Hemangiomas are a dense collection of blood vessels in the skin and can have many different appearances depending on how deep the blood vessels are. A shallow hemangioma has a bright red color and is called a strawberry hemangioma. Deeper hemangiomas are called cavernous hemangiomas and form a soft, bluish mass. Combined hemangiomas have characteristics of both types. There are a variety of possible treatments for hemangiomas, although they frequently do not require any treatment.
Instructions
1. Treat hemangiomas with intravenous or oral cortisone. Common side effects of the prolonged use of cortisone include growth suppression, increases appetite, stomach irritation and an increased risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and systemic infection.
2. Administer pulsed laser treatments. This procedure is most effective on superficial hemangiomas that appear as flat, red lesions. The typical therapy is a series of treatments about three weeks apart.
3. Use a short course of antibiotics for the treatment of open, infected hemangioma. These hemangiomas will also require the wound to be cleaned daily.
4. Consider the surgical removal of hemangiomas in rare cases. Hemangiomas that may deform surrounding tissue or are not likely to resolve spontaneously may need to be removed surgically.
5. Take alpha Interferon for potentially life threatening hemangiomas. These types of hemangiomas affect babies most often and typically require daily injections of alpha Interferon for several months. This medication is reserved for the most severe hemangiomas because it can have serious side effects such as blood abnormalities and neurologic deficits.
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Symptoms of spinal cord compression can come on suddenly or develop as a result of a progressive condition. The spinal cord is an element of the central nervous system and is the primary pathway for signals from the brain to travel through the body. Spinal cord compression can be caused by pressure from bones, pus or a ruptured disc. Spinal cord compression injuries can range from mild to severe.
Pain
According to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library, pain from spinal cord compression can range from mild to severe. Pain may radiate down either leg, particularly if the compression is close to the sciatic nerve. The pain may be felt all the way down to the foot. The muscles of the back may be tender and painful to touch, and pressure against the back may be especially painful. This can occur if the spinal cord compression is due to a tumor or cancerous growth.
Tingling
Another common spinal cord compression symptom is tingling down the leg to the foot. Partial nerve compression of the spinal cord can create "pins and needles" sensations in the legs and feet, or make a limb feel like it has "gone to sleep."
Erectile Dysfunction
Spinal cord compression can cause erectile dysfunction, or impotence, in men. This can be only a temporary result of a compression injury, the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library says. In cases of more severe injuries, however, the dysfunction may be permanent.
Reflex Changes
Spinal cord compression symptoms can include dramatic changes in reflexes. These include the loss of sensation of a full bladder, bowel control and muscle control. The ability to control legs and arms may also be affected by changes in reflexes. If the spinal cord injury is relatively mild and temporary, reflexes will return to normal. However, if the injury worsens, so will the symptoms.
Other Discomfort
Additional symptoms of spinal cord compression can include muscle spasms, sweating, feeling a band of discomfort at the location of the injury, and muscle weakness. Additionally, numbness can travel down the legs and to the feet, plus radiate out to arms and hands, depending on the location of the injury.
Tags: cord compression, spinal cord, Spinal cord compression, changes reflexes, cord compression, down foot, from mild
Health care is one of the most hotly debated topics in the United States. One argument concerns whether the government should provide universal health care coverage, or whether individuals should purchase their own private policies. As of 2010, the federal government funds two health insurance initiatives for many American citizens--Medicare and Medicaid. Medicaid, a joint federal-state program, covers the cost of medical care for part of the population.
Features
Each state administers its own Medicaid program with the federal government contributing a portion of the cost. States must follow guidelines established by the federal government in order to receive this money. While states maintain the freedom to define eligibility guidelines and the services covered under the program, they must provide Medicaid to certain groups mandated by the federal government. Most states provide basic medical care, such as prenatal care, basic hospital services, X-rays, children's vaccines, home health care and nursing home care.
Origin
During the 1960s, Americans acknowledged the impact of poverty on society. The Social Security Act of 1965 contained amendments establishing health care insurance for the elderly, Medicare, and for the poor under age 65, Medicaid. The Medicaid Amendments provided health care services for low-income children and their care-taker relatives, the blind, disabled individuals and the elderly. The federal government made money for Medicaid available to the states on Jan. 1, 1966. States implemented their programs over a period of several years.
Expansion of Coverage
Legislation during the 1980s and 1990s broadened the scope of Medicaid coverage to include other aspects of health care. The federal government expanded coverage to include pregnant women, along with infants up to 1 year old in 1986. The Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1990 established the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program, which authorizes state Medicaid programs to reimburse pharmaceutical companies for providing drugs at discounted prices. This law requires drug manufacturers to sign a rebate agreement with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services--the section of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that oversees state Medicaid programs--for their products to be eligible for Medicaid coverage.
Reduction of Spending
Medicaid spending came under increasing scrutiny during the 2000s. President George W. Bush signed the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, which was designed to reduce federal Medicaid expenditures between 2006 and 2015, into law on Feb. 8, 2006. This act allows states to charge premiums or co-payments for some services to certain beneficiaries. It also increases the amount of time new Medicaid nursing home beneficiaries would have to wait to begin receiving benefits after transferring their assets. In addition, the 2005 Deficit Reduction Act requires most new applicants to provide documents, such as a valid U.S. passport, driver's license or birth certificate, proving their citizenship.
On-going Issues
Issues, such as an emphasis on health care reform, rising medical care costs and the aging of Baby Boomers will continue to affect the Medicaid program. In 2009, the public pressured Congress to enact legislation to reform the health care system and to ensure adequate health care insurance for the population. The resulting legislation, the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, increases Medicaid coverage. It requires states to expand their Medicaid programs to include more non-elderly, low-income individuals, such as adults without dependent children.
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After swimming, wax buildup traps water in the ear. This stagnant water in the ear leads to painful and potentially dangerous ear infections. A homemade solution such as the one recommended by Holly Hosford-Dunn in the textbook "Audiology" costs a mere fraction of what a doctor visit costs. The solution takes about five minutes to make, can be stored for later use, and is made of materials that are already present in most households. If the wax buildup persists and you still feel pain, see an ear, nose and throat specialist immediately.
Instructions
1. Set aside a sterile container. The solution will be mixed in this container, so make sure it is a container that can be stored easily.
2. Pour equal parts white vinegar and rubbing alcohol into the container. Mix thoroughly.
3. Tilt your head so that one ear is facing up. Use a water dropper to pour several drops into the ear that is facing up. Shake your head and allow the solution to settle in the ear. Leave the solution in the ear for 30 to 60 seconds.
4. Tilt your head so that the solution leaves the ear canal. Towel dry the ear gently and thoroughly.
5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 with the remaining ear. Keep the ears dry for several hours after cleaning with the solution.
6. Store the solution in a cool, dry place. Use this solution after swimming until the wax buildup ceases.
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Sinus pressure in the ears can cause annoying symptoms such as loss of hearing, pain and a ringing sound. Sinus pressure is often temporary, and symptoms may subside without treatment. However, if you suffer from chronic sinusitis or a sinus infection, discomfort can persist for days. Fortunately, there are different techniques to relieve sinus pressure in the ear.
Instructions
1. Drink plenty of fluids. Drink water to dilute mucus and stimulate drainage. This technique can help relieve sinus pressure in the ear.
2. Apply a warm compress. Soak a cloth in warm or hot water and apply the cloth to your ear. The heat from the cloth can promote sinus drainage and relieve ear pressure.
3. Sleep with your head elevated. Lying down can increase sinus drainage and cause pressure in the ear. Keep your head elevated by sleeping with two or three pillows.
4. Take a hot shower. Steam from a shower or sauna can relieve sinus pressure in the ears. Take a hot steam shower or sit in a sauna for 20 to 30 minutes.
5. Purchase a decongestant. Over-the-counter decongestants can quickly relieve sinus pressure and ease annoying symptoms. Take medication as directed.
6. Talk to your doctor about an antibiotic. If symptoms do not respond to home remedies or decongestants, visit your doctor. An infection in your sinus can cause pressure in the ears, and you'll need an antibiotic to kill the infection.
Bronchitis is a common condition that is often mistaken for the common cold. An episode of bronchitis may develop following a cold or flu. Although people often experience bronchitis during the winter months, it may occur at any time of the year, and chronic bronchitis may last for weeks or months at a time.
Features
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes. The tubes carry air to the lungs. When they become infected, the tubes swell and mucus develops, making it difficult to breathe. A person with bronchitis may not seek medical attention because the symptoms of bronchitis are similar to a cold, and so the bronchitis usually gets worse.
Types
Bronchitis can be acute or chronic. Acute bronchitis comes on suddenly, often following another illness, and may be caused by a virus. An attack of acute bronchitis may be more severe, but doesn't last long. Chronic bronchitis may be caused by long-term smoking or exposure to pollutants. Although acute bronchitis may be treated with medication, there is no cure for long-term bronchitis.
Effects
The most common symptom of bronchitis is the characteristic cough, which is usually accompanied by a greenish or yellow sputum. The cough may become worse at night. Other symptoms of bronchitis include sore throat, fever, chest congestion, shortness of breath, wheezing, muscle aches, chills, fatigue and chest pain.
Significance
Bronchitis can be caused by a virus, bacteria, smoking or being exposed to second hand smoke, chemical pollutants, dust and other factors. Bronchitis can be spread through airborne viruses or through contact with contaminated surfaces. An infected person can release the virus into the air by coughing and sneezing. The air is then breathed in by others who may then contract the virus.
Considerations
Bronchitis is usually diagnosed by a physical examination, listening to the lungs through a stethoscope, blood tests and chest X-ray. Bronchitis that is caused by bacteria may be treated with antibiotics, but bronchitis caused by a virus does not respond to antibiotic treatment. Bronchitis usually clears up on its own. Plenty of rest, fluids and over-the-counter pain relievers can alleviate discomfort and speed recovery. Avoid smoking, since it can slow the healing process.
Prevention/Solution
Bronchitis may be prevented by making certain lifestyle adjustments. Don't smoke and avoid being around second hand smoke. Wash your hands when coming in contact with surfaces that may be contaminated, such as in the workplace or when caring for family members that are ill.
Rheumatic Fever is a delayed response to group A beta hemolytic streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. It's a clinical diagnosis and not a specific disease. Rheumatic fever usually affects children between five and 15 years old, and primarily affects connective tissue especially those in the brain, heart, joints and skin. Cardiac involvement occurs in 30 to 70 percent of patients having their first attack of rheumatic fever. The following steps will show treat a case of rheumatic fever.
Instructions
1. Treat rheumatic fever by eliminating the GAS pharyngitis, suppressing inflammation caused by the immune system and providing supportive care for congestive heart failure.
2. Use oral penicillin V as the drug of choice for treatment of GAS pharyngitis. A single intramuscular injection of benzathine penicillin G is also effective. Administer erythromycin or a first-generation cephalosporin for patients who are allergic to penicillin. Alternatives include azithromycin for five days, clarithromycin or a narrow-spectrum first-generation cephalosporin for ten days.
3. Repeat a ten day course of the same antibiotic for recurrent GAS pharyngitis
4. Consider surgery to correct heart valve insufficiency caused by rheumatic fever. This is commonly required as a lifesaving measure since 40 percent of patients with acute rheumatic fever develop mitral stenosis as adults. A mitral valve replacement, mitral valvulotomy or percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty may be indicated in patients with critical stenosis.
5. Replace the mitral valve as the preferred surgical option in recurring cases of rheumatic fever for patients with annuloplasty or other repairs.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and Magnetic Resonance Angiogram (MRA) are two types of radiology images used to for diagnostic purposes. Both take images of organs and tissues that are more detailed and accurate than those found in X-rays or other radiography. A MRA is a type of MRI, but it is a specific MRI that focuses on capturing images of the blood vessels throughout the body.
MRI
MRI is a form of radiologic imaging that uses radio wave energy and magnetic fields. The resonance from these pulses creates images of organs and tissue structures. Images from an MRI are usually more detailed and accurate than X-ray images and can help physicians diagnose injuries and illnesses not apparent from other forms of imaging.
MRA
An MRA is a specific type of MRI that captures images of the body's blood vessels. The MRA has helped physicians diagnose cardiovascular issues that they could not with other imaging technology and without invasive surgery.
Similarities of the MRI and MRA
Both the MRI and MRA are taken with the exact same machines, and both procedures can be taken with or without the administration of contrast materials (which helps show the organs and blood vessels more clearly). Also, both can take images of the cardiovascular system.
Diagnostic Purposes of a MRI
An MRI is used to diagnose internal bleeding, tumors, infections, any blockages, brain injuries, injuries to organs or glands, ligament injuries, joint problems, problems with discs of the spine and bone fractures.
Diagnostic Purposes of an MRA
Physicians prescribe an MRA to look for aneurysms, blood clots, fat and calcium deposits in blood vessels, aorta dissections, and narrowing of the blood vessels.
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Deep cleaning is a dental procedure performed to prevent or treat periodontal disease. A dentist's diagnosis of periodontal disease can be quite disconcerting, but it is controllable with regular dental visits for deep cleaning of the periodontal pockets.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal refers to the area of the gum that surrounds the tooth and holds it in place. According to the American Dental Association, when bacteria get trapped in the periodontal pocket between the tooth and gum, the gum weakens and the bone is left vulnerable to decay. Left untreated, this can result in the loss of teeth.
Deep Cleaning
The initial and primary treatment of periodontal disease is deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing. Scaling entails the scraping of plaque and tartar from the teeth above and below the gum surface. Root planing occurs simultaneous with scaling and involves the smoothing of rough layers of the teeth. Both procedures work in concert to facilitate healing of the periodontal pockets by removing harmful bacteria and shutting down areas where such bacteria can grow. A local anesthetic is typically provided during the deep cleaning, which could require more than one visit depending upon the extent of the disease. An oral anti-microbial rinse may also be prescribed to further neutralize the bacteria and promote healing. If the depths of the pockets reduce or stabilize as a result of the treatment, the disease can be controlled with quarterly or semiannual visits to the dentist. If the treatment is less successful, the dentist may refer the patient to a periodontist for possible surgery with the objective of getting a deeper scaling underneath the gums. Periodontal deep cleaning can be uncomfortable for the 30 minutes to an hour the patient is in the dentist's chair, but it is worth it in the long run to retain a smile.
Symptoms
Periodontal disease is typically diagnosed in adults in their 30s or 40s. A classic symptom is bleeding gums, which can occur during brushing or flossing. Other symptoms include loose or shifting teeth, and redness and swelling of the gums. A patient should schedule a visit with his or her dentist to investigate these symptoms and commence appropriate treatment.
Diagnosis
The dentist finds the first hint of periodontal disease upon review of regular dental x-rays, which indicate some degree of bone loss to the teeth. To better understand the stage of the disease, the dentist then probes each tooth to measure the depth of its periodontal pocket. A depth of more than 3 millimeters usually confirms the diagnosis of periodontal disease.
Prevention and Prognosis
According to the ADA and the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, the keys to avoiding the diagnosis of periodontal disease are daily brushing with a fluoride toothpaste along with flossing after each meal, maintenance of a balanced diet and cessation of smoking. Regular dental visits help to support these efforts. Once diagnosed, a patient will always have periodontal disease. However, with deep cleaning treatments at regular intervals, the disease can be controlled and tooth loss prevented.
If you find a bump forming on the joint that connects your big toe to your foot, you may be developing a bunion. Bunions are worsened by prolonged use of constricting footwear. You should talk to your doctor about your concerns if you are experiencing any discomfort or noticing any kind of growth forming on either foot. It is also wise to look into finding better fitting footwear. Read on to learn talk to your doctor about bunions.
Instructions
1. Examine your foot to see whether there are any visible growths forming on the joint that connects your big toe to the rest of your foot. This is where bunions grow. If there is no evidence of a growth present, you may have another forefoot condition. If it continues causing you discomfort or pain, bring it to the attention of a podiatrist or your family physician.
2. Make a note of how frequently you experience pain or discomfort, what triggers it, how severe it is and what you think might be the cause of it. Record any other symptoms of bunions. Symptoms can include skin irritation and displacement of the toes.
3. Ask your doctor to perform a physical examination of your foot to see whether she can pinpoint potential causes of your discomfort if no apparent cause is visible. You may require follow-up procedures, such as X-rays, to confirm or rule out the possibility of a bunion.
4. Tell your doctor about the first time you became aware of an abnormality of the affected foot. Being able to provide an approximate time frame will help your podiatrist or physician evaluate your symptoms and may expedite diagnosis.
5. Have your family physician refer you to a foot specialist, or podiatrist, if she suspects you might have a bunion or other forefoot condition. Be prepared to talk about your medical history or have your medical file forwarded to the podiatrist.
6. Get a referral to an orthopedic surgeon if your doctor determines that you do have a bunion that is recommended for surgical removal. Arrange a consultation with the surgeon to talk through the various surgical techniques available and to learn more about the risks and benefits involved with having corrective surgery performed to remove your bunion.
Tags: your foot, doctor about, your doctor, about your, connects your, family physician, foot whether
Modern cars are generally very reliable. They don't break down and
leave you stranded too often. But this reliability also means that if your
wheels do conk out, you might be caught unprepared. To avoid being
stranded, take these precautions before attempting a drive across an
empty desert or a lonely mountain pass.
Instructions
1. Pack a car emergency kit (see 466 Assemble Emergency Kits).
2. Teach yourself basic car repair. Know connect the battery, check the oil and radiator fluid, and change a tire. These are simple procedures that might get you out of a jam or, better still, prevent the jam from happening.
3. Stay with the car if you're in a remote area and don't know exactly where help is located. Rescuers are more likely to find the car than you alone, especially in bad weather. See 474 Survive Being Lost.
4. Conserve water at all costs if stuck in a desert area. Stay in the shade during the day. Get under the car if there's no shade. In extreme conditions, such as those found in Death Valley, hiking even 10 miles without water can be fatal. Drinking urine will not rehydrate you. And do not drink the water in your car's radiator, which is mixed with toxic ethylene glycol.
5. Be sure the exhaust is not entering the car if you've got the motor running for heat. Clear snow or dirt away from the tailpipe. If the car sounds louder than normal, you may have a leak in the exhaust system, increasing the risk of toxic carbon monoxide entering the passenger compartment.
6. Make yourself as visible as possible to rescuers. Open the hood of your car to indicate that you're having trouble. If it's snowing, periodically sweep the snow off your car. If an airplane passes, wave both arms over your head.
7. Keep your wits about you if you need to go find help, or if someone stops to help you. Your safety is at risk in any event, and it's hard to judge someone's character in the dark, if you're already rattled or if you desperately need help. Try to find a family or at least a group of people who can help you; stay away from single men. Be honest about your predicament--many people are wary of scam artists, so be understanding if they're skeptical at first.
8. Stay cool. This rule applies whether you're stuck in the mountains or in the scariest neighborhood of Bogota'. In the wilderness, you need to conserve energy and maintain a hopeful outlook. In the city, you need to look composed and confident. Nothing attracts bullies and miscreants more than an easy target.
According to the American Cancer Society, testicular cancer makes up only about 7,000 to 8,000 cases of reported cancer each year, but that number is growing. Testicular cancer is the growth of cancerous cells in the male testicles. The condition is normally diagnosed using a physical examination and the results of an imaging test such as an MRI or an ultrasound. Blood tests are also used. Treatment options include surgery to remove the affected testicle, or radiation therapy.
Hormone Levels
Testicular cancer can, on rare occasions, cause an increase in the hormone levels of the person who suffers from it. One of the symptoms of this increase in hormones is an increase in breast size, and a tenderness to the breasts. The breasts may develop a sensitivity to the touch, and there may be a painful feeling each time there is physical contact with the breasts.
Self-Examination
Doctors recommend that all men conduct a self-examination at least once a month to determine whether they may have testicular cancer. An examination of the testicles using the forefinger and thumb may reveal hard lumps on testicles, or it may reveal other abnormalities in the shape of the testicles. These are possible symptoms of testicular cancer and should be reported to a doctor immediately.
Pain
There can be pain associated with testicular cancer found in several areas of the lower body. The most obvious place that you would feel pain is in the testicles, or in the general area of the groin. However that pain may begin to spread to the lower abdominal region as well, and it could even reach up to the lower back. There may also be pain in the hips or any of the joints in the pelvic region.
Swelling
Swelling is also a common symptom of testicular cancer. As the condition develops there may be fluid collecting in the testicles or in the scrotum. This fluid will cause the testicles and scrotum to swell noticeably. In some cases this swelling could be accompanied by pain, and in other cases the swelling could be pain free.
Chest
Depending on how advanced the testicular cancer is, or how far it has spread, there may be symptoms in other parts of the body as well. You may begin to develop a persistent cough that does not seem to go away, and this could be accompanied by chest pains. You may also experience difficulty in catching your breath, and you may have occasional dizzy spells.
Tags: could accompanied, swelling could, testicles scrotum, testicular cancer, testicular cancer, testicular cancer
Caused by a virus present in the saliva, Gingivostomatitis is a condition that is usually spread by close contact between an infected person to an uninfected person. Using contaminated utensils is another way a person can contract gingivostomatitis. The symptoms are uncomfortable and easy to identify.
Instructions
1. Look for blisters or sores around the mouth and gums. Gingivostomatitis causes uncomfortable mouth blisters or ulcerated sores. You may also see them appear on the roof of the mouth. The unsightly fluid-filled blisters break easily.
2. Notice if there is excessive drooling, complaints of a sore throat and unusually bad breath.
3. Listen for complaints of flu-like symptoms such as headache and chills. Individuals suffering from Gingivostomatitis also complain of lack of appetite and lack of desire to drink liquids.
4. Feel for enlarged lymph nodes at the neck. Sometimes it’s not easy to identify swollen lymph nodes if you’re not a trained professional.
5. Keep an eye out for change in energy level. Individuals suffering from gingivostomatitis have a decrease in energy level and increase in irritability. Accompanied with the symptoms listed above, there is no wonder why someone with gingivostomatitis is irritable.
6. Check for excessive gum bleeding. You can identify an individual with gingivostomatitis if the gums are red, swollen and bleeding.
Q-Dryl elixir is a brand of the antihistamine diphenhydramine. Diphenhydramine is used to relieve the symptoms of a variety of conditions, including seasonal allergies and colds, allergic skin reactions, difficulty in sleeping and motion sickness. Q-Dryl elixir can be purchased without a prescription. The dosage is determined by your age, weight, medical condition and response to the medication, according to WebMD.
Seasonal Allergies and Cold Symptoms
Q-Dryl elixir is often recommended to relieve symptoms of seasonal allergies or the common cold. Diphenhydramine relieves symptoms such as runny nose and watery eyes by blocking the histamine that triggers the body's allergic reaction and producing a drying effect by blocking the body's production the chemical acetylcholine. It may also help suppress coughing associated with seasonal allergies and colds. Q-Dryl elixir does not shorten or cure colds, WebMD emphasizes.
Allergic Reactions
Because it blocks the body's production of histamine, Q-Dryl elixir may also be used to relieve symptoms of allergic reactions. These include rashes, hives and itching caused by exposure to allergens. For severe allergic reactions, seek immediate medical attention.
Sleep and Motion Sickness
Q-Dryl causes drowsiness and may be recommended to induce sleep in adults. Take the elixir 30 minutes before bedtime, nightly for up to two weeks. Contact your doctor if sleep difficulties last longer than two weeks. Q-Dryl should not be used for sleep difficulties in children unless directed by the child's doctor. Q-Dryl elixir may also be recommended to prevent or relieve motion sickness. For the best symptom relief, take the elixir 30 minutes before traveling or pursuing other activities that cause motion sickness.
Side Effects and Warnings
The most common side effects of Q-Dryl elixir are sleepiness or fatigue. Other side effects include dizziness, headache, dry mouth, difficulty urinating or enlarged prostate. Q-Dryl should be used exactly as directed and should not be used in children under age 6 unless specifically directed by a doctor. Before taking Q-Dryl elixir, inform your doctor and pharmacist of any medical conditions and all medications you are taking, to avoid potentially harmful side effects or drug interactions.
Semiprecious gemstones form naturally from minerals within the earth's crust. Learning about these minerals is an interesting way to examine nature. In addition to learning the mineral properties of the stones, many people have interest in their metaphysical properties, often found in folklore and certain spiritual practices.
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite jade is a form of actinolate. This type of jade is nephrite is stronger and darker in color than jadeite. Metaphysically nephrite jade is believed to help one gain wisdom, courage, mercy, emotional balance, love, humility, generosity and good luck.
Jadeite
Jadeite is a form of augiste. This type of jade is fragile and is often found in shades of mint green. Metaphysically, jadeite is believed to bring harmony, wisdom, courage, love, humility and good luck.
Blue Topaz
Blue topaz is a form of silicate and is part of the aluminum silicate group. Metaphysically, blue topaz is thought to help one show compassion and aid communication
Amethyst
Amethyst is a form of crystalline quartz. The purple color of the stone is due to the amounts of Manganese and iron. Metaphysically, amethyst is believed to aid creativity, spirituality and relaxation and to help quiet the mind.
Aquamarine
Aquamarine is a form of cyclosilicate beryl. The blue-green color of this stone is often caused by heat-treating the gem to enhance the stones natural color. Metaphysically, aquamarine is believed to aid in perception, reducing stress and quieting the mind.
Tags: good luck, love humility, often found, This type, This type jade
Strength training can help the body repair itself after smoking.
Quitting smoking can be a long and difficult journey, but a rewarding one. The motivation to kick the habit is different for each person, but health improvement tends to rank high on the list. Some of the health benefits of stopping smoking are immediate, while others take longer to realize. To get their bodies back in optimum condition and add years to their lives, ex-smokers should take certain actions.
Instructions
1. Exercise weekly, incorporating aerobic and strength building activities. Regular exercise will help you improve endurance, heart health and lung capacity and rebuild muscles and tissues. According to the CDC's Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, adults ages 18 and older should exercise at a moderate intensity for at least 2 hours and 30 minutes each week, or at a vigorous intensity for at least 1 hour and 15 minutes each week. Moderate exercise includes fast walking or water aerobics, while vigorous exercise is jogging or lap swimming. In addition to aerobic activity, incorporate at least two sessions of strength training into your weekly fitness routine.
2. Eat a healthy and well-balanced diet. The urge to replace cigarettes with food can be great when quitting smoking. Good eating habits are another way to fend off weight gain and improve health. The United States Department of Agriculture's MyPyramid offers healthy eating guidelines for people depending on their age, gender and level of physical activity. The guidelines stress whole grains, lean proteins, a variety of fruits and vegetables, dairy and limited use of oils and fats. Avoid excessive snacking to quell cravings; pick healthy snacks like carrot sticks and hummus or low-fat yogurt.
3. Practice yoga on a regular basis. Yoga helps relieve stress and promotes relaxation, but it also has numerous physical benefits. According to WebMD, the various styles of yoga help improve flexibility by releasing the muscles of lactic acid buildup that causes stiffness and tension. Yoga also works to build muscle tone and core strength through the different poses, and improves posture. For an ex-smoker, the deep style of breathing associated with yoga can help build lung capacity and reduce blood pressure.
4. Get seven to nine hours of sleep a night. Nicotine is a stimulant that makes sleeping difficult. When quitting smoking, the withdrawal can actually make sleeping more difficult and lead to insomnia. Lack of sleep makes it more difficult for your immune system to fight off illness and deprives the body of the time it needs to repair muscles and tissues. To combat sleep deprivation and improve health, MayoClinic.com recommends sticking to a sleep schedule, avoiding stimulants like caffeine and alcohol in the evenings and creating a comfortable environment that includes earplugs or a white noise machine.
Tags: each week, help improve, improve health, intensity least, lung capacity
When grown in the Mediterranean mountains and used in its purest form, oregano can fight off many different kinds of infections. The oregano essential oil is derived from fresh oregano leaves and is commonly extracted through steam distillation. Oregano oil can be taken internally with oregano capsules or oil under the tongue and used externally as a topical treatment. According to Dr. Cass Ingram who wrote the book "The Cure is in the Cupboard," wild oregano is one of nature's most versatile essential oils. It can be used to fight fungus and yeast infections as well as treat allergies, hay fever, cold and flu symptoms.
Instructions
1. Dilute 100 percent pure oil of oregano with extra virgin olive oil. You can do this by mixing one drop of oregano oil with one drop of extra virgin olive oil.
2. Sterilize an old eye dropper bottle or other container ahead of time. Pour the diluted oil or oregano into a sterile container with a dropper on the top for easy use.
3. Drop one to two drops of the diluted oil under the tongue for the first dosage. The mixture should be placed under the tongue and held there for a few minutes then wash it down with 2 to 3 oz of water. Drink the water and gargle it with the oregano oil for 1 to 2 minutes then swallow and wash it down with the rest of the water in the cup. This should be done once or twice a day.
4. Try oregano in vapor form to help fight off sinus infections and clear throat and nasal passages. Use the pure oil of oregano with boiling water to create a vapor that can be inhaled. Mix 1/2 cup of boiling water with 2 to 3 drops of oil of oregano then cover your head and the cup with a towel to trap in the steam vapors and breathe deeply.
5. Use oil of oregano externally by rubbing it on the affected area. It can be used to treat some skin problems like acne. Apply diluted or pure oil of oregano to the infected skin once daily. It will sting the area and leave a red spot, but the stinging should go away after about 10 minutes.
6. Use oregano oil to help treat dandruff by combining the oil of oregano with your shampoo. Use 10 to 20 drops of oil of oregano with about 8 oz of shampoo and mix well. Then shampoo your hair as usual. Leave the shampoo on your head for a couple of minutes then rinse. Avoid contact with eyes.
7. Apply oregano oil to the skin in order to treat warts and boils. You can do this by saturating the area with oil of oregano then covering it with a bandage. The wart or boil should be treated daily until it is gone. The treatment period is generally about 1 to 2 weeks.
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The grapefruit diet is generally low in calories and is centered around eating a specific combination of foods that supposedly encourage burning fat. The grapefruit, which contains fiber and vitamin C, is at the heart of the diet.
Diet Guidelines
The grapefruit diet is designed to be followed strictly for 12 straight days. Then, dieters get to eat whatever they want for two day. The cycle is then repeated until weight loss goals are met. Dieters should eat until they are full, and they should eat the exact combination of foods that is recommended in diet plans. It is acceptable to double or triple portions of allowable foods in order to feel satisfied. Limit caffeinated drinks to no more than one cup at each meal. Resist eating between meals. Use butter as desired to cook and flavor foods.
Allowable Foods
Grapefruits are a key part of this diet because of their chemical properties, which have been shown to promote weight loss. A study conducted by the Scripps Clinic found that grapefruit encourages weight loss by reducing insulin levels. Other allowable foods are green and red onions, peas, carrots, lettuce, broccoli, radishes, bell peppers, cabbage and spinach.
Forbidden Foods
This diet prohibits the consumption of starches and sugars. Bread, potatoes and desserts are forbidden. Also, white onions and celery are not acceptable choices.
Meal Plan
Breakfast should consist of half of a grapefruit, two pieces of bacon and two eggs. Lunch should consist of half of a grapefruit, a salad with allowable vegetables and any type of dressing, and any type of meat in any quantity. Dinner should consist of half a grapefruit, unlimited allowable vegetables cooked in seasonings and butter, and any type of meat or fish in any quantity. At bedtime, dieters can have either a glass of skim milk or tomato juice.
Tags: consist half, consist half grapefruit, half grapefruit, should consist, should consist half, weight loss
Stress is a killer. Excessive stress can cause you to lose sleep at night. It can make you so edgy that you lose friends. And in serious cases, it can damage your health. Studies indicate that excessive stress can lead to higher blood pressure. Before you lose too much, take steps to reduce stress to ease hypertension and keep hearth and home together.
Instructions
1. Take up yoga. This ancient Indian practice combines physical, mental and spiritual training. Yoga will help you to achieve balance in your world and in the process, it will teach you to let go of the stresses of the day.
2. Walk. Assure your stressed self that you will use the time to organize your thoughts. Then put on your walking shoes, grab a bottle of water and hit the sidewalk or the track or the trail. Take long, relaxed strides. Swing your arms. Breathe deeply. See your world with new eyes. Attempt to clear your mind of stressful things.
3. Practice relaxation techniques. For example, sit back in a chair, feet flat on the floor, in a straight but relaxed posture. Close your eyes. Beginning with your toes, imagine yourself relaxing every single inch of your body: relax your toes, then your feet, then your ankles . . . As you move up your body, breathe slowly and regularly. Truly feel yourself relax and release tension.
4. Breathe. Lie down on your back, hands at your sides, body relaxed, or sit back in a chair, feet on the floor, arms relaxed. Inhale slowly and deeply; hold the breath briefly. Exhale; as you let the breath go, imagine the air pulling all the negative energy out of your body. Feel the exhaled air carrying tension away from your feet and legs, out of your fingertips and chest. Continue to breathe in a relaxed, regular manner for a few minutes.
Tags: your body, back chair, back chair feet, chair feet, then your, your feet
Black, hairy tongue refers to a harmless medical condition characterized by a dark, furry growth on the tongue. An overgrowth of bacteria usually causes black, hairy tongue, according to the Mayo Clinic. A variety of factors can cause bacterial overgrowth.
Features
Black, hairy tongue occurs when papillae, small projections on the tongue, grow longer instead of shedding. Elongated papillae give the tongue a furry appearance. Bacteria and debris then accumulate on the papillae, turning the tongue black, brown or yellow.
Medications
Antibiotics can cause black, hairy tongue, since they affect the healthy bacteria in the mouth. Medicines that include bismuth, including Pepto-Bismol, may also cause it as well as mouthwashes and astringents.
Other Causes
Poor oral hygiene, breathing through your mouth and tobacco use can also cause black, hairy tongue, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Treatment
Practice good oral hygiene if you have black, hairy tongue. In addition, reduce tobacco use. Talk to your doctor before stopping prescription medications or if black, hairy tongue does not go away. Antibiotics may sometimes be necessary to treat this condition, according to Medline Plus.
Tags: hairy tongue, black hairy, black hairy tongue, Your Tongue Turn, according Mayo, according Mayo Clinic
Meningioma is a tumor in the lining of the brain or spinal cord (meninges), and can be cancerous or non-cancerous. Risk factors for meningioma include previous radiation treatments, being female and having neurofibromatosis type 2. The symptoms of meningioma may begin gradually and get worse as the tumor grows over a period of years, and depend on the size and location of the tumor.
Vision Changes
Meningioma that grows on the brain may cause vision problems, such as blurred or double vision or vision loss.
Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is a symptom of meningioma near the auditory nerves or the bones of the ear, and may be caused by compression of the space the bones of the ear need to move.
Headaches
According to the Mayo Clinic, meningioma can cause pressure and inflammation inside of the skull and result in headaches.
Seizures
Meningioma of the brain may cause seizures in people who have never before had a seizure or seizure disorder.
Mental Dysfunction
Meningiomas at the base of the skull can cause mental dysfunction, such as confusion and memory loss, that may worsen over time as the tumor grows.
Weakness
Weakness of the muscles in the arms and legs may be a symptom of meningioma of the spinal cord, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Features
According to the National Cancer Institute, meningiomas usually occur in adults, and in many cases do not require removal or treatment, due to their slow growth.
Shingles are caused by the chickenpox virus called Herpes zoster and can appear many years later in certain individuals. It is still uncertain what triggers the shingles, but stress, illness and a compromised immune system could all play significant contributing factors to its appearance.
Shingles presents itself as painful, red blisters on the skin surface and the pain is often described as burning, tingling and/or with numbness. Even after the blisters have cleared away, the pain can persist for many months in certain people.
This article will give some tips and advice on reduce the pain from shingles.
Instructions
1. Use over-the-counter medications like Tylenol or aspirin to help reduce pain in the initial to early stages.
2. Use pain relieving ointment or cream. Certain herbal treatments have pain-reducing properties, for example, St. John's Wort possesses antiviral properties as well as the ability to reduce pain.
3. Get plenty of rest and try not to become too stressed. Avoid adding more stressors to your life since you need to build up your immune system to combat the virus and to help the condition clear up as fast as possible.
4. Once blisters have formed in the second stage, there are ways to find some relief. The one thing you should not do is scratch or break the blister skin, as this will increase the risk of infection and could make the condition worse. It is better to leave the blisters alone to heal. Keep the skin clean and wash often with soap and water to kill the bacteria.
5. If you are not allergic to aspirin you can make an aspirin paste and apply it to the blisters. Leave it on for 10 to 20 minutes to allow it to absorb into the skin. It will give temporary relief for a few hours from severe skin eruptions.
6. Look for redness on the skin around the blisters. This could be an early sign of infected skin, so you will have to treat it quickly to prevent it from getting worse. Use antibiotic ointment or clean the infected blisters with hydrogen peroxide.
7. Even after the shingle blisters have healed and cleared from the skin surface in the final stage, the pain can still persist. One way to help reduce the pain is to use Zostrix, an over-the-counter ointment. The active ingredient is capsaicin (derived from red chilli powder). It works by inhibiting the transmission of pain impulses along the pain fibers.
8. Use ice packs or calamine lotion on the sore, painful skin areas.
Tags: blisters have, Even after, help reduce, help reduce pain, immune system
According to the Assisted Living Federation of America, assisted living is "a long-term care option that combines housing, support services and health care, as needed." It is designed to provide assistance to individuals who may need help with everyday activities such as preparing meals, managing medications, transportation, medical care, and other activities of daily living. While assisted living is not a substitute for nursing home care, it is viewed as a complement to it.
Assisted Living Options
Assisted living programs are licensed by state governments and are known by different names such as residential care, personal care, board and care, and congregate care. Most facilities have between 25 and 120 living units, ranging in size from a single room to a full apartment. The needs of residents are assessed upon entry, and an individualized service plan is developed. The goal of assisted living is to provide individuals with the ability to choose the setting in which they will receive services and care. The role of staff is to help the residents enjoy as much independence and freedom as their condition allows.
Assisted living programs offer a more affordable, residential approach to providing many of the same medical services available in nursing homes. Services typically include customized health care and medical services, 24-hour emergency call systems, three meals per day served in a group dining area, housekeeping, and laundry services. For those with greater physical needs, assistance with walking, dressing, bathing, eating, and toileting is provided as necessary. Some assisted living facilities offer memory care services that involve innovative methods to improve quality of life and promote safety. Exercise and wellness programs may also be provided, as well as basic transportation services.
What to Look for in an Assisted Living Facility
Individuals or family members should make sure the physical layout and features of the residence meet the needs of the person who will be staying there. Is the floor plan easy to navigate? Can wheelchairs and walkers fit through hallways and doors? Are elevators or ramps available? Have handrails been installed throughout the building? Are cabinets and shelves accessible? Are the floors covered with firm carpeting or non-skid material? Are the building and grounds well lit? Is the facility clean, odor-free, and kept at a comfortable temperature?
Also carefully evaluate the services provided. Are staff members available around the clock to meet both expected and unexpected needs? Is assistance with bathing and dressing provided? What type of meals and snacks are provided? Are housekeeping services provided in the living units? How much notice is needed to request transportation services? What service providers such as physical therapists and hairdressers visit the facility? Is staff able to coordinate medical visits? Does the residence have a procedure for handling medical emergencies?
When an assisted living facility is properly selected, a balance between independence and security can be achieved.
Tags: assistance with, Assisted Living, Assisted living programs, health care, living programs
The best foods for the immune system are generally those that have been processed the least. Not only do fresh foods contain all the essential vitamins and minerals that modern research has identified as essential to immune system function, but they also contain trace non-essential nutrients, or phytonutrients, that are important, but haven't been fully studied yet.
Vegetables Rich in Vitamin A
Dark leafy greens and bright orange or yellow vegetables like carrots, squash and sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A. Foods with vitamin A are important for healthy skin and mucous membranes, which are your immune system's first defense against infection.
Sources of Vitamin C
Foods rich in vitamin C are essential for overall immune function and may help prevent cancer. Fruits like oranges, grapefruit, kiwi, strawberries and cantaloupe are familiar sources of vitamin C, but vegetables like bell peppers, cauliflower and raw broccoli are also good sources of vitamin C.
Protein Sources
Meats and other protein foods are important sources of B vitamins and zinc. B vitamins support the fundamental immune response and aid in the formation of vitamins; zinc promotes healthy white blood cells and skin healing.
Fish
Research by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease suggests that omega-3 fatty acids found in cold water fish like tuna, salmon, mackerel and sardines may help regulate the immune system, lessening the effects of autoimmune disorders like arthritis and lupus, and helping prevent the rejection of transplanted organs.
Phytonutrient-Rich Foods
Garlic, onions, green tea and certain mushrooms like shiitake and maitake contain phytonutrients that may improve the function of white blood cells, and help the immune system ward off the effects of aging and disease, including cancer.
Spondylosis, a degenerative condition involving one or more vertebral joints, can affect the lumbar (lower), thoracic (middle), or cervical (upper) parts of the spine. Lumbar spondylosis is usually caused by osteoarthritis or bone spurs resulting from aging, and can also result from injury. Usually it has no symptoms, but can cause back pain and stiffness.
Identification
All spinal discs, including those of the five vertebrae in the lumbar area, tend to narrow with age, and the ligaments surrounding the discs thicken and may even become calcified, so the normal material loses its elasticity. This increases stress and pressure on the vertebrae, and may also cause a decrease in the person's height. Spondylosis can cause disk bulges and herniations, which can be very painful, as well as osteophytes.
Significance
Osteophytes, which are vertebral bony growths, are commonly called bone spurs, although they actually are smooth and not spiky as the name would suggest. They are very common in people over 60, as the body creates osteophytes to increase surface area after a joint has been damaged by arthritis or another condition. Bone spurs can cause pain if they are rubbing against nerves. They are more often seen in cervical spondylosis.
Considerations
Over 80 percent of the United States population older than 55 have some degree of lumbar spondylosis, as evidenced by radiographic images, according to a 2003 article from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Usually there are no symptoms, and the condition is discovered because of x-rays or magnetic resonance imaging being conducted for other reasons. Most studies cannot find a consistent relationship to any factor other than aging, including physical activity, body shape, alcohol intake, or smoking.
Effects
When symptoms do occur, they usually involve morning stiffness or pain, or pain when bending or lifting. Sitting for a long time also can cause stiffness. Sometimes the pain becomes a chronic source of distress, or an acute episode such as a herniated disc occurs, and then people seek treatment.
Prevention/Solution
Physicians prefer conservative treatment for lumbar spondylosis. Treatment begins with weight loss if the patient is overweight, and painkillers such as ibuprofen or a prescription medication. Physical therapy may be conducted over many weeks, along with home exercises focusing on stretching. The doctor may recommend injections of repository methylprednisolone, an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid. Physicians only recommend surgery for lumbar spondylosis when there is continuous debilitating pain or spinal cord compression. Many are now beginning with a minimally-invasive laser endoscopic surgery, and avoiding open-back surgery and artificial disc replacements.
Seborrheic dermatitis is a condition that many people suffer from but do not realize they have. This skin condition is primarily a scalp ailment, but it can affect other areas of the body. Seborrheic dermatitis does not discriminate and affects even infants.
Definition
Seborrheic dermatitis is a fungal infection of the skin, accompanied by scaling, redness and tiny red bumps of the affected area.
Cause
The yeast, Malassezia, along with excessively oily skin are the primary causes of seborrheic dermatitis. Some health conditions, such as Parkinson's disease, may also cause this condition.
Primary Symptoms
A yellowish, whitish scaling or dandruff on the scalp and sides of the nose and eyebrows are primary symptoms. Excessive skin oiliness with redness and tiny red bumps under the scaly skin are also common symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis.
Treatment
Shampoos containing zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid, sulfur, selenium sulfide, tar, and/or ketoconazole help to control the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis. Also, a prescription cortisone lotion can help bring relief.
Considerations
Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic condition, but it can be managed. Following a steady treatment with an anti-dandruff shampoo can prevent flare-ups.
Dark eye circles can be unattractive and frustrating. They may be accompanied with puffy eyes, deep creases and other less than desirable conditions. There are a million different at home treatments that people seem to try and most of the time they fail. Here are some techniques that actually work.
Instructions
1. Wash your face with a mild cleanser and pat dry with a towel. Place wet tea bags under your eyes. Leave them on for 10 minutes. The ingredients in the tea bag will brighten and lighten the under eye area. Do this in the morning for a refreshed and awake look.
2. Massage honey and almond oil into the skin at night. Mix honey and almond oil in a small container. Dab your finger in the container and starting at the outer edge of the eye slowly massage it into the skin. Massage into the skin for five minutes. Do this nightly to soften the skin while strengthening it with added nutrients.
3. Take iron supplements and drink lots of water. It is said that dark under eye circles can be caused by a lack of iron in the diet also known as anemia. It can also result from dehydration. Take a iron pill or vitamin daily and increase your water intake and notice the difference it has on your under eye area.
4. Put a dab of Preparation H under eyes to reduce puffiness. Leave a thin layer on for 20 minutes. This is most effective when done before an important event, meeting or other function. The puffiness will return eventually but, with daily use, it will reduce the puffiness over time.
5. Apply moisturizer under the eyes. Allow it to set for five minutes or so. Dab a thin layer of foundation under your eyes. Keep it very light so that it doesn't clump and get stuck in your eye creases. Lightly dust some concealing powder under your eyes. That's it! Just keep up the routine and your under eyes will become lighter and brighter.
Tags: into skin, under your, under your eyes, your eyes, five minutes
Saw palmetto berries are eaten by animals including black bears.
Saw palmetto, or Serenoa repens, is a forest plant. It grows wild in many varied habitats, including southeastern pine forests between Louisiana and Florida in the south and South Carolina in the north, where it serves as primary ground cover. The saw palmetto berry is the fruit of the plant while saw palmetto extract is manufactured from the berry. The extract is marketed for medicinal purposes.
Plant
The saw palmetto plant resembles fan palms, reaching a height of 2 to 9 feet. Its leaves grow in a spiral around the plant's stem which either remains underground or parallel to the ground. The leaves on the stem are saw toothed; that forms the basis for the plant's name. Dangers involved in the harvest of the wild berries include its sharp leaves and rattlesnakes that live and hide under its cover.
Berry
The fruit of the saw palmetto is ovoid, or egg shaped, measuring approximately 1/2 inch wide. The berry is drupe-like, referring to it being a fleshy fruit with a single seed and hard inner layer. Saw palmettos produce white flowers. The berries grow on branched clusters and then ripen from green to black in a cluster. The berries are composed of fatty acids, plant sterols, flavonoids and high molecular weight polysaccharides, or sugars, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Berries picked in the wild are dried to be used for medicinal purposes.
Extract
The berries can be purchased in the form of powdered capsules, tablets, liquid tinctures or liposterolic extracts. Examine the labels and determine that the extract or product is 85 to 95 percent fatty acids and sterols. Proper dosage for extract capsules is 160 mg twice a day according to the Maryland Medical Center.
Differences
The saw palmetto berry is dried and sold as a medicinal product. The berries also produce the saw palmetto extract. According to ConsumersLab, some extracts contain additional products like pumpkin seed oil, zinc, gelatin and glycerin, while dried berries represent solely the saw palmetto fruit.
Medicinal Uses
Saw palmetto, in its extract form, is used primarily for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH -- enlargement of the prostate gland in men. According to Maryland Medical Center, studies show that saw palmetto is effective in treating symptoms such as frequent urination, especially at night. Other studies show it might shrink the prostate gland, while another study showed it had no value.
Tags: Maryland Medical, Maryland Medical Center, Medical Center, fatty acids, medicinal purposes, palmetto berry
According to Lindsay Kloer and Sue Nyberg of Wichita State University, only two long-term weight-loss drugs earned Food and Drug Administration approval for prescription use during 2007. These two drugs were sibutramine (Reductil and Meridia) and orlistat (Xenical). However, in April of 2009, the FDA disclosed to the public that many over-the-counter supplements contained sibutramine as well as other undisclosed prescription only drugs. That's a violation of the FDA's authority and a safety risk to individuals who use them (see link in Resources Section for product list).
Sibutramine (Reductil and Meridia): How it Works
Through manipulation of neurotransmitters in the brain (noradrenalin and serotonin), sibutramine suppresses appetite. When noradrenalin and serotonin (chemicals that exist in nerve cells) are released from the nerve cell for purposes of communication with other cells, they are then reabsorbed back into the nerve cell again. However, sibutramine prevents that reabsorption, leaving these two chemicals to roam about the brain freely, causing decrease in appetite as one consequence of their free movement.
Sibutramine and Obesity Treatment
Given the effect sibutramine has on decreasing appetite, it became a drug of choice for treatment of severe obesity. The drug's use, however, is now only allowed for use by individuals who qualify as being severely obese.
Reductile and Meridia Sibutramine History
Approved by the FDA on Nov. 22, 1997, sibutramine has been held accountable for deaths and other adverse reactions, according to a nationwide consumer organization called Public Citizen. This group, utilizing reported data made available to them due to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), sought a ban on sibutramine in 2002.
Sibutramine and Adverse Reaction Records
In a letter to the FDA dated March 19, 2002, Public Citizen sought a ban on sibutramine. The group stated that, according to information made available by the FOIA, sibutramine use was responsible for 29 deaths. Of those, 19 were cardiovascular-related among several in people under the age of 30; 10 others were less than 50 years old. The group cited 397 other adverse reactions.
Incidentally, the letter was sent on the heels of a Reuters news report on March 15, 2002, which alluded to a relationship between two deaths in Britain and use of sibutramine.
FDA Prohibits Sibutramine in Supplements
As mentioned earlier in this article, sibutramine (Reductile and Meridia) is not supposed to be available in over-the-counter products or supplements, especially in light of the recognized danger it can present to individuals by raising their blood pressure and heart rates (see link in Resources Section below to the FDA Medical Officer's review comments about sibutramine, as well as the FDA's stated warnings in the April 2009 public disclosure).
Given the concern of watchdog groups about this drug, even in formally prescribed and monitored medical conditions, it is important that consumers be aware of its dangers and possible use in supplements coming from questionable manufacturers.
Tags: adverse reactions, April 2009, link Resources, link Resources Section, made available, March 2002, nerve cell
If you're struggling with a spare tire around your middle, it's probably important for you to reduce belly fat and tighten loose skin. In addition to losing fat off the stomach, your health will improve and and your self-esteem will improve.
Men with waists larger than 40 inches and women with waists larger than 35 inches have an additional increase risk of heart disease. Many people find it increasingly difficult to lose stomach weight especially as they get older.
To reduce belly fat and tighten loose skin, follow the steps below.
Instructions
1. Lose belly fat by going on a low carbohydrate diet like Atkins for a few weeks. Gradually increase carbohydrate intake after your belly fat has shrunk by a few inches. When increasing carbohydrates, be sure to eat plenty of complex carbohydrates like fruits and vegetables. Being on the Atkins diet should reduce your appetite as well. A high protein diet will help you burn fat instead of muscle.
2. Get in an exercise work-out four to five times a week to lose belly fat and tighten loose skin. It's important to do cardio exercise and weight lifting a couple times a week to increase muscle tone to tighten loose skin.
3. Get a prescription of Retin-A and apply it to your stomach once a day after your daily shower. Your stomach should be completely dry before applying. Make sure to wear sunscreen on your stomach to avoid burning while using Retin-A. You can purchase Retin-A online without a prescription or buy it when you are traveling abroad at most local pharmacies.
4. Take supplements like leucine amino acids, calcium, and vitamin D to reduce belly fat and tighten loose skin. It's important to take supplements especially as you age for maximum reduction of belly fat.
5. If you're losing belly fat and your stomach looks really bumpy and lumpy with little pockets of fat, consider getting Titan treatments. They are relatively inexpensive compared to tummy tucks. Titan works by increasing the amount of collagen in skin and helping it to contract and become more smooth. Titan is non-surgical. It works by infrared light, and the proceedure usually only needs to be done twice a year.
The purpose of a drawing salve is to rid impurities or small foreign bodies from the skin. Drawing salves are often used to remove splinters, bee stings and the toxins in boils, for example. Though drawing salves can be purchased in stores, homemade versions offer you the opportunity to incorporate your favorite soothing agents and healing ingredients.
Oil Infusion
Prepare an infusion of plantain leaves and lavender flowers by placing the clean, dry herbs in a glass jar and filling it with oil. Plantain leaf is the active ingredient in the drawing salve, and lavender is an herbal antiseptic. You may also want to add other herbal ingredients at this point, such as echinacea, goldenseal or oatstraw. Allow the herbs to steep for a month before straining them, then discard the herbs and set aside the oil for use in the salve.
Grease Base
The base of your drawing salve can be made from one of two ingredients according to your preference: melted beeswax or melted vegetable shortening. Add 1/2 teaspoon of benzoin to each pint of salve after it has melted. This will act as a natural preservative.
Basic Salve Mix
You will blend your oil and base in a separate container. Mix them together well. You'll want the concentration to be about half oil and half wax or shortening. This will allow the salve to set when it cools without being so hard that it is difficult to apply to the skin.
Additional Oils
While the salve is still warm and easy to mix you may wish to add a few drops of other beneficial essential oils. After all, this is one of the advantages of preparing your own homemade drawing salve. Add only two to three drops of each oil and mix them well.
Applying the Salve
After you have put the salve into its final storage container, it will stay fresh for weeks or months. Pay attention to the smell for indications that it has turned rancid. Apply it to the skin as needed by smearing it on the affected area and covering it with a bandage. The salve should work quickly to draw forth the infection, boil or splinter.
Exposure to asbestos, even in limited amounts, can cause serious health problems such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Generally speaking, asbestos can come in either friable or non-friable forms. Friable asbestos is generally considered to be the more dangerous kind of asbestos.
Friable Asbestos
Friable asbestos is asbestos containing material that can be broken or pulverized by the force of your hands alone. Non-friable asbestos can't be broken down in this way, unless it is old or has been damaged.
Health Risks
Because friable asbestos can be easily broken, it is more susceptible to releasing asbestos fibers into the air. If inhaled, these fibers can cause cancer later in life.
Percentage of Asbestos
According to U.S. officials, such as those from the Environmental Protection Agency, friable asbestos materials contain over one percent asbestos by weight.
Changes Over Time
As non-friable asbestos containing material ages, or if it is broken or damaged in some way, it can be reclassified as friable asbestos.
Handling and Disposal
Because of the health risks associated with friable asbestos, it must be handled and disposed of in accordance with both state and federal laws, including regulations set forth by the U.S. EPA.
Tags: asbestos containing, asbestos containing material, Asbestos Mean, containing material, Does Friable, Does Friable Asbestos
Fluid on the eardrum can result in an ear infection, called otitis media. A Eustachian tube in each ear normally drains fluid from the ear. If it becomes clogged, fluid accumulates, allowing viruses or bacteria to grow.
Causes
The causes of blocked or swollen Eustachian tubes, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), include colds, allergies, sinus infections, infected adenoids, exposure to tobacco smoke and excessive amounts of saliva and mucus from teething.
Symptoms
According to the Directors of Health Promotion and Education, symptoms of an ear infection may include ear pain, hearing loss, dizziness, fever, vomiting and a fullness or pressure in the ear. In babies, the symptoms may include fever, irritability, ear drainage, inability to sleep and persistent crying.
Diagnosis
According to the NIH, your doctor can diagnose fluid on your eardrum by looking into the ear with an otoscope. This instrument shows fluid or air bubbles behind the eardrum.
Treatment
Antibiotics, such as amoxicillin or clindamycin, are necessary to treat a bacterial ear infection. In addition, over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, are used to treat the pain and fever.
Considerations
Persistent ear infections may require surgery in order to insert ear tubes. The ear tubes allow air in to help fluids drain, according to the NIH.
Scientific studies reveal a genetic link between major illnesses such as heart disease and a dental disease known as periodontitis. Scientists hope to develop methods to control this prevalent gum disease and reduce its role as a major factor in systemic diseases. Increased public awareness plays a vital part in bringing this about.
Genetic Link
Periodontitis, a dental disease that causes the supporting structures of teeth, tissues, bone and ligaments to erode, affects approximately 90 percent of people over the age of 60. According to Medical News Today, periodontitis results not only in the loss of teeth, but contributes to the risk of heart disease. Suspecting a genetic connection, Dr. Arne Schaefer, Institute for Clinical Molecular Biology at the University of Kiel, Germany, along with his colleagues, discovered that a gene known as a risk factor for myocardial infarction (heart attack) shares a similar connection to periodontitis. Their findings, presented to the European Society of Human Genetics in Vienna, 25 May 2009, provides additional urgency for dentists to diagnose and treat periodontitis in its early stages in order to reduce the risk of coronary disease.
Studies
Dr. Schaefer's initial study included two groups of patients. One group included 151 patients with uncontrolled periodontitis. The second group of participants contained 1,097 patients with coronary heart disease and a history of a previous heart attack. According to Dr. Schaefer, "The genetic variation associated with the clinical pictures of both diseases was identical."
To confirm their results, the researchers studied two additional groups--1,100 coronary heart disease patients and 180 study participants with periodontitis. Confirming the identical genetic variant for both diseases, the researchers now seek to find the relationship between the gene and healthy and diseased gum tissue.
Risk Factors
Periodontitis and coronary heart disease share several common risk factors: smoking, diabetes, obesity, chronic inflammation and an altered immune reaction. Men have a higher rate of incidence for coronary heart disease and periodontitis according to Medical News Today.
Promoting Public Awareness
The connection between periodontal disease, coronary heart disease and other major diseases poses a significant threat to life and health. In their testimony before the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Division of Oral Health (CDC DOH), members of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) suggested they review the results of the 2009 to 2010 National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey compiled in an attempt to determine the periodontal health of the United States population. Both the CDC and the AAP plan continued collaboration to increase public awareness of periodontal disease, its link to coronary heart disease and diabetes and the necessity of maintaining adequate oral health.
Conclusion
Patients with periodontitis develop periodontal pockets, spaces where the gum tissue and bone recede from the teeth. These pockets fill with bacteria, which scientists believe provides an additional link to heart disease according to Perio.org. The discovery of the genetic connection to periodontitis opens the way to the development of methods for earlier detection and treatment before the disease triggers other serious health issues.