Taking a toddler's temperature can be a very challenging task. Often times, caregivers opt to take an infant's temperature rectally; however, a toddler's temperature should be taken orally or under the arm with a digital thermometer. Ear thermometers may also be used; however, they can be tricky to use successfully. The most common method for taking a toddler's temperature is under the arm (axillary temperature) with a digital thermometer and that it the method that will be discussed here.
Instructions
1. Take off the toddler's shirt or other clothing that is above the waist. Clothing may get in the way of the thermometer and cause the reading to be incorrect.
2. Put the toddler in your lap in a comfortable position.
3. Give the toddler something interesting to distract him during the process. A favorite book or toy will be helpful.
4. Put the end of the thermometer under the toddler's arm in the armpit area. Make sure the thermometer does not come out on the other side of the toddler's armpit.
5. Press the button to turn on the digital thermometer and hold it in place until the thermometer beeps to indicate it is finished.
6. Hold the toddler's arm down so that the thermometer is fully touching both sides of the toddler's armpit. If the thermometer is not within full contact with the toddler's skin, the reading may be incorrect.
7. Read the display. Often times, doctors will suggest you add one degree to an axillary temperature to get a more accurate result.
Tags: toddler armpit, toddler temperature, axillary temperature, digital thermometer, Often times, reading incorrect, with digital
Gastric bypass is a form of weight loss surgery. It is performed on individuals who are obese and unable to lose weight to maintain a healthy size through any other means, such as diet or exercise. It works by removing a part of the stomach and intestinal tract and redirecting the digestive system to reduce the amount of food that can be ingested. Gastric bypass surgery is a major operation that can cause a variety of problems in patients post-operation, which is why it should only be considered as a last resort.
Minor Problems
There are a number of small problems that an individual can experience in the first six months after gastric bypass surgery. These issues are the results of the significant weight loss that occurs, as well as the decrease in healthy nutrients and the compromised absorption of vitamins and minerals. Some of these small problems include hair loss, mercurial moods, dry skin, sensitivity to cold, chronic fatigue, and muscle aches. However as the body stabilizes post procedure, these small problems should rectify themselves.
Blood Clots
A major problem that an individual can experience after gastric bypass surgery is blood clots in the legs. Blood clots can be very dangerous and lead to heart attack, stroke, and pulmonary embolisms. While blood clots are always a serious risk for individuals who are overweight or obese, they are a particular concern for patients after gastric bypass because of the physical trauma of the surgery as well as the rapid alteration in blood sugar, platelet count, and immune response. Moving legs frequently and getting at least 15 minutes physical exercise using the legs each day can help reduce the risk of this major problem.
Chronic Dehydration
Dehydration is another major problem that occurs after gastric bypass surgery. While dehydration may not seem like a severe issue, chronic dehydration can lead to a variety of other problems, such as electrolyte imbalances, blood sugar imbalances, and digestive stagnation. Individuals who get gastric bypass surgery are at greater risk for chronic dehydration due to the fact that a large portion of the stomach and intestine, the main organs which absorb water, have been removed.
Dumping Syndrome
Dumping syndrome is a condition that arises after bariatric surgery when food and liquid ingested into the reduced stomach do not have a chance to properly digest before reaching the small intestine. The result is chronic vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, and symptoms of fever. Dumping syndrome can be avoided by reducing the amount of high-fat or high sugar foods in the post-operation diet.
Kidney Stones and Gallstones
Kidney stones and gallstones, two types of calcified mineral deposits, are also common problems after gastric bypass surgery. These problems occur due to the lack of hydration, the severe altering of dietary intake, and reduced immune function immediately after surgery. While these complications are not dangerous to health, they can be extremely painful to pass, and may need to be eradicated by a doctor.
Tags: after gastric, after gastric bypass, bypass surgery, gastric bypass, gastric bypass surgery
Flea bites on humans aren't very common because these critters don't typically like to live on people. They will, however, bit a person if that individual is around infested animals like dogs or cats. Since they can carry diseases, fleas should be taken care of immediately. Every pet owner should know the basic information on identify flea bites on humans.
Instructions
1. Run your hands along the fronts and backs of your ankles and lower legs checking for bumps. Flea bites on humans tend to be in this location since pets are much shorter than people.
2. Inspect any bumps on your legs with your eyes. If they are red, move on to the next step because they could be flea bites on humans.
3. Pay attention to these little bumps. If they begin to itch, it typically means they are flea bites on humans if all the previous steps add up as well.
4. Watch for potential allergic reaction to flea bites on humans. Typically, hives and rashes indicate an allergy. This should go away within a day.
The juice of a lemon makes a great natural colon cleanse.
There are toxins in everyday life that assault us continuously. To make matters worse, a sedentary lifestyle and junk food also clog up the mechanism to fight the toxins. As a result, even more grow and collect. The colon eliminates many of the toxins from the body, but if it isn't working properly, they build up. You can cleanse your bowels naturally to get your system working again.
Instructions
Natural Lemon Cleanse
1. Eliminate the toxins on a 20-day cleanse. You might have to cleanse again if you have a lot of build-up in your body. Prepare for the lemon cleanse by reducing the amount of food you consume. Also, change to only raw fruit and vegetables about 1 week before you go on the lemon cleanse diet.
2. Mix a batch of the natural cleanse. Squeeze a fresh lemon. Add 2 cups of room-temperature water, 1/4 cup organic maple syrup, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper and the juice from the lemon. Divide the mixture into two servings and drink one of those every 2 hours.
3. Add a natural herbal laxative tea to your diet every night for the 20 days of natural colon cleansing. Teas that contain breadnut seed, senna, rhubarb root and licorice root all act as mild laxatives.
4. Consume no other food while on the natural lemon cleanse. The tea and lemon drink are the only two foods you consume while you're cleansing.
5. Drink plenty of additional water. While your colon detoxes, it needs additional water to wash out all the built-up residue it dislodged. The additional water helps flush out waste. This colon cleanse is also used as a weight reduction drink.
Clean with Apple Juice
6. Make a different colon cleanse that you add to your normal diet. When you cleanse your bowel naturally with the raw cider mixture, you continue to eat other foods while you cleanse. Even though you eat other foods with this natural cleanse, it's also important that you eat lighter and use fresh fruits and vegetables as your primary food source.
7. Purchase unpasteurized apple juice. Most of the time, you find it at regular groceries during the fall months. Other times, you can find it at health food stores. Sometimes it is called raw apple juice.
8. Combine 1/2 cup of the apple juice with 2 tbsp. of chlorophyll, 2 tbsp. whole aloe vera juice (not the watered-down drink), 1 heaping tsp. of psyllium husk powder, 1 heaping tsp. of wheat germ or flax seed, 1 cup of water and two Cascara Sagrada capsules. Make the mixture right before bedtime. Mix it thoroughly.
9. Drink this mixture each night before you go to bed. Add additional water to the glass, swirl it around to remove any built-up residue, and drink it.
10. Stay on this natural colon cleanse for a minimum of 30 days or a maximum of 60 days. After the first week, you'll start to notice a difference after you cleanse your bowels naturally with the apple juice cleanse.
A hormonal imbalance causes such symptoms as hot flashes and night sweats, irritability and depression, unexplained weight loss or gain, and fatigue. Prescription medicines are available for treatment of hormone imbalances, but you may prefer to use natural remedies instead of synthetic hormone replacement therapies. Though not all imbalances can be treated without the use of replacement hormones, the symptoms can be managed through natural treatments.
History
Before the advent of synthetic hormones, natural remedies were used. Among these were the herbs black cohosh, nettles, dong quai and soy. These herbs contain phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens are plant compounds that mimic estrogens found in the human body. When the body doesn't produce enough estrogen, the most common cause of hormonal imbalance, these herbs supply the body with estrogen-like substances, thus "tricking" the body into believing the hormone levels are in balance.
Types
But the phytoestrogens found in these plants don't "reset" the thyroid or stimulate hormonal production. They do relieve the symptoms of menopause, but if the goal is to restore fertility, as in early ovarian failure, the herb mecafem may be effective.
Mecafem does not contain phytoestrogens. It does, however, stimulate the pituitary and endocrine glands into production. Estrogen levels are naturally raised, and so fertility may be restored.
But herbs aren't the only treatment for hormonal imbalance. Acupuncture works to restore the body's systems by tapping into the body's energy paths. The precise placement of needles realigns the body's energies and restores natural hormone levels. Because acupuncture is a difficult technique to quantify, however, scientific studies do not bear this out. The evidence of effectiveness is anecdotal.
Meditation can be used to manage the symptoms of hormonal imbalances, but it is not a cure. Much like yoga and massage therapy, meditation allows you to control the affects of the condition. In the case of menopause, this may be all that is necessary.
Considerations
Menopause is a naturally-occurring condition in women. This is nature's way of protecting older women from the stress and demands of pregnancy. The symptoms of menopause are a side effect of the condition. Managing the symptoms is an appropriate treatment; menopause need not be cured.
Function
Managing the symptoms of hormonal imbalance usually requires a combination of treatments. Herbal extracts and teas often provide immediate relief, but some, like black cohosh, can only be used for up to 6 months.
If the goal is long-term management and relief of symptoms caused by hormonal imbalance, changes in lifestyle and diet may be necessary.
Time Frame
The most natural treatment for hormonal imbalances begins with diet. A diet of fish, organic fruits and vegetables, whole grain foods and raw foods maintains your body's natural inclination toward good health and systemic balance.
Using proper diet as your baseline, add herbal teas and stress management techniques to your daily routine. Stress management techniques include exercise, meditation and relaxation.
These lifestyle choices will aid in reducing sleeplessness and fatigue, which in turn alleviates depression and irritability. They promote proper weight management and circulation, which in turn reduces the frequency of hot flashes.
Over time, a healthy diet and a regimen of natural treatments suppress the symptoms of hormonal imbalances.
Anxiety and depression are two of the main components of bipolar disorder and can result in episodes of prolonged depression. If left untreated, anxiety and depression can lead to a worsening of the individual's condition and symptoms, often resulting in severe social and interpersonal problems, dangerous or harmful thoughts and even suicide. For these reasons, it is important to treat bipolar anxiety and depression at an early stage, before hospitalization is necessary.
Instructions
Treat Bipolar Anxiety and Depression
1. Keep a journal of moods and feelings. Keeping a journal of mood and feeling variations can help an individual recognize when he is entering a depressive stage or experiencing elevated levels of anxiety. If the individual is able to recognize a change in behavior patterns at the early stages and seek medical treatment immediately, he or she can avoid experiencing a full-blown depressive episode, interpersonal problems, extreme social phobia or other anxiety-induced problems.
2. Talk to psychiatrist or mental health expert and ask about different medications. Because depression and anxiety are two of the most dangerous symptoms of bipolar disorder, it is important to seek help if the individual feels he is entering a depressive phase or is suffering from increased anxiety. Mood stabilizing drugs such as lithium and anticonvulsants, antidepressants and even antipsychotics can help reduce depressive thoughts and anxiety.
Individuals suffering from anxiety often suffer from insomnia, which may further increase anxiety. In extreme cases of anxiety and insomnia, a doctor can prescribe sleeping pills as well.
3. Begin or continue therapy sessions. Talking to a qualified, experienced mental health professional can help the bipolar individual learn to cope with anxiety and depressive episodes.
Perhaps the most important type of therapy for individuals suffering from bipolar disorder is cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches individuals change negative thoughts, behaviors and patterns. Individuals can learn to recognize and change the factors that are contributing to anxiety and depression.
Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy can help individuals improve their social skills and can provide skills for decreasing social phobias and social anxiety.
Psychoeducation therapy allows individuals to recognize the early signs of manic depression, resulting in earlier, more effective intervention.
If an individual is unresponsive to medications and therapy, electroshock therapy can also be employed. Electro-convulsive shock therapy appears to be highly effective, helping up to 75 percent of individuals who are experiencing suicidal thoughts. The patient is put under anesthesia and given 30- to 90-second electrical shocks.
4. Lead a healthy lifestyle. Getting plenty of exercise and sleep, avoiding drugs and alcohol and following a consistent daily schedule can help keep depression and anxiety at bay. Aside from serving as a distraction, exercise releases endorphins into the body, which can help ward off depressive episodes. Getting enough sleep is likely to reduce anxiety levels, decreasing the chances of severe anxiety-related problems. Drugs and alcohol are known to worsen the symptoms of bipolar disorder and can also have dangerous interactions with or decrease the effectiveness of many of the medications individuals take to control their symptoms.
Maintaining a more or less unchanging daily routine can also reduce anxiety levels and allows the individual to feel more in control of his or her life.
5. Seek support from friends and family. Family-focused therapy is a therapy option that includes family members and/or close friends of the individual suffering from bipolar disorder. The more friends and family members know about the early symptoms of increased anxiety and manic depression, the earlier medical intervention can be sought.
Individuals suffering from bipolar disorder should talk to their friends and family about their feelings and thoughts. Having a strong support circle can improve an individual's condition.
Tags: bipolar disorder, suffering from, friends family, from bipolar, from bipolar disorder, suffering from bipolar, Anxiety Depression
As of 2011, it remains unclear how hydrogen peroxide is used by the body, but R. Webster Kehr of the Independent Cancer Research Foundation, Inc., believes absorption of hydrogen peroxide into the body can be beneficial. H202, or hydrogen peroxide, is water with an extra oxygen atom attached. Various forms of hydrogen peroxide therapy exist, including using that extra oxygen molecule in the H202 to target toxins in the body as well as viruses and bacteria.
Controversy
The controversy in using this hydrogen peroxide therapy lies in the fact that H202 frees its extra oxygen atom, which makes an oxidizing reaction occur. When this happens, harmful chemicals and bacteria can be neutralized, which can be beneficial, but it can also be detrimental, according to The Natural Path website.
Methods
One way that H202 is absorbed through your body is by using a vaporizer containing a mix of diluted 3.5 percent hydrogen peroxide with one gallon of water. Another technique entails putting diluted hydrogen peroxide into your tub water and soaking it in for half an hour. The hot water dilates blood vessels and pores, which makes absorption even faster.
Cancer
Hydrogen peroxide can be used to treat cancer patients, according to the Cancer Tutor website. The metastasis, which is the spread of cancer, is dependent on the amount of oxygen that exists around the cancer cells. The more oxygenated the area is, the slower the cancer spreads. The less oxygen, the quicker the cancer spreads. Cancer cells are anaerobic, which means if they get enough oxygen, they will die. The theory suggests hydrogen peroxide appears to kill the bad cells, because cancer cells do not have the ability to break down hydrogen peroxide, which healthy cells are capable of doing.
The Process
The goal of this method is to figure out get enough hydrogen peroxide inside the cancerous cells. Each cancerous cell has a thick enzyme coating on its surface that prevents many substances, and maybe even hydrogen peroxide, from getting to the surface of the cell and into the cell.
To improve the efficacy of hydrogen peroxide for this purpose, the protein cover on the proteolytic enzymes, which are also referred to as pancreatic enzymes, are cut apart to help the hydrogen peroxide get into the cancer cells.
Warning
H202 is highly caustic and can burn you. It must be diluted. H202 under 5 percent does not require labeling, but solutions containing more than that amount are considered dangerous. You can do damage to your eyes, skin and respiratory system, points out the Green Facts website.
Talk to your physician about hydrogen peroxide therapy before trying it.
Tags: hydrogen peroxide, hydrogen peroxide, cancer cells, extra oxygen, hydrogen peroxide into, hydrogen peroxide therapy, peroxide into
Bleeding hemorrhoids, which are a painful condition consisting of swollen external or internal veins in the anal and rectal area, can be effectively treated. It is important to have first-time sufferers evaluated by a physician. There are a variety of causes leading to hemorrhoids, such as week rectal vein walls or valves, constipation, excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption, and pregnancy.
Instructions
1. Ask your physician about surgery. According to a 1991 study at the Department of Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taipei, Taiwan, only 11 percent of those treated with laser surgery requested narcotic pain relief, whereas 56 percent of patients who received closed Ferguson hemorrhoidectomy required narcotic pain medication. Because the laser essentially seals the nerves and blood vessels during treatment, there is less chance of infection compared with the related after-care involving the sutures used in traditional surgery.
2. Apply lidocaine/hydrocortisone cream, an over-the-counter medication, as a way to prevent the need for hemorrhoid surgery. According to Drugs.com, this cream has been reported to reduce discomfort such as itching and swelling; however, use it under a physician's care and direction.
3. Dissolve approximately 1/2 cup of Epsom salt per gallon of water in a sitz bath, and sit in it for 15 to 20 minutes. Lie back so you don't apply too much pressure to the bleeding hemorrhoids. According to hemorrhoidshemroids.com, a sitz bath will help alter the blood flow to the area and help alleviate swelling. Naturalhemorrhoidtreatment.org states that this is a treatment mostly effective early on.
Natural remedies have not been evaluated or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Seek out medical advice before self-medicating.
Tags: effectively treated, narcotic pain, sitz bath, surgery According
Efficient, simple and clear communication is key in an increasingly diverse workforce. Nowhere is this more evident than in the area of employee safety. The standardized use of color can instruct and warn workers through the use of safety symbols. The American National Standard Institute has issued a standard, ANSI Z545.1, that addresses this issue and assigns meaning to the use of specific colored safety symbols in the workplace.
Red
The colors red, yellow and orange are most commonly used in safety symbols in industrial environments. These colors are used to designate and warn of various levels of hazards associated with working conditions or potential actions taken by a worker. Red is most commonly paired with white and black in safety symbols and safety signs found in the workplace. This color combination is used to identify the highest level of hazard, danger signifying an imminent or immediate hazard. In the workplace this color is also meant to indicate a stop action such as the emergency shutoff of machinery. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) requires symbols and signage for fire equipment such as fire extinguishers to be red.
Orange and Yellow
Orange is usually paired with black for use with safety symbols in an industrial setting. This color combination indicates a lesser hazard than red indicates and is used as a warning for dangerous machinery and energized equipment that could potentially cause injury.
Yellow is most often paired with black to indicate a level of caution for hazards that if not avoided could cause minor to moderate injury. These hazards include such dangers as striking or being struck by an object, tripping, slipping, falling or being caught in or between machinery. Although black and white are officially designated for pedestrian walkways in an industrial setting, sometimes yellow is used instead as a caution, especially in areas where there is a fall or traffic hazard.
Green
Green is universally used in industrial symbols and signs to denote safety. This color is typically used to denote the location of emergency equipment such as first aid kits, and other safety equipment such as emergency eye-wash stations and deluge showers. Recently green has been used more often to mark emergency exits over the traditional red signs.
Blue, Black and White
Industry uses blue and white or black and white signs to post informational notices, give direction or mark traffic aisles and boundaries. Blue can additionally be used to warn workers to not use equipment that is currently undergoing repair such as in the use of lock-out tag-out cards.
Tags: equipment such, paired with, safety symbols, This color, color combination, equipment that, industrial setting
Stratera is a common misspelling of Eli Lilly's ADHD drug Strattera® (atomoxetine hydrocholride), often prescribed for ADHD. If your doctor has recommended Strattera for you or your child, you should know the possible side effects of the medication.
History
The FDA approved the "non-stimulant" Strattera for use in treating attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD or ADHD) in January 2003. Intended as a replacement for Ritalin® (methylphenidate), Strattera, a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), increases the brain's supply of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. Low norepinephrine levels are widely believed to be a major contributor to ADHD.
Existing Health Conditions
Before you take Strattera or give it to a child or adolescent, make sure your doctor knows about your existing health issues. It also is important that your doctor know about any heart disease, heart rhythm disorders or congenital heart defects. Tell her if a family member has died from a heart attack and whether you have high or low blood pressure, blood clots or a history of stroke or coronary artery disease. Inform her if you have glaucoma, liver disease, problems urinating or are allergic to atomoxetine.
If your family has a history of mental illness or other psychotic disorders, your doctor must also know this.
Research has not yet shown whether Strattera passes into breast milk, or, if it does, whether or not it could harm a nursing baby.
Side Effects
Call 911 if you have an allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing or swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat. Do the same if you become short of breath, experience chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeats or if you feel lightheaded.
Nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice and increased blood pressure are all side effects you should report to your doctor immediately. If you have unusual thoughts, your behavior changes or if you begin to hallucinate, seek help.
Suicide
Some children and teens have suicidal thoughts after starting Strattera. According to Eli Lilly, 12 studies of Strattera showed that among children and teens, four of every 1,000 developed suicidal thoughts. However, similar studies found no increase in such thoughts among adults.
If you note changes in your child's behavior or mood, particularly when starting the medicine or after any change in the dosage, get him to the doctor.
Lesser Side Effects
Strattera can impair your thinking and your reaction time. Exercise care when you drive or undertake any task that requires you to be awake and alert. You may also have irritable feelings, feel drowsy, dizzy, become constipated, have difficulty sleeping, increased menstrual cramping, impotence, loss of sexual motivation, trouble having an orgasm, cough, dry mouth, skin rash or itching.
Tags: your doctor, blood pressure, children teens, suicidal thoughts, your child
If your bidet is collecting dust, be creative in how you use it.
A bidet is a small sink that is used for washing the genitalia after using the bathroom. Bidets are popular in Europe and Asia, but are not common in the United States. If you travel abroad or buy a home with a bidet but would rather use toilet paper, there are some creative uses for the fixture.
Shaving Bowl
Shave your legs without getting in the shower.
Often, a woman does not have time to shave her legs while taking her morning shower. If you need to shave prior to going out in the evening and don't want to get your hair wet in the shower, run water into the bidet and use it as a shaving bowl. You will not have to worry about clogging the sink with hair or washing the hair out of the sink before you brush your teeth. All you have to do is flush the bidet when you are done.
Pet Bath
Prevent your drain from getting clogged by washing your pet in the bidet.
No one likes cleaning pet hair out of the sink or bathtub after you give your furry-friend a bath. Eliminate this problem by washing your pet in a bidet. The bidet will hold water just like a bathtub or sink. Wash your pet and flush away the hair.
Beverage Cooler
Bidets can be a great place to keep your drinks.
This idea is particularly convenient for use in a hotel equipped with a bidet. Most hotel rooms do not have refrigerators. If you want to keep beverages cold, you usually have to cram one or two drinks in the hotel-supplied ice bucket. Keep many beverages cold by putting them in the bidet and covering them with ice. You will not have to worry about a cooler or ice bucket leaking.
Water Bowl for a Cat
Your cat need never be without water again.
If you use a bidet for a cat water bowl, you never need to remember to put out fresh water for her before you leave. Cats drink out of toilets anyway, so just let her have her fill of water out of the bidet. Flush it every couple of days to keep the water fresh.
Tags: your bidet, beverages cold, hair sink, have worry, have worry about, washing your, washing your bidet
It is very important to be able to identify unknown medications, especially if you don't have the original containers or packaging that they came in. Sometimes drug companies change a drug's appearance, and you may notice a difference once you get home. You may also mix up your prescription drugs and not know which is which. Knowing identify any unknown medication can be important and even life-saving.
Instructions
1. Ask your pharmacist. Take any unknown medication to your pharmacist and she will be able to identify the medication for you. Most times she will even repackage and label it for you, if you had it originally filled there. Pharmacists are trained to identify all medications, and they have other resources available where they can make a positive identifications of any drug.
2. Ask your doctor. Doctors will be able to identify the drug as well. Even though they don't work with drugs to the extent that pharmacists do, they are still able to identify them. They are also equipped with resources that aid them in identifying your medications. Consulting with your doctor or pharmacist should be your first choice when trying to identify an unknown drug.
3. Go to www.rxlist.com and click on "Pill Identifier." This tab is found at the very top of the page. This tool will allow you to input information about the pill. You can input things about the pill such as the color, shape, or number on the pill. It will also allow you to enter a combination of all of these. The computer will then show you pictures of pills that you can select from. Choose the pill that most resembles your pill and all of its identifying marks. Make sure to look at the shape, color, and number on the pill before making a positive identification. If you aren't absolutely sure, ask a doctor or pharmacist. You should always ask a doctor or pharmacist to just make sure you identified the pill correctly. Never take any medication if you aren't sure what it is used for. It could be very harmful to your health.
Tags: able identify, doctor pharmacist, about pill, doctor pharmacist should, identify unknown, number pill, pharmacist should
Ringworm is a fungal skin infection that can affect the body, the scalp or the feet. Ringworm that appears on the feet is generally referred to as athlete's foot. The infection is spread from person to person and can also be transmitted from animals to people. Most people who have contracted ringworm have rashes on several areas of their body at once. A visit to the doctor's office can confirm a ringworm diagnosis.
Instructions
1. Give your medical history to your doctor as it relates to ringworm. Much of the testing or diagnosis for ringworm involves ruling out other types of skin rash. Tell your doctor if you have come into contact with any animals, especially house cats, that may have a rash, or if any of your close friends or family who have recently been diagnosed with ringworm.
2. Allow your doctor to visually examine your rash. Ringworm gets its name from the shape of the rash--a circular pattern with healthy-looking skin in the center, according to the National Institutes of Health. The rash may itch, peel, ooze or blister. You may experience hair loss in areas that are affected by scalp ringworm.
3. Biopsy the rash to test for ringworm. In this case, taking a sample is non-invasive and involves only a minor scraping of the skin to remove a piece of the fungus. Examining the sample under a microscope allows your doctor to see the composition of the rash and to make a firm diagnosis.
4. Use a Wood's lamp to test for ringworm. This special light is shone on the affected area in a darkened room. The fungal infection will glow, indicating that ringworm is present.
All forms of hepatitis can cause serious liver damage. A combined hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccination can prevent you from developing the diseases that these viruses cause. The hepatitis C virus mutates quickly and that makes developing an effective vaccine for it difficult.
Hepatitis A Vaccine
The hepatitis A vaccine is given in two doses over a six month period.
Hepatitis B Vaccine
The hepatitis B vaccine is also given in two dose over the same time period and protects against the hepatitis B virus. People at risk for getting both forms of hepatitis should considered the combined vaccine.
Combined Hepatitis A + B Vaccine
A combined vaccine that protects against the hepatitis A and B vaccine became available in 2001. Patients receive this vaccine in three doses over a six-month period. The FDA approved the combined vaccine for use on people 18 and older.
Hepatitis C Vaccine Difficulties
A vaccine for hepatitis C has not been developed. The hepatitis C virus mutates rapidly and can hide in your body for many years before it becomes active. The immune systems of some people who have been exposed to the virus fight the infection off, while other people may develop signs of hepatitis C infection many years after the original infection.
Who Should Be Vaccinated?
Sexually active people, people who work with human blood, intravenous drug users and people who may have been exposed to the virus in cases of food infection should received the combined hepatitis A and B vaccine.
Vaccination Side Effects
Hepatitis vaccinations have very few side effects. Most patients experience little more than soreness in the arm. Less common side effects include headache, low grade fever and fatigue.
Tags: combined vaccine, Hepatitis Vaccine, hepatitis virus, against hepatitis, been exposed, been exposed virus
Now that artificial turf is frequently being used on school and youth athletic fields in addition to professional ones, scrutiny of the potential health hazards of turf is increasing as well. The history of turf-specific injuries has long been discussed, but new research is being conducted on potential bacterial and chemical hazards. It is important to note that the concerns at this time over risks of poisoning or carcinogens are speculative until scientific studies are completed.
Injury
The first artificial playing surfaces installed decades ago had a thin layer of turf and padding over hard concrete, and players taking hard falls or tackles could suffer severe injuries, including concussions. Modern artificial turf much more closely approximates the give of a natural grass surface, but turf-specific fractures and strains can still occur.
Overheating
On hot summer days, the surface temperature of artificial turf can reach 150 to 170 degrees F. The air within a few feet of the surface can be heated far above the nominal air temperature. This can greatly increase the danger to athletes of heatstroke and dehydration.
Infections
Bacteria, left by bodily secretions such as sweat, saliva and blood, thrive in the artificial turf when heated. Cuts, open wounds and bare skin coming into contact with the bacteria can pick up infections that can develop into serious conditions. Turf burns from friction must be immediately disinfected.
Poisoning
Federal authorities have recently been investigating the effects of lead chromate contained in the pigment used to color the turf. A major concern is that abrasion of the turf during normal use can generate tiny suspended fibers, possibly containing lead, which can be inhaled.
Carcinogens
Crumb rubber, used as a pad underneath many modern artificial turf surfaces, is currently being investigated by the New York State Department of Health for the possibility that it is a carcinogen. No previous studies have been done in this area.
A pulse oximeter is a medical device that indirectly measures levels of hypoxia. The device senses levels of oxygen saturation in arterial blood using spectral analysis, along with pulse rate. Generally, oximeters are accurate in measuring oxygen saturation between 70 and 100 percent.
Significance
A pulse oximeter is a medical device that measures levels of blood oxygen saturation, monitors pulse rate and calculates heart rate. It utilizes a non-invasive analysis to measure blood oxygen saturation, so no blood samples need to be drawn.
Utility
The primary utility of oximeters is to measure blood oxygen levels among newborns, patients with pulmonary disease and surgery patients.
Hypoxia
When the body or tissues are deprived of oxygen, it is in a state of hypoxia. Pulse oximeters are accurate in the critical range of 70 and 100 percent, which alerts physicians to critical states before symptoms can arise.
Normal Pulse Oximetry Readings
Normal blood oxygen saturation readings at or near sea level is between 95 to 100 percent, as measured by the pulse oximeter. Normal arterial blood flow and calculated heart rate depend on the state and age of the patient (such as newborn or unconscious adult).
Considerations
Pulse oximeters attach to an external body part, such as a finger or earlobe, and utilizes spectral measurements. Consequently, external conditions such as altitude, temperature and lighting can affect the readings.
Acne plagues millions of adults around the world. Acne rosacea is a very common form of acne that is caused by a chronic inflammation of the skin around the face. While it is seen occasionally on other areas of the body, it seems to localize itself on the forehead, chin and cheeks, and most especially the nose. While acne vulgaris is more common to teens and young adults, acne rosacea tends to affect adults between the ages of 30 and 50 years old. It is more common in men than women, though men seem to suffer more severe cases of acne rosacea. Acne rosacea can't be prevented, but by identifying the signs and symptoms, individuals can try to prevent and avoid flare-ups and begin treatment before an outbreak becomes severe.
Instructions
1. Acne rocasea causes a variety of symptoms in individuals, and many people will react differently to symptoms that may range from mild to severe. One of the major symptoms of acne rosacea is the appearance of flushing or blushing on the cheeks. This persistent redness causes a feeling of heat to suffuse the cheek area.
2. Development of thickened areas of skin on the nose and cheeks are another symptoms of acne rosacea, which may or may not be accompanied by the appearance of tiny blood vessels that are visible on the surface of the skin.
3. Appearance of small bumps, or papules, as well as small blisters causes the surface of the skin to appear rough and inflammed. These bumps or blister-like pustules generally appear on the forehead, chin and cheeks of those suffering from acne rosacea.
4. Itching and a dry, tight feeling of the skin is another common symptom of acne rosacea. This itching may be felt as a burning or stinging sensation in many people. Symptoms worsen when an individual scratches or rubs the skin.
5. Watering eyes that may appear bloodshot are also a common symptom of acne rosacea that is made worse by rubbing.
6. Follow directions for all over the counter spot treatment creams. Most treatment creams will provide relief within 3 to 5 days. Apply a thin layer over affected area to be treated and resist poking or prodding pimples for optimal results.
Tags: acne rosacea, acne rosacea, chin cheeks, common symptom, common symptom acne, forehead chin
It doesn't take any special math skills to send out medical bills. However, for reporting, calculations of how much money is and should be coming in and other things related to medical billing, good math skills or an understanding of calculate information is imperative in a medical billing career.
Cash and Allowances
The most obvious way math is an important skill in medical billing relates to adding up how much cash has come in and calculating allowances.
Cash is the easiest one to understand. A check comes in, one writes down how much it's for, and on a daily, monthly, and yearly basis, totals are calculated.
When it comes to allowances and adjustments, the math skills need to be ramped up a little bit. With some insurance companies, there's a fee schedule which tells exactly how much they're going to pay for specific procedures. With others, there's a percentage calculation for how much they'll pay based on either your gross billed amount. With Medicare, it's based on a percentage of fee schedule and percentages based off cost reporting.
Upfront Billing Allowances
Some billing companies or departments like to send out claims showing how much they expect to be paid for provided services. This isn't always easy to do. If you're billing an insurance company and all you have to do is bring down the amount for each service to what the insurance company says it's going to pay, that's easy. It gets complicated if you have to do different calculations for multiple services within the same group for a particular insurance.
For instance, in some states, three or more radiology procedures being billed to Compensation would be paid differently. They might pay 100 percent for the first procedure, 75 percent for the second and 50 percent for every subsequent procedure. If your state requires you to bill this out for what you expect to be paid, you need to know do the calculations for the correct amounts of each service.
Days in AR
You'll need an understanding of math to know calculate days in accounts receivables (AR). This figure tells you the average of how many days it takes to collect what you're owed. It takes into account billed accounts, non-billed accounts, gross receivables or net receivables, and the dollars and aging of each insurance. Some software will give you some of these answers, but not all of them.
Outstanding Accounts Receivables
Knowing interpret outstanding accounts receivables requires a good mathematical understanding of calculations. The first thing that you'll need to know is interpret outstanding receivables based on different time criteria. Then you'll need to figure it out based on group aging. Then you'll need to know figure it out based on the different insurances, and how they pay. And finally, you'll need to know do different averages and estimations of revenue, such as why new receivables may be higher or lower at certain times of the year, and how it impacts your receivables. Without understanding do the math, one can get false information from general data.
Balancing Out Work
One last reason for understanding math is figuring out disperse work, whether a person works by themselves or with others. A novice might think you could split the alphabet by the number of people you have and that would bring about a fair amount of work for each, but medical billing doesn't work like that.
For instance, people whose last names begin with B, J, M, S and W will often have more claims than many of the other letters, but it's not always like that. Between insurances, it's possible that those letters will skew in much different ways. Also, one might have to figure out that a person billing paper claims will take longer than a person billing everything electronic, so the division of the workload might not look fair, yet may be fair.
And finally, the dollars associated with each insurance type might not work out to being the same either. If a medical billing entity is billing Medicaid claims out at net balances, it might give a false impression of how much work there is to do. That's because Medicaid pays the least of every insurance company. Inpatient claims, which are the highest dollar amounts of all medical claims, might actually be the result of only a few claims that the billing department is having trouble getting paid.
Tags: medical billing, need know, insurance company, math skills, much they, understanding math, based different
Peridex is a prescription mouth rinse used to treat gingivitis and other inflammations of the gums. It works by killing unwanted mouth bacteria that can contribute to swollen and bleeding gums. Although it works in improving the overall health of your mouth and gums, one significant side effect is the staining of your teeth. Peridex stains are dark brown in color and can often be treated by your dentist. However, the whitening treatments offered by your dentist are usually considered cosmetic in nature so most insurance companies will not pay for the procedure.
Instructions
1. Use the toothpaste and electric toothbrush to brush your teeth three times a day. Pay particular attention to the darkest stains; brush for a full five minutes.
2. Do this for two weeks. Assess the stains to determine if they are disappearing or fading.
3. If you are not satisfied with the results, call your dentist. She can call in a prescription for Supersmile Toothpaste, which will remove Peridex stains. Unlike whitening procedures, most insurances will help with the cost of Supersmile Toothpaste.
4. Continue to brush three times a day once the stains are gone to ensure your teeth do not stain again.
Tags: your dentist, your teeth, Peridex stains, Supersmile Toothpaste, three times
Although the elegance and beauty of lead crystal have led to its broad use in serving food and beverages, an element of caution is necessary when choosing to eat or drink from lead crystal stemware, dinnerware, or storage containers. This is due to the danger of the lead content in the crystal leaching into liquids and causing serious health issues. Lead is a highly toxic metal that is found in small amounts within the earth's crust. The amount of lead that dissolves into food and drink will depend on the lead content of the crystal, the type of food or beverage contained in the crystal, and the period of time they remain in contact with each other.
Health Risks and Lead Content of Crystal
The severity of the health risks associated with lead crystal is relative to the percentage of lead contained in the serving dish or container. The lead content in crystal can range from 24 to 33 percent, and is dependent upon the amount of lead oxide added to the glass. In addition, certain foods and beverages are associated with increased lead leaching. This is especially true for acidic foods and beverages, such as pickles, fruit juices, port, wine, and soft drinks. In addition, using lead crystal containers to store certain items, such as storing jam in a lead jam pot, may also pose health risks.
Effects of Lead Exposure on Health
The level of lead exposure determines the type and severity of effects on health. Lower lead levels have been linked to changes in the mental development and behavior of children that include hyperactivity, fine motor function deficits, reduced hand-eye coordination and reaction time, and decreased performance on intelligence tests. Chronic lead exposure in adults may lead to conditions including increased blood pressure, nausea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, fatigue, reduced fertility, cataracts, nerve disorders, muscle and joint pain, and memory or concentration problems. Severe lead exposure can lead to neurological disorders including, but not limited to, lack of muscular coordination, convulsions, and coma.
Determining Lead Content in Crystal
Because the lead content in crystal is not necessarily stamped on the manufacturer's label, there are other ways to determine lead content when choosing crystal for eating and drinking purposes. Crystal having lead content provides a much higher light refraction index than normal glass, giving it a much greater sparkle effect. In addition, lead crystal has a luminous, silvery look, and is famous for having a musical ringing tone, such as that heard when crystal glasses are clinked together in a toast. In comparison, ordinary glass provides a more tinny sound.
Safe Use of Lead Crystal
To reduce health risks, soak new lead crystal in vinegar for at least 24 hours prior to use. Hand-wash each piece using a mild detergent and then rinse thoroughly. Lead crystal can safely be used to serve most food and drinks during a meal, because no liquid will remain in the serving dish or container long enough for leaching to occur in an amount that exceeds the Environmental Protection Agency's standards. However, do not store port, cognac or other alcoholic beverages in lead crystal storage containers. Use lead crystal decanters only for serving. Fill decanters with alcoholic beverages prior to serving, and then pour the remaining contents into a lead-free storage container, such as the original bottle in which it was purchased. Lead crystal jam pots can be used safely in the same manner. Avoid serving children and pregnant women with lead crystal, as they are at an increased risk for the dangers of lead exposure.
Tags: lead content, lead crystal, content crystal, health risks, lead crystal, lead exposure, alcoholic beverages
Chemotherapy is a broad class of medications primarily used in the treatment of cancer. There are more than 100 different chemotherapy agents, which can be administered orally, topically in creams, by injection into tumors or veins, or by infusion into the bladder, abdomen or central nervous system. Although many different chemotherapy drugs are used to treat all different kinds of cancer, the underlying purpose of all chemotherapy drugs is the same--to interfere with cell reproduction. This property of chemotherapy drugs is responsible for their effectiveness against cancer, but also for many side effects, including hair loss.
Chemotherapy and the Cell Cycle
Understanding why you lose your hair requires an understanding of how chemotherapy impacts cells in your body. Each cell in your body serves a specific function, as determined by its DNA. Some cells live a long time, while others reproduce and die quickly. Cells reproduce by copying themselves, including their DNA code, which determines their function. If enough of a specific type of cell dies without replicating themselves, then eventually there are not enough cells to serve that function in the body.
How Cell Reproduction Works
There are five phases of cell reproduction. Phase G0 is the resting phase, prior to cell reproduction beginning. Some cells stay in resting phases for longer than others. Cancer cells, and other cells that reproduce frequently like hair follicle cells, do not stay in this phase for long. Phase G1 is the first phase of cell reproduction, which lasts anywhere from 18 to 30 hours. Cells begin to grow and create more proteins during G1. The S phase comes next and is between 18 and 20 hours long. During the S phase, the cell makes a copy of its DNA so the new cell will know function. The G2 phase comes next, and lasts from two to 10 hours. The cell checks the new DNA strand, and begins splitting. It finishes splitting during the final M phase.
Chemotherapy and Hair Cells
Chemotherapy prevents cell reproduction from occurring by interfering with one of the phases of cell reproduction. Generally, chemotherapy drugs interrupt either the S or M phases of reproduction. The interruption to cell reproduction adversely affects any cells that reproduce frequently, because it prevents them from copying themselves. This is why chemotherapy is effective at killing cancer cells and shrinking tumors-cancer cells reproduce frequently. However, hair follicle cells reproduce frequently as well, and when their reproductive cycle is interrupted, eventually the body ends up with an insufficient number of hair follicle cells and hair loss occurs.
When Does Hair Loss Happen?
Generally, hair loss starts within two weeks of the first dose of chemotherapy treatment. By the time 14 days have passed, the number of hair follicle cells has dropped low enough that hair loss begins on the head, eyebrows and elsewhere on the body. Some chemotherapy medications cause total hair loss, which usually takes between three and seven days to occur from the time the hair loss begins. Hair loss is not permanent and once the chemotherapy medication is discontinued, the hair follicle cells will begin to reproduce again and eventually reach healthy levels.
Coping With Hair Loss
It is not possible to diminish or manage hair loss caused by chemotherapy. Any attempt to stop it, by applying ice to the scalp or otherwise, can interfere with the effectiveness of the cancer treatment by preventing cancer cells from being killed. The best management of hair loss is to cut all the hair off and/or shave the head to avoid discomfort or problems associated with uncontrolled hair loss.
When you hire a full-time chauffeur, you're employing a driver to drive you to and from your destinations on a daily basis. A full-time chauffeur earns an hourly wage in addition to you supplying the vehicle and gas. If you want a driver on call at all times, you can hire a full-time chauffeur.
Instructions
1. Write out a general description of your needs for a full-time chauffeur. Determine the hours needed and a general schedule showing the potential driver what type of work schedule you follow.
2. Contact an agency regarding hiring a full-time chauffeur. Although you can advertise on a site like Craigslist, you're better off working with an agency. With an agency, you know the drivers have references. You can find chauffeurs through the online agency The Private Chauffeur.
3. Interview the driver candidates. You'll want to meet with the full-time chauffeur face-to-face prior to hiring. Ask him about driving experience, flexibility with hours, navigational devices used and possible accidents. Check to see if he has a valid driver's license.
4. Check the references following the interview, if you like the full-time chauffeur candidate. Ask past clients about their experiences with the driver.
Tags: full-time chauffeur, hire full-time, hire full-time chauffeur
You will learn that you can reverse some of the symptoms of Vertigo. Vertigo is described by healthline.com as "a sensation of motion or spinning that leads to dizziness and discomfort." After reading this article, you will be able to reverse some of the effects of vertigo and return to a somewhat normal life.
Instructions
1. Condition your brain to realize that everything is not spinning and it is only an illusion so to speak. In order to teach your brain this, focus on a stationary object with your eyes open so that everything around you stops spinning. The stationary object will not be spinning, sending a signal to your brain to stop the spinning.
2. Know that the spinning while lying down is a little more tricky as your vertigo can become worse. Use the same skill as as you would if you were standing. Falling out of bed is a common hazard for sufferers of vertigo as well. When you roll over in bed during the night, you have to condition yourself to roll towards the center of the bed and away from the edges. This may take a couple of weeks of conditioning, and some loss of sleep, but once you have conditioned yourself to do this, you can sleep and the rolling becomes habit.
3. Learn what your triggers are. In most cases, you can adapt yourself to use these triggers less and less, thereby triggering the dizziness less and less. Example: If one of your triggers is bending down, then you can do less bending by squatting instead. If one of your triggers is watching the credits on a movie pass by at the end, then don't watch the credits at the end of a movie, only the ones in the beginning.
4. Be aware that dealing with the dizziness can require medication. Consult your doctor and discuss your symptoms and a proper course of action. Taking medications you are unfamiliar with is not recommended because they could have adverse effects on your condition.
Tags: your brain, your triggers, credits movie, less less, reverse some, stationary object
Vacuum degassers work by creating lower pressure inside a vessel so air or other gaseous impurities can be removed from a substance, such as water or even molten steel. The air is siphoned from the vessel after pressure is lowered enough to force the gas from the substance. A high-vacuum process environment is maintained for a variety of product testing and laboratory applications. This allows the user to analyze products or materials under a wide range of conditions and under predetermined atmospheric or environmental parameters. Some of the conditions that can be controlled by vacuum degassers include pressure and humidity, temperature, altitude simulation, electromagnetic radiation, microwave radiation, specific gravity, density and vapor pressure.
Manufacturing issues such as leakage and product integrity can be tested and corrected through the use of vacuum degassers. Other conditions, such as acoustic and gaseous emissions, can be controlled. Some testing processes include total mass loss, total mass flux and helium leak detection.
Commercial uses
Vacuum degassers are used in some water treatment operations to significantly reduce the total gas pressure in water containment vessels. The vacuum is created by using either a blower or pump, and the degasser containment vessel is constructed from several materials, including steel, fiberglass and aluminum. Some containment vessels are built from concrete reinforced with metal fittings. Aqua vacuum degassers are often used to remove sulfur gases that can build up in water.
Agricultural Uses
In the agricultural industry, vacuum degassers are used as a way of purifying soil. Soil and water are drawn into the containment vessel by using a vacuum pump. The pump maintains a constant vacuum level inside the containment vessel, then centrifugal force is applied to the containment vessel. This disperses the soil and water in thin layers in order to maximize its exposure to the vacuum. As the soil and water are spun, the vacuum forces gases to be broken out where they are discharged from a blower and released into the atmosphere. The vacuum degasser removes all contaminants from the water and sends the cleaned water back into the soil.
Farms should perform this process to prevent soil from becoming contaminated and, in turn, causing infections through the consumption of the crop.
Testing
Many testing facilities use vacuum degassers for their operations. These vacuum degassers provide quick flushing of gases from test samples, as well as purging and priming of samples at a low volume. In these vacuum degassing units, the degassing principle works by passing a solvent through a membrane tube that can be penetrated by gases but not by liquids. Constant vacuum pressure is maintained throughout the gas removal process, and it works with a variety of solvents at differing flow rates.
Other uses
Vacuum degassers are used in a variety of applications. Small kit vacuum degassers made from polypropylene and polycarbonate materials can maintain vacuum pressure for up to 24 hours and can be used with a vacuum control manifold to allow for fingertip control of vacuum pressure.
According to the Mayo Clinic, trigeminal neuralgia is a painful condition in which the trigeminal nerve, which supplies feeling to the face, is inflamed. Reflexology techniques have been reported with high success rate in cases of trigeminal neuralgia. Also, reflexology is commonly preferred by most of the patients, as it involves zero ingestion of drugs and absence of any invasive surgical procedure. The procedure of reflexology involves application of pressure and stretching of the hands and feet. Usually six to ten sessions of reflexology are able to make a big difference in the intensity of pain.
Instructions
1. Consult the reflexology book and locate the points on the hands and feet which, when the pressure is applied during the reflexology technique, would result in assuagement of the pain and stress of trigeminal neuralgia.
2. Apply gentle pressure to the points detected in the region of the hand and feet. On application of this gentle pressure, a signal is generated that passes through the medium of the peripheral nervous system and central nervous system to the target organ to produce an act of assuagement.
3. Perform the same procedure two to three times a day. You can also visit a reflexology center for the sittings of reflexology technique.
Petroleum-based products are widely used in a variety of cosmetics.
Petroleum jelly and mineral oil are petroleum-based products, the same substance gasoline is made from. Such products can be harmful to your body, because it cannot eliminate the substance quickly. Petroleum products are constantly being scrutinized and studied.
What Is It?
Mineral oil and petroleum jelly, which are widely used in cosmetics, are made from petroleum, a crude oil substance that comes from the ground yet can be very toxic. Different refining processes transform petroleum into paraffin wax, greases, and plastics. The Vaseline company describes its petroleum jelly product as "a mixture of mineral oils, paraffin and microcrystalline waxes that ... literally melts into skin, flowing into the spaces between cells and the gaps in our lipid barrier. Once there, it re-solidifies, locking itself in place."
Effects
Since petroleum jelly and mineral oil (its liquid equivalent) attach to your cells and are not water soluble, they can be difficult for your body to eliminate, sometimes causing buildup in various organs of the body. The oxygen and nutrients skin needs in order to release toxins and repair itself can be blocked by the "barrier" created by petroleum cosmetics. Petroleum substances can also be listed as "petrolatum" on ingredient labels. Petroleum is not considered safe for ingestion or internal use in large amounts, yet is the base of many lip balms.
Alternatives
Look for natural alternatives with plant-based ingredients.
If you would like to try an alternative to petroleum jelly, Alba manufactures "un-petroleum jelly," made from natural plant extracts and oils.
Tags: made from, petroleum jelly, cosmetics Petroleum, jelly mineral, widely used, your body
Cigarette tar refers to the toxic chemicals that are added during the production of tobacco cigarettes. Different cigarettes are given ratings based on the amount of tar they include. Cigarettes with the highest tar concentration have more than 22 mg of tar in each cigarette, while low-tar cigarettes have less than 7 mg in each. Tar can be found in a brown solid form at the end of a smoked cigarette.
Coloring Effects
Cigarette tar can show immediate health effects in terms of a smoker's appearance. The tar in cigarettes can stain smokers' teeth and turn them yellow and brown. In addition, cigarette tar can stain anything it touches brown, including a smoker's hands and clothing. Filters in tobacco cigarettes are intended to keep tar from exiting, but toxins still make it through and can leave a brown-yellow film behind.
Major Health Effects
The tar in tobacco cigarettes is a major cause of lung cancer, emphysema and bronchitis. The toxins from the tar can damage lung cells that keep tumors from forming. Cigarette tar also damages cilia in the lungs, which protect the lining of the lungs. In addition to the discoloring of teeth, tar can cause periodontitis, a gum disease that can result in the loss of teeth.
Acupuncture is a Chinese medical theory in which extremely fine needles are inserted into specified locations on the body. Acupuncture is used for pain management and therapeutic applications. Acupuncture treatments, combined with diet and exercise, can produce desired weight loss results. In a 2003 study from The Journal of Medical Acupuncture, patients who participated in acupuncture lost three times the weight of those who did not.
Time Frame
Licensed Acupuncturist Joyce Marley explains that acupuncture patients are usually scheduled for treatments twice per week until the desired weight loss has been obtained. Each session takes between 45 minutes and one hour. Acupuncturists will spend more time on the first treatment, Marley says, to identify the specific body imbalances of the patient and determine which acupuncture points to use. The frequency and number of treatments will vary depending on the amount of weight the patient wants to lose.
Method
Depending on the symptoms of the patient, acupuncturists use different acupuncture points. For example, the desire to overeat, water retention and impulsive eating will be treated in different areas on the body. Problems such as sugar or hormonal imbalances are also addressed. During the acupuncture session, small and flexible needles will be inserted into points determined by the needs of the patient. According to Acupuncture-Services.com, most patients do not report experiencing any pain.
Dietary Changes
According to Acufinder.com, combining healthy eating and diet supplementation with acupuncture treatments improves weight loss results. Patients are advised to consume more bitter and sour foods and avoid sweet, salty and greasy foods to aid in weight loss. Suggested herbs are shan zha, shen qu, lai fu zi, ban xia and lian qiao. These herbs are available as a tea for easier consumption.
Abdominal Massage
Traditional Chinese medicine suggests combining abdominal massages with acupuncture treatments to improve the digestion and absorption of food, reports Acufinder.com. This can be done by the patient to stimulate the stomach, kidneys and spleen, to aid weight loss. An acupuncturist will review this method with the patient and advise the frequency at which it should be performed as part of the treatment.
Risks
Laws cited on accupuncture.com state that because acupuncture is considered an invasive procedure, the needles are required to be sterilized before use. Some practices may choose to disregard this law, and could risk transmitting infectious diseases to the patient. Other injuries could occur, such as nerve damage, lung puncturing or kidney damage. Pregnant women should avoid acupuncture on certain points, says Acufinder.com, because of the risk of premature labor.
Borderline personality disorder and bipolar disorder are psychological diseases that affect many people, including some who don't even realize it. The medical community has long struggled to distinguish a diagnostic difference between the two disorders as they are easily confused. The course of treatment is different for each, so it's important to diagnose a patient correctly.
Instructions
1. Take a moment to compare the diagnostic criteria for each disorder. Although you will find that many signs are the same, bipolar people don't generally possess an overwhelming fear of abandonment or a chronic feeling of emptiness while those with borderline personality disorder do. Borderlines are also susceptible to idealization and devaluation, more so than those with bipolar.
2. Understand that many borderlines cut themselves. The purpose of this is to help relieve emotional pain by inflicting physical pain, mostly in the form of cutting. This usually happens while the borderline is in a state of emotional turmoil and acting irrationally; thus, the risk of suicide is very high for borderlines. Many people cause self-injury, though, so this factor is not mutually exclusive.
3. Investigate the history of someone you suspect has one of these disorders, specifically their career path. Bipolar sufferers tend to get fired for missing too many days at work while in a depressive episode or for expressing grandiose ideas to their bosses during a manic phase. Borderlines tend to get themselves fired for having angry outbursts or being vindictive since they don't know regulate their impulses around others very well. They are more sensitive in general.
4. Analyze the interpersonal relationships of the person you're evaluating. Borderlines tend to have stormy relationships, alternating between extreme joy and all-out screaming matches. This happens because borderlines see things in black and white terms; there are no shades of gray for them. This "all or nothing" view is prevalent throughout their relationships as well as other aspects of their lives.
5. Step back and consider how well the person copes with different stressors and situations. Borderlines overreact in many cases; it can seem as if someone flipped a switch and the person changes into someone else. Bipolars, on the other hand, react according to their current cycles (manic or depressive).
Tags: Borderlines tend, personality disorder, that many, those with
Lavender oil's healing properties make it useful in treating a dry scalp naturally.
A dry scalp can be itchy, uncomfortable and embarrassing. Harsh detergents in shampoos and conditioners can worsen the very problem they claim to solve. Choose lavender oil for a natural solution to dry scalp irritation.
Benefits
Commonly known to help ease insomnia, lavender oil also contains many benefits when applied topically to skin. It functions like an antiseptic, safely treating inflammation of the scalp. Lavender oil also treats cuts, burns and eczema, making it useful in treating the pain and irritation associated with having a dry scalp.
Application
Rub two to three drops of lavender oil directly on to the affected area. Not only will lavender oil relieve dryness, it also reduces dandruff. Apply as often as needed, since lavender oil is one of the few essential oils that is safe when undiluted.
Warnings
Lavender oil is toxic if taken orally. Keep lavender oil away from your eyes and mucous membranes in the mouth and nostrils. Some people are allergic to lavender; test the oil on a hidden part of your body and monitor the area to see if a rash develops. Rashes, nausea, vomiting, headaches and chills are symptoms of an allergic reaction. Do not use lavender oil if any of these symptoms develop.
Perfect teeth are valued for more than just the cosmetic reasons--misaligned teeth can cause issues with how your upper and lower jaw fit together and cause problems ranging from trouble chewing to jaw pain. To correct these problems, an orthodontist can prescribe a treatment plan that usually includes braces. Braces can be used on the front and back of the teeth, and clear versions help make them less noticeable. Another less noticeable option is Invisalign, an alternative to braces that looks much like night guards that help prevent tooth grinding, but thinner and lighter.
Construction
Your orthodontist will first take a mold of your teeth, which will be analyzed by a computer. Then, a series of Invisalign appliances, called Aligners, will be made for you. Invisalign Aligners fit over your top and bottom teeth as a thin, clear plastic. There are no wires and nothing is attached to your teeth when you use Invisalign.
How They Work
Like braces, Invisalign puts gentle pressure on the teeth to move them into new places over time. Invisalign is meant to be worn at all times, except when you're eating or drinking, and so the length of treatment is about the same for Invisalign as it is for braces.
Who Can Use Them
Invisalign is generally prescribed for adults and sometimes for older teens who don't have any remaining baby teeth. To use Invisalign, your orthodontic issues should be minor to moderate, as headgear, elastics and other common orthodontic appliances can't be used in conjunction with Invisalign.
Care and Cleaning
Invisalign makes it easy to practice good oral hygiene, because the appliances can be removed for normal brushing, flossing, and mouthwash use. The appliances need to be cleaned as well, and Invisalign sells a cleanser specifically for this purpose. Some people do use a mouthwash rinse or a soak in baking soda following by a gentle brushing to save on costs.
Considerations
Invisalign Aligners can be taken out at any time, so if you're likely to take them out at the first sign on pressure--or if you're likely to lose them when you take them out--you might prefer a more permanent treatment option. Users report a slightly higher cost to use Invisalign than traditional braces, and Invisalign may not be an option for everyone, though it should be covered by insurance in the same way traditional braces are. If you grind your teeth, you may tend to break your Aligners, though you'll prevent continued damage to your tooth enamel. Finally, while you won't be getting food stuck in the wires of your braces, you'll need to follow the same good oral hygiene practices that you would with traditional metal braces to prevent cavities and gum disease.
Tags: your teeth, braces Invisalign, good oral, good oral hygiene, Invisalign Aligners, less noticeable, oral hygiene
Skin cancer can occur anywhere on the body, but it is especially likely to appear on areas exposed to the sun on a regular basis. That being said, the chest is sensitive anyway, so if you receive a sunburn in this area, your chances of developing skin cancer are even more heightened. To seek appropriate medical treatment, it's important to have a solid understanding of the signs that skin cancer is present on your chest. Only then can you receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Basal Cell Carcinoma Signs
One of the most common types of cancer is basal cell carcinoma---it can be treated easily if diagnosed fairly early on. It appears mostly as a flat lesion that is either crusty or looks waxy. The good thing is once treated, it is rare for this type of skin cancer to come back.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma Signs
Squamous cell carcinoma is another type of skin cancer. It can spread fairly easily, so early diagnosis is vital. Even so, once detected this type of cancer is simple to cure. It typically appears as a red nodule that's firm or a scaly lesion on the skin.
Merkel Cell Carcinoma Signs
Another type is merkel cell carcinoma. This is rare and can be difficult to treat since it spreads to other parts of the body, including organs, quickly. It usually appears as shiny nodules that grow out of hair follicles with coloring that can span from pink to red or blue.
Melanoma Signs
The most dangerous type of skin cancer is melanoma. This cancer type can spread to organs fast and usually appears from an existing mole. Typical symptoms are a mole that transforms at some time during your life from symmetrical to uneven or a different color, a speckled lesion or a dark lesion. Moles that bleed are also a sign of this cancer type.
Kaposi Sarcoma Signs
Kaposi sarcoma is one of the rarest types of skin cancer and affects the skin's blood vessels. It shows up as reddish or purplish areas anywhere on the body. It can even affect the mucus membranes. This type of skin cancer typically shows up in people with HIV, AIDS or another autoimmune disease such as Lupus.
Sebaceous Gland Carcinoma Signs
Sebaceous gland carcinoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer that grows from the oil glands. It can spread quickly and spread to other organs in the body. Typical symptoms include nodules that are hard and flesh-toned and can go unnoticed as they may look like blemishes.
Tags: Carcinoma Signs, skin cancer, type skin, type skin cancer, Cell Carcinoma Signs, skin cancer