How Laser Surgery Works For Kidney Stones

When is Laser Surgery Needed?

Laser surgery is most often prescribed for very small kidney stones averaging 5 mm in diameter or smaller. Though quite small, these kidney stones can still become caught in the ureter on their way to the bladder. Because they block the ureter, this can prevent urination. Typically, a course of excessive fluid consumption and pain relievers is prescribed, but if this does not get the kidney stone dislodged, laser surgery, specifically laser lithotripsy, is the next step.

How Laser Surgery for Kidney Stones Works

First, general anesthesia is administered and the patient is put to sleep. A small, camera is inserted up the length of the urethra, through the bladder and into the ureter. The camera, called a uteroscope, is used to locate the kidney stone. A small laser, as thin as a fiber-optic cable, is set alongside the uteroscope. The laser fires in a continuous stream, which is played over the surface of the kidney stone, breaking it into smaller fragments. The uteroscope is retracted, and the fragments are allowed to pass when the patient next urinates.

Dangers of Laser Lithotripsy

The procedure can induce excessive bleeding in the ureter and bladder. This is normally not dangerous, save in those patients who have trouble getting their blood to clot. Also, even though such procedures are carried out under sterile conditions, urinary tract infections can still result from laser lithotripsy. This can cause scarring along the internal walls of the ureter. This can cause difficulty in urination, which may require other surgical procedures to correct.

Tags: kidney stone, Laser Surgery, Kidney Stones, kidney stones, This cause

Heart Medicine Side Effects

Heart disease is a serious condition and one of the leading causes of death among men. Several heart disease medicines are available that can help treat and prevent further problems caused by heart disease, though many of these medicines come with heavy side effects. In some cases, there have been class action lawsuits in response to damages suffered by patients on heart medicines.

Antiarrhythmics

Antiarrhythmics help with heart rhythm disorders. Antiarrhythmics slow down the electricity that is coursing through the heart, allowing the heart to start beating normally again. However, these medicines can cause severe skin reactions and a reduction in male fertility.

Cholesterol

Statin drugs are designed to help lower cholesterol, but recent reports have found that statin drugs raise a woman's chance for heart disease 10 percent. Statins can also cause muscle pain, weakness, neuropathy, dizziness, cognitive problems, cancer, depression and problems with the pancreas.

Blood Thinners

Blood thinners help with both high blood pressure and heart problems by making it easier for blood to pass through arteries. But one of the blood thinners, plavix, has been found to cause heart failure, stroke, ulcers, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpora and death. Another blood thinner, Trasylol, has been recalled for causing kidney failure.

Rate Control

The rate control drug digitalis helps increase the flow of blood within the arteries. Digitalis can cause dizziness, blurred vision, weakness, confusion, depression, nausea, erectile dysfunction and breast enlargement in men. Some individuals have also experienced headaches and sensitivity to light.

Vasodilators

Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator that encourages the arteries to expand, making it easier for blood to flow through the veins. Nitroglycerin usually has no side effects, though some who have taken nitroglycerin have experienced dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting. Others have experienced allergic reactions to nitroglycerin.

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Restrictions On Essential Oils In The United States

Some scents help relax a client during an aromatherapy session.

The ingredients that make up essential oils are regulated by the USDA and FDA. These restrictions regulate the language an essential oil company can use when describing the healing properties of the oils. Others restrictions regard international trade for some ingredients. The natural ingredients inside essential oils are often imported from outside the U.S., so oils may also be subject to trade restrictions.

Food and Drug Administration Restrictions

Products that claim to have healing properties, or to promote healing, are regulated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration.) Companies that use essential oils as a healing agents cannot advertise their products as cures for disease. If a company chooses to include ailments the oil relieves on the label, it must include language stating the claims have not been evaluated by the FDA. Studies and tests have been performed on many oils, but each time an oil is processed through different means, it must go through the FDA again.

Trade Restrictions

Essential oils are used around the world for healing, religious rituals and beauty treatments. Many cultures have used oils from flowers and plants for thousands of years. For example, the use of rose water as a beauty treatment in India. Consequently, some of the best ingredients for oils need to be imported in bulk from overseas. This obligates essential oil companies to follow import regulations set forth by U.S. Customs, international trade regulations and the export regulations from the country of origin. The U.S. Department of Commerce outlines the laws governing international trade. But laws are in constant flux, depending on changes in government policy in the U.S. and abroad. Some companies choose to consult a lawyer before importing and exporting large amounts of essential oil ingredients.

Agricultural Restrictions

Essential oil ingredients cultivated in the U.S. are subject to the USDA's national standards. States also have regulations regarding specific crops. These regulations affect essential oil farmers through inspections and certification, but the farming itself is not as stringently regulated as meat, poultry and large crop industries in the U.S. A grower who specializes in organic ingredients for essential oils must meet organic standards defined by the USDA. This means no synthetic pesticides are used on the plants during growing; but it also refers to processing ingredients. Only when an organic farmer meets these standards can she label her essential oils as organic.

Changes in Essential Oil Industry

As of 2011, little definitive scientific research exists on essential oils, but the sustainability and affordability of the oils garners attention in certain industries. For example; oils that act as mood enhancers interest both pharmaceutical and tobacco industries. But because the chemical composition of the herbs used to make essential oils changes, depending the location and weather, it is difficult to standardize a laboratory test. Difficulties also arise when using a standard blind test group. A blind test requires one group to be administered a placebo, while the other receives the actual essential oil. This poses obvious problems for testing the healing effects of aromatherapy. However, as of this publishing date, tests are performed on animals and plants in an effort to determine definite outcomes of essential oils.

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What Are The Causes Of Cll

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia, or CLL, is a cancer that occurs in a patient's bone marrow and blood. CLL affects white blood cells known as the lymphocytes. This disease often progresses at a slower pace than other types of leukemia.

Genetic Mutation

According to the Mayo Clinic, CLL occurs when genetic mutations in the bone marrow cause abnormal lymphocytes to be created that are not effective at fighting infections.

Family History

Individuals with a family history of CLL may be at a greater risk of developing the disease.

Chemicals

Exposure to Agent Orange and other insecticides or herbicides increases the likelihood of developing CLL.

Demographics

Men and people over the age of 50 have a higher risk of getting chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Whites have a higher likelihood of developing CLL than people of other races.

Symptoms

CLL may develop without symptoms or it may cause painless enlarged lymph nodes, fever and fatigue. Frequent infections, night sweats and weight loss may also occur.

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Use Serrapeptase

The health supplement industry has grown significantly in the last decade and continues to draw much interest from those seeking better daily living. Serrapeptase is a health supplement that is produced in the lab, but is a naturally occurring substance in nature. It is a proteolytic enzyme, which is important for many of the functions of the human body. Proteolytic enzymes help to govern the function of the liver and the immune system.

Serrapeptase was originally found in the digestive tract of silk worms and is used in the digestive tract of humans for many different health benefits. The more research that is done on Serrapeptase, the more uses it seems to have. There is still much to be learned and there are studies currently ongoing to determine its overall effectiveness and side effects. Here are the essentials.

Instructions

1. Consult your physician before taking Serrapeptase. Even though there is no know side effects or harmful drug interactions with Serrapeptase, there is still ongoing research concerning this health supplement. It is always a good idea to consult your physician before you begin to take any health supplement.

2. Use Serrapeptase as an anti-inflammatory. This is where Serrapeptase offers the most benefits. It is an ingredient in many anti-inflammatory medicines, such as aspirin and steroids, though it has so far shown to not have the possible side effects and drug interactions of these other medicines. One of the most common uses of Serrapeptase is in treating arthritis.

3. Use Serrapeptase to improve your cardiovascular system. Serrapeptase digests living tissue--this includes blood clots and arterial plaque. Doctors may recommend this health supplement in order to decrease the amount of plaque build-up on the walls of arteries that can eventually lead to stroke or heart attack.

4. Use Serrapeptase to treat the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Serrapeptase can help relieve the body wide pain that accompanies Fibromyalgia. Serrapeptase can help to relieve the pain by reducing inflammation and consuming the dead tissue.

5. Follow the dosing guidelines of your physician. The dosing guidelines of Serrapeptase are not set in stone, which is another reason for you to consult your physician before using. The most common recommended dosage is to take one 15 mg capsule with an activity level of 30,000 I.U, three times per day on an empty stomach. You can also find capsules of 30 mg with an activity level of 60,000 I.U. for which you should take one capsule twice a day and on an empty stomach.

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Prevent Bunions From Coming Back

Too much weight on joints and tendons inside the foot leads to a deformed foot joint, known as a bunion. Bunions most often occur at the joint of the big toe. If you've ever had a bunion, you know it can be painful and removal sometimes involves surgery. There are specific ways to prevent bunions from coming back.

Instructions

1. Wear low-heeled shoes. The higher the heel is, the more pressure there is on the ball of the foot, which can cause bunions. It's also better for your foot if the heel of the shoe is wide and sturdy, as opposed to a skinny heel.

2. Choose shoes that have a lot of wiggle room for your toes. Shoes with a pointy toe squeeze toes together in an unnatural position, which can lead to bunions.

3. Choose low-impact exercises, like swimming or biking. Running can be hard on your feet.

4. Apply an ice pack to your foot at night if you start to feel pain. This can reduce the inflammation that may already be present.

5. Put bunion cushions into shoes before you put them on. These help added comfort, so your feet don't hurt.

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Prevent A Sepsis Infection In The Blood

Sepsis is a medical condition that originates with some type of infection that gets out of control in the body. Usually, this is a bacterial infection, but can be viral or fungal. The condition, also called SIRS (system inflammatory response syndrome) is dangerous, and needs immediate hospitalization so it can be dealt with. Sepsis comes in different forms. In severe sepsis, organ dysfunction or failure results. With septic shock, the blood pressure drops quickly as vital organs are deprived of oxygen rich blood when the cardiovascular system fails. Septicemia occurs when the infection gets into the bloodstream itself.

Instructions

At Risk

1. Know if you are at risk for sepsis. Those at risk include the very young or very old, those with a genetic predisposition, and those with weakened immune systems. You are also at risk if you are in the hospital as a patient, have a pre-existing infection, or have a severe injury such as a bullet wound.

2. Know what the common triggers are for sepsis. Sepsis happens when an infection gets out of control in the body. If you have certain infections, you have more chance to develop sepsis. These include urinary tract infections, pneumonia, abdomen infection such as appendicitis or peritonitis, infections of the brain or spinal cord, and skin infections (especially those caused by openings made for catheters and administering intravenous fluids).

3. Get regular medical check-ups to see if you have any of these risk factors or common triggers. If you are at risk, you need to go to the doctor more often.

4. Take antibiotics before an operation. If you get an operation, this makes you more susceptible to sepsis because your body uses much of its energy to help you heal, leaving your more vulnerable to infections. The open wound also contributes to this vulnerability. Make sure your doctor starts you on antibiotics before you get the operation.

5. Change in-dwelling catheters and intravenous needles regularly. Sepsis infections can originate with an infection caused by skin infections resulting from openings made for catheters and intravenous needles, so make sure these are changed frequently if you are using either one.

6. Go to the doctor if you think you have any type of infection. In general, if you have a fever over 100 degrees fahrenheit, you may have an infection. Also, you may have cold chills or other signs of infection. You need to be treated for any infection so that it doesn't get out of control and lead to sepsis.

7. Go to the hospital immediately if you start getting any of the symptoms for sepsis. These symptoms include a high fever, fast heart rate, shaking or chills, low amount of urine, a low body temperature, and hyperventilation. The biggest clue is confusion or delirium. If you are treated immediately for sepsis, you may be able to prevent it from entering the bloodstream.

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What Do Bed Bugs Look Like On Your Skin

Bedbugs have become a problem to exterminators in recent years because they do not respond to normal insecticides, and travelers may easily infest their own homes if they return home carrying an offending insect in their luggage or clothing. Bedbugs take four days to over two weeks to hatch, so infestation may be unwitting and unbeknown to the host who may notice mysterious and itchy red patches on their skin.

Problems

Bedbugs in the United States have developed a resistance to pesticides, and they have been known to live over a year without food, which makes them hearty survivors. Their high fertility rate is also a problem for those with infected households as well. They may lay over 900 eggs in a course of a lifetime, in three separate batches. Eggs generally hatch after a week, supplying your mattress with an exponential number of generations in a short time. Because they inject anesthetic when they bite, the afflicted may not notice that he or she has a bedbug infestation for some time.

How it looks to the eye

Bedbugs have an elongated round shape, and although they are tiny as eggs at about a tenth of a centimeter, adults can reach 1/4 of an inch in length, and, are therefore visible to the naked eye. Bed bugs are generally flat in shape and they do not have wings. They may range in color from a light color after shedding its skin to a browner color as they mature. After sucking blood, the meal may appear as a darker color within the body of the bug.

Potential

Bedbugs may cause a mild to severe reaction in the skin. Additionally, a person's previous exposure to bedbugs is able to worsen allergy to insect bites over time. Redness on the skin may turn into red blisters on the extremities. These elevated red patches may enlarge and worsen as a person scratches, as the bitten portion may develop a scab or crust from irritation, and the spittle from the bite of the bedbug causes further redness and swelling.

Effects

Blisters may also form as an allergic reaction to the bites. These blisters or red patches may bleed and/or become infected. A particularly severe reaction to the bedbug bite, called papular urticaria, may be caused by blood antibody reaction with the proteins contained in the bite. This is a condition where itchy red spots occur on the skin, possibly even in areas that have already healed. These spots may also become blisters and may also exude a fluid when scratched.

Warning

More severe reactions may occur as well, such as asthma, and anaphylactic shock may occur with exposure to bedbugs. If you are aware of an infestation, please see your doctor so that you may avoid these severe reactions. Skin testing can determine if you have IgE antibody reaction to bedbugs. This will indicate whether or not you may develop a severe reaction to bedbug bites, so that you may take appropriate precautions.

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Common Throat Ailments

Warm liquids, such as tea with honey, can soothe a sore throat.

The throat, or pharynx, is responsible for transporting air to the lungs and food to the esophagus, explains Medline Plus. As a part of both the respiratory and digestive systems, the throat is susceptible to several common ailments. Most throat ailments are minor and resolve on their own. However, you should always consult with your doctor about throat problems for an accurate diagnosis and to determine whether you need an antibiotic or other prescription treatment.

Sore Throat

A sore throat is the result of inflammation of the pharynx that causes pain, irritation or scratchiness. The most common cause of a sore throat is a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu. Other causes include bacterial infections, allergies or irritants, acid reflux and overuse or strain. Your doctor can prescribe a treatment for your sore throat, such as an antihistamine to relieve allergy symptoms or an acid reducer to relieve acid reflux, and offer recommendations for easing the discomfort. Only sore throats caused by bacterial infections require treatment with antibiotics, emphasizes Mayo Clinic.

Strep Throat

Strep throat is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the throat that causes pain, difficulty swallowing and tiny red spots in the roof of the mouth. Other symptoms may include headache, fever, fatigue and swelling of the tonsils and lymph nodes. Anyone can contract strep throat, but it is more common in school-aged children. Strep throat requires treatment with antibiotics, and your doctor may also recommend medications and other remedies to ease pain and discomfort.

Laryngitis

Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx, or voice box, which can result in hoarseness or loss of voice. Laryngitis may be caused by a viral infection or overuse of the voice. In most cases, laryngitis goes away on its own, but your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic if he suspects a bacterial infection as the cause, a corticosteroid to relieve the inflammation or recommend other ways to relieve the discomfort.

Tonsillitis

Mayo Clinic describes the tonsils as "two oval-shaped pads of tissue located at the back of the throat" that produce disease-fighting white blood cells. Tonsillitis occurs when the tonsils become swollen and painful, usually due to a viral or bacterial infection. Your doctor can determine the cause of the infection and will prescribe antibiotics if the infection is bacterial. He may also suggest ways to relieve the pain and discomfort of tonsillitis. If your tonsillitis is recurring, removing your tonsils might be necessary.

Tags: sore throat, bacterial infection, acid reflux, bacterial infections, causes pain

How Does Reflexology Work

Pressure Points and Corresponding Organs

Reflexology works by applying pressure to points on the body, specifically the feet, in order to improve health, relieve pain and promote relaxation. Reflexologists believe that certain zones on the feet, hands and ears correspond to various glands, organs and muscles located elsewhere in the body. When pressure is applied to these zones, people claim to experience beneficial health effects. For example, massaging the tips of the toes is believed to stimulate the head and brain and relieve headaches, while pressure applied to the ball of the foot is believed beneficial to the chest and heart.

Improved Circulation and Induction of Relaxation

Reflexology produces a variety of physical changes in the body. Overall relaxation is evident, which in itself is beneficial for health and well-being. Reflexology has also been shown to improve circulation and assist in the removal of waste products from the body. The increase in blood flow also enables vital nutrients to reach the cells of the body, which greatly improves oxygenation. The pressure and physical contact of reflexology offers many of the same benefits as other forms of massage therapy.

Treat Varicose Veins With Herbal Remedies

A good way to treat Varicose Veins is with herbal remedies. Herbal remedies are the most natural way to help improve the appearance and symptoms of Varicose Veins. Below are some herbal remedies that have been proven beneficial in the treatment of Varicose Veins.

Instructions

1. Take Horse Chestnut in supplemental form daily, or apply a topical form of it to the areas with Varicose Veins. Take around 300 mg, three times per day, for the best results. Horse Chestnut works great when you apply it in cream form to the areas affected with Varicose Veins.

2. Take Butcher's Broom in supplemental form daily. Butcher's Broom is one of the most popular natural treatments for Varicose Veins and is often used in over the counter medications for Varicose Veins.

3. Apply Witch Hazel to the areas affected with Varicose Veins. Witch Hazel is used in Germany for the natural treatment of Varicose Veins by herbalists and was approved by the German Commission that authorizes herbal treatments.

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The Benefits Of Bergamot Oil

Bergamot oil is oil derived from the Citrus bergamia tree in Southeast Asia and Europe. The oil is very popular among aromatherapists and has many healing properties. Bergamot oil is effective for treating urinary tract infections and skin problems, and also promotes relaxation and soothes stomach pain.

Urinary Tract Infection Treatment

Bergamot oil has long been used to treat urinary tract infections because it is a powerful antioxidant and cleanser. People using bergamot oil to treat urinary tract infections inhale bergamot oil from a diffuser or vaporizer. Drinking Earl Grey tea is also an effective method to soothe urinary tract infections, since it has small amounts of bergamot oil in it.

Treatment of Skin Problems

People with acne, oily skin, psoriasis, cold sores and chicken pox have found relief with bergamot oil. Bergamot oil helps all of these conditions because it is a powerful cleaner and extracts any harmful bacteria from the skin, eliminating the source of many skin problems. For direct skin application, bergamot oil is diluted to no more than 1 percent and applied to the skin. In any concentration greater than 1 percent, bergamot oil can cause irritation and burns.

Relaxation

Bergamot oil promotes a feeling of well-being and relaxation, and has effectively been used to relieve stress, fear, anxiety and depression. To promote relaxation, bergamot oil is incorporated into massage oils or is breathed in using a diffuser or vaporizer.

Stomach Health

Almost any stomach problem can be treated with bergamot oil because it stimulates stomach organs as well as the liver and spleen. People wishing to use bergamot oil to treat stomach problems should inhale bergamot oil from a diffuser or vaporizer. Earl Grey tea, with its small amount of bergamot oil, is also an effective way to soothe the stomach.

Insect Repellent

Bergamot oil is a powerful insect repellent. Most people choose to use a bergamot oil diffuser to get rid of insects in a particular area, but it can also be applied directly to the skin in diluted concentrations of no more than 1-percent potency.

Tags: tract infections, urinary tract infections, diffuser vaporizer, urinary tract, also effective, because powerful, been used

Lemon & Maple Syrup Cleanses

The lemon cleanse has existed for over 40 years, but it has become more popular in recent years. Cleansing is important to eliminate excess toxins from our bodies and to improve our health by minimizing headaches, fatigue and other ailments. While cleansing is not a diet, some people do lose weight while participating in the cleanse.

The Founder

Stanley Burroughs developed the lemon cleanse in his 1976 book, "Healing for the Age of Enlightenment," in which he discussed several aspects of unconventional healthcare. He also wrote a later book, just pertaining to this cleanse, titled "The Master Cleanser." You should read one of his books before beginning a cleanse to avoid any errors (see Resources below).

The Ingredients

While on the lemon cleanse, you will drink 6 to 12 glasses of "lemonade" prepared with ½ of a lemon, 2 tbsp. pure maple syrup, 1/10 tsp. of cayenne pepper and 8 oz. of water. Lemons offer vitamins and minerals, and maple syrup is considered one of the rare good, unprocessed sugars that offers micronutrients.

The Process

Drink 6 to 12 glasses of lemonade a day and make sure you have ingredients with you wherever you are. You are not to eat or drink anything else, just drink a glass of lemonade whenever hungry. It is recommended to do the cleanse for 10 days, but it can be done safely for up to 40 days.

Purpose

You should use the cleanse when you want to get rid of toxins from your body, or to remove waste from your joints, or if you want to get a more youthful look and feeling. You may also administer a cleanse after you have been ill and want to rid your body of germs.

Not a Starvation Diet

The lemon cleanse is gentler on the body because you are still receiving vitamins and minerals through the lemon juice and maple syrup. The maple syrup provides for the body's calorie needs, while cayenne pepper, lemon juice and water filter out toxins.

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Become A Certified Yoga Instructor

Become a Certified Yoga Instructor

If you've practiced yoga, you know the feelings of relaxation and joy that continue long after you've completed your final pose. Becoming a yoga instructor is a difficult but rewarding experience. Here's how you can begin your new career by earning your yoga instructor certification.

Instructions

1. Take as many yoga classes as you can to get yourself in shape for the rigorous training ahead of you. You might also want to throw in weight training and cardio to improve your overall health. A healthy diet will also help to put you in the right state of mind for such a commitment, as well as giving you the energy you'll need to complete your training.

2. Locate a reputable yoga instructor school. You can find a list of schools in Australia, Canada, Europe, Mexico and the United States at yogasite.com (see Resources below). The number of hours required can range from under 100 to more than 500.

3. Once you select a center in your area, look for reviews and/or further information about the school, either online or through yoga publications. If it still sounds like it will work for you, call the school to make the first steps toward enrollment.

4. Complete the school's program and receive your yoga instructor certification. Find a job teaching yoga or, as a hobby, volunteer to teach for free in parks or at schools.

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Have An Mri After Having A Hip Replacement

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a test that helps physicians diagnose and treat a range of conditions. You can have a MRI after receiving a hip replacement as long as the MRI is not focusing on the area near the hip implant. The materials used for hip replacements are made of metals that will distort the image of the MRI.

Hip Replacement Surgery

Hip replacement surgery involves the removal of damaged cartilage and bone, reconditioning the pelvis socket and replacement of the ball or femur. Hip replacement materials consist of chrome cobalt, polyethylene plastic, titanium alloy and possibly ceramics, all of which can affect the image of an MRI.

MRI Scans

MRI scans use strong magnets and radio waves to take noninvasive pictures of your body. One MRI scan can produce an abundance of images that can be stored on a computer or printed on film.

Risk

Patients who have heart pacemakers, metal implants or metal chips in the eye region cannot be scanned with an MRI because the magnet that is used in the MRI procedure may move the metal that is located within these areas of the body.

Fact

According to the National Institutes of Health, an MRI may help to uncover reasons for failed hip replacement procedures.

Tip

Before having any type of scan or exam that involves radiation or magnetic scans you should always reveal any prior surgeries or existing medical conditions first.

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The Average Salary Of A Chiropractor In The Chicago Area

A chiropractor diagnoses and treats health ailments of the musculoskeletal system. Most of the work of a chiropractor involves aligning muscles or bones that affect the nervous system. Chiropractors utilize and suggest other forms of therapy such as exercise, heat and water to assist in the recovery of ailments related to the musculoskeletal system. In May 2009, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated salaries for these professionals in the Chicago area.

Job Requirements

Chiropractors are required to complete 90 hours of college coursework toward obtaining a bachelor degree, but most complete a bachelor's degree before chiropractic training. Chiropractors then attend about four years of training resulting in a doctor of chiropractic degree. All states require chiropractors to obtain a license to practice professionally by passing a licensing exam administered by their state of residence. Most states use the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners exam.

Average Salary

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 1,110 chiropractors employed in its Chicago/Naperville/Joliet, Illinois metropolitan division. Median annual wages were $78,790. The 25th percentile earned $50,550 per year and the 75th percentile earned $104,400 per year.

Hourly Wages

Chiropractors paid hourly wages earned a median of $37.80 per hour. The 25th percentile earned $24.30 per hour and the 75th percentile earned $50.19 per hour. Estimated hourly mean wages were $41.46 per hour.

Comparisons

Approximately 60 percent of all chiropractors in Illinois were employed in the Chicago/Naperville/Joliet, Illinois metropolitan division. Estimated median wages in Illinois were $71,670. Annual median wages in the Chicago area were approximately 15 percent higher than the national annual median wages of $67,650 for chiropractors.

Tags: percentile earned, median wages, 25th percentile, 25th percentile earned, 75th percentile, 75th percentile earned

Get A Nail Fungus From Fake Nails

Nail fungus infections must be treated.

Yes, you can get nail fungus from having fake nails. The fungus that causes this condition is common, so anything that can act as a trap, such as a fake nail, or irritant, such as nail adhesive, can be a problem.

Causes

Gaps between fake nails and your nails can trap water, dirt and anything else. If fungus grows in a such a gap, it won't have anywhere to go but into your nail.

Symptoms

Symptoms of nail fungus may include yellow, thick, rough or crumbling nails that are painful and foul-smelling.

Prevention/Solution

The best prevention is to not use fake nails. If you do choose to get fake nails, there are steps you can take to try to avoid this condition.

Have the nails done by a skilled nail tech; they are more likely to avoid allowing gaps between the fake nail and your nail. Keep your hands clean.

Treatment

Nail fungus under fake nails is difficult to cure. The fungus has grown into and is protected by the nail. Because nails grow slowly, any infected area tends to infect and reinfect the areas around it.

You may find topical treatments at the drugstore, but according to the Mayo Clinic, they don't work very well. The only proven treatment is to take a long course of oral antifungal medicine.

Risks

Oral antifungal medication can be hard on your liver. If you have reduced liver function for any reason, your doctor won't prescribe the medicine for you.

Tags: fake nails, between fake, fake nail, Nail fungus, nail fungus, this condition

Prevent Eye Strain When Reading

Many people use their eyes over long periods of time which in turn causes eye strain. There are some simple things individuals can do to eliminate this strain, especially if whatever they are working on requires extended periods of focus, such as reading often does.

Instructions

1. Provide adequate and soothing lighting when having to focus on any project for extended periods of time. Make sure the lighting in the room you are in does not cause squinting. Make sure the light is coming from behind and over your shoulder. If overhead lighting is all that is available, try not to be positioned directly underneath it. Further, fluorescent lighting appears to be easiest on one's eyes.

2. Make sure what you are concentrating on is large enough to see. If you are reading print of any kind, make sure it is at least a 12 font. If it is not, you may want to consider using a magnifying glass or reading glasses. if you are lying in bed or sitting in a chair, try a pillow for support against your neck. This will help to prevent stress of your muscles in your neck as you read, and may help improve your concentration levels as well.

3. Take frequent breaks when concentrating for large periods of time. Be sure to blink your eyes several times in between lengthy periods of concentration. Take a walk around the inside of your home or around the block. Diverting your attention, even if only for a short period of time, will help to give your eyes a break they may need.

4. Place a cold wash cloth over your eyes and gently hold it there for a minute or until the cold sensation disappears. The cold feeling will help to restrict inflammation of the nerve areas around the eye as well as provide soothing comfort. Further, a sachet of lavender placed momentarily over the eyes may also help in soothing strained eyes.

5. Take a nap if you are tired as a result of reading. Retention of the material will be decreased as a result of a tired mind. Refreshed eyes are able to concentrate better after sleeping.

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Can Toxic Shock Syndrome Follow Surgery

Toxic shock occurs when a toxin, produced by a bacteria, enters the bloodstream. It can cause a myriad of symptoms, including a fever, failure of many different organs, a sudden drop in blood pressure, and a rash over the palms and soles of the feet that can cause the skin to peel. The condition is normally treated via antibiotics, blood pressure medications and an assessment of the damaged organs.

Cause of Toxic Shock

Toxic shock syndrome occurs when the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria enters the blood stream.

Toxic Shock-like Syndrome

Streptococcus epidermis can also can a syndrome that strongly resembles toxic shock.

Location of These Bacteria

These bacteria normally are present on the skin.

How Bacteria Enter the Bloodstream

These bacteria can enter the bloodstream via open wounds, surgical incisions and tampons.

Causes of Toxic Shock After Surgery

These bacteria can enter the bloodstream after surgery due to improperly sterilized instrument, a contaminated surgical area and infections via catheters and IVs.

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Ataxic Cerebral Palsy

Ataxic Cerebral Palsy is a rare form of cerebral palsy that makes up only 5 to 10% of cerebral palsy diagnosis. This condition causes low muscle tone and poor coordination, making even the simplest everyday tasks difficult.

Identification

Cerebral palsy is a condition where the brain has been damaged, either during pregnancy, delivery, or before age 3. When the portion of the brain that controls motor skills is damaged, it causes problems with movement, making movement shaky and uncoordinated. Cerebral palsy is split up into four separate classifications that describe the types of movement problems that an individual may have. Individuals may have one or more of the four classifications as part of their CP diagnosis.

Features

People suffering from ataxic cerebral palsy may have tremors that make it difficult to perform tasks that require small motor skills such as typing or writing. Balance can be a problem for individuals with ataxic cerebral palsy and when walking, the patient may take wide steps to compensate. Depth perception may be compromised.

When a normal brain sends a message to the hand to pick up a pencil, the movement is smooth and done without thinking. When the brain of a person with cerebral palsy sends a message to the hand to pick up a pencil, the message is confused and the hand moves in shark jerky movements, sometimes causing the person to be unable to pick up the pencil.

Misconceptions

Ataxic cerebral palsy is not contagious. It is caused by a brain injury that occurred sometime during pregnancy, birth, or early childhood. There is no cure for cerebral palsy but it is a non-progressive condition so it will not get any worse over time. While some individuals with ataxic cerebral palsy have some mental impairments, many do not have any mental limitations.

Effects

Ataxic cerebral palsy is caused by an injury to the brain. During pregnancy, this can occur as a result of a genetic predisposition to cell mutation, maternal disease such as diabetes or German measles, or radiation exposure. Complications that can result in ataxic cerebral palsy during birth include a placental abruption, premature birth, long delivery, or breach delivery. During childhood, brain infections, oxygen deprivation and trauma to the head can result in cerebral palsy.

Significance

Individuals with ataxic cerebral palsy can range anywhere from mildly to severely handicapped. It is possible for a child with mild to moderate ataxic cerebral palsy to attend a normal school but in many cases, an aide may be necessary to help with more detailed tasks. Children with severe ataxic cerebral palsy may need to attend a special education program that offers more extensive care.

Physically therapy and exercise can increase flexibility in tight muscles and help maintain muscle strength. In some cases, surgery may be necessary for extremely tight muscles.

Tags: cerebral palsy, cerebral palsy, ataxic cerebral palsy, ataxic cerebral, pick pencil, with ataxic

Can Stomach Stapling Be Undone

New diets and weight-loss supplements seem to appear almost overnight these days. Although fad diets abound, there are many safe and effective diets that can help remove even the most stubborn pounds. However, when weight loss cannot be achieved through conservative means, stomach-stapling surgeries such as gastric bypass are often the last resort for morbidly obese patients. Most patients enjoy the effects of their surgery, but sometimes, people are not happy and want to have their stomach-stapling procedure undone. Understanding how gastric bypass works and why it's challenging to reverse can help people make more informed decisions regarding these procedures.

Stomach-stapling procedures work by dually restricting food intake and the absorption of nutrients from the small intestine. When the surgery is performed, a small pouch is created in the stomach, making it impossible for large amounts of food to be ingested. Also, a bypass is created, so that once the food leaves the pouch, it skips a major portion of the small intestine. By doing so, less of the food's content can be utilized by the body, helping to reduce calories and increase weight loss. However, some patients may suffer from chronic side-effects from stomach-stapling surgeries, like pain or malnutrition, or just not like how a gastric bypass procedure makes them feel, and wonder if it can be reversed.

Stomach-stapling surgeries can be reversed, in most cases. However, typically physicians recommend only people suffering from serious long-term issues attempt to have their stomach-stapling procedure reversed. The reversal surgery can actually cause more problems than the original surgery, and can involve an even longer recovery time. Also, any weight that was lost with the gastric bypass will most likely return once the surgery is reversed. Therefore, anyone considering a stomach-stapling surgery should think of it as permanent.

Tags: gastric bypass, have their, have their stomach-stapling, small intestine, stomach-stapling procedure

Treat Tinnitus

It is unpleasant and annoying to hear ringing or buzzing sounds in your ears. If the noise lasts longer than a few minutes and doesn't go away, it may be tinnitus. Tinnitus may be caused by damage to your ears, which can be irreversible. Treatment of tinnitus depends on the cause.

Instructions

1. See your doctor to determine the cause of the tinnitus. It may be as simple as wax in your ears, which can be removed by the doctor or with a home kit. Your doctor should help you rule out or address other causes, such as high blood pressure, inner-ear disease or overuse of medications like aspirin.

2. Try medications to treat tinnitus. Tricyclic antidepressants such as Amitripxyline and Nortriptyline have proven useful in studies. Gabapentin (Neurontin) for migraines and acamprosate (Campral) for alcoholism are shown to relieve tinnitus. Benzodiazepines and Baclofen (nervous system depressants) also may work.

3. Cover up the noise of tinnitus with external noise. Use with a fan, soft music or low-volume radio static. Listen to CDs with white noise or natural sounds like rain and seaside. Use sound pillows that have small speakers inside pillows.

4. Wear a hearing aid, which amplifies outside sounds and makes the tinnitus noise less obvious.

5. Manage your levels of stress. Anxiety, depression and insomnia aggravate tinnitus. The noises will appear louder than they are. Relaxation techniques teach people to control certain automatic body functions. Try stress management, relaxation therapy, exercise, biofeedback, acupuncture or hypnosis to relax.

6. Exercise to increase blood circulation and calm nerves. Do tai chi and yoga.

7. Use natural remedies to treat tinnitus. Baking soda, magnesium, molasses and vinegar are most often tried. Take herbs and vitamins such as ginkgo and zinc.

Tags: your ears, ears which, treat tinnitus, your ears which

Effect Of Essential Oils On Pregnancy

Pregnancy Safety

Essential oils are derived from plants and are frequently used for the physical and psychological benefits that each is reputed to possess. Essential oils are commonly used in aromatherapy or in diluted form for topical application to the skin. While there are several essential oils which will provide pregnant women with benefits during pregnancy, there are also many essential oils which should be avoided due to potential harm to the mother or unborn baby.

Significance

The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) advises pregnant women to avoid using essential oils during pregnancy to err on the side of caution. Pregnant women considering using essential oils for potentially beneficial effects should wait until after the first trimester and proceed with extreme caution and a doctor's advice. There is little research to support safe use, certain essential oils may have toxic effects, and there is little known about the detoxification abilities of unborn children and infants.

Beneficial Effects

Essential oils which are classified as having less risk of potentially negative effects by NAHA include chamomile for its calming effects; geranium for improved circulation and mood enhancement; lavender to soothe aches and combat depression; neroli for calming and mood enhancement; patchouli to alleviate depression and sandalwood for its calming effects. Ylang ylang reportedly has a calming effect along with aphrodisiac and blood pressure reducing properties. Earthy Family recommends avoiding chamomile and geranium for the first trimester.

AltMD Recommended Essential Oils

Several additional essential oils are mentioned as being safe for use during pregnancy by AltMD. These include bergamot to alleviate pain and fight infection; lemon to alleviate nausea; mandarin to aid in relaxation and fluid retention; rosewood for sedation; petitgrain to alleviate pregnancy-related or post-partum depression and tangerine for stretch mark prevention and calming properties.

Essential Oils To Avoid

Certain essential oils can cause uterine contractions which may lead to miscarriage, affect hormone balances or may be toxic. Essential oils which should be avoided during pregnancy include anise, bay, basil, camphor, caraway, carrot, cedar, cinnamon, clary sage, clove, comfrey, cypress, fennel, hyssop, jasmine, juniper, lemongrass, marjoram, mugwort, myrrh, nutmeg, oregano, parsley, pennyroyal, peppermint, rosemary, sage, sassafras, tansy, thuja, thyme, wintergreen, wormwood and yarrow.

Postpartum Use

Postpartum use of essential oils such as lavender to promote calm or neroli to help uplift the mood may be useful in combating postpartum depression. According to NAHA, using extremely diluted lavender to massage babies may alleviate crankiness and tension. Consult a doctor prior to using any essential oils during pregnancy, while breastfeeding or prior to using essential oils with a newborn baby or infant.

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Survive Arsenic Poisoning

Arsenic poisoning may make you think of that movie where the old lady gets rid of her husbands by slowly poisoning them with arsenic in their food but believe it or not, arsenic poisoning can happen easily from everyday obstacles around your house. Once you have it, it's difficult to rid the system of it so that you must be thorough and patient with treatment, usually chelation therapy. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Survive Arsenic Poisoning

1. Many factors affect the absorption, distribution and excretion of both

toxic heavy metals and essential minerals. Hair levels of toxic metals

may give the most accurate indication of body toxic metal burden and

overall exposure. Hair analysis is extremely cost effective and also

gives an indication of total toxic metal load. Also, a 24-hour urine

test is needed to see if you have arsenic poisoning. Symptoms can

include an overall ill feeling and mental disturbances such as delusion

and confusion. Other symptoms include:

* Abdominal pain

* Blood in stool

* Chest pain

* Constipation

* Cough

* Diarrhea

* Difficulty swallowing

* Dizziness

* Eye discomfort and redness

* Foot pain or ankle pain

* Foot swelling or leg swelling

* Headaches

* Heart palpitations

* Hip pain

* Knee pain

* Low back pain

* Nasal congestion

* Nausea or vomiting

* Neck pain

* Numbness or tingling in hands

* Pelvic pain: female

* Pelvic pain: male

* Shortness of breath

* Shoulder pain

* Sore throat

* Urinary problems

* Vision problems

* Wheezing

2. Toxic Heavy Metals negatively impact our health. They are in the air we

breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, the products we use and

the objects we touch. Exposure is all but impossible to avoid. The root

causation of arsenic poisoning can be household products and your water

system. Be careful that you don't have pesticides near any water

source. Pay special attention to your gardening area. If you're

remodeling your house, drywall dust can be a source of arsenic too.

3. Heavy metals build up within the body over a period of time causes poor

health. However they can be mobilized and excreted in a safe and

effective manner. Treatment is usually Chelation therapy that pulls

arsenic out of your system. Heavy metals (arsenic, lead, and mercury)

like to hide in the brain and are resistant to cleaning out. The liver

has to do a hard job processing the toxins during chelation therapy and

the process can be tough on your digestive system. It's best to eat a

diet of protein and mostly vegetables during treatment. Treatment can

be done via IVs or orally. Intravenous treatment can be too rough on

your body and some people need to take oral drops instead for a slower

but less intrusive treatment.

4. Your chiropractor can be a good treatment resource as they have a test

to see how much arsenic or other heavy metals are in your system. By

pressing on certain body parts and applying a resistance test, they can

tell how your treatment has progressed. Additional 24-hour urine tests

may also be prescribed to see what your levels are. Over time, you can

rid your system of heavy metals but remember that you must be patient

and thorough with the treatment process.

Tags: arsenic poisoning, your system, 24-hour urine, Arsenic Poisoning, chelation therapy

Callus Removal Treatments

Preventing calluses can be done at home using a regular skin care routine.

Calluses are thickening or toughening of the skin, often due to excessive friction or pressure on one area. Calluses are commonly found on the feet, but can also occur on hands and other body parts. While minor calluses do not usually require treatment, thicker and more painful calluses will be removed using various techniques -- or a doctor may need to assess the problem. There are also ways to prevent calluses from becoming too thick.

Callus Shavers

Callus shavers provide the quickest method of removing unwanted calluses from the feet. Feet need to be soaked in warm water for about 15 to 20 minutes to moisten the skin. Try adding baking soda to the water as this may further soften the callus area. Pull the callus shaver across the callus in a shaving motion. Shavers are meant to remove only a thin layer of skin at a time.

Home Treatment

There are a few things you can do at home to soften and reduce calluses. If there is a lot of callused tissue, soak it in diluted chamomile tea as this will soothe and soften the hardened skin. Any stained skin can be cleaned with soap and water. Another method is to soak your feet or hands in comfortable hot water for a few minutes and use a pumice stone or callus file to rub off the top layers of skin. Apply a hand or foot cream containing urea to dissolve hardened skin. This can be a daily routine, depending on the severity of the calluses. You may also want to try coating the affected feet or hands in petroleum jelly, wearing either socks or gloves overnight -- your skin will be very soft the next morning. Non-medicated pads may also be ideal to relieve pressure on callused feet.

Topical Medications

Salicylic Acid topical cream may be prescribed by a family doctor or podiatrist to treat more painful calluses. This is a keratolytic, or peeling agent, that works by increasing the amount of moisture in the skin, dissolving the substance that keeps the skin cells together and then shedding skin cells. A doctor may instruct you to soak the callus for five minutes and use a pumice stone to remove the top dead layers of skin before applying the medication. Apply a few drops or a thin layer of the cream to the entire callus. Dry for five minutes and cover with a bandage. Do not allow the medication to come in contact with areas such as the eyes, nose, mouth, groin or broken skin.

Prevention

To prevent calluses, it is important to wear footwear that fits properly and is supportive of the different areas of the feet. Cushioned pads and insoles can help. A doctor may even prescribe orthotics to correct the problem and prevent further calluses. The most important method of prevention is to follow a regular routine that will prevent calluses, rather than treating them once they exist. Apply moisturizer frequently, particularly when the skin is moist, such as after a shower. Use a pumice stone or exfoliating foot scrub to wear down calluses and keep them from becoming worse.

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Lift 5 Gallon Water Bottles Safely

Five-gallon, water bottles can cause damage to the spine if lifted improperly.

One gallon of water weighs approximately 8.33 lbs. Therefore, lifting 5 gallons of water is equivalent to lifting more than 40 lbs. According to Cornell University's ergonomics department, lifting a 30-lb. container can exert a total compressive force of 2,214-lbs.-per-inch on the muscles of the upper body. The clockwise and counterclockwise motions involved in lifting and lowering heavy objects can result in disabling, lower-back injuries due to resultant changes in spine geometry. To prevent spine damage, Cornell recommends body positions that lessen force on the back by transferring weight bearing to the legs.

Instructions

1. Spread both of your feet out to the width of your shoulders. Plant your feet firmly on the ground so that any weight lifted will be evenly distributed between the soles of the feet. This will also ensure that your center of gravity is centralized in the abdominal cavity.

2. Suck in your stomach to tighten the abdominal cavity muscles. Keep your back as straight as possible by tucking your chin in, so your head and neck follow the straight line of the back. Squat close to the 5-gallon, water bottle. Squatting causes the knees to bend, forcing the legs to absorb most of the shock from the lift.

3. Grip the water bottle with the palms of both hands, as opposed to just using your fingertips, and drag the bottle close to you while holding your elbows close to your body. This action will keep your body weight centered. Upon the first lift, the weight of the bottle will bear on your hips and thighs instead of your spine when this position is maintained.

4. Straighten the legs and suck your stomach in while lifting the bottle. This will balance the shoulders and chest over the lower spine, protecting lumbar vertebrae. Keep the bottle under your field of vision, to prevent slips and falls. If you have to turn with the bottle in hand, turn your entire body, feet first, to prevent twisting of the spine.

5. Keep a firm grip on the bottle until you have reached your destination. Spread your feet apart again to shoulder width and tighten your abdominal muscles. Keep your spine as straight as possible to set the load down. These actions will maintain your center of gravity and allow the lower body to absorb the shock of positioning the 5-gallon load.

Tags: your feet, abdominal cavity, center gravity, Keep your, muscles Keep, muscles Keep your

Mobility Products Information

Many devices can assist with mobility.

Society is a long way from guaranteeing mobility, but the Americans with Disabilities Act has increased awareness of mobility problems and helped remove many physical barriers that the disabled face. The consumer products industry has responded to this heightened focus on mobility by creating innovative devices that make the activities of daily living easier for individuals who need help.

Hands

If you or a loved one has lost the function of a hand due to a stroke, nerve damage or amputation, several products can help you do most things that a two-handed person can do. A custom cutting board has prongs that hold fruits and vegetables while you slice them. You can cut steak one-handed with a rocking knife-fork combination utensil. Elastic shoelaces let you lace and tie shoes once, then slip them off and on without retying. Extra-long handled hair brushes can help you stay neat and well groomed.

Feet

Walking mobility devices help people with foot or leg injuries or disabilities move safely over distances. With a knee walker, the patient rests his bent knee on a padded cart on wheels. The injured leg remains stable on the cart, with no weight being carried on the lower leg, while the patient keeps the knee walker moving with his healthy leg. The knee walker is more stable than walking on crutches and easier to maneuver than a wheelchair.

Consumers with limited mobility due to Parkinson's disease will appreciate the features of the laser cane. You push a button on the cane handle to cast a bright red laser light beam horizontally in front of your feet. The beam gives your foot something to aim for when you step forward, helping eliminate episodes of "freezing."

Eyes

Many assistive devices help enhance vision. For the vision impaired, magnifying eyeglasses help you watch TV and read print, while a talking watch helps with time management and a talking scale with weight management.

Ears

Sound amplification products help the hard of hearing stay active and mobile. You need not worry about missing the alarm and oversleeping if you have a vibrating alarm clock to shake you up in the morning. Strobe flashers capture your attention when your phone rings or someone knocks at your door. Novel phone amplifiers intercept your phone signal and transmit it through your hearing aid. Television amplifiers can also transmit through your hearing aid, so others with better hearing can watch TV with you, with the volume set to their comfort level.

Tags: knee walker, devices help, products help, through your, through your hearing, transmit through, transmit through your

Keep Your Mind Sharp And Positive

Learn keep your mind sharp and free of negative energy by learning the deep secrets of the subconscious mind, and learning to control your everyday thoughts.

Instructions

1. In this article, you're going to learn keep your mind sharp and free of negative energy by learning the importance of thoughts, and control them better. Your habitual thinking effects how you think on a regular basis, and I'm going to show change your habitual thinking so you can keep your mind working in tip top condition.

2. First, of all you need to recognize the power of your thoughts and control what thoughts you let into your subconscious mind. Your subconscious mind is your seat of habit. Whatever you think about constantly gets imprinted in your subconscious mind and starts to become a habit. This is a good thing if the habit is good. And of course, it's a bad thing, if the habit is bad. So the first thing you need to do is monitor what type of thoughts you let into your subconscious mind on a regular basis. I can go on and on about how powerful your subconscious mind is, but I'm only going to share the basics in this article, but I do recommend further reading on the subconscious mind. You'll learn a lot.

3. Next, you'll want to program your subconscious mind with good thoughts. The way that you do this is by simply thinking the right thoughts mixed with some strong positive emotion behind them, which would be defined as belief. You have to believe what you're thinking is true for this method to work. Your subconscious mind reacts or operates on thoughts that have strong positive emotion attached to them ,or what we would usually call, "Belief." The thoughts you believe are true get shuttled down into the subconscious mind, and it makes them stronger, making them habit. So it's very important that you put thoughts that you want, in your subconscious mind.

If you want to think smarter or sharper, send those types of thoughts into your subconscious mind with some strong belief behind them ,and your subconscious mind will go to work for you, like a biological computer, to make those thoughts a reality. If you want proof of this, just think about all the thoughts that you've thought about habitually in your lifetime, and you'll find that they pretty much match your personality, since your subconscious mind controls your personality. You're not the same person you were when you were a child or a teenager. Why? Because you started "thinking" differently. You started "believing" different things. Is it starting to make sense? I hope so because my advice will only help you, if it makes sense to you. My instructions will simply help you to channel this technique you've already been using your entire life. I'm just making you aware of it. Whether you consciously do it, or not, it's going to get done. It's called "Mental conditioning."

4. Third, set aside some time each day to meditate on what thoughts you want to send into your subconscious mind. Start out doing it for about 20 minutes a day, and I'll guarantee you that by the end your session, you'll feel rejuvenated. Like a certain power has taken over your mind and made you perceive things differently. That's your subconscious mind going to work for you.

5. Finally, read all the articles you can on the subconscious mind. Learn everything you can about it. It will be the most important lesson you'll ever learn. A lot of emotional problems that people have is deeply rooted in the subconscious mind because it also controls your emotions, bodily functions, and things of that nature. So you should definitely take whatever actions necessary to learn more about how your subconscious mind and how it works. I've explained the basics to you in this article, but you can always learn more, since learning , in and of itself, is a process.

Tags: subconscious mind, your subconscious mind, your subconscious, into your, into your subconscious

Acupressure Point For A Headache

Acupressure relies on the correspondence between certain nerve and energy centers in the body with the body's condition. By pressing on these nerve centers, you can alleviate conditions such as headaches. Here is use acupressure points for a headache, adapted from the information presented by Holistic Online.com.

Instructions

Know the Points

1. Know which acupressure points correspond to headaches. In Chinese acupressure, the culprits are most likely to be the three head points or else the cluster of four points found at the base of the skull.

2. Find the three acupressure head points. The head points are found in a line starting from the crown of the head and working down toward the back of the skull. To find these points Holistic Online.com suggests placing your thumbs on the top of each ear with your fingertips meeting at the top of your head. You should feel a depression near the top of your skull. This is the middle of the three head points, with the first point about an inch above the middle point, and the third point about an inch below the middle point.

3. Press gently but firmly on the pressure points.

4. Find the four acupressure points at the base of the skull. To find the first pair, place your finger tips on the angle of your jaw on each side of your head. Follow that angle up and back until you find a lump of bone behind your ear. This is the mastoid process. From here, slide your fingertips straight back. You should find a hollow on each side of the base of your skull. These are the first pair of acupressure points.

5. Press on the first pair of acupressure points using firm, gentle pressure.

6. Find the last pair of acupressure points. Put your hands over your ears with your thumbs down and pointing to your back. Your finger tips should touch over the middle of the base of your skull. Slide your fingertips down until you find a hollow at the base of your skull, just at the top of your spine. These are the last two pressure points. Press gently and firmly.

Tags: acupressure points, head points, your skull, base your, base your skull, first pair

Psychiatric Hospitals

Psychiatric hospitals provide intensive treatment of severe mental illnesses for children, teens and adults. Individuals may admit themselves or can be admitted by someone if it can be demonstrated that the individual's life is at risk or the lives of others are at risk because of the individual's condition. These hospitals may offer outpatient as well as inpatient treatment. Patients who make progress while admitted can be discharged on the condition that they continue treatment in a less restrictive environment like outpatient therapy.

Features

Patients admitted to psychiatric hospitals are given a variety of treatments on a daily basis. Medications are administered, usually at the same time every day, and each patient visits with a psychiatrist every day as well. Social workers, therapists and counselors provide individual and group therapy sessions throughout the day. Some hospitals also incorporate substance abuse counseling for dual diagnosed patients and may conduct AA meetings weekly.

Benefits

The environment of psychiatric hospitals is well structured. Daily routines are established and maintained, which provides the patients with a sense of stability. Group therapy sessions are beneficial because they allow patients to learn from each other and offer them the opportunity to express their feelings. Also, school-aged patients receive several hours of instruction from teachers so as not to fall behind in their studies.

Insurance Coverage

Although health insurance plans may provide coverage for admissions to a psychiatric hospital, there are usually limitations on the amount of coverage provided. Insurers may only cover a certain number of days of a patient's admission per year. Once the maximum allowed days are used, the patient becomes responsible for the cost of the remainder of the admission. Recurrent episodes and long term admissions can result in significant financial harm, including bankruptcy.

Intake

Upon arrival at a psychiatric hospital, the patient is thoroughly interviewed about her medical history as well as reasons for admittance. Patients are then searched for contraband such as drugs, weapons, matches or anything else that can cause harm to the patient or others in the hospital. Nurses conduct a physical evaluation and make note of any marks on the body. Finally, patients are evaluated by a psychiatrist and a medication management plan is initiated.

Time Frame

An admission to a psychiatric hospital lasts a minimum of 72 hours. Although the average admission lasts for several weeks, a patient can request to be discharged after 72 hours. Doctors can seek a court order for a patient to remain beyond 72 days whether that patient was admitted to the hospital voluntarily or involuntarily. If commitment proceedings are not brought before a court and the patient leaves without the hospital's approval, this is called a discharge against medical advice (AMA). AMA discharges protect the hospital from legal responsibility should the patient cause harm after being released.

Tags: psychiatric hospital, cause harm, psychiatric hospitals, therapy sessions

Bupleurum Liver Cleanse

Bupleurum Liver Cleanse

Bupleurum Liver Cleanse is a formulation of Bupleurum and other herbs that naturally and effectively cleanse the liver of accumulated toxins.

Identification

Bupleurum, Bupleurum falcatum or Bupleurum chinense belongs to the Apiaceae plant family and is native to Asia. Its common names include Saiko, Thorowax, Chai hu and Hare's ear.

Purpose

In traditional Chinese medicine, Bupleurum has been used to treat liver problems, infections, uterine prolapse, indigestion and hemorrhoids.

Features

Other liver-supporting herbs in Bupleurum liver cleanse formulas include milk thistle, wild yam, dandelion root, lycii fruit, dong quai, peony root, Chinese skull cap, fennel fruit and cyperus rhizome, all of which work together to eliminate liver waste and restore its vitality.

Function

The liver is responsible for aiding digestion, elimination, and cleansing the blood of harmful, circulating substances.

Significance

Over time, the liver tends to store away harmful toxins that it was unable to eliminate from the body, eventually becoming overloaded with these harmful substances.

Tags: Bupleurum Liver, Liver Cleanse, Bupleurum Liver Cleanse

Fix My Lifestyle Lift

The Lifestyle Lift is a plastic surgery procedure that can result in complications.

The Lifestyle Lift is marketed as a less invasive plastic surgery procedure that delivers noticeable facelift results without a long recovery time. As with any plastic surgery, complications can arise following the procedure. Bruising might persist, there may be intense pain or problem areas mignt still appear unsightly or unchanged. If your surgical procedure results in any of these complications, it is necessary to consult experts for help.

Instructions

1. Contact your doctor if there are problems with bleeding, severe pain, bruising, numbness or swelling. Your doctor will analyze the lift, check the problem areas and spell out treatment options for your symptoms.

2. Wait until your surgical follow-up appointment to ask questions and raise concerns with your Lifestyle Lift practitioner. According to the Lifestyle Lift website, every client receives a follow-up inquiry following the procedure.

3. If your Lifestyle Lift practitioner does not remedy your problem or alleviate your concern, get a second opinion from a board-certified plastic surgeon. The Lifestyle Lift is not necessarily performed by a plastic surgeon and there may be underlying factors or injuries that a Lifestyle Lift technician doesn't see.

4. Give the Lifestyle Lift time to settle into the face and heal. Dr. David Kent, creator of the Lifestyle Lift, says that many complaints come from women who don't allow their surgery to fully heal. Although Lifestyle Lift claims that most clients return to work and other activities within a week, and many require only a few days of recovery time, every case is unique. Some patients require more recovery time than others.

5. If you fail to obtain satisfaction from Lifestyle Lift, communicate your situation online, through the media and other channels. If contacted by enough people, media outfits might look into a particularly questionable doctor or clinic. Letters to the editor and reviews on popular consumer sites can also make a difference.

6. Seek out legal redress if the Lifestyle Lift office refuses to fix your Lifestyle Lift problems. The company guarantees each procedure and may honor that promise, so use legal means as a last resort. The legal process is costly, time-consuming and may not result in direct repair of your Lifestyle Lift problems.

Tags: Lifestyle Lift, your Lifestyle, your Lifestyle Lift, plastic surgery, recovery time, following procedure, Lifestyle Lift practitioner

What Happens When You Quit Smoking

Cravings

One of the first things that happens after quitting is you get cravings. These cravings are for nicotine which is the addictive substance found in cigarettes. They can be quite severe for the first few days, but they will taper off over time. But it is not out of the question for a craving to still pop up once in a while even months down the road.

Hacking

Smoking causes toxins and tar to build up on the lungs. This is the main reason that lung cancer develops. After cessation of smoking, the lungs go into clean up mode and this gunk that has built up on them gets coughed up and expelled. This is actually a good thing. It is at this time that the lungs actually start to regenerate.

Off Balance

When you are smoking, you are robbing your body of oxygen. This is felt when doing simple things like walking to the mail box or walking up a flight of stairs. However, once you quit smoking, your body starts to get higher amounts of oxygen; the amount that it should be getting. This is a good thing because you are now going to be breathing with no obstructions. But since your body is not used to this extra volume of oxygen, you may have dizzy spells from time to time. This will only occur until your body adapts to the change in oxygen levels.

Detoxes

There are a host of symptoms that take place through the recovery process of smoking cessation. This is basically your body's way of detoxing. Some of these symptoms include hunger, weight gain, irritability, head aches, fatigue, mood swings and irregularity. These symptoms can be quite severe the first few days after quitting, but they will gradually subside as time goes on.

Benefits

There are a number of health benefits that are also associated with smoking cessation. Some of them happen within 20 minutes after your last cigarette. Blood pressure goes back down to normal levels, the bronchial tubes relax and lung capacity, circulation and energy levels increase as well. Also, after about a year, risk factors for heart attacks, strokes and cancer will reduce to the point where they will be the same as someone who has never smoked.

Tags: your body, they will, after quitting, first days, good thing

Behavior Modification Principles & Procedures

Behavior Modification Principles & Procedures

Behavior modification principles and practices are practical techniques used to modify a person's behavior. It's based on the use of a reward system that targets specific behaviors. Rewards are used to reshape a person's motivations so old habits are eliminated and new, more beneficial habits are formed.

Identification

Behavior modification principles and practices are used to assist individuals with developing new, desirable behaviors while eliminating behaviors that are no longer useful. The techniques used are based on a branch of psychology called behavioral theory. Behavioral theory is based on two areas of study that took place in the 20th century. Classical conditioning--developed by Ivan P. Pavlov--focused on stimulus-response patterns. Operant conditioning--developed by B. F. Skinner--added positive and negative reinforcement practices to the stimulus-response model.

Function

The principles of operant conditioning rely on a schedule of reinforcement to bring about the desired results. Target behaviors are reinforced as soon as they occur, while negative behaviors are discouraged. Reward and punishment tools are also used to strengthen new behaviors. In effect, these tools work to redirect a person's motivations toward the desired outcome.

Extinction

A behavior, or habit, is framed by what happens before and what happens after the behavior is carried out. The principle of extinction works by removing or changing what happens after the behavior takes place. In effect, the incentive or reward that motivates a person to carry out a certain behavior is taken away. When this happens over and over again, the motivation to indulge in a certain behavior begins to fade. Eventually, the behavior itself becomes extinct for lack of incentive.

Systematic Desensitization

Systematic desensitization is a behavior modification practice used to eliminate fears or undesirable emotions. An example of this practice would be removing a person's fear of public speaking. This is done by gradually exposing a person to the experience of public speaking. Speaking in front of a small group of friends or family might be a first step. The person then gradually works up to speaking in front of a larger group of strangers or associates.

Biofeedback

Behavior modification principles also can be used to treat emotional problems that are triggered by a physical symptom. Biofeedback is a method that provides immediate feedback on a person's physiological state, be it heart rate, breathing rate or blood pressure. Feedback is provided by a mechanical device that lets the person know when a particular symptom is present. By controlling the symptom, the resulting emotional response can be prevented. An example of this would be someone who has problems controlling anger. The increases in breathing rate and heart rate can be monitored and controlled with practice. Once controlled, a person is better able to control an angry outburst.

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