Identify Symptoms Of Insomnia

Insomnia is described as having difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Categorized as short-term or transient (less than three weeks) or chronic (longer than three weeks) insomnia may wreak havoc physically and emotionally on those suffering from it. While all ages of both men and women suffer from bouts of occasional insomnia, it affects mostly the elderly. Insomnia itself is not considered a condition or disease, but a symptom on underlying causes that may be physical, mental or environmental in nature. Learning identify symptoms of insomnia may help to prevent complications and to seek treatment before aspects of daily life are affected.

Instructions

1. Take note of any difficulty sleeping that occur over any period of time. While we all have trouble sleeping once in a while, insomnia that occurs more than one or two times a week should be addressed and discussed with your health care provider in order to determine underlying causes.

2. Pay attention to the number of times you wake during the night. This wakefulness may occur shortly after falling asleep and may last for several hours. This inability to sleep also prompts frustration and agitation, which only worsens symptoms.

3. Waking suddenly with frightening memories or thoughts is another common indication of insomnia. Such frightening thoughts may linger for hours, increasing difficulty in falling back to sleep.

4. Watch for signs of ongoing fatigue and tiredness during the week. Chronic insomnia may eventually lead to lack of ambition, confusion and memory loss. Sleep deprivation may also cause mood swings and affect interactions with friends and loved ones.

5. Examine your physical condition and health, paying attention to any signs of illness or injury. Do you suffer from arthritis or other conditions that may cause chronic pain or discomfort? Do you live in an area where noise keeps you awake at night? Take stock of your bedtime habits and surroundings as well and try to determine what it is that is keeping you from falling asleep, and staying asleep.

Tags: falling asleep, asleep staying, asleep staying asleep, difficulty falling, falling asleep staying

Disinfectant

About Disinfectant

Disinfectants are used to kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms that are harmful to humans and animals. The microorganisms found on surfaces can be bacteria, viruses or fungi. Besides being used to control microorganism growth, disinfectants are used to protect surfaces against future growth. Antiseptics are disinfectants that are used on human tissues to destroy microorganisms, leaving the human tissues unharmed. The use of disinfectants has a long history, as humans have sought the perfect balance of safety and efficacy.

Significance

Disinfectants have been used to destroy or deactivate microbes that can cause infections, effectively reducing the risk of disease. They have been used to treat water, making it potable (drinkable), and have also been used in hospitals to control the spread of infection by microorganisms. They have also been used in the food industry to keep food free from contaminants that can spread sickness, and to destroy microorganisms that can form in human tissues.

History

Man has engaged in disinfecting practices since ancient times, but the science of using disinfectants to destroy microorganisms has only been around for 150 years. Heat was one of the first disinfectants, followed by the use of sulfur dioxide as a fumigant. In the medical field, as early as the 6th century, surgeons used special vapors to disinfect operating rooms. A few centuries later, ethanol was discovered, but was not used until the mid 1700s as disinfectant to dress wounds. In addition to ethanol, many other chemicals have been used, such as chlorine, vinegar water, hypochlorite, iodine, hydrogen peroxide and phenol. As the chemicals were being introduced, disinfection techniques and the reasons for disinfecting were becoming better understood.

Considerations

There has to be a balance between the efficacy of the disinfectant and the overall safety of the product. It is generally understood that, the better a compound is at disinfecting, the more its toxicity increases--and vice-versa. Disinfectants have a negative effect on the environment; this should be taken into consideration when formulating new disinfectants.

Features

Some microorganisms have started developing a resistance to disinfectants, making them ineffective. As new strains of microorganisms appear, new disinfectants are formulated to destroy them. This is similar to what is happening with antibiotics.

Theories/Speculation

The ideal disinfectant should not be toxic to animal or humans; it should be environmentally friendly, not accumulating within or degrading an environment. It should also be able to tackle all microorganisms, act fast and smell pleasant. It should be safe to use and safely interact with any other chemicals.

Types

Many different types of disinfectants are used, including alcohols, aldehydes, chlorine-and-oxygen compounds, phenolics and ammonia compounds. The most commonly used disinfectant in homes is chlorine bleach; it kills a wide variety of microbes, but it is not completely safe at higher and more potent concentrations. Another commonly used antimicrobial is triclosan, which has been used in soaps and (at low concentrations) toothpastes.

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Risk Factors For Asthma

Although asthma is not a curable condition, certain factors may increase the risk of developing this chronic disorder. Some people may be born with risk factors that may predispose them to asthma symptoms, while other risk factors may be a result of the environment, occupational hazards or personal behaviors. Consider this information from the Mayo Clinic about the risk factors for asthma.

Family history

People who have a family history of asthma may have a susceptibility to asthma triggers or inflammation of the airways.

Infections

Frequent or severe respiratory infections during childhood, such as colds, pneumonia or bronchitis, are risk factors for asthma.

Smoke

Regular exposure to smoke from tobacco products, such as on-the-job exposure or living with a smoker, can increase the risk of asthma symptoms.

Air Pollution

Air pollution from factories, car and truck exhaust and particulate matter can increase the risk of developing asthma, especially for people who live in big cities.

Chemicals

Chemicals in products such as pesticide sprays, toiletries, and household and industrial cleaners, can increase the risk of asthma, especially if exposure is long term.

Overweight

People who are overweight have a higher risk of developing asthma due to the increased amount of work the lungs and heart have to do to supply the body with air.

Premature Births

Babies that are born prematurely have a higher risk of asthma as they grow up due to delayed development of the lungs.

Tags: increase risk, risk asthma, risk developing, risk factors, asthma especially, asthma symptoms

Is Edta Harmful

EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) is the generic name for a group of products designed to chelate (bind) harmful substances in the blood and remove them from the body. The use of these products presents several health risks.

Facts

Doctors may use two distinct forms of EDTA, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Edetate calcium disodium (Calcium Disodium Versenate) is used to treat cases of poisoning with lead and other heavy metals, while edetate disodium (Endrate) is used to treat cases of excessive blood calcium (hypercalcemia) and digitalis-related heart problems.

Potential Risks

The American Heart Association cites potential risks of EDTA use to include a form of kidney failure called renal tubercular necrosis, as well as low blood pressure, respiratory arrest, shock, bone marrow depression and heartbeat irregularities.

EDTA Misuse

The FDA notes that the two forms of EDTA have very different uses and effects. Similarities in medication names may lead doctors to use the wrong form of EDTA in a given treatment situation.

Misuse Outcomes

Using the wrong form of EDTA can trigger severe outcomes, including death, according to the FDA.

Considerations

Major adverse reactions to edetate disodium typically manifest within minutes to hours after use, notes the FDA. Reactions outside that time frame do not generally occur.

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Pulmonary Signs In Stage 4 Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the most deadly cancer for both men and women in large part because it produces few signs or symptoms until it has advanced and spread. However, once lung cancer has become more advanced, it will usually produce pulmonary symptoms.

Coughing

This is by far the most common symptom, occurring in three-fourths of people with lung cancer, according to onconurse.com. The cough may also be accompanied by bloody sputum, which occurs in more than half of all cases.

Shortness of Breath

This symptom occurs in more than one-third of all lung cancers, including those in stage IV. Paralysis of the diaphragm, another pulmonary lung cancer symptom, can also present as shortness of breath, according to onconurse.com

Chest Pain

Chest pain occurs in one-quarter of all advanced lung cancer cases.

Hoarseness

Hoarseness is the next most common symptom in advanced lung cancer occurring in 18 percent of cases (onconurse.com).

Other Pulmonary Symptoms

Other pulmonary symptoms may be present in stage IV lung cancer cases: wheezing, recurrent pneumonia and bronchitis and difficulty swallowing (also called dysphagia).

Tags: lung cancer, according onconurse, advanced lung, advanced lung cancer, cancer cases, common symptom, lung cancer cases

Tell If Acid Reflux Is Causing Cavities

Tell if Acid Reflux is Causing Cavities

Acid reflux is a condition that causes stomach acid to regurgitate from the stomach into the throat and mouth of a person. This uncomfortable condition can last throughout a lifetime if left untreated and can lead to the person having other complications, including tooth decay.

Instructions

1. Speak to your dentist. Schedule a full dental exam to see what type of condition that your teeth are in. If the dentist relays that you have multiple cavities in your mouth since the last check up that may be indicative of acid reflux damage.

2. See a doctor about getting your acid reflux under control. Your family doctor or a gastroenterologist can run series of tests as a way to diagnose your acid reflux.

3. Begin taking medications for acid reflux. Most likely, the doctor is going to give you reflux controlling medications. Brand names of acid reflux medications include Prevacid and Nexium.

4. Visit the dentist again after treatment. Make an appointment with your dentist after your acid reflux is under control. If he notes a reduction in cavities, then you can deduce that the previous tooth decay was caused by the reflux.

5. Take care of your teeth in order to avoid future cavities. Although the acid reflux being under control can reduce cavities, you must still practice good hygiene. Brush and floss on a regular basis.

Tags: acid reflux, under control, your acid, your acid reflux, acid reflux

Side Effects Of Too Much Sleep

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorder and Stroke (NINDS), hypersomnia is a sleep disorder in which the patient experiences excessive sleepiness during the daytime and/or extremely long periods of nighttime sleep. The side effects of hypersomnia interfere with one's lifestyle by inhibiting his ability to cope with social situations, and they can be just as undesirable as those of insomnia.

Headaches

Sleeping too much can cause headaches, which scientists believe is linked to the effect of sleep on certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin. Too much sleep can disrupt the balance of the chemicals in the brain and cause headaches.

Back Pain

Too much sleep can cause great deals of pressure on the back for extended periods of time, which can lead to back pain.

Diabetes

Researchers have discovered that a side effect of over sleep is diabetes. In a study of 9,000 people, they found that those who sleep more than nine hours per night are 50 percent more likely to contract diabetes than those who sleep seven hours per night.

Obesity

Studies have proven that people who sleep nine to 10 hours per night are 21 percent likelier to become obese over a six-year time span than people who sleep seven to eight hours nightly, even when food consumption and exercise levels were considered.

Heart Disease

The Nurses Health Study of 72,000 women found that women who sleep nine to 1 hours nightly are 38 percent likelier to experience coronary heart disease than women who sleep eight hours every night.

Depression

Regular sleep habits are important to recovering from depression, and sleeping too much can worsen the symptoms of depression.

Death

A myriad of studies have proven that people who sleep nine or more hours per night have notably greater death rates than those who sleep seven to eight hours nightly.

Tags: hours night, eight hours, hours nightly, nine hours, people sleep

Diy Back Alignment

DIY Back Alignment

Whether you suffer from poor posture or are just tired of experiencing back pain, the need to better align your back is probably obvious to you. Unfortunately, many people don't know where to start when it comes to improving their spinal health. Understanding a few basic concepts will help you to improve your posture, alleviate pain and promote allover better health.

Back Health Basics

Your spine is made up of 24 specialized bones called vertebrae. These bones are stacked, one on top of the other, forming a column that runs from the base of your skull down to your pelvis. Between each vertebrae is a cartilage disk that provides cushioning between the bones and allows your spine to flex without losing its overall structure. In addition to these bones and disks, your spine is held in place by many ligaments and muscles, each pulling the vertebrae in different directions as you move, bend and twist.

Keeping your spine in proper alignment is important not only for the health of your back but also for your joints, muscles and respiratory system. Maintaining correct posture and alignment isn't difficult but does require some care and attention in a few areas.

Stretching

The easiest thing you can do for your spine is to occasionally stretch and relax the muscles and ligaments that hold it in place. Activities such as rolling your shoulders and stretching your neck will help loosen up the muscles of the upper back. Your middle and lower back can be easily stretched with cat stretches and simple twisting stretches. Back stretches should be done with smooth motions and should never be forced.

Dr. Thomas Lamar points out that cracking your back, popping your neck and otherwise manipulating your own spine can actually do more harm than good and usually indicate problems that should be worked on with a chiropractor. The ability to pop your back, he says, "is a clear indication that an underlying problem exists."

Exercises

The delicate interplay of vertebrae and back muscles is easily thrown out of balance when muscles in your back and torso are uneven in strength or strained beyond their capacity. One of the best things you can do for your spine is to strengthen your core muscles.

Your core is made up of muscles in your abdominal area, pelvic region, and your back and shoulders. Toning and tightening these various muscle groups will take some of the strain off your spine, allowing other muscles to help support the weight of your body, according to sports injury consultant Brad Walker. When balanced in strength, these muscles will also help to hold your vertebrae in place when unusual stresses are put upon it.

While exercise programs like Pilates will do much to improve core stability, many other options are available. Body-weight exercises such sit-ups, push-ups, and pull-ups all contribute to strengthening the trunk muscles, and core-strengthening workouts are easily designed for people who lift weights, jog or do other types of workout.

Chiropractic Help

Unfortunately, as with any medical problem, only so much can be done without the benefit of medical training. If regular stretching and exercise don't solve your posture or back pain problems, consider visiting a chiropractor. His training and techniques will spot your unique problems and provide solutions that work.

Tags: your back, your spine, Back Alignment, back pain, muscles your, will help, your neck

Safety Tips For Senior Citizens In The Springtime

In order to stay safe, senior citizens need to stay vigilant for certain types of situations year-round. There are some situations and scenarios that are more common in the springtime, however, that senior citizens should be especially careful to look out for in order to stay safe. By following some simple home and outdoor safety tips, the spring season can be enjoyed safely by seniors without the fear of accidents or mishaps.

Yard and Garden Safety

Working outdoors in the garden can be very relaxing and is a great way to get some good exercise. Care must be taken not to overdo things, though, and some basic safety rules should be observed. Especially before engaging in gardening activities that are physical in nature, it is a good idea to take a few minutes to do some simple stretching exercises. It is also a good idea to bend properly to avoid stress to the back and knees. Using a kneeling pad or a gardening bench is often a good choice. Care should be taken when lifting so as not to cause unnecessary strain. Frequent breaks should be taken in order to avoid becoming fatigued. Clothing should be appropriate for the weather, and sunscreen always should be used. Make sure instructions are followed on all equipment, fertilizers and lawn chemicals, and always take care to put supplies away safely after the job is done.

Check Smoke Detectors

When the time changes in the spring, it means it's also time to replace the batteries in the smoke detectors. Smoke detectors are a very important feature in every home, but they can be especially valuable for senior citizens. As part of the spring battery change, the smoke alarm also should be tested to make sure it works properly. It is also a good idea to vacuum the smoke alarm so that dust or cobwebs aren't an impediment to the proper functioning of the smoke alarm. Another good springtime safety tip is to check your fire extinguisher at the same time you change the smoke alarm batteries so that functional fire extinguishers are always present and easily located.

Remain Vigilant Against Fraud

Once the weather turns nice, senior citizens need to be especially careful to guard themselves against roving home repairmen. Although most home repairmen are reputable and reliable, there are unscrupulous traveling repairmen who travel from area to area and who tend to prey on senior citizens. These home repairmen often try to sell what they claim is emergency home repair work that must be performed and paid for immediately. These home repair jobs vary but often include roofing, paving and painting. Senior citizens should be careful to ask for company identification, be leery of repairmen who work out of unmarked vehicles, and never agree to have repairs made on the spot without checking first regarding the legitimacy of the repair person's business.

Tags: senior citizens, smoke alarm, good idea, home repairmen, also good

Use A Colon In A Sentence

Colons are easy to master because they are only used in a few types of sentences. Here is where to use them.

Instructions

1. Use a colon to state the time. For example, 2:35 a.m.

2. Use a colon in a sentence to introduce a list of things. For example, "Abraham sent Isaac shopping for several objects: a knife, rope, gloves, mask, blindfold and lye."

3. You can use either a colon or a semicolon to introduce an explanation. For example, "Abraham told Isaac that the shopping list was nothing to worry about: he was just making his Halloween costume."

4. Use a colon in a sentence to introduce formal proclamations or quotes. For example, "The robots had one rule: kill squishy humans."

5. Only use a colon after an independent clause. An independent clause is a clause that can stand on its own as a sentence. For example, the sentence "The president wished to invade the following countries: Iraq, Iran, Syria, Afghanistan, Cuba and France." is correct because the segment before the colon could stand as a sentence on its own. The sentence "The president invaded: Iraq, Iran, Syria, Afghanistan, Cuba and France" is not correct, because "invaded" is used as a transitive verb with "Iraq...France" as the object.

Tags: Afghanistan Cuba, Afghanistan Cuba France, colon sentence introduce, correct because, Cuba France, Cuba France correct

Eye Exercises For Eye Strain

Eyesight can be drastically worsened by eye strain. This can be caused by not using glasses when required, straining the eyes to see something in the distance and too much time at the computer. There are ways to prevent eye strain through exercises, but there also are ways to ease strain that has already occurred. They are fairly easy methods, but they need to be done consistently and correctly. There aren't any adverse effects to these unless the eyes are worked too hard.

Eye Relaxation

This exercise is a little more complicated than others. It works to relax the eyes, head, neck and shoulders, thus relieving eye strain. Sit on a chair with your back straight. Close your eyes and put a hand over each eye to warm them. Take away your hands but keep your eyes closed while rotating your shoulders and breathing deeply. Do this several times.

Another type is done with the eyes closed and tightened shoulder muscles. Suddenly release both your shoulders and your eyes. Repeat this as well as many times as the previous exercise.

Eye Gazing

When working with the computer a lot, the eyes can get tired and become strained. These exercises will help to reduce this strain. Look away from the screen every 20 minutes, and look at something else that is a long distance away. This is a way to relax the focusing muscles and decrease the amount of eye strain.

Look at a far-away object for about 15 seconds, then at an object close to you for the same period. Repeat this exercise 10 times. When the eyes are looking at one spot for a long time, the focus tends to lock up, creating eye strain. These exercises prevent the lock up from happening.

Anti-Squinting and Extrinsic Eye Muscle Help

Squinting is a form of straining the eyes. There are techniques to correct this to reduce this strain. Looking at the ceiling with your eyes half closed and exhaling at the same time might help.

To help strengthen and relax the extrinsic eye muscles, try this one. Keeping the head straight and in line with your spine, move your eyes in the following directions while breathing out: up and down, to the left and right, at a 45-degree angle up on both the left and right sides, and then downward at same angle downward.

Tags: your eyes, with your, eyes closed, left right, reduce this, reduce this strain

The History Of Lavender Oil

Lavender oil is beloved by people all over the world. It has a beautiful scent, and can be used in aromatherapy to calm and ensure a good night's sleep. Here is a brief overview of the history of lavender oil.

Harvest

The essential oil of lavender can be harvested only from lavender bud and flowers.

Uses

In addition to the properties listed above, lavender oil has been used as insect repellent, a balm for the relief of headaches, a treatment for anxiety and a cough remedy. Essential oil of lavender also can be used as antiseptic or as an anti-inflammatory.

Ancient Times

Egyptians used lavender during mummification, and the Ancient Greeks believed it was a remedy for insomnia or backaches. The Romans prized lavender, and it was a luxury good primarily used for scenting bath water. In fact, that is where the name lavender comes from: from the Latin lavare, meaning "to wash."

Location

Lavender was found in Syria by the Ancient Greeks and possibly the Egyptians. Today, lavender can be found all over Europe, as well as North America.

Production Ratio

It takes 150 lbs. of lavender to make 1 lb. of oil.

Tags: Ancient Greeks

Talk With A Lisp

Perhaps you have a part in a play that requires you to speak with a lisp. Maybe you like to do impressions of other people (or cartoon characters). Whatever your reason, you can learn to convincingly talk with a lisp. It just takes a little know-how and a lot of practice. Read on to learn talk with a lisp.

Instructions

1. Hold your tongue against your top teeth. Your tongue should be in the position it's usually in when you make the sound "th." With your tongue in the correct position, try to make the "s" sound.

2. Once you can make the correct sound, which should sound like a sharp whisper, practice saying words that contain the letter s. Here are some to start you out: sassafrass, sushi, Susannah, selfish, sordid, silly, assumption and ossify.

3. Listen to people with lisps and try to discern the nuances. See if you can find some old Sylvester the Cat or Daffy Duck cartoons and imitate their speech.

4. Listen to Spaniards. People from certain areas of Spain talk with a lisp. Listening to a lisp in another language can help you isolate the sounds you should "lisp."

Tags: talk with lisp, with lisp, make sound, talk with, your tongue

Bloodstone Healing Properties

Bloodstone Healing Properties

Bloodstone, also called heliotrope and sometimes blood jasper, is a dark green opaque stone (chalcedony) with distinctive crimson intrusions that resemble blood droplets. A chalcedony (cryptocrystalline form of silica) is a fine-grained form of quartz and moganite. Bloodstone has a wax-like luster. Its red spots are caused by iron oxide. Bloodstone is a common and inexpensive stone that is frequently used in pendant necklaces or as beads. It is also included in a lot of rock collections sold primarily to tourists.

History

Bloodstone, because of its unique bloody appearance was used carvings in artworks of the Middle Ages to represent the blood droplets of Jesus Christ or to suggest flagellation (whipping as a devotional offering). J.J. Kent in a 2004 article notes that the French Royal Collection in Paris has a bust of Jesus Christ carved from bloodstone and the Field Columbian Museum in Chicago has a head of Jesus, similarly made. Application of the bloodstone to the body was said to instantly cure the blood, perhaps due to the suggestibility of the iron blood droplets.

Location

More commonly, the bloodstone is associated with energy, work and cleansing. Because a large percentage of the world supply of bloodstone is mined on the Kāthiāwār Peninsula, India, it isn't surprising that Buddhism utilized the bloodstone in its healing traditions for centuries.

Bloodstone And Kundalini

Bloodstone is believed to activate and facilitate the movement of kundalini up the spine, to remove or assist in the removal of blockages and to be responsive to the direction or re-direction of energy. Kundalini is characteristically similar to concepts of chi and quartz is attributed by many people to have a unique relationship with energy. Bloodstone, as a type of quartz, follows in this substantial tradition.

Function

In her 2002 book "Celtic Crystal Magick," Rhuddlwm Gawr describes bloodstone as a powerful stone that is useful in moving energy in the body and for cleansing around the body. Fine examples of bloodstone have been found in Scotland, making the stone more readily available to Celts. Gerina Dunwich attributes bloodstone with a reduction in "fevers, to cure inflammatory illness, heal tumors and prevent miscarriages," in her 2003 book "Dunwich's Guide To Gemstone Sorcery." She also notes that ancient Roman and Greek warriors carried bloodstone on them to staunch the flow of blood from potential wounds.

Benefits

Bloodstone is also used to treat kidney and liver disorders, anemia and almost all disorders of the blood, bladder disorders, and assists in childbirth, according to Dunwich. It is also used to detoxify the liver, clear the intestines, treat the spleen and regulate blood flow and circulation. It assists the body in activation of the immune system to reduce infections and neutralize toxins. It counteracts the formation of pus. Most applications of use suggest direct contact of the stone with the afflicted area. It should be noted that bloodstone changes with contact with fluids (its luster may change) and this attribute is noted as a sign of the stone working.

Tags: blood droplets, also used, Bloodstone also, Bloodstone Healing, Bloodstone Healing Properties

Take Vinegar For Health

We have been hearing how good apple cider vinegar is for us lately. Apple cider vinegar will help with the itches of mosquito bites to the pain of arthritis. The health benefits of this simple remedy can be astounding. Read on to learn take vinegar for health.

Instructions

1. Do your research. Apple cider vinegar has been known to help with many ailments. Weight loss, heartburn, arthritis, blood glucose levels and lowering cholesterol are a few of the health benefits. Research your ailment to see if apple cider vinegar has been shown useful.

2. Seek medical advice. Your primary care provider can give you help and guidance as to any new regimen that you undertake. Be sure to talk to them about taking apple cider vinegar.

3. Purchase a good quality apple cider vinegar. There are many types of vinegar on the market. Pick a good quality, preferably an organic apple cider vinegar. A good place to look is at a natural food store.

4. Take as recommended. The traditional dose is 2 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar in 8 oz. of water, three times a day. You can add honey to taste.

5. Stick with it. Some benefits are quickly seen. Other benefits may take longer. Taking apple cider vinegar for a few weeks should show results.

6. Spread the word. If taking apple cider vinegar has helped you, be sure to tell others. This all-natural remedy is worth talking about to others who may also benefit.

Tags: cider vinegar, apple cider vinegar, apple cider, Apple cider, apple cider, cider vinegar been

Take Nitrix

Nitrix is an oral supplement designed to pump up your muscles, increase endurance and help reduce any soreness in your muscles created by working out or participating in other activities. Nitrix helps support performance and muscles and decreases recovery time. It is a favorite supplement among male bodybuilders.

Instructions

1. Make sure that Nitrix is appropriate for you. Nitrix is designed for adults over the age of 18 and should not be taken if you are breastfeeding or pregnant.

2. Use Nitrix on a daily basis when your stomach empty. Three tablets should be taken three times daily. Use water as needed to help the tablets go down easily.

3. Take your first three Nitrix tablets in the morning prior to eating breakfast. Wait approximately 30 to 45 minutes before eating breakfast.

4. Take three more Nitrix tablets 30 to 45 minutes on an empty stomach prior to eating lunch.

5. Take your final dose of the Nitrix supplement on an empty stomach 30 to 45 minutes prior to eating dinner.

Tags: prior eating, eating breakfast, empty stomach, Nitrix tablets, should taken, Take your

Self Healing Properties Of Capacitors

Capacitors can create a variety of effects, and in some cases they can even repair themselves.

Capacitors are electronic components that regulate or modify the electrical current passing through them. Capacitors are part of most electronic devices --- especially those that deal with radio or audio frequencies such as phones, radios, televisions and recorders. A capacitor is basically two large area conductors (plates) separated by an insulator (dielectric). Capacitors can produce high-voltage spikes for spark plugs, stabilize ripples in power supplies and tune circuits to receive select radio stations.

How Capacitors Break Down

Capacitors break down if the dielectric is destroyed. Some capacitors have the ability to repair the dielectric if the destruction is not too bad. For some capacitors, this dielectric is grown as an oxide on the surface on one of the plates, and the dielectric can be regrown after a breakdown. In other capacitors, both plates and dielectric are submerged in a material that restores the dielectric after a breakdown. Both of these types of "self healing" capacitors are used for different purposes, are damaged in different ways and are healed by different processes. There is also a large group of capacitors that cannot heal themselves.

Electrolytic Capacitors

Electrolytic capacitors have a dielectric that is an oxide formed on the surface of one plate. Oxides are the results of chemical reactions that some materials have with the oxygen in the atmosphere. Sometimes oxides only form if a material is heated or if electricity is run through the material. The oxide on the plate of an electrolytic capacitor forms when electricity runs through the capacitor in one direction. If current runs through an electrolytic capacitor in the wrong direction it breaks down the dielectric which causes the capacitor to fail. Electrolytic capacitors heal themselves --- the oxide regrows --- if current, in the proper direction, is run through the damaged capacitor.

Oil Capacitors

With the enormous voltages --- and unpredictable environment --- of public utility lines, capacitors are particularly susceptible to damage. The large enclosed canisters that you see on power lines and in power substations are oil capacitors. The plates and dielectric are enclosed in an insulating oil that repairs breaks to both plates and dielectrics as soon as they occur. You do not even need to use a low current for a long time. Oil capacitors are truly self healing. Some high quality oil capacitors are small enough to be used in audio equipment --- like high quality amplifiers. These small oil capacitors use oil-soaked paper and Teflon composite materials. They are expensive, but they are also self healing.

Tags: plates dielectric, after breakdown, both plates, capacitors have, down dielectric, electrolytic capacitor

Improve Oxygen Saturation Naturally

Oxygen saturation refers to the amount or percentage of oxygen that is found in your blood. The National Institutes of Health states that normal levels of oxygen saturation in healthy people living at sea level range between 94 and 100 percent. People who have lung disease, sleep apnea or live in high altitudes often measure less than 94 percent on oxygen saturation tests. Losing weight, preventing conditions such as anemia and being treated for sleep apnea can be natural ways to improve oxygen saturation readings.

Instructions

1. Lose weight if you are overweight and suffer from oxygen desaturation stemming from obstructive sleep apnea. A July 2009 issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine reported that a person's body mass index can have a negative effect on oxygen saturation during disrupted sleep. The Mayo Clinic explains that losing weight can help minimize sleep apnea symptoms. Create a healthy weight loss plan under your doctor's supervision.

2. Refrain from drinking alcohol or using muscle relaxant drugs right before going to bed. Using these substances lowers your muscle tone and can create an obstruction to breathing with your throat tissues. If you stop breathing, however briefly, while you sleep, your oxygen levels will drop.

3. Improve oxygen saturation naturally by making sure you are well-nourished with all the essential vitamins and minerals you should be getting. The Mayo Clinic states that hypoxemia, another term for a low level of oxygen in your blood, can be caused by anemia. Eating foods rich in iron, folic acid and Vitamin C can help prevent anemia. If you have anemia and experience oxygen desaturation (levels lower than 94 percent), try to eat more meats, citrus fruits, whole grains and dairy products. Take a vitamin supplement if your diet does not give you the nutrients you need.

4. Ask your dentist about using an oral appliance to open up your airways while you sleep. This can help prevent sleep apnea and will improve lower-than-normal oxygen saturation rates if you are able to develop uninterrupted sleep patterns.

Tags: sleep apnea, oxygen saturation, oxygen saturation, help prevent, Mayo Clinic, oxygen desaturation, states that

Take Grapefruit Oil

The essential oils found in grapefruits can be used to treat a variety of health conditions.

Grapefruit oil boasts a number of health benefits. It can be used as an appetite stimulant, as a kidney cleanser and diuretic, for detoxification and as an anti-depressant. It can be applied topically, inhaled directly or through the use of a diffuser or taken internally as a daily dietary supplement. The benefits of any herbal supplement may be seen almost immediately or over a period of several weeks.

Instructions

1. Combine three drops of pure grapefruit essential oil with three drops vegetable oil. Rub onto the bottoms of both feet daily.

2. Combine five drops of oil with a pot or sink full of hot, steamy water. Drape a towel over your head, bend over the sink or pot and inhale for 10 minutes.

3. Fill an oil diffuser reservoir with water and up to 15 drops of pure grapefruit essential oil. Turn it on and inhale normally throughout the day.

4. Mix two drops of grapefruit essential oil with two parts vegetable oil in a jar. Apply to tongue and swallow daily.

Tags: grapefruit essential, drops pure, drops pure grapefruit, essential with, grapefruit essential with, pure grapefruit

Dangers With Mildew In Homes

Mildew is a common name for mold growing on fabric or wood, but is actually a mold. Molds are found almost anywhere, inside and out, and occur in a variety of shapes and colors. Molds are organisms that feed on things such as wood, paper, leaves or dirt and require moisture to grow. While molds are quite common, they are not harmless. When given a moist environment to thrive, they can reproduce and create a great deal of health problems or even structural damage to homes.

Allergic Reactions

Allergic reactions to mildew and mold in a home can manifest as watery or runny eyes, nasal stuffiness, sneezing, coughing or wheezing. While those who are allergic to molds may have a lower threshold to reacting to molds, repeated high exposure to molds can also lower that threshold. Allergic inflammation in the lower airway can create asthmatic reactions such as sore throat, tightness in the chest, wheezing and coughing. Molds can be a significant trigger in asthma especially in children. Other allergic reactions can include skin rashes, dryness and itching.

Irritant Reactions

Irritant reactions to indoor mold or mildew include eye irritations, eye infections, rashes, cold symptoms, laryngitis, hoarseness, coughing and tightness in the chest. Other reactions are headaches and fatigue. Irritant reactions typically disappear rather quickly once a person is removed from the environment causing the symptoms.

Toxic Reactions

Some molds can develop into mycotoxins, often referred to simply as black mold. This is characteristically found in water-damaged homes with high amounts of mold particularly in walls, wallpaper, ceiling tile, wallboard, carpets and insulation. These molds can cause neurological, respiratory and skin reactions. Examples of illnesses caused by black mold include organic dust toxic syndrome and pulmonary hemorrhage in infants.

Tags: black mold, Irritant reactions, tightness chest

Herbs To Cure Gout

Gout is a form of arthritis in which uric acid collects in the blood. The uric acid turns into needle-like crystals that accumulate in the joints, causing pain and swelling. Gout affects the feet, knees, hands, wrists and even the ear. Avoid foods high in purines, which turn into uric acid in the blood stream. While gout should be treated by a physician, there are herbs that can help ease the pain and help your body get rid of the uric acid that causes gout.

Ginger

Boil two quarts of water. Remove from heat and grate two inches of fresh ginger root into the water. Cover and let steep for 10 minutes. Soak a washcloth in the ginger tea while it's hot. Wring it out and apply the hot ginger compress to your joints. Leave the compress on until the heat dissipates. Soak another washcloth in ice water and apply it immediately after removing the ginger compress. Let it sit for three to four minutes. Apply ginger compresses every day until the swelling goes down. Always end with a cold compress.

Black Cherry

When you experience acute attacks of gout, dilute one tablespoon of black cherry concentrate with one cup of water and drink it three times a day until the pain subsides. Black cherry helps the body get rid of excess purines. Black cherry concentrate can be found in health food stores. Drink one dose daily in order to prevent gout attacks.

Horsetail

Mix one tablespoon of dried horsetail with one cup of hot water. Let it steep 10 to 20 minutes, then strain the horsetail from the liquid. Drink three cups daily. This helps reduce pain and swelling by removing excess purines from the body. Take horsetail only to treat an acute gout attack. It is not an ongoing treatment. If you dislike horsetail tea, then take 500 mg capsules of horsetail three to four times a day.

Celery Seed

Add one teaspoon of dried celery seed to one cup of water. Bring to a boil for three to four minutes. Remove from the heat and let it steep for five minutes. Drink once a day until the pain and swelling are gone. Celery seed is a blood-cleansing herb that helps the body eliminate excess wastes.

Nettle

Add one teaspoon of dried nettles to one cup of boiling water. Steep for one hour, then strain the tea. Drink three to four cups daily. Nettle is a cleansing herb rich in minerals. Nettle tea can be found in bulk form in natural food markets.

Tags: three four, uric acid, pain swelling, cherry concentrate, cups daily

Safest Way To Remove Warts On A Child'S Finger

Warts and children's fingers go together like peanut butter and jelly. Don't be frightened when you see the unattractive area of skin sprouting from the corner of your son's fingernail. There are several ways to remove a wart. Some work faster than others, and some are used for more serious treatments. When dealing with children, it's good to find a safer option than liquid nitrogen or laser removal, which could leave a scar or cause discomfort.

Over-the-Counter Product

Using an over-the-counter wart remover is the best and safest way to remove a wart from a child's finger. Most procedures used in the doctor's office, such as dry ice and cutting the wart off, may scare many children. Many products work really well for finger warts. Most come in the form of a bandage that has a wart-removal medication built into it. You'll place this bandage over the wart just like a cut. Replace the bandage as directed by the instructions and the wart will go away. The wart may go away in a few weeks, but it could take up to 12 weeks.

Let it Go Away Naturally

Warts may be a little embarrassing, but if you can live with it, it will naturally go away between six months and two years. This obviously is a long time, but it's a safe way to make sure the wart is properly removed. You should cover your child's wart with a bandage and try to make sure it doesn't get infected. Warts also are contagious, so if a wart on your child's finger will be a problem for those around him, it's probably best to get rid of it as soon as possible.

Crushed Garlic

Instead of just letting a wart sit on your child's finger for two years, you can speed up the process with some natural remedies. While she's sleeping, place crushed or sliced garlic on the wart. It's a good idea to wash the wart thoroughly first so the garlic will be able to seep into the skin. Do this for a week or two and you may see the wart disappear.

Banana Peel

Another safe application you can try for wart removal is a banana peel. Take a piece of banana peel and tape it to you child's finger. Make sure the inside part of the peel is wrapped around the wart in a snug fashion. Wash the infected area thoroughly with warm water before applying the peel. Do this for one to two weeks.

Tags: your child, banana peel, child finger, child finger, remove wart

Stretching Exercises For Parkinson'S Disease

Parkinson's disease is a degenerative muscle disorder that causes tremors, stiffness, trouble balancing and lack of mobility. The symptoms generally worsen over time, and there is no known cure. In addition to medication and close medical care, exercise is commonly recommended to improve functioning and quality of life in those with Parkinson's disease. Exercise classes that focus on stretching, such as yoga, tai chi and Pilates, may be especially beneficial.

Benefits

Few studies have tested long-term effectiveness of stretching exercises for Parkinson's disease, but according to a Cornell study, patients who took part in gentle yoga classes for Parkinson's disease reported an overall improvement in their sense of well-being, including decreased stiffness and tension, and increased mobility and energy. Stretching exercises can also help counteract the postural changes caused by Parkinson's disease, including rounding forward of the shoulders and spine. In addition to physical benefits, group exercise classes may provide emotional support that can help people cope with Parkinson's disease.

One cause of Parkinson's disease is an insufficient amount of dopamine in the brain; the cause of the decrease in dopamine is unknown and may be genetic. According to a 2002 study at the John F. Kennedy Institute, restorative or meditative yoga has been shown to increase dopamine levels, which may be one reason why Parkinson's disease patients report improvement after practicing yoga.

Types

If you have Parkinson's disease, take care when choosing an exercise program, and opt for a gentle and noncompetitive practice. Some hospitals or recovery centers have exercise classes for Parkinson's disease that focus specifically on stretching exercises as symptom management. Choose a yoga class for Parkinson's disease labeled as "gentle" or "restorative," and always talk to the instructor about your condition and particular concerns. Pilates is a system of exercise that focuses on small controlled movements and strengthening the core. Pilates classes for Parkinson's disease should be a gentler practice than those offered at many gyms and studios, but you can always ask the instructor for modifications. Tai chi and qigong classes also offer stretching exercises that are beneficial for those with Parkinson's disease.

Examples

The National Center on Physical Activity and Disability recommends gentle stretching exercises for Parkinson's that focus on the arms, legs and neck, as well as gentle twists, forward bends and side bends. Neck exercises include head tilts, chin tucks and head turns that decrease stiffness in the neck and shoulders. Yoga poses such Bound Angle Pose (baddha konasana), Head to Knee Pose (janu sirsasana), Standing Side Bend (Chandrasana), Wind Relieving Pose (pavanamuktasana) and Half Lord of the Fishes (ardha matsyendrasana) are beneficial stretching exercises for Parkinson's disease.

Tags: Parkinson disease, stretching exercises, classes Parkinson, classes Parkinson disease, that focus

Herbal Medication Side Effects

Many people believe that because herbal medicine is natural and mostly unregulated that it is completely safe. However, many herbs contain powerful compounds that can produce a wide variety of unwanted and even dangerous side effects if taken for too long or in high doses. Recently, the scientific community has published studies that document cases where herbal supplement have resulted in toxic reactions and in some cases, potentially life-threatening side effects.

History

Herbal medicine is by far the oldest system of medicine on earth. In most traditional communities, herbs were administered by elect individuals who specialized in studying the effects of herbs on the human body and who could administer them with varying degrees of guidance. In the modern age, and with the advent of the Internet, herbal medications are at most people's fingertips, and there are potentially millions of people self-medicating with little or no professional oversight.

Cancer

Although herbal treatments for cancer are becoming very popular and many herbs have been studied and determined to have activity against cancer, some herbs could have the opposite effect. An article published on June 8, 2000, in the New England Journal of Medicine documents the case of several patients who developed urothelial carcinomas by consuming an herbal weight-loss supplement that mistakenly contained the herb Aristolochia fangchi.

Hepatitis

Since the liver is the organ responsible for filtering out toxins from the blood stream, liver complications are a common side effect of the misuse of medications, whether herbal or pharmaceutical. In an article published on November 15, 1994, in the Annals of Internal Medicine, researchers found that seven people experienced liver injury and hepatitis from consuming Lycopodium serratum in a Chinese herbal formula.

Eye problems

The eyes are delicate organs and are often subject to acute side effects from toxic substances that enter our body. In a review of cases of ocular side effects of herbal medicine, taken from the World Health Organization (WHO), researchers found that several herbs, including chamomile, licorice, datura and echinacea are all associated with ocular side effects. The study was published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology in October 2004

Considerations

Herbal medicine has been practiced for thousands of years and in most cases presents a lower risk of side effects when compared with pharmaceutical drugs. However, the range of quantity and quality of herbal medicines available to the public has never been as large as it is today, and without the safeguard of the doctor's prescription that comes with pharmaceutical drugs, herbal medication is potentially dangerous to the user.

Tags: side effects, article published, found that, Herbal medicine, many herbs

How Is Parafilm Made

What Parafilm Is

Parafilm is a flexible thermoplastic that can come in sheet form with interesting characteristics, according to Tom Volkening of the Engineering Library at Michigan State University. It is waterproof, water resistant, completely stretchable, moldable and self-adhering. Its sealing properties make it a top choice in lab settings and in horticultural settings. Parafilm.com has begun to sell a floral stem wrap made of the substance.

Parafilm's Use

Because Parafilm can mold around curves and fit in any corner, it is no surprise that its main use is in a laboratory setting. It can be used to seal test tubes, beakers and any shape of storage container. According to SPI Supplies, a Parafilm manufacturer, it has been adopted into the hospital supply closet. Making an excellent bandage cover, Parafilm is now being used by doctors and nurses when applying medical aid. In the form of a budding tape, horticulturists use Parafilm to help retain moisture in plant stems. It has also been proven effective in fungus prevention due to its water-resistant abilities.

Composition

While the actual composition of Parafilm is not released by the manufacturer, Volkening describes it as being a blend of Olefin-type materials. Olefin is a product made of propylene and ethylene gases. Olefin can be formed into a thick fiber and shares identical properties to that of Parafilm. An added wax-like material coats Parafilm, which accounts for its high temperature resistance.

How's It Made?

Parafilm fibers are created through a polymerization process. Polymerization involves molecules called monomers and polymers. Monomers, or single molecules, react with each other to create a polymer (or many molecule) chain. In Parafilm, the specific process is referred to as a chain-growth reaction which is broken down into three stages. In initiation, an activating agent is introduced to the monomer to start polymerization. Next is the propagation stage, when the actual molecule chain is created. Molecules bond in an effort to build the chain. Termination occurs when the free molecules bond and end the polymerization process, thus creating the strong, sturdy and pliable Parafilm.

Tags: molecule chain, Parafilm Parafilm, polymerization process

Benefit From Reiki

Reiki is like having a spiritual massage

Reiki is a wonderful way to nurture yourself and has many benefits. Reiki is like having a spiritual massage that spills over into physical and emotional benefits as well. You need do nothing more than simply show up to a Reiki session to begin experiencing the many benefits of Reiki. Here is benefit from Reiki.

Instructions

1. Schedule an appointment with a Reiki master. Many places that offer traditional massages or New Age services offer Reiki sessions.

2. Wear comfortable clothing. During the Reiki session, you will be lying down while the Reiki master places her hands on or near various parts of your body. You will enjoy the Reiki session much more if you are comfortable.

3. Decide on an “intention” before the Reiki session. Receiving Reiki involves receiving a flow of positive energy. You will gain the most benefit in your Reiki session by setting an intention for where you want this energy to flow. You can choose physical healing, or you can seek emotional healing, such as letting go of anxiety. If you do not have an intention in mind, you can make your intention “for my greatest good.”

4. Talk with the Reiki master. If you have any issues that the Reiki master needs to know about, then tell him before the session begins. For example, if you are not comfortable with being touched in certain places, tell him ahead of time so he can be sure to respect your boundaries. (Reiki should never involve touching private areas).

5. Focus on staying present in your mind. While you are having your Reiki session, resist the urge to think about the past or the future and do not let your mind race. Instead, focus on how your body is feeling in the moment while you listen to the relaxing music. Allow your body to experience all of the senses in this present moment.

6. Let go of your expectations. No two Reiki sessions are alike because your needs are fluid. Allow the Reiki to manifest in whatever way it does. People have various reactions to Reiki sessions. Some “see” colors while their eyes are closed. Others feel the flood of positive energy, often to a part of the body that is nowhere near where the Reiki master is standing. Some wind up falling asleep as their bodies relax. Any of these reactions are normal and the same person might wind up experiencing all three at different times.

7. Carry the positive energy with you. After your Reiki session ends, resist the urge to jump back into a frantic pace. Instead, carry the feeling of “being” instead of “doing” with you as you re-enter your life.

Tags: Reiki session, Reiki master, positive energy, Reiki sessions, your body

Foot Detox Patch Information

Amid significant controversy, foot detox patches or pads--also known as Japanese sap sheets--have entered the holistic marketplace receiving both praise and criticism from either side of the medical spectrum.

Types

The foot detox patch is made from natural tree extracts and comes in a variety of editions. Some of these including the gold edition for heavy metal cleansing and the super grapefruit edition for weight loss.

Features

The foot detox patch works off the concept of reflexology and is purported to stimulate reflex points on the feet, which in turn are said to restore balance to the entire body.

Benefits

Japanese sap pads are reputed to relieve headaches and migraines, fatigue, painful joints, skin eruptions and rashes in addition to other health problems.

Theories/Speculation

The detox patch is said to work in the same manner as plant osmosis, cleansing waste and toxins from the bottoms of the feet via perspiration that is drawn out by the heating action of the pad combined with the drawing properties of the tree sap.

Fun Fact

Want to know what that brown goo consists of at the bottom of your detox pad in the morning? Have them tested in a clinical lab. See the Resource section for details.

Tags: detox patch, foot detox

Get Rid Of Expired Prescription Drugs

If you come across a bottle full of prescription drugs, your first inclination may be to simply toss the entire bottle into the garbage. Doing so can be dangerous, though, as somebody may steal and ingest the drugs. Remove the drugs from your home to ensure that you or somebody else in your home does not accidentally ingest the expired drugs. The proper method for disposing of prescription drugs is very simple and will take you only a few minutes.

Instructions

1. Remove the prescription drugs from the original container. Remove the label from the prescription bottle before you throw the bottle out. This label has your personal information on it and should be cut up or shredded.

2. Break the pills up into smaller pieces. This can be done with a hammer. If the prescription drugs are gel caps, they can be cut with a pair of scissors.

3. Mix the pills with another substance that you will throw away. Cat litter, used coffee grinds or even dirt from an old plant are examples.

4. Place the mixture into a smaller container or a small plastic bag.

5. Put the container in your trash can or a dumpster.

Tags: prescription drugs, drugs from, into smaller, your home

Pressure Point Massage Tools

Pressure points, also known as "muscle knots" or "trigger points," are taut bands of muscle fibers that refuse to relax. When pressure is applied to the muscle, the "knot" can be felt underneath the skin. Usually hyper-irritable, pressure points cause pain in the muscle or other parts of the body. Massage therapists use a variety of tools to ease pressure points and relax muscles.

Tennis Ball

Using a tennis ball on a pressure point is a common self-massage technique. This technique works particularly well with parts of the body that cannot be reached for self-massage, such as the back. The patient lies down with the tennis ball on the muscle. He rolls his body, working the ball into the muscle and kneading it to "smooth" out the muscle.

Rolling Massager

A rolling massager smooths muscles in a similar fashion as a roller used for cooking. Typically used by a masseuse, the roller is moved over tense muscles, releasing muscular contractions and making them "smooth" again. A rolling massager typically is not used in self-massage.

Hot and Cold Pressure Point Tool

A hot and cold pressure point tool is a device that is used to apply heat and cold directly to muscles. Shaped like a ballpoint pen, a massage therapist places the tool directly onto the knot, transferring heat and cold to help the muscle relax and applying pressure to work out the muscle knot.

Self-Care Canes

Many companies make "self-care canes," or sticks shaped like the letter "S." The canes are bent to enable the user to apply pressure to back muscles. The user holds one end and uses the other end to apply pressure directly to muscles.

Tags: apply pressure, directly muscles, heat cold, muscle knot, parts body

What Is An Npt Stamp

Nocturnal penile tumescence stamps, or NPT Stamps, are used to determine whether the cause for a man's erectile dysfunction is physiological or physical. This is a self-test method that can be performed in the privacy of the home instead of a doctor's office. Although the test is still available, it is not a common method to determine whether erection dysfunction is due to blood flow issues as there are more reliable and accurate tests that can be preformed by a doctor.

How the Stamps Work

Generally, the stamps are applied to the penis before sleep for three nights. In the morning, check the stamps. There are different bands available, so make sure to follow the instructions provided with the product. Medline Plus explains that you can determine whether the cause may be psychological if the stamps are broken. Broken stamps indicate that the dysfunction is not simply related to blood flow. The stamps should be administered at least three nights in a row for accuracy as some it is normal to not experience erections every night.

Read Results

Abnormal results occur when the stamps are broken. There are many causes for erectile dysfunction, but if the stamps are broken it implies that the cause is not physical. The cause may be related to medication or other physiological issues. To determine the exact cause and start treatment, consult a medical professional.

Considerations

There are currently more common testing methods available. This type of test does not measure duration or the amount of erections that occur during the night. It simply measures blood flow and does not address any other causes or solutions. For more accurate results, see a medical professional.

Other Types of Tests for Erectile Dysfunction

Visit a doctor and get proper blood tests. These tests will not only address blood pressure but also check blood count, blood glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides. The doctor may also exam your penis and testicles for any signs of problems. You may also be asked to take a urine test. If the results of the tests are normal, your doctor may suggest a medicine such as Viagra.

Tags: blood flow, determine whether, stamps broken, determine whether cause, erectile dysfunction, medical professional

Medication For Allergic Rhinitis

The symptoms of allergic rhinitis are congestion, sneezing, itchy and runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes; allergic rhinitis is caused by an inflammation of the passages in the nose in response to allergens. Several medications are available for treatment of the symptoms of this condition.

Antihistamines

Histamine is a major cause of the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and blocking its action can relieve many of the complaints; however, some antihistamines can cause drowsiness. Examples of antihistamines are loratidine, fexofenadine or cetirizine.

Inhaled Corticosteroids

Nasal inhaled steroids such as fluticasone, mometasone and budesonide block the effect of most of the mediators of allergic rhinitis; these are very effective medications and are commonly used.

Decongestants

Decongestants relieve stuffy nose symptoms; however, they cannot be used for more than a few days because of rebound (increase in congestion). Examples include phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine.

Leukotriene Modifiers

A major cause of allergic rhinitis symptoms are leukotrienes; leukotriene modifiers such as montelukast or zafirlukast block the action of these inflammatory substances.

Other Medications

Cromolyn sodium nasal spray can be used for treatment of allergic rhinitis by children or pregnant women; nasal saline washes may help ease discomfort.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy, or allergy shots, can be used to increase the tolerance to specific allergens.

Tags: allergic rhinitis, allergic rhinitis, major cause, symptoms allergic, symptoms allergic rhinitis

Identify And Treat Black Widow Spider Bites

Identify and Treat Black Widow Spider Bites

Black widow bites are most dangerous to small children and the elderly. These bites will also make adults pretty sick.

Instructions

1. Learn to recognize female black widow spiders, whose bites are venomous. They are usually coal black and have a reddish hourglass shape on their bellies.

2. Exercise caution when stepping or reaching into places where black widow webs are likely to be: in cool dark places such as underneath rocks or logs, or inside caves, unoccupied structures or outdoor latrines.

3. Look for the signs and symptoms of a black widow bite: redness at the site of the bite; muscle cramps originating at the bite and spreading throughout the body; pain and cramping in the back and abdomen; nausea, vomiting, perspiration, dizziness; changes in levels of consciousness (See "Measure Level of Consciousness").

4. Clean bite area with soap and water and elevate to at least level of the heart.

5. Apply an ice pack to the site of the bite.

6. Administer pain killers to provide some relief from the cramping and muscle spasms.

7. Administer antivenin if the person bit is a small child or elderly person. Antivenin is usually only available in hospitals - evacuate immediately.

Tags: black widow, Black Widow Spider, Identify Treat, Identify Treat Black, site bite, Spider Bites

Treat A Finger Nail That Is Cut

Cover your nails with a strengthening polish to give them more durability.

Everyday we use our hands for a hundred small tasks and without noticing it, our fingernails can become ragged. In the course of your daily tasks, you may even cut your fingernail, causing it to split. Depending on the severity of the cut, it might be painful or painless, but it should to be attended quickly to prevent infection and further damage.

Instructions

1. Clip off the cut segment of the fingernail using a pair of nail clippers. If it is not possible to clip away all of the cut, clip off as much as you can.

2. Rinse the cut nail with clean water.

3. Apply a dab of antibacterial ointment to the cut fingernail to prevent infection. Continue applying the ointment every day until the cut has grown out and can be trimmed away. Cover the cut with an adhesive bandage if you are going to be working with your hands. Otherwise, allow the cut to heal naturally.

Tags: prevent infection

Holistic Psoriasis Cures

Psoriasis lesions cause inflammation and itching.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and lesions on the skin. Psoriasis can strike at any age, although it is most common between the ages 15 and 35. Over 150,000 new cases of psoriasis are diagnosed each year, and the exact cause is unknown. There is no known cure, but there a number of home treatments and remedies that may give relief from symptoms.

Diet and Supplements

Edgar Cayce is remembered more today as a psychic, but he was also a strong proponent of holistic medicine. He made several recommendations about adjusting diet to relieve symptoms of psoriasis that have received some support in articles published in the British Journal of Dermatology and the Alternative Medicine Review.

Cayce recommended a diet based largely on fresh fruits and vegetables, with at least six to eight glasses of pure water daily. Eliminate foods such as red meat, fried foods and carbonated or alcoholic beverages, as well as any dairy products that are not low fat. He also believed that tomatoes, eggplant, peppers and potatoes aggravate psoriasis. Limit coffee, spicy foods, shellfish and tropical fruit such as mango and pineapple. Drink a cup of slippery elm bark tea in the morning and a cup of yellow saffron tea in the evening.

Topical Treatments

Use a topical treatment of apple cider vinegar to ease inflammation and itching. Combine one gallon of water with one cup of unfiltered vinegar, including the "mother," a stringy substance made up of cellulose that also contains beneficial bacteria produced during the fermentation process. Soak a washcloth in the liquid and apply directly to the skin. The combination may also be used to soak affected fingernails or toenails.

A baking soda solution can also be soothing. Mix 1/2 cup baking soda with one gallon of water. Apply to the skin with a soaked washcloth.

Aloe vera may also help clear psoriasis plaques. Split open the leaves and smear the gel directly onto the affected areas. Soften and remove psoriasis plaques by applying oils to the skin. Either olive oil or mineral oil may be beneficial. Add two teaspoons to warm bath water. Olive oil can also be used on the scalp. Massage warm olive oil into the scalp to loosen psoriasis plaques, then wash as normal.

Cover psoriasis lesions to help remove them. There are over-the-counter patches available, but plastic wrap from the kitchen can also be used. Apply prescribed medication or moisturizer before covering the area with wrap. This helps keep moisturizers in place longer and works medications into the skin. Confirm with your doctor before using a wrap to make sure that it is safe with the medication used.

Tags: also used, psoriasis plaques, baking soda, gallon water, inflammation itching

Do Vegetable Hybridization

Corn is a commonly hybridized plant.

Plant hybridization has been occurring for millions of years, and is an important part of plant evolutionary biology. Hybridization occurs when the genetic information of two varieties or species becomes mixed, resulting in a third separate variety or species. Bees traditionally aid this process by pollinating different plants, but farmers and scientists also perform hybridization to create more desirable and hardier varieties of fruits, vegetable and grains.

Instructions

1. Gather the seeds of two vegetable varieties with desirable traits. This could include a tasty variety and a variety with a high yield. Or a variety that is disease resistant with a variety that has a strong root system. Make sure the two varieties are of the same species. For example use two varieties of the species corn, or two varieties of the species tomato.

2. Germinate the seeds in indoor pots or jiffy pots using a grown light. Plant about 10 to 20 plants of each variety. Label the pots "variety A" and "variety B" to keep the two varieties separate.

3. Plant the varieties in a greenhouse or closed environment apart from each other when they are large enough to be transferred. A closed environment protects the plants from accidental pollination by a third variety.

4. Care for the plants until they begin to pollinate. Depending on the vegetable species this could occur anytime between spring and early fall. Consult the seed packet to determine when the plants pollinate. Also consult information about the individual species to determine what part of the plant emits pollen. This is usually the plant's blossom.

5. Collect the pollen from variety A when the plant begins to pollinate. Cut about one-fourth of the buds or blossoms from the variety A plants, and gather them in a canvas bag. Be sure to collect partially opened buds with the stamens still attached. Do the same for the variety B plants using a separate bag. Label the bags and keep them in a dry place to prevent mold.

6. Spread the pollen from variety A over the variety B plants, making sure the pollen is sprinkled on the plant's blossoms. Also spread the pollen from variety B over the variety A plants. This is called cross-pollination, and effectively mixes the genetic information of the two plants resulting in hybrid fruits.

7. Allow the plants to grow until the vegetables begin to ripen. Pick the vegetables when they are ripe, and compare these hybrid vegetables with those of traditional A and B varieties. Some samples will have both the desired traits of their parent plants. Keep some seeds from the desirable samples to plant next season.

Tags: from variety, variety plants, pollen from, pollen from variety, varieties species

Triage Issue Resolution Techniques

Medical technicians such as respiratory therapists can ease the strain on busy E.R. doctors.

Management philosophy plays a large role in how effectively a hospital's triage room operates. With the ever rising costs of equipment, staff in hospitals and other medical facilities are under pressure to focus on the bottom line. However, both the Hippocratic Oath and the ethical traditions of most cultures require a more humanistic approach be taken. That isn't to say patients shouldn't pay for their medical services, only that the terms of payment should be negotiated after the patient is out of danger. Fortunately, hospitals with overly restrictive management philosophies are in the minority. The more immediate and pressing problems facing triage centers of today are a booming population and the deficit in both doctors and skilled technicians.

Facility Based Triage Difficulties

The key difficulties faced in triage situations are those of overcrowding and long wait times. Designating a nurse specifically for managing the waiting area can cut down on patients suffering compounded injuries due to delay in treatment. The role of this waiting room nurse is to frequently reassess patients, placing patients who fail to stabilize before others in line. As frightening as it is to believe, some triage centers employ a largely first-come, first-served policy, which in worst-case scenarios can lead to the death of patients. Frequent reevaluation of those in the waiting area is also important for avoiding initial misdiagnoses of the severity of the problem. If possible, having a waiting room-only physician can be vital, since even the best trained nurse is ill-equipped to diagnose all patients.

Another easily controlled factor in the efficiency of a triage center is the time it takes to move from the triage to the actual bed itself. Bottlenecks occur for a number of reasons; in some cases the facilities themselves are too small for the population they serve. The onus is on upper management to expand the facilities to meet the rising need. Triage centers need to have plans in place for transferring patients to nearby facilities in case of an unexpected massive influx of patients. Such an influx can be caused by any number of disasters.

Importance of Nursing Staff

Another possible cause of bottlenecks is a lack of nursing staff. Having enough nurses makes moving incapacitated patients that much quicker. Nurses who will be administering triage protocols require special training beyond that of the standard duty nurse, centered around improved communication skills. It is also imperative that these frontline triage nurses are capable of withstanding the higher pressure environment presented by patients arriving constantly.

Technicians Can Reduce ER Wait Times

In cases where doctors are in short supply, medical technicians can help to bridge the gap. For example, in cases such as asthmatic hospitalization, a respiratory therapist can often resolve the problem as well as a full-fledged doctor can, leading to quicker emergency-room turnarounds and reducing the strain on overall infrastructure. A pain-management specialist can also be useful in dealing with patients who have become agitated due to the pain caused by their injuries.

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Classroom Assessment Tools For Medical Terminology

At medical school, like-minded individuals work together to learn medical terminology and information.

Medical terminology is an area of study both in nursing school and in any medical degree field. You might also find medical terminology in other study programs such as medical transcription programs, assistant programs and clerical programs. The assessment tools for medical terminology are the tools used in the classroom setting to assess the knowledge of the students. There are several tools that instructors can use to make sure their students have the correct medical terminology knowledge.

Quizzes and Tests

Quizzes and tests are one of the ways you can assess your students' understanding of medical terminology. You can have multiple choices quizzes and tests in which students choose the corresponding terms or the corresponding definitions. You can also have fill-in-the-blank quizzes and tests in which students are given a definition and must fill in the correct term. Or you can have short answer or essay questions in which students are given a term and must describe it or provide the definition for it.

Terminology Questions

You can also assess terminology knowledge through oral questions. The instructor can stand in front of the class and recite the definition, then ask students for the term. Or the instructor can list terms on the board and have students go around the room and define them orally. Although this puts students on the spot as far as answering questions goes, it also helps them demonstrate their knowledge.

Flash Cards

Many students use flash cards to study medical terminology. You can also use flash cards as assessment tools. Create cards with the terms on one side and the definitions on the other side. Show the cards to students and have them recite what is listed on the other side. If you keep a stack of the current terms handy, this is something you can do for a few minutes at the end of each class meeting to continually assess students' knowledge of terminology.

Demonstrations

Students can show you what they know during classroom demonstrations. Medical terminology for medical tools, for instance, is demonstrated when you ask for a particular tool and a student must hand it to you. Or you can hold up an item like a tool or a model of a part of the body and ask a student to describe it or give its name. You can have students participate in procedures using your classroom materials and have them state the names of the items out loud as they use them. This lets you know how much they remember.

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