Irritable Bowel Syndrome Medication

Irritable bowel syndrome is a frequently seen digestive tract disorder that brings with it symptoms such as cramping, gas, diarrhea and constipation. Most people that suffer from irritable bowel syndrome do not exhibit severe symptoms and the problem can be kept under control with medications. Medications include those to relieve the pain associated with cramping, anti-diarrheal drugs, medications to reduce constipation and anti-spasmodic drugs such as Lotronex.

Lotronex

Lotronex, also known as Alosetron, is what is termed a nerve receptor antagonist. It is an anti-spasmodic drug that is designed to relax the muscles of the colon. It is a drug for women only, used when a woman suffers from severe diarrhea linked to irritable bowel syndrome. Lotronex was on the market for only 9 months before it was removed by the Food and Drug Administration. It was associated with two fatalities and was suspected to have precipitated terrible severe side effects in as many as 113 people that used it. Lotronex was put back into the market in 2002 but under restrictions from the FDA as to which doctors can prescribe it. Any physician prescribing this drug must have been enrolled in a special program that dealt with its use. Women who have severe diarrhea and have not been helped by any other medications for irritable bowel syndrome are candidates to try Lotronex.

Amitiza

Amitiza is also known as Lubiprostone. It is a drug that is intended for women that are 18 years old or older that suffer from constipation symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Taken 2 times each day, Amitiza can increase the secretion of fluids in the small intestine and by doing so allow stool to pass through the region. This drug can produce side effects such as nausea and diarrhea and has not proven to work for men.

Medications for Pain Symptoms

Irritable bowel syndrome pain medications focus on alleviating the cramping pain caused by the intestines. Drugs of this nature are made to be taken prior to meals, normally as much as 1/2 hour before eating. Medications of this type either can come in pill form or in a kind that can dissolve when placed under the person's tongue. Levsin, Levbid, NuLev, Bentyl and Donnatal are all medications for this purpose with children being able to take Pro-Banthine to relief irritable bowel pain.

Anti-Diarrheal Medications

Drugs that work by increasing water absorption in the colon and make a person's stool more consistent are called anti-diarrheal medicines. Medications like these are to be taken before a meal or a potentially stressful event which can cause symptoms of diarrhea linked to irritable bowel syndrome. Designed to be taken along with water, these medications can normally be used every day. Imodium is the most frequently recommended medication for this purpose. The aforementioned Lotronex is an anti-diarrheal as well.

Constipation Medications

Fiber supplements that are soluble in water are used in many instances of irritable bowel syndrome to deal with constipation symptoms. Using laxatives such as Milk of Magnesia is discouraged since they can become addictive and have a tendency to harm the colon by stimulating the lining of it. Drinking large amounts of water and getting proper amounts of exercise go a long way in helping with constipation that is brought about by irritable bowel syndrome.

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How Is Salmonella Introduced Into Foods

What is Salmonella?

Salmonella is a rod-shaped bacterium that causes diarrheal illness in humans. Salmonella bacteria reside in the intestinal tract of animals. This bacteria is spread from the feces of animals or humans to other animals or humans.

People who contract salmonella may develop salmonellosis, an infection that can induce diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Chills, headaches, nausea, and vomiting may also be experienced. Symptoms usually disappear within four to seven days, though in infants, young children, pregnant women and the elderly, the infection can be life-threatening.

Foods with Salmonella

Any foods that come into contact with feces containing salmonella will become infected. This includes animal meat, eggs, milk and even vegetables.

Birds with salmonella can also affect water. If infected bird feces comes into contact with water, and this water comes into contact with crops, those foods will become infected with the bacteria.

Cross-Contamination

In the kitchen, it is important not to have raw foods--such as beef, pork and poultry--come into contact with each other. Infected meats and their juices can spread salmonella to other foods, including ready-to-eat foods such as raw vegetables and fruits, simply by rubbing against those foods.

Prevent Salmonella

Be sure to cook your foods well in order to kill any bacteria. Safe cooking temperatures will differ, depending on who you ask, but the USDA recommends the following minimum temperatures that will make food safe to eat:

Steaks and roasts---145 degrees F

Fish---145 degrees F

Pork---160 degrees F

Ground Beef---160 degrees F

Egg Dishes---160 degrees F

Chicken Breasts---165 degrees F

Whole Poultry---165 degrees F

After handling raw meat, wash your hands before handling other foods.

Washing your hands is not just a good habit while handling food. If your pet has diarrhea, it can be a sign that they are infected with salmonella. Be sure to wash your hands immediately after handling your pet and their feces. This will help you to prevent spreading the bacteria, whether you are handling food or not.

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How Interdental Brushes Affect Teeth

Introduction

Interdental brushes are quite a bit smaller than your average toothbrush, and are used to clean the spaces between your teeth much as you would normally by using dental floss. These brushes are designed to work in the spaces between your teeth that are too wide to be effectively cleaned with floss. Some interdental brushes are attached to devices that will squirt fluid in the spaces as you use the small brush; some are just small brushes, which resemble pipe cleaners. Interdental brushes come in different sizes, and the best way to be sure you have the right sizes for your teeth is to seek the advice of your dentist or dental hygienist. It is typical for you to need more than one size of interdental brush. Finally, interdental brushes are not intended to replace your toothbrush.

Remove Food Particles

One of the best things about using interdental brushes is that they remove food particles from in between your teeth. The way this affects your teeth is that with these food particles gone there is less chance for the bacteria in your mouth to feed on the sugars in the food, which in turn leave acids behind on your teeth that eat away at your enamel and cause tooth decay.

Deep-Cleans and Massages Gums

Plaque and tartar left on the teeth create an environment that allows bacteria to thrive, which can in turn lead to gum disease. Using the interdental brushes to deep-clean between your teeth and massage your gums can help retard the growth of plaque and tartar, and block much of the bacteria that thrive among them.

Easier on Gums

Aside from their effectiveness at cleaning between teeth, interdental brushes are easier on your gums than floss; they can in fact replace it. If your gums have a tendency to bleed when you floss, using interdental brushes instead may actually help to prevent at least some of this bleeding.

Easier to Get at Back Teeth

Another advantage to the use of interdental brushes is their flexibility, which allows you to get at the back teeth. Interdental brushes can bend at a 90-degree angle, allowing you to get at them from whatever angle is easiest. Being able to get between those back teeth and clean the spaces and massage the gums is crucial if you want to prevent gum disease and decay.

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Types Of Anxiety

Anxiety is usually normal when you are under stress. When anxiety becomes chronic and leads to difficulty functioning at work or socially it is deemed a disorder. Anxiety disorders can cause excessive worry and physical discomfort, either in specific situations or what would otherwise be considered an everyday event.

Features

The body has a natural "fight or flight" response when you are under stress. Adrenaline is released by the adrenal glands, increasing your heart rate and blood pressure, and tensing your muscles so you can fight or run. If stressors continue, or if you are predisposed to neurochemical imbalances in your brain, this response occurs when it is unnecessary. Anxiety -- chronic physical and mental symptoms of the fight or flight response -- is the result.

Types

There are several different types of anxiety disorders. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is chronic, excessive anxiety over broad or daily issues such as work, health and relationships. Panic disorder involves acute episodes of intense anxiety and physical symptoms. Social anxiety is intense fear around social situations -- fear that you will be laughed at or judged by others. Phobias are fears and anxiety related to specific events or objects, such as flying or spiders. Posttraumatic stress disorder is anxiety and flashbacks around a specific event in someone's life, such as an accident or disaster. Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) involves anxiety around chronic thoughts (obsessions) that lead to performance of specific actions (compulsions).

Significance

Anxiety affects a significant portion of the American population, about 40 million adults. Children can also be affected by anxiety disorders such as phobias and GAD. Anxiety can be debilitating, reducing productivity at work or making you socially isolate yourself from others. Some forms of anxiety, like panic disorder, can send you to the emergency room or to your doctor for frequent checkups because you are certain that you are having a heart attack or some other medical crisis. Anxiety can also increase your risk of certain health conditions like ulcers and heart disease.

Identification

Physical symptoms of social anxiety, panic disorder and phobias include heart palpitations, chest pain, excessive sweating, trembling, fear of dying and consistent negative thoughts that something bad is going to happen. GAD symptoms can include irritability, difficulty sleeping, muscle tension and chronic or excessive worry about small issues. Symptoms of OCD include obsessing over events such as whether you have turned off the stove, and compulsions to try to alleviate the anxiety of these events, such as checking the stove dozens or hundreds of times to ensure you have turned it off.

Prevention/Solution

Find a therapist to help you manage your anxiety. Behavioral therapy can help you learn to control anxiety in specific situations. Cognitive therapy can help you control the negative thoughts that can trigger and foster your body's physical reaction. A combination of both types of therapy is most effective.

Ask your doctor if medications such as antidepressants may be useful to help manage your anxiety while you learn to manage your anxiety with a therapist.

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Identify Good & Bad Plastic Bottles

With all of the plastic containers out there, it is a bit overwhelming to think that some may be good and some may be bad. What makes a bad plastic bottle? Some kinds of plastic leach chemicals into the contents of the container. These chemicals may eventually cause negative health effects. How do you tell the difference between good and bad plastic bottles?

Instructions

1. Look at the bottom of the bottle to find out which kind of plastic it is. Look for the triangular recycling symbol with a number in the middle. That number indicates what kind of plastic the bottle is made from.

2. #1 -- Used for soda and water bottles. It is meant for one-time use, so don't refill these bottles.

3. #2 -- Milk bottles. This type of bottle is safe.

4. #4 -- Squeezable bottles. This type of plastic is safe.

5. #5 -- Food containers such as yogurt, butter and other condiments. This plastic is safe.

6. #7 -- Unbreakable water bottles. This plastic has been known to leach Bishpenol A (BPA) and should be avoided.

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Methods To Stop Smoking

Smoking has a negative affect on the entire body. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, only one in 10 smokers is able to quit. Nicotine attaches to receptors in your brain, causing them to release dopamine. This means you have to overcome a physical as well as a mental addiction to smoking. Few people are able to quit cold turkey, and most need to try two or more methods before finding what works for them. There are a large number of methods available for smoking cessation.

Instructions

1. Pick an exact date that you are going to quit and tell your family and friends. Choose the methods you are going to try first and set up a support group who will help you. Throw out cigarettes and ashtrays at home and work, and get a supply of substitutes like gum, straws, toothpicks, hard candy, and celery or carrot sticks. Notice what situations make you want a cigarette and figure out ways to avoid those situations.

2. Call a quit line. All states have a toll-free phone line that allows smokers to talk to counselors about methods to quit smoking that fit their smoking pattern. Call your local American Cancer Society to find your state's toll-free number. Find support groups in your area by calling (800) 227-2345.

3. Discuss methods to quit smoking with your doctor and with other people who have quit smoking successfully. Some methods to stop smoking are available over-the-counter and on the Internet, but others are available by prescription only. Zyban is a prescription medication that reduces symptoms of withdrawal, such as irritability, anger, anxiety, restlessness and depression. Chantix is a newer prescription that works on the part of your brain that controls craving. It makes smoking less appealing by blocking dopamines that are released by nicotine and it removes withdrawal symptoms. Both have some side effects, including dry mouth and trouble sleeping, so you should talk to your doctor before choosing medication as your method to stop smoking.

4. Buy nicotine replacements. Some people have success with nicotine gum, lozenges or patches that deal with your physical addiction by giving you nicotine without the other dangerous chemicals in tobacco. The amount of nicotine is decreased over time. For some people, eight weeks is long enough, but others need six to nine months of nicotine replacement therapy.

5. Consider hypnosis. You can see a doctor that specializes in hypnosis or buy a disc or video hypnosis program. Hypnosis can help if it is used with other methods to quit smoking. Acupuncture and accupressure has also been helpful for a few smokers.

6. Try smokeless cigarette substitutes that give you something to do with your hands and mouth. An artificial cigarette system called E-Z Quit allows you to inhale and can be used by itself or with other methods. Cigarette filters, such as Sokeeze, remove tar and nicotine from cigarettes until you're ready to quit. Herbal stop-smoking patches, such as Zero Nicotine, are used like nicotine patches, but they don't contain nicotine.

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What Is Prostalex

Prostalex is an over-the-counter dietary supplement designed to relieve the symptoms that accompany an enlarged prostate and reduce the overall size of the prostate gland. The supplement is popular among men who are experiencing prostate enlargement, but don't want to rely on prescription medications. Although the Prostalex website claims that the supplement is effective, it has not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Identification

According to the Mayo Clinic, some of the painful symptoms that accompany an enlarged prostate include a frequent urge to urinate, difficulty urinating, an inability to empty the bladder and blood in the urine. Prostalex is designed to relieve these symptoms and make urination less painful. According to the manufacturer's website, Prostalex can also be used to help with erectile and sexual dysfunction.

Features

Prostalex contains saw palmetto extract, which according to the MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, is a frequently recommended by physicians as an alternative to prescription prostate medication. The supplement also contains Vitamin A, Vitamin E, zinc, pumpkin seed, pygeum bark, lypocene, green tea leaf and selenium.

Types

Prostalex is available at Walgreens, GNC and through the Prostalex website. If you order through the company's website, the supplement is backed by a 60-day money back guarantee. Prostalex is available in a 30- or 60-day supply.

Considerations

Men who are concerned about their prostate health should take one Prostalex caplet daily. The supplement should be stored in a cool, dry environment away from heat and light. Like all drugs and dietary supplements, Prostalex should be kept out of the reach of children.

Warning

Although Prostalex contains natural ingredients, it can still interact with other medications you are taking. Consult with your doctor before taking Prostalex and discuss other medications, supplements or vitamins that you are taking. You should also discuss the severity of your enlarged prostate symptoms and have a thorough medical exam. If your symptoms are serious enough, your doctor may prescribe medications, such as Alpha-1 blockers, antibiotics or medications that decrease the size of the prostate.

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Do Maternity Acupressure

Do Maternity Acupressure

Sometimes a labor may need a little nudge to get started, and maternity acupressure is a gentle yet effective method for labor induction. Acupressure is a technique using the fingertips and thumbs to apply pressure or small circular motions on specific pressure points in the body to help relieve symptoms, ease pain or, in the case of pregnancy, bring on contractions of the uterus. Many midwives and doulas utilize these techniques when working with laboring women. There are three main pressure points used in maternity acupressure that can help start a labor and in some cases provide pain relief during labor. Learning use maternity acupressure is easy with a few basic steps and little practice.

Instructions

1. Learn the three main maternity acupressure points for starting labor: (1) on the inside of the ankle about two finger widths above the ankle bone, (2) one finger width above the dimple of the buttocks, and (3) on the webbing between the index finger and the thumb on either hand.

2. Practice locating these three acupressure points on a nonpregnant person. Use the first two fingers for applying pressure to point #1, your thumbs to make small circular movements or direct pressure on point #2 and your index finger and thumb of the same hand for applying pressure to point #3. The points will feel sore when pressure is applied and there will sometimes be a feeling of numbness and warmth.

3. When using these acupressure points to induce a labor, help the pregnant woman relax before beginning. She may take a warm bath or shower first or lie in a side position supported by lots of pillows. Have her take deep breaths to help further her relaxation.

4. Work on only one acupressure point at a time. You will want to apply firm pressure to whatever point you are working on. If the woman is sitting or lying down, you can apply pressure to point #1 by the ankle or point #3 on one of her hands. It is easiest to work on point #2 on the lower back if the woman is leaning forward or on her hands and knees. Apply steady pressure for about 5 minutes or more, depending on how well the woman can handle the sensation.

5. Once labor is established, you might try using acupressure points to provide pain relief during the contractions. Try one of the points during a contraction and have the woman give you feedback as to whether it helped or not. If it doesn't help after about a half hour of applying pressure every few minutes, then try a different point.

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Properties Of Rutilated Quartz

Recharge your rutilated quartz among rock crystals.

Rutilated quartz, also referred to as "the hair of Venus" or sagenite, is a wonder to behold. This quartz crystal has hair-like inclusions within it. The stone can be worn as jewelry, placed around the home or carried in a pocket as a touchstone. There are some interesting properties to consider when dealing with this type of crystal.

Chemical Composition

Quartz is composed of SiO2 (silicon dioxide). The rutilated areas are TiO2 (titanium dioxide). Rutile is the name given to a type of titanium ore. It is rutile that appears as hair-like inclusions throughout this variety of quartz.

Hardness

On the Mohs scale, which ranges from 1 to 10, quartz comes in at a 7, while the rutilated inclusions are at a 6 to 6.5. This makes it a medium-hard stone.

Color

Rutilated quartz can come in various colors. The quartz is often found as a clear crystal. It also occurs as a translucent brown or gray color, which is referred to as smoky quartz. You can also find quartz in shades of yellow. The rutilated strands can be found in a variety of colors, such as gold, black or reddish. The inclusions can be either all one color or varying colors within the same crystal.

Healing Properties

Some people believe that there are healing properties associated with this kind of stone. Dr. Flora Peschek-Bohmer, who runs a naturopathic healing center in Germany, claims that placing rutilated quartz near your lungs or throat may help reduce coughing and inflammation. She also recommends using the mineral as a nervous system regulator and immune system stimulator. Rutilated quartz may have an overall calming effect. It may help a person to sleep better if it is nearby and could help to dispel negative thoughts. This crystal is also known as a symbol of truth.

Care

According to Peschek-Bohmer, you should take care of your rutilated quartz to keep the healing properties strong within the stone. It is suggested that you cleanse this crystal under running water once or twice a month and charge its energies in direct sunlight or in a bowl of rock crystals.

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The History Of Acupressure

The History of Acupressure

The healing art known as acupressure has been around for about 5,000 years. The practice is similar to acupuncture, as it involves the use of key trigger points of the body. But acupressure does its healing with precise finger pressure, not needles, on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body's natural ability to heal itself.

Geography

Acupressure is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Although some form of acupressure began in India, as hints of the healing art have been found in ancient Indian texts, the first organized form of acupressure is established as Chinese. Evidence found in Europe comes via the 5,000-year-old iceman --tzi, found in the Alps around the modern border of Italy and Austria. He had tattoos that might be related to acupuncture.

History

Over 5,000 years ago, the Chinese found that pressing particular points of the body relieve pain. They eventually found other locations that help in areas that were not treated directly. The treatment also influenced how the internal organs functioned.

As the years progressed, surrounding cultures such as India, Japan and Thailand adopted acupressure and put their own stamps on it.

Benefits

Among the basic benefits of acupressure are relaxation and stress relief. Some of the benefits of acupressure are based upon Eastern medical beliefs. The body's energy flow, or chi (pronounced "chee"), is restored with acupressure treatments.

Other benefits include:

Reduced blood pressure;

Increased mental and spiritual awareness;

Treatment of chronic disorders and illnesses (nausea, headaches);

Helps reduce labor pains (see warning below);

Increased energy;

Maintains regular menstrual patterns.

Expert Insight

According to a study published by the "British Medical Journal," acupressure is more effective in relieving back pain than physical therapy. In a 2000 study published in "Oncology," scientists found that subjects saw significant relief in their nausea caused by chemotherapy.

Warnings

Although many people are happy with the results of acupressure treatments, it does not fully replace all medical needs. If you are seriously injured or have persistent symptoms, seek conventional medical treatment.

There are certain times when acupressure is not appropriate. They include:

Twenty minutes before, or within 20 minutes after exercise;

If pregnant, particularly after the first three months;

If you suffer from a heart condition;

If the area in question is a mole, wart, varicose vein or any break or mark on the skin.

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Hpv Transmission Facts

Human papillomavirus, or HPV, refers to a group of more than 100 different types of viruses. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 20 million Americans currently have HPV, and each year another 6.2 million people become infected with some form of the virus. The CDC also states that at least 50 percent of all sexually active people in America will become infected with genital HPV at some point during their lives.

Types of HPV

The HPV virus has more than 100 different strains. Many of the strains of HPV are harmless; they cause no signs, symptoms or illness and clear up on their own with time. However, certain types of HPV cause various side effects including genital warts, cervical cancer, vaginal cancer or vulva cancers.

HPV types 16 and 18 cause approximately 70 percent of diagnosed cervical cancers in the United States. HPV types 6 and 11 cause approximately 90 percent of instances of genital warts, between 20 percent and 25 percent of cancers of the vulva, and 60 percent to 65 percent of other vaginal cancers.

Transmitting HPV

Some types of HPV can be passed by skin-to-skin contact or by touching something or someone infected by the HPV virus. Genital HPV, including the types of HPV that cause genital warts and cervical and vaginal cancers, are spread through genital contact during vaginal or anal sex. Occasionally, pregnant women pass HPV to babies during delivery, but this method of transmission is rare.

Both men and women can become infected or carry the HPV virus. Because the virus may have no symptoms, carriers often pass the virus along unknowingly.

Those who have sex at a young age, engage in sex with multiple partners, or have sex with someone who engages in intercourse with multiple partners are especially prone to HPV.

Avoiding Transmission

The best way to avoid transmitting or becoming infected with HPV is to limit your number of sexual partners and engage in sex only within a committed monogamous relationship.

While condoms can help prevent the spread of genital warts and can lower your risk of transmitting HPV, condoms do not provide complete protection against the spread or transmission of HPV. The HPV virus can live anywhere on the skin in the genital area, including the scrotum, vulva and anus, and condoms do not necessarily prevent contact with infected skin. Female condoms may be more effective than male condoms, primarily because they further limit skin-to-skin contact.

HPV Vaccine

While the HPV vaccine does not prevent the spread of all types of HPV, it can protect females from becoming infected with the four types of HPV that are the primary causes of genital warts and vaginal cancers. The CDC recommends the vaccine for females between the ages of 12 and 26 who have not been vaccinated or completed the vaccine series.

HPV Tests

There is no general test for HPV. Instead, HPV-related symptoms are tested for. Genital warts are generally diagnosed upon visual inspection, and they can appear as small or large bumps around the genital area. Cell changes that can lead to cervical cancers are tested for in annual Pap tests. Generally, these cell changes can be identified early and the HPV can be treated before the illness progresses to cancer.

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Home Hair Remedies With Sea Salt

Sea salt on a black table

Women obsessively attempt to find the perfect spray or gel that will thicken their hair and leave it wavy but frizz-free. One of the secrets used by many models and celebrities to obtain beach hair without a trip to the beach involves sea salt spray. While you might not have a celebrity hairstylist to style your hair, everybody can use sea salt sprays to create sexy loose waves.

Significance

Commercial sprays that recreate the "beachy" look have been available for many years, but some of them can retail for as much as $25--$30 a bottle. Women might be unwilling to spend a lot of money on a product that might not work for their hair or lifestyle. If you aren't lucky enough to live near a beach, you can easily create your own homemade sea salt spray. Sea salt spray isn't as damaging to your hair as perms or curling irons, so it can be used regularly.

Homemade Recipes

Create a sea salt spray by mixing 2 tsp. sea salt with 2 cups of distilled water and shaking well. Make sure you purchase sea salt instead of regular table salt because it is ground more finely. When the spray dissolves completely it is ready for use. If your hair tends to be dry, consider adding some conditioner or a few drops of essential oil. Good ones to try include chamomile to brighten blond hair or rosemary to heighten brunette colors. People with oily hair might consider adding tea tree oil, which has antiseptic properties. A bit of hair gel or hairspray can be added if you want better hold and volume.

Considerations

Sea salt can be drying to your hair so you should never use more than 1 tsp. per cup of water. For the best results spray the solution onto hair that hasn't been washed for several days. Sea salt spray can be a great solution for "bad hair" days because you can simply spray it on and disguise unwashed or messy hair.

Styling Tips

Spray the sea salt solution onto wet hair from the roots down. If you have wavy hair, simply scrunch it with your fingers until it forms clumps. Don't break these clumps apart, and let your hair air-dry. If your hair is naturally straight, braiding it can help create natural waves. Start with dry unwashed hair and saturate it with the sea salt spray, then braid it and allow it to air-dry. The smaller the braids and the more of them you create, the wavier your hair will be when you remove them.

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Use Carrier Oils

Lavender is the only essential oil that can be directly applied to the skin.

Carrier oils are types of vegetable oils that come from the fatty portion of a plant such as the nuts, seeds and kernels. They are used for making essential oil blends, as most essential oils cannot be applied directly to the skin without causing severe irritation. There are a wide variety of carrier oils available, each with its own therapeutic properties. Some carrier oils are odorless; however, many contain a faint nutty scent. Carrier oils with strong, bitter odors have gone bad and should not be used in essential oil blends.

Instructions

1. Purchase a carrier oil marked "organic" and "cold pressed." Unprocessed carrier oils work best in aromatherapy, according to Aroma Web. Some of the most commonly used carrier oils in aromatherapy are sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil, olive oil, peanut oil, sunflower oil, avocado oil, sesame oil, jojoba oil and evening primrose oil.

2. Blend essential oils with your carrier oil as necessary for your chosen recipe. For example, an essential oil hair treatment would use 1/2 oz. jojoba or sweet almond oil (or 1/4 of each) and six to eight drops of an essential oil, such as chamomile (light hair) or rosemary (dark hair). For a nail massage oil, use 1 dram of jojoba oil mixed with five drops of vitamin E oil and 10 drops of selected essential oils, such as two drops each of lemon, lavender, sandalwood, tea tree and benzoin resin oils.

3. Store carrier oils in dark bottles with tight-fitting lids and place them in a cool, dark location. Many carrier oils, such as borage seed, can be stored in the refrigerator while others such as avocado, will turn cloudy or solidify in the fridge.

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Blue Light Skin Cancer Treatment

Photodynamic therapy or PDT is a type of treatment that utilizes a laser to treat the skin in a variety of ways. Also known as blue light laser therapy, this treatment can be use to treat skin cancer, acne or even an uneven skin texture. It has many exterior applications, all of which can be performed as an outpatient procedure. However, none of this treatment's uses are as important as for skin cancer or pre-cancerous growths.

Definition

The blue light laser is used with a cream called photosensitizer Levulan Kerastick, which acts as an activator for the laser. This is primarily used in the treatment of pre-skin cancers, which are also known as actinic keratosis or skin cancer itself. The procedure is painless and brief, though it will likely require multiple treatments.

How the Procedure Works

Blue light or PDT treatment works by focusing light energy directly on specific cells that need to be removed. It actively destroys cells it comes into contact with by depriving them of oxygen; it is successful in killing abnormal cells without damaging healthy tissue. The risk of scarring is also minimal in comparison with treatments such as cryosurgery or excision.

What to Expect at a PDT Session

If you need to undergo PDT treatment, you can expect it to be rather quick. A photosensitizer cream will be applied to your face and then you'll lay on a table. Once the cream has dried, it will need to incubate from 30 minutes to 18 hours, depending on the area being treated. You'll then be placed under the blue light. This will feel warm, tingly or in some cases create a burning sensation. Once completed, the area will be washed, and you'll need to protect the skin with sunblock.

Benefits of PDT

PDT is an effective treatment for pre-cancerous lesions and skin cancer itself. It is relatively painless and can be targeted at specific areas of your skin without causing widespread skin damage. Side effects are milder than other treatments and works to create a better skin texture; it is a good treatment choice for sensitive areas.

Likelihood of Skin Cancer Reoccurrence

After undergoing PDT treatment, there is a chance your pre-cancer or skin cancer will come back. While unfortunate, this is a relatively small price to pay considering the treatment is so non-invasive. It can be repeated many times with minimal side effects or long-term damage.

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What Causes Bags Under The Eyes

In a world so fixated on youth and beauty, bags under the eyes are a real concern for many. But looks aside, bags under the eyes may also be the result of health concerns.

Fluid Retention

Under-eye bags may be due to fluid retention. If this is the cause, the swelling will most likely subside after a few hours. Salty foods and foods with a lot of MSG contribute to puffy eyes.

Allergies

Spring brings us warm weather, sunshine, cool breezes, flowers and cut grass. It also brings host of allergies for many people. Allergies cause sneezing, running noses, coughing, headaches, and bags under the eyes.

Allergic Reaction

Certain foods, beverages (especially wines) and spices can cause an allergic reaction--and in turn, puffiness under the eyes. Some laundry detergents, fabrics, perfumes and face creams will also result in swollen eyes and bags.

Illnesses

If bags under the eyes resemble pouches instead of puffiness, it may be a sign of a thyroid condition called Graves' disease. Kidney problems can also cause under-eye bags.

Hormones and Aging

Many symptoms that accompany menstruation may also be a cause of under-eye bags. The natural aging process also causes bags, as the skin around the eyes becomes thinner and less elastic.

Tags: bags under, bags under eyes, under eyes, also cause, also cause under-eye, also result, cause under-eye

How Much Are Wheel Chair Lifts

Wheelchair lifts can make the task of transporting a wheelchair significantly easier. They are especially useful for people who do not have the strength or mobility to lift a manual wheelchair, and they are essential for transporting a heavy motorized wheelchair or scooter. The cost of wheelchair lifts depends on the type and size of the lift and the features it has.

Types

The two main types of wheelchair lifts for cars are inside lifts and outside lifts. Inside lifts can attach to the trunks of cars, as well as to vans and trucks, to lift a wheelchair into the back of the vehicle, like a crane. Outside lifts are platforms that attach behind a truck, van or large car and keep the wheelchair stored outside the vehicle. Inside lifts typically cost about $900 to $2,500, while outside lifts generally cost about $500 to $2,000, depending on the features and weight capacity of the lift.

Size

One of the major variables in the cost of wheelchair lifts is the weight limit of the lift. Lifts that are designed to hold heavy wheelchairs, such as electric scooters, have a lifting capacity of up to 250, 300 or even 400 lb. These lifts are generally at the high end of the price range for wheelchair lifts. Lifts that hold only compact electric scooters or manual wheelchairs have a weight capacity of 100 to 200 lb. and are generally at the lower end of the price range for wheelchair lifts.

Features

Both inside and outside lifts are available in electric and manually operated models. Electric wheelchair lifts use battery power from the vehicle to raise the wheelchair up and into the vehicle, if applicable, requiring little effort from the user. These models suit a wide variety of wheelchairs. In contrast, manual lifts are generally available only for lifting non-power wheelchairs, and the user must be strong enough and stable enough to operate it. Manual models are generally less expensive than electric models and may cost about $300 less than comparable electric lifts.

Considerations

Outside wheelchair lifts require a hitch on the back of the vehicle for the platform to attach to. Most models require a Class 2 or Class 3 hitch, which can cost about $150. Customers with an outside wheelchair lift may also want to purchase a cover to protect the wheelchair from rain or snow, since it will be mounted outside the vehicle. Manual wheelchair covers may cost about $75, while covers for electric wheelchairs and scooters cost about $100.

Expert Insight

Customers looking to purchase a wheelchair lift on a limited budget can save money by buying a used lift or by buying both a wheelchair and a lift as part of a package deal. In addition, several major car companies will reimburse up to $1,000 for the cost of a wheelchair lift for customers who have purchased or leased a car within the previous 6 to 12 months. See the American Wheelchairs website linked below for details.

Tags: cost about, wheelchair lift, wheelchair lifts, cost wheelchair, lifts generally, outside lifts, wheelchair lifts

Help A Smoker Quit

Most smokers accept that smoking is a dangerous activity that causes heart disease, cancer, stroke and emphysema. The health risks of smoking, either alone or in combination with other factors such as cost, smell or inconvenience, tempt many smokers to quit. Nicotine is one of the most difficult drugs to stop using, according to the American Lung Association. Smokers who are trying to quit need all the support available to be successful. If you know someone who is trying to stop smoking, there are numerous ways to help and offer support.

Instructions

1. Avoid nagging, preaching or scolding to prevent hurt feelings, irritation and increased stress, all of which may cause the smoker to turn to a cigarette for comfort.

2. Remind the smoker how proud you are of him and celebrate milestones along with the smoker. This will help the smoker feel supported and encourage him to remain smoke-free.

3. Offer the quitter tools to help her quit, such as chewing gum, hard candy, snacks and water.

4. Distract the smoker from wanting a cigarette by getting him out of the house or away from places that trigger the desire for a cigarette. Go for a walk, see a movie or go shopping.

5. Respect the smoker's wishes and avoid calling or dropping by uninvited. Grumpiness and irritability are symptoms of nicotine withdrawal and the smoker may desire to spend some time alone.

6. Do not talk down to the smoker, even if you successfully quit in the past. The last thing a person wants to hear when quitting smoking is how easy it was for someone else. Be encouraging and offer support and understanding.

7. Avoid pointing out any weight the smoker may gain while quitting. According to Brown University, some smokers gain a considerable amount of weight during and following a quit, but most of that weight eventually falls off.

8. Prepare yourself for dealing with the smoker's withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms such as trouble sleeping, irritability, restlessness, forgetfulness and anxiety can be upsetting for both the person trying to quit and everyone else around her. Remember that these symptoms will pass with time and do not take any of them personally.

9. Praise the smoker for trying to quit, even if he has a relapse. According to the American Cancer Society, most smokers try to quit five to seven times before they are successful. A relapse should be seen as practice for a successful quit in the future, not as a failure. Do not make the smoker feel guilty for relapsing.

10. If you smoke, hide your cigarettes, lighters, ashtrays and anything else that may be a trigger for the smoker. Smoke outside and never offer a cigarette to someone attempting to quit smoking, even as a joke.

Tags: trying quit, offer support, smoker feel, smokers quit, that trigger, with smoker

What Are The Cures For Restless Legs Syndrome

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is a condition where a person's legs become twitchy or painful when they are at rest. This is a common condition for pregnant women, but can also affect other people. The symptoms, which can range from burning to a feeling of having your leg "fall asleep" to an uncontrollable urge to move, affect all people at different rates of intensity. Symptoms can be managed through various means.

Prevention

Prevention can mean a relief from symptoms for most patients diagnosed with RLS. Maintaining plenty of exercise during the day can help leg muscles relax in the evenings. In addition, patients with RLS should avoid drinking too much caffeine or alcohol, as well as consuming tobacco products. Some patients find that taking a hot bath or using a heated pad at night before bed can calm their muscles and relieve symptoms. Other patients may need to take a supplement for iron deficiency, which can often be an underlying cause of RLS.

Underlying Conditions

Many cases of RLS are the result of another underlying condition. Doctors attempt to identify these underlying conditions in order to pinpoint the exact cause of the RLS symptoms. Aside from low iron count, some RLS patients suffer from neuropathy or diabetes. Treating these conditions often minimizes the RLS symptoms as well, and in general more treatment options exist for conditions other than RLS.

Some patients with RLS have irregular sleep patterns or sleeping disorders. Treating these disorders and maintaining a consistent sleep pattern or habit can also reduce or eliminate RLS symptoms.

Medical Treatment Options

Doctors may choose from a variety of medical treatments for RLS. Dopaminergic agents are at the forefront of these choices; these medications are usually prescribed for Parkinson's Disease and have also been successful in treating RLS.

Doctors may also prescribe Benzodiazepines for RLS. These depressants will help patients sleep better at night, but may also cause drowsiness during the day. For severe cases of RLS, however, these medications are unlikely to be successful; doctors generally only prescribe them for patients with mild or occasional RLS symptoms.

For pregnant women with RLS, treatment is generally mild. Doctors will not usually prescribe medication, but rather suggest massaging the legs, walking around at night, getting exercise during the day or taking iron supplements. Fortunately for these patients, the RLS symptoms tend to disappear after childbirth. For all other RLS cases, the condition is permanent and actually worsens over time.

Tags: patients with, exercise during, pregnant women, these medications, Treating these

Will Spinal Decompression Help Hip Pain

Some hip pain benefits from spinal decompression.

Spinal decompression may help hip pain. But first, you must know the actual cause of the pain. Hip pain due to spinal disc issues is a good candidate for spinal decompression, according to Chiropractor Dr. Rob Gottesman. Yet, hip pain from injury or disease may not be.

Disc Issues

Hip pain might be related to lower back disc issues or degeneration that refers pain to the hip area, according to Gottesman. In this case, spinal decompression can be an effective way to remove pressure from the discs, relive pain and allow proper nerve function.

Tight Muscles

Often tight back, thigh and hip flexor muscles can lead to hip pain. Even weak thigh muscles can cause problems with stabilizing the hip, causing pain, according to the book "Anybody's Sports Medicine." For tight muscles, spinal decompression can help. For weak muscles, you will need to exercise to strengthen muscles, too.

Injury and Disease

An injury from a fall or car accident can cause hip pain. So can underlying diseases like Perthes disease. Pain from injuries and some disease should not be addressed with spinal decompression, said Gottesman. The authors of "Anybody's Sports Medicine" advise seeking medical attention if pain travels down the leg, comes with tingling or the hip "gives out" on you.

Spinal Decompression

Spinal decompression is a non-invasive process to realign the spine and add space back in the vertebral column. By adding space between the vertebrae, compressed nerves can be released, tight muscles can relax and more healing can happen.

Decompression and Hip Pain

Hip pain related to degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, osteoarthritis or muscle spasm may be relieved by spinal decompression, according to Gottesman. If the hip pain is from trauma or an injury, other treatment may be required. Getting a proper diagnosis of your hip pain is key before deciding on appropriate treatment, Gottesman said.

Tags: spinal decompression, according Gottesman, Anybody Sports, Anybody Sports Medicine, cause pain, decompression according, decompression help

Emergency Radiology

Emergency radiology is a sub-specialty of radiology that primarily focuses on diagnosing acute illnesses and injuries of emergency room (ER) patients. This relatively new specialty greatly increases the care and treatment of patients and boosts the quality of emergency medicine as a whole.

Function

Emergency radiology refers to medical imaging (X-rays, sonograms, MRIs, CT scans) taken and interpreted in an emergency room. Emergency radiologists help diagnose sudden illnesses and injuries, such as appendicitis and gunshot wounds. Along with emergency physicians, emergency radiologists also help treat these patients. Like emergency physicians, emergency radiologists work whenever an ER is open, meaning 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays.

Significance

Since the 1990s, emergency radiology has become a specialty in the wider field of radiology. Many hospitals currently offer fellowships specifically in emergency radiology to not only grant a radiologist the emergency radiology specialty to his curriculum vitae, but also to strengthen the skills needed for effective emergency medical imaging interpretation. With this creation of a radiology specialty, patients can expect and receive better care and treatment when visiting the emergency room. (But patients should not expect less time in the waiting room.)

Benefits

By having radiologists who practice nothing but emergency radiology, the ER will have a higher quality of radiologic interpretation and diagnosis. This benefits the hospital as well as the patient. With a higher quality of care, hospitals potentially have fewer missed diagnoses. Emergency physicians have better assistance treating patients. Malpractice lawsuits potentially decrease. Everyone wins, especially the patient.

Misconceptions

As stated earlier, the primary job of the emergency radiologist is to diagnose a patient's acute illness or injury. Therefore, these radiologists read radiographs for signs of the possible illnesses or injuries based on the patient's symptoms. If a patient comes into an ER from a car accident, the corresponding radiologist looks for bone fractures and organ damage from the collision. He will not look for every and all possible signs of an illness for this patient. That is not to say that he may not catch a sign of possible lung cancer, but he won't be looking for lung cancer in every chest X-ray he reads, and should not be expected to do so unless the patient is exhibiting and complaining of these types of symptoms.

Risk Factors

As with any radiograph, there is always a risk of radiation exposure. The exposure is very small with every image taken, but over time, if a patient has had an exponential amount of films taken, the patient may want to discuss the potential risk with the doctor ordering the radiology. It's always a good idea to take note of every X-ray or other film taken, just to be aware of the amount of radiation exposure. However, pregnant women should be doubly cautious about having X-rays taken. With the radiation exposure of an X-ray, there is a risk of fetal illness or injury. Sometimes the diagnosis from an X-ray will outweigh the risk, but it's always very important to let your doctor or radiologist know that you are pregnant.

Tags: emergency room, illnesses injuries, radiation exposure, care treatment, emergency physicians

Find Tourmaline

tourmaline color variety

Tourmaline refers to a large group of minerals with similar crystal structures and varying chemical compositions. They occur in every color. Very few tourmalines are suitable as gemstones, thus making gemstone tourmalines a valuable find. To find this bright and beautiful gemstone, you must have an idea of what rocks and minerals it is found with. The next steps involve scouting mines that allow the public to hunt for tourmaline.

Instructions

The Process

1. Research rocks and minerals that commonly occur with tourmaline. For example, tourmaline can be found in pegmatites, which are metamorphic rocks. The original, parent rock was cooked, baked and pressured into its metamorphic counterpart. Pegmatities often result from low temperature and moderate pressure metamorphism. Pegmatities are known for their huge crystals---like massive quartz, feldspar and micas, and unique minerals, like tourmaline.

2. Look for tourmaline hotspots. An online search can provide a list of locales with tourmaline mines. Tourmaline is found in countries across the globe, each with unique mineral characteristics and accessibility. Several tourmaline mines are found near San Diego, California, and in Maine.

3. Contact the mine and inquire about their policy on public access. Many mines have side projects that permit the public to visit and dig for their own gems. In many cases, you will search through mine tailings, which is the rock "waste" that remains after minerals have been extracted from an ore. While the most valuable minerals were removed, there are plenty of smaller pieces remaining that are worth the hunt for a hobby rock hound.

4. When you find a mine that allows for public treasure hunting, get all the information and specifics you are able to. Be familiar with the the logistics. Some mines are well-known and may be crowded with the public, whereas others receive few visits. Will you need to pack a lunch, or are there restaurants nearby? Is camping available on site? Understand the costs involved. Expect to pay $60-75 per person per day to simply access the mine for tourmaline hunting. In some cases, you can purchase a bag of "rich" tailings (more likely to contain gemstones) and have it mailed home for sorting. These can run up to $100 per bag of mud.

5. Because tourmaline has so many color varieties, know what you are looking for. What sort of tourmaline is the mine known for? Are you expecting pink, green, and a watermelon variety (pink core, green skin)? Because you will most likely be searching through tailings, don't expect gigantic finds. It will be more common to find pencil lead-sized pieces.

6. Some mines will provide tools for gem hunting, while others expect you to bring your own. If you need to bring tools, pack buckets, shovels and screens. You will also need to bring a hat, gloves, shoes fit for muddy conditions, a bag for tourmaline finds, an old toothbrush to scrub your finds, and water to drink. Consider a 'platypus pack' for constant, easy access to water.

7. When you are on site, fill your bucket with tailings. Pour some in a screen, shake out the dirt, and rinse. Look for tourmaline pieces, and pick them out when you're lucky. Dump the rest out, rinse, and repeat.

Tags: Look tourmaline, need bring, rocks minerals, Some mines, tourmaline mines, with tourmaline

Diet Cures For Insomnia

Many people struggle with insomnia, which is a sleep disorder where you have difficulty staying or falling asleep. With insomnia, you typically wake up feeling as if you haven't even slept, which negatively affects your ability to function at optimal capacity during the day. Insomnia can also lead to mood disturbances, chronic fatigue, as well as a decline in work performance, health and overall quality of life. The good news is you don't have to continue losing sleep, because there are diet cures that can promote proper sleep patterns and resolve insomnia.

Dietary Changes

Consume foods high in tryptophan, which is an amino acid that helps you fall asleep. Foods with tryptophan include yogurt, eggs, cheese, grapefruit, whole grain crackers, milk, bananas, turkey, nut butter, tuna and figs. Consume these foods each night roughly one hour before you go to bed.

Eat a light meal with some complex carbohydrates, but avoid overeating to prevent a surge in energy. Carbohydrates help make you feel tired and encourage the production of serotonin, which is a chemical that brings on sleep. Sleep-friendly food choices include warm milk, a chicken sandwich or a small bowl of oatmeal.

A diet that is deficient in magnesium may create nervousness, which can lead to less deep sleep and frequent waking during the night. Foods abundant in magnesium include cashews, wheat bran, almonds and kelp.

Avoid eating or drinking too much right before bed to avoid heartburn and frequent trips to the bathroom. Stay away from stimulants like tobacco and caffeine, especially in the afternoon and evening.

Helpful Herbs

Valerian root contains sedative properties to help induce sleep. Valerian works best for people who have a difficult time getting to sleep. This herb is nonaddictive and is even more effective when combined with other calming herbs, such as skullcap, passionflower and hops. To consume as a tea, drink one to two cups about one hour before you go to bed. As a dried powder extract, consume 150 to 300 mg; in tincture form, consume 1 ½ to 2 tsp.

Chamomile has a sedative effect on the body, which helps alleviate nervousness, irritability and restlessness. Adults and children can safely use this herb. To consume as a tea, drink one cup two to three times per day. In tincture form, consume 30 to 40 drops two to three times per day.

Passionflower is an herb that is most useful for insomnia related to nervous exhaustion, overwork or mental worry. Even if taken in large doses, this herb has no side effects and is an excellent sedative. In tincture form, take 1.5 to 2 tsp roughly 45 minutes to one hour before bed. To drink as a tea, consume 4 to 8 g or one cup three times per day.

Vitamins and Minerals

Try a calcium supplement to calm the nervous system. Take 1,500 to 2,000 mg capsules, in divided doses, on a daily basis; consume after meals and at bedtime.

Take magnesium, which is an important mineral, to help reduce nervousness and relax the muscles. It also balances well with calcium. Take 1,000 mg per day in capsule form.

Take B vitamins, especially vitamins B3, B5, B6, B9 and B12, to manage tryptophan levels and help reduce stress and promote healthy sleep patterns. Follow directions on the label for the proper dosage.

Melatonin

Melatonin, a natural hormone released in the brain at night, helps promote a restful night sleep. Take 1.5 mg to 5 mg every day, one to two hours before bed.

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Symptoms Of MéNièRe'S Diesease

Ménière's disease causes numerous hearing and balance issues, caused by an imbalance of fluid in the inner ear canal. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) estimates 615,000 adults have Ménière's disease, with around 45,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Ménière's disease has several identifiable symptoms that occur together in localized attacks.

Symptoms

Ménière's disease has several key symptoms that occur in episodes or attacks. A severe episode of Ménière's disease causes vertigo with nausea, vomiting or unexplained sweating. Less severe episodes cause hearing loss, ear ringing and ear pressure ear common symptoms. Mild to severe hearing loss is experienced in any episode.

Significance

Severe episodes of Ménière's disease can have a significant impact on a person's ability to function. Vertigo with nausea or vomiting makes it difficult to focus, requiring a person to lie down to ease the symptoms. Mild episodes also present risks. Mild hearing loss increases the rate of automobile accidents, impairment of speech and poor comprehension.

Time Frame

Ménière's disease symptoms occur sporadically without warning. Symptoms can occur once a year or once every day, depending on the severity of the disease. People who suffer from daily attacks usually experience symptoms for several hours.

Prevention/Solution

Certain medications and dietary changes help ease Ménière's disease symptoms. For severe symptoms, physicians typically prescribe motion sickness medications, such as Antivert, to reduce the severity of vertigo. If nausea is not reversed by this medication, an anti-nausea medication is prescribed to prevent these symptoms.

According to the Mayo Clinic, managing your diet also controls symptoms. Limiting your salt intake and avoiding monosodium glutamate (MSG) eases fluid imbalances in the inner ear, the cause of Ménière's disease. Avoiding caffeine, which causes fluid retention, and eating regularly also eases symptoms.

Location

The symptoms of Ménière's disease occur in one ear, with pain and swelling focused in and around the ear. A feeling of fullness in the ear is concentrated in the ear opening and in the inner ear canal.

Tags: hearing loss, disease causes, disease several, disease symptoms, inner canal, nausea vomiting, symptoms Mild

Get Seroquel

Seroquel is a medication prescribed primarily for the treatment of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Seroqel must be prescribed by a physician, usually a psychiatrist, and should not be taken by someone who has not received a clinical diagnosis of a mental health disorder. You should never self diagnose or take Seroquel that has been prescribed for someone else.

Instructions

1. Identify mental health symptoms. Seroquel is prescribed for mental health conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. There are varying types of schizophrenia but the presence of delusions, hallucinations, catatonic behavior and disorganized speech that lasts longer than six months may indicate the presence of schizophrenia.

2. Recognize symptoms of bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is identifiable by the presence of both manic episodes and depressive episodes. The following symptoms can be present during a depressive episode: feelings of sadness that last for more than two weeks, worthlessness, an inability to concentrate, a loss of pleasure in most activities, significant changes in appetite or sleep patterns and thoughts of suicide. A manic episode is a period of elevated or irritable moods lasting longer than one week, inflated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, excessive involvement in pleasure-seeking or high-risk behaviors like gambling or sexual promiscuity, and distractibility.

3. Receive a clinical diagnosis of a mental health condition. Seroquel can be prescribed for several mental health conditions but is primarily prescribed for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.Do not attempt to self diagnose. It is important to relay all important information about your symptoms to your doctor so an accurate diagnosis can be made.

4. Receive prescription. You physician may prescribe Seroquel initially or may try another medication first. Medications have many side effects and each person responds differently to the medications so you will need to be followed closely by your physician.Do not ever take a prescription that has been prescribed for someone else.

5. Ask questions. Seroquel is a mood stabilizer and is in the "atypical anti-psychotic" class of medications. You may have side effects associated with the use of this medication. Be sure to research the medication you are taking by talking to your physician and visiting the Seroquel website below to answer any questions that may exist.

Tags: mental health, been prescribed, been prescribed someone, bipolar disorder, bipolar disorder

New York Medicare Rules

Medicare is health insurance coverage for individuals who are age 65 or older. The federal government manages the program and designed it to protect the elderly. The program is available in every state, including New York.

Types

According to New York Medicare, the original Medicare program offers two types of coverage: hospital and medical, referred to as Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. Medicare rules allow most people to automatically receive Part A when they turn 65. Recent program rules have added Part C, Part D and premium plans.

Coverage

Medicare Part A covers inpatient services received in hospitals. The program also covers home health care services and hospice care. However, it does not cover long-term care. Medicare Part B covers an individual's outpatient care and doctor visits. Part B often covers services not available in part A, such as physical therapy.

Medigap

Sometimes people encounter expenses that are not covered by the Medicare program. In this case, New York law permits residents to purchase a Medigap policy, which covers the "gaps" in expenses that Medicare doesn't cover.

Eligibility Rules

To be eligible for Medicare, an individual must have entered the United States legally and lived in the country for at least five years. There is no cost to Part A if a person is over age 65. If a person is interested in Part B he or she must make monthly payments or pay premiums for coverage.

Considerations

According to the New York State Office for the Aging, complaints about aggressive and improper marketing of Medicare plans have increased. The state urges individuals to contact the State Insurance Department if they encounter a Medicare service provider that uses a misleading, aggressive or illegal sales pitch.

Tags: Medicare Part, According York, expenses that, Medicare Part covers, Medicare Part Medicare, Medicare program

Symptoms Of Gout In The Ankles

Gout is an arthritic condition caused by too much uric acid, which is essentially waste, in a person's blood. Typically, symptoms will flare-up almost suddenly, without any warning or real indication prior to an attack. If left untreated, it can lead to more serious problems with your joints or tendons, especially in the affected area. But there are a number of symptoms of gout, in this case gout affecting your ankles, that can help indicated whether or not you are suffering from this condition.

Swelling

The most common symptom of gout in the ankles will be a swelling or inflammation in the joint within this area of the body.

Tenderness

This swelling is often accompanied by some level of tenderness to the affected ankle. The ankle will usually be somewhat tender to the touch.

Pain

Many times, this tenderness is so intense that it will ultimately become painful even without any pressure placed on the ankle.

Burn

On occasion, a person dealing with gout in the ankle will also suffer from a burning sensation within this particular joint.

Stiffness

Due to the swelling or inflammation, many people dealing with gout in the ankles will also notice a certain amount of stiffness in the joint, limiting or decreasing the ability to bend and rotate this area of the body.

Tags: ankle will, ankles will, area body, dealing with, dealing with gout, gout ankles, gout ankles will

Care For A Tooth Filling

Care for a Tooth Filling

Keep your tooth filling in good shape as the day you first chomped on it. If you feel any discomfort with a new filling, or one you've had for awhile, see your dentist right away. Brush and floss regularly to keep your teeth and fillings healthy. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

1. Expect a new filling to be sensitive to hot and cold for a few weeks. Let your dentist know if the sensitivity does not go away.

2. Watch for pain. After the initial anesthesia wears off, spend some time biting down. Still feel pain when you bite, the filling may need to be reshaped to fit with your bite, and you need to make an appointment with your dentist.

3. Tell your dentist immediately when there's an ongoing sharp shocking pain. This occurs with gold and silver filling too close to each other and needs to be corrected.

4. Brush your teeth and floss regularly to make your filling last as long as possible. Fillings can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years depending on how much they are used and cared for by the person with them.

5. Ask your dentist about a special fluoride gel that you can use to brush your teeth. Some dentists recommend the gel for people with a lot of fillings.

Tags: your dentist, your teeth, Care Tooth, Care Tooth Filling, floss regularly

Irritable Bowel Symptoms

People who suffer from a chronic irritated bowel are often diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome, a condition characterized by abdominal discomfort and distress. About 20 percent of adult Americans are thought to have irritable bowel syndrome, and it is one of the most commonly diagnosed medical disorders. An exact cause is not known, but it is more common in women than men and about half of sufferers start to experience symptoms before they turn 35. Treatment options include medication and a warning to avoid foods that are known to cause flareups.

Abdominal Pain

One of the most common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome is chronic abdominal pain or cramping.

Bloating

Many people with irritable bowel syndrome feel bloated or have stomach discomfort when the condition flares up.

Passing Stools

Diarrhea and constipation are symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Diarrhea is more common, but some people have both symptoms at different times.

Gas

Feeling gassy or passing gas frequently are symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

Mucous

People with irritable bowel syndrome may notice mucous when they are passing stools. Sometimes bouts of diarrhea are caused by excess mucous in the stool.

Tags: bowel syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, irritable bowel, irritable bowel, symptoms irritable

When Do I Need A Colon Cleanse

The colon removes water from waste before it leaves the body through the bowels. If waste does not move through the colon quickly enough, because we eat too much or because our digestive process is slowed down by processed or fatty foods, or because we are obese, waste can be become impacted or stuck in the colon. When this occurs, a colon cleanse may be necessary. A cleanse can also be done on a regular basis, just to ensure a healthy colon.

Irregular Bowel Movements

It is normal to move your bowels once a day on average, although people who consume lots of calories may move their bowels twice. Bowel movements should be painless, without any straining. Excreted waste should be solid, not runny or liquidy, and it should be brownish or green in color. It does not matter whether it sinks or floats, as the density of the stool depends upon what you ate. If you move your bowels more or less frequently, your fecal matter is not the right consistency, or you are straining when you move your bowels, you may need a colon cleanse.

Other Signs You May Need a Cleanse

Constipation (the inability to move your bowels, or experiencing strain when you try to move your bowels) is the most common sign that you need a colon cleanse. A general feeling of ill health, headaches, feeling sluggish, or experiencing sleep interruptions can also be a sign that your colon needs to be cleansed. Finally, bloating or the feeling that you still need to move your bowels even when you have just gone, can also be indicative of the presence of impacted waste in your colon.

Foods that Lead to a Cleanse

If you are eating a lot of foods that are likely to cause digestive problems and/or cause waste to linger in your colon, you may want to do a cleanse to avoid a buildup of toxins. Since impacted fecal matter can increase a colons weight from a normal 1 pound to ten times its normal size, a great deal of waste can become impacted before you ever experience symptoms. Thus, knowing when foods are likely to build up can help you make a decision about the need for cleansing. Foods most likely to cause waste to linger too long in the colon include fried foods, meat, caffeine, soda, white sugar and white flour.

Tags: move your, move your bowels, your bowels, your colon, become impacted

Identify Pills

Learn to identify unknown pills

What's that pill? You found an unidentified medicine tablet or capsule in your travel bag, and you're not sure what it is.

Or you found something in the pocket of your kid's jeans, and he says "it's nothing". Is it?

It's possible to identify medicines, and to distinguish commercia drugs from illegal substances. Here's find out what that unknown pill really is.

Instructions

1. **Ask a Professional**

Your surest source of information is your pharmacist or doctor. Bring any unidentified medicines or pills to them for a positive ID. They can make use of professional references, along with their own knowledge and experience, to identify unknown pills, medicines or other substances.

2. **Go Online**

You can use the online Pill Identification Wizard at Drugs.com or the Pill Identifier at RxList.com. Enter the pill's shape, color, and any identifying letters or numbers, and pull up pictures of possible matches.

3. **Check With the Feds**

The Division of Drug Information at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can help with identification via email.

Send DDI your drug description at druginfo@cder.fda.gov. They usually respond within one working day, and can be very helpful with substances that don't show up in routine pill identification systems.

If possible, take a digital picture of the pills, and include that in your email to DDI.

4. **Check for Illegal Drugs**

The California Department of Justice has pill identification tools for both medicines and street drugs at the StopDrugs.org website(see link in the Resources section).

Tags: identify unknown, identify unknown pills, pill identification, unknown pills

Signs And Symptoms Of Bladder Cancer

The bladder is an organ in the abdomen that holds urine. It is hollow, and when full, it contracts and pushes urine through the urethra. A tumor that is malignant usually starts in the cells lining the bladder, but other points of origin are also possible. The symptoms of bladder cancer are associated with other conditions, many of them much less serious. The only way to get a definite diagnosis of any cancer is to have your doctor run tests.

Changes in Urinary Habits

A change in urinary habits may be a sign that something is not right. If you notice that you are urinating more frequently, or if incontinence becomes a problem, you should contact your doctor. He or she will be able to examine you and do tests to make a diagnosis. You may also have blood in the urine, but it may not be visible to the human eye. Many times a urinalysis is the only way to detect blood in the urine.

Anemia

Cancer-related anemia is the body's inability to produce enough red blood cells, either because of the cancer, treatment or because cancer cells present in marrow are crowding out the normal cells. Bladder cancer or any other kind of cancer can cause anemia by disrupting the kidneys' production of a hormone that signals the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. It can also keep the body from using stored iron.

Bone Pain

If you are bothered by a shooting, stabbing pain, inability to stand straight or limited flexibility, it may be in conjunction with bladder cancer symptoms. See your doctor right away. He will be able to run several tests to determine the cause of your discomfort, including blood tests, X-rays and MRIs.

Testing

Tests that will be performed if your doctor suspects bladder cancer include palpating the pelvic area for tumors, performing a vaginal or rectal exam, urine tests, a "dye" test and a cystoscopy--a procedure where a thin, lighted scope is inserted into the bladder to examine the lining for irregularities. Many times, only a biopsy can give a definite diagnosis of cancer.

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Cure Your Cat Of Dandruff

Cat dandruff can manifest from a number of things, and its important to know why your cat developed dandruff if you want to determine which treatment plan you should follow. Basically, dandruff is dry skin. If your cat is used to going outdoors, the sun may be drying out your cat’s skin. A lack of moisture in the air can be another cause of dandruff. Diet, weight, and parasites should also be analyzed. Whatever the reason may be, it’s a good idea to have your cat examined by a veterinarian. Once serious health conditions such as diabetes are ruled out as the cause of dandruff, you can take steps to rid your cat of its dandruff. Here’s do it.

Instructions

1. To eliminate the possibility of your cat getting sunburned, and getting dandruff as a result, keep Kitty indoors when the sun is strongest. If you take measures to avoid exposing yourself to the damaging rays of the sun, why shouldn’t you protect your cat from those harmful rays?

2. Keep a humidifier on in your home. Moisture in the air will put moisture in dry skin. By plugging in your humidifier, you’ll get rid of your cat’s dandruff and you’ll have beautiful looking skin.

3. Find out if your cat is overweight. If your kitty is fat, it may have difficulty reaching certain areas on its body when grooming itself. To help with this problem, you may want to consider putting your cat on a diet.

4. Another possible cause of cat dandruff could be a lack of omega-3 fatty acids. Tuna fish or a fish oil supplement purchased from a pet store should relieve your cat of its dry skin condition.

5. If your cat has parasites, consult with a vet on get rid of these pests.

6. You can bathe kitty with a shampoo designed to get rid of dandruff in cats, but make sure you rinse all traces of the shampoo off kitty and brush its coat with a soft body brush during the rinsing process. All too often, dandruff is the result of not rinsing all of the shampoo off of kitty. The remaining soap will make your cat’s skin dry and flaky.

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