No matter how adorable it is, a cat's bite is a serious matter.
Whether it's at the hands of your neighbor's adorable tabby, or a stray cat whose history is unknown, there are two things you need to do without delay following a cat bite. The first is to get the bite treated by a physician -- cat bites are notorious for leading to serious infection and even hospitalization. The second is to report the incident to your local county public health office or animal control facility. Legally speaking, you are obligated to do so and a bite report is necessary in order for local authorities to investigate.
Instructions
Instructions
1. Write down the details as soon as possible after the bite.
You or the victim are likely to be at least a little shaken by the incident, especially if the animal is a stray. Gather as much information as you can, on the spot.
2. Be prepared to report the date, time and location of the incident and as much information as you can gather about the cat.
Get the name of the owner, contact information, as well as the name of their veterinarian, and the pet's vaccination information.
3. Contact your local health department or animal control agency, if the owner of the cat is unknown or the cat is feral.
Be prepared to report the date, time and location, as well as the circumstances of the bite, the cat's breed, color, markings, etc. This allows animal control to attempt to locate and capture the feline to observe for signs of rabies. Reporting also allows local public health authorities to track data and trends in animal bites to people within the community.
Tags: animal control, date time, date time location, much information, prepared report
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recalled all Hydroxycut products in 2009 due to serious long-term complications, resulting in one death and 23 adverse complications. According to Linda Katz of the FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, these effects are rare but serious, requiring immediate medical attention. Some of these long-term effects can result in organ failure or death.
Effects
According to the FDA, reported long-term effects included liver damage, cardiovascular issues and kidney failure. All of the effects were reported even when consumers took the recommended dosage. Rhabdomyolysis, or a deterioration of muscle tissue, caused most of the long-term effects.
Significance
Hydroxycut's long-term effects caused severe liver damage in one consumer. The consumer required a liver transplant to survive. Other consumers suffered from jaundice, seizures and an unnamed cardiovascular disorder. One person, a 19-year-old boy, died from liver failure.
Effects
Due to the long-term effects reports, the FDA removed all Hydroxycut products from store shelves. The products include Hydroxycut Carb Control, Hydroxycut Natural, Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Rapid Release Caplets and Hydroxycut Liquid Shots. The FDA also strongly urged consumers to throw out any Hydroxycut products and discontinue use. Hydroxycut is offering refunds for all Hydroxycut products.
Theories/Speculation
The FDA and Hydroxycut does not know what ingredients caused these long-term effects. Hydroxycut amended their formula in 2003 to remove Ephedra, a dangerous substance banned by the FDA. Still, the ingredients in their formula pose a serious health risk for dieters. The FDA has not made an official ruling.
Popularity
Hydroxycut is considered one of the best-selling products of its kind on the market. According to the Associated Press, Hydroxycut sold over 9 million products last year, accounting for most of diet pill sales in the United States. Many consumers are still taking it because they feel that it is their best alternative.
Tags: long-term effects, Hydroxycut products, liver damage, their formula, these long-term, these long-term effects
It is extremely important to breathe correctlyduring stretching exercises. When you breathe properly, you provide the body with oxygen, which feeds all the vital organs and muscles of the body. A well stretched body functions more efficiently and is less likely to suffer injuries. Learning to breathe correctly can help you reach that goal.
Instructions
1. Release all the tension from your body before you start stretching. This can be done by tightening and then releasing the major muscles, such as those found in the arms and legs.
2. Be aware of your breathing at all times. Stretching exercises are improved when all the components are put into effect at the same time.
3. Breathe naturally. You should breathe deeply, but don't take exaggerated breaths or hike up the shoulders toward the head, as this does not improve your breathing capacity.
4. Expand the rib cage and upper abdomen when taking in a breath (inhaling). This increases the amount of power available to you for movement, as well as increases the capacity of your lungs.
5. Breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth. It sometimes helps to make an audible sound when exhaling as this encourages relaxation.
6. Exhale during the exertion period of a stretch, such as when you are contracting (tightening) a muscle.
7. Inhale when releasing a stretch and returning to your original position.
8. Do not hold your breath during stretching exercises, as you deprive your body of oxygen.
9. Develop a routine for breathing and stretching by reading "Pilates For Every Body" by Denise Austin at Amazon.
10. Monitor your posture at all times. This improves your conditioning and enables the oxygen to make its way unimpeded throughout the body and to the muscles that need it.
Tags: breathe correctly, during stretching, during stretching exercises, your body, your breathing
"Fast. Fresh. Italian." That is the motto of Fazoli's, an Italian family style restaurant with 315 locations in 31 states. If you follow these steps, you can make smart choices when dining at Fazoli's and enjoy Italian food that is also good for you.
Instructions
Go Low Calorie
1. Select a salad. Fazoli's Chicken and Fruit salad only has 220 calories, and their Chicken BLT Ranch salad only has 270 calories.
2. Order a Panini. The Grilled Chicken Panini has 440 calories, and the Four Cheese & Tomato Panini has 500 calories.
3. Choose a small pasta bowl. The small spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine with marinara sauce each have only 450 calories. The small ziti with meat sauce only has 480.
4. Combine a slice of pizza and a side salad. The Cheese Pizza is 270 calories a slice and the pepperoni is 310 calories a slice. You can combine one slice with a Garden Side Salad at 25 calories or a Caesar Side Salad at 40 calories.
5. Split a piece of Fazoli's Original Cheesecake. At 290 calories a slice, it is the lowest calorie desert on the menu.
Go Low Carb
6. Pick a Salad. The Chicken BLT Ranch has only 13 carbs, and the Chicken and Fruit Salad has 28.
7. Combine a slice of pizza at 31 carbs with a side salad at 4 carbs.
8. Order toppings by themselves. An order of meatballs contains only 6 carbs and the Peppery Chicken or the Garlic Shrimp each have only 1 carb. The topping with the highest amount of carbs is the Broccoli and Tomatoes at only 7 carbs.
9. Try the lowest carb pasta on the menu, the Meat Lasagna at 43 carbs.
Go Low Fat
10. Have a Salad. The Chicken and Fruit salad only has 1.5 grams of fat. All of the salad dressings have 4 grams of fat or less.
11. Choose a Pasta Bowl. The small spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine with marinara sauce each only have 2.5 grams of fat. Upgrade to a regular size and it still only has 4 grams of fat.
12. Try a Grilled Chicken Panini for only 8 grams of fat.
13. Enjoy the Lemon Ice Drinks with no fat.
Tags: calories slice, Chicken Fruit, only calories, only carbs, only grams, salad only
The concept behind losing weight by eating 5 meals a day is to eat smaller meals more frequently and to curb hunger pangs as they happen. The main trick to losing weight this way is to eat low-calorie meals and to be sure to exercise each day. Each meal should consist of something different, and you should make sure you are consuming a well-balanced diet.
Instructions
1. Eat fiber at breakfast. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day for people who are trying to lose weight. You should consume something that includes fiber at this time to get your body moving. Good sources of breakfast fiber are whole grain oat toast and fruit like pears. Also, eating breakfast within 1 hour of waking rids your body of the initial morning hunger and excites your metabolism.
2. Grab something the next time you feel hungry after breakfast that you enjoy eating but doesn't add many calories to your diet. A good example would be a piece of fresh fruit or a small bag of cut carrots and celery. Without a doubt, a few hours after breakfast you will start feeling hungry. This is a critical point of your morning diet. If you are used to indulging yourself with high-calorie foods, you will need some will power. This second meal should be something small but healthy that will tide you over until lunch.
3. Make each of the 5 meals something healthy. Stick to one food item or two small items. The goal with the 5 meals a day should be to eat something from every food group at least once. The food groups include breads, meat and poultry, dairy, fruits and vegetables.
4. Munch on a salad with low-calorie dressing or vinegar as dressing for lunch. This kind lunch provides you with the vegetable nutrients you need to get through your afternoon. Have your fourth meal mid to late afternoon, and your fifth meal at about the dinner hour. Again, do not have large meals. Your last meal of the day, in fact, should be the smallest meal.
5. Count your calories. Any caloric reduction for someone used to a high-calorie diet will cause weight loss. A good calorie count for most individuals ranges from 1,200 to 1,600 calories per day to lose weight. This is a reduction of at least 20 percent of the normal 2,000 calories an average person ingests during an average day. If you plan out each of your 5 meals a day and count the calories in each, they can add up to a great reduction in calories and provide you with the added metabolism boosts you need at different points throughout your day. You may make some meals include more calories than others.
Tags: after breakfast, lose weight, losing weight, meal should, should something, your body
Normal cell division is regulated by a specific gene. In cancerous tissue the cells are missing the gene or the gene has been transformed, this results in a group of cells displaying uncontrolled growth. These cells can also invade or intrude on and destroy adjacent tissues. The same cells can also metastasize and spread to other locations in the body though the blood and lymph node. The transformation of a normal cell to a cancerous cell can be caused by external factors called carcinogens which can be found in cigarette smoke, radiation, cancer can be caused by certain infections, or can be caused by a genetically inherited trait. There are several different ways that cancer can be managed or treated. This includes surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, monoclonal antibody therapy and immunotherapy. Radiation therapy is the one of the most common methods of treating localized cancer cells.
Radiation Therapy on the Cancerous Level
Radiation therapy is used to destroy cancer cells and has been used to treat almost every type of solid tumor cancers, like brain, breast, lung, pancreas, stomach and prostate to name a few. It is can be administered externally by external beam therapy or internally using brachytherapy. External Radiotherapy treatment involves focusing a high energy radiation beam to a localized cancerous site; this confines the radiation to predetermined site. In brachytherapy, the doctors place a source of radiation close to the tumor using hollow needles, this therapy may be used alone or in conjunction with external therapy. Unfortunately both radiation therapies also damage neighbor cells, however normal cells have the innate ability to repair themselves unlike cancer cells which don't are resultantly destroyed by the treatment.
Radiation Therapy on the Cellular Level
In external or brachytherapy radiation therapy the tumor is attacked by either a beam or a small constant dose of ionizing radiation. The radiation used consists of highly energized x-rays and gamma waves that have the ability to detach or ionize an electron from an atom or molecule. At low levels of radiation there is no detectable ionization effect, unlike at the higher doses that are used for radiation therapy, there are a variety of outcomes. The radiation ionizes the bonds in the cell's water molecules releasing hydroxyl free radicals. The hydroxyl free radicals attack the DNA molecules causing damage, mutations, and sometimes even break the DNA strands. The DNA is the basis of the genetic materials; the command center in the cells, without functioning DNA the cancer cells can no longer function properly or repair themselves leading it to apoptosis. Apoptosis or "cell suicide" is the cells innate ability to destroy itself when it is irreparably damaged. Since cancer cells have lost the ability to detect that they are damaged and to destroy themselves; radiation restores the ability. The amount and length of the radiation treatment depends on the radiosensitivity of the cancer and also on the sensitivity of target zone. If damage to the local tissues is detrimental, then the amount of radiation may be limited.
Side Effects
Side effects of radiation therapy are related to the area treated; with most common effects being skin reactions, loss of appetite and fatigue. In rare occasions your white blood cell counts will be lowered making you more susceptible to infection. These effects may increase with the treatments but will subside as the treatments end.
Tags: cancer cells, Cancer Cells, cells also, cells have, Does Radiation, Does Radiation Kill, free radicals
Hemorrhoids, also called piles, are swollen and inflamed veins in the anus and lower rectum and can be external or internal. When internal hemorrhoids become quite large and protrude outside the anus, they're called prolapsed hemorrhoids and can cause pain and bleeding and lead to more serious complications if not treated.
The Degrees of Prolapsed Hemorrhoids
There are four degrees of prolapsed hemorrhoids. With a first-degree hemorrhoid, the internal hemorrhoid doesn't protrude outside the anal canal. With a second degree, the hemorrhoid retracts on its own and doesn't require special treatment. The third degree is a little worse, and the hemorrhoid will need to be manually placed back inside the anal canal. The most severe prolapsed hemorrhoid, or fourth degree, occurs when the prolapsed hemorrhoid can't be replaced and hangs outside the anus in what becomes a chronic condition. Fourth-degree cases are often thrombosed (swelling with blood) and are extremely painful.
Minimally Invasive Remedies
Prolapsed hemorrhoids can be treated with minimally invasive procedures performed in your doctor's office or other outpatient setting. These include the following:
Rubber band ligation: One or two tiny rubber bands are placed around the base of the hemorrhoid to cut off its circulation, and within a few days, the hemorrhoid withers and falls off. This treatment can be uncomfortable and may cause bleeding, but such side effects are rarely severe. It's the most widely used procedure in the U.S. for prolapsed hemorrhoids that are first or second degree.
Injection (sclerotherapy): A chemical solution is injected into the hemorrhoid tissue to shrink it. The procedure isn't usually painful, but it's also not as effective as rubber band ligation. Sclerotherapy is sometimes used in combination with rubber land ligation for maximum results.
Coagulation: Different techniques are used to harden the hemorrhoids and make them shrivel. These techniques include laser light; an infrared light in which a device called a photocoagulator focuses infrared light into a fine point at the end of a probe, welding the hemorrhoid in place; and electrotherapy. With these treatments, pain is frequently experienced, although it's usually less frequent than with ligation.
Cryotherapy: Cryotherapy uses cold temperature to obliterate the veins, causing inflammation and scarring. It's not commonly used, however, because it is more time consuming, causes more post-treatment pain and is less effective than other treatments.
Surgical Remedies
Although most patients with prolapsed hemorrhoids can manage their condition with non-surgical treatments, a small number--less than 10 percent--will require surgery, especially if the hemorrhoids aren't treated early. If surgery is required, it can take one of the following forms:
Dilation: The anal canal is forcefully stretched to weaken the anal sphincter. However, dilation can damage the sphincter itself and many patients become incontinent or unable to control their stool.
Doppler ligation: Using a Doppler probe that measures blood flow, a doctor identifies the artery supplying the hemorrhoidal vessels, then ties off (ligates) the artery, causing the hemorrhoid to shrink. The Doppler probe is expensive and doesn't offer many advantages over rubber band ligation.
Sphincterotomy: Part of the sphincter is cut in an effort to reduce the pressure of the sphincter within the anal canal. The procedure can cause stool incontinence and is rarely used by itself.
Hemorrhoidectomy: Surgical removal of hemorrhoids (hemorrhoidectomy) is reserved for patients with third- or fourth-degree hemorrhoids. With hemorrhoidectomy, the internal hemorrhoids are cut out, and the wounds left by the removal are stitched together (closed technique) or left open (open technique). In some cases, a proctoplasty--removal of tissue higher into the anal canal--is performed at the same time. The major side effect of hemorrhoidectomy is post-surgical pain, often requiring potent narcotic pain medications, and patients are unable to return to work for two to four weeks.
Stapled hemorrhoidectomy: This is one of the newest surgical techniques for treating hemorrhoids, and is becoming more popular for treating third-degree hemorrhoids. During the procedure, a hollow circular tube is inserted into the anal canal, then a long thread is woven through the tube above the hemorrhoids. A disposable stapler instrument is placed through the tube and the ends of the thread are pulled, "stapling" the hemorrhoidal cushions back up into their normal position.
Laser surgery: A laser beam of light is pointed at the hemorrhoid, vaporizing it with precision and accuracy. In general, laster procedures result in rapid healing with less discomfort and less medication. Lasers can be used alone or in combination with other treatments.
Atomizing hemorrhoids: Another new technique to remove hemorrhoids uses a medical device that reduces the hemorrhoidal tissue to minute particles into a fine mist or spray, which is immediately vacuumed away.
Early complications of any hemorrhoid surgery can include severe postoperative pain, sometimes lasting two to three weeks; infections; abscesses; post-operative bleeding; swelling of the skin bridges; major short-term incontinence; and difficulty with urination. Later complications can include anal stenosis, where the anal opening is too small or doesn't relax or open properly; the formation of skin tags; anal fissure; incontinence; fecal impaction (usually caused by narcotic use); delayed hemorrhaging; and blood clots.
A 1500-calorie diabetic diet, one that restricts carbohydrate, fat and protein intake, might be a great way in which to do two things simultaneously--lose weight and maintain optimum blood sugar levels. Apart from providing enough nutrients for a middle-size grown individual, such diets will also help you reduce the hazard of heart disease.
Breakfast
For breakfast you can have one slice of toast with one teaspoon low-fat margarine and three-fourth cup of corn flakes with skim milk (one cup). You could opt instead for a small banana, one cup of cottage cheese or one egg as well. Further options include a couple of waffles in four tablespoons of syrup, a couple of teaspoons of margarine, coffee or tea, one cup of yogurt and some blackberries. You can also replace one fruit, protein or carbohydrate source with an alternative and have peppers, plum, granola and pineapple juice for breakfast if you are so inclined.
Lunch
Lunch should contain a couple of ounces of meat, for instance, sliced turkey or chicken breast, two slices of bread, one portion of vegetables, like some lettuce and tomatoes, with one teaspoon of regular mayonnaise and one medium-size piece of fruit. For variation replace foods within each food group with something different every day. In this manner, lunch on some days could feature 12 crackers or one six-inch pita bread and some bulgur wheat or a couple of dinner rolls for the starch quotient. You can replace the usual vegetables with some beans and chili, or broccoli and cauliflower. You can also have some cottage cheese instead of animal proteins and wash down your meal with coffee or tea or a diet beverage.
Dinner
For dinner, start with two ounces of lean protein like beef, one medium-size baked potato and a dinner roll with one teaspoon of low-fat margarine. Remember to include at least one cup of cooked mixed vegetables and a fruit like some strawberries with your meal. For variety, change to a meal consisting of a four-ounce hamburger, lettuce leaves, tomatoes and ketchup, skim milk and some watermelon. Other dinner options would be a combination of either half a cup of vegetable lasagna, one breadstick, some greens and tomatoes with dressing, some grapefruit and milk or the combination of three ounces of roast pork with one cup of rice and a cup of stir-fried vegetables with sauce and peanut oil, reduced fat yogurt and tea.
Snacks
Daytime snack ideas include three cups of popcorn without butter or some pita bread or crackers, while the bedtime snack could consist of a cup of skim milk with crackers.
Tags: skim milk, with teaspoon, cottage cheese, like some, low-fat margarine, pita bread
Women should use condoms until they receive confirmation their tubes are blocked with Essure.
Essure, a permanent form of birth control approved by the FDA in 2002, is a procedure where your doctor places flexible inserts into your fallopian tubes during an office visit. Within three months after the procedure, as the tubes heal, scar tissue builds up that prevents sperm from reaching your eggs. Essure offers many benefits over other birth control methods, and althought Essure is considered quite safe, like any procedure, it presents the risk of possible complications and side effects.
Bleeding
Many women experience bleeding after the Essure procedure. A 2003 study in "Obstetrics & Gynecology" found that 50 percent of women bled for three days afterwards, and 19 percent had bleeding that continued for seven days. Most post-procedure bleeding was light or just spotting. Some women noticed changes to their menstrual periods --- usually temporary --- where their periods became longer or heavier, or they experienced mid-cycle spotting or bleeding.
Pain
During the actual Essure procedure, the manufacturer states that most women experience mild to moderate pain. A 2009 study in "Fertility and Sterility" supports this statement, finding that 70 percent of women felt that the discomfort from the procedure was less than or equal to the pain they normally felt with their menstrual periods. However, some women experience more severe pain. In clinical trials for Essure, the manufacturer found that out of 745 women, a "very small number" reported significant pelvic pain, and one woman requested the inserts be taken out because of the pain. During the 15 months after the procedure, 9 percent of women experienced back pain, 3.8 percent experienced abdominal pain and 3.6 percent experienced pain during intercourse that might have been caused by the inserts.
Misplacement
Fourteen percent of the women in Essure's clinical trials failed to get both inserts placed correctly during the first attempt. Another 2.2 percent of women expelled the inserts; in 1.8 percent of cases the insert punctured the uterus or tube; and in 0.6 percent of cases, the inserts ended up in the wrong place in the tube or outside of it. A 2009 study in "Fertility & Sterility" found that three of 100 women undergoing the Essure procedure ended up with misplaced inserts. In each case, the doctor had difficulty placing the inserts, suggesting that difficulties with the initial procedure increase the likelihood that the inserts will end up in the wrong place.
Pregnancy
No birth control method is 100 percent effective, and Essure is no exception. Women who have undergone the Essure procedure need to use a secondary birth control method for the first three months until a follow-up test confirms that the inserts have successfully blocked their tubes. In the clinical studies, 3.5 percent of women did not have fully blocked tubes at three months and needed a follow-up test at six months. A 2007 study in the "Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology" found that 64 out of about 50,000 women became pregnant after the procedure. In most cases, the women failed to follow the guidelines for proper follow-up after the procedure.
Tags: percent women, after procedure, birth control, Essure procedure, found that, three months, women experience
Compasses, which operate on magnetic fields, are a vital component to airplane safety.
Magnets with a magnetic field strength of 0.159 A/m or greater, and those that are measurably effective at a distance of 2.1 m or more, are classified as dangerous goods by the FAA and IATA for their potential to interfere with instruments on board a plane. Given their status, magnetic materials are required to be handled by those who have received and maintained training in the handling of dangerous goods.
Magnetrons
Magnetrons are devices which utilize electrical and magnetic currents to create heat output. When packed for air shipment, magnetrons must be packed so that the polarity of individual units oppose one another. This method of packing will temporarily cancel out the magnetic fields of the devices, preventing the device from interfering with the plane's instruments.
Permanent Magnets
Permanent magnets are made from materials that retain their magnetic fields unless demagnetized by environmental changes or manual intervention. When packing permanent magnets for shipment by air, keeper bars must be installed. These bars are placed around the poles of a permanent magnet to complete the magnetic circuit, preventing external metal from being affected.
Magnetic Field Strength
Permanent magnets packed to ship by air can not have a magnetic field that exceeds 0.418 A/m. A magnetic field of this strength, regardless of the use of keeper bars or other precautions, is considered unsafe for storage aboard airplanes, as it will cause significant disturbances in instrument operations. Most notable among the malfunction potential in a strong magnet is the potential for magnetic compass deflection, which endangers the aircraft, its passengers and cargo.
Compass Deflection
Permanent magnets can not produce a magnetic compass deflection of more than 2 degrees. Greater interference can produce dangerous malfunctions in a plane's compass, driving it far off course or inhibiting its ability to take off or land from optimal directions. These variances in the plane's operations have the high potential to cause a crash, endangering the lives of passengers and other nearby people.
Tags: magnetic field, magnetic fields, compass deflection, dangerous goods, keeper bars, magnetic compass, magnetic compass deflection
Soaking can relieve sore feet and help you to relax at the end of the day.
Standing on your feet or walking all day can leave them feeling tired and sore. When your job depends on the condition of your feet, a foot soak can help keep them refreshed and revitalized. Foot soaks also help those with dry or rough feet. Use different ingredients in the foot soak to gain the results that you want. Your feet work hard every day for you and a refreshing foot soak can help to ease some of the stress.
Essential Oils
Essential oils added to warm or cool water can offer relaxation for your feet or make you feel energized and revitalized. For a relaxing foot soak, include lavender, marjoram, peppermint, sandalwood, bergamot or patchouli. Use a few drops of any combination of these oils in your foot soak for a relaxing soak for your feet.
A refreshing foot soak includes oils such as orange, eucalyptus, tea tree, lavender and lemon. Lavender has a clean fresh scent that can be used for a refreshing or relaxing soak. Add a few drops of essential oil to your warm or cool water in any combination. Choose one oil or a few for a sweet smelling soak.
Milk Bath
You can add milk to warm water to help soften rough feet. Milk has lactic acid and protein to dissolve dead skin and beautify the feet. Mix 2 cups of milk to 7 cups of water and heat the mixture on the stove to as hot as you can stand it. Remove from heat and soak.
Epsom Salt
You can use Epsom salt in your foot soak to ease sore muscles and stress. The magnesium in the Epsom salt helps to relieve pain and soreness. Add essential oil such as lavender for a refreshing scent. Epsom salt also works well for a whole body soak for aching and sore muscles. Put five tablespoons of the ingredient in warm water for a 20 minute soak.
Rubber bands used to work out are also known as resistance bands. These bands are made of different thicknesses to provide more or less resistance. Resistance bands create workouts for people who travel often or don't have a lot of space to keep fitness equipment. The best upper arm exercises with a rubber band work the triceps, biceps and shoulder, and create definition and toning to the entire upper arm.
Tricep Kickbacks
To begin, secure the center of the band to something (either the wall or under a piece of furniture). Once you secure the band, face the place in which you secured the band and stand a few steps back so there is tension in the band. Hold the ends of the band or the handles. Your legs should be slightly bent and shoulder-width apart, and your torso should be bent over almost parallel to the floor. Begin the exercise with your arms bent at your waist, pushing your hands back until they are fully extended without moving your elbow position. Repeat in sets of 10 to 20. This tricep exercise tones your triceps and builds muscle and is easily done at home or on the road.
Bicep Curls
To begin the bicep curl with the rubber band, secure the band by standing on the center of the band. Grasp the handles or the ends of the band. Begin with your arms straight down at your sides with your palms facing forward. Keeping your elbows in place, pull the band up, bending at the elbows. Repeat in sets of 10 to 20. This exercise is one of the best upper arm band exercises because it works the biceps and provides resistance on the way down.
Upright Rows
To work your shoulders and gain definition in your upper arms, do upright rows with a rubber band. Stand with your feet hip-length apart and secure the band under both feet. Be sure to stand up straight so that your body is a straight line from the head to toe. Grab the handles and pull the bands up, bending at the elbows, with your elbows facing out to the sides and the palms of your hands facing down. Your hands should stop directly in front of your shoulders. Repeat in sets of 10 to 20. This exercise builds definition in the shoulders, completing the look of a toned upper arm, making it one of the best upper arm band exercises.
Tags: with your, best upper, Repeat sets, Repeat sets This, rubber band
Core temperature is the temperature of your deep internal structures. It is measured by thermometer. It is important to keep up the core temperature in a person's body for optimum brain and organ function. Dangerously low body core temperatures may cause the body and brain to function improperly and can be life threatening. Low core temperatures may be caused by extreme cold, drugs, alcohol consumption, metabolic disorders such as diabetes and even shock from an injury or traumatic event. One method of increasing core temperatures is with the use of a heating pad.
Instructions
Raise Core Temperature With a Heating Pad
1. Find a warm place out of the draft or cold, such as a couch or bed. If neither is available, find the next best option: a comfy chair or even the floor if nothing else is available.
2. Plug in the heating pad and let it warm up. While it is heating up, get a blanket and a small towel.
3. Wrap the heating pad in a thin towel to keep it from burning the skin as it warms the body and brings the core temperature up.
4. Place the wrapped heating pad against the center of the body, heart and stomach area. To keep the heat on the body and not escaping, wrap the person with a blanket. The blanket will help seal in the heat from the heating pad and keep it on the body.
Tags: core temperatures, core temperature, Core Temperature, Core Temperature With, Raise Core, Raise Core Temperature, Temperature With
It is often more difficult to find pressure points on the foot than on other parts of the body. This is because many people have trouble comfortably getting access to their feet to press the pressure points. It can be done if you are flexible. Otherwise, get a friend to help you then return the favor. It can be very pleasurable.
Instructions
1. Start by locating your Achilles tendon. It is the ridge running from your heel to your calf. Gently press the point in the middle of the Achilles tendon then move the pressure up and down the ridge. This will be extremely painful if you press too hard, so be careful. This pressure point is believed to improve kidney function and dispel fear.
2. Look at the top of your foot. Place your index finger between your big toe and second toe. Now trace a line up your foot about an inch to where the bones of your toes meet inside your foot. Press the point straight down with your finger. This pressure point is believed to improve liver function and release pent up anger or frustration.
3. Go to your big toe. Press the point on the lower outside corner of the big toe nail. If you are looking at your left foot it is the lower left corner. If you are looking at your right foot it is the lower right corner. This pressure point is believed to increase self esteem.
4. Move down to your fourth toe. This is the one just before your smallest toe. Press the point on the lower outside corner of the nail just like you did with the big toe nail. This pressure point is believed to improve gall bladder function and decision making ability.
5. Examine the bottom of your foot. Place your thumb between your big toe and second toe. Lift your toes up then trace your thumb down the sole of your foot until you are at the base of the ball of the foot. This will be where your foot is no longer angling upward. It will be an inch or two below the base of your toes. Relax your toes and press the point. This one feels damn good. Try it on a friend.
Tags: your foot, point believed, pressure point, pressure point believed, This pressure
Mood rings have been popular for years. Other accessories such as bracelets and necklaces might also claim that they have mood stones, but these are not as reliable as rings. The stone needs to be in direct contact with your skin in order to determine your body temperature. Based upon how cool or warm your finger is, the ring will change color. Your mood can be discerned from the color of the stone since when you are happy or contented, your hand is warmer, but if you are angry or under stress, your hands get colder, and the ring darkens. Consult the guide below for identifying mood ring colors.
Instructions
1. Place the mood ring on any of your fingers.
2. Wait for at least five minutes for the color to adapt to your hand temperature.
3. Look at the color of the stone and match it closely to one of the following colors: black, gray, amber, green, blue-green, light blue or dark blue.
4. Match the color of your mood ring with a color chart (see Resources section, below) or with the following: black is stressed or angry; gray is nervous; amber is slightly anxious; green is normal; blue-green is relaxed; light blue is relaxed and contented; dark blue is happy and in love.
Tags: color stone, dark blue, light blue, mood ring, your hand
The Atkins Diet is a popular way to lose weight. Atkins' first book was released in the mid-1970s, and since then has been revised and re-released twice. As with any diet, certain foods and beverages are encouraged while others are advised against.
What Is the Atkins Diet?
The Atkins Diet is a low-carbohydrate diet that is high in fat and protein. When a person reduces the amount of carbohydrates that he consumes, a condition known as ketosis is achieved within the body. Ketosis is the process by which our bodies burn fat stores and dietary fat as energy in place of the usual carbohydrate energy source. The Aktins Diet promotes a very low intake of dietary carbohydrates to achieve weight loss.
Recommended Foods
The Atkins Diet encourages foods and beverages that are high in fat and protein yet low in carbohydrates. Bountiful meats, eggs, fish, poultry, cheeses, vegetables (aside from carrots and potatoes), game, butter, cream and most oils are on the "allowed" list.
In the latter stages of the diet, foods like seeds, nuts and small amount of berries are encouraged. These foods are slightly higher in carbohydrates, but are allowed in small quantities once the person has learned her body's weight loss habits and carbohydrate tolerance levels.
In the maintenance phase, which occurs after the person has lost all of the weight he had to lose, sweet potatoes, quinoa, brown rice and barley are also allowed in small amounts.
Grains and Starches
Grains and other starches are prohibited on the Aktins Diet. Potatoes, wheat flour, rice, bread, pasta, cereal and bakery items are prohibited while on Atkins.
Even small amounts of these foods, especially while losing weight in the first and second phases of the diet, can have catastrophic results because they will throw the body out of ketosis, which is the primary mechanism by which Atkins works.
Sugars
Candies, chocolate, cookies, cakes, pastries, breakfast cereals, fruit snacks, soda, fruit juices, and even most fruits are also prohibited while on the Atkins Diet.
The sugars in these products will cause the Atkins Diet to fail if consumed even in small amounts.
Ketchup, barbecue sauce, many salad dressings, gravies and sauces are also prohibited.These foods all contain hidden sugars. Sweet pickles, milk and ice cream are also prohibited because they contain sugars.
Substitute Foods
Atkins Nutritionals, a brand of diet-specific foods, manufactures a variety of snacks that can be eaten in moderation.
Granola bars, candies, shakes and meal replacement bars are available at grocery stores and pharmacies nationwide. Specialty products such as low-carb pastas, baking mixes and breads are available online. While there are products available for all phases of the diet, some are not advised during the induction phase, which is the initial stage of the diet. Check the boxes of the products to ensure that the product is allowed for your particular phase of the diet.
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Sprintec is a generic brand of birth control pills that causes changes throughout a woman's body to prevent ovulation from occurring. It is often compared to the birth control brand Ortho Tri-Cyclen. One pack contains 28 pills, which is enough for one month of birth control protection. These pills must be prescribed by a physician for the purpose of acne control, birth control or hormone balancing. Since it contains the hormones ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate, only a doctor can prescribe this medication.
Instructions
1. Visit your physician and ask for a prescription for Sprintec. Take your prescription to a drugstore to get your pills.
2. Wait until you start your next period. On the first day of bleeding, swallow the first pill in the Sprintec pack with a sip of water. Alternatively, you can take the first pill on the Sunday after you start your period. It is best to take the pill before you go to bed at night to avoid stomach upset.
3. Make note of the time when you take the pill, since you will have to take your pill at the same time every night. A calendar is the best way to keep track of your periods.
4. Use a backup method of birth control, such as condoms, for one week if you choose the Sunday pill start. If you start taking the pill on the first day of your period, you will not need to use a backup method, because the pills protect against pregnancy right away.
5. Continue to take the next pill in the pack at the same time every night. There are 21 active pills in the pack that contain hormones and 7 placebo pills that do not contain hormones, but you must take a pill every night. Your next period will start after you finish the first 21 pills.
6. Start a new pack of Sprintec pills as soon as you finish the old pack. Do not skip any days. Call your doctor if you forget to take a pill.
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It is amazing how crucial oral health is to the longevity and quality of life. Our teeth are one of our most valuable possessions. You get the first two sets for free, but you'll pay dearly for the third. Take time to consider upgrading your oral health to preserve your teeth, so that you can take a bite of that delicious, crunchy apple when you are 80.
Instructions
1. Understand that your oral health is contingent upon a lifelong relationship with a good dentist you know and trust. If your place of business does not offer dental insurance or if you are self-employed, take it upon yourself to get your own dental insurance because it will save you a lot of money and possibly your teeth in the long haul. Smartsmile Dental Insurance is available to the individual and runs $213 a year. You can pay it in one lump sum, or have it deducted monthly from your account. You must have a thorough professional cleaning and oral examination at least twice a year, in conjunction with brushing and flossing daily. If you neglect your teeth, it could cost you dearly. Think about how much you spend on your car and other expenses. Aren't you worth that much?
2. Carry a toothbrush and travel-sized toothpaste with you when you leave the house and use them regularly after you eat or just to freshen your breath. If you're going to be compulsive about something, try brushing your teeth more often. Ask your dentist about proper brushing technique.
3. Know that flossing your teeth daily is very important because the floss gets what the toothbrush misses. Food and debris lodge in between teeth resulting in decay. Dental tape is wider and covers more ground than dental floss which has a smaller lateral surface. Floss your teeth with dental tape at least once a day if you hope to keep them.
4. Keep in mind that what a lot of people don't know is that most of the germs in your mouth are on your tongue. It is advisable to gently brush your tongue with toothpaste and toothbrush after the initial brushing and thoroughly rinse. There are also tongue scrapers available that look and work much like a ice scraper on a windshield but are more gentle.
5. Do a final brushing with paste and brush after you floss and clean your tongue. This will ultimately remove any lingering debris that may still be lurking in your mouth ready to cause decay.
Tags: your teeth, oral health, your tongue, dental insurance, your mouth, your oral
Muscle pulls are injuries that occur any time a muscle is stretched too far, resulting in a tear in the muscle fibers. Muscle pulls can occur anywhere, but are common in the leg muscles. Regardless of the muscles affected or the severity of the pull, there are a few things you can do to reduce pain and decrease healing time.
First Steps
The first thing to do when you pull a muscle in your leg is to stop your activity and elevate your leg. Ice placed on the injury will help keep the swelling to a minimum. Take care not to put ice directly on your skin. If the injury is on the back of your leg, place the ice under your leg. If the injury is on your shin or front of your thigh then you may wish to gently wrap an elastic wrap around it to keep it in place. Alternate ice with no ice for 20 minutes at a time.
Compression
Keeping the injury compressed with an elastic bandage will also keep the swelling from increasing. It will also reduce the pain associated with the injury. A compression bandage can also reduce the discomfort felt when you are walking and can protect the pulled leg muscles from further injury. Make sure the bandage is not so tight as to cut off the circulation to your lower leg or foot. Begin your wrap slightly above the injured muscle and end it just below.
Rest
Resting the pulled muscle will help it heal more quickly. The degree of rest will depend on the severity of the injury. Do not allow your pulled leg muscle to become painful. If you experience pain, you need to rest more. Keep in mind that the muscles in your calf are responsible for pushing your toe off the ground, as in walking or climbing stairs. Your quadriceps (front thigh) muscles help you stop as you come down the stairs. Your hamstrings (back thigh) help you climb stairs. Depending on which type of injury you have, these are the motions you need to consider.
Medication
Taking anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium can help reduce the swelling and pain of a pulled leg muscle. Just make sure you can tolerate such medications.
Stretching
Although it may seem stretching a muscle that was injured by overstretching may induce further injury, it can actually help a pulled muscle heal if done properly. Oftentimes muscle fibers surrounding the torn muscle will overcompensate and become sore and overworked. A slow gentle stretch can help relax the overly worked muscles and increase blood flow to the pulled muscle and promote quicker healing. Stretch muscles in the calf by leaning in toward a wall with one foot behind another. By bending the front leg and keeping the back leg straight, the muscles on the calf of the back leg will stretch. Muscles on the front of the thighs can be streched by grabbing the toe of the injured leg and gently pulling the toe toward the butt. Hamstring muscles (on the back of the thigh) can be stretched by gently bending over at the waist with straight legs.
Medical attention
Occasionally a pulled leg muscle may require medical attention. If you experience a lot of pain or a prolonged healing period you may need to seek the advice of your physician. She may be able to prescribe physical therapy or stronger medications to help heal the torn muscle.
Tags: pulled muscle, also reduce, back thigh, experience pain, further injury, help heal
Layoffs often remove employees that were qualified for their position.
Rather than firing a single employee based on an infraction, layoffs have little to do with the performance of the staff. Instead, layoffs are the result of corporate restructuring or economic downturn and loss of profits. You may have to get rid of people that you like or who are otherwise good at their jobs. As you choose who to lay off from your company, whether five positions or 500, broach the subjects correctly so you don't incur any lawsuits.
Instructions
Choosing Employees for Layoff
1. Make a list of the positions in your company that are the easiest to remove without hiring additional employees. These could be obsolete positions or roles with two employees that only need one. These should be the first positions you lay off, since there are understandable reasons for removing the position.
2. Watch the performance of your staff. When you're faced with multiple choices for layoff, consider employees with worse performance over others in the same position. Look in their personnel files for any infractions or write-ups. The layoffs are an opportunity to purge your company of staff that isn't living up to their positions.
3. Look up the hire date for staff you're considering for layoff. Though employees with more seniority tend to make more money than newer hires, they also have more loyalty to the company. Weigh length of service when choosing employees to lay off.
4. Keep employees with specialized training. If an employee has extra training, certifications and experience than co-workers, keeping this employee will benefit the company. This is an exception to the seniority rule. If a newer hire has more degrees, consider keeping him over an employee without this experience who has been with the company longer.
Laying Off Employees
5. Take each employee aside, and lay them off personally. If laying off dozens of employees, split up the duty between several managers so you don't drag out the proceedings. The personal touch of a one-on-one meeting will help make the laid-off employee feel better and like she mattered to the company despite the layoff. Consider keeping staff of the human resources department present at the meetings as witnesses.
6. List the concrete reasons why your company is laying off the employee's position. Express the loss in revenue or economic downturn that caused this decision. Avoid blaming the employee for his job loss as this could cause unwanted lawsuits for wrongful termination. Instead, express that, while you would have liked to keep him on the job, the company can't afford it at this time.
7. Come to the meeting prepared with information on the employee's health insurance, last paychecks and other compensation, such as vacation pay. These are issues that staff worry about the moment they hear rumors of a layoff. Compile the documents in a packet, and give it to each terminated employee at the layoff meetings.
8. Offer severance to each employee. While this isn't required it can help avoid lawsuits. The severance also will keep laid off and remaining staff happier during the transition. Two weeks pay is the typical severance amount that most companies can provide.
9. Ask the employee to sign a complete release upon accepting severance. By signing the release, the employee agrees not to sue your company for wrongful termination. Consult your lawyer or human resources department to draw up a complete release document before the layoffs so you're prepared.
10. Thank each employee for her loyal service to the company. Shake her hand and wish her luck in the future. If you give a sincere smile, the staff will feel more accepting of their lost positions.
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According to evitamins.com, boswellia is a middle-sized to large branching tree found in the dry hills in India. "When the tree trunk is tapped, a gummy oleoresin is exuded," states drugs.com. The resin is then prepared into a herbal remedy. Boswellia is used to treat a number of conditions including types of arthritis, diarrhea, ringworm and pulmonary disease, explains evitamins.com. Studies have shown that there are limited side effects associated with this medication.
Boswellia
Makeup
As evitamins.com explains, "The gum oleoresin consists of essential oils, gum, and terpenoids. The terpenoid portion contains the boswellic acids that have been shown to be the active constituents in boswellia." The extracts of today are made to contain between 38-65 percent boswellic acids. Boswellia is similar to any NSAID such as ibuprofen that is used to treat inflammation. The main difference is that long term use of boswellia does not cause gastrointestinal problems that many NSAID's do.
Use
Boswellia has been shown to work well in people with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis and has even been shown to help those with ulcerative colitis. Those that take boswellia for arthritis will have to take the medication three times a day, and it is most common for treatments to last eight weeks to twelve weeks, states evitamins.com. Common dosages are 150mg of boswellic acids, three times a day. Those using this drug for ulcers will take 550 mg.
Significance
Ayurvediccure.com states that boswellia has been shown to treat other symptoms including low back pain and joint stiffness. In a study done in India, 60 percent of patients tested with boswellia indicated that their pain and stiffness diminished greatly after a few weeks of treatment. Many patients even gained back some of their lost strength. Nearly 75 percent of these patients were bedridden or unable to move properly, thus the results were astonishing.
Side Effects
Both ayurvediccure.com and evitamins.com explain that there have not been any known side effects associated with boswellia use. Boswellia does not adversely effect blood pressure, the cardiovascular system or the gastrointestinal system. Most NSAID's, when used for long periods of time, can cause ulcers in the throat and stomach; boswellia does not. Thus, boswellia is now getting high praises in the United States, and doctors are prescribing it over certain NSAIDs.
Expert Insight
Boswellia may be the best alternative for those treating their pain with NSAIDs. Dr. E.W. McDonagh of Kansas City stated that he has seen drastic improvement in nearly 350 of his patients using boswellia. Many of his patients were having many side effects while taking NSAIDs. After two to four weeks, their pain subsided while on boswellia and they were able to "eliminate other medications or reduce dosages significantly."
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Asperger's syndrome is a form of autism spectrum disorder wherein patients tend to experience social and communication problems and limited, repetitive behavior patterns. Diagnosis and treatment of the disease are essential to help individuals with this disorder gain a higher level of self-sufficiency and functioning in society.
Function
Though treatment strategies for Asperger's vary depending on the severity of each case, generally the goal is to help the person function in society and to become self-reliant. In most courses of treatment for this syndrome, another primary aim is to improve the patient's communication skills and lower his sense of social anxiety.
Time Frame
Asperger's syndrome is a lifelong disorder, and treatment usually begins at the first sign of symptoms, which may emerge as early as 3 or 4 years old. Treatment for children and adolescents usually centers around managing social interactions and building self-confidence. Over time, the symptoms of Asperger's tend to even out and become less evident as the person learns to manage the condition.
By adulthood, people with this syndrome frequently have a good understanding of the challenges Asperger's presents and how they can best confront them. Adults with Asperger's are generally able to interpret social cues and to function well in communal settings.
Features
Treatment for Asperger's disorder is usually centered around three core goals; social-skills development, communication improvement, and behavior management. Patients with the syndrome often participate in group activities where they learn to interact with others plus one-on-one counseling sessions. Treatment for frequently co-existing conditions such as depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and social anxiety disorder is another main component of Asperger's care. Due to the prevalence of these simultaneous disorders, many people with Asperger's are also prescribed medicines and additional therapies.
Considerations
Asperger's treatment depends on the ability of the patient to adapt and function in various settings, as well as cognitive functioning. The higher the person's IQ, the more likely the patient is to thrive after receiving treatment. For Asperger's patients with lower social and cognitive functioning, a course of treatment similar to autism therapy is used.
Prevention/Solution
As with autism, scientists have not yet found a viable way to prevent Asperger's syndrome. Research conducted by Austrian doctor Hans Asperger indicates that the disorder is likely caused by genetic components, though no exact genes have yet been identified as causal factors.
While some groups say they believe the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine causes autism and Asperger's, there is no scientific evidence to validate this claim. The best line of defense is to diagnose and treat Asperger's as quickly as possible to equip the patient with the tools he'll need to cope with the disorder.
Tags: Asperger syndrome, cognitive functioning, people with, social anxiety, this syndrome, with Asperger, with this
Lymphatic drainage is an alternative medicine approach that supports a healthy lymphatic system. The lymphatic system contains ducts that facilitate fluid movement within the entire body to remove toxins and carry germ fighters to cells that may be under viral attack. Even though this fluid travels within the lymph system, it lacks its own mechanism that does the pumping. Lymphatic drainage assists the body to have a free-flowing lymphatic system.
Know the Basics
Lymphatic drainage procedures are a type of manual massage done by a therapist who is trained in lymphatic drainage. This type of massage focuses on very specific lymph nodes and definite point areas of the body, as well as the flow of the lymphatic system, which may decrease the amount of blockages.
Message for Lymph Health
Manual lymphatic drainage therapy originated during the 1930s in Europe and was initially used to help rid the body of waste. Today, this therapy is used to unblock any type of obstructed lymph glands and vessels, allowing free-flowing transportation of waste products from the body.
Performing Therapy Pressure Correctly
When this type of treatment is performed, applying correct pressure is key. Using pressure that is deep enough (lightly sliding over the skin) will produce optimum results. Therapists who have been taught deep-tissue or Swedish message need to be careful not to apply too much pressure with this type of therapy; this is a very light type of touch therapy . A guideline to remember is that the skin is being worked on and that too much pressure will the collapse of the lymphatics.
Use Compression Garments As Prescribed
Specialized elasticized compression garments may be prescribed for those people who develop lymphedema on an affected extremity after undergoing lymphatic drainage therapy to help maintain the overall reduction of edema. These garments can be bought through a medical supply store or can be custom made and are used everyday to keep swelling at a minimum and an adjunct to the overall therapy procedure and technique.
Pumping Lymphatic Fluid Pneumatically
Sequential Gradient Pump Therapy uses a pneumatic sleeve to move lymphatic fluid gently. Additionally, it is a therapy that is approved by most insurance plans, including Medicare. Treatment with this specialized pump is usually set at 15-minute intervals prior to a scheduled manual lymphatic drainage treatment and help to loosen and break up any type of hard (fibrotic) tissue.
Tags: lymphatic system, lymphatic drainage, drainage therapy, Lymphatic drainage, lymphatic drainage therapy, much pressure, this type
Healthy breathing can help you approach your work without anxiety.
Because breathing is so natural, we often don't think about the process of breathing. Learning breathe properly is vital to our health, wellness, physical activity and any other activity that requires focus. Breathing properly fills our body with an optimal amount of oxygen, which lets us get the most out of our workouts, helps us relieve stress and increases our concentration capacity. Proper breathing can be learned or improved with daily breathing exercises. Set aside 30 minutes everyday for light warm-up exercises and focused breathing to improve your health and wellness. Depending on your comfort level, you may prefer a quiet and/or private area to help you focus while breathing.
Instructions
1. Warming up before breathing prepares your body for optimal oxygen intake.
Put on your loose, breathable clothing and locate an area where you are comfortable exercising and breathing with your eyes closed. Loose and breathable clothing won't constrict you when you are warming up or focusing on breathing. It will also help you relax when performing your breathing exercises.
2. Warm up your body by doing light jogging and stretching. This can be done indoors or outdoors. Don't exercise vigorously, and only do so for 15 to 20 minutes.
3. Standing while relaxed with bent knees will allow oxygen to flow freely through your body.
Stand up straight, relax and close your eyes. Spread your legs shoulder distance apart and bend your knees slightly, so they're not locked. The proper stance feels solid but relaxed.
4. Inhale slowly through your nose and into your diaphragm. Your abdomen and lower rib cage will feel as if it is filling up like a balloon. Take seven seconds to inhale. This a full and relaxed breath that feels natural, not forced, when done correctly. Yet If it doesn't feel that way, it's OK. Different amounts of breathing practice are required for different people.
5. Exhale slowly through your mouth. The requires as much time as you took to inhale. Repeat steps three and four for 15 minutes. Concentrate on your relaxation. You will feel every breath through your entire body when you are breathing properly.
Tags: through your, your body, breathable clothing, breathing exercises, health wellness, slowly through, slowly through your
Because of their high activity levels, most toddlers experience knee pain on occasion. If they remain happy and playful, it is likely to be temporary soreness from overuse. Knee pain that interferes with your child's normal activities or is accompanied by fever and other symptoms warrants further investigation.
Identification
A doctor should take a full medical history and conduct a thorough examination of your child before chalking their pain up to "growing pains." Babycenter.com states that 25 percent to 40 percent of healthy children will suffer from vague, short-lived growing pains, but a number of more serious conditions might cause knee pain in toddlers.
Diseases and Conditions
Lyme disease, carried by ticks, can cause joint swelling and pain in the knee. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), an autoimmune disorder that causes joint inflammation and swelling, sometimes occurs in toddlers, especially if there is a family history of the illness.
Sprains and Strains
Tearing or pulling the muscles or tendons attaching them to the bone (sprain) or the ligaments (strain) can result in toddler knee pain, especially if he recently has fallen or engaged in a sports activity such as soccer or T-ball.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Consult your doctor if your toddler's knee pain is accompanied by fever, any type of rash, swollen lymph nodes, an inability to stand or bear weight on the knee or swollen joints.
Prevention/Solution
Temporary knee pain from overuse can be eased by rest, warm compresses or baths and a dose of ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
There are many natural-forming salts and mineral crystal compounds available for use in home detoxification baths. Although all salts have the ability to draw out toxins from the body, there are some salts that are better for certain conditions than other salts. You can use salts for detox by themselves in your bath water or use a combination of different bath salts to utilize the healing properties of several salts at one time.
Epsom Salt
Epsom salt is not a true salt because it does not contain sodium chloride. However, Epsom salt is a mineral crystal compound that quickly dissolves in your bath water and is quickly assimilated into your skin through your pores.
Epsom salt contains two major constituents---magnesium and sulfates. According to the Epsom Salt Council, Epsom salt's sulfates expel toxins from the body, improve nutrient absorption and can help to alleviate migraine symptoms. Magnesium, the second most plentiful element in human cells, regulates over 325 bodily enzymes, reduces muscle pain and inflammation, improves concentration and sleep and eases stress. Magnesium may also help prevent blood clots and artery hardening. Epsom salts can purchased at most drug and grocery stores and from online salt retailers.
Use Epsom salts in your bath to help eliminate toxins from your body. Ease muscle pain and fade bruises by adding two cups of Epsom salt to your bath water and soak for about 15 minutes. If you are experiencing deep muscle pain, stir two tbsp. of powdered ginger into one cup of Epsom salts and pour into a warm bath. Soak for no longer than 30 minutes.
Epsom salt and sesame oil baths help to eradicate stress and dry skin. Mix one up of sesame oil with one cup of sea salt and one cup of Epsom salt. Add the mixture to your warm bath water and soak for about 20 minutes.
Epsom salt compresses can be applied directly to the skin to pull out splinters, ease sore muscles and insect bites. Add two cups of Epsom salt to a gallon of water. Saturate a towel, cotton ball or cheesecloth piece with the mixture and apply directly to the affected area.
Other Salts
There are many salts for detox purposes available from around the world.
Genuine Dead Sea salt from the Dead Sea primarily contains calcium, magnesium, sodium and magnesium chlorides and sulphates. These minerals are extremely beneficial for the skin and can aid in healing such ailments as eczema and psoriasis. Purchase only Dead Sea salt that comes with a certificate of authenticity to use in your bath.
Hawaiian red salt is an unprocessed salt that obtains is color from the red clay it shares its native environment with. Hawaiian red salt added to a bath can propel wound healing and alleviate muscle sprains and body aches. Hawaiian red salt can be used alone or mixed with other salts and added to your bath water.
Sulfur salt, also known as black salt, is a natural purifying and disinfecting salt. Sulfur salt helps to alleviate skin inflammation, respiratory problems and topical infections.
Tags: your bath, bath water, Epsom salt, your bath water, Epsom salt, Epsom salts, Hawaiian salt
Gum pain is most often caused by gingivitis or a more serious form of gum disease. Sometimes pain can be caused by trauma to the gums, such as a burn or gouge from food or a foreign object. There are several treatments for gum pain, including over-the-counter and prescription options.
Types
Treating your gum pain may vary depending on what is causing it. Some options will treat only the pain, while others may treat the underlying cause in addition to quelling the pain symptoms.
Damage caused to the gums by hot or hard foods or sharp objects will generally heal on their own, so numbing treatments work well.
Treating pain that is related to gum disease may be more complicated. Certain types of products can exacerbate the underlying gum disease even though they temporarily relieve pain.
Salt and Water Rinse
Using a mixture of salt and water to rinse the mouth not only provides some temporary pain relief, it can also help heal sores and abrasions. Use 1 tspn. of table salt or sea salt in 1 cup of warm water. For a burn caused by food, the salt may produce a stinging sensation during the rinse, then subside afterwards and cause less pain.
According to Leslie Salkin, D.D.S. at the Temple University School of Dentistry in Philadelphia, "Take a few swigs of warm salt water and swish it between your teeth and gums. It has a general soothing effect. If you have an abscess, the salts will help draw it out and drain it."
Pain Relievers
An anti-inflammatory pain reliever, like ibuprofen, can help reduce the swelling associated with gum disease in addition to providing longer term pain relief.
Topical pain relievers, like Anbesol, can be used on the gums, but don't put it on open sores or lesions. Not only could it cause more pain temporarily, but it could also cause damage to the more sensitive tissue beneath the gums that are exposed.
Mouth Rinses
Mouthwashes that contain alcohol may cause a mild numbing sensation to the gums, but they can actually make the environment friendlier for bacterial growth. By drying out the gums or a sore, products with high alcohol content sometimes make it easier for bacteria to multiply, thus increasing inflammation and pain.
Some individuals find it painful to rinse with these types of products and should avoid them for this reason as well.
Natural Oils
Clove oil and tea tree oil have antiseptic properties, which help clean the gums and make them less hospitable to bacteria. They also provide some pain relief.
Clove oil contains eugenol, a phytochemical, that has anesthetic properties, which provides a temporary reprieve from gum pain.
Tea tree oil has analgesic properties which can also relieve gum pain temporarily.
Warning
See a doctor or dentist if gum pain persists and to rule out more serious gum disease problems.
Also, never directly apply highly acidic substances to the gums, as they can cause chemical burns. Garlic and aspirin are two items that some sources say can be applied to the gums, but they are too acidic and can end up doing more harm than good.
Detox systems aim to rid the body of toxins and other poisons that may have accumulated in the body over time. In addition to detox diets, juices, meals and fitness programs, people can receive detox massages, which aim to strengthen the immune system, rid the body of harmful substances and strengthen the muscles. One particular type of detox massage, a detox foot massage, aims to release toxins from the body by way of the foot and surrounding tissue.
Massaging Foot Baths
There are a number of ways to cleanse the body using massage techniques. One method involves soaking the feet in a massaging foot bath. These products aim to relax the muscles using warm water and gentle massage bubbles. Many massaging foot baths also use positive and negative ions to stimulate the tissue and help remove harmful toxins. Often, the water of the detoxification foot bath changes color as harmful toxins accumulate. These baths generally come with a removable ionic foot bowl or foot plate for hygienic purposes. Detox massage baths are available online and in specialty gift stores.
Speciality Detox Foot Massages
In addition to detox foot baths, unique foot detox massages are also available and offered by many masseuse specialists. These massages work to stimulate nerve endings and tissue in the foot, and involve an array of movements that help rid the body of harmful toxins. Often, massage specialists will soak feet in a specialty foot detoxification bath before massaging tissue to soften skin and relax muscles. These massages generally cost $50 to $100 and last 30 minutes to an hour.
Detoxification Through Foot Detox Pads
For patients who cannot afford a specialty massage or foot bath, foot detoxification pads are also available and are a much more economical solution. These pads are placed on the foot each night and, as toxins accumulate, change color. The pads must be changed each day and the color lightens as toxins are eliminated from the body. These pads may be used in addition to foot detoxification massages or baths, and are available online and in specialty body stores nationwide.
Tags: foot bath, foot detoxification, harmful toxins, addition detox, also available, available online, available online specialty
While there is no medical evidence supporting the effectiveness of special detox diets, staying hydrated and maintaining a healthy diet high in fruits, vegetables, fiber and protein can reduce the appearance of cellulite. According to the National Institute of Health, cellulite is concentrated fat pockets that causes the skin's surface to appear lumpy. The hips, buttocks, thighs and stomach are common areas where you might find cellulite. Losing weight and toning muscles can visibly reduce the appearance of cellulite. (See References 1)
Stay Hydrated
According to the National Institute of Health, staying hydrated can help reduce the appearance of cellulite. (See Reference 1) The National Institute of Health recommends drinking 48 to 64 ounces of water per day to maintain a healthy balance of fluids in your body. Drinking fruit and vegetable juices are also healthy options to stay hydrated. (See Reference 2). Caffeinated beverages like coffee should be avoided as some can constrict blood vessels and can increase the appearance of cellulite. You should also limit your alcohol consumption as it hinders circulation which can lead to an increase in the appearance of cellulite. (See Reference 3)
Eat Skin-Nourishing Foods
Eating healthy, skin-friendly foods is one of the most effective ways to keep the body toned and reduce the appearance of cellulite. Focus your diet on foods and dishes that are high in vitamins, minerals, protein and fiber. (See Reference 4) Citrus fruits, carrots, spinach, almonds, sunflower seeds, beans and produce with high amounts of water such as greens and cucumbers will help to smooth skin and reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Consume Lean Protein
In "Secret Cellulite Busting Tips," fitness expert Lisa Lynn recommends eating at least three servings of lean protein each day to reduce the appearance of cellulite. (See Reference 3) She recommends protein shakes, egg whites and tuna salad with no mayonnaise as some of the top sources of protein to tone the lower body---which is where cellulite is most prevalent. Almonds, sunflower seeds and beans are also good sources of protein. (See Reference 2)
Tags: appearance cellulite, reduce appearance, reduce appearance cellulite, appearance cellulite Reference, cellulite Reference, Institute Health
Christianity, Buddhism and Hinduism are among the many religions that imbue flowers with symbolic meaning. While some faiths associate flowers with specific saints or deities, other blossoms are thought to help worshipers find peace and serenity. The lily and the lotus are two flowers noted for their religious connotations, but there are many others as well.
Lily
Because they are emblematic of the Virgin Mary, white lilies are often called Madonna lilies.
The Grecians linked lilies to fertility and femininity, and brides often wore crowns of lilies. In Christianity, the white lily (Lilium candidum) is the flower of the Virgin Mary and symbolizes her purity and morality, which is way the plant is commonly referred to as the Madonna lily. The association between Mary and the lily was so poignant that between 1472 and 1474, Leonardo da Vinci painted "Annunciation", a painting that chronicles the moment when the angel Gabriel came to Mary to tell her of her destiny as the mother of Christ. In the painting, he carries a lily.
Lotus Blossoms
Buddhists believe that white lotuses are divine and sacred.
Both Buddhism and Hinduism honor lotus blossoms. According to energy-healing-info.com, the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred Hindu text, says humankind should seek to emulate the lotus blossom. The flower, though rooted in the earth, flourishes above its mud and water environment. The religion emphasizes that every person has the spirit of a lotus within, and nurturing this spirit will help mankind rise above the muck of earthly life. Buddhism breaks down lotus symbolism by color. White is indicative of spiritual enlightenment, red lotuses stand for love, and blue lotus blossoms inspire intellectual concentration.
Roses
Thanks to their lushness and beauty, the Romans dedicated roses to Venus, goddess of love. The flower remained important to early Christians. White roses were associated with the purity of Christ, while red roses represented his bloody sacrifice on the cross.
Marigolds
Marigolds are favored in such religious celebrations as India's Diwali Festival.
Marigolds flourish in marshes and alongside streams, and are known for having a goblet-like blossom. Aztecs honored the fiery orange-red flower and called it "cempasuchil." Their appreciation has endured, and the flower is often used in wreaths, crosses and garlands during the Mexican Dias de los Muertos. According to diwalifestival.org, marigolds, along with mango leaves, are commonly used in decoration and as offerings in India's Diwali festival, also known as a festival of lights. The marigold's vibrant tangerine petals make it popular in a culture that cherishes color.
Sunflowers
Sunflowers are a symbol of lost love in Grecian myths.
Despite their cheery appearance, Greek mythology associates the sunflower with a sense of heartache. When Clytie, (a girl who was either a Babylonian water nymph or a princess), fell in love with Apollo, he returned her affections. His love, however, was superficial, and he soon abandoned her. She spent her days weeping and watching as Apollo led the sky across the sky. Her grief was so profound that, at last, the gods took pity on her and ended her mortal suffering by turning her into a sunflower that still tracked the sun's daily progression. Sunflowers are composed of florets, (otherwise known as small flowers), that are in the shape of the sun's rays and are clustered together in shades of yellow, orange and red.
Tags: Buddhism Hinduism, flowers with, India Diwali, lotus blossoms, Virgin Mary