camps were later unable to recall entire years of their childhoods, even many decades after they were released.
Help for Memory Loss Due to Trauma
People who've experienced other traumatic events, such as car accidents, combat, or even life in the inner city, where they might frequently witness acts of violence, can also experience memory loss. There is help available for people suffering from traumatic memory loss. Qualified professionals---psychiatrists and therapists---can help patients recall and process traumatic events through a combination of techniques including talk therapy, hypnosis and medication.
Tags: traumatic events, memory loss, traumatic event, According article, available people
Gout is a painful condition caused by your body's inability to effectively process the uric acid naturally present in your blood. If you are suffering from gout, the uric acid in your blood forms crystals in your joints, causing sudden swelling, stiffness and intense pain. It most commonly attacks the big toe, but other joints can be affected.
Food Triggers
Gout has traditionally been associated with a lavish lifestyle, probably because some of the trigger foods are lobster and liquor. But anchovies and soda are just as risky. It's the purines in the food that trigger gout, not the cost. Eat a sensible, low fat diet to avoid attacks.
Ice and Elevate
For pain in a gouty toe, elevate the foot above the level of your heart. If you can tolerate it, a light ice pack can reduce pain, too.
Pain Killers
Choose ibuprofen for pain. It is an effective anti-inflammatory and will not raise uric acid levels in the blood.
Cherries
Cherries have been getting a lot of attention as a gout fighter, and studies conducted at the Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center seem to confirm this. Fresh, dried, bing or black, cherries lowered the uric acid levels in the women tested.
Soak
A good, old-fashioned foot soak can relieve pain and draw toxins out of the body. Try a ginger or epsom salt soak. Add 1/4 cup ground ginger or epsom salt to a tub and add hot water to cover.
Fluids
Drink water. Lots of water. Water helps flush your body of toxins which may help to reduce uric acid levels.
You can keep your eyes seeing beautifully with a cataract surgery, especially if the right medications are used during surgery.
Cataracts, which are clumps of protein in the eye that occlude vision, are a common cause of partial or complete blindness, particularly in the elderly. Cataracts can be treated with surgery, but the correct medications need to be used to make the procedure a success.
Surgical Necessity
The proteins in the eye that cause cataracts normally float around freely, but when they clump together, the lens of the eye becomes clouded. As of 2009, researchers had not discovered a non-surgical means to break up the proteins naturally without destroying the other, still free-floating proteins in the eye. Consequently, taking medication and replacing the lens of the eye is the accepted treatment for cataracts.
Eye Drops
One of the first medications you will be given for cataract surgery is an eye drop. The purpose of the eye drops is to dilate the pupil. This relaxes the lens so that it can be more easily examined and removed. Most of these eye drops work by blocking the receptors in the eye muscles that are involved in dilation and controlling lens shape. Atropine is an example of these drops.
Sedatives
Some people become extremely nervous when they have any type of medical procedure. If you are anxious, your eye doctor may give you a gentle sedative to calm and relax you enough to stay still during the procedure.
Local or Topical Anesthetic
A local or topical anesthetic will be administered to make the cataract surgery painless for you. The local anesthetic is given through an injection, while the topical anesthetic typically is given in the form of eye drops. Topical anesthesia tends to be less effective, but it is a good choice if you can't stand the idea of needles.
Your Own Medications
It is common for those needing cataract surgery to be on heart medication or antibiotics. You do not need to stop taking medication before cataract surgery. You should tell your eye doctor what medications you are on and the dosage, so that he can use medication and anesthesia that is less likely to react negatively with your current prescriptions. This also will assist the doctor in prescribing an after-procedure pain reliever if needed, or controlling any nausea caused by the medications used during the procedure.
Tags: cataract surgery, cataract surgery, during procedure, medications used, medications used during, taking medication
For anyone undergoing chemotherapy, their oncologist-or related consulting medical professional-will monitor their treatments in order to ensure that not only is the chemotherapy successful, but also that there are no substantially detrimental side effects. This monitoring, which may include physical exams, blood tests, scans and x-rays, is essential so that additional health problems do not arise due to the chemotherapy treatments themselves.
Instructions
Monitoring Chemotherapy Treatments
1. Conduct blood tests to monitor a patient's white blood count, red blood count and platelet count. In addition, your doctor should make sure that you undergo blood tests to measure the healthy function of crucial organs, such as the liver and kidneys. Chemotherapy can affect all of these-blood, the kidneys, and the liver-and so it is important to continuously monitor them throughout treatment.
2. Measure tumor markers, which are produced in the bodies of some patients by either a cancerous or benign tumor, throughout chemotherapy to track the progress of treatment. Tumor markers should also be measured during follow-up appointments to ensure that cancerous tumors have not returned. There are a number of different tumor markers that doctors may find in a patient and measure to track the progress of treatment.
3. Undergo fluorescent probes. A recent medical breakthrough, scientists have developed this cutting-edge technology to monitor the dissolution of cancerous cells in the body. Through this method, doctors can monitor the success of chemotherapy by injecting probes that shed a fluorescent light when cells-in this case cancerous tumor cells-begin to self-destruct through a method called apoptosis. When doctors see this fluorescent light, they can conclude that the treatment is working, as the cancerous cells are breaking down and, in effect, "dying" within the patient's body.