It can be the happiest day of your life, the most stressful, or anywhere in between depending on the measures you take to prepare yourself, the guests and the setting for your wedding. Fortunately, it's easy to get around that stress. Just follow these simple instructions to deal with wedding stress.
Instructions
1. Start planning as soon as you can. Even though the date might seem like it's way down the line, the earlier you make reservations and guest lists, the sooner you can put it out of your mind and focus on having fun.
2. Share responsibilities. When it comes to planning a wedding, it almost always takes a village. Take advantage of people's willingness to help out by allowing them to run errands or make reservations for you to relieve some stress from your shoulders.
3. Set goals, write them down and stick to them. If you say you want to have a particular part of the wedding finished and planned by a particular date, you're more likely to do so if you physically write it down on paper. Don't get buried in the planning of your wedding.
4. Remind yourself that it's a celebration of the union between you and your future spouse and will be a happy event to plan and to participate in.
5. Hire a professional. This can mean either seeing a therapist occasionally or hiring a professional wedding coordinator to relieve more directly your wedding stress. Whichever the case, it's not uncommon to need a little extra help during this chaotic time.
Tags: your wedding, make reservations, wedding stress
Take the simple back bend to a whole new level by trying these incredible contortionist moves that will amaze your friends as you bend into positions never before believed. Just remember to make safety your number one priority and you can have fun being elastic.
Instructions
1. Perform a series of stretches that focus on your spine, arms and shoulders to warm up the muscles that will be most affected. If you have never done this before, begin with a simple backbend and make your back stronger by moving a little further back over time to train the muscles and avoid injury.
2. Stand at the top of your fitness mat or make room on a slightly padded but firm surface to start your bend. Hold your arms straight up above your head and tense the muscles to make them stiff and supple enough to support your weight. Place your feet a little wider than shoulder width apart and turn them slightly outwards.
3. Bend backwards slowly towards the ground until your fingertips meet the floor then lower yourself onto your elbows so you have evenly distributed your weight on each side and your legs.
4. Move your right elbow back a small fraction, then follow this with your left elbow until you are able to prop yourself up on your hands. Continue in very small steps until you have positioned your chin on the mat directly under your knees. Hold the bend until you want to release yourself.
5. Support your weight by placing your hands back on the floor beside your head and kick with your legs to get momentum from your waist to lower your legs slowly up over your head down to the mat. You should now be in a forward position on your stomach legs behind you on your mat.
Tags: your legs, with your, your head, your weight, that will
Hair is composed of protein. It grows from the hair follicles that lie within the skin's dermis layer. Hair grows up and through the epidermis and beyond, to varying lengths, as both a mark of beauty and for body warmth.
Protein, including hair protein, is composed of linear chains. Amino acids help build new cells and play important roles in metabolism. Cysteine, methionine, cystine, arginine and lysine are the five types of amino acids that have an effect on hair growth. Amino acids are available in supplement form to promote rapid hair growth.
Function
Properly balanced diets include sufficient amounts of protein that promote whole body health. Protein intake is important for healthy organs, muscles, ligaments, glands, nails and hair. Long-term protein intake deficiency causes the body to stop hair growth and it eventually loses its hair. Make dietary proteins, which are composed of hair-promoting amino acids, 1/6 of your daily diet. Grains, seeds, eggs, fish and lean meat are some common protein-rich foods.
Cysteine
L-Cysteine is an amino acid that is known to promote hair growth. It improves hair quality and texture, and it is known to double the length of hair. L-Cysteine also prevents hair from falling out, and it has a detoxifying effect in the body.
L-Cystine
L-Cystine is an amino acid that is an essential element in the formation of both skin and hair. L-Cystine also increases the body's immunity against disease.
L-Methionine
L-Methionine is an essential amino acid that helps against premature hair loss. It also improves hair texture, quality and growth.
L-Lysine
Lysine promotes hair growth. It is important in the function of many proteins, and it is an essential amino acid that is necessary for overall growth. Lysine is not produced within the body. As an essential amino acid, lysine must be consumed.
L-Arginine
Arginine is very important for growth, including hair growth. It stimulates growth hormone release and is important for metabolic processes.
Considerations
While amino acids are naturally available in several foods, they can be purchased as supplements. They are available in powders, as well as tablets and capsules. These amino acids are produced from yeast proteins or egg and other animal proteins.
Consult your doctor or health care professional about taking amino acid therapy for hair growth.
Effleurage is the most basic stroke used in Swedish massage therapy. It is a simple gliding stroke that can be done with a flat open palm or a loose fist. Effleurage is usually used to begin and end a massage. It is a transition stroke. It is used to move smoothly from one area of the body to the other or transition between different types of strokes. It is also used to apply and spread lotion and massage oil.Effleurage is also a good stroke to prep tissue and get the blood flowing before you start doing deeper more detailed work. It is a good diagnostic stroke. As you do this stroke you can check for cold or warm spots and knots in the muscles. The ability to do a good smooth effleurage stroke is the foundation a good Swedish or relaxation massage.
Instructions
1. Decide where on the body you will begin the massage. Many therapists start on the back but you don’t have to.
2. Put some massage lotion or oil on your hands and rub them together before applying the oil to the person you're massaging. This will make sure the oil spreads evenly.
3. Make sure your hands are relaxed. If you are going to begin with an open palm stroke on the back, start at the top of the back near the shoulder or at the bottom of the back (lumbar). Approach the area you’ll be massaging slowing. Don’t plop your whole hand down at once. Let your fingertips make contact first, than your whole fingers, then your palm and finally the heel of your hand. Then let that hand glide from the shoulder to the lumbar or the other way around if you started at the lumbar. You can massage area with one hand if you like but it’s more efficient to use two.
4. Start a stroke with the second hand on the same side once the first hand is on the body. The second hand is chasing the first hand. You can also start both hands at once on both the right and left side of the body.
5. Bring the stroke back down once you get to the end of the area you’re massaging you can or you can bring your hand off the body slowly like you put it on. This time the fingertips leave the body first, followed by the fingers, palm and heel of hand.
6. Start your stroke backwards by doing what you did before starting with the heel of your hand. So the heel of your hand makes contact first followed by the palm, fingertips and fingers.
Tags: your hand, heel your, heel your hand, area massaging, begin massage, contact first
Ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation of the lining of the colon. Ulcers are present in severe cases. It is a progressive disease with no known cure, but controlling ulcerative colitis is possible with prescription medications, diet and herbal supplements.
Symptoms
Some people cannot take prescription medications and have to rely on diet and herbal supplements to control flare-ups of ulcerative colitis. A flare-up can consist of abdominal pain, cramps, rectal bleeding and hard bowel movements alternating with diarrhea. Stress, certain foods and other conditions can contribute to a flare-up.
While home remedies are helpful, it is important to follow physician's orders as some home remedies may interfere with other medications.
Home Remedies
Take aloe vera oil, which is widely used for ulcerative colitis. Aloe vera is anti-inflammatory, reduces pain and swelling of the colon, and promotes healing. It is available in pill form.
Eat steamed apples twice daily to reduce pain and heal ulcers in ulcerative colitis. Apples have high concentrations of phosphorus and iron.
Eat two ripe bananas daily. Bananas are a natural laxative and promote healing by regulating bowel movements.
Drink a glass of buttermilk daily. Buttermilk coats the intestines and is soothing.
During acute flare-ups, eat a bowl of rice, a glass of buttermilk and a banana twice a day . All three are beneficial to the body in fighting ulcerative colitis.
Mix an enema with wheat-grass juice. Cleanse the bowel with a warm water enema 20 minutes before the wheat-grass enema. Use the wheat-grass enema and retain the liquid for approximately 15 minutes, then expel.
Mix papaya juice, cabbage juice and carrot juice and drink daily. The anti-oxidants contained in the vegetables are excellent for .
Foods to Avoid
Ulcerative colitis suffers need to avoid nuts, seeds, white flour, white sugar, spicy foods and seasonings as well as alcoholic beverages. Controlling ulcerative colitis is possible with diet changes. Bland foods along with soft, easily digestible food are preferable. It is a trial and error process as well. Not everyone is the same, so some foods might help one person with ulcerative colitis but hurt another.
Fish oil is beneficial in controlling ulcerative colitis. Fish oil is high in fatty acids and can reduce painful episodes.
In addition to diet, it is important to reduce stress. Stress can quickly cause flare-ups of ulcerative colitis. During a flare-up, lie down and rest as much as possible. If possible, eliminate any tension in the home. While flare-ups are reduced with home remedies, patience is required because ulcerative colitis will still be present.
Tags: ulcerative colitis, ulcerative colitis, home remedies, bowel movements, colitis possible
There have been major advance in hair restoration over the past ten years. Many people suffer from male pattern baldness or female pattern baldness but there is a plausible cure available, called a permanent hair transplant. As time goes on this procedure is becoming more effective, safer and more affordable. Best of all it is a permanent transplant.
Instructions
1. Provide the donor site. In modern permanent hair transplant surgery hair is removed from a healthy donor site and transplanted to the affected area of the scalp. This transplant comes directly from you and no one else. It is considered cosmetic surgery with few risks and has been approximately 75 percent effective.
2. Be aware that your scalp contains hairs that last your lifetime. They are not in the zone of baldness but are usually found at the back of your head or around your ears. This is where the donor hair is cultivated to transplant to your bald areas.
3. Grow your hair as long or short as you want. It can be brushed and shampooed. Your transplanted hair grows normally for the rest of your life although it may thin as you age.
4. Go ahead and throw away your toupee. You will now have hair for the rest of your life. Your transplanted hair is your hair and therefore it is natural to your body. There should be no chance of rejection because it is not foreign tissue.
5. Rest assured that your permanent transplant will not go the way of your lost hair. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is the hormone that scientists believe causes genetic hair loss. You is not affected by DHT.
Colon cleansing has become extremely popular for people who are trying to improve overall health. Those who do colon cleanses claim to have more energy and better concentration. The goal of a cleanse is to remove any toxic buildup in the body that is not excreted. In spite of the advertisements, there are many who oppose the use of claiming they are dangerous.
What Is a Colon Cleanse
Colon cleanses generally involve one of two methods: 1) an colonic hydrotherapy; and 2) a use of oral supplements. Colonic hydrotherapy is a type of enema where a rubber tube is inserted up the rectum and into the colon. It irrigates the colon by flushing it out with water. The second type of colon cleanse uses either liquid or powdered supplements bought over-the-counter that help flush the system when taken with lots of water. There are two very opposing thoughts about the safety of colon cleanses.
Benefits
The benefits of a colon cleanse are still to be substantiated by scientific research. Proponents to colon cleansing say that fecal matter may build up and harden in the colon, preventing the proper elimination of toxins and cause the colon to stop functioning properly. By cleansing, the colon is able to shed this toxic lining and allow the body to restore optimal functioning. Until studies can confirm this school of thought, evidence is strictly testimonial.
Bacterial Infection
With colon hydrotherapy, the rubber tube inserted into the rectum must be sterile in order not cause a serious infection. In this case, the person is flushing the colon out, which also includes flushing out good bacteria that would otherwise fight a bacterial infection. Unless probiotics are added to the system, it's a double whammy that can be very dangerous.
Electrolyte Imbalance
It is possible for someone to drink too much water, creating an electrolyte imbalance. The colon is already being flushed, causing a chemical imbalance that may take a day or two to restore. Over-consumption of water can lead to vomiting, heart failure or fluid buildup in the lungs. This may lead to a tear of the colon wall, which can be fatal.
Not FDA Regulated
Since many of the oral colon cleanses are sold over the counter, there is no regulation as to the quality and preparation of the contents. There is no way to know exactly which products are safe or not and no scientific data to prove any claims made by the companies selling the products. For many, the risks outweigh the benefits. Most doctors feel that a proper diet is the best means for helping rid the body of waste.
Jury Is Still Out
While the medical community is greatly opposed to home colon cleanses, there is a large demographic that find them beneficial. Whether this is a placebo or not is yet to be determined, and the scientific community at large will need to conduct significant research to either completely refute or embrace colon cleansing.
Getting a regular gynecological exam is an important health practice.
A gynecological exam, or pelvic exam, is typically done by a doctor or physician's assistant. A professional will check the health of your pelvic and reproductive organs with a physical exam, and she may also take samples of tissue and fluid for testing. If you have not had an exam and you are sexually active or are having discomfort or troubling symptoms in your pelvic region you should considering scheduling an exam. Some women find the process a bit stressful or uncomfortable, so it's helpful to plan ahead.
Instructions
1. Request a referral for a gynecologist or women's health clinic from your primary care doctor. Many women prefer to have female professionals perform their gynecological exams. Ask close friends or family for some suggestions to ensure you have a doctor with whom you'll feel comfortable. Gather several possible names and research the options online.
2. Call the clinic or doctor's office and request an appointment for a pelvic exam. Inform the receptionist if this is your first gynecological exam because the doctor may want to run specific laboratory tests. Ask about specific payment issues, especially if you have to provide any paperwork for your insurance. If you are under 18, you may need parental consent.
3. Arrive at your appointment at least 20 minutes in advance to fill out medical history and consent forms. Drink something about an hour before because the doctor will probably want to take a urine sample.
Tags: gynecological exam, , pelvic exam, your appointment, your pelvic
Bed bugs are becoming common again and turning up in some surprising places. Infestations in posh hotels, nice homes, cruise ships, nursing homes, hospitals and apartments have all been reported recently in most of the world, with the hardest hit areas in the U.S. and Canada, plus Europe, Australia and Africa. The question is, where do they come from?
History of Bed Bugs
Here in the U.S., bed bugs have been with us since the Mayflower dropped anchor. Early settlers brought them on ships along with their luggage. Written reports from colonists in the 18th century detail severe problems with bed bug infestations in America and Canada, but the Native American villages did not suffer the same fate.
The bed bug problem persisted until the late 1940s, and there were few Americans who had never been bitten. Bed bugs were most commonly found in lower-income housing, where people lived in crowded conditions, and cleanliness was not a primary concern.
Conquering the Beast
In the early 1950s, bed bugs were all but eradicated with the introduction of DDT, which was sprayed or dusted around the bed to control bed bugs for at least a year. After a few years, the bugs developed a DDT resistance, but other pest control chemicals had hit the market, most significantly malathion. By the mid 1950s, bed bugs had gone from the third most pesky pest in the U.S. to an occasional infestation in a homeless shelter, youth hostel or prison. For 50 years, infestation of private homes was rare.
Back With a Vengeance
It's not hard to figure out why bed bugs are making such a strong resurgence. The most effective deterrents to bed bugs have been off the market since the 1970s, often through bans. (The U.S. banned DDT in 1972 for environmental reasons.) Insecticides that are safer for us are not as effective against the persistent little pests.
Common Bed Bug Causes
Part of the problem is that people don't have the experience to recognize bed bug infestations when they see them, so they don't deal with it at home.
Today, people are traveling more, with bugs hitching rides in suitcases and folds of clothing. Low-rent lodgings have problems, but uptown hotels are hardly immune.
Secondhand merchandise has become chic. Bed bugs can hide anywhere, so buying used clothing or furniture can be a gamble.
Pest control has changed. Professional pest control companies are using more environmentally friendly methods of dealing with pest problems. Instead of spraying chemicals, they are using bait insecticides, which are bug-specific. A substance that attracts roaches, spiders or ants would not affect bed bugs, and there is no specific treatment for bed bugs.
There's also been a change in the behavior of bed bugs. They are becoming more active, moving around more between rooms and through walls in buildings from apartment to apartment, and even coming out in the daytime. They are also turning up everywhere instead of dwelling primarily in beds, as they once did.
Vigilance Vital
It may not be as simple to wipe out bed bugs this time around, but education is key. Learn the signs, and deal with infestations early. Watch for rash-like bites and tiny brown spots on the sheets. Preventive measures include sanitizing everything after returning from a trip or upon bringing used items into your home. And if you do get bed bugs, do what you can not to spread them.
Tags: , 1950s bugs, bugs have, bugs have been, bugs were, deal with, with infestations
Venous insufficiency is the condition that causes varicose veins. The venous system is a one-way vascular system designed to return blood form the body to the heart. Blood is pushed through the veins by the contraction of the surrounding muscles. Veins have one-way valves within them to prevent the blood from flowing the wrong direction by gravity and causing high pressure and pooling of blood, especially in the lower limbs. It is usually the failure of these valves that causes venous insufficiency. Another cause may be venous obstruction.
Instructions
1. Perform a history and of the patient. Visually examine the legs for visual signs of venous varicosities, edema and swelling, skin changes and venous stasis ulcers. The physical exam should locate the level or position of the underlying venous problem.
2. Perform a imaging of the suspected location. The duplex ultrasound used in the B-mode is able to give an image of the underlying structures and use a Doppler wave to detect the direction of blood flow. Most vein specialists, called phlebologists, will be able to perform this exam in their office. If this service is not available in the physician's office, the patient will be referred to an imaging service.
3. Position the patient on the examination table. Expose the area to be scanned. Apply ultrasonic gel to enable the ultrasound probe to be sealed to the skin for a better imaging. Scan the area until the expected valve can be visualized. Using the Doppler mode, determine which direction the blood is flowing.
4. While imaging the valve within the vein, take computer measurements in the ultrasound machine that will determine the length of time the valve remains open and closed. A faulty valve will remain open for a longer period than normal, and the blood will flow in the reverse direction.
5. After the exam, give the patient the results and recommendations on treatment. Treatment may include wearing compression stockings or performing a laser treatment to seal the valve closed.
Tags: direction blood, duplex ultrasound, physical exam, that causes
Although foot pads have elicited plenty of skepticism, they claim to be a natural treatment that has positive detox effects upon the body. The manufacturers of detox foot pads claim that while wearing the pad on the bottom of one of your feet, it will draw toxins out of your body, resulting in a "cleaning period." From infrared energy---supposedly given off by detox foot pads---many different toxins are supposed to be drawn from the body, including arsenic and lead. Other functions include relieving blood pressure, weight loss, and fighting depression.
FTC Charges
The Federal Trade Commission charged detox foot pad marketers with false and deceptive advertising in 2009. The FTC has ruled that the supposed positive benefits that can be derived from foot pads are false, as they have no supporting evidence to the contrary, and also that foot pad manufacturers should be required to provide monetary redress to consumers who have been duped into purchasing the product. The FTC also seeks to bar detox foot pad manufacturers from marketing the foot pads in a deceptive manner.
Ingredients
Although clearly the effects of foot pads are in question, several ingredients are contained within them. All the ingredients within detox food pads are placed there with the intention of "reacting" with your body and improving cell function. These can include wood vinegar, plants and herbs as well as tourmaline---a type of mineral.
Process
The process of wearing detox foot pads is quite long and drawn out. Most manufacturers recommend the foot pads be worn over a period of 30 days. Each day the foot pad must be applied and removed from your foot. Beginning when you go to bed, you are instructed to place a detox foot pad on the bottom of only one of your feet. When you wake up in the morning, you can remove it. During removal, the foot pad will have a discolored appearance, which is claimed to be the toxins that have been removed from your body, according to the manufacturers. Further foot pads can be worn periodically after the 30 day period for "maintenance" if desired.
Tags: detox foot, foot pads, foot pads, your body, detox
Reiki is a Japanese technique of holistic healing that involves different hand positions placed above the patient's body. Energy is believed to flow between the practitioner and the patient to infuse both the Reiki practitioner and the client with positive energy, allowing the patient to heal himself or herself of a given ailment. Proponents believe Reiki is effective in the treatment of depression, constipation and menopause, among numerous other conditions.
Instructions
Direct Reiki Energy to a Client
1. Ask your patient to lie down on the massage table. The room should be dimly lit and comfortably warm so the patient is comfortable at all times.
2. Place your hands above the client in a specific Reiki hand posture on each of the client's chakras, or energy points. The chakras are located on the top of the head, on the face, the throat, heart, sternum, naval and the pubic bone.
3. Turn your client over and repeat the positions over the same chakras.
4. Wait at each chakra for several minutes.
5. Feel the energy from your surroundings enter through your body and flow between your hands and your client.
6. Expect your hands to feel warm.
7. Move on to the next chakra when you feel you have used all the energy resources for that particular chakra.
Direct Reiki Energy From a Distance
8. Focus your energy on what your client has requested. Considered by some to be a form of spiritual prayer, Reiki can be directed at a person, animal, plant or situation.
9. Concentrate on pulling the energy from your surroundings and directing them toward your goal. The recipient of the session will not allow more energy in than it can take, so it is said that Reiki can not be harmful, only beneficial and helpful.
10. Use other parts of your body to channel the energy if you feel they are more powerful than your hands at directing energy. Some practitioners use their feet or eyes to direct Reiki energy when they feel those parts of their body are more adept at the energy transfer.
11. Read more about direct energy across distances by visiting Natural Bloom (see Resources below).
Tags: your hands, Direct Reiki, Reiki Energy, your client, Direct Reiki Energy, Direct Reiki Energy, energy from your
A slipped Lap-Band occurs when the portion of the stomach below the band slides up through the band, causing the upper stomach pouch to become bigger and the band to become tighter. A slipped band can be a very painful and dangerous condition. According to Allergen, the maker of the Lap-Band System, 24 percent of Lap-Band patients experience band slippage. Causes of a slipped band include eating too much, putting pressure on the stomach, or excessive vomiting. If you suspect your band has slipped, call your doctor immediately.
Instructions
1. Pay attention to the way your body reacts to certain foods. The longer you have your band, the easier it will be to notice unusual symptoms. Indications of a slipped band include lightheadedness, nausea or vomiting, reflux and a feeling of pain or pressure in the abdomen. If you experience a combination of these symptoms, your band may have slipped.
2. Notice if the pain or pressure increases when you breathe deeply or lie down. Patients with slipped bands often need to remain in an upright position to avoid exacerbating their condition.
3. Tell your doctor if you are experiencing night coughs, which may be another indication of a slipped band.
4. Ask your doctor to perform a fluoroscopy, which is a type of x-ray that will reveal the position of the band.
Tags: slipped band, your doctor, band include, , pain pressure, slipped band include
The standard treatment for cancer is chemotherapy, but there are several less-harsh ways to combat cancer than that. Several herbs you may have in your home and others you may not have heard of before do have the ability to fight cancer. Here are a few of those herbs with physical properties that allow them to prevent the spread of cancer and eliminate it.
Green Tea and Maitake Extracts
Green tea extract is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, and they contain the chemical ECGC, which stands for Epigallocatechin Gallate, a powerful antioxidant. The highly reactive free radicals are stopped so damage to the cells can be prevented. Green tea extract also prevents cell replication, which is cancer's only ability to spread throughout the body.
Maitake extract comes from the Chinese maitake mushroom, and it does a number of jobs to prevent the spread of cancer in the body. It is mostly made up of grifolan, an important beta-glucan polysaccharide that boosts your immune system and prevents tumors from spreading to other parts of the body. Besides fighting cancer, it can fight the damaging effects that chemotherapy can have on your body such as nausea and loss of appetite.
Graviola and Pau D'Arco
Graviola is found in the Amazon rainforest and is known to be 10,000 times more toxic than chemotherapy for killing cancerous cells and tumors. A great thing to know about graviola is that there are no harmful or painful side effects. Andreas Moritz, a well known healer in the herbal medicine field, has written about the healing power of graviola and Pau d'arco.
Pau D'arco also comes from the Amazon Rainforest and is specifically known for destroying cancer cells responsible for childhood leukemia. Not only does it destroy toxic bacteria, but it destroys toxic viruses as well and also boosts the immune system. When you immune system is in full check, your body can naturally prevent and kill harmful invaders such as cancer cells so the body can remain balanced and stable. Not only is Pau d'arco used to treat cancer, it is also used to prevent the onset of diabetes, psoriasis, rheumatism, and many other illnesses.
Tags: immune system, cancer cells, comes from, Green extract, have your, prevent spread, prevent spread cancer
A low carbohydrate diet is a plan for weight loss in which you reduce your intake of carbohydrates in favor of protein. Extremely popular in the mid-2000s, there are several variations on the basic plan. There have been no long-term studies of the effects of a low carbohydrate diet on health.
The Facts
A low carbohydrate diet is a diet intended to cause weight loss by reducing the number of calories ingested from sources of carbohydrates like breads, pastas and fruit and replacing them with calories ingested from sources protein and fat like meat and eggs. Carbohydrates from processed foods and beverages that contain excess amounts of refined sugars are also reduced. Carbohydrates are restricted to less than 20 percent of the daily intake of calories.
Function
When you eat carbohydrates, your body breaks them down into sugars. These sugars cause your blood sugar level to rise, which causes you insulin level to rise. Peaking insulin levels cause your body to store those sugars as fat. Low carbohydrate diets are intended to reverse that process: by reducing your carbohydrate intake, you reduce your blood sugar and insulin levels. This encourages your body to burn fat cells for energy, resulting in weight loss.
Types
There are several different low carbohydrate diets, including the Atkins diet, South Beach diet and Zone diet. The Atkins diet works by reducing carbohydrate intake to lower your to the point where ketosis begins and your body burns stored fat instead of glucose for energy, leading to weight loss. The South Beach Diet makes distinctions between good carbohydrates and bad, and good fats and bad. Eating foods on the good list reduces hunger so you eat less and lose weight. The Zone diet advocates eating carbohydrates, fats and proteins in rations of 30 percent, 30 percent and 40 percent to achieve a metabolic state that is said to reduce your hunger and cause weight loss.
Effects
Low carbohydrate plans remain popular because they lead to noticeable initial weight loss, much of which comes from the diuretic nature of the diet. A low carbohydrate diet places fewer restrictions on your intake of meat, cheese and dairy products than a low fat, low calorie diet, which can make it easier to follow for a longer period of time.
Consideration
Although variations on low carbohydrate diets around since the 1960s, there have been no long-term studies on the effects of increased protein intake. The Nutrition Committee of the American Heart Association has expressed concern that some low carbohydrate plans nearly eliminate fruits and vegetables from your diet, a restriction that reduces your intake of fiber and other important dietary nutrients.
Tags: weight loss, carbohydrate diet, your body, carbohydrate diets, have been, insulin levels
A lumpectomy is a surgical procedure used to treat breast cancer. Considered less invasive than the previously standard radical mastectomy, a lumpectomy involves making one to two incisions in the breast to remove a cancerous lump. Lumpectomies are designed to preserve the existing shape of the breast.
After a lumpectomy, a woman will usually go through a six-week round of radiation therapy to eliminate any remaining cancerous tissue. Chemotherapy and hormone therapy may also be prescribed. Women who have lumps in more than two areas of the breast, whose affected breast has already been treated with radiation therapy or previously had an unsuccessful lumpectomy, are not good candidates for lumpectomies.
The rate of cancer recurrence for women who have lumpectomies is between seven and 13.4 percent. A successful lumpectomy depends on several factors including the lump's size, location and type. Women with benign or noncancerous lumps have little to no complications. However, a malignant or cancerous lump can pose greater challenges--the growth of the cancer, speed of growth and what parts of the body it may have spread to, can all impact a lumpectomy's outcome.
Lumpectomies are also known as wedge resection, breast conserving therapy, partial mastectomy, quadrantectomy, tylectomy wide excision biopsy and segmental excision.
Lumpectomy Procedure
Before the procedure, a mammogram (x-ray of the soft tissue of the breast) is taken and a fine needle biopsy is performed. If the tumor cannot be found by touch, an ultrasound of the breast will be taken to determine its location. Whether general (the patient is unconscious) or local (the patient is conscious, but the affected areas are numb) anesthesia will be administered depends on how extensive the surgery is. Many women have general anesthesia.
During the procedure, the surgeon will make an incision either over the tumor itself or around the areola. The tumor is excised, though the surgeon will also take a small layer of tissue to test whether the cancer is localized or if it has metastasized. If necessary, a separate incision may be made near the underarm to remove axillary lymph nodes to test them for cancer.
After the lump is removed, the wound is irrigated and the surgeon may insert a drainage tube to be removed later. The wound is closed with dissolvable stitches and covered with bandages. Lumpectomies usually last one to three hours.
Post Procedure
Many women are able to go home the same day with after-care instructions, but some cases may necessitate a one to two day hospital stay. The amount of breast tissue removed will dictate the healing process. Most women can resume regular daily activities in one to two days, though lifting anything over 5 lbs. is usually restricted. Pain medication might be prescribed and a well-fitting bra should be worn for a full week following surgery.
Risks
As with any surgery, risks are to be expected. The appearance of the breast may change, including dimpling and a change in shape and size. The range of motion in the shoulder might be affected, and there may be a loss of sensation on the underarm or affected breast.
Tags: affected breast, cancerous lump, Many women, radiation therapy, surgeon will
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, also known as OCD, is a mental illness where a person has recurrent obsessions or compulsions that cause distress and disruption of daily life. Some OCD patients worry excessively about cleanliness. Others may constantly check their home to make sure the doors are locked and the oven is turned off. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of antidepressants used to successfully treat OCD.
Instructions
1. Get the correct diagnosis first. OCD is sometimes confused with depression or generalized anxiety disorder. A psychiatrist, psychologist or psychotherapist can make a diagnosis. She will take a detailed history before recommending antidepressants to treat your OCD.
2. Decide with your doctor which antidepressant to try. Common SSRIs used to treat OCD include Zoloft, Prozac, ****, Celexa and Anafranil. Studies show a high dosage is usually needed to make a difference in OCD patients. Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions, and take the drug as prescribed.
3. Deal with side effects. Antidepressants can cause nausea, headache, dry mouth, insomnia and dizziness. Some patients experience a loss of sexual desire. One SSRI may be easier for you to tolerate than another. If you have side effects which disrupt your daily life, let your doctor know. She can prescribe a different antidepressant.
4. Give the medication time to work. You may need to take it for several weeks before your OCD symptoms improve. Some patients have to try several antidepressants before they find the right one. Most doctors say it is important to combine medication with therapy for the best results.
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Stomach stapling is a type of weight loss surgery given to morbidly obese people who cannot lose weight naturally. The stomach is stapled to shrink its size, forcing patients to eat less food. Stomach stapling is a dangerous, life-altering surgery that requires major lifestyle changes, such as changing the diet to accommodate the new stomach size.
Features
Stomach stapling involves stapling the upper portion of the stomach to make a small pouch. A small 1/4-inch opening is left at the bottom so that food can slowly empty into the larger portion of the stomach.
Significance
Stomach stapling is a popular type of weight loss surgery given to morbidly obese people, or people with more than a 40 Body Mass Index (BMI). The stapled stomach can only hold 1 tbsp. of food, drastically reducing the number of calories consumed.
Time Frame
According to Yahoo Health, people can resume their normal activities 5 weeks after surgery. Expected weight loss is 50% of their total weight within the first year.
Size
Stomach stapling creates a stomach pouch that is about the size of a fist.
Benefits
Stomach stapling promotes rapid weight loss. According to a study reported by the Surgical Clinics of North America, up to 75% of a person's total body weight was lost within the first 3 years.
Considerations
Physicians consider many issues when recommending stomach stapling to patients. A person's age, emotional issues, the length of obesity and success with other weight loss treatments are considered.
Lymphedema is a condition in which the lymphatic system is unable to drain properly, so it becomes clogged with lymph fluid and causes swelling, most notably in the arms or legs. The lymphatic system works closely with the immune system to remove bacteria, viruses and waste products from your body. Unlike the circulatory system, which moves through the body via the pumping action of the heart, the lymphatic system does not circulate on its own; it needs help to get moving.
Causes
The causes of lymphedema can be primary (inherited) or secondary (caused by injury to the lymph system). This condition is most common in breast cancer patients who have undergone lymph node removal surgery, radiation therapy or are taking Tamoxifen, and in those who have developed infection, particularly from parasites.
Symptoms
Symptoms of lymphedema include swelling of the affected limb, a feeling of tightness due to swelling, restricted movement of the limb, aching, local infections and thickening of the skin. Though there is no cure for lymphedema, there are many ways to prevent and reduce the symptoms.
Lymph Massage
A special type of massage, called Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) massage, is performed by trained lymphedema therapists. MLD encourages the flow of the lymph fluid by lightly stroking the skin in the direction of the lymphatic system. Thirty- to 60-minute sessions for a total of up to 15 treatments should allow the lymph to resume draining on its own. You should avoid massage if you have a skin infection or on areas that are being treated with radiation therapy.
Rebounder
All exercise is beneficial to get the lymph fluid moving on its own, but rebounding on a small trampoline is the best way to do this. Bouncing up and down against gravity produces a pumping action that pulls the lymph fluid through the lymphatic system to expel waste products from the cells and force oxygen from the bloodstream into the cells. The bonus is that rebounding regularly can help you lose weight, firm and tone your body, improve your balance and increase your agility.
Compression
Bandages or compression garments are worn on the swollen limb to minimize swelling and promote the flow of lymph fluid away from the affected area. Bandages are more common because they are adjustable and flexible.
Pump Therapy
Pump therapy is the use of a multi-chambered pneumatic sleeve that intermittently inflates, thereby mimicking the way your body's muscle groups pump rhythmically to move lymph fluid throughout the system. This therapy is best when used in conjunction with MLD.
Surgery
Most non-invasive treatments are effective, especially when combining several at once. In severe cases, however, surgery may be required to remove excess tissue (excisional technique) or improve lymphatic drainage (physiologic technique) in the affected limbs; but even so, it should not be the primary or only treatment.
Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a type of blood cancer that is characterized by enlarged lymph nodes and can spread to other tissues in the body. Approximately 3,500 new cases of MCL are diagnosed each year, most frequently in adults over age 60.
Symptoms
Patients who have been diagnosed with MCL may display symptoms including nausea, loss of appetite, indigestion, abdominal pain and fatigue.
Diagnosis
MCL is diagnosed by taking a biopsy of affected tissue of the . Examining the tissue can determine the presence of MCL and also help doctors conclude which treatments will be the most effective. Doctors also take blood samples to look at the composition of white cells and platelets present.
Treatment
A hematologist-oncologist will determine the best method of MCL treatment. Most patients receive a combination of chemotherapy and prescribed medications.
Cause
Nearly 85% of patients diagnosed with MCL have a genetic mutation on chromosomes 11 and 14 which affects cell division and growth and leads to lymphatic tumors.
Future
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society funds MCL research in hopes of improving the treatment and diagnosis methods of MCL.
A common question among low-carb-diet enthusiasts is "what do I eat for snacks"? Because snack foods like potato chips, candy, ice cream and cookies are all off-limits on low-carb diets, it's easy to find yourself wondering what to eat in between meals. Having a good selection of low-carb snacks on hand can keep you from giving into temptation and can make your low-carb lifestyle more enjoyable.
Snack Ideas
Cheese is one of the more common low-carb snacks. Dieters often turn to cheese sticks or cubes because they're fast and convenient. Cheese can also be used to quell cravings for the crunchy texture of potato chips. Simply place cheese cubes or small piles of shredded cheese on a microwave-safe plate and cook until the cheese melts and becomes crispy. Try spreading cream cheese on slices of deli meat and rolling it up into pinwheels. Some low-carb plans also allow you to have cottage cheese or ricotta cheese.
Vegetables may seem boring, considering they're usually a part of your meals, but there are several ways to make vegetables interesting snacks. Try making a dip out of cream cheese and your favorite herbs or seasonings and dipping a variety of raw vegetables into it. Use lettuce leaves to make quick and easy wraps filled with chicken, tuna or egg salad. Celery sticks are a great vehicle for low-carb dips or sugar-free peanut butter. Vegetables also make great "secret" additions to low- carb shakes and smoothies. When blended in, you hardly taste them, but get all the nutrients. Gourmet-food lovers might enjoy a tomato and fresh mozzarella salad.
Try protein- or meat-based snacks, such as hard-boiled or deviled eggs, sugar-free beef jerky or crispy baked tofu. You can make another type of mock potato chip by microwaving pepperoni slices until they are crispy. Nuts and seeds are also great high-protein snacks, but must be eaten in moderation and are not allowed in all phases of some low-carb diets. Try sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds or almonds.
Finally, convenience foods for low-carb diets are easier to find than ever. When purchasing convenience foods, be sure to read the labels and avoid excessive amounts of sugar substitutes and sugar alcohols, which stall weight loss in some people. Convenience foods include sugar-free gelatin, low-carb snack bars, low-carb cookies and low-carb ice cream treats. Some people find they can eat these foods occasionally, while others find they can't eat them at all.
Diabetes can cause many complications, including heart disease, blindness, kidney damage, nerve damage, and vascular disease. Feet and legs can suffer a lot of damage because blood has to flow farther to reach them, and many diabetes complications involve impaired blood flow.
Hardening of the Arteries
Diabetes causes blood vessels to harden and narrow so blood can't flow the way it should. Your legs and feet have a hard time healing and fighting off infection when blood doesn't circulate properly.
Amputation
Open sores on a diabetic's feet and legs that don't heal or keep coming back can develop infections. If not treated, infections cause tissue to die, leading to amputation.
Neuropathy
Nerve damage from diabetes, also called neuropathy, can change the shape of your feet and their sensitivity to pain and temperature.
Skin
There are changes in your skin when nerves that control moisture don't work. Skin on your feet and legs can become very dry, peel and crack.
Prevention/Solution
To prevent diabetic foot and leg pain, lose weight, get exercise and keep blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels under control. Quit smoking and check with your doctor to see if aspirin therapy or blood thinners to prevent blood clots will help.
Acting is a desirable field of work for a large number of people. However, because there is so much competition, it is often difficult to break into this industry. Actresses who are persistent, work hard, meet the right people and obtain the necessary accomplishments will have a better chance at success.
Types
Actresses can find jobs the major storytelling venues such as TV, theater and film. The industry recognizes two types of actors: amateur and professional. Amateur actors are usually not trained. They take small, non-speaking roles and have no industry representation. They are often called extras, and play parts that are generally referred to as background or atmosphere. Professional actresses usually undergo intensive training. Their goal is to build a strong career and they are more discerning about the types of roles they accept.
Geography
Think about moving to Los Angeles or New York to advance your acting career. Considered the centers of the acting industry, these cities are the eventual destinations for actors who are looking for success and fame. New York was once the movie capital of the world until the owners of the major movie studios moved to Los Angeles. Now, New York is known for Broadway and its theaters while Los Angeles is known for Hollywood and its movie studios.
Considerations
There are certain things you must have to be taken seriously as an actress. These include:
Training. Acting classes teach potential actors a large variety of techniques that they will need in their careers. Some of the things students learn are acting terms, portray a variety of emotions, project their voices, and timing. Such classes also give the students many opportunities to act in school plays and gain some experience.
Comp card. Your comp card should have a headshot of you in front and about four pictures of you in different poses at the back. The back of the card will also statistics, such as your height, weight and measurements.
Resume. Your resume, with your comp card attached, is your calling card. It is the first thing that agents and casting directors want to see. These people decide whether to work with you based on what you have on your resume.
Agent. It is almost impossible to secure an acting job on your own. Agents are the go-betweens in the business. It is their job to find opportunities for their clients, negotiate the best compensation and ensure that their clients receive fair treatment.
Join a union once you have acquired some professional experience. Actors unions act as a body of reckoning on behalf of its members, ensuring that they receive fair treatment and standard compensation for their work (see Resources below).
Benefits
The obvious benefit of becoming an actress is the possibility of achieving fame and wealth. However, there are other benefits from this profession. For those who possess a real passion for acting, the joy of acting is reward enough. There is also the benefit of flexibility because actors can work or take a vacation when they want to. Actors also have the opportunity to travel to foreign locations depending on the requirements of the job.
Warning
Be wary of scam artists. There are companies set up for the sole purpose of duping those who are desperate to become actors. They call themselves talent companies and elicit money from innocent victims in different ways. Some of these include demanding large sums of money for client representation, for pictures taken by their own photographer and for acting classes that they provide. True Agents do not ask their clients to pay for their services ahead of time. Agents get paid when their clients do because they get a percentage of what their clients make.
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Tinnitus is the state of constantly hearing ringing in your ears. But it's not a condition in itself, but rather a symptom of an underlying cause. According to the Mayo Clinic, one out of five people has tinnitus, so the problem is fairly common and often associated with age, ear injury or a disorder of the circulatory system. Tinnitus will generally improve with treatment.
Treating the Cause
Because tinnitus is a symptom and not an actual disorder, the first step to treating it is diagnosing it. Your doctor will be able to find the underlying factor that's causing the ringing and should be able to treat tinnitus by treating the condition that's causing it. For instance, if your tinnitus is being caused by a vascular problem, the doctor will treat it through medication, or possibly even surgery, which will also take care of the tinnitus.
Wax Removal
Often, removing wax from the ear can help decrease the amount of ringing. Use caution when cleaning out wax, however. Wax is generally expelled by the ear when it builds up because of the sensitivity of the area. If you clean out your ears on your own using a cotton swab, don't go in to the mid-ear or inner ear canal. This can cause major problems with hearing and balance.
Medications
Your tinnitus could be caused by the medication you take. If you are on more than one medication, your doctor should be able to pinpoint which medication is causing tinnitus. If the medication you are on can be stopped or changed without consequence to your health, you might consider stopping taking the medication to see if that helps with the problem. Medication can also be used to treat tinnitus. There are three drugs that have shown some promise in treating tinnitus; tricyclic antidepressants, alprazolam and acamprosate all may be helpful in reducing ringing in the ears.
White Noise
White noise is another way to disrupt ringing in the ear. If you have tinnitus and it becomes overbearing, try introducing some white noise to your environment either through a white noise machine, a hearing aid or a masking device. The white noise machine simply surrounds your environment with natural sounds like rain or ocean waves. A masking device is similar to a hearing aid in how it's used, but puts out a low amount of white noise, which helps cover the ringing.
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Though the name jujube can refer to any species in the genus Ziziphus, Ziziphus jujuba is the species most commonly referred to as jujube. This type of jujube also goes by the names Chinese date, ber, French jujube, Chinese jujube, Korean date tree and sedra.
Jujube Plant
Jujube trees grow 15 to 35 feet high and have a spread of 10 to 30 feet. They have gray-black bark and two-inch leaves that turn yellow in the fall. In the spring, the tree has white or yellow scented flowers. A jujube tree's leaves contain spines at their base.
The jujube grows in hot and arid climates that stay at or above 49 degrees Fahrenheit.
Features
Jujube fruit is a oval-shaped, 1/2 inch to 1 inch long, with black skin and white pulp on the inside that is sweet and crisp.
The seed of the jujube is a large, pointed stone.
Function
Jujube fruit can be dried, boiled, candied, baked, canned and stewed to make desserts and sauces, or can be eaten raw.
Nutrition
According to NutritionData.com, one ounce of raw jujubes contains 32% of the daily value of vitamin C, 2% of the daily value of potassium, and also 1% of the daily value of vitamin B6, niacin, riboflavin, calcium, iron, copper manganese, phosphorus and magnesium.
Considerations
In traditional Chinese medicine the jujube is used for anemia, hypertension, itchy skin, diarrhea, purpura, hysteria, lack of appetite and fatigue. It is also used to neutralize toxicity from drugs and as a sedative.
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The recovery time for a hysterectomy depends not so much on what organs are removed as on how the surgery is performed. The most common type of hysterectomy is open abdominal surgery. It involves a 3 or 4-day hospital stay and a 6-week recovery. There are several types of less invasive hysterectomies in which patients often leave the hospital in 1 or 2 days and return to work in 2 weeks.
Procedures
The term total hysterectomy often refers to removal of the uterus and cervix, while a radical hysterectomy includes taking out the ovaries and fallopian tubes. In cases of cervical cancer, tissues next to the uterus, the top inch of the vagina and the pelvic lymph nodes may also be removed. Usually these surgeries can be accomplished with a number of techniques.
Methods
There are several types of minimally invasive hysterectomies, all resulting in a much shorter recovery time than abdominal surgery. In a vaginal procedure, the uterus is removed through an incision in the vagina. If this operation is not performed in conjunction with another method, the doctor has limited view of the pelvic organs. In a laparoscopically assisted hysterectomy, several small incisions are made in the abdomen through which to insert instruments. The doctor views the surgical site through an endoscope inserted through one of the incisions. The uterus is cut into pieces, which can either be removed through the laparoscope or the vagina.
Least Invasive
The least invasive hysterectomy available today uses the da Vinci robot and techniques similar to a laparoscopic surgery. The robot provides doctors with a high-definition, 3D, magnified view of the surgical site. The surgeon operates the robot, which is able to make movements too tiny and precise for the human hand. There are generally several small incisions, one through the belly button. The uterus is typically removed vaginally. Patients who have da Vinci surgery lose less blood and recover more quickly. Some are able to leave the hospital the same day as their procedure.
Expertise
Unfortunately abdominal surgery remains the most common type of hysterectomy in the United States. This is because many surgeons do not have the technical skill to perform less invasive procedures. Minimally invasive procedures are more difficult to perform and more expensive, but they result in less expensive hospital stays. And more importantly for patients, they allow for much quicker recoveries.
Time Frame
Whatever the method of surgery, women should be prepared for a gradual recovery. Even in a minimally invasive procedure, a hysterectomy is still major surgery that involves pushing, pulling, and rearranging organs. Many patients are sore for a month, some for as long as 6 months. Swelling after the surgery is typical. The support group Hystersisters.com says that the majority of women do not go even 1 day without thinking about their surgery for 6 months after the procedure.
Tags: abdominal surgery, common type, common type hysterectomy, invasive hysterectomies, invasive procedures, leave hospital
Not all beds are created equal, and not every bed is suited for every person. In addition, it isn't uncommon at all for someone to have a sleep disorder that affects their ability to sleep well. In an uncomfortable bed, your sleep problems are even more intense. Read on to learn sleep well in an uncomfortable bed.
Instructions
1. Identify other possible causes of your sleep difficulties. It may not be that you are having problems sleeping well in an uncomfortable bed, rather it may be you are having problems with sleep itself.
2. Clear the bedroom of all distractions. This includes lights, sounds and smells. Consider room-darkening shades, a white noise machine and odor-reducing cleaning products.
3. Use clean comfortable bedding. While you may be stuck trying to sleep well in an uncomfortable bed, it doesn't mean you can't have comfortable sheets, blankets and pillows.
4. Add memory foam to the top of the bed. Memory foam contours to your body's natural shape, providing you with a comfortable spot on top of your uncomfortable bed.
5. Practice good sleep habits. Avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol within three to four hours prior to bedtime. Develop bedtime routines, in which you prepare your body for sleep.
6. Try sleeping in a different position. Use a pillow between your legs, or sleep on your side instead of your back.
Tags: sleep well uncomfortable, well uncomfortable, having problems, sleep well, your body, your sleep
Biofeedback is a type of treatment used by physicians, physical therapists, psychologists, specialists and ordinary people to treat a variety of ailments. It involves identifying and listening to signals given by the body. Biofeedback testing involves the use of machines as well as being trained by specialists to recognize triggering symptoms.
Purpose
Biofeedback testing is a tool used in collaboration between health care professionals and patients to improve health. The use of biofeedback testing and training as a treatment signifies that behavior, thoughts and feelings have a significant impact on a person's health. It enables patients to take responsibility for maintaining their own health.
Training
Biofeedback testing involves teaching patients identify groups of symptoms that cause different ailments. Patients are taught relaxation exercises to cope with stressful events. They examine their day-to-day lifestyle to identify how their own actions may contribute to their own distress. In addition, clinicians use machines that detect a person's internal bodily functions to direct the progress of the treatment. Patients are often accordingly encouraged to change their habits.
Uses
Biofeedback testing techniques are used to treat a variety of conditions. Some of these conditions include migraine headaches, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, epilepsy, paralysis and many other disorders and conditions.
Prenatal massagehas physical and psychological benefits for the pregnant mother.
Prenatal message is also known as pregnancy message. Professional massage practitioners learn the skill both to practice massage therapy on pregnant clients and to teach this technique to others. Some schools teach couples the technique of prenatal massage together. Pregnancy massage can offer such beneficial physical effects for the pregnant woman as pain relief. Many massage schools or colleges have specialized courses in prenatal massage. Some alternative health schools also offer prenatal massage courses.
Course Content
Massage therapists need to learn safely work with pregnant women. Holistic medicine, with which massage therapy is affiliated, involves giving attention to the whole individual. A complete course in pregnancy massage therapy will include the physical techniques of massage as well as the physiological and psychological aspects of pregnancy, according to the Boulder College of Massage Therapy. Students learn spot pregnancy issues that may contraindicate massage, as well as position and drape a pregnant client.
Massage Schools
Massage schools throughout the United States offer comprehensive programs that include a broad range of massage techniques and specialty niches. The techniques and knowledge necessary for prenatal massage are also covered in many of these accredited schools. If you plan to enroll in a diploma or certificate program, research the curriculum to see if it features prenatal massage therapy and to what extent. Call the school and speak to a counselor, who can give you detailed information. Comprehensive massage school programs provide a diploma in professional massage therapy upon completion. While time periods for various courses vary, many schools offer a 12- to 15-month diploma program. Financial aid and scholarships may be available.
Massage Schools with Courses for Couples
Hands-on practice sessions are included in prenatal message instruction.
Some colleges and massage schools offer courses specific to prenatal massage that encourage couples to attend together. The goal is to teach the mate techniques of pregnancy massage. The mate can then be a support to the expectant mother throughout the pregnancy. A massage school that teaches prenatal massage will include hands-on sessions in this specific branch of massage therapy.
Related Areas of Study
Some colleges of alternative medicine offer courses in prenatal massage therapy as well. Alternative therapies related to prenatal massage include hydrotherapy, acupressure and reflexology, a technique of massaging or manipulating the feet for therapeutic benefit to the entire body.
The American Cancer Society's says nearly 71,000 new cases of bladder cancer will be diagnosed in 2009 and more than 14,000 people will lose their lives to the disease. Since bladder cancer is often caught early, the cure rate is relatively high. It's not uncommon, however, for cancer of the bladder to return.
Who is at Risk?
Men are more likely to develop bladder cancer than women. The ACS says the odds of a man contracting bladder cancer are approximately 1 in 27 while for a woman the chance is 1 in 85.
Older people are also more susceptible to bladder cancer. The ACS says nearly 90 percent of people diagnosed with bladder cancer are older than 55.
People who smoke are at a higher risk of getting bladder cancer as are those with a family history of the disease.
Symptoms of Bladder Cancer
The National Institute of Health says symptoms of bladder cancer include a frequent need to urinate, pain during urination and the appearance of blood in the urine.
You may also experience pain in the lower back.
Stages of Bladder Cancer
The stage of your bladder cancer at the time of diagnosis will impact the chances of making a complete recovery.
In Stage I, the cancer is confined to the inner lining of the bladder. In Stage II, the malignancy has spread into the bladder wall. By the time bladder cancer has entered stage III, the cancer cells have moved through the bladder wall and have invaded surrounding tissue. In the final stage, (stage IV) cancer cells may have entered the lymph nodes as well as other organs such as the lungs, bones or liver.
Treatment
Treatment for bladder cancer generally includes conventional therapies such as surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.
Patients may also undergo biologic therapy or immunotherapy. These treatments work by enhancing your own body's capacity to fight cancer.
Survival Rates
The American Cancer Society says the five-year survival rate for bladder cancer ranges from 98 percent when caught in its earliest stage to 15 percent in the final stage.
These percentages are merely estimates and it's important to remember that every case is different. Your doctor can talk with you about your individual chances of a cure and your likelihood of survival.
Recurrence
If your cancer returns at some point after treatment it is referred to as recurrent. A recurrence can be in or near the area it started or it may have moved to other organs such as the lungs or bones.
In the case of bladder cancer the prognosis for recurrence depends on the place and size of the cancer and what treatment was used to treat the original cancer.
Follow-Up Care
Because there is a good chance of developing a second bladder cancer, follow-up care is extremely important. You should see your doctor every three to six months during which time a physical exam and tests such as cystoscopy (the use of a scope to examine the bladder), urine studies, X-rays, and blood tests will be performed.
Between checkups, former bladder cancer patients should report any health problems right away.
Tags: bladder cancer, bladder cancer, American Cancer, American Cancer Society, bladder wall, cancer cells
IPA offers both long-term and short-term insurance options to clients.
IPA stands for Insurance Planning Associates. IPA offers its services to corporations and privates clients. Types of insurances offered include: life insurance, group health, individual health, disability insurance, 401(k) plan, individual dental insurance and others.
Description
IPA recruits doctors and health care providers to join its medical group. This medical group provides care to patients who are members of HMOs and other health insurance plans.
Benefit
The benefit of your medical provider being a part of IPA is that the fees paid by the insurance company to the health care provider are predetermined. This helps to keep insurance costs low.
Drawback
The drawback of physicians being members of IPA is that no matter the procedure done, the reimbursement is the same. This is bad for patients because doctors may be more hesitant to to perform certain procedures, especially if they feel they will not be compensated adequately for the work.
Blue light therapy, also referred to as photodynamic therapy, is a medical treatment in which a drug is applied to the skin and activated with a light source. This therapy is currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treatment of several cancers, and is also being tested as a treatment for other medical conditions. Before undergoing for cancer, skin conditions and other disorders, ensure that your selected provider has the experience and credentials needed to achieve successful blue light therapy results.
Cancer Treatment
As of 2009, the Food and Drug Administration has approved blue light therapy for esophageal cancer, non-small cell lung cancer and the precancerous changes associated with Barrett's esophagus. In order for blue light therapy to be effective as a cancer treatment, the cancer must be close to the tissue's surface. This is because the light source cannot penetrate deep into affected tissues. This therapy is also being investigated for use in the treatment of cervical cancer, brain cancer, prostate cancer and cancer of the peritoneal cavity, which contains the abdominal organs.
Newborn Jaundice
Some infants are affected by a condition known as jaundice, which occurs when a newborn has too much of the pigment bilirubin. As bilirubin builds up in the bloodstream, the skin and whites of the eyes may take on a yellow tint. Blue light therapy is used to treat this condition. Infants with jaundice are exposed to blue light, which helps speed up the breakdown of bilirubin. Once the bilirubin is excreted from the body, the jaundice disappears.
Dermatology
Blue light therapy is used very effectively in treating skin disorders such as rosacea, acne, sun damage, oily skin, wrinkles, psoriasis, skin cancer and enlarged sebaceous glands. This therapy is FDA-approved for the treatment of a precancerous skin condition known as actinic keratosis. This condition is characterized by scaly patches on skin that has been exposed to sunlight. Some of the blue light therapy results on skin conditions include improvement of fine lines, blotchy pigmentation and sun damage. During a skin therapy session, a photosensitizer is applied to clean skin. This medicine is allowed to incubate for anywhere from 30 minutes to 18 hours. The photosensitizer is then activated with the light source. This can cause heat, warmth, tingling or burning in some people. Once the treatment is complete, the skin is washed and sunscreen is applied.
Precautions
According to Harvard Health Publications, blue light therapy is overall safe. There are a small number of precautions to be aware of. Protecting of your eyes from the ultraviolet rays is important. Most light boxes have a cover called Plexiglas over the bulbs, which helps to shield the ultraviolet rays. If you are a patient with a bipolar disorder, it may affect your mood. People who are diabetic or have a retina disease have a higher chance for damaging their eyes with the rays.
Other Medications and Supplements
Certain medications and supplements, such as St. John's Wort, Lithium, and Melatonin have been known to increase a risk of damage to the eyes. These medications and supplements cause the retinas of the eyes to be more light sensitive. It is always important to check with your physician and inform them of what type of medications you make be taking before undergoing Blue Light Therapy.
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High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) occurs when the body obtains glucose from the digestion of food faster than it can be metabolized. It's commonly caused by diabetes and may cause organ damage at relatively low levels if the hyperglycemia is chronic. You can greatly reduce your dependence on insulin to lower your blood sugar level by making some changes in your lifestyle.
Instructions
1. Test your often. The most common times to test your blood glucose level are generally just before a meal and two hours after a meal. Your desired pre-meal blood glucose reading should usually be between 90 and 130 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl.) Your post-meal blood glucose level should be no more than 140 mg/dl although your usually not considered hyperglycemic until it exceeds 180 mg/dl.
2. Eat less sugar. The most effective way of managing your blood sugar level is usually to restrict your sugar intake or completely eliminate it from your diet in severe cases. Simple sugars such as table sugar and fruit sugar are easily broken down into glucose and can cause sugar level to spike.
3. Engage in vigorous exercise on a regular basis. Aerobic activities like brisk walking, cycling and running require large amounts of energy when you perform them for a prolonged period of time. This encourages your body to use blood sugar as an energy source and can effectively lower the amount of glucose in your blood.
4. Eat smaller meals. You may need to eat less food at each meal to reduce the amount of sugar that your body receives at any one time. Some diabetics may need to eat six times per day in order to meet their calorie requirements without exceeding their blood sugar limits.
5. Increase your intake of dietary fiber from sources such as fruits and vegetables. Patients trying to control their blood sugar may benefit from consuming 50 g or more of fiber every day.