It is very tempting to stay up to watch a move, talk on the phone with friends or go out on the town for the night. The next day you wake up tired and late for school or work and you swear you will not do that again. Then the cycle repeats the very next night. It's up to you to break it.
Instructions
1. Set a time each night to go to bed early and do not deviate from this schedule. Put your phone on mute so you are not tempted to answer when it rings.
2. Refrain from reading or watching anything that stimulates your mind.
3. Establish a ritual just before going to bed. Your body will get sleepy when you do the same set of things. For example, you might take a warm relaxing bath while sipping warm milk before going to bed. Once in bed, you might put on soft, relaxing music at a low volume on the radio with the timer turned on. You can drift off to sleep to the relaxing sound.
4. Get into bed and stay there. Close your eyes and let your mind drift. Don't focus on any one thought, just let go. Continue until you are asleep. Resist the temptation to get up, unless you must go to the bathroom. Add visualization. Visualize peaceful scenes. Buy visualization tapes or CDs for relaxation and let them guide you into sleep.
5. Make sure you get up when your alarm goes off in the morning. Part of going to bed early is rising early. Do not sleep in, or it will be harder to get to sleep at night. Get up at sunrise.
Recovering from knee surgery is a slow and painful process. You go through hours of therapy, lots of pain medications, and loads of frustration as you are getting back on your feet. Now, you are walking better and your therapy is ending. What now? The one thing you don't want to do is stop exercising. That isn't good for your overall health or your recuperating knee.
Instructions
1. Don't stop the exercises you received during physical therapy. Continue doing them on your own several times a week and work on making them more difficult or doing them for an extended amount of time as your body finds them easier to do. They were given to you because they work and they have done you well so far. They will continue to build your strength and stamina as long as you continue doing them.
2. Talk to the personnel at the place you have been going for your physical therapy. See if they have a program that will allow you to continue coming in and using the equipment after your therapy stops. Many rehabilitation centers will allow you to continue coming in for a nominal charge. You will no longer be under a therapist's care, but you will be able to ask questions and receive help on the equipment as needed.
3. Do things on your own to help with your rehabilitation. Walk, take the stairs, and when your knees are up the the challenge, start riding a bicycle. The important thing is to build up your stamina; you've been out of action for quite a while. Start slow and build up as time goes on.
4. Discuss with your doctor when you return for your three and six month check ups what your limitations are concerning exercise. In most cases, you will not have any actual limitations placed on you because of your knees but you may have some due to other health concerns. Once you know what those are, you can work on building an exercise program for yourself.
5. Join a health club or return to the one you haven't attended in a while. Talk to a personal trainer about what you can and can't do based on your own experiences and advise your doctor gave you. Many health clubs have special low impact aerobic classes especially for older people or people who are recuperating from surgery. Try them out. Also, if your club offers water aerobics, get involved! It is perfect for someone just getting back in to the swing of things.
Homeopathy was created by German physician Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843) as a means to help people to heal from emotional states and physical issues. Today, classical homeopathy has been gaining popularity. In Europe it has been widely used as an adjunct therapy.
Microextracts made from plants, flowers, herbs and some animals are available as tinctures or pellets and taken under the tongue. For anxiety and panic attacks, Lycopodium, or club moss is often recommended.
Instructions
1. Observe if you have a tendency to be very fearful of being alone at home. While you might like to keep to yourself, you prefer to have other people at home, in a separate room as that gives you a sense of security. Lycopodium is often recommended for mild states of anxiety.
2. Notice if you have a somewhat heightened fear of getting ill to the point of almost being a hypochondriac. You might actually really fear any kind of pain of any sort, even minor pain of being sick. When you do become ill, your gastrointestinal tract is where you manifest your symptoms.
3. Observe if you also fear confrontation of any kind. You might be given a routine evaluation at work, for instance, but it creates such anxiety for you that you find yourself imagining the worst possible outcome, even to an unrealistic scenario of being fired for a minor issue.
4. Evaluate your self-esteem. Those who benefit from Lycopodium may present a very strong façade of confidence and tolerance but, as they do not allow themselves to express their full range of emotions, they may actually feel very insecure and have an explosive temper privately. "They must be in charge and in control at all times," says Dr. Randy Martin, Ph.D.,, a certified classical homeopath, who is also a licensed acupuncturist. "illness offends their self-esteem and they tend to ignore physical infirmities."
5. Notice if your physical complaints tend to be on the right side of your body. You may not be sleeping well and when you wake in the morning, you do not feel well-rested. If these symptoms describe how you feel, you might consider Lycopodium.
6. Take Lycopodium as a tincture or as sweetened pellets. As with all homeopathic remedies, it is best taken between meals. Avoid coffee and all mint and mint-related products (such as toothpaste or chewing gum) as they will block the effects of homeopathic remedies.
Tags: homeopathic remedies, often recommended, Take Lycopodium
All too often, we find ourselves thinking that the grass is greener on the side. We envision how much better our lives would be if only we had the perfect job, the perfect spouse or the perfect home. Instead of chasing an illusion of perfection, try to become content with what you already have.
Instructions
1. Make a detailed list of all of the things you have to be thankful for. Include everything from the wonderful people you have in your life to the car that you've driven for the past ten years to your favorite pair of shoes. Once you get going, you'll be surprised at how much you have to be grateful for.
2. Focus less on material possessions. While buying a new car or a new outfit may give you a temporary high, placing too much importance on material items can be dangerous and does not encourage you to be happy with what you have.
3. Take good care of the possessions you do have so that you don't find the need to replace them as often.
4. Live life to the fullest by spending time with friends and loved ones and by partaking in activities and hobbies that you genuinely enjoy. This will help you to focus on the present and to be happy withyour life as it is.
For thousands of years, religious practices have employed detoxification or purification methods of eating as a way to rid the body of built-up toxins. Today, detox diets are used as "spring cleaning" for the body's digestive system. There are several easy steps to a body detox.
Eliminating Toxins
A detox is essentially the removal of all processed and artificially flavored foods and drinks. The belief, though not scientifically proven, is that a detox diet eliminates all toxins, (which is the natural job of your kidneys and liver). While no one should follow a detox diet for more than seven days, on your first detox, try only three days, such as starting on a Friday to detoxify over a weekend.
Start planning your detox diet by eliminating the following from your diet:
• alcohol
• breads
• butter
• cheese
• caffeine
• fried foods
• red meat
• sugar
Now, choose beneficial foods in the next section to include in your diet during detox.
Detox-Friendly Foods and Drinks
While some detox diets recommend an all-water fast or an all-juice fast, the Mayo Clinic suggests following a detox diet that includes eating. Several healthy food options allow you to eat yet cleanse the body at the same time. These include:
• all-natural broths, like chicken broth
• brown rice
• herbal teas
• raw fruits and vegetables
• raw nuts and seeds
Relaxation Techniques
As another element of detoxification is to clear the mind as well as the body. Relaxation techniques you might try:
• aromatherapy baths
• massage
• saunas
• visualization exercises
• walking (but do not engage in strenuous exercise, since you will feel weaker from the diet)
• yoga and meditation
Supplements
All natural herbs and supplements made from dandelion root, ginger, milk thistle and licorice enhance the detox process. You'll find these in detox teas, which can be purchased at most grocery and health-food stores. These teas also help protect the liver from overuse during detoxification. Many people also refrain from taking unnecessary medications or using chemical-based products that you could inhale, such as hair spray or cleaning products.
Because the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) no longer recommends over-the-counter cold and cough remedies for children under age 6, it can be difficult for parents to know help their congested toddlers. Fortunately, there are many comfort measures and time-tested natural remedies that will help your child sleep better and breathe more freely.
Comfort Measures
Congestion and coughs can seem to linger for weeks in a toddler's immature respiratory system. A cool-mist humidifier can provide immediate relief for your toddler because dry air often exacerbates coughs and can make congestion worse. Keep the humidifier clean because mold and mildew can grow in humidifiers and be sent through the air, making your toddler even more ill.
Elevate one end of your child's mattress by placing a pillow under it. This will help your child sleep better. At this age, it is also safe to give your child a small pillow to put under his or her head.
Pediatrician and child-development expert Dr. William Sears recommends employing frequent steam treatments to help loosen the congestion. For toddlers, this entails closing the bathroom door and turning the shower on full force. Read a book with your toddler in the steamy room and try to keep them there about 15 minutes for the maximum effect.
Make sure your child drinks a lot of water or other clear liquids. Adequate hydration will help thin the mucus secretions and lessen their congestion. If they are reluctant to drink plain water, try popsicles or water-rich fruits such as oranges or watermelon.
Natural Remedies
One of the best cures for congestion is natural honey. Honey has antibacterial properties and it helps coat your child's throat and chest so that your child's throat seems less dry and irritated. A study out of Pennsylvania State University's College of Medicine found that the majority of parents of 105 children ages 2 to 18 ranked honey's efficacy at treating coughs higher than that of over-the-counter cold remedies. Give your child a half tsp. before bed, but make sure they brush their teeth afterward. Also, make sure you never give honey to an infant less than a year old since it has been linked to botulism in infants in that age range.
Try adding a couple of drops of eucalyptus or lavender oil to your child's warm bath. These essential oils can help break up congestion. You might also try rubbing some vapor rub on your child's chest and neck or using one of the plug-in waterless vaporizers in your child's room.
Saline nasal decongestants can help loosen your child's nasal congestion and combined with effective nose-blowing can help your child breathe much easier. Toddlers often don't do a great job of blowing their noses by themselves so try having them imitate you. If they will allow it without too much fuss, you can also use a bulb syringe to help clear out their nose.
If your toddler develops a fever of more than 101 degrees that lasts for more than five days or if they develop ear pain or wheezing, check with your doctor to rule out more serious illnesses and complications.
Tags: your child, your toddler, help your, help your child, will help, child sleep, child sleep better
B cell lymphoma, also known as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, is a general term for all non-Hodgkin's lymphomas that affect the B lymphocytes produced by the lymph tissue in the body. There are more than a dozen specific types of B cell lymphoma, and the treatment options depend on the factors associated with the afflicted person's form and stage of the disease.
B Cell Lymphoma
A lymphoma is a type of cancer that develops in the lymphatic system of the body. The most commonly affected cells, lymphocytes (within the lymphatic system) are two types of white blood cells, the B lymphocytes and the T lymphocytes. B cell lymphoma occurs when the B cells produced by lymphoid tissue are defective, become cancerous and rapidly proliferate and spread throughout the body. B cell lymphomas can be either aggressive or slow-growing, and this difference between often helps determine which treatment options are best for which peoplel.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy can be used to effectively treat both slow- or fast-moving B cell lymphomas. Chemotherapy uses specialized drugs that target and kill rapidly dividing or abnormal cells. B cell lymphomas that are extremely aggressive can often be slowed down and controlled by strong chemotherapy drug treatment. Chemotherapy is often used along with radiation therapy.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is best used to treat B cell lymphomas that are not aggressively fast-moving and that are within Stage I or Stage II of the disease. In Stage I, the cancerous B cells are located within one lymph node and nowhere else in the body. In Stage II, the cancer has spread to two lymph nodes, both on the same side of the body. In both cases, radiation therapy can effectively target and treat the cancer.
Stem Cell Transplantation
In this therapy, some of the patient's blood is removed and run through a specialized machine that separates the undifferentiated stem cells from the rest of the cells and fluid. The cells are treated to make certain any remaining cancerous cells are destroyed and the remaining stem cells are infused back into the patient. This therapy increases the likelihood that yout will have healthy, correctly functioning cells differentiating within the lymphatic system. Stem cell transplantation therapy is generally only used in people with extremely aggressive lymphomas.
Radioimmunotherapy
Radioimmunotherapy uses antibodies that target and selectively bind to cancerous B lymphocytes. These antibodies are linked to a radioactive substance. When the B cells come into contact with the antibody and its radioactive molecule, the B cell is destroyed, with little damage done to other cells and tissues in the body. Two radioimmunotherapy drugs, Zevalin and Bexxar, have been used with great success in treating B cell lymphoma.
Ear ringing is the common term for the medical condition of tinnitus. The Mayo Clinic website states that as much as 20 percent of the population of the United States experiences some level of ear ringing. This condition is not a disease unto itself but rather the symptom of another underlying problem. Different afflictions can result in ear ringing, with any treatment attempting to cure the ailment or at least reduce its effects on the individual.
Definition
While tinnitus and ear ringing are interchangeable terms, the actual noise people hear in their affected ear or ears varies from one to another. Some hear a high-pitched ringing, while others may hear a buzzing noise. Ear ringing has been described as a roaring sound, a clicking one and even a whistling or hissing sound in one or both ears. The pitch of the noise may go up and down. In many instances, the sound can become so noticeable that it makes it difficult to concentrate. Tinnitus can be ever present or intermittent, coming and going over time.
Common Causes
Ear ringing can be the result of hearing loss as a person grows older. Around the age of 60 years old, the average person begins to experience some hearing loss. This can cause ear ringing. Damage to the cells in the inner ear can also bring about tinnitus. Exposure to very loud noises can precipitate short-term ear ringing. Construction equipment, airplanes, gunshots and chain saws are all loud enough to bring about ear ringing, but this type will normally subside as long as the exposure isn't over a long period of time. Blockage from earwax present in the ear canal can also cause tinnitus. When a person's ear bones stiffen in the middle ear, ear ringing can also occur, a problem that seems to actually be prevalent in some families.
Uncommon Causes
Meniere's disease is an ailment of the inner ear in which a person's ear fluid pressure or how the fluid is composed causes ringing in the ear. Depression and stress have been linked to ear ringing, where no other cause can be detected. Injuries to the neck or to the head can produce a neurological problem that brings on ear ringing. A benign tumor called an acoustic neuroma can grow on the cranial nerve from the inner ear to the brain and make ear ringing possible in the ear. Rare blood vessel ailments associated with such things as high blood pressure, tumors, narrowed arteries and irregular capillaries can also cause tinnitus. Medications taken for malaria, cancer drugs, high dosages of aspirin and some antibiotics are also responsible for ear ringing in some patients.
Cures
Ear ringing that doesn't disappear on its own can be cured sometimes if a doctor can determine that the problem that is causing it is treatable. Earwax buildup in the ear can be readily removed by a physician and bring an end to tinnitus or at least make it much less noticeable. Blood vessel conditions producing ear ringing can be surgically fixed, or medications can bring the problem under control. If certain medications are the reason for ear ringing, then switching to another drug or discontinuing the medication can end the trouble.
Reducing Symptoms
Many instances of ear ringing cannot be cured, but the severity of the ringing can be helped by various treatments. Hearing aids can help people who have a difficult time hearing over their own ear ringing, and masking devices that closely resemble hearing aids can produce a noise that is able to suppress the ear ringing sound. White noise machines that can make sounds such as the rolling of waves in the ocean can mask tinnitus noise when trying to go to sleep. While there is no drug that is able to completely cure ear ringing, there are some that can lower the effects of the sound. Different antidepressants have been seen to do this, as have drugs such as Xanax, Niravam and Campral. These drugs, though, have been known to come with side effects, such as constipation, nausea and drowsiness.
Tags: have been, problem that, also cause, also cause tinnitus, bring about, cause tinnitus, hearing loss
Deep, slow breathing will increase the level of oxygen saturation in your blood, improving your blood flow. It also slows your heart rate which can result in a relaxed, euphoric sensation.
Time Frame
Give yourself at least five minutes to focus on slow, meditative breathing exercises.
Count to 10
Inhale through your nose for an eight second count and then exhale through your mouth for a 10 second count. Use the time to be conscious of your breathing and focus your thinking.
Breathe Deep
As you are breathing be aware of the air entering your belly and then your lungs. Breathe as deeply as you possibly can to fill up all the space in your diaphragm.
Float like a Balloon
When you are exhaling puff your cheeks out and pucker your lips together so air can only escape through a small circular opening. Your mouth and cheeks should resemble an inflated balloon. Use this to further control and slow your exhalations.
Fun Fact
Slow breathing may help you lose weight. Anytime you feel you are about to engage in a stress induced eating binge, practice your deep breathing exercises and relax by going on a short walk instead.
Tags: breathing exercises, second count, through your, your blood
Lap band surgery, otherwise known as bariatric surgery, is a type of operation designed to help individuals lose weight. According to information from the University of California, the surgery consists of a band of skin tied around the stomach. This acts to artificially decrease the amount of food that the stomach can hold at any one time, automatically downregulating the number of calories that the patient can consume throughout the day. Know that lap band surgery is not an inevitability in all cases. If you truly want to avoid the procedure, you can find another way.
Instructions
1. Consume a diet consisting of nothing but fresh fruits, vegetables and lean meats, wholly avoiding all other types of food and consuming no more than 2,500 calories per day. This means eating nothing but items in their natural state - -unbreaded chicken, turkey, low-fat beef, plain seafood and eggs. You are allowed zero cheat meals per week. Consume one piece of meat, one piece of fruit and one serving of vegetables per meal, aiming to eat four or five times per day. Cook each meal yourself so you can ensure that those are the only ingredients. Wholly abstain from sauces, condiments and other calorie-containing flavoring agents. If you adhere to this approach strictly, you will lose weight and avoid lap band surgery.
2. Exercise at least five days out of the week, walking at a rapid pace, uphill on a treadmill or outside in a park near your home or around the neighborhood. Aim to perform 45 to 60 minutes of exercise per day. In conjunction with the restricted diet provided above, weight loss is an inevitability.
3. Consider other bariatric surgery options. Gastric bypass is an alternative to lap band surgery, providing similar results. Thus, if your main objection is to the procedure involved in lap band surgery as opposed to the surgery itself, seek weight loss assistance through alternative surgical means.
4. Refuse treatment. In the end, no one can force you to have surgery performed. While having lap band surgery might be in your best interests for long-term health, you have to make your own medical decisions, and you always have the right to say no to unwanted surgery.
Tags: band surgery, bariatric surgery, lose weight, weight loss
The right vaccinations are an imperative for the traveler who intends to take their adventures well off the beaten path. Typhoid fever, which is dominant in Africa, Latin America and parts of Asia, can be deadly, and the Centers for Disease Control reports that when typhoid goes untreated, it can result in a 30 percent mortality rate. Two ways exist to get the typhoid vaccination that can protect you from this potentially deadly illness, but each of these will protect you against typhoid for a different length of time.
Oral Typhoid Vaccine
If you're an avid and frequent traveler, the oral typhoid vaccine may be for you. The oral vaccine contains live but weakened Salmonella typhi germs that causes typhoid fever and is taken in four doses two days apart. The oral vaccine lasts for five years, after which time you'll require a booster dose. The oral typhoid vaccine can be given to children too, as long as they are six years of age or older.
Typhoid Injection
The typhoid vaccine injection contains inactivated (dead) Salmonella typhi and is administered only once. According to the CDC, typhoid vaccine injections will give you protection against typhoid fever for two years, after which a booster is required. The typhoid vaccination can be given to children as young as two years of age.
Does the Vaccine Offer Absolute Protection?
According to the CDC, the vaccine alone isn't guaranteed to protect you from getting typhoid fever. Just as important as getting vaccinated against typhoid is watching what you eat and drink closely while traveling overseas. The Salmonella typhi bacteria infects you whenever you eat or drink food and beverages that are contaminated with the bacteria or that are handled by a carrier of Salmonella typhi. Because the bacteria is commonly found in countries with poor water and sewage treatment facilities, it's particularly important to avoid risky foods and water.
Other Typhoid Precautions
The CDC recommends drinking bottled water only--carbonated is safer than uncarbonated--or bringing tap (untreated) water to a boil for at least one minute prior to drinking. When eating in a restaurant, ask for beverages such as sodas and bottled juices to be served without ice. Choose hot, cooked foods over those that are raw, and avoid fruits and vegetables that cannot be peeled. Food and beverages sold by street vendors can pose a particular danger. According to the CDC, numerous travelers become ill from eating food purchased on the street.
Typhoid Vaccine Side-Effects
The typhoid vaccine typically does not cause any severe side-effects, but you may note headache, low fever and muscle pain, or inflammation and tenderness at the injection site (if you chose to get the typhoid vaccine shot). Symptoms that indicate you may be having an allergic reaction should be reported to a doctor immediately, such as hives, difficulty breathing, facial swelling or severe fatigue.
Tags: Salmonella typhi, against typhoid, typhoid fever, typhoid vaccine, after which
Having a broken nose is very painful in most cases---not to mention potentially disfiguring. A break can cause your nose to become misshapen if it doesn't receive proper care. Whenever you sustain a powerful blow to your nose, it is possible to fracture the septum, or nose bone, causing the nose to break away from its anchor to the skull. It can then "slide" off to one side. Being able to tell if your nose is broken is the first step to proper treatment.
Instructions
Tell if You Have a Broken Nose
1. Recognize the noise that accompanies the injury. Hearing a "snap" when you sustain a sharp blow to the face or nose, as well as experiencing a large amount of intense pain and/or blood from the nose, is a good indication you may have broken the nose.
2. Watch for bruising around the eyes or around the nose with the bruising trickling into the eye area. Bruising accompanied by pain in the nose or at the bridge of the nose is another good indicator that your nose is busted.
3. Look in the mirror, or have another person study your face from the front. If the nose appears "crooked," and it is accompanied with pain, you probably have a broken nose.
4. See a doctor if your nose feels "stuffy," runs mucus that may or may not be bloody, swells or becomes more tender, especially to touch. Even if it has been several days since the injury was incurred, seeing a doctor is important for the best possible recovery.
Tags: your nose, broken nose, Have Broken, have broken nose, Have Broken Nose, Tell Have, Tell Have Broken
Known as the body's energy stations, chakras are positioned in one of seven different points on the body. They correspond to certain physical ailments, as well as organs. Therefore, if a chakra is weakened or unbalanced, it will often indicate an ill condition of the corresponding organ.
Normal blood pressure is classified as 120/80. Anything above or below those numbers is considered problematic. This how-to will teach you balance the heart chakra and attempt to stabilize the blood pressure.
Instructions
1. Lie on your back or sit straight up, without slouching, on a comfortable cushion or chair.
2. Vigorously shake your hands in order to disperse any extra energy and clear them for the work ahead.
3. Place one or both hands, palm open and face down, about four inches above the heart chakra. It is located in the center of the chest on the breastbone, near the sternum.
4. Slowly, for two to three minutes, make counterclockwise circles over the chakra. The movement may feel sluggish or produce a tingling feeling in the hands.
5. Stop circling your hand and shake them vigorously again to disperse the energy.
6. Place your hands over the heart chakra again. Make clockwise circles this time. Make this motion for another two to three minutes.
7. Finish by shaking your hands vigorously once more.
Tags: heart chakra, your hands, blood pressure, three minutes
Breaking your little pinky toe can really hurt. It feels like it has effected your entire body. If you walk around your home often, I'm sure you have hit your toe on something that will cause you to do "the pain dance".
Instructions
1. If you have stepped off of a stool, or caught your little toe on a piece of furniture, then you know how bad it can feel. Worse yet, you know when you broke it. If you hear it crack, that's bad. If you look down and your little toe is pointed in a completely different direction, it's time to get help.
2. Find somewhere to sit immediately. Adding more pressure to it, or stepping on it the wrong way can do further damage. If you want to go to a doctor, then by all means go.. but they will most likely tell you that there is not much you can do for a broken little toe.
If you are by yourself, call someone to come over to help you.
3. If you have someone with you, have them get some gauze wrapping with the tape and very gently place the toe in line with the other toes. It may or may not be extremely painful. Have them place the wrapping around the two or three toes closest to it. Then carefully tape them together. You will have to do this for a while to get the bone to heal itself. I know because I did this a while back.
Canker sores are small, relatively harmless ulcers that can form on the inside of your mouth after some kind of irritation. They can be caused by hot or spicy food, braces or brushing your teeth with a prickly toothbrush. While they will usually go away on their own in about a week, a few alternative medicine techniques can speed up the healing process.
Relief
Canker sores are fickle, and you may have to experiment a bit before you find a home remedy that works for you. A cheap way to relieve the pain of a canker sore is to press a moist black tea bag against the sore. Black tea contains tannins, which have pain-relieving properties. Rinsing your mouth out with 1 tbsp. of hydrogen peroxide diluted in 1 cup of water will help disinfect your mouth. Alcohol-free mouth washes, available at any drug store, have a similar effect. A rinse of warm salt water will dry out the canker sore and encourage healing.
Applying a liquid OTC canker sore gel to your sore is a quick fix for protecting your sore from citrus and other foods. The gel stings at first, but it quickly hardens into a shield over the ulcer. Pop a few vitamin C supplements for good measure, and your cold sore should begin to heal.
Irritants
The amino acid arginine can provoke canker sores, so it's best to avoid eating foods with high levels of arginine when you have a canker sore. Some of these foods include nuts, chocolate, coffee, gelatin and whole wheat. Eating a cup a day of unsweetened yogurt can help keep bad bacteria out of your mouth.
Be gentle when brushing your teeth, as poking the sore with your toothbrush will only keep it inflamed.
Tags: canker sore, your mouth, brushing your, brushing your teeth, Canker sores
Although the severity of symptoms for those who have a diagnosis of MS vary, symptoms typically include dizziness, fatigue and coordination problems. However, most experts agree that diet plays a vital part in combating many of the symptoms of this often crippling disease.
Essential Fatty Acids
To control the symptoms of MS, make sure you're getting enough gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which is found in flaxseed and primrose oils.
B Vitamins
To maintain healthy nerve function, eat foods high in Vitamin B such as whole grains, fish, dairy products, dark leafy greens, and bananas.
Probiotics
To aid digestion include acidophilus, which is a friendly bacteria, in your diet. Foods that contain acidophilus include yogurt, sauerkraut, and enriched buttermilk.
Potassium Rich Foods
Eat foods high in potassium, such as apples, bananas, spinach, squash and whole grains, which can assist in maintaining normal muscle functions.
Vitamin E
To help combat free radicals and boost circulation, include foods rich in vitamin E in your diet, which are olive, soybean, corn, canola, and safflower oils.
Tips and Cautions
The suggestions contained herein are not meant to cure or stop the progression of MS.
Multiple sclerosis is a serious disease, therefore it's best to discuss dietary issues with your health care practitioner.
Virtually all hospitals, doctors and other medical practitioners outsource their medical billing. Specific codes are required on medical bills in order to submit bills correctly to individuals and health insurance companies. As a result, medical billing and coding jobs are always in demand. In that position, you will review reports and notes. You will then code each billable item. Codes will be used to denote both the patient's diagnosis as well as the care given. If you wish to get a medical billing and coding job, you must be properly trained.
Instructions
1. Find a medical billing and coding training program. You can find the link to important schools in our Resources section.
2. Confirm that the training program teaches the particular coding system you wish to learn. There are three coding systems used--International Classification of Diseases (ICD), Healthcare Common Procedure Coding Systems (HCPCS) and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT). ICD code is used to denote diseases, ailments and injuries. HCPCS codes are used to denote physician's services, lab tests or other medical care. For example, if a patient needed an ambulance ride, it would be recorded with a numeric HCPCS code. Finally, CPT code is used to classify medical procedures or services. The same procedure can generally be coded in either HCPCS or CPT code. You must be trained in ICD coding. However, you will increase your job opportunities if you are also skilled in HCPCS and CPT coding.
3. Apply to various medical billing and coding programs for training. You must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent to apply. This is the only prerequisite.
4. Enroll in the training program that suits your needs. Many online training programs allow you to learn the coding systems at your own pace. If you are studying full-time, you can generally receive your certification within four months. Part-time students usually take six to 12 months to complete the training.
5. Create a resume. Format your resume as you would a standard business resume, simply highlighting your skills and experience that relate to the jobs you are seeking. List any prior experience you have working in a health-related environment. If you have a background in the healthcare industry, you are a more desirable candidate. Detail your medical billing and training training, including your certification specifics.
6. Contact medical offices in your area. If a particular office doesn't have openings at the present time, ask to be put on their waiting list for applicants. Since there is a continual need for medical billing and coding specialists, positions will likely open up in the near future.
Tags: medical billing, billing coding, medical billing coding, training program, used denote
Refined cereals have processed grains with layers of bran and germ removed. Like white flour and white rice, refined cereals can have nutrients added back after the milling process. Gone forever are the removed phytochemicals, the plant chemicals that can protect you against disease and offer you antioxidants. Read on to learn what a refined cereal is as well as how and why you can avoid them.
Instructions
1. You can't miss the refined cereals at most grocery stores. There's a whole aisle devoted to them. They're mass produced and packaged in colorful boxes. Often, they're on sale. They may proclaim that they have "whole grains" and that they provide a substantial portion of your daily nutrition. Statistically speaking, they do. But because their cereal grains have been processed, they automatically have less nutrients than unprocessed cereal does. Refined cereals are often low in the fiber you need every day. Plus, the processing has stripped the grains of their phytochemicals like lignans, which can lower the risk of heart disease, and saponins, which can lower blood cholesterol.
2. Not all mass-produced cereal is refined. Bran Flakes, Raisin Bran, Shredded Wheat, Wheetabix and Fibre Crunch are examples of whole grain cereal.
3. Read the nutritional information on the cereal box carefully. Read it all--not just the information on the "Nutritional Facts" chart on the side panel. Chances are, the more health claims the packaging makes about its product, the more processed it is. After all, when is the last time you saw a sticker on a head of broccoli touting its fiber and protein content?
4. Certain refined cereals are better than others, of course. Those with less sugar include Cheerios, Life, Special K, Rice Krispies and Corn Flakes. Still, you can avoid refined grains by selecting a whole grain cereal. If you can read the words "partially hydrogenated" in its list of ingredients, or the first ingredient isn't a whole grain, you should put that box back on the shelf.
5. Rather than eat a boxed cereal, try steel-cut oatmeal--not the kind in a rip-open pouch, but the kind in a tin. In the Resources section below, you can find a recipe to make your own, healthier version of the apple cinnamon flavored oatmeal you can find in the pouches. You can also try a warm breakfast cereal made from quinoa (pronounced "keen-wa"), a nutritious berry from South America that's often treated like a whole grain because of its similar nutritional benefits. It's a great source of fiber and is a complete protein, with all 9 essential amino acids. Find a recipe in the Resources section below.
A nurse is a health care professional who cares for patients when they are sick. Nurses also work with people who are healthy to help them maintain good health. Labor and delivery nurses assist pregnant women through the birthing process. An effective labor and delivery nurse can help a woman have an easy labor and a healthy child. When interviewing a candidate for the position focus on her credentials as well as her understanding of the needs of both mother and child.
Instructions
1. Request her resume. A candidate should have at least one or two copies of her resume on hand. The resume should be organized in a manner that immediately states her credentials for the position. A good resume should help you understand the candidate's background at a glance.
2. Ask the nurse to describe his undergraduate educational experiences.To become a labor and delivery nurse the candidate must complete at least two years of undergraduate post-secondary education at a school of nursing or community college. Many nurses also complete a bachelor's degree in the field as well. During this time they are exposed to many different areas of medicine. The candidate should be able to describe his experiences as a student nurse and how these experiences helped him understand what is required for the position.
3. Talk to the job candidate about her direct work in the field. After graduation many nurses decide to specialize in a specific area. An ideal candidate for the position of labor and delivery nurse should have at least one year of experience working in the labor and delivery area of a hospital, with a midwife or in a freestanding birthing center. The nurse should be able to talk to you about her understanding of methods used to help relieve labor pains, such as the insertions of epidural medications and the use of Lamaze breathing techniques. Candidates should also be familiar with standard labor procedures, such as measuring the APGAR scores of a newborn and assisting a doctor as she stitches up an episiotomy.
4. Speak to the person being interviewed about his certifications. Many hospitals prefer or even require labor and delivery nurses to have certifications that can help a laboring mother and newborn mother. Such certifications may include courses in lactation consultancy to assist in establishing breastfeeding techniques. A candidate should be able to explain how he would help a new mother bond with her infant as well as how he would help her learn to carry the newborn properly.
5. Have the interviewee discuss any work she's done outside of a hospital setting with babies and pregnant women. Ask the person being interviewed if she's done any additional work in the field such as assisting in an obstetrician's office or volunteering to help with low-income pregnant women.
Tags: candidate should, delivery nurse, labor delivery nurse, pregnant women, should able, being interviewed
The body needs iron to perform many functions. In fact, low iron levels may result in anemia or iron deficiency. However, if you consume too much iron or the body doesn't absorb it, it builds up and becomes toxic. Taking a few precautions should help you avoid iron poisoning.
Instructions
1. Keep iron supplements out of the reach of children. Acute iron intoxication often occurs when children accidentally take their mother's iron tablets. Iron poisoning is a leading cause of death in children less than 5 years of age.
2. Inquire about food-based iron products, such as desiccated liver, which are more absorbable and utilized by the body. Some prescription and over-the-counter drugs may contain iron, even if it doesn't appear on the label. Furthermore, this type of iron is toxic, as the body is unable to absorb it.
3. Protect yourself if you work as a welder, solderer, electrical worker, steel fabricators or pipe worker. Wear a mask, long sleeves and gloves when working with iron or iron-containing supplies.
4. Use glass or stainless steel skillets instead of iron skillets. Traces of iron can leach to the food and build up in your system over time.
5. Take iron supplements only if your doctor prescribes them. Many foods are already iron-enriched.
Grief and sadness are normal feelings that follow stressful events, such as the death of a loved one, loss of a job or personal sickness. Unfortunately, the inability to express these feelings in a healthy manner can lead to dangerous behaviors, such as cutting. It's important to learn appropriately release and overcome your pain.
Instructions
1. Cry if you need to. Crying isn't an expression of weakness. In fact, some researchers assert that crying releases the body's extra stress hormones, making you feel better.
2. Write about how you're feeling. Keep a small notebook with you. When you're overwhelmed by sadness, pull it out and write down exactly what you're feeling. There is no correct way to do this. The most important thing is that you write honestly.
3. Seek out counseling, if possible. Counselors practice active listening and, through the use of cognitive behavior therapy, they can help you redirect thoughts that perpetuate feelings of sadness.
4. Develop positive emotional health by staying connected with other people. Plan activities with friends and family members. Talk with your friends and tell them about your feelings.
5. Find a positive and enjoyable outlet for your pain and frustrations, such as painting, drawing, sculpting, acting or singing.
6. Release the stress hormones that can arise from emotional pain by exercising regularly. As a bonus, you'll produce endorphins, which promote happiness.
Corsages embellish your wrists or lapels and are made of a wide array of materials; most commonly flowers. However, unorthodox materials lend to the creation of interesting and flattering corsage styles. For instance, a balloon corsage is pretty self-explanatory. Balloons and other items help you create a stunning corsage that can be worn for any type of event.
Instructions
1. Select four balloons from the package of small balloons. Small round water balloons are adequate for this task. Blow each balloon up until each one measures just at three inches in diameter. Tie off each balloon into a knot.
2. Grasp all four balloons in your hand with the knotted ends of them bundled together. Tie all four knotted ends together into a single, tight knot. This connects the balloons into a blossom-like shape.
3. Snip a length of silk ribbon from the roll measuring 10 inches. Select a wide-gauge ribbon of one inch width. Tie the ribbon into a simple bow. Glue the knotted rubber of the balloon blossom to the front knot of the bow. Use a craft glue gel for adhering gems and appliques to fabric for this task. Let the ribbon dry for five minutes.
4. Snip the stem from a silk flower of your choice leaving only about one inch of stem protruding from the blossom. Wrap the remaining stem with florists tape.
5. Squeeze craft adhesive in a spiral around the wrapped stem protrusion of the flower. Slide the flower, stem first, into the center of the four balloons. Press the balloons into the center to hold the flower in place for one minute, then release.
6. Glue the backside of the silk ribbon bow to the surface of a bangle bracelet or elastic wristlet. Let the balloon corsage dry for 30 minutes before wearing.
Tags: four balloons, balloons into, each balloon, into center, knotted ends, silk ribbon
Cholesterol is something your body needs. It looks like wax and it looks like fat, and too much cholesterol can result in heart disease when it clogs the arteries. Triglycerides are another type of blood fat. Since a high cholesterol level is symptom-free, regular testing should be done to make sure your cholesterol level is within a healthy range.
Lipoproteins
Liproproteins carry cholesterol through the blood, and there are two kinds of lipoproteins. LDL, or low-density lipoproteins, are considered bad because a high level of LDL can cause heart disease. HDL, or high-density liproproteins, are favorable when high.
Cholesterol and Plaque
When cholesterol clogs arteries, it is recognized as plaque. The narrowing of arteries caused by plaque may result in atherosclerosis.
Causes of High Cholesterol
Consumption of saturated fats, trans fats (or trans fatty acids), and foods that contain hydrogenated oils may raise your LDL level. Foods such as certain meats, eggs and cheese are also high in cholesterol. Excess weight, a sedentary lifestyle, age, sex, and a family history of high cholesterol influences a person's cholesterol level as well.
Triglycerides
Triglyceride levels may elevate from consuming too much sugar, fruit, milk, bread or alcohol.
Persons at Risk for High Cholesterol
Men are at risk for high cholesterol after the age of 45, and women are at risk after the age of 55. Others at risk are people who smoke, people who have had a family member die of a heart attack before the age of 55, people with HBP, and people with a high blood sugar level.
Desired Cholesterol Level
The desired cholesterol level is under 200 mg/dL.
Tags: cholesterol level, high cholesterol, clogs arteries, fats trans, heart disease, looks like
Cholesterol is vital to having a normally functioning body. It is a wax-like substance that is present in all areas of the body and helps to produce hormones, bile and vitamin D. However, cholesterol is dangerous when it is in high amounts in the bloodstream.
Types of Cholesterol
There are two types of cholesterol that are directly linked with your health: low-density cholesterol (LDL) and high-density cholesterol (HDL).
Causes
A high-fat diet, hereditary conditions, weight, age, small amount of physical activity and alcohol use promote high levels of low-density cholesterol, which is detrimental to your health.
Effects of High Cholesterol
High levels of LDL leads to blockage in the arteries by forming plaque, which increases the risk of a heart attack. In addition to a higher risk of heart attack, having high cholesterol also increases the risk for strokes, high blood pressure, coronary heart disease and an irregular heart rhythm.
How High Cholesterol Affects You
The effect of high cholesterol depends on how much the plaque blocks the artery. If the plaque completely blocks an artery, the effects will be much more severe than if the plaque only partially blocks an artery.
Cost of High Cholesterol
Maintaining a high cholesterol level will lead to high medical costs in the form of medication and possible hospitalization.
Preventing High Cholesterol Levels
The easiest way to prevent high cholesterol is to exercise regularly, eat foods that are rich in fiber and carbohydrates instead of fat, and to maintain a healthy body weight.
Tags: blocks artery, Cholesterol Levels, Effects High, Effects High Cholesterol, heart attack, high cholesterol
Caused by an infestation of the itch mite sarcoptes scabiei, scabies is an itchy and irritating skin infection. Neem, a medicinal plant used to treat many skin diseases, is also gaining attention as a remedy for scabies.
History
Known for its versatility in treating skin and scalp diseases, neem has been widely used in therapeutic remedies in Ayurveda, traditional Indian medicine, for hundreds of years.
Significance
As the scabies mite becomes increasingly resistant to conventional treatments, the skin condition is getting harder to treat. Neem acts on the scabies mite by disabling its reproductive system. With its breeding capabilities decimated, the chances of a future generation resistant to the herb are almost none.
Considerations
People suffering from scabies may have a compromised skin barrier that does not react well to standard permethrin-based treatments. Compared to permethrin, which is a known skin irritant, neem has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the skin on contact.
Research
A review article published by the Indian Institute of Chemical Biology in 2002 reported the efficacy of neem in treating scabies. Clinical trials done with the topical application of a lotion containing neem leaf extract successfully treated skin diseases such as scabies, ringworm, and eczema in three to four days.
Expert Insight
Discover Neem, a website dedicated to neem research, reports that persistent cases of scabies that continually resist standard treatments respond well to neem.
Once you have kids in the house, you have to have all kinds of small items around to help keep them safe in emergencies. It's best to assemble all of these things into kit, and keep it under the sink in the bathroom for easy access. Most emergencies with kids are cuts are scrapes, and are fairly minor. There's nothing you could keep in a household emergency kit that would help with broken bones or serious injuries--doctors are necessary for those situations. If you're wondering what to put into a first aid kit for a child, here are some ideas to get you started.
Instructions
First Aid Kit for Children
1. Find a small metal or plastic lunch box at a thrift store, if you don't have a container at home. A lunchbox has a handle and makes the kit easier for toting around. If you can't find a lunch box, any cardboard box or medium-sized, sealing plastic container will work for a first aid kit.
2. Assemble your first aid supplies. Staples include different sizes of bandages, gauze pads, paper tape, wrap-around Ace bandages, ipicac (to induce vomiting), peroxide, rubbing alcohol, thermometer, moist towelettes, tweezers, cuticle scissors, antibacterial lotion, calamine lotion, bug spray and cortisone cream.
3. Add secondary items, if you want a deluxe first aid kit, such as: heating pads, Icy-Hot, ibuprofen or Tylenol, cold medicines, antifungal cream, cotton swabs, fingernail clippers and A&D Ointment.
4. Affix a pamphlet to the inside lid of the kit detailing Infant/Child CPR. A free pamphlet is easy to get at your local fire station. Attach a sticker on the front of the kit with your pediatrician's phone number, your child's health insurance information and the closest hospital address.
5. Store the kit in a safe and easily accessible spot, such as a bathroom cabinet.
Cats are usually gentle and loving creatures. Although if you come across a stray or sick cat, it is best to stay away from them to prevent being bitten. Also, cats do not enjoy being teased and will bite if they feel threatened. By treating a cat with somegentle loving care, and following the steps below, you and your family can prevent cat bites.
Instructions
1. Handle your cat in a gentle and loving way. Try not tease your cat or let younger children pull on its tail.
2. Do not eat any kind of food or snacks nearby where a cat could quickly snatch it away. Especially don't let younger children eat food or snacks in front of a cat either. Leave your cat alone when it is eating.
3. Tell the cat to "get down," or "get away," if they try coming around if you are at the family table. Also try using a spray bottle and spray the cat with a light mist if they try to bite you or anyone else.
4. Avoid a cat if he or is sick. A sick animal shoud be treated at the vet's office and kept inside another room or inside a cage until it is in good health again.
5. Stay up to date with your cat's vaccinations. If you are a bit by a cat, look at the wound for any nerve, tendon, or bone injury. Look for signs of infection. If you believe it to be serious, contact your doctor as soon as possible. Keep the wound clean with some soap and water, and apply first an antibiotic to avoid infection.
Tags: gentle loving, Avoid Bites, food snacks, with some, younger children
Cod liver oil supplements are an excellent source of natural vitamin A, vitamin D and essential fatty acids. As more and more doctors and nutritionists recommend Omega-3 rich fish oils as a health supplement, cod liver oil is regaining popularity with parents who purchase the supplement for their children. Here's help children take cod liver oil supplements.
Instructions
1. Purchase natural high vitamin cod liver oil liquid, preferably in a flavor such as orange oslo, which makes it easier for children to swallow. Look for recommended brands on the non-profit Weston A. Price Foundation website.
2. Start young. As soon as an infant is ready to eat solid foods, offer small tastes of cod liver oil to get him used to the taste and texture and reap the benefits of cod liver oil as early as possible.
3. Make a tradition out of cod liver oil. Children love routine. Offer cod liver oil--and take yours--at the same time of day, such as after breakfast.
4. Help children take cod liver oil supplements by getting them used to the texture and flavor. Allow them just to taste it for the first couple times, and let them watch you take your cod liver oil with a smile.
5. Pour the cod liver oil dose into the child's favorite spoon. Direct the child to open his mouth, and pour the cod liver oil from the spoon into the back of the child's mouth, where there are fewer taste buds.
6. Offer him or her a chewable children's multivitamin or chewable vitamin C. Following the cod liver oil with a more pleasant-tasting supplement will give him a better association with "Oil Time!"
Tags: liver supplements, children take, liver with, take liver supplements
The lungs are the organ responsible for bringing oxygen to the blood. A poor diet combined with living in a polluted area, shallow breathing and smoking can make our lungs less efficient. By supporting the lungs with herbs and by learning breathing techniques, we can effectively cleanse the lungs so they function better.
History
Lung support remedies are common in Ayurvedic, Chinese, American Indian and European traditional medicine. Each tradition has different herbal combinations to support the lungs. Lung cleansing is usually prescribed once or twice per year. With increased air pollution in many areas, lung cleansing is more important than in earlier times.
Breathing Exercises
Learning deep breathing is an important aspect of lung detoxification. Of course, do your breathing exercises in an unpolluted area. An easy breathing exercise is to sit quietly, back straight and breathe while counting to four slowly. Hold for four counts and then try to breathe out for eight counts. Practicing this for a few minutes each day will not only strengthen the lungs but aid in relaxation and stress relief, according to Dr. Andrew Weil in this book Eight Weeks to Optimum Health.
Detox Herbs: Rosemary
Rosemary is used as an essential oil and an herb for lung support. Because of its 24 anti-oxidants, it opens capillaries increasing oxygen flow to the blood, according to Dr. James Duke in The Green Pharmacy. Rosemary is included in several lung cleansing blends because it might also have an effect on relaxing smooth muscle tissue in the lungs. The essential oil will open lung airways constricted by histamines.
Detox Herbs: Mullein and Lobelia
Mullein will soothe the lining of the lungs, and the saponins could be the reason it is considered an expectorant, according to Dr. James Duke. Though there is little scientific evidence for mullein, it is considered safe, and is a traditional European folk remedy. Lobelia is a traditional American Indian remedy whose nickname is asthma weed. Unfortunately, it is highly toxic, according to Dr. Duke. Only use in close consultation with a qualified herbal doctor.
Other Detox Herbs
Chrysanthemum combined with honeysuckle is frequently used in Chinese medicine to nourish lung tissue, clear toxins and inhibit bacteria growth. They are both expectorants, so will help you get rid of phlegm. Lomatium is a widely used herb for lung support, but it can cause rashes, as reported in Medical Herbalism.
Black cumin, or nigella, is a traditional herb said by the prophet Muhammad to cure anything, according to Dr. Duke. Scientists have begun to study the herb's effectiveness and there have been many conclusive studies, such as one done in 2009 published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. Among other uses, it is helpful as a lung support.
Detox Foods
According to Herb Reference by Mike Adams, foods that support the lungs include radishes, almonds, olives, winter squash, onions, grapes, mustard greens, water chestnuts and watercress. Avoiding grains and dairy products is also suggested by Certified Nutritional Counselor Diane Stanton. Broccoli might help support lung function. Cruciferous vegetables, including broccoli, kale and cabbage, have a positive effect on lung function, according to a September 2008 report in the BBC news.
Considerations
Detoxifying the lungs starts with breathing clean air, and breathing deeply. Any herbs used to support lung function should be used in consultation with a doctor trained in herbal medicine. Including as many cruciferous, green vegetables as possible in the diet is never a bad idea, and might actually help to detoxify, support and heal the lungs.
Tags: Detox Herbs, lung function, lung support, according Duke, according James
The ability to calm down is necessary from infancy throughout adulthood. Life sometimes comes with a sudden rush of anxiety or fear that impedes our ability to perform, listen or make good decisions. Whether the catalyst is a job interview, a medical emergency or a simple case of being momentarily overwhelmed, we have to collect ourselves quickly. The following suggestions can help you calm down in less than a minute.
Instructions
1. Focus on breathing. With eyes closed, if possible, take three long, measured breaths. Pay close attention to inhalation and exhalation of each one. Practice breathing meditation in order to call upon this skill to calm down quickly (see Resources.)
2. Count slowly to ten backwards. Silently count while visualizing each number in vivid color. Practice and use this as a method of re-focusing.
3. Be prepared. Anticipate upset, anxiety and panic by identifying the fears that cause these emotions. Consider various scenarios and think through to resolution. Counter fear of failure, for example, by trying to reason the fear and then remove it.
4. Make a plan. Anticipate the problem and your response. Focus on the main goal, for example a job interview, and visualize how it can positively play out. Revert to these thoughts when anxiety strikes.
5. Consider beforehand what's the fear and examine the legitimacy. Weigh, for example, the real consequences of getting lost on the way to meet a friend in a new city.
6. Be in control to minimize upset, increase focus and get right back on track. Calm down by being in control of the situation.
7. Investigate biofeedback. Learn about the body's response to various situations and best cope (see Resources.)
Tags: calm down, Calm Down Under, Down Under, Down Under Minute, Under Minute
Dysplasia, or cervical dysplasia, is the term used when abnormal cells are found on the cervix. Dysplasia does not cause health problems, but can lead to cervical cancer if left untreated. According to Women's Health, 250,000 to 1 million women in the United States develop cervical dysplasia each year. Early diagnosis is important because without treatment up to 50% of cases might progress to cancer.
Warning
Dysplasia has no symptoms. Regular pap smears and gynecological exams are the best way to ensure the condition is caught early and treatment is begun on time. According to the American Cancer Society, 60 to 80% of women newly diagnosed with cervical cancer had not had a pap smear in five years or longer.
Levels
There are three levels for dysplasia, mild, moderate and severe. Mild dysplasia is the most common form diagnosed and in most cases cervical tissue heals and the woman gets better without treatment. Moderate and severe cases are more likely to progress to cancer without treatment.
Risk Factors
The following risk factors increase the chance of developing cervical dysplasia: multiple sex partners, beginning sexual activity before age 18, sexually transmitted diseases such as Chlamydia, smoking, diets low in fruits, vegetables, and folic acid, HPV or Human Papillomavirus, and being infected with HIV or the Human Immunodeficiency Virus.
Reasons
HPV is made up of more than 100 related viruses, is passed through sexual contact, and accounts for 80 to 90% of the cases of dysplasia. The condition produces no symptoms, so pap smear testing is the only way to find the virus and begin treatment to reduce the chances of developing cancer.
Women with HIV are thought to develop dysplasia more often because of a suppressed immune system function.
Smoking releases cancer-causing chemicals into the body. These chemicals are carried by the blood stream to the cervix where researchers believe the cells are damaged leading to cervical dysplasia and eventually cancer.
Considerations
A woman with a mother or sister who had cervical cancer is two to three times more likely to develop dysplasia or cancer.
Women can develop dysplasia from tobacco chemicals released from the semen of sex partners.
Condoms reduce the chances of getting HPV, but do not offer foolproof protection because skin-to-skin contact can still occur with infected areas.
Evidence suggests taking oral contraceptives increases a woman's chance of developing cervical dysplasia. One theory is that oral contraceptives interfere with the cells of the cervix's ability to metabolize folic acid. The American Cancer Society says women who take oral contraceptives for longer than five years double their chances of getting dysplasia.
Children of women exposed to DES (diethylstilbestrol), a synthetic estrogen prescribed between the years of 1938 and 1971 to help prevent miscarriage, are at higher risk of developing dysplasia and cervical cancer.
Tags: cervical dysplasia, cervical cancer, develop dysplasia, oral contraceptives, without treatment, American Cancer, American Cancer Society
Toxic shock syndrome, or TSS, is a rare bacterial infection that can cause death if not treated quickly. With proper treatment, however, people can recover from TSS with minimal effects. Some long-term risks and side effects of having TSS can exist, however.
The Facts
Toxic shock syndrome is caused by one of two bacteria, either Staphylococcus aureus (staph) bacteria or group A streptococcus (strep) bacteria. These bacteria can enter the bloodstream after surgery or through broken skin. Once the bacteria has entered your blood, toxic shock syndrome (TSS) sets in quickly and can be fatal if not immediately treated.
According to the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital website, the staph bacteria itself is very common and will not cause TSS in most people. They claim "90 percent of individuals develop antibodies to prevent infection."
For the other 10 percent, or for people who get TSS from strep bacteria, toxic shock syndrome can have some long-term effects or even be fatal.
Identification
The symptoms of TSS will come on quickly and will usually be confirmed by blood or urine tests in the hospital. The most common symptoms of TSS are high fever (higher than 102 degrees), low blood pressure, a flat rash that looks similar to sunburn, difficulty breathing, disorientation and vomiting or diarrhea.
TSS most commonly happens when a person has an open wound, has just had surgery, or has left a tampon in for too long. If one of these applies to you and you begin having unusual, sudden, flu-like symptoms it could be TSS. Get immediate medical attention.
Considerations
Always go immediately to the emergency room if there's a chance you have TSS. Toxic shock syndrome will cause organ failure, particularly kidney failure, in a short amount of time. It can also cause liver and heart failure. TSS is fatal in about half the people who contract it, so immediate medical care is vital.
If treatment is received quickly and a person responds well to antibiotics, recovery should only take two to three weeks in the hospital. Once a person has recovered, there are few if any long-term effects. The only definite long-term effect is the chance of re-infection. Once you've had TSS, it's much more likely you'll have it again.
Misconceptions
Most people only know about the TSS risk with tampons. Women who use tampons are at an increased risk of getting TSS, especially if they don't follow the manufacturer's recommendations for using them. However, TSS can affect all people regardless of age or gender. About half the cases of TSS are in women, and many of those are related to utilizing one tampon for too long. Non-tampon TSS infections generally come from skin wounds, surgery and giving birth. All three of these conditions allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream easily. Once the bacteria is in the bloodstream, staph and strep have an opportunity to grow and TSS can develop.
Warning
Once you've had TSS, you are at a much higher risk of having it again. If you're female, avoid the use of tampons and any vaginal birth control like diaphragms or sponges. If you need to have surgery, or if you're going to have a child, make sure your doctor knows you've had toxic shock syndrome in the past so they can monitor you more closely.
The advice about surgery is true whether you're male or female. Bacteria can easily enter open wounds. Any time you get a burn, deep cut, or other wound, talk to your doctor about keep it clean. Always watch for signs of re-infection; that's the most common danger and long-term effect of TSS.
Tags: shock syndrome, bacteria enter, bacteria enter bloodstream, enter bloodstream, immediate medical, long-term effect
A lack of proper breathing control when performing push-ups very likely indicates a lack of proper form as well. When your breathing is out of sync with the movements of this exercise, you're more likely to rush through your execution and lapse into a sloppy form, which can result in a less effective push-up and may even cause injury. The rules for breathing during resistance-training exercises, such as the push-up, are quite simple. Whenever you're exerting positive force (in this case pushing up), breathe out. Whenever you're applying negative force (descending down), breathe in.
Instructions
1. Lie face down on the floor. Place your hands to your side, palms down, parallel to your shoulders. Hold your body tight and straight as you perch yourself on your toes.
2. Take a deep breath in, then slowly and with steady control fully extend your arms (without locking your elbows), pushing up, as you exhale. Let the length of your ascent coincide with the duration of your exhale.
3. Rest for a fraction of a second, along with the natural pause of your breath, holding yourself in this ascent position.
4. Inhale as you slowly and with controlled motion lower yourself back down until your chest is approximately 2 inches from the floor. Let the length of your descent coincide with the duration of your exhale.
5. Rest for a fraction of a second, along with the natural pause of your breath, holding yourself in this descent position.
6. Repeat the sequence. Inhale up. Rest with your breath pause. Exhale down. Rest with your breath pause. Perform one set of five or one set of 10, whichever your fitness level will allow. Stay mindful of keeping your movements and breathing slow and deliberate. Allow your mind and body time to fall in sync with the proper rhythm of this exercise.
7. Increase the pace of your push-ups by small increments with each succeeding set. The maximum rate of your push-ups should not exceed the rate at which you can comfortably complete a full deep breath.
Tags: your breath, along with, along with natural, breath holding, breath holding yourself, breath pause
There are various forms of breathing exercises that can be taught to someone aspiring to sing correctly. You will find some of them so down-right silly they leave you laughing. This article will begin with the basics of breathing and work its way up to simple and moderately simple exercise concepts in vocal breathing.
Posture
You must first learn about the importance of standing or sitting up straight to sing. This allows the diaphragm to not be pinched, making singing easier. The diaphragm aids in pushing sufficient air inside and outside the body, and air is ever essential in singing.
Normal Breathing
A way to think about correct vocal breathing is to imagine that singing is like a trumpet playing. A trumpet needs air--a trumpet with no air blowing through it is a useless piece of brass with flat notes or no sound coming out. If you don't have sufficient air in your lungs, your notes will sound flat as well.
Breathing practice consists of filling your lungs with air but not inhaling to the point where your chest puffs out. Most people assume the way you inhale for a doctor's examination is the way you should breathe for singing, but it's not. You must breathe through your nose and fill up your lungs until it feels like your stomach is sticking out. Don't worry if it makes you look fat.
Have you ever noticed babies breathe? They don't puff their chests out; their stomachs rise and fall, especially when they are sleeping. This is really how breathing is supposed to be.
Facial Exercises & Scales
Stretching your face is another exercise that brings the giggles. Open your mouth wide, squint your eyes, scrunch your face and stick out your tongue. It helps your face and neck muscles loosen and get your tongue ready for vocal gymnastics. Raise your eyebrows to give yourself power and momentum to sing consistently and steadily.
Another basic tool is learning to open your mouth wide enough to fit two fingers inside. Rounding your O's--always pronouncing the long O vowel sound--also helps keep your throat pliable to project your notes to the farthest of rows where people will be straining to hear you.
Practicing vocal ranges is not just the old-fashioned scales of la, la, la, la, la, la, la. Some exercises consist of My Mommy Made Me Eat My M&Ms up and down from the lowest D to the highest E. Throw your high-pitched squealed voice like a ball to the back of the room as if launching a rocket. The high-pitched squeal sounds like something falling in a cartoon, descending and decreasing in volume as though it were falling or moving away from earshot.
These exercises will undoubtedly help you begin stretching your vocal muscle and vocal cords so you can be on your way to being a better singer.
Tags: your face, your lungs, mouth wide, vocal breathing, your mouth, your mouth wide
A yeast infection, also known as candida, is an infection of the mouth, vagina or skin that causes rapid yeast production. A yeast infection in the vagina can also be known as vaginitis, a yeast infection in the mouth is also called thrush, and a yeast infection on the skin is also known as intertrigo or tinea versicolor. The most common symptoms of a yeast infection in the vagina include vaginal itching and a creamy, white discharge that resembles cottage cheese. In the mouth, a yeast infection appears as patchy white spots on the tongue and the inside of the cheeks. A yeast infection on the skin will appear white and patchy and will usually itch. Yeast infections can be treated over-the-counter, with home remedies like eating yogurt or with a doctor's prescription if the infection is severe.
Untreated Yeast Infections
Individuals who do not have health insurance or who do not have the proper funds may leave a yeast infection untreated and choose to wait it out. Unfortunately, a yeast infection will usually not get better on its own. The itching and burning associated with yeast infections in the vagina or on the skin my increase, and the patchy areas in the mouth will become larger. According to Dr. Orli R. Etingin, a medical professor of gynecology at New York Weill Cornell Medical Center, untreated yeast infections do not cause infertility or scarring. You should, however, get a yeast infection treated immediately if you are pregnant or are trying to become pregnant, because it can prevent pregnancy from occurring. Untreated yeast infections, besides being uncomfortable or unsightly, can also weaken your immune system. As the body tries to fight off the infection, your body may be compromised if you are exposed to any other harmful germs or bacteria.
When to See a Doctor
If you have had an untreated yeast infection and begin to experience a fever, sweating, nausea, severe burning or itching or any other alarming symptoms, use an over-the-counter remedy like Monistat for vaginal yeast infections or Lotrimin AF for tinea versicolor or intertrigo. There is no over-the-counter remedy for thrush, but a home remedy for thrush includes swishing a cup of plain yogurt in your mouth one spoonful at a time for one minute per spoonful, then swallowing it. If the remedy does not reduce the severity of your yeast infection within two days, or your symptoms become worse, see a doctor as soon as possible.