Foods That Produce Testosterone

Avocados are rich in vitamin B6, which boosts testosterone.

A man has a little bit of estrogen in his body, but it is specially formulated to be a male version of the hormone. There is good estrogen and bad estrogen, and a man's body produces both. Ultimately, men don't want to consume foods that contain estrogen-like substances; instead, they would prefer eating foods rich in indole 3 carbinol, or I3C, which helps produce the male hormone testosterone.

I3C

I3C causes a man's glandular system to stop making bad estrogen and start making good estrogen, which is then converted into testosterone. Most green, leafy vegetables (including Brussels sprouts) and cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and cauliflower, contain I3C.

Salmon vs. SHBG

Men should also eat more salmon, as it helps reduce the effect on SHBG, a sex hormone binding globulin that travels in the blood. Whenever testosterone comes in contact with SHBG it is swept out of the bloodstream. When you eat salmon, SHBG is reduced to very low levels.

Zinc & Vitamin A

Foods rich in zinc are optimal for increasing testosterone levels. They include brown rice, cheese, legumes, nuts and seeds. Larger quantities of zinc exist in meat, poultry and seafood.

Vitamin A also helps increase testosterone levels. It is found in the same foods in which I3C is found and is also present in salmon and fruits and vegetables with a red or orange color.

Dos and Don'ts

Men should reduce their caffeine intake, as it shuts down testosterone production, while vitamin B is essential to its production. Avocado is a great addition to a healthy diet, as it is rich in vitamin B6. Bananas contain the B vitamin riboflavin but also contain bromelain, an enzyme that increases a man's libido. Bromelain is also found in pineapple. Salmon, once again, is another source of many B vitamins.

Vitamin E, HDL & Potassium

Foods rich in vitamin E, such as asparagus and aloe vera juice, contribute to the production of testosterone. The HDL cholesterol in eggs is good for the reproductive system of both sexes. Potassium is highly recommended for raising testosterone levels and can be found in foods such as bananas, prunes, raisins and avocados.

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How Are Tattoos Removed

Laser Tattoo Removal

Laser tattoo removal is the most successful and most common method. This technique uses dense beams of light to break up the tattoo ink into particles which are then absorbed by the body, effectively removing the tattoo. Today's laser treatments are capable of removing tattoos without leaving a lot of damage or scarring to the skin affected by the tattoo. However, most tattoos require several sessions to completely remove a tattoo. A session can cost several hundred dollars, so laser tattoo removal can be cost prohibitive. While laser treatments are capable of removing tattoos without leaving a lot of damage or scarring to the skin affected by the tattoo, the more treatments that are required to remove the tattoo, the more likely skin damage is to occur. These treatments can be quite painful and result in blisters and scabs which may lead to permanent scarring.

Pulse light therapy is another popular option for tattoo removal. Similar to laser tattoo removal, pulsed light therapy uses dense beams of light to break the tattoo into small pieces that can be absorbed the body. The light is transmitted in pulses through a layer of gel that is applied to the skin as a conductor. This alternative to laser tattoo removal is popular because it appears to be less painful and more effective. However, it is more expensive than laser tattoo removal and could cost more in the end depending on the number of sessions needed to remove the tattoo.

Skin Removal Techniques

Tattoo removal can also be achieved through several skin removal techniques. Dermabrasion removes the tattoo by sanding the top and middle layers of the skin off. Excision tattoo removal is performed by a surgeon who uses a scalpel to remove the tattooed skin and then stitches up the area. If the tattoo is particularly large, a skin graft may be necessary to patch the area. Cryosurgery freezes the tattooed skin, which is then removed through surgery.

The least effective method of tattoo removal available on the market is through creams and fading solutions. Companies that manufacture these products claim that their cream or solution can fade a tattoo simply by being rubbed into the tattooed skin over a period of time. They claim to be able to do this for a fraction of the price of the methods listed previously and for much less pain. This method has yet to be proven highly effective and is inferior when compared to other tattoo removal techniques.

Tags: tattoo removal, laser tattoo removal, remove tattoo, tattoo removal, tattooed skin, without leaving damage, absorbed body

Back Hair Removal

Men and women are affected by body hair. But men tend to get it on their backs which is a very unfavorable area to have it. Back hair removal has become a common occurrence among men and it has gained quite a bit of acceptance as a grooming practice.

Medicare Disability Benefits

Medicare coverage can be made available to people with disability benefits. If someone has been receiving full disability benefits from Social Security for two years, he can enroll in Part A of the Medicare program, which provides coverage for hospital care. In addition, people covered by Part A can enroll in additional sections of Medicare for more benefits.

About Receiving Medicare Due to Disability

Normally, the government's Medicare hospital insurance is reserved for those 65 years and older. However, Medicare is also available to the disabled, assuming that they meet certain conditions. The basic condition is that the applicant must have been receiving disability benefits from the Social Security department for at least 24 months.

Qualifications

The definition of disability for the purposes of Social Security is somewhat different than that of other programs and organizations. Social Security only awards benefits to people that are deemed to have full disability. As a result, there are no provisions for partial or short-term disability.

Definition of Full Disability

A person is considered to be fully disabled by Social Security if he is unable to do the job that he previously held. However, there are additional provisions. Social Security must also decide that the person is unable to change jobs or adjust to other work as a result of this medical condition. In addition, this medical problem should be expected to last for at least one year or otherwise result in the person's death.

Basic Medicare Coverage

If a person qualifies for Medicare disability benefits, he can be enrolled in Medicare Part A for free. This system helps pay for any inpatient care received in a hospital (or by a nursing facility after a hospital visit). Part A will also pay for certain aspects of receiving health care at home, as well as providing some coverage for hospice care.

Other Medicare Options

In addition to Part A, which only covers some medical expenses, there are additional Medicare programs that someone on Plan A can enroll in for a monthly premium. Part B provides extra coverage for the services of doctors and other professionals that are not covered by Part A. Part C provides extra benefits for people who use specific providers. Part D provides coverage for prescription drugs. All of these additional parts are available to people with disability who are covered by Part A.

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Mobilization Techniques For Cervical Traction

Traction is a therapeutic technique employed to stabilize injuries to the musculoskeletal system, most notably the neck and spine. It helps to stabilize disc injuries and allow the spine to heal without having to support itself. There are both manual and mechanical mobilization techniques to address the cervical spine.

Traction in General

The main purpose of traction is to apply force and "distract" or separate segments of the cervical and lumbar (lower back) spine. The use of traction has waned in recent years because much of the work that traction accomplishes occurs when the patient is supine and gravity tends to undo the separation that traction created. Nevertheless, there is both manual and mechanical traction that can be applied to the cervical spine, which is the portion of the spine that starts at the bottom of the head and stops at the point where the neck meets the shoulders.

Manual Cervical Traction

Cervical traction helps people who have problems with their discs in the cervical spine. Manual traction should precede any mechanical traction. The patient lies on a flat padded table while the physician applies force to the lower neck. It is a massaging technique that relieves pressure on the spinal nerves. You can focus this technique on the lower neck by flexing the neck by 30 degrees. Physicians will use this type of manual traction if it results in pain relief. Despite the relief that it may provide, however, manual traction does not actually change the structure of the spine. It can limit muscle spasms and tension.

Mechanical Cervical Traction

Typically, the physician will use a halter or a Saunder's traction device to employ traction forces. This too is done on a padded table, but there is a device in which the physician straps the patient's head. There are pads on either side of the head that apply pressure to the cervical spine. Physicians will only apply pressure for 30 seconds at a time. You should not apply more than 15 to 20 pounds of pressure.

Warnings

Traction can lead to serious injury if there is too much pressure applied to the cervical spine. You can suffer permanent injury to the muscles or to the discs that are being separated. It can also cause damage to neck ligaments. People with arthritis should not use traction because it only aggravates joint pain.

Tags: cervical spine, Cervical Traction, applied cervical, applied cervical spine, apply pressure

Signs Of Pinworms

Pinworms are a common parasitic intestinal infection. In fact, it is the most common parasitic worm infection in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pinworms can affect people of all ages, but it is particularly common among children. The condition can be treated with an anti-parasitic medication that kills the worms and any eggs they may have laid.

Itching

The most common sign of a pinworm infection is itching around the rectum and anus. In women, the vaginal region may also be itchy. This itchiness develops because female pinworms move from the colon to the anal region while the person they have infected is sleeping to lay her eggs. Because of this pattern, the itching tends to be worse at night.

Difficulty Sleeping

Another sign of a pinworm infection is sudden, unexplained difficulty sleeping or insomnia that has not previously been experienced. Again, the symptoms tend to be noticeable at night because that is when the female worms are moving through the colon and anal region.

Digestive Problems

Some people with pinworms may also experience some mild digestive problems, such as occasional nausea and abdominal pain. In many cases, the symptoms are so mild they are not associated with a pinworm infection until other symptoms develop.

No Symptoms

Many people are infected with pinworms but have no symptoms. In some cases, the worms can live in the body for a long time before the host begins to notice symptoms. As the worms begin to multiply, it is more likely you will begin to notice signs of an infection.

Tags: pinworm infection, anal region, colon anal, colon anal region, common parasitic, most common, sign pinworm

Signs & Symptoms Of Angina Pectoris

Signs & Symptoms of Angina Pectoris

Angina pectoris is a medical condition that occurs when your heart receives a decreased amount of oxygenated blood. Often, this occurs due to deposits of cholesterol clogging the blood vessels that carry blood to your heart. Patients who have angina pectoris are at an risk for having a heart attack, reports the Mayo Clinic, making it important to recognize the symptoms of the condition.

Chest Pain

Chest pain behind the breastbone is the most common sign of angina pectoris. The discomfort may feel like pressure, squeezing, burning or tightness, reports the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. The chest pain is most common during exercise, physical work or sexual activity. Emotional stress, cold weather and nightmares may also trigger an attack of chest pain, explains Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Patients with severe angina pectoris may also develop the pain during rest without the presence of any stress. An episode of chest pain caused by angina pectoris may last from 5 to 30 minutes, according to the Mayo Clinic. Patients with milder forms of the condition tend to recover the most quickly.

Other Pain

In addition to chest pain, patients sometimes report feeling pressure, burning or tightness in the arms, shoulders, neck, jaw, throat or back, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Women are most likely to experience angina pain in other parts of the body. In some cases, you may also feel a general feeling of pain that you cannot determine the exact location of.

Gastrointestinal

Rather than feeling severe chest pain, you may experience angina pectoris discomfort that feels like indigestion, according to the Mayo Clinic. You may also feel nauseous or like you may vomit along with the other symptoms of angina pectoris like chest pain.

Respiratory

Shortness of breath is another possible symptom of angina pectoris, explains FamilyDoctor.org. You may feel as if you cannot take a full breath or catch your breath. It is also possible to pant or gasp due to the shortness of breath associated with angina.

Other Symptoms

Some patients do not experience pain from angina pectoris and instead describe the feeling as heaviness of the arms or shoulders, reports Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. If you do feel pain, you may also experience sweating, light-headedness, dizziness and faintness with an attack. A feeling of anxiety or impending doom may also occur with other symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic. You may also have a general feeling of weakness or tiredness that persists throughout the day, or you may tire more easily when completing activities that once were easy and not strenuous.

Tags: angina pectoris, chest pain, Mayo Clinic, according Mayo, according Mayo Clinic, also feel

The Causes Of Plantar Fasciitis Pain

Plantar fasciitis is a condition that takes place on the bottom of the foot. More specifically, a thick band of issue that runs from the heel up towards the toe gets inflamed and, as a result, pain develops. This band of tissue is called the plantar fascia. There are various causes for this pain.

Runners

People who are repetitive runners can suffer pain that is related to plantar fasciitis. This would be the case with people who play sports that include a lot of running and jumping and people who run marathons, for example.

Pregnancy

Being overweight or obese puts excess weight on the heel when you take steps, which can cause plantar fasciitis pain. Pregnancy can also contribute, being that it too adds excess weight to the body.

Arthritis

Inflammatory conditions can also cause pain. One common condition that causes inflammation and can lead to pain is arthritis.

Shoes

Shoes should be comfortable, should be well padded and should offer the foot good support. If they do not, they can cause pain.

Gait

Poor walking mechanics can also lead to plantar fasciitis pain. An example of this is if your foot hits the ground awkwardly when you walk, causing the bottom of the foot to be overtaxed.

Tags: bottom foot, cause pain, condition that, excess weight, plantar fasciitis pain

Treat Hives Naturally

Treat Hives Naturally

Hives are red blotchy swellings on the skin, which are usually the result of an allergic reaction. They are often very itchy and can be painful or cause a burning sensation.

Instructions

1. Put cool, wet compresses on red areas to soothe itching.

2. Take a bath in oatmeal if hives cover a large area.

3. Add cornstarch to your regular bath.

4. Apply aloe vera gel to soothe skin and reduce discomfort.

5. Take acidophilus to help reduce an allergic reaction.

6. Take quercetin to help relieve inflammation and allergic reactions.

7. Supplement with 1,000mg vitamin C a day to help your immune system respond to allergens.

8. Use the herbs alfalfa, yellow dock, echinacea, ginseng, licorice and nettles.

9. Investigate the cause of the hives. Medications, insect bites or stings, certain foods and food additives, and certain plants are common culprits.

10. Avoid the substance that caused your hives.

11. Use an antihistamine for temporary relief of symptoms, particularly if hives are very severe or if overall allergic reaction is severe.

Tags: allergic reaction, Hives Naturally, Treat Hives, Treat Hives Naturally

Physiotherapy Techniques For Treating Piriformis Syndrome

Piriformis syndrome is a condition whose symptoms include persistent buttock and leg pain. Nerves near the piriformis muscle are pinched, causing irritation and pain that sometimes can be severe. Piriformis syndrome usually results from tightness in the muscle. There are several ways to treat this syndrome.

R.I.C.E.R.

Recognize that there is an issue within the buttocks and treat it immediately. Piriformis syndrome is a soft-tissue injury that can become aggravated if untreated. Application of the R.I.C.E.R. method within the first 48-72 hours of the appearance of symptoms can reduce the chance of a more severe injury. R.I.C.E.R. stands for resting the body, icing the buttocks, compressing the buttocks in an elastic bandage, elevating the buttocks, and referral by a doctor to a qualified physiotherapist.

Stretches

Financial Help For Disabled Persons

Financial Help for Disabled Persons

A disability can occur to anyone at any age. It may be the result of an accident, work injury, or an illness - whatever the cause, it can be financially detrimental. Fortunately, there are many resources that people with disabilities may take advantage of to help them on the path to financial recovery.

Credit Counseling

If you are disabled and are carrying a large amount of debt, you may want to enroll in a credit counseling program. Be wary of the fly-by-night operations that take your money and run. Check out every credit counselor with the Better Business Bureau to examine their history. One of the most reputable nonprofit organizations is Consumer Credit Counseling Services (CCCS). You have the option of speaking to a representative online, over the phone, or in person, and they work for you, not your creditors. They also offer money management classes for free or on a sliding scale based on your income.

Federal Government

There are many government assistance programs that can help those with disabilities. All 50 states have individual programs so you will have to find out the options offered in your particular state. However, all states have organizations to help those who need help paying electric bills, obtaining emergency housing, and food stamps.

Medicaid programs are also available across the United States for those with low incomes who need to see a doctor or need medication. You can apply online, on the phone or with a social worker.

Long Term Disability

There are many emergency disability assistance programs that help those who are temporarily disabled. However, if you have a disability that you cannot recover from in a matter of weeks to a few months, enrollment in a long term disability program may be necessary. In order to receive assistance from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have been disabled for a minimum of five months. If you are disabled for at least one year, you are eligible to receive Medicare payments regardless of age.

Tags: help those, assistance programs, assistance programs that, Credit Counseling, Disabled Persons, Financial Help

Enlarged Thyroid Treatments

An enlarged thyroid--also known as a "goiter"--generally occurs when the thyroid "malfunctions" and is unable to produce requisite amount of thyroid hormone used to regulate the body's metabolism. The presence of a goiter can be a side effect of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroiditis, thyroid nodules, or more rarely, thyroid cancer. The presence of an enlarged thyroid is but one of many symptoms of thyroid disorders such as Hashimoto's Disease and Grave's Disease. In most cases, the presence of a goiter will persist until its underlying cause is effectively treated.

The Healthy Thyroid

The thyroid is a tiny butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck comprised of two "wings" (lobes) that are attached by a stretch of tissue known as the isthmus. The thyroid's duty is to convert iodine into thyroxine (T-4) and triiodothyronine (T-3). Together, T4 and T3 are known as the "thyroid hormone." After the thyroid gland secretes the hormone into the bloodstream, it seeks out the cells that are responsible for regulating metabolism. The pituitary gland, located in the base of the brain, acts as a sort of regulatory authority for the thyroid and sends TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) whenever hormone production needs to be stepped up. A healthy thyroid produces 80 percent of T4 and 20 percent of T3.

What Causes an Enlarged Thyroid?

Patients with a thyroid disorder will typically manifest other symptoms prior to noticing the presence of a goiter, specifically those related to a slowing down or speeding up of the metabolism. Both Hashimoto's (hypothyroidism) and Grave's Disease (hyperthyroidism) involve an auto-immune component that causes the immune system to "attack" the thyroid and cause it to enlarge. While T3 and T4 levels can be measured through a blood test, ascertaining the size of the thyroid, as well as its distinguishing characteristics (such as the presence of nodules or cancer), may involve more comprehensive testing such as a radioactive iodine uptake test, fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy, or a thyroid scan.

What Does A "Goiter" Feel Like?

People who have a goiter often feel as though it's so large, it must be obvious to onlookers. Often this it not the case, and the enlarged gland can only be ascertained through a physician's palpation. A goiter can result in excessive coughing or choking on certain food and liquid textures. Those with a goiter may experience the sensation that their breathing is restricted, as the enlarged thyroid presses up against the windpipe. Sometimes, as in the case of hypothyroidism, the voice becomes low, hoarse or "gravelly."

Oral Medication Treatment

Some disorders, such as those that cause hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, can be effectively treated with oral medication. Hashimoto's Disease, for example, is treated with thyroid replacement, while Grave's Disease is treated with anti-thyroid medication in conjunction with beta blockers. These medications will reduce the size of a goiter and associated symptoms but usually will not eliminate the presence of the goiter entirely.

Invasive Treatments

In certain circumstances, more invasive treatment is required when a thyroid condition is present. Thyroid cancer requires surgery called a thyroidectomy, in which the entire gland is removed. Radioactive iodine treatment is a possible solution for those with hyperthyroidism or thyroid nodules. After a thyroidectomy or radioactive iodine treatment, the patient will exhibit signs of hypothyroidism and require thyroid replacement therapy. Unless a patient has thyroid cancer, physicians generally tend not to resort to removing the thyroid surgically.

Other Types of Thyroid Disorders

Thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid gland that typically needs no long-term treatment, although it can occur in conjunction with Hashimoto's Disease. De Quervain's Thyroiditis results in a sudden enlargement of the thyroid, which becomes painful and tender for several weeks until the swelling goes down. Silent Thyroiditis, which tends to follow a pregnancy, may result in an enlarged thyroid and temporary hyperthyroidism. These last two conditions ultimately resolve on their own and are remedied by bed rest and the use of certain prescription medications.

Tags: presence goiter, Grave Disease, Hashimoto Disease, treated with, conjunction with, disorders such, effectively treated

Prevent Yeast Infections

Prevent Yeast Infections

A yeast infection is caused by an overgrowth of a fungus normally found in the body. The organism Candida albicans is usually responsible for most infections. It can be caused by a variety of reasons including tight clothing, feminine products, pregnancy, diabetes, and the use of certain medications. Here are some strategies that can help you prevent yeast infections.

Instructions

1. Dry vaginal area throughly after showering or swimming. A moist environment encourages the growth of yeast.

2. Avoid wearing tight clothing such as tight jeans, nylon panties, pantyhose, or clothing made of synthetic materials such as polyester. A tight, moist environment encourages the growth of yeast.

3. Wear cotton underwear and pantyhose with a cotton crotch.

4. Remove your wet bathing suit as soon as possible after swimming.

5. Wipe yourself after urinating or a bowel movement from front to back. This helps to avoid possible transfer of yeast from the rectum to the vagina.

6. Check diaper frequently for soiling. A moist environment encourages the growth of yeast.

7. Avoid douching. Douching disturbs normal vaginal pH balance which can lead to yeast infections.

8. Avoid use of feminine hygiene products such as feminine sprays and bubble baths. These products can be irritating to the vagina.

9. Avoid use of scented, deodorant or colored toilet paper, tampons, pads, or pantyliners. These products can be irritating to the vagina.

10. Use unscented pads and tampons during your menstrual period.

11. Use unscented and white toilet paper.

12. Eat yogurt that contains live cultures of lactobacilius acidophilis.

13. Decrease consumption of sugar. Increased sugar levels in your body causes yeast to grow faster.

Tags: encourages growth, encourages growth yeast, environment encourages, environment encourages growth, growth yeast, moist environment, moist environment encourages

Chemotherapy Drugs

Chemotherapy drugs have been an important part of cancer treatment since the 1950s. Chemotherapy involves the use of certain medications, sometimes in combination with other treatments, to seek out and destroy cancer cells in the body. Chemotherapy drugs may be taken before or after surgery to remove a tumor, be used in conjunction with radiation, or be taken alone when other treatment options are not appropriate. Chemotherapy medications are typically very effective but can have serious side effects for some people.

Types

Chemotherapy drugs are generally split into several categories based on their chemical structure and mechanism of action, and include alkylating agents, antimetabolites, anti-tumor antibiotics, topoisomerase inhibitors, miotic inhibitors and corticosteroids.

Function

Chemotherapy drugs destroy cancer cells, control tumor growth, prevent abnormal cells from dividing and have the ability to reach microscopic cancer cells that have spread from the primary tumor to distant parts of the body.

Side Effects

Although side effects vary from one situation to another, chemotherapy drugs may cause hair loss, decreased fertility, loss of libido, bone marrow changes, fatigue, bruising, increased vulnerability to infection, dry mouth and skin, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

Benefits

Chemotherapy medications provide cancer patients an additional treatment and a possible cure for cancers that cannot be successfully treated using surgery or radiation alone and offer the added benefit of being able to reach and destroy malignant cells that may be too small to detect during standard testing.

Considerations

Resistance to chemotherapy may develop if some cancer cells mutate rather than die when exposed to the treatment, if the cancer cells are able to render the drug inactive or remove the drug from the cell faster than it can gain entry, or if the cancer cells are able to repair their damaged DNA.

Tags: cancer cells, Chemotherapy drugs, cancer cells able, cells able, cells that

Practical Uses For Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is an edible oil derived from coconuts that has dozens of different uses, from cooking to healing. It has been used in tropical locations for thousands of years, and is now prevalent all over the world. It is high in saturated fats, has a long shelf life and a melting point of 76 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes it ideal for cooking. There are a number of practical uses for this multipurpose oil.

Health Benefits

Coconut oil has been called the "healthiest dietary oil on earth," with a wide range of benefits attached to its name. According to "The Coconut Oil Miracle" (2004) by Bruce Fife, coconut oil helps protect against cancer, diabetes and heart disease, and it acts as an antioxidant. Coconut oil also aids in digestion because its saturated fats have antibacterial properties that help to control parasites related to digestive problems. It also helps stimulate the metabolism, making it ideal for those who work out regularly and need energy boosts.

Physical Uses

There are many practical uses for coconut oil as a topical treatment. It can be applied to cuts on the skin to promote healing because it forms a thin layer that protects the wound from outside elements and speeds up the healing process by repairing damaged tissue; it may also reduce scarring. It can be used as a moisturizer for dry skin, just like a lotion. In a similar manner, it can be a hair conditioner or remedy for dandruff, applied to the skin after shaving, and used as a deodorant (when mixed with cornstarch and baking soda).

Cooking

Cooking is the area where coconut oil may be the most well known. Because it has a low heat point, it is very popular. It can replace butter or shortening for greasing pans, melting in pots for cooking, sauteing or even adding to smoothies. It is ideal for stir frys, cooking vegetables or adding to noodles. Because it has so many health benefits and fewer calories than its counterparts, coconut oil can be a healthy alternative to margarine, butter and other oils.

Stress Relief

Coconut oil can even provide stress relief. Mental fatigue, headache or migraine can be aided by pouring coconut oil onto fingertips and massaging it firmly into the temples and forehead in circular motions. The natural aroma is soothing and the coconut oil properties combined with the massaging is calming.

Household

Coconut oil can be used as toothpaste when mixed with baking soda, as a moisturizing makeup remover, and as lip balm. With the latter two of these household items it is not necessary to mix the coconut oil with anything to get results: Just apply it to a cotton swab and swipe it over eyes to remove makeup, and lips to moisturize. It can also be used like a lubricant on household items such as locks, bicycle chains, and squeaky door or cabinet hinges. Because it is mineral based it can be used to help with mineral-based engines, as well.

Tags: baking soda, household items, mixed with, practical uses, saturated fats

Choose A Detox Diet

Detox diets, or cleansing diets, are gaining in popularity. You choose a detox diet to rid your body of toxins and poisons. Not all detox diet plans are the same and you should review each plan with much scrutiny to ensure you are getting your proper dietary needs met.

Instructions

1. Target the area needing detoxification. Common detoxification diets are specific to a certain part of your body like the "Liver Cleansing Diet" or a colon cleanse, while others may address an overall problem your body is dealing with like water retention.

2. Select the amount of time you wish to commit to a cleanse or detox diet. For many detox diets, the time suggested runs from a week or 10 days on most plans and up to 21 days on a more intense detoxification diet.

3. Read the plan before you start. Many detoxification diets people use for weight loss have in fact nothing to do with losing weight, for example, the lemonade diet. The purpose of the diet is to flush toxins out of your system, so you're losing fluids, not fat.

4. Choose the "Fat Flush Diet" for both detoxification and weight loss. This diet addresses both the problem of needing an overall cleanse and helps one to lose weight.

5. Follow the diet's regimen until you reach your goals, but don't exceed the allotted diet time frame. Ensure that you're getting the recommended nourishment while on the plan you choose.

6. Quit the plan if you aren't comfortable with the results. Many individuals new to a cleanse find that the process takes some getting used to.

Tags: detox diet, your body, detoxification diets, weight loss

Signs And Symptoms Of Poor Blood Circulation In Legs

Signs and Symptoms of Poor Blood Circulation in Legs

The heart pumps blood throughout the body and the blood brings nutrients that the various body parts need as well as removes impurities, which it takes back for disposal. Some of the causes of poor blood circulation are poor nutrition habits, unhealthy lifestyle choices and diseases. Poor blood circulation to the legs can lead to discomfort in the legs, escalate to pain and eventually lead to gangrene, which can result in amputation of the leg. The good news is there are many signs and symptoms of poor blood circulation in the legs to help one identify this issue before it becomes more serious.

Physical Signs

One physical sign that you may have poor blood circulation in your legs is discoloration. If you notice a blue (commonly referred to as a black and blue spot), purple or pale spot or area on your leg, then this may be a sign that the blood is not flowing freely to the spot. Slow healing, which means you will see an open sore on your leg for a longer period, may accompany discoloration. Slow healing is another symptom of poor blood circulation.

Sensations

Poor circulation in the legs usually results in unusual sensations in the legs, such as tingling or pins and needles. Often this occurs because you have sat on your leg or kept it in one position for too long. However, do not dismiss this feeling if it shows up with some of the other signs of poor blood circulation. You may also feel leg cramps, such as a Charley horse, when there is poor blood circulation in the legs.

Movement

When the legs hurt after walking a short distance, after other mild exercise or from standing for a short period, these can all be signs of poor blood circulation. One should be able to perform routine movements with the leg without experiencing pain or discomfort.

Fatigue

Fatigue during the day or even in the morning when one first wakes up can be a sign of poor circulation to the legs. If you experience leg pain while trying to sleep or your legs kick and move without your control, this could be another syndrome known as restless leg syndrome. This will also cause fatigue. Tell your healthcare provider if your fatigue persists beyond a few days so that he can run tests to see if poor blood circulation to the legs is causing this issue.

Numbness

If your legs feel numb, this may be a sign of poor blood circulation. Even if it is just a spot or area of the legs, this is a serious sign that you should report to your healthcare provider. There can be other reasons for numbness in the legs such, as cold weather, but if this condition appears for no apparent reason it is usually related to poor blood circulation in the legs.

Tags: poor blood circulation, blood circulation, poor blood, blood circulation legs, blood circulation

Auricular Therapy For Weight Loss

Losing weight is something that more and more people are trying to do with varying degrees of success. Auricular therapy, which is based on the ancient Chinese healing technique of acupuncture, is an alternative medicine that can reduce food cravings, controls appetite and helps strengthen your will power. It has been an effective aid in losing weight for many people.

Why Lose Weight?

Obesity has become a problem in America and it contributes or causes the death of nearly 300,000 Americans each year. Obesity is a contributing factor or risk factor in diabetes, gallstones, liver disease, sleep apnea, hypertension, coronary disease, stroke, restrictive lung disease, osteoarthritis and hyperlipidemia. Being overweight can also create self-esteem problems when you look at yourself in the mirror. By losing weight, you can actually eliminate some of these problems.

How Auricular Therapy Works

Auricular therapy is a form a acupressure or acupuncture involving light stimulation either by pressing the ear with the fingers or by inserting tiny needles (sometimes called "ear seeds") into the outer ear at specific points. It is not known exactly how auricular therapy works. It has been theorized that the therapy stimulates nerves that send a signal to the brain which, in turn, creates the response the therapist is seeking. An auricular therapy session will take about 1/2 hour and there are no known side effects.

Weight Loss and Auricular Therapy

Auricular therapy is said to block messages to the brain that call for more food or eating. Other points strengthen the will power. This creates ideal conditions for losing weight if you follow a reduced-calorie diet, such as Weight Watchers or South Beach. The diet is what actually allows you to lose the weight, but auricular therapy allows you to stick to the diet much more easily then you normally would.

Other Uses of Auricular Therapy

More than 200 specific sites have been charted on the ear relating to various diseases and conditions. Besides aiding in weight loss, auricular therapy has been used to treat other ailments. By targeting different pressure points, auricular therapy is useful in treating depression, insomnia, and anxiety. Some people have used it to quit smoking or to treat drug and alcohol addiction. It can soothe pain from arthritis or in the lower back and reduce your blood pressure.

Tags: losing weight, Auricular Therapy, auricular therapy, Weight Loss, will power

New Fibromyalgia Treatments

Fibromyalgia is a syndrome that is associated with a number of symptoms. Although symptoms vary from patient to patient, common symptoms include chronic muscle aches throughout the whole body, often accompanied by fatigue and/or sleep disorders. The medical cause of fibromyalgia is unknown as of 2009, but much progress has made---including the development of new drug therapies.

Duloxetine

As of 2009, duloxetine is one of the most recently developed fibromyalgia drugs. Duloxetine, under the trade name Cymbalta, hit the market in 2004 as an antidepressant but has proved effective at relieving fibromyalgia pain in 30 percent to 50 percent of patients. The drug works by causing higher levels of serotonin and norepinephrine to be released by the brain, and these neurotransmitters act as natural pain relievers.

Pregabalin

As of 2009, pregabalin is available in Europe and by prescription for select patients within the United States. Approximately 50 percent of fibromyalgia patients prescribed pregabalin reported a 30 percent reduction in pain, as well as a general reduction in symptoms, including insomnia and/or other sleep disorders. Pregabalin, which is marketed as Lyrica, works by impacting the way nerve cells respond to pain.

Pramipexole

Pramipexole (marketed as Mirapex) is effective for eight out of 10 fibromyalgia patients, reducing pain by as much as 30 percent, according to Fibromyalgia Symptoms.org. Four out of 10 patients reported up to a 50 percent reduction in pain. Pramipexole works by helping the brain to produce more dopamine, which is a natural pain reliever.

Tags: fibromyalgia patients, natural pain, pain Pramipexole, percent reduction, percent reduction pain

Signs And Symptoms Of Bladder Cancer In Men

If you find these symptoms, see your doctor.

The causes of bladder cancer are uncertain, but certain factors can increase the chance of getting bladder cancer. Fifty percent of cases of bladder cancers in males are linked to smoking. Men working with dye, rubber, aluminum and leather as well as truck drivers are more likely to get bladder cancer. Knowing the symptoms will help catch bladder cancer in the early stages.

Urinary Problems

Having urinary problems, including bloody urine, pain while urinating, frequent urination and a sudden urge to urinate are all symptoms of bladder cancer. In men, these symptoms alone could also be a problem with the prostate. If you do have bladder cancer, these symptoms will be present.

Abdominal Pain

Once the cancerous tumor has begun to grow, it can cause abdominal pain. The tumor can push on other organs and muscles in the pelvis and abdomen. This pressure causes noticeable pain in the abdomen. These symptoms could also indicate a problem with the prostate.

Anemia and Lethargy

Anemia, along with lethargy, can be caused by bladder cancer. Anemia occurs when the body cannot make enough red blood cells. Anemia and lethargy are often linked together because lethargy can be caused by not having enough oxygen brought to the cells of the body. Anemia will also cause excessive bleeding. Bladder cancer is not the only thing that can cause anemia and lethargy; but if you have these symptoms, along with the urinary and abdominal symptoms, see your doctor right away.

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Signs And Symptoms Of A Thrombotic Stroke

One of the more common forms of stroke is the thrombotic stroke in which a blood clot forms inside the brain. There are a number of signs and symptoms that can warn you that one is occurring, and identifying these signs can be the difference between life and death.

Causes

A thrombotic stroke is caused by a blood clot in one of the brain's arteries. It typically forms after the artery has been narrowed after a build-up of fatty deposits, which are also known as plaques.

Numbness or Weakness

A person suffering from sudden and severe weakness may be experiencing a thrombotic stroke. The body may also feel weak on one side or that side may even be completely paralyzed.

Slurred Speech

A person with slurred speech or even a total inability to talk may be suffering a thrombotic stroke.

Movement Problems

A thrombotic stroke can cause a number of movement problems, including an inability to coordinate one's arms or hands. A person may also have difficulty walking, causing them to stagger or veer.

Transient Ischemic Attack

A brief period of stroke-like symptoms, or transient ischemic attack (TIA), often occur preceding a stroke. This period typically lasts five to 10 minutes. It is one of the best indicators that a stroke is going to occur soon, as it occurs before almost 60 percent of all strokes.

Tags: thrombotic stroke, blood clot

Signs And Symptoms Of A Sinus Headache

A sinus headache is simply a headache that someone experiences due to an inflammation of the membranes within the sinuses. Yet according to the Mayo Clinic, not all headaches that occur while suffering from a cold, flu or sinus infection are actually sinus headaches. Many times, it is something entirely different that is causing a person to suffer a headache during an illness, making the identification of the symptoms fairly important.

Pain

The most obvious symptom of a sinus headache is the presence of pain. This pain may feel like a normal headache, running from mild to severe, and react to standard treatments for this type of condition, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. However, it will usually be accompanied by other symptoms that are indicative of a sinus headache. This pain will typically feel worse, according to the Mayo Clinic, when the head is no longer held in an upright position, growing in intensity as a person lies down or bends over.

Pressure

Most of the time, this pain is also associated with some sort of pressure within a person's head. Sometimes, the pressure can be felt bearing down on the cheeks, as if the sinuses themselves are full, though it is actually the inflammation of the membranes that is causing the sensation. Other times this pressure is felt just above the eyes, radiating up into the forehead. This pressure may also be felt as a sense of fullness within the ears. And much like the pain itself, the pressure or fullness will range from subtle to intense.

Discharge

According to the Cleveland Clinic, for most people the pain and pressure associated with a sinus headache will also come with a certain amount of nasal discharge, or mucus. This mucus can be greenish to yellowish in hue or can contain hints of blood.

Other Symptoms

It isn't uncommon for a person with a sinus headache to also suffer from other symptoms often associated with an illness, like a fever, cough, sore throat and fatigue. This is especially the case when the sinus headache is caused by a cold or the flu. For some people, their sinus headache may be a result of allergies or a bacterial infection, so they may not display symptoms like a cough, sore throat or fatigue.

Absence of Symptoms

It is also beneficial to understand the symptoms that are lacking from the headache to better understand whether or not it is truly a sinus headache. Other headaches, such as migraines and tension headaches, will display other symptoms that are indicative of their specific conditions. With migraines, a person will usually experience a heightened sensitivity to sound and light, nausea and an isolated pain to one side of the head (but may also occur on both sides). With tension headaches, a person will not feel pain or pressure within just the forehead, cheeks and brow, but also running down the neck and into the shoulders. It may also even run up into the scalp. If any of these particular symptoms of either type of headache are felt, you may be suffering from something other than a sinus headache.

Tags: sinus headache, sinus headache, associated with, symptoms that, according Mayo, according Mayo Clinic

What Causes Bipolarism

Origins of Bipolarism

Bipolarism, or bipolar disorder, most often begins in childhood with "hypomania," a syndrome consisting of exaggerated and rapid mood swings, irritability and impulsive behavior. Untreated hypomania often progresses into a full-fledged case of bipolarism.

There are degrees of bipolarism, with Bipolar I causing the patient to experience at least one episode of mania, with or without the accompanying episode of depression. Bipolar II is diagnosed if the patient has had at least one manic episode, which has been accompanied by a depressive episode. One syndrome of bipolarism is called "Cyclothymic Disorder," which is rapid cycling of hypomania and depression. The patient can be simultaneously manic and depressed, but this requires that he has experienced at least four depressive episodes which have impaired his functioning in at least one sphere of his life, such as work or school. If the patient experiences "rapid cycling," he will have experienced at least four "major" manic episodes with major depressed episodes in between.

Brains and Families

Doctors and researchers have been studying the brains of bipolar patients and comparing them with the brains of normal subjects. By conducting brain scans, these researchers have found differences between the functioning of a bipolar patient's brain and a normal study subject's brain. Bipolar disorder often runs in families, with one or both parents having the disease. If one parent suffers from bipolarism, the chance of a child developing bipolarism stands at 15 to 30 percent; if both parents suffer from bipolarism, the chance increases to 50 to 75 percent. If a sibling is diagnosed with bipolarism, the chance is 15 to 25 percent that someone else in the family will develop bipolarism.

Genetics and Bipolarism

Although there is medical evidence that the neurotransmitters in the brain of a bipolar patient function differently from those of a person who does not suffer from bipolarism, there are potentially other causes. Researchers have been studying the genetic code of patients with bipolarism, based on the familial predisposition. This is a new field in research; however, the researchers who have been studying this mental illness think that it may be caused by interaction between several genes, rather than being isolated to only one gene.

How Bipolarism Affects Patients, Families and Society

Bipolarism can be triggered in the person who is predisposed by an emotional trauma. A family member's bipolar symptoms and illness take over the life of an entire family: since the patient and her family members never know when an episode of mania or depression is going to strike, the family feels like giving up in the face of unpredictability. Bipolar patients in a manic phase can spend money recklessly, engage in promiscuous sexual behavior, go without sleep for days at a time, use illicit drugs and find themselves being fired from their jobs. When the patient is in a depressive phase, he withdraws from the world, experiences sleep disturbances, loss of interest, decreased energy and inability to concentrate; he may also experience suicidal ideation--suicidal thoughts-- or may attempt to commit suicide.

Ways to Control Bipolarism

Bipolarism cannot be cured -- it can only be controlled by taking "mood stabilizing" medications. The bipolar patient will have to take his medications every day of his life or risk potentially disabling symptoms and mood cycles which can disrupt his life. Lithium is the most commonly prescribed medication for bipolarism. Psychiatrists have found this medication to be very effective in reducing the intensity of the manic and depressive phases of this mental disorder. Researchers have also found anticonvulsant medications to be effective in controlling bipolarism; some antipsychotic drugs have been found to help the more severely manic bipolar patient.

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Use Selzentry To Treat Aids Hiv

Selzentry (maraviroc) is a relative newcomer to the treatment of AIDS and HIV, having been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in patients in 2007. It is a powerful alternative for people whose HIV strain(s) show a stubborn resistance to other drug treatment options.

Instructions

Treat HIV and AIDS With Selzentry

1. Use an entry-level regimen of NNRTIs, NRTIs and protease inhibitors if you are first beginning treatment of HIV or AIDS. Selzentry is only used in patients whose HIV resists these treatments.

2. Draw up a list of all medicines you use, the accompanying dosages and the frequency with which you take them. Bring the list to your doctor, so your doctor can use it to cross-reference any of Selzentry's many drug interactions.

3. Tell your doctor if you're pregnant, nursing or planning to nurse or engage in sexual behavior that may result in you becoming pregnant. Be aware that no conclusive data has been found regarding Selzentry and pregnant women.

4. Ask about and understand the side effects you'll face if you use Selzentry to treat HIV or AIDS. The standard set of mild side effects seen with many HIV/AIDS medicines--dizziness, sore throat, rash, upset stomach, malaise, fever--commonly manifest in Selzentry users.

5. Beware of more serious side effects. Toxic damage to the liver has been observed and is thought to be at least indirectly related to Selzentry use. Patients using Selzentry in clinical trials also seemed more predisposed to having cardiovascular problems, including heart attacks.

6. Take Selzentry as directed by your doctor. Most patients take dosages twice daily. The strength of the dosage will depend on what other medicines you're taking for HIV, AIDS or unrelated conditions.

7. Speak to your doctor if you experience side effects that persist or seem severe. If this continues, your doctor may decide to explore other strategies for HIV/AIDS treatment.

Tags: your doctor, side effects, treatment AIDS

Force A Kid To Take Medicine

Some kids just simply refuse to take medicine and the reasons vary. I remember chasing my toddler around the house as soon as he saw me headed in his direction with medicine. Before you can force it on your child you need to understand his reasons for refusal, and then attack the problem from that angle. There is no fool proof way to force medicine on a kid once he reaches a certain age, but there is the power of argument and information, which should be used when necessary, and these steps can help you in achieving the goal of getting your kid to take that medication when it's needed.

Instructions

1. When your child is a baby and he doesn't want to take medication prescribed by the doctor, you can blow in his face and he will open his mouth to catch his breath. Place the dropper in the corner of his mouth then blow in his face again, forcing the swallowing reaction.

2. When your child is a toddler and she refuses to take medicine, it is a bit harder to force it on her. However, it can be done in much the same way as when she was an infant. First you have to catch her. Get her on the floor, positioned on her back with her arms to her sides so you can straddle her body. Hold her arms to her sides with your legs, then grab her cheeks and squeeze to open her mouth. Place the dropper in the corner of her mouth and blow in her face, again forcing the swallowing reaction. This may sound cruel but it is better than having her be sick for weeks on end.

3. When kids are of primary age you can still use threats of eliminating something they like, such as television or videogames, to get them to take their medicine. This is the power we have as parents and sometimes you must use it for the benefit of your child. Before taking this measure, it is advisable to try to explain the necessity of the medication first.

4. If you know your child is going to give you fits about taking his medicine, have the doctor talk to him about the reasons he should take it and the possible consequences if he doesn't. This should help, especially coming from someone other than mom or dad.

5. When your son is older and he tells you he doesn't believe in taking medication unless it's life or death, consider the possibility that he is leaning towards alternative medicine or natural healing. These are subjects you can talk about and learn of together. The best way to have a confrontation or argument is to be knowledgeable in what you are arguing. Don't be surprised if in the end you agree with your son.

6. Accept that sometimes it is not an argument worth fighting about. Each person has different immunities and tolerances for pain. Yours is not the same as your daughter's and vice versa. Children reach a certain age or maturity where they know their bodies better than parents do, and this is a fact every parent needs to be aware of.

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Use Pulsatilla Homeopathic Remedy

If you are mild-mannered person that finds yourself weepy or upset from a transition at work or in a close relationship, homeopathy as an adjunct therapy might be able to assist you.Homeopathy uses microextracts from plants, flower, herbs and sometimes animals in highly diluted tinctures and also in pellets that are believed to help the body’s immune system to stimulate health when it is out of balance. German physician Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843) is credited with developing homeopathy. Homeopathic medical universities flourished during the 19th and 20th centuries but as the Western medical model took hold, it became less visible.

Instructions

1. Notice if you have some of the qualities of individuals that have found success in using Pulsatilla homeopathic remedy. Generally people who feel better being outside in the open air find relief from their malaise. They also like to sleep with their windows open at night and they generally feel better consuming cold drinks and food.They feel worse if they consume fatty foods, after eating or being in a warm room.You may be sensitive to noise and thunderstorms disturb you.

2. Consider if you can tolerate the tincture form of Pulsatilla. Most homeopathic remedies are available in an alcohol-based liquid that is taken by dropper under the tongue.

3. Use the pellet forms instead if you do not tolerate alcohol-based products or choose to not use them. Homeopathic pellets are best dissolved under the tongue. Do not chew them.

4. Avoid caffeine, mint foods and products (such as toothpaste) and do not smoke in order to receive the full benefits from taking Pulsatilla and any other homeopathic remedy.

5. Discontinue use if you feel that Pulsatilla has no effect or if you feel that your symptoms worsen. See your doctor for additional guidance.

Tags: feel better, feel that, homeopathic remedy, under tongue

Chiropractic Neurologists

Chiropractic neurologists are chiropractors with a board certified specialty in neurology. They assess and treat patients by purely physical means and therapy. This means that patients will not have to endure surgery or take prescription medications. Many of these neurologists have found their therapies to be highly successful, and with the trend to not use invasive measures unless absolutely necessary, many traditional medical physicians are training in this field to apply these treatments to their own patients.

Function

Chiropractic neurologists are chiropractors who have specialist training in neurology from a chiropractic school. They assess neurological function and treat neurological disorders by strictly using physical therapy. It is non-invasive and non-pharmaceutical. Typical chiropractors treat patients by manipulating the spine and muscles, but with the specialty in neurology, chiropractic neurologists will perform other physical therapy in addition to the manipulations. One of these techniques is a mirror-image exercise, which has the patient view a mirror image of one of his hands to get the brain to retrain the proper muscles and help the patient relearn to write and control tremors.

Significance

These chiropractors provide an alternative means to traditional medicine in diagnosing and treating neurological disorders. They use physical therapy and spinal manipulation to treat a variety of neurological disorders, including the following: vertigo, lags in child development, ADD, ADHD, dyslexia, peripheral neuropathies, dystomia, Parkinson's and autism. Neurological chiropractors have also found success in providing rehabilitation for stroke patients as well as treatment for back and neck pain, severe headaches and TMJ.

Benefits

Most patients prefer non-surgical methods of treatment, which are usually safer and have a higher success rate than other invasive means. Non-invasive treatment also usually means shorter recovery and rehabilitation. Patients will endure less pain and be able to return to their normal routines far more quickly than with surgery. Also by not taking any prescription medications, patients will not have to endure any unwanted possible side effects from the drugs. Since chiropractic neurologists offer these types of treatments, patients can expect all of these benefits: quicker recovery, less pain, better results with the treatment, and obviously, no side effects from medication.

Considerations

For a chiropractor to obtain a specialty in neurology, one must attend a neurology program approved by the Commission for the Accreditation of Graduate Education in Neurology. This program must also have a minimum of 300 hours for completion. Upon finishing the program, the chiropractor must pass both written and practical exams in neurology from the American Chiropractic Neurology Board.

Potential

Chiropractic neurology is one of the fastest growing disciplines in not just the chiropractic field, but the medical field as well. Many physicians, neurologists, neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons are becoming board certified in chiropractic neurology to bring in another non-invasive treatment option to their repertoire. The trend in medicine for the past fifteen years has been to exhaust all non-invasive means before considering surgery, so this new field in chiropractic treatment is very appealing to add.

Tags: neurological disorders, physical therapy, specialty neurology, board certified, Chiropractic neurologists

Use The Shettles Method To Conceive A Boy

The Shettles Method is a conception prediction theory developed by biologist Landrum B. Shettles in the 1960s that claims to detemine the sex of your baby. The theory is based on female (X) sperm being slower but stronger than male (Y) sperm. The theory also suggests that male (Y) sperm are harmed in acidic environments. While this theory is often debated, it is typically considered more reputable than many old wives tales.

Instructions

1. Select a method to track your ovulation. You can track your basal body temperature to find the spike just before ovulation, use purchased ovulation tests, count fourteen days prior to the start of your next period, or any other method you like. Many reliable ovulation prediction methods can be found with a simple Internet search.

2. Track your ovulation cycle on a calendar for easy reference.

3. Avoid having sexual intercourse two to three days before ovulation is expected. Since female sperm have a longer life than male sperm, the female sperm are more likely to still be present when ovulation occurs, and the male sperm are more likely to die before ovulation.

4. Have sexual intercourse as close to ovulation as expected, but not more than one day prior. The quicker male sperm will reach the egg before the slower female sperm.

5. Achieve deepest penetration when having sexual intercourse. Acidic environments harm male sperm, and the uterus opening is the least acidic area.

Tags: male sperm, female sperm, before ovulation, sexual intercourse, having sexual, having sexual intercourse

How Magnetic Therapy Works

Increased Blood Circulation

Magnetic bracelets, cuffs, pendants, mattress pads and shoe sole implants are placed on or near injured or diseased parts of the body. The metals in magnets attract like particles, such as iron, in the blood. When a magnet is worn on or near an injured or diseased body part, this attraction causes increased blood circulation. Many illnesses are associated with or affected by decreased blood circulation, including heart disease, diabetes, artery blockages, Raynaud's phenomenon and peripheral vascular disease. (See Resources below for scientific study on how magnetic therapy helps diabetic neuropathy.)

Pain Relief

Magnet-induced increased blood circulation allows more oxygen, hormones (including pain-killing hormones called endorphins) and nutrients to be delivered to tissues and organs. This in turn accelerates and enhances natural pain relief and healing. Unlike pain killers that temporarily block pain signals to the brain, magnetic therapy alleviates the cause of the pain by increasing endorphins and reducing inflammation.

Inflammation Reduction

The body reacts to an injury or disease by increasing blood flow and sending infection-fighting white blood cells to the affected area (an inflammatory process). This process causes extra fluid from dilated blood vessels to invade and damage cells, adding to the inflammation. Specifically, damaged cells have imbalanced ions (electromagnetically charged particles in the cell) that allow the extra fluid from the inflammatory process to penetrate them, pushing out valuable hormones, electrolytes and nutrients. Inflammation compresses the nerves which adds to the pain. Magnetic therapy reduces inflammation by realigning the imbalanced ions in cells, allowing them to heal. Traumatic injuries, osteoarthritis, neuropathies, fibromyalgia and autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis are associated with inflammation.

Detoxification

When white blood cells attack infections, they discharge toxins into the blood which the body stores in cellulite (fluid pockets) as it cannot safely excrete them. Magnetized blood helps draw out the toxins by attracting their positive charge as it runs through the tissue. The toxins are carried by the blood to the liver for detoxification (cleansing). The cleansed toxins are then purged from the body by the kidneys.

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Magnetic Energy Therapy

Magnetic energy therapy involves placing magnets or magnetized objects on the body to facilitate healing and spiritual balance.

Types

Magnetic energy therapy can incorporate the use of jewelry, belts, patches, blankets and shoe inserts.

Function

Magnetic energy enters the body and corrects any electromagnetic impulse irregularities present within cells and tissues.

Benefits

According to The American Cancer Society, participants claim magnetic energy therapy increases circulation, decreases inflammation and relieves pain. Extreme believers in this therapy method claim that it can cure cancer and heal broken bones.

Considerations

No scientific proof backs up the beneficial effects of magnetic energy. Blind scientific studies do not give conclusive evidence, because participants can tell if they are wearing a magnet by placing a metal object, such as a paper clip, against the testing device.

Warning

People with pacemakers or other medical implants may experience an adverse reaction when exposed to magnetic energy therapy. Consult a doctor before trying this alternative treatment.

Tags: energy therapy, magnetic energy therapy

What Is A Dmsa Scan

DMSA scans are used to test the kidneys.

Whether you are suffering from kidney infections or kidney stones, a DMSA scan may be necessary to find and diagnose the specific problem. All that is necessary is consultation with a radiologist, and about an hour of your time.

Test Administration

According to the Children's Memorial Hospital, in order to administer the test, the technician will inject a small amount of radiopharmaceutical into your blood. After the drug is administered, a two-hour waiting period is required, after which you will lie on a table while a camera takes pictures of your internal composition.

During the Test

The test will generally take around 10 minutes to complete, but it is important that you stay as still as possible while the pictures are being taken. After the pictures are complete, the drug that was injected into your bloodstream will be passed by means of urination.

Interpreting the Results

Generally, the picture and test results will be developed and interpreted on the same day as the scan is completed. From there the results will be submitted to your physician where an adequate diagnosis of a renal condition may be rendered.

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Do A Smudge Cleansing

White sage is used in smudge cleansings.

Smudging is performed to cleanse your spirit, to remove negative energy and to add positive energy to your self and space. It is a traditional Native American and indigenous practice that is also performed before a special ceremony, such as a powwow. Today, those who smudge may do so before tackling a tough challenge or to start their day with an encouraging act. The four sacred herbs representing the cardinal directions are sweetgrass (north), tobacco (east), sage (south) and cedar (west). Other herbs, like juniper and lavender, are used in smudge cleansings by certain cultures.

Instructions

1. Select an herb that reflects what you want to get out of the cleansing. Sage drives out negative spirits and energy while sweetgrass attracts positive spirits and energy. Smudge with white or desert sage first, followed by sweetgrass. Tobacco sends prayers to the Creator, cedar cleanses your mind of negative emotions, juniper brings safety to your space and lavender creates a loving and peaceful atmosphere and renews balance. Choose between a smudge stick, which is a bundle of one or several herbs, or loose herbs. A smudge stick is easier to burn.

2. Light a candle. Light an end of a smudge stick and blow on the flame so the stick is smoldering. If you are using loose herbs, light incense charcoal to a smolder, place them in a fire-proof ceramic bowl, and place 1/2 tsp. of herbs on top of the coal. Wait until smoke rises from the herbs.

3. Begin smudging by moving smoke with a fan, feather or your hand towards your body. Starting with your left foot, work your way up the left side of your body all the way up to your head. Fan smoke through the center of your face and torso and then move it around your sides to cover your back. Finish by fanning smoke all the way down your right leg to your right foot.

4. Cleanse your special space or room by starting in the northern direction and moving around in a clockwise direction. Fan smoke in all areas of the space including behind doors and the corners of the room.

5. Smudge any tools that are important for your vocation, spirituality or daily life. Tools that will be used in a ceremony are always cleansed.

6. Repeat the smudge cleansing four times, if you wish, since the number four represents balance and harmony.

Tags: smudge stick, loose herbs, smudge cleansings, spirits energy, used smudge, used smudge cleansings, your body

Symptoms On The Day Before A Period

Although there are several symptoms that can alert to women to the onset of menstruation, all symptoms are not always present. Some women may experience no symptoms at all, while others may experience several. However, most symptoms disappear as menstruation comes to an end. Bloating, mood swings, food cravings, headaches and skin problems are some of the more common signs on the day before menstruation begins.

Bloating and Cramping

Bloating, cramping and water retention are common before the start of a period. Slight weight gain is also possible, yet usually is only temporary. Bloating usually occurs in the abdomen while swelling occurs in the ankles, hands and feet. Cramping can range from a dull ache to a sharp pain in the lower abdomen.

Mood Swings

Mood swings are a fairly common symptom before menstruation. Anxiety, irritability and anger can be contributed to an impending period. Women may also experience bouts of sadness and crying.

Blemishes

Skin blemishes such as acne and oily skin may start to surface the day before menstruation, and possibly a week before. Some women may also find that their hair is more oily, or alternately some may have unusually dry hair.

Breast Swelling

Breast swelling and tenderness may also be present before menstruation. Women may also feel tingling sensations in their breasts, as well as itchiness and a general discomfort.

Food Cravings

Many women will notice a craving for certain foods before their period, and some may have the "munchies." The cravings can range from salty snacks such as chips and peanuts, to sweet snacks such as chocolate.

Fatigue

Fatigue can come from a multitude of different issues, including stress, weather and medical problems. However, fatigue is a common symptom before menstruation. Some women may experience an inability to sleep before menstruation as well.

Headaches

Headaches can also be attributed to other factors, but many women experience headaches, from slight to major, before their periods begin. As with other symptoms, the severity of the headache normally lessens as menstruation begins.

Tags: before menstruation, Some women, women experience, before their, common symptom, common symptom before, menstruation begins

Sleep Apnea Symptoms

Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder that affects millions of people. Sleep apnea occurs when there are breaks or pauses in breathing while someone is asleep. Obstructive Sleep Apnea, the most common form of sleep apnea, occurs when the soft tissue in the throat collapses enough to stop air flow. Central Sleep Apnea is caused by problems in the part of the brain responsible for breath management. Lastly, sleep apnea might be caused by a combination of the Obstructive and Central Sleep Apnea. Experts call this Mixed Sleep Apnea. The symptoms of sleep apnea are described below.

Snoring

Virtually every person afflicted with sleep apnea has loud and excessive snoring.

Memory Problems

Sleep apnea affects brain states and can result in poor quality rest. This may lead to problems with both memory and concentration.

Restless Sleep

Sleep apnea sufferers tend to be restless sleepers, tossing and turning a great deal while sleeping.

Headaches

A large percentage of patients diagnosed with sleep apnea report suffering from headaches on a regular basis.

Personality

Those suffering from severe sleep apnea may be subject to changes in their personality. If this occurs, medical treatment should be sought immediately.

Tags: with sleep apnea, apnea occurs, apnea occurs when, Central Sleep, Central Sleep Apnea, occurs when, Sleep apnea