Cystic mesothelioma is a form of mesothelioma that is rare and always benign. While it is not a form of cancer, it is still a serious illness that is hard to diagnose, requires long-term monitoring and has symptoms that may be painful.
Description
Cystic mesothelioma develops on the peritonium, which is the thin membrane surrounding the organs of the abdomen. The cysts that form are lined with a layer of benign mesothelial cells.
Diagnosis
Cystic mesothelioma has proven to be difficult to diagnose. The use of extensive immunohistochemical studies, electron microscopy, and laboratory analysis are all necessary.
Treatment
Treatment may or may not be necessary depending on the symptoms or pain. To relieve pain, decompression or a partial excision can be used. Surgery, to remove the cysts, is usually the most effective treatment.
Who the Disease Affects
Young women are most likely to be affected by cystic mesothelioma. However, since it is a benign form of mesothelioma, it has no effect on life expectancy.
Warning
Even though surgery is considered the effective treatment, as it removes the cysts, there is a high rate of recurrence of cyst development.
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive mental condition in which brain cells become tangled, diseased, and eventually non-functioning. This leads to severe memory loss and other cognitive impairments. Mostly affecting older adults, Alzheimer's is a debilitating disease with no present cure. Fortunately, you can pursue several medical and non-traditional treatment methods, including ginkgo biloba. Ginkgo biloba is a plant extract that has long been used as an herbal remedy for various mental conditions.
Instructions
1. Take 120 mg of ginkgo biloba each day. The pill form of ginkgo biloba, which you are likely to find at a health or grocery store, usually contains 120-mg pills. If your supplement contains only 60 mg per pill, take two each day. Make sure to check the supplement facts on the package to correctly calculate your dosage.
2. If you have purchased ginkgo biloba in tea form, drink the tea three to four times a day. This higher dosage is necessary because ginkgo biloba tea bags usally contain a lower concentration of the supplement than the pill form.
3. After several weeks of supplement use, test your memory and cognitive skills to evaluate the efficacy of your treatment plan. Determining the supplement's effectiveness is difficult without a rigorous clinical study, but try to look for signs that your mental state might be improving. Do you have an easier time remembering people's names, old songs or where you left your keys? For a more accurate test of your mental acuity, talk to your psychiatrist.
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If you think a midwife's job is simply to deliver babies, think again. Midwives not only help in the birthing process; they provide health care, education and support to women and their families starting from conception and through post-delivery care. Midwifery is among the oldest professions and takes quite a lot of training. With dedication and diligence, however, one can enjoy a rewarding midwife career.
Instructions
1. Go to school. The easiest but most expensive way to get the skills of a midwife is to enroll in a degree program. You can get a midwifery diploma or a midwifery degree. Typically, both would take up to three years to earn. There are quite a few excellent learning facilities within the U.S. (see Resources below).
2. Learn by experience. If you don't have the time or the money to get a degree, then becoming a Direct Entry Midwife is your best option. A DEM is a midwife who learns and practices midwifery without first becoming a nurse. In general, DEMs are classified according to the way in which they learn their skills. Some sign up for distance-learning schools. Others acquire skills through self-study. There are also those who learn by apprenticeship.
3. Read about and study midwifery. Experience may be the best teacher but it doesn't hurt to have a theoretical background of a midwife's practice. At the very least, your reading would introduce you to medical terms and the problems you could possibly encounter, as well as generally accepted midwifery policies and procedures. Check your local library or hospital for information and reading material.
4. Look for a midwife who would take you under her wing. Check breastfeeding groups, ask at your local hospital or inquire from women who have used the services of a midwife. There are teachers out there who want to share their skills with you; seek and you shall find.
5. Once you have found a midwife, you'll have to convince her you are serious about training under her supervision. This is not as easy as you think. Many midwives are hesitant to take on apprentices because of negative encounters they've had with would-be midwives in the past. To convince her you are serious, show up for prenatal sessions and deliveries on time, clean up after births and serve the clients. The only way for you to learn is to put your hands to work and get them dirty.
6. Get skills hours in. One way is to train under a midwife. Another is to volunteer at pregnancy centers. A third way is by attending and helping out in prenatal and childbirth classes. Every hour of experience that you gain brings you that much closer to your dream of becoming a sought-after midwife.
7. Get accredited by the North American Registry of Midwives. You can visit the NARM website and check out the eligibility requirements (see Resources below).
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Many Americans take cod liver oil as a dietary supplement because of its health properties. The oil, as its name implies, is made from the liver of the cod. It is sold in both liquid-oil form and in capsules. Unlike fish you buy at the market, which may contain mercury, cod liver oil from quality sources go through a purification process and contain no traces of these harmful contaminants.
Benefits
Cod liver oil is a rich source of many helpful vitamins and nutrients, including vitamin A, vitamin D, and two Omega-3 fatty acids: DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). Research suggests that taking cod liver oil lowers your risk of depression, builds strong bones and teeth, reduces inflammation in your body and keeps the cardiovascular and nervous systems healthy.
Disease Treatment
Taking cod liver oil can help reduce the pain from arthritis, bone and muscle aches, and other inflammation conditions. Experts believe that this oil can also help ease PMS and menopausal symptoms. Because of the vitamin D levels, it can improve bone mineral density in women with osteoporosis.
Disease Prevention
Because of the Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA) that are in cod liver oil, this supplement helps to prevent heart disease. It also improves memory and brain function, and contributes to better bone health. Studies suggest that cod liver oil may lower the risk of type 1 diabetes in children as well as lowering the levels of bad cholesterol in your body. The nutrients in cod liver oil can also aid in the prevention of cancer, including lung cancer and childhood leukemia.
Side Effects
Cod liver oil is safe to take in moderation, but pregnant women or individuals taking medications should contact a health care provider before taking it on a regular basis. It does contain a high level of vitamin A, which can be harmful in excess.
Recommended Doses
Experts suggest that you take 1 tsp. of cod liver oil or one soft-gel capsule on a daily basis.
Tags: fatty acids, Omega-3 fatty, Omega-3 fatty acids, suggest that, take liver, that liver
Blood pressure readings are a vital piece of medical information and are one of the first things a physician will look at when examining a patient. Updated blood pressure ranges were established by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute in 2003, with guidelines for what defines high blood pressure. Low blood pressure ranges are not as easily pinpointed, since what may be low for one individual can be considered normal for another.
Potential
Blood pressure is the measurement of the force that blood exerts as it pushes its way through a person's system and against the walls of the arteries. Readings that fall within severely low blood pressure ranges are a serious problem, as the heart is having a hard time pumping blood everywhere in the body--it can lead to brain damage and heart disease. Even moderately low blood pressure can result in dizzy spells and fainting. High blood pressure has the potential to cause strokes, heart attacks and aneurysms, as it makes the arteries thicken and become harder.
Identification
Blood pressure ranges are measured in millimeters of mercury. A device called a sphygmomanometer is an inflatable cuff that goes on a person's arm as they are being examined. It has a gauge that can read pressure attached to it. The cuff is blown up, and as it is inflated it will temporarily stop the flow of blood to an artery. As the air is let out, the person administering the examination will listen with a stethoscope for the sound of blood flowing back through the artery. The gauge will measure the pressure when this happens; this number is known as the systolic pressure, or the blood pressure when the heart is actually beating. The last sound that the stethoscope picks up triggers another measurement---the diastolic pressure or the pressure between heart beats.
Significance
The normal blood pressure of the average person is 120/80. Low blood pressure is defined as having numbers that range below 90 as the top number, or systolic reading, or below 60 for the lower figure, which is the diastolic number. Just one of these numbers needs to be below normal levels for your blood pressure to fall into what is considered the low blood pressure range. However, since low blood pressure ranges are hard to define from one individual to the next, doctors often look for symptoms to manifest themselves before deciding if a person has low blood pressure. Sudden drops in blood pressure are always ominous and can lead to fainting from not getting enough blood to the brain.
Considerations
High blood pressure, on the other hand, comes with no symptoms, making it very important that people have their blood pressure checked on a regular basis. As the numbers on the mercury measurements go up, the risk of heart disease and stroke gets higher as well. When the systolic number is within the 120 to 139 range, or the diastolic reading is between 80 and 89, a person is said to suffer from prehypertension. This means that they are only slightly higher than a normal reading, but it also means that the person is likely to develop high blood pressure if the conditions causing these readings are left untreated.
Types
Blood pressure that ranges from 140 to 159 on the systolic reading or between 90 and 99 on the diastolic indicates Stage 1 high blood pressure. Stage 2 is evidenced by systolic blood pressure ranges higher then 160 and a diastolic reading that exceeds 100. These numbers can be very alarming, especially Stage 2 high blood pressure readings, as there is a possibility for many severe consequences, such as blood vessels bursting, blocked blood vessels and heart failure as the heart muscle thickens from pumping so hard. Various medications are used to attempt to lower high blood pressure and bring it down into an acceptable range.
There are many myths and unfortunately a wealth of willful misinformation about HIV. Understanding the realities of HIV can improve your understanding of your own health as well as give you a better outlook on HIV-positive people.
Myth: Casual Contact
Many people believe that you can contract HIV through casual contact, like hugging, kissing, sharing a beverage, using the same toilet, swimming pool or hot tub, or when an HIV-positive person coughs or sneezes.
Fact: Routes of Transmission
HIV can be transmitted through unprotected vaginal, anal and sometimes oral sex; by sharing hypodermic needles; during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding; and by receiving an infected donor fluid, tissue or organ, though this last route is no longer a concern in the U.S. and other developed countries, as these products are all screened. HIV cannot be spread through casual contact. HIV can only be spread through kissing if both partners have open sores or cuts in their mouths, and the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) reports that this is very rare.
Myth: HIV Only Affects Certain People
HIV was first found among gay men living in coastal cities in America, then among intravenous drug users and immigrants from Haiti. It is a common myth that only certain groups of people, like gay men, sex workers and drug users, get HIV.
Fact: Anyone Can Be Infected with HIV
HIV is not restricted to any sexual preference, occupational field or race. While some populations are disproportionately affected by the virus, anyone who engages in a known risk behavior could contract the virus. HIV also affects children, and people working in the health field are sometimes (rarely) accidentally infected, as from a needle stick.
Myth: HIV Infection Is Obvious
Some people believe they know what an HIV-positive person looks like or that HIV always has obvious, tell-tale signs.
Fact:: HIV Can Be Latent
HIV has a latency period that lasts on average for 10 years but may last up to 25. When an HIV-positive person experiences latent infection, there are no symptoms or other markers that the virus is present. Most people become infected through contact with someone who had no symptoms, and many people who are infected have no idea that they are HIV-positive.
Tags: HIV-positive person, drug users, people believe, spread through, through casual, through casual contact
Anorexia nervosa, more commonly known as anorexia, is a serious eating disorder. While most common in teenage and young adult females, anorexia affects both men and women of all ages. When someone is anorexic, she has a distorted view of her body. An anorexic will possess a fear of gaining weight and maintain a low body weight. There is no single cause of anorexia. It is believed that it is a result of a person's unique makeup, combined with societal and cultural pressures about body image. In addition, family and friends can contribute to a person's anorexia. If you know someone with anorexia, it's important to identify the issue and get the person help.
Instructions
1. Consider if the person has lost significant weight in a short period of time. This is often a symptom of anorexia. Healthy weight loss should be gradual.
2. Assess how often the person eats. If someone regularly skips meals, it is a sign of anorexia. Someone might also simply cut up or rearrange his food to make it appear that he has eaten. This is definitely a symptom of anorexia, as he is simply trying to fool others into thinking he is eating while not actually doing so.
3. Determine if the person in question will not eat in front of other people. Anorexic people are often incredibly self-conscious about consuming food in front of others. This is due to the psychological effects of the eating disorder.
4. Observe physical changes in the person. Physical symptoms of anorexia include hair loss, weak fingernails and very low body fat. Someone with anorexia might also often be cold. As a result of this coldness, she may exhibit a light hair growth, known as peach fuzz, over her entire body.
5. Assess any clothing changes. A person who is anorexic may begin wearing baggy and oversized clothing to hide weight loss from friends and family members.
6. Listen to the person's comments on weight and body image. If the person is often talking about a desire to lose weight, dieting, nutritional information and other people's weight, it could be a sign of anorexia. Those who are anorexic possess an unnatural obsession with food, body image and weight.
7. Notice the person's exercise routine. Anorexic people may exercise obsessively, often to the point of exhaustion. If the person is exercising for excessive amounts of time or at odd hours of the night, it can be a sign of anorexia.
8. Be aware of any mood changes. If someone who used to be happy and lighthearted now seems to be morose, quiet or withdrawn, it may be the result of an eating disorder.
9. Consider the person's overall health. If she complains of dizziness, faintness or headaches, be concerned. Low glucose levels as a result of poor nutrition can lead to dizziness and fainting.
Tags: body image, eating disorder, sign anorexia, Anorexic people, changes person
Preventing weight gain is something that most people struggle with. Depending on whether you are trying to maintain your weight, or lose weight preventing weight gain is essential. There are a few things that have to happen in order to prevent weight gain. Diet and exercise are going to have to fit into your routine in order to prevent weight gain.
Instructions
1. Maintaining a healthy diet is essential. Find out what works for you. It is important to stick to a healthy routine that doesn't include eliminating any type of food group. Everything in moderation is usually a great tool.
2. Eating a number of smaller meals a day can reduce over-indulging when it comes to mealtime. Thus, you will be preventing weight gain. So remember to continually take in healthy foods throughout your day. Make wise choices, but don't limit yourself.
3. The next necessary part of preventing weight gain is exercise. Find activities that you enjoy. If you pick exercises that you dislike, you will dread doing them daily. Instead, choose athletic activities that bring your satisfaction. These activities will keep you motivated to continue your exercise regimen.
4. Finding a partner to exercise with will keep you motivated. It will reduce the chances of skipping exercise. So having a friend along for the exercise is a great way to prevent weight gain. If you continually keep a healthy diet and exercise those pounds will not be able to creep back up on you.
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A simple toothache is never actually simple. It can be caused by any number of things. It could mean a cavity, a cracked tooth, gum disease or that your wisdom teeth are growing in. Those are just a few of the possible ailments. While the cause of the pain might vary, the solution to the problem is always the same. And you’ve probably heard from your dentist every time you visit.
Instructions
1. Brush your teeth regularly. You should brush after every meal to remove the pieces of food that get caught between your teeth and eventually rot. Rotting can invite bacteria, which will cause tooth decay and make your tooth ache.
2. Use a fluoride-based toothpaste. Fluoride helps to strengthen your tooth enamel, which in turn will prevent rot and cause your tooth to ache. Many cities inject their drinking water with fluoride. So try not to avoid tap water completely in favor of bottled water. At least brush your teeth from the tap.
3. Floss at least once a day. Flossing not only gets down deep and removes stuck food particles, it strengthens your gums and prevents the gum disease gingivitis. This will make your tooth ache. If your gums bleed very easily, consider flossing to strengthen them.
4. Visit your dentist no less than twice a year. If your tooth is already in severe pain, you should go immediately. If not, go when you have the time but don’t put it off all year. The dentist will give you all the things mentioned above. Plus he or she will have a wide variety of neat tools and techniques that will leave your mouth feeling better than ever.
5. Eat foods low in sugar. Of course the sentiment that comes to mind here is that candy rots your teeth. But think about this: how ironic is it that our “sweet tooth” is ultimately the cause of a sore tooth? Along with candies, make sure to avoid too many soft drinks.
Tags: your tooth, your teeth, tooth ache, your tooth ache, make your, make your tooth
Asthma is an obstructive lung disease, causing inflammation in the bronchial tubes and inhibiting normal lung function. Asthma can affect persons of any age, including babies. The younger the asthmatic, the more difficult it is to diagnosis asthma. However, early detection and proper treatment are key to successfully controlling this potentially dangerous respiratory condition.
Dangers
If severe asthma is left untreated, or if asthmatic conditions are not controlled, the result can be fatal.
Symptoms
Asthma symptoms in babies are atypical and will depend upon the age of the baby. They include inexplicable irritability, coughing (especially at night), difficulty eating and/or sounds of discomfort while nursing.
Considerations
Asthmatic conditions in babies are often overlooked as the symptoms are subtle or even undetectable. Even if the symptoms are obvious, they can vary from baby to baby.
Time Frame
Babies who suffer from asthma will generally continue to do so into childhood and even adulthood. Asthma is an incurable lifelong condition, though it can be controlled.
Effects
Because their lungs have not fully matured, asthmatic babies are highly susceptible to respiratory complications.
Testing
Pediatricians typically use peak flow meters or pulmonary function tests to diagnose asthma in older babies (young toddlers). Infant diagnoses, however, are based upon family history and respiratory patterns.
Warning
It is often the case that coughing is the only asthmatic sign or symptom detectable in babies.
Cigarette smoking is the number one cause of death in the United States today. It is the cause of 30% of all cancers. One type of cancer caused by smoking, lung cancer, is one of the most deadly types there is. Not only does smoking cigarettes cause cancer, it is also responsible for disease and illness related to other body systems including the circulatory system. Smoking cigarettes can harm those near a smoker, including the unborn child of a pregnant smoker.
Different Types of Cigarettes and Cancer
Getting cancer from smoking cannot be avoided by smoking light cigarettes, hand-rolled cigarettes, or fewer regular cigarettes. People that smoke light cigarettes are more likely to smoke more cigarettes. This is done to get the same amount of nicotine in fewer regular cigarettes. Menthol cigarettes and cigarettes marketed as being natural are also just as dangerous if not more dangerous than regular cigarettes. This is due to the fact that the smoke is held in longer and inhaled more deeply, allowing the harmful smoke to do more damage.
What's In Cigarettes That Causes Cancer?
What makes cigarette smoking cause cancer are ingredients known as carcinogens. Carcinogen literally means "cancer-causing." Cigarettes also contain nicotine, but this is not what causes cancer. Nicotine is the substance in cigarettes that one becomes addicted to. The other cigarette ingredients are what make it deadly. Tar is one of the many carcinogenic substances found in cigarettes. Tar contains over 4,000 chemicals. Over 60 of those chemicals are known carcinogens, all of which are deadly. On the list of carcinogens in cigarettes are:
Cyanide: Poisonous to brain and heart.
Benzene: Used to make plastic and rubber products.
Formaldehyde: Used to preserve dead bodies and body parts.
Methanol: Wood alcohol.
Ammonia: Used as a cleaning agent and to fertilize crops.
Acetylene: Used to fuel welding torches.
How Carcinogens Cause Cancer
When a cigarette is lit, all the chemicals in it react with one another in such a way that alters the way a healthy cell behaves. Healthy cells grow, make new cells and then die. Cells grow faster during childhood, but this process slows down by the time we reach adulthood. By then, most cells in the body are made only to take the place of the ones that die. However, carcinogens affect a cell's DNA, causing damage that causes the cells to behave differently. The damaged DNA in cancer cells is not fixed and causes cells to grow and make new cells in a way that is not orderly and healthy, but out of control. The damaged cells make new damaged and unhealthy cells that can spread throughout the body causing death and disease.
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Chemical poisoning occurs when you ingest a toxic chemical. Approximately 90 percent of chemical poisoning happens in your own home. Young children, especially toddlers, are at the greatest risk for accidental poisoning. Poisoning with household and garden products is easy to treat as long as a discovery and diagnoses occurs early on. Prevention is the best treatment for chemical poisoning, but failing that, follow these steps.
Instructions
1. Seek medical attention if you suspect any type of chemical poisoning. The symptoms and treatment will always depend on the type of poisoning.
2. Remain calm. Do not panic if you suspect that you or someone else has ingested a dangerous chemical. Getting yourself worked up is not going to help anyone, especially the victim.
3. Ask the victim what the poisonous chemical is and what time ingestion occurred. If the victim is a small child you will have to figure out what was taken and when. Identifying the poison is critical in the treatment.
4. Call the poison control hotline. Keep the number near your home and workplace phones at all times in case of an emergency.
5. Give the dispatcher the following information: your name and phone number, the emergency location, the victim's age, condition and his weight. Have the containers or bottles of the product available while you are on the phone.
6. Follow the instructions given to you by 911 or the poison control hotline.
Tags: chemical poisoning, control hotline, poison control, poison control hotline, your home
Nearly 2.8 million Americans report that they suffer from repetitive stress injuries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, upwards of 60% of all workplace illnesses are related to RSI related. Most of these injuries are due to improper posture, techniques, or improper work stations that cause you to strain or work muscles in a way that causes injuries. Fortunately, most repetitive stress injuries are preventable and require only minor alterations to your normal routine.
Instructions
1. Maintain proper posture by arranging your work station to fit your needs. Adjust your chair to allow you to sit with your feet flat on the floor with your hips level or slightly above the level of your knees. You should have support for your back. If your chair does not have support, use a towel roll for the lower back. Choose a firm chair that provides support for the pelvis. Avoid bucket seats as these allow the pelvis to roll.
2. Position the keyboard so that it is above the thighs. You should be able to reach the keyboard with your forearms parallel to the floor and your elbow bent at a 90 degree angle.
3. Place the monitor 15 to 20 inches from your face at a height that allows you to look straight ahead and rest your eyes on the top 20% of the screen. Avoid positioning monitors to the side or elevated.
4. Place the mouse slightly to the side of the keyboard at the same level as the keyboard. You should not have to stretch or reach to use the mouse.
5. Be sure you are using font size that is big enough to be read easily without hunching forward to read it.
6. Use proper typing techniques. Your hands should not rest on the keyboard. They should be held in a floating position above the keys. Keep your wrists straight and do not bend them while typing.
7. Resist the temptation to stretch for hard to reach keys. Move your entire hand instead. Use two hands for combination keystrokes.
8. Avoid sitting at the computer for prolonged periods. Do your work in sections, if possible. Even a short break to run an errand will provide relief for over worked muscles.
9. Take breaks whenever you feel strain or fatigue in your hands, shoulders, back or wrists. Use break time to shake out tired wrists or take a quick walk to relive muscle tension.
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A facelift is a comprehensive cosmetic surgical procedure that corrects signs of aging on the face and neck. Lifestyle Lift is the name of the company who markets a mini-facelift or "facial rejuvenation" procedure on television and the Web.
What They Do
Lifestyle Lift is designed to bring back the jaw line, address wrinkles and lines, remove excess fat and tighten droopy areas on the face and neck, according to the company's website. A traditional facelift smooths the jawline, lifts sagging cheeks, eliminates jowls and tightens the neck skin, but doesn't eliminate wrinkles, according to InfoPlasticSurgery.com.
Doctors
Not all plastic surgeons perform the Lifestyle Lift, or even believe in the effectiveness of it. Doctors sign up to perform the service and give a portion of the fee back to LifeStyle Lift.
Cost
Lifestyle Lift claims to be less costly than regular facelifts, which range anywhere from $6,000 to $15,000, according to the company's website. The average facelift performed in the U.S. costs $7,000 to $9,000 according to Inforplasticsurgery.com.
Pain
Lifestyle Lift claims to be less painful than regular facelifts overall, with less recovery time and pain afterward, and it requires only local anesthesia. Regular facelifts require sedation or general anesthesia with mild pain and several days of pain medication.
Time Frame
Lifestyle Lift prides itself on being a 1-hour procedure. Plastic surgeons who don't perform Lifestyle Lift believe a quality and comprehensive facelift requires several hours. The average facelift takes 2 to 4 hours according to Infoplasticsurgery.com
Results
Both the regular facelift and Lifetyle Lift doctors claim lasting effects. Lifestyle Lift claims their results come with far less risk and intrusiveness.
Tags: Lifestyle Lift, Lifestyle Lift claims, Lift claims, according company, according company website, average facelift
If, like most people, you had chicken pox as a child or were vaccinated against it, you probably are immune to it as an adult. However, an estimated 5 percent of adults are at risk of getting chicken pox, according to the University of Michigan's Adult Health Advisor. If you're one of the unlucky ones, here's treat it.
Antiviral prescription
Chicken pox is caused by a virus (varicella); therefore, your doctor might prescribe an antiviral medicine, which is an effective treatment only if you start taking it within 24 hours of when the first sores appear. According to Adult Health Advisor, recent studies show that while antivirals might decrease the amount of sores you have and shorten the amount of time you're sick, they don't improve other problems associated with chicken pox, such as fatigue, fever, aching and other pain.
Control itching
Calamine lotion is a tried-and-true remedy for relief from chicken pox itching. Adult Health Advisor also recommends leaving an ice pack or cold, wet cloth on the sores to reduce itching. A bath with added baking soda, oatmeal or corn starch also might help. For itching that can't be controlled with these remedies, try taking an over-the-counter antihistamine, such as Benadryl.
Prevent infection
Particularly if the itching is severe, keep your fingernails short and frequently wash your hands to decrease the chances that the sores will get infected if you scratch them.
Special risks
Chicken pox during pregnancy can be fatal to babies--while in the womb or at birth. If you think you've been exposed to chicken pox while pregnant, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible. You can be tested for immunity, and if you aren't immune, you may be given a shot of varicella-zoster immune globulin (VZIG). This, when administered no more than 72 hours after exposure to the virus, makes chicken pox less severe or prevents it altogether, according to Adult Health Advisor. The VZIG shot will not harm the mother or her child.
Complications
Adult chicken pox usually lasts between three and seven days. Adults with chicken pox are more likely than children to have resulting complications, including pneumonia and problems with the kidneys, heart or joints. Rarely, adult chicken pox can lead to problems with the nervous system, which in turn can cause the brain to swell or be irritated.
Tags: Adult Health, Adult Health Advisor, Health Advisor, problems with, with chicken, your doctor
The term "peripheral neuropathy" refers to a range of disorders which affect your peripheral nervous system. Affected individuals often report feeling tingling or numbness in their hands and feet, pain and muscle weakness in their limbs, and a general feeling of fatigue. Many health care providers believe exercise can halt or slow the progress of peripheral neuropathy by improving blood circulation and strength in the injured tissues.
Flexibility
Even those who are feeling a bit out of shape can take steps to improve their physical condition by engaging in a program of gentle stretching. Extending the muscles affected by peripheral neuropathy increases blood circulation to the affected area, increasing muscle mobility and function. Beginner-level martial arts programs such as tai chi or yoga are readily available at most local health centers, or you can easily purchase instructional sessions on DVD for home use. Both practices stretch and strengthen the muscles of your body, increasing your range of motion and promoting good health while reducing stress with very little risk of further injury.
Strength
Strength training, such as weight lifting, stretching bands, or performing exercises such as push-ups and squats can help those with peripheral neuropathy. By using the resistance of muscular contractions, not only does this type of training increase muscle tone, it decreases the perceived weakness of a given area, reduces the sensation of tingling, and elevates the overall energy level of the practitioner. Begin with an easily achievable number of repetitions (such as 10) two to three times a week and gradually increase either the weight or the recurrence, overloading the target muscle group to increase the strength of the area.
Aerobics
Many people with peripheral neuropathy favor water aerobics or swimming, as they provide a healthy workout while keeping weight off their feet. For the greatest benefit, hit the pool for 30 minutes three to five times per week. If there is no pool nearby, head to the gym in search of a rowing machine, exercise bike, or air walker/ski machine. They reduce or remove the pressure from your feet while improving your overall physical condition. If you'd also like to lose weight while getting in shape, increase your aerobic activity to 45 to 60 minutes daily and follow a sensible diet.
Warning
Always consult your primary health care provider prior to beginning a new exercise routine, or work out under the close supervision of a physical therapist to avoid aggravating your condition, rather than improving it.
Tags: peripheral neuropathy, blood circulation, health care, peripheral neuropathy, physical condition, times week
After breast cancer surgery, oncologists may recommend radiation treatment to kill any cancer cells that may still be present in the remaining tissue. Repeated exposure to radiation causes the skin and deeper tissues to burn and exhibit all of the symptoms of any other types of burns, including blistering, discoloration, pain and seeping of fluids. There are several treatments used to speed healing.
Domeboro Solution
Domoboro, which can be purchased over the counter, is an astringent that contains aluminum sulfate. Used to soothe inflammed tissues and clean the skin, you can mix it with water, pour some on a sterile gauze pad, and apply it to the wound before treating the area with an antiseptic.
Silver Sulfadiazine Cream
Silver sulfadiazine cream is applied with a sterile applicator to wounds. This prescribed medication acts as an antibacterial and promotes healing. It is often used on both second- and third-degree burns. If the area is too tender to apply the cream with a sterile Q-tip, apply the cream to a sterile Telfa (non-sticking) pad that can be laid on the wound.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber
If there is a hyperbaric oxygen chamber (often used to treat "the bends" in divers) in your area, your doctor may make arrangements for you to have treatments. Treatment requires patients to lie for four hours each weekday in the sealed, pressurized chamber. Oxygen is forced into the body's tissues and promotes healing.
Calendula Creams
Some creams used to treat burns contain calendula, an herb from a plant in the daisy family. The extracts from the plant are said to kill viruses, reverse inflammation, and even help destroy tumor cells.
Saline Solution
Sterile saline solution can be sprayed on the burned area to gently cleanse and hydrate the tissues. An antibacterial cream may then be applied to the raw skin.
Tags: apply cream, from plant, often used, promotes healing, used treat
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a medical condition where blood pressure levels are abnormally high. In medicine and physiology, blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury, or mmHg. Normal blood pressure measures below 120/80. A person is considered to have hypertension when their systolic pressure level is 130mmHg or higher. Systolic blood pressure is created when your heart beats and represents the top number in blood pressure readings. The bottom number, diastolic pressure, measures the pressure inside of your blood vessels. This number can also be elevated. In some cases of hypertension, there is no known medical cause to explain why the blood pressure levels are elevated. In other cases of hypertension, known as persistent hypertension, an underlying medical condition causes increases in blood pressure. Those suffering from persistent hypertension are at an increased risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or renal failure.
Causes and Effects of Stress
Stress is physical or mental strain that affects an individual. It can be caused by factors such as work, school, family, daily challenges and situations, or physical or mental illness. While some stress is good, such as the stress that gives us energy or allows us to respond quickly to a dangerous situation, other stress is bad and can have a damaging effect on a person's overall health. People who are unable to cope with stress may experience physical or mental symptoms such as headaches, anxiety, depression, muscle tension, sleep disturbances, and increase in heart rate. Being overwhelmed by stress can interfere with the ability to function in everyday tasks and affect performance at work, school, home, or social situations. Some people who do not know properly manage their stress may engage in unhealthy behaviors such as increased consumption of alcohol, smoking cigarettes, abusing drugs, and neglecting proper diet and exercise.
Treatment and Prevention
Although medical researchers have not found proof that stress causes hypertension or vice versa, continuous stress can raise normal blood pressure levels. The first thing you need to do is identify your stressors and lifestyle habits that are contributing to your stress and high blood pressure. Some habits that may contribute to both stress and hypertension are unhealthy diet, poor sleeping habits, drinking alcohol, anxiety, mental illness or other health conditions, or being overburdened with work or home activities. Some things you can do to lower both your stress and blood pressure levels are exercising, meditating, enjoying hobbies, practicing relaxation techniques, eating a healthy diet, getting enough rest, taking vacations, and eliminating bad habits such as smoking, drinking too much alcohol, and drug abuse.
Cadmium is a silver colored metal that is a by-product of smelting zinc, copper and lead. It is used primarily in batteries, solder, and metal plating, but recent testing has found that cadmium is being used in imported jewelry for children. This jewelry for little girls is primarily imported from China.
There is some cadmium in cigarettes, and some in the soil, but this new danger to children should be avoided, since cadmium builds in the body like lead poisoning, and the results are much more severe.
Instructions
1. Know the danger.
Be alert to the potential for cadmium poisoning in children. Do not let children suck on charms or jewelry or any metal parts of toys. Cadmium is not easily absorbed by the skin, but may also be in the air. Do not allow children to play with batteries, particularly nickel-cadmium batteries.
2. Recognize the results of cadmium in the human body.
Review the literature showing that cadmium causes cancer, degenerative bone loss, respiratory problems and potential renal failure. Like lead poisoning, cadmium poisoning hinders brain development in the young.
3. Protect children from cadmium poisoning.
Choose your approach. Destroy all metal charms and jewelry from China. Get a test kit for cadmium for constant vigilance. There are field test swabs available as well as personal tests to test exposure levels. Do not purchase jewelry items like bracelets and charms that you know are imported, and do not purchase these items on the secondary market if you do not know where the parts and findings are made.
4. Avoid the possibility of cadmium poisoning.
Take charge of this issue, since there is no regulation by our Federal government for imported jewelry containing cadmium. Purchase jewelry for little girls that is made in the USA, with the metal content clearly displayed.
Tags: cadmium poisoning, charms jewelry, from China, imported jewelry, jewelry little
Jingluo is a traditional Chinese medicinal theory that believes the fingers are connected to the heart. It is believed that the fingers play a crucial role in the nerves and vital organs of the body, and for over 600 years, Chinese exercise balls have been used to stimulate vital energy, blood function and harmony throughout the body. The Chinese believe that by exercising five fingers, you can stimulate various acupressure points in the hand which can prevent and cure a number of chronic diseases. While becoming accustomed to using Chinese exercise balls takes time, the end result may very well be worth it.
Instructions
1. Spread your fingers. Using your right hand first, extend your fingers straight out. Next, while keeping your middle and ring fingers together, space your pinky apart from your ring finger and space your pointer finger apart from your middle finger.
2. Place the balls in your hand. Using your left hand, place one Chinese exercise ball in the palm of your right hand. Place the second Chinese ball as close to the tips of your middle and ring fingers as possible. Then put your thumb on that ball, using it, along with your pointer finger, to hold it in place on the fingertips. While doing this, try and keep as much space between the pointer finger and the middle fingers as possible.
3. Tilt your palm. Tilt your palm forward slightly so that it nearly touches the space between your pinky and ring finger. Use your ring finger to prevent the ball in the palm of your hand (ball 1) from touching the ball resting on the tip of your middle finger (ball 2). This is done by moving the ring finger forward so that it almost meets your palm while your thumb and pointer finger are still holding the other ball in place.
4. Move ball 2. Straighten your middle finger as much as you can, then throw ball 2 into your palm using your thumb and pointer finger. You will now have ball 2 in your palm and ball 1 resting in the space between your pinky and ring finger.
5. Switch balls. Take ball 1 and slide it from its resting position between the pinky and ring finger, and slide it in the space between your middle and pointer fingers. Repeat these steps, gradually increasing speed.
Tags: ring finger, your middle, pointer finger, your palm, space between, between your
Shilajit has long been used in the traditional Indian practice of ayurvedic medicine to treat maladies including diabetes, worm infestations, jaundice and obesity. Animal studies conducted since the late 1980s have shown the compound to have some beneficial effects with few side effects, but shilajit should still be used with caution because it lacks clinical evidence for human use. Also, products containing shilajit have been found to contain harmful levels of heavy metals.
What It Is
Shilajit is a mineral-rich organic compound that seeps out from between rocks high in the mountains of northeastern India and other parts of Asia during the summer. Also known as asphalt and mineral pitch, the compound comes in shades of copper, gold, silver and black, with the black form being the one most often used in ayurvedic preparations. Much of shilajit consists of decayed plant material.
In his 2006 book "Shilajit in Perspective," Shibnath Ghosal lists the biologically active components of shilajit as albuminoids, benzoic acid and salts, calcium, copper, fatty acids, glycine, hippuric acid and salts, hydroxyproline, iron, potassium, proline, silicon, sodium, threonine and tin. Other assays cited by Robert Talbert in "Shilajit: A Materia Medica Monograph" identified 4′-methoxy 6-carbomethoxy biphenyl, dibenzo-alpha-pyrones fulvic acid, phenolic lipids and tirucallane triterpenes as components of shilajit.
Purported Benefits
Promoted widely online as an anti-aging compound and as a cure for sexual dysfunction, modern uses of shilajit documented by Talbert include the treatment of anemia, arthritis, asthma, diabetes, edema, epilepsy, gallstones, hemorrhoids, infertility, kidney stones, menstrual disorders, skin diseases (including leprosy) and thyroid disorders.
Evidence for Effectiveness
Animal studies reviewed by Ghosal and Talbert have shown that shilajit has analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) properties. The compound also appears to help treat ulcers. Other studies exploring the effectiveness of shilajit for treating bronchitis, heart failure and high blood pressure showed the compound to have no effect on those conditions.
Side Effects
Shilajit increases the production of uric acid in the body and can thus worsen gout. Other than that, doses as high as 3g per kilogram in a single day produced no adverse effects in mice, according to a study cited by Talbert.
Precautions
Talbert noted in the conclusion of his monograph that "examining the list of modern indications for shilajit, one can hardly believe that it could have such a wide and varied effect on the human body." He emphasizes that no published clinical trials of shilajit have involved human subjects, so the compound's effect on people's health has not been established.
Another concern is that most shilajit products are imported from India and not assessed for content or purity before being sold. This issue was highlighted in 2005, when Health Canada blocked the sale of shilajit capsules produced by Dabur India Ltd. because the capsules contained unhealthy amounts of heavy metals. In a July 20, 2005, press release, the Canadian health agency warned consumers that arsenic, lead and mercury are often mixed with herbs in ayurvedic medicines because the heavy metals are believed to have therapeutic properties.
Last, shilajit has a high concentration of iron. Taking shilajit with other supplements such as multivitamins that contain iron could lead to an overdose, whose symptoms include bloody vomit, diarrhea, loss of consciousness, loss of skin color and shock.
Tags: heavy metals, Side Effects, Side Effects Shilajit, acid salts, Animal studies, components shilajit, compound have
Bladder infections are accompanied by symptoms of pain above the pubic bone and in the lower back, frequent urges to urinate, and painful or burning urination. Natural remedies can help combat the infection and its painful symptoms. However, you will need to see a doctor for an antibiotic treatment to prevent the infection from spreading or becoming worse.
Instructions
1. Drink 1-1/4 cups unsweetened cranberry juice per day to prevent bacteria from adhering to the urethra and bladder. By preventing the bacteria from sticking, you enable it to be washed out by the urine. Cranberry juice will speed the healing time of bladder infections.
2. Take three 400 to 500mg capsules of uva ursi three times per day to increase urination and prevent infections. Uva ursi is also a powerful anti-inflammatory, and will prevent further irritation of the urinary tract and bladder.
3. Take 1 tsp. of Oregon graperoot tincture three times per day to kill the bacteria that cause bladder infections. Oregon graperoot will also prevent bacteria from sticking to the bladder lining, thus helping to flush it out during urination.
4. Steep 1 to 2 tsp. of dried marshmallow root in 1 cup of boiling water for 15 minutes. Sweeten with honey if desired. Drink 1 cup of the tea divided into three doses throughout the day. Coat the urinary tract with marshmallow root to prevent further inflammation and ease the pain that accompanies bladder infections.
5. Steep 1 tsp. dried cornsilk in 1 cup boiling water for 15 minutes. Sweeten with honey if desired. Drink 2 to 3 cups of cornsilk tea per day while suffering from bladder infections to soothe the urinary tract.
Tags: bacteria from, bladder infections, urinary tract, bacteria from sticking, boiling water
The creepy-crawly, burning sensations and the uncontrollable need to move around that characterize the neurological disorder Restless Leg Syndrome are not only uncomfortable, but can interfere with sleep and daily functioning. The discomfort, which often borders on pain, isn't easily diagnosed, nor are home remedies always effective. However, depending on the severity of the symptoms, many people can find some relief by making some lifestyle changes. Others, those with more severe Restless Leg Syndrome, find that medical remedies are more helpful.
Instructions
Make Lifestyle Changes
1. Watch what you eat. Making some simple dietary changes is often the first step in remedying Restless Leg, especially the involuntary jerking movements that occur as you are falling asleep. Reduce your intake of caffeine, alcohol and other stimulants which inhibit blood flow. The includes not only coffee and tea, but soda and chocolate as well. Though it's not a food, reducing your nicotine intake can help as well.
2. Take a daily multi-vitamin supplement. Studies on Restless Leg Syndrome support that a lack of magnesium, iron and folate (folic acid) can contribute to the severity of symptoms. Increasing the levels of these nutrients have proven to provide relief in some patients.
3. Create a regular sleep schedule. It may sound impossible since restless legs frequently makes falling and staying asleep difficult. However, as with any sleep disorder, keeping a schedule can help your body adjust to sleeping. Many patients try to go to bed early and rise early, as symptoms typically abate in the morning.
4. Invest in a treadmill. Exercise--walking in particular--can alleviate symptoms. If your legs are particularly jittery before bedtime, incorporate a 30-minute walk on the treadmill into your nighttime routine.
5. Experiment with temperature changes. For some people a warm bath or heating pad makes the pins-and-needles sensations better, but for others it can make it worse. The same holds true for cool baths and ice-packs. Try these remedies to see if one works well for you.
Use Medical Intervention
6. Rule out other medical causes for your Restless Leg symptoms. Diabetes, Parkinson's disease, anemia, kidney problems and even pregnancy can cause the uncomfortable sensations in your legs. Often, once the peripheral disease is treated or under control, Restless Leg Syndrome symptoms lessen.
7. Speak with your doctor about whether your medications could be causing the jitters. Many drugs, including anti-emetics, anti-epileptics, anti-psychotics and even some allergy medicines can increase symptoms. Changing your prescription can often remedy the problem.
8. Investigate using medication to control symptoms. Depending on how your restless legs manifest, there are a variety of medicines your doctor can try to help you. They range from benzodiazepines to induce sleep and relaxation to opiates to control pain to ropinirole (sold as Requip), a drug used specifically for RLS and Parkinson's disease.
A frozen embryo transfer is a process in which one or more embryos are transferred to your body during your fertile period. Embryos are frozen primarily because a couple has more embryos than it wants to use at that time. Embryos may also be frozen if you develop ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome during the in vitro fertilization process and must recover from the effects of fertility drugs. In this case, you can try a frozen embryo transfer weeks or months after you have recovered. Spotting after a frozen embryo transfer is not uncommon.
Before the Transfer
A frozen embryo is a fertilized egg that has been frozen during the IVF process. You need to take birth control pills first to suppress your ovulation. The length of time you take the pills varies--it may be as little as two weeks or more than two months. You may also need to take other drugs such as lupron or another form of estrogen. Your cycle is then monitored to check that your body is developing a thick enough endometrial lining. The lining must be able to support the embryos.
Embryo Thawing
The embryos must be thawed before they can be placed in your body. The thawing process is slow and carefully controlled. First, the fertilized eggs must come to room temperature. Embryos have been frozen in liquid nitrogen at temperatures that reach nearly 200 degrees below zero. Once the embryos reach room temperature, they are washed in four different fluids to remove any remaining preservation material. The embryos are then are slightly heated until they reach a temperature approximating human body temperature.
Transfer Process
The thawed embryos are transferred back into your uterus via a catheter as part of an outpatient procedure. You will be awake, with no anesthesia. Decide in advance how many embryos you would like to transfer back. More than one may result in multiple births. Fewer than two may reduce your chances of a successful cycle.
Menstrual Spotting
Spotting is fairly common in menstrual cycles. Spotting consists of small drops of blood that can look brownish, pinkish or even red. Spotting is distinguished from a full period because it is much lighter. When you spot, you typically do not require a menstrual pad for protection. Spotting often happens as result of a drop in estrogen levels. The estrogen stimulates your uterus to create a lining for the baby. If your ovaries are not producing quite enough estrogen, this means a decreased lining. You may be prescribed more progesterone by your fertility specialist.
Spotting After Transfer
Spotting after an embryo transfer can be a sign of success or failure. A week after the transfer, you may experience spotting. This is very common. The embryo is burrowing in the lining. As a result, you may experience a slight drop in estrogen levels. Spotting can also be a sign that you are about to have your period. If you experience spotting, contact your reproductive endocrinologist (fertility doctor) as a precautionary measure. The doctor may doublecheck your estrogen levels.
Tags: embryo transfer, estrogen levels, frozen embryo, your body, been frozen
Tiredness afflicts people in a variety of manners, ranging from innocuous post-workout tiredness to chronic fatigue associated with depression. Regardless of the type of tiredness, a number of simple home remedies, many without the need for drugs, exist to recover from tiredness, boost the body's natural energy and fight fatigue.
Get Some Sun
Tiredness can arise from a number of sources including both simple post-workout tiredness and depression-related feelings, but some time in the sun can fight almost any type of tired feeling. For individuals who feel tired after strenuous exercise or a long week at the office, a few hours on a poolside or beach front lounger can help soothe tired muscles; a relaxing afternoon lazily lounging outside also helps relax the mind, chasing away many of the mental stimulants that combine to prevent sleep and perpetuate the tired feeling. At the same time, exposure to natural sunlight helps stimulate the body's natural production of Vitamin D and serotonin, chemicals linked to critical functions like human energy levels and mental health. According to research published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, a half hour of exposure to summertime sun can produce up to 1.25 milligrams of Vitamin D through the skin's natural photosynthesis functions.
Work Out
While it may seem counterintuitive that increased activity, and especially intense activity, can fight tiredness, fitness enthusiasts proclaim that routine workouts boost energy levels, fight stress, improve mood and fend off fatigue. A 1987 article in the Spokane Chronicle explains that regular workouts release endorphins that boost the body's metabolism and inject energy into the body. At the same time, working out builds muscle mass that raises the body's caloric consumption, a process that maximizes the release of energy from food. The fitness expert who penned the article recommends hour-long workouts at least three times per week, though gym trainers typically suggest starting with 20-30 minute sessions three to five times per week.
Change the Diet
If tiredness persists despite increased exposure to sunlight and a regular exercise pattern, the cause may stem from dietary deficiencies. Medicine Plus, an online service of the United States National Institute of Health, recommends that individuals who suffer from tiredness and fatigue eat a well-balanced diet and drink ample amounts of water throughout the day. Foods rich in iron, like liver and venison, can also help fight tiredness, especially fatigue related to anemia.
Get Some Sleep
In addition to diet, abnormal or deficient sleep patterns can also cause tiredness and fatigue. Medicine Plus lists specific sleep disorders like apnea and narcolepsy as specific sources of tiredness, but seemingly insignificant disruptions like too much light in a room or a poor mattress can also contribute to chronic tired feelings. Individuals who suffer from unexplained tiredness should carefully evaluate their sleep patterns, paying careful attention to regular sleep interruptions like crying babies, telephones or barking neighborhood dogs.
Tags: body natural, boost body, energy levels, fight tiredness, from tiredness, Medicine Plus, post-workout tiredness
Every living and non-living thing has an energy field made up of millions of vibrating atoms and molecules surrounding it. A healthy, clean aura can strengthen the body as well as the mind. A depressed aura can take more intense meditation but can be cleansed over time with just a few minutes each day.
Instructions
1. Create crystal-infused water to use during meditation. Fill a spray bottle with water and drop in several crystals. Choose crystals with healing properties, such as moonstone, quartz or aventurine.
2. Find a quiet place where you will not be disturbed to cleanse the depressed aura. It is important to create a relaxing atmosphere, where you will feel completely comfortable and at peace. Try dimming the lights, lighting candles or incense, and playing soothing music.
3. Spray the crystal-infused water over your entire body and place a clear piece of quartz on the brow chakra. The brow chakra is located on the forehead in between the eyes.
4. Close your eyes and visualize a bright white light engulfing your body. Watch as the white light washes away and cleanses the depression from your aura. Try to hold the image for at least five minutes.
5. Visualize the depression in your body exiting through the crystal on the brow chakra. Feel the body energizing as the depression is expelled.
Tags: brow chakra, crystal-infused water, depressed aura, where will, white light, your body
Bee pollen supplements are made from pollen collected by worker bees from various flowers, collected when they return to the hive and packaged for use as supplements by people seeking all kinds of results and cures. There are many reasons people use bee pollen, some of which might be right for you.
What is Bee Pollen?
Bee pollen is composed of pollen that worker bees collect from the stamens of flowers. Using saliva, bees collect pollen on their front legs, which is removed when they return to the hive by a screen that collects the pollen to make into supplements. Bee pollen is the food on which bee larvae are raised, and it is about 40 percent protein. It also contains small amounts of enzymes and nectar added by the bees.
Nutritionally Rich
One verified fact about bee pollen is that it contains most of the nutrients needed for healthy life. It is said to be one of the most nutritionally complete foods available, and contains many vitamins, such as: Vitamin A, Vitamin B-1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B-3 (Niacinimide), Vitamin B-5 (Pantothenic Acid), Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine), Vitamin B-12, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Biotin, and Folic Acid. It also contains a variety of minerals, such as: Calcium, Chlorine, Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Phosphorus, Potassium, Selenium, Silica, and Sulphur. Note that bee pollen is not standardized, and the nutrients may differ from supplement to supplement and even pill to pill. Studies done on the nutritional benefits of bee pollen show that mice can live strong, healthy lives and have a normal lifespan when fed only bee pollen.
Strength and Energy
Many of the other claims regarding bee pollen are less cut and dried. Athletes have been known to use bee pollen to improve stamina, energy, and strength, which may be due primarily to its nutritional value. It has been called a rejuvenator or tonic and some people recommend its use to help with recovery from illness. However, while some people are quick to call bee pollen a single substance with the ability to treat and cure many different conditions, many bee pollen experts like Angela at bee-pollen-buzz.com suggest that bee pollen's best role is as one element of a regimen to promote good health.
Cancer?
Some sites claim a link between bee pollen and cancer resistance, which is based mainly on a single 1948 study, titled "Delay in the Appearance of Palpable Mammary Tumors in C3H Mice Following the Ingestion of Pollenized Food," that showed bee pollen was effective in slowing or halting the progression of mammary tumors in mice specifically bred to develop tumors and die of them. However, this has not been shown in other studies, and this was a study on mice, not humans. Bee pollen may be helpful in promoting good nutrition in patients undergoing chemotherapy, but effects beyond that have not been conclusively shown.
Allergy Warning
Before taking bee pollen, there are some factors that you need to be aware of. Several published papers state that people who take bee pollen have experienced serious allergic reactions, including anaphylactic shock, after taking bee pollen supplements. Other reported cases include people who have developed acute hepatitis after taking supplements containing bee pollen. It is important to let your doctor know about any supplements, including bee pollen, that you would like to take before you take them, especially if you have any health conditions. People with allergies, especially to pollen or flowers, should use caution with bee pollen, and stop taking it immediately if you experience any signs of anaphylaxis, including itchy rash, swelling of the throat or other parts of the body, wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing, passing out, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, paleness, or redness. If you experience some of these signs after taking bee pollen, call a doctor or 911 immediately.
Cautionary Note
Remember that all bee pollen is not created equal, so before purchasing do some research on the people who make it and see if the content of the bee pollen they sell has been analyzed by a laboratory, and if they give any kind of a guarantee or warranty of the content of the supplement. Bee pollen can be beneficial as part of a regimen for better health, but proceed with caution.
A search in Google's Scholar search will also link you to some of the available research on bee pollen, as well as information about cases of allergic reactions and adverse reactions to bee pollen supplements.
Tags: after taking, pollen supplements, pollen that, taking pollen, that pollen, Vitamin Vitamin, What Pollen
The price charged for dental crowns is very high. There are ways to pay less for them. You will have to spend time researching your options. It will also depend on your location and which options you can access. It will be well worth your time, and it will most likely save you money, too.
Instructions
1. Check out the competition's prices. You may be surprised to find that prices do vary among dentists. If you need more than one crown, ask about some type of discount.
2. Go to the local dentist school. If you happen to be in the vicinity of a dental college, this is the place to go. Most of the colleges will charge you about one-half of what you would have to pay at a regular dentist. There is often a waiting period or only certain days of the week that you can go. The students performing the dental work are well-trained and supervised as well.
3. Contact the local health department for help if you are on a low income. Ask if they know any dentist who will work on a sliding-scale fee basis. Often, the department will have at least one local dentist who is willing to help out. You will most likely have to be in the lower income bracket to do this.
4. Go out of the country for dental crowns. If you live near (or are willing to travel to) the Mexican border, you may be able to have your dental work done there. You will more than likely save money doing this, but check out all of the details about it first.
Tags: dental crowns, dental work, likely save, likely save money, local dentist, more than
If you had to guess what is the most germ-infested place in a hospital, you would probably guess the toilet. A toilet has many germs and requires proper deep cleaning. It is not enough to just surface or spot clean a toilet. A hospital is filled with sick people, and germs spread fast. The environmental staff of a hospital must use certain cleaning techniques to protect patients. Cleaning a hospital bathroom toilet requires some preparation. Do not take the task lightly.
Instructions
1. Put on rubber gloves and eye protection to help protect you from harmful germs and back splash.
2. Mix a disinfectant/detergent cleaner into a spray bottle. Follow the instructions on the back of the disinfectant/detergent for mixing directions.
3. Spray all hard surfaces on the outside of the toilet. Spray extra disinfectant/detergent cleaner on high- touch areas, such as the toilet seat and the flush handle.
4. Lower the waterline in the toilet bowl by turning off the water to the toilet and flushing.
5. Spray the inside surface of the toilet bowl.
6. Use your bowl swab to clean the inside of the toilet. Begin swabbing under the rim, working your way down to the trap. Flush the toilet.
7. Go back and wipe down the outside surface of the toilet with a disposable towel, including the toilet seat and flush handle.
There are a number of different kinds of surgeries available for correcting vision. Laser surgery is intended to reshape the cornea, or the anterior surface of the eye, in order to change how light rays are refracted. LASIK is the most popular form of laser surgery.
Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)
PRK was the first successful type of laser surgery for vision correction. The FDA approved its use in 1995. PRK uses a laser directly on the eye's surface. Outcomes are similar to those in LASIK.
Laser-Assisted in situ Keratomileusis (LASIK)
LASIK creates a hinged flap in the cornea, through which a laser beam reshapes the eye. The flap subsequently acts as a natural bandage. Recovery is faster than in PRK patients.
LASEK (laser epithelial keratomileusis)
LASEK is a newer type of PRK that removes the thin outer layer and replaces it on the eye's surface after the laser reshapes the cornea. This is more suitable when the cornea is too thin to create a flap for LASIK.
Epi-LASIK
Epi-LASIK is a variation of LASIK that uses a plastic blade to separate part of the outer layer from the eye.
Effects
After surgery, your vision should improve because your cornea now bends light rays to focus correctly onto the retina. LASIK and similar laser surgeries have been successful in treating nearsightedness, in which the cornea is too sharply curved; farsightedness, in which the cornea is too flat; and astigmatism, when the cornea is uneven.
Tags: light rays, outer layer, when cornea, which cornea
A head massage is a relaxing way to relieve eye strain, headache and sinus problems. It may even improve concentration and leave you with a feeling of tranquility. A head massage stimulates the meridians of the head. In Ayurvedic medicine, these meridians control conditions of the nose, eyes, ears, mouth and neck. A head massage by a professional is a treat, but in a pinch you can do one yourself.
Instructions
1. Prepare warm oils to rub into the crown of your head, if you wish. Use sunflower, sesame or olive oil for dry hair and sesame or almond oil for oily hair. Add rosemary essential oil to help your hair grow.
2. Place a chair in a quiet, warm spot. Sit up straight in the chair. Lean against the back of the chair for support. Put both feet flat on the floor.
3. Place your hands around your forehead. Press in the middle at the hairline. Massage the brow line to the temple. Use small, slow circular motions and slight pressure.
4. Move the hands up through your scalp. Rub in gentle circles. Work up to the top of your head, then down the back, then back up again. Repeat four or five times, covering the entire scalp.
5. Pull your fingers through your hair, tugging gently. Massage for about a minute. Let the strokes become lighter as you near the end.
6. Put your palms on your temples with your fingers pointing up. Squeeze for five seconds. Release. Repeat on the area above the ears.
Tags: head massage, Head Relieve, Head Relieve Tension, Massage Meridians, Massage Meridians Head
A stress ball is a small, rubber, gel-filled ball that fits in the palm of the hand. Stress balls come in a wide assortment of shapes and colors; some can even be customized, such as being painted with the owner's name. Other stress balls may not be true "balls" but have another shape, such as a heart or a puppy. It is not uncommon for stress balls to be handed out during business meetings, especially in high-intensity corporate environments. While they may not appear to be effective at first glance, many people use stress balls as potent stress relievers.
Use a Stress Ball
To use a stress ball, you first take the stress ball and put it in the palm of your hand. You wrap your fingers around it and squeeze. You'll notice while you are squeezing that the ball's foamy texture will give, and start molding to the shape of your fingers---a process that often feels pleasurable. You squeeze for a few seconds, and then release your fingers from around the ball. With this physical release comes the release of emotional stress and physical tension.
Make the Most out of Stress Balls
Many people use stress balls for progressive muscle relaxation. Meaning, you squeeze your hand around the stress ball and hold for several seconds, then repeat that process several times, squeezing harder with each repetition. These repetitions induce progressive muscle relaxation because each time you squeeze harder around the ball, the more you relax afterward. Many people do this process while they are at work, especially in the middle of the day when they feel they need a break. Other people use a stress ball right after they come home, to relieve themselves of work-related stress. As it stands, there is no right or wrong way to use a stress ball.
Tags: stress ball, people stress, around ball, Many people, muscle relaxation, people stress balls, progressive muscle
Postpartum backache may result from a number of causes. During pregnancy, weight gain may have contributed to prolonged strain of the back, as well as hormonal changes that may have caused ligaments to loosen. This article will provide tips to ease the strain and pull suffered during postpartum backache.
Instructions
1. Pay attention to your posture. If you have to stand, place one foot on a low stool to take pressure off your lower back.
2. When breastfeeding, raise your feet up as you sit up straight. Use a comfortable chair with breastfeeding pillows to support your back and arms. Position yourself properly when breastfeeding. Bring your baby to your breast and do not bend your back during feeding. Bend your knees when lifting your baby up.
3. Take a warm shower or bath. Use a hot pad to relieve back pain and muscle aches.
4. Use a carrier to carry your baby around. Avoid holding your baby in your arm for too long. Instead, ask your partner or a family member to help provide relief carrying the baby for a short period of time.
5. Ask your partner for a massage to help relax and ease the tension of back strain.
Tags: your baby, baby your, your baby your, your back, your partner
When someone dies and foul play is suspected, time of death is crucial to finding the person's killer. Determine a body's time of death by checking for discoloration, temperature and rigor. Only professionals can accurately determine a time of death, but here are the things they look for.
Instructions
1. Check the stomach for signs of digestion. Most meals leave the stomach and enter the large intestine within three or four hours. This method is not entirely accurate for determining time of death though, as many things can have a factor in food digestion such as exercise after eating.
2. Determine the body's temperature, or algor mortis by inserting a special thermometer into the chest cavity. When you are alive, your body maintains its temperature of 98.6 degrees. Once you have died, your body is no longer able to do that. The body cools at a rate of one to one and a half degrees per hour until you meet the temperature of your surroundings. Again, several factors can influence the accuracy of this test, such as it being a very cold causing the body to cool much quicker.
3. Look for signs of discoloration, or livor mortis. This is the purplish coloring of the body's lowest parts. It's caused by the heart no longer pumping blood and gravity pulling it down. This begins about two hours post mortem and is fixed at about ten hours.
4. Find the degree of rigor mortis. The body enters rigor mortis within fifteen minutes after death and continues to stiffen for up to fifteen hours. Only professionals can really detect the degree of rigor mortis in a body.
5. See how decomposed or decayed the body is. The longer a person has been dead, the more decayed it is.
Tags: rigor mortis, about hours, body longer, Body Time, Body Time Death