Get Red Carpet Treatment At The Emergency Room

When wanting to know get red carpet treatment at the emergency room, it's as simple as not acting like you deserve it. Though more severe injuries and illnesses will always take precedence, there are ways to get more individualized attention and extra perks such as fresh coffee, pillows and warming blankets.

Instructions

1. Call ahead if possible. Tell the receptionist the extent of your injury or illness. Give her your estimated time of arrival (ETA) so she can inform the rest of the staff and they can try and be ready for you when you arrive there. Different emergencies require different equipment, staff and sometimes specialists. Knowing ahead of time what they may need will save the staff a lot of running around when you get there.

2. Bring all of your information with you. This includes your identification and insurance cards. This will save a big headache with the paperwork that you need to fill out. If you can't do this step yourself, have someone get in touch with a person that can get it and bring it there for you.

3. Wait your turn. Once you get there, pushing your way to the head of the line will not get you any faster or better treatment. If you are in an extreme amount of pain, let the staff know; otherwise, let those that got there before you get registered first.

4. Wait patiently. If you complain loudly or shuffle and sigh, the attitude you are displaying will have the staff on guard. This is not get red carpet treatment at the emergency room. In fact, they will be less likely to want to come up and offer you anything, unless they absolutely have to, if you are showing any signs of being a troublemaker.

5. Ask for something politely if you need it. If you are cold, want a pillow. or something to drink or eat, ask a nurse or the receptionist during a free moment of hers.

6. Say thank you after someone has helped you. If you remember your manners, even when sick or hurting, the people working in the ER will appreciate it after dealing with other patients who are not so nice.

7. Send a thank-you card as soon as you can afterwards. Specify the night that you visited, as well as the reason that you were there. (Many hospital employees remember those that come in more by what they were suffering from than the actual names. Remember although you saw only a few of them that night, they may have seen dozens of patients or more.) It will brighten their day. The more that the ER staff talks about what a great person you are, the more likely that they will remember you if you ever have to go back in.

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Get Big Muscle Growth

When it comes to getting big muscle growth, you have to focus on the compound exercises and the right diet. Compound exercises are exercises that focus on a particular muscle group, but bring in other muscles to allow you to use heavier weights. It is these heavy weights, along with low repetitions, that allow you to gain strength and muscle mass in the larger muscle groups like the legs, back and chest.

Instructions

1. Perform squats to get big muscle growth in your upper thighs. For this exercise, you will need a spotter for safety and a weightlifting belt to protect your back. Locate the squat rack in your local gym. With the barbell on the rack at chest level, lower yourself under the barbell and place it evenly across the back of your shoulders. Raise the barbell off the rack and take a step back. With your feet shoulder-width apart and your back straight, slowly squat down, without rounding your back, until your thighs are parallel to the floor. Once parallel, push up without rounding your back until you reach a standing position. Perform four sets, and keep the repetitions in the range of six to eight to add muscle mass.

2. Perform deadlifts to add size and power to your lower back and thighs. You will need your weightlifting belt for this exercise. With the barbell on the floor, stand with your legs a little farther than shoulder-width apart and over the barbell. Squat down and grasp the barbell with both hands while keep your back straight. Slowly stand up with the barbell, keeping your back straight and your head facing forward. Pause for a second at the top of the movement before slowly lowering the barbell back to the floor. Perform four sets with the repetitions in the range of six to eight.

3. Use the bench press to get big muscle growth in your chest and shoulders. Lie down on the weight bench and grasp the barbell with both hands evenly apart. Lift the barbell off the rack and slowly lower it until it touches the middle of your chest. As it touches the chest, explode up with the weight while still keeping your feet flat on the floor and your back flat on the bench. Do not bounce the weight off your chest. Push all the way through until you lockout your elbows. Perform four sets of six to eight repetitions.

4. Use the shoulder press to add muscle to your shoulders and arms. The shoulder press is similar to the bench press, except that it is performed in a seated position. A weightlifting belt will be necessary to protect your lower back, and a spotter will be required for safety. With a barbell placed on a rack above a chair, grip the barbell evenly and lift the weight off the rack and over your head. Slowly bend your elbows, lowering the bar until it touches the uppermost part of your chest; then push the weight back up over your head until the elbows lock out. Perform four sets of six to eight repetitions.

5. Use the barbell row to add muscle across the upper and middle part of your back. This exercise will require a weightlifting belt; a spotter would be helpful. With a barbell on the floor, bend your knees slightly and then bend forward at the waist, all while keeping your back flat. Reach down and grasp the barbell with fairly wide, even grip. Rise up enough to lift the barbell about 6 inches off the floor. From this position, pull the barbell in a straight line until you lightly touch the lower portion of your chest. Hold for 1 second, then slowly lower the weight into the start position. Perform four sets of six to eight repetitions.

6. Stay on top of your diet and nutrition. This is just as important as your weight training. Eat a diet that is high in protein and low in fat. A ratio of 45 percent carbohydrates, 35 percent protein and 20 percent fat is good for building muscle mass without adding body fat. It is also recommended that you take a multivitamin to make sure your body is getting all the nutrients that it needs to grow.

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Know If You Should Continue Chiropractic Care

Know If You Should Continue Chiropractic Care

Discuss with your chiropractor at the beginning of your treatments what the projected treatment plan will entail. Your specific condition or injury will dictate how often and how long you will need to continue your chiropractic care. Chiropractors manipulate your vertebrae to relieve pressure on neighboring nerve groups. This method is often used to treat chronic pain, as well as other systemic disorders.

Instructions

Know If You Should Continue Chiropractic Care

1. Visit your chiropractor for your current pain or injury. After your evaluation and diagnosis, ask for a written treatment plan. This should include a projected time frame for treatments and a plan for transitioning to stop them.

2. Let your body speak for you. You know how you feel. If you improved at the beginning of your treatments but you haven't felt any better in weeks, it's time to ask for a revised treatment plan. It may be time to stop your treatments if there are no further benefits to be derived from continuing.

3. Ask your chiropractor if it is unusual to reach a plateau while receiving treatments. Find out if other patients have had a similar experience. If you feel that you've gotten all you can out of your chiropractic care but still don't feel 100 percent, ask your chiropractor for other options. If you don't feel comfortable with the options presented, get another opinion from other chiropractors or go back to your medical doctor.

4. Phase our your care in an intelligent way. Many treatment plans call for a gradual transition to end treatment. Instead of multiple visits per week, you may be phased out to 1 visit per week, then 1 visit every other week and so on.

5. Learn more about the general benefits of chiropractic care by reading 'Chiropractic First: The Fastest Growing Healthcare Choice...Before Drugs or Surgery,' available for purchase at Amazon.com (see Resources below).

Tags: your chiropractor, chiropractic care, Continue Chiropractic, Continue Chiropractic Care, Know Should, Know Should Continue, Should Continue

Negative Effects Of Protein Supplements

Many bodybuilders and athletes report that protein supplements help them gain muscle and strength, and also recover from training faster. But protein supplements also have potential side effects, some of them serious. To safeguard your health while you build your strength, learn what the possible side effects are, before taking protein supplements.

Considerations

Protein supplements are not as closely regulated by the FDA as standard drugs or food, so reporting of side effects may be more anecdotal than scientific.

Types

Protein supplements contain milk, egg or soy proteins. Immediate side effects vary according to how an individual tends to digest each of these protein types.

Effects

The most commonly reported side effect of protein supplements is excess gas, though this may diminish over time as your body becomes accustomed to the supplement.

Amount

On average, an active human body cannot utilize more than 2 grams of protein per kilogram (2.2 pounds) of body weight each day, whether the protein is from supplements or food.

Significance

Any protein you eat, either from supplements or natural food, that is not used to build and repair muscle, skin and other body tissues, is converted to fat.

Function

When your body is forced to convert excess protein from supplements or food into body fat, your blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels rise and your hydration level decreases, possibly leading to dehydration.

Travel With A Portable Dialysis Machine

In this article you will learn travel with your dialysis machine with all your necessary supplies at hand.

Instructions

Travel with a Portable Dialysis Machine

1. If you have a portable dialysis machine or are planning to get one, there are several things you need to know and understand prior to traveling. Be sure that once you know the date(s) that you will be traveling, you call your personal dialysis representative or nurse, so that they can prepare you for receiving ALL of your necessary supplies. To start, make a check list of all you medicines and supplies 4 weeks prior to your departure.

2. Contact your dialysis supply provider one month before leaving and give them the state, city, zip code, and phone number of your destination. Verify that the information you give is accurate. This will allow them to ensure that your life-saving supplies reach the correct destination. Most will ship anywhere within the U.S, but outside the country can be more difficult.

3. If you are going on a cruise, most dialysis suppliers will ship all of your supplies to the dock of your ship directly to your cabin. This allows you to avoid traveling with heavy boxes of supplies. Be sure to always triple check that the representative has your order correct. You can also check with the cruise line directly for extra information. Some cruise lines even have dialysis cruises and have representatives that will be happy to assist you.

4. Traveling via plane? Be sure to get the proper traveling case for your portable dialysis machine. Most airlines will not be held liable if your machine is damaged during travel. Your dialysis center can give you more information on this. Also, if traveling on an airplane, let the airlines know if you have medication(s) that need to be kept cold so that they can make preparations for you prior to boarding the aircraft. If you use needles with your treatment contact the airlines to see what their policy is on sharp needles and liquids. You will be able to bring these items, but you may have to pack them in a special manner. Airlines are required by law to allow you to bring needles, syringes, and liquids such as saline if they are for medical necessity. Please refer to the website www.tsa.gov for more information.

5. One week prior to leaving, buy a pill holder if you don’t already have one and triple check that you have enough medicine to cover you. In fact, be sure to bring extra medicines in the event of an emergency. Call and confirm with the airlines on all of their policies about traveling with dialysis supplies. They typically have special departments that deal with travelers who need special accommodations. If traveling by car or such, make your checklist and be sure that you have all supplies needed while away. Happy traveling!!!

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Warning Signs Of Juvenile Diabetes

Juvenile diabetes, commonly called type I diabetes, is a medical condition where a person's body doesn't necessarily use the food he eats as it should. When you eat, your body breaks down food into glucose, used to nourish our cells and give us energy. But, something is needed to actually facilitate this transition. It is a hormone called insulin. If your body is unable to produce a sufficient amount of insulin, the glucose will remain in your blood. Once this happens, the body will begin to give certain warning signs.

Change in Urination

More often than not, a child who is suffering from juvenile diabetes produces more urine than normal. This is due to the kidneys trying to rid the blood of sugar, or at least the excess amount of it. You may even notice that your child has started to wet the bed. In this situation, the behavior is not a result of anything other than the body reacting to the elevation in sugar.

Change in Thirst

Accompanying this increase in urine output, you will most likely notice that your child has an unusual amount of thirst. This is in response to the body ridding itself of excess glucose.

Change in Hunger

Many times, your child may complain of hunger, even after she has eaten. This particular warning sign is due to the cells not receiving the nourishment they need as a result of the body's production of insulin. When there is too little (or none), the cells will become deprived of food, so to speak, and the body will tell the child she is hungry.

Unexplained Weight Loss

You may also notice a change in your child's weight, though there hasn't been a change in his diet. Again, this has a lot to do with the inability of the body to change the glucose into fuel. When deprived of fuel, the body will turn to any fat or muscle to get nourishment, resulting in a loss of weight.

Fatigue

Much like any other type of diabetes, juvenile diabetes may make your child feel overwhelmingly fatigued. This warning sign shares the same cause as hunger and weight loss.

Illness

Parents commonly confuse this warning sign with the flu, because they both present the same basic symptoms. However, just because your child seems to have the flu doesn't mean she has juvenile diabetes. Typically, this sign accompanies other indicators.

Change in Breath

At times of an elevation in blood sugar, your child's breath may have an almost fruity odor.

Tags: your child, body will, warning sign, blood sugar, juvenile diabetes, notice that, notice that your

Get Hepatitis Vaccinations

Hepatitis is a serious disease that effects the liver. There are several strains of Hepatitis, including A, B and C. There are vaccinations for A and B, but not for C. Hepatitis is spread through contaminated food, blood, feces, shellfish, diaper changing tables and other sources. Getting vaccinated against Hepatitis is important especially for health care workers, day care workers and other people who are exposed to contaminated sources. You should also be vaccinated if you are traveling outside the US to developing countries or if you have chronic liver disease.

Instructions

Get Hepatitis Vaccinations

1. You can prevent Hepatitis A infections through immune globulin (IG) shots. An IG shot can provide temporary immunity to the virus for 2 to 3 months when given prior to exposure to Hepatitis A or within 2 weeks after exposure.

2. You can be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The vaccine is made from inactive hepatitis A virus (synthetic). It is highly effective in preventing the hepatitis A infection. Check with your doctor to determine how many shots you need. The vaccine provides protection for about four weeks after the first injection; a second injection protects you longer, possibly up to 20 years.

3. Another vaccination is available for Hepatitis B. Hepatitis B is an inflammatory liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) that results in liver cell damage. This damage can lead to scarring of the liver (cirrhosis) and increased risk of liver cancer in some people.

4. You can get your newborn baby vaccinated against Hepatitis B. All newborns should get three vaccination doses of the HBV vaccine ­within the first 12 hours of birth, the second at 1 to 2 months of age, and the third at 6 months. After treatment, the baby will be protected for life.

5. Adults can be vaccinated too. A vaccination provides up to 15 years of protection.

6. You can receive vaccinations through your regular health care provider.

Tags: against Hepatitis, vaccinated against, vaccinated against Hepatitis, care workers, health care, Hepatitis Vaccinations

Get Health Insurance In North Carolina

Get the health insurance you need in North Carolina.

Health insurance helps pay for the costs of medical care, but HealthInsurance.org reports that as of 2009, as many as 15.9 percent of North Carolina's residents do not have health insurance. Many people receive health insurance through their employers, but if you are self-employed, have recently lost employment, have had a change in family status resulting in the loss of health insurance or are not eligible for health insurance through your employer, you will have to find your own insurance. Research your options carefully before making your final decision.

Instructions

1. Look into your COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) options. Through COBRA, you can continue to pay for your health insurance plan if you have lost coverage from your employer. COBRA also applies to those who have lost insurance through death or divorce. It guarantees that you can get the same insurance at the same rate that your employer paid for 18 months. However, you have to pay the same premiums your employer was paying---a cost that may be too high for some people.

2. Compare the costs of major insurance carriers. You can purchase an individual or family plan directly from a major insurance company, such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, Humana or Aetna. Look at the monthly cost of the insurance and the cost of your deductible---the amount you have to pay---to see which plan is the best deal. You should also ask local doctors and hospitals which insurance plans they accept.

3. Check if you qualify for low-income health insurance. Individual health insurance plans are prohibitively expensive for many families. North Carolina offers these families assistance through Medicaid Health Check and Health Choice for Kids. These programs have maximum income limits, which vary based on your particular circumstances, such as pregnancy or the number of people in your family.

4. Join a risk pool if you cannot get health insurance because of pre-existing conditions. If you have certain pre-existing conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes, you may be unable to get an individual plan with an insurance company. North Carolina offers the North Carolina Health Insurance Risk Pool (NCHIRP), which allows people with pre-existing conditions to purchase health insurance plans.

Tags: health insurance, North Carolina, your employer, insurance plans, insurance through, pre-existing conditions, Carolina Health

Alcohol Related Diseases

Alcohol is absorbed by blood vessels in the stomach and is carried by the blood throughout the body and brain. Excess and prolonged intake of alcohol can cause irreversible damage to the body and at times can even cause death, though there are no specific numbers that define at what point "excessive" or "prolonged" alcohol intake becomes alcoholism (see Resources below). However, alcohol intake does increase the risk of heart and liver diseases and can also cause peptic ulcers, gastrointestinal disorders and high blood pressure.

Background

Alcohol is formed by fermenting sugar and yeast; its main ingredient is ethanol, which is also used as a solvent in medicines and colognes. Alcohol abuse is one of the main factors responsible for mortality rates across the world. Statistics show that in the United States, around 10 percent of the male population and 3 percent of the female population suffer from alcohol-related health problems (see Resources below).

Types

Excessive and repeated consumption of alcohol can lead to neurological complications similar to those seen in Alzheimer's (alcoholic dementia), and also to cancers of the liver, throat, mouth and stomach. However, alcoholism has even worse effects on the liver.

Examples of the many liver complications that can ensue from alcoholism include fatty liver, which is basically the accumulation of excess fat (consumed through alcohol) in the liver; alcoholic hepatitis, in which the liver becomes swollen and tender (this disease can develop even at an early stage of alcoholism and does not necessarily result from prolonged alcohol consumption); and liver cirrhosis, in which the liver hardens and forms scar tissue and nodules---rough, circular bumps---which can result in liver failure.

Diagnosis

The damage caused by alcoholism cannot be diagnosed through a specific test; rather, a series of tests are conducted to identify its adverse effects on different body organs. Most cases of alcoholism are detected through the presence of liver diseases, having common symptoms such as chronic weight loss and illnesses, bleeding disorders and dark-colored urine. Some of the tests for specifically identifying alcohol-related liver diseases include urine tests, radiography of the abdomen and a blood count to check for anemia and abnormalities of blood cells. At times, an ultrasound and biopsy of the liver are also needed to check the severity of the disease.

Reversing the Effects

When alcohol is metabolized in the body, it leaches nutrients from other vital bodily functions. Therefore, the nutritional loss from even moderate consumption should be balanced by taking vitamin supplements, particularly vitamin B complex (an alcohol-related disease, Korsakoff's syndrome, is caused by a lack of vitamin B1 in the brain). A balanced diet can also help curb the toxic effects of alcohol on the body by speeding up its metabolism and excretion (see Resources below).

Prevention/Solution

The best way to prevent alcohol-related diseases is to stay away from alcohol altogether. Patients entering the initial stages of fatty liver and alcoholic hepatitis can recover by giving up alcohol consumption and eating a healthy diet. However, if a patient has entered a critical alcohol-related disease stage in which reversing the disease is no longer an option, the only option is to stop or delay its further progression. This can be accomplished through a balanced and healthy diet, antibiotics and laxatives that can help with some of the complications associated with these diseases. In cases of advanced liver cirrhosis, a liver transplant is the only chance of survival.

Tags: liver diseases, Resources below, alcohol consumption, alcohol intake, alcoholic hepatitis, alcohol-related disease, fatty liver

What Causes Swollen Gums

Swollen gums is a relatively common ailment. In the case of gingivitis, it can be a sign of gum disease. Swollen gums usually bleed very easily and may constantly feel sore. There are several causes of swollen gums, particularly the buildup of plaque.

Plaque Accumulation

The buildup of dental plaque, a thin, bacterial biofilm that accumulates over the teeth, is a major cause of swollen gums. Plaque builds up largely because of poor dental health and hygiene. Plaque also can lead to to cavities and periodontal issues.

Food Particles

Food particles that become stuck between the teeth and gums can cause localized swelling. Generally, once the problem food particle is removed, the swelling of the gums will subside.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy also causes gums to swell. Pregnancy-induced gingivitis results from changes in hormonal levels that increase the flow of blood to the gums, causing them to become more swollen, sensitive and irritating.

Malnutrition

Malnutrition can often result in swollen gums. Vitamin C is vital for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. An extreme deficiency of this vitamin can cause swollen gums and may even result in teeth falling out.

Dentures

Dentures, retainers, braces and other dental devices also can cause swollen gums. The best solution is get new fittings.

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Get Free Prescriptions For Antibiotics At Publix

Free antibiotic medications at PUBLIX

Publix supermarkets (if you have one in your area) in 700+ locations have signed on to help sick individuals by offering free oral antibiotics with a physician's prescription on 8 types of antibiotic medications. Read on to find out more!

Instructions

1. Regardless of your health care plan or health insurance or LACK of medical coverage; Publix supermarket pharmacies have launched a plan to provide free prescription medications to sick individuals in more than 700 locations nationwide.

2. You must have a doctor's prescription to qualify and the antibiotics prescribed must for for one of the eight listed on Publix's free list of antibiotics. The list includes :

Amoxicillin

Cephalexin

Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (SMZ-TMP)

Ciprofloxacin (excluding Ciprofloxacin XR)

Penicillin VK

Ampicillin

Erythromycin Stearate and Ethylsuccinate

Doxycycline Hyclate (capsules)

Talk to your doctor about prescribing an antibiotic that is included on this list so that you can get your medication for free. The quantity must be for a 14 day supply or less.

3. Take your prescription to a Publix with a pharmacy and submit your information; the plan is good for anyone; even if you have never filled a prescription at a Publix pharmacy prior to this one. Most pharmacy wait times are within an hour; so you can grab a few groceries while your medication is being filled. Take all antibiotic medication for the entire dosage instructions as prescribed by your physician and heed any warnings or symptoms on your bottle or drug interaction literature that comes with your prescription.

Tags: antibiotic medications, prescription Publix, sick individuals, your medication, your prescription

Help Autistic Children In School

Autistic children differ in the way they perceive things and respond to them. Therefore, they often have difficulty making sense of the world as other children see it. The best way to help autistic children is to understand their special requirements and structure your classroom instruction accordingly. Following a regular routine, preparing in advance for changes in schedule, using visual cues for teaching and removing stimuli that cause a disturbance are some of the ways in which you can help autistic children do well at school.

Instructions

1. Provide a set routine for autistic children. Follow a consistent schedule with classroom activities since such kids find it difficult to adapt to changes. Keep disruptions to a minimum and inform parents whenever you plan to make a change in the regular class routine so that they can help prepare their child for it.

2. Identify the stimuli to which the autistic child is hypersensitive or less sensitive. Certain sounds, movements, sights and touch can trigger off tantrums in these kids. Consider what action can be taken to reduce the occurrence of such stimuli. For instance, if the school bell or PA system disturbs the autistic child, consider reducing the volume or stuffing duct tape into the device to muffle the sound emitted. Install a carpet to overcome problems with the sound of scraping chairs. For children who are disturbed by fluorescent light, allot seats close to the window, away from the room's light source or use incandescent bulbs for lighting the room.

3. Use visual methods to help autistic children understand concepts. Most kids with autism think in terms of pictures rather than words. Demonstrate whatever you are explaining with actions. For instance, while saying the word "up," pick up an object and make it move upward. Teach math using blocks with numbers printed on them. If the child shows a marked preference for a particular activity or toy, use that to help the child learn.

4. Keep instructions brief and to the point because autistic kids find it difficult to retain longer sequences. Too much information at one time can cause them stress. If the child is old enough to read, write down instructions on the blackboard. Repeat and summarize points at regular intervals to make sure the child follows what is explained.

5. Provide a lot of praise and positive feedback to encourage autistic children. Avoid general statements like "You're a smart boy"; specifically point out the behavior you are encouraging by saying "You did well putting those blocks together."

Tags: autistic children, help autistic, help autistic children, autistic child, autistic children understand

Medical Uses Of Horseshoe Crab

A component of horseshoe crab blood helps identify toxins in IV drugs.

Bizarre though it may seem, the horseshoe crab plays a vital role in detecting the presence of toxins in vaccines and other drugs administered by injection. The horseshoe crab's blue blood contains amebocytes, which it uses to fight infection instead of the white blood cells used by vertebrates. From these amebocytes, a laboratory can extract Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL), and use it to detect the presence of certain bacteria.

Endotoxins

LAL is our primary means of detecting endotoxins, which are the part of some bacteria to which our immune systems react, causing fever and inflammation. Because endotoxins can remain even after sterilization of a drug meant for injection, screening for their presence reduces the chance of an adverse reaction in a patient.

History

The sensitivity of horseshoe crab blood to endotoxins was discovered in the 1960s by Dr. Frederik Bang at John Hopkins University. Collaborating with Dr. Jack Levin, he devised the basic procedure for extracting LAL from horseshoe crab blood that remains mostly unchanged to this day.

Collection

The crabs are released after their blood is extracted, and 85 to 97 percent survive.

Because horseshoe crabs are such a valuable medical resource, care is taken in obtaining their blood. Clam rakes or dredges capture the crabs, and they are trucked to a laboratory. There, up to 30 percent of their blood is removed, which they can replace in about a week. They are then returned to the wild, and not bled again by LAL manufacturers for another year.

Other Medical Uses

The ability of LAL to detect endotoxins can also be employed to rapidly detect the presence of urethral or spinal infections, or to test the quality of food, air or water. Additionally, new research suggests uses for other components of horseshoe crab blood, which may prove to be effective agents for fighting fungus, viruses and cancer.

Tags: horseshoe crab, crab blood, horseshoe crab blood, their blood, detect presence

Assess The Truth Of Medical Promotion Information

Less than a hundred years ago, snake oil salesmen abounded in the health care product world. The situation is very similar today, given the plethora of new 'wonder cures' from the world of alternative medicine as well as 'modern' medicine from manufacturers who may not have your best interest at heart. A wise health care consumer knows critical evaluate promotional material so that no harm is done to oneself or loved ones.

Instructions

1. When confronted with written material about a health care product, read who is writing it and ask yourself if they have a hidden agenda and if there is any scientific basis for their claims. Remember that pharmaceutical companies as well was garage-based home industries can lie just as effectively to you, and themselves, with regard to their product(s).

2. Research the product on your own through the internet or other sources (Index Medicus, for instance). Trust only articles that show you sound statistically proven and scientifically conducted trials. If the study is not double blinded (the giver or the project and its consumer not knowing if a placebo is given or the real stuff is given), do not trust the data. Do not trust ANY material that relies on testimonials. See if the assessor of the product has any self interest in the product. Only independent researchers who have nothing to gain by the product being successful can be reliably trusted.

3. Contact the company who manufactures the product and ask for references relating to how effective and safe the product is. Safely and effectiveness are two separate things. Also, consider what other underlying medical conditions exist in the person who will be getting the product, and if the product in question had any side effects associated with medicinal the potential consumer of the product is taking now.

4. Consult several pharmacists or other appropriate health care providers with regard to safety and effectiveness of the product, as well as interactions with other medications.

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Use The Law Of Attraction To Get What You Want

There is a belief that the Law of Attraction governs how everything happens in this world. This law states that like ideas and gestures are attracted to each other. There have been many books and studies done on this very thought. Did you know that you can use the Law of Attraction to better your life? It is a simple process to put into place in your life to get you the things that you want. Once you have begun to use the Law of Attraction to get what you want in life, you will wonder why you did not do this sooner.

Instructions

1. Make a list of things that you want in your life. These can be a list of goals and or ways that you want to feel. There is no stead fast rules when it comes to the Law of Attraction on make this list. The important thing is that this list come from your heart. If you want to get the most out of the Law of Attraction, you will want to write down everything that comes to mind when it comes to goals and what you want.

2. Choose one of the items on your list to begin to use the Law of Attraction on. When you are starting out, it is easier to focus on one goal at a time. This will guarantee that your mind is truly on this goal and on achieving this goal.

3. Write down sentences like you have already achieved this goal. For example, if you want to buy a house, you could write "I own a house in the suburbs of Philadelphia". Try to be a specific as you can with your statements. The more specific that you are the better that the Law of Attraction will work for you. You want your statements to conjure a crystal clear vision of you having your goal and being happy.

4. Think about your goal and read your statements often. Think about them in a positive way. This will help to attract your goal to you. Continue to do this until you achieve your goal.

Tags: your goal, that Attraction, that want, this goal, your life

What Is Kevlar Fabric

Kevlar, like many brand names for complicated items, isn't very well understood. This material is used popularly in bulletproof vests due to its intensely strong and hard-to-corrode weave. Just what this material is, however, and how it's made are issues that become much more complex to explain.

Definition

Kevlar is made of an extremely strong fabric called an aramid fabric, which is chemically related to nylon. This fabric, which is already very tough and durable, is then woven in a pattern similar to tiny spiderwebs all interlocked to provide additional strength and durability. Aramid fibers like kevlar are resistant to wear, tear and heat, and have absolutely no melting point.

Types

Like any compound, kevlar comes in a variety of different types. Kevlar 29 is the fabric that is woven to make bulletproof vests. However, kevlar 49 is harder and not at all fabric-like. This material can be used to make frames for bicycles or hulls for boats.

Process

Aramid fabrics like kevlar are made through a fairly intense chemical process. Kevlar in all its varieties is made from a polymer that's spun from hot, high-solids solutions of concentrated sulfuric acid. Any nylon fabric that needs to be tough, kevlar included, should be hot-drawn. That means that while the fabric is being made, the environment of the chemical reactions should be at a high temperature. Kevlar 29, for instance, is hot drawn at a temperature of more than 400 C.

Heat

Due to kevlar's high resistance to heat and inability to melt, it's often used in fire-fighting equipment. Nomex, which is a fabric that is generally considered to be fireproof, is a variant of kevlar fabric.

Other Uses

Kevlar fabric's properties make it a high demand item. Recently kevlar has been made an integral part of shelters in areas of high tornado occurrence. Kevlar's strength and endurance give it the ability to deflect even large items hitting a shelter and thus to protect people inside.

Tags: fabric that, bulletproof vests, fabric which, Kevlar fabric, like kevlar, material used

Treat A Fire Ant Sting

Treat a Fire Ant Sting

A fire ant sting starts out with a fire ant bite, which is followed up by the fire ant inserting its stinger over and over again. One of the worst parts of a fire ant sting is that people aren't often stung by only one fire ant; swarms of ants may bite and sting at the same time. Here's treat a fire ant sting.

Instructions

1. Get away from the fire ant mound.

2. Clean the area of the bite and sting thoroughly with soap and water.

Ayurvedic Herbs For A Healthy Pituitary Gland

Commonly referred to as the "master gland" of the body, the pituitary gland, or hypophysis, is an endocrine gland residing at the base of the brain. Occupying the space of a pea, the pituitary regulates bodily functions from water regulation to sexual organ and thyroid gland functions. Considering its bodily importance, it comes as no surprise that maintaining proper function of the pituitary gland is a priority in Ayurvedic health.

Assess

Consult an Ayurvedic physician or guidebook for determining the particular needs of your condition. If you are experiencing a slight defect to your pituitary gland functions, a small supplement of Ayurvedic herbs may occasionally correct the gland weakness. For more serious malfunctions, however, your best place to start will be with your personal physician.

Acquire

Visit your nearest herb shop or health food store and inquire the availability of the following herbs: comfrey, kelp, Punarnava (sometimes called "Boerhaavia diffusa Linn") and Kanchanara (Bauhinia veriegata). Comfrey and kelp are considered among the most consistent herbs for nourishing the pituitary gland, as well as the bones and skin. Buy these loose-leaf herbs in bulk. Often coming in a pill or tonic form, Punarnava is an Ayurvedic diuretic herb and functions as a remedy for treating swelling or inflammation, as well as numbness (symptoms of hypothyroidism and other pituitary malfunctions. Kanchanara, known as Purple Mountain Ebony, is one of the most powerful herbs in the Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia and comes in a pill or tablet.

Apply

Develop a regimen for taking your herbs. For kelp and comfrey, a daily tea or infusion can be drunk three to five times per day. If using comfrey, fill your jar or container with a handful of herbs and pour in the boiling water. For best results, leave out overnight until the liquid is dark and murky before straining and consuming the infusion. When taking the more powerful herb extracts, such as Punarnava and Kanchanara, carefully follow the directions on your product label as to the proper dosage and potency, as well as possible reactions to other remedies.

Tags: gland functions, pituitary gland, pituitary gland

Make The Ultimate Musclebuilding Shake

Muscle is not built in the gym, it is built while you are resting. Your body is repairing and rebuilding muscle tissue during your time away from the gym. How do you get the most out of your muscle-rebuilding phase during the course of a day? The majority of trainers and workout-holics will suggest a combination of creatine and whey powder shake to give the muscles a leaner and stronger look. The next time you you finish a workout, mix this ultimate muscle-building shake.

Instructions

1. Add one cup of fresh or frozen strawberries to the blender. Strawberries contain a wide range of nutrients, with vitamin C leading the way. They also contain levels of photonutrients and antioxidants that fight free radicals, which help damage cells that contribute to the formation of different kinds of cancer.

2. Split a banana with your co-worker, roommate, or family member. Take your half and place it in the blender. Bananas are unbeatable when it comes to providing a healthy, vitamin rich snack in one package. Potassium is available in abundance in bananas and promote good muscle health. They are also recommended as part of a diet that helps reduce cholesterol. Bananas are easy to digest and can therefore be readily converted into energy for use in the body.

3. Add 1/2 cup of cranberry juice to the blender. Cranberry juice is a tasty, refreshing fruit drink, but many people do not realize that it is also quite healthy. Rich with vitamin C, the high amount of acid and other components in cranberry juice will break down and prevent the formation of kidney stones.

4. Add 3/4 cup of skim milk to the blender. Skim milk should be used instead of whole milk. Mixing powder with whole milk will create a shake that will have more fat.

5. Add one cup of ice cubes to the blender, as they will provide chill to the shake.

6. Add one scoop of whey powder to the blender. Whey powder has a rich source of amino acids that are needed on a daily basis by the body. In its purest form, whey powder contains little to no fat, lactose or cholesterol.

7. Add one scoop of creatine powder to the blender. Creatine powder increases the body's ability to produce energy rapidly. With more energy, you will be able to train harder and produce faster results. Creatine powder is most effective in high-intensity training and sports that require short burst of effort, such as sprinting, football, and baseball.

8. High-powered blenders are capable of crushing ice without much assistance. With the popularity of making smoothies, some models include a sound-reducing enclosures and computerizing controls. Blend until smooth and serve immediately.

Tags: cranberry juice, Creatine powder, powder blender, They also, whey powder

Get A Bls Certification

Get a BLS Certification

Basic life support, or BLS, is a medical certification similar to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). BLS certification is intended for people who work in the medical profession, such as nurses and emergency medical technicians. The certification may also be mandatory for some types of educational programs, such as paramedic and respiratory therapy school. Laypersons not working in the medical field can also take BLS classes for their own knowledge. Follow the steps below to get a BLS certification.

Instructions

1. Locate a class. BLS classes are often taught at hospitals and community colleges. The American Heart Association also provides BLS classes (see Resources). Most organizations will charge a fee for class, which may vary by institution. Health care workers who are required to have a current BLS certification for their job may not have to pay if they take the class at their place of employment.

2. Get study materials. Most institutions will have a student study guide that you can obtain in advance when you register for the class. Read the manual in advance so you will be better prepared for class. Information covered will include perform CPR on an unconscious adult, child and infant. Additional information covered includes CPR on a drowning patient and treating a victim who is choking.

3. Learn the specifics of BLS. Learn asses an unconscious person by checking the airway, breathing and circulation. Look and listen for breath sounds and check for a pulse. Understand position the head to start rescue breathing and learn do chest compressions. Learn treat a choking victim by doing the Heimlich Maneuver. BLS classes may also cover the use of an automated external defibrillator.

4. Pass the written test. The format of a BLS test may vary, though many tests have multiple choice questions. Passing scores vary by institution. The written test will be administered immediately after the class.

5. Complete the practical exam. In addition to a written test, you will need to perform CPR on a mannequin so that your instructor can test your knowledge. You will need to demonstrate proper sequence and technique. The instructor may give you a scenario, such as dealing with a choking victim, and you will need to determine respond.

Tags: will need, written test, choking victim, test will, vary institution

Get An Npi (National Provider Identifier)

If you are a medical provider covered by HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), you are required to obtain an NPI (National Provider Identifier.) The NPI is used when filing medical claims, including Medicare. Without an NPI number, you claim will be rejected and your payment delayed. There is no cost to receive an NPI.

Instructions

1. Visit the NPPES (National Plan & Provider Enumeration System) Web site: https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov/NPPES/StaticForward.do?forward=static.instructions

2. Click the link for "National Provider Identifier."

3. Select the option to "Apply Online for an NPI."

4. Click the option at the bottom of the page to "Begin Application Form."

5. Enter the required information. You will need your Social Security number, legacy number, birth certificate information, contact information, license number, EIN and taxonomy code. Submit your application after all information has been entered.

6. Look for your number in the mail. You should receive the NPI number within 15 days of submitting your online application.

7. Contact the NPI enumerator at 800-465-3203 to have the application mailed to you.

Tags: National Provider, National Provider Identifier, Provider Identifier

How Is Diabetes Related To Heart Disease

Interconnected and Deadly

Having diabetes can already be an uphill battle for your body. The sad truth is that there is another, even deadlier disorder than can be directly linked to diabetes: heart disease. Two out of three people diagnosed with diabetes die from either heart disease or a stroke. This isn't the best news, but you actually can manage both diseases by adhering to the same rules for both.

Diabetes and Heart Disease Explained

Diabetes is characterized as a disease in which your body does not consistently produce the right levels of, or properly uses, insulin. Your body needs insulin to convert sugars and starches into energy. There actually isn't an official cause of diabetes, but studies have shown that obesity and lack of exercise are major contributing factors to it. Diabetes also comes in several forms: Type 1, Type 2, Gestational and Pre-diabetes. Type 1 is when your body doesn't produce insulin, whereas Type 2 is when your body resists insulin. Pre-diabetes is diagnosed if your body's sugar levels are beyond normal limits but not high enough to turn into Type 2. Gestational diabetes, when pregnant, happens if your body isn't making enough insulin to support the baby's growth.

Heart disease actually refers to a number of abnormalities associated with the heart and the cardiovascular system. It is the leading cause of death in America as of 2007. The main type of heart disease is Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), in which a plaque build-up within your arteries slows down the cardiovascular system and eventually causes part of your heart muscles to fail.

The Connection and the Treatment

So how are heart disease and diabetes linked? By controlling your weight, monitoring your nutrition and increasing realistic exercise, you can manage both diseases well. For example, foods that are high in fat and starches can also be high in sugar and LDL, or bad cholesterol. Too much bad cholesterol in diabetics makes it even harder for the cells to receive insulin. Constantly eating such foods can cause a plaque build-up of the "bad" cholesterol in your artery walls. At the same time, you may be taking in more glucose than your diabetic levels of insulin can handle. By cutting out most foods with high levels of those bad actors, you control both diseases.

The same goes with exercise. Lack of exercise is a major contributor to diabetes, but staying active also gets your blood circulating faster, pushing out some of the plaque build-up that comes with heart disease. By regularly exercising, you can prevent diabetes and manage heart disease at the same time.

Tags: your body, both diseases, plaque build-up, cardiovascular system, exercise major, heart disease

Use Essential Oils To Reduce Pms Symptoms

Ladies, when it comes to Pre-Menstrual Syndrome, or PMS, there are essential oils that can help reduce such symptoms as cramps, bloating, aches and that all-around “yechhhh” feeling we experience once a month. The oils listed below can be used before and during your period. The power of essential oils comes from the fact that their fragrances work on the brain’s limbic system, which controls the major body functions, and their chemicals help trigger the body’s ability to heal.Here’s select and prepare essential oils that will help offset the symptoms of PMS.

Instructions

Use Essential Oils to Reduce PMS Symptoms and Discomfort

1. Choose 100% pure essential oils--only these offer healthful benefits. The label will state "100% pure." You can find them at health food stores and online. Don’t use synthetic oils; they do not have the same benefits.

2. Select one to three different oils that appeal to you. For oils that specifically help PMS, some of the best choices are (sweet) basil, chamomile, clary sage, cypress, geranium, ginger, juniper, lavender, rose, rosemary and sage. Most stores have tester bottles, so take a few whiffs and choose two or three you really like. To avoid scent “wear out” when sniffing multiple essential oils, take a short break and inhale a few deep breaths to clear your nose and give your brain a chance to reset.

3. Make a hand massage oil. Mix the essential oil with the almond oil, which is known as a "carrier" oil. Measure the almond oil into the glass bottle, then add 3 to 6 drops of essential oil per teaspoon of almond oil. Shake well. Massage the oil into your hands and inhale the aroma for several minutes.

4. Make a tummy-massage oil. Use the same steps as those in Step 4. Then gently massage where you are experiencing your cramps or aches in your lower abdomen, preferably in a clockwise motion. You’ll get the added benefit of having the oil on your hands and being able to inhale the fragrance.

5. Make a foot bath or hand bath. Fill a large bowl two-thirds full with very warm water, and add 3 to 4 drops of the essential oil. The warm water helps the blood vessels to dilate, and the essential oils are absorbed through the skin. Inhale the aromas as you soak your hands or feet to get more aromatherapy benefits.

6. Keep a bottle of the essential oil in your desk or briefcase for an at-work or on-the-road quick fix. You can sprinkle 1 to 2 drops on a handkerchief and inhale the oil's aroma. If you don’t have sensitive skin, you can put a drop directly on your palms, rub them gently together and inhale. For added benefits, put a drop at the base of your throat, like perfume.

Tags: oils that, essential oils, your hands, 100% pure, drops essential, essential oils

Examples Of Therapeutic Communications

Therapeutic conversation is the dialogue between clinician or psychotherapist and client. It differs from social conversation in its rules and in its intent. The therapeutic conversation is meant to help heal the client's suffering. Social conversation is not intended for that purpose. Some like to call therapeutic conversation "therapeutic narrative," focusing on the story-like quality of the clinical dialogue.

Important Parts of Therapeutic Conversation

Therapeutic conversation consists of several areas. Some of these are the same as social conversation, but many are unique to therapy. Not all of these skills will be part of every therapeutic conversation. The first set of skills includes basic listening skills, followed by influencing skills, then confrontation and, finally, resolution. Some features of a good therapeutic alliance, necessary to good therapeutic conversation, include empathy, trustworthiness, caring, genuineness, sincerity and congruence, persuasiveness and, finally, hope or optimism. These essential conditions ensure that the therapeutic conversation is effective and results in positive change.

Rules of Therapeutic Conversation Versus Rules of Social Conversation

One example of a difference between social conversation and therapeutic conversation is the notion of interrupting. In social conversation, interrupting is frowned upon until the speaker has finished speaking. In therapeutic conversation, there are moments when interrupting is necessary to keep one person from dominating the conversation, and so provide an intervention that will result in a more equitable dialogue. Another difference centers around asking questions, and generally, about interest in participants. In social conversation, it is understood that questions will be asked of members about equally. In therapeutic conversation, the majority of questioning is done by the therapist. Self-disclosure by the therapist is kept to a minimum in order for the client to remain at the center of the conversation. Similarly, the therapist will continue to question the client, providing confrontation, in order to receive answers to questions. Glossing over uncomfortable topics is a hallmark of social conversation. In therapeutic conversation, caring confrontation is the norm. In both types of conversation, active listening should be the norm. No conversation should occur where one member does not feel heard. In social conversation, this may happen from time to time. In therapeutic conversation, this is unacceptable.

Example of a Therapeutic Conversation

Clinician: One thought you had was that your son was failing out of school. What led you to have that thought?

Client: Well, he wouldn't show me his report card. It makes me think he failed something.

Clinician: He may have. Does he have a history of failing classes?

Client: No. He usually gets "As" and "Bs."

Clinician: So this is the first time you have suspected that he may have failed a class?

Client: Yes.

Clinician: And what is your definition of "failing out of school?"

Client: I guess it would be someone who has failed several classes so that the person was not asked back to the school.

Clinician: And does that sound like your son?

Client: No, I guess I overreacted when I said he was failing out of school.

Clinician: And what about your thought that you are to blame for his behavior? What led you to think that?

Client: I'm his parent. Aren't I the biggest influence in his life?

Clinician: Yes, your role certainly is an important one. How might you have encouraged your son to fail out of school?

Client: I don't know what you mean.

Clinician: I wonder if you have failed out of school yourself.

Client: No, of course not.

Clinician: Perhaps you condone failure, or didn't try to teach him that school success is important?

Client: No. Just the opposite. I have very strong feelings about the importance of education. I always tried to show my son by example succeed.

Clinician: I'm confused, then, about how you may have caused him to fail.

Client: I guess I was just feeling bad and wanted to find an explanation. But I can see that I certainly never taught him to fail.

Tags: social conversation, therapeutic conversation, Client guess, failing school, social conversation, therapeutic conversation

Avoid Weatherrelated Migraines

Migraine sufferers know that the best way to deal with a migraine headache is to avoid getting one altogether. There are several triggers that you can avoid, such as dark chocolate, red wine and aged cheese. The weather can be a little more difficult to avoid.

Instructions

1. Identify the weather changes that trigger your migraines. Invest in a barometer that shows accurate weather readings. Keep a headache diary of the times and exact weather to track any patterns.

2. Talk to your doctor about medicating yourself when you predict a migraine trigger. Some people take ibuprofen prior to traveling or as the weather changes. Your doctor might suggest taking your migraine medication prophylactically to avoid getting the weather related migraine altogether.

3. Take good care of yourself to avoid the severity of a migraine. Get enough sleep at night, use good posture throughout the day, eat balanced meals regularly and stay hydrated.

4. Use a humidifier to help change the pressure in a room when you have a weather-related migraine. You can try getting some fresh air, as that may also help. Open a window or go outside unless you notice it getting worse by the weather outside. Changing the pressure by humidifying the air inside or going outside can be the trick to easing your migraine pain.

5. Consider taking a preventative medication to reduce the frequency and severity of your migraines. Ask your doctor if this is a good option for you.

Tags: avoid getting, weather changes, your doctor, your migraine, your migraines

Deal Successfully With Manicdepressive Mood Swings

Manic-depressive mood swings are symptoms of bipolar disorder, a condition that affects a person psychologically. The mood swings people experience are extreme highs and lows; they may act completely irrational and aggressive and then begin to have suicidal thoughts. These mood swings can last for extended periods of time, weeks or months, and have a major impact on their relationships and everyday life. It does not impact just them, though; it has a tremendous emotional impact on their loved ones as well, which makes it important for them to learn deal with these mood swings as successfully as possible.

Instructions

1. Learn as much as you can about bipolar disorder to get better insight into the disorder and why the mood swings occur (see Resources). A good book to read is "We Heard the Angels of Madness" by Diane and Lisa Berger. It's written by a mother and daughter and is their personal account of their loved one as he struggled with bipolar. It is a great help when learning about the signs of the disorder as well as handle the problems as they arise. The more you know, the better prepared you will be to handle the situations when they arise.

2. Encourage medical treatment. Those suffering from manic-depressive mood swings may not realize they need medical treatment. Though you cannot force them to seek it, you can encourage them to receive the help they need. Approaching them tactfully may make it easier, eventually leading them to the medications they need to help control the mood swings they experience. This will benefit you in the long run as well.

3. Show them you understand. It is vital to display understanding and compassion for your friend or family member as they experience their highs and lows; these are often what push people away from them. Instead, it's important to be there when they need someone to talk to and reassure them that you will help them through their treatment. Though it can be difficult, always remind yourself that this is not a condition they cannot control and neither are their actions.

4. Prepare yourself. Even with treatment, this is not a condition that will get better overnight. It is a lifelong process that will have setbacks along with victories. If you mentally prepare yourself for all of these things, you will be better able to deal with the mood swings when they arise.

5. Find a support group (see Resources). There are a number of support groups for family and friends of those who suffer from bipolar disorder. Not only will you have an outlet for your own emotions, you will connect with others who are experiencing the same things you are. You may also get ideas from others in your support group that will help you better deal with the mood swings as they occur.

Tags: mood swings, that will, they need, bipolar disorder, deal with

Follow Patient Teaching Guides

If you've recently received a medical diagnosis or started on a medication regimen, you are probably familiar with patient teaching guides. These useful tools can help you manage your medicine and improve your overall health.

Instructions

1. Patient teaching guides are designed to ease your path on the road to recovery. They are also useful if you have questions about a recent diagnosis. These guides generally provide detailed information about a single subject, such as Coumadin (a type of medication that acts as a blood thinner) or pregnancy (guides are available for various stages of the pregnancy).The first step is to read the guide in its entirety. Don't skip this step, even if you think you know all there is to know about your medication or condition. Reading the guide gives you access to the most current information, and will help you learn about any new contraindications or side effects that ongoing research may have uncovered.

2. Make a list of any questions that come up. Don't worry about questions that seem too small or silly. If you wonder--just ask. It is a good idea to pose your questions to someone who is knowledgeable and with whom you feel comfortable. Your primary care provider, pharmacist or nurse practitioner are usually good resources.Particularly if your patient education guide concerns a recent diagnosis, it is critical that you address questions and concerns immediately. When it comes to your health, ignorance is not bliss.

3. Next review all labels and patient teaching guides from medications you are already taking. Look for any contraindications. You want to be sure that your medications work well together, and do not produce any adverse effects. Give special attention to side effects listed in the guide. If you experience these, or any other, effects, take note (write down when you experienced the problem, how severe it was and how long it lasted). Share this information with your health care provider.Resolve to take your medication exactly according to the directions laid out in the guide. If your patient teaching guide concerns a diagnosis, follow the offered advice as best as you can.

4. Share any important information from the guide with loved ones or caregivers. When everyone understands what to expect, it is easier to manage your ongoing care.

Tags: care provider, guide concerns, manage your, patient teaching guides, questions that, recent diagnosis

Fly With Heart Conditions

Patients with heart problems can usually fly without difficulty, as long as their current treatment regimen controls their condition. Longer flights carry greater risk than shorter ones because of the additional stress of the journey and the need to sit for longer periods.

Risks

People with unmanaged heart conditions, such as abnormal heart rhythms or congestive heart failure (CHF), should not expose themselves to the stresses of a long-distance flight, according to CHF Patients. On longer flights, the extended sitting involved may also promote dangerous blood clots.

Therapeutic Needs

Patients with heart conditions who must fly should bring their medications with them on the flight. CHF Patients warns that the in-flight drinks may cause frequent bathroom trips for patients using diuretics, while the high sodium levels in airplane snacks may violate the patient's dietary restrictions.

Planning

Patients with heart ailments should plan any airplane flight carefully, consulting their physician about possible problems, according to CHF Patients. They should also carry their medical records and emergency contact information with them and tell airport personnel about any implantable metal devices, such as pacemakers, that they may have.

Tags: Patients with, Patients with heart, with heart, according Patients, heart conditions, with them

Bladder Cancer & Onset Of Pain

Modern medicine can ease cancer pain

Pain from bladder cancer is generally caused by a tumor pressing against nerve endings close to the bladder. The treatment for bladder cancer may cause pain as well.

Identification

The most common symptom of bladder cancer is hematuria, which is the condition of blood in the urine. Other symptoms include pelvic pain and frequent urination.

Significance

A serious complication of bladder cancer is the spread of cancer cells to other organs, such as the liver or kidneys. Early detection and treatment of bladder cancer is vital.

Types

Three primary types of bladder cancer are adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and urothelial carcinoma.

Solution

Radiation therapy on tumors can help ease the pain associated with bladder cancer. A physician can also prescribe pain medication specifically designed for the abdominal region. A nerve block placed by a physician around the bladder nerves is another treatment.

Important Fact

According to The Cancer Patient's Workbook, bladder cancer has a 5-year survival rate of more than 90% if detected early enough.

Tags: bladder cancer, bladder cancer, treatment bladder, treatment bladder cancer

Burn Calories Without Breaking A Sweat

Everyone is looking for ways to burn extra calories everyday in an effort to lose weight. The usual route to do this to head to the gym and end up dripping with sweat. Yes, you will burn calories this way. But you do not need to break a sweat to burn calories. Follow these simple steps to burn calories without breaking a sweat.

Instructions

Burn Some Calories

1. Start your day by drinking green tea. Drinking caffeine will increase your body's metabolism and will help you burn more calories throughout the day.

2. Fidget while you are doing your daily chores. Every little movement of your body burns calories. Fidgeting will burn many calories over the course of an 8 hour day.

3. Pop a piece of sugar free gum in your mouth after lunch time. Chewing and swallowing will burn more calories then just letting your lunch digest.

4. Drink more green tea around mid day; this will increase your metabolism one final time and assist you in burning more calories through the remainder of your day.

Tags: burn calories, more calories, will burn, burn more, burn more calories

Weigh Pros And Cons Of The Hmr Diet

The HMR Diet, or Health Management Resources Diet, is a widely used weight loss program and healthy lifestyle plan. Many individuals who desire to lose weight quickly turn to this system, as it combines scientific research and medical advice to help you lose weight. Learn the pros and cons of the HMR Diet so you can decideif this plan is right for you.

Instructions

1. If you want medical attention and personalized professional advice, the HMR Diet could be great for you. You can attend lectures and schedule appointments at HMR-friendly medical centers or hospitals to assist with your weight-loss goals.

2. One drawback to the HMR Diet is the cost to participate in its programs, which are held at medical centers. The programs are often hosted at upscale professional centers, so be aware of this before you sign up for that option.

3. The HMR Diet allows its dieters to eat more than do many diets. If you love to eat and don't want to starve yourself when dieting, this is a great diet that helps you feel full longer.

4. HMR sells products such as entrees, protein bars and shakes to which you can add vegetables and fruits. They often taste better than other diet programs' products, and allow versatility within meals.

5. HMR Diet foods aren't necessarily cheap. One con to purchasing their products is the lack of options. You must purchase them directly through the company, as opposed to other diet programs, which sell their foods at wholesale warehouses and food stores.

6. If you tire easily of soy protein, this diet may not be for you. HMR diet products are high in soy, and you may get bored with your choice of foods.

Tags: diet programs, lose weight, medical centers, other diet, other diet programs

Have Children After Lapband Surgery

There are various types of weight-loss surgery that can result in great reductions in weight. Unfortunately, many of these can result in permanent nutrition restrictions, which can make the enhanced dietary requirements of pregnancy impossible. Lap-band surgery, on the other hand, is adjustable, and the device can be adjusted to allow for pregnancy.

History

There are many kinds of surgery that are available for weight-loss. These types of surgery target individuals who, either through metabolic problems or due to issues relating to the time involved, are unable to lose weight via normal dieting and exercise measures. These surgical techniques work by restricting the stomach and other portions of the digestive tract, limiting the amount of food that the individual is can eat. This limited caloric intake allows the recipient to rapidly lose weight and keep it off in the long term.

Warning

One of the difficulties with this sort of surgery, however, is that a limited caloric intake can be detrimental to certain life changes, such as pregnancy. During pregnancy, both the caloric and nutritional requirements of the mother soar. Failure to increase one's intake both of calories and certain vitamins, particularly vitamins such as folic acid, can result in poor growth and various defects in the fetus, including problems with the brain and spinal cord.

Identification

Lap-band surgery, also known as laproscopic-band surgery, works to limit the volume of the stomach via an adjustable silicone band. This band is able to severely block off the stomach's volume, effectively limiting the amount of food that can be digested. Lap-band surgery has been shown to generate comparable weight-loss after a five-year period with gastric bypass surgery, another common, and more invasive, surgical procedure.

Significance

One of the advantages of lap-band surgery is that it is adjustable and, in fact, fully reversible. This means that the band can be loosened--or removed entirely--to meet changing nutritional demands. As a result, if a lap-band user wishes to become pregnant, the band can be adjusted to allow the increased food intake necessary to sustain an unborn fetus, with no growth or developmental defects. Most of these adjustments can be performed without additional surgery.

Expert Insight

Of course, lap-band surgery and any adjustments must be carefully supervised by a licensed surgeon. Anyone interested in receiving lap-band surgery must keep in mind that for the procedure to be successful, multiple follow-up visits are necessary to gradually adjust the band to sustain weight loss. This is also true for anyone wishing to become pregnant; the adjustments to the band must be performed gradually over several visits, to avoid dangerous complications that may damage the digestive system. As a result, anyone wishing to become pregnant should discuss it well beforehand with a surgeon, so that the lap-band can be gradually tweaked over a period of time. Until a patient has been determined ready and able to sustain a pregnancy, all lap-band recipients should be vigilant in their use of birth control, as the proper adjustments may not be able to made while a female is pregnant.

Tags: become pregnant, surgery that, adjusted allow, amount food, amount food that, anyone wishing

Fix A Stretch Strap On A Sandal

Your favorite pair of sandals is out of commission because of a broken strap. If it's the elastic strap over the heel, you might think that they're useless and fit only for the trash. Know that you can fix them and get more wear out of them. The repair is a patch extension repair. It is also sometimes called a "jump strap" repair. A new piece of elastic is sewn over the snapped elastic ends.

Instructions

1. Purchase a length of good elastic the same width as the broken strap. You can get elastic from a shoe repair shop. You can also steal a piece of elastic from another shoe in your wardrobe. It's important for the replacement elastic to be the same color as the broken elastic so the repair is invisible.

2. Secure the broken ends of the shoe strap using super glue. Make a straight cut on each end and glue the strap seams and ends closed to strengthen the original straps as much as possible before affixing the extension repair elastic piece. Also, glue the new strip ends and seams to make them as strong as possible.

3. Working on one end of the broken strap, sew the new repair strap strip onto the broken strap, overlapping about 1/8 inch beyond the broken strap end. Use a heavy-duty sewing machine needle or heavy-duty needle with plastic thread in a matching color, which can be found in fabric stores, if doing a hand sew. Make several passes back and forth with the machine or the needle to make the sewn stitching as strong as possible.

4. Before repairing the other end of the strap, put the sandal on to determine the appropriate length of elastic needed. You'll want to make certain there isn't too much elastic added to the strap so that the fit of the sandal is compromised.

5. Once you're comfortable with where the repair should be made, use a paper clip to mark the location. You may need to cut the elastic if too long and re-glue the ends and seam of the elastic extension with super glue. Stretch the end of the elastic over the broken strap end and sew as before on a machine or by hand. The repair should be virtually invisible.

Tags: broken strap, broken strap elastic, elastic from, elastic same, extension repair

Help With Cancer Survivor'S Medical Bills

The cost of cancer can be significant. According to the National Institutes of Health, costs associated with cancer in the United States amounted to roughly $228.1 billion in 2008. Moreover, roughly 24 percent of Americans between the ages of 18 and 64 had no health insurance for at least part of the year. Consequently, it is not uncommon for cancer survivors to need help with medical bills.

CancerCare

CancerCare is a national nonprofit organization that provides free professional support services to cancer survivors. In 2008, CancerCare provided help to more than 100,000 people. In addition to providing cancer survivors with financial help, CancerCare offers free counseling services, support groups, education workshops, publications and therapeutic activities. In order to qualify for free services and financial assistance, you must fill out a form at the CancerCare website. The form requires information regarding your income, savings, expenses and health.

Public and Nonprofit Hospitals

Many public and nonprofit hospitals offer free programs to individuals that cannot pay. To find a program like this in your community, call your local hospital and ask to speak with a social worker about "charity care" or "indigent care" programs. You can also contact the National Cancer Institute Cancer Information Service, which can find the program nearest to you.

Clinical Trials

Qualifying cancer survivors can receive free or low-cost treatment by participating in a clinical trial. The National Cancer Institute has a searchable database of more than 8,000 clinical trials currently accepting participants.

Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs

Pharmaceutical assistance programs provide help with prescription drug costs. Many of these programs provide assistance whether you are insured or uninsured. You can find a program by visiting the Partnership for Prescription Assistance website at www.pparx.org.

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