Myelodysplastic syndrome is a group of disorders in which stem cells in the body do not form or function correctly. This means there aren't enough healthy cells in the body, which can lead to life-threatening complications. According to the Blood Cancer and Leukemia website, between 7,000 and 12,000 new cases of Myelodysplastic syndrome are diagnosed each year in the U.S.
Considerations
Myelodysplastic syndrome is not cancer, but some forms of the condition can lead to acute myeloid leukemia, a form of cancer. For this reason, the syndrome is often referred to as pre-leukemia.
Symptoms
Fatigue and shortness of breath, easy bruising or bleeding, losing weight unintentionally, very pale skin, frequent infections, petechiae (tiny red spots underneath the skin), weakness and fever are symptoms of Myelodysplastic syndrome.
Types
There are different types of Myelodysplastic syndrome. 5q-syndrome affects the DNA of the body. Hypoplastic MDS acts like anemia in the body. MDS with myleofibrosis causes bone marrow to grow in the spleen and liver. And regular bone marrow is replaced with fibrosis tissue and MDS with prominent eosinophilia causes an excess of certain white blood cells.
Cancer Risks
Patients are classified by their risk for developing cancer. Intermediate-1 is the lowest risk level. Patients at this level have refractory anemia, refractory anemia with ringed sideroblasts, or refractory anemia with excessive blasts. Patients at higher risk of developing cancer are considered Intermediate-2 and usually have refractory anemia with excessive blasts in transformation or chrome myelomonocytic leukemia.
Causes
There is no known cause for primary Myelodysplastic syndrome. Some causes for secondary Myelodysplastic syndrome include chemotherapy and environmental toxins.
Tags: Myelodysplastic syndrome, refractory anemia, anemia with, refractory anemia with, anemia with excessive, bone marrow, cells body
Many people wonder what types of herbal remedies are available to treat childhood asthma. Reports on the effectiveness of herbal remedies for childhood asthma are mixed, and, unfortunately, herbs can sometimes interfere with the effectiveness of other medications. Talk with your child's doctor before administering herbal remedies to your child. Here are some herbal remedies for childhood asthma.
Butterbur
Studies have shown the herb butterbur to be highly effective in controlling asthma. This homeopathic remedy works as an anti-inflammatory.
Elecampane
Elecampane is an herbal remedy that has shown good results for treating lung ailments, including chronic lung conditions like asthma.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba has been found to be an effective herbal remedy for childhood asthma because it blocks the compounds that causes asthma symptoms.
Ivy Leaf
Studies have shown that ivy leaf extracts improve the function of the lungs in children who suffer from chronic asthma.
Thyme Leaf
Herbal remedies containing thyme help to relax the muscles in the trachea, which helps relieve the symptoms of childhood asthma.
Tags: childhood asthma, childhood asthma, have shown, herbal remedies, herbal remedy, Studies have
Herbal tinctures are traditionally used as antiseptics and can be used both internally and externally. Alcohol, one of the main ingredients in herbal tinctures, extracts the active properties of the herbs and serves as a preservative. The most typical use for tinctures is for herbal gargles, douches, compresses, liniments, washes, and baths.
Instructions
1. Place herbs in jar. If using fresh herbs, wash first, then place in jar.
2. Mix vodka and water together. Pour liquid over herbs in jar. Cover with lid.
3. Store jar with herbs and liquid in a dark place for two weeks. Shake jar every other day during this period.
4. At the end of two weeks, strain the herb/liquid mixture through the cheesecloth and wring out all the liquid. Reserve the liquid and discard the plant matter.
5. Pour liquid into a clean amber jar or bottle, seal with lid, and label with name and date. Store in dark, cool place. Tinctures will keep for 2-3 years.
6. According to professional herbalist Non Shaw, the standard tincture dosage for adults is 1 tsp (5 ml) three times per day for chronic conditions and 1 tsp (5ml) six times a day for acute conditions. Dilute 1 part tincture with 4 parts water for gargles, douches, and compresses. Add 1 cup tincture to baths.
Tags: douches compresses, gargles douches, gargles douches compresses, Make Herbal, Make Herbal Tinctures, Pour liquid
Crash carts should be supplied to follow the progression of advanced cardiac life support.
Organizing a crash or code cart requires knowing the progression of the "Advanced Cardiac Life Support" process, established by the American Heart Association. Crash carts, found in most health care facilities, have five, seven or nine drawers containing supplies used when responding to a life-threatening emergency. Found in strategic locations throughout the hospital or health care facility, crash carts should be easily accessible to health care providers and inventoried and restocked on a regular basis.
Instructions
1. Crash cart supplies are fairly standard in the health care industry, though certain items may be facility specific. Drugs are kept in the top drawer, and sometimes also in the second drawer in larger facilities. All ACLS first line, rapid sequence pharmaceuticals are placed based on progression of administration. A bar code scanner may be in the drawer as well, if the syringes are bar coded.
2. The next drawer contains all of the adult intubation supplies. Starting from left to right, you should have endotracheal tubes, airways, pressure cuff, CO2 detector, laryngoscope handle, forceps, guidewires, bulb, blades and batteries. Some facilities have an intubation kit, a separate box containing all of these supplies, sitting on top of the crash cart for easy access.
3. The next drawer holds all of your sterile supplies including three sizes of sterile gloves, gauze, tape, alcohol swabs, syringes and needles in various sizes, conducting gel and injectable saline. This is another drawer that may hold facility specific items such as those found in nursing homes and orthopedic centers.
4. The next drawer will hold all of your infant and pediatric intubation and medical supplies. This drawer should be organized similar to the adult intubation drawer. If your facility accommodates infants and children, this drawer will hold all sizes of endotracheal tubes, resuscitation bags, blood pressure cuffs and suction catheters. Additional pediatric supplies, such as such as masks, cannulas, electrodes and pediatric single dose medications, are also kept in this drawer.
5. The next drawer has all of your intravenous and blood draw supplies such as IV catheters, syringes, specimen tubes, tape and tourniquets.
6. The last drawer contains all of your IV solutions, IV tubing sets, surgical kits and miscellaneous.
7. The outside of the cart should have an oxygen tank with regulator on the left side, the cardiac board on the back and the defibrillator on top of the cart.
Tags: health care, next drawer, adult intubation, carts should, drawer contains
Carcinoma in situ (CIS) of the urinary bladder consists in an early stage of bladder cancer, when the tumor(s) have affected only the innermost layers of the bladder wall. Left untreated, the carcinoma can affect deeper and deeper layers until it penetrates the wall and affects surrounding organs. The species of bacteria (NAME) (BCG) causes tuberculosis, but when attenuated for treating bladder CIS, the live bacteria cannot multiply and cause the disease. The bacteria cause an immune response that rids the bladder of the CIS tumors.
Bladder CIS
According to eMedicine, bladder CIS, a form of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), affects 4,000 to 5,000 people in the United States each year, with men outnumbering women 3:1. It accounts for 10 percent of TCC, the rest being more invasive. CIS forms on the lining of the bladder wall and tends to spread flat along the inside of the bladder. If left untreated it can become invasive and affect deeper layers of the bladder. Symptoms include irritation when urinating and blood in the urine, but these symptoms occur also with urinary tract infection. With cystoscopy, which uses an instrument to see into the bladder, CIS appears red with a velvety texture. Experts believe smoking and exposures to environmental carcinogens causes most bladder cancers.
Instillation of BCG
The most common preparations of BCG, Tice and TheraCys, have similar compositions. Technically considered vaccines, they contain live and dead bacteria in a freeze-dried powder. Meyer et al., in their review article in "Postgraduate Medicine," explains that the physician activates the bacteria in 30 to 50 mL of saline (about an ounce) and then, using a catheter through the urethra, instills the solution into the bladder. Given the similarity of CIS symptoms to urinary tract infections, the physician must rule out such infections before instilling the BCG solution.
Retention in the Bladder
Meyer et al. go on to explain that the patient retains the solution for at least one hour and then passes it. During that hour, the patient lies on the back, the front and both sides for 15 minutes each, to ensure that the solution comes into contact with all of the bladder lining. While in the bladder, the BCG causes inflammation as the body's immune system fights against it. Immune system T-cells and macrophages rush to the site and attack the tumors along with the BCG bacteria. BCG also appears to interfere directly with the tumor growth.
Frequency and Number of Treatments
The patient will undergo weekly treatments for six weeks, after which the physician will perform a cytoscopy. If necessary, the patient will undergo another six-week regimen. Meyer et al. refer to various efficacy studies to note that CIS responds completely to the treatment in approximately 85 percent of patients, with some studies following patients for up 44 months. Patients receiving one or two treatments have a low rate of CIS recurrence.
Side Effects and Risks
Most patients experience side effects, according to Meyer et al. In addition to the risks of the catheterization, about 80 percent of patients experience irritation and difficulty urinating, 40 percent blood in the urine and 30 percent a fever from BCG. Meyer et al. recommend analgesics to alleviate the symptoms, which normally resolve within two days. Other rare but more serious effects may occur, including granulomas, allergic reactions and a severe systemic reaction to BCG. Brosman recommends that patients clean the toilet after urinating for the next three urinations to avoid exposing family members to the bacteria.
Alternative Treatments
Brosman lists several other chemotherapeutic agents that may be used instead of BCG, including mitomycin-C, gemcitabine and doxyrubicin, but BCG remains the treatment standard. Surgery does not constitute a feasible treatment because CIS often has small tumors dispersed inside the bladder, making it difficult the tumors and remove them all. Grossman et al. note that adding interferon to BCG can improve response rates and, for CIS that does not respond to BCG treatment, physicians may try valrubicin. Valrubicin, however, has a low response rate in treating these patients. Removal of the bladder may be necessary when chemotherapeutic agents fail.
People can achieve improvements in hair growth by adding certain vitamins and nutrients to their diets. Many nutritional elements help hair grow faster and can prevent hair loss. A specific vitamin supplement probably won't do the trick, however, because certain foods provide benefits due to substances other than vitamins.
Function
Beta-carotene is essential for hair growth, and is found in green, yellow, and orange vegetables such as yams, winter squash, turnip greens, carrots, kale and spinach. Beta-carotene also is an antioxidant and provides vitamin A.
Significance
Several doctors comment on Webmd.com about the benefits of vitamin B for hair growth. Many recommend a B-complex supplement along with eating lean meat such as chicken and turkey, as well as fish, eggs, dairy products and whole grains. Chickpeas, which are high in B vitamins, also contain zinc, which helps build hair protein and prevent hair loss. Zinc also is found in lean meat and fish.
Features
Iron can help hair growth by carrying oxygen to hair. Dark green vegetables such as Swiss chard, broccoli, kale, and spinach are rich in iron, as are dates, raisin, eggs and liver. Dark green vegetables also are an excellent source of vitamin A, and of vitamin C which is necessary for producing the body's natural moisturizer, sebum. Sebum is secreted by hair follicles and is a natural conditioner. Vitamin C also improves circulation, which enhances hair growth since the blood carries essential vitamins and nutrients to the base of the hair.
Theories/Speculation
Vitamin E has received attention as a possible hair growth enhancer, but research is inconclusive. Some proponents claim vitamin E deficiencies aggravate hair loss, but it is rare for anyone to be deficient in this vitamin. Vitamin E does increase oxygen absorption and improve circulation. It is found in spinach and other green leafy vegetables, broccoli, eggs, nuts and seeds, legumes and whole grains
Considerations
Other substances besides vitamins which are important include water and other hydrating liquids, Omega-3 and Omega-6 essential fatty acids, and protein. The Omega fatty acids keep the scalp and hair from drying out, and a dry scalp is more prone to hair loss. They are found particularly in oily fish such as salmon, sardines, tuna and trout, as well as liver, avocado, nuts, olives, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds and spinach.
People generally get enough protein, but a diet which is deficient can cause slow-growing and thinning hair. Poultry and lean red meat, fish, dairy products, nuts, eggs, and beans are excellent sources.
Tags: hair growth, hair loss, lean meat, dairy products, Dark green
Systemic lupus erythematosus, typically referred to simply as lupus, is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect almost every part of the human body, including the lungs, kidneys, heart and even the brain. As is typical in autoimmune disorders, the immune system over-responds and begins to attack healthy cells and tissues. This results in an inflammatory response and long-term tissue damage. There is no cure for lupus, though the condition is considered to be very treatable.
Symptoms
When lupus attacks the brain, it causes a number of common symptoms, known collectively as cognitive dysfunction: headache, memory issues, trouble with expressing ideas and fatigue. There can also be changes in personality and emotional states.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing lupus is a complex process due to the manner in which lupus symptoms mimic the symptoms of other conditions. One of the more common diagnostic methods is the "11 Criteria of Lupus." This is a list of symptoms and expected test results that, if a patient matches up with, is a good indicator of lupus.
Treatment
Treatments are based on the severity of the disease and the extent of the damage done to the body. Treatments can be as mild as over-the-counter NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, or as potent as prescription corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs. Therapy is often integrated into the treatment to help manage behavioral, emotional and lifestyle changes.
Prevalence
Lupus is significantly more prevalent among women than men. It is also more prevalent among minority groups than the Caucasian population.
Life Expectancy
The survival rate for those with lupus is quite high at the 10-year mark, around 90 percent.
Tags: more prevalent, more prevalent among, prevalent among
Cancer patients must often undergo weeks or months of painful and exhausting treatment, and those who suffer from bone marrow cancer often undergo the most painful treatments of all. Those who have been diagnosed with bone marrow cancer must work with their doctor to determine what treatment option is best for them.
Ways of Treating Cancer
Cancer treatments fall into one of two categories. Systemic therapies such as chemotherapy are used when doctors want to treat cancers that have metastasized, whereas local therapies like surgery and radiation therapy are used to target specific areas on the patient.
Chemotherapy
When most people think of cancer treatments, chemotherapy is the first thing that comes to mind. A variety of chemotherapy drugs are helpful for bone cancer patients, including doxorubicin and etoposide.
Radiation Therapy
Concentrated, targeted doses of radiation can be applied to areas of the body where there are high concentrations of cancer cells. Radiation can be applied prior to surgery or as a follow-up treatment after a patient has undergone surgery.
Surgery
Those who suffer from bone cancer may have tumors in the soft tissues, as well as within the bone itself. The various surgical methods that may be used include bone marrow transplant and removal of muscle tissue attached to the sarcoma.
Biphosphonates
Biphosphonates are a type of pharmaceutical concoction that are given when the cancer has spread deep into the bone. This type of pharmaceutical is prescribed in order to minimize the pain and damage caused to the bone by the cancer.
Tags: bone cancer, bone marrow, bone marrow cancer, from bone, marrow cancer, often undergo
The aorta is the blood vessel that runs from the heart to the abdomen. It's the major source of blood to your body, so if it ruptures, the result is potentially fatal bleeding. Because of this--and because emergency surgery for a ruptured aortic aneurysm carries a 50 percent risk of death--it's important to be alert to signs of an aortic aneurysm sooner rather than later.
No Symptoms
It's possible to have an aortic aneurysm and not have symptoms. However, particularly if you have some or all of factors that put you at increased risk (see Risk Factors), you should be aware that an absence of symptoms doesn't necessarily mean you're in the clear. People younger than 50 are more likely to have symptoms of aortic aneurysms than are older people, according to Health.com.
General Pain or Pulsing
Symptoms of an aortic aneurysm that may be growing and at risk of rupturing include pain or tenderness in the chest or abdomen; a pulsing sensation in the abdominal area; and back pain, according to the Mayo Clinic. This pain probably won't be affected by movement and may last for hours or days.
Cold Feet
Cold feet or black or blue toes are also possible symptoms of an aortic aneurysm. These can occur if the aneurysm causes a blood clot that prevents blood from reaching the legs or feet, according to Health.com.
Fever
Only a small number of aortic aneurysms, called inflammatory aortic aneurysms, are caused by inflammation or infection. If you have this kind of aneurysm, symptoms might include fever and weight loss, according to Health.com.
Severe Pain
The pain may be "severe and unrelenting" if the aneurysm is leaking, according to the Merck Manual Home Edition. After an aneurysm ruptures, the pain is likely to be excruciating. If you experience this, you should seek medical attention immediately. Left untreated, ruptured aneurysms are always fatal.
Risk Factors
One of the most significant risk factors for developing an aortic aneurysm is a family history of them. If you do have a family history of aortic aneurysms, you should consider being screened for the condition. When there is a family history of aortic aneurysms, they are likely to show up when you're younger and they are more likely to rupture.
Any history of tobacco use puts you at increased risk of having an aortic aneurysm. In particular, the Mayo Clinic recommends that men between the ages of 65 and 75 who have smoked or chewed tobacco be screened for an aortic aneurysm via ultrasound.
Being male is a risk factor for aortic aneurysms, as men have them five to 10 times more often as women do--although the risk of rupture is greater in women. A condition called atherosclerosis--the buildup of fat in the lining of a blood vessel--also puts you at higher risk of an aortic aneurysm.
Tags: aortic aneurysm, aortic aneurysms, according Health, family history, Aorta Aneurysm, Aorta Aneurysm Symptoms
If you have been struggling with weight loss for quite some time you may be wondering what it takes to qualify for lap band surgery. It's never a bad idea to take the time to see if this is a solution that may work for you. Keep reading to see what it takes to qualify for these surgeries that could be life saving in more ways than one.
Instructions
1. Understand what it means to qualify for lap band surgery. Not everyone is fully aware of what the lap band surgery can mean for them and their lifestyles once the surgery is over. Only those that have a firm grasp on the reality of life after the surgery can really be prepared for the actual surgery.
2. Have a BMI (body mass index) that is greater than 40 or 35 with health problems resulting from obesity. This is not a solution for someone that needs to lose a small amount of weight in order to reach optimal health. This is a potential solution for those who need to lose a significant amount of weight for the sake of their health.
3. Struggle with obesity. This is a major surgery and not really intended for those who can lose the weight on their own but rather for those who have tried time and again without success to lose the weight and failed. You should have faced weight issues for at least five years before you can qualify for lap band surgery.
4. Be committed to making the necessary changes for weight loss success. This is not a decision that should be made on impulse. There are a lot of risks involved with this surgery and it should not be viewed as an easy path to weight loss.
5. Show a positive attitude about the weight loss possibilities that is tempered with realistic expectations and aggressive but achievable goals. The better prepared you are for the weight loss process mentally, the more likely you will be to qualify for lap band surgery.
Tags: weight loss, band surgery, qualify band, qualify band surgery, amount weight, band surgery
Bedbugs can be found in any type of dwelling from hotels to houses, though they are usually attracted to unclean areas and those that have nearby bats and birds. Bedbugs prefer fresh blood of human and animals, and produce itchy, bothersome bites.
Identification
Bedbug bites may be hard to identify since they "can look like little bumps, a rash, or just reddish skin" according to www.bedbugsguide.com. Doctors often misdiagnose bedbug bites due to they fact that they resemble other skin conditions.
Effects
The saliva of a bedbug contains a chemical that prevents the blood from clotting. They inject their saliva into the bite while they are feeding, which causes an allergic reaction and makes the bites red and itchy.
Misconceptions
Contrary to popular belief, bedbug bites "are not known to transmit any infectious agents" according to Richard Pollack, Ph.D. and Gary Alpert Ph.D., co-authors of a Harvard School of Public Health bedbugs study. Scratching only increases itching associated with bedbug bites and may lead to infection.
Significance
Although it rare for a person to have a serious reaction from bedbug bites, sensitivity increases with exposure. If you have symptoms other than itching and irritation you should speak with your physician immediately.
Prevention/Solution
Avoid buying any used furniture, particularly mattresses and bed frames. If your residence has bedbugs you should thoroughly clean the affected area with a strong suction vacuum and wire brush to dislodge eggs and suction up loose bedbugs.
Inspiratory wheezing, also known as stridor, produces a strained, high-pitched sound made when breathing. It is usually caused by an obstruction involving either the pharynx, epiglottis, trachea, larynx or bronchial tubes. Inspiratory wheezing can affect children and adults.
Retropharyngeal Abscess
A retropharyngeal abscess is a collection of pus found in the back of the throat (pharynx). If the abscess is large enough, it may produce an obstruction causing severe throat pain, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) and respiratory distress.
Epiglottitis
Epiglottitis is an inflammation of the epiglottis that can cause breathing difficulties that ultimately lead to an obstructed airway. The epiglottis is a flap of tissue that covers the windpipe, so food cannot enter and become lodged when swallowing.
Congenital Tracheomalacia
Tracheomalacia occurs in newborns where there is an abnormal softening of the cartilage in the windpipe. This abnormality causes the walls of the trachea to become floppy and obstruct the newborn's airway.
Laryngospasm
A laryngospasm is an acute, sudden condition where a brief spasm of the vocal chords makes it difficult to speak or breathe. The spasm is usually associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) because stomach acid is propelled up toward the larynx causing the acid to come in contact with the vocal cords. Laryngospasms can also occur after removing an endotracheal tube. An endotracheal tube is placed into a patient's trachea to ensure that the airway stays open either during a surgical procedure or when a patient is on a mechanical ventilator.
Bronchitis
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes causing breathing difficulties due to increased mucus production. This condition is often exacerbated by bacterial infections, viruses, cigarette smoke, dust, allergens and chemicals.
The Eskimos are credited with inventing goggles, carving them out of caribou antler, wood or shell to protect them from snow blindness. They were held to the head with a string made out of caribou sinew. Over the centuries, different kinds of goggles have been developed for use in a variety of applications.
Description
Goggles are also known as safety glasses because they serve as protective eye wear. They cover the eye and surrounding areas to prevent anything from hitting or touching the eyes. This includes water, chemicals and various particles.
Night Vision Goggles
The U.S. Army invented night vision goggles (NVG) during World War II (1939 to 1945) and the Korean War (1950 to 1953). The devices are useful for enemy lookouts at night, when there might not be enough light to identify figures with the naked eye. They are also used for night combat. Night vision goggles were in wide use by the time of the Vietnam War (1959 to 1975).
Lab and Research Goggles
Goggles for laboratory work and research are not only used for protection from chemicals and other harmful agents, but also for specialized applications. A good example is the red adaptation goggles, which were created to enable physicians to adapt their eyes to view the light produced by screens during fluoroscopic procedures. Wihlem Trendleenburg invented the red adaptation goggles in 1916.
Sports Goggles
Swimming goggles can be traced to as early as the 14th century, when Middle Eastern texts of the day included descriptions of pearl divers using eyewear made out of tortoise shells. Goggles were introduced to competitive swimming in the 1960s, and they have been ubiquitous in the sport ever since. Goggles are used in other sports such as basketball, where NBA stars such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar made it a trademark.
Kroop's Goggles
A notable goggles manufacturing company is Kroop's Goggles. Responding to a jockey's discomfort with heavy, bulky eyewear, a boot maker by the name of Israel Kroop began to make small, lightweight goggles and opened Kroop's Goggles in 1947. By the 1950s, the eyewear was not only in demand by jockeys, but also in other sports and activities such as skydiving and bicycling.
Tags: Kroop Goggles, adaptation goggles, have been, Invented Goggles, other sports
Knee injuries can be life altering and debilitating. Recovery varies from a couple of days, to weeks, months or even years. The varying levels of knee injury can determine the length of recovery time or whether complete recovery is possible.
Instructions
1. R.I.C.E: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation: These are the 4 major principles to follow immediately after any injury. Rest will keep you from further injuring the weakest or most vulnerable parts of your knee. Ice can help decrease the inflammatory response and pain levels of your injury. Compression using an elastic bandage or brace can help give your knee the support that your own muscles cannot give. Elevation can prevent extreme inflammation which can cause further injury to the affected area.
2. Diagnosis: After any injury it is best to seek the care of a medical professional. It is always important to understand what you are trying to rehabilitate before beginning any injury recovery program. The earlier you get a diagnosis the better the chance to determine what needs to be done in terms of planning a treatment and recovery program.
3. Sprains and Strains: Depending on your physician's plan of action, there are several different methods that can be used to help rehabilitate a knee injury. For a simple sprain or strain, R.I.C.E is typically sufficient to help your knee return to its normal functionality. Depending on the severity of the sprain, crutches or a brace may be required for a few days up to a couple of months. Every person's recovery time varies depending on the extent of the injury.
4. Meniscus Tears: This injury is much more difficult to heal. The meniscus is a piece of cartilage that sets between the bones in your thigh and lower leg. This cartilage is avascular, meaning it does not get blood flow (or receives very little blood flow). Blood flow is necessary as the body attempts to heal itself. Without this blood flow, meniscal injuries rarely heal on their own- surgical intervention may be necessary if locking, sticking or pain continue past a month or two, or if pain levels and inflammatory response increase over time. Crutches are typically necessary and can help you rest your knee as you heal.
5. Fractures: There are several bones in the area which include the patella (kneecap), femur (thigh bone), tibia and fibula (lower leg bones). Fractures to these bones typically take time to heal along with R.I.C.E., or may require surgical intervention if the fracture is severe.
6. ACL, PCL, MCL and LCL tears: These are the ligaments that help keep your knee in place. They are thick bands of ligament (holding bone to bone) that prevent your knee bones from shifting too far forward, backward or side-to-side. If torn, there is the possibility of healing; however, if any of the ligaments are severed it will most likely lead to surgical intervention. Braces and crutches can help alleviate pain, discomfort and joint instability in addition to starting a strengthening program upon the approval of your physician.
7. Strengthening: After the acute injury has occurred, and you are no longer at risk of reinjuring the affected area, strengthening will be necessary. Beginning with a light rehabilitation program you can build your strength and increase the stability of the affected joint. Strengthening will be necessary to regain most (if not all) of the previous function- but make sure to discuss your rehabilitation options with your physician, therapist or personal trainer who has experience with your specific injury.
Tags: your knee, surgical intervention, your physician, affected area, blood flow, Heal Knee
A slightly crooked nose can sometimes complement a face by making it more interesting. A very broken nose is just an eyesore. If you break your nose, you have two choices for resetting it: set it yourself, or have it reset by a doctor.
Unless you're experienced with broken noses already, it is highly recommended that you go with the second option. Otherwise, keep in mind that you must follow these steps as soon as possible after the injury happens. If you try even half an hour later, the swelling will make your job much more difficult. You'll be more likely to make it worse than to fix it. If it has already been half an hour, let the emergency room take care of it.
Instructions
1. Sit down. This will be very painful and may cause dizziness or lightheadedness. You don't want to fall and reinjure yourself.
2. Blow your nose once into a thick towel. A lot of blood and mucous will likely come out, so Kleenex or toilet paper will not be up to the task
3. Make a triangle with both hands, placing all four finger pads against one another, with the palms sloping away from one another.
4. Place the apex of the triangle snugly at the top of your nose.
5. Take a deep breath in through your mouth.
6. While exhaling through your mouth, bring your palms together until your hands are molded snugly (but not too tight) around your nose.
7. Slowly drag your hands straight down towards your chin in as straight a line a possible.
8. Check your work in a mirror. If the nose needs further straightening, repeat steps three through seven until it looks right.
9. Immediately apply ice to your nose to reduce swelling.
10. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, preferably one with anti-inflammatory properties, such as aspirin or ibuprofen.
11. If you feel dizzy or nauseated after 10 minutes, go to the emergency room immediately. Dizziness and nausea are common reactions to the level of pain self-setting a broken nose will cause, but if they last more than 10 minutes go get checked out.
Tags: your nose, emergency room, half hour, through your, through your mouth
If you receive a dog bite that results in an open wound or bleeding, obtaining a tetanus shot may be imperative. You'll need to obtain a shot if you haven't been vaccinated within the last five years. Timing is critical; therefore, you need to make arrangements to receive the vaccine within 72 hours after being bit. Tetanus is an acute disease that can be fatal. Two of the major symptoms include spasmodic contractions and rigidity of the voluntary muscles. The disease is also known as lockjaw.
How Tetanus is Spread
Dogs can carry the tetanus bacterium through their saliva. Therefore, the tetanus bacterium can enter your system when a dog bites you.
Obtaining a Tetanus Shot
If you haven't had a tetanus shot in the past five years, you will have to obtain one from your family doctor or go to an emergency room and receive the vaccination immediately.
Timing is Critical
It's critical that your receive a tetanus shot within 72 hours after you are bitten.
Tetanus Shots for Children
If your child is bitten by a dog, and hasn't received a tetanus shot within the last 10 years, then you will immediately need to make arrangements for him to receive the vaccine.
Symptoms
It's important you obtain a shot if you are bitten as tetanus is a potentially fatal disease. As stated, symptoms include muscle rigidity and spasmodic contractions of the voluntary muscles.
Tags: tetanus shot, arrangements receive, arrangements receive vaccine, five years, hours after, make arrangements, make arrangements receive
Living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or Bowel Urgency puts a patient in an undeniably uncomfortable and precarious situation, but through careful management of the condition and constant awareness of the potential complications related to IBS and bowel urgency patients can avoid progressively worsening symptoms and if they can not regulate the situation completely, at least establish a greater degree of control.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome a Condition Not a Disease
One of the most common misconceptions about IBS is that it is a disease requiring extensive medication and medical guidance to control. This is true to a degree--any sufferer of any painful disorder like this should consult a doctor, and weigh heavily their medical professional's recommendations for medication. But medication will not cure a condition like irritable bowel syndrome.
The most important factor in the comfort of a patient with IBS is the steps they take to know their bodies' reaction and gauge the effects of certain foods. It is helpful to keep a list of everything that has been ingested, and record next to the food listing the severity of reaction.
IBS reactions include stomach discomfort, constipation, cramping, gas and diarrhea. Everyone's reaction is different, just as everyone's food triggers will be different and unique to their system's function.
If you can not decipher a trigger for your IBS contact a nutritionist and a gastroenteritis--a branch of medical doctor focused on digestive problems.
Some sufferers of IBS have other stomach disorders simultaneously, complicating their situation and increasing discomfort.
Bowel Urgency
This condition is essentially the same as diarrhea, but like IBS there are tons of factors unique to every patient that will determine their reaction to the disorder. Some experience this urgency relatively rarely and can solve their problem with over the counter drugs like Pepto-Bismol.
More serious versions of bowel urgency are found in patients with other pre-existing medically problematic cases. Extremely anxious individuals might find that their anxiety is accompanied by the sensation of the urgent need to defecate. Medical disorders like M.S. also contribute to the sometimes urgent, uncompromising need. Other conditions, especially digestive ones like Crohn's disease will influence urgency.
Common Treatments
With both of these disorders, awareness is the key to comfort. Keep track of everything you ingest. Diary, caffeine, alcohol, fruit, beans, certain vegetables and lack of fiber are all dietary concerns for the patient working to manage his uncooperative digestive system. Some of these types of food may have no influence on the condition of the patient, while others will have profound and obvious results.
Work with your doctor to determine a food regiment that will at first identify problems and then completely eliminate them.
Living with a functional disorder like these means adapting your lifestyle to a better quality of life, take your professionally recommended diet seriously and you can achieve astounding regularity.
Tags: Bowel Syndrome, Bowel Syndrome Bowel, disorder like, Irritable Bowel, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Living with
Using natural products to help treat acne is a great way to not only cleanse the skin, but also use it to prevent future outbreaks. Many facial masks can be made using herbs or ingredients found in almost every kitchen and are usually easy to make and apply. Using a facial mask at least once a week can help cleanse the skin of impurities and make it more healthy.
Instructions
Parsley Herb Facial Mask
1. Begin your face cleanse by doing a facial steam. This can get the skin to improve its circulation, as well as get the pores to open up for maximum cleaning. A steam can be done once a week, along with any type of facial that can be used to exfoliate, cleanse or moisturize the face.
2. Fill a large pot with 1/2 gallon of water and bring it to a boil. Once it has started boiling, remove it from the heat and place it somewhere safe that you can lean over the pot at least 6 inches away. Drape a large towel over your head, making sure that the towel also reaches around the pot so that no steam can escape. Steam your face 10 or 15 minutes, or until you no longer want to.
3. Blend 1/4 cup of parsley in a blender once you sit through a facial steam.
4. Apply the blended parsley from the blender to your face, especially on areas more prone to acne and blackheads. The facial steam prior to the mask opened up the pores so that the ingredients from the parsley can work to clean the pores and prevent additional acne outbreaks.
5. Steam your face again with the parsley mask on for increased benefits. Or, leave the mask on for 15 minutes and rinse with warm water.
Exfoliating Oatmeal Herbal Mask
6. Grind the oatmeal into small pieces, but large enough to exfoliate the skin.
7. Mix equal parts of yogurt and oatmeal in order to make a paste. Add dried lavender to the mixture, which is useful with dry skin.
8. Apply the mixture to your face and gently rub it into the skin using a circular motion. Once you are finished, rinse your face with warm water and finish off with cool water.
Skin Smoothing Herbal Mask
9. Use 1/2 cup of plain yogurt and mix into it 2 tablespoons of any herb. For dry skin, try lavender or rose. For oily skin, use sage or rosemary. And, for normal skin, use calendula or lavender.
10. Mix the ingredients well and apply it to the face. Leave the mask on for 10 to 15 minutes.
11. Rinse with a warm cloth, until your face is clean. Then, rinse your face in cool water allowing the skin to feel refreshed.
Tags: your face, facial steam, with warm, cleanse skin, cool water, Herbal Mask, mask minutes
Some drugs and substances can temporarily increase libido, but they are detrimental.
It is no secret that drugs are available everywhere. Some are legal, some are not. Many drugs share a specific effect, which is increased sexual desire. While a heightened libido may seem like a fun effect from prescription or illegal drugs, the benefits do not outweigh the drawbacks. If you rely on drugs to increase your sexual desire, keep in mind that there are some better, healthier ways to do so.
Legal Drugs
The pharmaceutical market is saturated with various prescription drugs that are meant to treat a plethora of problems. It is also not uncommon for people to sell such drugs on the street. Taking or abusing these substances can enhance libido. Specifically, sedatives, hypnotics and anti-anxiety medication all have an impact on sexual desire. According to AllPsych Online, sedatives produce calmness, hypnotics are used to aid sleep and anti-anxiety medications reduce feelings of tension and stress. Some well-known examples are valium, barbital and phenobarbital. Among their many side effects, drugs like these cause "disinhibition of sexual and aggressive impulses." In other words, users will be less able to control their libido. Inversely, drugs like valium may increase sexual desire, but prevent sexual performance by creating erectile dysfunction in men and orgasm difficulties for women.
Alcohol
It is common knowledge that alcohol is often responsible for unexpected one-night stands or other activities. Alcohol includes things like beer, cocktails, hard liquor and wine. Although alcohol can cause sexual promiscuity, it does not directly increase libido. Instead, the drug produces an illusion of confidence. In turn, an individual's personal and sexual inhibitions are reduced, bringing out sexual desire that may not manifest itself under sobriety. Alcohol is also considered a depressant, meaning it slows down your nervous system. Ironically, this can negatively affect sexual performance, making sexual arousal difficult regardless of desire.
Illegal Drugs
In addition to legal substances, there are many illegal drugs available. Anabolic steroids are used to unnaturally promote muscle growth and athletic performance, but they also cause an increase in sexual desire. "Party drugs" that increase libido include marijuana, amphetamines and cocaine. Their euphoric or energetic effects are often exploited in order to obtain sex. However, long-term use can have the opposite effect.
Natural Remedies
Many people suffer from low sexual desire and they wish to change that safely, without illegal or prescription drugs. Unfortunately, low sexual desire is not a simple problem, so increasing it with any kind of substance must be done on a case-by-case basis. For example, some men suffer from low libido due to a lack of testosterone or dopamine. Both are natural chemicals that impact sexual desire. In this case, men can take oral supplements. Although testosterone is a male sex hormone, women can use it as well for the same reason. Testosterone alone is not very effective, so it is often taken in conjunction with estrogen, the female sex hormone.
Tags: sexual desire, increase libido, drugs available, drugs like, drugs that, illegal drugs, impact sexual
Strains are the most common cause of back pain, and are often caused by overuse or overloading the back muscles. Poor lifting techniques or falling down unexpectedly can pull back muscles. When these muscles become stressed beyond their limits, a sprain occurs, creating inflammation in the area. Inflammation causes pain and also triggers spasms in your back. Back sprains are common among all types of individuals, and can be very debilitating and affect daily activities. There are home remedies that can treat sprains and prevent them from reoccurring. It's important to consult with a doctor before beginning any treatment program.
Heat and Ice
During the first 24 to 48 hours after injuring your back, applying ice can help reduce swelling, pain and muscle spasms. Putting ice onto the area reduces blood flow to the sprained area. Never apply ice directly to the skin; instead wrap the ice in a towel and apply for 10 to15 minutes. After 48 hours, applying heat can warm the sore tissues in the back. Heat therapy increases blood flow and can be used to prepare your body for back stretches.
Exercises
Bed rest can actually delay your recovery after straining your back. By performing light exercises, you can speed healing, increase mobility and relieve tight muscles. Crunches and other abdominal strengthening exercises provide your back with more stability. Exercises such as swimming and stationary bicycling are great aerobic exercises that strengthen your back and don't put extra stress on the area. Yoga is a series of slow movements and stretches that can increase flexibility in your back. Yoga erases the symptoms of a back sprain with body and mind awareness, breathing exercises and deep stretches that bring circulation to the painful areas.
Herbal Remedies
Incorporating pineapple in your diet has shown the ability to get relief from sprains. Pineapple contains bromelain, which is enzyme that quickens the healing process. Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, which interferes with pain by triggering the release of endorphins. Arnica is an herbal remedy that is very helpful in back sprains and is useful in relieving spasms.
Other Remedies
Some remedies are less exotic than the herbal remedies described above, but often work as well. Aspirin and ibuprofen are standard pain relievers that also relieve swelling. Comfrey oil or cream massaged into the back can also provide relief. You can also try adding a few drops of thyme oil into a bath to help reduce swelling.
Tags: your back, back muscles, blood flow, help reduce, help reduce swelling, reduce swelling
The kidneys are two organs shaped like beans and are located on each side of the spine. The function of the kidneys is to filter the blood. The kidneys help to remove potentially harmful wastes from the blood by passing them out through the urine. The kidneys also help to regulate various substances in the body and help the body to maintain proper levels of water.
Polycystic Kidney Disease
One type of kidney ailment is polycystic kidney disease. This condition occurs when cysts develop in the kidneys. Polycystic kidney disease can lead to hypertension and kidney failure. Symptoms of polycystic kidney disease may include abdominal, back or side pain. Abdominal swelling may occur. Kidney stones may develop as well. Urination may occur more frequently and blood may be present in the urine. Kidney infections may occur regularly.
Kidney Cancer
Renal cell carcinoma is kidney cancer. According to the Mayo Clinic, about 51,000 individuals are diagnosed with kidney cancer every year. In the early stages, kidney cancer usually does not cause any symptoms. During the later stages, the following symptoms may occur: persistent back pain, blood in the urine, fevers and fatigue. Surgery is most often required to treat remove the affected parts of the kidney.
Kidney Failure
Kidney failure is an ailment that occurs when the kidney slowly loses its ability to filter the blood. Kidney failure often occurs as the result of hypertension or diabetes. Symptoms of kidney failure typically do not occur until an individual has lost 25 percent of his kidney function. Kidney failure may cause the urine to be dark colored, and it may cause a decrease in urine output. It can also bloody stools. Also, individuals experiencing kidney failure may have high blood pressure, anemia, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, weakness, fatigue, frequent headaches, muscle cramps and problems sleeping. Pain may be felt along the side or in the middle or lower portion of the back. The skin may appear to be yellowish and the skin may be continually itchy.
Kidney Infection
A kidney infection occurs when a urinary tract infection travels up to the kidneys. Kidney infections require antibiotic treatment to prevent damage and complications. Symptoms of a kidney infection include increased urination, painful urination and urine that appears cloudy and has a strong smell. The urine may also contain blood or pus. Sometimes individuals may also be unable to urinate. Other symptoms include abdominal discomfort, back pain, side pain and fever. Severe kidney infections may also cause chills, night sweat episodes, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and confusion.
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones occur when minerals such as calcium and acid salts crystallize inside the kidneys instead of being excreted in the urine. Kidney stones cause intense pain that usually begins on the side of the body or in area of the back below the ribs. The pain may also be felt in the lower abdominal and the groin area. Other symptoms include bloody or cloudy urine. Also, the urine may smell foul. Increased urination may also occur. Kidney stones may also cause nausea, vomiting and fever. Although kidney stones are painful, they usually do not cause any problems and are mostly treated with pain medications.
Tags: Kidney stones, nausea vomiting, occurs when, also cause, back pain, filter blood
Homemade mint oil contains a familiar peppermint scent and has many health benefits. It can calm a headache, nausea, upset stomach, respiratory problems and even a fever. To make your own essential mint oil, you need a few simple ingredients, and once you learn to make it, you can add it to soap, shampoo or even your tea. The finished product will be good for approximately six months.
Instructions
1. Choose a carrier oil. The carrier oil is the oil which will be infused with the essence of the mint during the process of making mint oil. Good oils to use include apricot, almond and peach. You will need about a cup of oil for every quarter ounce of dried herbs.
2. Gather your essential peppermint herbs. You can either purchase mint at your local grocery store or grow your own. You can use fresh or dried, although dried herbs will often be stronger than fresh.
3. Infuse the oil with the essence of the mint herb. To do this, you can either cook the oil and herbs together for several hours on low in a crock pot or place the oil and herbs together in a Mason jar with the lid on and place it in the sun for a couple of weeks to ensure that the mint extract from the herbs has infused the carrier oil.
4. Strain the oil with cheese cloth to remove the remnants of the herbs and your essential mint oil is ready for use. Write the date on the jar that you store the mint oil in as it will only remain good for approximately six months before it loses it potency.
Tags: approximately months, dried herbs, essence mint, essential mint, good approximately
This is an article about flattening the stomach without having to do crunches. Many people do not like to do crunches. Therefore, they do not stick with doing them. If you're one of the people who do not like to do crunches, you'll be happy to know that there are alternatives to performing crunches that can help flatten the stomach as well.
Instructions
1. Make up your mind to exercise daily. You must be consistent in order to achieve results. Determination is what will help you to succeed at flattening your stomach.
2. Stand up straight with your legs together.
3. Lift your left leg upward and cross it over to the right as you are lifting your leg. Do this 10 to 20 times and then return your leg back to its original position.
4. Lift your right leg upward and cross it over to the left as you are lifting your leg. Do this 10 to 20 times and then return your leg back to its original position.
5. Repeat the exercise 3 times for each leg daily. Remember consistency and determination is essential to accomplishing results.
Tags: your this times, back original, back original position, cross over, Lift your, lifting your, lifting your this
Male sexual health includes infertility problems, sexually transmitted diseases and erectile dysfunction. This article will focus on sexual dysfunction. Remedies include prescription or non-prescription drugs, surgery and psychological counseling. Treatment often depends on the cause of the dysfunction.
Causes
Sexual dysfunction can result from heart and vascular disease; neurological disorders; glucose and hormonal imbalances; chronic diseases such as kidney or liver failure; smoking; alcoholism; and drug abuse. Additionally, decreased sexual desire and function can be a side effect of prescription drugs such as antidepressants and beta-blockers.
Psychological causes include post-traumatic stress, anxiety about sexual performance, loss of confidence, work-related stress, relationship problems and depression. Physical causes of dysfunction may have psychological origins.
Middle age and older men are usually prescribed Viagra as a treatment due to age. Where age is not a factor, a younger man with sexual dysfunction may be psychological in origin.
Symptoms
Major erectile dysfunction symptoms are lack of desire, difficulty achieving erection, diminishing erection before completion and partial erections.
Blood flow to the penis restricted by an underlying physical problem results in no erection.
Premature ejaculation, reduced hardness and low volume of sperm are symptoms, but do not necessarily indicate a physical problem.
Treatment
Hormonal replacement therapy is offered via testosterone injections, pills, skin patches and gels. The most effective are the injections, but the levels should be monitored to achieve an effective level and to manage safety.
The FDA has approved three prescription medications for ED: Viagra, Levitra and Cialis.
Vascular surgery is done to restore sperm count and erection issues.
Penile implants are used in cases of physical trauma resulting from prostate nerve damage or accident. The surgically inserted implant is inflated with a penile pump.
Potency wood is an herbal treatment that may be effective in treating erectile dysfunction or impaired sex drive, according to Physicians' Desktop Reference.
When the problem isn't purely physical, psychological counseling and sex therapy may be beneficial.
Side effects
Possible side effects of Viagra and similar prescription drugs include headaches, dyspepsia, back pain and flu-like symptoms. An extreme reaction could be prolonged erection.
Rashes and skin irritation are sometimes associated with testosterone gels and skin patches.
The penile prosthesis has had incidences of infection at the connecting point.
The natural medicine listed above pose no serious risk.
Common activity
Viagra is the leader and the most researched of the FDA approved prescription variety. Viagra, Levitra and Cialis dilate blood vessels leading to erection of the penis. However, they do little to directly increase libido or sexual arousal.
Viagra starts working in about an hour. Over the following 12 hours erections come easily.
Levira and Cialis have very similar effective durations and time to response.
Advantages
Viagra, although not for everyone, does provide benefit for a man's sexual health.
The hormone therapy is great when done with the guidance and monitoring of a physician.
Even when there is physical damage limiting ability to achieve erection, there is still help with implants.
Sometimes the sexual health of a man may be enhanced with counseling.
As always, check with your physician and don't be coy about recruiting the advice from other medical professionals.
Quartz crystals have been used since ancient times for a number of purposes, including mental, spiritual and physical healing. Many metaphysical practitioners favor rutilated quartz. This type of quartz contains the mineral rutile, which presents itself as thin, reddish colored fibers in various forms throughout the crystal. A beautiful rutilated quartz wand is reputed to amplify the light and healing properties of the practitioner. The claimed applications of rutilated quartz are many. However, at the metaphysical level, any form of true healing comes down to intention, thought, focus, forgiveness and acceptance.
Basics
Crystals need to be cleared and cleaned before they can be used for healing. If you select a particular wand for an individual, you must clear it before and after it is used on different people. Soaking it in salt water sometimes does the trick, but you can look into a variety of other methods. If you purchase a wand strictly for your own use, you may clear it less frequently. Some people believe that larger wands featuring more rutile have stronger healing properties, but it often comes down to personal choice, vibration and the alignment of the crystal to a specific person, coupled with its intended use.
The Intuitive Level
Your thoughts direct the outcome of any form of healing.
As with most things in metaphysics, what a person believes deep within her consciousness has a great deal of effect on outcomes. You may come across a thousand opinions about what your wand is useful for. However, you will be more successful if you determine this for yourself. Get in touch with your innermost being and trust your intuition. When administering a wand for healing, setting the intention is imperative. Clarify whether it will be used at a psychic level for determining or diagnosing an ailment, or whether it will be used more at a physical level for actual healing of a symptom. Due to the magnification capability that rutiles provide, whatever intention you initially set will also be multiplied. Choose your thoughts wisely.
Specific Attributes
Many metaphysical healers use rutilated quartz for enhancing direct connection with God or divine principles through prayer or meditation. Placing the wand over a particular chakra may shift the local energy and pull focus to that part of the body. People who desire stability, concentration, focus and ease in decision making may want to hold the wand awhile and invite divine assistance toward providing such qualities. Practitioners believe these crystals can heal respiratory ailments or problems with the immune system when they are held or applied directly to the body. A wand can also be used for outlining a sacred space in which you will conduct healing efforts.
Let Go
Applying crystals to chakra centers helps calm energy systems.
Rutilated quartz is good for healing prior issues in your life, especially those with strong negative energies or painful memories. Forgiveness seems to come more easily when these wands are put to use. You may notice you feel much lighter, happier, present and less stressed when utilizing quartz with vibrant rutile strands.
Tags: rutilated quartz, comes down, crystals have, healing properties, Many metaphysical, Quartz crystals
Though trigger points often feel like they're in joints, the trigger points that affect joints are nearly always located within the surrounding tissue. You can spot trigger points that affect joints by gentle exploration with your fingers and feedback from the person with the trigger point pain.
Instructions
1. Ask the person who is getting trigger point massage if she has any pain, discomfort or loss of mobility in or around her joints. Find out whether she has any health issues that may lead to this pain, such as arthritis or past injuries, as the pain may not be directly linked to trigger points. Knowing this also helps you know where you need to take extra care in seeking trigger points.
2. Let the person receiving the trigger massage know that as you explore his joints, he may experience mild pain or discomfort once you find a trigger point, and the pain may appear in a different part of his body than what you're touching. If he knows this upfront, he's less likely to pull away when you do find a trigger point so you can explore it more effectively.
3. Work gently around the affected joint, locating the muscles that attach to it. Realize that the trigger points will be beside bones and ligaments, not actually on them.
4. Press gently into any hard and knotted muscle you find around joints, moving up and down its length.
5. Check in with the person as you work around the joint. Ask her to tell you if she feels extreme tenderness when you palpate her muscles. When she does, you've most likely spotted a trigger point.
6. Apply steady pressure to the trigger point to release it.
Tags: trigger point, trigger points, trigger points, affect joints, around joints, find trigger, find trigger point
DH-EA is a natural hormone produced by the adrenal glands. There is some evidence that suggests that increasing DH-EA in the body can help to improve or prevent certain autoimmune disorders such as Lupus. High levels of DH-EA may increase your risk of Cancer, so increasing this hormone should be supervised by a doctor.
Instructions
1. DH-EA supplements are currently available as injections, capsules, or tablets. The usual daily doses range from 15 to 50 mg. per day. Higher doses can cause undesirable side effects. DH-EA supplements are available without a prescription. Any DH-EA that you buy is synthetic DH-EA, as real DH-EA can only be made by your body.
2. DH-EA can be naturally increased in the body with exercise. DH-EA that is raised naturally within the body is the safest and exercise has other benefits as well.
3. Carbohydrate restriction can also raise DH-EA levels in the body. A diet low in carbohydrates not only raises DH-EA, but it can be conducive to weight loss.
4. Stress can suppress DH-EA levels in the body. Try to reduce as much stress in your life as possible. Meditation can be a great way to relieve stress.
5. Diet can play a big part in raising your DH-EA. Eat plenty of foods with omega-3 fatty acids such as those found in olive oil.
6. Get plenty of sleep. When you don't get adequate sleep, your adrenal glands get run down and can not produce the required amount of DH-EA.
When most people think of a quadriplegic, they think of Christopher Reeve, though in truth few are actually that impaired. This article describes the variety of abilities quadriplegics may have following their trauma, and some of the major issues involved in recovery.
The Facts
Quadriplegia, sometimes called tetraplegia, is defined as nerve impairment in four limbs. Unlike paraplegia, it involves both arms and both legs, though it can sometimes be hard to differentiate. A quadriplegic has damaged one or more segments of the cervical spinal cord, which is the area between the bottom of the skull and the base of the neck. This causes various degrees of impairment in sensation and in motor control.
Misconceptions
Most people think that a quadriplegic is completely paralyzed from the neck down, but this is rarely the case. The nerves that control movement of the arms come from all levels of the cervical spinal cord. Even high-level quadriplegics who require ventilators can usually shrug their shoulders. As the spinal cord nerves travel down the column in the neck, they allow different parts of the arms to move, and many quadriplegics can actually lift their arms and bend their elbows.
Type
There are two basic classifications of quadriplegia: complete and incomplete. Complete quadriplegia is a total paralysis and loss of sensation associated with the nerves below the injured spinal level. This type is common after diving accidents and car crashes. Incomplete quadriplegics may have some preserved movement and sensation in the nerves below their injured spinal level. This type of quadriplegia may be caused by a gunshot wound or a tumor. Complete quadriplegics are confined to wheelchairs and may require help to do basic things like getting dressed or even eating. Incomplete quadriplegics, on the other hand, may be able to move their legs and even walk after their accident.
Risk Factors
Simply surviving a spinal cord injury is a mean feat. Most quadriplegics have extensive hospital stays due to related complications, such as difficulty breathing, a head injury or broken bones. Even a patient who becomes quadriplegic and has no other associated injuries is still at risk for a spinal cord-specific disorder called autonomic dysreflexia, or AD. AD occurs when an irritant activates the nervous system below the injured spinal level, causing it to go into overdrive. Symptoms include a pounding headache, profuse sweating and jitters. It can be life-threatening and may be caused by something as seemingly insignificant as a tight shoe. In addition to AD, quadriplegics are at risk for pressure sores, pneumonia and falls.
Significance
Not surprisingly, becoming a quadriplegic forces a complete lifestyle change. Yes, many quadriplegics are active members of society, and communities are generally more accessible to them than ever before. Still, even well-adjusted individuals go through the biggest change of their lives when they become paralyzed. Every person deals with this differently. Some become religious, while others may denounce their faith. Some use their injury to change their paths in life, which might not have been moving in a positive direction. Some take their own lives, unable to deal with the change. One of the most important things a new quadriplegic can do is find peer support to help with this transition.
Weight Watchers sells 13 different yogurt flavors. Each yogurt has a Weight Watchers POINTS value of 1 and contains four cultures--bulgaricus, Bifidobacterium longum, L-acidophilus and S. thermophilus--plus prebiotics, which are non-digestible food compounds that stimulate activity and/or growth of probiotics found naturally in the colon.
Description
Cultures, also known as "live" cultures or probiotics, are healthful live microorganisms found naturally in dairy products such as yogurt and kefir. Typically, probiotics are good bacteria, meaning single-celled organisms that confer a health benefit on the host. Claims have been made about probiotics and their use for treatment of allergies, cancer, digestive issues such as diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome, but more research must be completed to verify these claims.
Bulgaricus
Bulgaricus, also known as L. bulgaricus, produces the enzyme lactase, which is needed by the body to digest dairy products. Individuals who are lactose intolerant have insufficient amounts of the enzyme lactase in their body naturally. Bulgaricus also is responsible for providing the smooth and creamy texture yogurt is known for and is used as a starter agent in yogurt production.
Bifidobacterium Longum
Bifidobacterium longum, often called bifidum for short, is a lactic acid-producing bacteria found in the intestines. Bifidobacterium longum's primary function is to convert sugar into lactic acid through fermentation in the digestive system. This can help individuals who are lactose intolerant better digest dairy products such as yogurts. Additionally, according to a 1997 study by J. Singh and associates at the Division of Nutritional Carcinogenesis, American Health Foundation in Valhalla, N.Y., bifidobacterium longum can help inhibit colon cancer.
L-Acidophilus
L-acidophilus is short for Lactobacillus acidophilus. The Lactobacilli are a group of bacteria that normally are found in the small intestines and the vagina. Claims have been made that L-acidophilus can help treat bacterial vaginosis and digestive conditions. However, more research must be performed to substantiate these claims.
The Lactobacillus acidophilus also produces vitamin K, lactase and antimicrobial substances and are revered as "good" bacteria. However, individuals with intestinal damage or a weak immune system or are suffering from overgrowth of intestinal bacteria should not take oral L. acidophilus, according to the Mayo Clinic.
S. Thermophilus
S. thermophilus, short for Streptococcus thermophilus, is what gives yogurt its distinct sour or tart aftertaste. S. thermophilus also contributes to the creamy texture of yogurt and contains lactase enzymes that aid in digestion.
Tags: Bifidobacterium longum, dairy products, Weight Watchers, also known, been made, Bulgaricus also, Claims have
In the United States, there are nearly 23 million Americans who live with asthma, according to the American Lung Association. Asthma is a chronic lung disease that involves inflammation of the airways, making it difficult to breathe. However, there are ways to manage and monitor your asthma. Even though advancements in medicine and technology provide numerous treatment options, adopting a homemade remedy can also help you breathe easier.
Nutrition
What you eat, how much you eat and how you eat can determine the severity of your asthma. For example, people with asthma tend to experience shortness of breath when their stomach is full. According to National Jewish Health, the diaphragm doesn't work well when the stomach is full. A full-stomach feeling can cause acid reflux and gas that only makes breathing more difficult because of increased inflammation. Instead of filling up when you feel hungry, National Jewish Health recommends eating smaller, frequent meals.
Don't rush through your meal. Mealtime is a time to relax and enjoy your food. Improper digestion of your food can lead to acid reflux and gas. Remember "breathe evenly" while you're chewing your food and chew your food slowly. This can help improve digestion and avoid acid reflux. If you need to catch your breath, National Jewish Health says to stop eating and breathe. Drinking water with your meals will help clean out any mucus that may be hindering breathing.
Certain foods can also cause gas for asthma sufferers. Keeping a food diary of what you eat can help you identify the foods that do and don't interfere with your asthma. National Jewish Health lists some of the following foods commonly related to causing gas:
Beans (pinto, kidney, navy, black)
Broccoli
Cabbage
Carbonated drinks
Garlic
Onions (raw)
Peas (split, black-eyed)
Peppers
Sausage
Spicy foods
Vitamins
Vitamins C and E work together to help manage inflammation. According to Peaceful Mind, vitamin C protects lung tissue, prevents inflammation, increases air flow and reduces infection. You should take between 600mg and 1000mg of vitamin C supplements twice a day. Vitamin E supports the work of vitamin C. Take 400 IU of vitamin E each day.
Although vitamins C and E are helpful asthma remedies, vitamin D is making news as an effective asthma treatment. The article, "Breathe Right: The Surprising Link between Asthma and Vitamin D," published by the Alternative Health Journal, highlights a new study published by the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology that says "pregnant women who were vitamin D deficient" were more likely to have a child with asthma. The best source of vitamin D requires about 10 to 15 minutes in the sun three times a week, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. You can also increase your vitamin D levels by eating foods fortified with vitamin D, such as milk, cheese, fish and certain cereals.
Tags: Jewish Health, National Jewish, National Jewish Health, your food, acid reflux
The term "acne vulgaris" is Latin for "common acne"--ordinary pimples that many people get on their face, chest and back. However, when many people see a pimple, the words they may be thinking are quite vulgar indeed. And while over-the-counter medications and dermatologist-prescribed antibiotics can help clear up common acne, some studies indicate that a more effective treatment may be deep-penetrating light therapy.
Background
According to the website Acne.net, an old folk remedy for acne is spending time in the sun. Because of this, some patients have felt that UV light can help to clear up acne by killing the bacteria that causes it. However, dermatologists discourage this because of the damaging effects that UV light is proven to have on skin. Nevertheless, according to a study executed by doctors at Hammersmith Hospital in London and reported in the British Journal of Dermatology, patients treated with red and blue light therapy seem to recover from acne better than patients who have been treated with benzoyl peroxide.
Studies
Although there have been a number of small studies on the effects of various light treatments on acne, most of these studies aren't large enough to make a statistical impact. Another study, "Topical ALA-photodynamic therapy for the treatment of acne vulgaris," cited by the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, seemed to indicate that red light alone may clear up acne, but eventually lead to folliculitis, an acne-like infection of the hair follicles. Combining red and blue light, and possibly treating the face with a solution of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) to increase light sensitivity, as this study did, seems to produce the most significant results.
Data
In the British study, patients were exposed to blue and red light from a light box for 15 minutes a day. At the end of a 12-week period, doctors reported that these patients showed a 75 percent decrease in acne lesions. The study that combined light and ALA exposed patients to red or blue light for anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes daily, depending on the severity of the patient's acne. While the patients had an adverse reaction to red-light therapy, the blue-light therapy significantly reduced the subject's acne.
Tags: blue light, that light, acne vulgaris, clear acne, common acne, have been
Everyone needs reliable health insurance coverage, but it becomes especially important for cancer survivors, who can have trouble getting new coverage if an existing policy is terminated. Paying high premiums, exclusion of pre-existing medical conditions and waiting a year or more for certain medical services to be covered are all practical reasons to keep any coverage you might already have. But having health insurance is not always enough. Health care consumers need to understand their insurance policies, as well as know their rights.
Considerations
Problems getting health insurance can affect a cancer survivor's future health. It may seem like a no-win situation to someone who needs follow-up care. If you are currently uninsured, a past medical history of cancer can keep you from being accepted by a health plan. If you have health insurance at the time of a cancer diagnosis, you could face paying higher premiums, along with losing some of your coverage following treatment. In most cases, cancer patients are not only fighting their disease, they often find themselves fighting insurance companies. Many times, cancer survivors lack access to adequate health insurance, with some of the other options available to them frequently unaffordable to most.
Types
Most insured Americans are covered by either a managed care or fee-for-service health care plan. Health maintenance organizations (HMOs), preferred provider organizations (PPOs) and point-of-service (POS) plans all fall under the category of managed care, which focuses on preventative care coordinated by a primary care physician.
HMOs provide care within a network of contracted health professionals and hospitals. Although PPOs operate in much the same way, the premiums are usually higher because patients are allowed to use out-of-network services.
Traditional fee-for-service plans are the least restrictive; however, you pay more out-of-pocket costs for your health care. Premiums are higher, and you typically have to pay an annual deductible before the health plan pays its portion of medical expenses. A private insurance company pays anywhere between 50 and 80 percent of medical costs depending on the plan you choose. Because of the many differences in health care plans, it is especially important for cancer survivors to know what services are covered under a plan.
Features
If at all possible, cancer patients should try not to change insurance companies, especially while still receiving treatments, as there can be problems with coverage for continuation of care. Check with a new insurance company about its policies for pre-existing conditions.
If you have cancer, you may have trouble getting new coverage if your existing policy lapses, particularly if you change employers, or your employer changes insurance plans. While there are federal laws providing for the continuation of employer-sponsored health insurance coverage, if you must purchase a health insurance plan that is not group coverage, many states set pre-existing condition exclusion periods that can last for many years.
Similarly, if you purchase an individual plan that is not through an employer, the insurance company may require an elimination rider that would not allow treatments for cancer to be covered by the policy ever. Even though many insurance companies will not accept a person who has or has had cancer, some will accept a cancer survivor after five years. Keep in mind, though, that acceptance by a health insurance plan does not guarantee that full coverage will be provided immediately. Unless they were insured before the diagnosis of cancer, many cancer survivors are unable to get coverage.
If you are uninsured or aren't eligible for group plan rates, contact your state Department of Insurance to inquire about other alternatives to help you manage the enormous medical costs of ongoing treatments, prescription drugs and doctor's care critical to your health.
Warning
Cancer survivors who are accepted on a new health insurance plan usually face a pre-existing condition exclusion period. Often individuals must wait as long as one year before even an employer-sponsored health plan will pay for any costs related to pre-existing cancer. However, in certain situations federal law prohibits an employer from imposing an exclusion period for a pre-existing medical condition.
For example, employees with cancer may be exempt if they were covered under a previous employer and have not gone without health insurance for more than 63 days. But even so, health plans set limits on the maximum benefits they will pay, in addition to placing other restrictions on coverage. This is all the more reason for you to read your health plan so that you know what services are covered.
You should never assume that a health insurance plan covers everything, as not all plans provide the coverage you need. Make sure you understand specifically what services are covered under the plan, how much the health plan pays, how much you will be expected to pay for certain services, what doctors you can see, as well as what hospitals are available for providing you with treatment and care.
If you are covered under an employer-sponsored group plan, talk to your human resources department or contact the insurance company directly if you have questions about anything in the policy that you do not understand.
Expert Insight
Patient advocates who work for organizations that help cancer survivors resolve issues related to health insurance coverage point out that eventually most cancer patients are faced with the problem of lifetime benefit limits. To make matters worse, in recent years many insurance companies have lowered their caps to just $50,000 to $100,000.
After the cap has been reached, patients are then responsible for paying their own medical bills exceeding that amount. This can be financially devastating to those who have plans that only cover up to a certain dollar amount for outpatient services and/or limit coverage to 'x' number of radiation treatments.
Consumer experts recommend a minimum lifetime limit of $1 million for adequate coverage. Some health plans also require patients to pay a percentage of the total cost of prescription drugs rather than just the usual co-payment. Many survivors who need cancer drugs that can cost thousands of dollars every month go without, simply because they have no way to pay for the remaining cost of the drugs.
Benefits
For those individuals who are fortunate enough to have a comprehensive health insurance plan, access to the continued care they need to recover improves their chances for surviving cancer. Having health insurance that provides for routine cancer screenings also increases the chances for early detection. Since people with health insurance usually have regular physical exams, their cancer can be diagnosed earlier. In view of these potentially life-saving advantages, it is important to pay your insurance premiums in full and on time so that your health insurance coverage doesn't lapse. You don't want to find yourself not receiving the medical care you may need because you don't have medical insurance.
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