Reduce Cellulite

Hydrate, exercise and eat a balanced diet to help reduce the appearance of cellulite.

There is no quick fix for cellulite, and while you cannot totally eliminate it, there are measures you can take to reduce the appearance of cellulite. Unsightly, but not dangerous, cellulite results from skin settling over an uneven layer of fat deposits. While many manufacturers make claims that their anti-cellulite products will eliminate cellulite, in truth very few products achieve noticeable results. However, some common-sense health measures can help reduce your skin's bumpy appearance.

Instructions

1. Increase your water consumption, aiming for at least eight glasses a day. Drink water to help flush out toxins and help your body regulate better.

2. Exercise to reduce the size of fat deposits, which are what cause the bumpy appearance of skin. Exercise regularly to keep weight off, tone muscles and maintain skin tone.

3. Change in your diet, if you currently eat unhealthily. Add nutritious foods to help you avoid gaining excess weight, which can exacerbate the appearance of cellulite.

Eat lean protein, as adequate protein consumption helps in muscle building and toning.

4. Try body brushing to reduce cellulite. Buy a bristle body brush and use it every day before you shower. Begin at your feet and make deep, long strokes toward your heart, with extra focus on the problem areas. This exfoliates and improves circulation, which may help in reducing the appearance of cellulite.

5. Get professional help by seeking out a practitioner who specializes in endermologie. The FDA in 1998 approved endermologie as an effective solution for temporary reduction of cellulite. Visit the endermologist for endermologie massage sessions. Keep in mind that this is a temporary solution only.

Tags: appearance cellulite, bumpy appearance, help reduce, reduce appearance, reduce appearance cellulite

Get What You Want Using Positive Thinking

Get What You Want in Life Using Positive Thinking. Get More Out of Life by Using Positive Thinking!

If you believe that life is what we make it then getting more out of life using positive thinking is just the thing for you. Having a positive day begins from the moment we open our eyes in the morning and decide to have a good day. We can choose to have positive thoughts and get more out of our lives by thinking more positively. Abraham Lincoln said he believes that people are about as happy as they decide to be. If you have special plans for after work that you've been looking forward to, it seems like no matter what happens during your work day you remain positive knowing that your day is going to be great no matter what happens during the day, just because you have something positive to focus your energy and positive thoughts on. Imagine choosing to think positive every day. Imagine having the personal power to control your life by remaining positive and getting more out of the life you already have. The potential seems endless if you believe.

Instructions

1. Get up fifteen minutes early if you can in the morning. Use this time to decide to have a wonderful day. Think of the Positive experiences, positive events, and happenings that you've had in your life. If negative thinking sneaks into your thoughts during your day just take a few moments to refocus your thoughts to those pleasant positive experiences.

2. Make a list of what you want in life. You can't get more out of life if you don't know what you want. Think of this list as your "I will Get More List". You don't have to share your list of life's desires with anyone unless that will give you the motivation to keep positive thoughts to achieve this very personal list of life's desires. It is an awesome list of what you value and desire in life. Don't let your positive experiences and feelings end. As long as you refocus to those pleasant happy positive experiences you will always be able to keep the positive thoughts coming.

3. Allow yourself to be human. At times, it is with some reason that we will be less positive and optimistic. When you lose site of your goals and desires for life allow yourself to feel what you really are feeling. When you feel more positive or emotionally centered, remember you can get out of life what you put into it. Putting positive thoughts out into the world will come back to you in positive experiences giving you more out of life.

4. Think positive. It sounds so simple for someone to say "think positive". Does it make you think what or wonder what can thinking positive about a list of what more I want in life really going to do for me??? That list was random thoughts fleeting through your mind at first. Now they are a tangible list. You had to give thought to making that list. When we want something in life our daily actions bring us in that direction. Knowing that thinking positive about what we want more out of life gives us personal power to control and guide our future. That makes me feel more in control of my life already.

Tags: more life, positive thoughts, decide have, list what, Using Positive Thinking, during your, feel more

How Do Antibiotics Work

When to Take an Antibiotic

Antibiotics are powerful drugs, usually made from microorganisms and used to kill bacteria and fungal infections that make us ill. While they are great to use when you have an ear or sinus infection, for example, they can't treat a cold, flu or even most sore throats, all of which are the result of viruses, not bacteria, and all of which usually get better just by waiting them out.

Take an Antibiotic

Antibiotics can be specific to a type of bacteria or they can be broad-spectrum, attacking a variety of bacteria. Generally, your doctor will prescribe the antibiotic that's most likely to be effective against the specific bacteria you're fighting. Most antibiotics come in pill form, but some may be topical or given intravenously in a hospital or clinic.

It's important to exactly follow the directions for taking your antibiotic. In most cases--no matter how well you feel--you must use the entire prescription to kill off all of the offending bacteria. If you don't, the infection will likely return; every time you do this, you make it much more difficult to rid yourself of it.

Do not give your antibiotic medicine to anyone else, and do not take antibiotics prescribed for someone else. They may not work or could cause unwanted side effects, and this practice contributes to the rapidly growing worldwide problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

What Happens When You Take an Antibiotic

Antibiotics generally work by preventing the cell walls of the bacteria from fully developing thus killing the organism. When enough bad bacteria die off, the body is able to recover.

Some people are allergic to certain types of antibiotics, so tell your doctor if you suspect you may be allergic. With the variety of antibiotics available today, an alternative may be available for you.

Most antibiotics knock off some perfectly good and useful bacteria along with the bad, causing such common side effects as nausea, stomach cramps and diarrhea. So it's important to eat a healthy well-balanced diet if you're taking an antibiotic medication. Some people recommend increasing your intake of probiotic foods, such as yogurt, which encourage development of bacteria that are friendly to people.

When Not to Take an Antibiotic

If you have a cold, the flu or a sore throat, antibiotics will not help you. That's because these conditions are commonly caused by a virus, not a bacteria. Antibiotics can't kill a virus, so there's no point in wasting your time and money taking them. The exception is for strep throat, so if you're not sure, ask your doctor to test for the streptococcus bacteria.

Keeping your hands clean, getting flu vaccinations and eating well should help limit the number of viral illnesses you get. Don't ask for or accept a prescription for antibiotics just to feel like you're "doing something." The abuse of antibiotics worldwide has led to increasingly resistant strains of bacteria for which there are fewer and fewer solutions. You can help by not taking unneeded antibiotic medicine!

Tags: Take Antibiotic, Antibiotic Antibiotics, Take Antibiotic Antibiotics, When Take, When Take Antibiotic, your doctor, antibiotic medicine

Bath Pouf Directions

Bath Pouf Directions

A hot bath or shower is one of the most civilized pleasures available in this fast moving world. Clean, warm water is an indulgence we often take for granted, but it should be celebrated. And what better way to celebrate than with fabulous bath toys? Bath poufs are little scrunchy balls of nylon, available anywhere bath products are sold.

Instructions

1. Wet your bath pouf thoroughly, and then squeeze most of the excess water out. It can stay a little drippy, the added water will help make lather.

2. Squeeze a dime sized dollop of liquid soap or bath gel onto it. You can also wet a bar of soap and scrub it vigorously against the bath pouf until you get a thick lather.

3. Use the bath pouf to exfoliate your entire body. You can do this in the shower or the bathtub; if the soap or gel rinses off, just put on some more. The slightly rough texture of the bath pouf helps remove dead skin cells and leaves your skin looking and feeling silky and soft.

4. Rinse your bath pouf completely clean under very hot water and shake it out. Hang it up to dry.

5. Launder or replace your bath poufs at least once every four to six weeks, because they do retain bacteria. If you decide to wash them, use hot water and let them go through the dryer.

Tags: bath pouf, your bath, bath pouf, Bath Pouf Directions, Pouf Directions

Symptoms Of Ink Toner Poisoning

The world is full of surprisingly hazardous materials, even at home. Case in point is printer ink. By changing the ink cartridges in your printer, it is easy to smudge ink on your skin. This may cause skin irritation and eye irritation if rubbed into the eyes. Unlike ink found in pens or even ink used for tattoos, ink in printer cartridges contain a substance called, P-Anisidine that is harmful if accidentally ingested. If a child does ingest this harmful substance, it is imperative to see a doctor or go to the emergency room.

Identification

If you do spill printer ink on your hands it will stain and if you are sensitive, you may develop skin irritation. Anything more than a small spill requires seeking medical help. It is good to understand the characteristics of printer ink. Printer ink is generally always contained in neatly packaged printer cartridges. However, it is possible to order online a refill package that allows users to use a small hand-held pump to fill up an empty ink cartridge. Doing so will expose you to a greater likelihood of getting ink on your hands, which is not harmful if washed off right away.

Considerations

If you are very sensitive to chemicals or have very sensitive skin or eyes, do not use the refillable type of printer ink cartridges. It is nearly impossible to avoid spilling some of the ink onto your hands when you do use the refill ink tubes to refill the cartridges. Opt for the pre-packaged ink cartridges and simply recycle the empty cartridges.

Significance

It is easy to accidentally get ink on your hands and then rub your face or eyes or touch your mouth. If you are using the ink refills that are ordered online and squeezing the ink refills into empty ink cartridges, wear plastic gloves. Rinse off any ink that you do spill onto your hands or face. You do not want to forget you have ink on your hands and sleep overnight, for example, with printer ink absorbing into your skin and bloodstream. As with many household items, there are toxic ingredients that you may come into contact with, but as long as you wash them off your skin, you should not suffer harmful effects.

Warning

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), most inks used for writing is made of dyes, pigments, solvents and water. NIH says that this is generally not harmful to most people. However, if you are sensitive to chemicals or have sensitive skin or eyes, avoid using the refillable printer ink cartridges that can expose you to leaking ink.

Prevention/Solution

You can still be environmentally responsible by sending back to the printer cartridge manufacturer or dropping it off at certain office supply stores. If you think you may have a negative reaction to spilled printer ink on your hands, use the sealed printer ink cartridges only. Some printer ink cartridges will send you pre-paid envelopes in which to mail back your empty printer ink cartridges. Check with your doctor if you have any skin irritation, rashes or other symptoms that you believe are a result from exposure to printer ink.

Tags: printer cartridges, your hands, skin irritation, your skin, chemicals have, empty cartridges, onto your

Irritable Bowel Syndrome In Infants

Irrtitable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is an intestinal disorder that causes bloating, gas, severe stomach cramps, and irregular bowel movements. It can also cause people to be constipated or have chronic diarrhea. The condition is not life-threatening and does not damage the colon in any way.

Symptoms

The symptoms of IBS are different for everyone. In infants, symptoms may include things like bloating, a change in the appearance of their stools, pain in the abdominal area, severe crying when they're trying to have a bowel movement, constant diarrhea, constipation and mucus in the stools.

Expert Insight

Studies have shown that babies who weigh less than the average weight appear to be at a greater risk of contracting IBS, according to the Norweigian journal "Gut". This study also found that identical twins with low birth weights have an increased risk of developing IBS.

Diagnosis

Your baby's doctor will do a very thorough examination and, based on the symptoms the baby has, may diagnose him with IBS. However, there is a much more serious condition that should be ruled out, inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD. If IBD is suspected, a trip to the gastroenterologist will be ordered.

Diet

If the case of IBS is severe, many infants lose weight. Parents should monitor what they're feeding their baby and make sure the right nutrients are included in their diet. The best foods are those which are high in fiber and low in fat. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables is the best way to do this.

Living with IBS

Many people live with this condition everyday. Parents that monitor what they feed their babies and take extra precautions should be able to keep the condition of IBS at bay. It is even possible for the condition to go into remission once you know what triggers a bout for your baby.

Tags: monitor what, monitor what they, what they

Make Comfrey Tea

For more than 3,000 years, as far back as the Greeks and Romans, herbalists have made numerous claims concerning the powerful medicinal properties of comfrey. It was commonly known as "knitbone" because of its effectiveness in accelerating the healing of broken bones. It was also used to treat various ailments such as ulcers, dysentery, diarrhea, indigestion, gum diseases, tuberculosis and other lung diseases, whooping cough, cancer, and arthritis. Comfrey leaves are rich in allantoin, phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium, trace minerals, calcium, and vitamins A, B-12 and C.

Instructions

Making Comfrey Tea for the Garden or for Personal Use

1. If comfrey grows on your property or you have access to a wild patch nearby, gather fresh leaves. Using a needle and thread, make a knot at the end of the thread, and thread the needle. Run the needle through the fresh leaves as many times as the thread will hold. Tie the ends together and hang it to dry.

2. To oven dry, put the leaves on a sheet pan and place them in the oven at a low temperature. To microwave dry, put the leaves on a plate and set the microwave on low for about two to five minutes. Crumble the leaves, including the midrib. Store in an airtight tin or bottle until needed. If you don't have any fresh comfrey, you can order plants at a health food store or online.

3. To make a comfrey infusion for personal use, take fresh comfrey equal to 1/4 cup or 2 tbsp. dried and 2 cups boiling water. Put the comfrey in a small bowl and add the boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes. Dip a clean cloth into this infusion while it's still warm and apply it to bruises, minor cuts and scrapes, minor burns, sunburn, eczema, and insect bites. It's also very helpful for sprained ankles, sore elbows, knees, necks, shoulders, and broken ribs and bone fractures. Add this tea to your bath to give your skin a healthy glow. The allantoin in comfrey is very beneficial to the skin, causing burns and wounds to heal faster.

4. To prepare liquid comfrey for compost and garden use, fill your blender 3/4 full with fresh comfrey leaves, then add water to about 2 inches below the rim. Blend on the "Liquefy" setting until the comfrey is dissolved. Pour the undiluted blended comfrey into your composter or on your compost pile. It's an excellent activator because it contains more nitrogen than manure, and will enrich and heat up the pile to accelerate decomposition. For use in your garden, mix one part comfrey tea to 10 parts water and use as a liquid fertilizer. Comfrey's high potassium content makes it beneficial for flowers, vegetables, (especially tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and potatoes), berries, and fruit trees.

Tags: fresh comfrey, boiling water, fresh leaves

Use Pressure Points

Learning use pressure points may be a way to inflict pain in a martial arts. However, skillful hands may relieve pain, tension and boost the function of major organs by applying careful, steady pressure to certain points of the body.

Instructions

1. Relieve a headache with three pressure points on the head. The middle pressure point on top of the head is in a hollow area in the center. There are two pressure point about an inch behind and one inch in front of the center point. Apply gentle pressure with your fingertips.

2. Press with your thumbs the two points in the hollow parts on the back of your neck below the base of the skull on either side of muscles running down the back of the neck. This may help alleviate headaches and tension.

3. Position yourself to lie on two tennis balls that rest about 3 inches on either side of the spine. It is best if someone could press these points for you, but lying on the tennis balls is also effective.

4. Lessen the depression symptoms by pressing the indentation where the bridge of the nose and the eyebrows meet. Also, pressing on the groove between the first ribs and the collarbone where they come together with the breastbone is helpful.

5. Find the points that are about 2 1/2 inches under your kneecap and an inch from your shin on the outer portion of your lower leg. Pressing these points may help with keeping your emotions in check.

Tags: about inches, either side, pressure point, pressure points, tennis balls, these points

Serve A Leaner Steak

Who doesn't love a good steak? Unfortunately, many people choose not to indulge in this dish because they're worried about the fat content. Thankfully, it's extremely easy to serve a leaner steak. With just a few simple steps, you'll be able to enjoy a steak dinner that you won't have to feel guilty about.

Instructions

1. Choose a steak that isn't heavily marbled. For example, a cut such as a rib eye, is heavily marbled. All those tiny white lines throughout the meat is fat. Instead, you want a piece of meat that looks extremely lean. A great example of this is sirloin steak.

2. Trim off excess fat. Even lean cuts, such as sirloin, will have a layer of fat on the outside of the steak. By trimming off excess fat, you help ensure that your steak is as lean as possible.

3. Cook your steak under the broiler or on the grill. Both of these options allow any leftover fat to drip away from the meat. If you fry your steak in a skillet, it simply sits in the fat. This prevents you from serving the leanest steak possible.

Tags: your steak, heavily marbled

Diseases That Cause Bad Breath

Chronic Bad Breath

Chronic bad breath is a definite sign that something is going wrong either in your mouth or in your body. However, if your dentist has given you a clean bill of health concerning your dental hygiene, then your bad breath may be a symptom, a precursor, or a result of something else happening with your health. Chronic bad breath, (more commonly called halitosis), could be a side effect of taking a particular medication or having a specific disease. Before you can treat your bad breath, you must determine the cause.

Causes

Bronchitis, sinusitis, and infections of the nose, throat and the lungs can cause you to have bad breath. In addition, ailments that involve the liver and kidneys can also cause halitosis. For example, if a person's liver is failing it can cause his breath to have a "fishy" odor, and kidney failure can cause his breath to smell like urine, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Medications & Diseases

Having a dry mouth will prompt bad breath. The reason is that saliva is needed to clean your mouth. It is responsible for removing debris, food particles, and it also helps the body digest consumed food. However, certain medications, (i.e. pain-killers, antihistamines), will reduce the amount of saliva in the mouth. The medications taken for diseases like Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's, AIDS, and diabetes can also cause sufferers to have a dry mouth. The condition of having a dry mouth is also referred to as xerostomia. For more information on xerostomia and the conditions that cause it, see Resources.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease can cause bad breath. One of the most common causes of periodontal disease is poor dental hygiene. The disease occurs when plague builds up on teeth, which then create toxins that begin to aggravate the gums in your mouth. The toxins begin to give off a pungent odor that causes bad breath. If periodontal disease is left untreated, the condition can eventually damage the structure that supports your teeth. However, you can improve your dental health by visiting your dentist for a professional teeth cleaning, flossing regularly, and brushing after every meal.

Helicobacter Pylori Infection

Helicobacter pylori (or H. pylori) infection is a bacteria found in the lining of the stomach and it frequently causes ulcers. Stomach ulcers can lead to gastritis or other stomach -related issues. One of the symptoms associated with the H. Pylori infection is halitosis. Physicians may even be able to detect this harmful bacteria sooner if the patient believes this may be the cause of her bad breath.

Tags: your mouth, also cause, cause breath, cause breath, Chronic breath, dental hygiene, periodontal disease

Crack An Ankle

The ankle is a joint that many people overlook when stretching their body, but a good ankle stretch can feel great and rejuvenate your whole body. If your ankle is feeling tight and you have an urge to crack it like you would your knuckles, try a few good ankle stretches. Your ankle joint may make cracking noises, but unless the motion is painful, there's nothing to worry about.

Instructions

1. Stand up straight and raise one knee as high as you can. Hold your knee up to your chest with your arms.

2. Point your foot as much as you can. Hold your foot in this position for 20 to 30 seconds. Switch legs and repeat.

3. Stand up straight and extend one leg out in front of you with your foot held about 6 inches off of the ground. Pull your toes back as much as you can. Hold your foot in this position for 20 to 30 seconds. Switch legs and repeat.

4. Bend your legs with your feet crossed under you as you sit on the ground. Pick one foot up and place it on top of the opposite knee in a kind of half lotus position.

5. Place one hand on top of your ankle, and grasp your foot with the other hand. Guide your foot in circular rotations first in one direction, then reversing in the other direction.

6. Switch feet and repeat. If desired, you can also repeat the pointing and pulling back of your toes in this seated position. Use your hand to help extend the stretch beyond what you were able to do with just your foot.

Tags: your foot, Hold your, with your, ankle joint, foot this

Massage Therapy For Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory form of arthritis that can cause joint pain and discomfort. At this time there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis. However treatments and lifestyle choices are available that can keep the soreness and other symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis at tolerable levels. Massage therapy can often help soothe and relax stiff joints.

Massage Therapy for RA

Massage therapy can help relieve the symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis. The assortment of techniques used by massage therapists can help stimulate circulation, ease pain and inflammation and help improve flexibility and provide a general feeling of well-being.

A massage works by manipulating the muscle tissues through kneading and stroking the skin. Massage therapy is known to relieve chronic pain when performed on an ongoing basis. And it can offer RA sufferers the added benefits of lowering blood pressure and enhancing the immune system.

While it is free of side effects, people should avoid massage therapy during times when RA flares up.

Massage Studies

Massage therapy is not a proven treatment for RA, but a small study conducted by the Touch Research Institutes at the University of Miami School of Medicine showed promising results.

The recently concluded study found that massage therapy reduces pain and improves grip strength in people who suffer from arthritis in their hands.

The study participants were given weekly hand massages over a four-week period. In addition, they were taught massage their own hands and wrists daily.

Assorted Massage Techniques

You can choose from more than 100 potentially beneficial massage applications. The Swedish massage is known for its long strokes to affect the superficial layers of your muscles, while deep tissue massage emphasizes slow strokes with continuous pressure to impact your deep layers of muscle and ease chronic muscular tension.

The hot stone massage relies on heated stones to improve circulation. This therapy can effectively sooth stiff and sore muscles. If you have a heart condition, you should avoid the hot stone massage. The Shiatsu massage is a finger pressure technique of Japanese origin. It uses traditional acupuncture points and encourages self-healing. Trigger point massage uses finger pressure to loosen up knots of tension that can trigger pain in other areas of the body.

Myofascial Release

The soft-tissue therapy of the myofascial release is another alternative that works to stretch and manipulate your connective tissues. The goal of the treatment is strengthen the tissues, which in turn will increase their flexibility and extend your range of motion.

As always it's a good idea to consult your doctor before beginning any alternative treatment for your condition, including massage therapy.

Tags: finger pressure, Massage therapy, massage therapy, Massage therapy, rheumatoid arthritis

Bowel Cleaning Liquid Diet

The bowels are part of a system that cleanses your body of waste that accumulates from the food, chemicals and toxins that you ingest. Bowels that have accumulated waste that has become impacted can cause symptoms such as stomach problems, constipation, illness and fatigue. Cleaning the bowel can increase overall health and wellness.

Water

Drink only purified water with 2 tbsp of lemon or lime for the first 2 to 3 days of the diet. Water should be filtered or purchased in purified form to ensure it is free of harmful toxins or chemicals. Drink at least 2 liters of water per day to help alleviate hunger and loosen impacted material.

Juice

Follow the water cleansing with a vegetable and fruit juice purification. Use a juicer to make juice from carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and celery for a fiber-rich vegetable juice. Drink this at four to eight times daily to increase elimination of impacted material. Also, drink a fruit juice that includes apples, grapes, watermelon, banana, strawberries and blueberries. Drink this mixture three or more times per day as well. Wash all fruits and vegetables to remove any chemical build-up before juicing. Drink 64 ounces of water with lemon in addition to the fruit mixture.

Herbs

Add herbal teas to your diet on the first day of juice cleansing to loosen the impacted material in the bowel. Use lemongrass, chamomile and dandelion root tea to cleanse the bowel. In addition, take an herbal supplement with ginger, licorice, capsicum and goldenseal to clean impacted material. Drink herbal teas two or more times per day and take an herbal supplement with the above ingredients as directed.

Solids

Gradually add solid foods after a week on the liquid bowel cleansing diet. To make solid foods more easy to digest, mix raw vegetables and fruits in a food processor for the first few days after the detox diet. Add more solid foods into the diet slowly to encourage optimal digestion and bowel health.

Tags: impacted material, solid foods, Drink this, first days, fruit juice

Vitamins To Boost Metabolism

Vitamins to Boost Metabolism

Boosting your metabolism means increasing your energy. Having more energy means feeling better and could also help in losing weight. If you have low metabolism you have low energy. Low energy can make you feel like you have to force yourself to get through your day. Luckily, there are vitamins you can take to help increase your metabolism, increase your energy, help you lose weight, and make you feel better every day.

Green Tea

Green Tea is a great source for metabolism boosting. Green tea helps in more ways than one. If you substitute green tea for caffeine, it will help prevent your body from making more insulin than it should and prevent extra fat around your belly. Green tea also helps as an appetite suppressant by tricking your body into thinking it is full. It accelerates cell function, which boosts your metabolism. Green tea comes in a drink and vitamin form as a tablet or liquid drop.

Vitamin B

You can take a multi-vitamin, but if you still feel fatigued, then you might not be getting enough vitamin B. Vitamin B12 will improve your energy by boosting your metabolism. It can also help keep your skin healthy, improve muscle tone and your immune system, and promote cell growth and function. B complex helps reduce stress, which in turn releases less cortical and helps you lose weight.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C can help boost your metabolism by taking a vitamin C supplement or eating foods containing vitamin C. Foods rich in vitamin C include orange juice, tomato juice, oranges, tomatoes, red peppers, strawberries, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cantaloupe, cabbage and greens.

Magnesium

Magnesium can help improve metabolism. You can take magnesium in vitamin form alone or with a combination of Zinc and calcium. Taking a combination of zinc, magnesium and calcium seems to work better for most people. When your metabolism increases, you will notice a difference in your body temperature.

Cayenne Capsules

Cayenne capsules or cayenne in food is another great metabolism booster. Cayenne capsules stimulate warmth in your body and help you burn more calories.

Tags: your metabolism, your body, your energy, also help, Boost Metabolism

Will High Heels Cause Corns On The Toes

Wearing high heels often can cause foot pain and other problems such as bunions, corns, calluses, and hammertoes. A survey conducted by the American Podiatric Medical Association revealed that 73 percent of women have a foot issue related to the shoes that they wear. Women who wear high heels need to take precautions as well as recognize and treat problems early to avoid not just corns, but other problems associated with wearing high heels.

What are Corns?

Corns, also known as helomas, are thick, hardened layers of skin that form due to pressure and some friction. A corn is a raised bump and is usually conical or circular in shape, and forms as a way for skin to protect itself. Corns can cause discomfort and can sometimes be painful when pressure is applied to them. Corns are sometimes characterized by dry, flaky, waxy, tender or translucent skin.

Where Do Corns Develop?

Corns often develop on parts of the feet such as the sole, or the "ball" of the foot, outside of the small or "pinky" toe, and between the toes. Corns found between the toes are sometimes referred to as "soft corns" to distinct them from the more common "hard corns" found in other locations. Corns can also be found on the hands as a result of using hand tools such as gardening tools, for example.

Corns and High Heels

Corns usually develop when you wear tight shoes that constrict the natural shape of your foot, causing pain. According to podiatrist Stuart Mogul, DPM, pain can immediately escalate to damage when wearing high heels. Aside from restricting the foot, high heels also cause corns and calluses and increase the weight on the area that is restricted, so your toes aren't only being crushed, but you're also applying pressure to them with your weight. Wearing high heels can also aggravate bunions, increase your risk of stress fractures and osteoarthritis in the feet, and intensify problems and pain.

Preventing Corns When Wearing High Heels

According to the American Podiatric Association, you can reduce the chances of developing corns by protecting your feet. One way is to wear the best-fitting, most comfortable high heels possible. Heels should be narrow and snug but not tight. High heels should also be well-cushioned by using a full-shoe insert or silicone pads. Heels should also be thicker to provide better balanc,e and they may also aid in relieving pressure by distributing the weight on your foot more evenly and therefore reduce slipping, friction and pressure. Corns between the toes can be prevented by using cushions between the toes. If you already have corns on your toes, the best solution is to wear open-toe heels to prevent the top of your toes from rubbing against anything as they would in closed to shoes.

Treatments

If avoiding the use of ill-fitting high heels and using protective pads and inserts don't help with reducing the appearance of corns, medical treatments can help. Treatments for corns include the use of foam pads with holes in the center to redistribute pressure around the corn, the use of trimming the corn with a scalpel, applying salicylic acid to the corn, applying antibiotic medication to reduce the risk of infection or surgery to correct the alignment of the bone causing the problem.

Tags: between toes, high heels, your toes, American Podiatric, Corns also, corns calluses

How Often Should You Drink Wulong Tea

Wulong Tea, originally spelled as oolong tea, is a semi-fermented tea long grown and cultivated in China. In a Japanese study published in The Journal of Medical Investigation in August, 2003, women who drank wulong tea had raised metabolisms and burned more fat than when they drank either green tea or water. As a result, wulong tea has been promoted in the West as a magic weight-loss drink. Wulong tea does have weight-loss properties, but it also has a host of other health benefits which makes regular drinking of wulong tea a smart addition to any diet.

Origins

Wulong or oolong tea comes from the same plant that all teas do, the camellia sinensis. What makes the difference between oolong, black, green or white tea is how the leaves are processed. Oolong leaves are wilted in the sun for a short time, shaken in order to bruise the leaves, and then dried. This results in a semi-fermented tea that is different than unfermented teas such as green tea. Oolong has been grown in various parts of China for centuries, but is especially known and cultivated in Fujian province, thought to be the place where oolong was first grown. Fujian province even currently maintains an official oolong tea website.

Health Benefits

Regular drinking of oolong tea brings a large number of health benefits. Weight loss is the most well-known, but oolong tea is not simply a diet drink. Oolong tea also limits the absorption of carbohydrates, which not only aids in weight loss but can also decrease blood pressure and insulin sensitivity. Oolong tea can help you develop healthier skin and teeth and make your immune system stronger. It contains a large amount of antioxidants and can reduce build up of toxins in the body. Drinking even one cup of oolong any time of the day will help you gain these health benefits and increase your metabolism, but drinking oolong before meals, especially lunch and dinner, will best enable weight loss.

Considerations

Oolong tea contains caffeine, although it has less caffeine than other teas, such as green tea. Limit your consumption if you are trying to cut back on caffeine or you're sensitive or allergic to it. Also, if you do begin drinking oolong tea but begin experiencing feelings of restlessness, irritability and the inability to sleep, you may want to reduce or stop drinking the tea.

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Heal After Meniscus Surgery

Meniscus surgery is a repair, removal or partial removal of either of the curved pieces of cartilage in your knee joints. Patients normally go home the day of the surgery, but full recovery can take weeks or even months. Healing properly from meniscus surgery requires rest, proper positioning of the knee, and a dedication to completing physical therapy in the weeks following the operation.

Instructions

After Surgery

1. Pass the hospital's test to go home. After surgery, your doctor will test your ability to go home by having you walk on crutches, drink something and urinate. Once you're able to do this, you'll be released to a responsible adult to begin recovery at home. Typically this happens on the same day as surgery.

2. Set up your resting spot. Whether you're resting in bed or on a couch, keep your back flat and use two or three pillows to hold your knee higher than your heart. This will prevent the joint from swelling.

3. Keep your knee protected. Do not remove the dressing the doctors placed on your knee, or the stretchy bandage they used to wrap it. The bandage and dressing are there to protect you from infection and keep swelling down, so leave them alone until you go in for physical therapy.

4. Manage your pain. For the first few days, use ice packs for 20 to 30 minutes at a time, a few times a day. Take your pain medication as your doctor prescribed.

5. Check for complications. Keep an eye on your dressing; it's normal to have small amounts of bloody drainage, but if it increases, looks like pus or smells strange, call your surgeon. These may be signs of infection and other complications. Other signs include a fever of more than 101 degrees, breathing difficulties and pain or swelling in the calf, foot or ankle.

6. Walk with crutches. As much as you might want to, don't hobble around. Crutches protect your knee from undergoing too much stress during recovery.

Physical Therapy

7. Regain control of your leg muscles. Your first physical therapy sessions will focus on you establishing balance and coordination. Exercises include quadricep press and straight leg raises. These exercises will help you ease off crutches.

8. Regain your range of motion and build strength. Second-phase therapy exercises include sitting on a table and straightening the knee, using a stationary bicycle and more quadricep exercises.

9. Return gradually to normal physical activity. When your therapist says you are ready for phase three of therapy, you can start working your old activities back into your daily routine. It can take weeks or months to reach this level, depending on the severity of your injury and how well you've recovered from surgery.

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Stop Yawning

Stop Yawning

Your yawning habit may be attributed to fatigue or a lack of energy. Yawning makes you look like you are bored or disinterested in what you are doing. No one wants to be yawning unless they are about to go to bed. Learn stop yawning by following these steps.

Instructions

1. Get more sleep. Your yawning may be attributed to not getting enough sleep. Get more sleep by going to bed at an earlier time, keeping your room dark and cool and blocking out the light. If you don't get enough sleep you won't be able to stop yawning.

2. Take a nap. Try to take a nap during the day. If you work a 9-5 job, try to take naps on the weekends.

3. Exercise. Exercising once a day will greatly increase your energy and prevent fatigue.

Natural Cure For Parkinson'S Disease

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disease that effects the brain. It results from a lack of the brain chemical dopamine. Over time, a person suffering from Parkinson's may experience tremors, slowness, rigidity and other complications. There currently is no cure, but there are some medicines available to alleviate some symptoms. Alternative cures are also available.

Vitamims and Minerals

Vitamins E and C are recommended for people with Parkinson's. The antioxidant selenium is also recommended (see Resources).

Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 is a necessary substance that is formed in the body. It is responsible for crucial cell functions. Parkinson's patient may show a decreases in coenzyme Q10 levels. These levels can be augmented by adding coenzyme Q10 supplements to the diet (see Resources).

NADH

NADH is form of vitamin B3. It has an important role in the entire spectrum of the body's cell structure and in their functions. NADH is believed to aid in the production of necessary neurotransmitters that are frequently diminished in Parkinson's disease (see Resources).

Ginkgo Biloba, Melatonin, Fish Oil

Ginkgo biloba is believed to aid in memory loss, dementia, concentrationand other ailments associated with Parkinson's. Melatonin and fish oil have benefits that help with overall brain health, and are also suggested for Parkinson's patients (see Resources).

Mucuna Pruriens

Mucuna pruriens is an herb that has been used for centuries in India. It is believed to be an antioxidant and a supplier of dopamine (see Resources).

R-Alpha Lipoic Acid

R-Alpha Lipoic Acid, when combined with Acetyl-L-Carnitine, may provide benefit to Parkinson's patients (see Resources).

Tags: Lipoic Acid, Parkinson patients, Parkinson patients Resources, patients Resources, R-Alpha Lipoic, R-Alpha Lipoic Acid, with Parkinson

Strengthen Hair With A Healthy Diet

Strengthen Hair With a Healthy Diet

We all at some time, or another have appreciated the feeling of having hair. Some people may lose their hair at an early age, and some people have their hair until they are seniors. It is good to keep a healthy diet throughout your life time to keep your hair shiny, strong and secure on top of your head. Here is strengthen your hair with a healthy diet.

Instructions

1. Be aware of the affects of food and nutrition. We forget that our diets can affect the rest of our body, such as nails and hair, and a healthy diet can make your hair look vibrant and healthy.

2. Drink lots of water. Doctors recommend that we drink at least 8 glasses of water every day to keep ourselves hydrated and energized. It also helps to flush out the impurities and toxins that can weaken your hair follicles.

3. Eat loads of green leafy vegetables. Not only are they good for healthy hair, but also for your heart and the rest of your body. Choose a variety of greens such as spinach, broccoli and snow peas.

4. Make sure you take calcium supplements or drink milk. Calcium is a great source of vitamins for our bones, teeth and hair. If you cannot handle drinking milk, you can choose from many supplements at your local pharmacy.

5. Eat as many fruits as you can during the week. Fruits can provide you with natural sugars, and they can be a hydrating source. Bananas have a world of vitamins, and benefits in them.

6. Make sure you get enough protein. You can get protein from meats, eggs and even peanuts. Choose which one will work with your diet. Protein provides our bodies with energy and strength.

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Process Saw Palmetto Berries

Saw palmetto is a highly regarded herb for its fatty acids.

Small, brownish, saw palmetto berries come from a small palm tree native to Florida and the Gulf Coast. Native Americans used saw palmetto introduced it to colonial settlers. Today, herbalist use saw palmetto berries to help people who are chronically nervous and stressed, and to strengthen the urinary and endocrine system. Because saw palmetto is full of fatty acids, it has a pungent flavor that is hard for many to swallow, and is best processed into a tincture or capsules.

Instructions

Process into a Saw Palmetto Tincture

1. Find fresh saw palmetto berries directly from the source, or from herb farmers. If you can't find fresh berries, opt for high-quality dried ones from a natural foods or herb store. Because the fatty acids in the saw palmetto berries go rancid, inquire about the freshness of them.

2. Chop fresh saw palmetto berries into small pieces and fill a clean, dry glass bottle or jar with the plant material. If you're using dried berries, grind into a powder using a coffee grinder and add to the container.

3. Fill the jar to the very top with either apple cider vinegar, vegetable glycerin or alcohol. Submerge all of the saw palmetto berries in the liquid.

4. Cap the jar, so no air can get in. You can add plastic wrap or wax paper before adding the lid to ensure it's air-tight.

5. Place the saw palmetto tincture in a warm place for 4 to 6 weeks. Shake it daily for at least 30 to 60 seconds, so it is fully agitated.

6. Strain the liquid and press the pulp, to squeeze out any excess liquid. Pour into a sterile, dark, glass bottle and add an air-tight eyedropper cap for precise measuring.

7. Label the saw palmetto berry tincture and store it in a cool dark place.

Process into Saw Palmetto Berry Capsules

8. Dice up fresh saw palmetto berries very finely, or grind dried saw palmetto berries into powder, using a coffee grinder.

9. Separate the two halves of the vegetable glycerin capsule and hold one half of the empty capsule between your thumb and finger.

10. Scoop the saw palmetto berries into the capsule. Powdered saw palmetto berries are easier to work with, but the fresh berries are still more potent.

11. Place the other half of the capsule on top of the herb-filled half and snap it together. Continue this process for the rest of the plant material.

Tags: palmetto berries, berries into, fatty acids, fresh palmetto, fresh palmetto berries, palmetto berries into

Scented Oil Recipes

Scented oils can be used to make many health-regaining recipes.

Scented essential oils have been used for hundreds of years to fight everything from infections to fatigue to skin disorders. You can make your own scented oil recipes at home to combat such ailments as colds and flu, headaches, concentration problems and dog odors. Although most scented oils are safe for human use, if you have any allergic reactions to scented oils you should immediately stop using them.

Flu and Cold

You can use this essential oil blend to ease the symptoms of your flu or cold. Mix 3 drops of lemon oil, 4 drops of sweet eucalyptus oil and 4 drops of Scotch pine oil together. Add the mixture to a bowl of hot, steaming water or to a vaporizer. Lean your head over the steam and deeply inhale for 2 to 5 minutes. (Do not treat infants or young children with eucalyptus oil, as it can potentially cause severe reactions such as diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Only older children should be given eucalyptus oil therapies under a physician's direct supervision.)

Headache

You can use essential oils to combat headaches. Mix 1 drop of lavender scented oil with 1 drop of roman chamomile oil and 1 drop of peppermint scented oil and apply directly to your temples and to the nape of your neck. You can also mix 1 drop of peppermint oil with 5 drops of lavender oil and 1 tbsp. of a carrier oil, such as jojoba or sweet almond oil, and massage into your shoulders and neck.

Dog Odor

Scented essential oils can be blended together to make effective dog odor eradicators. Add 10 drops of geranium oil, 6 drops of lemon oil and 10 drops of lavender oil to a water-filled 1-oz. spray bottle. Shake well, hold the bottle about 10 inches away from your dog and spray on his body, avoiding his head and eyes.

Clarity

You can make a scented oil blend to help you regain focus after an exhausting day. Add 10 drops of rosemary oil, 10 drops of lime oil and 10 drops of peppermint oil to a spray bottle. Add 3 oz. of spring or distilled water to the bottle and shake vigorously. Spray the mixture into the room you are in as needed.

Dry Skin

You can use essential oils to help you combat dry skin throughout the day. Pour about 3 oz. of a carrier oil such as almond, grapeseed or apricot oil into a bottle with a pump dispenser. Add 10 drops each of juniper oil, fennel oil and lemongrass oil. Stir the mixture well and apply it liberally to your body, concentrating on your arms and legs.

Tags: essential oils, carrier such, drop peppermint, drops lavender, drops lemon, drops lemon drops, lemon drops

Increase The Sensitivity Of A Psa Test

PSA stands for Prostate Specific Antigen, and is a test that is used to determine if a patient is suffering from prostate cancer. An elevated PSA can be caused by other factors, but prostate cancer is the most severe cause, and should be ruled out if the PSA test is high. When the PSA is high, a biopsy of the prostate may be the next best move.

Instructions

1. Talk to your doctor to find out if your age is being considered. The PSA can increase naturally with age; however not all doctors take this into account. If you are a young man, the test is more likely to be accurate, because your PSA is not naturally elevated.

2. Refrain from sex or ejaculation for at least two days prior to the test.

3. Avoid stimulating your prostate for two days, as well. A prostate massage, receiving anal sex, or even riding a bike can stimulate your prostate and raise your PSA levels.

4. Consider postponing the test if you have had a prostate biopsy within the last four weeks. PSA levels can remain higher than average for that long after a prostate biopsy.

5. Avoid the use of painkillers for a couple of weeks before the PSA test, including over-the-counter drugs. Also, talk to your doctor about any medications or herbs that you are taking. Some medications can falsely lower your PSA levels.

Tags: prostate biopsy, prostate cancer, your doctor, your levels, your prostate

Memory Loss Due To Stress

Stress can be a part of everyday life, but in some cases, stress disorders occur where the stress is no longer manageable. Temporary memory loss can occur when a person suffers from a stress disorder, or even with everyday stress. Understanding how and why this memory loss occurs can make it much less frightening.

Stress

Stress is defined as emotional tension in response to a fearful or distressing situation. Stress also includes the physical symptoms associated with this tension. Those under stress tend to have a negative outlook on the world. Extreme stress can even lead to depression in some cases. Stress is often used as a synonym for anxiety, which is somewhat inaccurate, but appropriate in some cases. The main difference is that anxiety does not account for the physical symptoms of stress.

Everyday Stress

Everyday stress occurs as a result of everyday responsibilities like work, school and housework. While under stress, it is incredibly common to forget small things like where the keys are. Sufferers may even have trouble remembering the events leading up to setting their keys down making it hard to retrace their steps. The reason for this is because people under stress have difficulty concentrating. Since their focus is elsewhere, little parts of the day can be completely forgotten.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

People suffering from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) are constantly overcome with feelings of stress and worry. Eventually people with this disorder can no longer focus on anything else but their anxiety. Their thoughts become paralyzed and it is difficult to concentrate. It is for this reason that memory loss can occur. Like with everyday stress, focus is lost and it is hard to remember small things. In addition a person suffering from GAD may be so concentrated on their anxiety that they can even have temporary trouble recalling long-term memory.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs after a person has experience or witnessed a traumatic event. The way the memories of this event are stored in the brain of a person suffering from PTSD causes them to relive these memories over and over. Some people suffering from PTSD may have trouble remembering anything else other than the traumatic event. These other memories are not gone, but the person with PTSD has temporarily lost access to them.

Managing Stress

Serious stress disorders like GAD and PTSD require psychiatric help and in some cases medication. For people suffering from everyday stress, there are a few ways to relax to help reduce stress. Meditation is often used to help reduce stress. Yoga is another popular tool for stress reduction. The most effective way to relieve stress is for the person to take time a few times a week to do something that they enjoy.

Tags: suffering from, some cases, everyday stress, memory loss, under stress, anything else

Help Heartburn And Indigestion Using Papaya Enzymes

Do you ever have problems with indigestion or stomach pains after eating a meal? Papaya enzymes could be a nice and affordable answer for you.

Instructions

1. Many people have occasional heartburn or indigestion pains. Others of us, like myself, have a much more regular program with the symptoms of GERD, or acid reflux. The symptoms include heartburn, indigestion after eating, excessive belching, and even a sore throat. Whether you have occasional heartburn, or you have a more serious digestion problem, papaya enzymes are very likely to help you.

2. Go to your local health food store, or vitamin store. Places like Vitamin World, GNC, etc. will carry Papaya enzymes. Look in the digestion or digestive aid areas for papaya enzymes.

3. One of the biggest perks about papaya enyzymes is that they are very cheap relative to many other herbs or supplements. I recently bought 180 tablets for just $3, so they are certainly very reasonable.

4. The enzymes do not need to be refrigerated, the bottle can simply sit out at room temperature.

5. Papaya enzymes help aid the digestive system the most if they are taken directly after a meal. The tablets are generally chewable and have a very pleasant taste. Chew 3 or 4 at once after a large meal, and it will help keep heartburn at bay. It's a cheap and easy way to stave off indigestion and heartburn pains!

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Treatments For Clogged Arteries

Clogged or blocked coronary (heart) arteries are caused by coronary heart disease, or atherosclerosis, a progressive condition that results in hardening and obstruction of the arteries that carry oxygenated blood to the heart. Various options are available for treating the underlying heart disease and the obstructions inside the coronary arteries. Here is a brief description of the most common treatments.

Angioplasty

Angioplasty, which involves the insertion of a small balloon into a coronary artery, is used to expand and open clogged arteries. An alternative to more invasive coronary bypass surgery, angioplasty is a common procedure performed on coronary arteries significantly narrowed or blocked by arterial plaque. Angioplasty is usually performed by inserting a small catheter through the femoral artery in the groin. The catheter is threaded through the blood stream and into the heart, where it is positioned in a blocked or narrowed artery, then the balloon tip is inflated. The inflated balloon expands the artery wall and compresses the arterial plaque, a process that expands the diameter of the artery, thereby increasing blood flow.

Stent Implantation

Depending on the extent of obstruction inside a coronary artery, a stent might be implanted inside the artery to help keep the artery open and ensure proper blood flow. Stent implantation is normally performed at the same time as an angioplasty. After a clogged artery has been opened and expanded by the inflated balloon, a wire or mesh stent is inserted into the artery and fixed in place. The stent is designed to anchor to the artery wall and provide structural support to the expanded artery, which prevents the artery wall from collapsing back into its original position. Angioplasty with stent implantation is a common treatment for various types and degrees of clogged coronary arteries.

Price A Root Canal

Price a Root Canal

Root canals are the necessary evil. The longer you put it off, the more painful it'll get. The price can vary greatly depending on where you live and whether it's a rural area or metropolitan area.

Instructions

1. Do some research before getting a root canal done. The ballpark cost for a root canal on a front tooth is $360 to $700. For a back tooth, it can run you $600 to $900.

2. Contact your dental insurance company. Find out who much of a root canal they'll cover.

3. Schedule an evaluation with your dentist. Discuss the root canal and his expectations of the amount of dental work needed. Ask him for estimates on the price of the procedure.

4. Know that two different specialists can do your root canal--a dentist or an endodontist. Endodontists are root canal specialists. They will charge up to 50 percent more for a root canal because of their skill and expertise level.

5. Find out who will be doing your root canal. If it's an involved procedure with several roots, your dentist may feel more comfortable referring you to an endodontist. If it's a relatively simple root canal, your dentist may perform it himself.

6. Shop around if there's another reputable dentist who charges less. It's probably not wise to pick names out of the phone book and go to the cheapest dentist. It should be someone you trust. But, there's nothing wrong with going to a friend's dentist, as long as you trust them.

7. Consider getting your root canal done at a dental college. They offer reduced rates and the students are well-supervised.

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What Is Vocal Cord Scarring

Singers may have problems with vocal cord scarring because of excessive use.

Vocal cords, also known as vocal folds, stretch across the larynx. They vibrate to produce speech sounds and singing, open when a person inhales and close when she holds her breath. Vocal cord scarring may result from growths on the vocal cords, surgery, aging or other health issues.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a vocal cord scar can involve hoarseness when speaking, problems speaking or producing sound, and tightness or soreness of the neck muscles. Scarring normally does not cause problems with breathing or swallowing, but this depends on the underlying condition causing the scarring.

Causes of Vocal Cord Scarring

Scarring on the vocal cords may be caused by cysts, polyps or other growths on the mucous membrane of the vocal cord or other mucosa. The mucosa is significant in the function of the voice and may cause a blockage in the mucous gland, which causes the vocal cords to become irritated. Scarring also may be caused as a result from aging and other health issues. It is also common after surgeries on the cervical spine and removal of cancerous tumors.

Evaluation and Diagnosis

A physician can usually determine whether or not there is a vocal cord scar by using an endoscope. This helps find any swelling, redness, enlarged blood vessels or change in coloring. Often, a physician may conduct a voice evaluation to determine an underlying illness and then refer the patient to a laryngologist, who is a specialist in voice disorders and has a knowledge of ear, nose and throat issues.

Treatment

Treatment of vocal cord scarring may involve surgery, giving the vocal cords rest by not speaking or singing, or medication. The treatment method depends heavily on the cause and severity of the scarring.

Tags: vocal cords, vocal cord, aging other, aging other health, cord scar, Cord Scarring

Increase Blood Circulation With Herbs

The blood is the main transportation system in the body, carrying nutrients to all the major organs and removing toxins. Good circulation is fundamental to good health, and poor circulation can cause dysfunction in the heart, liver, kidneys and other major organs of the body. You can help improve your circulation, and treat any symptoms of poor circulation you may already have, at home with herbs. Unlike prescription medications, herbs are safe, all-natural and inexpensive. But you should always consult your doctor before beginning a course of treatment.

Instructions

1. Ginkgo Biloba--Helps dilate blood vessels and thin the blood to improve circulation. Ginkgo is available in capsules, tablets, liquid extracts and dried leaves for making teas. Initial results can take 4 to 6 weeks, and positive effects will continue to expand following that period. Ginkgo is thought to be very safe with few adverse effects, but precaution should be taken when when taking Ginkgo with any other medication, herbal or pharmaceutical.

2. Cayenne Pepper--The most powerful of the circulation-enhancing herbs, cayenne stimulates heart function, strengthens arteries and increases blood flow, and it has even been suggested that it can stop heart attacks. The addition of cayenne pepper as a supplement should be gradual. Introduce a small amount in foods, or mix it with juice, gradually adding more as the body becomes accustomed.

3. Ginger--A powerful antioxidant that stimulates blood flow and heart function and reduces inflammation. Adverse effects are rare but may include mild heartburn and stomach upset. You should introduce ginger to the diet slowly to avoid any reactions, and the maximum daily dosage should not exceed 4 g.

4. Garlic--Helps the blood to remove toxins from the organs, helps in the treatment of hypertension and is effective in lowering the risk of heart disease. The dosage for an adult is 1 whole clove, or 2 to 4 g of minced garlic, per day; 200 mg of freeze-dried garlic in capsules should be taken, 2 tablets 3 times daily. Garlic is considered safe, with few adverse effects. Possible adverse effects include upset stomach, bloating and skin irritation from handling it raw. Garlic is a blood thinner, so it should not be taken by people who have clotting conditions or who are having surgery.

Tags: should taken, adverse effects, blood flow, heart function, major organs

What Oregano Plant Is Used For Oil Of Oregano

Research suggests that European oregano has powerful antiseptic and antimicrobial properties.

European oregano (Origanum vulgare), a Mediterranean culinary herb, is the source of oil of oregano. This hardy perennial herb prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Oregano, a low-maintenance plant, is generally not bothered by pests. To obtain the oil, the above-ground parts of the plant are steam distilled.

Features

Oregano grows up to 2 feet tall and spreads up to 18 inches. During summer, it produces small white or lavender flowers. According to University of Illinois Extension, oregano plants propagated from cuttings or division have the best flavor.

Geography

Native to the Mediterranean region, oregano grows in the hot, dry climates of Asia, Europe and North Africa. It thrives in U.S. Department of Agriculture Hardiness Zones 4 through 9.

Benefits

Research at Kansas State University suggests that oil of oregano has topical antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. The researchers found that oregano oil is as effective as tea tree oil and more effective than chlorine bleach. Traditional herbalists have used the oil as a remedy for respiratory ailments, but the effectiveness of that use has not been scientifically proven.

Tags: antimicrobial properties, antiseptic antimicrobial, antiseptic antimicrobial properties, European oregano, suggests that

Breast Lift Faq

A breast lift improves the appearance of drooping breasts by restoring the original shape and firmness through a procedure called a mastopexy. The surgery is performed by a plastic surgeon in a hospital or outpatient surgical facility. In 2008, 115,753 women had breast lifts, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

How Does a Breast Lift Work?

A breast lift is used to raise sagging breasts and restore firmness by eliminating excess skin. The tissue surrounding the breast is also tightened and reshaped in order to provide support for the lifted breasts.

Who Should Have a Breast Lift?

Pregnancy, heredity, the effects of gravity, weight gain and loss, and breastfeeding can cause breasts to droop. Breast lift surgery can help women who are unhappy with the way their breasts sag but are satisfied with their size. The surgery is also used if your nipples begin to point down or your breasts are no longer firm. Breast lifts can also help create a uniform appearance in women who have one breast that droops more or is shaped differently than the other.

When Is the Best Time for a Breast Lift?

Surgery can be performed at any time, provided that the breasts have stopped developing. Because pregnancy and breastfeeding can change the appearance of the breasts, you may want to wait until after you have children to have a breast lift. If you do have surgery before having children, you may still be able to breastfeed because nipples and milk ducts are not usually affected by a breast lift.

How Is the Surgery Performed?

During the surgery, an incision is made around your areola, the colored circle that surround the nipple. Once the incision is made, your surgeon will lift and reshape the breast and reposition the nipple higher on your breast. Extra skin will be removed and your areolas will be reduced if they have become unnaturally enlarged over the years. The incisions will be closed with surgical tape, sutures or surgical glue. Some incisions may be hidden under the breast, but others will be obvious near the areola. Over time, these scars will fade, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

How Long Will the Recovery Last?

The recovery period may last for several weeks, although you may be able to return to work in one week. Sleep on your back until your incisions heal, and avoid lifting, straining or bending. Your stitches will be removed over the course of several weeks, and you will need to wear a support bra during this time. You may notice less feeling in the nipple and areol areas for weeks or months following surgery. In some cases, lack of feeling may persist for a year or more.

What Type of Problems Can Occur

As with any surgery, there is a certain level of risk when having a breast lift. Potential problems include infections; slow healing; bleeding; skin discoloration; damage to nerves, muscles or blood vessels; overly firm breasts; irregularities in shape; blood clots; and fluid accumulation. Additional surgery may be needed to achieve the desired outcome.

Tags: breast lift, Breast Lift, according American, according American Society, American Society, incision made

Hamster Convulsions

Hamsters recovering from strokes should not exercise.

Convulsions or seizures in hamsters are a medical emergency. Recognizing a seizure in a hamster can be very difficult because they are such small creatures. They are also prey animals, which mean that they will try to hide any signs of sickness because in the wild, sick animals often get killed and eaten by predators. Campbell's or Russian dwarf hamsters are prone to diabetes, which can cause convulsions.

Identification

Hamster convulsions are not as dramatic as an epileptic dog going through a grand mal seizure. The hamster may just stagger, shiver as if very cold, tilt the head to one side or stagger about while trying to walk. The seizure itself may happen too quickly for it to be seen, but the hamster may be found collapsed, as if in a coma. The hamster may actually be in a coma. Take the hamster to a vet immediately, according to veterinarian and microbiologist Elizabeth Newberry.

Causes

There are many causes of convulsions in hamsters. They can be due to poisoning, stroke, diabetes or a broken limb. Hamsters with coordination problems or keep their heads tilted may have ear infections which throw off their sense of balance. Hamsters that constantly run about in small circles, flipping onto their backs, may have congenital brain defects. According to Newberry, dwarf hamsters are more prone to brain defects than Syrian hamsters, also known as golden hamsters.

Misconception

A hamster that flips onto its back and hisses is not having a convulsion. This is an angry hamster trying to defend itself. Hamsters of all species often show this alarming behavior when they are suddenly woken up from a sound sleep or when confronting another hamster. Leave the hamster alone or it will bite.

Diagnosis

Take a convulsing hamster immediately to a veterinarian. If possible, call the veterinarian first to let her know that the hamster is coming. Place the hamster in a dry, small traveling cage. Even a shoebox with an old towel in it is good for an emergency. The veterinarian can check the ears for infection, the glucose levels and for signs of any internal injuries.

Treatment

Treatment for the afflicted hamster differs on the cause of the convulsions. Ear infections are easiest to clear up with antibacterial ear drops and anti-parasitical drops if mites are found in the ears. Brain abnormalities are incurable. Hamsters that suffer strokes have been known to recover, according to Hamsteriffic.com. They need to be kept warm and quiet, so remove all climbing toys and the wheel. There is no cure for hamster diabetes, but diet changes can help keep the blood sugar stable. Other symptoms of hamster diabetes include obsessively drinking, increase in hunger and increase in urination.

Tags: brain defects, cause convulsions, dwarf hamsters, hamster diabetes, hamster immediately

Disc Become Herniated

How Does a Disc Become Herniated?

Spine Anatomy

Discs in the spine are located in between the vertebrae. They act as cushions to protect the spine from injury and they stabilize the spine to help keep proper spine alignment. The disc is a cushion with a gelatinous middle. A disc herniation is when the disc ruptures or tears and allows the gelatinous center to leak out of the vertebrae area. The herniated disc can put pressure on the spinal cord and surrounding nerves which can cause pain and other problems. In addition, when a disc herniates and leaves the vertebrae area, spacing between the vertebrae gets reduced. Reduced spacing in the vertebrae causes spinal instability which can result in pain.

Injuries

Whiplash injuries, repetitive strenuous movements, poor posture and sudden impacts which result in pressure to the spine can cause injury to the discs. While accidents cannot always be avoided, precautions can be taken in daily life to reduce the risk of a herniated disc. Follow these five guidelines to protect your spine from injury: Bend your knees when lifting heavy objects. Wear a back brace when lifting heavy objects. Avoid repetitive strenuous movements. Ask a doctor for advice about your exercise program to ensure that you are exercising properly. Improper exercise techniques can cause unnecessary trauma to the spine. Exercise to keep your back and abdominal muscles strong. A strong back and abdomen helps reduce the likelihood of spine injury.

Degenerative Discs

Aging decreases the amount of water and protein that is available to collagen in the body. This causes the collagen to become more fragile which can lead to degeneration. Both the discs and the facet joints in the spine are partly composed of collagen. Degeneration of the discs can cause them to herniate. Degeneration of the facet joints can cause the spine to destabilize which puts pressure on the discs, making them more likely to herniate. While aging is a fact of life that cannot be avoided, there are a few things that you can do to help keep your spine healthy: Do not smoke. Smoking causes damage to the discs. Drink plenty of water to help keep the discs hydrated. Ask your doctor about a diet and exercise regimen that will help you maintain spine health.

Symptoms

Some people with herniated discs experience symptoms, others do not. The severity of the disc herniation increases the chances of symptoms. Symptoms of a herniated disc can include, neck pain, back pain, headaches, arm pain, leg pain and burning or tingling sensations in the limbs. Serious symptoms can includes weakness in the limbs, paralysis and loss of bladder or bowel control. Serious symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. However, serious symptoms are rare.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made by a X-ray or a MRI. Both a X-ray and a MRI allow the doctor to view the spine. A MRI can produce images of soft tissue, which allows the doctor to get a good view of the discs.

Treatment

There are three levels of treatment for herniated discs. The three levels of treatment are:

The patient takes oral anti-inflammatory medication, rests and undergoes physical therapy. Most patients find pain relief with these therapies.

When the above treatments do not work, the patient can undergo a steroid epidural injection procedure. During the procedure, the doctor injects steroids into the epidural space in the spine. The steroids reduce inflammation which relieves pain. The steroid epidural is usually done in an outpatient setting.

When neither of the above treatments work, the patient may opt to have surgery. The surgery is performed by an orthopedic surgeon or a neurosurgeon. During the surgery the surgeon removes the herniated part of the disc or the whole disc. If the whole disc is removed, the doctor fuses the spine to provide spinal stability. An artificial disc can be surgically put in to replace the natural disc. Artificial disc replacement is not an available treatment for some injuries.

Disclaimer

This article is for general information purposes only. The spine is complicated and the severity of disc injuries can vary. If you suspect a spinal injury, get immediate attention at a hospital emergency room, with an orthopedic doctor or with a neurosurgeon.

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